October 15

Born in Seville in 1622, Valdés Leal trained under prominent masters and developed a distinctive Baroque style defined by strong contrasts and dynamic movement. His notable works, such as 'In ictu oculi' and 'Finis gloriae mundi,' are profound vanitas paintings that confront viewers with the transience of life. He contributed frescoes to cathedrals and monasteries across Andalusia, often integrating theological symbolism with theatrical flair. Valdés Leal also produced illustrations for devotional publications, blending artistic skill with spiritual themes. His powerful imagery and emotional intensity made him one of the leading figures of Spain’s Golden Age of painting. He died in 1690, leaving a legacy of bold artistry that continues to inspire.

Born in 1735 in London, Nathaniel Dance-Holland trained under the portraitist Richard Wilson and developed a reputation for elegant portraiture. He became a founding member of the Royal Academy in 1768 and exhibited his works regularly. Dance-Holland painted notable figures of Georgian England, capturing their likeness with refined detail. In 1790, upon inheriting his uncle’s estate, he adopted the surname Dance-Holland. Transitioning to public service, he represented East Grinstead and later Great Bedwyn in Parliament. Throughout his dual careers, he balanced artistic achievement with political responsibility until his death in 1811.

Born in 1837 in London, Gilbert Arthur à Beckett was the son of Punch co-founder Gilbert Abbott à Beckett. He followed in his father’s footsteps, writing satirical articles and sketches for Punch magazine. À Beckett also penned lyrics and librettos for comic operas and musical burlesques that enjoyed popular success in Victorian theatre. His collaborations with composers and performers helped shape the era’s entertainment scene. A versatile writer, he edited journals and wrote travelogues, showcasing his wit and narrative flair. His sudden death in 1891 cut short a prolific career that spanned journalism, literature, and theatre.

He was born in 1850 in Všebořice, Bohemia. He studied at the Prague Conservatory, where he developed his musical voice. Fibich composed several operas, including the trilogy "Záboj, Slavoj and Luděk", and numerous piano cycles. His cycle "Moods, Impressions and Reminiscences" remains a highlight of Romantic piano repertoire. Blending Czech folk elements with lush orchestration, he carved a unique place in 19th-century music. He died in 1900, leaving a lasting impact on the Czech musical tradition.

Born in 1914 in Tokyo, Fumio Hayasaka studied composition at the Tokyo Music School. He became a pivotal figure in Japanese film music, blending traditional melodies with modern orchestration. His collaborations with director Akira Kurosawa produced scores for 'Stray Dog' (1949), 'Rashomon' (1950), and 'Seven Samurai' (1954). Hayasaka also composed concert works including symphonic poems and chamber music. His style influenced generations of Japanese composers and elevated the role of music in cinema. He won numerous awards for his pioneering contributions before his untimely death from cancer in 1955.

Born in 1891 in Indiana, Cole Porter studied at Yale and Harvard, honing his musical talents. He broke into Broadway with the musical 'Paris' in 1928, establishing his sophisticated style. Porter's celebrated shows include 'Anything Goes' (1934) and 'Kiss Me, Kate' (1948). His songs, like 'Night and Day' and 'I Get a Kick Out of You', remain standards. Despite a serious riding accident in 1937 that caused chronic pain, he continued to write. Porter was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and passed away in 1964.

Virginia Lee Burton was born in Massachusetts and trained at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She wrote and illustrated acclaimed children's books like The Little House and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. Her distinctive style combined charming narratives with detailed woodcut illustrations. Burton founded the Folly Cove Designers artist community in Cape Ann. Her work earned the Caldecott Medal and continues to inspire readers worldwide. She balanced storytelling and artistry to create timeless classics. Burton's legacy endures in children's literature and illustration.

W. Eugene Smith was a pioneering figure in photojournalism, working for magazines like Life. He produced influential photo essays such as Country Doctor and Minamata. Smith's images combined technical mastery with deep empathy for his subjects. He often immersed himself in his stories, living alongside the communities he photographed. Smith's work exposed social injustices and environmental issues to a global audience. Despite health struggles from his photo chemicals, he continued to innovate in photography. His legacy endures in visual journalism and documentary photography.

Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji was born in England in 1892 to a Parsi father and English mother. A gifted pianist, he debuted as a soloist in London at the age of sixteen, performing his own Piano Concerto. His compositions are noted for their monumental scale, technical demands, and rich harmonic language, often lasting hours. Sorabji also wrote influential music criticism, advocating for contemporary composers and challenging musical conventions. After a critical article caused scandal, he withdrew his works from public performance for decades, leading a private life. He was also a prolific writer in Spanish and English on diverse topics, including naval history and cultural criticism. His eventual return to public performance in the 1970s renewed interest in his oeuvre among pianists and scholars.

Josef Locke was born in 1917 in Derry, Northern Ireland, and began his career performing in local patriotic concerts. He served briefly as a soldier and policeman before fully dedicating himself to music in the 1940s. Locke achieved fame with hit songs like 'Hear My Song, Violetta,' earning him wide popularity in the UK and Ireland. He appeared in several British films and made regular radio and television appearances, showcasing his commanding vocal style. His charismatic performances drew sold-out crowds, and he became one of the best-selling artists of his era. Financial difficulties and tax disputes led him to spend over a decade performing abroad before returning to a triumphant comeback in the late 1970s. Locke passed away in 1999, remembered as a beloved entertainer whose legacy still resonates in Irish music.

Edie Adams was an American actress, singer, and comedian celebrated for her versatile talents on stage and screen. Born in 1927, she won a Tony Award for her Broadway performances and appeared in films like 'The Rocket Man.' Adams showcased her singing voice in nightclubs and television specials, earning acclaim as a recording artist. She was also known for her comedic partnership with husband Ernie Kovacs on television variety shows. Throughout her career, Adams left an enduring mark on entertainment with her charisma and range.