August 14

William Croft was an English composer and organist born in 1678, serving at the Chapel Royal and Westminster Abbey. He created renowned sacred works, including morning and evening services, anthems, and the coronation anthem 'I was glad'. In 1717, he succeeded John Blow as Organist of the Chapel Royal, a prestigious royal appointment. Croft’s compositions combine Baroque refinement with liturgical depth, shaping Anglican church music. He published 'Musica Sacra', providing a valuable resource of choral works for ecclesiastical use. Praised for his melodic gift and organ writing, his music remained staples of worship for centuries. He died on August 14, 1727, and is remembered as a key figure in English sacred repertoire.

Nathaniel Hone the Elder (1718–1784) was an influential Irish-born painter and one of the founding members of the Royal Academy in London. He gained acclaim for his vibrant portrait miniatures and full-scale portraits of aristocrats and cultural figures. Hone's satirical works, such as 'The Conjurer,' showcased his willingness to challenge artistic norms and sparked controversy. As a passionate advocate for artistic excellence, he taught students and authored treatises on painting techniques. His lively brushwork and use of color left a lasting impact on 18th-century English portraiture. Hone's legacy endures in major museum collections and the continued study of Georgian-era art.

Simeon Solomon (1840–1905) was an English painter associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement, celebrated for his poetic depictions of classical, medieval, and biblical themes. He studied at the Royal Academy Schools and exhibited at the Grosvenor Gallery alongside luminaries like Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Solomon's work featured rich color palettes and an ethereal style that influenced the Aesthetic movement. Despite early success, his career suffered after a public scandal and legal troubles over his private life. He continued to paint but faced financial hardship and declining commissions. Today, his art is admired for its beauty, emotional depth, and challenge to Victorian social norms.

Born in 1934 in Memphis, Tennessee, Burnette rose to fame with his energetic style. As part of the Rock and Roll Trio with his brother Dorsey, he charted hits like “Train Kept A-Rollin’”. His fusion of country and rhythm and blues helped define the rockabilly genre. After initial success in the late 1950s, he pursued a solo career with charting singles. Known for his charismatic performances, he influenced artists like Paul McCartney. Burnette died in a boating accident in 1964, cementing his legendary status in early rock history.

Born in 1906 in Pittsburgh, Levant achieved fame as a concert pianist and recording artist. He appeared in films such as “An American in Paris” and hosted radio and TV programs showcasing his humor. Levant composed music and wrote several books, blending creativity with sharp social commentary. Known for his candid discussions of mental health, he became an icon of 20th-century American culture. He influenced both the music and entertainment industries with his prodigious talent and wit. Levant passed away in 1972, remembered for his complex personality and artistic contributions.

Nicolas Bentley was an English author and illustrator celebrated for his sharp wit and minimalist drawings. Born in 1907 in London, he was the son of famed literary critic E. Clerihew Bentley. He studied at Westminster School and honed his craft in the vibrant London art scene. Bentley contributed cartoons and illustrations to leading magazines such as Punch and The Sunday Times. He authored and illustrated numerous books, blending humor and satire to captivate readers. His distinct style influenced generations of British cartoonists and illustrators. He served during World War II in the Ministry of Information, using his art to bolster public morale. Nicolas Bentley passed away on August 14, 1978, leaving behind a legacy of wit and charm in British illustration.

Karl Böhm was an Austrian conductor celebrated for his mastery of Mozart, Wagner, and Strauss operas. Born in Graz in 1894, he studied music in Vienna and made his conducting debut in Darmstadt. He served as music director of the Hamburg State Opera and later at the Vienna State Opera. From 1945 he was principal conductor of the Dresden Staatskapelle and frequently performed with the Vienna Philharmonic. His recordings of Mozart symphonies and operas are regarded as definitive interpretations. Known for his clear structure and elegant tempi, he influenced a generation of conductors and musicians. Böhm continued to conduct into his eighties, leaving behind a rich legacy on record when he died on August 14, 1981.

Roy Buchanan was an American guitarist and singer-songwriter born in 1939 in Arkansas. He gained recognition in the 1960s for his soulful, reverb-drenched Telecaster sound and innovative fingerstyle technique. Buchanan recorded a series of acclaimed albums for labels such as Polydor and Atlantic Records. He collaborated with artists like Delbert McClinton and members of the Allman Brothers Band. Known as the guitarist's guitarist, his emotive playing influenced generations of rock and blues musicians. Despite limited commercial success, his mastery of natural harmonics and expressive bends earned him a cult following. He died on August 14, 1988, under tragic circumstances, leaving an enduring guitar legacy.

Robert Calvert was a South African-English musician and writer born in 1945, best known for his tenure with the space rock band Hawkwind. He joined Hawkwind in 1972, providing lead vocals and writing lyrics for their landmark Space Ritual tour and album. His science fiction-inspired plays and poetry showcased his imaginative flair. He released solo albums that blended rock, spoken word, and electronic sounds. Calvert's dynamic stage presence and conceptual themes influenced the burgeoning space rock genre. He battled mental health challenges throughout his life, which both fueled and complicated his creativity. He died on August 14, 1988, remembered as a visionary artist across music and literature.

Born in Roman, Romania, in 1912, Sergiu Celibidache studied piano and theory before focusing on conducting. He gained early acclaim with the Berlin Philharmonic under the mentorship of Wilhelm Furtwängler. Celibidache served as principal conductor of the Munich Philharmonic from 1979 until his death, emphasizing live performance. Known for his philosophical approach to music, he favored unique tempos and rich, organic sound textures. His rare but highly regarded recordings reflect his commitment to spontaneous interpretation. Celibidache influenced generations of musicians with his teachings and writings on the phenomenology of music.

Born Yitzroch Loiza Grossberg in the Bronx, New York, in 1923, he began his career as a jazz musician. Rivers transitioned to visual art in the 1950s, studying under Hans Hofmann and developing a unique style. His iconic painting Washington Crossing the Delaware reinterpreted historical imagery with a modern twist. As an early Pop Art figure, he blended abstract expressionism with popular culture references. Throughout his career, Rivers worked in painting, sculpture, and performance art, challenging artistic conventions. He taught at multiple institutions, influencing a new generation of artists before his death in 2002.

Born in 1913, Tikhon Khrennikov studied at the Moscow Conservatory and emerged as a prominent composer and pianist. He composed symphonies, operas, chamber music, and film scores that became staples of Soviet repertoire. As long-time head of the Union of Soviet Composers, he played a central role in shaping the country's musical policies. His career spanned decades of political change, reflecting both artistic achievement and controversial associations with the state. He passed away in 2007 at the age of 94.