April 6, 2023 ~ Jazz bassist, double bassist Harrison Bankhead, full name Harrison Napoleon Bankhead III, passed away ~ Avant-garde leaning bassist. As a leader known for his acclaimed Morning Sun Harvest Moon album released in 2011. Closely associated with Malachi Thompson, backing the trumpeter on over half a dozen albums starting in the early 1990s. Has also frequently worked with 8 Bold Souls, including on the ensemble's 2000 Last Option masterpiece. Other collaborations include Edward Wilkerson Jr, Michael Mason, Don Bennett, Joel Brandon, and Fred Anderson ~ Bankhead was born in 1955
April 6, 2023 ~ Pop, dance-pop singer, actor Paul Cattermole, full name Paul Gerald Cattermole, passed away in Dorset, UK ~ Member of S Club 7 from 1998 through 2002, present on songs such as Bring It All Back, S Club Party, Never Had A Dream Come True and Don't Stop Movin' ~ Cattermole was born in 1977
April 6, 2021 ~ Huey Simmons, commonly known as jazz, free jazz saxophonist, hornist Sonny Simmons, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Prince Lasha, Michael Marcus, Moksha Samnyasin, Bobby Few, Horace Tapscott, Brandon Evans, Anthony Braxton, Elvin Jones, Eric Dolphy, Clifford Jordan, and others ~ Simmons was born in 1933
April 6, 2019 ~ Country singer, guitarist Jim Glaser passed away ~ Member of sibling outfit Glaser Brothers, known for songs such as California Girl And The Tennessee Square, Rings and Ain't It All Worth Living For ~ Glaser was born in 1937
April 6, 2019 ~ Singer Molly Hocking wins The Voice UK ~ Hocking wins the 8th season of talent show The Voice UK aired on ITV. The other finalists were Deana Walmsley, Jimmy Balto, and Bethzienna Williams
April 6, 2018 ~ Pop singer Jacques Higelin, full name Jacques Joseph Victor Higelin, passed away in Paris, France ~ Actively recording since the early 1970s. Would grow to become one of France's most popular artists due to his incessive touring, usually in smaller, intimate venues. Has collaborated with Brigitte Fontaine, Areski Belkacem, and others ~ Higelin was born in 1940
April 6, 2016 ~ Singer, songwriter Merle Haggard, full name Merle Ronald Haggad, passed away in Palo Cedro, California, USA ~ Influenced by Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell, Hank Williams. Known for songs such as My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers, I'm A Lonesome Fugitive, Branded Man, The Fightin' Side Of Me, and others. Has collaborated with the Strangers, Bonnie Owens, Johnnie Lee Willis, Eldon Shamblin, Tiny Moore, Joe Holly, Johnny Gimble, Alex Brashear, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Paycheck, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Clint Eastwood, Gram Parsons, Ray Price, Leona Williams, Albert E Brumley, and others ~ Haggard was born in 1937
April 6, 2015 ~ Jazz, pop pianist, accordionist, songwriter, arranger Milton Delugg passed away ~ Active since the 1940s. Musical director, bandleader, accordionist on Broadway Open House aired on NBC, considered a forerunner to The Tonight Show. Co-wrote and first recorded Orange Colored Sky featuring singer Janet Brace, best known as a hit for Nat King Cole. Other songs written or co-written by Delugg include Shanghai (Doris Day), Be My Life's Companion (the Mills Brothers), Shake Hands With Santa Claus (Louis Prima), A Poor Man's Roses Or A Rich Man's Gold (Patsy Cline). Also notably remembered for producing Buddy Holly's iconic Rave On rock & roll classic ~ Delugg was born in 1918
April 6, 2013 ~ Classical, jazz pianist, composer, arranger Don Shirley, full name Donald Walbridge Shirley, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Actively recording since the mid-1950s. Composed organ symphonies, works for piano, strings, cello, and opera. Worked with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the NBC Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony, the Chicago Symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and others ~ Shirley was born in 1927
April 6, 2010 ~ Vincent Charles Pusateri, commonly known as hard rock, glam metal bassist, singer Vinnie Chas, passed away in Vancouver, Washington, USA ~ Served in several bands with a then-unknown Jerry Cantrell, his childhood friend of later Alice In Chains fame, prior to joining glam metal outfit Pretty Boy Floyd. The band is perhaps best known for Rock And Roll (Is Gonna Set The Night On Fire) and I Wanna Be With You, both taken of their 1989 Leather Boyz With Electric Toyz debut album ~ Pusateri was born in 1963
April 6, 2009 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Jacques Hustin passed away ~ Active since the mid-1960s enjoying popularity with songs such as Camelias. Internationally perhaps best known for representing his native Belgium at the 1974 Eurovision Songfestival with his self-penned Fleur De Liberté, reaching 9th place. Hustin would continue to record and perform throughout the 1980s, eventually retiring from music to focus on his painting career ~ Hustin was born in 1940
April 6, 2003 ~ Drummer, social activist Babatunde Olatunji passed away in Salinas, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Admired by peers, especially John Coltrane who wrote and recorded the song Tunji as a tribute to Olatunji. Referenced by Bob Dylan in I Shall Be Free. Covered by Carlos Santana (Jing-go-la-ba). Worked with Cannonball Adderley, Horace Silver, Quincy Jones, Pee Wee Ellis, Stevie Wonder, Randy Weston, Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, Mickey Hart, Airto Moreira, Muruga Booker, Sikiru Adepoju, Halim El-Dabh, Randy Weston, Max Roach, Kai Winding, Herbie Mann, Serge Gainsbourg, Richie Havens, Taj Mahal, Tupac Shakur, and others ~ Olatunji was born in 1927
April 6, 2002 ~ Drummer Kevin Kelley, full name Kevin Daniel Kelley, passed away in Hollywood, California, USA ~ Member of Rising Sons, joining the band in 1965 as replacement for original drummer Ed Cassidy. The band is known for including both Ry Cooder and Taj Mahal and broke up soon after their 1966 Candy Man single. Briefly a member of the Byrds, present on the pivotal country rock album The Sweethearts Of The Rodeo. Following his departure in 1968 has been a member of Fever Tree and Gas Food & Lodging, and sessioned for the like of John Fahey, Phil Ochs, Jerry Jeff Walker, Judee Sill, and Michael Cohen ~ Kelley was born in 1943
April 6, 1999 ~ Kenneth Norville, commonly known as vibraphonist, composer Red Norvo, passed away ~ One of jazz's early vibraphonists. Leader and sideman. Worked with the Collegians, Paul Whiteman, Benny Goodman, Charlie Barnet, Woody Herman, his wife Mildred Bailey, Billie Holiday, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Tal Farlow, Jimmy Raney, Charles Mingus, Red Mitchell, and others ~ Norvo was biorn in 1908
April 6, 1998 ~ Virginia Wynette Pugh, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Tammy Wynette passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ One of country's best-known and best-selling female artists. Dubbed “the First Lady of Country Music” and along with Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Lynn Anderson and Dolly Parton credited with having defined the role of women in country. Best known for her late 1960s recording Stand By Your Man. Married to country singer George Jones from 1969 to 1975, with whom she recorded a number of well-charting duets. ~ Wynette was born in 1942
April 6, 1998 ~ Wendy Orlean Williams, commonly known as punk, punk rock, shock rock singer, songwriter Wendy O Williams passed away in Stores, Connecticut, USA ~ Rose to fame as frontwoman of quintessential New York punk outfit the Plasmatics. Known for her energetic and provocative stage presence ~ Williams was born in 1949
April 6, 1994 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger Dick Cary passed away in Glendale, California, USA ~ Worked with Joe Marsala, Benny Goodman, the Casa Loma Orchestra, Brad Gowans, Muggsy Spanier, Wild Bill Davison, Billy Butterfield, Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Dorsey, Eddie Condon, Pee Wee Russell, Max Kaminsky, Bud Freeman, Jimmy McPartland, Bobby Hackett, Jack Teagarden, Barbara Lea, Maxine Sullivan, Ruth Brown, Lee Castle, Edmond Hall, Barney Bigard, BB King, and others ~ Cary was born in 1916
April 6, 1992 ~ DJ, producer Mathias Stubø born in Tønsberg, Norway ~ Son of jazz singer Thorgeir Stubø. Active since the early 2010 as electronica producer and DJ noted for his 2011 Real Love Tastes Like This album
April 6, 1988 ~ Arranger, bandleader, guitarist, songwriter Leroy Kirkland passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Erskine Hawkins, the Dorsey Brothers, Alan Freed, Ella Fitzgerald, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Big Maybelle, Etta James, Charlie Parker, the Righteous Brothers, the Supremes, Brook Benton, Ruby & the Romantics, and others ~ Kirkland was born ca.1904
April 6, 1984 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Jimmy Kennedy passed away in Cheltenham, UK ~ Co-wrote over an estimated 2,000 songs, adding lyrics to traditional songs or collaborating on original songs by composers such as Michael Carr, Wilhelm Grosz, and Nat Simon. Well known songs include Red Sails In The Sunset (Lew Stone, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong), Did Your Mother Come From Ireland (Roy Fox, Rudy Vallée, Guy Lombardo), South Of The Border (Billy Cotton, Gene Autry, Frank Sinatra), Istanbul Not Constantinopel (the Four Lads, Joe Fingers Carr, Caterina Valente), Write To Me From Naples (Dean Martin, Elvis Presley) ~ Kennedy was born in 1902
April 6, 1984 ~ Pop punk, indie rock, emo singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Max Bemis, full name Max Adam Bemis, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Lead singer, primary songwriter for Say Anything through 2018, known for songs such as Alive With The Glory Of Love, Baby Girl I'm A Blur and Hate Everyone. Member of supergroup Two Tongues, sharing lead vocals with Chris Conley. Forms Perma with his wife Sherri DuPree
April 6, 1984 ~ Ralph Stuart Emanuel Donner, commonly known as pop, rock & roll singer Ral Donner, passed away ~ Cited by Robert Plant as an influence. Best known for his 1961 hit single You Don't Known What You've Got (Until You Lose It), a Billboard top 10 hit ~ Donner was born in 1943
April 6, 1983 ~ Post-hardcore singer Jeremy Bolm born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of Touché Amoré. Has also worked with Thriller, Dead Head, and Hesitation Wounds. Produced Gouge Away's 2018 Burnt Sugar album. Has guested on recordings by Loma Prieta, O'Brother, Drug Church, Circa Survive, and Say Anything
April 6, 1982 ~ John Mangal, commonly known as rapper DiceCream born ~ Member of ADHD. Member of ADHD, alongside Brainpower, Man!ak and DJ TLM, known for the 2004 singles Beng Je Hoofd featuring Di-rect's Spike and Shouf Shouf Habibi
April 6, 1982 ~ Guitarist, pianist, songwriter Michael Guy Chislett born in Skipton, Australia ~ Lead guitarist, co-founding member of Christian worship band Hillsong United, present on most of the band's best known including Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) and Touch The Sky. Lead guitarist for rock outfit the Academy Is from 2006 through 2011
April 6, 1981 ~ Producer, DJ, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Alex Suarez born in Stamford, Connecticut, USA ~ Co-founding member of dance-pop, house, disco act Cobra Starship, best known for the Billboard top 10 hits Good Girls Go Bad featuring Leighton Meester and You Make Me Feel featuring Sabi. Suarez remained with the band from its inception in 2006 until 2014. Also co-founded This Is Ivy League with fellow Starship member Ryland Blackinton
April 6, 1978 ~ Progressive metal bassist, guitarist Martin Méndez, full name Carlos Martin Méndez Esposito, born in Montevideo, Uruguay ~ Best known as member of Opeth, joining the band in 1997 and first appearing on the band's fourth album, Still Life
April 6, 1978 ~ Singer, pianist, model Myleene Klass, full name Myleene Angela Klass, born in Norfolk, UK ~ First gained attention as member of pop group Hear'say, a group created through the ITV reality show Popstars in 2001 and known for a handful of subsequent UK top 10 hits, namely Pure & Simple, The Way To Your Love, Everybody and Lovin' Is Easy. As a solo singer released two classical crossover albums, notably her 2003 Moving On debut album. Has since gone to become a TV personality hosting and appearing on several TV shows
April 6, 1978 ~ Jazz, hip-hop, R&B, neo soul, jazz fusion pianist, keyboardist Robert Glasper born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ About a dozen albums to his name starting with Mood released in 2004. Critically acclaimed for his 2012 Grammy Award-winning Black Radio crossover album, featuring guests such as Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, Lalah Hathaway, Mos Def, and Musiq Soulchild. In-demand collaborator, appearing on albums by Marcus Strickland, Carmen Lundy, Q-Tip, Norah Jones, Bilal, Gretchen Parlato, Lionel Loueke, Marcus Miller, Kendrick Lamar (To Pimp A Butterfly), Common, Talib Kweli, Avant, and others
April 6, 1977 ~ Violinist Broadus Erle passed away in Guilford, Connecticut, USA ~ Actively performing at a young age. Served as concertmaster of the MGM Symphony Orchestra and the Columbia Symphony Orchestra. Formed the New Music Quartet in 1948, remaining with the ensemble for 8 years. Would later found the Yale Quartet ~ Erle was born in 1918
April 6, 1976 ~ Post-rock, art rock, dream pop bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer Georg Hólm born in Iceland ~ Co-founding and along with Jonsi only other remaining original member of Sigur Rós, known for songs such as Glósóli, Gobbledigook, Inni Mér Syngur Vitleysingur, Brennisteinn, and Isjaki
April 6, 1976 ~ Classical, folk, jazz, bluegrass mandolinist, guitarist, violinist Joseph Brent, full name Joseph Frederick Brent, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of 9 Horses. In-demand sideman in a variety of genres. Has worked with Regina Spektor, Jewel, Kishi Bashi, Gary Smulyan. Has also recorded and performed classical music working with renowned orchestras including the Seattle Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, the Chicago Symphony, and others
April 6, 1974 ~ Pop group ABBA win the 19th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Brighton, UK ~ Representing Sweden pop group ABBA win with their own composition song Waterloo written by Benny Anderson, Björn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson. It would mark the international breakthrough of the group who would go on to become the most successful Eurovision contestant ever, and ever
April 6, 1972 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Will Evankovich, full name William Eric Evankovich, born in Santa Rosa, California, USA ~ Worked with the Guess Who, Shaw-Blades, Night Ranger, Tommy Shaw, Jack Blades, Styx, Don Felder, Robin Zander, Dwight Yoakam, Johnny Lee, Mac Powell, Bun E Carlos, Vince Neil, Ted Nugent, Jeff Carlisi, Tommy Thayer, and others
April 6, 1971 ~ Pop rock sibling outfit the Bee Gees record Country Woman ~ Written by Maurice Gibb. Produced by the band and their manager Robert Stigwood. Intended for the 1971 Trafalgar album though it did not make the final cut. The song, all vocals and instruments solely by Maurice, would be featured however on the B-side of their May 1971 How Can You Mend A Broken Heart single
April 6, 1971 ~ Composer Igor Stravinsky, full name Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Generally acknowledged as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century noted for his stylistic diversity. Rose to fame with three ballets, 1910's Firebird, 1911's Petrushka and 1913's The Rite Of Spring ~ Stravinsky was born in 1882
April 6, 1968 ~ Singer Massiel wins the 13th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in London, UK ~ Representing Spain wins with the song La La La written by Manuel de la Calva and Ramón Arcusa
April 6, 1968 ~ Rosa Deschamps, commonly known as jazz, blues singer, vaudeville entertainer Rosa Henderson passed away in Roosevelt, New York, USA ~ Known for 1920s recordings such as Afternoon Blues, Doggone Blues, He May Be Your Dog But He's Wearing My Collar and Papa If You Can't Do Better I'll Let A Better Papa Move In. Worked with the Virginians, Fletcher Henderson, the Choo Choo Jazzers, the Kansas City Five, the Four Black Diamonds, and others ~ Deschamps was born in 1896
April 6, 1967 ~ Mickael Vikstrom, commonly known as heavy metal guitarist Mike Wead, born in Boden, Sweden ~ Worked with Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Hexenhaus, Candlemass, Memento Mori, Abstrakt Algebra, bibleblack, Escape The Cult, Memory Garden, Notre Dame, Elvenking, Snowy Shaw, Devilish Impressions, and others
April 6, 1965 ~ Charles Thompson IV, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Black Francis born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Frontman of the Pixies, known for quintessential alternative rock, punk rock albums such as 1988's Surfer Rosa, 1989's Doolittle and 1990's Bossanova. Active as a solo artist since the early 1990s under the moniker Frank Black, noted for the the Beach Boys-cover Hang On To Your Ego taken of his 1992 eponymous Frank Black solo debut album
April 6, 1964 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger Sylvain Beuf born in Paris, France ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Martial Solal, René Urtreger, Michel Legrand, Daniel Humair, Henri Texier, Richard Galliano, Zhivaro, Andre Ceccarelli, Aldo Romano, Pierre de Bethmann, Michel Marre, Maurice Vander, Gerald Badini, Ocean, the Moutin Reunion, Patrice Caratini, Andy Emler, Franck Amsallem, Ivan Paduart, Gordon Beck, Alain Jean-Marie, Bojan Z, Billy Hart, Jean-Michel Pilc, Emmanuel Bex, Sylvain Luc, Stephane Huchard, Eric Le Lann, Baptiste Trotignon, Minino Garay, Jean-Pierre Como, and others
April 6, 1963 ~ DJ, producer Andrew Weatherall born in Windsor, UK ~ Key DJ, producer, remixer in the 1980s acid house boom. Has remixed tracks for the Happy Mondays, New Order, Björk, the Orb, My Bloody Valentine, and others. Noted for his production work on Primal Scream acclaimed 1991 Screamadelica album
April 6, 1963 ~ Techno, house, EDM producer, DJ Derrick May born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for Strings Of Life, considered a pivotal recording in the techno genre. Closely associated with Kevin Saunderson. Mentored Carl Craig and Stacey Pullen
April 6, 1963 ~ John DiTeodore Jr, commonly known as heavy metal, glam metal, hard rock drummer Johnny Dee, born in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as member of Britny Fox, joining the band in 1988. Has also worked with Waysted, Mariah, Uncle Edna, Jack Frost, and extensively with German hard rock singer Doro
April 6, 1962 ~ Singer, songwriter, bassist Missy Raines born in Short Gap, West Virginia, USA ~ Worked with Mac Wiseman, Kenny Baker, Josh Graves, Peter Rowan, Laurie Lewis, Dudley Connell, Don Rigsby, Brothers Boys, Cloud Valley, Jim Hurst, Claire Lynch, and others
April 6, 1961 ~ Gene Andrusco, commonly known as rock, alternative rock, funk rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Gene Eugene, born in Fort Frances, Canada ~ Best known for fronting alternative rock band Adam Again. Member of the Swirling Eddies. Co-founding member of supergroup the Lost Dogs. Notable credits as a producer and engineer include 441, Randy Stonehill, the 77's, Daniel Amos, Aunt Bettys, the Kosmos Express and Starflyer '59 ~ Andrusco passed away in 2000
April 6, 1960 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Crying In The Chapel at RCA Studios, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Artie Glenn. Originally recorded by Glenn's son Darrell Glenn in 1953. Three takes were recorded by Presley with the Jordanaires in 1960, intended for the RCA gospel album His Hand In Mine, yet since Presley was not pleased the recordings would be shelved for five years. Released as a single in 1965 with I Believe In The Man In The Sky on the flipside it would become one of Presley's best known gospel songs, sell over a million copies and reach top 10 in several countries including America, the UK, and the Netherlands. The recording would later be included on Presley's How Great Thou Art gospel album
April 6, 1960 ~ Guitarist John Pizzarelli born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Son of swing guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli. Brother of bassist Martin Pizzarelli. Married to singer Jessica Molaskey. Member of the Pizzarelli Boys. Leader and sideman. Worked with Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Ray Kennedy, George Shearing, Rosemary Clooney, Johnny Frigo, Buddy DeFranco, the Boston Pops Orchestra, Debby Boone, Natalie Cole, the Manhattan Transfer, Jane Monheit, Rickie Lee Jones, Curtis Stigers, and others
April 6, 1960 ~ R&B singer, pianist Martha Davis passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity throughout the 1950s. Influenced by Fats Waller. Married to bassist Calvin Ponder, with whom she regularly worked. Known for Little White Lies, originally recorded by Dick Haymes, and for the Louis Jordan-duet Daddy-O ~ Davis was born in 1917
April 6, 1960 ~ Guitarist Warren Haynes born in Asheville, North Carolina, USA ~ Longtime member of the Allman Brothers Band, first appearing on the band's 1990 Seven Turns album. Co-founding member of jam band Gov't Mule, known for a string of acclaimed albums starting in the mid-1990s. Also closely associated with the Grateful Dead-bassist Phil Lesh. Co-wrote Garth Brooks' Two Of A Kind Workin' On A Full House. Has also worked with David Allan Coe, Dickey Betts, the Dave Matthews Band, Derek Trucks Band, Elvin Bishop, Buckwheat Zydeco, Joe Bonamassa (A New Day Yesterday), Trombone Shorty, Walter Trout, the Nighthawks, and has recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist and with his backing unit the Warren Haynes Band
April 6, 1955 ~ Terri Laird, commonly known as punk rock singer, songwriter Texas Terri, born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Critically compared to the Plasmatics-frontwoman Wendy O Williams. Founded and fronted the Killer Crows in the mid-1980s. Fronted punk rock outfit Texas Terri & the Stiff Ones, achieving cult status in America and Europe and known for their sole Eat Shit album released in 1998
April 6, 1953 ~ Keyboardist Christopher Franke born in Berlin, Germany ~ Member of pioneering electronica band Tangerine Dream from 1971 to 1987, present on most of the band's key albums including 1973's Atem and 1974's Phaedra. After his split from the band Franke performed live only once, a 1991 set at the Astoria Theatre, London, but recorded prolifically as a solo artist and composed several soundtracks
April 6, 1953 ~ Dottsy Brodt, mononymously known a country singer, guitarist Dottsy, born in Seguin, Texas, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity from the mid-1970s through the early 1980s, songs such as Storms Never Last, I'll Be Your San Antone Rose, Play Born To Lose Again, Here In Love, and Tryin' To Satisfy You all reaching the Billboard Country top 20
April 6, 1952 ~ Pianist, songwriter, arranger Stephen Barber born in Abilene, Texas, USA ~ Worked with David Byrne, Keith Richards, John Legend, Natalie Merchant, T-Bone Burnett, Rosanne Cash, the London Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Cross, Bonnie Raitt, the Indigo Girls, Michael Stipe, Shawn Colvin, Van Dyke Parks, Joe Zawinul, Eric Johnson, Kenny White, Laura Veirs, Ian McLagan, Marc Cohn, Ted Grene, Amy Cook, Chrisette Michele, Terry Bozzio, Matt Morris, Susana Baca, Stephen Bruton, Arto Lindsay, Alejandro Escovedo, Chris Whitley, Tara MacLean, Jennifer Warnes, and others
April 6, 1952 ~ Heavy metal singer Udo Dirkschneider born in Wuppertal, West Germany ~ Rose to fame with Accept. Left the band in 1987 and subsequently formed UDO. Also worked with Raven, Hammerfall, Aria, Lordi, and others
April 6, 1950 ~ Folk, folk rock violinist, guitarist, mandolinist, singer Brian McNeill born in Falkirk, UK ~ Actively recording since the late 1970s, both as a solo artist and with the Battlefield Band which he co-founded. Plays a multitude of instruments including violin, viola, guitar, bouzouki, cittern, concertina and hurdy-gurdy. Also known as novelist, debuting with The Busker in 1989
April 6, 1950 ~ Guitarist, cellist Steven Cat Coore born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Along with Richard Daley the only constant member of reggae, reggae fusion outfit Third World, known best for songs such as Now That We Found Love, Cool Meditation, Dancing On The Floor and Try Jah Love
April 6, 1948 ~ Progressive rock, classical, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Gordon Giltrap born in Brenchley, UK ~ Revered guitarist admired by peers, drawing praise from artists such as Marillion's Steve Rothery, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and Deep Purple's Ritchie Blackmore. Emerged from the 1960s folk scene, debuting in 1968 with the eponymous Gordon Giltrap album. Has recorded consistently since with over two dozen albums to his name
April 6, 1947 ~ Singer, bassist Rosemary Butler born in California, USA ~ Bassed in all-female outfits the Ladybirds and Birtha. Went on to become an in-demand backing singer, mostly throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, appearing on recordings by Linda Ronstadt, Del Shannon (Runaway), James Taylor, Warren Zevon, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt (Sweet Forgiveness), Boz Scaggs, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Rosanne Cash, and others
April 6, 1947 ~ Drummer Tony Connor born in Ronford, UK ~ Member of Hot Chocolate from 1970 through 1986 present on songs such as Emma, You Sexy Thing, So You Win Again and Every 1's A Winner
April 6, 1946 ~ Guitarist, bassist Danny Kortchmar born in Larchmont, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with a number of 1970s singer, songwriters including Linda Ronstadt, David Crosby, David Cassidy, Graham Nash, Neil Young, and Carly Simon. Member of the King Bees, the Flying Machine, the Fugs. Backed James Taylor, including on his 1970 Sweet Baby James album. Backed Carole King, including on her pivotal 1971 Tapestry album. Frequent collaborator of Don Henley, including writing or co-writing songs such as All She Wants To Do Is Dance, Sunset Grill, and New York Minute. Has also worked with Jo Mama, the Attitudes, Jon Bon Jovi, Stevie Nicks, Billy Joel, Tracy Chapman, and others
April 6, 1946 ~ Reggae, ska, rocksteady, gospel singer Tommy Cowan, full name Thomas Lincoln Cowan, born in Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica ~ Active since the mid-1960s. Member of the Merricoles, which achieved fame after changing their name to the Jamaicans in 1967. The band would go on to score hits with songs such as Baba Boom, Sing Freedom, Things You Say You Love, and Woman Go Home. Following the band's disbandement Cowan would go on to work with renowned producer Byron Lee's Dynamic Studios and eventually turn to producing himself, notably the Israel Vibration albums The Same Song and Why Worry. Served as manager for Inner Circle. Helped Bob Marley set up his Tuff Gong studio. After converting to Christianity in the 1990s co-founded the Glory Music record label and co-founded Fun In The Son, Jamaica's largest Christian music festival
April 6, 1944 ~ Schlager, easy listening singer Bernd Spier born in Mecklenburg, Germany ~ Son of conductor Robby Spier. Enjoyed succes in the early 1960s prior to the rise of the Beatles. Briefly returned in the late 1960s, early 1970s scoring hits in Germany with Pretty Belinda and Knock Three Times, covers of respectively Chris Andrews and Tony Orlando & Dawn ~ Spier passed away in 2017
April 6, 1944 ~ John Edward Lee Fullagar, commonly known as rock bassist John Stax born in Crayford, UK ~ Original guitarist of the Pretty Things, remaining with the band through 1967. Chose the stage name “Stax” for the love of music produced by the Stax/Volt record label. Present on the Things' first three albums which included some of their best-known such as Rosalyn, Don't Bring Me Down, Road Runner and Cry To Me. Has also played with R&B supergroup Blues Hangover alongside Dave Hogan, Peter Wells and others.
April 6, 1943 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist Gerry Niewood born ~ Worked with Chuck Mangione, Walter Bishop Jr, Lalo Schifrin, Patti Austin, Simon & Garfunkel, Gerry Mulligan, Jim Hall, Mark Murphy, Sinéad O'Connor, Jason Miles, Randy Sandke, Ann Hampton Callaway, and others
April 6, 1943 ~ Julie Rolls, commonly known as pop, easy listening singer Julie Rogers born in London, UK ~ Best known for The Wedding, which reached top 10 in Australia, America and her native England in 1964. Other well known songs include Like A Child and Hawaiian Wedding Song
April 6, 1943 ~ Jazz saxophonist Noah Howard born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Influenced by John Coltrane, Albert Ayler. Worked with Sun Ra, Frank Wright, Archie Shepp, Arthur Doyle, Misha Mengelberg, Han Bennink, Omar Al Fadir, Dave Burrell, Earl Freeman, Sunny Murray, Clifford Thornton, Lester Bowie, Frank Lowe, Rashied Ali, Steve Boston, Tim Ingles, Johnny Dyani, Chris McGregor, Bobby Few, Eve Packer, Bobby Kapp, and others ~ Howard passed away in 2010
April 6, 1941 ~ Pan flutist Gheorghe Zamfir born in Gaesti, Romania ~ Dubbed “the Master of the Pan Flute” and best known for his contributions to soundtracks, first gaining attention in 1972 as the soloist in Vladimir Cosma's soundtrack for Le Grand Blond Avec Une Chaussure Noire. Other notable credits include Childhood Memories and Cockeye's Song of the 1984 Ennio Morricone-composed soundtrack for Once Upon A Time In America, and The Lonely Shepherd written by and recorded with James Last
April 6, 1941 ~ Harry Haley McClaskey, commonly known as singer, radio personality, producer Henry Burr, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity from the early 1900s onwards. Known for songs such as Just A Baby's Prayer At Twilight, I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now, When I Lost You and In The Shade Of The Apple Tree. Also closely associated with Albert Campbell duetting on hits such as The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine, Somebody's Waiting For Someone, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles ~ McClaskey was born in 1882
April 6, 1940 ~ Saxophonist Don Myrick born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as member of the Phenix Horns, the original horn section of Earth Wind & Fire. Co-founding membber of the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians. Member of jazz-funk outfit the Pharaohs. Noted for his sax solos on several well known tracks including Phil Collins' If Leaving Me Is Easy and One More Night, and EWF's After The Love Has Gone and the live version of Reasons of the Gratitude album. Myrick has also backed artists such as Howlin' Wolf, Donny Hathaway, Grover Washington Jr, Carlos Santana, Bobby Blue Bland, the Dells, Ramsey Lewis, Sky, Regina Belle and the Mighty Clouds Of Joy ~ Myrick passed away in 1993
April 6, 1938 ~ Singer Barbara Pittman born ~ One of the few female singers at Sun Records. Known for a handful of mid- to late-1950s singles such as I Need A Man, Two Young Fools In Love, Everlasting Love and Handsome Man ~ Pittman passed away in 2018
April 6, 1938 ~ Hedwig Grace West, commonly known as folk singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Hedy West, born in Cartersville, Georgia, USA ~ Actively performing since her teens. Best known for 500 Miles, patched together from older fragments and credited to West. The song would later be covered by a host of artists, perhaps most notably Bobby Bare ~ West passed away in 2005
April 6, 1937 ~ Actor, singer, author Billy Dee Williams, full name William December Williams Jr, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as an actor with a career spanning six decades, appearing in numerous films. Made his Broadway stage debut at age seven in The Firebrand Of Florence. Notable acting credits include appearing in the Star Wars franchise as Lando Calrissian, and starring alongside Diana Ross in the critically acclaimed films Lady Sings The Blues and Mahogany. As a singer Williams recorded the jazz album Let's Misbehave in 1961, consisting of swing standards. The album also featured the first-ever vocal recording of A Taste Of Honey, later notably covered by the Beatles on their 1963 Please Please Me album
April 6, 1937 ~ Jazz guitarist Gene Bertoncini born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Carmen McRae, Mike Mainieri, Buddy Rich, Benny Goodman, Wayne Shorter, Hubert Laws, Paul Desmond, Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Nancy Wilson, Vic Damone, Ethel Ennis, Eydie Gormé, Michael Moore, Jay Berliner, Toots Thielemans, Kenny Poole, Jack Wilkins, Frank Vignola, Akira Tana, Rufus Reid, Monty Alexander, Meredith D'Ambrosio, Chet Baker, Peter Bernstein, the Canadian Brass, Earl Coleman, Trudy Desmond, Linda Eder, Ronnie Foster, Nnenna Freelon, Astrud Gilberto, Bob Hammer, Jane Harvey, Herbie Mann, Charles McPherson, Bette Midler, Mark Murphy, Tony Mottola, Duke Pearson, Marlena Shaw, Clark Terry, Michal Urbaniak, Paul Winter, Toku, Lonnie Liston Smith, Grover Washington Jr, and others
April 6, 1937 ~ Keiji Otsuka, commonly known as jazz drummer George Otsuka, born in Tokyo, Japan ~ First began playing professionally with Sadao Watanabe. Toured Japan as member of the Four Drums, the other being Roy Haynes, Jack DeJohnette, and Mel Lewis. Co-founded We 3, a trio also including Hiroyuki Takamoto and Hideaki Kanazawa. Has also worked with Hidehiko Matsumoto, Hideo Ichikawa, Richie Beirach, Elvin Jones, Kenny Kirkland, John Scofield, Nana Vasconcelos, Miroslav Vitous, Phil Woods, Reggie Workman, and others
April 6, 1937 ~ Singer, songwriter Merle Haggard, full name Merle Ronald Haggad, born in Oildale, California, USA ~ Influenced by Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell, Hank Williams. Known for songs such as My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers, I'm A Lonesome Fugitive, Branded Man, The Fightin' Side Of Me, and others. Has collaborated with the Strangers, Bonnie Owens, Johnnie Lee Willis, Eldon Shamblin, Tiny Moore, Joe Holly, Johnny Gimble, Alex Brashear, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Paycheck, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Clint Eastwood, Gram Parsons, Ray Price, Leona Williams, Albert E Brumley, and others ~ Haggard passed away in 2016
April 6, 1936 ~ Classical, jazz, free jazz trumpeter, hornist Manfred Schoof born in Magdeburg, Germany ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Alexander von Schlippenbach, Gerd Dudek, George Russell, Jasper van 't Hof, the Globe Unity Orchestra, the European Jazz Ensemble, George Gruntz, Gunter Hampel, Peter Brötzmann, Don Cherry, Albert Mangelsdorff, Mal Waldron, and others
April 6, 1935 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Horace Tapscott born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Formed the the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra. Has worked with Frank Morgan, Don Cherry, Billy Higgins as a teenager. Went on to play with artists including Arthur Blythe, Stanley Crouch, Butch Morris, Wilber Morris, David Murray, Jimmy Woods, Nate Morgan, Guido Sinclair, Lou Blackburn, and others ~ Tapscott passed away in 1999
April 6, 1933 ~ William Franklin Hardman Jr, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist Bill Hardman, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Played with Tiny Bradshaw, Jackie McLean, Charles Mingus, Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Lou Donaldson, Junior Cook, Dave Bailey, Walter Bishop Jr, Charles Earland, Curtis Fuller, Benny Golson, Eddie Jefferson, Ronnie Mathews, Jimmy McGriff, Hank Mobley, Mickey Tucker, Mal Waldron, and with Reuben Wilson ~ Hardman passed away in 1990
April 6, 1929 ~ Andreas Ludwig Priwin, commonly known as pianist, composer, arranger, conductor André Previn, born in Berlin, Germany ~ Working as an arranger and composer for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer involved in the music for over 50 films. Won four Oscars for best music scoring or adaptation on the films Gigi (1958), Porgy & Bess (1959}, Irma La Douce (1963) and My Fair Lady (1964). Also a music director and conductor closely associated with leading classical orchestras including the Houston Symphony, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Oslo Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Worked in smaller ensembles such as jazz trios and accompanying jazz singers, mostly focusing on the American Songbook idiom ~ Previn passed away in 2019
April 6, 1929 ~ Arthur S Taylor Jr, commonly known as drummer Art Taylor, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Helped define the sound of modern jazz drumming. Active since the late 1940s. Led |Taylor's Wailers in the mid-1950s. Closely associated with Bud Powell, including on the acclaimed early 1950s albums The Bud Powell Trio, The Bud Powell Trio Plays and Jazz At Massey Hall Vol.2. Other notable album appearances include Art Farmer, George Wallington, Elmo Hope, Thad Jones, Lennie Tristano (Tristano), Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley, Gene Ammons, Lee Morgan, Ernie Henry, Lou Donaldson, Art Blakey, Ray Charles (Ray Charles), George Arvanitas, Dizzy Reece (Blues In Trinity), Wilbur Harden, John Coltrane (Lush Life), Donald Byrd, Oliver Nelson, Duke Jordan (Flight To Jordan), Arnett Cobb, Miles Davis (Sketches Of Spain), Buddy Tate, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Sonny Stitt, and Dexter Gordon ~ Taylor passed away in 1995
April 6, 1929 ~ Composer Edison Denisov, full name Edison Vasilievich Denisov, born in Tomsk, Russia ~ Mentored by Dmitri Shostakovich. Admired by Igor Stravinsky. Gained recognition with Le Soleil Des Incas for soprano and chamber ensemble published in 1964. Other well known works include the operas Lécume Des Jours and Quatre Filles and the ballet Confession. Had many of his compositions criticized and banned by the Russian authorities for its “Western influences” ~ Denisov passed away in 1996
April 6, 1927 ~ Jazz, cool jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, arranger Gerry Mulligan, full name Gerald Joseph Mulligan, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Known for compositions such as Venus De Milo, Jeru, Walkin' Shoes, Five Brothers. Leader and sideman. Has collaborated with Chet Baker, Chubby Jackson, Lee Konitz, Thelonious Monk, Stan Getz, Harry Sweets Edison, Shelly Manne, Art Farmer, Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster, Dave Brubeck, Pino Presti, Manny Albam, Dave Brubeck, Jack DeJohnette, Miles Davis, Lionel Hampton, Billie Holiday, Charles Mingus, and others ~ Mulligan passed away in 1996
April 6, 1926 ~ Margaret Hoffler, commonly known as R&B singer Margie Day, born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Recorded as a solo artist as well as with the Four Bars & a Melody (Near You), the Griffin Brothers (Street Walking Daddy, Sadie Green, Pretty Baby), Paul Williams, and others ~ Hoffler passed away in 2014
April 6, 1926 ~ Pianist, composer Randy Weston, full name Randolph Edward Weston, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, and Earl Hines. Worked with Melba Liston, Bull Moose Jackson, Frank Culley, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Geoffrey Holder, Babatunde Olatunji, Langston Hughes, Willis James, Booker Ervin, Roy Brooks, Charles Mingus, and others ~ Weston passed away in 2018
April 6, 1926 ~ Sergio Franci Galli, commonly known as tenor singer, actor Sergio Franchi, born in Codogno, Italy ~ Initially aimed for a career an opera, yet would find succes with romantic traditional pop, showtunes and operatic pop in the UK in the early 1960s and subsequently in America eventually headlining in Las Vegas. Well known songs include Core 'Ngrato, Volare, Torna A Surriento, A Man Without Love, Passione, and A Vucchella ~ Galli passed away in 1990
April 6, 1924 ~ Jazz, bebop, hard bop tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse born in Washington DC, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with Thelonious Monk, backing the pianist for over a decade starting in 1959. Has also worked with Billy Eckstine, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Bull Moose Jackson, Oscar Pettiford, Tadd Dameron, Paul Quinichette, Benny Carter, Art Farmer, Hank Jones, Duke Jones, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Mal Waldron, Sphere, Les Jazz Modes, and others ~ Rouse passed away in 1988
April 6, 1923 ~ James Robert Heitsley, commonly known as singer Jimmy Roberts, born in Madisonville, Kentucky, USA ~ Tenor singer best known for his association with Lawrence Welk, being a featured performer on The Lawrence Welk Show variety show from 1955 to 1982 ~ Heitsley passed away in 1999
April 6, 1922 ~ Jazz pianist, singer Dorothy Donegan born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Best known for her work as stride and boogie-woogie pianist. Also played bebop, swing, classical. Protegé of Art Tatum. In 1943 became the first African-American woman to play the Orchestra Hall, Chicago, performing works by Sergei Rachmaninoff as well as jazz. Actively recording since the mid-1940s yet did not gain a large audience until the 1980s ~ Donegan passed away in 1998
April 6, 1921 ~ Bandleader, singer, trumpeter José Luis Moneró born in Juncos, Puerto Rico ~ Has worked with Noro Morales, Jose Curbelo, Xavier Cugat, and Julio Angel ~ Moneró passed away in 2011
April 6, 1919 ~ Big band singer Paula Kelly born in Grove City, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Dick Stabile, Artie Shaw, Al Donahue, Glenn Miller. Worked extensively with the Modernaires starting on Perfidia. Married Hal Dickinson, one of the band's singers, in 1939 ~ Kelly passed away in 1992
April 6, 1900 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Leo Robin born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Thanks For The Memory with Ralph Rainger, sung by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross in the film The Big Broadcast Of 1938. Other well known songs co-written by Robin include Blue Hawaii (Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley), In Love In Vain (Margaret Whiting, Betty Madigan, Patti Page), Prisoner Of Love (Russ Columbo, Mildred Bailey, Teddy Wilson, the Ink Spots), Miss Brown To You (Billie Holiday, Anita O'Day, Carmen McRae), Love Is Just Around The Corner (the Pickens Sisters, the Dorsey Brothers), and Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend (Carol Channing, Marilyn Monroe, Lena Horne, Della Reese) ~ Robin passed away in 1984
April 6, 1892 ~ Old-time guitarist, harmonica player, singer Henry Whitter, full name William Henry Whitter, born near Fries, Virginia, USA ~ Reportedly the first country singer to record in New York in 1927, though the claim is disputed and Okeh records show no proof. Remembered for recordings such as The New River Train, Put My Little Shoes Away, Lost John, Fox Chase, and perhaps most notably his 1924 release The Wreck On The Southern Old 97 co-penned with regular collaborator GB Grayson. The latter would be covered the same year by Vernon Dalhart as The Wreck Of The Old '97 which paired with The Prisoner's Song on the flipside would become the first million-seller country song ~ Whitter passed away in 1941
April 6, 1883 ~ Marion Try Slaughter, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Vernon Dalhart, born in Jefferson, Texas, USA ~ Best known for The Wreck Of The Old '97, the first country song to sell one million copies and a staple of country music to this day ~ Dalhart passed away in 1948