October 18

Born near Brescia, he became the leading madrigal composer of his generation, serving at the courts of Ferrara and Rome. Marenzio published eight books of madrigals, showcasing advanced chromaticism and exquisite word-painting techniques. His music was widely circulated in Europe, influencing composers such as Monteverdi and the English madrigalists. He also composed sacred works, canzonettas, and instrumental pieces, demonstrating versatility across genres. In 1595, he traveled to the Polish court of Sigismund III Vasa, where his works garnered royal patronage. He died in Rome in 1599, leaving a body of work that remains central to the late Renaissance repertoire.

Luca Giordano was born in Naples in 1634 and trained under the painter Jusepe de Ribera. He gained fame for his vibrant use of color and dynamic compositions in both oil paintings and frescoes. Giordano's speed earned him the nickname 'Fa Presto' (Do It Quickly), as he could complete grand-scale decorations in impressively short times. He worked for patrons across Italy, including the Medici family in Florence and the Spanish monarchy in Madrid. His ceiling frescoes in the Palazzo Medici and the Escorial showcase his mastery of dramatic Baroque illusionism. Giordano's prolific output and adaptable style made him one of the most sought-after artists of his era. He died in 1705, leaving behind a legacy of influential works that shaped late Baroque art.

Baldassare Galuppi was born in 1706 on the island of Burano near Venice. He rose to fame as a composer of opera buffa, bringing wit and charm to the stage with works like 'La diavolessa'. As a skilled harpsichordist, he toured Europe, influencing the development of keyboard music. In 1740 he became maestro di cappella at St. Mark's Basilica, a prestigious position in Venice. His output includes over 60 operas, dozens of sonatas, and sacred music. Galuppi's melodic inventiveness and colorful orchestration paved the way for the Classical style. His music left a lasting mark on his contemporaries and future generations of composers.

Thomas Phillips was born in 1770 in London and became one of the leading portrait painters of his generation. He studied at the Royal Academy Schools and first exhibited there in 1791. Phillips gained acclaim for his sensitive likenesses of poets, scientists, and politicians, capturing their personalities with subtle brushwork. His portraits of Lord Byron, John Hunter, and Sir Henry Raeburn are regarded as masterpieces of Romantic portraiture. In 1810 he was elected a Royal Academician and received numerous royal and private commissions. Phillips also contributed to art education, teaching at the Royal Academy. He continued painting until his death in 1845, leaving behind a significant body of work.

Born Karoline Wilhelmine Charlotte Blamauer, Lotte Lenya rose to fame as the leading interpreter of Kurt Weill’s music, whom she married in 1926. Her distinctive voice and enigmatic stage presence defined songs like ‘Mack the Knife’ from The Threepenny Opera. After fleeing Nazi Germany in 1933, she built a career on Broadway and in London’s West End, introducing Weill’s repertoire to new audiences. Lenya transitioned to film and television, earning acclaim for her Oscar-nominated role as Fraulein Schneider in the 1972 film Cabaret. She collaborated with Weill until his death in 1950, championing his works in recitals and recordings. Beyond her musical legacy, Lenya’s life story symbolizes resilience and artistic innovation amid political upheaval.

James Brooks studied at the Art Students League in New York and emerged as a key figure in the Second Generation of American Abstract Expressionists. During the 1930s, he contributed to the WPA Federal Art Project, creating murals that blended color and form in innovative ways. His mature work featured bold strokes and luminous color fields, earning him exhibitions at museums such as MoMA and the Whitney. Brooks also dedicated himself to teaching, holding positions at the University of Iowa and the Pratt Institute, where he mentored future generations of artists. His fusion of painterly abstraction and architectural space influenced the direction of post-war American art. He remained active until his death in 1992, leaving a lasting impact on abstract painting.

Bobby Troup began his musical career leading a jazz trio in Los Angeles before signing with Capitol Records in the 1940s. He wrote the iconic song '(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,' which became a standard covered by numerous artists. Troup’s talents extended to acting, most notably portraying Dr. Joe Early on the television series 'Emergency!' from 1972 to 1979. He collaborated with performers such as Nat King Cole and Julie London, blending jazz sophistication with popular appeal. Throughout his life, he continued to perform live, record albums, and contribute to the American songbook. His dual legacy in music and television has left an enduring mark on American culture.

Anita O'Day (1919–2006) was an American jazz singer known for her distinctive phrasing and improvisational skills. She rose to fame in the 1940s as part of Gene Krupa's orchestra, delivering breakthrough performances on hits like “Let Me Off Uptown.” Throughout her career, O’Day recorded numerous albums and collaborated with jazz legends including Stan Kenton and Buddy Rich. Her energetic performances and unique vocal style earned her the nickname “the Jezebel of Jazz.” Despite struggles with addiction, she maintained a strong connection with audiences through candid autobiography and memoirs. O’Day’s legacy endures as a trailblazer in vocal jazz, influencing generations of singers.

Camilla Williams (1919–2012) was an acclaimed American operatic soprano and pioneering educator. In 1956, she became the first African American to perform a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera, opening doors for future generations. Her repertoire spanned Italian, French, and German operas, earning praise for her rich tone and dramatic intensity. Beyond performance, Williams dedicated decades to teaching voice at universities and community programs. She advocated for civil rights and used her platform to mentor young singers of all backgrounds. Williams’ groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire both the opera world and advocates for equality.

Melina Mercouri (1920–1994) was a celebrated Greek actress, singer, and political activist. She gained international fame for her film roles, notably in “Never on Sunday,” earning a Cannes Best Actress award. Mercouri transitioned into politics in the 1970s, co-founding the Panhellenic Socialist Movement and advocating for democracy after the military junta. As Greece’s first female Minister of Culture (1981–1989), she launched the “Heritage of Humanity” initiative to promote historical preservation. An iconic figure in arts and politics, she authored the phrase “Everything’s Culture” to connect arts with everyday life. Her passionate advocacy reshaped cultural policy in Greece and abroad, leaving a legacy that bridged art and civic engagement.

Jessie Mae Hemphill (1923–2008) was an influential American blues musician from Olive Branch, Mississippi. She carried on the North Mississippi hill country blues tradition, blending rhythmic guitar with soulful vocals. Hemphill’s recordings, including “She’s Got a Thing Goin’ On,” brought renewed attention to regional blues in the 1960s and 1970s. She toured internationally, performing at festivals and raising awareness of traditional Southern blues. Hemphill also led the first all-female blues band, challenging gender norms in the genre. Her legacy endures through her pioneering role in preserving and popularizing hill country blues.

Buddy MacMaster (1924–2014) was a legendary Canadian fiddler and singer-songwriter from Cape Breton Island. He dedicated his life to preserving and promoting traditional Scottish-Canadian fiddle music. MacMaster performed internationally, delighting audiences with virtuosic playing and warm vocals. He recorded numerous albums, revitalizing interest in Celtic fiddle traditions. In 1993, he was appointed to the Order of Canada for his contributions to music and cultural heritage. MacMaster’s recordings and mentorship inspired a new generation of fiddle players worldwide.