February 29

Active in the mid-16th century, Striggio served the Medici family and traveled extensively as a diplomat for Cosimo I de' Medici. He gained fame for composing grand polychoral works, including an unprecedented 40-voice motet 'Ecce beatam lucem' and a 60-voice mass. These compositions showcased his mastery of spatial music and choral textures, influencing contemporaries across Europe. Striggio's musical innovations were admired at the courts of France, England, and the Holy Roman Empire. In addition to his artistic achievements, he negotiated political alliances and represented Medici interests abroad. His work bridged the worlds of music and diplomacy during a vibrant period of cultural exchange. Striggio died in 1592, leaving behind a legacy of sonic grandeur and courtly finesse.

Born in 1728 in Oettingen, Stein apprenticed in Regensburg before establishing his own workshop in Augsburg. He refined the Viennese action, creating a responsive keyboard mechanism that allowed for greater dynamic control. Mozart famously praised Stein's pianos for their touch and clarity, acquiring several instruments for his own use. Stein's instruments featured a slender case, light construction, and a delicate yet powerful tone suited to classical-era music. He passed his craftsmanship to his children, who continued the family firm and spread his design principles across Europe. Stein's work marked a transition from harpsichord to fortepiano, shaping the sound of late 18th-century keyboard music. He died on February 29, 1792, leaving a profound impact on instrument building.

Louis-François Lejeune was a French general and artist born in 1775. He served with distinction in the Napoleonic Wars, rising to the rank of general. Alongside his military career, Lejeune excelled as a lithographer, capturing vivid battle scenes. His firsthand experience lent authenticity and detail to his artistic works. Lejeune's lithographs helped bring military events to a wider audience. He left a lasting legacy in both military history and the arts.

Adolphe Appia was born in 1862 and revolutionized theatrical production with his innovative approach to stage lighting and three-dimensional set design. Rejecting flat painted backdrops, he proposed dynamic, sculptural sets that interacted with light to shape mood and narrative. His theoretical writings laid the foundation for modern scenography, emphasizing the actor's relationship with space, light, and form. A close admirer of Richard Wagner, Appia sought to integrate music and visual drama into a unified artistic experience. Though many of his designs were only realized posthumously, his concepts deeply influenced 20th-century theatre and stagecraft. He died on February 29, 1928, leaving a lasting imprint on performance design worldwide.

Gil Elvgren was born in 1914 and became one of the foremost pin-up artists of the 1940s and 1950s. Working for Brown & Bigelow, he created hundreds of illustrations featuring glamorous, playful models. His art combined realism with a lighthearted sense of humor and vibrant color palettes. Elvgren's work appeared in calendars, magazines, and advertisements, influencing generations of illustrators. Trained under the illustrator Haddon Sundblom, he refined a sophisticated technique that became his signature style. He also produced fine-art paintings and commercial art commissions. Elvgren's images remain popular in reproductions and exhibitions, celebrated for their charm and craftsmanship. He died in 1980, leaving a lasting legacy in American illustration.

Born in 1903, Ludwik Starski became a prolific screenwriter and lyricist in Poland. He wrote scripts for acclaimed films of the 1930s and 1950s and crafted lyrics for popular songs in cabaret and theater. His witty dialogue and poetic songs captured the spirit of interwar Poland. Collaborating with leading composers, he helped create enduring musical hits. During and after World War II, Starski's work boosted national morale and cultural renewal. He also served as a mentor to younger artists in radio and film. His contributions earned him national honors. He died in 1984, remembered as a key figure in 20th-century Polish entertainment.

Wes Farrell was born in 1939 and became a prominent figure in the American music scene. He wrote and produced hit songs for various artists, shaping the sound of 1960s pop. Farrell founded his own record label, providing a platform for emerging musicians. His work earned chart-topping singles and influenced the development of modern pop production. Throughout his career, he collaborated with diverse talents and left a lasting mark on the music industry.

Dennis Danell was born in 1961 and co-founded Social Distortion in the late 1970s. As the band's guitarist, he contributed to their distinctive punk-infused rock sound. Danell also played a key role in songwriting and producing several of the band's early albums. His musicianship helped shape the Southern California punk scene and influenced generations of punk rock artists. Beyond performing, he supported emerging bands through production and mentoring.

Born in 1917, Erik Ortvad studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. His work blended surrealism with biting satire, often featuring enigmatic creatures and subversive humor. As a cartoonist under the pseudonym Enrico, he produced thousands of drawings for newspapers and magazines. He also illustrated numerous children's books, bringing fanciful characters to life. Throughout his career, Ortvad exhibited extensively across Europe and North America. His art continues to be celebrated for its originality and social critique. He died on February 29, 2008, at the age of 91.

Born in Manchester in 1945, Davy Jones rose to fame as a member of the American band The Monkees. He captivated audiences with his charm and distinctive voice, fronting hits like "I'm a Believer" and "Daydream Believer." Before joining The Monkees, he appeared on television and in stage productions of Oliver!. After the band's breakup, Jones continued to tour and act in film and television projects. He remained active in entertainment for decades, delighting fans worldwide. Jones passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on February 29, 2012.

Born in 1920, Sheldon Moldoff entered the comic-book industry during its Golden Age. He worked for Quality Comics and Fiction House before joining DC Comics in the late 1940s. For over a decade, he served as a ghost artist on Batman stories under Bob Kane's byline, contributing to characters like Robin and the Joker. He co-created the Hawkman character and showcased his versatility across superheroes and crime comics. Beyond comics, Moldoff illustrated pulp magazines and children's books. His distinctive style influenced a generation of artists. Moldoff passed away on February 29, 2012.

Born in 1966, Wenn V. Deramas began his career in Filipino television before transitioning to feature films. He directed a string of blockbuster comedies, including "Ang Tanging Ina" and "Sisterakas," known for their sharp wit and heartwarming humor. As a screenwriter, Deramas brought relatable characters and memorable jokes to the big screen, helping define modern Filipino comedy. His films routinely topped box office charts and earned him multiple Best Director awards at the Metro Manila Film Festival. Deramas's work influenced a new generation of filmmakers and comedians in the Philippines. He passed away unexpectedly on February 29, 2016.