January 01

Hendrik Goltzius was born in 1558 in Mennistum, Netherlands. He became a leading figure of Northern Mannerism by mastering complex engraving techniques. His prints are renowned for intricate detail, dynamic compositions, and dramatic chiaroscuro effects. Goltzius also produced mythological and religious paintings, showcasing his versatility. He ran a prolific workshop in Haarlem and influenced printmaking styles across Europe. His legacy endures through prints that remain prized for their technical brilliance and artistry.

Johann Ludwig Krebs was born in 1713 in Buttelstedt, Germany. He studied at the Thomasschule in Leipzig under Johann Sebastian Bach. Krebs composed an array of organ works, including preludes, fugues, and chorale settings. His music blends Baroque intricacy with the emerging clarity of the Classical style. He served as court organist at Altenburg for most of his career. Krebs' compositions remain central to organ repertoire and Baroque studies.

Johann Christian Bach was born in 1735 in Leipzig, Germany. He was the youngest son of Johann Sebastian Bach and studied music in Milan. Bach settled in London, composing operas, symphonies, and chamber music for elite audiences. His 'galant' style, characterized by clear melodies and light textures, influenced contemporaries like Mozart. He was appointed music master to Queen Charlotte and organized public concerts. His work bridged Baroque traditions and laid foundations for Classical music.

Born in Venice in 1712, Guardi became a leading figure of the Venetian vedutista tradition. He captured the city’s canals, squares, and palaces with loose brushwork and a poetic use of light. Influenced by but distinct from his contemporary Canaletto, Guardi favored mood over precision. His scenes of Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal are celebrated for their atmospheric depth. In addition to painting, he taught and mentored aspiring artists. Guardi’s works now hang in major museums around the world. He died on January 1, 1793, leaving behind a legacy of romantic Venetian vistas.

Edwin Landseer Lutyens was a leading British architect of the early 20th century known for his innovative blending of traditional and modern design. Born in 1869, his major works include Castle Drogo, one of England’s last great country houses, and the Thiepval Memorial on the Somme. Lutyens also played a central role in planning New Delhi, designing the Viceroy’s House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan). His versatile oeuvre, spanning public monuments to private residences, has left a lasting legacy in architectural history.

Hank Williams was born in 1923 in Mount Olive, Alabama, and became one of the most influential figures in country music. As a singer-songwriter and guitarist, his simple yet profoundly emotional lyrics resonated with audiences. Classics such as 'Cold, Cold Heart', 'I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry', and 'Your Cheatin' Heart' remain staples of the genre. Despite his untimely death at 29, Williams’s honky-tonk style and storytelling legacy inspired generations of artists across country and rock music. He was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961.

Edward Weston was born in 1886 in Highland Park, Illinois, and became one of the most influential figures in modern photography. Beginning as a commercial photographer, he soon rejected Pictorialism in favor of 'straight photography' with sharp focus and rich tonality. In 1932, Weston co-founded Group f/64 alongside Ansel Adams and others, advocating for pure photographic technique. His iconic images of landscapes, still lifes, and nudes, such as 'Pepper No. 30', showcase his mastery of form and texture. Weston’s work redefined photographic art and continues to inspire photographers worldwide.

Maurice Chevalier was born in Paris in 1888 and began his career singing in the popular cabarets of Montmartre. His charm, wit, and distinctive voice made him a star on the French music hall scene in the early 20th century. Chevalier transitioned to film in the 1930s, appearing in both French and Hollywood productions, including the musical film Love in the Afternoon. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in Gigi (1958). Chevalier's signature straw boater hat and relaxed style endeared him to audiences around the world. Beyond his entertainment career, he remained active in charitable causes and continued performing well into his later years.

Roland Hayes was born in 1887 in Curryville, Georgia, and displayed musical talent from an early age. He pursued his studies at Talladega College and later in Boston under celebrated teachers such as George Whitefield Chadwick. In the 1920s, Hayes became the first African American to tour Europe as a concert soloist, earning international acclaim. He famously performed for President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House and at Carnegie Hall. As a composer and music educator, Hayes published songs and taught young musicians, leaving a lasting impact on vocal pedagogy. His pioneering achievements helped pave the way for future generations of African American classical artists.

Carle Hessay was born in 1911 in Freiburg, Germany, and later emigrated to Canada after World War II. He settled in Vancouver, where he developed a unique painting style blending abstraction with elements of surrealism. Hessay's vibrant color palettes and dynamic brushwork captured the moods of the Pacific Northwest landscape. He exhibited widely in Canada, participating in group shows and solo exhibitions from the 1950s through the 1970s. In addition to painting, Hessay explored printmaking and worked on scenic designs for theater productions. His works are held in several public and private collections, and he is remembered as a distinctive voice in Canadian art.

Hephzibah Menuhin was born in 1920 in San Francisco and displayed prodigious talent at the piano from an early age. She studied with her brother Yehudi's teacher, Adolf Busch, and made her debut with the San Francisco Symphony at age eight. Menuhin's career took her across Europe and North America, where she was celebrated for her sensitive interpretations of Bach and Beethoven. She married the British painter Lindsay Nicholas and later settled in Australia, where she became a citizen and championed social causes. Menuhin co-founded the Katoomba Music Festival and worked tirelessly for refugee relief and indigenous rights. Her memoirs and articles reflect her deep commitment to peace, education, and the transformative power of music.

Alexis Korner was born in 1928 in Paris to a British father and Greek mother and moved to London as a child. A self-taught guitarist and blues enthusiast, he formed Blues Incorporated in 1961, one of the first British bands dedicated to electric blues. Korner welcomed young talents like Mick Jagger, John Mayall, and Eric Clapton into the group, helping launch the British blues boom. His eclectic style blended jazz, rhythm and blues, and skiffle, and he recorded albums both with his own bands and as a session musician. Korner was also a radio host and broadcaster, promoting blues music to wider audiences through his BBC programs. He continued performing and mentoring musicians until his death in 1984, leaving a profound legacy on rock and blues music.