March 09

Born in 1749 into French nobility, Honoré Gabriel Riqueti de Mirabeau became a leading voice in pre-revolutionary France. He gained early fame as a writer, publishing satirical and political pamphlets criticizing the ancien régime. In 1789, he was elected to the Estates-General and emerged as a persuasive orator for reform. Mirabeau championed a constitutional monarchy and sought compromise between the king and the Third Estate. His financial struggles and scandalous personal life often overshadowed his political ideals. Despite controversies, he remained influential until his death in 1791. Mirabeau's speeches and writings helped shape the early course of the French Revolution.

Born in Surrey, England, Cobbett began his career as a Parliamentary reporter. He published the Political Register, a radical journal advocating reform. In 1822 he traveled on horseback across the countryside, documenting rural life in 'Rural Rides'. A fierce critic of corruption and supporter of agrarian rights, he challenged the establishment. His works influenced 19th-century political discourse and remain studied for their bold style and social insights.

Born into serfdom in central Ukraine, Shevchenko displayed artistic and literary talents early. His 1840 collection 'Kobzar' revolutionized Ukrainian poetry and awakened national consciousness. Convicted for his participation in a secret democratic society, he spent years in exile as a private painter in remote regions. Despite hardship, he produced iconic works depicting Ukrainian landscapes, peasantry, and folklore. Upon his return, he continued to write and drew sketches that captured his homeland's spirit. Shevchenko's life and art remain central to Ukrainian cultural identity and independence movements.

Vita Sackville-West was an English writer, poet, and gardener famed for her literary salons and elegant prose. She authored novels, biographies, and poetry, including works such as 'All Passion Spent' and 'The Edwardians.' Together with her husband Harold Nicolson, she developed the iconic Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent. Sackville-West's vivid writing style and exploration of gender and identity garnered critical acclaim. She maintained friendships with literary figures like Virginia Woolf, inspiring the character Orlando. Her enduring legacy spans both the literary and horticultural worlds.

Born on March 9, 1918 in Brooklyn, New York, Spillane rose to fame with his debut novel 'I, the Jury' in 1947, introducing detective Mike Hammer. His gritty storytelling and fast-paced prose redefined the noir genre and sold over 225 million books worldwide. Spillane wrote 13 Mike Hammer novels, many of which were adapted into films and television shows. He also wrote comic book scripts, including for Superman, and served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Despite criticism for his violent content, Spillane's work influenced generations of crime writers. He remained a popular cultural figure until his death on July 17, 2006.

Artt Frank was an American jazz drummer whose rhythmic drive and inventive solos graced recordings and stages worldwide. He gained acclaim for his work in the bebop and cool jazz scenes, performing with notable artists across several decades. Frank's dynamic style blended technical mastery with soulful expression, making him a sought-after collaborator. In addition to his musical career, he authored in-depth biographies that offered unique insights into the lives of jazz legends. His dual talents as a performer and writer significantly contributed to preserving jazz history. Through teaching and workshops, he inspired countless musicians to explore the art of drumming. Frank continued performing into his later years before passing away in 2024.

Robert Calvert was an English singer, songwriter, and playwright who became a prominent figure in the space rock scene. He joined Hawkwind in 1971, contributing distinctive vocals and spoken-word poetry to albums like "Hall of the Mountain Grill." His solo albums, including "Captain Lockheed and the Starfighters," showcased his wit and concept-driven songwriting. Calvert also wrote stage plays and poetry, exploring themes of science fiction and satire. His theatrical performances and imaginative lyrics influenced the development of psychedelic and progressive rock. Despite struggles with mental health, Calvert left a lasting legacy upon his death in 1988. His work is celebrated by fans for its originality and boundary-pushing artistry.

Warren Skaaren was an American screenwriter and film producer celebrated for his work on blockbuster films of the 1980s. He co-wrote the screenplay for "Top Gun," which became one of the highest-grossing films of 1986. Skaaren also contributed to comedies like "Beverly Hills Cop" and "Midnight Run." His sharp dialogue and knack for pacing made him a sought-after writer in Hollywood. He served as creative head of production at several studios before his untimely death in 1990. Skaaren's scripts continue to influence action and comedy genres.

Keri Hulme was a New Zealand author and poet best known for her novel "The Bone People," which won the Booker Prize in 1985 as the first Māori writer to receive the honor. Her writing blended myth, history, and indigenous storytelling, creating a unique literary voice. Hulme was also a poet, publishing collections such as "The Silences Between." Her work explores themes of identity, belonging, and the human connection to nature. Despite early success, she remained reclusive, granting few interviews. Hulme passed away in 2021, leaving a lasting impact on New Zealand and world literature.

Born in 1963 in Montreal, Jean-Marc Vallée started his career directing documentaries and short films before making his feature film debut in the 1990s. He gained international acclaim for 'C.R.A.Z.Y.', a coming-of-age drama that won multiple awards. Vallée's naturalistic directing style and attention to character development led to his work on 'Dallas Buyers Club', earning him an Academy Award nomination. He also directed successful television series like 'Big Little Lies' and 'Sharp Objects', which received critical praise and Emmy awards. Vallée passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of intimate, visually striking storytelling.