Jean-Baptiste Lully was a prominent French composer and conductor born in 1632 in Florence, Italy. He is best known for his contributions to the development of French opera and baroque music. Lully became the court composer for King Louis XIV and played a significant role in shaping the musical landscape of 17th-century France. Lully's most famous works include his operas, such as Armide and Atys, which combined music with dance. He was also instrumental in establishing the Académie Royale de Musique, which helped formalize the production of operas in France. Lully passed away in 1687, leaving a lasting legacy in classical music.