February 17

Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713) was one of the most influential musicians of the Baroque era. His collections of sonatas and concerti grossi set new standards for composition and instrumental virtuosity. Corelli's elegant style and mastery of the violin made him a sought-after performer and teacher in Rome. He trained many students who spread his techniques across Europe, shaping the future of violin playing. Corelli's music is noted for its clear structure, expressive melodies, and balanced harmony. He left a legacy as the 'father of modern violin technique' and a model for later composers.

Henri Vieuxtemps was a Belgian violin prodigy born in 1820 who gained fame across Europe. As a concert violinist, he performed for royalty and helped elevate the violin's technical standards. Vieuxtemps composed seven violin concertos, blending Classical form with Romantic expressiveness; Concerto No. 5 remains especially revered. He taught at the Brussels and Saint Petersburg conservatories, mentoring future generations of violinists. Despite health challenges that curtailed his performing career, his compositions have remained central to the violin repertoire.

Richard Henry Park was an American sculptor born in 1832, renowned for his public and private commissions. He studied under prominent artists in New York and exhibited at the National Academy of Design. Park created Civil War memorials and portrait busts of figures like Daniel Webster and Clara Barton. His style blended realism with neoclassical influences, making him a sought-after sculptor for civic monuments. He spent his later years working in Chicago, where several of his works remain on public display.

Jozef Murgaš was a Slovak inventor and priest who conducted groundbreaking research in wireless telegraphy, predating many radio pioneers. After emigrating to the United States, he secured patents for wireless communication devices and contributed to early radio technology development. Passionate about botany, Murgaš documented plant species through detailed studies and scientific illustrations. He also nurtured his talent as a painter, capturing landscapes and folk scenes in his vibrant art. Murgaš returned to Europe later in life, where he continued scientific work and shared his expertise. His diverse accomplishments highlight a unique blend of spiritual vocation, scientific innovation, and artistic expression.

Leevi Madetoja was born in Oulu, Finland, and studied under Jean Sibelius at the Helsinki Music Institute. He composed three symphonies, two operas, and numerous chamber works that combined Finnish folk elements with late-Romantic harmony. His opera The Ostrobothnians remains a staple of Finnish repertoire, celebrated for its evocative melodies and national themes. Madetoja also worked as a music critic and teacher, influencing Finland's musical landscape. He served as conductor of the Viipuri Orchestra and later directed the Helsinki Music Institute. Despite health struggles, he left a body of work praised for its lyricism and emotional depth. Madetoja's contributions cemented him as a key figure in Finnish musical nationalism.

Curt Swan was an iconic American comic book artist celebrated for defining Superman’s look during the Silver Age. Born in Minneapolis in 1920, he began working for DC Comics in the late 1940s and soon took over the Superman title. Over four decades, Swan illustrated hundreds of Superman stories, crafting a relatable and enduring version of the Man of Steel. His clean line work and expressive characters set the standard for superhero art in the 1950s through the 1980s. Swan also contributed to other series, including Batman, Jimmy Olsen, and Supergirl, showcasing his versatility. He was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1997, one year after his death. Swan’s influence continues to shape comic art and inspire artists around the world.

Tommy Edwards was an American singer-songwriter who bridged jazz, pop, and rhythm & blues. Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1922, he began his music career performing in local clubs and radio shows. His 1958 recording of 'It’s All in the Game' topped the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first song by a Black artist to do so. Edwards wrote several of his own songs, showcasing his smooth vocals and melodic songwriting. He toured internationally, bringing R&B-infused pop to audiences throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Despite a career cut short by illness, his innovative fusion of genres influenced future soul and pop artists. Edwards died in 1969, but his music continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal.

Buddy DeFranco was a pioneering American jazz clarinetist who brought bebop to a traditionally swing instrument. Born in Camden, New Jersey, in 1923, he began playing professionally as a teenager with local jazz bands. DeFranco gained national attention in the 1940s when he joined Gene Krupa’s band, showcasing his virtuosic technique. He led his own groups for over seven decades, blending modern jazz harmonies with his agile clarinet style. DeFranco recorded more than 60 albums and collaborated with legends such as Oscar Peterson and Art Pepper. He served as the principal clarinetist for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and taught at Stanford University. DeFranco’s influence expanded the clarinet’s voice in modern jazz until his passing in 2014 at the age of 91.

Margaret Truman was the only child of President Harry S. Truman, forging her own path in arts and letters. Born in Independence, Missouri, in 1924, she studied voice at George Washington University and launched a singing career. Truman performed in concerts and recordings during the late 1940s and early 1950s, earning praise for her soprano voice. After retiring from music, she authored a series of historical biographies on Missouri and the U.S. presidency. She also wrote successful mystery novels featuring fictional detective Hugh Rennert. Truman served as vice president of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, preserving her father’s presidential legacy. Her multifaceted career bridged politics, music, and literature until her death in 2008.

Ron Goodwin’s stirring scores elevated war films and comedies with memorable themes. Born in Plymouth in 1925, he studied at the Royal College of Music and began his career arranging for light orchestras. His dramatic music for '633 Squadron' (1964) became a wartime anthem for audiences around the world. He collaborated with directors such as Michael Anderson on 'Where Eagles Dare' and Ken Annakin on 'Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines'. Beyond film, Goodwin recorded over a hundred albums, showcasing his versatility in orchestral, choral, and light music. He was appointed an OBE in 1978 for services to music and continued conducting until shortly before his death in 2003. Goodwin’s melodies remain fixtures in concert halls and classic film retrospectives.

Born in Puerto Rico on February 17, 1928, Marta Romero first gained attention for her singing performances before making her mark as an actress on film, television, and stage. Her charismatic presence and dynamic talent made her a beloved figure in Latin American entertainment. She released musical recordings that showcased her vocal range and received critical acclaim for her cultural contributions. Romero influenced future generations of performers through her dedication and artistry. She passed away in 2013, leaving a lasting legacy in both film and music.

Born in Tocopilla, Chile, in 1929, Alejandro Jodorowsky began his artistic career in experimental theater, co-founding the Panic Movement in the 1960s. He directed cult classics such as "El Topo" and "The Holy Mountain," celebrated for their surreal imagery and spiritual themes. As a screenwriter and graphic novelist, he delved into esoteric and philosophical subjects that influenced generations of artists. His uncompleted adaptation of "Dune" achieved legendary status in film history. Into his 90s, Jodorowsky continues to create across multiple mediums, leaving a lasting mark on contemporary culture.