February 10

Judith Leyster (1609-1660) was one of the few female painters of the Dutch Golden Age. She trained in Haarlem and produced portraits, still lifes, and vibrant genre scenes. Her most famous work, 'The Jolly Toper,' showcases her skillful use of light and expressive brushwork. Leyster's work was mistakenly attributed to male contemporaries for centuries before being properly recognized. She also ran a successful workshop and trained pupils, including her husband Jan Miense Molenaer. Her artistic legacy has inspired renewed interest in women artists of the 17th century.

Born in Marseille in 1808, Honoré Daumier rose to prominence in Paris through his lithographic caricatures for newspapers like Le Charivari. His satirical works skewered politicians, lawyers, and the bourgeoisie with sharp wit and exaggeration. Daumier also produced paintings and sculptures that explored human emotion and social conditions. Despite frequent censorship and legal troubles, he maintained a prolific output, creating over 4,000 lithographs. He spent his later years in relative poverty but gained posthumous acclaim before his death in 1879.

John William Waterhouse was an English painter associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement. He studied at the Royal Academy Schools and developed a distinctive style blending classical themes with lush, romantic imagery. Waterhouse's works often depicted scenes from mythology, literature, and Arthurian legend, such as 'The Lady of Shalott' and 'Hylas and the Nymphs'. His use of vibrant color, rich detail, and expressive figures made his paintings beloved by both critics and the public. Throughout his career, he exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and gained acclaim for his imaginative storytelling. Waterhouse's art continues to captivate audiences and influence painters worldwide.

Born in 1872 in Washington, D.C., Speyer showed early talent as a violinist, training at the National Conservatory of Music. She toured Europe as a soloist before turning to poetry after World War I. Her 1927 collection Tides earned her the Pulitzer Prize, marking her as a significant literary voice. Speyer's poems blend musical sensibility with vivid imagery of nature and emotion. She continued to publish poetry and perform music well into her later years. Speyer's dual career as a musician and writer inspired many artists of her generation.

Born in 1899 in New York City, Rose began his career writing lyrics for Broadway shows. He produced hit revues such as Billy Rose's Aquacade and the Follies, blending music, dance, and spectacle. Rose co-wrote popular songs including "Me and My Shadow" and "It Happened in Monterrey." He established the Billy Rose Theatre in Manhattan and became a leading entertainment entrepreneur. Known for his flamboyant personality, Rose was a fixture of New York's social and cultural scene. His legacy lives on in the continued popularity of his productions and songs.

Brian Connolly was born in 1945 in Glasgow, Scotland, and rose to fame as the lead vocalist of Sweet in the late 1960s. Known for his powerful voice and flamboyant stage presence, he fronted the band on classic tracks such as Ballroom Blitz and Fox on the Run. Under his leadership, Sweet became one of the defining acts of the glam rock era. After leaving the band in 1979, Connolly pursued a solo career with moderate success. He faced personal challenges including health and addiction struggles but remained a beloved figure among rock enthusiasts. Connolly passed away in 1997, but his energetic performances continue to influence rock artists today.

Buddy Tate was born in 1913 in Texas and began his professional career early in regional jazz ensembles. He joined the Count Basie Orchestra in 1939 and became a key contributor to its swing-era sound. After leaving Basie in 1948, Tate led his own bands in New York and recorded extensively as a bandleader. His warm tone and inventive improvisation earned him great respect among jazz musicians. Tate performed at major clubs and festivals for over five decades, collaborating with numerous jazz legends. He died in 2001, leaving a legacy as one of the most distinctive reed players of the swing era.

Dave Van Ronk was born in 1936 in Brooklyn, New York, and became a central figure in the Greenwich Village folk revival of the 1960s. His unique blend of folk, blues, and jazz, along with his gravelly voice, inspired countless musicians including Bob Dylan. Van Ronk performed regularly at the legendary Village venue Cafe Wha? earning him the nickname 'Mayor of MacDougal Street.' He released several acclaimed albums showcasing his innovative guitar arrangements and deep repertoire. Van Ronk's mentorship and outspoken personality made him a beloved icon in the folk community. He died in 2002, but his influence on American folk music endures.

Edgar de Evia was born in 1910 in Mexico City and later moved to New York to pursue photography. He gained recognition for his sophisticated portraits featured in magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. De Evia was among the first photographers to experiment with vibrant color techniques in editorial and commercial work. His collaborations with top designers and architects helped define mid-20th-century visual aesthetics. Over his career, his images were exhibited in galleries and museum collections worldwide. He passed away in 2003, leaving a rich legacy of artistic innovation in commercial photography.

James Dewitt Yancey was born in 1974 in Detroit, Michigan, and rose to prominence as a member of the hip hop group Slum Village. Under the moniker J Dilla, he crafted innovative beats that blended soul, jazz, and electronic influences, reshaping hip hop production. He collaborated with artists such as A Tribe Called Quest, Erykah Badu, and Common, leaving an indelible mark on the neo-soul movement. His solo projects, including the album "Donuts," received critical acclaim for their emotional depth and technical mastery. After battling health issues, he died in 2006, and his work continues to inspire producers worldwide.

AKA, born Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, was a South African rapper and songwriter credited with shaping modern African hip-hop. He burst onto the scene with his 2011 debut album Altar Ego, delivering chart-topping singles such as All Eyes on Me and Fela In Versace. AKA collaborated with international artists and won multiple awards for blending hip-hop with African rhythmic influences. He founded the record label Beam Group, championing emerging South African talent. His candid lyrics and dynamic performances made him a cultural icon whose impact resonates across the continent.