July 22

Ferdinand Tobias Richter (1651–1711) was an Austrian organist and composer. He served as the court organist in Vienna and at the Habsburg court. Richter composed keyboard works, sacred music, and instrumental pieces reflecting the Baroque style. His surviving works include toccatas, fugues, and choral motets. He influenced the development of keyboard music in Central Europe. Richter's contributions were recognized by contemporaries and preserved in musical archives.

Jacques-Germain Soufflot (1713–1780) was a prominent French architect. He is celebrated for designing the Panthéon, a neoclassical landmark in Paris. Soufflot studied classical architecture and sought to combine Gothic lightness with Greek purity. His work on the Panthéon began in 1758 and influenced neoclassical design across Europe. Beyond the Panthéon, he designed churches and public buildings that exemplify Enlightenment ideals. Soufflot's architectural legacy endures in his emphasis on structural clarity and elegance.

Born July 22, 1882, Edward Hopper became one of the most influential American painters of the 20th century. He is celebrated for his evocative oil paintings and etchings that capture the solitude and stillness of urban and rural scenes. Hopper’s masterpieces, such as "Nighthawks" and "Automat," are renowned for their masterful use of light and shadow. He studied at the New York School of Art and later spent time in Paris where he was influenced by European modernism. Throughout his career, Hopper balanced teaching with his studio work and earned critical acclaim for his unique vision. His legacy endures in museums worldwide and continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.

Born in Tolmezzo, Italy, Licia Albanese emigrated to the United States in 1940 and soon joined the Metropolitan Opera. Her warm, lyrical voice brought characters like Mimi in 'La Bohème' and Cio-Cio-San in 'Madama Butterfly' to life. Albanese performed at the Met for nearly three decades, earning acclaim for her artistry and dramatic intensity. She appeared in films and served on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music after retiring. Honored with a Kennedy Center award, she remained active in teaching and interviews until her passing in 2014.

Born in Portland, Maine, Ruthie Tompson joined Walt Disney Studios in 1937 and worked on films from 'Snow White' to 'The Jungle Book'. She started in the ink and paint department before advancing to animation checking and final line work. Tompson was one of the few women animators in the early studio era and played a key role in story continuity. After retiring in 1975, she received recognition as a Disney Legend and appeared in documentaries on animation history. She lived to be 111, celebrating her legacy as a pioneer in the field.

Born as Armando Bresci in Mulazzano, Italy, Gorni Kramer studied double bass before pioneering swing in the Italian music scene. In 1936, he formed his own orchestra, introducing jazz rhythms and American big band styles to local audiences. Kramer's compositions, including the hit 'Crapa Pelada', became staples on Italian radio and in film soundtracks. He also worked as a composer for RAI television, influencing generations of musicians. After retiring in the early 1970s, he left a legacy as the father of Italian swing.

César Fernández Ardavín (1923–2012) was a celebrated Spanish film director, producer, and screenwriter whose career spanned over five decades. He gained acclaim for his literary adaptations, including the award-winning 'El Lazarillo de Tormes', which captured the social realities of 16th-century Spain. Ardavín's versatile talents extended to producing and scriptwriting, shaping the narrative and artistic vision of his films. A key figure in Spanish cinema's revival after the Civil War, he collaborated with leading actors and technicians to bring compelling stories to the screen. His commitment to literary fidelity and cinematic innovation earned him numerous national awards. Even after retiring from filmmaking, Ardavín mentored young directors and continued to influence Spanish cultural life.

Margaret Whiting (1924–2011) was an American singer whose smooth, emotive voice made her one of the leading female pop vocalists of the 1940s and 1950s. The daughter of famed songwriter Richard Whiting, she recorded chart-topping hits such as 'Moonlight in Vermont' and 'That's My Desire'. Whiting collaborated with orchestras led by Jimmy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra's arrangers, earning a Grammy nomination for her contributions to early popular music. Beyond pop, she explored jazz and country genres, demonstrating remarkable versatility. Whiting's career spanned radio, television, and live performances worldwide, influencing generations of singers. She continued to record and perform into her later years, leaving a lasting imprint on the Great American Songbook. Her recordings are celebrated for their warmth, clarity, and timeless appeal.

Joseph Sargent (1925–2014) began his career as a stage and television actor before transitioning to a prolific directing and producing career. He directed the hit 1974 thriller 'The Taking of Pelham One Two Three', earning critical praise for its tense storytelling and dynamic pacing. Sargent's filmography spans drama, action, and television movies, including Emmy-winning works such as 'Something the Lord Made'. His versatility allowed him to navigate feature films and made-for-TV productions alike, showcasing strong character-driven narratives. As a producer, he championed innovative projects and emerging talents. Sargent's contributions to both cinema and television earned him numerous awards and nominations. His enduring legacy lies in his skillful direction and commitment to compelling storytelling across mediums.

Bryan Forbes (1926–2013) was a celebrated English actor, screenwriter, director, and producer who left an indelible mark on British cinema. Beginning his career as an actor, he co-wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for 'The Angry Silence' (1960), then went on to direct 'Seance on a Wet Afternoon' (1964), earning BAFTA recognition. As head of EMI Films, Forbes championed diverse projects that balanced commercial appeal with artistic integrity. His writing credits include 'The Stepford Wives' (1975), a satirical thriller that has become a cultural touchstone. Throughout his career, Forbes received multiple awards for his contributions to film, including a BAFTA Fellowship. His work is celebrated for its psychological depth, wit, and social commentary, influencing generations of filmmakers.

Neil Welliver (1929-2005) was an American realist painter best known for his detailed watercolor and oil landscapes of the Maine woods. A former student of Abstract Expressionist Willem de Kooning, he developed a personal style focusing on natural light and texture. Welliver taught at the University of Pennsylvania, influencing a generation of artists. His works often depict changing seasons in remote forest scenes, capturing the subtlety of nature. Major exhibitions of his work have been held at institutions like the Phillips Collection and the Portland Museum of Art. His meticulous approach positioned him as a leading figure in 20th-century American realism.

Oscar de la Renta was a Dominican-American fashion designer who gained international acclaim for his glamorous evening gowns. He studied under Cristóbal Balenciaga in Spain before launching his own label in 1965. De la Renta became a favorite of American First Ladies, including Jacqueline Kennedy and Hillary Clinton. His designs blended European craftsmanship with a vibrant Caribbean flair, redefining American fashion. He won multiple Coty Awards and was a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Throughout his career, he expanded into fragrance, accessories, and ready-to-wear lines. De la Renta also supported charitable causes, notably in education and cancer research. He continued to influence fashion until his death in 2014.