July 21

Born as Vosdanig Adoian in the Ottoman Empire in 1904, Arshile Gorky survived early tragedy before emigrating to the United States. He developed a unique style that blended Surrealism with his own lyrical abstraction, producing masterpieces like 'The Liver is the Cock's Comb'. Gorky played a crucial role in shaping the New York art scene and influenced leading Abstract Expressionists such as Jackson Pollock. His work often explored themes of memory, identity, and loss, reflecting his personal history. Despite critical acclaim, he struggled with health and emotional turmoil throughout his life. He died by suicide in 1948, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire modern artists and collectors worldwide.

Born in Johannesburg in 1892, Basil Rathbone moved to England as a child and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He gained fame on stage before transitioning to film, where he became celebrated for his elegant and intense interpretations. Rathbone is best remembered for starring as Sherlock Holmes in a series of fourteen films produced between 1939 and 1946. He also appeared in countless other movies, radio plays, and television productions, showcasing his versatility as an actor and singer. His refined diction and commanding presence made him one of Hollywood's most respected character actors. Rathbone's legacy endures through his iconic performances, which continue to influence portrayals of Holmes and other classic roles.

Born in 1907 in Morshansk, Russia, Mikhail Gerasimov combined his passions for anthropology and art to develop groundbreaking methods in forensic facial reconstruction. He studied at Leningrad University and honed his sculpting skills at the Imperial Academy of Arts. Gerasimov's technique involved careful measurement of the skull to recreate the facial features of historical figures and prehistoric humans. His reconstructions brought to life the appearances of figures like Ivan the Terrible and ancient hominids, earning him international acclaim. Throughout his career, he led archaeological expeditions and trained a generation of anthropologists in his methods. Gerasimov's work bridged the gap between science and art, leaving a lasting legacy in both forensic science and museum exhibitions. He passed away in 1970, but his innovative approach remains a cornerstone of facial anthropology.

Born in 1907, Miller rose to fame as a Vogue model in the 1920s before studying photography under surrealist artist Man Ray in Paris. She became his muse and collaborator, producing groundbreaking surrealist work. During World War II, Miller served as a freelance war correspondent and official photographer for Vogue, documenting the liberation of Nazi concentration camps. After the war, she settled in England and turned her estate into a creative retreat. Her diverse body of work bridges high fashion and historical reportage, leaving a lasting impact on photography.

Born Jacques Dumas in 1908, he adopted the pen name Marijac and became a central figure in Franco-Belgian comics. He created enduring characters such as 'Capitaine Fantôme' and 'L’Ankou', blending comedy, adventure, and social commentary. Marijac also edited and contributed to magazines like 'Cardinal' and 'Lisette', nurturing new talent. His dynamic art style and storytelling influenced generations of comic artists. Beyond comics, he wrote novels and plays, but it was his work in graphic storytelling that cemented his place in European popular culture.

Born in 1926, Kopvillem studied music in Europe before emigrating to Canada, where he became a respected conductor and educator. He founded choirs and orchestras that showcased Estonian and Baltic repertoire, fostering cultural exchange. As a composer, he blended folk melodies with contemporary techniques, producing choral works and orchestral pieces celebrated for their lyrical beauty. Kopvillem’s recordings and performances garnered acclaim in Canada and beyond. His dedication preserved his homeland’s musical heritage and enriched Canada’s multicultural arts scene.

Born in 1908, Slobodkina fled the Russian Revolution and eventually settled in the United States, where she became a prominent figure in children's literature. Her best-selling book 'Caps for Sale' (1940) is celebrated for its simple text, whimsical illustrations, and timeless humor. She co-founded the American Abstract Artists group and created abstract paintings and sculptures alongside her literary work. Throughout her career, Slobodkina received numerous awards for her contributions to art and literature. Her legacy endures through generations of children enchanted by her stories and art.

Jerry Goldsmith was born in Los Angeles and became one of Hollywood’s most versatile composers. He scored over 100 films including Planet of the Apes, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, and Alien. Goldsmith won the Academy Award for Best Original Score for The Omen in 1976. He also composed acclaimed television themes, notably for Star Trek: The Next Generation. His innovative techniques and diverse instrumentation influenced generations of film composers. Goldsmith continued to score major motion pictures into the early 2000s until his death on July 21, 2004.

Long John Baldry was born in London and became a seminal figure in the British blues revival of the 1960s. He was a founding member of Blues Incorporated and performed alongside emerging talents such as Rod Stewart and Elton John. Baldry’s powerful baritone voice led to solo hits like “I Had a Dream.” He moved to Canada in the 1970s, where he continued his music career and acted in films and television. Notably, he recorded the top-ten album Baldry’s Out! and starred in the musical Hair. Baldry died on July 21, 2005, remembered for his deep influence on the rock and blues scene on both sides of the Atlantic.

Luis Fernando Rizo-Salom (1971–2013) was a Colombian-French composer and educator celebrated for his groundbreaking electroacoustic compositions. Born in Bogotá, he studied composition and computer music in Europe, blending traditional rhythms with modern electronic textures. His works were showcased at international new music festivals and garnered critical acclaim for their inventive soundscapes. As a dedicated teacher, he influenced a generation of composers through his academic positions in France and Colombia. He also published scholarly articles on contemporary music theory, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Robert 'Robban' Broberg (1940–2015) was a Swedish singer-songwriter, musician, and artist whose career spanned over five decades. Emerging in the early 1960s, he gained fame for his witty lyrics, catchy melodies, and charismatic stage performances. Broberg released numerous albums blending pop, rock, and jazz, with hits like 'Mera mål' and 'Everyone Needs Somebody to Love'. He was also a sculptor and actor, appearing in film and television. Recognized by his trademark glasses and humor, he received a Swedish Grammy and is remembered as a multifaceted cultural icon in Sweden.

Born in 1930 and raised in Scotland and England, Ross moved to the United States in the 1950s and became a leading figure in vocal jazz. Her composition 'Twisted' showcased her innovative vocalese style, and with Lambert and Hendricks she recorded landmark albums that influenced generations of singers. Ross also appeared in films such as Short Cuts and on television, demonstrating her versatility as a performer. Despite personal struggles, she made celebrated comebacks and continued performing into her eighties. She died on July 21, 2020, at the age of 89, leaving a profound impact on jazz and film.