September 28

Minamoto no Hiromasa was a distinguished courtier of the Heian period, born into the influential Minamoto clan in 918. He served at the imperial court of Emperor Murakami and was renowned for his mastery of gagaku, the ancient court music. Hiromasa was admired for his poetry, musical talent, and cultural refinement. He cultivated the arts of koto and flute playing, earning respect among aristocratic circles. His patronage and performances contributed to the flourishing of Japanese court culture. Hiromasa’s legacy endures in historical records celebrating his artistic achievements and elegant courtly lifestyle.

Margaret Clifford was born in 1540 to Henry Clifford, 2nd Earl of Cumberland. She married Henry Stanley, 4th Earl of Derby, and assumed the title Countess of Derby. Her royal descent made her a prominent figure in the succession discussions of the late Tudor era. She maintained a cultured household and was a patron of the arts during her life. Despite her high standing, she faced political scrutiny as potential heir until her death in 1596.

William Kennedy Dickson (1860–1935) was a Franco-Scottish inventor and film pioneer who played a crucial role in the birth of cinema. As an assistant to Thomas Edison, he developed the kinetograph camera and the Kinetoscope viewing machine. He directed and produced some of the earliest motion pictures, including brief experimental films that documented daily life. Dickson later co-founded the American Mutoscope and Biograph Company, advancing film projection techniques. His innovations laid the foundation for the modern film industry and earned him recognition as one of cinema’s founding figures.

Harry Saltzman (1915-1994) was a Canadian theatre and film producer who co-founded EON Productions. Alongside Albert R. Broccoli, he launched the iconic James Bond franchise with Dr. No in 1962. Saltzman oversaw production of early Bond classics including Goldfinger and From Russia with Love. His vision for a suave and sophisticated spy film catapulted the series to global success. Beyond 007, he produced a variety of stage and screen projects. Saltzman's influence on action cinema left an enduring legacy in popular culture.

Elia Kazan (1909-2003) was a celebrated director and producer renowned for his work on stage and screen. He co-founded the Actors Studio in New York, nurturing talents like Marlon Brando and James Dean. Kazan's films, including A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) and On the Waterfront (1954), received critical acclaim and multiple Academy Awards. His uncompromising style and ability to draw naturalistic performances revolutionized American cinema. Controversy followed his testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1952. Despite a mixed legacy, Kazan's contributions to theater and film remain foundational to modern acting and directing.

Born in 1920, Chris Economaki began his career in print journalism covering local sports before focusing on auto racing. Over a span of more than seven decades, he provided in-depth reporting on motorsports events across the United States. Economaki served as the editor and publisher of National Speed Sport News, guiding it to become a leading motorsports publication. He worked as a broadcaster for televised racing events, bringing his expert analysis to a wide audience. His authoritative voice and passionate dedication earned him respect and admiration within the racing community. Even after his official retirement, he continued to contribute to motorsports journalism until his death in 2012.