August 07

Born in 1548 in Vicenza, Vincenzo Scamozzi trained under Andrea Palladio. He completed the Teatro Olimpico in 1585, creating a lasting example of Renaissance theater architecture. Scamozzi authored the influential treatise "L’idea dell’architettura universale," laying out his architectural principles. He served the Republic of Venice on numerous civic projects, blending classical form with innovative engineering. His work bridged the Renaissance and Baroque eras, shaping architectural practice across Europe. Scamozzi died on August 7, 1616, leaving a legacy as one of Italy’s master architects.

Born in 1854 in Lucca, Catalani studied music at the Milan Conservatory and later worked as a professor of composition. His richly melodic style blended Italian lyricism with Germanic orchestration, earning acclaim in European opera circles. His most famous works include 'La Wally' (1892) and 'Loreley' (1890), both praised for their evocative arias and orchestral color. Despite his talents, Catalani struggled with health problems and financial difficulties. He died prematurely at age 39 in 1893, yet his operas continued to influence composers like Puccini. Today, his contributions are celebrated for their passionate expression and dramatic depth.

Born in 1837 in The Hague, Jacob Maris studied at the Royal Academy of Art alongside his brothers. He became a leading figure of the Hague School, capturing the moody skies and waterways of the Dutch countryside. His works, such as 'Evening Landscape,' showcase his mastery of light, atmosphere, and subtle color harmonies. Maris also served as a respected art teacher, influencing a generation of painters. He spent his later years in Düsseldorf and Wiesbaden, where he exhibited extensively. He died in 1899, leaving a lasting impact on European landscape painting.

Joseph Kosma was born in Hungary in 1905 and studied composition under Zoltán Kodály before relocating to Paris. In France, he collaborated with poet Jacques Prévert to create enduring songs like Les feuilles mortes, which later became the jazz standard Autumn Leaves. Kosma also composed memorable scores for films by directors such as Marcel Carné, contributing to the poetic realism movement in French cinema. During World War II, his music was banned by occupying forces, but he continued to write in secret. After the war, he resumed his career, blending melodic lyricism with modernist influences. Kosma's work remains influential in both classical and popular music circles.

Joi Lansing (born Joy Rae Brown in 1929) rose to fame with her striking beauty and dynamic stage presence. She appeared in numerous Hollywood films and television variety programs, showcasing both her acting and vocal talents. Lansing became a popular pin-up model, starring in magazines such as Playboy. Under contract with Columbia Pictures, she delivered standout performances in comedy and adventure features. Her nightclub singing engagements highlighted her melodic voice and charisma. Despite a career cut short by her untimely death at age 43, she remains an enduring icon of 1950s entertainment.

Edwin 'Eddie' Calvert (born 1922) rose to fame in the early 1950s with his warm, expressive trumpet style. His recording of 'Oh, Mein Papa' reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1954. Calvert’s popularity helped popularize orchestral pop and instrumental music across Britain. He performed regularly on radio and television, bringing instrumental solos to mainstream audiences. Throughout his career, he recorded numerous albums and collaborated with leading conductors and orchestras. Even as musical tastes shifted, his distinctive tone continued to captivate listeners until his death in 1978.

Ester Šimerová-Martinčeková (1909–2005) was a Slovak artist whose innovative style merged Cubist geometry with vivid Expressionist color. Trained in Prague and Paris, she exhibited widely in Europe before World War II. Despite censorship during the communist era, she continued to produce evocative portraits and abstract compositions. After the Velvet Revolution, her work received renewed acclaim, and she was honored by national cultural institutions. Her paintings are showcased in the Slovak National Gallery and private collections worldwide. Šimerová-Martinčeková remains a trailblazer in the history of Slovak modern art.

Born in 1933, Mike Seeger was a passionate collector and performer of traditional Appalachian and rural American folk music. In 1958, he co-founded the New Lost City Ramblers, a group that played a crucial role in popularizing old-time music. Seeger traveled extensively to record and preserve songs from rural communities, ensuring that traditional tunes were not lost. He released numerous albums and collaborated with folk legends, sharing his deep knowledge of banjo, fiddle, and vocals. As an educator and mentor, Seeger inspired younger generations to explore and appreciate America's musical heritage. He passed away in 2009, leaving behind a rich legacy of folk preservation and musical excellence.

Meeli Truu (1946–2013) was an Estonian architect celebrated for her innovative approach to modernist architecture. She graduated from the State Art Institute of the Estonian SSR and contributed to several landmark public and residential projects in Tallinn and beyond. Truu's designs were characterized by clean lines, functional planning, and contextual sensitivity to urban landscapes. Over her career, she collaborated with leading firms and mentored young architects. Her work helped shape the architectural identity of post-Soviet Estonia, blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics. Truu's legacy endures both in the built environment and in the architects she inspired.

Henry Stone was an American record producer, label executive, and DJ based in Miami. He founded influential labels such as Alston and TK Records, launching artists like KC & the Sunshine Band. Stone collaborated with blues and R&B legends including James Brown and Etta James, promoting Southern soul. During the 1970s, he helped popularize disco and establish Miami as a recording hub. His entrepreneurial vision and passion for music shaped the direction of the American recording industry.

David Maslanka was an American composer best known for his contributions to concert band repertoire. He composed over 150 works, including eight symphonies for wind ensemble and numerous chamber pieces. His music is celebrated for its emotional depth, spiritual themes, and use of improvisational elements. Maslanka studied at the University of Michigan and Yale School of Music before embarking on a prolific teaching and composing career. His compositions remain staples in university and community wind ensembles worldwide.

David Berman was the founder and lead singer of the influential indie rock band Silver Jews, blending poetic lyrics with melodic songwriting. He published two volumes of poetry and crafted whimsical cartoon illustrations featured in underground zines. His album 'Purple Mountains', released in 2019, showcased his raw emotional depth and lyrical prowess. Berman’s work resonated with a generation of indie musicians and writers, celebrated for its introspection and dark humor. His unique fusion of music, poetry, and visual art continues to inspire creators across genres.