April 2, 2024 ~ Band manager, producer, songwriter Jerry Abbott, full name Jerry Bob Abbott, passed away ~ Father of heavy metal band Pantera founders drummer Vinnie Paul and guitarist Dimebag Darrell. Has served as his sons band's manager and produced a number of their early albums. Abbott has also produced artists such as blues guitarist Bugs Henderson, and worked as songwriter and producer for the likes of Gene Watson, Freddy Fender, Buck Owens (Play Together Again Again), and Emmylou Harris ~ Abbott was born in 1942
April 2, 2023 ~ Label executive Seymour Stein passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Had the opportunity to sign Jimi Hendrix in 1966, yet decided against it after seeing Hendrix smash his guitar on-stage and argue with Stein's friend, model Linda Keith, on successive occasions. After positions at King Records and Billboard, Stein co-founded Sire Records with Richard Gottehrer in the mid-1960s. Would be incremental to the careers of pop, rock, and new wave artists of the 1970s and 1980s including the Ramones, Talking Heads, the Pretenders, Depeche Mode, the Cure, Ice-T, and Echo & the Bunnymen. Stein remained active with Sire Records and Warner Bros Records until his retirement in 2018 ~ Stein was born in 1942
April 2, 2021 ~ Composer Simon Bainbridge passed away ~ As a composer known for intricate and sensuous textures, drawing from idioms as diverse as minimalism and be-bop. Well known works include 1983's Concerto In Moto Perpetuo and the 1994 Miles Davis-tribute For Miles. Head of composition at the Royal Academy Of Music in London from 1999 through 2007, the UK's oldest and perhaps most renowned conservatory. Married to soprano, vocal coach Lynda Richardson ~ Bainbridge was born in 1952
April 2, 2017 ~ Singer Mo Jamil wins The Voice UK ~ Jamil wins the sixth season of talent show The Voice UK aired on ITV, landing him a record deal with Polydor Records. The other finalists were Into The Ark, Jamie Miller and Michelle John. Jamil's debut single Unsteady released following his success on the show would peak in the low 70s on the UK charts. A full-length debut album, Evolve, released the following year reached top 40 but failed to produce any hit singles
April 2, 2016 ~ Leandro Barbieri, commonly known as jazz clarinetist, tenor saxophonist, bandleader Gato Barbieri, passed away in New York, USA ~ Rose to fame during the free jazz movement in the 1960s. Known for his latin jazz recordings of the 1970s. Influenced by John Coltrane, Albert Ayler, Pharoah Sanders. Mixed Latin rhythms, free jazz, avant-garde, soul jazz, jazz-pop and smooth jazz. Film composer, awarded a Grammy for his Last Tango In Paris soundtrack. Worked with Lalo Schifrin, Don Cherry, Charlie Haden (Music Liberation Orchestra), Oliver Nelson, Alan Shorter, Antonello Venditti, Carla Bley, and others. Recorded as a leader from the late 1960s well into the 1980s ~ Barbieri was born in 1932
April 2, 2016 ~ Rock drummer, guitarist, singer Malcolm Tomlinson passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Member of mid-1960s outfit Motivation, known for touring as support act for the likes of Lee Dorsey, Edwin Starr, Alvin Robinson, and the Coasters. The band would eventually change their name to Penny Peeps and later still evolve into Gethsemane ~ Tomlinson was born in 1946
April 2, 2015 ~ Rock, pop rock singer Jacques Kloes passed away in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands ~ Thriving force behind the Dizzy Man's Band, remaining with the band through 1978, known for songs such as The Show, The Opera, Rio, Matter Of Facts and Tickatoo, the latter an adaptation of Creedence Clearwater Revival's Down On The Corner. As a solo artist Kloes would have some moderate succes, notably the 1979 hit You Make It Alright with Patricia Paay, Once Or Twice and Fantastische Vrouw, before retiring from music in the 1990s ~ Kloes was born in 1948
April 2, 2010 ~ Cool jazz trombonist, bass trumpeter, singer Mike Zwerin passed away in Paris, France ~ Leader and sideman. Perhaps best known for his association with Miles Davis, present on Davis's Birth Of The Cool sessions. Has also worked with Maynard Ferguson, Claude Thornhill, Archie Shepp, George Gruntz, Alexis Korner, Alan Silva, Sugar Blue, and others ~ Zwerin was born in 1930
April 2, 2009 ~ Clifford Everett Shank, commonly known as saxophonist, flutist Bud Shank, passed away in Tucson, Arizona, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Rose to prominence playing with Stan Kenton. Sessioned for the Mamas & the Papas, playing alto flute solo on California Dreamin'. Formed the LA 4 in the 1970s, teaming up with Ray Brown, Shelly Manne and Laurindo Almeida. Also played with Shorty Rogers, Bill Perkins, Frank Morgan, Chet Baker, Elmer Bernstein, Buddy Bregman, Charlie Byrd, Gene Clark, Nat King Cole, Buddy Collette, Ron Elliott, Maynard Ferguson, Clare Fischer, Jimmy Giuffre, Barney Kessel, Shelly Manne, Sérgio Mendes, Hugo Montenegro, Gerry Mulligan, Oliver Nelson, Harry Nilsson (on the 1975 LP Duit On Mon Dei), Anita O'Day, Patti Page, extensively with Pete Rugolo, with Boz Scaggs, Lalo Schifrin, Ravi Shankar, Duke Ellington, and others ~ Shank was born in 1926
April 2, 2003 ~ Charles Hatcher, commonly known as R&B singer Edwin Starr, passed away in Chitwell, UK ~ Active since the mid-1960s, scoring hits with Agent Double-O-Soul, I'll Love You Forever, 25 Miles and his best-known, the 1970 Vietnam-war protest song War reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Would continue to record to moderate success throughout the funk and disco era, enjoying popularity in the UK throughout the end of the 1970s, notable singles being Eye To Eye Contact and HAPPY Radio ~ Hatcher was born in 1942
April 2, 2002 ~ Betty Jane Phillips, commonly known as singer Betty Jane Baker, passed away in Rancho Mirage, California, USA ~ Sang backup for Elvis Presley (Can't Help Falling In Love, A Little Less Conversation), Frank Sinatra (That's Life), Bobby Darin (Dream Lover), the Righteous Brothers (You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'), Sam Cooke (You Send Me), Lloyd Price (Stagger Lee), and the Anita Kerr Singers. Married to actor Mickey Rooney from 1944 to 1949, with whom she has two children. Married to composer Buddy Baker from 1950 to 1957. Married to jazz guitarist Barney Kessel from 1961 to 1980 ~ Phillips was born in 1927
April 2, 1995 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz, free jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Julius Hemphill, full name Julius Arthur Hemphill, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Gerry Mulligan, studied with John Carter, and early on in his career backed Ike Turner. Founded the World Saxophone Quartet, with whom he recorded well over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Steppin' With The World Saxophone Quartet and Plays Duke Ellington. Hemphill also recorded well over a dozen album as a leader, notably Dogon AD and Fat Man And The Hard Blues, and has guested on albums by Anthony Braxton, Lester Bowie, Baikida Carroll (Shadows And Reflections), Jean-Paul Bourelly, Bill Frisell, Darrell Katz, and Björk. Songs written by Hemphill have been recorded by Oliver Lake, Doyle Lawson (Lord To Know I Have You), Hamiet Bluiett (Mirrors), and Marty Ehrlich ~ Hemphill was born in 1938
April 2, 1994 ~ Jazz trumpeter Rowland Greenberg passed away in Oslo, Norway ~ Pivotal to Norwegian jazz in the 1940s and 1950s. Banned and jailed by the Nazis for viewing jazz films. Worked with the Hot Dogs, the Funny Boys, George Shearing, Vic Lewis, Arvid Gram Paulsen, Lulle Kristofferson, Pete Brown, Gordon Franklin, Robert Normann, Kjell Bjornstad, Frank Hansen, Lyder Vengbo, Fred Lange-Nielsen, Cecil Aagard, Thore Erling, Malte Johnson, Sam Samson, Miles Davis, Bill Coleman, Jimmy McPartland, Aimé Barelli, Egil Monn-Iversen, Leiv Flisnes, Mikkel Flagstad, Totti Bergh, Knut Young, Ivar Wefring, Bjorn Krokfoss, Ben Webster, Teddy Wilson, and others ~ Greenberg was born in 1920
April 2, 1991 ~ Singer Lenny Kravitz releases his Mama Said sophomore album ~ Further refining his style started on his Let Love Rule debut album, Kravitz's sophomore album would give him his first major hits. The lead single Always On The Run would be his first top 10 hit in the Netherlands, while its follow-up It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over reached top 20 at home and top 10 in the UK. Guitarist Slash guests on Always On The Run, initially a Guns 'n Roses draft, and on Fields Of Joy. The pair actually were former Beverly Hills High School schoolmates, yet never were close in school. Kravitz would later recall: “When my first album was out, I went to the American Music Awards and Guns 'n Roses were getting awards and they were sitting in front of me. He and I just kept looking at each other. Then we realized we knew each other from school. So we started talking and were excited to meet each other again, especially the fact we were both making music.”
April 2, 1991 ~ Quavious Keyate Marshall, commonly known as Quavo, born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA ~ Co-founding member, frontman of hip-hop group Migos, known best for their 2016 Bad & Boujee hit single featuring Lil' Uzi Vert. Other well known songs include T-Shirt, MotorSport featuring Nicki Minaj & Cardi B, Stir Fry, and Walk It Talk It featuring Drake. Released his full-length Quavo Huncho solo debut album in 2018
April 2, 1987 ~ Bernard Rich, commonly known as drummer Buddy Rich, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Arguably the first superstar drummer, influential on generations of later drummers including rock drummers such as Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, Deep Purple's Ian Paice, Phil Collins, Black Sabbath's Bill Ward, Green Day's Tré Cool, Blink-182's Travis Barker, and Queen's Roger Taylor. Well over three dozen albums as a leader, specificall acclaimed for Richcraft, Mercy Mercy and Buddy Rich In London. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Harry Sweets Edison, Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Dorsey, and numerous others ~ Rich was born in 1917
April 2, 1986 ~ Leon James DeWyze Junior, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Lee DeWyze, born in Mount Prospect, Illinois, USA ~ Winner of 9th season of talent show American Idol in 2010. Had previously independently released two albums, starting with So I'm Told in 2007, which did not chart. His first post-Idol album, 2010's Live It Up would reach the top 20 on Billboard's Hot 200. DeWyze has recorded steadily since, albeit it to limited chart succes
April 2, 1986 ~ Ruth-Anne Cunningham, mononymously known as singer, songwriter Ruth-Anne, born in Ireland ~ Has released a handful of recordings as a singer. Best known as a songwriter, co-writing songs for Shakaya, JoJo (Too Little Too Late), Westlife, Britney Spears, Alex & Sierra, One Direction (Where Do Broken Hearts Go), Thirdstory, Martin Garrix & Bebe Rexha, Niall Horan, and Liam Payne
April 2, 1986 ~ Indie rock, folk rock, soul, funk, pop singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Theo Katzman born in New York, New York, USA ~ Son of jazz trumpeter Lee Katzman. Member of Ella Riot. Member of funk outfit Vulfpeck. Has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for his Modern Johnny Sings (Songs In The Age Of Vibe) album released in 2020
April 2, 1982 ~ Pop, show tunes songwriter Sam Coslow passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for songs such as Sing You Sinners (the Harlem Hot Chocolates, Susan Hayward, Tony Bennett), Jammin' (Abe Lyman, Mike Riley), The Moon Song (Kate Smith, Wayne King, Doris Day), I Guess It Had To Be This Way (Bing Crosby, Champ Butler), True Confession (Dorothy Lamour, Connee Boswell) ~ Coslow was born in 1902
April 2, 1981 ~ Actress, singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter, actress Bethany Joy Lenz born in Hollywood, Florida, USA ~ First gained attention as an actress, notably portraying the role of Linda Halleck the 1996 Thinner based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. As a singer released her Preincarnate debut album in 2002. Formed the duo Everly in 2008 with lifelong friend Amber Sweeney. Wrote and produced the musical The Notebook based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. Married to Enation keyboardist Michael Galeotti from 2005 until 2011, the couple have one daughter
April 2, 1980 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Kip Moore, full name Kipling Christian Moore, born in Tifton, Georgia, USA ~ Released his full-length Up All Night debut album in 2012, reaching Billboard Country top 10 and RIAA Platinum status. Has recorded to commercial succes since. Known for songs such as Beer Money, Hey Pretty Girl, More Girls Like You and perhaps his best-known Somethin' 'Bout A Truck, the latter reaching top of the country charts in 2011. Songs written or co-written by Moore have also been recorded by Frankie Ballard, Thompson Square, and James Wesley
April 2, 1979 ~ Keyboardist Jesse Carmichael born in Boulder, Colorado, USA ~ Member of Kara's Flowers. Founding member, keyboardist of Maroon 5 known for hits such as This Love, Makes Me Wonder, Moves Like Jagger featuring Christina Aguilera, One More Night, Animals, Sugar, Don't Wanna Know featuring Kendrick Lamar, Girls Like You featuring Cardi B and Memories, all of which reached Billboard top 5
April 2, 1974 ~ Soul, R&B, pop singer Dionne Warwick and vocal group the Spinners record the collaborative Then Came You ~ Written by Sherman Marshall and Philip Pugh. Produced by Thom Bell. Released the following July, the single would become a hit, reviving Warwick's then-ailing career. The song would top the Billboard Hot 100 charts
April 2, 1974 ~ Singer, guitarist Håkan Hellström, full name Håkan Georg Hellström, born in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Drummer for indie pop band Broder Daniel from 1988 through 1994, rejoining the band from 1997 through 2003 as bassist. Also briefly played with alternative rock band Honey Is Cool. As a solo artist released his Kann Ingen Sorg For Mig Goteborg debut album in 2000 and has recorded consistently since to commercial succes
April 2, 1971 ~ R&B, soul, pop singer, TV, radio personality Traci Braxton, full name Traci Renee Braxton, born ~ Member of sibling outfit the Braxtons, alongside Towanda Braxton, Trina Braxton, Toni Braxton and Tamar Braxton, known for their 1990 single Good Life which although unsuccessful spawned oldest sister Toni's career. As a solo artist best known for the Last Call single of her 2014 Crash & Burn solo debut album ~ Braxton passed away in 2022
April 2, 1967 ~ Guitarist, singer Greg Camp born in West Covina, California, USA ~ Best known as founding member for Smash Mouth, and serving as primary songwriter penned songs such as Walkin' On The Sun, All Star, and Then The Morning Comes. Following his departure from the band in 2014 has recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of Maids Of Honor and the Selectrics
April 2, 1967 ~ Paul Edward Huston, commonly known as rapper, songwriter and producer Prince Paul, born in Amityville, New York, USA ~ DJ for Stetsasonic, especially acclaimed for their 1988 In Full Gear album. Would go on to become a highly in-demand and influential producer and remixer, credited with reshaping hip-hop. Has worked on albums by MC Lyte, De La Soul (3 Feet High & Rising), Queen Latifah (All Hail The Queen), Boogie Down Productions, Handsome Boy Modeling School (So How's Your Girl), Gravediggaz, the Beastie Boys, Method Man, and Big Daddy Kane. As a solo artist best known for his A Prince Among Thieves featuring an all-star cast released in 1997, one of the few hip-hop concept albums and regarded a masterpiece to this day
April 2, 1966 ~ Garnet Damion Smith, commonly known as reggae singer Garnett Silk, born in Manchester, Jamaica ~ Praised for his emotive, powerful and smooth voice. Emerged as a rising star in the early 1990s, only to have his career cut short by an early death trying to save his mother in a house fire. Well known songs include Hello Mama Africa, Lord Watch Over Our Shoulders, and Love Is The Answer ~ Smith passed away in 1994
April 2, 1962 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor Billy Dean, full name William Harold Dean Jr, born in Quincy, Florida, USA ~ First gained attention after appearing on the talent show Star Search in 1988. Released his Young Man debut album in 1990 and would subsequently regularly reach the country charts throughout the 1990s with songs such as Somewhere In My Broken Heart, If There Hadn't Been You, We Just Disagre, It's What I Do and That Girl's Been Spyin' On Me
April 2, 1956 ~ Producer Ibrahima Sylla born in Ivory Coast ~ Helped define popular African music. Founded Syllart Records. Has worked with Africando, Youssou n'Dour, Les Quatre Etoiles, Oumou Dioubate, Baaba Maal, Bako Dagnon, Ismaël Lô, Pape Seck, Oumou Sangaré, Gnossàs Pedro, Kouyate Sory Kandia, Bembeya Jazz, Fanta Damba, Alpha Blondy, Miriam Makeba, and others ~ Sylla passed away in 2013
April 2, 1954 ~ Disco, dance producer, DJ, remixer Walter Gibbons born ~ One of the most important club DJs, remixers of the 1970s and early 1980s. Influential on Frankie Knuckles and Larry Levan. Early pioneer of beat-mixing. Among the first to incorporate elements of dub reggae into dance music.. Regular DJ at Manhattan club Galaxy 21. Produced and remixed Double Exposure's 12" Ten Percent, the first commercially available 12" ~ Gibbons passed away in 1994
April 2, 1950 ~ Singer Eleanor Barooshian, also known as Chelsea Lee, born ~ Member of 1960s group the Cake. Toured with Dr John. Member of Ginger Baker's Air Force. Collaborated with Tetsu Yamauchi. The Kevin Ayers-song Eleanor's Cake (Which Ate Her) of the 1970 LP Joy Of A Toy is about Barooshian ~ Barooshian passed away in 2016
April 2, 1947 ~ Country, country-pop, pop, folk-pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Emmylou Harris born in Birmingham, Louisiana, USA ~ Active since the late 1960s. Acclaimed especially for a string of quintessential 1970s albums setting the bar for female singers, notably 1975's Pieces Of The Sky and Elite Hotel and 1977's Luxury Liner. Employed a young and then-unknown Rodney Crowell early on in his career. In-demand collaborator, worked with Gram Parsons, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Mark Knopfler, Willie Nelson, and others
April 2, 1945 ~ Schlager, pop singer, songwriter, actor Jürgen Drews, full name Jürgen Ludwig Drews, born in Nauen, Germany ~ Dropped out of medical school to pursue a career in music. Best known as a member of the Les Humphries Singers. As a solo artist topped the German charts with Ein Bett Im Kornfield, a German-language cover of the Bellamy Brothers' Let Your Love Flow. Scored a moderate 1981 US hit with Don't Want No-body, peaking in the low 70s of the Billboard Hot 100, later covered by Toni Basil who renamed the song Nobody
April 2, 1943 ~ Lorenz Albert Van DeLinder III, commonly known as jazz, jazz fusion, pop rock, classical guitarist Larry Coryell, born in Galveston, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by jazz musicians such as Kenny Burrell, Red Norvo and Wes Montgomery as well as by classical composers such as Béla Bartók, Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel. Over 80 albums to his name as a leader. Member of the Free Spirits prior to backing Chico Hamilton in the late 1960s, replacing Gábor Szabó. Closely associated with childhood friend Mike Mandel and drummer Alphonse Mouzon. Formed the Guitar Trio with John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia. Has also worked with Herbie Mann, Charles Mingus, Fuse One, Don Sebesky, Chet Baker, Randy Brecker, the 5th Dimension, Sonny Rollins, Michal Urbaniak, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, and numerous others ~ Van DeLinder passed away in 2017
April 2, 1942 ~ Jazz, blues pianist Eddie Heywood Sr passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Popular during the 1910s and 1920s. Accompanied singers such as Mamie Smith, Sara Martin, and Alger Texas Alexander. One of the first black performers to record outside of Chicago or New York, recording the self-penned The Pawn Shop Blues in 1923 in Atlanta, Georgia, featuring vocalist Lucille Bogan. Heywood also taught his son, Eddie Heywood Jr, to play the piano, who would later go on to become a professional musician himself. Junior is perhaps best remembered for penning the jazz standard Canadian Sunset, recorded by over two hundred artists ~ Heywood was born ca.1901
April 2, 1942 ~ Claude Russell Bridges, commonly known as pianist, bassist, guitarist, hornist, singer Leon Russell, born in Lawton, Oklahoma, USA ~ Legendary rock & roll session pianist, songwriter, producer, appearing on hundreds of albums since the late 1950s. As a solo artist over two dozen albums to his name. Noted especially for his 1970 eponymous Leon Russell solo debut album, featuring guests such as Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison, and including the track A Song For You which has been covered by over 200 artists including Donny Hathaway, and for his 1973 Hank Wilson's Back album. Artists who have recorded songs written or co-written by Russell include Joe Cocker (Delta Lady), Delaney & Bonnie, Freddie King (Palace Of The King), Helen Reddy, and Lee Rocker ~ Bridges passed away in 2016
April 2, 1941 ~ Singer, songwriter Sonny Throckmorton born in Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA ~ Though a fine singer in his own right, specifically noted for I Wish You Could Have Turned My Head (And Left My Heart Alone), Throckmorton is best known as a songwriter, his songs recorded by the likes of Jean Shepard, Roy Drusky (I'm Knee Deep In Loving You), Ray Price, Johnny Duncan, Merle Haggard (If We're Not Back In Love By Monday), Tommy Overstreet, Jerry Lee Lewis (Middle Age Crazy), Kenny Rogers, Moe Bandy (It's A Cheating Situation), John Conlee, TG Sheppard, Reba McEntire, George Strait, and the Judds
April 2, 1940 ~ Jazz, jazz-rock keyboardist Dave MacRae, full name David Scott MacRae, born in Auckland, New Zealand ~ Briefly a member of Matching Mole. Member of Nucleus, present on the the 1973 Labyrinth. Also worked with Buddy Rich, Clark Terry, Jon Hendricks, Elton Dean, Back Door, Robert Wyatt, Richard Sinclair, Allan Holdsworth, Ronnie Scott, Clifford Jordan, and others
April 2, 1940 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Sal Nistico, full name Slavatore Nistico, born in Syracuse, New York, USA ~ Worked with Woody Herman, Count Basie, Carl Fontana, Nat Pierce, Michael Moore, Nat Adderley, Don Ellis, Buddy Rich, Stan Tracey, Joe Haider, Fritz Pauer, Johnny Griffin, Roman Schwaller, Paul Grabowsky, Roberto DiGiola, Thomas Stabenow, Joris Dudil, Mario Gonzi, Curtis Fuller, Helen Merrill, Pony Poindexter, Sarah Vaughan, and others ~ Nistico passed away in 1991
April 2, 1939 ~ Singer Marvin Gaye, full name Marvin Pentz Gay Jr, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Quintessential R&B singer helped shape Motown sound in the 1960s. Redefined R&B in the early 1970s incorporating social commentary, especially on the 1971 landmark album What's Going On. Influential on later subgenres such as quiet storm and neo-soul. Well known songs include Pride & Joy, How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You, I'll Be Doggone, Ain't That Peculiar, You're All I Need To Get By, What's Going On, Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Let's Get It On and Sexual Healing. Shot to death by his father trying to intervene in a fight between his parents ~ Gay passed away in 1984
April 2, 1938 ~ Hard bop, avant-garde trumpeter Booker Little born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Revered and influential trumpeter with an impressive resume despite a career cut short by an untimely death at 23. Leader and sideman. Influenced by Sonny Rollins and Clifford Brown, both of which he also worked with. Also worked with John Coltrane (Africa/Brass), Max Roach, Eric Dolphy (Far Cry), Johnny Griffin, Julian Priester, Don Friedman, Ron Carter, Art Davis, Teddy Charles, Slide Hampton, Bill Henderson, Frank Strozier, and others ~ Little passed away in 1961
April 2, 1935 ~ Benjamin Moten, commonly known as jazz, stride pianist Bennie Moten, passed away in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Active since the early 1920s. Helped define the riffing style that would come to define many of the 1930s big bands. Known for songs such as Kansas City Shuffle, South, Moten Swing and Prince Of Wails. Moten's orchestra at times included sidemen such as Count Basie, Walter Page, and Hot Lips Page early on in their careers ~ Moten was born in 1893
April 2, 1935 ~ Warner McPherson, commonly known as country, country blues, gospel singer Warner Mack, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Active from the 1950 through the 1970s, enjoying his biggest successes in the 1960s. Well known songs include Is It Wrong For Loving You, Sittin' In An All-nite Cafe, The Bridge Washed Out, Sittin' On A Rock (Cryin' In A River), Talkin' To The Wall, It Takes A Lot Of Money, How Long Will It Take and Leave My Dream Alone ~ McPherson passed away in 2022
April 2, 1931 ~ Country guitarist Kenneth Carllile, also known as Thumbs Carllile, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Discovered by Little Jimmy Dickens, who gave him the nickname “Thumbs” for his innovative fingerstyle playing. Has collaborated with Bill Wimberley, Les Paul, and Roger Miller, serving in the latter's backing unit from 1964 through 1972, notably providing the signature guitar parts for Dang Me and King Of The Road. As a solo artist, Carllile is known for songs such as Caravan, Theme From Picnic, Stranger On The Shore, and Hold It ~ Carllile passed away in 1987
April 2, 1930 ~ Sue Graham, commonly known as producer, band manager Sue Mingus, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Widow of bassist, pianist, bandleader Charles Mingus, whom she met in 1964 and married two years later. Following his death in 1979, Graham would establish herself as band manager and producer of several Mingus tribute bands keeping the legacy alive. Managed and produced acts such as the Mingus Dynasty, the Mingus Big Band and the Mingus Orchestra, and published educational books, sheet music and her memoir recounting her life with Mingus ~ Graham passed away in 2022
April 2, 1928 ~ Jazz, vocal pop singer Gene Austin records Ramona at Victor Studios, Camden, New Jersey ~ Written by by L Wolfe Gilbert and Mabel Wayne as the title song for the 1928 silent film Ramona. Singer Gene Austin would also record a version in 1928, released as a single b/w Girl Of My Dreams it would reach top of the pop charts and sell over a million copies. Over the years the song would be covered by numerous artists including Les Brown, Jim Reeves, the Blue Diamonds, Grady Martin, Billy Walker, and others
April 2, 1928 ~ Lucien Ginsburg, commonly known as singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter, actor, director Serge Gainsbourg, born in Paris, France ~ Recorded well over a dozen albums from the late 1950s through the 1980s. Though controversial during his lifetime, known for his provocative style, Gainsbourg has become one of the most influential figures in French pop, drawing from jazz, chanson, yé-yé, pop, rock, funk, electronica and other idioms. Gainsbourg is said to have written over 500 songs, recorded by over a 1,000 artists. Internationally, he is perhaps best known for the 1967 hit Je T'Aime (Moi Non Plus) with singer, actress Jane Birkin. Gainsbourg and Birkin were romantically involved from 1968 until 1980, the singer Charlotte Gainsbourg is their daughter ~ Ginsburg passed away in 1991
April 2, 1925 ~ Jazz singer, percussionist Frank Holder born in Georgetown, Guyana ~ Worked with artists such as Jiver Hutchinson, Johnny Dankworth, Joe Harriott, Andre Messeder, John Carioca, Ronnie Scott, Tubby Hayes, Don Rendell, Peter John King, Dickie Hawdon, Eddie Harvey, Jack Fallon, Harry Beckett, Bill Le Sage, Shake Keane, Ronnie Ross, Coleridge Goode, Hank Shaw, Tony Kinsey, Ginger Johnson, Carmen Munroe, Derek Paravicini, and others ~ Holder passed away in 2017
April 2, 1916 ~ Jazz composer, conductor, bandleader Oleg Lundstrem, full name Oleg Leonidovich Lundstrem, born in Chita, Russia ~ Led the Oleg Lundstrem Orchestra, one of the earliest jazz bands in Russia active since the mid-1930s. In 1994, the Guinness Book of Records recognized the ensemble as the oldest continuously existing jazz band in the world ~ Lundstrem passed away in 2005
April 2, 1902 ~ Lyricist, playwright, songwriter, actor Edward Eliscu born in New York, New York, USA ~ Active on Broadway and in Hollywood until the 1950s when allegations made by the House Committee on Un-American Activities led by Senator Joseph McCarthy effectively ended his career. Best remembered for co-penning songs such as Orchids In The Moonlight (Raul Roulien, Rudy Vallée, Dinah Shore), Carioca (Etta Moten, Les Baxter, Fred Astaire), Great Day (Paul Whiteman, Sam Lanin, Nelson Eddy), and More Than You Know (Mayo Methot, Ruth Etting, Billie Holiday) ~ Eliscu passed away in 1998