April 16, 2023 ~ Frederick Russell Jones, commonly known as hard bop, cool jazz, post-bop pianist Ahmad Jamal, passed away ~ Best known for leading a trio with guitarist Ray Crawford and bassist Israel Crosby for most of the 1950s and early-1960s. Over 50 albums to his name as leader or co-leader over a career spanning six decades, specifically acclaimed for Chamber Music Of The New Jazz, At The Pershing (But Not For Me), and Listen To The Ahmad Jamal Quintet. Converted to islam while in his twenties, taking the name Jamal, and once sued jazz critic Leonard Feather for using his birthname of Jones ~ Jones was born in 1930
April 16, 2022 ~ Folk, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Bill Bourne, full name William Sigurd Bourne, passed away ~ Member of the Tannahill Weavers. Member of roots trio Tri-Continental alongside Lester Quitzau and Madagascar Slim. As a solo artist perhaps best known for his 2002 Voodoo King album. Has also collaborated with Alan Macleod, Shannon Johnson, Eivør, Jasmine Ohlhauser, and Tippy Agogo ~ Bourne was born in 1954
April 16, 2021 ~ Songwriter Barry Mason, full name Johnn Barry Mason, passed away ~ Frequent songwriting collaborator of Les Reed. Artists who have recorded songs written or co-written by Mason include Dalida, Jefferson (Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes), PJ Proby, David Essex, the Drifters, Rod Stewart, Petula Clark, Perry Como, Engelbert Humperdinck (The Last Waltz), the Fortunes (Here It Comes Again), Charles Aznavour, Tony Christie, Connie Francis, Tom Jones (Delilah), and Barbra Streisand ~ Mason was born in 1935
April 16, 2021 ~ Keith Lewis, commonly known as rock, blues harpist, singer Lew Lewis, passed away ~ Influenced by Little Walter. Member of Eddie & the Hot Rods, present on the band's early work including Writing On The Wall and Wooly Bully. Member of the Southside Jug Band. Has recorded as a solo artist, best known for his 1979 Save The Wall album, merging pub rock and blues-rock. Has guested on a number of pivotal albums of the era, including the Stranglers' Black And White, the Clash's Sandinista and Kirsty Maccoll's Desperate Character. Served seven years for armed robbery after holding up a postal office in 1987 with a fake pistol ~ Lewis was born ca.1955
April 16, 2019 ~ Songwriter, producer Kent Harris passed away ~ Best known as writer of novelty songs, most notably Shoppin' For Clothes recorded by the Coasters, and Cops & Robbers by Bo Diddley. Others who recorded songs produced or written by Harris include the Duals, Adolph Jacobs, Mighty Hannibal, the Sevilles, Prentice Moreland, Dorothy Berry, Jimmy Norman, and Ty Karim ~ Harris was born in 1930
April 16, 2015 ~ Jonathan Kemp, commonly known as R&B, new jack swing singer Johnny Kemp, passed away in Montego Bay, Jamaica ~ As a singer best known for his 1988 smash hit Just Got Paid. Also worked as a session musician and songwriter, notably for BB&Q Band writing several tracks of their All Night Long album, and for Change co-writing Take You To Heaven from their Sharing Your Love album ~ Kemp was born in 1959
April 16, 2012 ~ Clarinetist, conductor Alan Hacker, full name Alan Ray Hacker, passed away in London, UK ~ Best known for co-founding the Pierrot Players in 1965 with pianist Stephen Pruslin and Harrison Birtwistle ~ Hacker was born in 1938
April 16, 2008 ~ Jazz pianist John Young, full name John Merritt Young, passed away ~ Recorded a number of 1950s, 1960s albums as a leader backed by drummer Eldridge Freeman and bassist Leroy Jackson. Regular sideman of saxophonist Eddie Johnson. Appears on the 1959 T-Bone Walker album T-Bone Blues. Has also worked with Dexter Gordon, Big Joe Turner, Von Freeman, Lorez Alexandria, Gene Ammons, Bobby Bryant, George Freeman, Al Grey, Sonny Stitt, and others ~ Young was born in 1922
April 16, 2006 ~ Cornelis Jan Kalis, commonly known as rock, pop drummer Cees Kalis, passed away in Rhoon, the Netherlands ~ Worked with the Running Tides, future Gruppo Sportivo-guitarist Hans Vandenburg and with the Soul before co-founding Earth & Fire. Would leave the band after recording the Dutch top 10 hit Ruby Is The One in 1970 to complete his college education, succeeded by Ton van der Kleij. Kalis would eventually become a school teacher and only play occasionally as a hobby ~ Kalis was born in 1949
April 16, 2001 ~ Conductor, pianist Peter Maag, full name Ernst Peter Johannes Maag, passed away in Verona, Italy ~ Principal conductor with the Dusseldorf Opera from 1952 through 1955. Would go on to work with orchestras such as the Bonn City Theater, the Royal Opera House, the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Volksoper, the Metropolitan Opera, the RAI Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande, and others ~ Maag was born in 1919
April 16, 1996 ~ R&B, rock & roll, blues tenor saxophonist, singer Raymond Hill, full name Raymond Earl Hill, passed away in Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA ~ Closely associated with Ike Turner, as a member of Turner's R&B unit the Kings Of Rhythm present on the classic Rocket '88. In-demand session musician, appearing on recordings by Howlin' Wolf, Little Junior Parker (Mystery Train), Jessie Hill, Clayton Love, and others ~ Hill was born in 1933
April 16, 1992 ~ Andrés Rábago, commonly known as Latin, traditional pop, easy listening singer, actor Andy Russell, passed away in Sun City, Arizona, USA ~ Popular 1940s balladeer known for songs such as Bésame Mucho, Amor and What A Diff'rence A Day Makes ~ Rábago was born in 1919
April 16, 1991 ~ Donald Pullen, commonly known as alternative hip-hop rapper, singer, songwriter Rockie Fresh, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his associations with Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump and Good Charlotte-twins Joel Madden and Benji Madden. Released his full-length Destination solo debut album in 2019. Has collaborated with Rick Ross, Pharrell Williams, Omarion, the Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, and others
April 16, 1986 ~ Indie rock, synth-pop singer, guitarist Jenn Wasner, full name Jennifer Lynn Wasner, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Founded Wye Oak with Andy Stack, perhaps best known for their 2011 song 18 Miles Out featured in the TV series The Walking Dead. Has also worked with Dungeoness, Flock Of Dimes, the Dirty Projectors, Sylvan Esso, and with Bon Iver
April 16, 1986 ~ Singer, actress Pia Colombo, full name Eliane Marie Amélie Pia Colombo, passed away in Créteil, France ~ Once dubbed the successor to Edith Piaf by critics, yet Colombo never became a household name. As a singer especially acclaimed for the album Pia Chante Bertolt Brecht & Kurt Weill released in 1969. Politically committed, besides Brecht and Weill, she was especially known as a gifted interpreter of songs written by Serge Gainsbourg, Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens, Hanns Eisler, Leo Ferré, and her husband Maurice Fanon. Colombo has also ventured into acting, both on stage and the big screen ~ Colombo was born in 1934
April 16, 1979 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Sean Costello born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Debuted at age 16 with the album Call The Cops, released in 1996. First gained significant exposure backing Susan Tedeschi both on record, 1998's Just Won't Burn, and on tour. Worked with BB King, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Hubert Sumlin, Levon Helm, Nappy Brown (including on the 2007 album Long Time Coming), Bobby Little, Mikael Santana, Mudcat, Jody Williams, Olabelle, Tinsley Ellis, the Cazanovas, Joe McGuinness, the Kraft Quartet, Maddy Moneypenny, Jenni Muldaur, and others ~ Costello passed away in 2008
April 16, 1978 ~ Christian singer, songwriter André Valadão, full name ndré Machado Valadão, born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil ~ Member of Diante Do Trono, led by his sister singer Ana Paula Valadão. Has also recorded a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Mais Que Abundante released in 2004
April 16, 1976 ~ Alternative rock guitarist, bassist, singer Robert Dahlqvist born in Uddevalla, Sweden ~ Best known as a member of the Hellacopters, joining as a permanent member in 1999 and remaining with the band close to a decade. Also worked with the Thunder Express, Dundertåget, Wilmer X, Stefan Sundström, the Diamond Dogs, Solution, Wayne Kramer, Necronaut and others ~ Dahlqvist passed away in 2017
April 16, 1975 ~ Matthew Devine, commonly known as alternative rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Mat Devine, born in Norwalk, Connecticut, USA ~ Founded and fronted alternative rock band Kill Hannah, merging post-punk, emo and new wave. Named after Devine's ex-girlfriend the band has recorded about half a dozen albums starting in the 1990s and is best known for the albums For Never And Ever and Until There's Nothing Left Of Us. Devine also starred as comic book addict Grim Hunter in a 2010 Broadway production of the musical Spider-man (Turn Off The Dark), with music and lyrics written by U2's Bono and The Edge
April 16, 1973 ~ Aliaune Thiam, commonly known as rapper, producer, songwriter Akon born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Instantly rose to prominence with his 2004 debut single Locked Up off of his Troubles debut album. His sophomore album Konvicted would spawn four top 10 hits. Founded two labels, Konvict and KonLive Distribution which would sign artists such as Lady Gaga, T-Pain, Kardinal Offishal and Jeffree Star early in their career. As a producer Akon worked with his own label's artists as well as artists such as Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Lionel Richie, Leona Lewis, Sean Paul, and Whitney Houston
April 16, 1971 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones release Brown Sugar, lead single off their Sticky Fingers album ~ The single would reach the top of the charts in the USA, Canada, and the Netherlands. Credited to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, though primarily written by the former. According to Marsha Hunt, the mother of Jagger's first child, he wrote the song with her mind. Claudette Lennear, formerly of the Ikettes, however, disputes this claim, saying the song is about her, as she was dating Jagger at the time the song was written. The band's bassist Bill Wyman later acknowledged that the song was partially inspired by Lennear. Rock and roll singer Little Richard would notably cover the song for his The King Of Rcok & Roll album, also released in 1971
April 16, 1967 ~ Raymond Bingham, commonly known as drum and bass DJ Grooverider, born in Streatham, UK ~ Along with frequent collaborator Fabio considered originators of the British drum and bass scene. Active since the mid-1980s, hosting radio shows and playing club sets notably Mendozas, and Rage weekly at London's Heaven from the late-1980s through the mid-1990s. Co-founded Prototype record label. Released several singles and mixtapes, occasionally using the moniker Codename John, starting in the early-1990s. Released a sole full-length album, Mysteries Of Funk, in 1998
April 16, 1967 ~ Jazz pianist Junko Onishi born in Kyoto, Japan ~ Leader and sidewoman. Cites Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and Ornette Coleman as main influences. Worked with Joe Henderson, Betty Carter, Kenny Garrett, the Mingus Dynasty, Jackie McLean, Holly Cole, Billy Higgins, Reginald Veal, Herlin Riley, Motohiko Hino, Shigeharu Mukai, Joe Lovano, Phil Woods, and others
April 16, 1967 ~ Michael Jerome Moore, commonly known as alternative rock drummer Michael Jerome, born in Wichita, Kansas, USA ~ Active since the early-1990s, playing in bands such as the Toadies, Course Of Empire, and the Pleasure Club. Closely associated with John Cale, recording four albums with Cale starting with BlackAcetate released in 2005. Has also worked with Pop Poppins, Charlie Musselwhite, Richard Thompson, Taj Mahal, Tom Freund, Sara Lov, Robin Danar, Ana Egge, Brandi Shearer, kd Lang, and Shelby Lynne. In 2009, Jerome joined Better Than Ezra, first appearing on the band's Paper Empire album, replacing original and longtime drummer Travis McNabb
April 16, 1966 ~ Drummer, percussionist Dan Rieser born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Member of alternative rock outfit Marcy Playground from 1997 through 2000, present on the band's best known including the Sex And Candy Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit of their eponymous Marcy Playground debut album. Member of alternative country supergroup the Little Willies, which also featured singer, keyboardist Norah Jones. Rieser also backed Jones on several of her solo albums, including the acclaimed Come Away With Me, backed Peter Wolf on Sleepless, and worked with Jen Chapin, Amos Lee, Jim Campilongo, Jason Crigler, Martha Wainwright, Marc Cohn, Rosanne Cash, and others
April 16, 1965 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones play the first of three consecutive nights at L'Olympia, Paris, France ~ Their first visit to France, the band play three consecutive nights at L'Olympia in the French capital. The set list includes Around And Around, Time Is On My Side, Carol, It's All Over Now, and Hey Crawdaddy
April 16, 1964 ~ British pop, rock group the Beatles record A Hard Day's Night at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Credited to Lennon/McCartney, mostly written by John Lennon with some contributions from Paul McCartney. Produced by George Martin. Prominently featured on the soundtrack of the first Beatles movie, A Hard Day's Night. Released as a single the following July, the UK edition featuring Things We Said Today on the B-side, the USA edition paired with I Should Have Known Better. It would be a No.1 hit on both sides of the Atlantic
April 16, 1964 ~ Bror Fredrik Svensson, commonly known as jazz pianist Esbjörn Svensson, born in Skultuna, Sweden ~ Led the Esbjörn Svensson Trio which included childhood friend percussionist Magnus Öström and bassist Dan Berglund. The trio debuted in 1993 with the album When Everyon Has Gone. In the late-1990s and early-2000s the trio would earn significant acclaim outside Scandinavia with albums such as From Gagarin's Point Of View, Good Morning Susie Soho and A Strange Place For Snow. Svensson has also collaborated with the likes of Nils Landgren, Lina Nyberg, and Viktoria Tolstoy. Svensson died at age 44 in a scuba diving incident, found unconscious lying on the seabed by his diving instructor and 14-year old son ~ Svenssson passed away in 2008
April 16, 1963 ~ Singer Jimmy Osmond, full name James Arthur Osmond, born in Canoga Park, California, USA ~ Youngest of sibling outfit the Osmonds. As a solo artist scored a UK No.1 hit in 1972 with the single Long Haired Lover From Liverpool at age 11, which earned him a mention in the Guinness Book of Records for being the youngest artist to achieve this feat
April 16, 1962 ~ Rock guitarist, drummer, engineer Ian Button born ~ Member of Thrashing Doves from 1985 through 1991. Member of Death In Vegas from 1994 through 2011, present on the band's best known albums The Contino Sessions and Scorpio Rising. Wrote and performed the theme for the children's TV series The Saturday Show aired on BBC. Mixer and sound engineer for several indie labels including Tapete Records, Cherry Red Records, Fortuna Pop, and others. Has also released a number of solo recordings starting in the early-1990s, using a variety of monikers such as Motorcyclone, Ashley Flowers, and the Anthony Anderson Project
April 16, 1962 ~ Punk, punk rock, hardcore punk singer, songwriter, producer, label owner Ian Mackaye born in Washington DC, USA ~ Best known for co-founding pivotal punk label Dischord Records. Fronted outfits such as Fugazi, the Teen Idles, Embrace, and perhaps most notably the seminal hardcore punk outfit Minor Threat
April 16, 1962 ~ Pianist, composer, arranger, writer Rebeca Mauleon born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ In-demand collaborator. One of the very few female bandleaders in Afro-Caribbean jazz. Has worked with Tito Puente, Carlos Santana, Armando Peraza, Sheila E, Steve Winwood, Michael Nesmith, Pete Escovedo, and others
April 16, 1960 ~ Guitarist, producer, songwriter Colin Linden, full name Colin Kendall Linden, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Worked with Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Stephen Fearing, Tom Wilson, Bruce Cockburn, Lucinda Williams, T-Bone Burnett, Kevin Gordon, Colin James, Emmylou Harris, Leon Redbone, Rita Chiarelli, Chris Thomas King, the Band, Keb' Mo, Charles Esten, Bob Dylan, Joe Mendelson, Willie P Bennett, Amos Garrett, Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Levon Helm, Sue Foley, and others
April 16, 1958 ~ Jazz guitarist Ulf Wakenius, full name Ulf Karl Erik Wakenius, born in Halmstad, Sweden ~ Over a dozen albums as a leader or solo artist, starting in the mid-1980s. Member of Guitars Unlimited. Member of Hawk On Flight. Founding member of Grafitti. Has collaborated with Ray Brown, Cæcilie Norby, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Oscar Peterson, Svend Asmussen, Inger Marie Gundersen, Nils Landgren, Per Mathisen, Bugge Wesseltoft, and Putte Wickman
April 16, 1956 ~ Singer, guitarist Chuck Berry records Too Much Monkey Business ~ Self-penned. Produced by Leonard Chess and Phil Chess. Berry was backed by pianist Johnnie Johnson on piano, Willie Dixon double bass, Fred Below drums. Released as a single the following September, paired with Brown Eyed Handsome Man. The song would be covered by numerous artists, particularly popular with acts from the British Invasion, notably covered by the Kinks on their eponymous 1964 The Kinks debut album. The song would also be referenced by a number of artists, such as glam rocker Johnny Thunders' Too Much Junkie Business paying hommage to both Berry and Bo Diddley's Polls, and by Michael Jackson on Monkey Business containing the line “too much monkey business”
April 16, 1956 ~ Terry Lavitz, commonly known as keyboardist T Lavitz, born in Lakewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Gained attention in the early-1980s as a member of Dixie Dregs, first appearing on the Dregs Of The Earth album. After the band's initial disbandement in 1983 would go on to work with Paul Barrère, the Bluesbusters, Mother's Finest, Bill Bruford, Billy Cobham, Widespread Panic, Jefferson Starship, Jazz Is Dead, and Rob Wasserman. Lavitz also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Extended Play released in 1984 ~ Lavitz passed away in 2010
April 16, 1953 ~ Singer, guitarist Geoffrey Oryema born in Soroti, Uganda ~ Exiled Ugandan singer. Sang in Swahili, Acholi, English, and in French. Gained international attention with the release of his sophomore album, Beat The Border, in 1993. Worked with Jean-Pierre Alarcen, Patrick Buchmann, and with Peter Gabriel ~ Oryema passed away in 2018
April 16, 1953 ~ Kurt Meier, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter Kurt Maloo, born in Zurich, Switzerland ~ Half of Doublé, the other half being Felix Haug, known for their 1986 international hit The Captain Of Her Heart. Has also worked with Troppo, with Ping Pong, and recorded as a solo artist
April 16, 1953 ~ Singer, activist, politician Peter Garrett, full name Peter Robert Garrett, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Lead singer of rock band Midnight Oil, best known for their 1987 Diesel And Dust album which spawned the international hit single Beds Are Burning. Also known as activist focusing on social and environmental issues. Also a politician for the Australian Labor party from 2004 through 2013 serving as MP, Minister for Environment and Minister for School Education
April 16, 1952 ~ Charles Jeremy Jankel, commonly known as guitarist, pianist, percussionist, singer Chaz Jankel, born in Starmore, UK ~ Best known as member of Ian Dury's backing unit the Blockheads, co-writing some of the band's best known including Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick, and Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3. Had previously worked with Dury in the pub rock band Kilburn & the High Roads. Also known for his association with Long John Baldry, notably on the track Let's Go of the 1973 Good To Be Alive album. As a solo artist best known for the singles Glad To Know You and Number One and as a film composer, including the soundtracks for DOA and K2
April 16, 1952 ~ Guitarist, singer Jukka Tolonen born in Finland ~ Rose to fame as member of progressive rock outfit Tasavallan Presidentti. Also recorded numerous solo albums starting in the early-1970s and has collaborated with Wigwam, Charlie Mariano, the Nordic Jazz Quintet, Eero Koivistoinen, Piirpauke, and others
April 16, 1951 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Sabir Mateen born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Cecil Taylor, William Parker, Alan Silva, Butch Morris, Wilber Morris, Raphe Malik, Steve Swell, Roy Campbell Jr, Matthew Shipp, Marc Edwards, Jemeel Moondoc, William Hooker, Henry Grimes, Rashid Bakr, Hamid Drake, and others
April 16, 1950 ~ Singer, actress Colleen Hewett born in Bendigo, Australia ~ Began singing professionally at age 12 as a member of the Esquires. Also a member of vocal group the Creations, soul group Dice and of Ian Saxon & the Sound. As a solo singer she scored a number of Australian Top 40 hits starting in the early-1970s including Super Star, Day By Day, Carry That Weight, Dreaming My Dreams With You, and Gigolo. Also ventured into acting including in a local version of the Who's rock opera Tommy, and in various Australian TV series such as Prisoner and Flying Doctors
April 16, 1947 ~ Gerald Rafferty, commonly known as folk rock, soft rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, bassist, pianist, songwriter Gerry Rafferty, born in Paisley, UK ~ Influenced by the Beatles and Bob Dylan. Member of folk-pop outfit the Humblebums, with whom he recorded the albums The New Humblebums and Open Up The Door at the tail end of the 1960s. Rose to fame as a member of Stealers Wheel, co-founded with school friend Joe Egan. The group would score two major hits in the early 1970s with Stuck In The Middle With You, which reached top 10 on both sides of the pond, and the somewhat underrated deliciously gentle Star, which still cracked the top 30 both in America and their native England. Following the band's disbandement in 1975, Rafferty resumed his solo career, and has recorded over half a dozen albums well into the 2000s. As a solo artist, Rafferty is best known for Baker Street, again a top 10 hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Its parent album City To City, released in 1978, topped the American Billboard Hot 200 album charts ~ Rafferty passed away in 2011
April 16, 1947 ~ Rock, progressive rock, hard rock drummer Lee Kerslake, full name Lee Gary Kerslake, born in Bournemouth, UK ~ Nicknamed the Bear. Best known as longtime member of Uriah Heep, with whom he recorded well over a dozen albums starting with Demons & Wizards, the band's fourth studio album. Kerslake remained with the band from 1971 through 1982, and again from 1982 through 2007. Kerslake has also recorded with the Gods, Head Machine, Toe Fat, the National Head Band, Ken Hensley, David Byron, Ozzy Osbourne, appearing on Osbourne's 1980 solo debut album Blizzard Of Oz and its follow-up Diary Of A Madman, and with Living Loud. Kerslake recorded one solo album, Eleventeen, which was released posthumously in 2021 ~ Kerslake passed away in 2020
April 16, 1947 ~ Fingerstyle guitarist Stefan Grossman born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of folk outfit the Even Dozen Jug Band who only recorded one album, 1964's eponymous The Even Dozen Jug Band, but are fondly remembered by aficionados for also including future folk and folk-rock stars including Blood Sweat & Tears's Steve Katz, singer Maria Muldaur and Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian. Grossman would go on to co-found Kicking Mule Records in 1970, a label that helped popularize fingerpicking guitarists
April 16, 1946 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Ivar Antonsen born in Fauske, Norway ~ Important figure on the Oslo jazz scene since the late-1960s. Influenced by Johann Sebastian Bach and Igor Stravinsky. Closely associated with Jan Garbarek, Palle Mikkelborg, Arild Andersen and Espen Rud. Has also worked with Thorgeir Stubø, Alex Riel, Jesper Lundgaard, Peter Sprague, Andy Laverne, John Surman, Ben Webster, Jimmy Heath, Slide Hampton, Art Farmer, Knut Riisnæs, and others
April 16, 1946 ~ Alexander Lee Spence, commonly known as rock, psychedelic folk, psychedelic rock guitarist, bassist, drummer, singer Skip Spence, born in Windsor, Canada ~ Drummed on the Jefferson Airplane's 1966 Jefferson Airplane Takes Off debut album. Co-founding member, guitarist of highly acclaimed late-1960s rock outfit Moby Grape remaining with the band through 1969, present on the albums Moby Grape, Wow/Grape Jam and Moby Grape '69 ~ Spence passed away in 1999
April 16, 1945 ~ Bassist Johnny Sandlin born in Decatur, Alabama, USA ~ Session bassist, guitarist, drummer. Member of the Impacts, the Five Minutes, and alongside Duane Allman and Gregg Allman a member of Hour Glass. Best known as an engineer and producer who worked with Widespread Panic, Wet Willie, the Aquarium Rescue Unit, and perhaps most notably extensively with the Allman Brothers Band ~ Sandlin passed away in 2017
April 16, 1943 ~ Hard rock, blues rock, boogie rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Dave Peverett, also known as Lonesome Dave Peverett, born in Dulwich, UK ~ Member of blues rock outfit Savoy Brown from 1967 through 1970, including on the acclaimed albums Blue Matter and Raw Sienna. Best known as lead singer, co-founding and constant member of Foghat, known best for their 1975 Fool For The City album which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Slow Ride ~ Peverett passed away in 2000
April 16, 1943 ~ Guitarist, composer Sebastião Tapajós born in Santarem, Brazil ~ Actively recording since the early-1960s with over 50 albums to his name. Composed the soundtrack to the local film Lendas Amazonicas released in 1998. Has collaborated with artists such as Gilson Pernazzetta, João Cortez, Mauricio Einhorn, Paulinho Noguiera, Nilson Chavez, Jane Duboc, and others ~ Tapajós passed away in 2021
April 16, 1940 ~ Radio DJ Christopher Moore born ~ Co-founder, radio DJ of pirate radio station Radio Caroline established in 1964 and broadcasting from international waters in the North Sea. In 1967, at the peak of its popularity, the radio station would have millions of listeners. The station is credited with revolutionizing radio broadcasting in the UK ~ Moore passed away in 2021
April 16, 1940 ~ Jazz drummer Ole Jacob Hansen born in Oslo, Norway ~ Worked with Tore Sandnaes, Mikkel Flagstad, Bjorn Jacobsen, Arlid Wikstron, Kjell Karlsen, Bernt Rosengren, Idrees Sulieman, Eric Dolphy, Donald Byrd, Ditlef Eckhoff, Paul Weeden, Terje Bjørklund, Adonis, Thorgeir Stubø, Lee Konitz, Doug Raney, Laila Dalseth, Jan Erik Vold, Harald Gunhus, Knut Riisnæs, Totti Bergh, and Einar Iversen ~ Hansen passed away in 2000
April 16, 1939 ~ Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien, commonly known as pop, R&B, blue-eyed soul singer Dusty Springfield, born in West Hempstead, UK ~ One of the all-time best-selling artists in the UK and the definitive British blue-eyed soul singer, though she would just as easily draw from pop, traditional pop, chansons, jazz, and country. Praised for the clarity and depth of her emotive vocals. Enjoyed popularity especially during the 1960s, her beehive hairdo, heavy make-up, and evening gowns making her an icon of the swinging sixties. Even though the album initially sold poorly, Springfield is especially acclaimed for her 1969 Dusty In Memphis album, recorded with producer Jerry Wexler. Several would cite the album as one of the all-time best albums, some dubbing it the “all-time rock-era torch record”. Over the course of her career, Springfield racked up over a dozen UK top 20 hits, with I Only Want To Be With You, Wishin' & Hopin', You Don't Have To Say You Love Me, and Son Of A Preacher Man all also doing well on the American Billboard Hot 100 charts ~ O'Brien passed away in 1999
April 16, 1939 ~ Zydeco accordionist John Delafose, full name John Irvin Delafose, born in Duralde, Louisiana, USA ~ As a child would fashion fiddles and guitars out of old boards and cigar boxes. Eventually learned to play fiddle, harmonica and accordion. Earned his living farming and did not pursue a career in music until the early-1970s. Formed the Eunice Playboys in the mid-1970s, his backing unit until his death two decades later. Best known for the 1990s albums Joe Pete Got Two Women and Blues Stay Away From Me, bridging the gap between zydeco's roots and its contemporary sound ~ Delafose passed away in 1994
April 16, 1935 ~ Pop singer Bobby Vinton, full name Stanley Robert Vinton, born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Emerged in the late-1950s. One of the few teen idols to enjoy a long-lasting career, recording well into the 1970s. Known for songs such as Roses Are Red (My Love), Blue On Blue, Blue Velvet, Mr Lonely, Please Love Me Forever, and My Melody Of Love
April 16, 1934 ~ Music manager, impresario, producer, film producer Robert Stigwood, full name Robert Colin Stigwood, born in Port Pirie, Australia ~ Active since the early 1960. Almost went bankrupt organizing and promoting UK tours for Chuck Berry and PJ Proby. Perhaps best known as manager for seminal 1960s blues, rock band Cream. Would merge his agency with the Beatles-manager Brian Epstein's in 1967, after which Stigwood would manage acts such as the Bee Gees and Andy Gibb, and play key roles in theatrical productions of the musicals Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar and as film producer or co-producer for Saturday Night Fever, Grease. Fame, Staying Alive, and Evita featuring Madonna ~ Stigwood passed away in 2016
April 16, 1934 ~ Easy listening, traditional pop singer Vince Hill born in Holbrooks, UK ~ Briefly a member of the Raindrops during the early-1960s before venturing out on his own. Best known for his 1967 rendition of Edelweiss, which reached top 10 in his native UK. Originally written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II for their 1959 The Sound Of Music musical, it would become Hill's biggest hit and signature song. Other well known songs include the Edith Piaf-cover Take Me To Your Heart Again, originally La Vie En Rose, as well as Heartaches, Love Letters In The Sand, and Look Around (You'll Find Me There) ~ Hill passed away in 2023
April 16, 1933 ~ Songwriter, arranger, producer Perry Botkin Jr born in New York, New York, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Nadia's Theme (The Young And Restless), originally titled Cotton's Dreams, with Barry Devorzon, who performed the song. Nadia's Theme (The Young And Restless) was originally used for the soundtrack of the 1971 Bless The Beasts And The Children film but would become best known as the theme to the soap opera The Young & The Restless since its premiere in 1973. The song would be informally retitled to Nadia's Theme after it became associated with gymnast Nadia Comaneci during and after the 1976 Summer Olympics. Botkin is also closely associated with the Incredible Bongo Band, and has served as arranger for Bobby Darin, Harry Nilsson, Gary Crosby, the Lettermen, Ed Ames, and Harper's Bizarre. Botkin Jr was the son of jazz guitarist, banjoist and composer Perry Botkin ~ Botkin passed away in 2021
April 16, 1931 ~ Jazz bandleader, reed player, pianist, composer Gerald Badini born in Paris, France ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Michel Attenoux, Jimmy Archey, Lil' Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Bill Coleman, Peanuts Holland, Claude Bolling, Jack Diéval, Roger Guerin, Geo Daly, Alice Babs, Duke Ellington, Jean-Claude Naude, Cat Anderson, Paul Gonsalves, Jef Gilson, Francois Guin, the Swing Machine, Bobby Durham, Raymond Fol, Michel Gaudry, Helen Humes, Sonny Payne, Sam Woodyard, Roy Eldridge, Major Holley, Oliver Jackson, Dick Katz, Clark Terry, Gerald Wiggins, Reggie Workman, and others
April 16, 1931 ~ John Wesley Funchess, commonly known as electric blues slide guitarist John Littlejohn, born in Lake, Mississippi, USA ~ Backing musician on the Chicago blues scene from the 1950s through the 1980s. Has cut a number of solo recordings starting in the late-1960s. Has worked with Howlin' Wolf, Carey Bell, Hound Dog Taylor, and others ~ Funchess passed away in 1994
April 16, 1930 ~ Herbert Jay Solomon, commonly known as flutist, saxophonist, clarinetist Herbie Mann, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ One of the first jazz musicians to specialize on the flute. Early pioneer of merging jazz and world music. Over 80 albums to his name as leader or co-leader, starting in the mid-1950s. Has worked with artists such as Chet Baker, Art Blakey, Carmen McRae, Joe Wilder, Bobby Jaspar, Buddy Collette, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Baden Powell, Chick Corea, Duane Allman, Sonny Sharrock, Donald Duck Dunn, the New York Jazz Quartet, and others. To pop audiences best known for his 1975 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Hijack featuring Cissy Houston on vocals, originally recorded by Barrabás ~ Solomon passed away in 2003
April 16, 1929 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Ed Townsend born in Fayetteville, Tennessee, USA ~ Has made some records of his own, notably the 1958 hit For Your Love, but is primarily known as a songwriter and producer responsible for songs made famous by Jimmy Holiday (How Can I Forget), Theola Kilgore (The Love Of My Man), and most notably Marvin Gaye (Let's Get It On) ~ Townsend passed away in 2003
April 16, 1929 ~ Rodothas Hamilton, commonly known as R&B singer Roy Hamilton, born in Leesburg, Georgia, USA ~ Popular from the mid-1950s through the early-1960s. Merged classical phrasing with black gospel feeling. Best known for 1954's You'l Never Walk Alone and 1955's Unchained Melody, the two first major hits of the Epic Records label ~ Hamilton passed away in 1969
April 16, 1924 ~ Enrico Nicola Mancini, commonly known as songwriter, composer, arranger, conductor Henry Mancini, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Popular film composer with four Academy Awards to his name. Perhaps best known for penning Peter Gunn Theme and soundtrack for the television series of the same name, Moon River from Breakfast At Tiffany's and the Theme From The Pink Panther ~ Mancini passed away in 1994
April 16, 1924 ~ Jazz, rock & roll saxophonist Rudy Pompilli, full name Rudolph Clement Pompilli, born in Chester, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Started in jazz, playing with among others Ralph Marterie. Joined Bill Haley's backing unit the Comets in 1955 replacing Joey Ambrose and quickly learned the rock & roll routine which included playing the sax while laying on-stage on his back making Pompilli one of the most visible Comets. Pompilli remained with the band for two decades, present on most of the band's biggest hits including Rock Around The Clock. Pompilli is tributed in the instrumental song Rudy's Rock, a concert favorite, and co-wrote Week-End ~ Pompilli passed away in 1976
April 16, 1923 ~ Swing, soul, jazz trombonist Bennie Green was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Earl Hines, Charlie Ventura, Count Basie, George Benson, Booker Ervin, Buck Clayton, Sonny Criss, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Slim Gaillard, Jo Jones, Howard McGhee, Cecil Payne, Ike Quebec, Sarah Vaughan, and Randy Weston ~ Green passed away in 1977
April 16, 1923 ~ Jazz vibraphonist, accordionist Geo Daly born in Bois Colombes, France ~ Became house vibraphonist at the Club St Germain in 1952. Worked with Don Byas, Bill Coleman, Bernard Peiffer, Marcel Bianchi, Claude Bolling, Michel de Villers, Roy Eldridge, Duke Ellington, Andre Persiany, Dave Pochonet, Lester Young, Boulou Ferre, les Petits Francais, Moustache, Michel Attenoux, and others ~ Daly passed away in 1999
April 16, 1917 ~ Producer, songwriter Bobby Robinson born in Union, South Carolina, USA ~ Founded or co-founded a number of record labels including Red Robin Records, Sue Records, and Fire Records. Produced hits by Champion Jack Dupree, Wilbert Harrison (Kansas City), Buster Brown, the Shirelles (Dedicated To The One I Love), Sam Myers, Bobby Lewis, Dave Baby Cortez (The Happy Organ), King Curtis (Soul Twist), his nephew Spoonie Gee, Les Cooper, Elmore James (The Sky Is Crying), Lightnin' Hopkins, Lee Dorsey (Ya-Ya), the Packmen, Gladys Knight & the Pips (Every Beat Of My Heart, Knight's first hit), the Fearless Four, Pumpkin & Friends, Funky 4+1, Kool Moe Dee, the Treacherous Three, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five (Superrappin'), and Doug E Fresh ~ Robinson passed away in 2011
April 16, 1917 ~ Singer Lucienne Delyle born ~ Broke through with the 1942 hit Mon Amant De Saint-Jean to become one of France's most popular female singers throught the 1950s. Married to trumpeter Aimé Barelli. The singer Minouche Barelli is their daughter ~ Delyle passed away in 1962
April 16, 1911 ~ Dixieland, jazz pianist Alton Purnell born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Isaiah Morgan, Alphonse Picou, Louis Nelson Delisle, Sidney Desvigne, Cousin Joe, Bunk Johnson, Teddy Buckner, Joe Darensbourg, Kid Ory, Barney Bigard, and Ben Pollack ~ Purnell passed away in 1987
April 16, 1910 ~ Dixieland, jazz saxophonist Boyce Brown born ~ Worked with Wingy Manone, Bob Casey, Danny Alvin. Perhaps best known for his 1935 session with Paul Mares released in 1955 on the Chicago Style Jazz album. After a stint in a monastary recorded his sole album as a leader, 1956's Brother Matthew, backed by Eddie Condon and others ~ Brown passed away in 1959
April 16, 1893 ~ Frederic Mompou Dencausse, commonly known as classical pianist, composer Federico Mompou, born in Barcelona, Spain ~ Darling of 1920s Paris. Influenced by Erik Satie and Gabriel Fauré. Critically described as the sole successor to Claude Debussy. Composed for piano, guitar, voice, ballet, and choral works. Would seldom perform his own compositions in public, other than at small, intimate soirees. Well-known compositions include Scènes D'Enfants and Suite Compostelana ~ Dencausse passed away in 1987