August 11, 2022 ~ Jazz, rock, pop guitarist, bassist Bill Pitman, full name William Keith Pitman, passed away in La Quinta, California, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Christian and Eddie Lang. Got his first big break backing Peggy Lee in the early 1950s. Would work mostly in jazz throughout most of the decade, backing artists such as Mel Tormé, Buddy Rich, Red Callender. Ventured into pop and rock & roll by the mid- to late 1950s, aligning himself with a loose group of first-call session musicians dubbed the Wrecking Crew. Present on some of the era's most influential recordings by acts such as Frank Sinatra (Strangers In The Night), Barbra Streisand, the Beach Boys (Good Vibrations), Jan & Dean, Elvis Presley, the Ronettes (Be My Baby), the Mamas & the Papas, the Byrds, Bobby Darin, the Ventures, Nancy Sinatra, and others ~ Pitman was born in 1920
August 11, 2022 ~ Pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Darius Campbell-Danesh passed away in Rochester, Minnesota, USA ~ First gained attention as a contestant on the talent contest Popstars in 2001, reaching the finals and then turning down the record deal. His Colourblind debut single would reach No.1 in the UK. Has released two full-length albums consisting mostly of self-penned material, Dive In in 2002 and Live Twice in 2004. Ventured into musicals, performing in the productions of Chicago and Guys And Dolls, and later into opera, starting with winning the talent contest Popstar To Operastar in 2010 ~ Campbell-Danesh was born in 1980
August 11, 2021 ~ Singer, songwriter, actress Caroline Peyton passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for a number of 1970s albums, notably Mock Up and Intuition. Would go on to appear in theatrical productions, including on Broadway, and work as a voice actress in Disney animated films. Released a self-penned album, Homeseeker's Paradise, in 2014 ~ Peyton was born in 1951
August 11, 2021 ~ Keyboardist, organist, singer Mike Finnigan, full name Michael Kelly Finnigan, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Played with Jimi Hendrix, Joe Cocker, Etta James, Sam Moore, Crosby Stills & Nash, Buddy Guy, the Manhattan Transfer, Taj Mahal, Michael McDonald, Maria Muldaur, Peter Frampton, Cher, Ringo Starr, Leonard Cohen, Tower Of Power, Rod Stewart, David Coverdale, Tracy Chapman, the Lonely Boys, Bonnie Raitt, and Saving Escape ~ Finnigan was born in 1945
August 11, 2021 ~ Texas blues, electric blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Roy Gaines, full name Roy James Gaines, passed away ~ Brother of blues saxophonist Grady Gaines. Released a handful of overlooked solo recordings in the mid-1950s but would spend most of his career backing others. Has worked with Bobby Blue Bland (It's My Life), Junior Parker, Big Mama Thornton, Roy Milton, Chuck Willis, T-Bone Walker, Ray Charles, the Everly Brothers, the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and others. From the early 1980s on would record as a solo artist from time to time, perhaps most notably his 1982 Gainelining album containing the track A Hell Of A Night ~ Gaines was born in 1937
August 11, 2020 ~ Bénédicte Grimault, commonly known as actress, singer, songwriter Belle du Berry, passed away in Le-Kremlin-Bicêtre, France ~ Lead singer of Paris Combo, known for blending chanson, pop, jazz, swing, world music. The band broke through with their sophomore Living Room album released in 2000 and have toured in France, Australia and America ~ Grimault was born in 1966
August 11, 2020 ~ Singer, guitarist Trini López, full name Trinidad López III, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Discovered by Frank Sinatra, who would become a life-long friend. Best known for songs such as The Lemon Tree, I'm Comin' Home Cindy, Sally Was A Good Old Girl and perhaps his best-known If I Had A Hammer, the latter topping the charts in some 35 countries in 1963 ~ López was born in 1937
August 11, 2019 ~ Jazz cornetist Jim Cullum, full name Jim Cullum Jr, passed away in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Son of clarinetist Jim Cullum Sr. Took over leadership of his father's band, the Happy Feet Jazz Band, eventually renaming the band to the Jim Cullum Jazz Band. At times the band would also include artists such as pianist John Sheridan and reed players Evan Christopher, Brian Ogilvie and Allan Vache ~ Cullum was born in 1941
August 11, 2016 ~ Singer, guitarist Glenn Yarbrough, full name Glenn Robertson Yarbrough, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ First gained attention as lead singer of the Limeliters from 1959 through 1963, known for songs such as There's A Meetin' Here Tonight, A Dollar Down, Have Some Madeira M'Dear, and The Lonesome Traveler. As a solo artist best known for his 1965 single Baby The Rain Must Fall. Yarbrough would later rejoin a reformed Limeliters incarnation and play the oldies circuit ~ Yarbrough was born in 1930
August 11, 2012 ~ Earle Lavon Freeman Sr, commonly known as jazz, hard bop saxophonist Von Freeman, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Considered a founder of the “Chicago school of jazz tenorists” alongside Gene Ammons, Johnny Griffin, Clifford Jordan. Recorded well over a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, yet never became a household name mainly due to the fact that Von preferred to stay close to home instead of tour the country. Brother of guitarist George Freeman and drummer Eldridge Freeman, the three regularly backing visiting musicians such as Charlie Parker, Roy Eldridge and Dizzy Gillespie. Father of saxophonist Chico Freeman ~ Freeman was born in 1923
August 11, 2008 ~ Steel guitarist Don Helms, full name Donald Hugh Helms, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as a member of country icon Hank Williams' backing unit the Drifting Cowboys. Appeared on over 100 Williams recordings. Sessioned on numerous other country classics including Patsy Cline's Walking After Midnight, Stonewall Jackson's Waterloo, the Louvin Brothers' Cash On The Barrelhead, Lefty Frizzell's Long Black Veil and Loretta Lynn's Blue Kentucky Girl. Worked with Johnny Cash early on in Cash's career, and collaborated with Hank Williams Jr, the Wilburn Brothers, Teresa Street, Joey Allcorn, Vince Gill, and others ~ Helms was born in 1927
August 11, 2007 ~ Trumpeter Herb Pomeroy passed away in Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Played with Charlie Parker, Charlie Mariano, Lionel Hampton, Stan Kenton, Serge Chaloff, Bill Berry, Jaki Byard, Joe Gordon, Boots Mussulli, Alan Dawson, Hal Galper, Michael Gibbs, Dusko Gojkovic, Sam Rivers, Varty Haroutanian, Ray Santisi, Gary McFarland, Anita O'Day, and others ~ Pomeroy was born in 1930
August 11, 2001 ~ Rock, punk pop singer, songwriter Paul Cunniffe passed away in Whitechapel, UK ~ Fronted the 1980s punk pop band Blaze X, best known for their 1980 Some Hope single ~ Cunniffe was born in 1961
August 11, 1999 ~ R&B singer, bandleader Tommy Ridgley, full name Thomas Herman Ridgley, passed away in Metalrie, Louisiana, USA ~ Fronted the Untouchables. Debuted in 1949 with the single Shrewsbury Blues. Also known for songs such as Double Eyed Whammy, I've Heard That Story Before and Tra La La, the latter later covered by Pat Boone ~ Ridgley was born in 1925
August 11, 1998 ~ Clarinetist, saxophonist Benny Waters passed away in Columbia, Maryland, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Charlie Johnson, King Oliver, Fletcher Henderson, Claude Hopkins, Jimmie Lunceford, Roy Milton, Hot Lips Page, Clarence Williams, Adelaide Hall, Sidney De Paris, and others ~ Waters was born in 1902
August 11, 1995 ~ Singer, bandleader Phil Harris passed away in Rancho Mirage, California, USA ~ As a singer scored the 1950 novelty hit The Thing. Best known as a bandleader for radio sitcoms, notably with The Jack Benny Program and his own The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show which he co-hosted with his wife actress and singer Alice Faye ~ Harris was born in 1904
August 11, 1994 ~ Indie pop singer, guitarist, pianist Alejandro Aranda born in Pomona, California, USA ~ Reached 2nd place in the17th season of American Idol in 2019, losing to singer Laine Hardy
August 11, 1991 ~ Bassist, guitarist, songwriter Alan Spenner, full name Alan Henry Spenner, passed away ~ Worked with Wynder K Frog, Spooky Tooth, ABC, David Coverdale, David Soul, Joe Cocker (including backing Cocker at the 1969 Woodstock concert), Kenny Loggins, Lynda Carter, Peter Frampton, Ted Nugent, Mick Taylor, China Crisis, Murray Head, Kokomo, Roxy Music, and others ~ Spenner was born in 1948
August 11, 1990 ~ Evelyn Underhill, commonly known as jazz, traditional pop singer Bonnie Baker, passed away in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA ~ Best known for her 1939 hit Oh Johnny Oh Johnny backed by Orrin Tucker & his Orchestra ~ Underhill was born in 1917
August 11, 1989 ~ Alfonso Thompson, commonly known as pianist, bandleader Sonny Thompson, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Known for a number of late 1940s, early 1950s R&B hits including Long Gone (Parts I & II), Late Freight, Blue Dreams, Still Gone and I'll Drown In My Own Tears ~ Thompson was born in 1923
August 11, 1985 ~ Rapper Asher Roth, full name Asher Paul Roth, born in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Released his Asleep In The Bread Aisle debut album in 2009. Best known for his hit I Love College. Has collaborated with Big Prime, Blended Babies, Curren$y, BoB, NERD, Lupe Fiasco, and others
August 11, 1985 ~ Jazz drummer Nick Ceroli passed away in Studio City, California, USA ~ Worked with Jack Teagarden, Gerald Wilson, Stan Kenton, Herb Alpert, the Tijuana Brass, Pete Jolly, Zoot Sims, Richie Kamuca, Warne Marsh, Ross Tompkins, Bill Berry, Dave Frishberg, Pete Christlieb, Bob Florence, Milt Jackson, Irene Kral, and others ~ Ceroli was born in 1939
August 11, 1984 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Percy Mayfield passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for penning and first recording Please Send Me Someone To Love and Hit The Road Jack. The latter would be a huge hit for Ray Charles ~ Mayfield was born in 1920
August 11, 1983 ~ Christopher James Gholson, commonly known as producer, rapper, songwriter Drumma Boy, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Son of clarinetist G James Gholson, who was the first Afro-American to hold first chair position with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. As a solo artist known best for his 2009 Welcome II My City album. As a producer active since the early 2000s, becoming one of the most sought-after hip-hop producers by the mid 2000s. Has worked with acts such as Boyz n Da Hood, Young Jeezy, Pastor Troy, Yo Gotti, Playaz Circle, TI, Gucci Mane, E-40, Soulja Boy, Gorilla Zoe, Yung Joc, 2 Chainz, Bun B, Lil' Jon, Usher, Kid Ink, Wiz Khalifa, Young Buck, and others
August 11, 1978 ~ Gospel, doo-wop singer, songwriter Caleb Ginyard, full name Caleb Nathaniel Ginyard, passed away in Basel, Switzerland ~ Worked with the Royal Harmony Singers, the Jubalaires, the Du-Dropper, the Golden Gate Quartet, the Buccaneers, the Baranovas, and others ~ Ginyard was born ca.1910
August 11, 1978 ~ Singer, pop-rapper Chris Kelly, full name James Christopher Kelly, born ~ Half of pop-rap duo Kris Kross, the other half being Chris Smith, best known for Jump, a Jermaine Dupri-produced smash hit in 1992 ~ Kelly passed away in 2013
August 11, 1976 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, synthpop singer, guitarist, songwriter Ben Gibbard, full name Benjmain Gibbard, born in Bremerton, Washington ~ Best known as lead singer, guitarist of indie rock outfit Death Cab For Cutie. Half of electronica duo the Postal Service, the other half being producer Dntel. Has also released solo albums and worked with All-Time Quarterback, Pinwheel, Dntel, Kind Of Like Spitting, and with Jay Farrar
August 11, 1976 ~ Progressive rock, jam band guitarist, singer, songwriter Brendan Bayliss born in South Bend, Indiana, USA ~ Co-founding member of Umphreys McGee, active since the late 1990s. The band draws from a wide array of genres and is influenced by the Police, the Beatles and Led Zeppelin
August 11, 1975 ~ Emo, indie rock, pop punk, power pop guitarist, singer Davey von Bohlen born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Known as a member of Ten Boy Summer, Cap'n Jazz, the Promise Ring, Vermont and Maritime
August 11, 1970 ~ Hip-hop DJ, rapper, producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Worked with Native Tongues. Best known as a member of A Tribe Called Quest alongside Q-Tip and Phife Dawg, crediting for shaping alternative hip-hop merging hip-hop with jazz. Formed R&B supergroup Lucy Pearl which also included En Vogue's Dawn Robinson and Tony Toni Toné's Raphael Saadiq
August 11, 1968 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Charlie Sexton, full name Charles Wayne Sexton, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1985 Beat's So Lonely hit. Best known as a member of rock, blues-rock outfit the Arc Angels, debuting in 1992 with the acclaimed eponymous Arc Angels album. Has also served in Bob Dylan's backing band from 1999 through 2002, including on Dylan's 2001 Love & Theft “comeback” album
August 11, 1967 ~ Saxophonist, composer Petter Wettre born in Sandefjord, Norway ~ Worked with Øystein Sevåg, Shirley Bassey, Graffitti, Horns For Hire, the Oslo Groove Company, the Norske Store Orkester, Torbjørn Sunde, Havard Wilk, Terje Gewelt, Per Oddvar Johansen, Jarle Vespestad, Per Oddvar Johansen, Jon Christensen, Ingebrigt Håker Flatan, Arild Andersen, Per Zanussi, Jons Westergaard, Anders Mogensen, Erlend Slettevol, Kim Johannesen, George Garzone, Oliver Lake, Kresten Osgood, Audun Kleive, Dave Liebman, Joey DeFrancesco, Kenny Wheeler, Adam Nussbaum, Manu Katché, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Jan Garbarek, Paal Nilssen-Love, Frode Berg, Helge Sunde, Marilyn Mazur, and others
August 11, 1962 ~ Bassist, novelist Bragi Olafsson born ~ Bassist of the Sugarcubes, a band best known for launching the career of singer Björk. Among the band's best known are songs such as Birthday, Coldsweat and Regina. Olafsson is also known as a novelist, playwright and poet, nominated twice for the Icelandic Literature Prize
August 11, 1962 ~ Jazz double bassist Israel Crosby passed away ~ A close contemporary of fellow bassist Jimmy Blanton, Crosby is less considered a pioneer but a fluent bass player with a modern approach nevertheless. Crosby is credited with having played the first recorded bass solo on the 1935 recording The Blues Of Israel with drummer Gene Krupa. Crosby was a revered sideman, playing extensively with Ahmad Jamal. He has also appeared on records by Albert Ammons, Chu Berry, Charlie Christian, Vic Dickenson, Herb Ellis, Edmond Hall, Coleman Hawkins, Fletcher Henderson, Meade Lux Lewis, George Shearing, Horace Henderson, Jess Stacy, Earl Washington, and others ~ Crosby was born in 1919
August 11, 1962 ~ Funk, R&B pianist, songwriter Jon Cleary born in Kent, UK ~ Has been releasing solo records since the mid-1990s. Also worked with Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, BB King, Ryan Adams, Eric Burdon, Greg Koch, and others
August 11, 1961 ~ Saxophonist Donny McCaslin, full name Donald Paul McCaslin, born in Santa Clara, California, USA ~ Over a dozen albums to his name as a leader, Appears on David Bowie's final studio album, Blackstar, recorded just prior to Bowie's death in 2016. Has also worked with Lan Xang, Dave Douglas, Fahir Atakoglu, Luis Bonilla, Tyler Collins, Terence Trent d'Arby, Steve Hass, Bobby McFerrin, Maria Schneider, Steps Ahead, Sun Kil Moon, Luciana Souza, and others
August 11, 1959 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Gustavo Cerati, full name Gustavo Adrián Cerati, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Formed pioneering Latin rock band Soda Stereo with Charly Alberti and Zeta Bosio. Influenced by the Beatles, the Police, the Cure, Television, Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Pink Floyd and Queen, the band would become the best-selling rock band in Argentina with some 25 million records sold. Well-known songs include Zoom, Cuando Pase El Temblor, En La Ciudad De La Furia, Persiana America and De Musica Ligera ~ Cerati passed away in 2014
August 11, 1958 ~ John Joseph Wardle, commonly known as bassist Jah Wobble, born in Stepney, UK ~ Rose to fame as member of reggae and world music-infused punk, punk rock group Public Image Ltd, which he co-founded with Johnny Rotten. Wrote or co-wrote a vast amount of the band's early material, notably Public Image and Dreadlock Don't Deal In Wedlock. Left the band after their 1979 Metal Box sophomore album. Would go on to work with a wide array of artists including the Human Condition, U2's the Edge, Invaders Of The Heart, Brian Eno, Baaba Maal, Chaka Demus, Damage Manual, Massive Attack, Afro Celt Sound System, Primal Scream, and others
August 11, 1956 ~ Chicago blues, electric blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Billy Flynn born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA ~ Influenced by Luther Allison, John Littlejohn, and by Mighty Joe Young. Worked with Bryan Lee, Little Smokey Smothers, Mark Hummel, Willie Kent, Snooky Pryor, Big Bill Morganfield, John Brim, Jody Williams, Little Arthur Duncan, Deitra Farr, Billy Boy Arnold, Sunnyland Slim, Bob Stroger, Barrelhouse Chuck, and others
August 11, 1954 ~ Vibraphonist Steve Nelson born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Has recorded as a leader since the mid-1980s. Has worked with Dave Holland, Kenny Barron, Mulgrew Miller, David Fathead Newman, Johnny Griffin, Jackie McLean, the Arkadia Jazz All-Stars, Cyrus Chestnut, Billy Drummond, Ray Drummond, Houston Person, James Spaulding, Chip White, and others.
August 11, 1952 ~ Jazz percussionist Finn Sletten born in Bodø, Norway ~ Worked with Paul Weeden, Magni Wentzel, the Trio Nord, Tore Johansen, Jan Gunnar Hoff, Triztan Vindtorn, Ab Und Zu, and others
August 11, 1950 ~ Guitarist Erik Brann, full name Erik Keith Brann, born in Pekin, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as member of Iron Butterfly from 1967 through 1969, including on the pivotal In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida album recorded when Brann was just 17. Formed Flintwhistle in 1970 with former Butterfly bandmate Darryl Deloach ~ Brann passed away in 2003
August 11, 1949 ~ Pop rock, power pop, soft rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Eric Carmen born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Member of Cyrus Erie. First gained serious attention as frontman of the Raspberries, known for their 1970 Go All The Way. As a solo artist known for a number of 1970s, 1980s soft rock hits including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits All By Myself, Hungry Eyes and Make Me Lose Control. A a songwriter had his songs recorded by artists such as Mark Holden, the Bay City Rollers, Shaun Cassidy, Frankie Valli, Olivia Newton-John, Donna Fargo, John Travolta, Peter Cetera, Diana Ross, and others
August 11, 1949 ~ Singer Perry Como and the Fontane Sisters record A Dreamer's Holiday ~ Written by Mabel Wayne and Kim Gannon. Backed by Mitchell Ayres and his Orchestra. Released later the same year as a Decca Records single it would reach the Billboard top 10
August 11, 1944 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Davey Payne, full name David Stanley Payne, born in Willesden, UK ~ Best known as a member of Ian Dury's backing unit Blockhead, noted for his saxophone solo on Hit Me With Your Rhythm Sticks. Has also worked with Wreckless Eric, Kilburn & the High Roads, and with singer Nico, appearing on the latter's 1981 Drama Of Exile album
August 11, 1943 ~ Beat, pop, rock, jazz saxophonist Denis Payton, full name Denis Archibald West Payton, born in Walthamstow, UK ~ Best known as a member of the Dave Clark Five, scoring hits with songs such as Glad All Over, Bits And Pieces and Over And Over ~ Payton passed away in 2006
August 11, 1943 ~ Bassist Jim Kale born in Winnipeg, Canada ~ Best known as original bassist of the Guess Who, remaining with the band from its inception in 1962 through 1972. Present on the band's best-known songs including American Woman which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970. After the band's disbandement in 1975. Kale performed with several line-ups using the unclaimed band name. Kale was also a member of Scrubbaloe Caine, known for their sole album, Round One, released in 1973
August 11, 1943 ~ Producer, songwriter Kenny Gamble born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Formed the famed Ganble & Huff producer, songwriter duo with Leon Huff, credited with shaping the Philly soul in the 1970s. Have worked with artists such as the Intruders, Jerry Butler, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes (If You Don't Know Me By Now), Joe Simon, the O'Jays (Back Stabbers), the People's Choice, Billy Paul (Am I Black Enough For You), Lou Rawls, MFSB (TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)), the Jacksons, Teddy Pendergrass, and others
August 11, 1942 ~ Gaetano Villari, commonly known as singer Guy Villari, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Lead singer of doo-wop outfit the Regents, known for songs such as Barbara-Ann and Runaround. The group also included Ernie Maresca ~ Villari passed away in 2017
August 11, 1940 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer Peter King, full name Peter John King, born in Kingston-upon-Thames, UK ~ Worked with Johnny Dankworth, Maynard Ferguson, Tubby Hayes, Harry South, Stan Tracey, the Brussels Big Band, Ray Charles, Philly Joe Jones, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Red Rodney, Hampton Hawes, Nat Adderley, Al Haig, John Burch, Bill Watrous, Dick Morrisey, Tony Kinsey, Bill Le Sage, Jimmy Witherspoon, Joe Williams, Jon Hendricks, Anita O'Day, Everything But The Girl, Ben Watt, Tete Montoliu, Jimmy Witherspoon, and others ~ King passed away in 2020
August 11, 1939 ~ Rockabilly singer, guitarist Ronnie Dawson, full name Ronald Monrie Dawson, born in Dallas, USA ~ Known for songs such as Action Packed and Rockin' Bones. ~ Dawson passed away in 2003
August 11, 1936 ~ Rockabilly singer, guitarist Clyde Stacy, full name Haskell XClyde Stacy, born in Eufala, Oklahoma, USA ~ Credited as a founder of the “Tulsa sound” and known for a handful of 1950s singles, notably So Young released in 1957. Stacy has opened for artists such as Elvis Presley and Patsy Cline, eventually mostly retiring from music by the mid-1970s ~ Stacy passed away in 2013
August 11, 1934 ~ John Anthony Pompeo, commonly known as jazz drummer, vibraphonist Johnny Rae, born in Saugus, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Herb Pomeroy, George Shearing, Johnny Smith, Ralph Sharon, Cozy Cole, Herbie Mann, Cal Tjader, Stan Getz, Gábor Szabó, Charlie Byrd, Earl Hines, Art van Damme, Barney Kessel, Mark Levine, Poncho Sanchez, Ernestine Anderson, Charles Kynard, Buddy Collette, Anita O'Day, Mary Stalling, and others ~ Pompeo passed away in 1993
August 11, 1933 ~ Label executive Walter Yetnikoff born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Executive with CBS Records for nearly two decades starting in 1971, rising to president and CEO by the mid-1970s. Signed artists such as James Taylor and Paul McCartney. Helped advance the careers of Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Earth Wind & Fire, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, Gloria Estefan, and others ~ Yetnikoff passed away in 2021
August 11, 1930 ~ Composer Heinz Werner Zimmermann born in Freiburg-im-Breisgau, Germany ~ Focused on composing contemporary sacred music. Director of the Spandauer Kirchemusikschule from 1963 through 1976, subsequently composition teacher at the Frankfurt University Of Music And Performing Arts through 1996. Best known for his Missa Profana, premiered in 1980. Other works include The Bible Of Spirituals, Te Deum, and Symphonia Sacra ~ Zimmermann passed away in 2022
August 11, 1929 ~ Christine Joygena Porter, commonly known as R&B singer Christine Kittrell, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Worked with Louis Brooks, Joe Turner, Paul Williams, Little Richard, Johnny Otis, Earl Bostic, Louis Armstrong, BB King, John Coltrane, and others ~ Porter passed away in 2001
August 11, 1925 ~ Jazz, blues, R&B drummer Philip Paul born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Backed artists such as Arthur Prysock, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell and Dizzy Gillespie early on in his career playing at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. Scouted by Tiny Bradshaw in the early 1950s. Would go on to become the studio drummer for King Records by 1952, appearing on over 350 recordings including by artists such as Hank Ballard (The Twist), Milt Buckner, Little Willie John (Fever), Grandpa Jones, Wynonie Harris (Good Rockin' Tonight), Cowboy Copas, Bonnie Lou, and just about every Freddie King record including Hide-away and Tore Down. Notable collaborations outside the King Records-label include John Lee Hooker, Albert King, Otis Big Smokey Smothers, Nat Adderley, Herbie Mann and Roy Meriwether ~ Paul passed away in 2022
August 11, 1924 ~ Betty Weisman, commonly known as conductor, pianist, composer Liza Redfield, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best remembered for being the first female full-time conductor of a Broadway pit orchestra, namely for the 1960 production of The Music Man musical ~ Weisman passed away in 2018
August 11, 1921 ~ Jazz drummer Eldridge Freeman born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Sideman. Brother of guitarist George Freeman and saxophonist Von Freeman. Worked with Hampton Hawes in the mid-1950s, alongside Red Mitchell and Jim Hall. Also worked with both his brothers, various line-ups under the guidance of Herb Geller, with Charlie Parker shortly before Parker's death, and with Kenny Mann ~ Freeman passed away in 2006
August 11, 1919 ~ June Marvel Cowen, commonly known as actress, big band singer June Hutton, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Sister of singer Ina Ray Hutton. Married to arranger Axel Stordahl. Joined the Pied Pipers in 1944 replacing Jo Stafford, remaining with the band for six years including on the hit single Dream. Has also worked with the Winston Trio, the Quintones, the Sande Williams Band, the Stardusters, Gordon Macrae, and others ~ Cowen passed away in 1973
August 11, 1916 ~ Actor, comedian, singer Benny Lee born in Glasgow, UK ~ Best known as an actor. As a singer known for songs such as Enjoy Yourself It's Later Than You Think, the Guy Mitchell-cover Pretty Little Black-eyed Susan and the Hank Williams-cover Your Cheatin' Heart. Has worked with Johnny Claes, Sid Phillips, Joy Nichols, and others. ~ Lee passed away in 1995
August 11, 1916 ~ Jazz trumpeter, bandleader, racing driver Johnny Claes, full name Octave John Claes, born in London, UK ~ Worked with Max Jones, Valaida Snow, Coleman Hawkins, Jack Kluger, and with his own band the Claepigeons. Would retire from music by the late 1940s to become a professional racing driver ~ Claes passed away in 1956
August 11, 1913 ~ Composer, lawyer, diplomat Brasílio Itiberê da Cunha passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ Considered one of the forerunners of Brazilian nationalistic music. Composed chamber and choral music. Best known for his rhapsody A Seraneja, premiered in 1869 ~ Itiberê was born in 1846
August 11, 1908 ~ Clarinetist, saxophonist Russell Procope born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Duke Ellington, remaining with the Duke Ellington Orchestra from 1946 through to Ellington's death in 1974. Has also worked with Billy Freeman, Jelly Roll Morton, Benny Carter, Chick Webb, Fletcher Henderson, Tiny Bradshaw, Teddy Hill, King Oliver, Willie Bryant, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Hodges, Billy Strayhorn, and others ~ Procope passed away in 1981
August 11, 1904 ~ Pianist Jess Stacy, full name Jesse Alexandria Stacy, born in Bird's Point, Missouri, USA ~ Influenced by Louis Armstrong and Earl Hines. Best known for his association with Benny Goodman during the late 1930s, including performing at Goodman's famed 1938 Carnegie Hall concert. Also worked with Nelson Riddle, Bix Beiderbecke, Eddie Condon, Bud Freeman, George Gershwin, Lionel Hampton, Billie Holiday, Gene Krupa, Jack Teagarden, Horace Heidt, and others ~ Stacy passed away in 1995
August 11, 1890 ~ Jazz drummer, bandleader Charles Edward Kerr born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity in the 1920s and 1930s. Has worked with sidemen such as Tommy Dorsey, Stan Keller, Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang. Kerr retired form music by the late 1940s to open his own furniture store in Miami ~ Kerr passed away in 1976