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 passed away ~ 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. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Casablanca released in 1983 ~ Bailey was born ca.1957
April 9, 2021 ~ Earl Simmons, commonly known as rapper, actor DMX, passed away in White Plains, New York, USA ~ Worked with Jay-Z, Ja Rule, Mic Geronimo, LL Cool J, Mase, the LOX, the Ruff Ryders, Swizz Beatz, JR Rotem, Kanye West, Dr Dre, Sheek Louch, Faith Evans, Method Man, Nas, Sisqó, Machine Gun Kelly, Styles P, Savant, Snoop Dogg, Onyx, Jadakiss, Aaliyah, Funkmaster Flex, NORE, Macy Gray, Omar Wilson, Eve, Redman, and others ~ Simmons was born in 1970
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 Gonzalez passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Brother of Jerry Gonzalez, his bandmate in Conjuncto Libre. Gonzalez has also worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Kip Hanrahan, Astor Piazzolla, and others ~ 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. Co-founding member of Musica Elettronica Viva alongside Alvin Curran and Frederic Rzewski. Has also worked with Anthony Braxton, Andrew Cyrille, Leroy Jenkins, Steve Lacy, Alvin Lucier, and others ~ Teitelbaum was born in 1939
April 9, 2017 ~ Bassist Alan Henderson passed away ~ Original member of Them, best known for also including Van Morrison, scoring the hits Baby Please Don't Go and Here Comes The Night and for despite a brief recording career being immensely influential on a wide array of acts including the Doors ~ Henderson born in 1944
April 9, 2017 ~ Singer Stan Robinson passed away ~ Worked with Allan Ganley, Keith Christie, Phil Seamen, the Downbeat Big Band, Tubby Hayes, John Burch, Long John Baldry, Sandy Brown, Humphrey Lyttelton, Kenny Clarke, the BBC Radio Orchestra, Dick Morrisey, Al Gay, Paul Carroll, Ian Carr, Kenny Wheeler, Greg Bowen, Don Rendell, Trevor Tomkins, Peter Shade, Maynard Ferguson, King Curtis, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Andy Williams, Tony Bennett, the Charlie Watts Orchestra, Geoff Castle, Frank Holder, and others ~ 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. The other finalists were Jolan, Cody Frost and Lydia Lucy
April 9, 2016 ~ Producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Tony Conrad passed away in Cheektowaga, New York, USA ~ Influenced the Velvet Underground ~ Conrad was born in 1940
April 9, 2013 ~ Singer Emilio Pericoli passed away in Savignano-sul-Rubicone, Italy ~ Best known for his renditions of Al Di La', which hit the charts in America and England in 1962, and Quando Quando Quando the same year ~ Pericoli was born in 1928
April 9, 2011 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader Orrin Tucker, full name Robert Orrin Tucker, passed away in South Pasadena, California, USA ~ Known for songs such as Drifting & Dreaming and Oh Johnny Oh Johnny, the latter a 1939 hit featuring singer Bonnie Baker ~ Tucker was born in 1911
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. 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 ~ Producer for famed Blue Note label ~ 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, Blake Shelton, and others ~ Axton was born in 1914
April 9, 1997 ~ James Rachell, commonly known as country blues singer, guitarist, mandolinist Yank Rachell, born near Brownsville, Tennessee, USA ~ 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 Natch'I Blues. The song would notably be covered by the Blues Brothers as the opening track for their 1980 Blues Brothers film The “Katy”refers to the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad ~ Rachell was born ca.1903
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 with the Tony Joe White penned Rainy Night In Georgia in 1969 ~ Benton was born in 1931
April 9, 1988 ~ Singer Dave Prater, full name David Prater Jr, passed away in Sycamore, Georgia, USA ~ Half of soul duo Sam & Dave, the other half being Sam Moore, known for songs such as Hold On I'm Coming, Soul Man and I Thank You ~ Prater was born in 1937
April 9, 1987 ~ Singer Craig Mabbitt born in Glendale, Arizona, USA ~ Known for his rock based singing combined with screamed and growled vocal styles. Worked with Escape The Fate, Blessthefall, and with the Word Alive
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, Ryan Leslie, and others
April 9, 1987 ~ Actor, pop, pop-rock, R&B singer, songwriter Jesse McCartney born in Antsly, New York, USA ~ Best known as an actor. Member of pop band Dream Street from 1999 through 2002. Debuted as a solo artist with the Beautiful Soul album in 2002
April 9, 1986 ~ Robert Hanley Casey, commonly known as jazz double bassist Bob Casey, passed away in Marion, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Wingy Manone, Muggsy Spanier, Charlie Spivak, Brad Gowans, Eddie Condon, Miff Mole, Joe Marsala, Wild Bill Davison, Bobby Hackett, Cliff Jackson, Max Kaminsky, Eddie Edwards, Bud Freeman, Pee Wee Russell, George Brunis, George Wettling, Ralph Sutton, Joe Sullivan, Boyce Brown, and others ~ Casey was born in 1909
April 9, 1986 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Brian Larsen born in Laurel, Maryland, USA ~ Founder, frontman, thriving force of Twilight's Moon in 1997, best known for their 2001 Emergency Exit album
April 9, 1983 ~ Jazz bassist, tubist Jim Lanigan passed away ~ Worked with the Austin High School Gang, Husk O'Hare, the Mound City Blowers, Art Kassel, the Chicago Rhythm Kings, the Jungle Kings, Red McKenzie, Eddie Condon, Ted Fio Rito, Jimmy McPartland, Bud Jacobson, Bud Freeman, Danny Alvin, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Lanigan was born in 1902
April 9, 1982 ~ Jazz drummer, songwriter Øyvind Skarbø born in Norway ~ Worked with Even Helte Hermansen, Øyvind Hegg-Lunde, Sigbjørn Apeland, Nils Okland, Stian Omenås, Svein Magnus Furu, Njal Olnes, Per Jorgensen, Thomas Dahl, Fredrik Ljungkvist, Per Zanussi, Hålkon Kornstad, and others
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, 1975 ~ Electropop, bubblegum pop singer Bertine Zetlitz, full name Bertine Axeliane Robberstad Zetlitz, born in Norway ~ Debuted in 1998 with the Morbid Latenight Show. Has recorded steadily since, releasing half a dozen albums through 2015 all of which reached top 10 on the Norwegian album charts
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 ~ 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, Wynton Marsalis, and others
April 9, 1971 ~ Jazz drummer Manzie Johnson passed away ~ Worked with Willie Gant, June Clark, Elmer Snowden, Joe Steele, Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, James P Johnson, Horace Henderson, Red Allen, Benny Morton, Willie Bryant, Lil' Armstrong, Harry White, Mezz Mezzrow, Sidney Bechet, Garvin Bushell, Happy Caldwell, and others ~ Johnson was born in 1908
April 9, 1970 ~ Alexandre Magno Abrão, commonly known as singer, songwriter, poet Chorão, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Lead singer, founding and sole constant member of alternative rock outfit Charlie Brown Jr ~ Abrão passed away in 2013
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, 1970 ~ Keyboardist, producer Michael Rodenburg born in Wolfsburg, West Germany ~ Known for his close association with Sascha Paeth. Also worked with Angra, Shaaman, Luca Turilli, Rhapsody Of Fire, Kamelot, Heaven's Gate, and others
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, 1968 ~ Hubert Maxwell Myers, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Bumps Myers, passed away ~ Worked with Curtis Mosby, Buck Clayton, Lionel Hampton, Les Hite, Benny Carter, Lester Young, Jimmie Lunceford, Sid Catlett, T-Bone Walker, Benny Goodman, Russell Jacquet, Jimmy Witherspoon, Helen Humes, Red Callender, Louie Bellson, Harry Belafonte, Horace Henderson, and others ~ Myers was born in 1912
April 9, 1966 ~ R&B singer Dionne Warwick records I Say A Little Prayer at A&R Recording Studio, New York, New York ~ Written and produced by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The first to record the song, paired with Theme From The Valley Of The Dolls on the flipside, Warwick would reach top 10 on both the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. Notably covered by Aretha Franklin in 1968
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, J Russell Robinson, and others ~ 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, with his own band the Orquestra Mahatma, and others
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, Plácido Domingo, and others ~ 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 ~ Christopher Robert Lionel Abrahams, commonly known as pianist Chris Abrahams, born ~ Worked with the Benders, Laughing Clowns, Necks, Melanie Oxley, the Church, the Whitlams, Midnight Oil, Wendy Matthews, Skunkhour, Silverchair, and others
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, 1959 ~ Keyboardist Dave Innis born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best known as member of Restless Heart from its inception in 1984 through 1993. Co-wrote Dare Me, a 1985 hit for the Pointer Sisters
April 9, 1959 ~ Progressive rock keyboardist Tomas Bodin born ~ Best known as member of the Flower Kings from 1995 through 2015, including on the band's best known albums 2012's Banks Of Eden and 2013's Desolation Rose
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, 1957 ~ Jazz saxophonist Toshiyuki Honda born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Leader and sideman. Led the Super Quartet. Worked with George Otsuka, Chick Corea, Tatsuya Takahashi, Kazumi Watanabe, Native Son, and others
April 9, 1956 ~ John Leonard, commonly known as singer, pianist, songwriter Jack Little, passed away ~ Best known for a number of 1930s hits including You Oughta Be In Pictures, June In January, Lullaby Of Broadway, I'm In The Mood For Love, On Treasure Island and No Other One ~ Leonard was born in 1899
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, Judy Carmichael, and others
April 9, 1955 ~ Choral singer, conductor, composer Bob Chilcott born in Plymouth, UK ~ Member of the King's Singers from 1985 through 1997. As a composer best known for The Making Of The Drum, a cantata for choir and percussion
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, songwriter Hal Ketchum, full name Hal Michael Ketchum, born in Greenwich, New York, USA ~ Admired by peers. Praised for his literate yet unadorned story-telling. Debuted in 1988 with the Threadbare Alibis album. Best known for songs such as Small Town Saturday Night, Past The Point Of Rescue, Sure Love, Hearts Are Gonna Roll and Stay Forever ~ Ketchum passed away in 2020
April 9, 1948 ~ David Allen Ryan, commonly known as bassist, singer Chico Ryan, born in Arlington, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of the Happenings, known for the hits See You In September and I Got Rhythm. Member of Sha Na Na, joining in 1973 as replacement for Bruce Clarke and remaining with the band until his death ~ Ryan passed away in 1998
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. Also worked with Ray Barretto, Grupo Niche, and others ~ 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 ~ Soul jazz, acid jazz organist Reuben Wilson born in Mounds, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best known for his 1975 album Got To Get Your Own. Worked with musicians such as Melvin Sparks, Willis Jackson, Stanley Turrentine, Don Braden, David Weiss, Ed Cherry, Idris Muhammad, and Grant Green
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 numerous 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, Joshua Pierce, and others. As a producer 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 ~ 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 the Rex Allen Jr-duet Cup Of Tea
April 9, 1942 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly singer, pianist, saxophonist 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, 1940 ~ Folk, nueva cancion singer Ernesto Cavour, full name Ernesto Cavour Aramayo, born in La Paz, Bolivia ~ Key member of Los Jairas, an influential Andean folk band active since the mid-1960s and influential on later acts such as Los Kjarkas, Savia Andina, Khanata, Grupo Aymara, Paja Brava, and others ~ Cavour passed away in 2022
April 9, 1938 ~ Rock, folk, pop singer, fiddler Ivar Medaas born ~ Best known for his 1963 recording of Dar Kjem Dampen, based on a poem written by deaf priest Ragnvald Hammer ~ Medaas passed away in 2005
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), Lee Rocker, and others ~ Perkins passed away in 1998
April 9, 1928 ~ Jazz clarinetist Monty Sunshine born in London, UK ~ Worked with the Eager Beavers, the Crane River Jazz Band, Beryl Bryden, George Melly, Lonnie Donegan, Jim Bray, Ron Bowden, Chris Barber (notably the solo on Petite Fleur), Johnny Parker, Diz Disley, Donegan's Dancing Sunshine Band, and others ~ 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 Woodrow Adams, full name Woodrow Wilson Adams, born in Tchula, Mississippi, USA ~ Known for a handful of pivotal Delta blues recordings including Prety Baby Blues, Wine Head Woman and his best-known How Long ~ Adams passed away in 1988
April 9, 1916 ~ Swing tenor saxophonist Julian Dash born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Member of the Bama State Collegians. Perhaps best remembered for co-penning Tuxedo Junction with Erskine Hawkins and Bill Johnson. Also closely associated with Buck Clayton, notably on a number of early 1950s Vanguard sessions ~ Dash passed away in 1974
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, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and others ~ 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, Thurman Teague, and others ~ 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, Django Reinhardt, and others ~ 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
April 9, 1895 ~ Beau de Glen Lipscomb, commonly known as guitarist Mance Lipscomb born in Navasota, Texas, USA ~ Discovered by Mack McCormick and Chris Strachwitz in 1960 during a revival of country blues. Straddles blues, ragtime, folk. Known for his renditions of Sugar Babe, Shine On Harvest Moon and It's A Long Way To Tipperary ~ Lipscomb passed away in 1976