July 09

Born in Virginia, Dannat trained at the Munich Academy and became part of the Munich School of painters. He gained acclaim for his dramatic bullfighting scenes and portraits of Andalusian life. Awarded a knighthood in the Legion of Honor, he exhibited widely in Europe and the United States. Later, he served as a respected instructor at the Art Students League in New York. His work combined technical mastery with passionate color and atmosphere.

Born in Bologna, Respighi studied violin and composition at the Liceo Musicale before embarking on a conducting career in Germany. Appointed professor at the conservatory in Rome, he composed his famous Roman Trilogy: The Fountains of Rome, The Pines of Rome, and Roman Festivals. Respighi’s music is noted for its vibrant orchestration and revival of early music forms. He toured widely as a conductor and championed Italian musical heritage. Respighi’s works remain staples of the orchestral repertoire.

Born in Pennsylvania, Chapin studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts before moving to Canada. He gained recognition for his poignant portrayals of farming families and rural communities. Chapin’s illustrations appeared in leading magazines, and he exhibited across North America and Europe. Later, he taught at the University of Vermont, influencing a new generation of artists. His daughter, Jodie Chapin, also pursued a career in the arts, extending his creative legacy.

Born in Aguascalientes, Herrán studied at the Academy of San Carlos in Mexico City. Influenced by European modernism, he fused classical techniques with Mexican themes. His murals and easel works captured the spirit of post-revolutionary Mexico, blending symbolism and social realism. Herrán’s notable works include ‘Our Gods,’ which reimagines indigenous deities in a modern context. Despite his early death at 30, his legacy profoundly shaped Mexican art movements of the 20th century.

Eddie Dean rose to fame in the late 1930s as a singing cowboy in B-westerns, starring in films like 'Prairie Moon.' His rich baritone voice and cowboy persona earned him popularity on radio and the silver screen. Dean wrote and recorded original songs that blended country, folk, and early rockabilly influences for labels like King Records. In the 1950s, he toured with his band, the Cowboys, bringing his signature style to live audiences. His contributions helped shape the singing cowboy tradition and influenced future country artists.

Minor White began exploring photography in his thirties, developing a deeply personal approach that emphasized mood and spirituality. He taught at institutions such as the California School of Fine Arts, the Institute of Design in Chicago, and MIT, influencing generations of photographers. White co-founded Aperture magazine, which became a leading journal for photographic art and criticism. His work, characterized by striking compositions and abstract forms, has been exhibited at major museums worldwide. White pioneered techniques like previsualization and the concept of equivalence, linking visual imagery with emotional experience.

Basil Wolverton gained fame in the 1940s for his work in comic books and magazines, creating bizarre characters like Powerhouse Pepper and Spacehawk. His microscopic style featured exaggerated features and dense textures that stood out in the Golden Age of comics. Wolverton’s illustrations appeared in Mad magazine and various pulp publications, influencing the underground comix movement. He also authored humorous narratives and short stories, showcasing his versatility as both writer and artist. His unique vision earned him a posthumous spot in the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame.

David Diamond was born on July 9, 1915, and became one of America's leading classical composers. He wrote ten symphonies, chamber works, and film scores, noted for their melodic richness. Diamond taught composition at institutions such as Juilliard and the University of California. His students included composers who went on to prominent musical careers. He received numerous awards, including Guggenheim Fellowships and the Rome Prize. His work bridged Romantic tradition with mid-century American musical innovation.

Dean Goffin was born on July 9, 1916, and became a prolific composer for brass bands. He served as a conductor and musical director for the Salvation Army in New Zealand. Goffin's works, such as his marches and overtures, remain staples in brass band programs. He studied music in London before returning home to build a vibrant local music scene. His compositions blend traditional harmony with inventive, rhythmic energy. Goffin's legacy continues through performances and recordings worldwide.

Pierre Cochereau was a renowned French organist and composer. He served as the titular organist at Notre-Dame de Paris from 1955 until his death, enchanting audiences with his virtuoso improvisations. Cochereau toured internationally, performing in major cathedrals and concert halls around the world. He composed a range of works for organ, choir, and orchestra, blending romantic and modern styles. As a teacher, he influenced a generation of organists through masterclasses and recordings. His recordings of improvisations remain benchmarks of organ performance. Cochereau's contributions helped revitalize interest in organ music in the 20th century. He is remembered as one of the greatest organists of his era.

Murphy Anderson (1926-2015) rose to prominence with his crisp, clean illustration work for DC Comics, notably on characters like Hawkman and Johnny Thunder. He was highly regarded for his ability to deliver sharp linework and dynamic storytelling in each panel. Throughout his career, Anderson served as an influential mentor to aspiring artists and helped define the visual standards of superhero comics. He co-founded The American Comic Book Company, focusing on art instruction books that shaped future generations of artists. Anderson’s contributions earned him induction into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2000, cementing his legacy in comic art history.

Ed Ames (1927-2023) first gained popularity singing alongside his brothers in The Ames Brothers, scoring multiple Top 10 hits in the 1950s. Transitioning to acting, he earned acclaim for his role as Mingo, the Comanche companion on the 1960s series Daniel Boone. Ames showcased his baritone voice on variety shows and released solo albums, blending pop and folk influences. He continued to act in stage productions and television guest roles throughout his career. His versatility as a performer made him a beloved figure in American entertainment for over six decades.