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, 2020 ~ Guitarist, lutenist Julian Bream, full name Julian Alexander Bream, passed away in Donhead St Andrews, UK ~ Revered classical guitar virtuoso. Helped revive interest in the lute ~ Bream was born in 1933
August 14, 2020 ~ Rock, hard rock, heavy metal bassist Pete Way, full name Peter Frederick Way, passed away ~ best known as bassist of UFO from 1968 through 1982, rejoining on occassion in later years. Has also worked with Waysted, Fastway, Michael Schenker, Ozzy Osbourne, the Plot, and others ~ Way was born in 1951
August 14, 2018 ~ Jill Janiszweski, commonly known as heavy metal, hard rock singer Jill Janus, passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Cited Ann Wilson and Freddie Mercury as major influences. Worked with Vexy Strut, Huntress, Amon Amarth, the Starbreakers, the Chelsea Girls, and others ~ Janus was born in 1975
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, 2016 ~ Nelson J Chu, commonly known as Christian hip-hop singer DJ Official, passed away ~ Member of Christian hip-hop groups 116 Clique and the Cross Movement. Released his sole solo album, Entermission, in 2009 ~ Chu was born in 1976
August 14, 2016 ~ Industrial rock keyboardist James Woolley, full name James Joseph Woolley, passed away ~ Best known for his association with industrial metal outfit Nine Inch Nails from the early to mid-1990s, notably during the 1991 Lollapalooza tour. Has also worked with Sister Machine Gun, Rob Halford and Die Warzau ~ Woolley was born in 1966
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 Gonzalez, 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, Cedar Walton, and others ~ 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 anbd 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, 2002 ~ Singer Dave Williams, full name David Wayne Williams, passed away ~ Best known as original lead singer of nu metal band Drowning Pool ~ Williams was born in 1972
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, 1992 ~ Samuel E Williams, commonly known as singer Tony Williams passed away ~ Lead singer of the Platters from 1953 through 1960, including on some of the band's best-known such as Only You And You Alone, The Great Pretender, You've Got The Magic Touch and My Prayer ~ Williams was born in 1928
August 14, 1990 ~ Jazz double bassist, tubist Chester Zardis passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Played professionally since his teens, joining Buddy Petit's orchestra at age 16. Has also worked with Kid Rena, AJ Piron, Punch Miller, Kid Howard, Jack Carey, Fate Marable, Harold Dejan, Fats Pichon, Count Basie, George Lewis, Bunk Johnson, Percy Humphrey, and others ~ Zardis was born in 1900
August 14, 1990 ~ Blues, jazz pianist, organist, singer, composer Lafayette Leake passed away ~ Member of the Big Three Trio, replacing Leonard Castron in the early-1950s. Backs Chuck Berry on numerous recordings, including the albums One Dozen Berrys and Chuck Berry Is On Top and on the original versions of Rock & Roll Music and Johnny B Goode. Session musician for Chess Records. Worked with Sonny Boy Williamson II, Otis Rush, Junior Wells, Little Walter, Willie Dixon, the Chicago Blues All-Stars, Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, Magic Sam, and others ~ Leake was born in 1919
August 14, 1989 ~ Jazz double bassist, clarinetist Donald Garrett, full name Donald Rafael Garrett, passed away in Champaign, Illinois, USA ~ Married to singer, cellist Kali Fasteau, with whom he formed the Sea Ensemble. Also worked with Ira Sullivan, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Eddie Harris, Muhal Richard Abrams, John Coltrane, Dewey Redman, Archie Shepp, Frank Wright, Jean-Luc Ponty, Oliver Johnson, Noah Howard, Joseph Jarman, Famoudou Don Moye, Billy Bang, Kahil El-Zabar, Paul Serrano, and others ~ 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 ~ Never became a household name but held in the highest regard by peers and critics. Influential on Jimi Hendrix, Danny Gatton, Jerry Garcia, Nils Lofgren, Jeff Beck, the latter dedicating his Cause We've Ended As Love to Buchanan. Playing professionally since his teens, backing Johnny Otis at a mere age 15. Played on Dale Hawkins's My Babe. Member of Ronnie Hawkins's rock & roll unit the Hawks where he mentored Robbie Buchanan. As a solo artist actively recording since the early 1970s, noted in particular for his eponymous 1972 Roy Buchanan album and the 1975 Live Stock live album ~ 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 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, 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, 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, Annika Herlitz, and others. Has also composed for film and TV, perhaps most notably for the Netflix series Greenhouse Academy
August 14, 1978 ~ Giuseppe Venuti, commonly known as violinist, composer Joe Venuti, passed away in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Pioneered the use of the violin in jazz. Active since the late-1920s, often in partnership with guitarist and childhood friend Eddie Lang. Has also worked with Jean Goldkette, Red Nichols, Frankie Trumbauer, Benny Goodman, Adrian Rollini, Paul Whiteman, Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey, Bing Crosby, Bix Beiderbecke, Jack Teagarden, Frank Signorelli, the Boswell Sisters, and others ~ Venuti was born in 1903
August 14, 1977 ~ Singer, songwriter Ed Harcourt born in Wimbledon, UK ~ Worked with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Paloma Faith, Marianne Faithfull, the Libertines, and others
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 Dancing, 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 occassion drummed with Arab Strap and Gruff Rhys
August 14, 1969 ~ Eustace Hamilton, commonly known as reggae singer, songwriter Thriller U, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Known for songs such as I'll Prove It To You, My Love, Careless Whisper, I Wanna Sex You Up, Every Little Step, Where Would I Go and Crazy
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 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 ~ Heavy metal, sludge metal singer, saxophonist Karl Agell born in Montreal, Canada ~ Best known as lead singer of Corrosion Of Conformity from 1989 through 1993. Founding member of Leadfoot
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, 1964 ~ Composer, conductor James Roy Horner born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Wrote over 100 film scores including The Lady In Red, Star Trek II (The Wrath Of Khan) and of Titanic ~ Horner passed away in 2015
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, 1963 ~ Guitarist, singer Kjartan Kristiansen born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Co-founding member of the DumDum Boys, one of the leading rock bands in Norway during the late 1980s and 1990s known best for their 1989 Splitter Pine hit single
August 14, 1962 ~ Jazz trombonist Harry White, full name Harry Alexander White, passed away ~ Worked with Duke Ellington, Elmer Snowden, Claude Hopkins, Luis Russell, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Cab Calloway, Don Kirkpatrick, Manzie Johnson, Hot Lips Page, Edgar Hayes, Bud Freeman, and others ~ White was born in 1898
August 14, 1962 ~ Jazz trombonist Harry White, full name Harry Alexander White, born ~ Leader and sideman. Founded and led the mid- to late 1920s the White Brothers Orchestra. Member of the Mills Blue Rhythm Band during the early 1930s. Has also worked with Duke Ellington, Elmer Snowden, Claude Hopkins, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, 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, 1961 ~ Rock, alternative rock guitarist, singer Maciej Malenczuk, full name Miroslaw Maciej Malenczuk, born in Wojcieszow, Poland ~ Frontman of Püdelsi and Homo Twist. Has also worked with Behemoth and served as a judge on the Polish edition of the Idols talent contest. Internationally best known for his hit song Vladimir, which went viral in 2018
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, 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, Ministry, and others
August 14, 1958 ~ Pop rock, progressive rock singer, guitarist Claudio Venturini, full name Luis Claudio Venturini, born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil ~ Lead singer of 14 Bis. Co-wrote some of the band's best-known including Mesmo De Brincadeira, Xadres Chines, Sonhado O Futuro and Cancoes De Guerra
August 14, 1956 ~ Eugen Berthold Friedrick Brecht, commonly known as playwright, poet, lyricist Bertolt Brecht, passed away in East Berlin, East Germany ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing The Threepenny Opera with Kurt Weill ~ Brecht was born in 1898
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 ~ Folk singer, songwriter John McCutcheon born in Wausau, Wisconsin, USA ~ Regarded as 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 has moved from traditional folk to more heartland rock-influenced songs. Collaborated with Trapezoid, the Washington Bach Consort, Si Kahn, Tom Chapin, and others.
August 14, 1949 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion keyboardist Mikio Masuda born in Osaka, Japan ~ Worked with Motohiko Hino, Shunzo Ohno, Terumasa Hino, Kosuke Mine, Hidefumi Toki, Takao Uematsu, Hiroshi Murakami, Kazemasa Akiyama, Kazumi Watanabe, Eri Ono, Ron Carter, Lewis Nash, Grady Tate, Chie Ayado, and others
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, 1946 ~ Bassist 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 Going On. Founded and fronted Graham Central Station. 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, Victor Wooten, and others. Graham has also collaborated with Betty Davis in the mid-1970s and toured and recorded with Prince in the late 1990s
August 14, 1946 ~ Vivian Jackson, commonly known as reggae singer, producer Yabby You, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known for his 1972 single Conquering Lion. Has worked with Wayne Wade, Michael Rose, Tommy McCook, Michael Prophet, Big Youth, Trinity, Dillinger, Tapper Zukie, and others ~ 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, Jorge Drexler, and others
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 occassion be joined by guitarist Neil Young, including on the seminal 1970 Déjà Vu album for which Crosby wrote Almost Cut My Hair and Deja 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, 1938 ~ Darrel George Crofts, commonly known as folk pop, soft rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Dash Crofts born in Cisco, Texas, USA ~ Member of the Champs. Best known for forming the duo Seals & Crofts with Jim Seals, scoring the 1970s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Summer Breeze, Diamond Girl and Get Closer
August 14, 1937 ~ Jazz singer Barbara Jay born ~ Worked with Ronnie Scott, Don Lusher, Horace Silver, Pharoah Sanders, George Chisholm, Dave Holland, Jon Hendricks, Benny Goodman, with her husband Tommy Whittle, and with others
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, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ 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 born in Marseille, France ~ Recorded some 250 albums, over 3000 songs and conducted numerous famous orchestras ~ 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