November 15

Sir William Herschel (1738–1822) was a German-English astronomer and composer who revolutionized astronomy. Born in Hanover, he served as a musician in England before turning his passion to telescope making and sky surveys. In 1781, Herschel discovered Uranus, the first planet found with a telescope, extending the known boundaries of the solar system. He catalogued over 2,500 nebulae and star clusters, laying groundwork for future deep-sky research. Herschel studied infrared radiation, identifying wavelengths beyond visible light and founding infrared astronomy. He served as Royal Astronomer to King George III and was knighted in 1816 for his contributions. His sister Caroline Herschel assisted in observations and made her own astronomical discoveries.

Joseph Quesnel (1746–1809) was a pioneering French-Canadian poet, playwright, and composer. Born in France, he emigrated to Quebec where he became a leading figure in colonial arts. Quesnel's operatic and theatrical works, such as "Colas et Colinette," were among the first examples of North American opera. He composed music that blended European classical traditions with distinctly Canadian themes. His poetic verses and librettos enriched the cultural life of Lower Canada. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Quesnel served in the local militia and engaged in business ventures. He is remembered as a foundational figure in the development of Canada's artistic heritage.

Georgia O'Keeffe (1887–1986) was born in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and became a central figure in American modernism. She gained recognition in the 1920s for her large-scale flower paintings, which critics saw as both abstract explorations and intimate portraits of nature. O'Keeffe moved to New Mexico in the late 1920s, drawing inspiration from its stark landscapes and vibrant colors. She developed a distinct style, blending abstraction with representation to capture the essence of her subjects. Married to photographer Alfred Stieglitz, who championed her work, she exhibited widely in New York and beyond. O'Keeffe's art continues to influence generations of artists, and her legacy is celebrated at museums such as the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. She remained creatively active well into her 90s, leaving behind a profound impact on American art.

Artie Matthews (1888–1958) was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and became a pioneering composer and pianist in the ragtime era. He studied under ragtime luminaries and blended syncopated rhythms with emerging jazz influences. Matthews published over 100 compositions, including popular rags such as Pastime Rags and Satisfaction Rag. He formed the Cosmopolitan School of Music in Chicago, where he taught the next generation of African-American musicians. His innovations helped transition ragtime into early jazz piano styles. Matthews's work remains celebrated for its melodic inventiveness and technical flair. He continued performing and composing in clubs and theaters until his death in 1958.

Annunzio Paolo Mantovani, known simply as Mantovani, created the signature “cascading strings” sound that defined easy listening music. He formed his orchestra in the 1930s, building a repertoire of light classical and popular tunes. His 1955 album “Mantovani Plays Music Out of the Movies” topped charts worldwide. He pioneered stereo recording techniques that enhanced orchestral depth. Mantovani toured extensively, selling millions of records and filling concert halls. His lush arrangements influenced film scores and popular music for decades.

José Cuauhtémoc 'Bill' Melendez was born on November 15, 1916, in Hermosillo, Mexico. He moved to the United States and became an animator at Walt Disney Studios, working on films like Bambi and Fantasia. Melendez co-founded a production studio and gained fame for producing animated specials featuring Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts characters. He provided the distinctive voices for Snoopy and Woodstock while directing dozens of TV specials and feature films. His work earned multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Melendez's innovative storytelling and animation techniques left a lasting impact on television and pop culture before his death in 2008.

Carol Bruce was born on November 15, 1919, in Manhattan, New York. She gained popularity in the 1940s for her roles in Broadway musicals such as 'No, No, Nanette' and 'Bloomer Girl.' Bruce also appeared in films, including the classic musical 'Stormy Weather.' Known for her rich contralto voice and stage presence, she captivated audiences on both stage and screen. Beyond performing, she worked as a radio and television host. Bruce's career spanned several decades, and she remained active in the arts until her passing in 2007.

Văn Cao left an indelible mark on Vietnamese culture through his music, poetry, and visual art. Born in Hải Phòng, he composed Tien Quan Ca in 1944, which later became the national anthem of Vietnam. A graduate of the Vietnam Music Institute, his compositions blended Western classical techniques with traditional Vietnamese melodies. As a poet and playwright, he explored themes of patriotism and humanism during turbulent historical periods. His paintings, influenced by both Eastern and Western styles, are exhibited in national galleries. Despite facing political challenges, Văn Cao’s artistic innovation and commitment to cultural identity made him a revered figure. His work continues to inspire artists across genres in Vietnam and beyond.

Gianni Ferrio composed evocative scores for over 150 films and television series from the 1960s onward, working across genres from spaghetti westerns to romantic dramas. He collaborated with directors like Sergio Leone and Lina Wertmüller, creating memorable themes that enhanced cinematic storytelling. Ferrio also conducted major European orchestras and released solo albums that blended jazz, classical, and pop influences. A graduate of the Milan Conservatory, he taught composition and inspired aspiring musicians. His versatility earned him awards at the Venice Film Festival and acclaim among film music aficionados. Ferrio’s music continues to be celebrated for its melodic richness and emotional depth.

Ed Asner was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1929 and began his acting career on Broadway. He rose to fame playing Lou Grant from 1970 to 1977, earning seven Emmy Awards for both comedic and dramatic performances. Asner also had a prolific film and voice acting career, notably voicing Carl Fredricksen in Disney•Pixar's 'Up' (2009). An outspoken advocate for social and political causes, he served as president of the Screen Actors Guild in the 1980s. His versatile talent and activism left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry before his death in 2021.

Born in Mississippi in 1929, Joe Hinton rose to fame in the mid-1960s for his gospel-infused soul performances. He signed with Derby and Parkway Records, scoring his biggest hit with 'For Your Precious Love' in 1967. Hinton's expressive delivery and vocal range influenced later soul artists. Despite his talent, his career was cut short when he died in 1968 at the age of 39. His recordings remain influential in the development of modern soul and R&B.

Petula Clark was born in Epsom, England, in 1932 and started broadcasting on BBC radio at age 8. She found international success in the 1960s with hits like 'Downtown', 'Don't Sleep in the Subway', and 'I Know a Place'. Clark also appeared in films and West End musicals, showcasing her versatility as a performer. She received a Grammy Award and an MBE for her contributions to entertainment. Her enduring career spans over eight decades, making her one of Britain's most beloved vocalists.