April 28, 2023 ~ Hard rock, melodic hard rock guitarist Helge Engelke passed away ~ Influenced by Uli Jon Roth and Michael Schenker. Member of Fair Warning, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums starting in the early 1990s. Following the band's initial disbandement in 2000 formed Dreamtide. Engelke has also guested on albums by Zeno, Mind Odyssey, and Thomsen ~ Engelke was born in 1961
April 28, 2023 ~ Rock guitarist, singer Tim Bachman, full name Timothy Gregg Bachman, passed away in Winnipeg, Canada ~ Co-founding member of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, present on the band's first two albums Bachman Turner Overdrive and Bachman Turner Overdrive II. The latter would spawn the singles Let It Ride and Takin' Care Of Business, both of which reached top 10 in the band's native Canada ~ Bachman was born in 1951
April 28, 2021 ~ Alternative rock, post-punk singer, keyboardist, songwriter Anita Lane, full name Anita Louise Lane, passed away ~ Best known for her stints as a member of Nick Cave's backing units the Bad Seeds and the Birthday Party. Cave and Lane were romantically involved from 1977 through 1983. Lane has co-written several of Cave's songs, notably From Her To Eternity, and Cave in turn has co-written several of Lane's solo songs. She has released two solo albums, 1993's Dirty Pearl and 2001's Sex O'Clock ~ Lane was born ca.1958
April 28, 2021 ~ Organist, harpsichordist Liuwe Tamminga passed away in Bologna, Italy ~ Acclaimed for his performances of Renaissance and Baroque music. Helped rediscovery of lesser-known composers such as Fiorenzo Maschera, Marco Antonio Cavazzoni and Jacques Buus ~ Tamminga was born in 1953
April 28, 2019 ~ Melbourne James, commonly known as reggea DJ Jah Stitch, passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Reggea DJ debuted with Danger Zone, produced by Errol Holt. Has also worked with producer Bunny Lee, with Yabby You, Trevor Douglas, Jah Woosh, and others ~ James was born in 1949
April 28, 2013 ~ Cellist János Starker passed away in Bloomington, Indiana, USA ~ Child prodigy. Associated with the Budapest Opera, the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Starker was born in 1924
April 28, 2012 ~ John Joseph Kelson Jr, commonly known as saxophonist Jackie Kelso, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Active since the 1940s, initially in jazz backing the likes of Barney Bigard, Lucky Thompson, Kid Ory, Benny Carter, Benny Goodman, and Lionel Hampton, later venturing into other genres. To rock & roll audiences perhaps best known for his assocation with Gene Vincent, playing on several of the singer's key late 1950s recordings including Say Mama, She She Little Sheila, and Ac-centu-ate he Positive. Kelso also provided the flute solo, though uncredited, on Walk Away Renee by the Left Banke, backed Elvis Presley on his Elvis '68 Comeback Special, took part in the 1971 all-star The Concert For Bangladesh charity concert organized by George Harrison, and worked with Johnny Otis, Lowell Fulson, Shuggie Otis (Here Comes Shuggie), Rita Coolidge, Todd Rundgren (Something/Anything), Albert Hammond, Bobby Blue Bland, Kris Kristofferson, José Feliciano, the Four Tops, John Prine, the Manhattan Transfer, Steely Dan (Aja), Mink DeVille, Dr John, Christopher Cross, and Michael Omartian ~ kelson was born in 1922
April 28, 2012 ~ John Anthony Birch, commonly known as organist, choral director John Birch, passed away ~ Perhaps best known for his ssociation with Royal Albert Hall, serving as its curator-organist from 1982 until his death ~ Birch was born in 1929
April 28, 2010 ~ Singer Connie Codarini passed away ~ Original member of vocal quartet the Four Lads, remaining with the group till 1962 and replaced by Johnny D'Arc. Present on songs such as Istanbul (Not Constantinopel), Skokiaan, Moments To Remember, No Not Much, Standing On The Corner, Who Needs You and Put A Light In The Window, all of which would reach the American top 10 ~ Codarini was born ca.1950
April 28, 2006 ~ Sambista, singer, songwriter Guilherme de Brito, full name Guilherme de Brito Bollhorst, passed away ~ About half a dozen albums to his name as a recording artist. Best known as a songwriter, having written some 150 songs, most of them samba, frequently in partnership with Nelson Cavanquinho. Well known songs co-written by De Brito include Raul Moreno's A Flor E O Espinho, Beth Carvalho's Folhas Secas, and Quando Eu Me Chamar Saudade first recorded by Cavaquinho ~ De Brito was born in 1922
April 28, 2005 ~ Jazz, cool jazz bassist, double bassist Percy Heath passed away in Southampton, New York, USA ~ Brother of saxophonist Jimmy Heath and drummer Albert Heath, with whom he formed the Heath Brothers. Best known as key member of the Modern Jazz Quartet for over four decades starting in the 1950s, an all-star ensemble especially acclaimed for albums such as Fontessa, Odds Against Tomorrow, Pyramid and Third Stream Music. Heath is also present on albums by Milt Jackson, Clifford Brown (Brownie Eyes), Sonny Rollins, Elmo Hope, Horace Silver, JJ Johnson, Thelonious Monk (Monk), Art Farmer (Evening In Casablanca), Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis (Round About Midnight), Jim Hall, Ray Charles (Ray Charles), Benny Golson, Gigi Gryce, Wes Montgomery (The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery), and Bud Powell ~ Heath was born in 1923
April 28, 2000 ~ Ella Lucille Dinning, commonly known as singer Lou Dinning, passed away ~ Member of sibling outfit the Dinning Sisters, alongside Jean Dinning and Ginger Dinning, known for late 1940s top 20 hits such as My Adobe Hacienda, I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now, I Beg Your Pardon and Buttons And Bows ~ Dinning was born in 1920
April 28, 1991 ~ Curtis Wain Gates, commonly known as singer, actor Ken Curtis, passed away in Fresno, California, USA ~ Best known as actor, notably portraying the role of Festus Haggen on the CBS western TV series Gunsmoke. Sang with Tommy Dorsey's band in the early 1940's joining the ensemble as replacement for Frank Sinatra. Also lead singer of pivotal country group the Sons Of The Pioneers from 1949 through 1952 including on the hits Room Full Of Roses and Ghost Riders In The Sky ~ Gates was born in 1916
April 28, 1988 ~ Louis Charles Stevenson, commonly known as country pop singer, songwriter BW Stevenson passed away ~ One-hit wonder known for My Maria, co-written with Daniel Moore, a Billboard top 10 in 1973 and later notably covered by Brooks & Dunn. Stevenson also reached the charts with The River Of Love, Down To The Station and Shambala, the latter successfuly covered by Three Dog Night, but was unable to replicate the succes of My Maria ~ Stevenson was born in 1949
April 28, 1988 ~ Metal, alternative rock, indie rock producer, mixer, engineer Taylor Larson born in Bethesda, Maryland, USA ~ Worked with Asking Alexandria, Periphery, From First To Last, Veil Of Maya, Within Temptation, the Dangerous Summer, Conditions, Sky Eats Airplane, the Evening, I The Breather, Capture, the Darkest Hour, Toothgrinder, the Word Alive, and others
April 28, 1987 ~ Producer Robin Schulz, full name Robin Alexander Schulz, born in Osnabruck, West Germany ~ Rose to fame with his 2014 remix of Mr Probz's Waves and his remix of Lilly Wood's Prayer In C later the same year
April 28, 1982 ~ Jazz trombonist, saxophonist Murray McEachern passed away ~ Best known for his associations with Benny Goodman including on the pivotal 1937 recording of Sing Sing Sing (With A Swing) and with the Casa Loma Orchestra. Also worked with Lucio Agostini, Percy Faith, Jack Hylton, Phil Moore, and others ~ McEachern was born in 1915
April 28, 1981 ~ Rock bassist Steve Currie passed away inear Vale De Parra, Portugal ~ Best known as member of T.Rex, joining in 1970 and remaining through 1976. Present on most of the band's best-known including Hot Love, Bang-a-gong (Get It On), Telegram Sam and Metal Guru ~ Currie was born in 1947
April 28, 1980 ~ Bassist, guitarist, drummer, singer Tommy Caldwell, full name Thomas Michael Caldwell, passed away in Moore, South Carolina, USA ~ Bassist of Southern rock outfit the Marshall Tucker Band from its inception in 1973 until his death from injuries sustained in a car accident, succeeded by Franklin Wilkie. The 1980 Full Moon by Charlie Daniels Band is dedicated to Caldwell ~ Caldwell was born in 1949
April 28, 1977 ~ Jazz guitarist Asbjorn Lerheim born in Ålesund, Norway ~ Member of Chrome Hill alongside Jørgen Munkeby, Torstein Lofthus and Roger Arntzen. Also worked with Subtonic, Lisa Dillan, the Quite Quiet Project and others
April 28, 1973 ~ Actor, singer Alejandro Ibarra, full name José Alejandro Ibarra de Llano, born in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Son of actress, singer Julissa and actor, singer Benny Ibarra Sr, brother of singer, actor Benny Ibarra. Best known as an actor, mostly in supporting roles, since the late 1980s, notably in the telenovelas Alcanzar Una Estrella and Amorcito Corazón
April 28, 1973 ~ Cameron Gipp, commonly known as rapper Big Gipp, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Founding member of Goodie Mob, which also included Khujo, Cee Lo Green and T-Mo. known for their critically acclaimed Soul Food debut album released in 1995. Forms the duo Ali & Gipp with Ali. Also closely associated with Nelly and St Lunatics. Recorded as a solo artist, starting with 2003's Mutant Mindframe album. Has also collaborated with Dungeon Family, Daz Dillinger, OutKast, Mack 10, Lil' Flip, Three 6 Mafia, Kurupt, Xzibit, Pharoahe Monch, NORE, Too $hort, Bubba Sparxxx, and Lil' Jon
April 28, 1973 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger Mirko Guerrini born in Florence, Italy ~ Worked with Stefano Bollani, Billy Cobham, Mark Feldman, Nico Gori, Christian Calcagnile, Paul Grabowsky, Niko Schäuble, and others
April 28, 1971 ~ Multi-instrumentalist, producer Jay Demarcus born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Produced for James Otto, Jo Dee Messina, Austins Bridge, Chicago, and Michael English. Co-founded East To West. Best known as member of Rascal Flatts
April 28, 1971 ~ Ellerton Oswald White, commonly known as jazz pianist Sonny White, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Jesse Stone, Willie Bryant, Sidney Bechet, Teddy Hill, Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Clarke, Frankie Newton, Billie Holiday, Artie Shaw, Benny Carter, Big Joe Turner, Lena Horne, Dexter Gordon, Hot Lips Page, Harvey Davis, Wilbur de Paris, Eddie Barefield, Jonah Jones, and others ~ White was born in 1917
April 28, 1968 ~ Rockers Fleetwood Mac record Need Your Love So Bad ~ Written and previously recorded by Little Willie John, his brother Mertis John Jr receiving co-writing credit. Produced by Mike Vernon. Initially released as a single the following July, Stop Messin' Round recorded on the same day on the flip side. A 1973 reissue, a double A-side single paired with Albatros, would reach the UK top 10
April 28, 1968 ~ Howard Paul Donald, commonly known as singer, pianist, drummer, dancer, producer Howard Donald, born in Droylsden, UK ~ Best known as member of Take That
April 28, 1966 ~ Todd Anthony Shaw, commonly known as rapper Too $hort, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Pioneered West Coast rap. Active since the mid-1980s. First gained serious attention with his 1989 Life Is Too Short album. Has collaborated with E-40, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Twista, French Montana, Wiz Khalifa, G-Eazy, and others
April 28, 1962 ~ Michael Damian Weir, commonly known as actor, singer Michael Damian, born in Bonsalie, California, USA ~ Best known as an actor, notably portraying the role of Danny Romalotti on the daytime soap opera The Young & The Restless from 1980 through 1998, returning from time to time in later seasons. As a singer best known for his single Rock On, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989
April 28, 1961 ~ Anna Hoxha, commonly known as singer, actress, TV personality Anna Oxa, born in Bari, Italy ~ Gained attention eventually reaching mainstream for a number of performances at the San Remo music festival. Best known for songs such as Un'emozione Da Poco, E Tutto Un Attimo, Ti Lascero and Donna Con Te
April 28, 1961 ~ Drummer, keyboardist, producer Mark Cawthra born in Hertfordshire, UK ~ Member of the Cardiacs, notably present on the 1981 cassette release Toy World. Has subsequently held a variety of jobs in music including touring with bands such as Immaculate Fools, It's Immaterial and Then Jericho as a live sound engineer, worked as studio engineer and remixer, and has released a number of solo recordings
April 28, 1956 ~ James Dixon Swan, commonly known as singer Jimmy Barnes, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Living in Australia since age 5 Barnes would become one of the most popular and best-selling Australian artists recording over a dozen albums with Cold Chisel and about the same number of records as a solo artist. To date 17 albums have reached the No.1 spot on the Australian album charts. Internationally best known for his collaboration with INXS on the 1986 Good Times of The Lost Boys soundtrack, a top 10 hit in Australia and New Zealand, and a UK top 20 hit upon its 1990 re-release
April 28, 1955 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Tobin Sprout born in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Member of Guided By Voices from 1986 through 1997 and again from 2010 through 2014. Present on the band's most acclaimed albums including 1994's Bee Thousand and its 1995 follow-up King Shit & The Golden Boys. Songs written or co-written by Sprout include It's Like Soul Man, Awful Bliss, and Atom Eyes. Has recorded about half a dozen solo albums, starting with Carnival Boy released in 1996, and has collaborated with Eyesinweasel, Airport 5, and others
April 28, 1954 ~ Jazz drummer Frank Jacobsen born in Bergen, Norway ~ Worked with the Bergen Big Band, Son Mu, Dag Arnesen, Knut Kristiansen, Vigleik Storaas, Olav Dale, Jan Kåre Hystad, Cutting Edge, Thorgeir Stubø, Knut Riisnæs, Paul Weeden, Guttorm Guttormsen, Søyr, Rune Klakegg, Rob Waring, Carl Morten Iversen, and others
April 28, 1954 ~ Singer, guitarist Steve Lauri born in London, UK ~ Best known as a member of the Hollies since 2004. Has previously worked with disco group 5,000 Volts, Bonnie Tyler, Bucks Fizz, Cliff Richard, Elaine Page, and others
April 28, 1953 ~ Conductor, violinist, composer Arnie Roth born ~ Member of neo-classical new age ensemble Mannheim Steamroller. Principal conductor of the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra. As a composer known for soundtracks such as 2002's animated feature film Barbie As Rapunzel
April 28, 1953 ~ Country singer, songwriter Fred Knobloch, full name James Frederick Knocloch, born in Jackson, Mississippi, USA ~ Member of Let's Eat. One third of S-K-O, alongside Paul Overstreet and Thom Schuyler. Best known as a solo artist and songwriter, especially known for his single Why Not Me, co-written with Carson Whitsett, a hit in 1980. Artists who recorded Knoblochs songs include the Everly Brothers, Faith Hill, Chely Wright, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood, Confederate Railroad, and others
April 28, 1953 ~ Bassist, guitarist, singer Kim Gordon, full name Kim Althea Gordon, born in Rochester, New York, USA ~ Best known for co-founding Sonic Youth with Thurston Moore in 1981. The couple would marry three years later and divorce in 2013. The band are considered pioneers in noise rock, critically acclaimed especially for the late-1980s albums Sister and Daydream Nation. Also founded Free Kitten with Julia Cafritz. Produced Hole's 1991 Pretty On The Inside debut album. Ventured into fashion and acting and worked as a visual artist throughout her musical career
April 28, 1953 ~ Folk, country guitarist, singer, songwriter Pat Donohue born in St Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ Admired fingerpicker with some dozen albums to his name. Influenced by Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, Bob Dylan, Steve Goodman, John Prine. Had his songs covered by Chet Atkins, Suzy Bogguss, Kenny Rogers, Chet Atkins, and others
April 28, 1952 ~ Charles Alfred Leavell, commonly known as keyboardist Chuck Leavell, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Member of the Allman Brothers Band from 1972 through 1976, notably present on the tracks Ramblin' Man and Jessica. Co-founding member of Sea Level, known best for the 1976 eponymous Sea Level debut album and its 1977 Cats On The Coast follow-up. Also well known for his association with the Rolling Stones, performing with the band on tour and as a session musician present on nearly every album since the early 1980s. Leavell has also worked with the Marshall Tucker Band, Wet Willie, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Gov't Mule, Train, Tinsley Ellis, the Black Crowes, Aretha Franklin, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Montgomery Gentry, John Mayer (Born And Raised), Miranda Lambert, Blues Traveller, and others
April 28, 1952 ~ Magdalena Thora, commonly known as jazz, jazz fusion, world music guitarist, singer Leni Stern, born in Munich, Germany ~ Married to jazz guitarist Mike Stern. Active since the mid-1980s and recording prolifically since, especially acclaimed for her 1989 Closer To The Light album. Has worked with drummer Paul Motian and guitarist Bill Frisell
April 28, 1951 ~ Singer Silvi Vrait born in Kehra, Estonia ~ Active since the early 1970 in several pop outfits including Viker 5, Initsiaal, Fix, and Ultima Thule. Starred in a number of musicals and operas such as productions of Porgy & Bess, The King & I, and The Sound Of Music. Represented her native Estonia at the 1994 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 24th place with Nagu Merelaine ~ Vrait passed away in 2013
April 28, 1950 ~ Steelpan player Robert Greenidge born in Success Village, Trinidad ~ Best known as a member of Jimmy Buffett's backing unit the Coral Reefer Band. Also guested on recordings by Grover Washington Jr, Taj Mahal, Michael Utley, Dennis de Souza, and others
April 28, 1950 ~ William Anthony Colón Román, commonly known as salsa, bolero singer, trombonist, producer, arranger Willie Colón born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Influential figure in Latin jazz, merging traditional Latin music with jazz and rock. Actively recording since the late 1960s including successful collaborations with Ismael Miranda, Celia Cruz, Soledad Bravo, Rubén Blades, Johnny Pacheco, the Fania All-Stars, and David Byrne. Also an activist on social issues and active in politics, having served as special assistant, spokesperson, running for several public offices including in the Democratic primaries for Congress in 1994 and for New York City Public Advocate in 2001, losing both elections
April 28, 1949 ~ Singer, jug blower Earl McDonald passed away in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Active mostly from the early-1900s through the 1930s. Helped popularize jug music performing and recording with bands such as the Original Louisville Jug Band, the Old Southern Jug Band, the Dixieland Jug BLowers and Ballard Chefs ~ McDonald was born in 1885
April 28, 1948 ~ Contemporary classical composer Mark Abel born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Active on the rock scene in 1970s and 1980s, producing bands such as the Feelies and the Bongos, playing on albums by Television's Tom Verlaine and the Left Banke's Michael Brown. Accepted a day job in journalism in the mid-1980s. Emerged in the early 2000s as a classical composer, especially noted for his The Dream Gallery album released in 2012
April 28, 1947 ~ Radio DJ, TV host, singer, songwriter Ad Visser born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as radio DJ starting in 1968 with the Superclean Dreammachine on Hilversum 3 starting in 1968 and notably as TV host presenting the Dutch pop charts on AVRO's Toppop from 1970 through 1985, setting the bar for other music shows. Prior, parralel and subsequent to his career as a DJ, TV host has recorded as a singer, perhaps best known for his Parade Van De Hemelse Tragedie, a single song consisting of about a 1,000 verses and a length of over 8 hours. Has also performed in the theatre, authored books and worked as a label executive
April 28, 1947 ~ Singer Francine Peaches Hurd born ~ Best known as the original “Peaches” in Peaches & Herb, present on late 1960s recordings such as Let's Fall In Love, Close Your Eyes, For Your Love and Love Is Strange. During this period Hurd also issued a number of solo recordings, using the moniker Francine Barker, including Angels In The Sky and Mister DJ ~ Hurd passed away in 2005
April 28, 1947 ~ Jazz trumpeter, saxophonist Glenn Zottola born in Port Chester, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman appearing on over 50 albums. Best known for his associations with Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, Bob Wilber. Accompanied singers such as Mel Tormé, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald. Has also worked with Butch Miles, Mousey Alexander, Phil Bodner, George Masso, Maxine Sullivan, and others
April 28, 1947 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, pop guitarist Steve Khan born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Member of the Brecker Brothers band with Randy Brecker and Michael Brecker. Also worked with Ashford & Simpson, Rupert Holmes, Billy Joel (52nd Street), Larry Coryell, Rick Marotta, Steve Gadd, Wayne Shorter, Steely Dan (Gaucho), Luther Allison, Patti Austin, Gato Barbieri, George Benson, Jimmy Cobb, Donald Fagen (The Nightfly), Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin (Who's Zoomin' Who), Michael Franks, Grant Green, Lou Rawls, Joe Zawinul, and others
April 28, 1946 ~ Folk rock singer Beverly Bivens, full name Beverly Ann Bivens, born in Santa Ana, California, USA ~ Lead singer of vocal folk rock group We Five, best known for their debut single You Were On My Mind, a Billboard top 10 hit in 1965
April 28, 1946 ~ Geinette Raynault, commonly knoww as singer, actress, composer Ginette Reno, born in Montreal, Canada ~ Sings both in English and French. Recorded some 60 albums. Outside Canada best known for songs such as Beautiful Second Hand Man and Dans La Vie Tout S'Arrange (Storm In A Teacup), the latter a cover of Lynsey de Paul
April 28, 1946 ~ Jazz pianist, music director, composer Mike Renzi born ~ Best known as longtime music director for Peggy Lee and Mel Tormé. Has also worked with Lena Horne, Cynthia Crane, Maureen McGovern, Grady Tate, Ruth Brown, Laverne Butler, Blossom Dearie, Trudy Desmond, Ann Burton, Meredith D'Ambrosio, Jane Harvey, Jørn Hoel, Hilary Kole, Gene Lees, Jay Leonhart, Gloria Lynne, Liza Minnelli, Gerry Mulligan, Was (Not Was), and others
April 28, 1943 ~ Johnny Corley, commonly known as R&B, soul singer Fantastic Johnny C, born in Greenwood, South Carolina, USA ~ Discovered by producer, songwriter Jesse James. Known for Boogaloo Down Broadway which reached Billboard top 10 in 1967. Subsequent singles would chart reasonably well on the R&B charts, notably Got What You Need, Hitch It To The Horse and She's Some Kind Of Wonderful, the latter originally recorded by the Soul Brothers Six and notably covered by Grand Funk Railroad in 1974
April 28, 1943 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor Jacques Dutronc born ~ Worked with Toro & les Cyclons, Hadi Kalafate, Charlot Benaroch, Eddy Mitchell, Serge Gainsbourg, Étienne Daho, and others
April 28, 1941 ~ Ann-Margret Olsson, mononymously known as actress, singer, dancer Ann-Margret born in Valsjobyn, Sweden ~ Best known as an actress. To pop, rock fans best known for co-starring in the 1964 Viva Las Vegas film opposite Elvis Presley, duetting with Presley on The Lady Loves Me, Today Tomorrow And Forever and You're The Boss, the latter noted for its “call and response” lyrics. Has also released a number of solo recordings, her 1961 I Just Don't Understand reaching the Billboard top 20
April 28, 1941 ~ Jazz pianist, organist Mickey Tucker born in Durham, North Carolina, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Eric Kloss, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, James Moody, Eddie Jefferson, George Benson, the Jazz Messengers, Phil Woods, Art Farmer, Richie Cole, Benny Golson, Junior Cook, Frank Foster, Ronnie Cuber, James Moody, and others
April 28, 1940 ~ Folk singer Danny Doyle born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Enjoyed popularity during the 1960s and 1970s. Best known for Whiskey On A Sunday, A Daisy A Day, and The Rare Auld Times, all of which topped the charts in his native Ireland ~ Doyle passed away in 2019
April 28, 1940 ~ Gérard Gouirand, commonly known as jazz, world music saxophonist Doudou Gouirand, born in Nice, France ~ Worked with Don Cherry, Okay Temiz, Pierre Dørge, Johnny Dyani, Sangoma Everett, Mal Waldron, Bobo Stenson, Aldo Romano, Palle Danielsson, Paul Bley, Jim Pepper, Dino Saluzzi, Lester Bowie, Kevin Davy, and others
April 28, 1940 ~ Jean Paul Bourque, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, bassist Johnny Burke, born in Rosaireville, Canada ~ Active since the early 1960s with various country acts, notably the houseband at Toronto's the Horsehoe Tavern and subsequently the Caribou Showband known for their appearances on the national TV show At The Caribou. The band would eventually evolve into Eastwind, with whom Burke would score hits such as I Can't Even Do Wrong Right, Wild Honey and Love Don't Grow On Trees ~ Bourque passed away in 2017
April 28, 1936 ~ Free jazz saxophonist, composer John Tchicai, full name John Martin Tchicai, born in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Revered leader and sideman present on several pivotal jazz, free jazz albums including John Coltrane's Ascension and Albert Ayler's New York Eye And Ear Control. Founded Cadentia Nova Danica. Member of the Amsterdam Instant Composers Pool. Member of the New York Art Quartet. Also worked with the New York Contemporary Five, Archie Shepp, Dell Westergaard Lillinger, and others ~ Tchichai passed away in 2012
April 28, 1935 ~ Classical composer, conductor Alexander Mackenzie, full name Alexander Campbell Mackenzie, passed away in London, UK ~ Regarded as one of the fathers of the British musical renaissance in the late 19th century. Conductor of the Royal Choral Society and the Philharmonic Society Orchestra for most of the 1890s, premiering works by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Alexander Borodin. As a composer best known for his oratorios, violin and piano pieces, folk music and works for the stage ~ Mackenzie was born in 1847
April 28, 1934 ~ Blues singer, guitarist, slide guitarist Charley Patton passed away in Indianola, Mississippi, USA ~ Widely regarded as “the Father of the Delta Blues” and named by some as one of the most important pre-war blues musicians. Mentor to Willie Brown, Tommy Johnson, Fiddlin' Joe Martin, Robert Johnson, Howlin' Wolf. Best known for songs such as Pony Blues, Shake It And Break It, High Water Everywhere, Some Of These Days and I'm Going Home ~ Patton was born ca.1891
April 28, 1933 ~ Jazz drummer Oliver Jackson, also known as Bops Jr, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Thad Jones, Tommy Flanagan, Wardell Gray, Eddie Locke, Yusef Lateef, Teddy Wilson, Charlie Shavers, Buck Clayton, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Kenny Burrell, Earl Hines, Budd Johnson, Sy Oliver, Oscar Peterson, he Newport All-Stars, Ray Alexander, Gene Ammons, Ray Bryant, Dexter Gordon, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Johnny Hodges, Dexter Gordon, Illinois Jacquet, Etta Jones, Paul Gonsalves, Hank Jones, King Curtis, Gildo Mahones, Billy Mitchell, Joe Newman, Billy Strayhorn, and with Joe Thomas and Jay McShann ~ Jackson passed away in 1994
April 28, 1928 ~ Jazz pianist Raymond Fol born in Paris, France ~ Brother of saxophonist Hubert Fol. Worked with his brother, with Claude Abadie, Boris Vian, the Be-Bop Minstrels, Piere Braslavsky, Jean-Claude Fohrenbach, Django Reinhardt, Roy Eldridge, Johnny Hodges, Dizzy Gillespie, Sidney Bechet, Claude Luter, Guy Lafitte, Stéphane Grappelli, Kenny Clarke, Duke Ellington, Paul Gonsalves, Cat Anderson, Gerald Badini, and others ~ Fol passed away in 1978
April 28, 1927 ~ Conductor, music director, producer Bill Walker, full name William Alfred Walker, born in Sydney, Australia ~ After working with Jim Reeves relocated to America, only to find Reeves had died in a plane crash. Music director for The Johnny Cash Show during the late 1960s, working on some 60 episodes until the show was canceled. Led the orchestra on TNN's The Statler Brother Show for it's entire seven-year existence. Served as orchestrator, producer for the likes of Eddy Arnold (Make The World Go Away), Roy Clark, Marty Robbins, Sammi Smith (Help Me Make It Through The Night), Bobby Vinton, Bob Dylan (Copper Kettle), and Donna Fargo (The Happiest Girl In The Whole USA) ~ Walker passed away in 2022
April 28, 1913 ~ Emile Stern, commonly known as pianist, conductor, songwriter Emil Stern, born in Paris, France ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Edith Piaf, Michèle Arnaud, André Claveau, Frida Boccara (Un Jour Un Enfant), Serge Lama, and others ~ Stern passed away in 1997
April 28, 1913 ~ Jazz singer, pianist Rose Murphy born in Xenia, Ohio, USA ~ Active since the late 1930s. Dubbed “the chee chee girl” for her unique vocal style, a high pitched voice incorporating scat singing, giggling and percussive sound effects. Best known for Busy Line ~ Murphy passed away in 1989
April 28, 1911 ~ Clarinetist, saxophonist, trumpeter, bandleader Mario Bauzá, full name Mario Bauzá Cardénas, born in Havana, Cuba ~ One of the first to introduce Cuban music to the New York jazz scane. Best known for Tangá released in 1943, considered the first Afro-Cuban jazz recording merging jazz harmony with Afro-Cuban rhythms. Member of Cab Calloway's band in the late 1930s, and the one to urge Calloway to hire Dizzy Gillespie. Would go on to lead his own ensembles, working with sidemen including Machito, Tito Puente, Bobby Capó, Chocolate Armenteros, Willie Colón, and others ~ Bauzá passed away in 1993
April 28, 1910 ~ Jazz guitarist Everett Barksdale born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Worked with Erskine Tate, Eddie South, Benny Carter, Sidney Bechet, Dean Barlow, Maxine Sullivan, the Blenders, Clover, Mickey & Sylvia, the Ink Spots, Lena Horne, Sammy Davis Jr, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Art Tatum, Milt Hinton, Buddy Tate, Clark Terry, Louis Armstrong, the Drifters (including on Under The Boardwalk and Saturday Night At The Movies), with Ben E King, and with others ~ Barksdale passed away in 1986
April 28, 1896 ~ Jazz bandleader George E Lee, full name George Ewing Lee, born in Boonville, Missouri, USA ~ Brother of pianist, singer Julia Lee. Worked with Jesse Stone, Bennie Moten, and others ~ Lee passed away in 1958
April 28, 1873 ~ Violinist, pianist Harold Bauer, full name Harold Victor Bauer, born in Kingston-upon-Thames, UK ~ Child prodigy mentored by Adolf Pollitzer. Studied piano under Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Premiered Frederick Delius's Violin Sonata In B Major with Achille Rivarde in 1893. As a pianist premiered Johannes Brahms's Piano Concerto No.1 In D Minor with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1900, and Claude Debussy's Children's Corner in 1908 ~ Bauer passed away in 1951