January 10

Johannes Zick was born in 1702 in Lachen, Bavaria. He became one of the foremost fresco painters of the German Rococo style. Zick’s works adorn the Würzburg Residence, the diocesan church of Fürstenfeld and other notable sites. His vibrant compositions and use of color brought Baroque ceilings to life. Apart from frescoes, he produced altarpieces and portraits for ecclesiastical patrons. Zick’s art influenced a generation of German painters and decorators. He died in 1762, remembered for his masterful integration of architecture and painting.

Johann Rudolf Zumsteeg was born in 1760 in Sachsenheim, Germany. He served as Hofkapellmeister and conductor at the court of Duke Charles Eugene of Württemberg. Zumsteeg composed over 90 ballads, setting German poetry to music with expressive flair. His Lieder anticipated the Romantic style and influenced later composers like Franz Schubert. He also wrote operas and instrumental works, contributing to late Classical music. Zumsteeg was respected as a conductor and music teacher in Stuttgart. He died in 1802, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of the German art song.

John Wellborn Root was born in 1850 and studied engineering before joining the Chicago firm Burnham & Root. He became a leader of the Chicago School of architecture, pioneering steel-frame construction and functional design. Root designed landmark skyscrapers such as the Rookery Building and the Monadnock Building, which combined structural innovation with aesthetic details. His work significantly influenced the development of modern high-rise architecture and urban skylines. Root's career was cut short by his death in 1891, but his legacy endures in architectural history.

Heinrich Zille was born in Radeburg, Germany in 1858. He trained as a lithographer before turning to illustration and photography. His work humorously and empathetically portrayed the lives of Berlin's working poor. He published iconic collections such as "Ur-Bilder und Geschichten aus dem Berliner Leben". Nicknamed "Pinselheinrich", he became a leading figure in the Berlin Secession art movement. Zille's legacy endures as a pioneer in social documentation through art.

Born in 1896 in Penang, Yong Mun Sen was one of the founding figures of Malaysian modern art. He studied painting techniques in China and Europe, blending Eastern and Western styles in his watercolor works. His art often depicted rural landscapes, traditional villages, and everyday life, capturing the spirit of Malaysia. He held regular exhibitions that helped establish watercolor as a viable medium in the region. His pioneering role earned him the title 'Father of Malaysian Painting,' inspiring generations of local artists. He passed away in 1962, leaving behind a rich legacy of artistic innovation.

Born in 1903, Barbara Hepworth emerged as one of the leading British sculptors of the 20th century. Her work is characterized by organic, abstract forms often pierced or hollowed to explore space and light. Hepworth studied at Leeds School of Art and the Royal College of Art before traveling to Italy for inspiration. She was a founding member of the British group of artists known as the Unit One movement. During World War II, she lived in Cornwall, where the landscape influenced her to create interior and exterior sculptures. Her legacy includes public commissions, major retrospectives, and a studio preserved as a museum. Hepworth died in 1975, celebrated for transforming modern sculpture.

Jean Martinon studied at the Paris Conservatory and rose to prominence as a conductor of major orchestras across Europe and North America. He was celebrated for his dynamic interpretations of classical and contemporary repertoire. As a composer, he wrote symphonies, concertos, and chamber works that combined traditional forms with modern harmonies. His compositions were performed internationally and showcased his deep understanding of orchestral color. Martinon's dual talents as conductor and composer earned him critical acclaim and influence among musicians. He passed away in 1976, leaving a rich legacy in 20th-century music.

Dean Dixon was an American-Swiss conductor recognized as one of the first African-American maestros to lead major orchestras in the 20th century. Born in New York City, he graduated from Juilliard and led the New York City Symphony Orchestra in 1937. Facing racial discrimination in the United States, Dixon moved to Europe in the 1950s and became principal conductor of the Westphalian Symphony. He appeared with top ensembles such as the Berlin Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, and Amsterdam Concertgebouw. Dixon championed American composers through international recordings and broadcasts. In 1975, he founded the New York Chamber Orchestra, returning to the U.S. stage. He spent his final years in Switzerland, where he continued guest conducting until his death in 1976.

Eldzier Cortor was an American painter best known for portraying the beauty and dignity of African-American women. Born in Richmond, Virginia, he studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and traveled extensively through Haiti, influencing his color palette and subject matter. Cortor's style combined modernist abstraction with refined figurative forms, emphasizing elongated figures and vibrant patterns. His works were exhibited at leading museums, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art. He also produced prints and illustrations for publications like Ebony magazine. As a longtime educator at Spelman College, Cortor mentored numerous artists. His legacy endures in collections worldwide for its cultural resonance and artistic innovation.

Born Gerald Wexler in New York City, Jerry Wexler started his career writing for Billboard magazine and is credited with coining the term 'Rhythm & Blues'. In the 1950s, he joined Atlantic Records as a producer and executive, signing and nurturing artists like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Wilson Pickett. Wexler helped craft the sound of Southern soul by collaborating with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. His production credits include classics such as 'I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)' and 'Respect'. Over five decades, Wexler earned multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Known for his deep musical insight and open-minded studio approach, he bridged gaps between jazz, blues, and rock. Wexler continued producing and consulting until his death in 2008, leaving a profound legacy in popular music.

Gisele MacKenzie was born in 1927 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and began singing on radio as a teenager. Her NBC radio program, “The Gisele MacKenzie Show,” showcased her vocal versatility in the 1940s and '50s. She appeared regularly on television series like “Your Hit Parade” and performed at Carnegie Hall. Known for her warm contralto voice, she recorded popular albums spanning jazz and traditional pop. MacKenzie also acted in films, including “Here Come the Marines” and “Flame of Calcutta.” She toured internationally and became one of the first Canadian artists to gain fame in the United States. Her pioneering television work paved the way for future crossover performers. She passed away in 2003, remembered for her trailblazing contributions to entertainment.

Johnnie Ray was born in 1927 in Dallas, Oregon, and lost his hearing in one ear due to otosclerosis. He began his career performing in clubs in Portland before signing with Columbia Records in 1951. Ray’s soulful voice and theatrical delivery broke charts with hits like “Cry” and “Just Walkin’ in the Rain.” His emotional performances captivated audiences and foreshadowed the rise of rock and roll. On stage, Ray was known for his dramatic gestures and magnetic charisma, shaping modern pop shows. He toured widely, including groundbreaking concerts in Australia and Europe, sometimes preceded by riots. Despite hearing challenges, he became one of the decade’s best-selling artists. Ray continued performing until his death in 1990, leaving a lasting impact on music and performance style.