April 02

Samuel F. B. Morse was born in 1791 in Charlestown, Massachusetts and initially pursued a career as a portrait painter. He co-founded the National Academy of Design in New York to promote American art and mentored young artists. Fascinated by electricity and telegraphy, Morse collaborated with scientists to design the single-needle telegraph system. In 1838 he introduced the Morse code, a simple yet powerful binary code that enabled efficient transmission of messages. His 1844 demonstration from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore marked the start of the telegraph era, shrinking communication times across great distances. Morse continued to refine his inventions while maintaining his artistic interests, leaving a dual legacy in art and technology. He died in 1872, but his code remained the backbone of global telecommunications for over a century.

Achille Vianelli was born in 1803 in Monteleone di Puglia, Italy, and later moved to Naples to study at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. He became a leading figure in the 19th-century Neapolitan school of landscape painting, specializing in serene scenes of the Campanian countryside and city vistas. Vianelli collaborated with artists such as Giacinto Gigante, sharing a passion for plein air techniques and atmospheric effects. He taught at the Academy for many years, influencing a generation of Italian painters. His works were celebrated for their precise architectural detail and luminous skies. Vianelli exhibited widely across Europe and received royal commissions for his artistic mastery. He passed away in 1894, leaving a rich body of work in museums and private collections.

Theodore Robinson was born in 1852 in Irasburg, Vermont, and studied art at Yale University before moving to Paris to attend the Académie Julian. There he became immersed in the Impressionist movement and befriended Claude Monet in Giverny, adopting many of his techniques. Robinson returned to the United States in the 1880s and helped introduce Impressionism to American audiences through exhibitions in New York and Chicago. He often painted en plein air, capturing fleeting light and color in scenes of coastal New England and the American countryside. Robinson later taught at the Brooklyn Art Association and influenced younger artists with his fresh approach. His work was praised for its vibrant palette and loose brushwork, distinguishing him from his more academic contemporaries. He died in 1896, and his contributions are now regarded as pivotal in American Impressionism.

Born in Brooklyn in 1917, Rich began his career in vaudeville before rising to fame in the swing era. He played with top orchestras led by Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, and Harry James, honing his signature style. In 1946, he formed the Buddy Rich Big Band, known for its high-energy arrangements and complex rhythms. Renowned for his speed and precision, he became one of the most influential drummers in jazz history. Rich recorded numerous acclaimed albums and toured extensively around the world. He continued performing until his death in 1987, leaving a lasting impact on modern drumming.

Born in Giannitsa, Greece in 1939, Angelopoulos began singing in local taverns before gaining national fame. Known as “O Tsiganos” (the Gypsy), he captivated audiences with his rich baritone and heartfelt delivery. During his three-decade career, he released multiple albums blending traditional folk with contemporary rhythms. He toured Europe and North America, connecting with the Greek diaspora through his music. Angelopoulos’s emotive style influenced generations of Greek performers. He passed away in 1989, remembered as one of Greece’s most iconic voices.

Born in Kyoto in 1910, Tanaka joined Toho Studios in the 1930s and rose through the production ranks. He conceived and produced the original Godzilla film in 1954, blending science fiction with social commentary on nuclear technology. Tanaka expanded the series into a global phenomenon, producing numerous sequels and spin-offs over the decades. Over his career, he produced more than 200 films across genres, showcasing his passion for storytelling and special effects innovation. His work helped popularize Japanese cinema internationally and inspired countless filmmakers. Tomoyuki Tanaka passed away in 1997, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of film and pop culture.

Born in Munich in 1965, Rob Pilatus rose to fame alongside Fab Morvan as part of the dance-pop duo Milli Vanilli. The group's debut album sold millions worldwide but collapsed in 1990 when it was revealed they did not sing on their recordings. The scandal led to their Grammy Award being revoked and sparked debates about authenticity in the music industry. Pilatus struggled with personal issues in the aftermath, including battles with addiction and legal troubles. He returned to music sporadically before his untimely death in 1998 at age 32. His story remains a cautionary tale about the pressures of fame and the music business.

Born in 1920 in Montreal, Charles Daudelin became a leading figure in Canadian modern art. Over his career, he created numerous public sculptures that fused art with architecture, including works for airports and universities. His abstract paintings and reliefs reflected influences from European avant-garde movements. Daudelin also helped found the sculptors' association in Quebec and promoted arts education. His art can be found in prominent collections across Canada. He passed away in 2001, leaving a lasting legacy on the Canadian art landscape.

Levi Celerio was born in Tondo, Manila in 1910 and became one of the Philippines' most prolific composers. Known for penning timeless classics such as Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit, he wrote melodies and lyrics that resonated across generations. Celerio was also famous for playing music using a leaf, earning him international acclaim. In 1997, he was honored as a National Artist of the Philippines for Music. His work spans folk songs, church hymns, and popular tunes, weaving cultural heritage into his compositions. He died in 2002, leaving behind a vast musical catalog that continues to be cherished.

Born Charles Edwin Hatcher in 1942, Edwin Starr rose to fame with Motown Records in the 1960s. He recorded hits like Agent Double-O Soul and Twenty-Five Miles before releasing War, which became an international success and a defining protest song of its era. Starr's gritty vocals and energetic performances captured the social unrest of his time. He continued to tour and record for four decades, blending soul, funk, and disco influences. His commitment to musical integrity won him respect among peers and fans alike. He died in 2003, leaving a legacy of bold music and social commentary.

Born in 1926, Bud Shank emerged as a leading figure in the 1950s West Coast jazz scene. He excelled on alto saxophone and flute, bringing a lyrical style to both instruments. Shank collaborated with legends such as Stan Kenton and helped popularize bossa nova in the US. He recorded over 100 albums, blending jazz with classical and world music influences. His innovative approach and prolific output left a lasting mark on jazz history.

Born in 1915 in Washington, D.C., Elizabeth Catlett earned her art degrees before moving to Mexico. She became a Mexican citizen and collaborated with the Taller de Gráfica Popular on socially engaged art. Her sculptures and lithographs highlighted themes of freedom, equality, and the strength of women. Catlett's distinctive style blended modernism with folk traditions, influencing generations of artists. Her work is celebrated worldwide for its political power and artistic excellence.