August 12, 2023 ~ Berit Maria Jonsson, commonly known as operatic dramatic soprano Berit Lindholm, passed away ~ Closely associated with the Royal Opera House, the Bayreuth Festival, and the Vienna State Opera. Known best for portraying heroines such as Brunnhilde in Richard Wagner's Der Ring Des Nibelungen and Chrysothemis in Richard Strauss's Elektra ~ Jonsson was born in 1934
August 12, 2022 ~ Country singer, songwriter Keith Jamieson, full name Keith Ross Jamieson, passed away in Rockhampton, Australia ~ Influenced by Slim Dusty, Buddy Williams, Tex Morton, Stan Coster. Has worked in manual day jobs most of his life such as coal miner and taxi driver while writing and performing his songs on the side. Actively recording since the late-1970s. Known for songs such as Good Morning Australia, Bush Ballad Rock and One Tree Plain ~ Jamieson was born in 1948
August 12, 2021 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger, composer Ronnell Bright, full name Ronnell Lovelace Bright, passed away ~ Classically trained from a young age, Bright won a piano competition at age nine and played with the Chicago Youth Piano Symphony Orchestra before turning to jazz while in a Navy band. Had his compositions recorded by Sarah Vaughan, Horace Silver, and Blue Mitchell. Accompanist for Vaughan, Lena Horne, and Gloria Lynne. Sideman on albums by Carmen McRae, Coleman Hawkins (The Hawk Relaxes), Charles Kynard, Buddy Tate (Groovin' With Buddy Tate), Johnny Pate, and Shirley Scott. Member of Supersax in the early-1970s. In a 2008 Jazzwax interview, Bright would look back on one of his first jazz performances, gigging with Cannonball Adderley, Nat Adderley, and Eric Dolphy on a Washington DC date: “When we got there, Cannonball Adderley called for Blue Room. I said, ‘Blue Room, what is that, the blues?’ They teased me about that for years. Once they started playing the song, though, my ear figured out the chord changes. I'm not saying what I played was correct, but I worked it out” ~ Bright was born in 1930
August 12, 2013 ~ Pianist, singer John Legend releases All Of Me, lifted off his Love In The Future album ~ This tender ballad featuring stripped-down arrangements, described as a “mountainous piano crusher” by Rolling Stone, finds Legend returning to his piano roots. All Of Me would reach No.1 Billboard Hot 100, ending a ten-week run at the top spot for Happy by Pharrell Williams. A massive global hit, All Of Me also topped the charts in Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the Netherlands, and reached the top 10 in over two dozen countries, selling over 12 million copies worldwide. Co-written by Legend with Toby Gad, the song was dedicated to his then-fiancée Chrissy Teigen. Legend later commented that the first time he sang the song to her, she cried. The couple had met in 2006 on the set when filming the music video for Legend's Stereo, and married in September 2013
August 12, 2010 ~ Richard Hayward, commonly known as drummer Richie Hayward, passed away in Victoria, Canada ~ Best known as member of Little Feat. Also worked with the Fraternity Of Man, the Factory, Joan Armatrading, Delaney Bramlett, Kim Carnes, Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, James Cotton, the Doobie Brothers, Bob Dylan, Peter Frampton, Buddy Guy, Arlo Guthrie, Al Kooper, Jonny Lang, Barbra Streisand, Nils Lofgren, Taj Mahal, Coco Montoya, Robert Palmer, Van Dyke Parks, Robert Plant, Paul Rodgers, Linda Ronstadt, Bob Seger, Carly Simon, Nancy Sinatra, Stephen Stills, Tom Waits, John Cale, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, and Helen Watson ~ Hayward was born in 1946
August 12, 2009 ~ Robert Patterson, commonly known as jazz drummer Rashied Ali, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his association with John Coltrane, notably present on the latter's last recordings The Olatunji Concert and Interstellar Space. Has also worked with Phalanx, Prima Materia, Carlos Ward, Greg Tardy, Marion Brown, Gary Bartz, Charles Gayle, Jackie McLean, Tisziji Muñoz, Alice Coltrane, and Archie Shepp ~ Patterson was born in 1933
August 12, 1997 ~ R&B girl group Allure release All Cried Out, lifted off their eponymous Allure debut album ~ The song had been a hit for Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam about a decade earlier. Allure's cover is noted most for featuring backing vocals from R&B group 112 as well as Mariah Carey, the latter also co-producing the single with Cory Rooney and Walter Afanasieff. Despite warm and encouraging reception from critics, Music Week stating “this ballad shows the four girls' voices at their full potential”, All Cried Out would remain Allure's sole hit and only one of two to reach the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. The Allure cover peaked at No.4 Billboard Hot 100, surpassing the Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam original which had reached No.8
August 12, 1997 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger Dick Marx, full name Richard Henry Marx, passed away in Highland Park, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Also known as composer for film and TV. Worked with Johnny Frigo, Eddie Harris, Helen Merrill, Ken Nordine, Lucy Reed, Pee Wee King, and others ~ Marx was born in 1924
August 12, 1997 ~ Blues, Chicago blues, electric blues singer, guitarist Luther Allison, full name Luther Sylvester Allison, passed away in Madison, Wisconsin, USA ~ Member of family gospel group the Southern Travellers. Member of 1950s band the Rolling Stones, which also included his brothers Ollie Allison and Grant Allison, later renamed to the Four Jivers. Backed blues singers such as Howlin' Wolf and Freddie King. Has also worked with Jimmy Dawkins, Magic Sam, Otis Rush, James Cotton, Shakey Jake Harris, Sunnyland Slim. As a solo artist actively recording since his 1969 acclaimed Love Me Mama solo debut album ~ Allison was born in 1939
August 12, 1995 ~ Opal Jean Amburgey, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Jean Chapel, passed away in Port Orange, Florida, USA ~ Also known under the moniker Mattie O'Neil. Member of sibling outfit the Sunshine Sister Band. Married to singer Salty Holmes from 1947 until 1956, the duo working together under the moniker Mattie & Salty. As a solo singer recorded a number of rockabilly singles in the mid-1950s, notably Welcome To The Club. Following her divorce from Holmes she would focus on songwriting, her songs recorded by artists such as Eddy Arnold (Lonely Again), Dean Martin (Lay Some Happiness On Me), and Jerry Wallace (To Get To You) ~ Amburgey was born in 1925
August 12, 1993 ~ Pop rock, pop singer, drummer, keyboardist Ewa Farna, also known as Ewa Chobott, born in Trinec, Czech Republic ~ Of Polish descent, yet born and raised in the Czech Republic, Farna has recorded in both Czech and Polish and enjoys popularity in both countries. Farna holds dual citizenship and has energetically campaigned for the rights of the Polish minority in the Czech Republic. Farna has recorded over half a dozen albums, starting with Mels Me Vubes Rad in 2006, and has scored several top 10 hits in both countries. Well-known Czech songs include La La Laj, Jaky To Je, Touzim, and Leporelo, while Polish hits includ Ewakuacja, Nie Przegap, and Znak. From the 2010s onwards, she has also served as a judge in several talent contests including Cesko Slovenska Superstar and the Polish edition of X Factor
August 12, 1993 ~ Park Sun-young, commonly known as K-pop singer, actress Luna, born in Seoul, South Korea ~ Member of girl group fx, known for songs such as Nu Abo, Pinocchio (Danger), Electric Shock, and Rum Pum Pum Pum. Sun-young has also starred in musicals, released her Free Somebody solo debut EP in 2016, and ventured into acting for film and TV
August 12, 1990 ~ Jazz, pop trumpeter John Madrid passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Active since the mid-1960s. Appeared on the Outsiders, Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Time Won't Let Me. Would go on to work with Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Si Zentner, Louie Bellson, Butane, Blood Sweat & Tears, Boz Scaggs, Wayne Newton, and others ~ Madrid was born in 1948
August 12, 1988 ~ Hip-hop rapper, keyboardist, guitarist, producer Erick Elliott, commonly known as Erick Arc Elliott, born in Brooklyn, USA ~ Best known as member and producer of hip-hop trio the Flatbush Zombies. Has also worked with the Underachievers, Pro-Era, MC Chaussin, A$AP Mob, Bodega Bamz, Action Bronson, James Blake, and others
August 12, 1986 ~ Pop, soul singer, songwriter, TV personality Alessandra Amoroso born in Galatina, Italy ~ Winner of the 2009 edition of the talent show Amici Di Maria De Filippe. Has recorded consistly to commercial succes since. In 2014 became the first female Italian artist to win the MTV Europe Music Award for Best European Act. Best known for songs such as Immobile, Stupida, Senza Nuvole, La Mia Storia Con Te and Amore Puro, all of which reached top 10 in her native Italy
August 12, 1986 ~ Pop singer Chiara Galiazzo born in Padua, Italy ~ First gained attention in 2012, winning the 6th edition of Italian talent show The X-Factor. Her subsequent debut single, Due Respiri was written by Eros Ramazzotti and would debut atop the Italian charts. Would follow up with her full-length debut album Un Posto Nei Mondo the following year and has recorded consistently since
August 12, 1982 ~ Punk rock, rock & roll singer, guitarist, drummer, actor Ian Blackwood born in Burlington, Canada ~ Brother of singers Sarah Blackwood and Jen Blackwood. Best known as guitarist, singer of punk rock outfit the Artist Life. Blackwood has also worked with Jersey, Fullblast, Always Outnumbered, and This Is The Noise
August 12, 1979 ~ Sertanejo, country singer João Neto, full name João Neto Nunes Golás, born in Goiânia, Brazil ~ Formed the duo João Neto & Frederico with Frederico, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums. The duo is perhaps best known for their 2004 Se Não Foi Por Amor debut album, internationally perhaps for their 2012 Lê Lê Lê single
August 12, 1978 ~ In its ninth week on the charts, Three Times A Lady by the Commodores hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 for the first of two consecutive weeks ~ The band had enjoyed considerable chart success since the mid-1970s, racking up about half a dozen Billboard R&B top 10 charts, of which Sweet Love, Just To Be Close To You, Easy, and Brick House had all also reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. It would be their love ballad Three Times A Lady, however, penned by lead singer Lionel Richie, that gave the band their first Billboard Hot 100 charttopper. The song was inspired by Richie's father toasting his mother at their 37th wedding anniversary with the words: “She's a great lady, she's a great mother, and she's a great friend”
August 12, 1977 ~ Dominick Newton, commonly known as rapper the Jacka, born in Pittsburg, California, USA ~ Member of rap group Mob Figaz. Over half a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, his best known being 2011's Flight Risk. Over the course of his career has collaborated with Ampichino, Berner, Andre Nickatina, Blanco, Lee Majors, and others. Shot and killed at age 37, his murder unresolved to this day ~ Newton passed away in 2015
August 12, 1976 ~ Rock, indie pop, experimental keyboardist, guitarist, trumpeter, bassist Adam Deibert, also known as Prince Adam, born ~ Member of the Aquabats from 1994 through 2004, present on the band's acclaimed albums The Return Of The Aquabats, The Fury Of The Aquabats, and Aquabats Vs The Floating Eye Of Death. Deibert has also worked with Digital Unicorn, known for their sole Theirs Travel Began And Loaded The Dream album released in 2001, and recorded as a solo artist
August 12, 1976 ~ Mikko Viljami Lindström, commonly known as rock, hard rock, heavy metal guitarist, bassist, singer Linde Lindström, born in Klaukkala, Finland ~ Influenced by Black Sabbath and Steve Vai. Best known as guitarist of gothic rock band HIM, one of the most successful Finnish bands of all-time. Fronts his own band Daniel Lioneye. Member of the Flat Earth. Member of supergroup WhoCares, which also includes noted guitarist Tony Iommi
August 12, 1975 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Dean Brody born in Smithers, Canada ~ Released his eponymous Dean Brody debut album in 2009. Has regularly reached the higher echelons of the Canadian country charts since. Well known songs include Dirt Road Scholar, Canadian Girls, Bounty, Time, 8th Day and Canadian Summer
August 12, 1975 ~ Alternative rock guitarist, singer Robert Burås born in Narvik, Norway ~ Influenced by Led Zeppelin, Burås regularly citing Rock And Roll as the song that turned him on to music. Co-founding member of Madrugada with whom he recorded four albums including the highly acclaimed The Nightly Disease released in 2001. After Burås was found dead at age 31 in his apartment, holding his beloved guitar, the remaining members finished the band's final album in its original line-up, the eponymous Madrugada released the following year. Burås also formed and fronted the side project My Midnight Creeps, with whom he recorded the albums My Midnight Creeps and Histamin ~ Burås passed away in 2007
August 12, 1972 ~ Teren Delvon Jones, commonly known as alternative hip-hop rapper, singer, producer, songwriter Del The Funky Homosapien, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Began his career in music writing for Da Lench Mob, closely associated with his cousin rapper Ice Cube. The latter would help him secure a record deal of his own, leading to the 1991 Wish My Brother George Was Here album. Jones is best known as a member of Gorillaz. Has also worked with Deltron 3030, Tame One, Souls of Mischief, NASA, Parallel Thought, Marcus D, the Hieroglyphics, Dinosaur Jr, and others
August 12, 1970 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Dylan records If Not For You ~ Written by Dylan for his first wife, Sara. Produced by Bob Johnston. Included on the 1979 New Morning album. Notably covered by George Harrison on his All Things Must Pass album the same year and by Olivia Newton-John the following year issued as her debut single and title track of If Not For You
August 12, 1969 ~ Jean-Guy Kastner, commonly known as hardcore punk, alternative rock guitarist, singer, songwriter John Kastner, born in Beaconsfield, Canada ~ Lead singer for hardcore punk outfit the Asexuals from 1983 through 1987, present on the albums Be What You Want and Contemporary World. Following his departure from the band founded the Doughboys, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums through the mid-s1990s. Founded alternative rock band All Systems Go with Frank Daly and Mark Arnold, recording through the mid-2000s. Kastner also released a solo album, 2006's Have You Seen Lucky, wrote music for film and TV, and has collaborated with the Mega City Four, Mark Lanegan, Men Without Hats, and Bran Van 3000
August 12, 1967 ~ William C Bailey, commonly known as jazz, swing clarinetist Buster Bailey, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Classically trained. Considered a master of the clarinet. Played professionally since age 15, starting with WC Handy's orchestra. Would go on to work with Erskine Tate, King Oliver, Fletcher Henderson, Clarence Williams, Noble Sissle, Edgar Hayes, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Midge Williams, Wilbur de Paris, Red Allen, and Louis Armstrong. As a leader, Bailey is known for his 1958 All About Memphis album ~ Bailey was born in 1902
August 12, 1961 ~ Dansband, schlager, pop rock singer, songwriter Lars Diedricson born ~ Member of Snowstorm. Member of Don Patrol. Internationally perhaps best known for co-writing Take Me To Your Heaven with lyricists Gert Lengstrand and Marcos Ubeda, which performed by Charlotte Perrelli would win the 1999 Eurovision Songfestival for Sweden ~ Diedricson passed away in 2017
August 12, 1961 ~ Lawrence Hayward, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Lawrence, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Sole constant member, lead singer of Felt, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums including the highly acclaimed The Strange Idols Pattern And Other Short Stories. The band would enjoy a cult following and has been cited as an influence by Belle & Sebastian, the Charlatans, and the Manic Street Preachers. Following the band's disbandement Hayward has fronted Denim, with whom he recorded two albums, and Go-Kart Mozart, the latter renamed to Mozart Estate in 2023
August 12, 1961 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist Roy Hay, full name Roy Ernest Hay, born in Southend, UK ~ Lead guitarist for Culture Club. The band, fronted by conspiciously androgynous singer Boy George, enjoyed success especially in their native UK where they scored over half a dozen top 10 hits including the No.1's Do You Really Want To Hurt Me and Karma Chameleon. Following the band's disbandement in the late-1980s, Hay relocated to Los Angeles where he eventually found employ as a composer for film and TV, including for the TV crime drama series Cracker and the scifi drama series The Dead Zone based on the books of Stephen King. When Hay reunited with Culture Club in the late-1990s for a tour and album, he described the years apart as somewhat of a healing process. Despite heavy promotion though, the resulting album Don't Mind If I Do failed to reach the same level of success as their earlier albums
August 12, 1961 ~ Composer, singer Tom Scott passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Billed as “the American Troubadour” and accompanying himself on guitar would enjoy popularity from the early-1940s on as a folk singer. Best remembered though for writing classical music, most of them drawing from American folk. Well-known pieces include Ballad Of The Harp Weaver, Colloquoy For Strings, Johnny Appleseed, and Symphony No.1. His From The Sacred Harp would be premiered by the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Leopold Stokowski. Scott had also composed art songs, the 1956 opera The Fisherman, and several film and TV scores ~ Scott was born in 1912
August 12, 1960 ~ Rock, R&B singer, guitarist, songwriter Toshiki Kadomatsu born in Tokyo, Japan ~ While still in college debuted in 1981 with the single Yokohama Twilight Time followed by the full-length Sea Breeze album. Has recorded consistently since to commercial success and critical acclaim, with well over two dozen albums to his name. Kadomatsu has alse served as producer for other acts, notably producing albums such as Anri's Timely and Miho Nakayama's Catch The Nite which included the hit You're My Only Star
August 12, 1959 ~ Composer Terry Oldfield born in Palmers Green, UK ~ Brother of composer Mike Oldfield and singer Sally Oldfield. Served as roadie for the Byrds. Best known as a composer for film and TV, composing the music for over 50 productions including the BBC show Great Railway Journeys Of The World. Earned Emmy Award nominations for his scores to Land Of The Tiger and Twilight Of The Dreamtime
August 12, 1958 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger, producer Charles Blenzig born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Worked with Michael Brecker, Marcus Miller, Bill Evans, Hiram Bullock, Lew Soloff, Kenwood Dennard, Eddie Gomez, Dave Weckl, Joe Locke, Harvey Mason, Joe Beck, Jovanotti, Michael Franks, Jay Azzolina, Ricky Sebastian, Michael Treni, Vinnie Cutro, Takeshi Itoh, Norman Headman, Mike Fahn, and Jack Lee
August 12, 1955 ~ Blues harpist, singer Sonny Boy Williamson II records Don't Start Me Talkin' in Chicago, Illinois ~ Written by Williamson. Produced by Leonard Chess, Phil Chess, Willie Dixon. Williamson's first single for Checker Records, b/w All My Love In Vain, released the following month it would reach top 10 Billboard R&B. Williamson was backed by Otis Spann on piano, Muddy Waters and Jimmy Rogers on guitars, Dixon on bass, Fred Below drums
August 12, 1952 ~ Bandleader Johnny Otis invites songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller to his home to meet singer Big Mama Thornton, aiming to have the duo write a song specifically for her ~ Thornton had been signed to Don Robey's Peacock Records, and after two failed singles, Robey enlisted Johnny Otis to reverse her fortunes. The bandleader invited the 19-year-old songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller to meet the singer, aiming to have the duo write a song specifically suited to Thornton. Stoller would later comment: “She was a wonderful blues singer, with a great moaning style. But it was as much her appearance as her blues style that influenced the writing of ‘Hound Dog’ and the idea that we wanted her to growl it.”
August 12, 1952 ~ R&B, boogie-woogie pianist Little Willie Littlefield records Kansas City in Los Angeles, California ~ Specifically written for Littlefield by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, both still in their teens. Neither had actually ever been to Kansas City but they were inspired by Big Joe Turner's records. Producer Ralph Bass would change the title to KC Loving, which he reportedly considered sounded hipper, yet the song would become better known as Kansas City. Littlefield would have only regional succes with the single, failing to chart nationally. Yet the song would become a classic, covered by numerous artists including Little Richard, Wilbert Harrison, the Beatles, and James Brown
August 12, 1950 ~ Dorothy Peoples, commonly known as gospel singer Dottie Peoples, born in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Dubbed “the Songbird of the South” with a vocal range of soprano to alto. Mostly known as a gospel singer but did dabble in jazz, singing with Richard Groove Holmes for a number of years in the 1970s. Perhaps best known for her 1987 Surely God Is Able album. Has collaborated with Dorothy Norwood, Shirley Caesar, and Kirk Franklin
August 12, 1950 ~ Folk rock, country singer, guitarist, songwriter Mark Germino born ~ Initially a poet, yet as publishers kept telling him his poets read like songs Germino deciced it would be easier to become a singer than to recite poetry. After relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, in the mid-1970s Germino became a popular nightclub performer while still holding down a day job as a truck driver. Signed as a songwriter, his songs would be recorded by the likes of Paul Craft (Lean On Jesus (Before He Leans On You)), Loretta Lynn, Kathy Mattea, and Johnny Cash (God Ain't No Stained Glass Window). As a recording artist, Germino has recorded half a dozen albums since the mid-1980s, though despite critical acclaim and peer admiration he never achieved much commercial success. Germino is best known for songs such as Caught In The Act Of Being Ourselves and Rex Bob Lowenstein. Artists who have recorded his songs include Bobby Bare, Claire Lynch, Vern Gosdin, the Seldom Scene, Confederate Railroad (Bill's Laundromat Bar & Grill), Kenny Chesney, Vince Gill, and Emmylou Harris (Broken Man's Lament) ~ Germino passed away in 2024
August 12, 1949 ~ Alexandra Sandøy, commonly known as pop, rock, funk, disco singer Alex Naumik, born in Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR ~ Known for her versatile singing voice, spanning four octaves. Exiled to Siberia with her family during the Stalinist era. Collaborated with Agnieszka Osiecka and Adam Slawinski while living in Poland. Resumed her music career in the 1970s, by now living in Norway. Eponym and frontwoman of Alex, acclaimed for their 1976 eponymous Alex debut album, regarded as the first Norwegian funk-rock album. Has also worked with David Foster, Andráe Crouch, the Police's Andy Summers, Glen Matlock ~ Sandøy passed away in 2013
August 12, 1949 ~ Guitarist, singer Mark Knopfler, full name Mark Freuder Knopfler, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Frontman and along with bassist John Illsley the only other constant member of the Dire Straits, with whom he recorded half a dozen albums. The band is regarded as one of the premier 1980s British bands, drew from country, folk, blues rock, pop, and jazz, and is best known for their 1985 Brothers In Arms album. The singles Sultans Of Swing, Money For Nothing, and Walk Of Life, would all reach top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Following the band's initial disbandement in 1988 Knopfler has recorded prolifically as a solo artist, composed several soundtracks including The Princess Bride, and worked with the Notting Hillbillies, Chet Atkins, and Emmylou Harris
August 12, 1947 ~ Bassist, guitarist Ian Rilen, full name Ian William Rilen, born ~ Best known as member of Rose Tattoo. Rilen wrote their best known song Bad Boy For Love but left the band prior to its release. The single was produced by Vanda & Young, known for their close association with AC/DC. Rilen also played with Band Of Light, the Blue Aliens, Blackfeather, Sardine V, Hell To Pay, X, Skindiver, and with the Illustrated Men ~ Rilen passed away in 2006
August 12, 1947 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, poet Joaquín Carbonell, full name Joaquín Carbonell Marti, born in Alloza, Spain ~ Active since the 1970s with over a dozen albums to his name. Important figure in the new Aragonese song movement, along with mentor José Antonio Labordeta. Known for songs such as Amor Tu Donde Estas, Cancion Para Un Invierno, Cancion Para Dimitris and Mientes ~ Carbonell passed away in 2020
August 12, 1945 ~ Rock, art rock, glam rock, chamber pop, power pop keyboardist, songwriter Ron Mael, full name Ronald David Mael, born in Culver City, California, USA ~ Keyboardist, main songwriter of Sparks, which he co-founded with his brother singer Russell Mael. The band is known for 1970s hits such as This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us, Amateur Hour, Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth, Something For The Girl With Everything and Beat The Clock
August 12, 1944 ~ Percussionist Larry Troutman born in Hamilton, Ohio, USA ~ Member of Zapp, fronted by his younger brother singer Roger Troutman, known for 1980s funk, R&B hits such as More Bounce To The Ounce, Dance Floor, I Can Make You Dance and Computer Love. Troutman shot and killed his brother Roger in an apparent murder-suicide. The band would disband after the death of the two brothers ~ Troutman passed away in 1999
August 12, 1943 ~ Guitarist, banjoist, singer Geoff Muldaur born in Pelham, New York, USA ~ Founding member of the Jim Kweskin Jug Band. Also worked with Paul Butterfield's backing unit Better Days from 1972 through 1976, as well as with Bobby Charles, Jerry Garcia, Eric von Schmidt, Bonnie Raitt, John Cale, Stephen Bruton, Cindy Cashdollar, Suzy Thompson, Johnny Nicholas, Bruce Hughes, and others
August 12, 1943 ~ Lesley Cox, commonly known as singer, songwriter Lesley Duncan, born in Stockton-on-Tees, UK ~ Considered one of Britain's first female singer-songwriters. Active since the early-1960s. Known for songs such as Everything Changes, Sing Children Sng, and Love Song. Sang backup for Dusty Springfield and Pink Floyd. Sang lead on the Alan Parsons Project's If I Could Change Your Mind ~ Cox passed away in 2010
August 12, 1942 ~ Clara Francisca Gonçalves, commonly known as samba, MPB singer Clara Nunes, born in Caetanópolis, Brazil ~ Dubbed “the Queen of Samba”, Nunes was considered one of the greatest Brazilian singers of her day alongside Alcione Nazareth and Beth Carvalho, enjoying popularity especially during the 1970s with over a dozen albums to her name including collaborations with Vinicius de Moraes and Paulo Gracindo. Well known songs include Você Passa Eu Acho Graça, E Baiana, Conto De Areia, O Mar Serenou, Coraçãlo Leviano, Na Linha Do Mar, Morena De Angola, and Nação ~ Gonçalves passed away in 1983
August 12, 1942 ~ Classical flutist David Munrow, full name David John Munrow, born in Birmingham, UK ~ During an extended stay in South America, Munrow encountered traditional Latin American music and folk instruments. After returning home to the UK, his interest sparked he began to acquire copies of medieval and renaissance instruments, including traditional folk instruments. From the mid-1960s onward, Munrow would perform and record medieval and renaissance music in various ensembles including with the Musica Reservata and notably the Early Music Consort, the latter of which he co-founded. Munrow would also teach early woodwind instruments at the King's College, and host the BBC Radio 3 show Pied Piper. Despite his brief career, Munrow committing suicide at age 33, he was considered one of the most important figures in the early music movement, pivotal to bringing the music to a wider audience ~ Munrow passed away in 1976
August 12, 1941 ~ Terence Perkins, commonly known as rock & roll, pop singer Craig Douglas, born in Newport, UK ~ Popular during the late-1950s and early-1960s. Best known for his Sam Cooke-cover Only Sixteen, which would top the UK charts in 1959 and sell more copies in the UK than the original. Other well known songs include Pretty Blue Eyes, The Heart Of A Teenage Girl, Hundred Pounds Of Clay and When My Little Girl Is Smiling
August 12, 1940 ~ Composer, conductor Alexander Yossifov born in Sofia, Bulgaria ~ As a composer known for writing chamber music, symphonies and the Back To The Beginning opera. Perhaps best known for the composition Prelude And Fuga No.2. As a conductor best known for his association with the Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra ~ Yossifov passed away in 2015
August 12, 1940 ~ Swamp pop, country, rockabilly singer, guitarist Rod Bernard, full name Rodney Ronald Louis Bernard, born in Opelousas, Louisiana, USA ~ Cited as a major influence by artists such as CC Adcock, Marc Broussard, Zachary Richard. Formed the 1960s swamp-pop band the Shondells with Warren Storm and Skip Stewart. As a solo artist turned to country by the 1970s. Especially acclaimed for his 1976 album Boogie In Black & White, a collaboration with Clifton Chenier considered a landmark album for its blend of Cajun and black Creole influences ~ Bernard passed away in 2020
August 12, 1940 ~ Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen, full name Tony Oladipo Allen, born in Lagos, Nigeria ~ Rose to fame in the 1970s as a member of Fela Kuti's Africa '70. Would go on to collaborate with King Sunny Adé, Ray Lema, Manu Dibango, Sébastien Tellier, Damon Albarn and the Good The Bad & The Queen, Zap Mama, Flea, Rocket Juice & the Moon, and Oumou Sangaré ~ Allen passed away in 2020
August 12, 1939 ~ William Henry Adams Jr, commonly known as producer, label executive Gordon Keith, born ~ Best remembered for being the first to sign the Jackson 5, producing and recording the band's first songs including the band's very first single Big Boy paired with You Changed on the flip side released on the Steeltown Records label in 1968 ~ Adams passed away in 2020
August 12, 1939 ~ Schlager, pop singer Margot Eskens born in Duren, Germany ~ Popular during the 1950s and 1960s. Sold over 40 million records. Known for songs such as Moulin Rouge, Ich Mochte Heut Ausgehn, Tiritomba and perhaps her biggest hit Cindy Oh Cindy. Represented Germany in the 1966 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 10th place with Die Zeiger Der Uhr written by Walter Dobschinski and Hans Bradtke ~ Eskens passed away in 2022
August 12, 1937 ~ Texas blues, electric blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Roy Gaines, full name Roy James Gaines, born in Waskom, Texas, USA ~ 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 passed away in 2021
August 12, 1930 ~ Pianist, drummer, bandleader Stan Greig, full name Stanley Mackay Greig, born in Joppa, UK ~ Founded and fronted the London Jazz Big Band and the Stan Greig Trio. Also worked with Sandy Brown, Ken Colyer, Humphrey Lyttelton, Bruce Turner, Al Fairweather, Dave Shepherd, Johnny Hawksworth, George Melly, Wally Fawkes, and Charlie Watts ~ Greig passed away in 2012
August 12, 1929 ~ Alvis Edgar Owens Jr, commonly known as singer, songwriter Buck Owens, born in Sherman, Texas, USA ~ Pioneered the Bakersfield sound, most evidently in songs such as The Streets Of Bakerfield. Also known for songs such as Above And Beyond, Foolin' Around, Under The Influence Of Love, Act Naturally, and I've Got A Tiger By The Tail. Hugely influential on future generations, most notably Dwight Yoakam, and the Derailers. Had his songs covered by Johnny Rivers (Under Your Spell Again), Emmylou Harris (Together Again), the Beatles (Act Naturally), and Cake (Excuse Me I Think I've Got A Heartache) ~ Owens passed away in 2006
August 12, 1927 ~ Singer Porter Wagoner born in West Plains, Missouri, USA ~ Charted over eighty singles on the country charts. Known for songs such as Satisfied Mind, Misery Loves Company, I've Enjoyed This As Much As I Can, Sorrow On The Rocks, Green Green Grass Of Home, The Cold Hard Facts Of Life, and The Carroll County Incident. Discovered and introduced the world to Dolly Parton, with whom Porter sang several hit duets including Daddy Was A Old Time Preacher Man, Please Don't Stop Loving Me and Making Plans ~ Wagoner passed away in 2007
August 12, 1926 ~ Singer Joe Jones, full name Joseph Charles Jones, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Discovered the Dixie Cups. Discovered Shirley & Lee. Pianist and arranger for BB King. As a solo artist best known for the 1960 Billboard top 10 hit You Talk Too Much and the original recording of Carnival Time, the latter later successfuly covered by the Rivieras ~ Jones passed away in 2005
August 12, 1918 ~ Israel Brodsky, commonly known as songwriter Roy C Bennett, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Well known for his association with Sid Tepper, the pair writing over three dozen songs for Elvis Presley including For The Millionth And The Last Time, A Boy Like Me A Girl Like You, The Lady Loves Me, Kismet, and perhaps most notably GI Blues. Bennett and Tepper also wrote over a dozen songs for Cliff Richard, including The Young Ones which became Richard's best-selling single. Others who recorded songs co-written by Bennett include Louis Prima, Vaughn Monroe (Red Roses For A Blue Lady), Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, Art Mooney (Nuttin' For Christmas), Carl Perkins (Glad All Over), Marty Robbins, and Conway Twitty ~ Brodsky passed away in 2015
August 12, 1915 ~ Harold West, commonly known as jazz, R&B drummer Doc West, born in Wolford, North Dakota, USA ~ Active since the late-1930s. Worked with Tiny Parham, Erskine Tate, Roy Eldridge, Chick Webb, Hot Lips Page, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Tiny Grimes, Don Byas, Oscar Pettiford, Slam Stewart, Leo Watson, Wardell Gray, Billie Holiday, Erroll Garner, Big Joe Turner, and Jay McShann ~ West passed away in 1951
August 12, 1914 ~ Jazz pianist, songwriter Ruth Lowe born in Toronto, Canada ~ Served as pianist in Ina Ray Hutton's all-female ensemble the Melodears, prior to marrying Chicago music publicist Harold Cohen. Sadly, Cohen would die about a year into the marriage after which Lowe returned to her native Toronto where in grief she penned I'll Never Smile Again. The song would become a jazz standard first recorded by Ray Eberle in 1940 with backing from Glenn Miller's orchestra. Later the same year it would become Frank Sinatra's first major hit. Others who have recorded the song include Sarah Vaughan, Ferlin Husky, the Platters, Billie Holiday, and Eddy Arnold. Other notable songs co-written by Lowe include My First Love, first recorded by Jimmy Dorsey, Put Your Dreams Away, recorded by Sinatra, and Take Your Sins Away, recorded by the Travellers ~ Lowe passed away in 1981
August 12, 1890 ~ Conductor, composer Al Goodman born in Nikopol, Ukraine ~ Best known as orchestra conductor for numerous Broadway productions including Flyin' High, The Student Prince and Blossom Time ~ Goodman passed away in 1972