April 16 is the birthday of English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer CHARLIE CHAPLIN (1889-1977).

"Nothing is permanent in this wicked world – not even our troubles."

Chaplin "was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who rose to fame in the era of silent film. He became a worldwide icon through his screen persona, The Tramp, and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of the film industry. His career spanned more than 75 years, from childhood in the Victorian era until a year before his death in 1977, and encompassed both adulation and controversy." (Wikipedia)

April 16 is the birthday of American author and illustrator of children's books DOROTHY LATHROP (1891-1980).

"During a prolific career spanning from 1919 to 1967, she used her artistic skills as an illustrator of other authors’ children's fictional literature: more than 38 books were published with her illustrations. Lathrop wrote and illustrated nine children's books and several topical nonfiction books. She was also an accomplished printmaker. Much of her work was devoted to the beauty and importance of animals." (Wikipedia)

To see examples of Lathrop’s art, CLICK HERE.

April 16 is the birthday of dancer and choreographer MERCE CUNNINGHAM (1919-2009).

“You have to love dancing to stick to it. It gives you nothing back, no manuscripts to store away, no paintings to show on walls and maybe hang in museums, no poems to be printed and sold, nothing but that fleeting moment when you feel alive. It is not for unsteady souls.”

Cuningham "was an American dancer and choreographer who was at the forefront of American modern dance for more than 50 years. He was notable for frequent collaboration with artists of other disciplines, including musicians John Cage, David Tudor, Brian Eno, and graphic artists Robert Rauschenberg, Bruce Nauman, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, and Jasper Johns; and fashion designer Rei Kawakubo. Works that he produced with these artists had a profound impact on avant-garde art beyond the world of dance." (Wikipedia)

April 16 is the birthday of American composer and conductor HENRY MANCINI (1924-1994).

"I compose the music according to the nature of the show. 'Peter Gunn's' focus was violence so that was my key."

Mancini "won four Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and twenty Grammy Awards, plus a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995. His works include the theme and soundtrack for the Peter Gunn television series as well as the music for The Pink Panther film series ('The Pink Panther Theme') and 'Moon River' from Breakfast at Tiffany's. The Music from Peter Gunn won the first Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Mancini also enjoyed a long collaboration composing film scores for the film director Blake Edwards. Mancini also scored a #1 hit single during the rock era on the Billboard charts: his arrangement and recording of the 'Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet' spent two weeks at the top, beginning on June 29, 1969." (Wikipedia)