August 29

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780–1867) was a leading French painter of the Neoclassical school. Trained under Jacques-Louis David, he excelled in precise draftsmanship and a smooth, polished finish. Ingres produced iconic portraits of European nobility and evocative historical tableaux such as 'The Grande Odalisque'. Despite resistance to Romanticism, his unique style influenced later movements and artists like Picasso. He served as director of the French Academy in Rome, shaping artistic education across Europe. His legacy endures through masterful compositions and elegant figures celebrated around the world.

Byron Gates Harlan was born in 1861 in Dayton, Ohio, and became a leading tenor in the nascent American recording industry. He recorded numerous songs for major labels like Victor and Zonophone, often partnering with Arthur Collins in popular duet performances. Their collaborations blended humor and melody, helping to define the ragtime and vaudeville sound of the era. Harlan's clear tenor voice and engaging stage presence made him a household name on phonograph records. He influenced early recording techniques and inspired future generations of popular singers. Harlan died in 1936, leaving a rich catalog of pioneering recordings that shaped American music history.

Born in Viggiano in 1875, Leonardo De Lorenzo studied at Naples’ Conservatorio di San Pietro a Majella before launching a performing career. He moved to the United States in 1909 to join the New York Symphony Orchestra under Walter Damrosch. As a professor at the Eastman School of Music, he shaped the technique and artistry of generations of flutists. His book "My Complete Story of the Flute" remains a standard reference for students and professionals. De Lorenzo performed as a soloist and chamber musician with leading ensembles throughout his life. He continued teaching and writing on flute performance until his death in 1962, leaving a lasting mark on flute pedagogy worldwide.

Preston Sturges was a pioneering American film director and screenwriter active during Hollywood's Golden Age. He began his career as a successful Broadway writer before transitioning to Hollywood. In 1940, he became the first filmmaker to write and direct his own screenplays with The Great McGinty, earning him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Sturges was known for his sharp wit, rapid-fire dialogue, and satirical comedies such as Sullivan's Travels and The Lady Eve. His innovative storytelling and comedic timing influenced generations of filmmakers and cemented his reputation as one of cinema's earliest auteur directors.

Wolfgang Suschitzky was an Austrian-born British cinematographer and photographer renowned for his work on films like Get Carter and his evocative documentary images. Fleeing Austria in 1934, he joined the British documentary movement and worked on films such as Coal Face and Night Mail. As a cinematographer, he collaborated with directors like Paul Rotha and Mike Hodges, bringing a realist aesthetic to his projects. His photographs of London's East End captured post-war life with stark humanity. Suschitzky received a lifetime achievement award from the British Society of Cinematographers and continued creating art into his centenarian years.

Charlie 'Bird' Parker was an American jazz saxophonist and composer who revolutionized the genre with bebop. His virtuosic technique and innovative improvisations on alto saxophone set new standards in jazz. Parker collaborated with jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk. He composed enduring standards like 'Ko-Ko', 'Ornithology', and 'Anthropology'. Despite personal struggles, Parker's creative output reshaped modern jazz and influenced countless musicians. His legacy endures through recordings, compositions, and the ongoing study of his groundbreaking style.

Dinah Washington (1924–1963) was an American singer and pianist. Dubbed the 'Queen of the Blues,' she excelled in jazz, R&B, and pop music. Washington achieved her first chart success in the late 1940s with hits like 'Baby Get Lost.' Her 1950 hit 'Mambo Baby' showcased her versatile vocal style and flair for improvisation. She recorded over 30 albums, collaborating with jazz luminaries such as Clifford Brown and Quincy Jones. Washington's distinctive voice and emotive delivery influenced generations of singers. She was one of the first African American performers to cross over to mainstream pop audiences. Her career was cut short by her untimely death, but her legacy remains vital in American music.

Jimmy C. Newman (1927–2014) was an American country music singer-songwriter and guitarist. He achieved early success with hits like 'Cry Cry Darling' and 'A Fallen Star.' Newman joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1970, becoming a celebrated member of the country music community. His music blended Cajun influences with traditional country sound, reflecting his Louisiana roots. Over his career, he recorded dozens of albums and charted multiple top ten singles. Newman toured extensively across the United States and internationally. He was honored with lifetime achievement awards for his contributions to country music. Newman's distinctive voice and playing style influenced subsequent generations of country artists.

Stelios Kazantzidis was born in 1931 and became one of Greece's most beloved singers. His interpretations of laïkó and rebetiko songs captivated audiences with emotional depth. Also an accomplished guitarist, he performed across Greece in concerts and recordings. Kazantzidis released numerous hit records, establishing himself as a cultural icon in the 1950s and 1960s. He remained active until his death in 2001, influencing generations of Greek musicians.

Sorel Etrog was born in 1933 and emigrated from Romania to Canada, where he became a leading modernist sculptor. He created dynamic abstract metal sculptures that were exhibited internationally. Etrog also worked as a painter and illustrator, demonstrating versatility across artistic media. His public installations and gallery shows garnered critical acclaim worldwide. He passed away in 2014, leaving a significant legacy in contemporary art.

William Friedkin was born in Chicago in 1935 and began his career directing documentaries and television programming. He achieved international acclaim with The French Connection (1971), winning the Academy Award for Best Director. He followed this success with The Exorcist (1973), which became one of the highest-grossing horror films ever and a cultural touchstone. Known for his gritty realist style and fearlessness, he tackled themes of obsession and moral ambiguity. Over a career spanning five decades, he directed a wide range of films, including thrillers, dramas, and documentaries. He received numerous lifetime achievement honors at film festivals worldwide. Friedkin's innovative work influenced a generation of directors. He passed away in 2023, leaving a lasting mark on cinema.

Joel Schumacher was born in 1939 in New York City and began his career in Hollywood as a costume designer and photographer. He made his directorial debut with The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981) and gained recognition with teen dramas like St. Elmo's Fire (1985) and The Lost Boys (1987). Schumacher brought a distinct visual flair to mainstream cinema, tackling diverse genres from comedy to thriller. He directed blockbuster films including Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997), which attracted massive audiences despite mixed reviews. Schumacher also worked in theater and television, directing episodes and stage productions. He was known for supporting young talent and exploring bold storytelling choices. Schumacher passed away in 2020, leaving behind a varied and influential body of work.