June 30

Simon Vouet was a leading French painter of the early Baroque period and court painter to King Louis XIII. His Italian training with Caravaggio and the Bolognese School influenced his dynamic compositions and robust use of color and light. After returning to France, Vouet established a flourishing studio in Paris that became the center of French Baroque art. He produced religious, mythological, and portrait works that shaped French taste for decades. Vouet also trained a generation of prominent artists who carried his style throughout Europe. His blend of Italian exuberance and French elegance marks a turning point in 17th-century European art.

Alberto Henschel was born in Berlin in 1827 and emigrated to Brazil in 1852, establishing influential photography studios. He founded branches in Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and Pernambuco, making portrait photography accessible to Brazil’s elite. Henschel documented imperial figures, landscapes, and everyday life, preserving a visual record of the Empire of Brazil. His business acumen led to successful carte de visite productions and widespread distribution of his images. Henschel’s work bridged art and commerce, contributing to early photographic journalism. He died in 1882, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of photography in Latin America.

Samuel Parkman Tuckerman was born in Boston in 1819 and became a prominent figure in American sacred music. As an organist, he served at several leading churches in New York City and Philadelphia. Tuckerman composed numerous hymns, anthems, and organ voluntaries that enriched 19th-century liturgical repertoire. He studied in Europe and introduced continental styles to American worship music. His publications, including choral collections, were widely used in churches across the United States. Tuckerman’s melodic compositions and harmonizations helped shape the tradition of American church music before his death in 1890.

Thomas Hill was born in England in 1829 and emigrated to the United States, where he became a leading landscape artist. He is best known for his dramatic oil paintings of Yosemite Valley and Yellowstone National Park. Hill’s work captured the spirit of the American West during the 19th-century wilderness exploration era. He exhibited at prestigious venues, including the San Francisco Art Association and the Royal Academy in London. Hill’s detailed compositions and vibrant colors popularized Western landscapes among art collectors and nature enthusiasts. He taught at major art schools and inspired a generation of landscape painters before his death in 1908.

Antonio de La Gándara was born in Paris in 1861 and studied at the École des Beaux-Arts under Alexandre Cabanel. He gained acclaim for his refined portraits of European aristocracy and literary figures of the Belle Époque. La Gándara also illustrated books and fashion magazines, capturing the elegance of Parisian society. He exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon and received critical praise for his use of color and composition. Despite early recognition, his work fell into obscurity until a 20th-century revival renewed interest. He left an enduring impression on both fine art and commercial illustration before his death in 1917.

Chet Atkins began his recording career in the early 1940s, gaining fame for his fingerstyle guitar technique. As a producer at RCA Victor, he shaped the Nashville Sound, broadening country music's appeal. He released over 100 albums and collaborated with artists spanning country to jazz. Atkins won 14 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. His smooth playing style influenced generations of guitarists. He remained an active performer and producer until his passing in 2001.

Joe Henderson rose to prominence in the early 1960s with seminal albums like Page One and Inner Urge. His fluid phrasing and harmonic sophistication made him a leading figure in hard bop. He collaborated with jazz greats such as Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, and McCoy Tyner. Henderson's compositions, including 'Recorda-Me' and 'Blue Bossa,' became jazz standards. He earned multiple Grammy nominations over his career. His expressive tone and innovation left a lasting legacy in modern jazz.

Robert McCloskey (1915-2003) was an American author and illustrator renowned for his children's books, including the Caldecott Medal winners 'Make Way for Ducklings' and 'Blueberries for Sal'. His tender storytelling and pen-and-ink illustrations captured the warmth of family life and the beauty of nature. McCloskey's work often featured detailed line drawings and evocative compositions that continue to charm readers today. He graduated from the Vesper George School of Art and later worked in advertising before publishing his first children's book in 1941. Over his career, he received multiple awards and left a lasting influence on children's literature through his engaging characters and timeless narratives.

Harve Presnell (1933-2009) began his career as a Broadway baritone before transitioning to film and television. He earned a Tony nomination for his performance as Leadville Johnny in the musical 'The Unsinkable Molly Brown' and reprised the role in the 1964 film adaptation. Presnell appeared in a variety of films, including 'Fargo', 'Saving Private Ryan', and 'Flags of Our Fathers', showcasing his versatility across genres. On screen and stage, his commanding presence and rich vocals made him a memorable performer. Over a career spanning five decades, he also recorded albums and toured in musical productions, leaving a lasting impact on both theater and film.

Leonard Starr (1925–2015) was an American cartoonist, writer, and illustrator. He created the long-running adventure comic strip Mary Perkins, On Stage in 1957, which earned critical acclaim. Starr revitalized the classic Little Orphan Annie in 1979, updating its themes and artwork for a modern audience. He began his career drawing comic books for DC Comics before launching his own syndicated newspaper strip. Known for his elegant line work and cinematic storytelling, he earned multiple awards from the National Cartoonists Society. Starr also wrote graphic novels and taught illustration workshops and seminars. His influence endures in the world of sequential art, inspiring new generations of comic creators.

Smoke Dawg (1996-2018) was a rising Canadian rapper and a founding member of Toronto's Halal Gang collective. He gained fame with his breakout single 'Shordie' and mixtapes that showcased his dynamic style. Collaborations with artists like Dave East and an appearance on Drake's 'More Life' introduced him to international audiences. Celebrated for his vibrant performances and creative lyricism, Smoke Dawg helped shine a spotlight on Toronto's underground rap community. He was tragically shot and killed outside a nightclub in 2018 at the age of 21, a loss that underscored issues of gun violence in the city. His music continues to influence artists and fans alike.

Raj Kaushal (1971-2021) was a respected Indian film director and producer known for his engaging storytelling in Bollywood comedies and family dramas. He made his directorial debut with 'Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi' and went on to helm films like 'Shaadi Ka Laddoo', earning praise for his heartfelt narratives. As a producer, he backed commercially successful movies including 'Heyy Babyy' and 'Shaadi Ke Side Effects', working with top actors and filmmakers. His creative vision and commitment to nurturing new talent helped launch the careers of emerging stars. Married to actress Mandira Bedi, Kaushal was admired for his collaborative spirit and contributions to Hindi cinema. His sudden death from a heart attack on June 30, 2021, at age 50, was widely mourned across the film community.