April 11, 2022 ~ Bassist Charnett Moffett passed away in Stanford, California, USA ~ Worked with Far East, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Art Blakey, Ornette Coleman, McCoy Tyner, Pharoah Sanders, Dizzy Gillespie, Ellis Marsalis, Sonny Sharrock, Stanley Jordan, Wallace Roney, Arturo Sandoval, Courtney Pine, David Sanborn, David Sánchez, Dianne Reeves, Frank Lowe, Harry Connick Jr, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Kenny Garrett, Kenny Kirkland, Kevin Eubanks, Lew Soloff, the Manhattan Jazz Quintet, Melody Gardot, Mulgrew Miller, Stanley Jordan, Tony Williams, Rachel Z, Cindy Blackman, Geri Allen, Cyrus Chestnut, Erin McPherson, Yungchen Lhamo, Scott Tixier, Mark Whitfield, Jana Herzen, Kenny Drew Jr, and others ~ Moffett was born in 1967
April 11, 2021 ~ Rock keyboardist, film composer Zoran Simjanovic passed away in Belgrade, Serbia ~ Briefly a member of Siluete from 1961 through 1962. Subsequently rose to fame as member of pioneering rock band Elipse from 1962 through 1968. After the band disbanded Simjanovic would go on to become an in-demand songwriter and from the mid-1970s onwards one of the nation's most revered film composers with over 60 soundtracks to his credit including The Flagrance Of Wild Flowers, Balkan Express, Maleyevic's Cross, and others ~ Simjanovic was born in 1946
April 11, 2017 ~ John Warren Geils Jr, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter J Geils, passed away in Groton, Massachusetts, USA ~ Lead guitarist of the J Geils Band. Released a number of albums since the mid-1990s under the moniker Jay Geils, collaborating with former bandmate Magic Dick, with Duke Robillard and Gerry Beaudoin as New Guitar Summit, and as a solo artist ~ Geils was born in 1946
April 11, 2017 ~ Bassist, keyboardist Toby Smith passed away ~ Best known as keyboardist and co-songwriter for Jamiroquai from 1992 through 2002. Also produced and managed pop rock band the Hoosiers. Produced Absent Elk's 2009 Elk Caught In The Headlights album. Co-produced Matt Cardle's 2013 Porcelain album ~ Smith was born in 1970
April 11, 2016 ~ Michael Emile Telford Miller, commonly known as rock & roll, pop singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer Emile Ford, passed away in London, UK ~ Best known for his 1959 UK No.1 hit What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For with his backing unit the Checkmates ~ Miller was born in 1937
April 11, 2014 ~ James Ridout Winchester Jr, commonly nown as singer, songwriter Jesse Winchester passed away in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Yankee Lady, Isn't That So, Sassy and Say What. As a songwriter had his songs recorded by Patti Page, Elvis Costello, Jimmy Buffett, Joan Baez, Jerry Garcia, Anne Murray, Reba McEntire, the Everly Brothers, Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris, and others ~ Winchester was born in 1944
April 11, 2013 ~ Donald Blackman, commonly known as jazz, funk, R&B, soul pianist, singer, songwriter Don Blackman, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ As a solo artist known for his eponymous Don Blackman debut album released in 1982. Best known as an in-demand session musician, present on albums by Lenny White, Bernard Wright, Roy Ayers, Kurtis Blow, Najee, the World Saxophone Quartet, Sting (Brand New Day), and Wayman Tisdale ~ Blackman was born in 1953
April 11, 2013 ~ Fiddler Sue Draheim passed away in Berea, Kentucky, USA ~ Worked with the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, the Bay Area Women's Philharmonic, Frank Zappa, Gael Alcock, Jim Bamford, Mac Benford, Will Spires, Sam Chatmon, the California Sheiks, John Renbourn, Keshav Sathe, Jacqui McShee, Wizz Jones, Marc Ellington, John Martyn, Albion Country Band, Steve Ashley, John Cohen, David Grisman, Jody Stecher, Craicmore, Stuat Rojstaczer, the Golden Bough, Gwydion Pendderwen, Richard Thompson, Kathy Kallick, and others ~ Draheim was born in 1959
April 11, 2012 ~ Alto saxophonist, clarinetist Hal McKusick passed away ~ During the big band era served in ensembles led by Les Brown, Woody Herman, Boyd Raeburn, and Alvino Rey. Over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader, noted especially for Cross-Section (Saxes) released in 1959 featuring a cast which included Art Farmer, Paul Chambers and Connie Kay. As a sideman McKusick has appeared on albums by Milt Hinton (Basses Loaded), Manny Albam, Charlie Parker, Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Charles Mingus, Nat Pierce, Urbie Green, and Jackie Paris ~ McKusick was born in 1924
April 11, 2011 ~ Violinist, composer Billy Bang passed away in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Co-founded String Trio Of New York, teaming up with guitarist James Emery and double bassist John Lindberg. Also worked with Sun Ra, William Hooker, John Lindberg, William Parker, the World Saxophone Quartet, and Ahmed Abdullah ~ Bang was born in 1947
April 11, 2011 ~ Blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Lacy Gibson passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Sunnyland Slim, Muddy Waters, Lefty Bates, Matt Guitar Murphy, Wayne Bennett. As a solo artist best known for the songs My Love Is Real and Switchy Titchy. As a session and touring musician has backed Willie Mabon, Billy The Kid Emerson, Buddy Guy, Son Seals (Live & Burning), Billy Boy Arnold, Big Time Sarah ~ Gibson was born in 1936
April 11, 2006 ~ Singer June Pointer, full name June Antoinetta Pointer, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Founding member of sibling outfit the Pointer Sisters, known for songs such as Yes We Can Can, Fire, Happiness, He's So Shy, Slow Hand and I'm So Excited. Released a solo album, Baby Sister, in 1983 spawning the modest hit Ready For Some Action ~ Pointer was born in 1953
April 11, 2005 ~ Pop, country double bassist Floyd Chance, full name Floyd Taylor Chance, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Session musician. Worked with Hank Williams (Your Cheatin' Heart), the Louvin Brothers, Jimmy Martin, the Everly Brothers (Bye Bye Love), Marvin Rainwater, Faron Young (Hello Walls), Marty Robbins, Patsy Cline, Conway Twitty (It's Only Make Believe), Willie Nelson, and others ~ Chance was born in 1925
April 11, 2005 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter, publisher Jerry Byrd, full name Gerald Lester Byrd, passed away in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Taught steel guitar lessons to Jimmie Vaughan and Jerry Garcia. One of the first in the music business to sign Dolly Parton. Sought-after collaborator, session musician. Worked with Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Red Foley, Jack McDuff, Don Patterson, and others. Has been releasing solo records since the early-1950s. Member of the Country All-Stars ~ Byrd was born in 1920
April 11, 2002 ~ David Kenneth Brooks Jr, commonly known as jazz tenor saxophonist Bubba Brooks, passed away ~ Brother of Tina Brooks. Bubba worked with Pepper McAllister, James Moody, Sonny Payne, George Barkley, Sonny Thompson, Jimmy McCracklin, Phil Upchurch, Charles Williams, Don Pullen, Jimmy McGriff, Bill Doggett, Wynonie Harris, and Bobby Forrester ~ Brooks was born in 1922
April 11, 1996 ~ Pop, alternative R&B singer, songwriter Summer Walker, full name Summer Marjani Walker, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Gained attention in the late-2010s with a remix of her single Girls Need Love featuring Drake. Would release her full-length Over It debut album in 2019, earning universal critical acclaim. The album reached top 10 on the Billboard Hot 200 album chart as would her sophomore Still Over It album in 2021
April 11, 1994 ~ Duncan de Moor, commonly known as singer, pianist, songwriter Duncan Laurence, born in Spijkenisse, the Netherlands ~ Best known for winning the 2019 Eurovision Songfestival representing the Netherlands with the self-penned Arcade
April 11, 1994 ~ Samuel Evans, commonly known as drummer, arranger Sticks Evans, passed away ~ Worked with Milt Buckner, the Griffin Brothers, Teddy Wilson, Milt Hinton, Leonard Gaskin, Curtis Jones, Sunnyland Slim, Sonny Terry, Big John Greer, Lavern Baker, King Curtis, Bill Evans, Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, Ray Bryant, Aretha Franklin, Mickey Baker, Al Casey, Roosevelt Sykes, Lightnin' Hopkins, Charles Mingus, Sam Cooke, Bud Johnson, and others ~ Evans was born in 1923
April 11, 1987 ~ Joscelyn Eve Stoker, commonly known as singer, songwriter Joscelyn Eve Stoker, commonly known as Joss Stone, born in Cardiff, UK ~ Rose to fame with her 2003 The Soul Sessions, cementing her status the next year with the sophomore Mind Body & Soul album the next year. Known for songs such as Super Duper Love, You Had Me, Right To Be Wrong and Don't Cha Wanna Ride. Member of supergroup Superheavy alongside Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart, AR Rahman and Damian Marley
April 11, 1987 ~ Valerie Anne Poxleitner, commonly known as electropop singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Lights, born in Timmins, Canada ~ Active since the late-2000s, releasing her full-length The Listening debut album in 2009. Best known for songs such as Drive My Soul, Saviour, Up We Go, and Love Me featuring Felix Cartal
April 11, 1986 ~ Black gospel, urban contemporary gospel singer, songwriter Amber Bullock, full name Amber Brianna Lawrence-Bullock, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ First gained attention winning the 4th season of the BET talent show Sunday Best aired in 2011. Subsequently released her Thank You debut EP later the same year, followed by her full-length So In Love debut album the following year
April 11, 1984 ~ Durval de Lima Junior, commonly known as singer, drummer, guitarist, songwriter Junior Lima born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ First gained attention as half of Sandy & Junior, the other half being his sister Sandy. The duo would lead the wave of late-1990s teen pop artist, noted for albums such as 1999's As Quatro Estações and 2000's Quatro Estações (O Show) ranking among Brazil's all-time best-selling albums
April 11, 1981 ~ In its twelfth week on the charts, Kiss On My List by Hall & Oates hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Daryl Hall, who co-wrote the song with Janna Allen, has called Kiss On My List an anti-love song, with the song title being tongue-in-cheek sarcasm in that the kiss is not that important, as the kiss is merely one of several things on a list. The song was originally intended for Allen, sister of Hall's girlfriend Sara Allen, who was hoping to start a solo career. However, after the management of Hall & Oates had heard the demo they insisted they keep the song for themselves. Van Halen's Eddie Van Halen used the synthesizers part of Kiss On My List for Jump
April 11, 1978 ~ Jazz guitarist Jakob Bro born in Denmark ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for the albums Gefion, Returnings, and Bay Of Rainbows. Notable credits as a sideman include appearing on Paul Motian's Garden Of Eden and on Tomasz Stańko's Dark Eyes. Jas also worked with Paul Bley, Chris Cheek, Andrew d'Angelo, Bill Frisell, George Garzone, Lee Konitz, Oscar Noriega, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ben Street, David Virelles, and Kenny Wheeler
April 11, 1977 ~ Daniel Edward Stein, commonly known as DJ, producer DJ Fresh, born in UK ~ Member of drum and bass collective Bad Company. As a solo artist best known for his early-2010s singles Louder featuring Sian Evans and Hot Right Now featuring Rita Ora
April 11, 1977 ~ Country songwriter Eddie Miller, full name Edward Monroe Miller, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing and first recording Release Me (And Let Me Love Again) in 1950. At first the song would be unsuccessful, yet over time it would become a country classic recorded by over 250 artists including Ray Price, Kitty Wells, Patti Page, Dolly Parton, and Ernest Tubb. Other songs written by Miller include Patsy Cline's In Care Of The Blues, Wynn Stewart's Playboy, and Faron Young's Wonderful World Of Women ~ Miller was born in 1919
April 11, 1977 ~ Country singer Waylon Jennings releases Luckenbach Texas (Back To The Basics Of Love), issued as the sole single off his Ole Waylon album ~ Written by Bobby Emmons and Chips Moman, who offered the song to Jennings simply because his name is in it. The song refers to a well-to-do couple whose position in the upper class has put strains on their marriage, with the singer suggesting they return to a simpler life by moving to the small town of Luckenbach. At the time, neither the songwriters nor Jennings had ever been to Luckenbach. Singer Willie Nelson, longtime associate of Jennings, guested on the original recording, joining his pal in the last verse. The song would spend eighteen weeks on the Billboard Country charts, including six consecutive weeks at the No.1 spot. Later, in his autobiography Jennings would reveal: “I knew it was a hit song, even though I didn't like it, and still don't”
April 11, 1976 ~ Cory Brandan Putman, commonly known as metalcore singer, guitarist, bassistinger Cory Brandan, born ~ Lead singer for metalcore band Norma Jean since 2004, replacing Josh Scogin. Co-founding member of mathcore outfit Eso Charis, which also included his brother drummer Matthew Putman. Has also worked with Living Sacrifice, Uses Fire, Fear Is The Driving Force, Radio Sky, Handshake Murders, Hundred Suns, and Orphan Twin. Guested on recordings by Spoken, Unearth, Stray From The Path, Le Castle Vania, Silent Planet, and My Epic
April 11, 1974 ~ Heavy metal guitarist Alexander Kuoppala born in Kuusamo, Finland ~ Rhythm guitarist for Finnish metal band Children Of Bodom from 1995 through 2003. Has also worked with Timo Rautiainen and with Valonkantajat
April 11, 1974 ~ Lavell William Crump, commonly known as rapper, producer, actor David Banner, born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, USA ~ Half of rap duo Crooked Lettaz, the other half being Brad Franklin. Producer, worked with Trick Daddy, Lil' Boosie, Lil' Wayne, the Ruff Ryders, Nappy Roots, TI, Jibbs, Mary Mary, Maroon 5, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Jill Scott, Ne-Yo, and others
April 11, 1974 ~ Alfons Candrix, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, violinist Fud Candrix, passed away in Brussels, Belgium ~ Brother of bandleader Jeff Candrix, with whom he also worked. Has also worked with the Carolina Stomp Chasers, Bernard Etté, Robert de Kers, Jean Omer, Charles Remue, Gus Deloof, Aimé Barelli, Django Reinhardt, Hubert Rostaing, and others ~ Candrix was born in 1908
April 11, 1974 ~ Pop punk, punk rock, alternative rock, alternative metal singer, guitarist, keyboardist Tom Thacker, full name Thomas Arnold Thacker, born in Langley, Canada ~ Lead singer, lead guitarist, co-founding member of punk rock, punk revival outfit Gob, known for songs such as I Hear You Calling, Soda, and Banshee Song. Has also worked with Sum 41, starting as touring rhythm guitarist in 2006 and as official member since 2009, for whom he co-wrote Screaming Bloody Murder of their 2011 albums of the same name
April 11, 1972 ~ Singer Don Gibson records Woman (Sensuous Woman) at Acuff-Rose Sound Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Gary S Paxton. Produced by Wesley Rose. Released as a single the following June, b/w If You Want Me To I'll Go, it would be Gibson's last charttoppper on the Billboard Country charts. The song would notably be covered by Ray Charles on his 1984 Do I Ever Cross Your Mind album
April 11, 1972 ~ Producer, guitarist, songwriter Klas Ahlund born in Sweden ~ Co-founded the Teddybears alongside his brother Joakim Ahlund. As a producer and songwriter has worked with artists such as Robyn, the Sugababes, Jordin Sparks, Eagle Eye Cherry, Kylie Minogue, the Bo Jaspers Orkester, Britney Spears, Melody Club, Katy Perry, Madonna, Ghost, Thomas Rusiak, Linda Sundblad, I Blame Coco, Swedish House Mafia, Mika, Usher, Tove Lo, Alesso, Ellie Goulding, Charli XCX, Paloma Faith, and others
April 11, 1971 ~ Singer Walter Van Brunt, also known professionally as Walter Scanlan, passed away ~ Vaudeville, Broadway, musical performer enjoying popularity through the 1920s. Perhaps best known for his 1914 Just Awearyn For You duet with soprano Elizabeth Spencer. Has also worked with Ada Jones, John Bieling, the American Quartet, and others ~ Van Brunt was born in 1892
April 11, 1970 ~ Alternative rock bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer Justin Fisher born in Mansfield, Connecticut, USA ~ Best known as bassist for Nerf Herder, present on the albums How To Meet Girls and American Cheese. Touring bassist for the Rentals. Lead singer, guitarist, primary songwriter for Psoma. Has also worked with Avant Garde, which also included a then-unknown Rivers Cuomo, as well as with Matt Sharp, AM Radio, Shufflepuck, and Ridel High
April 11, 1970 ~ Producer, percussionist Remi Kabaka Jr born ~ Best known as drummer for Damon Albarn's virtual band Gorillaz. Has also worked with Albarn on other projects including DRC and Africa Express. Kabaka is also a manager for Steve Lazarides's London art gallery, which regularly exhibits work by street artist Banksy
April 11, 1970 ~ Eurodance singer Sannie Charlotte Carlson born in Skælsor, Denmark ~ Fronted the Larry Pignagnoli and Davide Riva produced Italian dance outfit Whigfield, known for 1990s singles such as Another Day, Sexy Eyes and Saturday Night, the latter topping charts across Europe in 1993
April 11, 1969 ~ Pop singer, drummer, guitarist, keyboardist, clarinetist, songwriter Chisato Moritaka born in Osaka, Japan ~ Influenced by Pink Lady, Janet Jackson, the Beatles. Dubbed “the Dance Queen” Moritaka has released her New Season debut album in 1987 and has recorded to commercial succes through the end of the century, selling over 5 million albums. Differs from other female pop singers that she mostly writes her own lyrics, often collaborating with songwriter Hideo Saito. Well known songs include Ame, Kaze Ni Fukarete, Suteki Na Tanjobi, Jin Jin Jingle Bell, and La La Sunshine
April 11, 1966 ~ Singer, actress, songwriter Lisa Stansfield, full name Lisa Jane Stansfield, born in Manchester, UK ~ Member of the Blue Zone. Known for her debut album, 1989's Affection, and its hit single All Around The World. Also known for songs such as This Is The Right Time, Change, Time To Make You Mine and In All The Right Places
April 11, 1965 ~ Heavy metal drummer, guitarist, singer Tom Hunting born ~ Despite taking a hiatus from the band twice, first in 1989 for medical reasons to be replaced by John Tempesta, and again in 2005 to be replaced by Paul Bostaph, Hunting is the last remaining original member of thrash metal band Exodus. He has played with the band on over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Fabulous Disaster. Hunting has cited Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Neil Peart, and Clive Burr as his main influences
April 11, 1964 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Steve Azar, full name Stephen Thomas Azar, born in Greenville, Mississippi, USA ~ Debuted in 1996 with his Heartbreak Town. Best known for I Don't Have To Be Me 'Til Monday, a country top 10 hit of his 2002 Waitin' On Joe sophomore album
April 11, 1963 ~ Jazz saxophonist, trumpeter, composer Arvid Gram Paulsen passed away ~ Worked with Rowland Greenberg, Lulle Kristofferson, Pete Brown, Svein Overgaard, Willie Vieth, Jens Book-Jenssen, Alf Sogaard, and Kari Diesen ~ Paulsen was born in 1922
April 11, 1963 ~ Guitarist, singer Nigel Pulsford born in Newport, UK ~ Co-foundinhg member, lead guitarist for Bush, remaining with the band through 2002, present on the albums Sixteen Stone, Razorblade Suitcase, The Science Of Things, and Golden State. Pulsford has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing his Heavenly Toast On The Paradise Road album in 1999, and served as producer for Furlined, Emma Holland, and Dave Giles
April 11, 1961 ~ Rock guitarist, bassist Doug Hopkins, full name Douglas Owen Hopkins, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Co-founded Gin Blossoms, present on the band's first two albums. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Hey Jealousy, Found Out About You, Hold Me Down, and Lost Horizons. Also co-founded the Chimeras, remaining only shortly with the band, departing after a poor live performance. Suffering from mental health issues and depression and struggling with alcoholism Hopkins committed suicide at age 32 ~ Hopkins passed away in 1993
April 11, 1960 ~ Singer Angelia Maria Sylvers born ~ Member of popular 1970s sibling R&B outfit the Sylvers, known for songs such as Fools Paradise, Boogie Fever and Hot Line
April 11, 1958 ~ Singer, guitarist Stuart Adamson, full name William Stuart Adamson, born in Manchester, UK ~ Co-founding member of punk rock, new wave unit the Skids, known best for their 1979 UK top 10 hit Into The Valley co-written by Adamson. Following his departure from the band in 1981 Adamson would form and front Big Country, scoring several top 10 hits through the mid-1980s including Wonderland and Look Away. The band would retain a cult following throughout the late-1990s. In the early-2000s Adamson formed the alternative country duo the Raphaels with Marcus Hummon, known for their sole Supernatural released in 2001. The band only played a handful of sets, with Adamson failing to show up for a concert date. He was found dead in a Hawaii hotel room after hanging himself with an electrical chord ~ Adamson passed away in 2001
April 11, 1958 ~ Rock, blues rock guitarist Vjatseslav Kobrin, also known as Slavka Kobrin, born in Cherepovets, Russia ~ Considered one of the premiere guitarists to come out of Russia. Founded rock group Rok-Steyabr in the late-1970s. Would go on to collaborate with Yuri Shevchuk, DDT, the Magnetic Band, and Jaak Joala. Co-founding member, songwriter for Ultima Thule, one of the most influential Estonian bands of the 1980s and 1990s ~ Kobrin passed away in 2016
April 11, 1957 ~ Country, bluegrass, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Jim Lauderdale born in New York, New York, USA ~ A singer's singer, highly admired by peers. Anticipated the Americana movement, merging country, pop, rock, blues, and folk. Over 30 albums to his name starting with 1991's Planet Of Love produced by Rodney Crowell and John Leventhal. Guested on albums by Dwight Yoakam, Carlene Carter, Sara Evans, Lucinda Williams (Car Wheels On A Gravel Road), and Buddy Miller. Had his songs recorded by George Strait, Gary Allan, Elvis Costello, Blake Shelton, the Dixie Chicks, Vince Gill, and Patty Loveless
April 11, 1957 ~ Ska, new wave singer, percussionist, trumpeter Neville Staple, full name Neville Eugenton Staple, born in Manchester Parish, Jamaica ~ Member of the Coventry Automatics, initially as the band's roadie. The band would be renamed to the Specials in 1979 and score seminal UK hits such as Message To You Rudy, Too Much Too Young, Do Nothing, Stereotype, Rat Race, and their best known Ghost Town. Subsequently formed the Fun Boy Three with bandmates Lynval Golding and Terry Hall, the trio known for The Lunatics Have Taken Over The Asylum and the Bananarama collaboration It Ain't What You Do (It's The The Way That You Do It). Staple has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for the album The Rude Boy Returns released in 2004 featuring guests such as the Clash-guitarist Mick Jones and the Damned-drummer Rat Scabies
April 11, 1955 ~ Edna Maria Nazario Figueroa, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actress Ednita Nazario, born in Ponce, Puerto Rico ~ Active since the early-1970s. Over two dozens albums to her name. Best known for songs such as Aprendere, Lo Que Son Las Cosas and Tres Deseo
April 11, 1955 ~ Singer, songwriter Michael Callen born in Rising Sun, Indiana, USA ~ Diagnosed with AIDS in the early-1980s became a pioneering activist raising awareness of the disease. Member of a capella quintet the Flirtations. Has recorded two solo albums, Purple Heart released in 1988 and Legacy released posthumously in 1996 ~ Callen passed away in 1993
April 11, 1954 ~ Progressive rock, art-rock guitarist, lutenist, songwriter Francis Lickerish, full name John Francis Lickerish, born in Cambridge, UK ~ Co-founding member of art rock outfit the Enid, present on the band's first four albums. Guested on Kim Wilde's Kids In America hit single. After departing the band in 1980 has returned to college and worked in the fields of adult addiction and family services. Returned to music in the 2000s, founding the folk rock band Secret Green, known for their 2009 To Wake The King debut album
April 11, 1954 ~ Dance bandleader, violinist Paul Specht passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Popular bandleader in the UK during the dance band era. Employed sidemen such as Hank D'Amico, Russ Morgan, Sylvester Ahola, Charlie Spivak, Joe Tarto and Chauncey Morehouse early on in their career ~ Specht was born in 1895
April 11, 1951 ~ Guitarist Paul Fox born in UK ~ Best known as founding member of UK punk outfit Ruts. Also a member the Dirty Strangers, who recorded two albums featuring guests Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood. Worked with the Choir Militia, the Screaming Lobsters, the Fluffy Kittens, Mat Sargent, the Riffs, and others ~ Fox passed away in 2007
April 11, 1950 ~ Singer Maria Dimitriadi born in Athens, Greece ~ Sister of singer Aphrodite Manou. Regarded as one of the finest interpreters of Mikis Theodorakis and Thanos Mikroutsikos. Known for songs such as O Levidis, Gia Tin Eleni, Evgenia, and Ena Proino (Anabel) ~ Dimitriadi passed away in 2009
April 11, 1949 ~ Roger Pritchard, commonly known as singer, songwriter Lee Sheriden, born in Horfield, UK ~ Member of Brotherhood Of Man, known for winning the 1976 Eurovision Songfestival with Save Your Kisses For Me which Sheriden co-wrote
April 11, 1943 ~ Jazz double bassist Jacky Samson born in Paris, France ~ Worked with Georges Arvanitas, François Biensan, Milt Buckner, Jimmy Dawkins, Maynard Ferguson, Francois Guin, Slide Hampton, Michel Hausser, Guy Lafitte, Jean-Claude Naude, and others
April 11, 1941 ~ Tenor Arthur Davies born in Wrexham, UK ~ Worked with with the Royal Opera London, the English National Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Cincinnati Opera, the Bolshoi Theatre, the Leipzig Opera, the Municipal theater of Santiago, the New Orleans Opera, Teatro Nacional de Sao Carlos, de Vlaamse Opera, and the Teatro Colón ~ Davies passed away in 2018
April 11, 1939 ~ Songwriter, singer Freddie Gorman, full name Frederick Cortez Gorman, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing the Marvelettes' Please Mr Postman, an early hit for the Motown label. The song would be covered by numerous artists including the Beatles, Helen Shapiro, and the Carpenters. Other songs co-written by Gorman include I Want A Guy recorded by the Supremes, and Let Somebody Love Me recorded by Chuck Jackson ~ Gorman passed away in 2006
April 11, 1939 ~ Luther Johnson, commonly known as Chicago blues singer, guitarist Luther Guitar Junior Johnson, born in Itta Bena, Mississippi, USA ~ Active since the late-1950s, building up an impressive resume backing numerous blues giants before embarking on a respectable solo career by the mid-1970s. Profited from the 1990s blues boom, attracting a wider audience with a string of acclaimed albums showcasing a soulful voice and solid guitar playing. Notable releases include I Want To Groove With You, Slammin' On The West Side, and Live At The Rynborn. As a sideman Johnson is present on albums by John Lee Hooker, Otis Spann, Muddy Waters (The Unk In Funk), the Nighthawks, Big Leon Brooks (Let's Go To Town), and Willie Kent ~ Johnson passed away in 2022
April 11, 1938 ~ Ragtime era singer, comedian Eddie Morton, full name Edward Farren Morton, passed away ~ Worked for the Philadelphia PD before pursuing a full-time career as a performer, earning him the nickname “the Singing Cop”. Known for songs such as That's Gratitude, Just A Friend Of The Family, You Ain't Talking To Me and Oceana Roll ~ Morton was born in 1870
April 11, 1938 ~ Operatic bass singer Kurt Moll born in Buir, Germany ~ Acclaimed for his restrained basso profondo voice. Closely associated with the Cologne Opera. Has also worked with the Mainz Opera, the Wuppertal Opera, the Hamburg State Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and others ~ Moll passed away in 2017
April 11, 1937 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor Yuzo Kayama born in Yokohama, Japan ~ As a musician perhaps best known for his 1960s instrumental surf recordings, notably Black Sand Beach and Kimi To Itsumademo, the latter selling two million copies. Also well known as an actor with well over a dozen film credits to his name
April 11, 1936 ~ Jaime Sabater, commonly known as boogaloo, salsa singer, percussionist Jimmy Sabater, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Willie Bobo, Uba Nieto, Papi Pagani. Rose to fame as a member of the Joe Cuba Sextet in the 1960s and 1970s, present on songs such as To Be With You and Salsa Y Bembe. After his departure from the band in 1977 has recorded as a solo artist, and collaborated with the like of Al Levy, Charlie Palmieri, José Mangual Jr, Bobby Cruz, and others. His son, Jimmy Sabater Jr, is a bandleader and trumpeter ~ Sabater passed away in 2012
April 11, 1935 ~ Singer, songwriter Richard Berry born in Extension, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of a number of 1950s doo-wop groups including the Flairs, the Robins, the Penguins, the Cadets, the Chimes, the Crowns, the Five Hunters, the Rams, the Whips, and the Dreamers. Best known as author and original performer of Louie Louie, made famous by Kingsmen and covered by a host of artists including Paul Revere & the Raiders, Frank Zappa, the Beach Boys, the Kinks, the Sonics, Motörhead, Toots & the Maytals, Blondie, Nick Cave, Lou Reed, and others. Also wrote the often covered Have Love Will Travel ~ Berry passed away in 1997
April 11, 1935 ~ Pierre Kartner, commonly known as singer Vader Abraham, born in Elst, the Netherlands ~ Wrote over 1,600 songs. Known for his Smurf-themed songs, the 1971 Wilma Landkroon duet Zou Het Erg Zijn Lieve Opa, and for Het Kleine Café Aan De Haven, the latter covered over 250 times in various languages including by Engelbert Humperdinck (Little Cafe On The Harbour), Audrey Landers (My Favourite Cafe On The Harbour), Mireille Mathieu (Le Café De La Rue Amerique), Joe Dassin (Le Café Des Trois Colombes), and by Peter Alexander (Die Kleine Kneipe) ~ Kartner passed away in 2022
April 11, 1934 ~ Singer Cleotha Staples born in Drew, Mississippi, USA ~ Oldest sibling considered the backbone of family outfit the Staple Singers, best known for 1970s hits drawing from R&B and gospel. The group scored two Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits with 1972's I'll Take You There and 1973's If You're Ready Come Go With Me ~ Staples passed away in 2013
April 11, 1927 ~ Songwriter, lyricist, singer Alberto Testa born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Frequent collaborator of Tony Renis, with whom he wrote Quando Quando Quando first recorded by Renis and covered in Italian, German and English by numerous artists including Connie Francis, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Caterina Valente ~ Testa passed away in 2009
April 11, 1925 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Emil Mangelsdorff born in Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany ~ Imprisoned by the Gestapo for playing jazz and eventually forced to enlist in Hitler's army. Brother of trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff. Has worked with Joe Klimm, Jutta Hipp, Atilla Zoller, George Gruntz, and others ~ Mangelsdorff passed away in 2022
April 11, 1918 ~ Jazz, R&B, soul double bassist, bassist Jimmy Lewis born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Not to be confused with namesake singer Jimmy Lewis of the Drifters. Active since the 1950s performing with the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Cootie Williams, Billie Holiday, Ivory Joe Hunter. Moved to bass guitar during his time with King Curtis. Present on albums by Al Casey, Solomon Burke (If You Need Me), Willis Jackson, John Hammond Jr, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Wilson Pickett (In The Midnight Hour), Byrdie Green, Buddy Terry, Richard Groove Holmes, Charles Kynard (Afro-Disiac), Grant Green, Houston Person, Horace Silver, Boogaloo Joe Jones, and Tiny Grimes ~ Lewis passed away in 2000
April 11, 1912 ~ Jazz double bassist John Levy born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Ben Webster, Erroll Garner, Milt Jackson, Billie Holiday, George Shearing, and others. Ventured into the business end of music, acting as manager for artists such as Shearing, Nancy Wilson, Cannonball Adderley, Joe Williams, Shirley Horn, Jimmie Rayne, and Ramsey Lewis ~ Levy passed away in 2012
April 11, 1910 ~ Actor, singer, trumpeter Johnnie Davis, full name John Gustave Davis, born in Brazil, Indiana, USA ~ Scat singer. Worked with Leo Baxter and Fred Waring before finding employ in Hollywood in the late-1930s, notaby in the 1937 film Hollywood Hotel introducing the Johnny Mercer-penned Hooray For Hollywood. Davis would star in over a dozen films ~ Davis passed away in 1983
April 11, 1890 ~ William Henry Somers, commonly known as big band bandleader Debroy Somers, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Popular from the 1920s through the 1940s. Noted for conducting the first British performance of George Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue in 1925, featuring the Savoy Orpheans with Gershwin himself on the piano ~ Somers passed away in 1952