February 27

Born in 1833 in Saint Petersburg, Alexander Borodin balanced careers in chemistry and music. As a professor of organic chemistry, he conducted pioneering research on aldehydes. He joined ‘The Mighty Handful,’ advocating for a distinct Russian musical style. His compositions include the symphonic poem ‘In the Steppes of Central Asia’ and the opera ‘Prince Igor.’ Borodin’s dual legacy as scientist and composer exemplifies 19th-century polymathy. He died in 1887, leaving enduring works in both scientific and musical fields.

Hosteen Klah was born in 1867 on the Navajo Nation and trained in the Diné religious tradition as a hatałii (medicine man). He became renowned for his mastery of ceremonial sandpainting, which he sometimes wove into rugs and tapestries. In the 1920s, Klah collaborated with ethnographer Mary Cabot Wheelwright to record Navajo rituals and preserve the designs threatened by cultural suppression. Together they founded the Museum of Navajo Ceremonial Art (now the Wheelwright Museum) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Klah's work bridged traditional spirituality and art, earning respect both within and outside his community. He taught weaving techniques to family members and students, ensuring the continuation of Navajo craft traditions. Klah died in 1937, remembered as a key figure in the preservation of Navajo culture.

Born Orry George Kelly in Kiama, Australia, he moved to Hollywood in the 1920s and joined Warner Bros. He designed costumes for legendary stars like Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe, and Humphrey Bogart. His work earned him three Oscars for The Heiress (1950), An American in Paris (1952), and Les Girls (1958). Known for his sophisticated use of color and form, he helped define the visual style of 1940s and 1950s cinema. Openly gay at a time when it was uncommon in Hollywood, his personal life has been explored in modern biographies. Kelly's legacy endures through his timeless designs that continue to inspire costume designers today.

Discovered at age 13, he rose to fame as the charismatic frontman of The Teenagers, blending R&B and rock and roll. Their 1956 single "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" became an international hit and a rock and roll standard. Lymon was one of the youngest artists ever to appear on the cover of Life magazine. Despite early success, he struggled with the pressures of stardom and personal issues. He pursued a solo career but battled addiction and financial troubles. Lymon died tragically of a heroin overdose at just 25, leaving behind a lasting influence on rock and doo-wop music.

Born William Blake Everett, he began his career in the Golden Age of comics, drawing for Timely Comics and other publishers. In 1939 he co-created Namor the Sub-Mariner, one of Marvel's earliest antiheroes. He later introduced Daredevil in 1941, showcasing his flair for dynamic action and character design. Everett's watercolor and ink work influenced generations of comic artists. Despite the challenges of the comics industry, he maintained a prolific output across genres. His legacy lives on through his iconic characters and their enduring popularity in modern comics and film adaptations.

Born Henry Pitts Brown in London to mixed heritage parents, Ellington formed The Ray Ellington Quartet in the 1940s. Their blend of jazz, blues, and skiffle brought a fresh sound to British music. He joined The Goon Show in 1951, providing musical interludes and comic relief. Ellington's smooth vocals and rhythmic drumming became a staple of the groundbreaking radio program. He recorded numerous albums and toured internationally, earning acclaim for his lively performances. Ellington's career helped popularize modern jazz in postwar Britain and left a lasting cultural imprint.

Born in Burnley, England, he began his career on the British stage before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s. He appeared in films such as The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) and The Music Man (1962). O'Malley lent his singing voice to Disney projects, featuring in films like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book. On television, he made guest appearances on series including The Andy Griffith Show and Petticoat Junction. His warm vocals and affable screen presence endeared him to audiences. He continued acting into the 1980s, leaving behind a rich legacy of memorable performances.

Bill Holman (1903–1987) was an American cartoonist renowned for his zany humor and inventive wordplay in the popular comic strip Smokey Stover. He began his career in newspaper syndication in the 1930s and quickly gained a following for his pun-filled jokes and whimsical characters. Holman's distinctive style featured playful language tricks and surreal visual gags that influenced generations of cartoonists. He also contributed to other humor publications and collaborated with fellow artists throughout his career. Holman's work remains celebrated for its wit and enduring appeal in the world of comics.

Horace Tapscott (1934–1999) was an influential American jazz pianist and composer who founded the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra. Born in Houston and relocated to Los Angeles, he led the arkestra for over four decades, creating a platform for African-American musicians to explore avant-garde jazz. Tapscott's compositions blended free improvisation with social consciousness, reflecting his commitment to community empowerment. He organized workshops and educational programs in South Central Los Angeles, mentoring generations of artists. Tapscott's body of work includes numerous recordings that capture the spirit of his collective ethos. His legacy endures through the musicians he nurtured and the vibrant artistic community he built.

John Lanchbery (1923–2003) was an English-Australian conductor and composer who made significant contributions to ballet music. He served as principal conductor for the Royal Ballet and later worked with the Australian Ballet, crafting acclaimed arrangements of classical scores for dance. Lanchbery's adaptive orchestrations brought fresh energy to works by composers such as Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, earning him international recognition. He also composed original ballets and collaborated closely with choreographers to align music and movement. Lanchbery's career spanned over five decades, during which he was celebrated for his musicality and sensitivity to dancers' needs. His influence continues to resonate in ballet companies around the world.

Born Hans Rolf Rippert, Ivan Rebroff discovered a passion for Russian folk music and classical repertoire, performing in traditional Russian costume. His remarkable four-and-a-half octave range allowed him to sing both deep bass and high tenor parts with equal skill. Rebroff recorded over 100 albums covering folk, opera, and international songs, captivating audiences worldwide. He performed in concert halls across Europe and North America, gaining fame for his theatrical presence and vocal prowess. His unique artistry bridged cultures and genres, leaving a lasting mark on the world of vocal performance.

Gary Winick was an American filmmaker best known for directing the hit romantic comedy '13 Going on 30' (2004). He championed independent cinema, producing acclaimed dramas like 'Pieces of April' (2003) and 'Sherrybaby' (2006) under his banner. Winick began his career at American Zoetrope before founding his own production company, InDigEnt. His approach combined intimate storytelling with accessible themes, helping bring small-budget films to a wider audience. At the time of his death, he was preparing to release 'Letters to Juliet,' further cementing his reputation for heartwarming entertainment.