October 24

Marie Fel was born in 1713 in Bordeaux, France. She debuted at the Paris Opera in 1733 and quickly became one of its leading sopranos. Known for her clear tone and dramatic interpretation, Fel excelled in works by composers such as Rameau and Lully. She also pursued acting, appearing in tragédies en musique and opéra comique. Her career spanned over four decades, during which she premiered several important roles in the French repertoire. Fel’s contributions helped define the operatic style of 18th-century France and inspired generations of singers.

Massimo d’Azeglio (1798–1866) was an Italian nobleman, writer, and political leader. He served as Prime Minister of Sardinia-Piedmont from 1849 to 1852, promoting moderate liberal reforms. D’Azeglio was a key figure in the Italian unification movement, advocating constitutional monarchy. Alongside his political career, he published historical novels that celebrated Italian history and identity. An accomplished painter, he captured landscapes and scenes from his travels with a Romantic style. D’Azeglio’s multifaceted contributions helped shape the cultural and political landscape of 19th-century Italy.

Ferdinand Hiller (1811–1885) was a German composer, conductor, and teacher. He studied with luminaries like Salieri and briefly worked under Beethoven’s guidance. Hiller composed operas, symphonies, and piano works that were widely performed across Europe. As conductor of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig and later in Cologne, he shaped orchestral standards. He was a mentor to young musicians and an advocate for contemporary composers. Hiller’s contributions bridged classical and Romantic traditions in German musical culture.

Marianne North (1830–1890) was an English naturalist and botanical artist. She traveled solo to South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia, painting plants in their native habitats. North produced over 800 paintings, capturing rare and exotic species with scientific accuracy. Her works were so acclaimed that she funded and designed the Marianne North Gallery at Kew Gardens. North’s art provided a unique visual record of global flora during the Victorian era. Her passion for nature and art continues to inspire botanical studies and conservation efforts.

Konstantin Fedorovich Yuon was a Russian artist celebrated for his luminous Impressionist landscapes and innovative set designs for theater and film. Born in 1875 near Moscow, he studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. Yuon was a founding member of the Union of Russian Artists and later taught at the Higher Art and Technical Studios (VKhUTEMAS). His paintings often depicted rural scenes and Russian countryside bathed in light and color. In addition to his canvases, he designed sets for major theatrical productions, blending fine art techniques with stagecraft. Yuon's work bridged the traditions of Russian realism and European modernism. He remained active in the Soviet art world until his death in 1958.

Benjamin Albert Rolfe, known professionally as B. A. Rolfe, was an American cornet player and bandleader who gained fame during the vaudeville and radio eras. Born in 1879, he earned the nickname 'The Boy Trumpet Wonder' for his virtuosic playing. Rolfe led several popular ensembles, including B. A. Rolfe's Million Dollar Band, which recorded extensively and performed on national radio broadcasts. In addition to his musical career, he worked as a producer for Broadway shows and early motion pictures. His versatile talents spanned performance, recording, and production, influencing the development of American popular music. Rolfe continued to perform and manage musical acts until his death in 1956. He is remembered for his energetic style and contributions to early recorded and broadcast music.

Teikō Shiotani was born in 1899 in Tottori Prefecture and became one of Japan’s leading pictorialist photographers. He studied Western photographic techniques and applied them to capture the natural beauty of rural Japan in soft-focus, artistic prints. Shiotani’s work was featured in exhibitions and publications throughout the early 20th century, influencing the Japanese photography movement. He experimented with different printing processes, including gum bichromate and platinum. Later in life, he documented traditional festivals and local traditions with the same artistic vision. His photographs were rediscovered posthumously and acclaimed for their poetic quality. Shiotani died in 1988, leaving a legacy of artistic innovation.

Stella Brooks (1910–2002) was an American jazz vocalist who performed in prominent New York clubs throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Celebrated for her smooth, expressive voice, she collaborated with top jazz instrumentalists and brought a lyrical style to classic standards. Brooks appeared on radio broadcasts and recorded several sessions that captured her subtle phrasing and improvisational flair. After stepping away from the spotlight, she continued to influence jazz vocalists through her recordings and live performances. Her contributions represent a vibrant chapter in the history of American jazz, bridging traditional swing and emerging modern styles.

Saunders 'Sonny' Terry was born blind in Greensboro, Georgia, in 1911 and began playing harmonica at a young age, drawing on the Piedmont blues tradition. He formed a dynamic duo with guitarist Brownie McGhee in the 1940s, performing at clubs and recording prolifically. Terry's high-pitched vocals and percussive harmonica style made him a standout act during the post-war blues revival. He appeared at folk festivals in the 1950s and 1960s, bringing blues to new audiences. Throughout his career, he collaborated with a range of musicians and influenced generations of harmonica players. He died in 1986, leaving a lasting legacy in American roots music.

Peter Gellhorn was born in Berlin in 1912 and trained at the Berlin Hochschule für Musik before fleeing Nazi Germany in 1935. He settled in Britain and built a career as a conductor and music director for the BBC, working on radio and television programs. Gellhorn composed incidental music for dramas and taught at the Guildhall School of Music, influencing generations of musicians. He conducted premieres of contemporary British compositions and was known for his versatility and interpretative insight. He retired in 1980 and died in 2004, leaving a legacy of musical scholarship and performance.

Tito Gobbi was born in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, in 1913 and studied at the Milan Conservatory before making his operatic debut in Verona in 1935. Over a career spanning four decades, he became a leading baritone at La Scala, Covent Garden, and the Metropolitan Opera, excelling in Verdi and Puccini roles. Gobbi was acclaimed for his portrayal of Scarpia in Tosca and Count di Luna in Il Trovatore, combining powerful voice with compelling stage presence. He also appeared in filmed opera productions and documentaries, bringing his talents to wider audiences. He retired in the late 1970s and died in 1984, leaving behind a rich legacy of recordings and memorable performances.

Bob Kane (1915–1998) revolutionized the comic book industry by co-creating the iconic character Batman. His collaboration with Bill Finger led to one of the most enduring superheroes in popular culture. Kane's distinct art style and storytelling helped define the Golden Age of Comics. Beyond Batman, he worked on numerous other characters and served as a mentor to younger artists. His influence continues to shape comics, films, and merchandise worldwide.