April 21, 1984 ~ Drummer, percussionist, composer Christian Lillinger born in Lübben, East Germany ~ Closely associated with Ernst-Ludwig Petrowsky. Formed Grund. Co-founded Amok Amor. Has also collaborated with the likes of Joachim Kühn, Beat Furrer, Miroslav Vitous, Dave Liebman, Wadada Leo Smith, Evan Parker, Joe Lovano, Peter Brötzmann, and Tony Malaby
April 21, 1984 ~ Sertanejo singer Fernando Zorzanello Bonifácio born in Ji-Parana, Brazil ~ Known as the “Fernando” in Fernando & Soracaba, a duo he formed with Fernando Fakri de Assis. Active since the mid-2000s the duo enjoys popularity in their native Brazil and is known for songs such as Paga Pau, Madri, Férias Em Salvador, É Tenso, Mô, and Bobeia Pra Ver
April 21, 1982 ~ Indie folk singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Chris Bathgate born in Pacatonica, Illinois, USA ~ Debuted in 2001 with the album Dead Eyed Stranger. Best known for his 2007 A Cork Tale Wake album. Drew comparisons to Sufjan Stevens, Iron & Wine, Damien Jurado
April 21, 1981 ~ Classical, classical crossover singer Mike Christie, full name Michael Philip Christie, born in Redhill, UK ~ Rose to fame as member of the pop-opera boy band G4, shooting to fame after reaching 2nd place on the ITV talent show The X-Factor in 2004. Their subsequent eponymous G4 would reach the top of the British album charts. Christie has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with his To The Fore album released in 2010 marking a departure from the classical crossover repertoire
April 21, 1979 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, producer, songwriter Alessandro del Vecchio born in Soma Lombardo, Italy ~ Producer at Frontiers Music label. Known for his collaborations with metal artists such as Jørn Lande, the Revolution Saints, Hardline, Fergie Frederiksen, Ted Polley, Kelly Keeling, Matt Sinnger, Silent Force, the Voodoo Circle, Graham Bonnet, Mr Big, Labyrinth, Alcatrazz, and Quiet Riot
April 21, 1977 ~ Adam Drucker, commonly known as rapper, keyboardist, producer, poet Doseone, born in Idaho, USA ~ Co-founded the indie hip-hop label Anticon. As a musician served as member of numerous alternative hip-hop, indie rock acts including Deep Puddle Dynamics, Greenthink, Clouddead, Themselves, Subtle, 13 & God, Go Dark, Nevermen and Subtle
April 21, 1975 ~ Pop, electronic, EDM producer, songwriter Dom Capuano, full name Domenico Capuano, born in Turin, Italy ~ Best known for his associations with frequent collaborator Gabry Ponte and with Eiffel 65, including on the hits Blue (Da-ba-dee) and Move Your Body. Has also worked with artists such as Toni Braxton, S Club 7, Busta Rhymes, Jean-Michel Jarre, Kool & the Gang, Laura Pausini, 883, Aqua, Zucchero, Nek, Andreas Johnson, Alphaville, and others
April 21, 1975 ~ Jessica Ada Hoop, commonly known as singer, guitarist Jesca Hoop, born in Santa Rosa, California, USA ~ Worked as nanny to Tom Waits' children, with Waits subsequently helping her land a music publishing deal. Has recorded over half a dozen albums, starting with Kismet released in 2007. Has collaborated with Stewart Copeland, Guy Garvey, Iron & Wine, Willy Mason, Blake Mills, Shearwater, Erika Wennerstrom, the Ditty Bops, and others
April 21, 1974 ~ Jazz trumpeter Michael Leonhart born ~ Over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader, notably Slow released in 2002. Well-known for playing with Steely Dan including on the Grammy Award-winning Two Against Nature released in 2000. Produced Donald Fagen's 2012 Sunken Condos album. Has also appeared on albums by Vinicius Cantuária, Arto Lindsay, Steve Tyrell, the Doobie Brothers, Sharleen Spiteri (Melody), Yoko Ono, Jadakiss, Arif Mardin, Aloe Blacc (Good Things), Natalie Merchant, Martha Wainwright, Nels Cline, and Elvis Costello (Hey Clockface)
April 21, 1972 ~ Rock, jazz, pop drummer Craig Pilo born in Connecticut, USA ~ First gained attention in the mid-1990s backing Maynard Ferguson. Would go on to work with the Red Elvises, Edgar Winter, Deniece Williams, Player, the Four Seasons. As a solo artist acclaimed for his 2007 Just Play debut album
April 21, 1972 ~ Severina Vuckovic, mononymously known as singer, actress, songwriter Severina, born in Split, Yugoslavia ~ Active since the mid-1980s, releasing her eponymous Severina debut album in 1990 and recording consistently since. Best known for songs such as Vodi Me Na Ples, Dalmatinka, Trava Zelena, and Tridesete. Represented her native Croatia at the 2006 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 12th place with Moja Stikla
April 21, 1970 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor Glen Hansard born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Formed the duo the Swell Season with Czech singer, pianist Markéta Irglová, the band name derived from Josef Skvorecjy's 1975 novel of the same name. The duo's song Falling Slowly, used in the 2007 feature film Once, would win the Academy Award for Best Song. Hansard is also known for co-founding the Frames in 1990, a band influential in the Dublin rock scene
April 21, 1967 ~ Singer, songwriter Michael Franti born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Spearhead, blending hip-hop, funk, reggae, jazz, folk and rock. Activist for a wide array of social justice issues, especially as an advocaate for peace in the Middle East. Key member of the Beatnigs and of Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy. Has also worked with Deee-lite, Dub Syndicate, Zap Mama, Steel Pulse, and others
April 21, 1965 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion drummer Hans van Oosterhout born in Oosterhout, the Netherlands ~ In-demand collaborator. Member of Baseline. Has also worked with Philip Catherine, Nathalie Loriers, Toots Thielemans, Lee Konitz, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Olivier Hutman, Cor Bakker, Spike Robinson, David Linx, Jack van Poll, Michel Herr, Vaya Con Dios, and others
April 21, 1963 ~ Trumpeter Frank David Greene born in Maryland, USA ~ Lead trumpeter in both the Alum Rock Jazz Band and the One O'Clock Lab Band. Has also worked with the likes of Maynard Ferguson, Christian McBride, Frank Foster, Frank Wess, Bob Mintzer, Jon Faddis, Roy Hargrove, and others
April 21, 1963 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Johnny McElhone, full name John Francis McElhone, born in Glasgow, UK ~ First gained attention as co-founding member of early 1980s outfit the Altered Images, known for their 1981 Happy Birthday debut album mostly produced by Siouxsie & the Banshees-bassist Steven Severin. Subsequently co-founded Hipsway, known for the 1986 UK top 20 hit Honeythief. To mainstream audiences best known as co-founder, co-lead singer of Texas, known for their 1989 single I Don't Want A Lover which reached top 30 across Europe including top 10 spots in Ireland and the UK
April 21, 1963 ~ Pop rock drummer Peter Jones, full name Peter Robert Jones,born in Liverpool, UK ~ Latter-day member of Crowded House, replacing founding member Paul Hester in 1994 and remaining until the band's initial disbandement in 1996. Jones was present for the band's initial farewell tour, documented on the Farewell To The World album, but did not return when the band reformed about a decade later. Jones has also worked with Deadstar, Reggaebites, Stephen Cummings, Tess McKenna, and with Rebecca Barnard. Following his musical career, Jones has also worked as a drum instructor and classroom teacher. Jones passed away age 49 of brain cancer ~ Jones passed away in 2012
April 21, 1959 ~ Post-punk, new wave, alternative rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Robert Smith born in Blackpool, UK ~ Frontman and sole constant member of pivotal and hugely influential new wave band the Cure, known for songs such as The Walk, The Love Cats, Caterpillar, In Between Days, Lullaby, High and Friday I'm In Love. Also lead guitarist of Siouxsie & the Banshees from 1982 through 1984
April 21, 1958 ~ Keyboardist Mike Barson born in London, UK ~ Co-founding member of Madness, remaining with the band through 1983 and present on the band's biggest hits such as One Step Beyond, My Girl, Night Boat To Cairo, Baggy Trousers, Embarrassment, Grey Day, House Of Fun and Our House
April 21, 1954 ~ Rock guitarist, mandolinist, percussionist, singer Luiz Brasil, full name Luiz Alberto Brasil De Carvalho, born in Salvador, Brazil ~ Active since the 1970s. Member of acts such as Mar Revolto, Scorpius, Zezé Motta. Has also backed singers such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Nando Reis, and Cassia Eller. As a solo artist debuted in 2005 with the album Brasileru
April 21, 1954 ~ Singer, actress Manoella Torres born in New York, New York, USA ~ Actively recording since the mid-1960s. Broke through with her 1971 single El Ultimo Verano, a smash hit in Mexico, and has recorded consistenly since. Known as a fine interpreter of compositions by Cuco Sánchez, Los Panchos, Lucha Villa
April 21, 1951 ~ Punk rock, art punk, post-punk drummer Robert Grey, also known as Robert Gotobed, born in Leicestershire, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member of Wire. The band, active since the mid-1970s is widely regarded as the most innovative British punk band of their day and critically acclaimed especially for their first three albums, Pink Flag, Chairs Missing and 154. After Grey departed the band in 1990 they would drop the last e in their name, renaming themselves Wir. Grey rejoined in 2000
April 21, 1949 ~ Stage actress, singer Patti LuPone, full name Patti Ann LuPone, born in Northport, New York, USA ~ Won a Tony Award for the title role in the original 1979 Broadway production of Evita. Also known for major roles in the original London casts of Les Miserables and The Cradle Will Rock, and Broadway productions of Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown and War Paint
April 21, 1947 ~ Guitarist, singer Allan Warner born in London, UK ~ Started playing guitar at age 11 and listening to Duane Eddy, Hank Marvin, and the Ventures, decided this is what he wanted to do. Has been playing professionally since age 16. Founding member of the Foundations known for songs such as Baby Now That I've Found You, Back On My Feet Again, and In The Bad Bad Old Days (Before You Loved Me)
April 21, 1947 ~ Guitarist Gert Krawinkel, also known as Kralle Krawinkel, born ~ Active since the mid-1960s. Founded folk, progressive rock outfit Cravinkel, recording two albums in the early 1970s. Best known as member of new wave band Trio, enjoying popularity for most of the 1980s. Has also recorded as a solo artist, perhaps most notably duetting with Nena on 'n Zentimeter Liebe ~ Krawinkel passed away in 2014
April 21, 1947 ~ James Newwell Osterberg Jr, commonly known as singer, songwriter Iggy Pop born in Muskegon, Michigan, USA ~ Dubbed the “Godfather of Punk” rose to fame fronting the pivotal though initially commercially unsuccessful proto-punk outfit the Stooges, acclaimed for their 1969 eponymous The Stooges debut album and its 1970 Fun House follow-up. Closely associated with frequent collaborator and close friend David Bowie. To mainstream audiences best known for solo recordings such as Lust For Life, The Passenger and Candy, the latter a duet with the B52's singer Kate Pierson and Iggy's sole Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hit peaking at No.28
April 21, 1947 ~ Guitarist, bassist, violinist John Weider born in London, UK ~ Best known as guitarist of the Animals from 1966 through 1968 and present on the albums The Twain Shall Meet, Every One Of Us and Love Is. Also played bass with the Family from 1969 through 1971. Has also released a number of solo records, notably 1976's eponymous John Weider album
April 21, 1946 ~ Blues guitarist, singer Doug Macleod, full name Douglas Cameron MacLeod, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Acoustic blues guitarist admired by peers. Active since the mid-1980s with well over two dozen albums to his name. His songs have been recorded by artists such as Dave Alvin, James Armstrong, Eva Cassidy (Nightbird), Albert Collins, Papa John Creach, Albert King, Chris Thomas King (Plaquemine), Coco Montoya, Billy Lee Riley, Son Seals, Tabby Thomas, Joe Louis Walker, and others
April 21, 1945 ~ Harry Llewellyn Jackson, commonly known as beat singer Al Jackson, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Lead singer of the Applejacks, known for a number of mid-1960s singles including Like Dreamers Do penned by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Three Little Words and the UK top 10 hit Tell Me When. The band was also the first to record I Go To Sleep, written by the Kinks singer Ray Davies. Others who have recorded the song include Cher on her 1965 All I Really Want To Do solo debut album, Peggy Lee, the Pretenders, Graham Bonnet, and Soulwax
April 21, 1944 ~ Free jazz, free improvisation bassist Peter Kowald born in Meiningen, Germany ~ Leader, co-leader, solo bassist, in-demand sideman. Closely associated with the likes of Alexander von Schlippenbach, Peter Brötzmann, the Globe Unity Orchestra, Barre Phillips, Maarten Altena, Barry Guy, Wadada Leo Smith, Evan Parker, and Julius Hemphill ~ Kowald passed away in 2002
April 21, 1944 ~ Anthony Gordon Instone, commonly known as songwriter Tony Macauley, born in London, UK ~ Internationally renowned songwriter. Artists who recorded songs written or co-written by Macaulay include the Foundations (Build Me Up Buttercup), Marmalade, the 5th Dimension, David Soul, Donna Summer (Can't We Just Sit Down And Talk It Over), Long John Baldry, the Paper Dolls, Pickettywitch, Scott Walker, the Hollies, the New Seekers (You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me), Edison Lighthouse (Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes), Andy Williams, and others
April 21, 1942 ~ Rock, pop, jazz saxophonist Alan Skidmore, full name Alan Richard James Skidmore, born in Kingston upon Thames, UK ~ Son of saxophonist Jimmy Skidmore. Has worked with John Surman, Tony Oxley, Mike Osborne, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, Ronnie Scott, Kenny Wheeler, Mose Allison, Kate Bush, Elton Dean, George Gruntz, Elvin Jones, Van Morrison, Charlie Watts, and Mike Westbrook
April 21, 1942 ~ Singer Bobby McClure born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of the Soul Stirrers in the 1950s, then led by Sam Cooke. As a solo artist best known for the mid-1960s singles Don't Mess Up A Good Thing, You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone and Peak Of Love. Moved on to work with Bobby & the Vocals, Big Daddy Jenkins, Oliver Sain, Little Milton, Fontella Bass, Otis Clay, Shirley Brown, and others ~ McClure passed away in 1992
April 21, 1941 ~ William Hargis Bowman Jr, commonly known as R&B, soul, funk singer, drummer Beau Dollar, born in Hamilton, Ohio, USA ~ Discovered by James Brown, under whose direction the Dapps fronted by Dollar would record their It's A Gas single. It would be shelved though due to disputes with the King record label. With the help of Hank Ballard the band would release two other singles, There Was A Time and Bringing Up The Guitar, in 1967 before disbanding shortly thereafter ~ Bowman passed away in 2011
April 21, 1941 ~ Alfred James Ellis, commonly known as saxophonist, songwriter Pee Wee Ellis, born in Bradenton, Florida, USA ~ Key member of James Brown's backing band. Co-wrote several of Brown's classics including Cold Sweat (Part 1), Licking Stick Licking Stick (Part 1), and Mother Popcorn You've Got To Have A Mother For Me (Part 1) ~ Ellis passed away in 2021
April 21, 1937 ~ David Helfman, commonly known as rock & roll, pop singer, producer, songwriter David Lucas, born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Member of 1960s vocal group Lambert & Co. As a performer has also worked with Laura Nyro, Ravi Shankar, Tim Rose, Cass Elliott, Janis Ian, Mel Tormé, Terry Gibbs. Turned to writing jingles by the late 1960s. Directed The Golden Screw in 1967, considered the first rock & roll musical. Produced the Blue Öyster Cult hit Don't Fear The Reaper, also singing background vocals and coming up with the idea of the song's heavy use of the cowbell
April 21, 1933 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion trumpeter Ian Carr born in Dumfries, UK ~ Perhaps best known as member of the Rendell-Carr Quintet in the 1960s and of jazz-rock band Nucleus starting in the early 1970s. Authored several books, including biographies of Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett. Has also played with the Emcee Five, the New Jazz Orchestra, Joe Harriott, Neil Ardley, Roy Budd, the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble, and others ~ Carr passed away in 2009
April 21, 1932 ~ Lockley Wellington Hampton commonly known as jazz trombonist Slide Hampton, born in Jeannettte, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Played with Lionel Hampton, Buddy Johnson, Maynard Ferguson, Melba Liston, Art Blakey, Tadd Dameron, Barry Harris, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Max Roach, Freddie Hubbard, George Coleman, Woody Herman, Jimmy Heath, Maynard Ferguson, Dexter Gordon, JJ Johnson, Nat Adderley, Art Farmer, Curtis Fuller, Louis Hayes, Philly Joe Jones, Hank Mobley, Charles Mingus, Oliver Nelson, Woody Shaw, McCoy Tyner, and Randy Weston
April 21, 1925 ~ Jazz, swing singer, guitarist Carline Ray born in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Member of all-female ensemble the International Sweethearts Of Rhythm. After its disbandement would go on to work with Erskine Hawkins, Patti Page, Mary Lou Williams, Skitch Henderson, Marian McPartland, Sy Oliver, and others ~ Ray passed away in 2013
April 21, 1924 ~ Singer Clara Ward, full name Clara Mae Ward, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Led family gospel outfit the Ward Singers, active since the 1930s and a major influence on singers such as Aretha Franklin. The group has backed up artists such as Mahalia Jackson, sang on Broadway and entertained troops during Vietnam tours ~ Ward passed away in 1973
April 21, 1924 ~ Ira Lonnie Loudermilk, commonly known as singer, mandolinist Ira Louvin, born in Section, Alabama, USA ~ Half of noted country duo the Louvin Brothers, the other half being Charlie Louvin. Influential on Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, and the Byrds. Known for songs such as When I Stop Dreaming, I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby, Cash On The Barrelhead, and My Baby's Gone ~ Loudermilk passed away in 1965
April 21, 1919 ~ Luigi Francisco Varlaro, commonly known as jazz, traditional pop singer Don Cornell, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Backing guitarist for Red Nichols and vocalist in Sammy Kaye's band while still in his teens. As a solo artist enjoyed popularity during the 1950s, scoring hits with songs such as I'll Walk Alone, I'm Yours, Hold My Hand, and The Bible Tells Me So ~ Cornell passed away in 2004
April 21, 1918 ~ Eduard Christiani, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Eddy Christiani born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Best known for songs such as Zonnig Madeira, Ouwe Taaie, Spring Maar Achterop, and Daar Bij De Waterkant. During World War II performed for occupying German military as well as, secretly, support the Dutch resistance ~ Christiani passed away in 2016
April 21, 1911 ~ Swing drummer Johnny Blowers, fuill name John G Blowers Jr, born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA ~ Worked with Bunny Berigan, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Sidney Bechet, Eddie Fisher, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Billie Holiday, Mel Tormé, and others ~ Blowers passed away in 2006
April 21, 1908 ~ Producer, label executive Alfred Lion born in Berlin, Germany ~ Co-founded the Blue Note record label in 1939, recording Albert Ammons and Meade Lux Lewis as their first artists in January 1939. The same year Sidney Bechet's version of Summertime would be the label's first hit. Over the years the label would become a defining force in blues and jazz ~ Lion passed away in 1987
April 21, 1907 ~ Country singer, banjoist Wade Mainer, full name Wade Echard Mainer, born in Bumcobe, North Carolina ~ Bridged the gap between old-time mountain music and bluegrass. Influenced artists such as Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, and Doc Watson. Worked with the Sons Of Mountaineers, Zeke Morris, the Smiling Rangers, and others ~ Mainer passed away in 2011
April 21, 1893 ~ Clarinetist Lorenzo Tio Jr born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Son of Lorenzo Tio Sr and nephew of Louis Papa Tio, both clarinetists with whom he worked as the Three Tios. Has also worked with Manuel Perez, AJ Piron, Jelly Roll Morton, Clarence Williams ~ Tio passed away in 1933
April 21, 1891 ~ Pianist, singer, songwriter Will Donaldson born in New York, New York, USA ~ Married to pianist, organist, songwriter Muriel Pollock. As a songwriter perhaps best known for Oh Sister Ain't That Hot, recorded originally by Gene Rodemich in 1923 and later covered by the Original Memphis Five, Jimmie Noone, Eddie Condon, Fats Waller, and others ~ Donaldson passed away in 1954
April 21, 1889 ~ Violinist, conductor, composer Efrem Zimbalist born in Rostov-on-Don, Russia ~ Internationally acclaimed by his early 20s. Came out of retirement in 1949 to premier Gian Carlo Menotti's Violin Concerto, dedicated to him. Also known as a composer, notably for the pieces American Rhapsody, Sarasateana for viola and piano and the 1956 opera Landara ~ Zimbalist passed away in 1985