February 09

Ono no Michikaze was a renowned Heian-period calligrapher. He is celebrated as one of the Sanseki (Three Brush Traces) of Japan. He pioneered the wayō style, blending Chinese models with native Japanese aesthetics. His works, such as the Kasen-yojo and Kanajo scrolls, influenced generations of artists. Serving at the imperial court, he balanced official duties with artistic innovation. He died in 966, leaving an enduring legacy in Japanese calligraphy.

Born in Leiden in 1613, Gerrit Dou was the first pupil of Rembrandt van Rijn and later founded the Leiden fijnschilders (fine painters). He specialized in small-scale, highly detailed scenes of everyday life, often illuminated by a single light source. Dou's mastery of glazing techniques gave his works a jewel-like quality that captivated collectors across Europe. He taught numerous students and influenced generations of genre painters. Gerrit Dou died on February 9 1675, leaving behind a legacy of precision and artistry in Dutch painting.

Born on June 3, 1819, in Lattrop, Netherlands, Jongkind studied under Barend Cornelis Koekkoek and later moved to Paris. He became known for his luminous views of the Seine and the Normandy coast, capturing transient light effects with loose brushwork. Jongkind's techniques and color palette influenced young Impressionists such as Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro. Despite limited recognition in his lifetime, his work laid the groundwork for the plein-air painting movement. Today, he is celebrated for bridging Romanticism and Impressionism in 19th-century art.

Born in 1910, Eddy Duchin rose to fame as the charismatic pianist and leader of a popular dance orchestra in New York City. His elegant piano style and sophisticated arrangements captivated audiences nationwide. Duchin's band recorded several top-charting hits and defined the sound of the 1930s and 40s. He made occasional film appearances, further cementing his status as a cultural icon. His life was cut short by leukemia, leading to his death in 1951. Duchin's recordings continue to evoke the glamour and charm of the Swing Era.

Born in 1870 into a noble Russian family, Alexandre Benois was a central figure in the Silver Age of Russian art. He co-founded the Mir Iskusstva (World of Art) movement, promoting artistic innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Benois created celebrated stage designs for Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, revolutionizing theatrical aesthetics. His art criticism and museum work helped shape modern Russian art appreciation. Benois also published influential essays on art history and theory. He died on February 9, 1960, leaving a lasting impact on Russian and European artistic circles.

Born in 1877 in Pozsony (now Bratislava), Ernő Dohnányi studied piano and composition at the Berlin Hochschule für Musik. He gained international acclaim as a pianist, touring Europe and North America with recitals. Dohnányi's compositions, including symphonies, chamber works, and solo piano pieces, combined Romantic lyricism with modernist touches. From 1910 to 1934, he served as director of the Budapest Academy of Music, shaping future generations of musicians. During and after World War II, he emigrated to the United States, holding posts at Florida State University. He died on February 9, 1960, remembered for his multifaceted contributions as performer, composer, and educator.

Born in 1884 in Koniuchy, Sophie Tucker emigrated to the United States as an infant. She launched her career in vaudeville, captivating audiences with her powerful contralto voice and bold personality. Dubbed 'The Last of the Red Hot Mamas,' Tucker broke conventions with risqué humor and songs. She transitioned to radio, recordings, and film, becoming one of the highest-paid performers of her era. Tucker also championed African-American musicians, featuring talents like Louis Armstrong in her shows. She died on February 9, 1966, remembered as a pioneering showwoman who paved the way for future entertainers.

Born in Toronto in 1908, Percy Faith began his career as a pianist before turning to arranging and composing. He moved to the United States in the 1930s and led successful big bands throughout the swing era. Faith became a pioneer of the easy listening genre, crafting smooth instrumental versions of popular songs. His 1960 recording of the theme from A Summer Place became a chart-topping hit and one of the best-selling singles of its time. He produced over twenty albums for Columbia Records, showcasing his signature lush strings and sweeping melodies. Faith won three Grammy Awards and influenced the development of modern orchestral pop music. He continued to record and conduct until his death in 1976, leaving a rich musical legacy.

Born in Detroit in 1925, Bill Haley was a country musician before embracing early rock and roll. He formed Bill Haley & His Comets in the early 1950s, blending rhythm and blues with country influences. Their 1954 recording of Rock Around the Clock became a worldwide hit and is often cited as the first rock and roll anthem. Haley's energetic performances and brash style helped popularize rock music among mainstream audiences. He toured extensively in the United States and internationally, gaining fame in Europe and Latin America. Although his chart success waned in the 1960s, he continued performing until his death in 1981. Haley's contributions laid the foundation for future rock artists and the global music revolution.

Born in Osaka in 1928, Osamu Tezuka pioneered the modern manga and anime industries. He created enduring characters such as Astro Boy, Black Jack, and Kimba the White Lion. Tezuka co-founded Mushi Production, one of Japan's first animation studios, producing groundbreaking TV series. His cinematic storytelling techniques and expressive art style influenced generations of artists. Over his career, he authored hundreds of manga volumes, exploring genres from science fiction to medical drama. Tezuka received numerous awards for his creative innovations and contributions to Japanese culture. His legacy endures worldwide, with his works still celebrated in manga, anime, and film.

Born in 1931 in Tabriz, Jazeh Tabatabai became a leading figure in Iran's modern art movement. He founded the Surrealist Theater and the Labo Art gallery, fostering creative exchange. Tabatabai's paintings often featured dreamlike imagery and symbolic figures. His poetry and sculptures explored themes of identity, freedom, and transformation. He exhibited his work in galleries around the world, gaining international acclaim. Tabatabai passed away in 2008, leaving a vibrant legacy in contemporary Iranian art.

Born in 1933 in Havana, Orlando "Cachaíto" López came from a musical family that revolutionized Cuban music. He played bass for the Orquesta Aragon and the ensemble Irakere, blending jazz with traditional rhythms. His nickname "Cachaíto" denoted his lineage as nephew of bassist Israel "Cachao" López. In the 1990s, he joined the Buena Vista Social Club project, bringing Cuban music to global audiences. López's inventive bass lines and compositions influenced generations of Afro-Cuban musicians. He died in 2009, remembered as a legend of Cuban music.