November 21

The 1900 exhibition at Gallery Durand-Ruel brought together Claude Monet’s latest canvases, highlighting his mastery of atmospheric effects and fleeting moments. Durand-Ruel, a key patron of the Impressionists, provided Monet with critical support and exposure to collectors. Visitors were captivated by scenes of water lilies, gardens, and urban landscapes bathed in sunlight. The show reinforced Monet’s status as a leading figure in the avant-garde and influenced subsequent generations of artists. It remains a milestone in the acceptance of modern art in France.

Alan Freed, the influential radio DJ credited with popularizing the term "rock and roll," was dismissed from New York's WABC on November 21, 1959. Investigations revealed that he had accepted payments from record companies in return for playing their songs, a practice known as payola. Freed's fall from grace triggered congressional hearings that reshaped broadcasting regulations. The scandal tarnished his career, and he struggled to regain his former prominence. Despite the controversy, Freed's early championing of rhythm and blues artists left an enduring mark on American music history.