August 21

Jean-Baptiste Greuze was born in 1725 in Tournus, France. Recognized for his skillful use of color and composition, he gained fame with works that depicted domestic life and moral lessons. His painting 'The Broken Pitcher' became emblematic of his narrative style, blending sentiment and realism. Elected to the Royal Academy in 1769, Greuze later taught pupils and authored art instruction manuals. Though his popularity waned with changing tastes, his emphasis on emotion and storytelling influenced subsequent generations of artists. He died in 1805, leaving a legacy in both painting and art education.

Nathaniel Everett Green was born in 1823 and pursued dual passions in art and astronomy. As a painter, he produced evocative landscapes and portraits, and as an astronomer, he crafted detailed lithographs of Mars and Jupiter. Elected a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, he contributed observations that aided planetary studies. Green authored star maps and popularized astronomical awareness in Victorian England. He died in 1899, remembered for blending artistic skill with scientific curiosity.

Otto Goldschmidt was born in 1829 and excelled as a composer, conductor, and pianist. He studied under Felix Mendelssohn and later settled in England, where he promoted European classical repertoire. Goldschmidt married famed soprano Jenny Lind and managed her concert tours across Europe and America. He founded musical societies and taught at the Royal College of Music. He died in 1907, celebrated for his role in bridging German and British musical traditions.

Aubrey Beardsley was an English illustrator and author famous for his distinct Art Nouveau style. Born in Brighton in 1872, he studied at the Westminster School of Art. Beardsley gained acclaim for his illustrations for Oscar Wilde's "Salome" and his work in the magazine "The Yellow Book". His bold use of black-and-white contrast and intricate linework challenged conventions of Victorian art. He also wrote short stories and essays, contributing to the aesthetic and decadent movements. Despite his success, Beardsley's career was cut short by tuberculosis and he died at the age of 25. His influence on graphic art and illustration endures to this day.

Christian Schad (1894–1982) was a German painter best known for his contributions to the Dada movement and New Objectivity school. Working in Zurich during World War I, he created experimental photograms called 'Schadographs'. His precise and detached New Objectivity portraits captured the psychological depth of his subjects. Schad's work influenced modern art in post-war Germany, and he later settled in Switzerland. Rediscovered in the 1960s, his paintings and photograms are celebrated for their innovative techniques and critical perspective on society.

Kostas Giannidis (1903–1984) was a prominent Greek pianist, composer, and conductor whose career shaped the sound of Greek popular music. Trained in Berlin, he returned to Greece to perform in concert halls and radio broadcasts. Giannidis composed music for films, theater productions, and revues, blending traditional melodies with modern orchestration. As a conductor for the Greek National Radio, he directed ensembles that brought jazz and classical styles to broader audiences. His durable legacy includes memorable film scores and pioneering contributions to Greece's cultural landscape.

Count Basie (1904–1984), born William James Basie, was a pioneering American jazz pianist and bandleader. He formed the Count Basie Orchestra in 1935, developing a distinctive swing style characterized by tight arrangements and dynamic solos. Hits like 'One O'Clock Jump' and 'April in Paris' became jazz standards under his leadership. Basie collaborated with legendary vocalists and instrumentalists, earning multiple Grammy Awards and widespread acclaim. His minimalist piano comping and emphasis on rhythm sections forever influenced jazz big band traditions across six decades of performance.

Friz Freleng (1906–1995) was a legendary American animator, director, and producer at Warner Bros. Cartoons. He co-created or developed enduring characters such as Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Tweety, and Sylvester. Freleng's innovative direction and comedic timing earned him four Academy Awards over his career. After leaving Warner Bros., he co-founded DePatie–Freleng Enterprises, producing the popular Pink Panther animated series. His work reshaped theatrical cartoons and influenced generations of animators worldwide, establishing standards in animated comedy and character design.

Consuelo Velázquez was a classically trained Mexican pianist and pioneering songwriter. She composed numerous popular boleros, but her 1940 masterpiece 'Bésame Mucho' became one of the most recorded songs in music history. Velázquez's compositions combined romantic lyrics with rich harmonies, earning her international acclaim. She wrote music for films and collaborated with leading artists across the Americas. Throughout her career, Velázquez toured extensively, promoting Mexican music on the world stage. Her legacy endures through the countless reinterpretations of her songs by artists of every generation.

Albert Irvin served in the Royal Air Force during World War II, experiences that later influenced his artistic vision. After the war, he studied at the Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts and became a leading figure in British abstract expressionism. Irvin's paintings are celebrated for their bold color palettes, dynamic brushwork, and emotional intensity. He exhibited widely at venues such as the Royal Academy and the Tate Gallery. Irvin also taught art for many years, mentoring a new generation of British artists. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, he was appointed OBE, securing his place among Britain's most influential post-war painters.

Addison Farmer emerged as a skilled double bassist in the vibrant Los Angeles jazz community of the 1950s. Alongside his twin brother Art, he performed with artists like Hampton Hawes and Junior Mance. Farmer's warm tone and rhythmic drive supported pioneering sessions that defined cool jazz on the West Coast. He recorded for labels such as Prestige and Atlantic, contributing to memorable trio and quartet projects. Despite a career cut short by his untimely death in 1963, Addison Farmer's influence endures among jazz musicians.

Art Farmer began his career in the 1940s, playing with Lionel Hampton before co-founding the Jazztet with Benny Golson. Known for his mellow trumpet and flugelhorn tones, he crafted a signature lyrical style that bridged bebop and cool jazz. Farmer recorded influential albums like Modern Art and Brass Shout, and collaborated with jazz greats including Gerry Mulligan and Sonny Rollins. In the 1970s he moved to Europe, teaching and performing extensively. His compositions, such as 'Farmer's Market', and his dedication to jazz education left a lasting legacy when he died in 1999.