August 29

Born in Florence in 1427, Baldovinetti apprenticed under Fra Filippo Lippi. He became a member of the Compagnia di San Luca and the Florentine guild of painters. His works are celebrated for their delicate landscape backgrounds and innovative use of perspective. Notable frescoes include the Annunciation in Santissima Annunziata and the Madonna of the Dry Tree. He experimented with oil-based glazes that influenced later Renaissance techniques. Baldovinetti's serene compositions bridged early Renaissance styles with emerging High Renaissance ideals.

Jacques-Germain Soufflot (1713–1780) was a leading French architect of the early neoclassical movement. He is best known for his design of the Panthéon in Paris, which harmonized classical Greco-Roman elements with innovative structural engineering. Soufflot studied in Rome before returning to France, blending Palladian principles with modern building techniques. His other works include contributions to the Hôtel Marigny and various religious and civic structures. He emphasized light, space, and symmetry, influencing the course of European architecture. Soufflot’s Panthéon remains one of Paris’s most iconic monuments, housing the tombs of French luminaries.

Attik (born Kleon Triantafyllou; 1885–1944) was a Greek composer, pianist, and lyricist who became one of the most popular figures in Greek music in the early twentieth century. He studied music in Paris before returning to Athens to compose songs that combined Western romantic styles with traditional Greek folk elements. Attik wrote over 500 compositions, many of which remain staples in the Greek repertoire, including 'Matomena Homata' and 'To Agalmataki'. His lyrics, often poignant and evocative, captured the social and emotional landscape of modern Greece. Apart from his musical career, he was active as a poet and playwright, contributing to the burgeoning artistic scene in Athens. Attik performed extensively across Europe, earning acclaim for his virtuosic piano playing and charismatic stage presence. Despite financial difficulties later in life, his work continued to influence generations of Greek musicians. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer who bridged musical traditions and shaped Greece's popular music heritage.

John Steuart Curry (1897–1946) was an influential American painter and academic best known as one of the leading figures of the Regionalist art movement. Born in Kansas, Curry captured rural American life through powerful murals, landscapes, and portraits, including his iconic depictions of tornadoes and historical events. He taught at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he influenced generations of artists through his studio classes and lectures. Curry's work combined realism with dynamic compositions, conveying both the hardships and spirit of Midwestern communities. In 1941, he was appointed the first Artist-in-Residence at the Library of Congress, where he painted the famous Thomas Jefferson Building murals. His academic writings and public speeches advocated for American art as a distinct cultural expression. Curry's legacy persists in major museum collections and art history as a champion of Regionalism. His paintings continue to inspire appreciation for the American heartland and its stories.

Marjorie Flack (1897–1958) was an American author and illustrator best known for her enduring contributions to children's literature. She studied at the Art Students League of New York and began her career illustrating books for other authors before writing her own. Flack's most famous works include 'The Story about Ping' (1933) and 'Angus and the Ducks' (1930), which remain beloved for their charming narratives and watercolor illustrations. Her gentle storytelling and expressive artwork captured the imaginations of young readers worldwide. Throughout her career, she collaborated on over twenty children's books, often blending engaging text with vivid imagery. Flack received critical acclaim for her ability to convey warmth, humor, and adventure through simple yet evocative prose. Her legacy endures in classrooms and libraries, where her books continue to inspire curiosity and joy in children.

Lale Andersen was born in 1905 in Germany and began her career singing chansons and cabaret tunes. In 1939, her recording of 'Lili Marleen' became an unexpected wartime anthem, beloved by soldiers on both sides during World War II. Despite strict controls by the Nazi regime, the song's popularity soared across Europe through radio broadcasts. After the war, Andersen toured extensively, recorded numerous albums, and appeared on German television. Her haunting voice and poignant lyrics made 'Lili Marleen' one of the most enduring songs of the 20th century. She passed away in 1972, leaving behind a timeless musical legacy.

Lehman Engel was born in 1910 in New York City and began his career as a Broadway conductor and arranger. He worked on iconic musicals such as Kiss Me, Kate and Damn Yankees, conducting and arranging their original scores. Engel authored The Art of Conducting Technique, which became a foundational text for musical theatre conductors. He founded the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, mentoring composers and shaping new American musicals. Throughout his career, he balanced professional conducting with passionate teaching and lecturing. He died in 1982, leaving a lasting legacy as both a practitioner and educator in American musical theatre.

Peter Scott (1909–1989) was an English ornithologist, painter, and conservationist who pioneered modern wildlife preservation. The son of explorer Robert Falcon Scott, he combined his passions for art and nature to document bird species through detailed watercolors. In 1961, he co-founded the World Wildlife Fund and served as its first president, championing global environmental initiatives. Scott also presented the BBC series Look, bringing the beauty of the natural world into millions of homes. During World War II, he served as a decorated naval officer leading coastal defense missions. His artistic and scientific contributions laid the foundation for contemporary conservation efforts worldwide.

Conrad Marca-Relli was born in Boston in 1913 to Italian immigrant parents and spent part of his youth in Italy. He emerged in the 1950s as a leading figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement and became known for his innovative collage paintings that combined painted and collaged canvases. A close associate of Willem de Kooning and Franz Kline, he helped shape the New York School of artists. Throughout his career, his works were exhibited at major institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and galleries across Europe. Marca-Relli also served as a dedicated educator, teaching at art schools and workshops in both the United States and Italy. His bold compositions and textural experiments left a lasting imprint on postwar American art. He passed away on August 29, 2000, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking abstract work that continues to inspire artists today.

Graeme 'Shirley' Strachan was born in 1952 in Sydney. He rose to prominence in the 1970s as the charismatic lead singer of the rock band Skyhooks, which produced a string of chart-topping hits. His smooth vocals and flamboyant stage presence made him a defining figure in Australian rock. After leaving the band, Strachan transitioned to television, hosting popular music and variety programs that highlighted his warm personality and sense of humour. His work in television earned him a dedicated fan base and cemented his status as a household name. In addition to his media career, he was an avid adventurer who enjoyed surfing and aviation. Strachan tragically died in a helicopter accident on August 29, 2001, leaving behind a legacy of music and broadcasting that continues to influence artists and presenters today.

Patrick Procktor was born in 1936 in England and became an influential figure in postwar British art. He gained recognition for his luminous watercolors and ink drawings, often capturing everyday scenes with a distinctive palette. Procktor exhibited widely in London’s galleries during the 1960s and 1970s, earning acclaim for his elegant compositions. As an educator, he taught painting and drawing, inspiring a generation of art students. He also contributed illustrations to books and magazines, showcasing his versatility. Procktor's work reflected a vibrant blend of popular culture and personal reflection. He died on August 29, 2003, leaving a body of work that continues to be celebrated for its color and intimacy.

Hans Vonk was born in 1942 in the Netherlands and studied at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. He built an international career as a conductor, leading ensembles such as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine. Known for his clarity of gesture and deep musical insight, he was equally acclaimed in symphonic and operatic settings. Vonk served as music director of the Netherlands Opera and guest-conducted many of the world’s leading orchestras. He championed both classical masterworks and contemporary compositions, earning praise for his interpretive depth. Later in life, he faced health challenges but continued to conduct whenever possible. Vonk passed away on August 29, 2004, leaving a legacy of recordings and performances that remain influential in the conducting world.