August 07

Thomas Lupo was born into a family of Italian musicians in 1571, likely in London. He served as a viol player in the royal court of England under Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. Lupo composed extensively for viol consort, producing fantasias and instrumental works that showcased his mastery of polyphony. His music reflects the transition between Renaissance and early Baroque styles. Some of his surviving works include dances, variations, and fantasy pieces that remain popular among early music ensembles. Lupo died in 1627, leaving behind a significant body of work that contributed to the development of English instrumental music.

Born on August 7, 1862, in Port Louis, Mauritius, Henri Le Sidaner moved to France to study at the École des Beaux-Arts. Influenced by Impressionism, he developed a delicate style that captured quiet domestic scenes, moonlit gardens, and tranquil street views. Le Sidaner spent time in Étaples and Bruges, where he painted evocative landscapes marked by soft light and subtle color harmonies. His exhibitions at the Paris Salon and in London attracted acclaim for their atmospheric charm. Throughout his career, he balanced public commissions with intimate works, leaving a rich body of art that continues to enchant collectors and museums worldwide. He died in 1939, remembered for his poetic vision of everyday life.

Born on August 7, 1867, in Nolde (now in Germany), Emil Nolde began his career as a woodcarver before studying art in Germany and Denmark. A founding member of the Die Brücke movement, he championed vivid color and raw emotional expression in his paintings and watercolors. Despite initially supporting Nazi ideology, Nolde's work was later branded 'degenerate,' and he was banned from exhibiting. During this time, he produced clandestine watercolor sketches known as 'Unpainted Pictures.' After World War II, Nolde's reputation was rehabilitated, and his vibrant landscapes, floral studies, and religious scenes gained international acclaim. He died in 1956, leaving a profound impact on modern art.

Billie Burke was an American actress and singer born in 1884 who enjoyed a career spanning stage, film, and radio. She gained international recognition for her portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch in the 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz. Burke made her stage debut in the early 1900s and soon became a beloved Broadway performer. She transitioned to Hollywood and appeared in over 60 films, showcasing her comedic timing and musical talents. In addition to her performing career, she was known for her elegant fashion sense and philanthropic work during World War II.

Nikolai Triik was an influential Estonian painter and illustrator born in 1884. He studied art in Saint Petersburg and was a central figure in the Estonian national awakening of the early 20th century. Triik's work blended elements of Symbolism and Expressionism, often depicting mythological themes and Estonian folklore. He contributed to art education by teaching at the Pallas art school in Tartu, shaping a new generation of Estonian artists. His paintings are regarded as masterpieces of modern Estonian art and are displayed in national galleries.

Ann Harding was an American actress and singer born in 1901 who rose to fame with her elegant screen presence and clear, soothing voice. She made her film debut in the late silent era and successfully transitioned to talking pictures, earning an Academy Award nomination for her role in Holiday (1930). Harding became known for her performances in dramas and comedies throughout the 1930s, often portraying strong, independent women. In addition to her film career, she appeared on Broadway and on radio, showcasing her versatility as a performer. She retired from acting in the 1950s and continued to be remembered as one of the pioneering women of early Hollywood.

Albert Kotin was born in Vitebsk, Belarus, in 1907 and emigrated to the United States in the 1920s. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, an experience that influenced his artistic vision. After the war, he became associated with the New York School of abstract expressionists. Kotin's work is characterized by bold brushstrokes, vivid color palettes, and a dynamic sense of movement. His paintings were exhibited in major galleries across America. Today, he is remembered as a key figure in mid-20th century American art.

Nicholas Ray was born in 1911 in Galesville, Wisconsin, and began his career in radio and theater before transitioning to film. He directed groundbreaking movies such as Rebel Without a Cause (1955), In a Lonely Place (1950), and Johnny Guitar (1954). Ray's visual style and focus on teenage angst influenced the New Hollywood directors of the 1960s and 1970s. He frequently explored themes of alienation, identity, and social conflict. Despite personal struggles with alcoholism, his cinematic innovations left a lasting impact on American cinema.

Manitas de Plata was born Ricardo Baliardo in Sète, France, in 1921 to a Gitano family with deep musical roots. Discovered by jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, he toured internationally and recorded acclaimed albums. His fiery playing style captivated audiences at festivals and concert halls around the world. Manitas helped introduce flamenco music to wider European and American audiences. He appeared in films and collaborated with leading musicians of his time. He died in 2014, leaving a profound legacy in flamenco music.

Karel Husa was born in Prague in 1921 and studied at the Prague Conservatory. He emigrated to the United States in 1954 and became a professor at Cornell University. Husa composed Music for Prague 1968, a powerful tribute to the Soviet invasion, which won the New York Music Critics Circle Award. In 1969, he received the Pulitzer Prize for his String Quartet No. 3. As a conductor, he premiered works by contemporary composers and championed modern music. Husa's teaching influenced numerous composers, and his works remain staples of the concert repertoire. He passed away in 2016.

Felice Bryant was born in Carthage, Missouri, in 1925 and began writing songs with her husband Boudleaux in the late 1940s. Their compositions, such as Bye Bye Love, All I Have to Do Is Dream, and Wake Up Little Susie, became chart-topping hits for the Everly Brothers. The Bryants' songwriting partnership produced over 6,000 songs recorded by countless artists across genres. Felice's melodic sensibility and lyrical warmth helped define early rock and roll and country-pop. She was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970. Bryant's songs continue to be performed and celebrated worldwide.

Sir Owen Luder was born on August 7, 1928, in Sussex, England. He emerged as a key figure in the British Brutalist movement during the 1960s and 1970s. Luder's most controversial projects include the Tricorn Centre, a concrete shopping complex in Portsmouth, and the Trinity Square car park in Gateshead, both celebrated and criticized for their stark aesthetic. Despite public debate over their demolition, his work influenced generations of architects and urban planners. Luder served as President of the Royal Institute of British Architects and lectured internationally on modern architecture. He received a knighthood in 1992 for his services to architecture. He died in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of challenging conventional architectural norms.