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, 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, 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, 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, and Wynton Marsalis
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, 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 ~ 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