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, and Annika Herlitz. Has also composed for film and TV, perhaps most notably for the Netflix series Greenhouse Academy
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, 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, 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, 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 respectively in 2001. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Steve Yeager, Linda Dachtyl, Pete Mills, Nancy Wright, and Pat Martino
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 ~ 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, 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 Goin' 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, 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, 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, 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