December 06

Born in 1495, Jan van Scorel studied in Italy and brought Renaissance techniques back to the Low Countries. He introduced classical proportions and perspective to Northern art, creating religious altarpieces and portraits that blend Italian and Netherlandish styles. Van Scorel collected antiquities and fostered cultural exchange between regions. His innovative workshop trained future generations of artists and helped spark the Northern Renaissance until his death in 1562.

Benedictus Buns was born in 1642 in Geldern and entered the Order of St Augustine. He served as a parish priest while composing a prolific body of sacred music, including masses, motets, and oratorios. His instrumental sonatas and trio sonatas combine Dutch, German, and Italian styles, reflecting the cosmopolitan tastes of the Baroque era. Buns published several collections of works in Rome and Antwerp, gaining recognition among European courts. A skilled organist, he was admired for his contrapuntal mastery and emotive melodies, praised by contemporaries such as Corelli. He died in 1716, and his compositions continue to be rediscovered by early music ensembles worldwide.

Born in 1665 at Redbraes Castle, Lady Grizel Baillie was the daughter of a Scottish laird and became celebrated for her verse and songs. Her poems often reflect domestic life, loyalty, and the political turmoil of 17th-century Scotland. Grizel's cookery receipts and correspondence were later published as Rare and Valuable Receipts, offering insight into period cuisine and society. A close friend of the Marquess of Douglas, she was admired for her wit, piety, and resilience during the Covenanter rebellions. Though she never published in her lifetime, her writings were brought to light by later generations, securing her place in Scottish literary history. She died in 1746, leaving a personal record of an era marked by cultural and religious change.

Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin was born in 1699 in Paris, where he trained as a painter of genre scenes. He gained acclaim for his quiet, meticulously rendered still lifes of household objects and humble domestic moments. Chardin was admitted to the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in 1728, earning royal commissions. His works such as The Ray and The House of Cards exemplify his mastery of light, texture, and subtle color harmonies. Rejecting the grandiloquence of Baroque art, he captured the dignity of everyday life with poetic realism. Chardin died in 1779, leaving an enduring legacy that influenced Realist and Impressionist painters.

Born in 1814 on the island of Chios, Vryzakis survived the massacre and emerged as a national artistic voice. Trained in Munich, he blended German romanticism with Greek themes to capture moments of liberation. His works like 'The Missolonghi Exodus' portray patriotism and the struggles of Greek heroes. He taught at the Athens School of Fine Arts, mentoring future generations of artists. Vryzakis helped shape the visual identity of modern Greece through his historical paintings. He died on December 6, 1878, and is remembered as a founding figure of Greek national art.

Born in Paris in 1903, Lucienne Boyer rose to fame with her 1930 hit 'Parlez-moi d'amour'. Known for her velvety voice and expressive performances, she became a symbol of Parisian chanson. She toured Europe and North America, captivating audiences with her romantic repertoire. Boyer also appeared in several French films and early television broadcasts. During World War II, she performed for troops to boost morale. She remained a beloved figure in French music until her death on December 6, 1983.

Born in 1936 in Vernon, Texas, Roy Orbison became one of rock and roll's most distinctive voices. His four-octave range and emotive delivery defined hits such as 'Only the Lonely', 'Crying', and 'Oh, Pretty Woman'. Orbison's songs blended rockabilly, country, and pop influences, earning multiple Grammy Awards. After personal tragedies in the 1960s, he experienced a career resurgence in the 1980s as a member of the Traveling Wilburys alongside Bob Dylan and George Harrison. Known for his dark sunglasses and dramatic stage presence, Orbison left an indelible mark on popular music. He died from a heart attack on December 6, 1988, while on tour.

Born in 1902 in New York City, Sammy Fain was a prolific American composer of popular music and film scores. He collaborated with lyricists like Paul Francis Webster to create enduring songs such as 'Secret Love' and 'Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing', both of which won Academy Awards. Fain's melodies graced Hollywood musicals including Alice in Wonderland (1951). During the 1930s and 1940s, his compositions became standards recorded by countless artists. He also contributed songs to television and Broadway productions over a career spanning five decades. He died on December 6, 1989, remembered as one of America's great songwriters.

Born in 1912, John Payne started his career on Broadway before moving to Hollywood. He starred in films such as 'Miracle on 34th Street' and became known for his smooth baritone voice. In addition to acting, he produced and sang in several musicals, showcasing his versatility. Payne often portrayed charming leading men and built a loyal following during the Golden Age of cinema. His contributions as both a performer and producer left a lasting impact on American entertainment.

Born in 1948, Pavlos Sidiropoulos emerged as a leading figure in the Greek rock movement. He co-founded the influential band 'Exadaktylos Ston Peninta' and later formed 'Aprosarmostoi'. His music fused Western rock influences with Greek folk, creating a unique sound that resonated with youth. Sidiropoulos was celebrated for his poetic lyrics and rebellious spirit. Despite his untimely death, his legacy endures in Greek music and inspires contemporary artists.

César Baldaccini, commonly known simply as César, was a leading figure of the Nouveau Réalisme movement. He gained international recognition for his 'compressions', sculptures created by crushing automobiles and scrap metal into compact, powerful forms. His 'expansions', made from injected polyurethane foam, further showcased his exploratory approach to shape and volume. Throughout his career, César challenged traditional boundaries by transforming everyday industrial materials into acclaimed artworks. He exhibited globally at venues such as the Venice Biennale and influenced generations of sculptors through both his art and his teaching. His inventive spirit and bold creations left a lasting mark on modern sculpture.

Aziz Mian Qawwal, born Abdul Aziz in New Delhi, was a legendary Pakistani qawwali singer and poet whose remarkable vocal stamina and heartfelt lyrics captivated audiences for decades. Beginning his career in the 1960s, he recorded numerous albums of devotional Sufi music, often performing extended, improvised sessions that featured complex poetic compositions. His dynamic style and spiritual themes earned him acclaim across South Asia and among Sufi music enthusiasts worldwide. Besides his musical prowess, Aziz Mian was a prolific Urdu poet, using his verses to explore themes of love, devotion, and the divine. He remains one of the most influential figures in the history of qawwali music.