April 19, 2023 ~ Funk, R&B, pop singer, guitarist Otis Redding III passed away ~ Son of iconic R&B singer Otis Redding. Formed the Reddings with brother Dexter Redding and Mark Lockett, known best for Remote Control of their 1980 The Awakening debut album. The single remains a radio staple in Europe to this day ~ Redding was born ca.1964
April 19, 2021 ~ Producer, songwriter Jim Steinman, full name James Richard Steinman, passed away in Danbury, Connecticut, USA ~ Best known for his association with Meat Loaf, notably on the albums Bat Out Of Hell and Bat Out Of Hell II (Back Into Hell). Also worked with Bonnie Tyler (Total Eclipse Of The Heart), Air Supply (Making Love Out Of Nothing At All), Sisters Of Mercy (This Corrosion), Barry Manilow (Read 'Em And Weep), Céline Dion (It's All Coming Back To Me Now), Boyzone (No Matter What), and others ~ Steinman was born in 1947
April 19, 2018 ~ Pop, rock pianist, bassist, producer Stuart Colman, full name Ian Stuart Colman, passed away in Cheltenham, UK ~ First gained attention as member of Pinkerton's Assorted Colours and its successor the Flying Machine, known for their 1969 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Smile A Little Smile For Me. Colman would go on to become an in-demand producer, notably for Shakin' Stevens scoring hits such as This Old House, Green Door, Oh Julie. Produced the 1980s remake Living Doll, a collaborative effort of the Young Ones and Cliff Richard. Has also worked with Paul Kennerley, Claire Hamill, the Revillos, Kim Wilde, Alvin Stardust, Victoria Shaw, and Nanci Griffith ~ Colman was born in 1944
April 19, 2016 ~ Jazz trumpeter Dick Collins, full name Richard Harrison Collins, passed away in Hesperia, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Les Brown, recording and touring with the saxophonist for about a decade starting in 1957. Previously Collins had worked with Dave Brubeck, Cal Tjader, Paul Desmond, Nat Pierce (Kansas City Missouri), and Woody Herman (Blues Groove). Following his tenure with Brown, Collins rarely performed, focusing on his day job as a music librarian instead ~ Collins was born in 1924
April 19, 2016 ~ Multi-instrumentalist Pete Zorn passed away ~ Best known for his longtime association with Richard Thompson. Also a member of Steeleye Span, of the Albion Band, and of Driver 67. Has collaborated with Gerry Rafferty (including on the LP Snakes & Ladders), Elaine Page, Barbara Dickson, Chris Rainbow, and others ~ Zorn was born in 1950
April 19, 2015 ~ Ricardo Anthony Btesh, commonly known as pop singer Richard Anthony, passed away in Pégomas, France ~ Popular 1960s, 1970s pop singer, best known for French covers of English-language songs, including Tu M'Etais Destinée (Paul Anka's You Are My Destiny), C'Est Ma Fête (Lesley Gore's It's My Party), Et J'Entend Siffler Le Train (Bobby Bare's 500 Miles), and Fille Sauvage (the Rolling Stones' Ruby Tuesday) ~ Btesh was born in 1938
April 19, 2012 ~ Mark Lavon Helm, commonly known as drummer, singer Levon Helm, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Drummer and singer for the Band, known for their association with Bob Dylan as well as for songs such as The Weight, Up On Cripple Creek, and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. Also worked with the Hawks, Paul Butterfield, Fred Carter Jr, Emmaretta Marks, Steve Cropper, Donald Duck Dunn, Booker T Jones, Dr John, Lou Marini, Howard Johnson, Tom Bones Malone, Paul Kennerley, Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh, Nils Lofgren, his daughter Amy Helm, Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, Jim Weider, Jimmy Vivino, Mike Merritt, Brian Mitchell, Erik Lawrence, Steven Bernstein, Jay Collins, Byron Isaacs, Little Sammy Davis, Warren Haynes, Bob Weir, and others ~ Helm was born in 1940
April 19, 2011 ~ Engineer, producer Jim Dickson passed away ~ Discovered the Dillards, producing the albvums Back Porch Bluegrass, Live Almost and Pickin' And Fiddlin'. Worked with Lord Buckley, the Greenbriar Boys, Dian James, Glen Campbell, the Hillmen, the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, the Barracudas, and others ~ Dickson was born in 1931
April 19, 2010 ~ Keith Edward Elam, commonly known as MC, rapper Guru, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Founding member of the Gang Starr collective. As a solo artist best known for his Jazzmatazz series, collaborating with artists such as Donald Byrd, N'dea Davenport, MC Solaar, Roy Ayers, Chaka Khan, Branford Marsalis, Jamiroquai, Freddie Hubbard, Courtney Pine, Ronny Jordan, and others. Especially the first two of eventually four volumes, 1993's Jazzmatazz (Volume 1) and 1995's Jazzmatazz (Volume 2 A New Reality), would receive critical acclaim for fusing jazz, hip-hop and rap and later prove to be hugely influential ~ Elam was born in 1961
April 19, 2007 ~ John Kenneth Albers, commonly known as jazz, traditional pop, close harmony singer, trumpeter, hornist Ken Albers, passed away in Simi Valley, California, USA ~ Best known as member of the Four Freshmen from 1956, replacing Ken Errair, hrough 1986. The band is said to have pivotal to the development of close harmony quartets, moving away from the barbershop style to include elements of jazz and in so a major influence on numerous artists. Cited by Brian Wilson as one of his major inspirations, the Beach Boys-song A Young Man Is Gone actually based on the Freshmen's 1960 recording Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring ~ Albers was born in 1924
April 19, 2005 ~ Jazz upright bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen passed away in Ishoj, Denmark ~ Worked with Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Stan Getz, Bill Evans, Ben Webster, Brew Moore, Bud Powell, Count Basie, Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie, Jackie McLean, Ella Fitzgerald, Jean-Luc Ponty, Jenny Drew, Stéphane Grappelli, Joe Pass, Rune Gustafsson, Palle Mikkelborg, Mulgrew Miller, Alvin Queen, and others ~ Ørsted Pedersen was born in 1946
April 19, 2005 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Richard Lewis passed away ~ Tenor singer for doo-wop outfit the Silhouettes, known best for their 1957 hit Get A Job. Originally issued as the B-side to I Am Lonely, the A-side re-release would go on to sell a million copies and be the group's only hit, topping both the pop and R&B charts ~ Lewis was born in 1933
April 19, 2005 ~ Jazz drummer Stan Levey passed away in Van Nuys, California, USA ~ Considered one of the earliest bebop drummers. Started with Dizzy Gillespie at age 16. Also worked with Stan Kenton, Howard Rumsey, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Buddy Bregman, Conte Candoli, Victor Feldman, Jimmy Giuffre, Lee Konitz, Oscar Peterson, Warne Marsh, Shorty Rogers, Sonny Stitt, Quincy Jones, and Skitch Anderson ~ Levey was born in 1926
April 19, 2003 ~ Charles Sylvan Atkinson, commonly known as singer, dancer, choreographer Cholly Atkins, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Recorded as a singer early on in his career. Best known as a dancer and choreographer, teaching dance steps to acts such as the Cadillacs, the Shirelles, Harvey & the Moonglows, Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers, and Little Anthony & the Imperials. In 1964, Atkins was hired by Motown's Berry Gordy Jr, to become the label's house choreographer. Atkins has developed the trademark moves of several of the label's best known artists including the Supremes, the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Marvelettes, and Gladys Knight & the Pips ~ Atkins was born in 1913
April 19, 1994 ~ Soul blues, electric blues singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Larry Davis, full name Larry Charles Davis, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing and first recording Texas Flood in 1958, later covered by Moses Whispering Smith, Roomful Of Blues and perhaps most notably Stevie Ray Vaughan. Reaching little commercial succes as a solo artist Davis would join Albert King's backing band, playing bass. A motorcycle accident in 1972 would leave him temporarily paralyzed, hindering his career. Returning to music a decade later Davis would record a handful of underpromoted albums, known only to blues aficionados ~ Davis was born in 1936
April 19, 1994 ~ Jazz rap, conscious rap, alternative hip hop rapper Nas releases his Illmatic debut album ~ The album debuted strongly, entering the Billboard Hot 200 at No.12, its highest position, yet sales would lack thereafter and only one of the album's five singles would reach the Billboard Hot 100 chart, It Ain't Hard To Tell peaking at No.91. Nevertheless, retrospectively the album, co-produced by Nas with a superb set of producers consisting of DJ Premier, the Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, and LES, has earned wide acclaim as a landmark album in rap, and possibly one of the all-time greatest rap albums, recognized for helping revive the New York rap scene and birthing the era of lyricism
April 19, 1993 ~ Tenor saxophonist Clifford Scott, full name Clifford Donley Scott, passed away in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Learned drums, piano and violin before switching to clarinet in his teens. Actively performing since the 1940s. Leader and sideman. Has backed artists such as Amos Milburn, Jay McShann, Lionel Hampton, Roy Milton, Bill Doggett (notably on Honky Tonk), Sonny Thompson, Jimmy Witherspoon, Gerald Wilson, Onzy Matthews, Ray Charles, Freddie King, Bobby Blue Bland, James Brown, Little Willie John, and others ~ Scott was born in 1928
April 19, 1993 ~ Steven Douglas Kreisman, commonly known as saxophonist Steve Douglas, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader. In-demand session musician, present on recordings by Duane Eddy (Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel), the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan (Street Legal), the Ramones, Leonard Cohen, and others. Has also served as producer, notably producing the acclaimed Willy DeVille-album Le Chat Bleu in 1980 ~ Kreisman was born in 1938
April 19, 1993 ~ Tom Jack Johnston, commonly known as DJ, producer Thomas Jack, born in Bemboka, Australia ~ Coined the term “tropical house” in 2013. Known for tracks such as Symphony, The Final Speech, Rivers featuring Nico & Vinz, and Rise Up featuring Jasmine Thompson
April 19, 1991 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Josh Kumra born in Swindon, UK ~ Influenced by Tracy Chapman, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix. Best known for co-writing and guesting on Wretch 32's Don't Go, a UK Number 1 hit, and for his 2013 debut album Good Things Come To Those Who Don't Wait. Has also worked with Fink, Emeli Sandé, Naughty Boy, Mr Hudson, K Koke, and others
April 19, 1990 ~ Morris W Ricks II, commonly known as rapper, producer Mez, born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, USA ~ Best known for appearing on Dr Dre's 2015 Compton album, co-writing a vast amount of the album's tracks. Has also collaborated with J Cole, Rapsody, Drique London, 9th Wonder, and others
April 19, 1986 ~ Estelle Harris, commonly known as blues, boogie-woogie singer Estelle Yancey, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Began singing in church choirs in her youth. Married to boogie-woogie pianist Jimmy Yancey from 1925 until his death in 1951, the couple recording several notable blues songs including Make Me A Pallet On The Floor, Four O'Clock Blues, Monkey Woman Blues, Santa Fe Blues, and How Long Blues. After Jimmy's death Estelle would continue to perform and record, working with pianists such as Don Ewell, Art Hodes, and Erwin Helfer ~ Harris was born in 1896
April 19, 1982 ~ Arthur Carl Enders III, commonly known as alternative rock, indie rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Ace Enders, born in Hammonton, New Jersey, USA ~ Lead singer, guitarist for the Early November, releasing their full-length The Room's Too Cold debut album in 2003. Also fronts I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business, originally a side project and intended to be a “one album thing” only yet the band has released about half a dozen albums since their eponymous I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business debut album released in 2004
April 19, 1982 ~ Samuel Bazawule, commonly known as hip-hop, hiplife rapper, singer, songwriter Blitz the Ambassador, born in Accra, Ghana ~ Influenced by Nas. Discovered by producer Hammer Of The Last Two. Self-released his Stereotype debut album in 2009. Has collaborated with the likes of Ben Mazue, C2C, Professor ALI, and perhaps most notably with Raekwon
April 19, 1980 ~ Singer Johnny Logan wins the 25th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Dublin, Ireland ~ Representing Ireland, Logan wins with the song What's Another Year written by Shay Healy. Runner-ups were Germany's Katja Ebstein with Theater in 2nd place, and the UK's Prima Donna with Love Enough For Two in 3rd. Seven years later, Logan would win the annual contest for the second time, this time with the self-penned Hold Me Now
April 19, 1980 ~ British outfit the Specials become the first ska band to guest on the American satirical TV show Saturday Night Live ~ The band perform the songs Gangsters and Too Much Too Young on the show. Despite their performance wowing the crowd, neither the band nor the ska revival, an early-1980s phenomenon in the UK, takes off in America. In their native UK, the band would score about half a dozen top 10 hits through the mid-1980s
April 19, 1977 ~ Bluegrass bassist Alan Bartram born in Huntington, West Virginia, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Del McCoury Band since 2005 and the Travelin' McCourys since 2009. Also worked with the Infamous Stringdusters, appearing on the band's 2007 Fork In The Road album
April 19, 1976 ~ Luis Diaz, commonly known as radio DJ, VJ, artist manager, producer Cipha Sounds, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Best known as a radio DJ and MTV VJ, Diaz also has own artist management agency, Jack Move Inc. The first artist he signed was the R&B duo Nina Sky. Diaz has worked as an A&R executive for Rawkus Records, Tommy Boy Records and for Star Trak Entertainmen. Since 2006 Diaz and Solitair form a hip-hop/R&B production duo working with artists such as Lil' Wayne, Busta Rhymes, and Trey Songz
April 19, 1975 ~ With four albums under their belt, power pop pioneers the Raspberries announce their split ~ Known for their clean-cut public image, the band would initially be considered “uncool”. However, over time they earned recognition for having pioneered power pop in the early-1970s, a genre that would take off after the band's disbandement. The band had recorded four albums, starting with 1972's Raspberries, and are known best for songs such as Go All The Way, I Wanna Be With You, and Overnight Sensation (Hit Record). Following the band's disbandement, lead singer Eric Carmen embarked on a successful solo career, scoring soft rock, pop rock hits through the late-1980s, his best known being the ballad All By Myself, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for Carmen and covered by over 150 artists
April 19, 1974 ~ Folk, art-rock, psychedelic rock guitarist, harpist, pianist Josephine Foster born in Colorado, USA ~ Originally aspired to become an opera singer. Would emerge in the 2000s with home-recorded albums, influenced by Tin Pan Alley, German lieder. folk and psychedelic rock. Especially acclaimed for 2008's This Coming Gladness, 2009's Graphic As A Star, and 2013's I'm A Dreamer
April 19, 1974 ~ Jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux born in Athens, Georgia, USA ~ Moved to Paris, France, at 13. Sang with Paris street musicians two years later. Member of the Lost Wandering Blues & Jazz Band. Released her debut, Dreamland, in 1996 backed by James Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Leon Parker, Vernon Reid, and Marc Ribot. She would go on to work with producers such as Larry Klein and Craig Street, her releases featuring contributions from kd Lang, Walter Becker, Charlie Drayton, Meshell Ndegeocello, Jenny Scheinman, and Allen Toussaint
April 19, 1970 ~ Luis Miguel Gallego Basteri, commonly known as Latin pop, bolero, mariachi singer, pianist Luis Miguel, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ Cultural icon throughout Latin America. Nicknamed “the Sun of Mexico” after “mi sol”, the pet name given to him by his mother. Performs in a wide array of styles including pop, boleros, tango, jazz and mariachi. Known for songs such as Ahore Te Puedes Marchar, La Incondicional, Fria Como El Viento, Inolvidable, No Se Tu, Por Debajo De La Mea, and O Tu O Ninguna
April 19, 1968 ~ Rebekka Ruth Lazone Bramlett, commonly known as rock, pop, country singer, songwriter Bekka Bramlett, born in Westwood, California, USA ~ Daughter of Delaney Bramlett and Bonnie Bramlett of Delaney & Bonnie. Worked with Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood's the Zoo, Billy Burnette, Faith Hill, Robert Plant, Warrant, Trace Adkins, Faster Pussycat, Vince Gill, Sam Moore of Sam & Dave, Richie Sambora, Joe Cocker, Bad Company, Iris DeMent, Delbert McClinton, Jonny Lang, Kenny Rogers, Flaco Jiménez, Mark Selby, the Derailers, Hal Ketchum, Jessica Andrews, Brooks & Dunn, the Mavericks, Wynonna Judd, Etta James, Deana Carter, Montgomery Gentry, Trisha Yearwood, Jamie Oldaker, Amy Grant, Bob Seger, Trace Adkins, LeAnn Rimes, John Oates, and Buddy Guy
April 19, 1968 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter David Ryan Harris born in Evanston, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Prince. Fronted Follow For No, Dionne Farriss (with whom he has a daughter, rapper Yung Baby Tate), Brendan O'Brien, Kenny Creswell, Johnny Colt, the Brand New Immortals, John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Santana, Nick Jonas, Amali Ward, Richie Sambora, and others
April 19, 1968 ~ Producer, trance DJ Paul Oakenfold born in Mile End, UK ~ DJ, producer. Especially in-demand as a remixer for artists including U2, Madonna, Britney Spears, Massive Attack, the Cure, New Order, the Rolling Stones, the Stone Roses, and others
April 19, 1967 ~ Dorothy Snowden Williams, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Dar Williams, born in Mount Kisco, New York, USA ~ Active since the mid-1980s, building a solid reputation in the coffeehhouses circuit, through regular appearances on public radio and as opening act for artists such as Joan Baez, with whom she also duetted on the 1995 album Ring Them Bells. Would release a number of cassettes and EP's before releasing her full-length The Honesty Room debut album in 1993
April 19, 1966 ~ Singer, songwriter, lyricist Benoît David, full name Benoît Gérard Guy David, born in Montreal, Canada ~ Fronted Mystery from 1999 through 2012. Best known as lead singer of progressive rock band Yes from 2008 through 2012, replacing founding member Jon Anderson. Retired from music for health reasons
April 19, 1966 ~ Singer Wanda Jackson records Tears Will Be The Chaser For Your Wine in Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Leroy Goates and Dale Davis. Produced by Ken Nelson. Would be included on Jackson's 1966 Reckless Love Affair album and released as a single the next November, paired with the album's title track on the B-side
April 19, 1965 ~ Pop singer Bobby Vinton releases his L-O-N-E-L-Y single off the Bobby Vinton Sings For Lonely Nights album ~ Described by Cash Box as “a lyrical, slow-moving heartfelt tearjerker on which the chanter plaintively offers six reasons for his unhappiness”, the self-penned tune, released as a single paired with Graduation Tears on the flip side, would reach top 30 Billboard Hot 100 and top the charts in Canada
April 19, 1965 ~ Operatic soprano singer, actress Natalie Dessay born in Lyon, France ~ Describes herself as a “singing actress” and best known for portraying the role of Olympia in a 1992 production of the opera The Tales Of Hoffmann with the Paris Opera. Has also worked with renowned orchestras such as the Vienna State Opera, the Opera-Comique, the Opera Of Chicago, the Opera De Montreal and the Metropolitan Opera
April 19, 1965 ~ Marion Hugh Knight Jr, commonly known as label executive Suge Knight, born in Compton, California, USA ~ Hugely influential in hip-hop and gangsta rap. Co-founded Death Row Records, the label responsible for the boom in the golden age of rap producing classic albums such as Dr Dre's 1992 The Chronic and Snoop Dogg's 1993 Doggystyle. Other artists rising to fame under the direction of Knight include MC Hammer, the DOC, Daz Dillinger, Kurupt and perhaps most notably Tupac Shakur. Knight is currently serving a 28-year sentence for voluntarily manslaughter and will be eligble for parole in 2037
April 19, 1964 ~ Drummer Dawn Richardson born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of the 4 Non Blondes from 1991 through 1994. Present on the band's sole album Bigger Better Faster More, which spawned the hit What's Up. Following the band's disbandement Richardson has worked with Kindness, Loud Family, the Martinis, Bad Radio, Mental 99, Tracy Chapman, Penelope Houston, and others
April 19, 1963 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Graham Fitkin born in Cornwall, UK ~ Minimalist, postminimalist. Influenced by a wide array of artists as diverse as Igor Stravinsky, Pierre Boulez, Frank Sinatra, the Smiths, Wire, the Pet Shop Boys, Louis Andriessen. Composer-in-residence at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Noted for compositions such as the jazz- and rock-influenced Hook and Stub incorporating electronic instruments
April 19, 1962 ~ Pop, rock band the Beach Boys record Surfin' Safari at Western Studios, Los Angeles, California ~ Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love. Produced by Murry Wilson. Released the following June it would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100. Issued as the band's sophomore single, the flip side 409 recorded during the same session
April 19, 1960 ~ Ariel Eduardo Rotenberg Gutkin, commonly known as rock guitarist, pianist, singer Ariel Rot, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ First gained attention in the late-1970s and early-1980s as member of Tequila, known for songs such as Salta, Quiero Besarte, Me Vuelvo Loco, and Rock And Roll En La Plaza Del Pueblo. Subsequently recorded as a solo artist and with Los Rodriguez from 1990 through 1996
April 19, 1958 ~ Singer, guitarist, producer Randy Hall born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ As a solo artist released two albums, 1984's I Belong To You and 1988's I Love You Like A Stranger. Worked with Miles Davis, notably arranging the 1981 album The Man With The Horn. Also worked with the Dells, Darryl Jones, Jean-Paul Bourelly, DATA, AL7, Felton Crews, Pleasure, Ray Parker Jr, Steve Reid, and others
April 19, 1958 ~ Steven Bernard Hill, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Stevie B, born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA ~ Influential in late-1980s freestyle and Hi-NRG scene. Known for songs such as I Wanna Be The One, In My Eyes, Love Me For Life, I'll Be By Your Side, Love And Emotion and especially the 1987 club smash Party Your Body and Because I Love You (The Postman Song), the latter a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 in late 1990
April 19, 1957 ~ Sampler Bob Ostertag, full name Robert Ostertag born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA ~ Experimental sampler, sound artist, keyboardist. About a dozen solo albums to his name. Admired by Fred Frith and Robert Fripp, the latter once describing Ostertag as “the only guy on synthesizer who interests me.” Has collaborated with Frith, Ned Rothenberg, John Zorn, Otomo Yoshihide, Anthony Braxton, and Eugene Chadbourne
April 19, 1957 ~ Anthony Philip Harford, commonly known as heavy metal singer Tony Martin, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Best known as lead singer for Black Sabbath from 1987 through 1991, and again from 1993 through 1997. Has recorded about half a dozen albums with the band, including the acclaimed Headless Cross album released in 1989. Has recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with 1992's Back Where I Belong, and has worked with Forcefield, Misha Calvin, Rondinelli, and M 3
April 19, 1955 ~ Pianist, arranger, songwriter Rolf Løvland, full name Rolf Undsæt Løvland, born in Kristiansand, Norway ~ Half of the Secret Garden, the other half being singer, violinist Fionnula Sherry, known for winning the 1995 Eurovision Songfestival with their performance of Nocturne representing Norway
April 19, 1955 ~ Jazz pianist Rune Klakegg born in Skien, Norway ~ Brother of guitarist Bjorn Klakegg. Has worked with Oslo 13, Cutting Edge, Fuzzy Logic, Out To Lunch, Søyr, Espen Rud, Morten Halle, Bjorn Kellemyr, Tine Asmundsen, Lars Martin Myhre, Eldbjørg Raknes, and others
April 19, 1952 ~ Punk, punk rock, garage rock bassist, singer, producer Andy Shernoff born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Founding member of seminal New York punk outfit the Dictators, also writing the majority of the band's material. Guested on the Ramones-singer Joey Ramone's 2002 Don't Worry About Me album. Has also worked with Manitoba's Wild Kingdom, the Master Plan, the Ramones, has recorded as a solo artist and is an in-demand producer and songwriter
April 19, 1949 ~ Manley Augustus Buchanan, commonly known as DJ, singer Big Youth, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known for his 1973 album Screaming Target. Has worked with a host of producers over his career, including Jimmy Radway, Lee Scratch Perry, Phil Pratt, Gussie Clarke, Prince Buster, Glen Brown, the Abyssinians, Yabby You, Bunny Wailer and Joe Gibbs
April 19, 1947 ~ Rodolfo Olivares, commonly known as cumbia saxophonist Fito Olivares, born in Ciudad Camarago, Mexico ~ Well known for his recordings with backing unit La Pura Sabrosura, which also included his brothers singer Javier Olivares and keyboardist Jaime Olivares. The band was active from the early-1980s and had their breakthrough by the end of the decade. Known for songs such as La Gallina, Juana La Cubana, La Negra Catalina, La Ranita, Cupido Bandido, Juana Maria, and El Colesterol ~ Olivares passed away in 2023
April 19, 1947 ~ Percussionist, singer, producer Mark Volman, full name Mark Randall Volman, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding and constant member of the Turtles, known for their 1967 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Happy Together. While in the band it had been reported that Volman had his distinctive frizzy hair insured for $100,000 against fire, theft or loss due to illness. Formed the 1970s rock duo Flo & Eddie with bandmate Howard Kaylan, using the moniker Flo which is short for Phlorescent Leech. Also well known for his association with Frank Zappa, including on the pivotal 200 Motels album released in 1971
April 19, 1947 ~ Pianist, conductor Murray Perahia, full name Murray David Perahia, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Internationally acclaimed as one of the 20th century's greatest pianists. Leading interpreter of Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Domenico Scarlatti, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven and Robert Schumann
April 19, 1947 ~ Conductor, violinist Yan Pascal Tortelier born in Paris, France ~ Son of renowned cellist Paul Tortelier. Best known as principal conductor of the Ulster Orchestra from 1989 through 1992, and subsequently the BBC Philharmonic through 2003, recording the complete works of Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Albert Roussel, and Henri Dutilleux. Other notable orchestras conducted by Tortelier include the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Orquestra Sinfonica do Estado de São Paulo, and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra
April 19, 1945 ~ Dawn Silver, commonly known as folk singer, actress Dawn Lindberg, born in Durban, South Africa ~ Formed the duo Des & Dawn with her husband Des Lindberg, known for protest songs such as The Seagull's Name Was Nelson and This Land Is Your Land. The duo's 1967 Folk On Trek debut album actually was censored by authorities with copies of the record destroyed and the Lindbergs would continue to brush with the authorities throughout their career ~ Silver passed away in 2020
April 19, 1945 ~ Folk, folk pop, folk rock guitarist, producer Michael Stewart, full name Michael Gassen Stewart, born ~ Member of folk pop group We Five, known for their 1965 Billboard top 10 hit You Were On My Mind. As a producer known for producing Piano Man, Billy Joel's breakthrough album, as well as for his work with Tom Jones, Kenny Rankin, and others ~ Stewart passed away in 2002
April 19, 1944 ~ Funk, R&B keyboardist Bernie Worrell, full name George Bernard Worrell Jr, born in Long Branch, New Jersey, USA ~ Founding member of Parliament and Funkadelic. Frequently worked with Talking Heads for much of the 1980s, including on the 1984 Stop Making Sense concert film. Guested on Mtume's hit song Juicy Fruit. Member of Black Jack Johnson alongside Mos Def, Will Calhoun, Doug Wimbish, and Dr Know. Also worked with Bill Laswell, Les Claypool, Fela Kuti, the Golden Palominos, Ginger Baker, Pharoah Sanders, Robben Ford, and Science Faxtion, and recorded as a solo artist ~ Worrell passed away in 2016
April 19, 1944 ~ Jazz, Dixieland clarinetist Jimmie Noone passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Admired by Benny Goodman and Maurice Ravel, the latter reportedly basing his famous Boléro partly on one of Noone's live improvisations. One of the big three to emerge from the New Orleans music scene in the 1920s, the other two being Johnny Dodds and Sidney Bechet. Founded the Young Olympia Band with Buddy Petit. Also closely associated with Freddie Keppard, including in the Original Creole Band. Perhaps best known for leading the Apex Club Orchestra. Has also worked with Kid Ory, Papa Celestin, King Oliver, the Tuxedo Brass Band, and others ~ Noone was born in 1895
April 19, 1942 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Alan Price born in Fatfield, UK ~ Original keyboardist of the Animals, remaining with the band through 1965. Eponym and frontman of the Alan Price Set, known for the UK top 20 hits Simon Smith & The Amazing Dancing Bear, The House That Jack Built, and Don't Stop The Carnival. Notably scored the 1971 hit Rosetta, a collaboration with Georgie Fame. Also worked with boogie-woogie pianist Rob Hoeke on the 1977 Two Of A Kind collaborative album and with Trevor Peacock on the 1982 Andy Capp soundtrack album for the musical of the same name
April 19, 1942 ~ Hilario D Ramos Jr, commonly known as guitarist, banjoist, singer, songwriter Larry Ramos, born in Waimea, Hawaii, USA ~ Member of the New Christy Minstrels from 1962 through 1966, including on the band's The Exciting New Folk Chorus debut album. Following his departure from the band has worked as a studio musician and back-up singer and released the 1966 solo single It'll Take A Little Time prior to joining the Association in 1967 as replacement for Jules Gary Alexander, present at the band's performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival held in Monterey, California, in 1967. Ramos also sang co-lead on the singles Windy and Never My Love ~ Ramos passed away in 2014
April 19, 1941 ~ Roberto Carlos Braga, commonly known as singer, songwriter Roberto Carlos born in Cachoeiro do Ilapemirim, Brazil ~ Influenced by Elvis Presley and 1950s rock & roll. Considered one of the most influential singers in 1960s Brazilian music. Closely associated with Erasmo Carlos with whom he co-authored the majority of his songs. Known for recordings such as A Estoria Do Homem May (Old Man Moses), Eu Nao Quero Ver Voce Triste, Lobo Mau, De Vale Tudo Isso, and others
April 19, 1940 ~ Singer, songwriter Bobby Russell born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ As a singer known for the crossover pop hit Saturday Morning Confusion. As a songwriter best known for The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia, a hit for his then-wife Vicki Lawrence. Russell also wrote songs such as Little Green Apples (OC Smith, Roger Miller), Honey (Bobby Goldsboro), Do You Know Who I Am (Elvis Presley), and The Joker Went Wild (Brian Hyland) ~ Russell passed away in 1992
April 19, 1939 ~ Country singer, songwriter Bill Rice, full name Wilburn Steven Rice, born in Dalto, Arkansas, USA ~ As a singer charted about half a dozen singles on the Billboard Country charts throughout the 1970s, most notably Travelin' Minstrel Man which reached top 40. Best known as a songwriter though, his songs recorded by the likes of Johnny Paycheck, Jeannie C Riley (Back Side Of Dallas), Reba McEntire (I'm Not That Lonely Yet), Mickey Gilley (Here Comes The Hurt Again), Charley Pride, Elvis Presley (The Girl Next Door Went A-Walking), Hank Williams Jr, Patty Loveless (Lonely Too Long), and Jerry Lee Lewis ~ Rice passed away in 2023
April 19, 1936 ~ R&B soul singer Ruby Johnson born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, USA ~ Enjoyed a number of local hits in the Washington DC area including Calling All Boys, Here I Go Again, Nobody Cares. Signed to Stax/Volt in 1965 where under the guidance of Isaac Hayes and David Porter recorded a number of moderately successful hits backed by musicians such as Steve Cropper, Donald Duck Dunn and Al Jackson Jr. Her I'll Run Your Hurt Away and If I Ever Needed Love would continue to be included on compilation sets to this day. Johnson retired from music in 1974 ~ Johnson passed away in 1999
April 19, 1935 ~ Actor, comedian, singer, composer Dudley Moore, full name Dudley Stuart John Moore, born in London, UK ~ Best known as leading figure in the UK's late-1960s satire boom and an in-demand comedy actor, notably in 1981's Arthur earning him an Academy Award nomination. Also an accomplished pianist, often with a satirical or comic twist and noted for the mid-1960s singles Goodbye-ee and The Ballad Of Spotty Muldoon both in collaboration with Peter Cook ~ Moore passed away in 2002
April 19, 1934 ~ Engineer, producer Bruce Swedien born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ First gained attention as engineer on the Four Seasons' 1962 hit single Big Girls Don't Cry. Would go on to become one of America's most esteemed engineers, perhaps best known for his work with Michael Jackson engineering albums such as Off The Wall, Thriller, and Bad. Other notable credits include the Chi-lites, Natalie Cole (Inseparable), Quincy Jones, George Benson, Donna Summer, Roberta Flack, Michael McDonald, Barbra Streisand, the Isley Brothers, and Herbie Hancock ~ Swedien passed away in 2020
April 19, 1928 ~ Alexis Andrew Nicholas Koerner, commonly known as singer, guitarist, pianist Alexis Korner, born in Paris, France ~ Founding father of British blues. Founded Blues Incorporated, a loose-knit group which at times included Charlie Watts, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, Long John Baldry, Graham Bond, Danny Thompson, Dick Heckstall-Smith, and Cyril Davies. Formed the trio Free At Last, playing with Hughie Flint and Binky McKenzie. Formed CCS, employing both blues, blues-rock musicians and jazz players including Art Themen, Mel Collins, Lol Coxhill, Dick Morrisey, John Surman, and Mike Zwerin ~ Koerner passed away in 1984
April 19, 1921 ~ Max Rosen, commonly known as harpist, songwriter Robert Maxwell, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best remembered for co-writing Shangri-La recorded by the Four Coins and by the Lettermen, and for co-writing Ebb Tide, recorded by Frank Chacksfield, Vic Damone, Ella Fitzgerald, the Platters, the Righteous Brothers, Tom Jones, and by numerous others ~ Rosen passed away in 2012
April 19, 1917 ~ Singer, producer, label exec, songwriter Johnny Hoes, full name Johannes Andreas Hoes, born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands ~ As a singer known best for Och Was Ik Maar Bij Moeder Thuis Gebleven, Sneeuwwitte Boezem, Daar Mag Je Alleen Naar Kijken, Vader Waar Is Moeder Gebleven and Waar We Heengaan (Jelle Zal Wel Zien), all of which reached top 10 between 1961 and 1967. Founded the Telstar label, for which Hoes discovered and produced acts such as de Alpenzusjes, Zangeres Zonder Naam, Eddy Wally, de Heikrekels, Normaal, Doe Maar, Henk Wijngaard, and others. Internationally best known for producing de Electronicas' 1980 hit single De Vogeltjesdans, a remake of a 1950 accordeon song Tchip Tchip. The song would go on to become a global hit, known in English as Chicken Dance, with an estimated 370 cover versions selling some 40 million copies globally ~ Hoes passed away in 2011
April 19, 1916 ~ The revue The Bing Boys Are Here starring George Robey and Violet Loraine premiers at Alhambra Theatre, London, UK ~ Music by Nat D Ayer, lyrics by Clifford Grey. The musical is perhaps best remembered for the Robey-Loraine duet If You Were The Only Girl (In The World), which has since become a standard recorded by numerous artists including Perry Como, Doris Day, Sam Cooke, and Barbra Streisand. Some female singers would cover the song as If You Were The Only Boy (In The World)
April 19, 1915 ~ Violet May Burnside, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, bandleader Vi Burnside, born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Spent much of her career in all-female bands, notably the Dixie Rhythm Girls, the Harlem Play-Girls, the International Sweethearts Of Rhythm. Led her own ensemble, Vi Burnside's All-Stars, from 1949 forward employing sidewomen such as Flo Dreyer and Pauline Brady ~ Burnside passed away in 1964
April 19, 1898 ~ Peter Joe Clayton, commonly known as blues singer, songwriter Dr Claytin, born in Georgia, USA ~ Best known for songs such as the often covered Cheating And Lying Blues, Pearl Harbor Blues and Moonshine Woman Blues. The latter would be covered by BB King under the name The Woman I Love. Worked with Robert Lockwood Junior, Blind John Davis, Lester Melrose, Sunnyland Slim, and others. Both Big Bill Broonzy and Tampa Red attended Clayton's funeral ~ Clayton passed away in 1947
April 19, 1897 ~ Actress, singer Vivienne Segal, full name Vivienne Sonia Segal, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for her role as Vera Simpson in the 1940 Broadway production of Pal Joey, written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, introducing the song Bewitched Bothered And Bewildered ~ Segal passed away in 1992
April 19, 1892 ~ Marcelle Germaine Tailleferre, commonly known as composer Germaine Tailleferre, born in Saint-Marie-des-Fosses, France ~ The only female member of a group of six composers dubbed Les Six, all living and working in the Paris district Montparnasse during the 1920s. Chose her stage name Tailleferre to spite her father who did not support her musical ambitions. Known best for works such as First Piano Concerto, Harp Concertino and the ballets La Nouvelle Cythère and Sous Les Ramparts D'Athènes, the latter a collaborative work with poet, dramatist Paul Claudel ~ Taillefesse passed away in 1983