February 11

Born in 1695, George Dance the Elder established a reputation as a skilled architect in early 18th-century London. He served as the surveyor to the City of London for over four decades, overseeing many civic building projects. His most celebrated works include St Leonard's and St Botolph's Aldgate, which display his mastery of Baroque architectural style. Dance's designs combined classical motifs with innovative structural techniques that influenced later architects. Beyond his ecclesiastical commissions, he contributed extensively to civic architecture and urban development in London. His legacy continued through his son, George Dance the Younger, who further advanced the family name in architecture.

Born in 1740, Carl Michael Bellman became one of Sweden's most beloved cultural figures through his vivid song collections such as 'Fredman's Epistles' and 'Fredman's Songs.' His work blended humor, pathos, and social satire, capturing the city's taverns, characters, and folklore. Bellman's musical compositions showcased his talent for melody and clever wordplay, earning him acclaim as both a poet and a musician. He often performed his own songs at salons and public events, becoming a popular entertainer of his time. Despite financial difficulties and personal struggles, his creative output remained prolific and influential. Today, Bellman is revered as a national bard whose work endures in Swedish music and literature.

Born in 1795, Griboyedov displayed exceptional talent in both literature and diplomacy from an early age. His comedy 'Woe from Wit' offered a sharp critique of Russian society and bureaucratic hypocrisy, earning him lasting recognition in theatrical circles. As a composer and poet, he produced lyrical works that complemented his dramatic writing. Griboyedov also served as a diplomat in Iran, negotiating the Treaty of Turkmenchay in 1828 which defined Russo-Persian borders. His service ended tragically when he was killed during a mob attack on the Russian embassy in Tehran in 1829. Griboyedov's multifaceted achievements highlight his impact on Russian culture and international relations.

Ellen Day Hale (1855–1940) was an American painter, printmaker, and writer known for her realist portraits and etchings. She studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and later refined her skills in Paris. Hale exhibited her work at major salons and the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. As an author, she wrote essays on art and contributed to journals advocating for women artists. She taught at the Museum of Fine Arts School in Boston, mentoring emerging painters. Hale's dual career showcased her commitment to artistic innovation and women's advancement in the arts.

Sergei Mikhailovich Eisenstein (1898–1948) was a Soviet film director and screenwriter celebrated as one of cinema's first major theorists. His groundbreaking use of montage in films such as Battleship Potemkin and Strike influenced generations of filmmakers worldwide. Eisenstein's writings on film editing and visual rhythm shaped modern cinematic language. He later directed historical epics including Alexander Nevsky and Ivan the Terrible. Despite facing censorship and political pressures, he continued to push artistic boundaries until his death. Eisenstein's legacy endures through both his influential films and his theoretical contributions to cinema.

Aldwyn Roberts (1922–2000), known professionally as Lord Kitchener, was a Trinidadian calypso singer and songwriter who became a cornerstone of the genre. He won his first Carnival Road March title in 1947 and moved to London the following year, where he popularized calypso among British audiences. His signature tunes, such as 'London Is the Place for Me' and 'Pan in A Minor', captured the vibrancy and social commentary of Caribbean life. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he recorded hundreds of songs and earned numerous Carnival victories. Lord Kitchener's inventive lyrics and captivating performances resonated across the Caribbean diaspora and beyond. His pioneering spirit and rhythmic ingenuity cemented his status as a global ambassador for calypso music.

Roger Vadim (1928–2000) was a French director, producer, and screenwriter known for his influential and provocative cinema. He rose to fame with And God Created Woman (1956), a film that catapulted Brigitte Bardot into international recognition. Vadim's other works, including Les Liaisons Dangereuses (1959) and Blood and Roses (1960), were characterized by their gender-bending themes and visual innovation. Throughout his career, he wrote and produced numerous films, collaborating with iconic actors such as Jane Fonda and Catherine Deneuve. His blending of eroticism, artistry, and social commentary often challenged censorship norms and societal conventions. Vadim's legacy endures in his daring approach to filmmaking and his enduring impact on popular culture.

Estelle Bennett was an American singer and founding member of the 1960s girl group The Ronettes. Alongside her sisters Ronnie and Nedra, she delivered chart-topping hits like 'Be My Baby' and 'Baby, I Love You.' The Ronettes’ signature style and Wall of Sound production helped define the era’s pop landscape. After the group disbanded, Bennett led a private life away from the spotlight. Her contributions to pop music endure through The Ronettes’ influence on later vocal groups and female artists.

Alexander McQueen was an English fashion designer celebrated for his avant-garde and theatrical runway shows. He rose to fame as head designer at Givenchy before founding his own label in 1992. McQueen pushed creative boundaries with dramatic silhouettes and storytelling collections. He won British Designer of the Year four times and was knighted by the Queen in 2003. His tragic death in 2010 marked the end of a transformative era in fashion, but his legacy continues through the house that bears his name.

Whitney Houston was one of the best-selling music artists of all time, celebrated for her extraordinary vocal range and emotive delivery. She released her debut album in 1985, which spawned multiple chart-topping hits and earned her six Grammy Awards. Houston starred in the blockbuster film 'The Bodyguard' alongside Kevin Costner, and its soundtrack became one of the highest-selling albums in history. She broke racial barriers as one of the first black artists to achieve heavy rotation on MTV. Throughout her career, Houston influenced countless performers and set new standards for pop and R&B music. She died in 2012 at the age of 48, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Rick Huxley was the bass guitarist for the Dave Clark Five, one of the defining bands of the British Invasion. Formed in 1958, the group achieved international fame with hits like 'Glad All Over,' rivaling the Beatles in popularity. Huxley's rhythmic bass lines and energetic stage presence helped shape the band's distinctive sound. After the group disbanded in 1970, he largely retired from the music industry. In later years, Huxley reflected on his contributions to 1960s rock and roll history. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 72.

Alice Babs began performing at age 12 and quickly gained acclaim for her clear soprano voice. She represented Sweden in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest in 1956, marking the start of her international career. Babs collaborated with jazz legend Duke Ellington on his European tour, showcasing her versatility across genres. She appeared in several Swedish films and became a celebrated figure in Scandinavian culture. Awarded the Royal Swedish Order of the Polar Star, she continued to perform and record music throughout her life. Babs passed away in 2014 at the age of 90.