August 10, 2022 ~ Ronald DeVaughn, commonly known as jazz. avant-garde jazz, classical cellist Abdul Wadud, passed away ~ Father of R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn. Leader and sideman. Has worked with artists such as Black Unity Trio, Frank Lowe, George Lewis, Charles Shaw, Oliver Lake, Marty Ehrlich's Dark Woods Ensemble, Michael Franks, Muhal Richard Abrams, David Murray, James Newton, Julius Hemphill, Anthony Davis, and others ~ DeVaughn was born in 1947
August 10, 2021 ~ Choral conductor, composer Stephen Wilkinson, full name Stephen Austin Wilkinson, passed away ~ Conducted the Hertford Choir. Staff musician with the BBC for over 25 years starting in 1953, best known for his work with the BBC Northern Singers. Has also guested with the RTE Singers, het Nederlands Kamerkoor, and others. Father of mezzo-soprano singer Clare Wilkinson ~ Wilkinson was born in 1919
August 10, 2020 ~ Pop singer, guitarist Waldemar Bastos, full name Waldemar dos Santos Alonse de Almeida Bastos, passed away in Lisbon, Portugal ~ Drew from Afropop, fado and Brazilian influences. Emigrated to Portugal in the early 1980s to escape the civil war in his native Angola. Especially known for his 1982 Estamos Juntos album ~ Bastos was born in 1954
August 10, 2013 ~ Edith Gormezano, commonly known as singer Eydie Gormé, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Sang with Tommy Tucker, Tex Beneke, and with Steve Lawrence, staff writer at The Tonight Show. Lawrence and Gormezano were married in 1957 and would perform and record to critical acclaim and commercial succes since. As a solo singer Gormé is known for songs such as Too Close For Comfort, Love Me Forever, Blame It On The Bossa Nova, and We Can Make It Together ~ Gormezano was born in 1928
August 10, 2013 ~ Guitarist, bassist Jody Payne, full name James L Payne, passed away in Stapleton, Alabama, USA ~ Husband of singer Sammi Smith, with whom he fathered singer, actor Waylon Payne. Best known for his association with Willie Nelson, backing Nelson on tour and record from 1973 through 2008. Also worked with Charlie Monroe, Merle Haggard, Hank Snow, Leon Russell, Tanya Tucker, Ray Price ~ Payne was born in 1936
August 10, 2011 ~ Singer Billy Grammer passed away in Benton, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his 1959 hit Gotta Travel On, written by David Lazar, Larry Ehrlich, Paul Clayton, and Tom Six. Recorded the first version of Bobby Bare's Detroit City, entitled I Wanna Go Home in 1963 ~ Grammer was born in 1925
August 10, 2010 ~ Vibraphonist, composer Bobby Paunetto passed away ~ Along with Eddie Palmieri considered a leading innovator in fusing salsa and jazz. Best known for his 1975 Paunetto's Point album, the first quadraphonic album to be recorded ~ Paunetto was born in 1944
August 10, 2010 ~ Jazz saxophonist Vance Wilson passed away ~ Worked with Clifford Brown, Chris Powell, Osie Johnson, Charlie Rice, Bob Bushnell, Red Garland, Johnny Hughes, Steve Gibson, and others ~ Wilson was born ca.1925
August 10, 2008 ~ Singer, songwriter Isaac Hayes, full name Isaac Lee Hayes Jr, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Southern soul icon, session musician, songwriter, producer at famed Stax/Volt label oft in collaboration with David Porter, writing songs for Sam & Dave and Carla Thomas. Influenced by Percy Mayfield, Big Joe Turner, James Brown, Jerry Butler, Sam Cooke, Fats Domino, Marvin Gaye, the Chamber Brothers and Sly & the Family Stone. Worked with Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Donald Byrd, Linda Clifford, Albert King, William Bell, Dionne Warwick, Rufus Thomas, Eddie Floyd, and others. As a solo artist best known for pivotal late 1960s, early 1970s albums such as Hot Buttered Soul, Black Moses and the score of blaxploitation film Shaft. Received an Oscar for Best Original Song for the track Theme From Shaft. Would later embrace disco on albums such as Chocolate Chip and Disco Connection. Would resurge in the 1990s lending his voice to South Park's Chef ~ Hayes was born in 1942
August 10, 2007 ~ Label owner, producer, impresario, radio and TV personality Tony Wilson, full name Anthony Howard Wilson, passed away in Withington, UK ~ Co-founded Factory Records record label, home of bands such as the Happy Mondays, Joy Division, New Order. Founded and managed the Hacienda nightclub in Manchester ~ Wilson was born in 1950
August 10, 2006 ~ Singer Barbara George passed away in Chauvin, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for the R&B crossover classic I Know (You Don't Love Me No More) of her sole mostly self-penned 1961 album of the same name. The single would make top 10 Billboard Hot 100 and top the Billboard R&B charts in 1961. The song would later be covered by Fats Domino, Cher, Bonnie Raitt, and others. Two subsequent singles, You Talk About Love and Send For Me (If You Need Some Lovin') would also chart but fail to reach the same level of succes ~ George was born in 1942
August 10, 2002 ~ Blues rock, jam band guitarist Michael Houser passed away in Athens, Georgia, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead guitarist of Widespread Panic, remaining with the band until his death in 2002. The band is best known for a number of 1990s albums, notably Everyday, Ain't Life Grand and Til The Medicine Takes. Houser has also worked with Bloodkin, Brute, John Hermann, and others ~ Houser was born in 1962
August 10, 1991 ~ Henry Franklin Smith, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Buster Smith, passed away in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Instrumental 1930s saxophonist. Mentor to Charlie Parker. Recorded just one album as a leader, 1959's The Legendary Buster Smith. Worked with Hot Lips Page, the Oklahoma City Blue Devils, Lester Young, Count Basie, Jimmy Rushing, Emir Coleman, Pete Johnson, Eddie Durham, Don Redman, Duke Ellington, Earl Hines, Ella Fitzgerald, and others ~ Smith was born in 1904
August 10, 1979 ~ Guitarist, drummer, singer Cary Ann Hearst born ~ Influenced by Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan, Loretta Lynn. First gained attention when her song Hells Bells was included in the HBO vampire drama True Blood. Records both as a solo artist and with Shovels & Rope, a duo with her husband Michael Trent
August 10, 1979 ~ Singer Curtis Williams passed away ~ Original member of doo-wop outfit the Penguins, best known for Earth Angel, a hit in 1954 ~ Williams was born in 1934
August 10, 1979 ~ Indie rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, saxophonist, keyboardist, songwriter Matt Mays born in Hamilton, Canada ~ Member of country rock outfit the Guthries from 2000 through 2002. Debuted as a solo artist with the eponymous 2002 Matt Mays album. Worked with Matt Mays & El Torpedo, which also included Jay Smith, Andy Patil, Tim Baker and Adam Baldwin, known for Cocaine Cowgirl
August 10, 1979 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Ove Alexander Billington born in Frederikstad, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Fronts his own the Billington Trio. Closely associated with acts such as the Independent Jazz Orchestra, Speak Low, the Mads Berven Quartet, Kjellerbandet. Has also worked with Stjern, Håvard Fossum, Gine Gaustad Anderssen, Majken Christiansen, Ole Jørn Myklebust, Yasuhito Mori, Petter Wettre, Bodil Niska, Nora Brockstedt, Funky Butt, and others
August 10, 1978 ~ Karen Louise Greeff, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Karen Zoid, born in Brussels, Belgium ~ Belgian-born South-African singer. Fronts Zoid. Dubbed South-Africa's “Queen of Rock”
August 10, 1976 ~ Generoso Graziano, commonly known as violinist, bandleader, composer, arranger Jerry Gray, passed away in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Popular big band, swing era arranger. Closely associated with Artie Shaw and especially Glenn Miller. Arranged many of Miller's 1930s and 1940s recordings including Elmer's Tune, Moonlight Cocktail and Chattanooga Choo Choo, wrote or co-wrote songs such as Sun Valley Jump, The Man In The Moon, Pennsylvania 6-5000 and I Dreamt I Dwelt In Harlem ~ Graziano was born in 1915
August 10, 1972 ~ Blues rock, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Devon Allman born in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA ~ Son of the Allman Brothers Band's singer Gregg Allman. Worked with Honeytribe, the Vargas Blues Band, Ron Holloway, and with the Royal Souhern Brotherhood
August 10, 1972 ~ Dilana Jansen van Vuuren, mononymously known as hard rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter, actress Dilana, born in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Released her Wonderfool debut album in 2000. Best known as contestant on the reality TV show Rock Star Supernova. Briefly sang with the LA Guns in 2011
August 10, 1968 ~ Hard rock, glam metal singer, songwriter Matt Kramer born ~ Best known as Saigon Kick lead singer on the band's first two albums, 1991's Saigon Kick and 1992's The Lizard, the latter spawning the Billboard top 10 hit Love Is On The Way, a power ballad. Kramer also sang with Coma and Soul Star
August 10, 1966 ~ Shaun Shiller Fequiere, commonly known as hip-hop rapper Kangol Kid, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of early pioneering rap group UTFO, known best for their 1984 hit Roxanne Roxanne. The group would remain popular throughout the end of the decade. Fequiere also wrote Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam's Private Property. Served as manager for the rap group Whistle ~ Fequiere passed away in 2021
August 10, 1965 ~ Swing, boogie-woogie pianist, bandleader Freddie Slack, full name Frederick Charles Slack, passed away ~ Co-wrote, recorded House Of The Blue Lights with Ella Mae Morse as lead singer, later covered by Chuck Miller, the Andrews Sisters, Chuck Berry, and by Jerry Lee Lewis. Worked with Will Bradley including the piano solo on Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar, arguably one of the first white boogie-woogie hits. Also worked with Henry Halstead, Earl Burtnett, Lennie Hayton, Ben Pollack, Jimmy Dorsey, T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, Johnny Mercer, Margaret Whiting, Liza Morrow, and others ~ Slack was born in 1910
August 10, 1965 ~ Composer, author, child actor Kenneth Casey passed away in Cornwall, New York, USA ~ Best remembered for co-writing Sweet Georgia Brown with Ben Bernie and Maceo Pinkard. The first recorded version would be Bernie's, but the song would become a standard recorded by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, Charlie Parker, Brother Bones, Anita O'Day, Tony Sheridan, Nancy Sinatra, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roberta Flack, and others ~ Casey was born in 1899
August 10, 1964 ~ Singer, songwriter Aaron Hall born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of Guy, along with producer Teddy Riley and songwriter Timmy Gatling. Hall sang lead on Guy-classics such as Groove Me, I Like, and Piece Of My Love. Hall has also released solo albums and singles including a number of notable collaborations such as It's Gonna Be Alright with Charlie Wilson, Toss It Up with K-Ci & JoJo, Much Too Soon with Cedric K-Ci Hailey and Al B Sure, and Bye Baby with rapper Nas
August 10, 1964 ~ Jazz saxophonist Kåre Kolve born in Voss, Norway ~ Brother of vibraphonist Ivar Kolve. Best known as leader, releasing a number of albums with his quartet which also included Espen Berg, Jo Fougner and Magnus Forsberg. Has also worked with Terje Tysland, Lava, Mezzoforte, Espen Lind, Mezzoforte, and others
August 10, 1964 ~ Singer, songwriter Patsy Moore, full name Patsy Alexis Moore, born on Antigua, Antigua & Barbados ~ First gained attention writing Talk About Life recorded by Kim Hill. Also known for penning I Remember and Goodbye, both recorded by Dianne Reeves. As a singer debuted in 1992 with her Regarding The Human Condition album
August 10, 1963 ~ Guitarist, singer Jeff McDonald born in Hawthorne, California, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of alternative rock band Redd Kross, which also included his brother bassist Steven Shane McDonald. Married to the Go-Go's guitarist, keyboardist Charlotte Caffey. Has worked with Anarchy 6, Tater Totz and Ze Malibu Kids
August 10, 1963 ~ Songwriter Stuart Gorrell, full name Stuart Graham Steven Gorrell, passed away ~ Remembered for co-writing Georgia On My Mind, composed and first recorded by Hoagy Carmichael. The song has become a standard recorded by numerous artists, notably Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Willie Nelson. Gorrell wrote the lyrics in a single night after hearing Carmichael play the new composition at a party and never wrote another lyric in his life ~ Gorrell was born in 1901
August 10, 1961 ~ Rock, pop rock keyboardist, drummer, singer Jon Farriss, full name Jonathan James Farriss, born in Perth, Australia ~ Co-founding member of INXS. Co-wrote songs such as Red Red Sun, The Gift, Deepest Red, Faith In Each Other, Back On Line, Never Let You Go and Disappear
August 10, 1960 ~ Post-punk, avant-funk, industrial singer, songwriter Mark Stewart born in Bristol, UK ~ Pioneer of post-punk and industrial hip-hop. Co-founding member of the Pop Group, drawing from punk, dub, funk, and free jazz, and best known for the singles She Is Beyond Good And Evil and We Are All Prostitutes. Following the band's disbandement in the early 1980s Stewart has recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of Trent Reznor, Tricky, Massive Attack, and Primal Scream ~ Stewart passed away in 2023
August 10, 1960 ~ Trumpeter, hornist, saxophonist, guitarist, keyboardist Terry Edwards born in Hornchurch, UK ~ Worked with the Scapegoats, Derek Raymond, Madness, Mark Bedford, the Tindersticks, Spiritualized, the Creatures, Nick Cave, the Jesus & Mary Chain, Department S, Lydia Lunch, Snuff, Tom Waits, Jack, the Blockheads, Hot Chip, Robyn Hitchcock, Gallon Drunk, PJ Harvey, and others
August 10, 1960 ~ Flutist, guitarist, mandolinist, keyboardist, singer Vinnie Kilduff born in Mayo, Ireland ~ Founding member of In Tua Nua. Best known for playing traditional flutes and pipes with a number of Irish, Celtic acts including U2 (notably on Tomorrow), Clannad, the Waterboys, and Sinéad O'Connor. Has also worked with the Rocking Chairs, Patrick Cassidy, Fisher Street, Brendan O'Regan, Sean Smyth, Anthony Thistlethwaite, Hazel O'Connor, and others
August 10, 1957 ~ Fred Wei-han Houn, commonly known as saxophonist, composer Fred Ho, born in Palo Alto, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Though mostly associated with Asian-American jazz, Houn resented the categorization. Known for merging traditional Chinese elements with African influences. The first to combine Chinese opera with traditional African-American music. Especially acclaimed for his 1993 Underground Railroad To My Heart album. Founded and fronted the Monkey Orchestra. Founded and fronted the Afro-Asian Music Ensemble ~ Houn passed away in 2014
August 10, 1957 ~ Actress, singer Zuhal Olcay born in Uskudar, Turkey ~ Rose to fame in the 1980s starring in a succession of films. As a singer has recorded over half a dozen albums, starting with Kucuk Bir Oyku Bu released in 1989. Would be sentenced to 10 months in prison in 2018 for insulting President Recep Erdogan in a revised version of her song Bos Vermisim Dunyayi during a 2016 concert
August 10, 1951 ~ Country singer Hank Williams records Half As Much at Castle Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Curley Williams. Produced by Fred Rose. Paired with Turn Back The Years as the flipside the single would be released the following March
August 10, 1951 ~ Per Malta Lennart Jonsson, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Plura Jonsson, born in Norrkoping, Sweden ~ Best known as member of Eldkvarn. Also noted for his 2014 collaborative album Mauro & Pluras Tagluff with Mauro Scocco. As a solo artist best known for his 2010 Det Hon Vill Ha hit single
August 10, 1950 ~ R&B, pop, jazz singer Patti Austin born in New York, New York, USA ~ Made her performance debut at Apollo Theater aged 4. Has sung guest and backup vocals on songs by Yutuka Yokokura (Love Light), Quincy Jones (Razzmatazz, Betcha Wouldn't Hurt Me), Roberta Flack, Billy Joel (Just The Way You Are), Angela Bofill, and Noel Pointer, and duetted with Michael Jackson (It's The Falling In Love), with George Benson (Moody's Mood For Love), and perhaps most notably with James Ingram (Baby Come To Me, How Do You Keep The Music Playing). Released her first solo album, The End Of A Rainbow, in 1976
August 10, 1949 ~ Country mandolinist, fiddler, singer Gene Johnson born in Jamestown, New York, USA ~ Member of Diamond Rio, known for a number of Billboard Country top 10 hits starting in the early 1990s including Meet In The Middle, In A Week Or Two, Love A Little Stronger, Walkin' Away, How Your Love Makes Me Feel, One More Day and Beautiful Mess
August 10, 1949 ~ Singer, actor Harry Slinger born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Frontman, lead singer of Drukwerk, known for song such as Je Loog Tegen Mij, Schijn 'n Lichtje Op Mij, Marianneke and Hee Amsterdan
August 10, 1948 ~ Lucille Anderson, commonly known as classic female blues singer, Lucille Bogan passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Named as one of “the Big Three of Blues” alongside Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. Known for her provocative lyrics. Known for originals such as Sloppy Drunk Blues, Tricks Ain't Walkin' No More, and Black Angel Blues. Through a series of covers and adaptions the latter would be eventually be recorded by BB King as Sweet Little Angel in 1956. Recorded under the alias Bessie Jackson since 1933 in an attempt to conceal her identity ~ Anderson was born in 1897
August 10, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist Larry Larden born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Member of sunshine pop band Every Mothers Son, which also included his brother Dennis Larden, known for their 1967 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Come On Down To My Boat
August 10, 1943 ~ Drummer Bjorn Krokfoss born in Oslo, Norway ~ Worked with Magnolia, the Canal Street Jazzband, Rowland Greenberg, Asmund Bjørken, Oddmund Finnseth, Laila Dalseth, Svein æren, and others
August 10, 1943 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Jimmy Griffin, full name James Arthu Griffin, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as a founding member of Bread, known for hits such as Baby I'm A-Want You, For All We Know, Make It With You, If, Everything I Own. Previously a songwriter who wrote for Ed Ames, Gary Lewis, Bobby Vee, Brian Hyland, the Standells, Lesley Gore, Sandy Nelson, and Cher. Has also collaborated with Terry Sylvester, Black Tie, Randy Meisner, Billy Swan, T-Bone Burnett, the Remingtons, Toast, Todd Cerney, and others ~ Griffin passed away in 2005
August 10, 1943 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer Michael Mantler born in Vienna, Austria ~ Founded the Jazz Composers Guild teaming up with Roswell Rudd, Archie Shepp and Cecil Taylor. Co-founded the Jazz Realities quintet and the Jazz Composers Orchestra, both with his wife Carla Bley, with whom he fathered Karen Mantler, also a pianist. Over the course of his career Mantler has worked with a wide array of artists including Don Cherry, Pharoah Sanders, Larry Coryell, Gato Barbieri, the London Symphony Orchestra, Jack Bruce, Marianne Faithfull, Robert Wyatt, Jack DeJohnette, Terje Rypdal, Chris Spedding, Per Jorgensen, Gary Burton, Nick Mason, Charlie Haden, and numerous others
August 10, 1943 ~ Veronica Yvette Bennett, commonly known as singer Ronnie Spector, born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Married to producer Phil Spector from 1968 through 1974. Fronted the pivotal 1960s girl group the Ronettes, which served as a template for future girl groups. The band also included Ronnie's sister Estelle Bennett and their cousin Nedra Talley and is known for quintessential 1960s songs such as Be My Baby, Walking In The Rain, Born To Be Together, Baby I Love You, and The Best Part Of Breaking Up ~ Bennett passed away in 2022
August 10, 1940 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Anzor Erkomaishvili born in Batumi, Russia ~ Best known for researching and preserving Georgian folk music. Long-time music director of the Rustavi Ensemble, starting in 1968 ~ Erkomaishvili passed away in 2021
August 10, 1940 ~ Singer Bobby Hatfield born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, USA ~ Half of vocal duo the Righteous Brothers, the other half being Bill Medley. The brothers are best known for songs such as You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', Unchained Melody (actually a Hatfield solo performance), and Rock & Roll Heaven. As a solo artist Hatfield released a handful of mostly late-1960s singles including Hot Tamales, the self-penned Hang-Ups, Stay With Me, and Only You And You Alone, of which only the latter charted peaking at No.95 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Hatfield passed away in 2003
August 10, 1940 ~ Singer, actor Brent Titcomb born in Vancouver, Canada ~ Member of 3's A Crowd through 1968, best known for their 1966 single Bound To Fly
August 10, 1938 ~ John Lawrence Finneran, commonly known as singer, songwriter Larry Finnegan born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his sole US hit Dear One which peaked at No.11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962. ~ Finnegan passed away in 1973
August 10, 1936 ~ Charles H Israels, commonly known as composer, arranger, bassist Chuck Israels, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Bill Evans. Israels grew up in a musical environment, his stepfather being the singer Mordecai Bauman counting artists such as Paul Robeson and Pete Seeger as close friends. Israels worked with Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock, JJ Johnson, John Coltrane, Judy Collins, Bud Powell, Cecil Taylor, Kenny Dorham, Louis Hayes, Eric Dolphy, Hampton Hawes, Patti Austin, and others
August 10, 1934 ~ Country, pop producer, songwriter Jerry Crutchfield born in Paducah, Kentucky, USA ~ In-demand country, country-pop producer and songwriter. Has produced albums by the likes of Lee Greenwood, Chris LeDoux, Anne Murray, Dottie West, Tammy Wynette, Glen Campbell, Buck Owens, Larry Gatlin, Pearl River, Mylon LeFevre, Dave Loggins. Songs written or co-written by Crutchfield have been recorded by Elvis Presley, Brenda Lee (My Whole World Is Falling Down), Eddy Arnold, Faron Young, Charley Pride, Lefty Frizzell, Barbara Fairchild, and others ~ Crutchfield passed away in 2022
August 10, 1932 ~ Country singer Floyd Robinson born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for Makin' Love, a hit in 1959 ~ Robinson passed away in 2016
August 10, 1932 ~ Gertrude A Pitts, commonly known as soul jazz keyboardist, organist Trudy Pitts, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Primarily known for playing the Hammond B-3 organ. Played with Ben Webster, Gene Ammons, Sonny Stitt, Pat Martino, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and others ~ Pitts passed away in 2010
August 10, 1928 ~ Edwin John Fisher, commonly known as singer, actor Eddie Fisher, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ One of the most popular artists in the early-1950s. Married to Debbie Reynolds (children Carrie Fisher, Todd Fisher). Later married to Connie Stevens (children Joely Fisher, Tricia Leigh Fisher). Fisher was known for songs such as Thinking Of You, Any Time, Tell Me Why, Wish You Were Here, I'm Walking Behind You, I Need You Now, The Heart, and others ~ Fisher passed away in 2010
August 10, 1928 ~ Singer, actor Jimmy Dean, full name Jimmy Ray Dean, born in Plainview, Texas, USA ~ Best remembered for his 1961 crossover hit Big Bad John, for numerous TV appearances including his own The Jimmy Dean Show, and the role of billionaire Willar Whyte in the 1971 Bond movie Diamonds Are Forever. Also known for songs such as The First Thing Every Morning And The Last Thing Every Night, Stand Beside Me, Sweet Misery, Thing Called Love, the Dottie West duet Slowly, and The One You Say Good Morning To ~ Dean passed away in 2010
August 10, 1928 ~ Pianist, singer, composer, actor Per Asplin born in Tønsberg, Norway ~ Starred in a number of films. Created the annual Christmas show Putti Plutti Pott And Santa's Beard. Participated in the prestigious Melodi Grand Prix a number of times. Best remembered as member of vocal group the Monn Keys ~ Asplin passed away in 1996
August 10, 1927 ~ Guitarist Jimmy Martin, full name James Henry Martin, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Dubbed “the King of Bluegrass”. Known for songs such as The Hit Parade Of Love, Sophronie, Stepping Stones, Widow Maker, Bear Track, and others. Worked with Bill Monroe, the Osborne Brothers, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and others ~ Martin passed away in 2005
August 10, 1926 ~ Organist Marie-Claire Alain, full name Marie-Claire Geneviève Alain, born in St-Germain-en-Laye, France ~ Daughter of Albert Alain, sister of Jehan Alain and Olivier Alain, all of which renowned composers and organists. Regarded as one of the premier organists of her generation. Specialized in Johann Sebastian Bach, noted for her recordings of his complete organ music ~ Alain passed away in 2013
August 10, 1924 ~ Singer Caridad Hierrezuelo born in El Caney, Cuba ~ Sister of Lorenzo Hierrezuelo and Rey Caney, both noted trova singers. Member of Trio Baragá. Member of Conjunto Beltrán. Active as a solo artist, mainly singing guaracha, since the early 1950s. Has also worked with the Afro-Cuban All Stars ~ Hierrezuelo passed away in 2009
August 10, 1923 ~ Marilyn Louis, commonly known as actress, singer Rhonda Fleming, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Dubbed “the Queen of Technicolor” best known as an actress, appearing in over 40 films starting in the 1940s. Has also starred in a number of musical comedies, notably playing the female lead in 1949's A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court opposite Bing Crosby ~ Louis passed away in 2020
August 10, 1922 ~ Al Albertini, commonly known as singer, composer Al Alberts born in Chester, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Co-founded the Four Aces with navy buddy Dave Mahoney. The group scored two Oscars for best song, Three Coins In The Fountain in 1954 and Love Is A Many Splendored Thing in 1955. Later Albertini would host a TV-show in Philadelphia, Showcase. In its 32 years running the show helped launch the careers of Sister Sledge, the Kinleys, and Teddy Pendergrass ~ Albertini passed away in 2009
August 10, 1922 ~ June Foglia, commonly known as singer, TV personality June Valli born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Known for songs such as Strange Sensation, A Shoulder To Cry On, Crying In The Chapel, Why Don't You Believe Me, and others ~ Valli passed away in 1993
August 10, 1921 ~ Classical soprano singer Agnes Giebel was born in Heerlen, the Netherlands ~ Predominantly sang sacred works such as cantatas, oratorios, and masses. Considered one of the premier interpreters of Johann Sebastian Bach of her generation ~ Giebel passed away in 2017
August 10, 1918 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Arnett Cobb, full name Arnett Cleophus Cobb, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Known as the “Wild Man of the Tenor Sax” because of his uninhibited stomping style ~ Cobb passed away in 1989
August 10, 1917 ~ James Charles Heard, commonly known as swing, bop, blues drummer JC Heard, born in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Became a Protégé of drummer Jo Jones through who Heard would meet and sit in with Count Basie, as well as land his first professional job playing in Teddy Wilson's band. Heard would continue on to work with a wide array of musicians including Benny Carter, Louis Jordan, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Eldridge, Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, Ray Brown, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, Dinah Washington, Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughan, Erroll Garner, Oscar Pettiford, Cab Calloway, and others. Heard was known for his innovative technique and the hard swing he would bring to both large and small bands ~ Heard passed away in 1988
August 10, 1909 ~ Clarence Leonidas Fender, commonly known as guitar builder Leo Fender, born in Santa Ana, California, USA ~ Legendary guitar, bass, amps builder. Noted for the Fender Telecaster, the Fender Stratocaster, the Fender Precision Bass, and the Fender Bassman amplifier. Fender reportedly never learned to play guitar or bass ~ Fender passed away in 1991
August 10, 1907 ~ Singer Jane Pickens born in Macon, Georgia, USA ~ Led sibling trio the Pickens Sisters, reaching national stardom in the 1930s with radio shows, concert tours and records ~ Pickens passed away in 1992
August 10, 1906 ~ Robert de Keersmaeker, commonly known as jazz pianist, trumpeter, bandleader Robert de Kers, born in Antwerp, Belgium ~ Influenced by Louis Armstrong. Has worked with Fud Candrix, David Bee, Josephine Baker, Jack Kruger, Gus Clark, Eddie Tower, Toots Thielemans, and others ~ De Keersmaeker passed away in 1987
August 10, 1904 ~ Gerald Walcan Bright, commonly known as dance band bandleader Geraldo, born in London, UK ~ One of the most popular dance band leaders of the 1930s and 1940s employing sidemen such as Johnny Dankworth, Benny Green, Bill Le Sage, Ronnie Scott, Stan Tracey, and others ~ Bright passed away in 1974
August 10, 1895 ~ Henry Reichman Jr, commonly known as singer, actor Harry Richman, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Vaudeville pianist. Accompanied singers such as Mae West and Nora Bayes ~ Richman passed away in 1972
August 10, 1872 ~ Banjoist, double bassist Bill Johnson, full name William Manuel Johnson, born ~ Worked with the Eagle Band, the Excelsior Brass Band, the Original Creole Orchestra, and others ~ Johnson passed away in 1972
August 10, 1872 ~ Jazz banjoist, bassist William Manuel Johnson born in Talladega, Alabama, USA ~ Brother of pianist, clarinetist, drummer Dink Johnson. Considered the father of the “slap” style of double bass playing. Played with the Eagle Band and the Excelsior Brass Band before founding the Original Creole Orchestra, the first jazz band to leave New Orleans and tour widely in the 1910s. Mentored Milt Hinton ~ Johnson passed away in 1972