August 14, 2024 ~ Singer, bassist, guitarist, pianist, composer Dean Roberts passed away ~ Formed the short-lived mid-1990s free noise trio Thela with Dion Workman and Rosy Parlane, with whom he recorded the albums Untitled and its follow-up Argentina. Following the group's disbandement, Roberts has embarked on a solo career releasing some dozen albums since, the first few going by the monniker White Winged Moth before recording under his given name. Experimenting with electroacoustics, minimalism, and progressive rock, Roberts is especially acclaimed for his 2003 Be Mine Tonight album. Roberts was also a member of experimental trio Autistic Daughters, and has collaborated with the likes of Matt Valentine, Eugene Chadbourne, and Thurston Moore ~ Roberts was born ca.1975
August 14, 2023 ~ Operatic soprano Jessica Cash passed away ~ Has performed with the Kent Opera, the Welsh National Opera, and the Glyndebourne Festival, particularly noted for her 1968 performance in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Die Zauberflöte ~ Cash was born ca.1939
August 14, 2022 ~ Richard Enos Thompson, commonly known as jazz pianist, clarinetist Butch Thompson, passed away in St Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ Best known for his ragtime and stride piano performances. Member of the Hall Brothers New Orleans Jazz Band for two decades starting in 1962. Would gain considerable popularity in Europe in the 1970s and 1980s due to extentsive touring both as a band member and solo artist ~ Thompson was born in 1943
August 14, 2022 ~ Henryk Pick, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter, TV personality Svika Pick, passed away in Rama Ha'sharon, Israel ~ One of Israel's premier pop singers during the 1970s. Internationally best known for co-writing Diva with lyricist Yoav Ginai, Israel's 1998 Eurovision Songfestival winner as performed by Dana International ~ Pick was born in 1949
August 14, 2021 ~ Composer Hugh Wood passed away ~ Cites Johann Sebastian Bach as a major influence. Other influences include Arnold Schoenberg and Ludwig van Beethoven. First gained attention with the orchestral work Scenes From Comus, which premiered in 1965. Would go on to produce a vast repertoire of acclaimed work for chamber music, orchestras, violin, cello, string quartets, and cantatas ~ Wood was born in 1932
August 14, 2018 ~ Randall Desmond Archibald, commonly known as hardcore punk, heavy metal bassist, singer Randy Rampage, passed away in Vancouver, Canada ~ Along with Joe Keithley and Chuck Biscuits co-founded hardcore band DOA, considered pioneers of hardcore punk. Lead singer of thrash metal band Annihilator during the late-1980s, present on the band's Alice In Hell debut album, and again during the late-1990s ~ Archibald was born in 1960
August 14, 2013 ~ Keyboardist, rhythm guitarist Allen Lanier, full name Allen Glover Lanier, passed away ~ Original member of the Blue Öyster Cult. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's best known songs including True Confessions, Tenderloin, Searching For Celine, In Thee, and Lonely Teardrops. Also worked with John Cale, Jim Carroll, the Dictators, the Clash, and with Patti Smith ~ Lanier was born in 1946
August 14, 2010 ~ Anna Marie Wooldridge, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actress, civil rights advocate Abbey Lincoln, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Billie Holiday. Married to drummer Max Roach from 1962 tot 1970, with whom she also sang including on the 1960 civil rights anthem We Insist. Recorded as a solo artist and guest vocalist from the mid-1950s onwards. Worked with artists such as Benny Carter, Marty Paich, Dave Liebman, Archie Shepp, Steve Coleman, Jerry González, Tarik Shah, Jackie McLean, Clark Terry, Stan Getz, Charlie Haden, Maxine Roach, Rodney Kendrick, Bobby Hutcherson, Victor Lewis, Kenny Barron, Eric Dolphy, Frank Morgan, Bheki Mseleku, Mal Waldron, and Cedar Walton ~ Wooldridge was born in 1930
August 14, 2009 ~ Warren Nichols, commonly known as guitarist Gates Nichols passed away ~ Co-founding member of country-rock outfit Confederate Railroad, known for the Billboard Country top 10 hits Jesus And Mama, The Queen Of Memphis and Daddy Never Was The Cadillac Kind. Nichols remained with the band through 2008 and would be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer the next year ~ Nichols was born in 1944
August 14, 2009 ~ Jazz guitarist Lawrence Lucie passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Duke Ellington, Benny Carter, Fletcher Henderson, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Lucky Millinder, Coleman Hawkins, Louis Armstrong, Red Allen, Putney Dandridge, Billie Holiday, Spike Hughes, Jelly Roll Morton, Big Joe Turner, Teddy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, Spike Hughes, Marion Williams, and others ~ Lucie was born in 1907
August 14, 2008 ~ Singer Lita Roza, full name Lilian Patricia Lita Roa, passed away in London, UK ~ Most closely associated with her 1953 hit How Much Is That Doggie In The Window, written by Bob Merrill and an American No.1 hit for Patti Page. Roza would take it to the top of the UK charts in 1953, making her the first British solo singer to reach No.1. Ironically, Roza herself hated the song but was pressured to by label exectutives and vowed to never sing it again, and she never did. Long-time British PM Margaret Thatcher named Roza's hit her all-time favorite song ~ Roza was born in 1926
August 14, 2004 ~ Jazz trombonist Pete Strange passed away ~ Worked with Eric Silk, Teddy Layton, Sonny Morris, Charli Gall, Ken Sims, Bruce Turner, Freddy Randall, Joe Daniels, Ron Russell, the Midnite Follies Orchestra, Alan Elsdon, FIve A Side, Roy Williams, Campbell Burnap, Humphrey Lyttelton, the Great British Jazz Band, and others ~ Strange was born in 1938
August 14, 2000 ~ Jazz saxophonist Walter Benton passed away ~ Worked with Kenny Clarke, Max Roach, Clifford Brown, Pérez Prado, Quincy Jones, Victor Feldman, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, Albert Tootie Heath, Julian Priester, Abbey Lincoln, Eric Dolphy, Slide Hampton, Gerald Wilson, John Anderson, and others ~ Benton was born in 1930
August 14, 1997 ~ Jazz bassist, pianist Eric Von Essen passed away ~ Member of Quartet Music alongside Jeff Gauthier and twin brothers Alex Cline and Nels Cline. Member of the Lighthouse All-Stars, joining the ensemble in 1992 as replacement for Monty Budwig. Has also worked with Frank Morgan, Jimmy Rowles, Vinny Golia, the Jazz Tap Ensemble, Art Farmer, and others ~ Von Essen was born in 1954
August 14, 1990 ~ Jazz double bassist, tubist Chester Zardis passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Given his nickname “Little Bear” by pianist Fats Pichon, with whom he worked on the riverboats in the 1930s. Zardis began playing professionally in his mid-teens, joining Buddy Petit's band at age 16, much to the dislike of his family. Zardis would go on to play with Kid Rena, AJ Piron, Punch Miller, Kid Howard, Fate Marable, Count Basie, Bunk Johnson, Percy Humphrey, and George Lewis. Zardis, a colorful figure with a unique playing style, would continue to play until his death at age 90, becoming a fixture on the New Orleans, Louisiana, jazz scene. He is regularly featured in documentaries, and is the subject of three of them, Liberty Street Blues (Chester Zardis), Spirit Of New Orleans, and Three Men Of Jazz ~ Zardis was born in 1900
August 14, 1990 ~ Blues, jazz pianist, organist, singer, composer Lafayette Leake passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of the Big Three Trio, replacing Leonard Castron in the early-1950s. Session musician for Chess Records, appearing on several Chuck Berry recordings including Rock & Roll Music and Johnny B Goode, songs regarded as pivotal to the development of rock and roll. Though a highly revered pianist who could play anything by ear, Leake's shyness kept him in the background for most of his career, serving as a leader of his own unit only sporadically. Leake has guested on albums by numerous artists, including Dale Hawkins, Bo Diddley (Bo Diddley), Howlin' Wolf (Howlin' Wolf (The Rockin' Chair Album)), Sonny Boy Williamson II, John Lee Hooker (The Real Folk Blues), Buddy Guy, Magic Sam, Koko Taylor, Jimmy Dawkins, Willie Dixon, Junior Wells, Eddie C Campbell (King Of The Jungle), Eddy Clearwater, Otis Rush, and Big Walter Horton ~ Leake was born in 1919
August 14, 1989 ~ Jazz double bassist, clarinetist, flutist Donald Garrett, full name Donald Rafael Garrett, passed away in Champaign, Illinois, USA ~ Started on clarinet and saxophone, switched to bass after meeting Wilbur Ware. Married to singer, cellist Kali Fasteau, with whom he formed the Sea Ensemble. Perhaps best known for his work with John Coltrane in the 1960s, including on the acclaimed Selflessness Featuring My Favorite Things album. Garrett has also appeared on albums by Paul Serrano, Rahsaan Roland Kirk (Introducing Roland Kirk), Eddie Harris, Archie Shepp (Three For A Quarter One For A Dime), Dewey Redman, Ira Sullivan, Dexter Gordon, and Joseph Jarman ~ Garrett was born in 1932
August 14, 1988 ~ Singer, songwriter Robert Calvert passed away in Ramsgate, UK ~ Best known as lead singer, on and off member of space rock group Hawkwind, co-wrote the band biggest hit Silver Machine. Has also worked with Hawklords, the Sonic Assassins, Steve Peregrin Took, Jim Capaldi, Steve Pond, Vivian Stanshall, Amon Düül, and others ~ Calvert was born in 1945
August 14, 1988 ~ Leroy Buchanan, commonly known as guitarist Roy Buchanan, passed away in Fairfax, Virginia, USA ~ Though Buchanan never became a household name, he was held in the highest regard by peers and critics and is considered a pioneer of the Telecaster sound, stretching the limits of the electric guitar. Influential on Jimi Hendrix, Danny Gatton, Jerry Garcia, Nils Lofgren, and Jeff Beck, the latter dedicating his Cause We've Ended As Lovers off his 1975 Blow By Blow album to Buchanan. Playing professionally from an early age, Buchanan has backed Johnny Otis while still in his mid-teens, played on Dale Hawkins's rock and roll classic My Babe, and was a member of Ronnie Hawkins's rock & roll unit the Hawks where he mentored Robbie Robertson. As a solo artist, Buchanan has recorded since the early-1970s, and is noted in particular for his eponymous 1972 Roy Buchanan album and the 1975 Live Stock live album. Buchanan passed away at age 48, found hanging in his jail cell after being arrested for public intoxication. His death was officially ruled a suicide, the finding disputed by his friends and family ~ Buchanan was born in 1939
August 14, 1987 ~ Composer, pianist, teacher Vincent Persichetti passed away ~ Persichetti's students include Philip Glass, Bruce Adolphe, Louis Calabro, Michael Jeffrey Shapiro, Laurie Spiegel, Kenneth Fuchs, Richard Danielpour, Peter Schickele, Lowell Liebermann, Robert Witt, Elena Ruehr, Wiliam Schimmel, Leonardo Balada, Leo Brouwer, and others ~ Persichetti was born in 1915
August 14, 1984 ~ John Pickens Jenkins, commonly known as blues, electric blues guitarist, singer Bobo Jenkins, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Best known for Tell Me Where You Stayed Last Night and the politically themed Democrat Blues, expressing his unease about Dwight D Eisenhower winning the 1952 elections and becoming the first Republican in twenty years to win the White House ~ Jenkins was born in 1916
August 14, 1984 ~ Jazz trombonist Kristoffer Kompen born in Oslo, Norway ~ Influenced by dixieland, swing, big band trombonist Jack Teagarden. First gained serious attention in his mid-teens as a member of the Jazzin' Babies, with whom he recorded three albums starting with Up And Go. Would go on to record several acclaimed albums as a leader, his own compositions critically described as “mysterious yet exciting enough”. As a collaborator and sideman, Kompen has appeared on albums by Håkon Storm-Mathisen, Martha Valle, Jo Skaansar, Ninas Pace, the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, and Kåre Nymark
August 14, 1984 ~ Composer Peter Wishart, full name Peter Charles Arthur Wishart, passed away ~ Married to mezzo-soprano Maureen Lehane from 1966 until his death, with whom he also regularly worked. Has written operas, orchestral and chamber music. Especially noted for his opera The Captive, premiered in 1985, and for his song cycles ~ Wishart was born in 1921
August 14, 1983 ~ Curtis Eugene Cross, commonly known as rapper, producer, songwriter Black Milk, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Released his Sound Of The City Vol.1 solo debut album in 2005. Has collaborated with BR Gunna, Bishop Lamont, Fat Ray, Random Axe, Danny Brown, Nat Turner, Slum Village, J Dilla, Elzhi, Phat Kat, Frank-n-Dank, Lloyd Banks, Canibus, Pharoahe Monch, RZA, Black Thought and others
August 14, 1982 ~ Indie rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Matthew E White born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA ~ Eclectic singer drawing from a wide array of idioms including reggae, folk, gospel, indie pop, and Stax-era R&B. Influenced by Randy Newman, Allen Toussaint, and Alan Lomax. Founder and frontman of improv jazz ensemble Fight The Big Bull. Released his Big Inner solo debut album in 2012, at the time hailed by the New York Times as “a dramatic pop-gospel record that hits extremes of the mood spectrum”. White has also notably teamed up with Flo Morrissey for the 2017 Gentlewoman Ruby Man collaborative album featuring covers of songs originally by the Bee Gees, Leonard Cohen, the Velvet Underground, and Frank Ocean, produced Natalie Prass' eponymous Natalie Prass 2015 debut album, and especialy as co-founder of Spacebomb Records served as collaborator, sideman, and producer for the likes of Brooke Annibale, McKinley Dixon, Dan Croll, Nadia Reid, Andy Jenkins, Karl Blau, Bedouine, Lonnie Holley, and the Mountain Goats
August 14, 1981 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones release Start Me Up, lead single off their Tattoo You album ~ Originated as a reggae song, titled Never Stop, recorded for the Black And Blue album, and again for the Some Girls sessions, before being put aside for later use. Eventually, for Tattoo You, engineer Chris Kimsey searched the vaults and found the two takes with a more rock vibe among some fifty reggae versions. As to the band's recording style, Kimsey would later explain: “Including run-throughs, Start Me Up took about six hours to record. You see, if they all played the right chords in the right time, went to the chorus at the right time and got to the middle eight together, that was a master. It was like, “Oh, wow!’. Don't forget, they would never sit down and work out a song. They would jam it and the song would evolve out of that. That's their magic.”
August 14, 1980 ~ Pop, electronic, R&B songwriter, producer Anders Nilsson born in Gällö, Sweden ~ Member of R&B trio LDOD, member of R&B duo Småstaden. Has written or co-written songs for Blänk, Seln Thomasson, Yves V, Jelle van Dael, Sofi Blonde, Mecki Mark Men, Robin Bengtsson, and Annika Herlitz. Has also composed for film and TV, perhaps most notably for the Netflix series Greenhouse Academy
August 14, 1978 ~ Giuseppe Venuti, commonly known as jazz violinist Joe Venuti, passed away in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Active since the late-1920s, often in partnership with childhood friend virtuoso guitarist Eddie Lang. Venuti is considered “the Godfather of jazz violin”, pioneering the use of the violin in jazz. Venuti was also influential on early western swing players, including notably Cecil Brower. As a duo Venuti and Lang are especially known for songs such as Stringing The Blues, Goin' Places, and Jig Saw Puzzle Blues. Venuti has also worked with Benny Goodman, Adrian Rollini, the Dorsey Brothers, Bing Crosby, Bix Beiderbecke, Jack Teagarden, and the Boswell Sisters. With the unexpected death of Lang in 1933, Venuti's career began to wane, only to resurge in the mid-1960s, collaborating with the likes of Zoot Sims, Earl Hines, Marian McPartland, Dave McKenna, and Bucky Pizzarelli ~ Venuti was born in 1903
August 14, 1977 ~ Heavy metal singer Pål Mathiesen born ~ Member of Vanaheim during the 1990s. Best known as lead singer of black metal outfit Susperia, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums through the 2000s including the acclaimed Attitude before departing the band after a heart attack. Following his departure from the band, Mathiesen has recorded with Chrome Division
August 14, 1974 ~ Ana Lynch, commonly known as glam rock, alternative pop singer, keyboardist, percussionist Ana Matronic, born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Co-lead singer of the Scissor Sisters, known best for their disco-infused rendition of Comfortably Numb, a cover of the 1979 Pink Floyd song. Other well known songs include Filthy/Gorgeous, I Don't Feel Like Dancin', Fire With Fire, and Only The Horses
August 14, 1974 ~ Post-rock drummer Martin Bulloch born in Belshill, UK ~ Co-founding member of Mogwai. The band is best known for 2017's Every Country's Sun and 2021's As The Love Continues, both of which reached top 10 on the UK albums charts. Has on occasion drummed with Arab Strap and Gruff Rhys
August 14, 1971 ~ Jazz saxophonist Walter Blanding born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for his association with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Jazz Center Orchestra. Member of the Tough Young Tenors. Released his acclaimed sole The Olive Tree album in 2000. Also present on recordings by Marcus Printup, Eric Reed, Vincent Gardner, Whitney Marchelle, Ron Westray, Odean Pope, Renée Fleming, Carlinhos Brown, Natalie Merchant, and Paul Simon
August 14, 1970 ~ Jazz, gypsy jazz, classical, country violinist Ian Cooper born in Australia ~ Composed and performed The Symphony for the opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympics held in Sydney, Australia. Mentored by renowned jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli. In-demand sideman and collaborator, Cooper has worked with Marcia Hines, Max Sharam, the Backsliders, Annie Crummer, Silverchair, the Earthmen, John Morrison, John Farnham, Olivia Newton-John, the Hoodoo Gurus, Nathan Leigh Jones, Emma Pask, and Cats In Space
August 14, 1966 ~ Keith Grayson, commonly known as hip-hop DJ, rapper DJ Kay Slay, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Dubbed “Hip-hop's One-man Ministry of Insults” by the New York Times. Debuted in 2003 with the album Streetsweeper Vol.1 and has recorded consistently since. Collaborated with Nas, Foxxy Brown, Fat Joe, Joe Budden, Joe, Three 6 Mafia, Papoose, Busta Rhymes, Layzie Bone, Twista, Fabolous, T-Pain, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and others ~ Grayson passed away in 2022
August 14, 1966 ~ Alternative rock singer, playwright Robin Goldwasser born ~ Co-wrote the 2004 musical People Are Wrong with Julia Greenberg, in which she also stars as does her husband They Might Be Giants-singer John Flansburgh. Has also sung on several of her husband's band's recordings, notably on the tracks The Poisonousness, Electric Car and Doctor Evil. The latter track was used in the soundtrack of the comedy film Austin Powers (The Spy Who Shagged Me)
August 14, 1965 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, indie pop guitarist, pedal steel guitarist Mark Collins, full name Mark Vincent Collins, born in Manchester, UK ~ Member of indie pop unit the Walltones, with whom he recorded the album Deepest released in 1989. When the band folded, Collins joined the Charlatans as replacement for Jon Day who departed after the first album. Collins has recorded about a dozen albums with the band, over half of which reached top 10 in the band's native UK. Well known songs include Just When You're Thinking Things Over, One To Another, North Country Boy, and How High
August 14, 1964 ~ Bassist, guitarist Jean-Paul Roy born in Civray, France ~ Member of rock band Noir Désir. Initially serving as the band's guitar technician Roy became a full-time member when bassist Frédéric Vidalenc left the band in 1996. Has also worked with Alain Bashung and with Romain Humeau
August 14, 1964 ~ Singer, songwriter Johnny Burnette, full name John Joseph Burnette, passed away in Clear Lake, California, USA ~ Father of 1980s rockabilly singer Rocky Burnette. Formed and fronted the Johnny Burnette Trio, which also included his brothers Dorsey Burnette and Paul Burlison, known for a number of pivotal rock & roll releases including 1956's Train Kept A-Rollin'. Pursued a solo career in the early 1960 reaching the top 20 with a number of smooth pop songs and ballads, perhaps most notably Dreamin', You're Sixteen and Little Boy Sad, before an early death in a boating accident ~ Burnette was born in 1934
August 14, 1962 ~ Jazz trombonist Harry White, full name Harry Alexander White, passed away ~ Played drums as a teenager before switching to trombone by the late-1910s. As a songwriter known for co-penning Oh Sister Ain't That Hot, first recorded by Gene Rodemich and covered by the Original Memphis Five, Jimmie Noone, and Fats Waller, and Evenin', first recorded by Cab Calloway and covered by T-Bone Walker, Jimmy Rushing, and Jimmy Witherspoon. Led the family outfit the White Brothers Orchestra, with whom he enjoyed popularity in the late-1920s. Member of the Mills Blue Rhythm Band, and notably of Calloway's ensemble, serving as trombonist, arranger, and composer. White has also worked with Duke Ellington, Elmer Snowden, Claude Hopkins, Luis Russell, Manzie Johnson, Hot Lips Page, Edgar Hayes, and Bud Freeman ~ White was born in 1898
August 14, 1962 ~ Singer Roy Orbison records Working For The Man and Leah ~ Both self-penned. Orbison first release after breaking the writing partnership with Joe Melson. The two songs would be released, paired on a double A-side single, the next month
August 14, 1961 ~ Alan MacDonald, commonly known as drummer Alsy Macdonald, born in Perth, Australia' ~ Co-founding member of 1980s outfit the Triffids, known best for their 1984 Born Sandy Devotional album. MacDonald also briefly played with the Blackeyed Susans in the late 1980s. MacDonald is married to Triffids-bandmate keyboardist Jill Birt
August 14, 1960 ~ Jazz double bassist, bass guitarist, compose Lloyd Swanton, full name Lloyd Stuart Swanton, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Best known as member of the Dynamic Hepnotics and as co-founder of jazz trio Necks, teaming up with Chris Abrahams and Tony Buck. Has also worked with the Catholics, the Benders, Clarion Fracture Zone, the Sydney Synphony, Vince Jones, the Alpha Centauri Ensemble, the Mighty Reapers, Seymour Group, Tim Finn, Stephen Cummings, Bernie McGann, the Last Straw, Wendy Matthews, and others
August 14, 1959 ~ Jazz organist, accordionist, singer Tony Monaco, full name Anthony Monaco, born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader, especially acclaimed for his Burnin' Grooves debut album released in 2001. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Steve Yeager, Linda Dachtyl, Pete Mills, Nancy Wright, and Pat Martino
August 14, 1958 ~ Lee Conley Bradley, commonly known as country blues, urban blues, folk blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Big Bill Broonzy, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Active since the 1920s. Rediscovered in the late-1950s folk music revival. Inluenced Muddy Waters, Memphis Slim, Ray Davies, John Renbourn, Rory Gallagher, Steve Howe, Eric Clapton, Tom Jones, Ronnie Wood. Best known for songs such as Guitar Shuffle, CC Rider, The Midnight Special, Matchbox Blues, Rockin' Chair Blues, I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town and Hey Hey ~ Bradley was born ca.1903
August 14, 1958 ~ Rock, hard rock, punk rock guitarist Big John Duncan born in Glasgow, UK ~ Best known as member and main songwriter of the Exploited from 1979 through 1984, best known for their 1981 Dead Cities single. Briefly served as guitar technician for Nirvana during the early-1990s. Has also worked with the Human Zoo, the Blood Uncles, Goodbye Mr Mackenzie, the Kamikaze Freak Show, the Gin Goblins, Twisted Sister, the Foo Fighters, and Ministry
August 14, 1956 ~ Saxophonist Jerry Underwood born in Bristol, UK ~ Closely associated with John Martyn, backing the folk, folk rock guitarist on albums such as Could't Love You More and And. Perhaps best known as a member of Pentangle from 1995, first appearing on the Passe Avant album, until his death at age 45 of a brain tumor. Underwood has also guested on albums by Andy Sheppard, Carla Bley, Gail Thompson, and Tim Richards ~ Underwood passed away in 2002
August 14, 1956 ~ Punk rock bassist Lennart Eriksson, full name Lennart Olof Birger Eriksson, born ~ Sometimes referred to as “the Swedish Sid Vicious” and known for his anarchist and anti-monarchist views. Founded Ebba Grön with Joakim Thåström and Gunnar Ljungstedt, one of the most successful Swedish punk bands known for songs such as Pervers Politiker and Beväpna Er
August 14, 1953 ~ Conductor, orchestrator, film composer James Horner, full name James Roy Horner, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for scoring the soundtracks for Titanic, the all-time best-selling orchestral soundtrack, and for Avatar. Other notable credits include Star Trek II (The Wrath Of Khan), Star Trek III (The Search For Spock), The Name Of The Rose, Honey I Shrunk The Kids, Braveheart, and Deep Impact ~ Horner passed away in 2015
August 14, 1952 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Alejandro Alonso born in Querétaro, Mexico ~ Influenced by BB King, Eric Clapton, and Santana, Alonso played lead guitar in several bands during his teens, playing the nightclub circuit before committing his life to Christ in the early-1970s. For much of the 1970s, Alonso dedicated his time as an evangelistic tool performing at colleges, universities, and prisons. In 1980 Alonso relocated to California, releasing his Cantico De Libertad debut album two years later. Alonso has recorded over half a dozen albums since, establishing himself as one of the most influential Mexican contemporary Christian singers. Well known songs include De Regreso A Casa, Salmo 115, Cicatrices De Amor, Tu Santidad Me Envuelve, and Hijo De Amor ~ Alonso passed away in 2022
August 14, 1952 ~ Folk singer, songwriter John McCutcheon born in Wausau, Wisconsin, USA ~ Regarded a gifted storyteller and master of the hammered dulcimer. Also plays guitar, banjo, autoharp, fiddle. Known best for songs such as Christmas In The Trenches. Also known for a string of acclaimed children's albums in the 1990s. Over time, McCutcheon has moved from traditional folk to more heartland rock-influenced songs. McCutcheon has also collaborated with Trapezoid, the Washington Bach Consort, Si Kahn, and Tom Chapin
August 14, 1952 ~ Giuseppe Chierchia, commonly known as pop, Italo disco singer Pino D'Angiò, born in Pompei, Italy ~ Best known for his 1981 single Ma Quale Idea, a hit across continental Europe selling over 2 million copies and reaching the top 10 in Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and the No.1 spot in Spain. It has been suggested Chierchia took the bassline off McFadden & Whitehead's Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now, however, he has adamantly maintained he wrote the song independently with bassist Stefano Cerri. Chierchia would continue to record well into the 2000s, well known songs include Un Concerto Da Strapazzo, Fammi Un Panino, and Genoveffa. In 1990, Chierchia teamed up with Bruno Sanchioni under the moniker Age Of Love, known for their hit of the same name, considered one of the first international trance hits. In 2024, a few months before his death, Chierchia guested on punk pop outfit Bnkr44's Ma Che Idea, a remake of his signature song Ma Quale Idea ~ Chierchia passed away in 2024
August 14, 1951 ~ Avant-garde rock, experimental rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Peter Blegvad born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of avant-pop unit Slap Happy, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Acnalbasac Noom and Casablanca Moon. The band also collaborated with Henry Cow on the mid-1970s albums Desperate Straights and its successor In Praise Of Learning. Blegvad has also appeared on albums by John Greaves, National Health, John Zorn, the Golden Palominos, the Lodge, and Andy Partridge, and has recorded over half a dozen solo albums starting with Kew Rhone released in 1977. Outside music circles, Blegvad is best known as a cartoonist, especially known for his strangely surreal comic strip Leviathan which ran in the Independent for most of the 1990s
August 14, 1948 ~ Keyboardist Terry Adams born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Co-founded NRBQ in 1965. The band can count numerous artists among its fans including Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Keith Richards, Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian, and Dave Edmunds. Adams has also formed the Rock & Roll Quartet and recorded as a solo artist, notably the jazz album Terrible released in 1995
August 14, 1947 ~ Folk rock singer, percussionist, banjoist Maddy Prior, full name Madelaine Edith Prior, born in Blackpool, UK ~ One of the leading female vocalists of British folk, folk rock to come out of the 1970s alongside Shirley Collins and Sandy Denny. Co-founding member, lead singer of Steeleye Span, with whom she recorded over a dozen albums including the acclaimed Below The Salt and Parcel Of Rogues. Prior also teamed up with June Tabor, recording two albums under the monniker Silly Sisters, and guested on albums by the Albion Band, Martin Carthy (Shearwater), Jack The Lad, Michael Chapman, Ralph McTell (Streets), Jethro Tull, the Mandalaband (The Eye Of Wendor), and Mike Oldfield
August 14, 1946 ~ Composer Bjørn Kruse, full name Bjørn Howard Kruse, born in London, UK ~ Composed over 150 works, including chamber music, choral music, orchestral works, and operas. Best known for the opera The Green Knight, which premiered in Kristiansand, Norway, in 2004. To pop audiences, Kruse is perhaps best known as a member of vocal group the Bendik Singers, which also included his brother Philip Kruse. The group would represent their native Norway at the 1973 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 7th place with It's Just A Game. Kruse is also an author and professor of composition at the Norwegian Academy of Music, Oslo, Norway
August 14, 1946 ~ Funk, soul, R&B bassist, singer Larry Graham born in Beaumont, Texas, USA ~ Member of Sly & the Family Stone from 1966 through 1972 including on the quintessential albums Dance To The Music, Stand and There's A Riot Goin' On. Graham subsequently founded and fronted the exuberant 1970s funk outfit Graham Central Station with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Release Yourself. Said to have pioneered the use of slap-pop playing on the electric bass adding rhythmic and percussive effects, a style which has become archetypal of modern funk and since used by artists such as Bootsy Collins, Bernard Edwards, Louis Johnson, Mark King, Keni Burke, and Victor Wooten. Graham also notably collaborated with Betty Davis in the mid-1970s, and toured and recorded with Prince in the late-1990s
August 14, 1946 ~ Vivian Neville Jackson, commonly known as reggae singer, producer Yabby You, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ As a recording artist best known for his 1972 single Conquering Lion off his debut album of the same name, which earned him his nickname “Yabby You” taken from the song's lyrics: “Be-you, yabby-yabby-you”. Although Jackson would continue to release material as a singer, notably the mid-1970s albums Chant Down Babylon Kingdom and Deliver Me From My Enemies, he would become best known as a producer working with both upcoming and established artists including Wayne Wade, Michael Rose, Tommy McCook, Michael Prophet, Big Youth, Trinity, Dillinger, and Tapper Zukie. Jackson's productions would usually feature dominant basslines, aided by organs, horns, and soaring harmonies to create a meditative, spiritual atmosphere. When performing as a singer, Jackson would usually do so with crutches as he had been suffering from severe arthritis and crippled legs since his teens ~ Jackson passed away in 2010
August 14, 1943 ~ Jazz, rock, pop pianist, singer Ben Sidran, full name Ben Hirsh Sidran, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of early-1960s outfit the Ardells, which also included Steve Miller and Boz Scaggs. Has rejoined Miller on several occasions, most notably from the late-1960s onwards as member of the Steve Miller Band. Recorded as a leader since the early-1970s. Has also worked with artists such as Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, Peter Frampton, Charlie Watts, Clémentine, Aya Matsuura, Jon Hendricks, Van Morrison, Paul Pena, and Jorge Drexler
August 14, 1942 ~ Frank Seals, commonly known as electric blues guitarist Son Seals born in Osceola, Arkansas, USA ~ Started performing professionally at age 13, serving as drummer with Robert Nighthawk. Later switched to guitar. Has worked with Albert King, Rufus Thomas, Junior Parker, Rosco Gordon. Debuted in 1973 with his solo album, The Son Seals Blues Band, after being spotted by Alligator Records' Bruce Iglauer. Has recorded steadily to crtical acclaim and a dedicated fan base since. The jam band Phish would cover his Funky Bitch and on occasion would have Seals join them on-stage ~ Seals passed away in 2004
August 14, 1941 ~ Constance June Meador, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Connie Smith born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Influential on future female country singers. Praised for her contralto singing voice, her vocal delivery often compared to Patsy Cline. Held in the highest regards by peers including George Jones, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton. Debuted in 1963 with the single Once A Day, which would reach top position on the Billboard Country charts. Other well known songs include Nobody But A Fool Would Love You, Ain't Had No Lovin', Cincinnati Ohio, Just One Time and Just For What I Am
August 14, 1941 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter David Crosby, full name David Van Cortlandt Crosby, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of Crosby Stills & Nash, a pivotal group emerging from the 1960s and noted especially for their harmonies. The trio would on occasion be joined by guitarist Neil Young, including on the seminal 1970 Déjà Vu album for which Crosby wrote Almost Cut My Hair and Déjà Vu. Also a member of the Byrds, for whom he wrote or co-wrote songs such as Lady Friend, Why and Eight Miles High. Recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with If I Could Only Remember My Name released in 1971. Formed CPR with guitarist Jeff Pevar and his son James Raymond ~ Crosby passed away in 2023
August 14, 1937 ~ Jazz drummer Jimmy Wormworth, full name James Edward Wormworth III, born in Utica, New York, USA ~ Son of jazz drummer, pianist James Wormworth II. Father of drummer James Wormworth and bassist Tracy Wormworth. Leader and sideman. Worked with Nellie Lutcher, Les Jazz Modes, Lou Donaldson, Phineas Newborn Jr, Mal Waldron, Lambert Hendricks & Ross, Jon Hendricks, Al Haig, JR Monterose, Allen Eager, Hod O'Brien, Annie Ross, Tardo Hammer, Charles Davis, John Marshall, Julius Watkins, Charlie Rouse, Stephanie Nakasian, Gil Coggins, Joe Haider, and others
August 14, 1937 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Terry Evans born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by Elmore James, Little Walter, Albert King, BB King. Songs Evans wrote were recorded by Pops Staples and by Louis Jordan. Collaborated with artists such as Ry Cooder, Bobby King, John Fogerty, Eric Clapton, Joan Armatrading, John Lee Hooker, Boz Scaggs, Maria Muldaur and by Hans Theessink ~ Evans passed away in 2018
August 14, 1935 ~ Singer Bing Crosby, backed by the Dorsey Brothers, records I Wished On The Moon ~ Written by Ralph Rainger and Dorothy Parker. Introduced in the 1936 musical The Big Broadcast Of 1936. Crosby's single would peak at No.2. Other successful recordings the same year were done by Teddy Wilson featuring Billie Holiday, Ray Noble featuring Al Bowlly, Jack Little, and Ruth Etting
August 14, 1930 ~ Jazz pianist, vibraphonist, composer, arranger Eddie Costa born in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Known for a percussive, driving piano style. Appeared on over a 100 albums during an eight-year career, cut short by a car accident at age 31. Played under bandleaders including Manny Albam, Gil Evans, Woody Herman, Tal Farlow, Coleman Hawkins, Gunther Schuller, Phil Woods, and others. Accompanied singers such as Tony Bennett and Chris Connor. Recorded five albums as a leader, starting in 1956 with Eddie Costa Vinnie Burke Trio with bassist Vinnie Burke and drummer Nick Stabulas ~ Costa passed away in 1962
August 14, 1929 ~ Dolores Alexandria Turner, commonly known as jazz, gospel singer Lorez Alexandria, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Drew comparisons to Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald. Described as one of the most gifted and underrated jazz singers of the 20th century. Backed by musicians such as King Fleming, Paul Serrano, Cy Touff, Ramsey Lewis, Howard McGhee, Wynton Kelly, Paul Horn, Bud Shank, Victor Feldman, Ray Crawford, Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb, Gildo Mahones, Herman Riley, Andy Simpkins, Carl Burnett, Gordon Brisker, Houston Person, Bruce Forman, Stan Hope, Peter Weis, Michael Carvin, and others ~ Turner passed away in 2001
August 14, 1928 ~ Violinist, conductor Anshel Brusilow born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with the New Orleans Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philadelphia Chamber Orhcestra, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra ~ Brusilow passed away in 2018
August 14, 1925 ~ Keyboardist Paul Beaver, full name Paul Henry Beaver Jr, born in Columbiana, Ohio, USA ~ Pioneering electronic musician. Closely associated with Bernie Krause, recording under the moniker Beaver & Krause. Has also played the Moog synthesizer on songs such as the Monkees' Star Collector and the Byrds' Goin' Back. Member of Scientology and a right-wing Republican ~ Beaver passed away in 1975
August 14, 1924 ~ Folk singer, guitarist Rolf Cahn born ~ As a child fled Nazi-led Germany with his family. As a singer known for a number of 1950s recordings, notably the album California Folk Concert With Rolf Cahn released in 1959. Also known as co-founder of The Cabale, an early-1960s folk club in Berkeley noted for featuring performers such as Mississippi John Hurt, Jesse Fuller, Lightnin' Hopkins and the Chamber Brothers ~ Cahn passed away in 1994
August 14, 1913 ~ Conductor, violinist Frank Pourcel, full name Franck Marius Louis Pourcel, born in Marseille, France ~ Recorded some 250 albums, over 3000 songs and conducted numerous famous orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Orchestra, and the Lamoureux Orchestra. To pop audiences best known for his 1956 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Only You, a cover of the Platters-classic. Co-wrote and first recorded the instumental Chariot, which would notably be covered by Little Peggy March with English lyrics added and retitled to I Will Follow Him ~ Pourcel passed away in 2000
August 14, 1911 ~ Nunzio Mondello, commonly known as alto saxophonist Toots Mondello born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Played with Mal Hallett, Irving Aaronson, Joe Haymes, Buddy Rogers, Ray Noble, Phil Harris, Benny Goodman, Chick Bullock, Bunny Berigan, Miff Mole, Claude Thornhill, Larry Clinton, Teddy Wilson, Louis Armstrong, and Lionel Hampton ~ Mondello passed away in 1992
August 14, 1909 ~ Hezekiah Leroy Gordon Smith, commonly known as jazz violinist Stuff Smith, born in Portsmouth, Ohio, USA ~ Regarded as one of the leading jazz violinists of the swing era, considered by some as a bridge between swing and bebop. Best known for penning and first recording If You're A Viper with his the Onyx Boys featuring Jonah Jones as lead vocalist, one of the most covered songs about marijuana. Has worked with Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Stéphane Grappelli, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and others ~ Smith passed away in 1967