April 12, 2024 ~ Producer, songwriter Rico Wade, full name Rico Renard Wade, passed away ~ Helped define the Atlanta sound. Co-founding member of pioneering production and songwriting team Organized Noize, with whom he worked on hit songs such as Waterfalls by TLC, Don't Let Go (Love) by En Vogue, and Saturday (Oooh Ooooh) by Ludacris, the former two both reaching top 10 Billboard Hot 100. The production team is especially known for their work with fellow Atlanta natives OutKast, producing some of their best known including the acclaimed albums Aquemini and Stankonia ~ Wade was born in 1972
April 12, 2022 ~ R&B singer Charles McCormick passed away ~ Member of Bloodstone, known for songs such as Natural High, Never Let You Go, Outside Woman, My Little Lady and We Go A Long Way Back, all of which reached top 10 on the Billboard R&B charts between 1973 and 1982 ~ McCormick was born in 1946
April 12, 2022 ~ Indie rock singer, guitarist David Freel passed away ~ Co-founded Swell with drummer Sean Kirkpatrick in 1989. Influenced by a wide array of artists and genres ranging from Pink Floyd to Ennio Morricone the band would release close to a dozen albums over the following two decades including the acclaimed Well, Too Many Days Without Thinking and For All The Beautiful People ~ Freel was born ca.1958
April 12, 2020 ~ Lars Falkowsky, commonly known as glam rock, indie rock, alternative rock keyboardist Luminor, passed away ~ Member of Cinema Bizarre through 2008, leaving the band for health reasons. Present on the band's 2007 Final Attraction debut album. Has also worked with DNR (Dreams Not Reality) and with Roberto Romagnoli ~ Falkowsky was born in 1985
April 12, 2017 ~ Engineer Tom Coyne, full name Thomas J Coyne, passed away ~ Renowned engineer with a career spanning over five decades. With positions at Wayne Mastering Labs, The Hit Factory, and Sterling Sound, having purchased the latter by the late-1990s, Coyne has worked on albums by the Bee Gees, Uriah Heep, Otis Rush, Kool & the Gang, Michael Jackson (Thriller), Koko Taylor, Burning Spear, Sade (Diamond Life), Giorgio Moroder, Solomon Burke, Ellis Marsalis, Little Charlie & the Nightcats, Delbert McClinton, Boogie Down Productions, Kool Moe Dee, De La Soul, Brendan Croker (The Great Indoors), Aaliyah, Vanilla Ice, LL Cool J, Erykah Badu, A Tribe Called Quest, Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, Destiny's Child, the Roots (Phrenology), Amy Winehouse, Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé, P!nk, Joss Stone, Paloma Faith, Taylor Swift (Red), One Direction, Ariana Grande, and Adele ~ Coyne was born in 1954
April 12, 2016 ~ Rock, pop, jazz drummer Robbie Brennan passed away in Nenagh, Ireland ~ Early member of Phil Lynott's Grand Slam, touring with the band in the mid-1980s. Member of Scullion, present on the 1985 Spin album. In-demand session and touring musician, has worked with Stepaside, Christy Moore, Skid Row, the Fleadh Cowboys, Hotfoot, Auto Da Fé, Paul Brady, Clannad, the Chosen Few, and others ~ Brennan was born ca.1947
April 12, 2014 ~ Fred Wei-han Houn, commonly known as saxophonist, composer Fred Ho, passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Though mostly associated with Asian-American jazz, Houn resented the categorization. Known for merging traditional Chinese elements with African influences. The first to combine Chinese opera with traditional African-American music. Especially acclaimed for his 1993 Underground Railroad To My Heart album. Founded and fronted the Monkey Orchestra. Founded and fronted the Afro-Asian Music Ensemble ~ Houn was born in 1957
April 12, 2012 ~ Saxophonist Andrew Love passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Noted session musician. Member of the Memphis Horns alongside longtime compadre trumpeter Wayne Jackson. Has backed artists such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley, and Dusty Springfield. Has toured with the Doobie Brothers, Jimmy Buffett, and Robert Cray ~ Love was born in 1941
April 12, 2007 ~ Composer, pianist, trombonist, conductor Andrzej Kurylewicz, full name Andrzej Roma Kurylewicz, passed away ~ Composed chamber music, orchestral music, and music for stage, ballet, and films. Pioneered Polish jazz. Well known for writing the score for the Polish TV series Polskie Drogi. Has collaborated with Tomasz Stańko, Pat Metheny, Kasia Nosowska, and Magda Umer ~ Kurylewicz was born in 1932
April 12, 2001 ~ Conductor Alberto Erede passed away in Monte Carlo, Monaco ~ Worked with the NBC Symphony Orchestra, the New London Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera House, and the Vienna State Opera ~ Erede was born in 1909
April 12, 1996 ~ Pop rock singer, pianist Randy Newman releases You've Got A Friend In Me, used as the theme to the Toy Story film ~ Along with Short People and I Love LA, one of Newman's best known songs. The song would be first used in the first part of the animated Toy Story feature film and has since been used as a musical leitmotif throughout the entire franchise. You've Got A Friend In Me has been covered by over a hundred artists including notably as a duet by George Jones and Kathy Mattea shortly after the original release, and by Michael Bublé for his 2013 To Be Loved album. Newman recorded two versions for the first Toy Story film, once by Newman solo, and once as a duet with Lyle Lovett. The original version would be nominated for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award
April 12, 1996 ~ Larry Cummings Kiala, commonly known as hip-hop, R&B, afroswing rapper, singer Yxng Bane, born in London, UK ~ Influenced by Michael Jackson, Drake, Future, PartyNextDoor, 50 Cent, Tinie Tempah, and WizKid. Released his Full Moon debut EP in 2016. Guested on a remix of Ed Sheeran's The Shape Of You. Guested on Yungen's UK top 10 hit Bestie. Collaborated with D-Block Europe on the 2018 Any Minute Now album. As a solo artist perhaps best known for his 2019 UK top 20 single How It Is which featured Roddy Ricch, Chip & the Plug
April 12, 1995 ~ Jazz trombonist Chris Pyne, full name Christopher Norman Pyne, passed away in London, UK ~ Elder brother of pianist Mick Pyne. Worked with Fat John Cox, Alexis Korner, John Stevens, the London Jazz Orchestra, Humphrey Lyttelton, Johnny Dankworth, Ronnie Scott, Stan Tracey, Mike Gibbs, Frank Sinatra, John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, John Surman, Philly Joe Jones, Maynard Ferguson, Tony Coe, Bobby Lamb, Ray Premru, Ronnie Ross, Barbara Thompson, Norma Winstone, Alan Cohen, Gordon Beck, Charlie Watts, Jon Anderson, Miquel Brown, Delegation, Curved Air, Bryan Ferry, Albert Finney, Goodies, Tubby Hayes, Elton John, Salena Jones, Everything But The Girl, Jack Sharpe, the Nice, Peter Sinfield, Jasper van 't Hof, Loudon Wainwright III, and others ~ Pyne was born in 1939
April 12, 1994 ~ K-pop, hip hop singer, rapper, actor Oh Se-hun born in Seoul, South Korea ~ Member of boy band EXO and its spinoffs. The band is known for a string of 2010s hits in their native South Korea, including the No.1 hits December 2014 (The Winter's Tale), Love Me Right, and Monster. Se-hun has also recorded as a solo artist and ventured into acting, notably playing the lead role in the 2022 film The Pirates (The Last Royal Treasure)
April 12, 1992 ~ Jazz banjoist Al Lewis passed away in Galliano, Louisiana, USA ~ A big imposing performer with a joyous personality. Active from the late-1910s onwards, Lewis played the riverboats and New Orleans jazz bands, including with bandleaders such as King Oliver, until the banjo grew out of style. He retired from the music scene but was rediscovered when someone from Preservation Hall recognized him in the late-1970s. He went on to play and teach Dixieland to a new generation ~ Lewis was born ca.1902
April 12, 1992 ~ Malcolm Jamaal Davis, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter MadeinTYO, born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Rose to prominence on the strength of his 2016 Uber Everywhere single. Released a full-length debut album, Sincerely Tokyo, in 2018. Has collaborated wit Travis Scott, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, A$AP Ferg, G-Eazy, Chance the Rapper, and others
April 12, 1988 ~ Trumpeter, singer George Rock passed away ~ Joined Spike Jones backing unit the City Slickers in 1944. Especially noted for his ability to imitate children in a remarkably childlike voice. Present on some of the band's best known, notably singing lead vocals on the classic All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth. Other songs featuring Rock include I'm The Captain Of The Space Ship and You Wanna Buy A Bunny ~ Rock was born in 1919
April 12, 1980 ~ Singer, songwriter Brian McFadden, full name Brian Nicholas McFadden, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Member of Irish boy band Westlife through 2004, alongside Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Brian McFadden, present on songs such as Swear It Again, Flying Without Wings, Fool Again, What Makes A Man, Queen Of My Heart and Hey Whatever. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Irish Son in 2004
April 12, 1979 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, banjoist, pianist, harpist, songwriter Thomas Dybdahl born in Sandnes, Norway ~ First gained attention as member of the Quadrophonics. Released his solo debut album, That Great October Sound, in 2002 and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Drew comparisons to Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley
April 12, 1978 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, banjoist, fiddler Andru Bemis born in Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA ~ Known for a minimalist lifestyle, touring through the US using train, public transportation and hitchhiking. Has released a handful of albums, starting with Plays Past His Bedtime released in 2002
April 12, 1978 ~ Bassist, songwriter Guy Berryman born ~ Member of Coldplay, known for hits such as Yellow, The Scientiest, Clocks, Speed Of Sound, Violet Hill, Viva La Vida, Paradise, Adventure Of A Lifetime and Something Just Like This featuring the Chainsmokers. Also a member of supergroup Apparatjik, alongside A-ha's Magne Furuholmen, and others
April 12, 1975 ~ Freda Josephine McDonald, commonly known as singer Josephine Baker passed away in Paris, France ~ Starred in the Broadway revues Shuffle Along and The Chocolate Dandies during the 1920s. Among the most popular entertainers in pre-war Paris. First black woman to star in a major film, namely 1927's silent film The Siren Of The Tropics. Member of the French Resistance during World War II ~ Baker was born in 1906
April 12, 1973 ~ Arthur Grossman, commonly known as lyricist, film producer Arthur Freed, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as a film producer, awarded an Academy Award for 1951's An American In Paris and one for 1958's Gigi. Producer and co-lyricist for the 1952 Singing In The Rain musical comedy ~ Grossman was born in 1894
April 12, 1973 ~ Trumpeter Ryan Kisor born in Sioux City, Iowa, USA ~ Brother of Justin Kisor, also a trumpeter with whom he regularly worked. Well over a dozen albums to his name as a leader, starting in the early-1990s. In-demand sideman, closely associated with the Mingus Big Band and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Has also worked with the Manhattan Jazz Orchestra, Ehud Asherie, Michel Camilo, Ivan Farmakovsky, Wycliffe Gordon, Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, Gerry Mulligan, Horace Silver, Bobby Watson, and Ben Wolfe
April 12, 1972 ~ Pop group the Bee Gees record Run To Me at IBC Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb. Co-produced with Robert Stigwood. Released in July as the lead single of the band's 1972 To Whom It May Concern album, featuring Road To Alaska on the flip side. It would reach top 10 of the UK charts
April 12, 1971 ~ Jazz, bebop, hard bop pianist, composer Wynton Kelly, full name Wynton Charles Kelly, passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Inventive jazz pianist influential on the likes of Monty Alexander, Chick Corea, Brad Mehldau, Chucho Valdes. As a leader especially acclaimed for the late-1950s albums Piano (Whisper Not) and Kelly Blue, and for the 1965 live album Smokin' At The Half Note. Also well known for his stint with Miles Davis from the late-1950s through the early-1960s, including on the seminal Kind Of Blue album. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Dizzy Gillespie (School Days), Art Farmer, JJ Johnson, Dinah Washington (Dinah), Billie Holiday (Lady Sings The Blues), Lee Morgan, Frank Wess, Sonny Rollins (Newk's Time), Booker Little, John Coltrane (Giant Steps), Benny Golson, Abbey Lincoln (Abbey Is Blue), Paul Chambers, Cannonball Adderley (The Cannonball Adderley Quintet In Chicago), Blue Mitchell, Freddie Hubbard (Open Sesame), Hank Mobley (Roll Call), Helen Humes, Sam Jones (The Chant), Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Wes Montgomery, Bunky Green (My Baby), Clifford Jordan (In The World), Gene Ammons, and Dexter Gordon ~ Kelly was born in 1931
April 12, 1970 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist Nick Hexum, full name Nicholas Lofton Hexum, born in Madison, Wisconsin, USA ~ Lead singer for rock outfit 311, known for songs such as Down, All Mixed Up, Come Original, You Wouldn't Believe, Creatures (For A While), Love Song, Don't Tread On Me, and Hey You. Hexum has also worked with George Clanton, the Urge, Sugar Ray, Goldfinger, the Dirty Heads, Neverending White Lights, and Disco Fries
April 12, 1970 ~ Progressive metal, jazz, jazz fusion, rock bassist, keyboardist, guitarist Sean Malone born in Delran, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as member of Cynic. Noted for his chemistry with bandmate drummer Sean Reinert. Released his Cortlandt solo album in 2007, featuring guests such as Trey Gunn, Ron Jarzombek, John Myung. Has also worked with Gordian Knot, Roadrunner United, Spiral Architect, Spastic Ink, Anomaly, James Labrie, Aghora, Cygnus, and Dream Theater ~ Malone passed away in 2020
April 12, 1968 ~ Producer, songwriter, talent scout Lester Melrose, full name Lester Frank Melrose, passed away in Lake, Florida, USA ~ One of the first Chicago blues producers. Brother of music publisher Walter Melrose and jazz pianist Franklyn Melrose. Worked with artists such as King Oliver, Big Bill Broonzy, Sonny Boy Williamson I, Memphis Minnie, Roosevelt Sykes, Lonnie Johnson, Big Joe Williams, Bukka White, Washboard Sam, Champion Jack Dupree, Jazz Gillum, Arthur Crudup, Victoria Spivey, Leroy Carr, and others ~ Melrose was born in 1891
April 12, 1967 ~ Ulpiano Sergio Reyes, commonly known as MC Mellow Man Ace, born in Havana, Cuba ~ Brother of Sen Dog, with whom he also worked including under the moniker the Reyes Brothers. Known for his bilingual delivery and novelty rhymes. Co-founding member of Cypress Hill, departing the band before any recordings were made. Member of the Latin Alliance. As a solo artist best known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Mentirosa of his 1989 Escape From Havana debut album
April 12, 1966 ~ Jazz guitarist, singer Nils-Olav Johansen born in Bjugn, Norway ~ Worked with Farmers Market, the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, Stale Storløkken, Sverre Gjørvad, the Storytellers, the Blix Band, Håvard Lund, Eldbjørg Raknes, Solveig Slettahjell, and others
April 12, 1966 ~ Country singer, guitarist Tracy Coster born ~ Daughter of renowned singer, songwriter Stan Coster. Started singing in her father's band in her early teens. As a solo artist active since the mid-1980s, releasing her full-length From The Heart debut album in 1987. Noted for the Tremeloes-cover Someone released by Coster in 1994
April 12, 1965 ~ Delroy Thompson, commonly known as reggae, dancehall singer the Pinchers, born in Jamaica ~ Known for songs such as Abrakabra, Eat Man, Jailhpuse Hot, Agony, and Bandelero. Worked with King Jammy, Philip Fatis Burrell, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Jackie Mittoo, Robbie Lynn, and others
April 12, 1965 ~ Bassist Sean Welch born in Enfield, UK ~ Formerly a roadie for the Housemartins, Welch is best known as a core member of the Beautiful South scoring a string of UK hits starting in the 1990s including the top 10 hits A Song For Whoever, A Little Time, Rotterdam (Or Anywhere), Don't Marry Her and Perfect 10
April 12, 1964 ~ Singer Amy Ray, full name Amy Elizabeth Ray, born in Decatur, Georgia, USA ~ Forms the folk rock duo the Indigo Girls with Emily Saliers, known for songs such as Closer To Fine, Hammer And Nail, Galileo, Shame On You and Fill It Up Again . Has also released a number of solo albums, starting with Stag released in 2001
April 12, 1964 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Deryl Dodd, full name Deryl Dwayne Dodd, born ~ Worked with Tracy Lawrence, Martina McBride, Radney Foster, George Ducas, Tim McGraw, and others. Debuted as a solo artist with the album One Ride In Vegas in 1996. Known for songs such as That's How I Got To Memphis, Bitter End and Let Me Be
April 12, 1963 ~ Herbert Horatio Nichols, commonly known as jazz pianist, composer Herbie Nichols passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Wrote the classic Lady Sings The Blues, made famous by Billie Holiday. Obscure during his lifetime, now highly regarded by many ~ Nichols was born in 1919
April 12, 1962 ~ Alternative rock, post-grunge, punk rock singer, guitarist, bassist, mandolinist, banjoist, keyboardist, songwriter Art Alexakis, full name Arthur Paul Alexakis, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as guitarist and founding member of Everclear, teaming up with Craig Montoya and Scott Cuthbert. Penned some of the band's best known including Santa Monica, Everything To Everyone, and Father Of Mine, all favorites of late-1990s alt-radio. Also worked with the Easy Hoes, Colorfinger, and Frogpond, and released his Sun Songs solo debut album in 2019. Alexakis is known as a political activist involved in charities relating to child abuse, drug awareness and support for veterans
April 12, 1962 ~ Singer Connie Francis records Tu Mir Nicht Weh ~ German version of Francis' Don't Break The Heart That Loves You hit. Written by Ted Murry, Benny Davis, Fini Busch. Produced by Gerhard Mendelsohn. Released as a single later the same year, b/w Paradiso, it would reach top 10 on the German pop charts
April 12, 1962 ~ Guitarist Rob Baker born in Kingston, Canada ~ Lead guitarist for rock outfit the Tragically Hip, active since the mid-1980s and most acclaimed for albums such as Up To Here and Fully Completely. Over the years the band has regularly reached the higher echelons of the charts in their native Canada. Well known songs include Little Bones, Locked In The Trunk Of A Car, Courage, Greasy Jungle, Poets, Fireworks, and Bobcaygeon. Baker has also worked with the side project the Strippers Union
April 12, 1961 ~ Avant-garde, neoclassical dark wave, new age singer, songwriter Lisa Gerrard, full name Lisa Germaine Gerrard, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Formed Dead Can Dance in 1981 with Brendan Perry, acclaimed for a string of albums through the 1990s. Gerrard is praised for her unique singing style, a dramatic contralto voice with a three octave range and often singing in non-existent languages comparable to speaking in tongues. Gerrard has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with The Mirror Pool released in 1995, and collaborated with a wide array of composers including Pieter Bourke, Patrick Cassidy, Klaus Schulze, and Hans Zimmer. Also noted for composing and contributing to the scores for well over 40 films, notably 2000's Gladiator and 2009's Balibo
April 12, 1961 ~ Rock singer, guitarist Richard Janssen born in Manchester, UK ~ Frontman, co-founder of Amsterdam-based rock outfit Fatal Flowers, best known for their 1986 single Younger Days. After the band's disbandement in 1990 fronted Shine, with whom he recorded the albums Boys and Modern Popmusic, recorded as a solo artist going by the moniker Rex, and backed Ellen ten Damme
April 12, 1959 ~ Guitarist Joan Eloi Vila, full name Joan Eloi Vila De Paz, born ~ In-demand collaborator and backing musician. Member of children's group Els Xipis. Has collaborated with the Barcelona Orchestra on La Salseta Del Poble Sec. Has backed artists such Jimmy Page, Joan Baptista Humet, Joaquin Sabina and Joan Isaac on tours ~ Vila passed away in 2021
April 12, 1958 ~ Guitarist Will Sergeant, full name William Alfred Sergeant, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Best known as a member of 1980s post-punk outfit Echo & the Bunnymen, known for songs such as The Cutter, The Killing Moon, Nothing Lasts Forever. As a solo artist known for his minimalism and atmospherics. Had self-produced his 1978 Weird As Fish solo debut album, making only seven copies until an official re-release 25 years later
April 12, 1957 ~ Vincent Grant Gill, commonly known as country, country pop, gospel, bluegrass, rock singer, guitarist, banjoist, mandolinist, fiddler, songwriter Vince Gill, born in Norman, Oklahoma, USA ~ Fronted Pure Prairie League, present on the albums Can't Hold Back, Firin' Up, and Something In The Night. Departed the band in 1981 to join Rodney Crowell's backing unit the Notorious Cherry Bombs. Best known as a solo artist, with well over a dozen albums to his name starting with The Things That Matter released in 1985. Joined country swing band the Time Jumpers in 2010. Following the death of Glenn Frey in 2016 joined the Eagles serving as co-lead guitarist, backing singer and occasional lead singer. Once declined an offer by Mark Knopfler to join the Dire Straits, though guested on the band's 1991 On Every Street
April 12, 1956 ~ Singer, actor Herbert Grönemeyer, full name Herbert Arthur Wiglev Clamor Grönemeyer, born in Göttingen, West Germany ~ Initially known as actor, notably in the 1981 cult film Das Boot, but would later focus on his music career. Especially noted for his 1984 4630 Bochum and his 2002 Mensch albums, both ranking among the all-time best-selling records in Germany. Known best for songs such as Männer, Was Soll Das, Deine Liebe Klebt, Mensch, Zeit Dass Sich Was Dreht and Morgen
April 12, 1955 ~ Rock, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Jean-Louis Aubert born in Nantua, France ~ Co-founding member of Téléphone, known for songs such as Hygiaphone, Métro C'Est Trop, La Bomb Humaine, Ça C'Est Vraiment Toi, New York Avec Toi and Un Autre Monde. After the band disbanded in 1986 entured out on his own releasing his Plâtre Et Ciment debut album the following year. As a solo artist best known for the albums Stockholm and Roc, released respectively in 1197 and 2012
April 12, 1954 ~ Singer, actress Carolyn Dennis born ~ Best known for her work with and marriage to Bob Dylan. The couple were married from 1986 until 1992 and have one daughter. The marriage and parenthood were completely unknown to Dylan fans and the media until the 2001 publication of the biography Down The Highway (The Life Of Bob Dylan). Dennis has sung backup for Minnie Riperton, the Carpenters, Kenny Loggins, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Wonder, appearing on the latter's 1976 Songs In The Key Of Life masterpiece album. Dennis also provided the singing voice for the 1991 TV biopic The Josephine Baker Story
April 12, 1954 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter Pat Travers, full name Patrick Henry Travers, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Active since the 1970s. Cited as an influence by both Paul Gilbert and Metallica's Kirk Hammett. Best known for fronting the Pat Travers Band, which at times included Nicko McBrain, Tommy Aldridge, Carmine Appice, and others
April 12, 1953 ~ Punk rock, pop punk, post-punk, new wave bassist, producer Tony James born in London, UK ~ Formed mid-1970s proto-punk outfit London SS, alongside future the Damned-guitarist Brian James, and future the Clash-members Mick Jones and Terry Chimes. Also a member of Generation X, the London Cowboys, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Sisters Of Mercy, Fin De Siècle, and Carbon/Silicon
April 12, 1952 ~ Jazz, rock bassist, composer Hellmut Hattler born in Ulm, West Germany ~ Influenced by Jimi Hendrix. Founded pop, krautrock band Kraan. In-demand collaborator. Has worked with Tina Turner, Billy Cobham, Joachim Kühn, Torsten de Winkel, Alphonse Mouzon, Nippy Noya, and others
April 12, 1947 ~ Singer Alex Briley born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Member of the Village People, serving as tha band's “G.I” and “sailor”, known for disco hits such as Macho Man, YMCA and In The Navy
April 12, 1945 ~ Blues singer, pianist, guitarist Ann Rabson born in New York, New York, USA ~ Actively performing and recording since the 1960s. Member of Saffire The Uppity Blues Women. Released her solo debut, the acclaimed Music Makin' Mama, in 1997 ~ Rabson passed away in 2013
April 12, 1945 ~ Pianist, music director Doug Riley, full name Douglas Brian Riley, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Also recorded under the moniker Dr Music. Musical director of the Famous People Players for two decades. Keyboardist and arranger on Ray Charles' 1969 Doing His Thing album after which Charles offered him a steady spot in the band. Riley kindfully declined, focusing on his career in Canada ~ Riley passed away in 2007
April 12, 1945 ~ Guitarist Miller Anderson born in Johnstone, UK ~ Closely associated with Ian Hunter, plasying in several blues, rock bands together. Has worked with Keef Hartley, the Spencer Davis Group, Broken Glass, Mountain, Savoy Brown, T.Rex, Chicken Shack, Maggie Bell, and others
April 12, 1943 ~ Singer Geoff Brook, full name Geoffrey Owen Brooks, born in Winchester, UK ~ Formed the sibling duo the Brooks Brothers with Ricky Brook, known for a string of early-1960s UK hits including Ain't Gonna Wash For A Week, Welcome Home Baby and perhaps their best known Warpaint
April 12, 1943 ~ Reggae singer, guitarist, songwriter Roydel Johnson born in Hanover Parish, Jamaica ~ Formed the reggae vocal group the Congos with Cedric Myton in the mid-1970s, best known for their The Heart Of The Congos album released in 1977. The album has been hailed as one of producer's Lee Scratch Perry's finest. Following the band's disbandement has recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Sign Of The Star released in 1980
April 12, 1940 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Herbie Hancock, full name Herbert Jeffrey Hancock, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Pivotal figure in jazz, jazz fusion, and jazz-funk. Considered a main architect of post-bop. Got his start in music backing artists such as Donald Byrd and Miles Davis. As a leader known for fronting the Headhunters and VSOP. As a composer best known for Watermelon Man, Cantaloupe Island, One Finger Snap, Dolphin Dance, and Maiden Voyage, each covered by a wide array of artists. To pop audiences best known for the Grammy Award-winning electro-infused Rockit of his 1983 Future Shock album
April 12, 1937 ~ Blues singer, guitarist Asie Payton, full name Asie Reed Payton, born in Holly Ridge, Mississippi, USA ~ Made a living as a farmer and recorded one album, Worried, near the end of his life. It would be released posthumously in 1998 to critical acclaim ~ Payton passed away in 1997
April 12, 1932 ~ Herbert Butros Khaury, commonly known as singer, ukelele player Tiny Tim, born in New York, New York, USA ~ By his pre-teen years he developed a passion for records, specifically those from the 1900s through the 1930s. He began spending most of his free time at the library, reading abouth the history of the phonograph industry and its first recording artists. He researched sheet music, often making copies to take home to learn, a hobby he continued for his entire life. As a recording artist known for his 1968 single Tiptoe Through The Tulips, sung in his signature falsetto voice, and Living In The Sunlight (Loving In The Moonlight) ~ Khaury passed away in 1996
April 12, 1926 ~ Blues bassist, singer, songwriter Andrew McMahon, also known as Andrew Blueblood McMahon, born in Delhi, Louisiana, USA ~ Closely associated with Howlin' Wolf, backing the Wolf for over a decade starting in 1960. As a solo artist known for songs such as Lost In The Jungle, Special Agent, Potato Diggin' Man and Worried All The Time ~ McMahon passed away in 1984
April 12, 1924 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger Dick Marx, full name Richard Henry Marx, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Also known as composer for film and TV. Worked with Johnny Frigo, Eddie Harris, Helen Merrill, Ken Nordine, Lucy Reed, Pee Wee King, and others ~ Marx passed away in 1997
April 12, 1922 ~ Film composer Edwin Astley, full name Edwin Thomas Astley, born in Warrington, UK ~ Known for numerous film scores and TV themes, notably for the TV series The Saint, Danger Man and The Baron. Astley's daughter Karen Astley would be married to the Who-frontman, guitarist, singer Pete Townshend from 1968 until 2009, with whom she has three children ~ Astley passed away in 1998
April 12, 1922 ~ Stanley Friedland, commonly known as conductor, arranger, songwriter Stan Free, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Classically trained. Led pop outfit Hot Butter, best known for their 1972 instrumental rendition of Popcorn. The single would be an international hit, selling over two million copies. Free also worked as arranger and conductor, notably for jazz singer Chris Connor, and served as studio musician for the likes of the Four Seasons, the Monkees, and the Association ~ Friedland passed away in 1995
April 12, 1921 ~ James D Harris, commonly known as blues singer Shakey Jake Harris, born in Earle, Arkansas, USA ~ Best known for his 1958 debut single Call Me If You Need Me b/w Roll Your Moneymaker. The single was produced by Willie Dixon, and featured Syl Johnson and Magic Sam, his nephew. Reportedly, Harris was never paid for the session, but he won $700 shooting craps with label owner Eli Toscano ~ Harris passed away in 1990
April 12, 1919 ~ Bandleader, arranger Billy Vaughn born in Glasgow, Kentucky, USA ~ Member of the Hilltoppers, alongside Jimmy Saca, Donald McGuire and Seymour Spiegelman, for whom Vaugh also wrote their first hit, Trying which charted in 1952. Leading his own bands Vaughn charted over 40 singles and some 36 albums on the American album charts starting with 1958's Sail Along Silv'ry Moon through to 1970's Winter World Of Love. Vaughn also served as music director and A&R executive at Dot Records, starting in the mid-1950s ~ Vaughn passed away in 1991
April 12, 1917 ~ Helen Fogel, commonly known as pop, swing singer Helen Forrest, born in Atlantic City, New York, USA ~ Popular singer of the swing era, serving with the biggest orchestras of the day including those led by Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, and by Harry James ~ Fogel passed away in 1999
April 12, 1916 ~ Film composer, arranger Russell Garcia born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Known for his work for TV series such as Rawhide and Laredo, and films such as The Time Machine, Atlantis The Lost Continent and Father Goose. Has worked with artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Anita O'Day, Mel Tormé, Julie London, Oscar Peterson, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, and Henry Mancini ~ Garcia passed away in 2011
April 12, 1915 ~ Theodore Roosevelt Taylor, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, slide guitarist Hound Dog Taylor, born in Natchez, Mississippi, USA ~ Bruce Iglauer, then working at Delmark Records, tried to persuade his employer to sign Taylor, to no avail. The following year Iglauer used a modest inheritance to found his own Alligator Records, and recorded Taylor's Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers debut album. Until his death in 1975, Taylor recorded two more albums for the label, and performed with the likes of Muddy Waters, Freddie King, and Big Mama Thornton. A live recording of Elmore James's The Sky Is Crying by George Thorogood, included on the 1986 Live album, would be dedicated to the memory of the late Hound Dog Taylor ~ Taylor passed away in 1975
April 12, 1902 ~ Western singer John White, born ~ Enjoyed popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, going by a variety of monikers most notably Whitey John. Often performed covers of Vernon Dalhart-songs. Best known for Whoopee Ti Yo Yo (Git Along Dogies) and Strawberry Roan ~ White passed away in 1992
April 12, 1898 ~ Alice Josephine Pons, commonly known as operatic soprano, actress Lily Pons, born in Draguignan, France ~ French-American soprano particularly associated with the title roles in Lakme Opera and Lucia di Lammermoor. Concert singer. Savvy at making herself into a marketable cultural icon. Guested internationally at many well known opera houses. Darling of the the New York Metropolitan Opera where she performed nearly 300 times between 1931 and 1960 ~ Pons passed away in 1976
April 12, 1892 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Johnny Dodds born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Brother of drummer Baby Dodds. Leader and sideman. Considered one on the premier clarinetists of his day. Worked with King Oliver, Frankie Duson, Kid Ory, Jelly Roll Morton, Lovie Austin, and Louis Armstrong ~ Dodds passed away in 1940
April 12, 1871 ~ Soprano Elizabeth Spencer, full name Elizabeth Dickerson Spencer, born ~ Trained as pianist and violinist. Praised for the sterling operatic quality of her voice. Has performed in vaudeville and on Broadway. Best known for numerous recordings, totalling over 600, for Thomas Edison from the 1910s through the 1920s ~ Spencer passed away in 1930