December 14

Giovanni Battista Cipriani (1727–1785) was an Italian painter and engraver who played a key role in introducing neoclassical aesthetics to 18th-century England. Born in Florence, he studied under pioneering artists before relocating to London in 1755. Cipriani produced elegant decorative paintings for noble patrons and designed intricate engravings for books and prints. He was among the founding members of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1768, reflecting his growing influence in British art circles. His work combined classical themes with refined drawing techniques that became widely admired. Cipriani's engravings helped disseminate artistic ideas across Europe and remain valued by collectors today.

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714–1788) was a German composer and keyboard virtuoso, celebrated for his expressive Empfindsamer Stil and influence on the transition to the Classical era. The second surviving son of Johann Sebastian Bach, he held positions at the courts of Frederick the Great and later in Hamburg. Bach published over 100 keyboard works, including sonatas, concertos, and symphonies that showcased his innovative harmonies and emotional depth. He was a pioneer in developing the clavier school, teaching a generation of composers and students. His writings on keyboard playing and composition codified new performance practices. C.P.E. Bach's adventurous musical language resonated with contemporaries such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, cementing his reputation as a bridge between baroque and classical traditions.

Fabián de la Rosa was a pioneering Filipino painter and the first director of the Fine Arts Department at the University of the Philippines. Born in 1869, he studied in Spain before returning to the Philippines to capture local life through his art. His works, characterized by luminous colors and expressive brushwork, include seminal portraits of national heroes and depictions of rural scenes. As an educator, he mentored generations of Filipino artists, shaping the country's art education in the early 20th century. De la Rosa's contributions helped establish the foundation for the Philippine modern art movement. His paintings are held in major museums and private collections, reflecting his status as a national artistic treasure. He died in 1937, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire Filipino painters today.

Dinah Washington was a versatile American vocalist and pianist celebrated for her blues, jazz, and R&B performances. Born Ruth Lee Jones in 1924, she adopted her stage name after winning a talent contest. Washington's emotive voice and phrasing shone in hits like "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes." She became one of the best-selling female jazz artists of her time and influenced future generations of singers. Her collaborations with top jazz musicians showcased her range from torch songs to swinging bebop. Washington won a Grammy Award in 1959 for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance. She died in 1963, but her recordings remain classics of American popular music.

Paula Nenette Pepin (1908-1990) was a versatile French musician who excelled as a composer, pianist, and lyricist. She studied at the Paris Conservatory, mastering both classical composition and piano performance. Her works range from art songs and solo piano pieces to orchestral compositions, blending traditional forms with modern harmonies. Pepin collaborated with prominent poets and performers, contributing lyrics to the French chanson repertoire. Her music was performed across Europe, earning acclaim for its lyrical depth and technical sophistication.

Kurt Winter (1946–1997) was a Canadian guitarist who rose to fame as a member of The Guess Who. Joining the band in 1970, he co-wrote hit songs such as “American Woman” and “No Time.” Winter’s guitar riffs and songwriting partnership helped define the group’s hard rock sound. He performed on albums including American Woman and Share the Land (1970). Though he left The Guess Who in 1974 due to health issues, his musical contributions remain celebrated. Winter’s legacy endures in classic rock history and Canadian music heritage.

Born in 1923 in Istanbul to a prominent diplomatic family, Ertegun moved to the U.S. as a child. In 1947, he co-founded Atlantic Records, signing and producing pioneering artists in R&B and soul. His visionary ear introduced the world to legends like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding. Ertegun’s passion for music extended to songwriting and hosting jazz sessions in his New York brownstone. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and continued influencing music until his death in 2006.

Joe Simon teamed up with Jack Kirby in the 1940s to create the iconic superhero Captain America, debuting the patriotic hero in 1941. As co-creator, writer, and artist, Simon helped shape the Golden Age of comic books with dynamic storytelling and memorable visual style. He co-founded the influential Simon & Kirby studio, pioneering genres such as romance comics and crime comics. Throughout his career, he received accolades for his innovative contributions to the medium and inspired generations of artists and writers. Simon's work remains a cornerstone of American pop culture, reflecting his enduring legacy in comics history.

Billie Jo Spears rose to fame in the 1970s with her powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting. Her signature song Blanket on the Ground topped the country charts in 1975 and became a timeless classic. During her career, Spears released numerous albums and earned several charting singles, blending traditional country sounds with contemporary themes. She toured internationally, connecting with audiences through her authentic performances and strong stage presence. Spears's influence on country music endures, and she is celebrated for her contributions to the genre.

C. N. Karunakaran was a leading figure in contemporary Indian art, acclaimed for his evocative landscapes, portraits, and illustrations. Born in 1940, he studied at the Government College of Fine Arts in Chennai and went on to teach at the Kerala School of Arts. Karunakaran's work blended traditional techniques with modern sensibilities, earning him recognition at national and international exhibitions. His illustrations appeared in books and magazines, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards for his contributions to art education and cultural development. Karunakaran's legacy endures through his influential paintings and the many students he mentored.

George Rodrigue (1944–2013) was an American artist renowned for his vivid Louisiana landscapes and Cajun culture depictions. He gained international fame with his 'Blue Dog' paintings, a series inspired by Cajun legend and his family dog. Rodrigue's bold use of color and pop art influences made his work instantly recognizable and widely celebrated. His paintings were exhibited in galleries worldwide and became sought-after collectibles. Beyond the Blue Dog, he explored themes of Southern heritage, wildlife, and environmental conservation. Rodrigue's legacy endures through museum retrospectives and the enduring popularity of his signature canine imagery.

Irene Dalis (1925–2014) was an acclaimed American mezzo-soprano and pianist. She rose to prominence at the Metropolitan Opera, performing in productions such as 'Carmen' and 'Les Troyens.' In 1984, Dalis founded Opera San José, nurturing young talent and enriching California's cultural scene. Her versatile voice and artistry earned her critical praise and a devoted following. Beyond the stage, she taught masterclasses and championed emerging opera singers. Dalis's legacy lives on through the continued success of Opera San José and its artists.