November 7 is the birthday of the "Spanish Caravaggio," FRANCISCO ZURBARÁN (1598-1664). It is unknown whether Zurbarán had the opportunity to see the paintings of Caravaggio, only that his work features a similar use of chiaroscuro and tenebrism (dramatic lighting). The painter thought by some art historians to have had the greatest influence on his characteristically severe compositions was Juan Sánchez Cotán. To see samples of Zurbarán’s art, CLICK HERE.

November 7 is the birthday of "La Stupenda," JOAN SUTHERLAND (1926-2010). She was an Australian dramatic coloratura soprano known for her contribution to the renaissance of the bel canto repertoire from the late 1950s through to the 1980s. She possessed a voice combining agility, accurate intonation, pinpoint staccatos, a trill and a strong upper register, although music critics complained about her poor diction.

Sutherland was the first Australian to win a Grammy Award, for the year 1961 Best Classical Performance – Vocal Soloist (with or without orchestra) presented in 1962. She was known as 'La Stupenda' and is widely regarded as one of the greatest sopranos of all time.

November 7 is the birthday of trumpet great AL HIRT (1922-1999). He is best remembered for his million-selling recordings of 'Java' and the accompanying album Honey in the Horn (1963), and for the theme music to The Green Hornet. His nicknames included 'Jumbo' and 'The Round Mound of Sound.' Colin Escott, an author of musician biographies, wrote that RCA Victor, for which Hirt had recorded most of his best-selling recordings and for which he had spent most of his professional recording career, had dubbed him with another moniker: 'The King.' Hirt was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in November 2009. He received eight Grammy nominations during his lifetime, including winning the Grammy award in 1964 for his version of 'Java.'

November 7 is the birthday of French "Philosopher of the Absurd" ALBERT CAMUS (1913-1960). He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1957 "for his important literary production, which with clear-sighted earnestness illuminates the problems of the human conscience in our times."

Happy Birthday, GUY GAVRIEL KAY!! The Canadian fantasy author is 70 years old today.. Woo Hoo!! Kay also helped edit the posthumous works of J.R.R. Tolkien.