July 31

Born in Rotterdam in 1619, Willem Kalf became one of the leading still life painters of the Dutch Golden Age. He specialized in 'pronkstilleven'—elaborate compositions featuring luxurious objects such as Chinese porcelain, Venetian glass, and fine silverware. Kalf’s mastery of light and texture brought a sumptuous realism to his works, elevating the genre. His paintings often conveyed wealth and global trade connections, reflecting the prosperity of 17th-century Holland. After moving to Amsterdam in the 1650s, he continued to refine his style until his death in 1693. Today, his works are celebrated for their technical brilliance and rich symbolism, housed in major museums worldwide.

Franz Liszt was a Hungarian composer and pianist who revolutionized Romantic music in the 19th century. Recognized for his unprecedented virtuosic skill, he toured Europe to great acclaim, inspiring a cult of admirers known as 'Lisztomania.' Beyond his performances, Liszt was an innovative composer, pioneering the symphonic poem and expanding the expressive range of the piano. He held influential teaching positions in Weimar and contributed to the development of leading composers like Wagner. His religious works, including the 'Via Crucis' and 'Hungarian Coronation Mass,' reflect his deep spiritual side. Liszt’s generosity as a teacher and patron left a lasting legacy on music education. His compositions and performance style continue to inspire pianists and composers today.

Jean-Baptiste Capronnier was a leading Belgian artist renowned for his mastery of stained glass painting in the 19th century. Trained under the influence of medieval art, he specialized in reviving historic techniques to produce luminous and richly colored works. His notable projects include restorations and original installations in cathedrals across Belgium and France. Capronnier also published scholarly articles, sharing his research on glass composition and iconographic design. His dedication helped spark a revival of Gothic stained glass throughout Europe. As a teacher, he mentored a generation of artists in the craft, ensuring the continuation of traditional methods. Capronnier’s stained glass windows remain prized for their technical precision and artistic beauty.

Jim Reeves (1923–1964) was an American country and pop singer-songwriter celebrated for his rich baritone voice. He scored multiple hits, including 'He'll Have to Go', which topped country charts and crossed over to pop audiences. Reeves pioneered the Nashville sound with lush orchestration and smooth vocals. His career tragically ended in a plane crash in 1964, but posthumous releases sustained his popularity worldwide. Reeves was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1967. His style influenced generations of country artists and left an enduring legacy in both country and pop music.

Edward 'Bud' Powell (1924–1966) was an American jazz pianist who became a central figure in the development of bebop. He collaborated with legends such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, shaping the harmonic and rhythmic language of modern jazz piano. Powell's innovative left-hand comping and right-hand improvisations influenced generations of pianists. Despite struggles with mental health and legal issues, he recorded landmark albums like 'The Amazing Bud Powell'. His contributions helped transform jazz into an art form of unprecedented complexity. Powell passed away in 1966, leaving a profound and lasting impact on jazz history.

Mohammed Rafi, born in 1924, became one of the most prolific playback singers in Indian cinema, recording thousands of songs in Hindi and other languages. His smooth tenor voice and extraordinary range allowed him to excel in diverse genres, from romantic ballads to devotional hymns and patriotic anthems. Rafi collaborated with leading composers like Naushad, S.D. Burman, and Shankar–Jaikishan, producing iconic melodies that remain beloved today. He won the National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards, cementing his status as an icon of Bollywood's golden era. Known for his humility and dedication to his craft, Rafi influenced generations of singers and musicians. His recordings continue to be celebrated for their technical precision and emotional resonance. Rafi's enduring legacy as a voice of Indian cinema persists across decades of music lovers and filmmakers.

Joseph E. Levine, born in 1905, was a trailblazing American film producer and distributor whose vision reshaped the movie industry. He founded Embassy Pictures and introduced European art-house films to U.S. audiences, demonstrating a talent for identifying and promoting unique cinematic works. Levine produced blockbuster hits like 'The Graduate' and 'Valley of the Dolls', employing innovative television marketing campaigns that revolutionized film advertising. His success in blending art-house sensibilities with commercial appeal earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture and widespread industry acclaim. Levine's strategic distribution model encouraged the growth of the independent film sector and influenced future producers. He remained active in the industry for decades, mentoring aspiring filmmakers and executives. Levine's legacy lives on in the modern landscape of independent cinema and movie promotion techniques.

Guido Crepax was born in 1933 in Milan, Italy. He began his career as a graphic designer before turning to comics in the late 1960s. Crepax created the iconic character Valentina, a sophisticated photojournalist whose stories blended surrealism, eroticism, and modernist art. His innovative storytelling and elegant line work influenced the development of adult comics across Europe. Crepax's work was celebrated for its psychological depth and cinematic style. Throughout his career, he experimented with different media, including painting and illustration. He died on July 31, 2003, leaving a significant legacy in the world of graphic novels and illustration.

Tony Sly founded the California punk band No Use for a Name in 1986, serving as its lead vocalist and guitarist. Under his leadership, the band released classic albums like "Leche Con Carne" and "More Betterness!" on Fat Wreck Chords. He also pursued a solo acoustic career, releasing the acclaimed album "12 Song Program". Sly’s heartfelt lyrics and melodic sensibility helped shape modern punk rock and inspired countless musicians. He continued to tour and record until his untimely passing in 2012, leaving behind a devoted fanbase.

Born Harold Smith in New York City, Harold Prince produced and directed more than 60 Broadway shows, including classics like 'The Phantom of the Opera', 'Fiddler on the Roof', and 'West Side Story'. His collaborations with composers such as Stephen Sondheim reshaped the art of musical storytelling. Over his seven-decade career, he earned 21 Tony Awards and multiple Academy Award nominations for film adaptations. Prince co-founded the Playwrights Horizons theater company and championed new works and playwrights. His visionary approach and commitment to innovation left an indelible mark on American theatre.

Alan Parker began his career directing television commercials before making his feature debut with the musical 'Bugsy Malone'. He went on to helm landmark films such as 'Midnight Express', 'Fame', 'Pink Floyd – The Wall', and 'Angela’s Ashes'. Renowned for his visual storytelling and eclectic genres, Parker received multiple BAFTA Awards and Golden Globe nominations. His films often explored human drama and social issues, earning both critical acclaim and popular success. Parker’s bold style and narrative range established him as one of Britain’s most versatile and influential directors.