April 23, 2023 ~ R&B, funk drummer Isaac Wiley Jr passed away ~ Member of funk outfit the Dazz Band from its inception in 1977 through 1985. The band also included his brother bassist Michael Wiley and is known best for their 1982 Let It Whip Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. Wiley is also present on songs such as On The One For Fun, Keep It Live (On The KIL), Joystick, Swoop (I'm Yours), and Let It All Blow, all of which reached top 20 on the Billboard R&B charts. Wiley has also backed jazz artists such as Najee, Stanley Clarke, and Bob James ~ Wiley was born ca.1954
April 23, 2023 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Keith Gattis passed away ~ As a solo artist known for his single Little Drops Of My Heart of his 1996 eponymous Keith Gattis debut album. Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Charlie Robison, Kenny Chesney (El Cerrito Place). George Strait (I Got A Car), and by Randy Houser (What Whiskey Does). Played with George Jones, Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson, Kid Rock, Randy Houser, Gary Allan, Ashley Monroe, Allison Moorer, Waylon Payne, Miranda Lambert, Wade Bowen, Sara Evans, Brandy Clark, the Randy Rogers Band, Randy Travis, and the Eli Young Band ~ Gattis was born in 1970
April 23, 2022 ~ Arnold Charles Ernest Hintjens, commonly known as singer, songwriter Arno, passed away ~ Known for his raspy voice. Rose to fame in the 1980s as frontman of TC Matic, one of the most important Belgian rock bands known for songs such as Oh La La La, Qua Pasa and Putain Putain. Debuted as a solo artist with the eponymous Arno album in 1986. Especially acclaimed for his Idiots Savant album, released in 1993. Sang the Dutch version of Randy Newman's You've Got A Friend In Me, retitled Je Bent Een Vriend Van Mij, for a Dutch-language version of Pixar's 1995 Toy Story animated film ~ Hintjens was born in 1949
April 23, 2021 ~ Country songwriter, producer Charlie Black, full name Charles Frank Black, passed away ~ First gained attention penning Girl You Eased My Mind for Tommy Overstreet. Others who have recorded his songs include Anne Murray, Gary Morris, Earl Thomas Conley, Johnny Paycheck, Phil Vassar. Married to songwriter Dana Hunt ~ Black was born in 1949
April 23, 2021 ~ Maria Ilba Biolcati, commonly known as singer, actress, TV personality Milva, passed away in Milan, Italy ~ Dubbed “La Rossa”, the Redhead, for the colour of her hair and for her leftist political views. Popular stage and musical singer, actress. Has worked with orchestras such as La Scala, the Deutsche Oper, and the Paris Opera. Actvely recording as a solo artist since the early-1960s, drawing from a wide array of genres including pop, schlager, chanson. Acclaimed as interpreter of the oeuvre of singer Edith Piaf. Has collaborated with composers, songwriters such as Ennio Morricone, Mikis Theodorakis, Enzo Jannacci, Vangelis and Franco Battiato ~ Biolcati was born in 1939
April 23, 2018 ~ Jazz pianist Art Simmons, full name Arthur Eugene Simmons, passed away in Beckley, West Virginia, USA ~ Worked with Charlie Parker, Kenny Clarke, Aaron Bridgers, Don Byas, Robert Mavounzy, Nelson Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Bertice Reading, Michel Gaudry, Pierre Cullaz, Elek Bacsik, Carmen McRae, Billie Holiday, and Art Taylor ~ Simmons was born in 1926
April 23, 2016 ~ Singer Bruce Springsteen opens his Brooklyn, New York, show with a rendition of Purple Rain in honor of the recently deceased Prince ~ Springsteen honors Prince, who had died two days earlier of an accidental fentanyl overdose, opening the show with a rendition of Purple Rain, one of the late singer's best known, guitarist Nils Lofgren prominently playing the guitar solo. For the occasion, deviating from their usual black Springsteen's backing unit the E Street Band is dressed in purple, a color closely associated with Prince
April 23, 2016 ~ Rock, blues rock guitarist Vjatseslav Kobrin, also known as Slavka Kobrin, passed away in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica ~ Considered one of the premiere guitarists to come out of Russia. Founded rock group Rok-Steyabr in the late-1970s. Would go on to collaborate with Yuri Shevchuk, DDT, the Magnetic Band, and Jaak Joala. Co-founding member, songwriter for Ultima Thule, one of the most influential Estonian bands of the 1980s and 1990s ~ Kobrin was born in 1958
April 23, 2012 ~ William Taylor Bryans, commonly known as funk, rock, world drummer, singer, engineer, producer, songwriter, film composer Billy Bryans, passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Cited by renowned producer Daniel Lanois as an inspiration. Well-known for his association with the Downchild Blues Band, including producing the band's first notable hit Flip Flop & Fly. Co-founding member of the Parachute Club. Especially noted for producing Lillian Allen's award-winning albums Revolutionary Tea Party and Conditions Critical. Co-wrote the soundtrack to the 1989 thriller Office Party. Also noted for helping promote Latin music in Canada in the 2000s, advancing the careers of Laura Fernandez, Aline Morales, and Alex Cuba ~ Bryans was born in 1947
April 23, 2012 ~ Bassist, pianist Chris Ethridge, full name John Christopher Ethridge, passed away in Meridian, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for his association with Gram Parsons, serving as a member of the International Submarine Band and the Flying Burrito Brothers. Co-wrote Hot Burrito No.1 and Hot Burrito No.2 for the latter. Ethridge would go on to become an in-demand session and touring musician for numerous country-tinged acts, including eight years with Willie Nelson. Ehtridge has also worked with the likes of Nancy Sinatra, Judy Collins, Johnny Winter, Ry Cooder, Leon Russell, Randy Newman, Linda Ronstadt, the Byrds, and Jackson Browne ~ Etheridge was born in 1947
April 23, 2011 ~ Producer, label executive Huey P Meaux, full name Huey Purvis Meaux, passed away in Winnie, Texas, USA ~ Has worked with artists such as Sir Douglas Quintet (She's About A Mover), Freddy Fender (Before The Next Teardrop Falls, Wasted Days And Wasted Nights), Barbara Lynn (You'll Lose A Good Thing), Sunny & the Sunliners (Talk To Me), and Gene Summers (Big Blue Diamonds) ~ Meaux was born in 1929
April 23, 2010 ~ Garage rock, punk blues, indie rock duo the Black Keys release Tighten Up, lead single off their Brothers breakthrough album ~ The only track off the album produced by Danger Mouse. The single would be their first to chart on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No.87. The song was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song, losing out to Neil Young's Angry World, and receive a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by Duo or Group with Vocal, making it the last song to receive the award
April 23, 2005 ~ Jazz bassist Jimmy Woode, full name James Bryant Woode, passed away in Linderwold, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Flip Phillips, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins, Nat Pierce, Sidney Bechet, Billie Holiday, Jaki Byard, Earl Hines, Jimmy Witherspoon, Clark Terry, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Kenny Clarke, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Art Farmer, Svend Asmussen, and Mal Waldron ~ Woode was born in 1926
April 23, 2005 ~ Conductor, trumpeter, composer, arranger Robert Farnon passed away in Guernsey, Channel Islands ~ Revered by his peers. Influential on Quincy Jones. Called “the greatest writer for strings in the world” by André Previn. Arranged and conducted for artists such as Frank Sinatra (Frank Sinatra Sings Great Songs From Great Britain), Lena Horne (Lena (A New Album), Tony Bennett (Snowfall), and Sarah Vaughan (Vaughan With Voices). Composed scores for over 40 movies. ~ Farnon was born in 1917
April 23, 1999 ~ Jazz trombonist, arranger, composer Melba Liston passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ First woman trombonist to play the 1940s big bands. Eventually better known as an arranger, particularly for Randy Weston. Also arranged for Motown and Stax/Volt. Performed and recorded with Dexter Gordon, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Billy Eckstine, Quincy Jones, Milt Jackson, Clark Terry, Johnny Griffin, Betty Carter, Jimmy Smith, Dinah Washington, Bennie Green, Jimmy Cleveland, Babs Gonzales, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Cannonball Adderley, Mark Murphy, Sam Jones, Junior Mance, Oliver Nelson, Freddie Hubbard, Elvin Jones, and Kim Weston ~ Liston was born in 1926
April 23, 1996 ~ John Rufus Sharpe III, commonly known as songwriter, music publisher, author Jack Sharpe, passed away in Santa Cruz County, California, USA ~ Best remembered for writing So Rare with Jerry Herst. The song was first published in 1937 and is perhaps best known as a late-career hit for Jimmy Dorsey just months before his death in 1957. Others who have recorded the song include Carl Ravell, Gus Arnheim, Ella Fitzgerald, King Curtis, Chet Atkins. Sharpe has also written lyrics for other songs, notably Margaret Whiting's The Dream Peddler's Serenade with music by composer Johnny Mercer, and formed the music publishing company Rondo Music in the mid-1960s ~ Sharpe was born in 1909
April 23, 1993 ~ Dingilizwe Dumile, commonly known as hip-hop, alternative hip-hop DJ, rapper, producer DJ Subroc, passed away in Nassau County, New York, USA ~ Member of KMD, co-founded with his brother MF Doom, known for their 1991 Mr Hood album. The group would also serve as producing team for the likes of 3rd Bass, MF Grimm, and Kurious. Dumile's 1993 death in a traffic accident effectively halted the group's production of Black Bastards, although the album would be released posthumously in 2000. Dumile's brother Doom would dedicate his 2004 track Kon Karne to his late brother referencing him in the lyrics as “the hip-hop Jimi Hendrix” ~ Dumile was born in 1973
April 23, 1986 ~ Hyman Arluck, commonly known as songwriter Harold Arlen, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing several songs for the 1939 film Wizard Of Oz with lyricist Yip Harburg including Over The Rainbow. Arlen wrote or co-wrote over 500 songs, some of its best known include That Old Black Magic (Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald), I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues (Lillian Shade, Billie Holiday, Sam Cooke), Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea (Aida Ward, Louis Armstrong, Carmen McRae), Ac-cent-tchu-ate The Positive (Johnny Mercer, Bing Crosby, Ella Mae Morse), Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home (Ruby Hill, Pearl Bailey, Barbra Streisand), Let's Take The Long Way Home (Jo Stafford, Dinah Shore, the Ames Brothers), and One For My Baby And One More For The Road (Lena Horne, Fred Astaire, Harry Belafonte) ~ Arluck was born in 1905
April 23, 1986 ~ Indie rock singer, guitarist Yannis Philippakis, full name Yannis Barnabas Emanuel Philippakis, born in Karpathos, Greece ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of UK indie rock outfit Foals, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums starting with the acclaimed Anitdotes released in 2008. The band merges dance-rock, new wave, and post-rock and is best known for songs such as My Number and Mountain At My Gates
April 23, 1984 ~ William McKinley Garland Jr, commonly known as pianist Red Garland, passed away in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his association with Miles Davis, backing Davis in the 1950s as a pivotal member of the Miles Davis Quintet. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Paul Chambers, Art Taylor, John Coltrane, Donald Byrd, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Blue Mitchell, Philly Joe Jones, Arnett Cobb, Curtis Fuller, Jackie McLean, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, and Art Pepper ~ Garland was born in 1923
April 23, 1983 ~ Singer Taio Cruz born in Sussex, UK ~ Cruz was part of Tricky Stewart's songwriting collective, responsible for hits such as Will Young's 2004 Your Game, before releasing his solo debut, Departure, in 2008. Cruz has also written or co-written songs for David Guetta (Little Bad Girl, Without You), Jennifer Lopez (I'm Into You), Olly Murs (Kiss Me), Tinchy Stryder (Never Leave Me), and for Cheryl (Stand Up)
April 23, 1979 ~ Alternative rock singer Lauri Ylönen, full name Lauri Johannes Ylönen, born in Helsinki, Finland ~ Co-founder, frontman of alternative rock outfit the Rasmus, known for Finnish No.1 hits such as F-f-f-falling, Heartbreaker/Days, No Fear, and Living In A World Without You. Internationally, the band is best known for their 2003 single In The Shadows, which reached top 10 across Europe including No.1 in Germany
April 23, 1979 ~ Bassist, guitarist, singer Ryan Sinn born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Bassist for the Distillers, joining the band in 2000 replacing Kim Chi and first appearing on the band's Sing Sing Death House sophomore album. After departing the band in 2005 joined Angels & Airwaves, present on We Don't Need To Whisper. Has also worked with the Innocent, Blackpool, and Bhorelorde
April 23, 1977 ~ In its nineteenth week on the charts, Don't Leave Me This Way by Thelma Houston hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Houston had been recording since the 1960s, but despite critical acclaim and being given quality material and at times working with top-notch musicians and producers, she would not break through to the charts. In 1974 she earned a Grammy Award for the track You've Been Doing Wrong So Long, and shortly thereafter she recorded the original version of Do You Know Where You're Going To, her version unreleased as the song was then given to Diana Ross. It was Don't Leave Me This Way, however, originally an album track for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, that made her a household name. Houston continued to record, but would be unable to repeat the success of Don't Leave Me This Way, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 only twice more
April 23, 1976 ~ Twin brothers Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner born in USA ~ Both brothers are members of indie rock band the National, known best for the singles The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness, The Day I Die and You Had Your Soul With You. Aaron is also known for forming the duo Big Red Machine with Justin Vernon, as well as in-demand producer and songwriter for Taylor Swift, Frightened Rabbit, Ben Howard, and Lisa Hannigan. Bryce has worked with artists such Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Paul Simon, Sufjan Stevens, Nico Muhly, Jonny Greenwood, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Justin Peck, Ragnar Kjartannson, Caroline Shaw, Kelley O'Connor, and the Cloggs
April 23, 1976 ~ Keyboardist Aron Magner born ~ Classically trained as a pianist. Influenced by jazz and classical music as well as by the likes of David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and the Doors. Co-founding member of Disco Biscuits, a band credited with bringing improvisational electronic music to the forefront of the live music scene.
April 23, 1975 ~ Jon Por Birgisson, commonly known as post-rock singer, guitarist, bassist, banjoist, keyboardist Jónsi, born in Iceland ~ Known for his use of a cello bow on guitar. Lead singer and instrumentalist for post-rock outfit Sigur Rós. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with 2010's Go, and collaborated with Alex Somers and Carl Michael Von Hauswolff
April 23, 1974 ~ Christian techno, trance, electronic DJ, producer Andy Hunter born in UK ~ Active as a sound engineer since the early-1990s, working with artists such as Suede and Wonder Stuff. As a solo artist has recorded about a dozen albums since the early-2000s, especially noted for his 2002 Exodus album
April 23, 1972 ~ Singer Amira Medunjanin born in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina ~ Described as one of the great voices of sevdalinka, a traditional form of regional folk music. First gained attention guesting on the Mostar Sevdah Reunion's 2003 A Secret Gate album. Would released her Rosa solo debut album in 2005 and has recorded consistently since, with over half a dozen albums to her name
April 23, 1969 ~ Krysztod Trzcinski, commonly known as jazz pianist, composer Krzysztof Komeda, passed away ~ Perhaps best known for his film scores, notably for Rosemary's Baby, and for his 1965 album Astigmatic, generally considered one of the most important European jazz albums ~ Trzciński was born in 1931
April 23, 1965 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, nu metal guitarist, singer, songwriter Al B Romano born in Yonkers, New York, USA ~ Taught to play the guitar by Mountain's Leslie West. Briefly a member of Belladonna, fronted by former Anthrax singer Joey Belladonna. Co-founded supergroup Sun Red Sun, known for their sole eponymous Sun Red Sun album. Romano has also worked with Ian Gillan, John McCoy, and the Dali Gaggers, and is a vintage collector with guitars previously owned by Jimi Hendrix. Ace Frehley, Eddie Van Halen, and Eric Clapton in his collection
April 23, 1965 ~ Guitarist John McBain born in New Jersey, USA ~ Member of Monster Magnet, known for their 1991 Spine Of God album. Co-founded Hater, which also included Brian Wood and Soundgarden's Matt Cameron and Ben Shepherd. Briefly played with the Queens Of The Stone Age, for whom he also co-wrote Regular John of their eponymous Queens Of The Stone Age debut album. Co-founded Wellwater Conspiracy. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with The In-Flight Feature released in 2006
April 23, 1965 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones kick off their North American tour at the Maurice Richard Arena, Montreal, Canada ~ In support of their The Rolling Stones Now album, the band play close to two dozen shows through the end of May across Canada and the USA. Included on the set list are Everybody Needs Somebody To Love, Off The Hook, Little Red Rooster, It's All Over Now, and The Last Time
April 23, 1961 ~ Jazz drummer Gene Calderazzo born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of the Partisans, alongside Julien Siegel, Phil Robson, and Thad Kelly. Also worked with Steve Lacy, Steve Grossman, Eddie Henderson, NDR, Mike Gibbs, Bheki Mseleku, UMO, Sting, Radiohead, James Moody, Phil Woods, Benny Golson, Ulf Wakenius, Gary Husband, Wayne Krantz, Bobby Watson, Eddie Gomez, Evan Parker, Randy Brecker, and with his brother Joey Calderazzo
April 23, 1960 ~ Indie rock, indie pop, alternative rock, jangle pop singer, guitarist David Gedge born in Bramley, UK ~ Co-founding member, lead singer, primary songwriter for the Wedding Present, known best for a string of early-1990s hits including the UK top 20 hits Three, Silver Shorts, Come Play With Me, Loveslave, and Sticky. Also formed Cinerama, initially a duo with Sally Murrell, known for merging soundtrack-like arrangements with string and woodwind accompaniment and later gravitating more toward a rock-oriented sound
April 23, 1960 ~ Jazz alto saxophonist Jamie Talbot, full names James Robert Talbot, born in London, UK ~ Worked with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Clark Tracey, Stan Tracey, Jack Sharpe, Johnny Dankworth, Colin Towns, Guy Barker, Richard Niles, Shorty Rogers, Michael Nyman, Bud Shank, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, George Michael, Mel Tormé, Nelson Riddle, Gil Evans, and Quincy Jones
April 23, 1960 ~ Hard rock, glam metal, heavy metal guitarist Steve Clark, full name Stephen Maynard Clark, born in Hillsborough, UK ~ Member of Def Leppard from 1978 until his death of alcohol poisoning in 1991. Present on most of the band's best known including the acclaimed albums Pyromania and Hysteria. Co-wrote songs such as Bringing On The Heartbreak, Photograph, Love Bites, and Pour Some Sugar On Me ~ Clark passed away in 1991
April 23, 1959 ~ Pianist, songwriter Guy Allison born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Touring keyboardist for the Doobie Brothers from 1996 through 2015, also appearing on the band's Sibling Rivalry album released in 2000. Has also worked with Lodgic, the Moody Blues, World Trade, Air Supply, Unruly Child, Don Henley (Building The Perfect Beast), Boz Scaggs, Bobby Kimball, Nick Kamen, and Carlene Carter
April 23, 1958 ~ Jazz singer, guitarist Kendra Shank born in Woodland, California, USA ~ Mentored by Shirley Horn. Over half a dozen albums to her name, starting with Afterglow released in 1994 featuring Larry Willis and Gary Bartz. Has also worked with Peter Leitch, Ben Monder, John Stowell, and Geoffrey Keezer
April 23, 1958 ~ Pianist, guitarist, singer Yul Anderson born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Son of singer John Kassandra. Influenced by Mahalia Jackson, BB King, Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Johann Sebastian Bach. Opened for Earthquake, Eddie Money and Ray Charles while still in his early teens. Known for merging gospel, blues, R&B, adding elements of classical music. Social activist, organized several intercultural events. Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 ~ Anderson passed away in 2021
April 23, 1956 ~ Benjamin Albert Rolfe, commonly known as trumpeter, bandleader, radio personality, film producer BA Rolfe passed away in Walpole, Massachusetts, USA ~ Known as “the Boy Trumpet Wonder” would go on to become a film director, best known for acquiring Dyreda Art Film Company in 1915. The company's last production was the mystery series The Master Mystery starring renowned magician Harry Houdini ~ Rolfe was born in 1879
April 23, 1953 ~ Bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Gareth Williams, full name Gareth John Williams, born in Cardiff, UK ~ Best known as member of experimental rock, punk outfit This Heat, present on the band's eponymous This Heat debut album. Has subsequently played with the Flaming Tunes and Mind The Gap ~ Williams passed away in 2001
April 23, 1953 ~ Jazz, pop pianist, songwriter Peter De Rose passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for penning Deep Purple as a piano instrumental, first recorded by Paul Whiteman in 1934. Lyrics would later be added by Mitchell Parish. The song would be recorded by well over 200 artists including Guy Lombardo, Art Tatum, Duke Ellington, Billy Ward & the Dominoes, and Toots Thielemans. The band Deep Purple had named themselves after the song, a favorite tune of Ritchie Blackmore's grandmother. Other artists who recorded songs written or co-written by De Rose include Fletcher Henderson, Ted Lewis (Have You Ever Been Lonely), Billie Holiday, Vaughn Monroe, Louis Prima (Buona Sera (Good Night)), and Bing Crosby ~ De Rose was born in 1896
April 23, 1951 ~ Engineer, producer, label executive Rob Fraboni, full name Robert Alan Fraboni, born ~ Active since the early-1970s. Considered one of the most important engineers, producers in the history of rock. Has worked with labels such as Elektra Records, Warner Bros Records, Arista Records, RSO Records, and Island Records. Notable credits include engineering the soundtrack to the Band concert film The Last Waltz and accompanying album. Has also worked with the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones (Goat's Head Soup), Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, Wayne Shorter, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt (Green Light), Tim Hardin, Melissa Etheridge, U2, John Martyn, Phoebe Snow, Ivan Neville, Keith Richards, and Hubert Sumlin
April 23, 1949 ~ John Errington, commonly known as rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist John Miles, born in Jarrow, UK ~ Member of local band the Influence, which also included future Roxy Music-drummer Paul Thompson and future Geordie-guitarist Vic Malcolm. Active as a solo artist since the eary 1970s, best known for Highfly, Slowdown and Music, the latter a UK top 10 hit in 1975 and a radio staple since. Would go on to back artists such as Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, and Stevie Wonder ~ Errington passed away in 2021
April 23, 1949 ~ Bassist, producer Mans Groundstroem born in Finland ~ Rose to prominence as member of a number of pivotal Finnish rock bands, notably the Blues Section, Tasavallan Presidentti and Wigwam. Would go on enjoy a lengthy and prolific career as producer and engineer for artists such as Jukka Tolonen, Jim Pembroke, Pekka Phojola, Dave Lindholm, Albert Järvinen, the Hurriganes, and Kaseva
April 23, 1948 ~ Sandra Elayne Hurvitz, commonly known as avant-garde jazz, folk-jazz, blues singer, pianist, guitarist, mandolinist Essra Mohawk, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Signed to Reprise Records after being discovered by label executive Mo Ostin, which resulted in the highly acclaimed Primordial Lovers album released in 1970, featuring top-notch backing musicians such as Doug Hastings, Dallas Taylor, and James Zitro. Though never becoming a household name, Mohawk has recorded well through the 2000s to critical acclaim and a devoted following. Best known for songs such as Sufferin' Till Suffrage and Interjections. Songs written or co-written by Hurvitz have been recorded by the likes of Vanilla Fudge, Bobby & the Midnites (Haze), Cyndi Lauper (Change Of Heart), Tina Turner, Lorrie Morgan, Diana Ross, and Rita Coolidge (What's It Gonna Be) ~ Hurvitz passed away in 2023
April 23, 1947 ~ Jazz pianist Alan Broadbent born in Auckland, New Zealand ~ Leader, sideman, arranger. Has worked with Charlie Haden, Woody Herman, Chet Baker, Irene Kral, Sheila Jordan, Natalie Cole (won a Grammy for arranging Cole's When I Fall In Love), Warne Marsh, Bud Shank, Putter Smith, Frank Gibson Jr, Joe LaBarbera, Peter Erskine, Michael Feinstein, Scott Hamilton, Percy Faith, Barbra Streisand, Lee Ritenour, Toots Thielemans, and Karrin Allyson
April 23, 1947 ~ Country songwriter Kent Robbins, full name Kent Marshall Robbins, born in Mayfield, Kentucky, USA ~ Songs written or co-written by Robbins were recorded by Barbara Mandrell, Trace Adkins (Every Light In The House), Gary Allan, John Anderson (Straight Tequila Night), the Judds (Love Is Alive), Janie Fricke, Kathy Mattea, Ronnie Milsap (I'm A Stand By My Woman Man), Willie Nelson, Charley Pride, George Straitt (Write This Down), Tanya Tucker, Steve Wariner (Heart Trouble), Don Williams, Trisha Yearwood, and Shania Twain ~ Robbins passed away in 1997
April 23, 1945 ~ Pop, classical, orchestral guitarist, singer Peter Brideoake, full name Peter Arthur Brideoake, born in Adelaide, Australia ~ Member of 1960s pop group the Twilights, with whom he scored hits such as Needle In A Haystack and What's Wrong With The Way I Live. Following the band's disbandement in the late-1960s, Brideoake returned to college to formally study music and has since established himself as a songwriter and university lecturer ~ Brideoake passed away in 2022
April 23, 1944 ~ Mary Ellen Harrison, commonly known as jazz, blues singer Marion Harris, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Popular 1920s singer. Reportedly the first white female to sing jazz and blues. Known for songs such as Paradise Blues, After You've Gone, St Louis Blues, Look For The Silver Lining, A Good Man Is Hard To Find, When I Hear That Jazz Band Play, and perhaps her best known I Ain't Got Nobody ~ Harrison was born in 1896
April 23, 1941 ~ Pianist, clarinetist, violinist Elizabeth Walton Vercoe born in Washington DC, USA ~ Worked with the Memphis Chamber Orchestra, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, the Berkshire Symphony Orchestra, the New York Virtuoso Singers, and other renowned orchestras and ensembles
April 23, 1939 ~ Composer, arranger, conductor Patrick Williams born in Bonne Terre, Missouri, USA ~ Oscar-nominated, Emmy- and Grammy-winning film and television composer, conductor, arranger responsible for composing music for TV shows such as Columbo, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Streets Of San Francisco, and Sports Challenge. Composed jazz and orchestral works, including Concerto In Swing for clarinetist Eddie Daniels, Romances For Jazz Soloist And Orchestra for saxophonist Tom Scott and Theme For Earth Day for John Williams and the Boston Pops ~ Williams passed away in 2018
April 23, 1939 ~ Traditional pop singer Ray Peterson born in Denton, Texas, USA ~ Best known for songs such as The Wonder Of You which was later covered by Elvis Presley, the smash hit Tell Laura I Love Her, the Phil Spector produced Corrina Corrina and the Barry Mann & Gerry Goffin-written dramatic ballad I Could've Loved You So Well ~ Peterson passed away 2005
April 23, 1936 ~ Singer, guitarist Roy Orbison, full name Roy Kelton Orbison, born in Mayfield, Kentucky, USA ~ Defined a number of rock & roll archetypes, most notably the hopeless romantic, and praised for his passionate, swooning vocal style, complex song structures and depths of his ballads. Dubbed by some “the Enrico Caruso of Rock” for his operatic style. Best known for a number of early to mid-1960s hits, mostly self-written or co-written, including Only The Lonely, Running Scared, Crying, In Dreams and his best known Oh Pretty Woman. Resurged in the 1980s shortly before his death, both as a solo artist and as co-founding member of supergroup the Traveling Wilburys, which also included George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne. The single I Got You, co-penned by U2's Bono, would be released one month after Orbison's death and be a global hit, including reaching top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 ~ Orbison passed away in 1988
April 23, 1935 ~ Vernice Green Jr, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Bunky Green, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Green got his first big break in music in the 1950s, taking over for Jackie McLean in Charles Mingus' backing ensemble. Although Green's stint with Mingus was brief, the bass player would prove a profound and lasting influence on Green. About a dozen albums to his name as leader or co-leader, noted especially for several mid-1960s releases teaming up with the likes of Wynton Kelly, Jimmy Cobb, and Sonny Stitt, and for the late-1980s album Healing The Pain, the latter a highly acclaimed commemorative album dedicated to his late parents. Over the course of his lengthy career, Green remained an in-demand sideman present on albums by Paul Serrano (Blues Holiday), Eddie Harris, Ben Sidran, Elvin Jones (Summit Meeting), Billy Stewart, Clark Terry, Cassandra Wilson (Songbook), Fontella Bass, Travis Shook, Dave Holland, and Keith Javors. Green is also especially known as an educator, having held teaching positions at the Chicago State University and the Univeristy of North Florida, and served a term as President of the International Association for Jazz Education ~ Green passed away in 2025
April 23, 1935 ~ Antonio de Souza, commonly known as bossa nova, jazz drummer Milton Banana, born ~ Credited with inventing the bossa nova drumming style. Present on pivotal albums such as João Gilberto's Chega De Saudade debut album, and the Stan Getz and Gilberto collaboration Getz/Gilberto. De Souza has also recorded as a leader and collaborated with João Donato, Luiz Bonfá, Carlos Lyra, and Baden Powell ~ De Souza passed away in 1999
April 23, 1932 ~ Singer Bing Crosby records Waltzing In A Dream in Chicago, Illinois ~ Lyrics by Crosby and Ned Washington, music by Victor Young. Backed by Isham Jones & his Orchestra. Released as a 78 single on the Brunswick label it would reach the top 10 later the same year. Later notably covered by Guy Lombardo, Enric Madriguera and by Ray Noble featuring Al Bowlly as vocalist
April 23, 1931 ~ Blues, jazz drummer Billy Davenport born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his association with Paul Butterfield, appearing on the 1966 East-West album. Has also worked with Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Otis Rush ~ Davenport passed away in 1999
April 23, 1930 ~ Saxophonist Mikkel Flagstad born in Oslo, Norway ~ Son of cellist Ole Flagstad. Leader and sideman. Known for his cool jazz-influenced style. Has worked with the Be-bop Band, Tage Wilford, Hans Backe, Per Asplin, Karl Otto Hoff, Egil Monn-Iversen, Rolf Ericson, Simon Brehm, Atle Hammer, Kjell Karlsen, and Erik Amundsen ~ Flagstad passed away in 2005
April 23, 1928 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader Mike Daniels, full name Mike John Brett Daniels, was born in Norbiton, UK ~ Influenced by King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong. Best known for leading jazz ensemble the Delta Jazzmen for about three decades starting in 1948. Worked with sidemen such as Gordon Blundy, John Barnes, Keith Nichols, and John Chilton ~ Daniels passed away in 2016
April 23, 1926 ~ Oswald Williams, commonly known as drummer, bandleader Count Ossie, born in Jamaica ~ Best known for backing the Folkes Brothers on the Prince Buster-produced Oh Carolina b/w I Met A Man single released in 1959. The recording is regarded by some as arguably the first-ever ska record, in large part due to Ossie's hand drumming. Has also worked with Harry Mudie, Coxsone Dodd, King Stitt, and the Mellow Cats. As a solo artist and bandleader Ossie is known for singles such as African Shuffle, Chubby and Rock A Man Soul and especially for his latter-day three-LP set Grounation released in 1973 ~ Williams passed away in 1976
April 23, 1924 ~ Jazz, swing, big band drummer Bobby Rosengarden, full name Robert Marshall Rosengarden, born in Elgin, Illinois, USA ~ Session and studio musician at NBC and ABC playing for a variety of TV shows. Member of a number of all-star ensembles, perhaps mosty notably Soprano Summit. Sideman on recordings by Stan Getz, Jimmy Smith, Sylvia Syms, Milt Hinton, Bob Wilber, Walter Wanderley, and Kai Winding ~ Rosengarden passed away in 2007
April 23, 1915 ~ Joseph P Lippman, commonly known as pop, jazz pianist, conductor, arranger, composer Joe Lipman, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Composed and arranged for Bunny Berigan, Jimmy Dorsey, Sarah Vaughan, Charlie Parker, Glenn Miller (Blue Evening), and Perry Como. Has also worked with Benny Goodman, Vincent Lopez, Irving Aaronson, Artie Shaw, Nathaniel Shilkret, Nat King Cole, Mel Tormé, Eileen Barton, Kay Thompson, Vic Damone, Betty Madigan, Kay Armen, Bill Tabbert, Jan August, Ginny Gibson, Ella Mae Morse, Fran Warren, and Bob Crosby ~ Lippman passed away in 2007
April 23, 1905 ~ Songwriter Henry Tobias, full name Henry Hyman Tobias, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA ~ Brother of songwriters Charles Tobias and Harry Tobias, both regular collaborators. Probably best known for co-writing Miss You first recorded by Rudy Vallée in 1929 and covered by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, Bill Haley, and Dinah Washington. Other songs co-written by Tobias include Cooking Breakfast For The One I Love recorded by Fanny Brice, If I Had My Life To Live Over recorded by Larry Vincent, I Remember Mama recorded by the Andrews Sisters, and If I Knew Then What I Know recorded by the Ray Conniff Singers ~ Tobias passed away in 1997
April 23, 1895 ~ Jazz, Dixieland clarinetist Jimmie Noone born in New Orleans, Louisiana, 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, and the Tuxedo Brass Band ~ Noone passed away in 1944
April 23, 1894 ~ Charles Edward Davenport, commonly known as blues organist, singer Cow Cow Davenport, born in Anniston, Alabama, USA ~ Closely associated with Dora Carrand Tampa Red. As a solo artist best known for the 1928 recording Cow Cow Blues containing an influential piano riff widely used in blues recordings since, up to and including in the Ahmet Ertegun-penned Mess Around, an early-1950s hit for Ray Charles. Davenport reportedly claimed to have written Arthur Crudup's Mama Don't Allow It and Louis Armstrong's I'll Be Glad When You're Dead (You Rascal You), but have sold the rights ~ Davenport passed away in 1955
April 23, 1756 ~ Composer, organist Alexander Reinagle, full name Alexander Robert Reinagle, born in Portsmouth, UK ~ Not to be confused with his nephew Alexander Reinagle, also an organist, composer. Influenced by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Muzio Clementi. Best known for his set of keyboard sonatas, often dubbed The Philadephia Sonatas for being the first sonatas composed in America ~ Reinagle passed away in 1809