April 1, 2025 ~ Jazz, soul-jazz guitarist George Freeman, full name George Thomas Freeman, passed away ~ Brother of saxophonist Von Freeman and drummer Eldridge Freeman. Influenced by T-Bone Walker and Charlie Christian. Mainstay on the Chicago jazz scene, starting in the 1940s backing artists such as Joe Morris, Tom Archia, Lester Young, and Charlie Parker. Closely associated with Richard Groove Holmes during the 1950s and 1960s, including on the acclaimed Groove album released in 1961, and with Gene Ammons during the early 1970s, including on the Black Cat album. As a leader especially known for a series of 1970s funky soul-jazz albums, perhaps most notably the live album Friday The 13th At The Cook County Jail featuring an all-star cast including organist Jimmy McGriff, Marion Booker Jr, and Cedar Walton. Following a period of relative inproductivity, Freeman resurged in the early 2000s and continued to perform and record until his death. Freeman passed away shortly before a scheduled performance in honor of his upcoming 98th birthday at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge in his native Chicago ~ Freeman was born in 1927
April 1, 2025 ~ Pop, country pop singer, songwriter Johnny Tillotson passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Known for a string of 1960s Billboard top 10 hits including Poetry In Motion, Without You, Talk Back Trembling Lips and perhaps his best known the self-penned It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin', the latter notably covered by Elvis Presley on his acclaimed 1969 From Elvis In Memphis album. The song has also been recorded by over 50 others including Dean Martin, Eddy Arnold, Albert West, Conway Twitty, and Billy Joe Royal ~ Tillotson was born in 1938
April 1, 2025 ~ Rock & roll singer Wayne Handy, full name Wayne Jackson Handy, passed away in Devon, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Little Richard and Chuck Berry. Although Handy recorded only a handful of singles during the late 1950s prior to becoming disillusioned with the music business and pursuing a career in mortgage banking, Handy's songs are cherished by rock & roll aficionados to this day as some of the era's finest. A performance on a local Durham, North Carolina, TV show would lead to a record deal with the small Renown Records label, where he issued the self-penned Say Yeah as his debut single in 1957. The song would later be covered by Johnny Devlin, Sammy Salvo, and Johnny Rebb. Handy is also known for songs such as Betcha Didn't Know, Seminole Rock 'n Roll, Don't Be Unfair, and Problem Child ~ Handy was born in 1935
April 1, 2024 ~ Guitarist Michael Ward passed away ~ Co-founded School Of Fish with Josh Clayton-Felt, known for their minor hit 3 Strange Days. Perhaps best known for his work with the Wallflowers, appearing on the band's 1996 Bringing Down The Horse sophomore album, which included the Grammy Award-winning One Headlight, and its follow-up album Breach. Ward has also appeared on albums by John Hiatt (Perfectly Good Guitar), Ben Harper, Shawn Mullins, Avril Lavigne (Don't Tell Me), Shelby Lynne (Suit Yourself), Tracy Bonham, and Sara Bareilles ~ Ward was born in 1967
April 1, 2024 ~ Pop singer Sue Chaloner passed away ~ First gained attention in an early-1970s touring production of the musical Hair, which also visited the Netherlands after which the British-born Chaloner decided to stay in Amsterdam. Formed the pop duo Spooky & Sue with Iwan Groeneveld, scoring several 1970s hits in the Netherlands including the top 10 hits Swinging On A Star, You Talk Too Much, and I've Got The Need. As a solo artist, Chaloner is perhaps best known for the minor hit Don't Try To Change Me, the theme song to the Dutch film Mama Is Boos. Chaloner was married to keyboardist Hans Jansen of Spin ~ Chaloner was born in 1953
April 1, 2023 ~ Singer, actor Dario Campeotto passed away ~ Actively performing since his early teens. Internationally best known for representing his native Denmark at the 1961 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 5th place with Angelique. Following its success Campeotto would continue to record, as well as play in theatrical plays, operettas, revues, and films ~ Campeotto was born in 1939
April 1, 2022 ~ Fitzroy Simpson, commonly known as reggae, roots reggae singer Bunny Simpson, passed away ~ Formed reggae harmony group the Mighty Diamonds with Judge Ferguson and Tabby Shaw, best known for their 1976 The Right Time debut album. Originally recorded Pass The Kouchie in 1981, notably covered by pop-reggae outfit Musical Youth as Pass The Dutchie ~ Simpson was born in 1951
April 1, 2022 ~ William Dale Fries Jr, commonly known as singer CW McCall, passed away in Ouray, Colorado, USA ~ Best known for Convoy. Co-penned with Chip Davis for an advertising campaign for the Iowa bakery Old Home Bread company, the song would top both the Billboard Country and Billboard Hot 100 charts, and inspire the Sam Peckinpah-directed film of the same name starring Kris Kristofferson. Other well known songs include Wolf Creek Pass, Round The World With The Rubber Duck, There Won't Be No Country Music (There Won't Be No Rock 'n Roll), Crispy Critters and Roses For Mama ~ Fries was born in 1928
April 1, 2021 ~ Singer, model, songwriter Patrick Juvet passed away in Barcelona, Spain ~ Best known for I Love America, a 1978 Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo-produced top 20 hit throughout Europe. Also known for representing Switzerland in the 1973 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 12th place with Je Bais Me Marler Marie ~ Juvet was born in 1950
April 1, 2021 ~ R&B, pop singer, songwriter, actor Quindon Tarver, full name Quindon Dan Tarver, passed away in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Best known for When Doves Cry and Everybody's Free, both covers respectively of Prince and Rozalla and both used on the soundtrack of the 1996 William Shakespeare's Rome & Juliet soundtrack. Released a sole album, Quindon, the same year ~ Tarver was born in 1982
April 1, 2020 ~ Singer, guitarist, producer, songwriter Adam Schlesinger, full name Adam Lyons Schlesinger, passed away in Poughkeepsie, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of Fountains Of Wayne, Ivy, and Tinted Windows. Key songwriter and producer for synth-pop duo Fever High. In-demand songwriter for film and TV, nominated for an Academy Award for writing the title track of the 1997 film That Thing You Do. Served as producer for acts such as Dashboard Confessional, Tahiti 80, Verve Pipe, Robert Plant, They Might Be Giants, and Fastball ~ Schlesinger was born in 1967
April 1, 2020 ~ John Paul Pizzarelli, commonly known as jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, passed away in Saddle River, New Jersey, USA ~ Carried the torch for traditional jazz and swing well into the 21st century. Influenced by Django Reinhardt, Freddie Green, and George van Eps. Father of guitarist John Pizzarelli and double bassist Martin Pizzarelli, both of whom he has regularly collaborated with. Recorded well over two dozen albums as leader or co-leader, especially noted for April Kisses released in 1999. An in-demand sideman and collaborator, Pizzarelli has appeared on albums by Tony Mottola, the Drifters, Gene Ammons, Etta Jones (Hollar), Vi Redd (Lady Soul), Solomon Burke, Walter Wanderley, Yank Lawson, Toots Thielemans, Stan Getz (The Song Is You), Roberta Flack (First Take), Lena Horne, Charles Mingus (Let My Children Hear Music), Joe Venuti, Soprano Summit, Carly Simon (Hotcakes), Gerry Mulligan, Michael Franks, Stéphane Grappelli, Svend Asmussen, Susannah McCorkle, Peter Appleyard, and Carmen McRae ~ Pizzarelli was born in 1926
April 1, 2020 ~ Pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr, full name Ellis Louis Marsalis Jr, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Patriarch of the Marsalis family, father of Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Delfeayao Marsalis and Jason Marsalis. Has recorded over a dozen albums as a leader, and has regularly collaborated with family members. Other notable associations include Nat Adderley, Snooks Eaglin, Steve Masakowski, Art Tatum, Kermit Ruffins, Courtney Pine, Harold Battiste, David Benoit, and Irma Thomas. Marsalis is also well known as an educator, quoted as once saying: “we don't teach jazz, we teach students” ~ Marsalis was born in 1934
April 1, 2019 ~ Claude Vasori, commonly known as orchestra leader, composer, arranger Caravelli passed away in Cannet, France ~ Actively recording since the late-1950s. Has worked with Maurice Chevalier and Charles Trenet. Known for composing several soundtracks, notably El Satan Conduit Le Bal. Also co-wrote Laisse Moi Le Temps, translated to English by Paul Anka and recorded by Frank Sinatra as Let Me Try Again ~ Vasori was born in 1930
April 1, 2018 ~ Jazz singer, pianist, songwriter Audrey Morris passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Specialized in ballads. Influenced by Billie Holiday, Lee Wiley, Mildred Bailey, Peggy Lee. Singing professionally since the early 1950s. Recorded two albums in the 1950s, 1955's Bistro Ballads Sung By Audrey Morris with backing from Johnny Pate and 1956's The Voice Of Audrey Morris ~ Morris was born in 1928
April 1, 2017 ~ Lee Baker Jr, commonly known as guitarist, singer Lonnie Brooks, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Inspired to pursue a career in music after hearing the sounds of Clarence Gatemouth Brown, T-Bone Walker, and BB King. Critically described as “the embodiment of a good-time bluesman” by the New York Times, while Rolling Stone once stated “his music is witty, soulful and ferociosuly energetic, brimming with novel harmonic turnaround, committed vocals and simply astonishing guitar work”. Backed Clifton Chenier early on in his career. Enjoyed regional popularity in the South in the 1950s, before relocating to Chicago where he became a fixture known for his charisma, showmanship and distinctive hybrid of Louisiana and Chicago blues. Brooks would gain wider attention after being picked up by the Alligator Records label in the 1970s, and is especially acclaimed for his Bayou Lightning album released in 1979. His sons Ronnie Baker Brooks and Wayne Baker Brooks are both also professional blues singers ~ Brooks was born in 1933
April 1, 2015 ~ Guitarist Dave Ball passed away ~ Briefly a member of Procol Harum, joining the band in 1971 as replacement for Robin Trower and leaving in 1972 halfway through the sessions for the band's The Grand Hotel album. Present on the 1972 Procol Harum Live (In Concert With The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra) live album. Has also worked with Cozy Powell in the shortlived rock group Bedlam. Backed Long John Baldry on Baldry's Good To Be Alive album ~ Ball was born in 1950
April 1, 2009 ~ Country, country rock, rock & roll singer, guitarist Duane Jarvis passed away in Marina Del Rey, California, USA ~ Influenced by the Who, the Kinks, the Rolling Stones. Co-wrote Lucinda Williams' Still I Long For Your Kiss of Williams' acclaimed Car Wheels On A Gravel Road album. Actively recording as a solo artist since the 1990s. Has worked with Peter Case, Rosie Flores, John Prine, Amy Rigby, and Dwight Yoakam ~ Jarvis was born in 1957
April 1, 2006 ~ Motonari Takano, commonly known as anisong singer, drummer Ai Takano, passed away ~ Nicknamed Motchin. Best known as a solo artist, notably performing the theme songs for Galactic Whirlwind Sasuraiger, Pettonton and Kyojuu Tokusou Juspion. Drummer for Cama Beats, known best for the Zombies cover Suki Sa Suki Sa Suki Sa originally titled I Love You. Also drummed with the Golden Cups ~ Takano was born in 1951
April 1, 2005 ~ Heavy metal, doom metal drummer Barry Stern passed away ~ Drummer, singer with Zoetrope frim 1976 through 1988, present on the albums Amnesty and A Life Of Crime. Member of Trouble from 1989 through 1993, appearing on the albums Trouble and Frustration. Has also worked with D-Connect, Cathedral, Septic Tank, and Debris Inc ~ Stern was born in 1960
April 1, 2005 ~ Songwriter Jack Keller, full name James Walter Keller, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Revered songwriter, often in collaboration with Howard Greenfield, Gerry Goffin, Noel Sherman and other staff writers at Aldon Music, responsible for 1950s and 1960s hits such as Everybody's Somebody's Fool, Breaking In A Brand New Heart and My Heart Has A Mind Of Its Own for Connie Francis, Venus In Blue Jeans for Jimmy Clanton, Run To Him for Bobby Vee, and Your Used To Be for Brenda Lee. Other artists who recorded his songs include Neil Sedaka, Nat King Cole, Patti Page, the Everly Brothers, Bobby Goldsboro, the Monkees, and Perry Como ~ Keller was born in 1936
April 1, 2004 ~ Musicologist, conductor, radio producer Denis Stevens, full name Denis William Stevens, passed away ~ Co-founded the Ambrosian Singers with John McCarthy, a choral group known best for their association with the BBC. The group would also serve as a training ground for artists such as Heather Harper, Dorothy Dorow, Margaret Price, Robert Tear, and John Shirley-Quirk ~ Stevens was born in 1922
April 1, 2004 ~ Guitarist, producer Paul Atkinson, full name Paul Ashley Warren Atkinson, passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of pop rock band the Zombies, known for the late-1960s hits She's Not There, Tell Her No and Time Of The Season. Following the band's disbandement, Atkinson would go to become an A&R executive and producer working with artists such as Elton John, ABBA, Bruce Hornsby, Mr Mister, and Judas Priest ~ Atkinson was born in 1946
April 1, 2003 ~ Singer, actor Leslie Cheung, full name Leslie Cheung Kwok-Wing, passed away in Hong Kong ~ Over a career starting in the late-1970s until his death by suicide established himself as one of the most prominent singers to help develop Cantopop. Known for his flamboyant stage appearance. Has released over 40 albums, especially acclaimed for his 1987 Summer Romance album, and acted in over 50 movies ~ Cheung was born in 1956
April 1, 2003 ~ Rock, garage rock, alternative rock, indie rock outfit the White Stripes release their Elephant album ~ Retrospectively, Elephant would be cited by several critics as among the best albums of the 21st century, Rolling Stone naming it the fifth-best album of the decade. The band had previously recorded three albums, but it was Elephant that would become their commercial and critical breakthrough. Its lead single Seven Nation Army reached top 10 in the UK. The album, the majority of it recorded without the use of computers on equipment no more recent than 40 years old, would reach top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic, win a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album and be nominated for Album of the Year, losing out to Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by OutKast
April 1, 1999 ~ Jesse Albert Stone, commonly known as R&B pianist, arranger, producer, songwriter Charles Calhoun, passed away in Altamonte Springs, Florida, USA ~ Best known for penning Shake Rattle & Roll. First recorded in 1954 by blues shouter Big Joe Turner, and covered by numerous artists including Bill Haley, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Conway Twitty, Sam Cooke, and Buddy Holly, the song is one of a select few to be frequently named as the first rock & roll song. Calhoun has also made a number of memorable recordings himself, perhaps most notably the oft covered Smack Dab In The Middle, and has written or co-written songs recorded by Alvino Rey, Lucky Millinder, Ray Charles (Losing Hand), the Drifters (Money Honey), Lavern Baker, Amos Milburn, Ruth Brown (As Long As I'm Moving), Chuck Willis, Connie Francis, and Roy Hamilton. Producer and Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun is said to once have commented Calhoun “did more to develop the basic rock & roll sound than anybody else.” ~ Stone was born in 1901
April 1, 1997 ~ Gospel singer, music director Milton Brunson, also known as Rev Milton Brunson, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Mentored by Reverend Thomas A Dorsey and Mahalia Jackson. Founded the Thompson Community Singers, well known for their regular appearances on Jubilee Showcase TV concert series. Especially acclaimed for his 1988 Available To You album, its title track becoming a gospel standard ~ Brunson was born in 1929
April 1, 1994 ~ Ella McMahon, commonly known as singer, songwriter Ella Eyre, born in London, UK ~ Released her Feline solo debut album in 2015. Reached the UK top 20 with the singles Comeback and Together. Best known for her associations with Rudimental on the 2013 UK No.1 hit Waiting All Night, DJ Fresh on the 2015 Gravity single, and with Sigala on the singles Came Here For Love and Just Got Paid, the latter two released respectively in 2017 in 2018
April 1, 1991 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Bjarne Nerem, full name Bjarne Arnuld Nerem, passed away in Oslo, Norway ~ Among the top soloists on Norway's jazz scene. Influenced by Lester Young and Stan Getz. Through the early-1970s Nerem played in ensembles led by Rowland Greenberg, Thore Jederby, Simon Brehm, and Carl Henrik Norin, before venturing out on his own, eventually recording over half a dozen albums as leader or co-leader. As a sideman, over the course of his career Nerem has worked with international artists such as Roy Haynes, Quincy Jones, Ernestine Anderson, Benny Golson, and Jimmy Witherspoon, as well with the finest Scandinavian jazz musicians including Lars Gullin, Monica Zetterlund, Gunnar Almstedt, Harry Arnold, Nils Lindberg, Jan Johansson, and Kjell Karlsen ~ Nerem was born in 1923
April 1, 1991 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Eddie Miller, full name Edward Raymond Miller, passed away in Van Nuys, California, USA ~ Got his start in music backing Julie Wintz in the early-1930s, and subsequently worked with Ben Pollack and Bob Crosby until being drafted in 1942. Following his stint in the Army, Miller returned to music and has recorded over half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader. Perhaps best known for writing Slow Mood, which served as the basis for Johnny Mercer's Lazy Mood. Miller has also guested on albums by Al Hirt, Si Zentner, Jack Lesberg, Ray Linn, and Heinie Beau ~ Miller was born in 1911
April 1, 1988 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Ed Drewett, full name Edward James Drewett, born in Essex, UK ~ Best known as a songwriter, his songs recorded by the likes of the Wanted (Glad You Came), Olly Murs, One Direction (Best Song Ever), Little Mix, the Vamps, Louisa Johnson, SG Lewis, Jonas Blue (Mama), John Newman, Max George, Louis Tomlinson, and Pabllo Vitar
April 1, 1988 ~ Pop rock singer, bassist Sting releases Fragile, lifted off his Nothing Like The Sun album ~ Though only a modest hit at the time of its release, over time Fragile has become one the singer's best known and most requested songs. Originally inspired by the murder of American Peace Corps volunteer Ben Linder by the Nicaraguan Contras, the song has become a song used for various causes, including a plea by environmentalists to care for the planet. Sting himself opened his 2016 show at Bataclan, Paris, with the song, almost a year to the day after the heinous terror attack at the same venue that killed 90 people. Sting would later comment on opening the show with this song: “I think it's an appropriate beginning, I think that song has a lot of uses that we never foresaw. I wrote the song in the '80s, I think. But every time something happens, it seems an appropriate song to play.” Fragile is one of the few songs where Sting plays guitar, as opposed to his usual instrument the bass guitar
April 1, 1987 ~ Genevieve Schatz, mononymously known as indie rock singer Genevieve, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Fronted the Company Of Thieves, with whom she recorded the albums Ordinary Riches and Running From A Gamble. The band is best known for Oscar Wilde. Schatz released her Show Your Colors debut EP in 2015
April 1, 1986 ~ Country, country pop singer, songwriter Hillary Scott, full name Hillary Dawn Scott, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Daughter of country singer Linda Davis. Brother of pop singer Josh Kelley. Co-lead singer of Lady Antebellum, known for hits such as Need You Now, American Honey, Just A Kiss, Downtown, Bartender, Champagne Night. The band was renamed to Lady A following the George Floyd protest to avoid unwanted associations with slavery and the Antebellum South, the latter referring to the late 18th century period preceding the American Civil War
April 1, 1986 ~ Brian Todd Collins, commonly known as rapper, singer, producer, songwriter Kid Ink, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity especially through the mid-2010s, starting with his Up & Away debut album released in 2012. Tracks such as Main Chick, Be Real, and Promise all reached top 20 on the Billboard R&B charts. His best known, Show Me lifted off his My Own Lane sophomore album, would also reach top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Regular collaborators include Chris Brown, Tyga, Lil' Wayne, and Ty Dolla $ign. Heavily tattooed, his stage name refers to his love of tattoos, Collins showed off his tattoos for one of PETA's “Ink Not Mink” anti-fur advertisements
April 1, 1984 ~ Singer Marvin Gaye, full name Marvin Pentz Gay Jr, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Quintessential R&B singer helped shape Motown sound in the 1960s. Redefined R&B in the early-1970s incorporating social commentary, especially on the 1971 landmark album What's Going On. Influential on later subgenres such as quiet storm and neo-soul. Well known songs include Pride & Joy, How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You, I'll Be Doggone, Ain't That Peculiar, You're All I Need To Get By, What's Going On, Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Let's Get It On and Sexual Healing. Shot to death by his father trying to intervene in a fight between his parents ~ Gay passed away in 1939
April 1, 1983 ~ Jazz pianist Ken Kersey, full name Kenneth Lyons Kersey, passed away ~ Though never a household name, an in-demand sideman held in the highest regards by his peers. Well known for his tenure with Andy Kirk, taking over for Mary Lou Williams in 1942. Kirk also recorded Boogie Woogie Cocktail, penned by Kersey. Kersey has also backed artists such as Lucky Millinder, Billie Holiday, Roy Eldridge, Red Allen, Cootie Williams, Buck Clayton, Sol Yaged, and Charlie Shavers. Kersey retired from music by the late-1950s for medical reasons ~ Kersey was born in 1916
April 1, 1983 ~ Singer, dancer, actor Sergey Lazarev born in Moscow, Russia ~ Member of pop group Smash through its disbandement in 2006. Internationally Lazarev is best known as a solo artist who represented his native Russia twice in the Eurovision Songfestival, first in 2016 with the song You Are The Only One and again in 2019 with Scream, reaching third place on both occasions
April 1, 1981 ~ Actress, singer Hannah Spearritt, full name Hannah Louise Spearritt, born in Great Yarmouth, UK ~ Member of late-1990s club, dance-pop outfit S Club 7, known for a number of European hits such as Bring It All Back, S Club Party, Two In A Million, Have You Ever, Say Goodbye and Never Had A Dream Come True, the latter also reaching the American top 10. The group was modeled after the Spice Girls by former Spice manager Simon Fuller. After the group's disbandement in the early-2000s Spearritt ventured into acting
April 1, 1975 ~ John Charles Wiltshire-Butler, commonly known as bluegrass, alternative rock, jam band, funk rock singer, guitarist, banjoist, percussionist John Butler, born in Torrance, California, USA ~ Frontman and eponym of the John Butler Trio, with whom he has recorded over half a dozen albums. The band is considered the premier jam band of Australia, his adopted homeland, and especially acclaimed for the early-2000s albums Three and Sunrise Over Sea
April 1, 1972 ~ Pop, dance pop, pop rock producer, songwriter Ozan Colakoglu born in Adana, Turkey ~ In-demand producer and songwriter for the likes of Nil Karaibrahimgil, Murat Boz, Nilüfer, Sibel Can, Gülsen, and especially Tarkan, starting with the latter's Yine Sensiz debut album released in 1992. Has also composed the soundtracks to several films. Arranged Every Way That I Can, Sertab Erener's 2003 Eurovision Songfestival-winner
April 1, 1971 ~ Raymond Lawrence Riley, commonly known as hip-hop, alternative hip-hop, rap rock, funk rock rapper Boots Riley, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Frontman of hip hop group the Coup. Frontman of Street Sweeper Social Club, co-founded with Rage Against The Machine-guitarist Tom Morello. Riley has guested on recordings by Ant Banks, Galactic, Star-Fucking Hipsters, and Atari Teenage Riot. Riley is also known as a film director, screenwriter, and political activist
April 1, 1971 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Joost Zweegers, also known as Novastar, born in Sittard, the Netherlands ~ Member of the Sideburns, known for the single I Can't Let Maggie Go. Briefly a member of Milk The Bishop. Best known as frontman and eponym of Novastar, winning the 1996 Humo's Rockrally with Ten Eleven. A full-length epoymous Novastar debut album followed in 2000, its Wrong single becoming a hit in Belgium and the Netherlands. With his backing unit would open for K's Choice, Robbie Williams and Neil Young as well as play Pinkpop. Zweegers has recorded steadily since to mixed succes
April 1, 1968 ~ Indie rock bassist Joanna Bolme born ~ Best known for her association with Stephen Malkmus, as co-founding member, bassist for Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks. Guested on recordings by the Spinanes, Jr High, the Minders, and Quasi. Served as mixer, engineer on recordings by Elliott Smith (Either/Or), Richmond Fontaine, and the Chimps
April 1, 1963 ~ Tenor saxophonist Antoine Roney born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Horace Silver, Art Blakey, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Willie Bobo, and Mongo Santamaria. Brother of trumpeter Wallace Roney, whom he backed on over half a dozen albums including Misterios and Village. Recorded sporadically as a leader himself, especially acclaimed for his Whirling released in 1995. As a sideman, Roney has also appeared on albums by Jesse Davis, Cody Moffett, Carlos McKinney, Sarah Morrow, Lenny White, Will Calhoun (Native Lands), and Aruán Ortiz
April 1, 1958 ~ Dennis Dale Boon, commonly known as singer, guitarist D Boon, born in San Pedro, California, USA ~ Guitarist, lead singer of punk rock outfit the Minutemen, known best for their critically acclaimed 1984 double album Double Nickels On The Dime. Boon was killed in a car crash at age 27. Shortly thereafter the band would be disbanded ~ Boon passed away in 1985
April 1, 1955 ~ Winston Anthony Morris, commonly known as reggae, dancehall, lovers rock singer Tony Tuff, born ~ Formed the African Brothers with Sugar Minott and Derrick Bubbles Howard, known for songs such as Mysterious Nature, No Cup No Broke, and Party Night. After the trio disbanded in the mid-1970s, Morris has recorded as a solo artist into the 2000s. As a solo artist, Morris is perhaps best known for Water Pumpee and Mix Me Down, both produced by Henry Jujo Lawes ~ Morris passed away in 2024
April 1, 1954 ~ Pop singer, pianist, songwriter Armando Gama, full name Armando António Capelo Diniz da Gama, born in Luanda, Angola ~ Revered in his native Portugal, selling over some 5 million records. Internationally best known for Esta Balada Que Te Dou, Portugal's 1983 Eurovision Songfestival entry reaching thirteenth place ~ Gama passed away in 2022
April 1, 1954 ~ Rock, pop rock, jazz fusion drummer Jeff Porcaro, full name Jeffrey Thomas Porcaro, born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Son of jazz drummer Joe Porcaro. Member of Toto, which also included his brothers bassist Mike Porcaro and keyboardist Steve Porcaro, and best known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Hold The Line, Rosanna, and Africa. Besides his key role in Toto, Porcaro was one of the most in-demand session musicians present on albums by Seals & Crofts, Three Dog Night, Joe Cocker, Jackson Browne (The Pretender), Leo Sayer, Steely Dan (Katy Lied), Boz Scaggs, Carly Simon, Eric Carmen, Valerie Carter, Lee Ritenour, Diana Ross, Warren Zevon, the Pointer Sisters, Rickie Lee Jones, Pink Floyd (The Wall), the Brothers Johnson, Crosby Stills & Nash, Michael Jackson (Thriller), Donald Fagen, Paul Simon, Randy Newman (Trouble In Paradise), Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Patti Austin, Céline Dion, the Dire Straits, the B52's (Good Stuff), 10cc, and Bruce Springsteen ~ Porcaro passed away in 1992
April 1, 1954 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, jazz rock guitarist, bandleader, composer Knut Værnes born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Jazz, jazz rock leader and sideman. Member of pop and rock bands such as Salt & Pepper, Shimmy, Vanessa. Worked with Morten Halle, Edvard Askeland, Danny Gottlieb, Nils Petter Molvær, Sidsel Endresen, Terje Gewelt, Jan Eggum, and the Vertavo String Quartet
April 1, 1954 ~ Rock, blues, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Mats Ronander born in Sundsvall, Sweden ~ Lead singer of Blues Quality, succeeding Peps Persson. Member of Nature. Touring guitarist for ABBA, including on their 1979 world tour. About a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with Hård Kärlek released in 1981. Also well known for the 1992 duet single Gör Mig Lycklig Nu with Kim Larsen
April 1, 1951 ~ Singer, guitarist, percussionist, songwriter Henry Gross born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member, original lead guitarist of Sha Na Na, leaving the band in 1970 to pursue a solo career. Backed Jim Croce on the 1973 I Got A Name album. Debuted as a solo artist with the eponymous Henry Gross album in 1972 to little succes. His sophomore album, Henry Gross (The Yellow Album), released the following year would spawn the moderately successful hits Simone, Come On Say It and Skin King. Best known for his 1975 single Shannon, a global hit reaching top 10 in Canada, New Zealand, America and elsewhere
April 1, 1951 ~ Music journalist, author Richard Havers, full name Richard John Havers, born in Carshalton, UK ~ Airline industry manager turned music promoter and author of books and articles on jazz, blues, pop music. Co-authored Bill Wyman's Blues Odyssey with Bill Wyman. Co-authored several books on the Rolling Stones, starting with Rolling With The Stones published in 2003. Wrote books about the famed Blue Note and Verve record labels, the the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, and the Beatles. His articles have been published by the Daily Telegraph, the Times and Record Collector ~ Havers passed away in 2017
April 1, 1950 ~ New wave, synth-pop keyboardist, violist, violinist Billy Currie, full name William Lee Currie, born in Huddersfield, UK ~ Best known as member of Tiger Lily, which eventually would evolve into Ultravox. The band is known best for the UK top 10 hits Vienna, All Stood Still, and Dancing With Tears In My Eyes. Also noted as a member of Visage from 1978 through 1984, present on the landmark 1980 recording Fade To Grey. Currie has also worked with Gary Numan, the Armoury Show, Humania, Phil Lynott, Steve Howe, Dead Or Alive, and recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Stand Up And Walk released in 1991
April 1, 1949 ~ Singer, songwriter Gil Scott-Heron born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Richie Havens, John Coltrane, Otis Redding, José Feliciano, Billie Holiday, Langston Hughes, Huey Newton, Nina Simone, and by longtime collaborator Brian Jackson. Hugely influential on rap, hip-hop, spoken word, and neo-soul. Debuted in 1970 with the album Small At 125th And Lenox. Known for songs such as The Bottle, Winter In America, and The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. Worked with Ron Carter, Bernard Pretty Purdie, Hubert Laws, Jerry Jemmott, David Spinozza, Horace Ott, and Ron Holloway ~ Scott-Heron passed away in 2011
April 1, 1948 ~ Folk rock guitarist, mandolinist, banjoist, keyboardist, singer Simon Cowe born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK ~ Best known as member of Lindisfarne from its inception in 1970 until 1973 and again from 1978 through 1993. Present on the band's most acclaimed albums, 1970's Nicely Out Of Tune debut album and its 1971 Fog On The Tyne follow-up. Following his initial departure from the band formed Jack The Lad with Rod Clements and Ray Laidlaw, appearing on the band's first three albums including the eponymous Jack The Lad released in 1974 ~ Cowe passed away in 2015
April 1, 1947 ~ Jazz double bassist Frank Tua born ~ Worked with Paul Bley, Horace Arnold, Dave Holland, Collin Walcott, Dom Um Romão, Richard Beirach, Badal Roy, Barry Miles, Booker Ervin, Don Cherry, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Konitz, Harold Mabern, Art Blakey, Buddy Montgomery, Stan Getz, Pepper Adams, Randy Brecker, and John Abercrombie
April 1, 1947 ~ Jazz trumpeter Freddie Webster passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Dizzy Gillespie is reportedly to have characterised Webster as having “the best sound on trumpet since the trumpet was invented” and Miles Davis cites Webster as an early influence. Webster worked with Benny Carter, Cab Calloway, Earl Hines, Jimmie Lunceford, Billy Eckstine, and Sarah Vaughan. Sonny Rollins's song Strode Rode, from the 1956 LP Saxophone Colossus, is reference to the Strode Hotel in Chicago where Webster died, suspectedly of a heroin overdose ~ Webster was born in 1916
April 1, 1946 ~ Rock singer, bassist, guitarist, songwriter Ronnie Lane, full name Ronald Frederick Lane, born in Plaistow, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Small Faces, staying on after the name change to the Faces remaining with the band through 1973. Co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material, usually in partnership with Steve Marriott, including All Or Nothing, Get Yourself Together, Itchycoo Park, Lazy Sunday, and Ooh La La. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Anymore For Anymore released in 1974, and collaborated with Pete Townshend, Rod Stewart, and Ronnie Wood ~ Lane passed away in 1997
April 1, 1945 ~ Drummer John Barbata born in Passaic, New Jersey, USA ~ First turned to drumming following his older brother in marching bands, the rudimentary rhythms defining his drum technique throughout his career in pop rock. Member of early-1960s surf group the Sentinals, best known for their Big Surf album which spawned the regional hit Latin'ia. Member of the Turtles for the second half of the 1960s, including on hits such as Happy Together, She'd Rather Be With Me, and Elenore. Member of Jefferson Starship, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. In late 1978, Barbata broke his neck, arm and jaw in a car crash, needing a full year to heal from the accident, forcing him to resign from Jefferson Starship. Barbata has also appeared on albums by Linda Ronstadt, Ry Cooder, Batdorf & Rodney, John Sebastian, Crosby Stills Nash & Young (4-Way Street), Stephen Stills, Neil Young (Time Fades Away), and Grace Slick ~ Barbata passed away in 2024
April 1, 1945 ~ Drummer Kenny Buttrey, full name Aaron Kenneth Buttrey, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Working professionally since his early teens. Went on his first world tour at age 14, backing Chet Atkins. Closely associated with Charlie McCoy, Barefoot Jerry, and Area Code 615. An in-demand session musician, Buttrey has appeared on albums by Elvis Presley (He Touched Me), Joan Baez, Bob Dylan (Blonde On Blonde), Donovan, Dan Fogelberg, Neil Young (Harvest), Al Kooper, Kris Kristofferson, Jimmy Buffett, and Bob Seger. Buttrey was once quoted as saying he was most proud of drumming on Lay Lady Lay off of Dylan's 1969 Nashville Skyline album ~ Buttrey passed away in 2004
April 1, 1942 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, singer Alan Blakley, full name Alan David Blakley, born in Bromley, UK ~ Founding member of the Tremeloes, staying with the band from 1958 through 1972, the band's most successful period scoring UK hits such as Do You Love Me, Candy Man, I Want Candy, Silence Is Golden, and Even The Bad Times Are Good ~ Blakley passed away in 1996
April 1, 1942 ~ Singer Frank Gari born ~ Popular during the late-1950s and early-1960s. Best known for songs such as Utopia, Lullaby Of Love and Princess. Formed the duo the City Surfers with the Byrds-guitarist Roger McGuinn. Would later become an in-demand composer for jingles and TV, especially known for composing themes for news shows
April 1, 1942 ~ Pop singer, drummer Phil Margo born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Member of vocal group the Tokens, which also included his brother Mitch Margo, best known for their 1961 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Other well known songs include Tonight I Fell In Love, Big Boat, and Ain't That Peculiar. Margo is also known as a producer, notably co-producing He's So Fine for the Chiffons, Denise for Randy & the Rainbows, I Got Rhythm for the Happenings, and Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree for Tony Orlando & Dawn ~ Margo passed away in 2021
April 1, 1941 ~ Twin sisters singers Emi Ito and Yumi Ito born in Tokoname, Japan ~ Identical twins who formed the pop duo the Peanuts, enjoying popularity from the late-1950s until disbanding in 1975. The duo started out singing Japanese covers of standards and international hits yet over time would add more originals to their repertoire, working with songwriters such as Koichi Sugiyama and Rei Nakanishi. Well-known songs include Kawaii Hana, Koi No Vacance, Souvenirs From Tokyo, Bye Bye Yokohama, and Furimukanaide ~ Emi passed away in 2012, Yumi in 2016
April 1, 1941 ~ Folklorist, ethnomusicologist, producer Peter B Lowry born in Montclair, New Jersey, USA ~ Founded the Trix Records label, active during the 1970s and specializing in Piedmont blues with a roster including Eddie Kirkland, Willie Trice, Guitar Shorty. Robert Lockwood Junior, David Honeyboy Edwards, Baby Tate, and Boogie Woogie Red. Authored or co-authored over a dozen publications, and wrote extensively for magazines such as Blues Unlimited, Jazz Times, Penguin Eggs, and Rolling Stone ~ Lowry passed away in 2022
April 1, 1939 ~ Singer, songwriter Rudolph Isley, full name Rudolph Bernard Isley, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Co-founding member of R&B band the Isley Brothers, one of the longest-running family outfits, with whom he recorded about two dozen albums starting with Shout released in 1959. The band is known for Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as It's Your Thing, That Lady, and Fight The Power. Rudolph co-wrote and sang co-lead on a vast amount of the band's best known, and sang lead on songs such as It's A Disco Night (Rock Don't Stop), and You Still Feel The Need. Following the death of his brother O'Kelly Isley, Rudolph would record two more albums with the band, Smooth Sailin' and Spend The Night, before retiring from music in 1989 to become a Christian minister ~ Isley passed away in 2023
April 1, 1934 ~ Singer, songwriter Jim Ed Brown born in Sparkman, Arkansas, USA ~ Rose to fame in the 1950s as member of sibling outfit the Browns, known for hits such as The Three Bells, Scarlet Ribbons, and The Old Lamplighter. As a solo artist active since the 1970s, scoring hits with Morning, Sunday, Southern Loving, It's That Time Of The Night, as well as a streak of hit duets with Helen Cornelius including I Don't Want To Have To Marry You, I'll Never Be Free, If The World Ran Out Of Love Tonight, and Morning Comes Too Early ~ Brown passed away in 2015
April 1, 1932 ~ Mary Frances Reynolds, commonly known as singer, actress Debbie Reynolds, born in El Paso, Texas, USA ~ Perhaps best known for portraying Helen Kane in the 1952 musical film Singing In The Rain. Reynolds has also starred alongside Gene Kelly in the films How The West Was Won and The Unsinkable Molly Brown, the latter earning her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress. As a recording artist, Reynolds scored a 1957 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit with Tammy from the the film Tammy And The Bachelor. Other well known songs include A Very Special Love and Am I That Easy To Forget. Reynolds has also performed in cabaret and in stage musicals, including on Broadway ~ Reynolds passed away in 2016
April 1, 1929 ~ Marcel Jean-Pierre Balthazar Miramon, commonly known as singer, actor Marcel Amont, born in Bordeaux, France ~ Hugely popular during the 1960s and 1970s. Some 30 albums to his name. Recorded about a 1,000 songs. Sold an approximate 300 million records. Renowned as interpreter of compositions by Georges Brassens, Leo Ferré, Georges Moustaki. Known for songs such as Blue Blanc Blond, L'Amour Ça Fait Passer Le Temps, Ballade Pour L'Espagnol, Le Plus Beau Tango Du Monde and perhaps his best known Le Mexicain ~ Amont passed away in 2023
April 1, 1928 ~ Vibraphonist Harry Sheppard born in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA ~ Got his professional start as a musician in his late teens, working in Sol Yaged's ensemble. Would go on to become an in-demand concert and session vibraphonist throughout the 1950s, backing artists such as Cozy Cole, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Ben Webster, and Coleman Hawkins, and became closely associated with Benny Goodman during the 1960s. Sheppard is also well known as co-creator of the electric vibraphone, an instrument he developed with Claire Omar Musser. Later on in his career, Sheppard has recorded a handful of albums as a leader, perhaps most notably Points Of View released in 1992. Upon hearing of his death, Randall Jamail, who had produced several of Sheppard's albums, commented: “There was nobody like him. Aside from the musicianship, which was phenomenal, he was such a great spirit” ~ Sheppard passed away in 2022
April 1, 1925 ~ Florence Kathleen Stobart, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Kathy Stobart, born in South Shields, UK ~ Worked with Denis Rose, Ted Heath, Jimmy Skidmore, Art Pepper, Peanuts Hucko, Art Thompson, Vic Lewis, Derek Humble, Dill Jones, Bert Courtley, Humphrey Lyttelton, Harry Beckett, John Burch, Lennie Best, Johnny Griffin, Al Haig, Earl Hines, Buddy Tate, Zoot Sims, Marian McPartland, and Dick Hyman ~ Stobart passed away in 2014
April 1, 1924 ~ Classical hornist, composer Georges Barboteu, full name Georges Yves Barbateu, born in Algiers, Algeria ~ Best known for his recordings with Jean-François Paillard's chamber orchestra, including Michael Haydn's horn concerto, Joseph Haydn's double horn concerto, and Georg Philipp Telemann's D concerto. Has also worked with the Algiers Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre National de France, and was a member of the quintet Ars Nova ~ Barboteu passed away in 2006
April 1, 1923 ~ Jazz, classical tubist Don Butterfield, full name Don Kiethly Butterfield, born ~ Following a stint in the US Army through 1946 worked with radio orchestras for the remainder of the decade to become an in-demand sideman from the 1950s onwards. Though never a household name has appeared on some of the era's most important albums. Notable credits include Gil Melle, Coleman Hawkins, Teddy Charles, Bob Brookmeyer, Art Farmer (Brass Shout), Perry Como, Cannonball Adderley, Oliver Nelson (Afro-American Sketches), Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Heath, Charles Mingus (The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady), Wes Montgomery, Lee Morgan (Delightfulee), and James Moody ~ Butterfield passed away in 2006
April 1, 1922 ~ Irving Sidney Jordan, commonly known as jazz pianist Duke Jordan, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known for his stint with Charlie Parker, serving in the saxophonist's classic quintet in the mid-1940s and as a guest on later recordings. Married to jazz singer Sheila Jordan from 1952 through 1962, with whom he has one daughter. Over three dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, leader or co-leader, especially noted for 1960's Flight To Jordan, 1973's Brooklyn Brothers with regular collaborator Cecil Payne, and 1973's Two Loves. As a composer especially known for Minor Escamp, first recorded by Jordan in 1954 and covered by numerous artists including Barney Kessel, Dizzy Gillespie, Barney Wilen, Charlie Byrd, and Chet Atkins. An in-demand collaborator, over the course of his lengthy career Jordan has also appeared on albums by Gene Ammons, Sonny Stitt, Stan Getz, Oscar Pettiford, Vinnie Burke, Tubby Hayes, Art Farmer, Kenny Burrell, Clifford Brown, Ramsey Lewis, Tina Brooks, Dizzy Reece, and Charles McPherson ~ Jordan passed away in 2006
April 1, 1921 ~ Guitarist Arthur Smith born in Clinton, South Carolina, USA ~ Best known for his 1948 instrumental guitar hit The Guitar Boogie. Also known for Banjo Boogie, Boomerang, and Dueling Banjos. As a songwriter had his work recorded by Chet Atkins, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, the Statesmen Quartet, the Cathedrals, Al Hirt, Barbara Mandrell, Willie Nelson, the Gatlin Brothers, the Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Boots Randolph, George Beverly Shea, the Stamps, the Statler Brothers, and Ricky Van Shelton ~ Smith passed away in 2014
April 1, 1921 ~ Composer, pianist, radio and TV personality Steve Race born in Lincolnshire, UK ~ Best known for his association with the BBC, appearing as in-house musician and accompaniest and from the 1950s through the 1980s as a host for various musical TV shows. Credited with recording some of the first British bebop recordings with his the Steve Race Bop Group in 1949, working with musicians such as Leon Calvert, Johnny Dankworth, Jack Fulton and Freddy Gardner ~ Race passed away in 2009
April 1, 1915 ~ Arthur London, commonly known as singer, actor Art Lund, born in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA ~ Early on in his career, Lund sang with big bands led by Benny Goodman and Harry James. As a solo artist known for songs such as Mam'selle, Slow Boat To China, What I'll Do, You Call Everybody Darlin', and Peg O' My Heart. Lund also notably played several leading roles in Broadway shows including The Most Happy Fella and Destry Rides Again ~ London passed away in 1990
April 1, 1910 ~ Asa Harris, commonly known as jazz, R&B pianist Ace Harris, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Spent most of the 1930s with territory bands, including a stint leading the Sunset Royal Serenaders starting in 1937. Well known as pianist for the Ink Spots, taking over from Bob Benson in 1940. Has appeared on some of the group's best known including Whispering Grass, We Three (My Echo My Shadow & Me), I'll Never Smile Again, Until The Real Thing Comes Along, and It's A Sin To Tell A Lie. Harris has also worked with Hot Lips Page, and Erskine Hawkins ~ Harris passed away in 1964
April 1, 1910 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinettist Harry Carney, full name Harry Howell Carney, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known for spending over four decades as a member of the Duke Ellington orchestra. Also worked with Benny Goodman (The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert), with Rosemary Clooney, Johnny Hodges, and Billy Taylor ~ Carney passed away in 1974
April 1, 1909 ~ Bandleader, pianist Eddy Duchin born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA ~ Popular bandleader from the 1930s and 1940s and one of the first pianists to lead a successful big band. Duchin's 1938 rendition of the Louis Armstrong song Old Man Mose caused a scandal with the lyric “bucket’ being mistaken for “fuck it.” The scandalous lyrics cased the record to sell 170,000 copies when sales of 20,000 were considered a blockbuster. The song would be banned in England. ~ Duchin passed away in 1951
April 1, 1908 ~ Clarence Robert Nolan, commonly known as Western, country singer, songwriter, actor Bob Nolan, born in New Brunswick, Canada ~ Founding member of the Sons Of The Pioneers. Wrote Cool Water and Tumbling Tumbleweeds, both first recorded by the Sons and both regarded as classics in the Western genre and covered by numerous artists ~ Nolan passed away in 1980
April 1, 1906 ~ Piedmont blues singer, guitarist, violinist, bassist Carl Martin born ~ Member of early blues, old-time bands the Four Keys, the Tennessee Chocolate Drops, and the Wandering Troubadours. Accompaniest for the likes of Bumble Bee Slim and Tampa Red. As a solo artist known for songs such as Crow Jane and Old Time Blues. Also especially noted for backing Freddie Spruell on the 1935 recording of Let's Go Riding. Honored by singer, songwriter Steve Goodman in the tribute song You Better Get It While You Can (The Ballad Of Carl Martin) ~ Martin passed away in 1979
April 1, 1898 ~ Songwriter, politician Jack Tenney, full name Jack Breckinridge Tenney, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Best remembered as a politician, especially for his role heading the Tenny Committee, researching “Un-American activities” for the California Senate in the 1940s and 1950s. As a songwriter best known for co-writing Mexicali Rose, recorded by Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, Jerry Lee Lewis, Slim Whitman, Vera Lynn, and Jim Reeves ~ Tenney passed away in 1970
April 1, 1897 ~ Lucille Anderson, commonly known as classic female blues singer, Lucille Bogan born in Amory, Mississippi, USA ~ Named as one of “the Big Three of Blues” alongside Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. Known for her provocative lyrics. Known for originals such as Sloppy Drunk Blues, Tricks Ain't Walkin' No More, and Black Angel Blues. Through a series of covers and adaptions the latter would be eventually be recorded by BB King as Sweet Little Angel in 1956. Recorded under the alias Bessie Jackson since 1933 in an attempt to conceal her identity ~ Anderson passed away in 1948
April 1, 1895 ~ Jazz, blues singer, songwriter Alberta Hunter born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Coming from humble beginnings, Hunter would get her start in music performing in a seedy bordello, where she developed a particular skill for improvising lyrics, toe eventually become a headlining act in the best venues including touring abroad by the mid-1930s. Hunter is perhaps best known for first recording Down Hearted Blues, which she co-wrote with Lovie Austin. The song would become a million-seller for blues singer Bessie Smith, with Hunter receiving no royalties as her manager had sold the rights. Down Hearted Blues, however, would become a standard covered by dozens of artists including Noble Sissle, Cab Calloway, Mildred Bailey, and Jimmy Rushing. Other well known songs recorded by Hunter include Someday Sweetheart (You'll Be Sorry), Chirping The Blues, and The Love I Have For You. By the late-1950s, Hunter retired from music to return to school and has subsequently worked as a nurse for the next 20 years until being forced into retirement because of her old age. In the 1970s, Hunter resumed her music career, performing and recording several acclaimed albums. Hunter has been posthumously inducted in the Blues Hall Of Fame and the Memphis Music Hall Of Fame ~ Hunter passed away in 1984
April 1, 1866 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer, teacher, author Ferruccio Busoni, full name Ferruccio Dante Michelangiolo Benvenuto Busoni, born in Empoli, Italy ~ Revered yet controversial pianist. Enjoyed an international career as a virtuoso concert pianist. Sought-after teacher of composition. Has worked closely with the leading figures of his day. As a composer wrote for piano, notably the Piano Concerto In C Major Op.39 premiered in 1904, as well as chamber music, vocal and orchestral works, and operas ~ Busoni passed away in 1924