December 13

Born on December 13, 1836, in Schrobenhausen, Bavaria, Lenbach studied art in Munich and Italy, honing his realist style. He gained fame for his portraits of influential figures such as Otto von Bismarck and King Ludwig II. In 1874, Lenbach became a professor at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts, mentoring the next generation of artists. His work combined technical precision with psychological depth, earning him prestigious commissions across Europe. Lenbach was ennobled by the Bavarian king for his artistic services. His paintings remain valued for their historical and artistic significance. He died in 1904, remembered as one of Germany’s leading 19th-century artists.

Emily Carr was a Canadian artist and author renowned for her expressive paintings of Indigenous communities and the towering cedar forests of British Columbia. Influenced by Post-Impressionism and the Indigenous art she encountered, her bold brushwork and vivid palette captured the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Carr published several books, including 'Klee Wyck', which won the Governor General's Award for its engaging stories about First Nations people. Her work gained recognition later in life, making her a leading figure in Canadian modernism. Carr's art and writings brought attention to Indigenous cultures during a period of cultural suppression. She inspired future generations of Canadian artists with her unique vision and dedication to preserving cultural heritage. Carr died in 1945, leaving a legacy as one of Canada's most beloved artistic voices.

Josef Lhévinne was a celebrated Russian pianist known for his exquisite technique and lyrical interpretations. He studied at the Moscow Conservatory and won the prestigious Anton Rubinstein Prize in 1897. Lhévinne toured extensively in Europe and the United States, earning acclaim for performances of Chopin, Beethoven, and Mozart. After settling in New York, he joined the faculty of the Juilliard School, where he mentored a generation of pianists. His teaching emphasized clarity of touch, tonal beauty, and musical phrasing, influencing piano pedagogy worldwide. Lhévinne also recorded several piano rolls that showcase his remarkable precision and artistry. He passed away in 1944, leaving behind a reputation as one of the finest pianists of his era.

Born in Rotterdam in 1897, Albert Aalbers studied architecture at the Delft University of Technology. In the 1920s he moved to the Dutch East Indies, where he became a leading proponent of modernist architecture. His design for the Savoy Homann Bidakara Hotel in Bandung combined Art Deco elements with tropical considerations. Aalbers also designed private residences and public buildings that showcased clean lines and functional form. After returning to the Netherlands in the 1940s, he continued to practice architecture until his death in 1961. His work is celebrated for its elegant integration of European modernism with local context.

Jonel Perlea was born in Galati, Romania in 1900 and studied music at the Bucharest Conservatory. After gaining recognition in Europe, he immigrated to the United States in 1940. He served as music director for major orchestras including the Dallas Symphony and the Detroit Philharmonic. Perlea was also a dedicated educator at institutions such as Juilliard, mentoring young conductors. He championed contemporary composers and premiered new works by European and American artists. He retired in the 1960s and passed away in 1970, leaving behind numerous recordings and students who continued his artistic vision.

Born in 1901 in Viljandi, Estonia, Olev Roomet dedicated his life to folk music. Skilled on the violin and traditional bagpipes, he performed with regional ensembles across Estonia. He founded the Estonian Folk Song Society to collect and record rural songs. Roomet toured internationally, introducing audiences to the distinct sounds of Estonian folk culture. He also taught music and inspired a revival of interest in indigenous instruments. His efforts ensured that Estonia’s musical heritage was preserved under Soviet rule until his death in 1987.

Carlos Montoya was born in Madrid in 1903 into a family of flamenco artists. He began playing guitar at a young age under the guidance of his uncle, Ramón Montoya. Montoya toured widely in Europe and the Americas, bringing flamenco to new audiences. He recorded numerous albums and collaborated with classical and jazz musicians, expanding flamenco's musical boundaries. His passionate technique and dramatic stage presence influenced generations of guitarists. Montoya continued performing into the 1980s and passed away in 1993, leaving a rich artistic legacy.

Born in Niles, Ohio, in 1911, Kenneth Patchen became a leading voice of American experimental poetry. His avant-garde verse blended surrealist imagery with jazz rhythms, challenging conventional poetic forms. As a painter, he created vibrant canvases and scrolls that fused text and color in dynamic compositions. Patchen’s multimedia performances, often set to live music, broke new ground in the collaboration between poets and musicians. His influence is seen in the Beat generation and across modern art, inspiring writers and artists until his death in 1972.

Born in Pernambuco in 1912, Luiz Gonzaga revolutionized Brazilian music with his accordion-driven rhythms. Nicknamed the "King of Baião," he popularized Northeastern genres like baião, forró, and xote nationwide. His 1947 hit "Asa Branca" became an anthem of the sertão, capturing the spirit and struggles of Brazil's Northeast. Over a six-decade career, Gonzaga recorded dozens of albums, blending folk traditions with modern arrangements. His legacy endures through countless artists and festivals that celebrate his contributions to Brazilian popular music.

Baxter gained fame in the early 1970s as a founding member of the rock band Steely Dan, contributing to hits like 'Reelin' In the Years'. He later joined The Doobie Brothers, co-writing and performing on tracks such as 'What a Fool Believes'. Beyond his band work, Baxter became an in-demand session musician, playing on albums by Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and others. He also produced records and pursued solo projects, showcasing his versatile guitar style. In the late 1990s, Baxter transitioned to a career in defense consulting, advising the U.S. government on cybersecurity and counterterrorism. His unique blend of music and technical expertise underscores his diverse career.

Nugent first gained attention in the late 1960s as lead guitarist of The Amboy Dukes, blending hard rock with psychedelic influences. He launched a solo career in the 1970s, producing hit albums like 'Ted Nugent' and 'Free-for-All' featuring 'Cat Scratch Fever'. Renowned for his flamboyant stage presence and wild guitar solos, he became a staple of American rock music. Beyond music, Nugent is a vocal advocate for gun rights and conservation, often stirring public controversy. His longevity and unique persona have kept him active in touring and recording for over five decades.

Morris Day is an American musician and actor who rose to fame in the 1980s as the lead singer of The Time, a band closely associated with Prince. He achieved hits such as "Jungle Love" and "The Bird" and became a prominent figure in the Minneapolis music scene. Day appeared in the iconic film Purple Rain and has released multiple solo albums showcasing his charismatic stage presence. Known for his suave persona and witty banter with longtime collaborator Jerome Benton, he continues to tour and record. His contributions helped define the Minneapolis sound and had a lasting impact on funk and R&B music.