April 9, 2024 ~ Jazz, big band, easy listening trumpeter Bob Lanese passed away in Hamburg, Germany ~ Active since the early-1960s, first gaining serious attention as a member of the house band at the Alpine Village, a popular nightclub in his native Cleveland, Ohio. Following a European tour with the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1971, then under the direction of Buddy DeFranco, Lanese would become enamored with the city of Hamburg and relocate to Germany, where he became an in-demand trumpeter and flugelhornist. Best known as a longtime member of James Last's orchestra, serving as the ensemble's lead trumpeter for some three decades starting in 1972. Lanese has also worked with several other German bandleaders, including Kai Warner, Frank Valdor, Max Greger, and Bert Kaempfert, and sporadically recorded as a leader. To pop audiences, Lanese is perhaps best known for his trumpet playing on the 2000 Sing When You're Winning album by Robbie Williams ~ Lanese was born in 1941
April 9, 2024 ~ Singer, drummer Max Werner passed away ~ Co-founding member of progressive rock, art rock outfit Kayak, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums as lead singer and several more after switching to drums. The band enjoyed popularity in their native Netherlands especially during the 1970s and are best known for songs such as Lyrics, Mammoth, Starlight Dancer, and Ruthless Queen. Werner has also recorded as a solo artist, notably the 1981 hit Rain In May, and with Ekseption on the Dance Macabre album ~ Werner was born in 1953
April 9, 2023 ~ Jazz pianist, conductor Karl Berger, full name Karl Hans Berger, passed away in Albany, New York, USA ~ About two dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for Transit released in 1987. Closely associated with Don Cherry and Ornette Coleman, founding the Woodstock-based Creative Music Studio study center with the latter in 1972. In-demand sideman, present on albums by the likes of Gato Barbieri, Lee Konitz, John McLaughlin, Marzette Watts, Sly & Robbie, Joe Lovano, Jeff Buckley (Grace), Better Than Ezra, Bill Laswell, Natalie Merchant (Ophelia), Angélique Kidjo, and Lil Haydn ~ Berger was born in 1935
April 9, 2022 ~ Punk rock singer Chris Bailey, full name Christopher James Mannix Bailey, passed away in Haarlem, the Netherlands ~ Co-founder, lead singer, sole constant member of pivotal Australian punk rock group the Saints, known best for their 1977 I'm Stranded hit single. Bailey has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Casablanca released in 1983 ~ Bailey was born in 1956
April 9, 2021 ~ Songwriter, TV personality Shay Healy passed away ~ Wrote Johnny Logan's What's Another Year, Ireland's 1980 Eurovision Songfestival winner. Wrote or co-wrote several musicals, notably 2005's The Wiremen and 1977's The King, the latter about the life of Elvis Presley and premiered just two month's after Presley's death ~ Healy was born in 1943
April 9, 2020 ~ Double bassist Andy González passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Brother of trumpeter, percussionist Jerry González, with whom he regularly worked including in Conjuncto Libre co-founded by the siblings. An in-demand sideman from the 1970s onward, González has also appeared on albums by Chico O'Farrill, Ray Barretto (Together), George Benson, Eddie Palmieri (Superimposition), Harlem River Drive, Charlie Palmieri, Mongo Santamaria (Ubane), David Amram, Ismael Miranda, Kid Creole & the Coconuts, Patato Valdés, Daniel Ponce, David Byrne (Rei Momo), Kenny Kirkland, Hilton Ruiz, Justo Betancourt, Charlie Sepulveda (Algo Nuestro (Our Thing)), Steve Turre, Conrad Herwig, Tom Harrell, Ronny Jordan (A Brighter Day), Jack Bruce, and Of Montreal ~ Gonzalez was born in 1951
April 9, 2020 ~ Composer, keyboardist Richard Teitelbaum, full name Richard Lowe Teitelbaum, passed away ~ Pioneered brain-wave music. Known for his live electronic performances. Draws from worlds music using a variety of instruments. Especially acclaimed for Time Zones, a collaborative album with Anthony Braxton. Formed Musica Elettronica Viva with Alvin Curran and Frederic Rzewski, known best for their 1977 Unified Patchwork Theory exploring electro-acoustic and free improvisation jazz. Teitelbaum has also notably guested on recordings by Leroy Jenkins, Andrew Cyrille, Luc Houtkamp, Steve Lacy, and Alvin Lucier ~ Teitelbaum was born in 1939
April 9, 2017 ~ Bassist Alan Henderson passed away ~ Original member of Them, present on songs such as Baby Please Don't Go and Here Comes The Night. The band is best known for launching the career of Van Morrison, and despite a brief recording career they are considered influential on a wide array of acts including the Doors ~ Henderson was born in 1944
April 9, 2017 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Stan Robinson passed away ~ Praised for his full-toned delivery, agile technique and harmonic detail. Influenced by Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson. First gained attention in the early-1960s playing at the famed Ronnie Scott's jazz club in London, often in a quartet which included a then-unknown Ginger Baker of later Cream fame. Closely associated with Tubby Hayes, who has been cited as saying Robinson was “among the most promising British tenor saxophonists of the day”, the pair going on to work in a variety of settings. Robinson would also work with the Jazzmakers, Phil Seamen, Long John Baldry, Humphrey Lyttelton, Eric Burdon, Don Rendell, Maynard Ferguson, and Charlie Watts, as well as tour with visiting American jazz and R&B acts including King Curtis, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, and Tony Bennett ~ Robinson was born in 1936
April 9, 2016 ~ Singer Kevin Simm wins The Voice UK ~ Simms wins the 5th season of talent show The Voice UK aired on BBC One, beating the other finalists Jolan, Cody Frost and Lydia Lucy. Previously, during the early to mid-2000s Simm had sung with Liberty X, a group comprising runner-up contestants of the Popstars reality TV music competition with whom he scored hits such as Thinking It Over, Got To Have Your Love, Song 4 Lovers, Holding On For You, and their best known Just A Little, the latter a UK No.1 hit in 2002
April 9, 2009 ~ R&B singer Randy Cain, full name Herbert Randal Cain III, passed away in Maple Shade, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Delfonics, including on the 1970 Grammy-winning Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. Cain left the group in 1971 to be succeeded by Major Harris ~ Cain was born in 1945
April 9, 2009 ~ John Rockford Hill, commonly known as guitarist, bassist Rocky Hill passed away in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Older brother of ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, with whom he worked in the acid rock band American Blues. Rocky subsequently played with John Lee Hooker, Lightnin' Hopkins, Freddie King and Jimmy Reed. His 1982 solo debut Texas Shuffle featured guests Johnny Winter and Dr John. Has also worked with Townes Van Zandt, Don Sanders, and with Joe Miranda ~ Hill was born in 1946
April 9, 2008 ~ Producer Dr George Butler passed away in Hayward, California, USA ~ Spearheaded Blue Note's transition into commercial mainstream during the 1970s. Signed and launched the careers of Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr, and Nnenna Freelon. By the late-1970s Butler would move on over to Columbia Records, accepting the position of Vice President, where he helped persuade Miles Davis to return to recording and proved pivotal to the careers of fusion and soul-jazz acts such as Bob James, Billy Cobham, and Grover Washington Jr. Produced or co-produced albums by acts such as Horace Silver, Grant Green, Elvin Jones, Donald Byrd (Black Byrd), Shirley Bassey, Ronnie Foster (The Two-Headed Freap), Alphonse Mouzon (Mind Transplant), Bobby Hutcherson, Moacir Santos, Jimmy Witherspoon, Earl Klugh (Earl Klugh), Noel Pointer, Maynard Ferguson, Rodney Franklin, Max Roach (M'Boom), and Freddie Hubbard ~ Butler was born in 1931
April 9, 2004 ~ Big band singer, saxophonist, drummer Harry Babbitt passed away in Aliso Viejo, California, USA ~ Joined the orchestra of Kay Kyser in 1936. Sang lead on hits such as Three Little Fishies, Slow Boat To China, Jingle Jangle Jingle and The White Cliffs Of Dover. Featured in a number of Kyser films. Also sang on the 1948 Spike Jones novelty hit All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth ~ Babbitt was born in 1913
April 9, 2002 ~ Krautrock, proto-punk, art rock drummer, guitarist, singer Thomas Dinger passed away ~ Member of pivotal krautrock unit Neu, alongside his brother Klaus Dinger, and present on the 1975 Neu 75 album. Subsequently worked with La Düsseldorf, again with his brother Klaus, appearing on the band's first three albums La Düsseldorf, Viva and Individuellos ~ Dinger was born in 1952
April 9, 2002 ~ Pianist, bandleader, composer, playwright, poet Weldon Irvine, full name Weldon Jonathan Irvine Jr, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote over 500 songs including To Be Young Gifted & Black with Nina Simone, first recorded by the latter on her 1970 Black Gold album and notably covered by Aretha Franklin 2 years later. Mentor to many New York hip-hop artists including Q-Tip and Mos Def ~ Irvine was born in 1943
April 9, 2000 ~ Classical crossover singer Jackie Evancho, full name Jacqueline Marie Evancho, born in Pittsburgh, USA ~ Child prodigy. Released an indie album, Prelude To A Dream, in 2009. Gained major attention in 2010 at age ten as runner up in the 5th season of America's Got Talent talent show. Has been recording steadily since
April 9, 1999 ~ Herbert Feuerman, commonly known as jazz, big band bandleader, violinist Bert Firman, passed away ~ Popular bandleader from the 1920s through the 1940s. Employed sidemen such as Sylvester Ahola, Chelsea Quealey, Frank Guarente, Arhur Lally, Danny Polo, Max Goldberg, Sam Costa, Freddy Gardner, Ivor Mairants, George Melachrino, Stéphane Grappelli, Django Reinhardt. Staff musician, musical director for Zonophone Records, recording some 750 sides for them during the 1920s alone. Guest conductor with the NBC Orchestra in 1929, becoming the first British bandleader to broadcast in America ~ Feuerman was born in 1906
April 9, 1997 ~ Songwriter Mae Boren Axton passed away in Hendersonville, Tennessee, USA ~ Known in the music industry as “the Queen Mother of Nashville” and best remembered for co-writing Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel with Tommy Durden. Has also worked with Mel Tillis, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, Eddy Arnold, Tanya Tucker, Johnny Tillotson, and Blake Shelton ~ Axton was born in 1914
April 9, 1997 ~ James Rachell, commonly known as country blues singer, guitarist, mandolinist, songwriter Yank Rachell, passed away ~ Master of the blues mandolin. Co-wrote She Caught The Katy (And Left Me A Mule To Ride) with Taj Mahal, the latter recording it first on his 1968 The Natch'i Blues. The song would notably be covered by the Blues Brothers as the opening track for That Girl Belongs To Yesterday film released in 1980. The “Katy” refers to the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad ~ Rachell was born in 1910
April 9, 1990 ~ Singer, songwriter Darrell Glenn, full name Darrell Orvis Glenn, passed away ~ Best remembered for recording the original of Crying In The Chapel at age 17 in 1953. Despite the recording being intended solely as a demo to get the song published it would be released and became an instant hit. Written by Glenn's father country singer Artie Glenn it would be covered numerous times, perhaps most notably by Elvis Presley in 1960 who shelved the song for five years. Prior to Presley's million-seller the song had been recorded by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Eddy Arnold, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Glenn would go on to become a songwriter, known for penning Indescribably Blue, recorded by Presley, and Bear With Me A Little Longer first recorded by Billy Walker and notably covered by Eddy Arnold. Glenn was also co-owner of Glendale Records and was involved in several other labels including serving as head of A&R with Pompeii Records before becoming an evangelist in the 1970s ~ Glenn was born in 1935
April 9, 1988 ~ Benjamin Peay, commonly known as singer, songwriter Brook Benton, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Popular 1950s and 1960s rock & roll, R&B, pop singer known for hits such as It's Just A Matter Of Time, Endlessly, So Many Ways, Kiddio and a number of duets with Dinah Washington such as Baby You've Got What It Takes and A Rocking Good Way (To Mess Around And Fall In Love). Scored his last major hit in 1969, topping the Billboard R&B charts with the Tony Joe White-cover Rainy Night In Georgia ~ Benton was born in 1931
April 9, 1987 ~ Singer, songwriter Jazmine Sullivan, full name Jazmine Marie Sullivan, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Cites Brandy, Changing Faces, Kim Burrell, Lauryn Hill, Dorinda Clark Cole, as main influences. Debuted with a solo album, Fearless, in 2008. The lead single, Need U Bad, was produced by Missy Elliott. Other producers Sullivan has worked with include Salaam Remi, Peter Edge, Stargate, Jack Splash, Lamb, Ne-Yo, Anthony Bell, Los da Mystro, and Ryan Leslie
April 9, 1986 ~ Robert Hanley Casey, commonly known as jazz double bassist, guitarist Bob Casey, passed away in Marion, Illinois, USA ~ Regarded as a technically fine bassist, guitarist, in part due to his virtue on his first instrument, the banjo. First gained attention in the late-1920s, backing artists such as Joe Gill and Joe Reichman. After relocating to Chicago, Casey spent most of the 1930s working with Wingy Manone, the King's Jesters, Muggsy Spanier, Gus Arnheim, and Charlie Spivak. From the 1940s onwards, Casey worked in New York, teaming up with the likes of Eddie Condon, Bobby Hackett, and Art Hodes ~ Casey was born in 1909
April 9, 1985 ~ Singer Bryan Adams releases Heaven, lifted off his Reckless album ~ Written by Adams and Jim Vallance while touring as support act for Journey, Heaven was strongly influenced by Journey's Faithfully. Halfway through the recording session, drummer Mickey Curry had to split as he had warned Adams of his limited availabilty that day, so Journey drummer Steve Smith stepped in to complete the recording. Heaven would first be used for the soundtrack to A Night In Heaven soundtrack, and later issued as a single off of the Canadian's own Reckless. It would become his first American charttopper, reaching No.1 Billboard Hot 100 over a year and a half after it first appeared on record. In the 1990s, Adams would record several more songs specifically for soundtracks, (Everything I Do) I Do It For You would be used for Robin Hood (Prince Of Thieves), All For Love with Rod Stewart and Sting was used for The Three Musketeers, and Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman found its way to the Don Juan DeMarco soundtrack
April 9, 1980 ~ Indie rock, garage rock guitarist Albert Hammond Jr born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of singer, songwriter Albert Hammond. Rhythm, lead guitarist of the Strokes, known for songs such as Last Nite, Juicebox, Under Cover Of Darkness and Bad Decisions. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Yours To Keep in 2006
April 9, 1978 ~ Singer, actress, TV personality Rachel Stevens, full name Rachel Lauren Stevens, born in Southgate, UK ~ Member of girl group S Club 7 from 1999 through 2003. Released her Funky Dory solo debut album in 2003, which spawned the UK top 10 hit Sweet Dreams My LA Ex, Some Girls and More More More
April 9, 1976 ~ Singer, songwriter Phil Ochs, full name Philip David Ochs passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influential 1960s, 1970s protest singer known for his wit, political activism and insightful lyrics with eight albums to his name. Influenced by Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Bob Gibson, Faron Young, Merle Haggard. Some of his best known songs include I Ain't Marching Anymore, Changes, Cricifixion, Draft Dodger Rag, Love Me I'm A Liberal, Outside Of A Small Circle Of Friends, The Power And The Glory, There But For The Fortune and War Is Over ~ Ochs was born in 1940
April 9, 1973 ~ Punk rock, alternative rock guitarist Andy Stamets born ~ Co-founding and constant member of Rocket From The Crypt, an influential San Diego based rock group known for merging punk rock with a horn section and especially acclaimed for their 1992 Circa Now. During the band's hiatus Stamets formed the Sultans, releasing an EP and the full-length Ghost Ship album in 2000
April 9, 1972 ~ Pop, rock band the Beach Boys record Cuddle Up ~ Written by Dennis Wilson and Daryl Dragon of future Captain & Tennille-fame. Included on the 1972 Carl & The Passions album, which initially started as a solo project by Dennis. Cuddle Up would bge issued as the B-side of You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand Alone, the album's lead single. Despite warm reception, the single failed to chart
April 9, 1972 ~ Jazz vibraphonist Christos Rafalides born in Athens, Greece ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Randy Brecker, Victor Lewis, Chaka Khan, Joe Locke, Antonio Sánchez, Steve Hass, Donny McCaslin, Ronnie Cuber, Ravi Coltrane, Christian McBride, and Wynton Marsalis
April 9, 1971 ~ Isham Johnson, commonly known as jazz drummer Manzie Johnson, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Played piano and violin before settling on drums. Perhaps best known for his stint with Don Redman in the 1930s, including in the 1934 Don Redman & his Orchestra film. Previously Johnson, considered a subtle accompanist, had worked with Fats Waller, James P Johnson, Willie Gant, Jelly Roll Morton, and Horace Henderson. Following his time with Redman, Johnson has also backed the likes of Willie Bryant, Lil' Armstrong, Mezz Mezzrow, Fletcher Henderson, Sidney Bechet, Happy Caldwell, and Red Allen, remaining an in-demand session musician through the 1960s. Johnson never recorded as a leader ~ Johnson was born in 1906
April 9, 1970 ~ Drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, engineer John McEntire born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Member of My Dad Is Dead, Bastro, Gastr del Sol, Tortoise, the Sea And Cake, and the Red Krayola. In-demand sideman, present on recordings by Richard Buckner, Azita Youssefi, Seam, David Grubbs. As producer, remixer, sound engineer, and studio owner has worked with a host of artists including the Bell Orchestre, Stereolab, Teenage Fanclub, Tom Zé, Antibalas, the Chicago Underground Duo, Blur, Broken Social Scene, and Yo La Tengo
April 9, 1969 ~ Alternative rock, grunge, post-grunge, alternative metal singer, guitarist, songwriter Kevin Martin born in Elgin, Illinois, USA ~ Lead singer and along with lead guitarist Peter Klett the only other constant member of Candlebox, known especially for their 1993 eponymous Candlebox debut album. The album's success was largely due to the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Far Behind, a tribute song to iconic grunge singer the late Andrew Wood of Malfunkshun and Mother Love Bone who had died of a heroin overdose. Martin has also fronted the Hiwatts, and worked with supergroup the Gracious Few
April 9, 1966 ~ Singer Dionne Warwick records I Say A Little Prayer at A&R Recording Studios, New York, released as a single the following year ~ Though Burt Bacharach usually only needed at most three takes with Warwick, this time it took ten and he still disliked the end result, feeling it rushed. The track would be shelved for over a year, first included on Warwick's The Windows Of The World album released in August 1967. When radio DJ's picked up the song, significant airplay led Scepter Records to release it as a single. It became a million-seller and peaked at No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It would be notably covered by Aretha Franklin about a year later, who first used the track as the B-side of her The House That Jack Built single. Over time the song would become more associated with Franklin, despite Warwick's original at the time being the bigger hit
April 9, 1963 ~ Singer Brenda Lee records My Whole World Is Falling Down ~ Written by Bill Anderson and Jerry Crutchfield. Produced by Owen Bradley. Released as a single the following July, paired with I Wonder on the B-side
April 9, 1963 ~ Jazz violinist, trombonist Eddie Edwards, full name Ernest Branford Edwards, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Papa Jack Laine, Ernest Giardina, Johnny Stein. Best known as early member of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, present on Livery Stable Blues considered one of the first commercially released jazz recordings. Also noted for penning the band's Sensation Rag, later covered by Bix Beiderbecke, Fletcher Henderson, Joe Venuti and notably performed by Benny Goodman at the landmark The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert. Has also worked with Jimmy Durante, Larry Shields, Tony Sbarbaro, and J Russell Robinson ~ Edwards was born in 1891
April 9, 1963 ~ Percussionist Paul Clarvis born in Enfield, UK ~ Worked with Mick Jagger, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Dankworth, Paul McCartney, John Taylor, Moondog, Gordon Beck, Bryan Ferry, Elton John, Marc Ribot, Sam Rivers, Richard Thompson, the Orb, Michael Nyman, Loreena Mckennitt, Michel Legrand, and with his own band the Orquestra Mahatma
April 9, 1962 ~ Bassist, songwriter Arthur Maia born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Revered bassist. Worked with artists such as Djavan, Gilberto Gil, Marisa Monte, Lulu Santos, Ney Matogrosso, Ivan Lins, Luiz Melodia, Marcio Montarroyos, Cama de Gato, General Paz & Triple Frontera, Jorge Ben, Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Roberto Carlos, Martinho de Vila, Milton Nascimento, Fernanda Froes Pruett, Leila Pinheiro, Cesar Camargo Mariano, Ernie Watts, Sheila E, Pat Metheny, Carlos Santana, George Benson, Paquito d'Rivera, and Plácido Domingo ~ Maia passed away in 2018
April 9, 1961 ~ Rock & roll, pop singer Billy Fury records Halfway To Paradise at Decca Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. Earlier the same year recorded by Tony Orlando, scoring a modest hit in the USA peaking in the low 30s on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Fury's version, paired with Cross My Heart on the B-side, would earn him a UK top 10 hit. Others who have recorded the song include Bobby Vinton, Tina Charles, and Nick Lowe
April 9, 1961 ~ Keyboardist Mark Kelly, full name Mark Colbert Kelly, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Longtime member of Marillion, joining the band in 1981 as replacement for original keyboardist Brian Jelliman. Kelly has appeared on all of the band's albums. The band is known best for the UK top 10 hits Kayleigh and Lavender of their acclaimed 1985 Misplaced Childhood album. The track Incommunicado of the equally acclaimed follow-up album Clutching At Straws also reached top 10
April 9, 1957 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger, songwriter, actor André Manaoukian, full name André Antranik Manaoukian, born in Lyon, France ~ About half a dozen albums to his name, starting with Inkala released in 2008, as well as about half a dozen soundtracks. In-demand composer and producer for the likes of Liane Foly, Viktor Lazlo, Malia, Charles Aznavour, Gilbert Bécaud, Diane Dufresne, Gérard Darmon, Myriam Abel, and Natasha St-Pier. Also well known as a judge on Nouvelle Star, a talent contest aired on M6 modeled after the international Pop Idol franchise
April 9, 1956 ~ Jazz saxophonist Michael Hashim, full name Michael James Hashim, born in Geneva, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Widespread Depression Jazz Orchestra, Dennis Irwin, Kenny Washington, Mike LeDonne, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Roy Eldridge, Jo Jones, Sonny Greer, and Judy Carmichael
April 9, 1955 ~ Punk rock bassist Merle Allin born in Lancaster, New Hampshire, USA ~ Brother of punk rock singer GG Allin, whom he backed in Malpractice, the AIDS Brigade, and the Murder Junkies. Member of the City Thrills. Member of Cheater Slicks, present on the band's 1989 On Your Knees debut album
April 9, 1954 ~ Lori Black, commonly known as rock bassist Lori Lorax Black born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Daughter of 1930s child actress, singer Shirley Temple. First gained attention as member of Clown Alley. Best known for replacing Matt Lukin, who had left to form Mudhoney, in pioneering grunge outfit the Melvins. Black has recorded about half a dozen albums with the band, starting with Ozma released in 1989
April 9, 1953 ~ Country singer, guitarist Hal Ketchum, full name Hal Michael Ketchum, born in Greenwich, New York, USA ~ Earned critical acclaim and peer admiration for his poignant and literate yet unadorned story-telling. Released close to a dozen albums, starting with Threadbare Alibis in 1988. Though never a major star, Ketchum did find mainstream success mostly during the 1990s with about a dozen Billboard Country top 40 hits, his best known Small Town Saturday Night, Past The Point Of Rescue, and Hearts Are Gonna Roll all peaking at No.2. Ketchum retired from music in 2019 following a diagnosis of dementia ~ Ketchum passed away in 2020
April 9, 1948 ~ Nicoletta Strambelli, commonly known as pop, pop rock, chanson singer, pianist Patty Pravo, born in Venice, Italy ~ Over two dozen albums to her name. Enjoyed popularity from the mid-1960s through the 1970s, reemerging as a star during the 1990s. Debuted with the single Ragazzo Triste, an Italian-language cover of Sonny & Cher's But You're Mine. Best known for songs such as La Bambola, Pazza Idea, Pensiero Stupendo, and E Dimmi Che Non Vuoi Morire
April 9, 1948 ~ Drummer, singer Phil Wright, full name Philip Wright, born in St Ann's, UK ~ Drummer and lead singer for 1970s outfit Paper Lace, with whom he scored the UK hits Billy Don't Be A Hero, The Black-Eyed Boys, and The Night Chicago Died. All three would reach top 20 in the band's native UK, the latter would also top the American Billboard Hot 100
April 9, 1948 ~ Salsa singer Tito Gómez, full name Humberto Luis Gómez Rivera, born in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico ~ Co-lead singer of Sonora Poncena from 1967 through 1973, rejoining later in the 1970s. Co-founding member of La Terrifica. As a solo artist known for a string of popular 1990s albums and the hit Dejala. Gómez has also notably worked with Ray Barretto and Grupo Niche ~ Gómez passed away in 2007
April 9, 1946 ~ Glam rock, pop singer, pianist Les Gray, full name Thomas Leslie Gray, born in Carshalton, UK ~ Co-founding member of Mud, known for 1970s hits such as Lonely This Christmas, Tiger Feet and Oh Boy, the latter a cover of the classic Buddy Holly-song. Gray would score a solo hit with A Groovy Kind Of Love in 1977, originally recorded by Diane & Annita in 1965 ~ Gray passed away in 2004
April 9, 1945 ~ Jazz, jazz rock, rock, pop, R&B drummer Steve Gadd, full name Stephen Kendall Gadd born in Irondequoit, New York, USA ~ One of the most renowned and in-demand session drummers. Recorded about a dozen albums as leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for Continental Talk released in 2010. Drummed on Paul Simon's 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover and Steely Dan's Aja. Gadd has also appeared on albums by Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Jim Croce (I Got A Name), Herbie Mann, Bonnie Raitt (Streetlights), Aretha Franklin, the Manhattan Jazz Quintet, Grover Washington Jr, Patti Austin, George Benson, Joe Cocker, Etta James, Quincy Jones, Dr John, Barbra Streisand (Guilty), Al Jarreau, the Bee Gees, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, and others
April 9, 1944 ~ Alan Waller, commonly known as bassist, producer Wally Waller, born in Barnehurst, UK ~ Joined the Pretty Things as a bassist in 1967, taking over for John Stax. Left the band in 1971. Present on the albums SF Sorrow and Parachute. Had previously played with Bern Elliott & the Fenmen, known for their 1963 version of Money (That's What I Want). Would work as an EMI staff producer from the early-1970s forward working with artists such as Barclay James Harvest, the Malcolm Hook Roll Band, John Lees and others
April 9, 1943 ~ Richard Terrence Knapp, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Terry Knight, born in Lapeer, Michigan, USA ~ Fronted Terry Knight & the Pack, known for songs such as Change On The Way, the Yardbirds cover You're A Better Man Than I, the Ben E King cover I (Who Have Nothing), and Love Love Love Love Love. ~ Knapp passed away in 2004
April 9, 1942 ~ Composer, pianist, producer Heiner Stadler born in Lessen, West Prussia ~ Worked with James Moody, Ron Carter, Kenny Barron, Freddie Waits, Jimmy Owens, Joe Farrell, Garnett Brown, Don Friedman, Barre Phillips, Joe Chambers, Reggie Workman, Tyrone Washington, Lenny White, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Manfred Schoof, Gerd Dudek, Albert Mangelsdorff, Wolfgang Dauner, Lucas Lindholm, Tony Inzalaco, Thad Jones, George Adams, George Lewis, Stanley Cowell, Marilyn Crispell, and Joshua Pierce. As a producer, Stadler has worked with John Lee Hooker, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Louisiana Red, Johnny Shines, Roosevelt Sykes, João Carlos Martins, Arthur Moreira Lima, Grete Sultan, Pavlina Dokovska, Angela Tosheva, Ivan Spassoc, Ivo Papazov, Gheorghi Arnaoudov, Margaret Leng Tan, Carlos Barbosa-Lima, Ken Peplowski, Randy Sandke, Jay Clayton, the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble, Philip Glass, and extensively with John Cage ~ Stadler passed away in 2018
April 9, 1942 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly singer, pianist, saxophonist, songwriter Roddy Jackson, full name George Rodrick Jackson, born in Fresno, California, USA ~ Influenced by Fats Domino and Little Richard. First gained attention with the 1957 Sonny Bono-penned I've Got My Sights On Someone New. Released as a single, b/w Love At First Sight, it would become a regional hit and lead to an appearance on American Bandstand. Despite some promising follow-ups, Hiccups and Any Old Town, Jackson would fail to break through to a larger audience. Perhaps best known for co-writing She Said Yeah with Bono, first recorded by Larry Williams in 1959 and covered by over a dozen artists including the Animals, Cliff Bennett, and the Rolling Stones ~ Jackson passed away in 2022
April 9, 1939 ~ Betty Lou Miller, commonly known as Christian, country singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Margo Smith, born in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Known for her yodeling, her 1970s country remakes of the pop songs Don't Break The Heart That Loves You and It Only Hurts For A Little While both of which topped the Billboard Country charts, and for a number of 1980s hits after turning to a more risque image with songs such as Still A Woman, The Shuffle Song and Cup Of Tea, the latter a duet with Rex Allen Jr ~ Smith passed away in 2024
April 9, 1932 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Carl Perkins, full name Carl Lee Perkins, born in Tiptonville, Tennessee, USA ~ Helped shape early rock & roll and rockabilly. Known for songs such as Blue Suede Shoes, Matchbox and Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby. As a songwriter had his songs covered by Elvis Presley (Blue Suede Shoes), Cliff Richard, the Beatles, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Nelson (Boppin' The Blues), Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash (Daddy Sang Bass), Jerry Lee Lewis, Patsy Cline (So Wrong), Eric Clapton, George Thorogood (Dixie Fried), the Country Gentlemen, Kitty Wells, Jason & the Scorchers (Gone Gone Gone), Pam Tillis, Wanda Jackson (Honey Don't), and Lee Rocker ~ Perkins passed away in 1998
April 9, 1928 ~ Jazz, traditional jazz clarinetist Monty Sunshine born in London, UK ~ Best known for his clarinet solo on Petite Fleur, a million-seller in 1959 for Chris Barber. The following year Sunshine would venture out on his own, forming his own ensemble the Monty Sunshine Jazz Band with whom he recorded albums such as Black Moonlight and Sunshine. Sunshine has also collaborated with the likes of Ken Colyer, Lonnie Donegan, Kenny Ball, and Joe Meek ~ Sunshine passed away in 2010
April 9, 1921 ~ Songwriter, arranger, lyricist George David Weiss born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for writing or co-writing songs such as Lullabye Of Birdland (Morris Levy), Mr Wonderful (Olga James), Can't Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley), That Sunday That Summer (Nat King Cole), Stay With me (Lorraine Ellison), and What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) ~ Weiss passed away in 2010
April 9, 1917 ~ Blues harpist, guitarist, singer Woodrow Adams, full name Woodrow Wilson Adams, born in Tchula, Mississippi, USA ~ Reportedly, Adams was taught how to play the blues harp by Howlin' Wolf. Adams has made only made three recordings, Prety Baby Blues, Wine Head Woman and How Long, yet these recordings are highly sought after by blues aficionados ~ Adams passed away in 1988
April 9, 1916 ~ Songwriter Phil Medley born ~ Co-wrote Twist And Shout with Bert Berns. The song would be first recorded by the Top Notes in 1961 but is more famous as covered by the Isley Brothers the following year and by the Beatles for their 1963 Please Please Me album. Other songs co-written by Medley include TV Is The Thing This Year (Dinah Washington), Anything You Wanna Do (Billy Eckstine), A Million To One (Jimmy Charles), and If I Didn't Have A Dime To Play The Jukebox (Gene Pitney) ~ Medley passed away in 1997
April 9, 1906 ~ Conductor, composer Antal Doráti born in Budapest, Hungary ~ Worked with the Budapest Royal Opera, the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Doráti passed away in 1988
April 9, 1904 ~ Joseph Gustaf Bonano, commonly known as jazz, dixieland trumpeter, singer, bandleader Sharkey Bonano, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Chink Martin, the Wolverines, Jimmy Durante, Jean Goldkette, Louis Prima, the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Santo Pecora, and Thurman Teague ~ Bonano passed away in 1972
April 9, 1899 ~ Jazz trumpeter, bandleader Arthur Briggs born in St George, Grenada ~ Worked with Will Marion Cook, the Southern Syncopated Orchestra, Freddy Johnson, Coleman Hawkins, and Django Reinhardt ~ Briggs passed away in 1991
April 9, 1898 ~ Singer, actor, activist Paul Robeson, full name Paul Leroy Robeson, born in Princeton, New Jersey, USA ~ Recorded more than 250 songs over a three decade career starting in the mid-1920s. Known for a number of film performances, notably 1925's Show Boat with his rendition of Ol' Man River becoming the benchmark for all future performers of the song. Robeson is also known as an athlete, law scholar, and social activist ~ Robeson passed away in 1976