April 24, 2024 ~ Keyboardist Mike Pinder, full name Michael Thomas Pinder, passed away in California, USA ~ Founding member of the Moody Blues, remaining with the band from its inception in 1964 through the recording of the band's ninth album, Octave, in 1978. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Let Me Go, Stop, The Best Way To Travel, The Sun Is Still Shining, Procession, Lost In A Lost World, When You're A Free Man and One Step Into The Light ~ Pinder was born in 1941
April 24, 2023 ~ Singer Lilian Day Jackson passed away ~ Stepdaughter of iconic jazz drummer Art Blakey. Co-lead singer of early-1980s Dutch disco outfit Spargo along with keyboardist Ellert Driessen, the group known best for songs such as Head Up To The Sky, One Night Affair, Just For You, and Hip Hap Hop. The band's You & Me debut single, noted for its call and response vocals, would reach No.1 in the Netherlands and remains a radio staple to this day ~ Jackson was born in 1960
April 24, 2022 ~ Singer, comedian, human rights activist Willi Resetarist, also known under the moniker Dr Kurt Ostbahn, passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Member of Schmetterlinge, with whom he reached 17th place in the 1977 Eurovision Songfestival with the song Boom Boom Boomerang representing Germany. Best known for developing his alter ego Dr Kurt Ostbahn in the mid-1980s, an excessive personality with an intense stage presence. Resetarits is also known as a radio host, comedian, and a human rights activist ~ Resetarits was born in 1948
April 24, 2021 ~ Mezzo-soprano, dramatic soprano opera, concert, lieder singer Christa Ludwig passed away in Klosterneuburg, Austria ~ Daughter of baritone, tenor singer Anton Ludwig and mezzo-soprano Eugenie Besalla-Ludwig. Married to bass-baritone Walter Berry from 1957 to 1970. Enjoyed a career spanning over four decades starting in the late-1940s. Known for her performances of opera, lieder, religious works including oratorio, masses and passions. Closely associated with the Vienna State Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. Has also worked with the Oper Frankfurt, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Royal Opera House, and others ~ Ludwig was born in 1926
April 24, 2020 ~ R&B, disco, funk bandleader, singer, drummer, songwriter, producer Hamilton Bohannon, mononymously known as Bohannon, passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Recorded over a dozen albums from the early-1970s through the 1980s. Best known for Let's Start The Dance of the 1978 album Summertime Groove, the single would reach top 10 Billboard R&B ~ Bohannon was born in 1942
April 24, 2020 ~ Country, gospel, southern gospel singer Harold Reid passed away ~ Bass singer, one of only two actual brothers in the band called the Statler Brothers, the other being lead singer Don Reid. No band member actually has the surname Statler. Started out singing gospel, at one point named themselves the Kingsmen and changed the name when the garage rock band Kingsmen became well known with their 1963 Louie Louie. The group gravitated towards more secular country throughout the years but would include at least one gospel song on each album. They would reach the top 10 of the country charts regularly from the mid-1960s through the late-1980s with songs such as Flowers On The Wall, You Can't Have Your Cake And Edith Too, Do You Remember These, I'll Go To My Grave Loving You, Do You Know You Are My Sunshine, You'll Be Back Every Night In My Dreams, Elizabeth, and More Than A Name On The Wall ~ Reid was born in 1939
April 24, 2019 ~ Hervé Fomeri, commonly known as rock & roll singer, actor Dick Rivers, passed away in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France ~ Along with Johnny Hallyday one of the artists credited with bringing rock & roll to France. Influenced by Elvis Presley Took his stage name after “Deke Richards”, the character Elvis portrayed in his 1957 Loving You film. Briefly the lead singer of Les Chats Sauvages before venturing into a solo career by the early-1960s ~ Fomeri born in 1945
April 24, 2017 ~ Classical soprano singer Agnes Giebel passed away in Cologne, Germany ~ Predominantly sang sacred works such as cantatas, oratorios, and masses. Considered one of the premier interpreters of Johann Sebastian Bach of her generation ~ Giebel was born in 1921
April 24, 2016 ~ Paul Williams, commonly known as singer Billy Paul, passed away in Blackwood, New Jersey, USA ~ Scored a 1972 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit with Me & Mrs Jones, to this day one of the most cherished songs of the era. Also well known for his War Of The Gods album, released the following year, blending conventional pop, soul, and funk with electronic and psychedelic elements. Would continue to record well into the 1980s, but was unable to repeat his earlier chart success. Hugely influential on Questlove, who called him “one of the criminally unmentioned proprietors of socially conscious post-revolution 1960s civil rights music.” ~ Paul was born in 1934
April 24, 2015 ~ Frankie Lee Jones, commonly known as soul blues, electric blues singer, songwriter Frankie Lee, passed away in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Recorded half a dozen albums. notably 1984's The Ladies And The Babies setting the stage for a resurgence of artists straddling the area between soul and blues. Drew comparisons to Otis Redding. Has backed Albert Collins from the mid to late-1960s ~ Jones was born in 1941
April 24, 2008 ~ Joseph Francis Giuffre, commonly known as saxophonist, arranger, composer Jimmy Giuffre, passed away in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader an sideman. Worked with Jimmy Giuffre 3, Woody Herman (wrote The Four Brothers), Howard Rumsey, the Lighthouse All-Stars, Shorty Rogers, Shelly Manne, Jim Hall, Ralph Peña, Jim Atlas, Bob Brookmeyer, Buddy Clark, Steve Swallow, Kiyoshi Tokunaga, Randy Kaye, Herb Ellis, Lee Konitz, Paul Bley, Chet Baker, Elmer Bernstein, Ray Brown, Peggy Connely, Buddy DeFranco, Shelly Manne, Helen Merrill, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Lennie Niehaus, Anita O'Day, Bill Russo, Sonny Stitt, Duane Tatro, and others ~ Giuffre was born in 1921
April 24, 2007 ~ Country, country-pop singer Carrie Underwood releases her I'll Stand By You charity single ~ Originally a mid-1990s top 20 hit on both sides of the Atlantic for the Pretenders, written by Tom Kelly, Billy Steinberg, and the band's lead singer Chrissie Hynde, in which the singer pledges love and assistance to a loved in hard times. Underwood would cover the song as a charity single for the American Idol charity special, Idol Gives Back, aired in April 2007. All proceeds benefitted the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund, aiding people in poverty in both Africa and the USA, including those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Underwood's single reached top 10 Billboard Country. Singer Shakira would also cover the tune for a charity project, performed live on the Hope For Haiti Now telethon and included on the project's accompanying album following the 2010 Haiti earthquake
April 24, 2001 ~ Albert George Hibbler, commonly known as singer Al Hibbler passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Started professionally with Dub Jenkins. Also sang with Jay McShann before moving on to the Duke Ellington Orchestra with whom he would stay for eight years. Considered among the best of Duke Ellington's male vocalists, he would be featured on songs such as Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, I Ain't Got Nothing But The Blues and on I'm Just A Lucky So And So. Hibbler left Duke in 1951 due to a dispute over wages. He would continue to sing in bands, including with Johnny Hodges and with Count Basie, before reaching solo success in the mid-1950s with songs such as Unchained Melody, He, 11th Hour Medley, and Never Turn Back. By the end of the decade Hibbler became active in the civil rights movement and the notoriety of his activism discouraged major labels. Frank Sinatra nevertheless supported Hibbler and signed him to his label but Hibbler would only sporadically record afterwards ~ Hibbler was born in 1915
April 24, 2000 ~ Country singer Alan Jackson releases It Must Be Love, lifted off his Under The Influence album ~ First recorded by Don Williams for his 1978 Expressions album. The Bob McDill-penned tune would notably be covered by Alan Jackson for his 2000 Under The Influence album which consisted entirely of covers. Three singles were drawn from the album, Pop A Top originally by Jim Ed Brown, The Blues Man originally by Hank Williams Jr, and It Must Be Love which was originally a Billboard Country No.1 hit for Don Williams back in 1979. Like the original, Jackson's cover would also top the Billboard Country chart, making it the highest-charting single of the album
April 24, 1998 ~ Melvin Epstein, commonly known as jazz, composer, arranger Mel Powell, passed away in Sherman Oaks, California, USA ~ Has worked with Bobby Hackett, George Brunies, Zutty Singleton, and notably Benny Goodman while still in his teens. Arranged Goodman tunes such as The Earl, Mission To Moscow, Clarinade, and Jersey Bounce. As a leader especially acclaimed for his 1942 The World Is Waiting album. From the early-1950s onwards, after studying with Paul Hindemith, Powell diverted his attention to classical music and only occasionally worked in jazz. As a composer best known for his Duplicates (A Concerto For Two Pianos And Orchestra), earning him a Pullitzer Prize in 1990 ~ Epstein was born in 1923
April 24, 1997 ~ Composer Robert Erickson passed away in San Diego, California, USA ~ One of the first American composers to create tape music, using the tape recorder as its central musical source. Influential on artists such as Morton Subotnick, Pauline Oliveros, Louise Spizizen, and Paul Dresher. Authored several books on music, perhaps most notably Sound Structure In Music published in 1975 ~ Erickson was born in 1917
April 24, 1989 ~ Pop singer Cyndi Lauper releases I Drove All Night as lead single off her A Night To Remember album ~ Originally intended for Roy Orbison. Written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, who had previously written Lauper's True Colors Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit. Lauper has stated she wanted to record I Drove All Night because she liked the idea “of a woman driving, of a woman in control.” The single would be warmly received by critics, several praising the maturity of her voice, and reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Orbison did actually record the song in 1987, a year before his death, but his recording was not released until 1992
April 24, 1987 ~ Indie folk, alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Ben Howard, full name Benjamin John Howard, born in Bantham, UK ~ Self-released a number of EPs before debuting in 2011 with the album Every Kingdom, which would reach double Platinum status in the UK and spawn the UK top 10 hit Only Love. Has recorded consistently since. Joined A Blaze Of Feather in 2017
April 24, 1986 ~ Pianist, bandleader Count Basie passed away in Hollywood, Florida, USA ~ Iconic figure in jazz. Originally wanted to play the drums, but disillusioned others were better switched to piano at age 15. Gigged extensively as a young pianist, hanging with the likes of Sonny Greer, Willie The Lion Smith, James P Johnson, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller. Would get his first experience as bandleader temporarily taking over for Bennie Moten, who was voted out. By the mid-1930s Basie would start his own orchestra. Mentored many future stars in the Count Basie Orchestra. At times his sidemen included Lester Young, Herschel Evans, Freddie Green, Buck Clayton, Harry Sweets Edison, Al Grey, Helen Humes, Thelma Carpenter, and others. His orchestra would often accompany noted jazz and blues singers of the day, Basie preferred blues, such as Billie Holiday, blues shouter Jimmy Rushing, and Big Joe Turner. Basie would lead the orchestra for nearly five decades ~ Basie was born in 1904
April 24, 1986 ~ Blues singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer Eli Cook born in Nelson County, Virginia, USA ~ Influenced by John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Soundgarden and Rage Against The Machine. Has been releasing records since the beginning of the millenium featuring guest appearances from artists such as Vinny Appice, Artimus Pyle, Tinsley Ellis, Eric Gales, Leslie West, Pat Travers, Harvey Mandel, Sonny Landreth, Rod Piazza, Reese Wynans, and others
April 24, 1984 ~ Bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Michael League born ~ Member of Bokante. Bandleader of funk collective Snarky Puppy, whose members and collaborators have included Bob Reynolds, Jamison Ross, het Metropole Orkest, Lalah Hathaway, and Eva Celia. As a sideman League worked with artists such as Walter Hawkins, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton, Laura Mvula, Joe Walsh, Chris Thile, Michael McDonald, Terence Blanchard, Esperanza Spalding, Joshua Redman, Wayne Krantz, Chris Potter, Salif Kreita, Eliades Ochoa, Fatoumata Diawara, Bassekou Kouyate, Susana Baca, Kardes Turkuler, and others. As a producer League has worked with David Crosby, Becca Stevens, Banda Magda, Sirintip, Roosevelt Collier, Forq, Lucy Woodward, and Bill Laurence
April 24, 1984 ~ Patrick Martin Stumph, commonly known as alternative rock, pop punk, emo pop singer, guitarist Patrick Stump, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist of Fall Out Boy, known for songs such as Sugar We're Going Down, Dance Dance, This Ain't A Scene (It's An Arms Race) and Centuries. Also an acclaimed R&B infused solo singer, debuting in 2011 during the band's hiatus with the album Soul Punk
April 24, 1984 ~ Alternative rock, pop punk, power pop singer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Tyson Ritter, full name Tyson Jay Ritter, born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA ~ Lead singer of alternative rock band All-American Rejects, known for hits such as Dirty Little Secret, Move Along, It Ends Tonight and Gives You Hell
April 24, 1982 ~ Pop, pop rock, country pop singer, songwriter, actress Kelly Clarkson, full name Kelly Brianne Clarkson, born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Rose to fame as winner of the 1st season of American Idol talent show in 2002 and has recorded to commercial succes and critical acclaim since. Known for songs such as Miss Independent, Breakaway, Since U Been Gone, Because Of You, My Life Would Suck Without You, Mr Know It All and Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You). Has collaborated with Trisha Yearwood, Ben Haenow, Reba McEntire, Kaleb Lee, and others
April 24, 1982 ~ Singer Nicole wins the 27th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Harrogate, UK ~ Representing Germany Nicole wins with the song Ein Bisschen Frieden written by Ralph Siegel and Bernd Meinunger
April 24, 1980 ~ Jazz accordionist, singer, composer Vincent Peirani born in Nice, France ~ Internationally renowned accordionist. Leader and sideman. Founded Living Being quartet. Also known for collaborating with artists such as Denis Colin, François Jeanneau, Youn Sun Nah, Emile Parisien, Michel Portal, Louis Sclavis, Michael Wollny, Daniel Humair, Laurent Korcia, Yves Simon, Muriel Bloch, and others
April 24, 1979 ~ David Michael Porter, commonly known as experimental pop singer, songwriter Avey Tare, born in Maryland, USA ~ Co-founding member of experimental pop outfit Animal Collective, especially acclaimed for the album Merriweather Post Pavillion released in 2009. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of Eric Copeland, Angel Deradoorian, Kristin Anna Valtysdottir, Mickey Hart, Automine, and Terrestrial Tones
April 24, 1977 ~ Punk rock, ska punk, metalcore, alternative rock drummer, guitarist, singer Derek Grant, full name Derek Richard Grant, born ~ Best known as drummer for punk rock outfit the Alkaline Trio, joining the band in 2001 as replacement for Mike Felumlee. First appeared on the album Good Mourning released in 2003. Also known for his associations with Dead Ending, Suicide Machines, Telegraph, Gyga, Thoughts Of Ionesco, Remainder, Walls Of Jericho, and Broken Spoke. Has filled in as guitarist for Face To Face and Gaslight Anthem. Has also released several solo recordings, mostly through online outlets, leading up to the full-length Breakdown studio album released in 2015
April 24, 1975 ~ Songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist Pete Ham passed away in London, UK ~ Co-founding member of mid-1960s rock outfit Iveys. Starting with their 1969 Paul McCartney-penned Come And Get It single the band would go by the name Badfinger. Well known hits include No Matter What, Day After Day, Baby Blue and Without You, penned by Ham and Tom Evans. The latter would be covered by over 180 artists, including notably Harry Nilsson. Despite commercial succes Ham would suffer dire financial straits, ripped off by music management, and broke, depressed and disappointed with the music industry Ham committed suicide at age 27. The emotional scar of his death would also be a factor in bandmate Evans' suicide some eight years later ~ Ham was born in 1947
April 24, 1974 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader, composer, arranger Jordan McLean born in New Rochelle, New York, USA ~ Lead trumpeter of Afrobeat ensemble Antibalas. Has worked with David Byrne, Iron & Wine, Patti Smith, the Alabama Shakes, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, the Roots, Paul Simon, Rod Stewart, Beyoncé, Angélique Kidjo, Bosco Mann, Mark Ronson, Wyclef Jean, and others
April 24, 1973 ~ Drummer Allan Sørensen born in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Mentored by Mikkey Dee. Influenced by AC/DC, Kiss, Saxon, Dio. Best known for his association with Royal Hunt. Has also worked with acts such as Narita, Prime Time, Andre Andersen, and Cornerstone
April 24, 1973 ~ Alternative rock, alternative metal, post-grunge bassist, drummer Brian Marshall, full name Brian Aubrey Marshall, born in Jackson, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by Steve Harris, John Entwistle, Geddy Lee, John Paul Jones, and Doug Pinnick. Co-founding member of Creed, one of the most commercially successful rock bands of the late-1990s. Present on some of the band's best known including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Higher and With Arms Wide Open. Following his departure from the band in 2000 Marshall has worked with Alter Bridge
April 24, 1971 ~ Mariachi, Latin pop, pop singer Alejandro Fernández, full name Alejandro Fernández Abarca, born in Guadalajara, Mexico ~ Son of singer Vicente Fernández. One of the best-selling Latin music artist with record sales exceeding 20 million. Sang more traditional folk early on in his career, including mariachi and ranchera, but would eventually venture into pop and Latin pop reaching greater status
April 24, 1971 ~ Jasbinder Singh Mann, commonly known as alternative rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Jas Mann, born in Dudley, UK ~ Member of indie pop band the Sandkings through 1992. Lead singer of Babylon Zoo, best known for their Spaceman single which would top the UK charts in 1996 after being used in a Levi's commercial. Other well known songs include Animal Army and The Boy With The X-Ray Eyes
April 24, 1971 ~ Leonard George Hayton, commonly known as composer, conductor, arranger Lennie Hayton passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Discovered by Paul Whiteman. While with Whiteman played with Frankie Trumbauer, Bix Beiderbecke, Red Nichols, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang. Hayton also played with Bing Crosby. Musical direcor for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in prime time of movie musical. Arranged music for the film Singing In The Rain. Co-arranged Hoagy Carmichael's Stardust ~ Hayton was born in 1908
April 24, 1970 ~ Blues pianist Otis Spann passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Considered the premier postwar Chicago blues pianist. Closely associated with Muddy Waters, replacing Big Maceo Merriweather as Waters' backing pianist in 1952. Has recorded prolifically as a solo artist since the early-1960s. In-demand collaborator for artists such as Bo Diddley, Howlin' Wolf, BB King, Buddy Guy, Big Mama Thornton, Peter Green, Fleetwood Mac, T-Bone Walker, Joe Turner, Chuck Berry, John Lee Hooker, Johnny Shines, Junior Wells, and others ~ Spann was born ca.1924
April 24, 1968 ~ Pop rock, funk rock drummer Aaron Comess born ~ Co-founding member of the Spin Doctors, present on the band's 1990s hits such as Two Princes and Little Miss Can't Be Wrong both taken of the band's 1991 Pocket Full Of Kryptonite debut album
April 24, 1967 ~ Yvette Montagnon, commonly known as classical guitarist, composer Ida Presti, passed away in Rochester, New York, USA ~ Child prodigy. Would go on to become a highly acclaimed classical guitarist, perhaps best known for premiering Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto De Aranjuez broadcast on French radio in 1948. Following her marriage to classical guitarist Alexandre Lagoya in 1951, she would abandon her solo career and work with Lagoye as a duo ~ Montagnon was born in 1924
April 24, 1965 ~ In its sixth week on the charts, Game Of Love by Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Singer Glyn Ellis was given a recording contract on the condition that he change his stage name to that of the label, Fontana Records, thus the group became Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders. In America, the British Invasion group would score one major hit, Game Of Love written by American songwriter Clint Ballard Jr, with its follow-up It's Just A Little Bit Too Late stalling at No.46 Billboard Hot 100. Fontana would depart the band, and venture out on his own. The band would initially continue as the Mindbenders, then evolve into Hot Legs, known for Neanderthal Man, and later still become the art-pop group 10cc
April 24, 1964 ~ Bassist Paul Ryder, full name Paul Anthony Ryder, born in Manchester, UK ~ Founding member of pivotal Manchester band the Happy Mondays remaining with the band through 1993 and rejoining in later years. Present on the band's best known including Step On, Kinky Afro and Loose Fit. Ryder has also ventured into acting, appearing in the films The Ghosts Of Oxford Street, Losing It and perhaps most notably 24 Hour Party People ~ Ryder passed away in 2022
April 24, 1963 ~ Alternative metal, funk metal, experimental rock, alternative rock, hardcore punk, avant-garde bassist, keyboardist, guitarist, producer Bill Gould born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Faith No More, serving as the band's bassist and producer. They are best known for their 1990 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Epic and their 193 cover Easy, originally a hit for the Commodores. Gould has also worked with Brujeria, Jello Biafra, Milk Cult, and the Fear Factory, and served as producer for the likes of Naive, CMX (Vainajala, Beatsteaks, and Elvis Jackson
April 24, 1963 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Dylan records Masters Of War ~ One of Dylan's best known protest songs in part inspired by President Dwight D Eisenhower's farewell address before leaving the White House referencing the military-industrial complex. Based on the traditional song Nottamun Town as arranged by veteran folksinger Jean Ritchie Dylan's lyrics are a protest against the Cold War nuclear arms race. It would be included on the The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan album released later the same year
April 24, 1963 ~ Drummer, percussionist Horacio Hernandez born in Cuba ~ Worked with Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Roy Hargrove, Edward Simon, Michel Camilo, Joanne Bracken, Carlos Santana, Italuba, Eddie Palmieri, Alejandro Sanz, Yerba Buena, Kazumi Watanabe, Fahir Atakoglu, Meddy Gerville, Robby Ameen, Mariza, Kip Hanrahan, Zucchero, Salazh Trio, OSamu, and others
April 24, 1959 ~ Heavy metal singer Eric Wagner born ~ Best known as founding member, lead singer of Trouble, considered a pioneer in the doom metal genre. Wagner left he band in 1997 to rejoin in 2000, then leaving again in 2008 to be replaced by Kory Clarky. Wagner has also worked with Lid, Blackfinger, and the Skull ~ Wagner passed away in 2021
April 24, 1958 ~ Singer Bobby Darin records Early In The Morning ~ Written by Darin and Woody Harris. Released on Brunswick Records using the alias the Rinky-dinks, due to contractual obligations. Darin's own label, ATCO Records, discovered the deception and Brunswick was forced to turn over the master tapes. Future releases would be under Darin's own name
April 24, 1957 ~ David John Haskins, commonly known as singer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter David J born in Northampton, UK ~ Best known as bassist for gothic rock band Bauhaus and Love & Rockets. Has also recorded as a solo artist, notably the David Bowie tribute song The Day That David Bowie Died, composed soundtracks for a number of plays and films, and wrote and directed his own plays, notably Silver For Gold (The Odyssey Of Edie Sedgwick) and The Chanteuse And The Devil's Muse
April 24, 1956 ~ Ragtime, jazz bandleader, composer Julius Lenzberg passed away ~ Enjoyed popularity during the 1910s and 1920s. Best known for his 1913 composition Hungarian Rag, a ragtime adaptation of Franz Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies. His succes inspired others to “rag” popular classical melodies though none were as successful as Lenzberg ~ Lenzberg was born in 1878
April 24, 1954 ~ Raymond Ian Burns, commonly known as singer Captain Sensible, born in Balham, UK ~ Co-founding member, bassist, guitarist of the Damned, known best for their cult debut single New Rose, Love Song and perhaps their best known Eloise, the latter reaching the UK top 10 in 1986. As a solo artist known for Happy Talk and Glad It's All Over, both of which reached the UK top 10
April 24, 1954 ~ Bassist, singer Jack Blades, full name Jack Martin Blades, born in Palm Desert, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of supergroup Damn Yankees, scoring an early-1990s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit with High Enough. Also well known as a member of Rubicon and Night Ranger, and for his association with Tommy Shaw recording under the moniker Shaw-Blades. Has written or co-written songs recorded by Aerosmith, Cher, Journey (Higher Place), Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, and Roger Daltrey. Has also recorded as a solo artist, and collaborated with Mötley Crüe, Tak Matsumoto Group, the Revolution Saints, and Ringo Starr
April 24, 1951 ~ Jean-Jacques Ferret, commonly known as virtuoso jazz guitarist, composer, arranger Boulou Ferre, born in Paris, France ~ Comes from a family of musicians, his father Matelo Ferret, and his uncle, Baro Ferret, both played with Django Reinhardt's the Quintette du Hot Club. Played with John Coltrane at age 13. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Boulou With the Paris All-Stas in 1966, backed by Michel Gaudry, Maurice Vander, and Eddy Louiss. Also worked with Dexter Gordon, Patrice Caratini, Philly Joe Jones, Bob Reid, Chet Baker, Steve Lacy, Gunter Hampel, Kenny Clarke, Warne Marsh, Svend Asmussen, Louis Vola, the Corporation Gypsy Orchesta, Steve Potts, Christian Escoudé, Takashi Kako, Babik Reinhardt, Philippe Combelle, Christone Astorfi, Alain Jean-Marie, and with his brother Elios Ferre
April 24, 1951 ~ Debra Piazza, commonly known as blues pianist Honey Piazza born ~ Best known for co-founding the Mighty Flyers with her husband singer Rod Piazza, known for their energetic blues hybrid, drawing from jump blues, West Coast blues and Chicago blues
April 24, 1949 ~ Singer, songwriter Véronique Sanson, full name Véronique Marie Line Sanson, born in Boulogne-Billancourt, France ~ Debuted in 1972 with the album Amoureuse to become one of France's most popular artists of the 1970s redefining the French chanson. Romantically involved with singer Michel Berger from 1967 through 1972. Married to singer Stephen Stills from 1973 to 1979, with whom she has one son
April 24, 1946 ~ Double bassist, composer Stafford James born in Evanston, Illinois, USA ~ Also plays the violin. Switched to bass before starting his professional career. Worked with Pharoah Sanders, Monty Alexander, Sun Ra, Alice Coltrane, Albert Ayler, Melba Moore, David Frost, Artie Johnson, Diahann Carroll, Fred Travalena, Rashied Ali, Roy Ayers, Al Haig, Barry Harris, Andrew Hill, Andrew Cyrille, Chico Hamilton, Gary Bartz, Art Blakey, the Jazz Messengers, Frank Strozier, Harold Mabern, Louis Hayes, Jimmy Heath, Mulgrew Miller, Akua Dixon, Barney Wilen, Freddie Hubbard, Onaje Allan Gumbo, Ronnie Burrage, Richard Davis, Ray Mantilla, Warren Smith, Gary Bartz, Dexter Gordon, Bill Hardman, Louis Hayes, Lavelle, Cecil Payne, Oliver Lake, and others
April 24, 1945 ~ Jazz, world percussionist, guitarist Collin Walcott born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Member of Oregon. Member of Codona. Present on the 1972 Miles Davis album On The Corner. Has also worked with David Amram, Don Cherry, Larry Coryell, Egberto Gismonti, and Paul Winter ~ Walcott passed away in 1984
April 24, 1945 ~ Hervé Fomeri, commonly known as rock & roll singer, actor Dick Rivers, born in Nice, France ~ Along with Johnny Hallyday one of the artists credited with bringing rock & roll to France. Influenced by Elvis Presley Took his stage name after “Deke Richards”, the character Elvis portrayed in his 1957 Loving You film. Briefly the lead singer of Les Chats Sauvages before venturing into a solo career by the early-1960s ~ Fomeri passed away in 2019
April 24, 1945 ~ Drummer Doug Clifford born in Palo Alto, California, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of Creedence Clearwater Revival and as a member of 1990s reincarnation Creedence Clearwater Revisited. Clifford also guested on albums by Mark Spoelstra, Tom Fogerty, Don Harrison, Sir Douglas Quintet, Billy C Farlow, and Greg Kihn.
April 24, 1944 ~ Bernard St Clair Lee, commonly known as St Clair Lee, born in California, USA ~ Best known as singer of the Hues Corporation, scoring a Billboard top 10 hit with their single Rock The Boat taken of their 1973 Freedom For The Stallion album. Previously the band had contributed to the Blacula soundtrack, a 1973 blaxploitation version of the classic Dracula tale ~ Lee passed away in 2011
April 24, 1944 ~ Producer Tony Visconti, full name Anthony Edward Visconti, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Produced close to a dozen T.Rex albums, including the acclaimed masterpiece Electric Warrior. Best-known perhaps for his work with David Bowie, producing a dozen of the singer's albums including The Man Who Sold The World, Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps), and Blackstar. Has also served as producer or co-producer for the likes of Badfinger, the Strawbs, Argent, Sparks, Thin Lizzy, Iggy Pop (The Idiot), Elaine Page, the Boomtown Rats, the Stranglers, John Hiatt (All Of A Sudden), the Manic Street Preachers, Alejandro Escovedo, Kaiser Chiefs, Esperanza Spalding, and others
April 24, 1943 ~ Singer, arranger Richard Sterban born in Camden, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of country, gospel quartet the Oak Ridge Boys, joining the band in 1972 and noted for his vocal bass solo on the band's 1981 smash hit Elvira. Prior to joining the band Sterban sang with JD Sumner & the Stamps, a vocal group backing Elvis Presley
April 24, 1942 ~ Barbara Joan Streisand, commonly known as singer, stage and film actress Barbra Streisand, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ One of the few to hold what is commonly abbreviated to an “EGOT”, having been awarded an Emmy Award, Grammy Award, Oscar and Tony Award. Has scored nearly a dozen No.1 albums and nearly half a dozen singles over a decade spanning seven decades. Best known for songs such as The Way We Were, the Neil Diamond-penned You Don't Bring Me Flowers and No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) with Donna Summer
April 24, 1940 ~ Guitarist George Tomsco born ~ Co-founding and longtime member of the Fireballs, named for Jerry Lee Lewis's rock & roll classic Great Balls Of Fire and known for songs such as Torquay, Quite A Party and perhaps their best known Sugar Shack, the latter topping the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963
April 24, 1940 ~ Harry Samuel Paris, commonly known as singer, actor Michael Parks, born in Corona, California, USA ~ Best known as an actor, star of the Then Came Bronson TV series, acclaimed for his role of Adam in the 1966 film The Bible (In The Beginning}. As a singer admired by peers and enjoys a cult following. Best known for the 1969 Closing The Gap debut album and its follow-up 1970's Long Lonesome Highway, it's [title-track Long Lonesome Highway reaching the Billboard top 20 ~ Parks passed away in 2017
April 24, 1937 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, soul jazz saxophonist Joe Henderson born in Lima, Ohio, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Parker. Well over two dozen albums as a leader, drawing from bebop, R&B, Latin jazz, and avant-garde. Best known for an impressive string of acclaimed 1960s albums, starting with Page One, and three tribute albums released in the 1990s celebrating the music of Billy Strayhorn (Lush Life), Miles Davis (So Near So Far), and Antônio Carlos Jobim (Double Rainbow). As a composer, Henderson is best known for Recorda-me, Serenity, Inner Urge, Isotope, and Black Narcissus, all covered by numerous artists. Though primarily a leader, Henderson has guested on numerous albums including landmark recordings by Lee Morgan (The Sidewinder), Horace Silver (Song For My Father), Andrew Hill (Point Of Departure), and Herbie Hancock (The Prisoner). Other notable associations include Kenny Dorham, Blue Mitchell, Johnny Coles, Grant Green, Duke Pearson, Freddie Roach, Pete La Roca, Larry Young, Bobby Hutcherson, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Ayers, Joe Zawinul, McCoy Tyner, Lee Konitz, Alice Coltrane, Miroslav Vitous, Flora Purim, Ron Carter, Patrice Rushen, Woody Shaw, Ben Sidran, Chick Corea, Mal Waldron, and Chaka Khan ~ Henderson passed away in 2001
April 24, 1935 ~ Hornist, tuba player Allan Jaffe born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Took over management of the New Orleans Preservation Hall in 1961, which has since become an institute of standing and invaluable to the preservation of traditional New Orleans jazz ~ Jaffe passed away in 1987
April 24, 1931 ~ Songwriter Clint Ballard Jr, full name Clinton Conger Ballard Jr, born in El Paso, Texas, USA ~ Wrote two major hits, Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders' The Game Of Love and Linda Ronstadt's You're No Good, the latter originally recorded by Dee Dee Warwick but the bigger hit for Ronstadt though. Other artists who have recorded his songs include Walter Jackson, Gene McDaniels, Johnny Tillotson, the Tremeloes, Ricky Nelson, the Hollies (I'm Alive), Jan & Dean, Jimmy Jones (Good Timin'), the Zombies, Alvin Stardust, the Kalin Twins, Billy Eckstine, Nancy Wilson, Malcolm Vaughan (Ev'ry Hour Ev'ry Day Of My Life), the Swinging Blue Jeans, Johnny Burnette, Louis Prima, Connie Francis, Frankie Laine, Frankie Avalon (Ginger Bread), Bobby Rydell, Patti Page, Arthur Prysock, and others ~ Ballard passed away in 2008
April 24, 1930 ~ Jazz pianist Frank Strazzeri born in Rochester, New York, USA ~ Active since the early-1950s, backing visiting musicians such as Roy Eldridge and Billie Holiday while still living in his native Rochester. Relocated to New Orleans by the mid-1950s, where he played Dixieland with Sharkey Bonano and Al Hirt prior to venturing into bebop with the likes of Charlie Ventura and Woody Herman. Relocating once again, this time to Los Angeles, Strazzeri became an in-demand session musician from the early-1960s onward, appearing on albums by Curtis Amy, Herb Ellis, Carmell Jones, and Roy Haynes. Strazzeri has recorded over a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, and is especially acclaimed for Wood Winds West released in 1992. To pop rock audiences Strazzeri is best known for touring with Elvis Presley in the early-1970s, including for several Madison Square Garden dates and the 1973 Aloha From Hawaii worldwide telecast ~ Strazzeri passed awayin 2014
April 24, 1928 ~ Saxophonist Johnny Griffin born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leading figure in hard bop. Leader and sideman. Worked with Lionel Hampton, Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Kenny Clarke, Joe Morris, John Coltrane, Hank Mobley, Clark Terry, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, Philly Joe Jones, Nat Adderley, Chet Baker, Count Basie, James Carter, Tadd Dameron, Dizzy Gillespie, Blue Mitchell, Ira Sullivan, Wes Montgomery, Randy Weston, and others ~ Griffin passed away in 2008
April 24, 1924 ~ Bandleader Isham Jones records It Had To Be You at Brunswick Studios, New York, New York ~ Music Jones, lyrics Gus Kahn. Released as a single b/w After The Storm the following July it would reach No.1 on the pop charts. The song would become a standard, over the years covered by artists as diverse as Ruth Etting, Betty Hutton, Doris Day, Billie Holiday, Patti Page, Ray Charles, the Crew Cuts, Barbra Streisand, James Brown, Harry Nilsson, and Don McLean
April 24, 1922 ~ Operatic baritone Matti Lehtinen born in Lappeenranta, Finland ~ Associated with the Cologne Opera from 1952 through 1955. Freelanced in opera, oratorio and lieder until 1963 before returning to his previous position at the Finnish National Opera, where over the years he appeared in over 60 operatic roles ~ Lehtinen passed away in 2022
April 24, 1921 ~ Jazz double bassist Aaron Bell, full name Samuel Aaron Bell, born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Lucky Millinder, Teddy Wilson, Billie Holiday (Lady Sings The Blues), Lester Young, Stan Kenton, Johnny Hodges, Cab Calloway, Carmen McRae, Ray Bryant, Dick Haymes, Duke Ellington, Sam Woodyard, Buck Clayton, Earl Hines, Friedrich Gulda, Sonny Stitt, Charles Thompson, Mose Allison, Harold Ashby, Mae Barnes, Urbie Green, Junior Mance, Sam Most, Jimmy Rushing (If This Ain't The Blues), Buddy Tate, Norris Turney, and Randy Weston ~ Bell passed away in 2003
April 24, 1916 ~ Guitarist, arranger Eldon Shamblin, full name Estel Eldon Shamblin, born in Clinton, Oklahoma, USA ~ Considered one of the premier electric guitarists in Western Swing. Influenced by Eddie Lang. Worked with the Alabama Boys, Bob Wills' backing unit the Texas Playboys, Merle Haggard's backing unit the Strangers, the Four Giants Of Swing, Leon McAuliffe, Tiny Moore, Willie Nelson, Joe Venuti, Mac Wiseman, the Tractors, and Asleep At The Wheel ~ Shamblin passed away in 1998
April 24, 1902 ~ Reuben Bloom, commonly known as songwriter Rube Bloom, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Frequent songwriting partner of Sammy Cahn, Ted Koehler, and notably Johnny Mercer. Songs co-written by Bloom include Day In Day Out (Bob Crosby, Artie Shaw, Frank Sinatra), Out In The Cold Again (Glen Gray, Ruth Etting, Billy Eckstine), Maybe You'll Be There (Gordon Jenkins, Kay Starr, June Christy), Give Me The Simple Life (Bing Crosby, Benny Goodman, Tony Bennett), and Don't Worry 'Bout Me (Katherine Perry, Les Brown, Ella Fitzgerald) ~ Bloom passed away in 1976
April 24, 1902 ~ Jazz violinist, double bassist, bandleader Vernon Andrade born in Panama ~ Popular during the 1920s and 1930s. Served under Deacon Johnson to go on to lead his own orchestra by the mid-1920s. Employed sidemen such as Pete Briggs, Ernest Hill, Zutty Singleton. Influenced later bandleaders such as Fletcher Henderson and Chick Webb ~ Andrade passed away in 1966
April 24, 1895 ~ Charles Pertum, commonly known as country blues singer, songwriter Charlie Specks McFadden, born in Quincy, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his 1930 song Groceries On The Shelf (Piggly Wiggly). Has worked with Roosevelt Sykes and Lonnie Johnson, ~ Pertum passed away in 1966
April 24, 1892 ~ Myrtle Louise Lincoln, commonly known as violist, violinist, pianist, composer Louise Lincoln Kerr, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Known as “the Grand Lady of Music” with over 100 works to her name including symphonic tone poems, chamber music, orchestral works, concertos, and ballets. Helped co-found several orchestras and institutions, most notably the Phoenix Symphony. Well known compositions include Arizona Profiles, Enchanted Mesa and Tableau Vivant ~ Lincoln passed away in 1977