August 21

Born around 1557 in France, Mauduit became a leading figure of the late Renaissance music scene. He composed motets, chansons, and instrumental pieces that blended intricate polyphony with emerging Baroque sensibilities. As a respected academic, he taught music theory and influenced a generation of French composers. Mauduit held prestigious positions at the French court, collaborating with poets and artists of the era. His work helped transition French music from Renaissance traditions toward the early Baroque style. Though less widely known today, his surviving compositions are valued for their technical mastery and expressive depth.

Bertalan Székely studied art in Vienna and Munich, where he honed his Romantic style and technical mastery. Upon returning to Hungary, he became a professor at the Hungarian Royal Drawing School, shaping the next generation of artists. Székely's most famous works depict pivotal moments in Hungarian history, such as the Battle of Mohács and the coronation of Matthias I. His large-scale canvases combined dramatic narrative with meticulous attention to costume and setting. Beyond painting, he contributed to art criticism and helped organize public exhibitions that promoted Hungarian national consciousness. Székely's legacy endures in Hungary's national galleries and in his influence on art education.

A musical prodigy, Lambert studied at the Royal College of Music and quickly gained acclaim for compositions such as 'The Rio Grande.' He served as chief conductor and musical director for the Vic-Wells Ballet (later the Royal Ballet), collaborating with choreographers like Ninette de Valois. Lambert’s innovative orchestration and embrace of jazz influences expanded the British ballet repertoire. Additionally, he was an influential music critic and writer. His premature death at 45 curtailed a vibrant career in British musical life.

Born in 1963, Teodoro de Villa Diaz emerged as a talented guitarist in the Philippine music scene of the 1980s. He composed and performed songs that blended indigenous Filipino melodies with modern arrangements, earning acclaim for his innovative approach. His recorded works showcased lyrical depth and instrumental virtuosity, influencing a generation of musicians. Diaz toured extensively across the Philippines, building a devoted following. His untimely death in 1988 at the age of 25 cut short a promising career, but his recordings continue to inspire local artists.

Born in 1912, Ray Eames studied art and design before partnering with Charles Eames to create some of the most iconic works of the mid-century modern era. Together, they co-designed the landmark Eames House in California, blending functionality with aesthetic innovation. Ray played a key role in the development of the Eames Lounge Chair, molded plywood furniture, and pioneering exhibitions. Her work spanned architecture, graphic design, and film, leaving an indelible mark on modern design philosophy. She passed away on August 21, 1988, leaving a legacy of timeless creativity.

Born in 1945, Raul Seixas was a trailblazing figure in Brazilian music, pioneering the country's rock scene with a unique blend of rock, blues, and regional rhythms. His charismatic stage presence and rebellious lyrics resonated with youth during a time of political unrest. Seixas collaborated with writer Paulo Coelho on several albums, producing enduring hits like "Maluco Beleza" and "Metamorfose Ambulante." He struggled with personal demons but remained prolific, leaving behind a rich catalog of songs. Seixas died of acute pancreatitis in 1989, but his influence on Brazilian culture remains profound.

Born in 1938, Tatiana Troyanos studied music at the Juilliard School before launching an international opera career. She became a leading performer at the Metropolitan Opera, acclaimed for roles such as Octavian in Strauss’s "Der Rosenkavalier" and Carmen in Bizet’s opera. Troyanos was praised for her rich timbre, dynamic acting, and ability to inhabit diverse characters. Beyond opera, she appeared in theater productions and taught master classes, influencing a new generation of singers. Her sudden death on August 21, 1993, at age 55 shocked the music world, but her recordings and legacy continue to inspire.

Born George Ryan in 1948, Tomata du Plenty became a central figure in San Francisco's late-1970s punk art scene. As the flamboyant frontman of The Screamers, he pushed the boundaries of performance with his theatrical stage presence and provocative lyrics. Beyond music, Du Plenty wrote plays, created visual art, and collaborated with artists like Raymond Pettibon. His work blurred the lines between art and punk, influencing the DIY ethos of underground culture. In his later years, he focused on painting and solo performances. Du Plenty died of cancer on August 21, 2000, remembered as an icon of West Coast punk.

John Coplans (1920–2003) was a British artist and curator whose work gained prominence through bold photographic self-portraits that explored themes of aging and the human body. Initially a respected art critic and editor, he turned to creating art in his sixties, producing striking images that challenged conventional beauty standards. Coplans’s exhibitions were showcased in major museums and galleries around the world, earning critical acclaim. His photographs combined personal vulnerability with universal questions about identity and mortality. Through both his critical writing and his art practice, he influenced contemporary discussions on the body in art. His unique career trajectory bridged the worlds of art criticism and visual art.

Martin Dillon (1957–2005) was an American operatic tenor celebrated for his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Throughout his career, he performed leading roles with major opera houses and concert halls in the United States and abroad. After retiring from the stage, he devoted himself to teaching, holding faculty positions at several universities and conservatories. Dillon was respected for his ability to mentor young singers, helping them develop technique and artistry. He also gave masterclasses and workshops that influenced a new generation of vocalists. His dual legacy as a performer and educator made a lasting impact on the world of opera.

Born in 1916, Bismillah Khan was a virtuoso shehnai player who brought the traditional Indian wind instrument to global prominence. He had a career spanning over seven decades, performing at prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall. In 2001, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, for his contributions to music. His renditions of classical ragas were celebrated for their emotional depth and technical mastery. Khan collaborated with leading musicians and appeared at international festivals. He was instrumental in popularizing the shehnai beyond folk and temple ceremonies. His legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians around the world.

Jerry Finn was a pivotal figure in the pop-punk explosion of the late 1990s and early 2000s. He crafted iconic albums for Green Day, Blink-182, and Sum 41, introducing polished production techniques to the genre. Finn's mixing style balanced raw energy with radio-ready clarity. He began his career at Mad Hatter Studios in Los Angeles and became a sought-after producer. His work earned multi-platinum certifications and influenced countless bands. Finn collaborated closely with artists to refine songwriting and arrangement. He passed away unexpectedly at age 39, leaving a lasting legacy in rock music production.