April 20, 1985 ~ Singer, songwriter Chris Jones, full name Christopher Anthony Jones, born ~ Best known as featured vocalist on trance DJ Armin Van Buuren's 2008 single Going Wrong. Jones has also worked with DJ Roger Shah, Within Temptation, Ferry Corsten, and formed the rock band Neverlanded with Van Buuren's brother Eller van Buuren
April 20, 1984 ~ Hardcore, queercore punk singer, guitarist Leslie Mah born ~ Pivotal to the development of queercore, a subculture of punk and punk rock distinguished by its discontent specifically of society disapproval of the gay community. Co-founded Anti-Scrunti Faction with Tracie Thomas. Co-founded Tribe 8 in 1988. Mah retired from music by the mid-1990s and is a professional tattoo artist in San Francisco
April 20, 1983 ~ Alela Diane Menig, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Alela Diane born in Nevada City, California, USA ~ Debuted with The Pirate's Gospel, initially self-released in 2004 to little attention, receiving critical acclaim upon its re-release two years later. Has recorded consistently to a growing fanbase since. Has worked with Headless Heroes, Josh Klinghoffer, and Joey Waronker
April 20, 1983 ~ Pop singer Erik Segerstedt, full name Mats Erik Segerstedt, born in Uddevalla, Sweden ~ First gained attention as runner-up in the 2006 Swedish edition of Idol talent show, losing out to Markus Fagervall. Would form the boy band EMD with Idol contestants Mattias Andréasson and Danny Saucedo, the singles All For Love, State Of Mind, Let Me Love You and Baby Goodbye all reaching the top of the charts in Sweden
April 20, 1983 ~ Pop, country singer Gaute Ormåsen born in Brumunddal, Norway ~ Reached second place on the 2003 edition of the talent contest Idols, aired on TV2. Would subsequently reach top 10 in his native Norway with Chasing Rainbows of his New Kid In Town debut album. Kjærlighet Er Mer Enn Forelske of his 2006 G For Gaute sophomore would also reach top 10. Internationally perhaps best known for forming the duo Subwoolfer with Ben Adams, the pair represented Norway in the 2022 Eurovision Songfestival and reached 6th place with Give That Wolf A Banana
April 20, 1983 ~ Progressive house, electro house DJ, producer Sebastian Ingrosso born in Nacka, Sweden ~ Alongside Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso a member of the house supergroup Swedish House Mafia. The trio would score a number of international dance hits throughout the 2010s, 2012's Don't You Worry Child a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit while One (Your Name), Miami 2 Ibiza and Antidote would do well across Europe
April 20, 1982 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Jacqueline Govaert born in Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands ~ Rose to fame as lead singer and primary songwriter of rock, alternative rock outfit Krezip, with whom she recorded close to half a dozen albums during the 2000s, all of which reached top 10 in the Netherlands. They are especially known for songs such as I Would Stay, Out Of My Bed, All My Life, Sweet Goodbyes, and Lost Without You, many of their songs remaining popular to this day and considered part of the Dutch rock canon. After the band disbanded in 2009, Govaert has recorded as a solo artist, starting with her Good Life album released in 2010. Govaert has also collaborated with Ayreon, Relax, Beef, Armin Van Buuren, Fernando Lameirinhas, and Alain Clark. In the late-2010s, Krezip reunited. The band's name is an anagram of “perzik”, the Dutch word for “peach”
April 20, 1980 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, percussionist Alexis Taylor born in London, UK ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of 2000s synth-pop, alternative dance outfit Hot Chip, known for songs such as Over & Over, The Boy From School and the UK top 10 hit Ready For The Floor. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the Rubbed Out album released in 2008, and plays keyboards in the About Group
April 20, 1979 ~ Drummer Kenneth Kapstad born in Lokken, Norway ~ Best known as drummer for the Gate and God Seed. Also worked with Motorpsycho, Animal Alpha, Goat the Head, Monolithic, Dadafon, Cucumber, the African Pepperbirds, Martin Hagfors, Moster, the Grand General, Resjemhela, Spidergawd, 22, and others
April 20, 1979 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Luke Reynolds, full name Lucas Fitzpatrick Reynolds, born in Vermont, USA ~ Formed Blue Merle. Also worked with Sharon van Etten, Neko Case, Miranda Lambert, Rayland Baxter, Omar Rodríguez-López, Willie Nelson, Guster, Charlie Worsham, the Yellowbords, Brett Dennen, Belle Brigade, Tim O'Brien, August Rush, and others
April 20, 1978 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist, keyboardist, songwwriter Clay Cook born in Georgia, USA ~ Formed the duo Lo-Fi Masters with classmate John Mayer. Co-wrote several songs for Mayer's first two albums including No Such Thing, Comfortable and Man On The Side. Cook has also worked with the Marshall Tucker Band, Sugarland, Shawn Mullins, the Wood Brothers, Y-O-U and notably with the Zac Brown Band. As a solo artist has over half a dozen albums to his name, starting with Lead Me On released in 2001
April 20, 1975 ~ Michael Santiago Render, commonly known as MC, rapper Killer Mike, born in Adamsville, Georgia, USA ~ First gained attention guesting on the OutKast album Stankonia released in 2000 and on the duo's Grammy Award-winning single The Whole World released the following year. Has since gone on to release about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Monster released in 2003, and collaborate with the likes of Three 6 Mafia, Shawty Lo, TI, and Bun B
April 20, 1975 ~ Keyboardist, bassist Martin Crandall, full name Martin Lesley Crandall, born ~ Member of indie rock band the Shins from 1998 until his dismissal in 2009. Present on the band's first three albums, including the highly acclaimed Oh Inverted World debut album released in 2001
April 20, 1973 ~ Gabriele Ponty, commonly known as DJ, producer Gabry Ponte, born in Turin, Italy ~ Rose to fame in the late-1990s as member of Eiffel 65, known for their 1998 hit Blue (Da-ba-dee) which hit the top 10 across continental Europe, the UK and America. Subsequent releases, such as Too Much Heaven and Move Your Body, would also become hits in Europe but fail to chart in America
April 20, 1973 ~ Alternative rock, hip-hop, darkwave singer, MC, guitarist, keyboardist Justin Warfield, full name Justin Evan Warfield, born ~ Member of One Inch Punch, known for their sole Tao Of The One Inch Punch album released in 1996. Formed the darkwave band She Wants Revenge with Adam Bravin, best known for Tear You Apart of their eponymous 2006 She Wants Revenge debut album. As a solo artist best known for his 1993 hip-hop flavored My Field Trip To Planet 9 debut album co-produced by QDIII and Prince Paul
April 20, 1972 ~ Tara Leigh Patrick, commonly known as glamour model, actress, singer, TV personality Carmen Electra, born in Sharonville, Ohio, USA ~ Released her sole eponymous Carmen Electra album in 1993, produced by Prince. Best known as cultural pop icon, glamour model and notably as an actress for TV and film. In later years would occasionally return to singing, guesting with the Pussycat Dolls from time to time and releasing handful of singles during the 2010s
April 20, 1971 ~ Alternative rock, emo, indie rock bassist, guitarist, singer Mikey Welsh, full name Michael Edward Welsh, born in Syracuse, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Weezer, joining the band in 1998 replacing original bassist Matt Sharp. Present on the Weezer (Green Album) album released in 2001. Had previously played with Left Nut, Heretix, Jocobono, Juliana Hatfield. In 2001, Welsh suffered a mental breakdown and retired from music shortly thereafter ~ Welsh passed away in 2011
April 20, 1970 ~ Jazz double bassist, singer, composer, arranger Avishai Cohen born in Kibbutz Kabri, Israel ~ Worked with Chick Corea, Dor Daniel, Nital Herhkovits, Bobby McFerrin, Roy Hargrove, Herbie Hancock, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Nnenna Freelon, Paquito d'Rivera, Claudia Aruna, Alicia Keys, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Israel Symphony Orchestra, Mark Giuliana, Danilo Pérez, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Seamus Blake, and Amos Hoffman
April 20, 1967 ~ Drummer Mike Portnoy, full name Michael Stephen Portnoy, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of progressive metal band Dream Theater, with whom he recorded 10 albums including the highly influential and acclaimed Images And Words, A Change Of Seasons and Train Of Thought before departing the band after over two decades. Has since formed several new bands, perhaps most notably hard rock unit the Adrenalin Mob, progressive rock band Flying Colors, and power trio Winery Dogs
April 20, 1963 ~ Norman Swan, commonly known as hard rock, heavy metal singer, guitarist Kal Swan, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Best known as lead singer for Bad Moon Rising, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums from the early-1990s through the mid-2000s. The band, which also notably featured guitarist Doug Aldrich, would reach superstar status in Japan. Previously Swan had worked with Kuni, Tytan, and Lion
April 20, 1960 ~ Jazz, blues pianist John Altenburgh born in Wausau, Wisconsin, USA ~ Actively recording as a solo artist since the late-1980s as well as with his Johnny & the Mo-tones band since the mid-2000s. Has guested on recordings by Jeff Bushman, New Country Sound, Dan Dougherty, Mark Ladley and Bret & Frisk, and served as producer, engineer for Gary Silvis, Rebecca Parris, Mike Metheny, Dennis Mitcheltree, Kathy Schweiger, and others
April 20, 1958 ~ Blues harpist, guitarist, singer, songwriter Gary Primich, full name Gary Alan Primich, was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1995 Mr Freeze album. Member of the Mannish Boys alongside Jimmy Carl Black. Has also worked with Steve James, Omar & the Howlers, John Juke Logan, Marcia Ball, Ruthie Foster, Nick Curran, and Jimmie Vaughan ~ Primich passed away in 2007
April 20, 1957 ~ Hubertus Richenel Baars, mononymously known as singer Richenel, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as a disco singer, later ventured into dance, lounge and jazz. Member of disco outfit Luxor. As a solo artist, Richenel debuted in 1984 with the single Statue Of Desire, which failed to chart. His sophomore single, 1985's L'Esclave Endormi, became a UK hit. It drew the attention of producer, songwriting duo Fluitsma & Van Tijn with whom he scored several Dutch top 40 hits such as Temptation, Don't Save Your Love and his biggest hit Dance Around The World. The latter would reach No.9 in the Netherlands as well as chart well in Italy, Germany, and across Scandinavia. Other notable recordings include Secret Wish, which was later covered by the SOS Band, Are You Just Using Me written by George Michael, and Oasis and Fascination, the latter two of which became hits on the French dance charts and in New York's underground club scene ~ Baars passed away in 2020
April 20, 1955 ~ Karl Walter Ahlertich Buskohl, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Carl Carlton, born in West Germany, Germany ~ Worked with Mink DeVille, Robert Palmer, the Animals, Herman Brood, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Peter Maffay, Udo Lindenberg, Joe Cocker, Keb' Mo, Jimmy Barnes, Eric Burdon, Mother's Finest, the Simple Minds, Alannah Myles, Ellen Foley, Klaus Voormann, Long Tall Ernie & the Shakers, and Vitesse
April 20, 1953 ~ James Siegfried, commonly known as no wave, avant-funk, punk jazz saxophonist, singer James Chance or James White, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Key figure on the New York no wave scene, rejecting the gloss of new wave and the traditionalism of punk while drawing from funk, jazz and post-punk, Chance enjoyed a cult following from the mid-1970s onwards. Frontman of the short-lived Teenage Jesus & the Jerks, and subsequently the Contortions, recording over half a dozen albums with the latter including the acclaimed Buy released in 1979. Chance has also fronted several side projects, mostly with the same basic set of musicians, including the bizarre disco-influenced James White & the Blacks. Chance had moved to New York in the mid-1970s with the intent of becoming a jazz musician, yet as he would later explain: “I just didn't fit into the jazz scene at all. My whole attitude, my own personal style and everything was more out of rock and roll” ~ Siegfried passed away in 2024
April 20, 1951 ~ Singer Luther Vandross born in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Session, backing singer for artists such as Todd Rundgren, Judy Collins, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Ben E King, Donna Summer, and others. Fronted Change. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Never Too Much, Here And New, Any Love, Power Of Love (Love Power), I Can Make It Better, For You To Love, Superstar, Always And Forever. Duetted with Cheryl Lynn, Beyoncé and Mariah Carey ~ Vandross passed away in 2005
April 20, 1951 ~ Flutist, dancer, songwriter, teacher Robert Tree Cody born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Of Dakota and Maricopa heritage Cody is considered a master of the Native American flute with about a dozen albums to his name starting in the early-1990s. Especially acclaimed for his 1993 Dreams From The Grandfather album. Cody has also guested on albums by William Eaton, the Phoenix Chorale, the Rippingtons (Topaz), and Ruben Romero ~ Cody passed away in 2023
April 20, 1948 ~ Keyboardist Craig Frost born in Flint, Michigan, USA ~ Perhaps best known as member of Bob Seger's backing unit Silver Bullet Band for over two decades, starting on the 1980 Against The Wind album replacing Robyn Robbins. Has previously played with Grand Funk Railroad until its disbandement in 1977, including on most of the band's best known such as The Loco-Motion and We're An American Band. Also worked with the shortly-lived Flint and with Terry Knight & the Pack
April 20, 1948 ~ Folk, blues harpist, guitarist, singer Dave Peabody born in Southall, UK ~ Debuted as a solo artist in 1973 with the album Peabody Hotel. As a guitarist known for his fingerpicking style. Has worked with Polly Floskin, Tight Like That, early incarnations of Savoy Brown and Fleetwood Mac, Alan Glen, and with blues luminaries such as Charlie Musselwhite and Big Joe Duskin
April 20, 1948 ~ Jazz, hard bop, modal jazz pianist Joe Bonner born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA ~ Influenced by McCoy Tyner and Art Tatum. Over a dozen albums as a leader, especially acclaimed for 1981's Impressions Of Copenhagen. Appears on albums by Pharoah Sanders (Black Unity), Roy Haynes, Azar Lawrence (Bridge Into The New Age), Shirley Scott, and Fred Wesley ~ Bonner passed away in 2014
April 20, 1947 ~ Murray Franklin Cannon, commonly known as country songwriter, producer Buddy Cannon, born in Lexington, Tennessee, USA ~ Father of songer Melonie Cannon and of songwriter Marla Cannon Goodman. Best known as producer for Kenny Chesney. As a songwriter, Cannon had his work recorded by artists such as Vern Gosdin, George Strait (Give It Away), Billy Ray Cyrus, and Mel Tillis. As a producer he has worked with Chely Wright, Reba McEntire, George Jones, Louise Mandrell, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard
April 20, 1945 ~ Rock keyboardist Jimmy Winston, full name James Edward Winston Langwith, born in Stratford, UK ~ Original keyboardist for the Small Faces, replaced in late 1965 by Ian McLagan. Winston is present on the band's first two singles, Whatcha Gonna Do About It, which reached No.14 in their native UK, and its follow-up I've Got Mine. Winston has since only recorded sporadically as a solo artist and with Winston's Fumbs, and has made some appearances as an actor for film and TV series ~ Winston passed away in 2020
April 20, 1944 ~ Bluegrass, country, gospel singer, mandolinist Doyle Lawson born in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for fronting Quicksilver, acclaimed for the 1981 Rock My Soul album considered a landmark album in bluegrass gospel. Self-taught on mandolin, later also learning banjo and guitar. Active since the early-1960s. Has worked with Jimmy Martin, JD Crowe, the Country Gentlemen, the Bluegrass Album Band, and others
April 20, 1940 ~ Bassist Tim Drummond, full name Timothy Lee Drummond, born in Bloomington, Illinois, USA ~ In-demand touring and session musician. Closely associated with Jim Keltner, forming the session rhythm duo Tim & Jim. Wrote or co-wrote several songs of the artists he worked with including To Lay Down Beside You (Joe Simon), Sip The Wine (Rick Danko), Saddle Up The Palomino (Neil Young), Down In Hollywood (Ry Cooder), Saved (Bob Dylan), and Satisfy Susie (Lonnie Mack). Other notable credits include Mother Earth, JJ Cale, Ronnie Hawkins, Graham Nash, Michelle Phillips, Bette Midler, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, Eric Clapton, and Jewel ~ Drummond passed away in 2015
April 20, 1938 ~ Pop, country pop singer, songwriter Johnny Tillotson born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Known for a string of 1960s Billboard top 10 hits including Poetry In Motion, Without You, Talk Back Trembling Lips and perhaps his best known the self-penned It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin', the latter notably covered by Elvis Presley on his acclaimed 1969 From Elvis In Memphis album. The tune has also been covered by others including Dean Martin, Albert West and Billy Joe Royal
April 20, 1937 ~ Singer, songwriter, actor, screenwriter Björn Skiffs, full name Björn Nils Olof Skiffs, born in Vansbro, Sweden ~ Known as co-founding member of 1960s pop bands the Slam Creepers and Blåblus, and perhaps most notably as lead singer of 1970s otufit Blue Swede known for their 1974 Billboard No.1 hit Hooked On A Feeling, originally recorded by BJ Thomas in 1968. As a solo artist known for his 1975 Schiffz, which included the Anni-Frid Lyngstad-duet Med Varann. Also known for representing Sweden twice in the Eurovision Songfestival, namely in 1978 with Det Blir Alltid Värre Framåt Natted reaching 14th place, in 1981 with Fångad I En Drö reaching 10th place
April 20, 1936 ~ William Godvin Harris, commonly known as jazz drummer, bandleader Beaver Harris, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Closely associated with Archie Shepp. Founded 360 Degree Music Experience, which at times included some of the premier artists of the day including Buster Williams, Hamiet Bluiett, Don Pullen, and Jimmy Garrison. Has also worked with Marion Brown, Dexter Gordon, the Blue Humans, Albert Ayler, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Clifford Jordan, Sheila Jordan, Lee Konitz, Thelonious Monk, Roswell Rudd, Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, Sonny Stitt, Chet Baker, Doc Cheatham, Larry Coryell, Gato Barbieri, Charles Greenlee, Vincent Herring, Steve Lacy, and Massimo Urbani ~ Harris passed away in 1991
April 20, 1936 ~ Jazz drummer Billy James born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Active since the 1950s, quickly making a name for himself while still in his mid-teens backing Lionel Hampton. Higly admired by fellow drummers, contemporaries as well as later sticksmen. Recorded with Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Eric Kloss, Shirley Scott, and extensively with both Don Patterson and Sonny Stitt during the 1960s, including on the latter's masterpiece Soul People album released in 1966. Later associations would include Eddie Harris, Clarence Wheeler, and Houston Person ~ James passed away in 2009
April 20, 1935 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Ran Blake born in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA ~ Known for a dark jazz sound drawing from blues, gospel, classical and film noir. Actively recording since the early-1960s as leader, solo artist and sideman. Has worked with Jeanne Lee, George Duvivier, Anthony Braxton, Houston Person, Steve Lacy, Enrico Rava, and others
April 20, 1934 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly double bassist Ray Campi, full name Raymond Charles Campi, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Active since the mid-1950s. Resurged in the early-1970s. Best known for songs such as Caterpillar, You Gambled Me, and for The Ballad Of Donna And Peggy Sue. Has toured extensively, especially throughout Europe. Worked with Mae West, Rosie Flores, Bobby Fats Mizell, Ian Whitcomb, Kevin Fennell, and Rip Masters ~ Campi passed away in 2021
April 20, 1933 ~ Mary Ann Janisch, commonly known as music critic Mary Ann Feldman, born in St Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ PR advisor for the Minnesota Orchestra. Member of board of directors of Music Critics Association from 1977 until 1981. As a music critic worked for outlets such as Musical America, Opera News, the Minneapolis Star and The New Grove Dictionary Of Music And Musicians ~ Feldman passed away in 2019
April 20, 1932 ~ Classical cellist Farquhar Wilkinson, full name Farquhar Davis Wilkinson, born in Oamaru, New Zealand ~ Principal cellist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra from 1955 through 1992. Has also worked with the New Zealand National Youth Orchestra, the Alex Lindsay String Orchestra, the Aspey String Quartet, the London Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Wilkinson passed away 2022
April 20, 1923 ~ Ernesto Antonio Puente Jr, commonly known as timbales player, vibraphonist, bandleader Tito Puente born in New York, New York, USA ~ Dubbed “the King of the Timbales” and considered one of the most important and influential artists in Latin music with a career spanning 5 decades. To rock audiences best known for penning and first recording Oye Como Va, notably covered by Santana ~ Puente passed away in 2000
April 20, 1909 ~ Vibraphonist, pianist, bandleader Lionel Hampton, full name Lionel Leo Hampton, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Renowned bandleader, known for employing a great deal of future jazz stars early on in their career including Teddy Wilson, Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus and Quincy Jones. Especially noted for his 1942 recording of Flying Home, featuring Illinois Jacquet's saxophone solo often cited as the first R&B sax solo ~ Hampton passed away in 2002