December 27

Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659–1743) was a leading French Baroque painter celebrated for his sumptuous portraits of Louis XIV and other European monarchs. His meticulous technique captured the luxurious textures of fabrics and the dignity of his subjects, setting a new standard for court portraiture. Rigaud's work influenced generations of artists and became emblematic of the opulence of the Sun King's reign. He was appointed official court painter, receiving numerous commissions from the highest ranks of society. He died on December 27, 1743, at the height of his artistic career.

Alexandre Pierre François Boëly was a French composer and pianist noted for his revival of Baroque keyboard music in 19th-century France. A master of the organ and piano, he composed sonatas, chorales, and fugues that combined classical forms with emerging Romantic sensibilities. Boëly taught at the Paris Conservatoire, influencing a generation of French musicians, including Cesar Franck. Despite his dedication to earlier musical traditions, his own compositions displayed innovative harmony and expressive depth. He championed the works of Bach and Couperin at a time when they were largely neglected in France. Boëly's contributions helped shape the revival of early music and the evolution of French organ repertoire.

Achilles Alferaki was born into a distinguished noble family in Taganrog and studied music across Europe. He composed numerous operas, choral works, and chamber pieces that were performed throughout the Russian Empire. In addition to his musical career, Alferaki entered public service and was appointed Governor of Taganrog in the late 19th century. During his tenure, he supported cultural initiatives and infrastructure projects that boosted the city's prominence on the Sea of Azov. His legacy endures as a unique figure who bridged artistic innovation with civic leadership.

Born in San Francisco in 1877, Rinaldo Cuneo was part of the Cuneo family of artists and earned the nickname 'the Painter of San Francisco.' He studied at the Mark Hopkins Institute of Art and later worked as a muralist and easel painter. Cuneo's work captures the subtle light and color of the California landscape, often featuring misty coastlines and rolling hills. His style blends Impressionist influence with a keen sense of realism. Throughout his career, Cuneo exhibited at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition and other major shows, gaining regional acclaim. He also taught art and contributed to public murals that enriched civic spaces. Cuneo died in 1939, leaving behind a legacy of evocative regional landscapes.

Max Beckmann was born in Leipzig in 1884 and studied at the Weimar Art School, later serving as a medical orderly in World War I. His postwar work became linked to the New Objectivity movement, characterized by realism and critical social commentary. Beckmann's bold, symbolic imagery explored themes of identity, exile, and the human condition. In 1933, the Nazi regime banned his art, labeling it 'degenerate,' prompting his emigration first to Amsterdam and then to the United States. He taught at Washington University in St. Louis and the Brooklyn Museum, influencing a generation of American artists. Beckmann's paintings and prints are noted for their intense color, distorted perspective, and mythic narrative. He died in New York City in 1950, leaving a profound impact on modern art.

Edgar Ende (1901–1965) was a German artist whose surrealist paintings explored fantastical landscapes and subconscious themes. Studying in Munich, he developed a distinctive style that blended vivid imagery with psychological depth. Banned by the Nazi regime as degenerate art, many of his works were lost or hidden during World War II. After the war, Ende resumed exhibiting and influenced cultural circles, including his son, author Michael Ende. His legacy endures through haunting compositions that bridge reality and dream.

Chris Bell (1951–1978) was a pioneering figure in the development of power pop as co-founder of Big Star in Memphis. He penned songs like 'Thirteen' and 'In the Street,' blending melodic hooks with introspective lyrics. After the band's commercial struggles, Bell pursued a solo career, releasing the cult classic EP 'I Am the Cosmos' shortly before his untimely death. His emotive songwriting and guitar work have inspired countless indie and alternative rock artists, cementing his posthumous reputation.

Born Robert Lavern Luman in 1937 in Nibley, Utah, he began performing country and rockabilly in the 1950s. He broke through with the humorous hit 'Let's Think About Living' in 1960, which reached the Top 10 on the country charts. Over his career, he blended rockabilly, country, and pop to create an energetic musical style. He hosted a television show in Shreveport and recorded extensively for several major labels. His influence can be heard in later explorers of country-rock crossover music. He passed away suddenly in 1978 but remains a cult figure for rockabilly revivalists.

Born in 1899 in Bloomington, Indiana, he briefly practiced law before devoting himself to music. He composed over 100 songs, including standard classics like 'Stardust', 'Georgia on My Mind', and 'Heart and Soul'. His smooth songwriting blended jazz harmonies with popular song structures, influencing generations of musicians. Carmichael also appeared as an actor in films such as 'To Have and Have Not' (1944). He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He died in 1981, leaving a legacy as one of America's most beloved composers.

Alexander 'Shura' Cherkassky (1909–1995) was a celebrated Ukrainian-American concert pianist. He gained acclaim for his dazzling technique and expressive interpretations of Romantic repertoire. Cherkassky performed with major orchestras worldwide, including the New York Philharmonic. His distinctive flair and spontaneity made his recitals memorable events. He was also a respected teacher, giving masterclasses at institutions like Juilliard. Cherkassky's recordings and performances continue to influence generations of pianists.

Hank Garland (1930–2004) was an influential American guitarist who shaped the Nashville sound in the 1950s and early 1960s. He played on records for Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, and Brenda Lee and was a member of the legendary “Nashville A-Team” of session musicians. Garland's technical proficiency allowed him to seamlessly fuse country, jazz, and early rock styles. In 1961, a near-fatal car accident left him quadriplegic and ended his performing career. Despite his disability, he remained a respected figure in music history, and his work continues to inspire guitarists. His innovative techniques expanded the possibilities of electric guitar in popular music.

Delaney Bramlett (1939–2008) co-founded the influential rock and soul band Delaney & Bonnie & Friends. His dynamic vocals and guitar work attracted artists like Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Duane Allman to join the ensemble. Bramlett co-wrote songs such as "Superstar," which became a hit for The Carpenters. He earned acclaim as a producer, shaping the sound of Clapton's early solo albums Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. Bramlett's blend of gospel, blues, and rock influenced the development of 1970s popular music. His musical legacy endures through memorable live performances and the Johnston City Sessions.