December 12

Born in 1907 on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation in Idaho, Bailey gained early fame performing with her brother's jazz band. She moved to New York and became a regular at the Harlem Savoy Ballroom and the Ille Royale nightclub. Bailey recorded hits like 'Rockin' Chair' and 'Please Be Kind' with Paul Whiteman's orchestra. Her clear tone and swinging style set a new standard for jazz vocals, influencing artists like Ella Fitzgerald. She balanced a demanding live performance schedule with groundbreaking studio recordings throughout the 1930s. Despite health challenges, her legacy earned her recognition among early jazz greats. Mildred Bailey helped pave the way for future generations of female vocalists in jazz and popular music.

Paul Cadmus (1904–1999) was an American painter and illustrator renowned for his precise technique and satirical examinations of modern life. Emerging in the 1930s, he became part of the Art Deco movement and created iconic works for magazines and books. His most famous painting The Fleet's In invoked controversy for its homoerotic undertones, leading to public debates on artistic censorship. Cadmus also collaborated with the Works Progress Administration to produce murals that captured the era's social dynamics. Throughout his career, he maintained a commitment to representational art, influencing generations of artists. His legacy persists in museum collections worldwide and in the ongoing discourse on art and society.

Ike Turner began his career as a session musician and bandleader in St. Louis before moving to California, where he formed the Kings of Rhythm. He recorded 'Rocket 88' in 1951, a track often cited as one of the first rock and roll records. Turner later discovered and produced records for Tina Turner, launching her career and forming the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Their dynamic live shows and hits like 'River Deep – Mountain High' earned international acclaim. Outside of performance, Turner worked as a producer and solo artist, exploring blues, soul, and funk. Despite personal controversies, his influence on early rock music is undeniable. Turner received posthumous recognition with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His technical skill on guitar and pioneering recordings have left an enduring mark on popular music.

Born February 15, 1928 in Kokomo, Indiana. Bridwell graduated from Earlham College and began a career in advertising before turning to children's literature. In 1963, he introduced Clifford the Big Red Dog, inspired by his wife's recollection of a giant red horse her brother once saw. The Clifford series grew into a franchise of over 70 books, television adaptations, and merchandise. Bridwell's warm illustrations and gentle storytelling made Clifford a staple of early childhood literacy worldwide. His work earned him international recognition and inspired a generation of young readers to discover the joy of books.

Patrick Michael DiNizio was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He founded and led The Smithereens, a rock band that rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like "Blood and Roses" and "Only a Memory". DiNizio's songwriting blended power pop melodies with rock energy, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Beyond his work with the band, he released several solo albums that showcased his lyrical depth and melodic craft. He was also involved in various collaborative projects and continued recording until his death in 2017.

Vicente Fernández Gómez was a Mexican singer, actor, and film producer who became an icon of ranchera music. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he recorded over 100 albums and sold an estimated 50 million records worldwide. Known for his powerful vocals and traditional mariachi arrangements, Fernández popularized songs like "El Rey", "Volver, Volver", and "Por Tu Maldito Amor". He also appeared in over 30 films, portraying charro characters that embodied Mexican cultural identity. Fernández's contributions to music earned him multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards. He retired from performance in 2016 with a historic farewell tour but remained active in the music industry until his death in 2021.