This Day In Music: April 29
April 28 ~ Birthdays/All ~ April 30
 
April 29, 1989 ~ Louisa Rose Allen, commonly known as singer, songwriter, model Foxes, born in Southampton, UK ~ First gained attention providing the vocals on Zedd's 2012 single Clarity. Debuted as a solo singer in 2014 with the album Glorious. Known for songs such as Youth, Let Go For Tonight, Body Talk and Amazing
April 29, 1989 ~ Jesse David Leroi Grey, commonly known as reggae singer, songwriter Jesse Royal, born in St James Parish, Jamaica ~ Active since the early 2010s. Mentored by Philip Fatis Burrell who produced some of Royal's early singles. Toured extensively for a number of years leading up to his acclaimed Lily Of Da Valley debut album released in 2017. Has collaborated with the likes of Jo Mersa Marley, Vybz Kartel, Kumar, Stonebwoy, and others
 
April 29, 1988 ~ Michael Ray Roach, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Michael Ray, born in Eustis, Florida, USA ~ Independently released his eponymous Michael Ray debut album in 2010. Would first gain serious attention in 2012, winning the talent contest The Next (Fame Is At Your Doorstep) leading to a record deal. Would go on to reach the Billboard Country top 10 with singles such as Kiss You In The Morning, Think A Little Less, One That Got Away, and Whiskey And Rain
 
April 29, 1986 ~ Jeff Abel, commonly known as producer, DJ Excision, born in Kelowna, Canada ~ Dubstep, drum and bass, trap, breakbeat producer and DJ known for his dark sounds, heavy on the bass and drawing from hip-hop and metal. Active since the mid-2000s. Released his full-length X-Rated debut album in 2011
 
April 29, 1984 ~ Jake Anderson, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Prof, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Enjoying local popularity since the mid-2000s, regarded as one of the most popular rappers in the Twin Cities area. Released his Project Gampo debut album in 2007 and has recorded consistently since
 
April 29, 1981 ~ Singer, songwriter Tahita Bulmer, full name Tahita Rotardier Bulmer, born in City Of Westminster, UK ~ Co-founding member of the New Young Pony Club, best known for their acclaimed 2007 Fantastic Playroom debut album. After keyboardist Lou Hayter and drummer Sarah Jones departed the band would return to its electropop roots and be renamed to NYPC to reflect the change
 
April 29, 1980 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, drummer, bassist, songwriter Kian Egan, full name Kian John Francis Egan, born in Sligo, Ireland ~ Member of Irish boy band Westlife, alongside Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Brian McFadden, known for songs such as Swear It Again, Flying Without Wings, Fool Again, What Makes A Man, Queen Of My Heart, Hey Whatever, You Raise Me Up and Amazing, all of which reached top 10 in both the band's native Ireland and the UK. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Home in 2014
 
April 29, 1979 ~ Singer, songwriter Jo O'Meara, full name Joanne Valda O'Meara, born in Romford, UK ~ Best known as member of S Club 7 from 1999 until its disbandement in 2003, present on hits such as Reach, Don't Stop Movin', Have You Ever, Love Ain't Gonna Wait For You and perhaps their best-known Never Had A Dream Come True
 
April 29, 1978 ~ R&B, funk, soul, neo soul singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Javier Colon born in Stratford, Connecticut, USA ~ Toured with Derek Trucks Band during the early 2000s. Departed the group in 2002 to pursue a solo career, releasing his Javier debut album in 2003. It would reach top 20 on the Billboard R&B album charts. Has recorded steadily since. Gained serious exposure in 2011, overwhelmingly winning the NBC talent contest The Voice. Would reach Billboard Hot 100 top 20 the same year with the single Stitch By Stitch
 
April 29, 1975 ~ Folk rock, country rock, indie rock singer, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Garrison Starr, full name Julia Garrison Starr, born ~ Recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist since the early 1990s. Perhaps best known for her 1997 Eighteen Over Me album, which would contain her signature song Superhero and would lead to an invitation to tour with the all-female festival tour Lilith Fair. Starr's songs have been used in TV series such as Life Unexpected, Pretty Little Liars, The Fosters, and Grey's Anatomy. Starr also co-founded Among The Oak & Ash with Josh Joplin, known for their 2009 eponymous Among The Oak & Ash album. Also a member of Plover, with whom she recorded the eponymous Plover album the same year
 
April 29, 1974 ~ Anggun Ciptun Sasmi, mononymously known as singer, pianist, songwriter Anggun, born in Jakarta, Indonesia ~ Started performing at age 7. Released a number of rock-influenced albums in Indonesia starting in the mid-1980s before relocating to Europe to pursue an international career. Internationally best known for songs such as In Your Mind, Saviour, and I'll Be Alright. Represented France in the 2012 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 22nd place with Echo (You & I)
April 29, 1974 ~ Jazz drummer, arranger Borre Dalhaug born in Alesand, Norway ~ Worked with Real Thing, Nora Brockstedt, the Oslo Groove Company, the Bohuslän Big Band, Even Kruse Skatrud, and others
 
April 29, 1973 ~ Alternative rock, post-grunge, pop drummer Cheney Brannon born ~ Best known as member of Collective Soul, present on the band's eponymous 2009 Collective Soul album. Has also worked with Cheap Thrills, Riley Biederer, John Corabi, Joel Kosche, and others
 
April 29, 1970 ~ Pop, rock singer, songwriter China Forbes born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA ~ Co-lead singer of Pink Martini since 1995. The band is noted for its collaborations with numerous artists, notably Saori Yuki and the Von Trapps, and had many of its songs featured in films such as Josie & The Pussycates, Hitch and Mr & Mrs Jones as well as TV series such as The Sopranos, The West Wing and Sherlock
 
April 29, 1969 ~ Percy Robert Miller, commonly known as rapper, producer, actor Master P, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ As a solo artist known for his 1995 single Mr Ice Cream Man and notably his 1997 single Make 'Em Say Uhh, the latter featuring Fiend, Silkk The Shocker, Mia X & Mystikal and reaching Billboard top 20. Has also worked with Miller Boyz, TRU, Pimp C, Sons Of Funk, Webbie, and others
April 29, 1969 ~ Jazz bassist Thomas Winther Andersen born in Oslo, Norway ~ Married to jazz singer Henriette Andersen. Active as a leader since the late 1990s, working with Winther-Storm, Line-Up, and Sketch. Also a valued sideman, notably with Axel Hagen, Robert Rook, Olaf Zetsloot, and Simone Honijk
 
April 29, 1968 ~ Singer Carnie Wilson born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of pop group Wilson Phillips, which also included Wendy Wilson and Chyna Phillips, known for a string of 1990s hits notably the Billboard Hot 100 charttoppers Hold On, Release Me and You're In Love. All three band members are daughters of famous musicians, sisters Carnie and Wendy of the Beach Boys-singer Brian Wilson, Chyna is the daughter of the Mamas & the Papas-members John Phillips and Michelle Phillips
April 29, 1968 ~ Rock guitarist Janne Halmkrona born ~ Influenced by the Sex Pistols, Judas Priest, Yes, and Genesis. Best known as a member of Finnish rock band CMX, joining the group in 1990 as replacement for Kimmo Suomalainen and first appearing on the band's 1991 Veljeskunta sophomore album. Has also worked as an A&R manager for Sony BMG Finland
 
April 29, 1963 ~ Country singer, songwriter Stephanie Bentley, full name Stephanie Kay Bentley, born in Thomasville, Georgia, USA ~ First gained attention duetting with Ty Herndon on Heart Half Empty in 1996. It would be included on both Herndon's What Mattered Most debut album and Bentley's sole Hopechest album. Best known as a songwriter. Wrote or co-wrote songs for Céline Dion, Faith Hill (Breathe), Pam Tillis, Martina McBride (Concrete Angel), Jo Dee Messina, and others
 
April 29, 1960 ~ Alternative rock, noise pop, shoegazing bassist Phil King born in London, UK ~ Best known as bassist for Lush, joining the band in 1992 as replacement for Steve Rippon. Also closely associated with the Jesus & Mary Chain, serving as the band's touring bassist, guitarist from 2007 through 2015. Has also worked with Felt, Biff Bang Powl, Servants, the Fallen Leaves, and others
 
April 29, 1956 ~ Jazz bassist Ira Coleman born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Has played with artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Laurent de Wilde, Milt Jackson, Ulf Wakenius, John Esposito, Joanne Brackeen, Herbie Hancock, Sting, Tony Williams, Ayo, Antonio Farao, and others
 
April 29, 1954 ~ Punk rock, post punk, new wave singer Debora Iyall, full name Debora Kay Iyall, born in Soap Lake, Washington, USA ~ Lead singer of Romeo Void, with whom she recorded three albums. The band is best known for the songs Never Say Never and A Girl In Trouble (Is A Temporary Thing), the latter reaching Billboard Hot 100 top 40. Following the band's disbandement in 1985 Iyall has recorded as a solo artist, starting with her 1986 Strange Language debut album
 
April 29, 1953 ~ Singer, producer Bill Drummond born in Butterworth ~ Best known for forming the techno, pop duo the KLF with Jimmy Cauty, one of the worldwide best-selling acts of 1991, scoring sample-rich hits such as 3AM (Eternal), Train To Trancentral, America (What Time Is Love) and Justified & Ancient featuring Tammy Wynette. The duo also recorded under several other monikers including the Justified Ancients Of Mu Mu, Disco 2000 and notabaly scoring the 1988 UK No.1 hit Doctorin' The Tardis under the moniker the Timelords. In 1995 the duo burned £1 million in an art project for their the K Foundation
April 29, 1953 ~ Composer, film composer Jan AP Kaczmarek, full name Jan Andrzey Pawel Kaczmarek, born in Kontin, Poland ~ Has written score for over 70 films and documentaries, including 2004's Finding Neverland for which he received an Academy Award. Other notable soundtrack credits include Washington Square, Unfaithful, The Visitor, Hachi (A Dog's Tale), and The Karamazovs. Outside the film industry most acclaimed for writing Cantata For Freedom to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Solidarity movement, and Oratorio 1956 commemorating the 50th anniversary of an uprising against the totalitarian government in Poznan, both works premiered live on Polish television
 
April 29, 1952 ~ Latin jazz, smooth jazz, crossover jazz flutist Dave Valentin, full name David Peter Valentin, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Active since his early teens. Started on conga and timbales, switched to flute to get to known a girl in school who played the flute. Mentored by Hubert Laws. Recorded close to two dozen albums as a solo artist or leader, drawing from pop, R&B, Brazilian music to create a slick and accessible form of crossover jazz. Especially acclaimed for his 1988 Live At The Blue Note live album, and for his 1990 Two Amigos collaborative album with Herbie Mann. Has also worked with Noel Pointer, Patti Austin, Lee Ritenour, David Benoit, Eliane Elias, the GRP All-Star Big Band, Scott Cossu, and Nnenna Freelon ~ Valentin passed away in 2017
 
April 29, 1951 ~ Bossa nova, jazz singer, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Vinicius Cantuária born in Manaus, Brazil ~ As a leader over a dozen albums to his name since the early 1980s, especially acclaimed for his 2004 Horse & Fish album. Wrote Lua E Estrela, recorded by Caetano Veloso in 1981. Since relocating to the USA Cantuária has become a fixture in the New York jazz scene, and guested on albums by Arto Lindsay, David Byrne (Feelings), Ryuichi Sakamoto, Los Super Seven, Laurie Anderson, Angélique Kidjo, and Bill Frisell
 
April 29, 1950 ~ Bassist Wayne Secrest born in Alton, Illinois, USA ~ Member of country, outlaw country, country rock outfit Confederate Railroad from its inception in 1987 until retiring from the band in 2017 for health reasons. They are best known for songs such as Jesus And Mama, The Queen Of Memphis and Daddy Never Was The Cadillac Kind ~ Secrest passed away in 2018
 
April 29, 1949 ~ Latin rock organist Bobby Espinosa born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Key figure of the Los Angeles Latin rock scene from the late 1960s through the 2000s, known for his percussive apporach to the Hammond organ. Founding member of El Chicano, drawing from rock, funk, soul, blues, jazz, salsa and best known for early 1970s singles such as Viva Tirado Part I, Brown Eyed Girl and Tell Her She's Lovely ~ Espinosa passed away in 2010
 
April 29, 1948 ~ Guitarist, violinist Michael Karoli born in Straubling, West Germany ~ Member of Can alongisde Holger Czukay, Irmin Schmidt, Jaki Liebezeit and David Johnson ~ Karoli passed away in 2001
 
April 29, 1947 ~ Folk, pop, rock drummer Joel Larson born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Merry-Go-Round, which also included Emitt Rhodes. The band is known for their sole eponymous The Merry-Go-Round debut album released in 1967. Though the album stalled in the low end of the Billboard Hot 200 charts, the band is considered pivotal to the era, noted for their performance at the 1967 Fantasy Fair And Magic Mountain Music Festival, and had several of their songs covered by others including Linda Ronstadt (She's A Very Lovely Woman), and the Bangles (Live). Larson has also worked with the Bedouins and with the Grass Roots. Later on in his career Larson would work as a dance night promoter and work behind the scenes in the movie and TV entertainment industry
April 29, 1947 ~ Thomas Gergory Jackson, commonly known as singer Tommy James born in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Fronted 1960s rock band Tommy James & the Shondells, known for the Billboard top 10 hits Hanky Panky, I Think We're Alone Now, Mirage, Mony Mony, Crimson And Clover and Crystal Blue Persuasion
 
April 29, 1946 ~ Giancarlo Salvestrin, commonly known as singer, songwriter, label executive Gene Pierson, born in Venice, Italy ~ As a singer known for 1960s and 1970s songs such as Love Love Love, You Got To Me, and Reach Out
 
April 29, 1945 ~ Bassist Hugh Hopper, full name Hugh Colin Hopper, born in Canterbury, UK ~ Key figure in the UK's Canterbury scene, especially influential through his membership of Soft Machine and previously Wilde Flowers. Brother of guitarist, saxophonist Brian Hopper, a regular collaborator and bandmate. Well over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with 1984 released in 1973. Has worked with Daevid Allen, Syd Barrett (The Madcap Laughs), Stomu Yamashta, Isotope, Gilgamesh, Carla Bley, Equipe Out, In Cahoots, Caveman Hughscore, Robert Wyatt, and others ~ Hopper passed away in 2009
April 29, 1945 ~ Thomasina Winifred Montgomery, commonly known as singer Tammi Terrell, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Member of the Sherrys. Spend two years backing James Brown as a member of the James Brown Revue. Best remembered for a number of duets with Marvin Gaye, including Ain't No Mountain High Enough and You're All I Need To Get By. Collapsed on stage in Gaye's arms to be later diagnosed with a brain tumor ~ Terrell passed away in 1970
 
April 29, 1943 ~ Country, gospel singer Duane Allen, full name Duane David Allen, born in Taylortown, Texas, USA ~ Received formal training in operatic singing before joining country, gospel vocal group the Oak Ridge Boys in 1966. Lead singer on the majority of the band's best-known including Elvira, Bobbie Sue and American Made. Married to Norah Lee Allen, backup singer on the Grand Ole Opry
 
April 29, 1941 ~ Frankie Lee Jones, commonly known as soul blues, electric blues singer, songwriter Frankie Lee, born in Mart, Texas, 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 passed away in 2015
April 29, 1941 ~ Dinahir Tostes Caymmi, commonly known as singer Nana Caymmi, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Daughter of Dorival Caymmi and sister of Dori Caymmi and Danilo Caymmi, all singers. Briefly married to Gilberto Gil during the late 1960s. Enjoyed some moderate succes at the time but neither much at home in the Tropicália nor the protest song movement. Would reach mainstream succes in the 1990s, notably with the album Bolero kicking of a string of gold albums
 
April 29, 1940 ~ Saxophonist, flutist George Adams, full name George Rufus Adams, was born in Covington, Georgia, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. Recorded about two dozen albums as leader or co-leader, often teaming up with Don Pullen. Especially acclaimed for Live At The Village Vanguard Vol.2 and Breakthrough, both co-led with Pullen. Adams is also present on albums by the Fatback Band, Charles Mingus (Changes One), Gil Evans (There Comes A Time), David Sanborn, McCoy Tyner (Horizon), Johnny Copeland, Craig Harris, Phalanx, Craig Harris, and Kip Hanrahan ~ Adams passed away in 1992
 
April 29, 1938 ~ Bassist Klaus Voormann, full name Klaus Otto Wilhelm Voormann, born in Berlin, Germany ~ Bassist for Manfred Mann from 1966 through 1969. In-demand session musician for the like of Lou Reed (Transformer), Carly Simon (No Secrets), James Taylor, Harry Nilsson, John Lennon (Imagine), George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Badfinger, Donovan, Peter Frampton, Randy Newman, Loudon Wainwright III, and others. Also known as a graphic designer, responsible for album covers for a number of artists including the Beatles (Revolver), the Bee Gees, and Turbonegro
 
April 29, 1937 ~ Singer, guitarist, drummer, keyboardist, songwriter Hasil Adkins born in Boone County, West Virginia, USA ~ Encompasses rock & roll, country, blues, rockabilly. Foreshadowed psychobilly with songs such as She Said, later covered by the Cramps, and Let Me Come In, covered by Flat Duo Jets ~ Adkins passed away in 2005
April 29, 1937 ~ Walter Williams, commonly known as Chicago blues guitarist, singer Lefty Dizz, born in Osceola, Arkansas, USA ~ Earned his nickname by playing a right-handed Stratocaster left-handed. Noted for his energetic flamboyant stage presence. Best known for fronting Shock Treatment and for his associations with Junior Wells, JB Lenoir and Hound Dog Taylor. Has also worked with Lacy Gibson, Earl Hooker, Junior Cannady, John Lee Hooker, Johnny Big Moose Walker, Louisiana Red, and others. Also appears on Muddy Waters' 1981 live album Live At The Checkerboard Lounge which also featured the Rolling Stones-members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ron Wood ~ Williams passed away in 1993
April 29, 1937 ~ Willy Cecile Johannes van de Velde, commonly known as folk singer, guitarist Wannes van de Velde, born in Antwerp ~ Considered one of the leading Flemish kleinkunst artists, along Willem Vermandere and Zjef Vanuytsel. Known for singing in local dialect. Well known songs of his include Ik Wil Deze Nacht In De Straten Verdwalen, Mijn Mansaarde and De Brug Van Willebroek ~ Van de Velde passed away in 2008
 
April 29, 1936 ~ Singer Albee Cracolici born ~ Co-founding member of doo-wop, vocal R&B group the Mystics, best known for their 1959 hit Hushabye written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman
April 29, 1936 ~ Caroline Vincinetti LoTempio, commonly known as singer April Stevens, born in Niagara Falls, New York, USA ~ Known for the early 1950s hits I'm In Love Again and Gimme Me A Little Kiss (Will Ya Huh), as well as for her 1959 recording Teach Me Tiger which was banned from radio for its sexual innuendo. Perhaps best known for her collaborations with her brother Nino Tempo, including the 1963 recording Deep Purple which reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts ~ LoTempio passed away in 2023
April 29, 1936 ~ Conductor, music director Zubin Mehta born in Bombay, India ~ Worked with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Honorary member of the Vienna State Opera, the Bavarian State Opera and the Teatro San Carlo
 
April 29, 1934 ~ Double bassist Norman Edge born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with Morris Nanton, Osie Johnson, Gene Ammons (including on 1962 album Bad Bossa Nove), Clark Terry, Urbie Green, Sandy Sasso, Nelson Riddle, and others ~ Edge passed away in 2018
April 29, 1934 ~ Otis Rush Jr, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer Otis Rush, born in Philadelphia, Mississippi, USA ~ Important 1950s blues guitarist, merging Chicago blues with R&B-influences. Influential on Michael Bloomfield, Peter Green and Eric Clapton. Known for songs such as I Can't Quit You Baby, Double Trouble and All Your Love (I Miss Loving) ~ Rush passed away in 2018
 
April 29, 1933 ~ R&B, rock & roll, blues tenor saxophonist, singer Raymond Hill, full name Raymond Earl Hill, born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA ~ Closely associated with Ike Turner, as a member of Turner's R&B unit the Kings Of Rhythm present on the classic Rocket '88. In-demand session musician, appearing on recordings by Howlin' Wolf, Little Junior Parker (Mystery Train), Jessie Hill, Clayton Love, and others ~ Hill passed away in 1996
April 29, 1933 ~ Singer, poet, songwriter, actor Rod McKuen, full name Rodney Marvin McKuen, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ One of the best-selling poets of the late 1960s. Wrote or co-wrote over 1,500 songs, recorded by a wide array of artists including Robert Goulet, Barbra Streisand, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, the Kingston Trio, Nana Mouskouri, Dusty Springfield, Al Hirt, Frank Sinatra, and others. Renowned film composer, including earning Academy Award-nominations for The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie and A Boy Named Charlie Brown. Known for songs such as Love's Been Good To Me, The World I Used To Know, I've Been To Town, Kaleidoscope, Merci Beaucoup, Doesn't Anybody Know My Name and Soldiers Who Want To Be Heroes ~ McKuen passed away in 2015
April 29, 1933 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Willie Nelson, full name Willie Hugh Nelson, born in Abbott, Texas, USA ~ Iconic figure in country. Spearheaded the Outlaw country movement in the 1970s. Critically acclaimed for concept albums such as Shotgun Willie and Red Headed Stranger. Renowned songwriter with several country classics to his name including Billy Walker's Funny How Time Slips Away, Faron Young's Hello Walls, Roy Orbison's Pretty Paper and Patsy Cline's Crazy. Member of country supergroup the Highwaymen alongside Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and frequent collaborator Waylon Jennings
 
April 29, 1932 ~ Jazz bassist Andy Simpkins born in Richmond, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Member of the Three Sounds from 1956 through 1968. Also worked with George Shearing, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Anita O'Day, Gerald Wiggins, Monty Alexander, Buddy DeFranco, Don Menza, Stéphane Grappelli, and Pat Boone ~ Simpkins passed away in 1999
 
April 29, 1931 ~ Anthony James Donegan, commonly known as singer, guitarist Lonnie Donegan, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Known as “the King of Skiffle” ~ Donegan passed away in 2002
 
April 29, 1930 ~ Jazz drummer Joe Porcaro born in New Britain, Connecticut, USA ~ Father of Toto musicians Jeff Porcaro, Mike Porcaro, Steve Porcaro. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Natalie Cole, Don Ellis, Stan Getz, Freddie Hubbard, Gladys Knight, Madonna, the Monkees, Gerry Mulligan, Pink Floyd, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Rosemary Clooney, Lalo Schifrin, Mike Mainieri, Emitt Rhodes, Louie Bellson, Bonnie Raitt, Glen Campbell, Eric Carmen, Cheryl Lynn, Randy Crawford, Yvonne Elliman, Donna Summer, Sérgio Mendes, Roger Kellaway, Joe Cocker, Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr, and others ~ Porcaro passed away in 2020
 
April 29, 1929 ~ Conga player Ray Barretto born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Sampled by Urban Dance Squad. Worked with Charlie Parker, Jose Curbelo, Tito Puente, Adalberto Santiago, the Fania All-Stars, Sonora Matancera, Celia Cruz, the New World Spirit, Gene Ammons, the Bee Gees, Kenny Burrell, Arnett Cobb, Ray Bryant, Billy Cobham, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Eumir Deodato, Jimmy Forrest, Dizzy Gillespie, Slide Hampton, Bill Doggett, Art Farmer, Eddie Harris, Willis Jackson, Yusef Lateef, Junior Mance, Clifford Jordan, Herbie Mann, Wes Montgomery, Michel Sardaby, Sonny Stitt, Jack McDuff, the Weather Report, Charles Williams, Julius Watkins, Frank Wess, and others ~ Barretto passed away in 2016
 
April 29, 1928 ~ R&B singer Carl Gardner, full name Carl Edward Gardner, born in Tyler, Texas, USA ~ Key member of the Robins including on the 1955 hit Smokey Joe's Cafe. Best known as co-founding member of the Coasters, scoring a number of mid- to late 1950s hits pivotal to the development of rock & roll including Young Blood, Yakety Yak, Charlie Brown and Poison Ivy ~ Gardner passed away in 2011
 
April 29, 1922 ~ Jean Baptiste Frederic Isidor Thielemans, commonly known as harmonica player, guitarist, composer Toots Thielemans, born in Brussels, Belgium ~ Preeminent jazz harmonica player. Closely associated with friend, fan, frequent collaborator Quincy Jones. Best known for his composition Bluesette, for a number of soundtracks, and for his many collaborations. Over the course of his career Thielemans has worked with Sidney Bechet, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Max Roach, Benny Goodman, Dinah Washington, George Shearing, Ella Fitzgerald, Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, Stéphane Grappelli, JJ Johnson, Oscar Peterson, Shirley Horn, Joe Pass, Bill Evans, Peggy Lee, Elis Regina, Billy Joel, Julian Lennon, John Denver, Dizzy Gillespie, Urbie Green, Brook Benton, James Last, Joe Lovano, Paul Simon, and others ~ Thielemans passed away in 2016
 
April 29, 1920 ~ Composer, pianist Harold Shapero, full name Harold Samuel Shapiro, born in Lynn, Massachusetts, USA ~ Initially played jazz, notably with the swing ensemble the Hal Kenny Orchestra, but would later gravitate towards contemporary classical. Well known compositions include Nine-Minute Overture, Symphony For Classical Orchestra, Serenade In D, and Credo ~ Shapero passed away in 2013
 
April 29, 1919 ~ Choral conductor, composer Stephen Wilkinson, full name Stephen Austin Wilkinson, born in Cambridgeshire, UK ~ Conducted the Hertford Choir. Staff musician with the BBC for over 25 years starting in 1953, best known for his work with the BBC Northern Singers. Has also guested with the RTE Singers, het Nederlands Kamerkoor, and others. Father of mezzo-soprano singer Clare Wilkinson ~ Wilkinson passed away in 2021
 
April 29, 1908 ~ Jazz trumpeter Philippe Brun born in Paris, France ~ Worked with Gregor, Danny Polo, Ray Ventura, Bert Ambrose, Jack Hylton, Fred Waring, Django Reinhardt, Alix Combelle, Eddie Brunner, André Ekyan, Edmond Cohanier, Teddy Stauffer, and others ~ Brun passed away in 1994
 
April 29, 1907 ~ Constantin Rossi, commonly known as cabaret, pop singer, actor Tino Rossi, born in Ajaccio, France ~ Reportedly recorded over 2,000 songs and appeared in more than 25 films. Best known for his 1946 hit Petit Papa Noel which sold over 30 million copies worldwide ~ Rossi passed away in 1983
 
April 29, 1906 ~ Jazz trumpeter, scat singer Ward Pinkett, full name William Ward Pinkett Jr, born in Newsport News, Virginia, USA ~ Active during the Harlem Renaissance. Worked with King Oliver, James P Johnson, Chick Webb and with Jelly Roll Morton. Plagued by alcoholism Pinkett was admired as a musician but regarded as an unreliable band member. In poor health he died of pneumonia at age 30 ~ Pinkett passed away in 1937
 
April 29, 1903 ~ Frank Ciccio, commonly known as singer Frank Parker, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Active since the 1920. Best known as tenor singer in Harry Horlick's orchestra and as a singer for various radio show throughout the 1950s, working with personalities such as Jack Benny, George Burns, and Arthur Godfrey. Hosted his own radio show That Atlantic Family On Tour, syndicated on CBS Radio stations ~ Ciccio passed away in 1999
 
April 29, 1899 ~ Edward Kennedy Ellington, commonly known as bandleader, composer Duke Ellington, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Colossal figure in jazz, wrote over 1,000 songs and led the Duke Ellington Orchestra for about 5 decades from the early 1920s until his death in the mid-1970s. Known best for hits such as East St Louis Toodle-oo, Three Little Words, Sophisticated Lady, Stormy Weather, Cocktails For Two, Solitude, Cotton, Oh Babel Maybe Someday, I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart and perhaps his best-known Take The A-Train ~ Ellington passed away in 1974
 
April 29, 1879 ~ Conductor, impresario Thomas Beecham born in St Helens, UK ~ Especially known as an advocate of lesser known composers such as Frederick Delius and Hector Berlioz. Closely associated with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Beecham passed away in 1961