July 17

Mimar Sinan served as the chief architect for three Ottoman sultans, including Suleiman the Magnificent. Over his career, he designed more than 300 structures, ranging from mosques and bridges to aqueducts and caravanserais. His masterpiece is the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, celebrated for its harmonious proportions and innovative dome engineering. Sinan also designed the Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque in Istanbul and the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, showcasing his architectural genius. His work set the standard for Ottoman architecture and influenced generations of builders across the Islamic world.

Born in Warsaw in 1841, Tausig studied piano with Theodor Kullak before becoming a favored student of Franz Liszt in Weimar. He embarked on concert tours across Europe, dazzling audiences with his command of virtuoso repertoire. Tausig also created influential piano transcriptions and arrangements of orchestral works, expanding the instrument's expressive range. In 1865, he founded the New Conservatoire in Berlin, training a generation of pianists. His promising career was cut short when he died at the age of 29 in 1871.

Born in Drohobych in 1856, Gottlieb studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and under Karl von Piloty in Munich. He won acclaim for his portraits and genre scenes depicting Jewish life and biblical narratives with vivid realism and emotional depth. His notable works include 'Jews Praying in the Synagogue on Yom Kippur' and portraits of contemporary figures. Gottlieb's promising career was tragically brief; he died of pneumonia at the age of 23 in Florence. Despite his short life, his paintings influenced the development of Jewish art in Central Europe.

Lovis Corinth (1858–1925) was a German painter and printmaker who bridged the gap between Impressionism and Expressionism. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and furthered his training in Paris. Corinth’s dynamic brushwork and vivid use of color captured landscapes, portraits, and mythological scenes. He became a leading figure in the German art world and later served as a professor influencing young artists. His work is held in major museums across Europe and continues to inspire contemporary painters.

George William Russell (1867–1935), often writing under the name AE, was a central figure in Ireland’s cultural renaissance. He produced visionary poetry and evocative paintings that reflected his mystical beliefs. Russell co-founded literary journals and supported emerging Irish writers and artists. He was active in Theosophy, believing that art and spirituality were closely linked. His writings and artworks continue to influence Irish literature and art to this day.

Robina Nicol (1861–1942) was a pioneering photographer whose images captured everyday life and social change in New Zealand. She used her camera to shed light on women’s rights and the suffrage movement. Nicol’s portraits and documentary photographs provided a visual record of the struggle for equality. Her work appeared in newspapers and exhibitions, helping to galvanize public support for women’s enfranchisement. She is remembered both for her artistic eye and her dedication to social justice.

Florence Fuller (1867–1946) was a pioneering female artist who brought Impressionist influences to Australia. Born in South Africa, she trained in Europe before settling in Melbourne. Fuller’s work captured local landscapes, Indigenous subjects, and intimate portraits. She exhibited widely and was one of the first women to gain recognition in Australian art circles. Her vibrant palette and sensitive compositions left a lasting impact on the country’s artistic heritage.

Billie Holiday, nicknamed 'Lady Day', was one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century. Born in Philadelphia in 1915, she rose to fame in the 1930s with her unique phrasing and soulful delivery. Her recording of 'Strange Fruit' became a powerful protest against racism and remains a landmark in music history. Holiday collaborated with legends such as Count Basie, Artie Shaw, and Lester Young. Despite facing personal struggles and health issues, she recorded a string of hits including 'God Bless the Child' and 'Lover Man'. Her emotional depth and improvisational style set new standards for jazz vocal performance. Holiday's enduring influence continues to inspire singers across genres decades after her death in 1959.

John Coltrane was a pioneering jazz musician whose improvisational style expanded the boundaries of the genre. Born in 1926 in North Carolina, he rose to prominence in the 1950s playing alongside Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. His 1965 album 'A Love Supreme' is celebrated as one of the greatest jazz recordings of all time. Coltrane's explorations of modal jazz and free improvisation influenced countless musicians. He founded his own quartet and continued to innovate until his untimely death. With a career marked by spiritual depth, Coltrane received posthumous honors including a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation. His legacy endures through his recordings and the generations of artists he inspired.

Michel Breistroff was a French ice hockey defenseman who competed at the national level. Marcel Dadi was a pioneering Tunisian-French guitarist known for his fingerpicking technique. David Hogan was an American composer celebrated for his choral and film music. Jed Johnson was a respected interior designer and documentary director in New York. All four died tragically when TWA Flight 800 exploded off Long Island on July 17, 1996.

Chandler rose to fame as the original bass player for the rock band The Animals. He co-wrote the hit 'House of the Rising Sun' and helped shape the British Invasion sound. After leaving The Animals, he managed Jimi Hendrix and brought him to international stardom. Chandler produced Hendrix's early recordings, influencing the development of psychedelic rock. His contributions as musician and producer left an enduring mark on 1960s rock music.

Hoban began her career illustrating children's books in the 1950s. She wrote and illustrated numerous picture books celebrated for their warmth and humor. Her stories often featured ordinary childhood adventures and imaginative characters. Hoban's fluid ink and watercolor artwork brought her narratives to life. Her work influenced generations of young readers and inspired aspiring illustrators.