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, and Anthony Davis ~ DeVaughn was born in 1947
August 10, 2022 ~ Folk singer Karina Vismara passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Released two albums during her lifetime, Casa Del Viento in 2015 and Selva in 2019. Well-known songs include Montaña, Selva, Persona, and No Se Deja Conquistrar. Vismara passed away at age 32 of kidney failure, aggravated by cancer ~ Vismara was born ca.1990
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, and het Nederlands Kamerkoor. Wilkinson's daughter is 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, and Ray Price ~ Payne was born in 1936
August 10, 2013 ~ Singer Katy Perry releases Roar, lead single off her Prism album ~ Yet again teaming up with producers Max Martin and Dr Luke, who had also worked on her previous Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits California Gurls, Teenage Dream, Last Friday Night (TGIF), and ET, Perry scored another smash hit with Roar, lifted off her fourth studio album. The single would reach the top spot in over a dozen countries including Australia, Canada, the UK, and America, and earned the singer two Grammy Award nominations. At the time of its release, there was some controversy over alleged plagiarism due to the song's resemblance to Brave by Sara Bareilles. However, Bareilles has stated Perry was a friend of hers and how she regretted the negative spin on two artists that are choosing to share positive messages, at some point declaring: “If I'm not mad I don't know why anybody else is upset”
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, 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, and Eddie Floyd. 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, 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, and Bonnie Raitt. 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, and John Hermann ~ Houser was born in 1962
August 10, 1998 ~ Neo soul, hip hop singer Lauryn Hill releases Doo Wop (That Thing), lead single off her The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill solo debut album ~ Hill's solo debut single was released to universal acclaim, widely praised by critics at the time of its original release and retrospectively earning additional acknowledgment. Furthermore, the single was a major worldwide commercial success reaching top 10 in numerous countries including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and the UK. In the singer's native America, it debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, making it both the first hip-hop single and the first debut single to achieve this feat, and earned the singer two Grammy Awards. Doo Wop (That Thing) was the first single written and produced solely by a female singer to reach the top spot since Debbie Gibson's Lost In Your Eyes nearly a decade earlier. Hill would later comment to Playboy: “For some reason, women aren't taken seriously as thinkers and creators and arrangers and producers. The industry thinks there always has to be some man somewhere puppeteering the whole situation. It doesn't make you feel good as an artist when you are having conversations about your music and people don't take it seriously”
August 10, 1993 ~ Pop, jazz singer Eva Olmerová passed away in Prague, Czechoslovakia ~ Widely regarded as one of the premier Czech singers, despite her career hindered by the authorities. Critically compared to Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, and Janis Joplin. Known for her associations with the Semafor Theatre, Karel Mares, and Emil Viklický ~ Olmerová was born in 1934
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, and Ella Fitzgerald ~ Smith was born in 1904
August 10, 1987 ~ Synth-pop duo the Pet Shop Boys release What Have I Done To Deserve This notably featuring Dusty Springfield, lifted of the duo's Actually sophomore album ~ The single reached top 10 in over a dozen countries, including the Netherlands, America, and the UK. It also resurged an interest in Dusty Springfield, who last scored a UK top 40 hit in 1970. Initially, the label did not want the Pet Shop Boys to work with Springfield, instead suggesting Tina Turner or Barbra Streisand. At first, Springfield herself also was not interested, but she changed her mind after hearing the duo's West End Girls. Neil Tennant would later recall of the vocal session with Springfield: “Her voice was the same as ever. When she sang her solo part ‘Since you went away…’ everyone in the control room smiled. She sounded just like she used to. Breathy, warm, thrilling. Like Dusty Springfield”
August 10, 1983 ~ Folk, folk rock, indie rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, pianist, bassist, percussionist, violinist, drummer Bill Ryder-Jones, full name William Edward Ryder-Jones, born in Warrington, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Coral, present on the band's first five albums. The band has scored the UK top 10 hits Don't Think You're The First, Pass It On, and In The Morning. Following his departure in 2008 the band would continue as a five-piece unit. Ryder-Jones would record as a solo artist, write film scores, and serve as producer for artists such as Wytches, Saint Saviour, the Hooton Tennis Club, Milburn, Our Girl, Yard Act, and Michael Head. Ryder-Jones also guested on Arctic Monkeys' AM album released in 2013
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 ~ 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, and Funky Butt
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, 1968 ~ Singer Michael Bivins born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of R&B unit New Edition, with whom he scored the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Cool It Now, If It Isn't Love, Hit Me Off, and I'm Still In Love With You. Following the band's initial disbandement formed Bell Biv DeVoe with Edition bandmates Ricky Bell and Ronnie DeVoe. The trio would reach Billboard Hot 100 top 10 with the singles Poison and Do Me, both taken of their 1990 Poison debut album
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, and Liza Morrow ~ 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, and Roberta Flack ~ Casey was born in 1899
August 10, 1965 ~ Pop, world music kora player Toumani Diabaté born in Bamako, Mali ~ One of the internationally most recognised African artists. Son of Sidiki Diabaté, brother of Mamadou Sidiki Diabaté, both renowned kora players. Diabaté is strongly rooted in Malian traditional music, yet is also known for numerous cross-cultural collaborations including with flamenco group Ketama, blues guitarist Taj Mahal, jazz trombonist Roswell Rudd, Icelandic rock singer Björk, banjoist Béla Fleck, and jazz keyboardist Herbie Hancock ~ Diabaté passed away in 2024
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, and Espen Lind
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, 1962 ~ Jazz, pop singer, songwriter Julia Fordham born in Portsmouth, UK ~ Sang backup for the likes of Mari Wilson and Kim Wilde before venturing out on her own, releasing her eponymous Julia Fordham debut album in 1988. Know for her sophisticated jazz-influenced pop. Especially acclaimed for her 2002 Concrete Love album. Has collaborated with singers Beverley Craven and Judie Tzuke on the 2018 Woman To Woman collaborative album, consisting of a selection of each of the trio's own past solo songs sung together in harmony along with new material
August 10, 1962 ~ Sakari Hietala, commonly known as heavy metal, power metal guitarist Zachary Hietala, born in Tervo, Finland ~ Co-founding member, guitarist for heavy metal unit Tarot with whom he recorded over a dozen albums, starting with The Spell Of Iron released in 1986. The band would also include his baby brother bassist Marko Hietala. Hietala also appeared on Marenne's 2009 The Past Prelude album
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, and PJ Harvey
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, and Hazel O'Connor
August 10, 1959 ~ Drummer Mark Price, full name Mark Gerard Price, born in Nelson, UK ~ Best known as a member of All About Eve, joining the band halfway through the recording of their 1988 eponymous All About Eve debut album and remaining with the band through its disbandement in the early-1990s. Previously he had backed Nik Kershaw, including at the 1985 Live Aid charity concert. Price has also worked with the Cure, appearing on Mint Car, Trap, and Treasure of their 1996 Wild Mood Swings, and with Del Amitri, appearing on the 2002 Can You Do Me Good album
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, 1956 ~ Jazz, show tunes, classical guitarist, pianist, singer Lars Martin Myhre born in Tønsberg, Norway ~ Perhaps best known for his association with Odd Børretzen. Enjoyed a career spanning three decades as in-demand collaborator, film, musical and theater composer, bandleader, and solo artist. Founded the Salgen Big Band in the late-1970s, which he conducted for about a decade ~ Myhre passed away in 2024
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 flip side 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 Norrköping, 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 (Razzamatazz, 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, 1947 ~ Singer, guitarist, flutist Ian Anderson born in Dunfermline, Scotland ~ Frontman, co-founding and constant member of progressive rock outfit Jethro Tull, with whom he recorded about two dozen albums since the late-1960s. The band, highly influential and considered one of the few that defined the genre, is especially acclaimed for their early-1970s albums Aqualung and its follow-up Thick As Brick. Australian singer Nick Cave, has named his Jethro in honour of the band
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, and Svein æren
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, and Todd Cerney ~ 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, and Charlie Haden
August 10, 1943 ~ Veronica Yvette Bennett, commonly known as singer Ronnie Spector, born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ 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. Ronnie Spector also notably sang lead on the 1962 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit He's A Rebel, officially issued as a single by the Crystals but actually recorded by producer Phil Spector with the Blossoms of which she was a member. Bennett was married to producer Phil Spector from 1968 through 1974 ~ 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 ~ John Leslie Humphreys, commonly known as singer Les Humphries, born in Croydon, UK ~ Founded and led the Les Humphries Singers, with whom he enjoyed popularity across Europe in the 1970s merging popular music with gospel covers. Well-known songs include We Are Going Down Jordan, Mexico, Mama Loo, and Kansas City. The band would disband shortly after their 1976 Eurovision Songfestival performance, reaching 15th place with Sing Sang Song representing Germany ~ Humphries passed away in 2007
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, and Patti Austin
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, and Barbara Fairchild ~ Crutchfield passed away in 2022
August 10, 1932 ~ Composer Alexander Goehr born in Berlin, Germany ~ Son of composer, conductor Walter Goehr. Central figure in the Manchester School of post-war British composers. Regarded by some as leader of the avant-garde. Composed chamber music, vocal and orchestral works, and opera. Well-known works include Piano Trio, the opera Arden Must Die, Triptych, Metamorphosis/Dance, and String Quartet No.3
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, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk ~ 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, and The Heart ~ 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, and Bear Track. Martin has also worked with Bill Monroe, the Osborne Brothers, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band ~ Martin passed away in 2005
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, 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, 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, and Cab Calloway. 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, 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, and Toots Thielemans ~ De Keersmaeker passed away in 1987
August 10, 1904 ~ Gerald Walcan Bright, mononymously known as dance band bandleader Geraldo, born in London, UK ~ One of the most popular dance bandleaders of the 1930s and 1940s employing sidemen such as Johnny Dankworth, Benny Green, Bill Le Sage, Ronnie Scott, and Stan Tracey ~ Bright passed away in 1974
August 10, 1897 ~ John Joseph Haley Jr, commonly known as vaudevillian actor, singer, dancer, radio host Jack Haley, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Probably best remembered for portraying the roles of the Tin Man and his farmhand counterpart Hickory in the 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical film Wizard Of Oz starring Judy Garland. Previously Haley had worked in vaudeville as a song-and-dance comedian, released a number of records in the 1920s and early-1930s, and was seen in supporting roles alongside Shirley Temple, Frank Sinatra, and notbaly in the Irving Berlin-penned musical film Alexander's Ragtime Band. Haley would continue to work in film and Broadway stage productions throughout the 1940s, with occasional appearances thereafter ~ Haley passed away in 1979
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. Mentored Milt Hinton. Played with the Eagle Band and the Excelsior Brass Band before founding the Original Creole Orchestra, the first jazz band to leave New Orleans, Louisiana, and tour widely in the 1910s ~ Johnson passed away in 1972