February 06

Born around 1410 in the Burgundian Netherlands, Ockeghem served at the courts of Charles VII of France and Louis XI. He is celebrated for his intricate polyphonic masses and motets, which influenced generations of composers. Ockeghem's Missa Prolationum is renowned for its technical mastery and innovation. His writing combines expressive depth with structural complexity, epitomizing early Renaissance musical ideals. Despite limited biographical records, his work earned him widespread acclaim across Europe. Ockeghem died on 6 February 1497, remembered as one of the most important composers of his era.

Born in 1862 in Baumgarten near Vienna, Gustav Klimt studied at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts and quickly gained recognition for his decorative talent. In 1897 he co-founded the Vienna Secession, a group of artists who sought to challenge academic art conventions. Klimt's distinctive style featured elaborate patterns, gold leaf, and erotic symbolism, as seen in masterpieces like The Kiss and Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I. He explored themes of love, life, and death with sensuous imagery and bold compositions. Klimt's work influenced generations of modern artists and remains celebrated in museums worldwide. He passed away in Vienna in 1918, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.

Born in 1860 in Tula, Russia, Marianne von Werefkin studied under the realist master Ilya Repin before embracing avant-garde art. She moved to Munich in 1894 and co-founded the New Artists' Association, contributing to the early Expressionist movement. Werefkin's paintings are celebrated for their bold colors, emotional intensity, and psychological depth. She maintained close collaborations with artists like Alexej von Jawlensky and influenced the Blaue Reiter circle. After World War I, she settled in Switzerland, where she continued to paint and mentor younger artists. Werefkin died in 1938, leaving behind a substantial body of work that bridged realism and modernism.

Piero Manzoni was an Italian artist celebrated for his radical approach to art in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He challenged traditional notions of creation with his 'Achromes', canvas works devoid of color that explored materiality. His controversial 'Merda d'artista' series satirically packaged artist excrement as neutralized art commodities. Manzoni's playful provocations and conceptual experiments left a lasting impact on the global avant-garde movement. Despite dying young at 29, his innovative spirit influenced generations of contemporary artists and thinkers. His works are now held in major museums worldwide and continue to inspire debates on art, value, and authorship.

Vince Guaraldi was a self-taught jazz pianist who rose to fame in the late 1950s. He achieved widespread acclaim for composing the soundtrack to the Peanuts animated television specials. His signature track 'Linus and Lucy' became one of the most recognized jazz pieces worldwide. Guaraldi fused Latin, jazz, and bossa nova influences into a distinctive melodic style. Beyond Peanuts, he recorded acclaimed albums like 'Cast Your Fate to the Wind.' His warm, lyrical playing left an indelible mark on both jazz and popular culture. Guaraldi's music continues to enchant listeners across generations.

Hugo Montenegro was an American composer and conductor known for his popular orchestral albums. He gained fame in the 1960s with his cover of Ennio Morricone's 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' theme. Montenegro's lush arrangements brought cinematic sounds into mainstream radio and record sales. He composed and arranged music for films, television series, and advertising jingles. His innovative fusion of orchestral and electronic elements influenced future media composers. Montenegro received multiple Grammy nominations for his dynamic interpretations. His work remains celebrated for capturing the spirit of the Western genre in vivid musical form.

Ben Nicholson (1894–1982) was a leading British abstract painter. He studied in London and Paris and experimented with Cubism and Modernism. His iconic white reliefs, combining simple geometric shapes and muted colors, defined his mature style. Nicholson served as president of the London Group and collaborated with sculptor Barbara Hepworth. He exhibited widely across Europe and the U.S., shaping the course of 20th-century British art. His works are held by major institutions such as Tate Britain and the Museum of Modern Art. Nicholson's innovative approach to abstraction continues to influence contemporary artists.

Minoru Yamasaki (1912–1986) was a Japanese-American architect whose modernist designs reshaped urban skylines. After studying at the University of Washington and MIT, he established his practice in Detroit. His most iconic project was the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, completed in 1973. Yamasaki’s style blended clean lines with human-scale elements, often featuring delicate Gothic-inspired details. He also designed corporate headquarters and civic buildings around the world, including the Seattle Center. His work emphasized harmony between structure and the human experience, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century architecture.

Jimmy Van Heusen (1913–1990), born Edward Chester Babcock, was an American composer and pianist whose music defined mid-20th-century popular song. He won four Academy Awards for Best Original Song, including 'All the Way' and 'High Hopes', many performed by Frank Sinatra. Collaborating with lyricists Sammy Cahn and Johnny Burke, he crafted enduring standards that bridged jazz, pop, and the Great American Songbook. Van Heusen's career spanned radio, television, and film, where his melodies accompanied numerous stars. His reputation for melodic elegance and versatility made him one of Hollywood’s most sought-after songwriters. He continued writing and performing until his death, leaving a catalog of songs still cherished today.

Jack Kirby, born Jacob Kurtzberg, was a visionary comic book artist and writer who revolutionized the medium. Alongside Joe Simon, he co-created Captain America in 1941 and later collaborated with Stan Lee to bring to life the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, the Hulk, and the Avengers. His dynamic drawing style and inventive storytelling set new standards for superhero comics. Kirby’s influence extended to DC Comics with creations like the New Gods and the Fourth World saga. Posthumously, he is celebrated as the 'King of Comics', inspiring generations of artists and writers.

Falco, born Johann 'Hans' Hölzel, was a groundbreaking Austrian singer, rapper, and songwriter. He gained worldwide fame with his 1985 single 'Rock Me Amadeus', which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased his fusion of pop, rock, and new wave. Falco’s bilingual lyrics and charismatic performance style broke cultural barriers in the music industry. His other hits include 'Vienna Calling' and 'Der Kommissar', both of which enjoyed international success. Despite his untimely death in a car accident in 1998, Falco’s innovative sound and artistic flair remain influential in European pop music.

Jimmy Roberts was a renowned American tenor whose smooth, expressive voice graced stages from Broadway to the opera house. He originated the role of Tony Esposito in Frank Loesser’s musical 'The Most Happy Fella', earning critical acclaim. Roberts was also a founding performer with the NBC Opera Theatre, bringing operatic works to television audiences. His versatility allowed him to excel in both popular and classical repertoire. Roberts’ contributions helped popularize opera in the mid-20th century and inspired future generations of singers.