November 01

Born Giulio Pippi in 1499 near Rome, he studied under Raphael and contributed to iconic frescoes in the Vatican. After Raphael's death he completed many unfinished works and developed his own dynamic Mannerist style. In 1524 he moved to Mantua to serve the Gonzaga court, where he designed the celebrated Palazzo del Te with its whimsical frescoes. His architectural innovations merged classical forms with playful elements. His influence extended to artists throughout Italy, solidifying his legacy as a leading figure of the High Renaissance and Mannerism.

Born in 1588 in the Netherlands, Hendrick ter Brugghen traveled to Rome around 1607 and studied Caravaggio's revolutionary chiaroscuro. Upon returning to Utrecht he infused his portraits, genre scenes, and religious works with bold contrasts of light and shadow. His notable paintings include The Calling of St Matthew and The Concert, which showcase his mastery of color and emotion. Ter Brugghen's adoption of Italian Baroque techniques helped shape the Utrecht Caravaggisti movement. His career was cut short by his early death in 1629, but his influence endured in Dutch art.

Born in Nuremberg in 1908, Hugo Distler was a leading figure in 20th-century church music. He studied composition and organ before becoming choir director in Bielefeld. Distler’s works blended Baroque influences with modern harmonies, notably in his choral motets. He championed the a cappella style and wrote several organ works that remain in the repertoire. Distler’s life was cut short in 1942, but his music continues to influence church musicians worldwide.

Born Winifred Wright in 1911, Dixie Lee began her career singing with big bands in the early 1930s. She appeared in several films, showcasing her warm vocal style and on-screen charisma. Lee married singer Bing Crosby in 1930, balancing family life with her entertainment career. Her jazz-inflected performances earned her a devoted following during the swing era. Lee died in 1952, remembered as a pioneering female vocalist in American popular music.

King Vidor (1894–1982) was an American filmmaker whose five-decade career in Hollywood encompassed silent classics and groundbreaking talkies. He rose to fame with the 1925 epic 'The Big Parade', which remains one of the highest-grossing silent films. Vidor directed the first major black cast feature 'Hallelujah!' in 1929, showcasing his technical innovation and social consciousness. He continued to helm lauded dramas like 'Street Scene' (1931) and widescreen spectacles such as 'War and Peace' (1956). In recognition of his contributions to cinema, he received an honorary Academy Award in 1979. Vidor's legacy endures through his storytelling craftsmanship and cinematic vision that influenced generations of filmmakers.

Norman Krasna (1909–1984) was an American screenwriter, director, and producer who shaped the screwball comedy genre in the 1930s and 1940s. He penned hit screenplays such as 'Bachelor Mother' (1939) and 'Princess O'Rourke' (1943), earning an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Krasna also directed and produced several films, showcasing his flair for dialogue and pacing. His work influenced the style of romantic comedies across Hollywood, blending humor with sophisticated character dynamics. Beyond film, he wrote successful stage plays, demonstrating versatility across entertainment mediums.

Serge Garant (1929–1986) was a Canadian composer, conductor, and influential music educator. A leading figure in 20th-century Canadian classical music, he co-founded the Société de musique contemporaine du Québec in 1966 to promote modern works. Garant's compositions blended avant-garde techniques with lyrical expression, and he conducted premieres of important contemporary pieces. He taught at the University of Montreal, mentoring a generation of composers and musicians. Throughout his career, he served on national arts councils, helping to shape cultural policy in Canada. His legacy lives on in the performances of his works and the institutions he helped establish.

Born Andre Louis Hicks in 1970 in Oakland, California, he adopted the stage name Mac Dre. He co-founded Thizz Entertainment, championing independent West Coast rap. His energetic flow and playful lyrics became synonymous with the hyphy subculture. Hits like "Too Hard for the Radio" and "Get Stupid" cemented his local following. Despite legal troubles and a prison sentence, he remained a cult figure in underground hip-hop. He was tragically killed in a car-to-car shooting in Kansas City in 2004. His influence endures in the Bay Area music scene and beyond.

Born in 1943 in Akron, Ohio, he formed the Terry Knight and the Pack in the mid-1960s. After the group disbanded, he became manager and producer of Grand Funk Railroad. Under his direction, the band achieved multi-platinum success with hits like "We're an American Band." Knight was known for his sharp promotional skills and industry savvy. His relationship with the band soured, leading to legal disputes in the early 1970s. He later worked on solo projects and session production. Knight died tragically in 2004, leaving a complex legacy in rock history.

Born in 1918 in Birmingham, England, he immigrated to the U.S. as a child. He served as conductor for the NBC Symphony Orchestra under Arturo Toscanini. Henderson conducted The Tonight Show Orchestra in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1983, he founded The New York Pops, bringing orchestral pops to Carnegie Hall. He recorded numerous albums showcasing Broadway and popular music. A mentor to many musicians, he bridged classical and popular genres. He remained active until his death in 2005, leaving a lasting imprint on American music.

Born in 1922 in India, S. Ali Raza dedicated his life to filmmaking, crafting scripts and directing films that resonated with audiences across the country. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he collaborated with prominent actors and industry figures to bring compelling stories to the screen. He was recognized for his ability to blend drama and emotion in his narratives, leaving a lasting impact on Hindi cinema. His work helped shape the storytelling traditions of Bollywood, inspiring future generations of filmmakers. Raza passed away in 2007, leaving behind a rich cinematic legacy.

Born in 1974 in New Jersey, Shakir Stewart began his career in the music industry by scouting talent for record labels. He rose through the ranks to become Senior Vice President of A&R at Def Jam Recordings, overseeing the development and production of albums by emerging hip-hop and R&B artists. Under his leadership, the label signed several breakthrough acts and produced chart-topping hits. Stewart was respected for his ear for talent and his ability to guide artists through the creative process. He collaborated with top producers and executives to keep the label at the forefront of urban music. His untimely death in 2008 at the age of 34 shocked the music community. He is remembered for his influential role in modernizing hip-hop A&R strategies.