December 19

Jean-Baptiste van Loo was born in 1684 in Aix-en-Provence into a family of painters. He studied the traditions of French and Italian art, spending time in Rome to refine his technique. Returning to Paris, he earned acclaim for portraits of the French court before accepting commissions in London. In England, he painted members of the Hanoverian royal family with Rococo elegance and grace. Van Loo's work bridged French and English styles, influencing portraiture across Europe until his death in 1745.

Francesco Antonio Bonporti was born in 1672 in Trentino, Italy, and ordained as a Catholic priest. While serving in the parish of Cles, he composed numerous instrumental works blending sacred and secular styles. His published sonata collections, especially Op.10, were admired for their melodic inventiveness and counterpoint. Some of his works were erroneously attributed to Bach, highlighting their technical sophistication. Bonporti's music, published in Paris and London, contributed to the development of Baroque violin repertoire. He died in 1749, leaving a legacy of compositions that bridged ecclesiastical duties and musical innovation.

J.M.W. Turner was born in 1775 in London and showed artistic talent from an early age. He was admitted to the Royal Academy at just 24, where he exhibited his first works. Turner traveled extensively across Europe, drawing inspiration from Mediterranean landscapes. His masterpieces like 'The Fighting Temeraire' and 'Rain, Steam and Speed' exemplify his dramatic style. Employing innovative brushwork, he laid the groundwork for the Impressionist movement. Turner spent his later years bequeathing his work and financial estate to the British nation. His legacy endures through the extensive Turner collection at Tate Britain.

Giuseppe Caselli was born in 1893 in Italy and became known for his lyrical landscapes characterized by vibrant color palettes. Drawing inspiration from Impressionism and Italian modernist currents, he developed a distinctive style that captured the atmosphere of the Italian countryside. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Caselli exhibited his work in galleries across Italy, earning critical acclaim for his emotive use of light and texture. He also explored portraiture and still life, showcasing his versatility. After World War II, he continued to paint and share his techniques with younger artists, influencing a new generation of Italian painters. Caselli's works remain in museum collections and private holdings, reflecting his important role in 20th-century Italian art.

Michael Clarke (1946–1993), born Michael James Dick, was the original drummer for the influential band The Byrds. He joined the group in 1964 and contributed to hits like "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Turn! Turn! Turn!". Clarke's steady, melodic drumming was integral to the band's signature folk-rock sound. He left The Byrds in 1967 and later played with various other groups, including Firefall. Throughout his career, he was admired for his rhythmic precision and adaptability across genres. Health issues in later years limited his performances, but he remained a respected figure among musicians. He passed away from liver failure in 1993, leaving a lasting impact on rock drumming styles.

Jimmy Rogers (1924–1997) was an American Chicago blues musician celebrated for his smooth vocals and guitar work. Born in Ruleville, Mississippi, he moved to Chicago in the late 1940s and joined Muddy Waters' band in 1950. Rogers played on classic recordings like "Walking by Myself" and "That's All Right", helping define the post-war blues sound. He launched a successful solo career with Chess Records, releasing hits that showcased his warm tenor voice. His easygoing style influenced generations of blues and rock guitarists. After health issues limited his performances, he returned to recording in the 1990s and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. He passed away in Chicago in 1997, leaving a legacy as one of the genre's essential figures.

Rob Buck (1958–2000) was an American musician and founding member of the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs. His shimmering guitar riffs and melodic solos helped define the band's signature jangle-pop sound. Buck co-wrote several of the group's hits, including 'What's the Matter Here?' and 'Like the Weather'. With 10,000 Maniacs, he recorded landmark albums such as In My Tribe and Blind Man's Zoo, earning both critical and commercial success. His inventive musicianship influenced the college rock scene of the late 1980s. Buck's sudden death cut short a vibrant career, but his creative legacy endures in alternative music circles.

Milton 'Milt' Hinton (1910–2000) was an American jazz double bassist whose career spanned over seven decades. Nicknamed 'The Judge,' he performed with legends such as Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie. Hinton's rhythmic versatility and melodic improvisation made him one of the most in-demand session musicians of his era. An avid photographer, he documented jazz life with candid images that have become invaluable historical records. His photographs and bass performances have been featured in museums, books, and exhibitions worldwide. As an educator at Yale University and author of an autobiography, he shared his insights on music and life. Hinton's contributions continue to inspire musicians and historians alike.

Renata Tebaldi was born in Pesaro, Italy and studied at the Parma Conservatory. She made her operatic debut in 1944 and quickly gained acclaim at La Scala in Milan. Tebaldi became a star at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where her performances of Aida and Tosca enthralled audiences. Known as "La Voce d'Angelo", she recorded extensively and toured worldwide. She also appeared in a few films, showcasing her acting talents. Tebaldi's warm tone and expressive style made her one of the most beloved sopranos of the 20th century.

Born Rita Shulman Lewin, Roberta Leigh penned over 160 romance novels and children’s books, captivating readers with her storytelling and imaginative characters. In the 1950s and 1960s, she broke new ground in television by producing and writing early puppet shows like The Adventures of Twizzle and Space Patrol, influencing generations of young viewers. Leigh’s artistic talents extended to painting and illustration, enriching her literary works with vivid imagery and unique visual style. Her innovative approach to children’s entertainment combined literature and puppetry, making her a trailblazer in family programming. Leigh’s multifaceted career left a lasting imprint on British popular culture before her death in 2014.

Born in 1945, Leunig became one of Australia’s most beloved cartoonists, publishing cartoons and poetry in newspapers and books that combined humor with philosophical insight. His distinctive characters, such as Mr. Curly and The Duck, explored themes of innocence, society, and environmentalism. Leunig’s work often blended visual art with poignant verse, resonating with readers across generations. He held numerous exhibitions of his paintings and drawings, earning awards for his contributions to Australian art and culture. Leunig’s legacy endures through his gentle yet incisive commentary on the human condition.