September 29

Antoine Coysevox was born in Lyon in 1640 and studied sculpture in Paris. He became a favored artist of King Louis XIV and produced elaborate statues and busts for Versailles and royal chapels. His baroque style combined classical influences with dynamic compositions. Coysevox also served as a professor and later head of the sculpture studio at the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture. He crafted renowned works such as the monuments of Chancellor Séguier and the bas-reliefs for the Tuileries garden. His mentorship shaped a generation of French sculptors before his death in 1720.

Jacques-Martin Hotteterre was born into a family of musicians in 1673 and mastered wind instruments from a young age. He perfected the transverse flute and authored influential treatises like "Principes de la flûte traversière" on flute playing. Hotteterre's compositions for flute and recorder showcased virtuosic ornamentation and expressive phrasing. As a prominent court musician, he performed for Louis XV and influenced European flute development. His pedagogical works codified fingering systems and performance practice of the early 18th century. He died in Paris in 1763, leaving a lasting legacy in woodwind performance.

François Boucher was born in 1703 in Paris and trained at the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture. He rose to fame for his delicate color palette and idyllic compositions depicting gods and shepherds. In 1745, he became the official painter to King Louis XV and a beloved artist of Madame de Pompadour. Boucher's work adorned royal palaces with murals, tapestries, and theatrical set designs. His mastery of Rococo elegance and sensual forms influenced European decorative arts for decades. He died in 1770, leaving behind a vast oeuvre of paintings and designs celebrated for their charm and grace.

Luther D. Bradley was born in 1853 and became a prominent cartoonist in American newspapers and magazines. His work often satirized political figures and social trends of the Gilded Age. Bradley’s illustrations appeared in leading publications, contributing to public discourse through humor and wit. His distinctive style and keen observations made him a popular artist of his era. He continued to draw influential cartoons until his death in 1917.

Ian Fairweather was born in 1891 and led a life marked by adventure and creativity, serving in World War I before emigrating to Australia. A largely self-taught artist, he traveled to Japan and Southeast Asia, absorbing Eastern artistic traditions that he fused with modernist techniques. Fairweather’s spare, gestural compositions often evoke coastal landscapes and calligraphic forms, reflecting his deep engagement with Asian art. He lived as a recluse on Bribie Island, where he produced a prolific body of work under simple living conditions. His first solo exhibition in 1957 introduced his unique vision to the Australian art scene. Posthumously, Fairweather has been recognized as one of Australia’s most distinctive and innovative painters, with works held in major national galleries.

Clarence Ashley was born in 1895 in rural North Carolina and grew up immersed in traditional Appalachian music. A talented clawhammer banjo player and singer, he was recorded by folk music collectors in the late 1920s and became known for songs like The Cuckoo. After years of obscurity, Ashley was rediscovered during the 1960s folk revival, performing at festivals and influencing younger artists. He appeared in the 1965 film The End of the Road and recorded new albums that introduced his repertoire to wider audiences. Ashley's authentic style and repertoire preserved invaluable folk traditions. He continued performing until his death in 1967, leaving a legacy as a pivotal figure in American roots music.

Gene Autry revolutionized country music and western films with his friendly stage presence and catchy songs. He gained fame on Chicago radio before starring in over 90 films as the beloved singing cowboy, blending music and storytelling. Autry recorded hits like 'Back in the Saddle Again' and 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,' which became holiday classics. Beyond entertainment, he built a business empire that included the California Angels baseball team and television stations. Autry’s legacy endures through his trailblazing role in popular culture and his status as a cultural ambassador of the American West.

Bill Boyd formed the Cowboy Ramblers in 1930, blending jazz, country, and blues into a lively Western swing sound. The band gained popularity on radio broadcasts and toured extensively across the United States. Boyd’s smooth vocals and distinctive guitar style helped define the western music genre during its golden era. He recorded hits like 'Cocaine Blues' and headlined at top dance halls and tent shows. Boyd’s influence extended to future generations of country and swing musicians, cementing his place in American music history.

Carl Giles was an English cartoonist best known for his single-panel cartoons in the Daily Express. For over four decades, his humorous and satirical depictions of British family life resonated with readers. His characters, collectively known as the 'Giles Family', became cultural icons. He published many compilation books of his work and influenced future generations of cartoonists. Giles was appointed an OBE for his contributions to cartooning. His timeless humor continues to inspire editorial artists today.

Josef Traxel was a German operatic tenor renowned for his lyrical voice and musicality. He performed leading roles in Mozart operas like "Die Zauberflöte" and Wagner works such as "Die Meistersinger". Traxel was a principal singer at the Munich State Opera for many years. His recordings remain celebrated for their clarity and expressiveness. After retiring from the stage, he taught at the Bavarian Academy of Music. His legacy endures through his students and timeless recordings.

Richard Bonynge is an Australian pianist and conductor acclaimed for his interpretations of 19th-century opera. As the husband and collaborator of soprano Dame Joan Sutherland, he led performances at the Royal Opera House and opera houses around the world. Bonynge specialized in reviving bel canto works by composers such as Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini, earning multiple Grammy Awards for his recordings. He has served as Artistic Director of Opera Australia and continues to mentor young artists, shaping the future of opera.