February 14

Giovanni Antonio Bazzi (Il Sodoma) emerged as a leading painter of the High Renaissance in Siena and Rome. He trained in Lombardy and developed a distinctive style combining classical harmony with emotional expression. His celebrated works include the frescoes at the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore and commissions for Pope Leo X. Il Sodoma’s art influenced both religious painting and portraiture, blending coloristic brilliance with graceful figures. He died in May 1549, leaving a legacy as one of Italy’s most inventive and evocative painters.

Born in Tours in 1602, Abraham Bosse became one of France’s most prolific printmakers of the Baroque era. He produced hundreds of engravings illustrating daily life, fashion, industry, and military formations. Bosse authored treatises on art and perspective, influencing generations of artists and students of geometry. As a founding member of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, he helped formalize artistic training in France. He passed away in June 1676, leaving an invaluable visual record of early modern European society.

Erkki Melartin was born in Viipuri, Finland, in 1875 and studied at the Helsinki Music Institute. He served as professor of music theory and conducted the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. His compositions include six symphonies, piano concertos, chamber works, and the opera "Aino". Melartin's music blended Finnish folk elements with the late-Romantic style, helping shape the nation's musical voice. He mentored a generation of Finnish composers and was a driving force in Finland's cultural life. Melartin died in 1937, leaving a rich legacy celebrated by the Melartin Foundation.

Dora Gerson was born in Berlin in 1899 and rose to fame in silent films and early sound cinema. She performed in Berlin's vibrant cabaret scene, recording songs in both German and English. Her versatile talent earned her roles in theatre productions and film before 1933. As anti-Jewish laws took effect, Gerson was barred from performing and faced persecution. In 1942, she and her family were deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where she was murdered in 1943. Her recordings, including a notable rendition of 'Lili Marleen,' preserve her voice and legacy.

Warren “Baby” Dodds was a pioneering American jazz drummer who helped define the New Orleans style. He innovated drumming techniques by integrating cymbals and tom-toms, influencing syncopation and dynamics. Dodds played with legends like King Oliver and Louis Armstrong throughout the 1920s. He chronicled his experiences in memoirs that preserved early jazz history. His techniques laid the groundwork for modern jazz drumming and continue to inspire percussionists worldwide.

Born in 1901 in Northampton, Edmund Rubbra developed an early passion for music, studying piano and composition in London. His output includes 11 symphonies, numerous choral settings, and chamber works, all noted for their spiritual depth and inventive harmony. As a conductor, he championed contemporary British music, forging close ties with ensembles such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Rubbra's compositional voice blended modal melodies with modern techniques, earning him critical acclaim throughout the mid-20th century. He also wrote film scores and taught at the Royal College of Music, influencing the next generation of British composers. Rubbra's music continues to be celebrated for its emotional resonance and intellectual rigor.

Born in 1904 in Saint Petersburg, Dmitry Kabalevsky emerged as a leading figure in Soviet music, emphasizing accessibility and clarity. He composed concertos, symphonies, and a wealth of piano pieces designed for young performers, many of which remain staples in teaching repertoire. Kabalevsky's melodic gift and rhythmic vitality earned him recognition both in the USSR and abroad. He served as a lecturer at institutions like the Moscow Conservatory and authored influential essays on music education. Amid intense cultural debates, he advocated for music that spoke directly to the public while maintaining high artistic standards. Kabalevsky's blend of lyrical charm and disciplined craftsmanship solidified his place in 20th-century classical music.

Born in 1901 in Berlin, Frederick Loewe emigrated to the United States, where his collaboration with Alan Jay Lerner produced some of Broadway's most beloved works. Their hit musicals include Brigadoon (1947), My Fair Lady (1956), and Camelot (1960), each earning critical and popular acclaim. Loewe's elegant melodies and flair for character-driven songs helped define the golden age of American musical theater. He won three Tony Awards and two Academy Awards for his film adaptations, cementing his status among musical legends. After retiring from Broadway in the late 1960s, Loewe lived a quieter life in Palm Springs, but his tunes continue to enchant audiences worldwide. His music's enduring appeal lies in its romantic charm and lyrical inventiveness.

Born in 1943 in St Pancras, London, Vincent Crane first gained attention as the keyboardist for The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, playing on the hit 'Fire.' In 1969, he formed Atomic Rooster, blending rock, jazz, and classical influences into a distinctive progressive sound. Crane penned the band's major hits, including 'Tomorrow Night,' showcasing his virtuoso organ and piano skills. Despite struggles with mental health, he remained a prolific performer and collaborator, later working with bands such as Dexys Midnight Runners. Crane's technical mastery and innovative arrangements left a mark on the British rock scene of the 1970s. He died in 1989, remembered for his intense performances and creative vision.

Buddy Knox (1933–1999) rose to fame in the 1950s as a pioneer of rockabilly music. His debut single 'Party Doll' topped the charts and became a defining song of the era. Knox formed The Rhythm Orchids, blending country and rhythm and blues influences. He toured extensively, sharing stages with early rock icons and captivating audiences with his guitar work. Throughout his career, Knox recorded numerous albums and remained active in live performances. His contributions helped shape the sound of early rock and roll in America.

Mick Tucker (1947–2002) co-founded The Sweet and became known for his powerful, precise drumming. He played on hits like 'Ballroom Blitz' and 'Fox on the Run,' which defined the glam rock era. Tucker's energetic performances and showmanship made him a fan favorite on stage. He later worked as a session musician and producer, contributing to various rock recordings. Tucker's rhythmic style influenced drummers across multiple genres. His legacy lives on through The Sweet's enduring anthems and his impact on rock percussion.

Lynden David Hall emerged in the late 1990s as a leading voice in the UK neo-soul movement. His debut album ‘Medicine 4 My Pain’ earned critical acclaim for blending R&B, jazz, and soul influences. He was lauded for his smooth vocals, introspective lyrics, and skill as a producer and live performer. Hall collaborated with major artists and brought greater visibility to British soul music on the global stage. Despite his rising career, he battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma and passed away at 31. His work continues to inspire a new generation of soul artists.