January 10

Born in 1849, Godard studied at the Paris Conservatoire and won the Prix de Rome. He composed operas, symphonies, and concertos, blending Romantic lyricism with classical structure. His Violin Sonata No. 1 and opera 'Jocelyn' remain celebrated for their melodic warmth. An accomplished violinist, he performed throughout Europe and championed his own works. Godard contributed to music criticism and taught at the Conservatoire. He died at the age of 45, leaving a rich legacy in French Romantic music.

Jean-Léon Gérôme (1824–1904) was a French painter and sculptor known for his precise academic style. He studied under Paul Delaroche at the École des Beaux-Arts and later became its director. Gérôme gained fame for his historical and orientalist scenes such as 'Pollice Verso' and 'The Snake Charmer'. His works are celebrated for their vivid detail, dramatic composition, and photographic realism. In addition to painting, he produced acclaimed sculptures that demonstrate his command of form. He influenced a generation of artists and shaped the taste of European art institutions in the 19th century.

Kārlis Baumanis (1835–1905) was a prominent Latvian composer and music teacher. He composed the lyrics and music for 'Dievs, svētī Latviju!', which became the Latvian national anthem in 1920. Baumanis played a key role in the Latvian National Awakening, promoting culture and language through song. He worked as a choir director and contributed to the development of Latvian choral traditions. His music remains a symbol of Latvian identity and patriotic pride. Baumanis’s legacy endures in Latvia’s cultural heritage.

Frank Bridge (1879–1941) was a distinguished English violist, conductor, and composer. He played viola in the BBC Symphony Orchestra and taught at the Royal College of Music. Bridge’s early works are marked by late-Romantic lyricism, while his later pieces explored modernist harmonies. His notable compositions include 'String Quartet No. 2', 'The Sea', and 'Phantasy String Quartet'. Bridge was a mentor to Benjamin Britten, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of composers. His chamber music and orchestral scores remain staples of the British repertoire.

John Lavery (1856–1941) was a leading figure in the Glasgow School of painting, known for capturing the subtleties of light and atmosphere in his works. He studied under Thomas Faed and gained acclaim as a society portraitist, painting royalty and notable figures across Europe. Lavery embraced modernist influences from Paris and Venice, enriching his palette and brushwork. In 1901, he was elected to the Royal Academy and later served as a professor, shaping generations of artists. His legacy endures in the atmospheric elegance of his paintings and his contributions to art education.

Charles E. Burchfield was a visionary American artist renowned for his expressive watercolor landscapes. Born in Ashtabula Harbor, Ohio, in 1893, he studied at the Cleveland School of Art. Burchfield's work captured the spiritual essence of the natural world, often infusing his scenes with atmospheric elements like swirling skies and glowing light. He produced over 600 paintings, exploring themes of urban and rural environments across the United States. His paintings are noted for their poetic quality and have been exhibited in major museums, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Burchfield's unique vision helped elevate American watercolor to new artistic heights.

Howlin' Wolf, born Chester Arthur Burnett in 1910, became one of the most influential blues musicians of the 20th century. His deep, gravelly voice and commanding presence set him apart in the Chicago blues scene. Wolf recorded classics like Smokestack Lightning, Spoonful, and Little Red Rooster, which became blues standards. He collaborated with many notable artists and influenced generations of rock and blues musicians. Known for his electrifying live performances, Howlin' Wolf toured extensively in the United States and Europe. His enduring impact on music earned him induction into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Don Gillis was born in Port Huron, Michigan and studied at the Eastman School of Music before establishing his career in New York. He composed a diverse range of works, including symphonic poems, concertos, and chamber music, often blending classical and popular styles. Gillis served as the musical director for television anthology programs in the 1950s, bringing orchestral music to a wider audience. His most famous piece, 'Symphony No. 5½, A Symphony for Fun,' showcased his playful and accessible approach to classical composition. He also conducted major American orchestras and played a key role in music education and outreach. Gillis's work contributed to popularizing orchestral music in mid-20th-century America through radio and television.

Born in London into a family of artists and scientists, Hannah Gluckstein adopted the professional name 'Gluck' to reflect her unique identity. Gluck studied at the Chelsea School of Art and later at the Slade School of Fine Art, developing a style characterized by robust brushwork and vivid color. Her portraits and still lifes often featured stylized forms that blended realism with modernist abstraction. Gluck's personal life and gender presentation challenged early 20th-century conventions, making her a quietly influential figure in queer art circles. Despite periods of struggle, including being excluded from exhibitions due to her masculine appearance, she continued to create powerful works throughout her life. Gluck's paintings have since been rediscovered and celebrated for their technical mastery and groundbreaking challenge to social norms.

Marion Hutton started her singing career in her teens, joining the Glenn Miller Orchestra as a featured vocalist in 1938. Her warm, clear voice contributed to hits such as 'At Last' and 'Volunteer Organ Blues.' She appeared on radio broadcasts and in short films, becoming a popular figure in the big band era. Hutton also recorded solo tracks and worked with other leading bands of the 1940s. Her sister, entertainer Betty Hutton, often cited Marion's musical influence on her own career. After retiring from music in the 1950s, Marion led a private life away from the spotlight. She is remembered for her contributions to the swing movement and her gentle stage presence.

Born in Magenta, Italy, in 1912, Carlo Ponti became one of the most influential producers of the golden age of Italian cinema. He worked with directors such as Federico Fellini, Michelangelo Antonioni, and Vittorio De Sica to create films that attained international acclaim. Ponti co-produced La Strada, which won the inaugural Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1957, and Doctor Zhivago, which earned multiple Oscar nominations. In 1957, he married actress Sophia Loren, and the couple became one of Europe's most glamorous power pairs. Over his six-decade career, Ponti produced more than 140 films across genres, helping to shape world cinema. His legacy lives on through the many classics that continue to inspire filmmakers today.

Born in Detroit in 1924, Margaret Whiting was the daughter of songwriter Dick Whiting and began performing on radio as a teenager. She recorded her first hit, 'That Old Black Magic,' in 1943 and went on to record classics like 'Moonlight in Vermont' and 'A Tree in the Meadow.' Whiting collaborated with legendary lyricist Johnny Mercer and topped the Billboard charts with multiple songs. Her warm contralto voice and emotive delivery made her a favorite during the golden age of pop music. She later appeared on television variety shows and continued recording into the 1960s. Whiting's enduring catalogue of recordings still resonates with fans of classic American popular music.