1840 - Claude Monet
Probably the most famous French impressionist painter. He is my favorite... it was incredible seeing one of his series from "Water Lilies" at MOMA in New York.


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1833 - Alfred Nobel
Inventor of dynamite, he later in life used his fortune to create the Nobel Prizes. I think he should have created a Nobel Prize for facial hair!


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1862 - Claude Debussy
This French composer created some really fantastic work at the end of the 19th century.
John is absolutely entranced by "Clair de lune" which was used to great effect in the movie "Frankie and Johnny"

David Oistrakh, Debussy - Clair de lune

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1891 - Jacques LipchitzLipchitz was a sculpture and a part of the "Cubist" ( Read more... )

1904 - [William] Count Basie
Jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer. His is one of the most influential people in Jazz history.

Count Basie with Clark Terry

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1920 - Christopher Robin Milne
Yup, this is THE "Christopher Robin" of Winnie-the-Pooh fame.

Winnie the Pooh-A Pooh Day Afternoon (Part 1)

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1936 - Wilt ChamberlainConsidered one of the ( Read more... )