July 15

Born in London in 1573, he studied architecture and the principles of Vitruvius during travels in Italy. In 1616 he designed the Queen's House at Greenwich, the first fully classical building in England. His Banqueting House at Whitehall (1622–1625) set a new standard for royal ceremonial architecture. Appointed Surveyor-General of the King’s Works, he shaped the development of British country houses. He died in 1652, leaving a lasting influence on the trajectory of Western architecture in England.

Born in Antwerp in 1600, he became a pupil of Otto van Veen and later collaborated with Peter Paul Rubens. He developed a personal style blending dramatic Caravaggesque lighting with rich Venetian color. Cossiers produced altarpieces for churches across the Spanish Netherlands, earning royal patronage. In 1638 he was appointed court painter to the Prince-Bishop of Liège, broadening his influential reach. He died in 1671, remembered for his dynamic compositions and mastery of human expression.

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn was one of the most influential painters of the Dutch Golden Age. Born in Leiden in 1606, he rose to prominence with his early works and moved to Amsterdam in 1631. His innovative use of chiaroscuro and rich tonal palette brought dramatic realism to portraits and biblical scenes. Works like The Night Watch revolutionized group portrait painting and showcased his mastery of light and composition. He also excelled as an etcher, producing detailed prints that influenced generations of artists. Despite financial setbacks in his later years, his artistic legacy endures through his prolific output and profound impact on art history.

Giovanni Buonaventura Viviani, born in 1638, was a celebrated violin virtuoso in the Baroque period. Active in courts across Italy, he composed cantatas, sonatas, and operas that blended lyrical melodies with intricate instrumental textures. His publications influenced the development of chamber music, particularly through his innovative sonata forms. Viviani's music was admired for its expressive violin writing and dramatic flair. Though less well-known today, his works exemplify the richness of early Baroque composition.

Wharton Esherick was born in Malvern, Pennsylvania in 1887 and emerged as a pioneer of American studio furniture. Trained in painting and illustration, he turned to wood carving and created sculptural furniture forms. His innovative designs blended functionality with expressive organic shapes. Esherick’s work influenced generations of craftsmen and helped establish the craft furniture movement in the United States. He was honored with exhibitions at major museums, including the Museum of Modern Art. His home and studio are preserved as a museum of American craft.

Dorothy Fields (1905–1974) was a groundbreaking American lyricist whose work helped define the Great American Songbook. Born in New Jersey, she became the first successful female songwriter in Tin Pan Alley, penning over 400 songs for Broadway and Hollywood. Fields collaborated with composers such as Jerome Kern, Jimmy McHugh, and Harold Arlen, creating enduring standards like 'The Way You Look Tonight' and 'Big Spender.' Her sharp wit and melodic sensibility earned her a Tony Award for 'Sweet Charity.' As a trailblazer in a male-dominated field, Fields paved the way for future generations of women in songwriting.

Cowboy Copas was born in 1913 in Blue Creek, Ohio. He gained fame in the 1940s as a country music singer and guitarist. His million-selling single "Alabam" topped the country charts in 1960. Copas performed on the Grand Ole Opry and influenced the honky-tonk style of the era. He toured extensively and recorded dozens of songs over a 20-year career. Tragically, he died in 1963 in a plane crash along with Patsy Cline and others. His music remains celebrated by traditional country fans.

Joan Roberts was an American stage actress and soprano celebrated for her portrayal of Laurey in the original 1943 Broadway production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 'Oklahoma!'. Her performance earned critical acclaim and helped define the golden age of American musical theater. Roberts went on to appear in national tours, radio broadcasts, and television productions, demonstrating versatility across mediums. After retiring from the stage, she remained active as a vocal coach and mentor. Her interpretation of Laurey has influenced countless performers who followed. Roberts passed away in 2012, remembered as a pioneering figure in musical theater history.

Henri Colpi was a Swiss-born French filmmaker celebrated for his direction and screenwriting in post-war European cinema. He co-directed 'Une aussi longue absence' (1961), which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and featured music by Georges Delerue. Colpi later directed documentaries and feature films marked by humanist themes and visual innovation. He collaborated with notable writers and cinematographers, contributing to the French New Wave movement. His films received recognition at international festivals and influenced a generation of directors. Colpi passed away in 2006, leaving a legacy in modern cinema.

Charles Anthony (1929–2012) rose to fame as a versatile American tenor known for his dynamic stage presence. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1955 and went on to appear in over 400 performances. His repertoire spanned Mozart to Puccini, showcasing his wide vocal range. In addition to opera, he appeared in Broadway productions and television programs. He was celebrated for his commitment to the art form and mentorship of young singers. He left a lasting legacy in both the operatic and theatrical worlds.

Francis Bebey (1929–2001) was renowned for his innovative approach to guitar, integrating African melodies with experimental techniques. Originally trained in France, he released several albums that influenced world music. He was also a prolific writer of poetry and short stories exploring African heritage. Bebey held a Ph.D. in acoustic communication and served as a radio producer, promoting African music globally. His work earned him international acclaim and inspired countless musicians across genres. He is remembered as a pioneer who bridged cultural divides through music and literature.

Harrison Birtwistle was a leading English composer celebrated for his avant-garde classical music. His works often featured complex rhythms, rich textures, and mythic themes. Birtwistle's notable compositions include The Triumph of Time and the opera Gawain. He served as a professor of composition at the University of Oxford, mentoring many young composers. His innovative approach earned him numerous honors, including the Grawemeyer Award. Birtwistle's music remains influential in contemporary concert repertoires.