October 21

Born Domenico Zampieri in Bologna, he studied under the Carracci and became a leading figure of the Baroque era. His work is noted for its idealized figures, harmonious compositions, and emotive clarity. Major commissions included frescoes in the Villa Farnese at Caprarola and paintings in Roman churches. He drew inspiration from the art of Raphael and Annibale Carracci. Patronized by the papal court and prominent Roman families, he influenced subsequent generations of painters. He died in 1641, leaving a legacy of refined Baroque artistry.

Born in Rome in 1775, Giuseppe Baini was ordained a priest and appointed choir director at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. He composed masses, motets, and other sacred works that blended classical harmony with emerging bel canto influences. A respected music critic and historian, he authored a groundbreaking biography of Renaissance composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. Baini's research revived interest in Palestrina's music and helped shape 19th-century musicological scholarship. His writings and compositions bridged the gap between liturgical tradition and modern musical sensibilities. He died in 1844, remembered both as a prolific composer and influential critic of sacred music.

Born in 1811, Filippo Colini studied at the Milan Conservatory and made his operatic debut in the 1830s. He became renowned for his powerful baritone in operas by Rossini, Donizetti, and Bellini. Colini performed at leading venues such as La Scala in Milan and Teatro San Carlo in Naples. Audiences admired his dramatic presence and nuanced character portrayals on stage. Later in his career, he taught singing, passing on his technique to a new generation of vocalists. He died in 1863, remembered as one of Italy's foremost baritones of his era.

Born in 1821 in Southampton, Sims Reeves began singing as a boy soprano in local church choirs. He trained in London and rose to prominence performing in oratorios, operas, and concert halls. Reeves was celebrated for his powerful tenor, elegant phrasing, and emotional delivery. He also appeared as an actor in musical dramas, showcasing his versatility on stage. Later in life, he founded a singing school, influencing vocal technique and pedagogy. He died in 1900, leaving a lasting impact on Victorian music and performance.

Claire Waldoff became a star of Weimar-era cabarets with her bold, expressive singing style. She performed satirical songs in Berlin dialect, capturing the spirit of early 20th-century urban life. Waldoff’s androgynous stage presence and outspoken personality made her an icon of cultural freedom. Despite being banned by the Nazis, she continued to perform privately and remained beloved by fans. Her recordings and legacy influence German popular music to this day.

Born in Athens in 1907, Nikos Engonopoulos studied law but devoted his life to art and literature. He became a pioneer of the Surrealist movement in Greece, co-founding the Surrealist group in Athens. Engonopoulos's paintings blend mythological imagery with dreamlike landscapes, showcasing vivid color and symbolism. His poetry, including works like 'Bolivar,' reflects similar surrealist influences with playful language and philosophical depth. Engonopoulos's dual talents established him as a central figure in 20th-century Greek culture.

Born in 1911, Mary Blair studied at the Chouinard Art Institute before joining Walt Disney Studios in 1940. She played a key role as a concept artist on films like 'Alice in Wonderland,' 'Peter Pan,' and 'Cinderella,' introducing bold color palettes and stylized designs. Blair's concept art shaped the look of the iconic it's a small world attraction at Disneyland. After leaving Disney, she worked on commercial projects and earned widespread recognition for her distinctive modernist style. Today, her vibrant paintings and designs continue to inspire artists and designers worldwide.

Don Byas (1912-1972) was a pioneering American jazz tenor saxophonist known for his advanced harmonic sense and fluid bebop lines. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he honed his craft in the Kansas City jazz scene before rising to prominence in New York. Byas played with major orchestras including those of Count Basie and Cole Porter before relocating to Europe in the 1940s. In Paris and Copenhagen, he became a central figure in the post-war jazz movement, collaborating with both American and European musicians. Later in life, he devoted himself to education, passing on his deep musical insights to a new generation of saxophonists.

Sir Georg Solti (1912-1997) was one of the 20th century's most distinguished conductors, known particularly for his work with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Born in Budapest, he studied at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music before fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe. Solti served as music director of Covent Garden and later led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to international acclaim. He was renowned for his exacting standards, expressive interpretations, and extensive discography, winning numerous Grammy Awards. His recordings of Wagner, Verdi, and Bruckner remain benchmarks. Solti was knighted in 1972 and left a lasting legacy in the world of classical music.

Owen Bradley (1915-1998) was a legendary American record producer and musician credited with creating the Nashville sound of country music. As head of Decca Records' Nashville division, he produced hits for Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, and Ernest Tubb. Bradley’s innovative use of smooth string arrangements and background vocals modernized country music in the 1950s and 60s. A skilled pianist, he also recorded his own instrumental albums. His mentorship of emerging artists and songwriters fostered a generation of country stars. Bradley was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1977, cementing his status as a pillar of the genre.

John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie (1917-1993) was an American jazz trumpeter known for his virtuosic technique, signature bent trumpet, and playful stage persona. Alongside Charlie Parker, he pioneered the bebop movement, revolutionizing jazz with complex harmonies and fast tempos. Gillespie led big bands that introduced Afro-Cuban elements to jazz, collaborating with Cuban musicians like Chano Pozo. Over his career, he toured the globe, promoting jazz as a universal language. A gifted composer, he wrote standards such as "A Night in Tunisia" and "Salt Peanuts". Gillespie's charisma and commitment to education inspired generations, and he received numerous honors including multiple Grammy Awards.

Sir Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006) was a prolific English composer whose oeuvre includes nine symphonies, over 120 film and television scores, concertos, chamber music, and ballet music. Born in Northampton, he studied trumpet and composition at the Royal College of Music, later serving as principal trumpeter with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Arnold's score for "The Bridge on the River Kwai" won him an Academy Award in 1958. His music is celebrated for its melodic richness, rhythmic vitality, and eclectic influences ranging from folk to jazz. Despite personal struggles, he remained creatively active throughout his life. Knighted in 1993, Arnold's works continue to feature in concert halls and cinemas worldwide.