August 16, 2024 ~ Robert Caldwell Hicks, commonly known as bluegrass banjoist, mandolinist, fiddler Bobby Hicks, passed away ~ Member of Bill Monroe's quintessential unit the Blue Grass Boys for most of the 1950s, rejoining on occasion in later years. Hicks backed Porter Wagoner in the early-1960s, and subsequently served as bandleader for Judy Lynn through 1970. Also closely associated with Ricky Skaggs, with whom he played for some two decades including on the albums Sweet Temptation, Highways & Heartaches, and Country Boy. Regarded as one of the finest fiddlers, once cited by Monroe as “the truest fiddler he had ever heard”, Hicks has recorded as a solo artist, notably Texas Crapshooter released in 1977, and was an in-demand collaborator and sideman present on recordings by Doyle Lawson, Kenny Baker, Michael Martin Murphey, Tony Rice (Cold On The Shoulder), the Lost And Found, the Bluegrass Album Band, David Grisman, the Seldom Scene, the Reno Brothers, Rhonda Vincent, Herschel Sizemore, and Eddie Adcock ~ Hicks was born in 1933
August 16, 2024 ~ Pianist, arranger, conductor, producer Charles Blackwell, full name Charles Vincent Blackwell, passed away ~ Closely associated with producer Joe Meek, under whose guidance Blackwell became one of the most prolific studio arrangers and producers of the 1960s and 1970s. Notable credits include serving in one capacity or another on hit songs such as Johnny Remember Me by John Leyton, What's New Pussycat and I'll Never Fall In Love Again by Tom Jones, and Release Me and A Man Without Love by Engelbert Humperdinck. Blackwell also regularly arranged and conducted studio recordings for francophone artists including Art Sullivan, Michel Polnareff, and Françoise Hardy (Je Veux Qu'il Revienne). In 2005, Blackwell was commissioned by the European Council to orchestrate and conduct a new recording of Anthem Of Europe, adapted from Ludwig van Beethoven's Ode To Joy, with a 70-man orchestra which is played at every sitting of the European Parliament ~ Blackwell was born in 1940
August 16, 2024 ~ Kent Rowell, commonly known as blues singer Luther Kent, passed away ~ Influenced by Bobby Blue Bland, Etta James, and Ray Charles. Longtime resident of Baton Rouge, powerhouse vocalist Kent would become a fixture in southern Louisiana where he attracted a large following through frequently performing at dance halls and festivals, including repeatedly at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Outside his home state, he was best known for briefly joining Blood Sweat & Tears, touring with the band in 1974 yet contractual obligations kept him from recording with the group. Kent has recorded half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with World Class in 1977, and has guested on albums by Maynard Ferguson, the Forever Fabulous Chickenhawks, Robi Zonca, and Rue De Funk. Kent is also known as a host for WBRH, an FM station operated by students at the Baton Rouge High School ~ Rowell was born in 1948
August 16, 2023 ~ Label executive Jerry Moss, full name Jerome S Moss, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founded A&M Records in 1962 with trumpeter, bandleader Herb Alpert. The label's stable of artists included acts such as Sérgio Mendes, the Carpenters, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Captain & Tennille, Rita Coolidge, Wes Montgomery, Toni Basil, Joan Baez, Phil Ochs, Billy Preston, Cat Stevens, Joe Cocker, Procol Harum, Carole King, Styx, Supertramp, Joan Armatrading, Squeeze, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Janet Jackson, the Police, Sting, Atlantic Starr, Human League, and Joe Jackson. Moss and Alpert sold the label to Polygram Records in 1989 and continued to manage the company until 1993 ~ Moss was born in 1935
August 16, 2023 ~ Operatic soprano, director, voice teacher Renata Scotto passed away in Savona, Italy ~ Regarded as one of the premier opera singers of her generation. During the 1960s became one of the leading singers of the belcanto revival, a movement ushered in by Maria Callas in the 1950s. Known for roles in Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata at La Scala, and Giacomo Puccini's Madame Butterfly at the Metropolitan Opera. As a voice teacher coached singers such as Renée Fleming, Anna Netrebko, and Deborah Voigt. Married to violinist Lorenzo Anselmi, who would become her manager, from 1960 until his death in 2021. The couple would raise a son and a daughter ~ Scotto was born in 1934
August 16, 2022 ~ David Raskin, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Kal David, passed away ~ Got his stage name fronting the neighborhood band Kal David & the Exceptions in the early-1960s. The band also included Peter Cetera of future Chicago-fame and Marty Grebb who would later play for the Buckinghams. Formed the duo the Rovin' Kind with future Poco-guitarist Paul Cotton. Fronted the 1970s outfit the Fabulous Rhinestones, known for the acclaimed albums The Fabulous Rhinestones, Freewheelin' and Rhinestones. Would go on to back artists such as Etta James, Johnny Rivers and John Mayall, and record as a solo artist, often accompanied by his wife singer Lauri Bono ~ Raskin was born in 1943
August 16, 2022 ~ Operatic baritone Matti Lehtinen passed away in Helsinki, Finland ~ Associated with the Cologne Opera from 1952 through 1955. Freelanced in opera, oratorio and lieder until 1963 before returning to his previous position at the Finnish National Opera, where over the years he appeared in over 60 operatic roles ~ Lehtinen was born in 1922
August 16, 2022 ~ Ricardo Capuano, commonly known as pop rock singer, guitarist Rico, passed away in Govan, UK ~ Member of 1990s outfit Perfect World. Released his solo debut album, Sanctuary Medicines, in 1999. Best known for guesting on Crazier, a 2003 UK top 20 hit with regular collaborator Gary Numan ~ Capuano was born in 1971
August 16, 2019 ~ Country singer Tanya Tucker releases Bring My Flowers Now, lifted off her While I'm Livin' album ~ The song served as a reminder to show appreciation for loved ones while you still have the chance. As Tucker would later explain: “This song came from my heart. It's about showing love for the ones we have now before they are gone.” Written by Tanya Tucker and Brandi Carlile for Tucker's first album of original material in seventeen years and the first to reach Billboard Country top 10 since 1991's What Do I Do With Me. Carlile had been a longtime fan of Tucker's and jumped at the chance to work with her, co-writing all of the songs on the album. Bring My Flowers Now would be warmly received by critics and earned Tucker Grammy Award nominations for Song of the Year, Best Country Solo Performance, and Best Country Song. Somehow, however, it charted poorly, spending only one week on the Billboard Country charts at No.47
August 16, 2018 ~ Singer Aretha Franklin passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Undisputed Queen of Soul. Had no less than eighty-eight singles hit the US singles charts starting in 1955 including hits such as RESPECT, Chain Of Fools, Think, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You, I Say A Little Prayer, Rock Steady, Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do), Chain Of Fools, Day Dreaming, and Who's Zoomin' Who ~ Franklin was born in 1942
August 16, 2008 ~ Singer, songwriter, actor, painter Dorival Caymmi passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Father of singers Nana Caymmi, Dori Caymmi, Danilo Caymmi. Helped birth Brazil's bossa nova movement. Best known for songs such as Samba Da Minha Terra, Dorlice, Saudade Da Bahia, Promessa De Pescador and Milagre, considered staples of modern Brazilian music and popular to this day ~ Caymmi was born in 1914
August 16, 2008 ~ Ska, rocksteady, reggae trumpeter Johnny Moore, full name John Arlington Moore, passed away ~ Following a stint in the Army, including playing in the Jamaica Military Band, has worked with the Mapletof Poulle Orchestra and Eric Dean, dismissed from the latter's band for growing dreadlocks. Would go on to session for Count Ossie and play with band the Cavaliers, alongside Jackie Mittoo, Lloyd Brevet and others. The studio band would evolve into the pivotal ska, rocksteady unit the Skatalites. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the Soul Vendors, Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Lee Scratch Perry, the Jamaica All-Stars, and others ~ Moore was born in 1938
August 16, 2007 ~ Drummer Max Roach, full name Maxwell Lemuel Roach, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Pioneering bop, bebop percussionist active since the 1940s. Closely associated with Clifford Brown. Over 50 albums to his name as a leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for the albums Jazz At Massey Hall, Max Roach Plus Four, and Deeds Not Words. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk (The Genius Of Modern Music Vol.1), Dizzy Gillespie (In Paris), Al Cohn, Dinah Washington (Dinah Jams), Charles Mingus (Mingus At The Bohemia), the Modern Jazz Quartet, Sonny Rollins (Saxophone Colossus), Miles Davis (Birth Of The Cool), Booker Little, Dexter Gordon (Dexter Rides Again), Thad Jones (The Fabulous Thad Jones), George Russell, Stanley Turrentine, Eric Dolphy, JJ Johnson, Ray Charles, and Ronnie Cuber ~ Roach was born in 1924
August 16, 2005 ~ Fiddler Vassar Clements, full name Vassar Carlton Clements, passed away ~ Dubbed “the Father of Hillbilly Jazz,” drawing from swing, jazz, bluegrass, and country. Besides fiddle also masters the cello, double bass, mandolin, banjo, and guitar. Backed Bill Monroe from the late-1940s through the mid-1950s. Would go on to work with the likes of Jim & Jesse, Flatt & Scruggs, and Faron Young. Notably present on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's seminal 1972 Will The Circle Be Unbroken album. Has also worked with the Grateful Dead, Jimmy Buffett, Old & In The Way, Linda Ronstadt, and Paul McCartney. In total Clements has appeared on over an estimated 200 albums ~ Clements was born in 1928
August 16, 2003 ~ Keyboardist, arranger, composer Andrew Pryce Jackman passed away ~ Member of mid-1960s rock outfit the Syn. Best known for arranging and conducting a series Classic Rock albums with the London Symphony Orchestra. Has also worked as arranger for the likes of Peter Skellern, the English Congregation, Rush, Barclay James Harvest, and Yes ~ Jackman was born in 1946
August 16, 2002 ~ Folk singer, banjoist, songwriter Ola Belle Reed passed away ~ Formed the New River Boys & Girls with her brother Alex Campbell, known for songs such as Indecision, I Threw Away The Key, and You Led Me To The Wrong. Several songs written by Reed would become classics of the genre, perhaps most notably High On A Mountain recorded by Del McCoury, Hot Rize, Tim O'Brien, Marty Stuart, and others ~ Reed was born in 1916
August 16, 1997 ~ Pervez Fateh Ali Khan, commonly known as singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, passed away in London, UK ~ Dubbed “the King of Kings of Qawwali”, widely credited with bringing qawwali music, a form of Sufi devotional music, to international adiences. Signed by the British label Oriental Star Agencies, his powerful vocal presentations brought forth a craze for his music all over Europe. Recorded well over two dozen albums since the mid-1970s, especially noted for 1990's Mustt Mustt and Devotional Songs released a year before his death at age 48. Artists such as Jeff Buckley, Peter Gabriel, Eddie Vedder, and Joan Osborne have cited Khan as an influence ~ Khan was born in 1948
August 16, 1995 ~ R&B, soul singer, keyboardist, songwriter Bobby DeBarge, full name Robert Louis DeBarge Jr, passed away in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Lead singer for Switch, known best for their 1978 eponymous Switch sophomore album which spawned the Billboard R&B top 10 hit There'll Never Be. Other well known songs include Best Beat In Town, I Call Your Name, and Love Over And Over Again. Co-produced DeBarge's 1981 The DeBarges debut album, joining the family outfit as a full member in 1987 for their fifth and final album Bad Boys. In later years DeBarge would struggle with personal problems, including substance abuse, seriously hindering his career. Passed away at age 39 of AIDS-related complications shortly after releasing It's Not Over, his sole solo album ~ DeBarge was born in 1956
August 16, 1992 ~ Folk rock, CCM singer, guitarist Mark Heard, full name John Mark Heard III, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Acknowledged as a poetic songwriter displaying an honesty to the human condition uncommon in CCM, Heard has recorded over half a dozen albums prior to his death at age 40, following a heart attack on stage. Especially acclaimed for his 1982 Victims Of The Age album and Dry Bones Dance released eight years later. A valued sideman, collaborator, and occasional producer, Heard is also present on albums by Larry Norman, Phil Keaggy, Olivia Newton-John, Randy Stonehill (Return To Paradise), and Pierce Pettis ~ Heard was born in 1951
August 16, 1991 ~ Rock band Van Halen kick off their For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Tour, often abbreviated as The FUCK Tour, at the Coca-Cola Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta, Georgia ~ In support of their For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge album, the band play 99 shows across North America through the end of May. The tour included concerts in Hawaii and Mexico, places they rarely visited. At the two Fresno, California, shows the band filmed and recorded material for the live double album and VHS Right Here Right Now, released in 1993. Opening act Alice In Chains would miss the December 2 concert in Memphis as the band's guitarist Jerry Cantrell was a no-show. He had been on a hunting trip, and erroneously thinking the month November has 31 days Cantrell simply showed up too late
August 16, 1991 ~ Jeffery Lamar Williams, commonly known as hip hop, trap, mumble rap, progressive hip hop rapper Young Thug, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for his 2020 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Go Crazy featuring Chris Brown, Williams is considered one of the most influentual hip hop artists of his generation, noted for his eccentric vocal style and fashion sense. Actively recording since the early-2010s, a string of mixtapes and singles leading up to his full-length So Much Fun debut album in 2019
August 16, 1987 ~ Pop, dance-pop singer Tiffany releases I Think We're Alone Now, lifted off her eponymous Tiffany debut album ~ Originally a 1967 Billboard Hot 100 No.4 hit for Tommy James & the Shondells, Tiffany's cover would surpass the original. When it reached No.1, it replaced Billy Idol's Mony Mony, another cover of a Tommy James & the Shondells original. Tiffany was just 13 years old when she recorded her cover, and just 15 when she released the song. The parent album, her eponymous Tiffany debut, reached No.1 Billboard Hot 200 in 1988, making the then 16-year old singer the youngest female singer to top the albums chart
August 16, 1986 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Ashton Shepherd, full name Ashton Delilah Shepherd, born in Coffeeville, Alabama, USA ~ Known for Takin' Of This Pain and Sounds So Good of her 2008 Sounds So Good debut album and Look It Up of her 2011 Where Country Grows sophomore album
August 16, 1980 ~ Chris Moore, commonly known as hip-hop, alternative hip-hop rapper, producer Atari Blitzkrieg, born ~ In-demand collaborator. As a solo artist released his full-length Kick Punch Fight Rhyme debut album in 2009
August 16, 1977 ~ Singer Elvis Presley, full name Elvis Aaron Presley, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ One of the most important cultural icons of the 20th century. Discovered by Sam Phillips. Drew from pop, country, R&B, gospel. Known for songs such as Hound Dog, Don't Be Cruel, Love Me Tender, Too Much, All Shook Up, (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear, Jailhouse Rock, Don't, Hard Headed Woman, A Big Hunk O' Love, Stuck On You, It's Now Or Never, Suspicious Minds, and others ~ Presley was born in 1975
August 16, 1972 ~ Rock guitarist Erin Smith born ~ Formed all-female trio Bratmobile with singer Allison Wolfe and drummer Molly Neuman, spearheading the riot grrrl movement of the 1990s. The band is known for the albums Pottymouth, Ladies Women & Girls, and Girls Get Busy. During the band's hiatus Smith and Wolfe formed Cold Cold Hearts, known for their sole eponymous Cold Cold Hearts album released in 1997
August 16, 1969 ~ Singer, pianist, organist, songwriter, author David Zollo born in Iowa City, Iowa, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 2002 The Big Night album. In-demand sideman present on albums by Bo Ramsey, Dick Prall, Todd Snider (Viva Satellite), Dave Moore, Accident Clearinghouse, Brother Tucker, Patrick Brickel, the Pines, and Greg Brown
August 16, 1968 ~ Guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, programmer, producer, engineer, singer Dave Trumfio born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Formed the 1990s new wave outfit the Pulsars with his brother drummer Harry Trumfio. Has also played with Ashtray Boy, the Mekons, Sally Timms. As a producer and engineer has worked with Evil Beaver, Wilco, Alternative TV, the Young Marble Giants, the Pretty Things, OK Go, Patrick Park, the Aluminum Group, the Baldwin Brothers, Franklin Bruno, Built To Spill, the Jesus & Mary Chain, the Rentals, Papa Vs Pretty, and others
August 16, 1967 ~ Singer, songwriter, actor Donovan Leitch Jr born in London, UK ~ Son of 1960s singer Donovan. Member of hard rock band Camp Freddy. Member of neo-glam pop band Nancy Boy. The latter also included Jason Nesmith, son of the Monkees singer Michael Nesmith
August 16, 1965 ~ Schlager, pop singer, songwriter Jari Sillanpää, full name Jari Veikko Sillanpää, born in Ludvika, Sweden ~ Released his eponymous Jari Sillanpää in 1996. Internationally best known for representing Finland in the 2004 Eurovision Songfestival with Takes 2 To Tango, which reached 14th place
August 16, 1965 ~ Trumpeter Miles Davis releases his ESP album ~ The first release in a series of albums recorded with a line-up known as Davis's second great quintet, the trumpeter backed by saxophonist Wayne Shorter, pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Tony Williams. The album was named for its opening track, written by Shorter, a tune inspired by the fact that “since Shorter's arrival, the five members of the quintet seemed to communicate by mental telepathy.” The album would be the last bearing a photo of Davis's then-wife Frances Taylor-Davis on the cover, as the couple separated later that year due to Davis's ever more erratic behavior
August 16, 1962 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Ayub Bachchu born in Patiya, Bangladesh ~ Best known as founder, frontman, lead singer of LRB ~ Bachchu passed away in 2018
August 16, 1960 ~ Singer Brenda Lee records Emotions at Bradley Film & Recording Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Mel Tillis and Ramsey Kearney. Produced by Owen Bradley. Released the following December, paired with I'm Learning About Love on the flip side, the single would reach Billboard top 10
August 16, 1959 ~ Jazz leader saxophonist Ellery Eskelin born in Wichita, Kansas, USA ~ Over two dozens albums to his name as a leader. Closely associated with Andrea Parkins and Jim Black. In-demand sideman, has worked with Joey Baron, Mark Helias, Gerry Hemingway, Marc Ribot, David Liebman, Han Bennink, Sylvie Courvoisier, Bobby Previte, Daniel Humair, Open Loose, Bobby Previte, and others
August 16, 1958 ~ Madonna Louise Ciccone, mononymously known as pop singer, actress Madonna, born in Bay City, Michigan, USA ~ Pop icon of the video age, dubbed “the Queen of Pop” and one of the all-time best-selling artists. Has recorded well over a dozen albums, rising to world fame with a string of 1980s albums including the acclaimed Like A Virgin, True Blue, and Like A Prayer. Starred in over a dozen feature films, notably Desperately Seeking Susan, the bio-documentary Madonna (Truth Or Dare) chronicling her own behind the scenes life, and Evita. Has scored about three dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits over the course of her career, including the No.1 hits Like A Virgin, Papa Don't Preach, Who's That Girl, Vogue, Justify My Love, and Music
August 16, 1957 ~ Siblings the Everly Brothers record Wake Up Little Susie ~ Written by husband and wife team Boudleaux Bryant and Felice Bryant. Released the following September as a single, b/w I Wonder If I Care As Much, and included on the eponymous The Everly Brothers. Despite being banned by some radio stations for its at the time deemed inappropriate lyrics, telling of a boy and girl falling asleep at the movies and waking up way past her curfew, the song would go on to top the pop charts and become not only of the band's best known but also one of the era-defining songs
August 16, 1954 ~ Pop, rock, folk singer, guitarist, pianist Deborah Holland born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Rose to fame in the mid-1980s as lead singer of Animal Logic, which also included the Police's Stewart Copeland. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with 1994's Freudian Slip, and formed the folk trio the Refugees with Cindy Bullens and Wendy Waldman
August 16, 1953 ~ R&B, funk singer James JT Taylor born in Morristown, New Jersey, USA ~ Lead singer of Kool & the Gang from 1979 through 1988, rejoining in 1995. Present on some of the band's best known including Ladies Night, Too Hot, Celebration, Get Down On It, Joanna, Fresh and Cherish
August 16, 1953 ~ Miroslav Aleksic, commonly known as rock bassist, singer Misa Aleksic, born in Belgrade, FPR Yugoslavia ~ Influenced by Grand Funk Railroad, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin. Co-founded Riblja Corba in 1978 with Bora Dordevic, considered one of the most important and influential Yugoslavian rock acts ~ Aleksic passed away in 2020
August 16, 1951 ~ Blues, folk-blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Eric Bibb, full name Eric Charles Bibb, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Folk and world music-influenced blues guitarist recording since the early-1970s. Best known for a number of 1990s, 2000s acclaimed albums featuring high-profile collaborators including Mavis Staples, Taj Mahal, Odetta, Guy Davis, Charlie Musselwhite, and others
August 16, 1950 ~ Jazz drummer Alvin Queen born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Has been playing professionally since age 16. Has worked with Ruth Brown, Don Pullen, Wild Bill Davis, Benny Green, Tiny Grimes, Billy Cobham, Horace Silver, George Benson, Charles Tolliver, Michael Brecker, Kenny Drew, Oscar Peterson, Bennie Wallace, Dusko Gojkovic, Johnny Griffin, George Coleman, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Horace Parlan, and John Hicks
August 16, 1949 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Bill Spooner, also known as William Sputnik Spooner, born in Phoenix, Arkansas, USA ~ Co-founded the Tubes, best known for their 1983 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit She's A Beauty of their Outside Inside album. The song was co-written by Toto's Steve Lukather
August 16, 1948 ~ Singer Barry Hay, full name Barry Andrew Hay, born in Faisabad, India ~ Frontman of the Golden Earring, active from 1961 through 2021. The band is regarded as one of the most successful Dutch bands especially acclaimed for their energetic live shows. Well known songs include Dong-dong-diki-digi-dong, Another 45 Miles, She Flies On Strange Wings, Bombay, Long Blond Animal, Twilight Zone, The Devil Made Me Do It, Candy's Going Bad, When The Lady Smiles, Going To The Run. Internationally best known for Radar Love, which reached Billboard Hot 100 top 20 in 1974
August 16, 1948 ~ Bassist Joey Spampinato born in New York, New York, USA ~ Married to singer, trumpeter Kami Lyle. Previously married to country singer Skeeter Davis. Best known as co-founding member, co-lead singer, songwriter for NRBQ, a band known for their energetic brand of rock & roll drawing from country, jazz, pop and rockabilly and especially acclaimed for the albums At Yankee Stadium, Kick Me Hard, and Tiddlywinks. In-demand guest, appearing on albums such as Keith Richards' Talk Is Cheap, Eric Clapton's 24 Nights, Bonnie Raitt's Fundamental
August 16, 1948 ~ Victor Hayden, commonly known as clarinetist, painter, producer the Mascara Snake, born ~ Cousin of Captain Beefheart. Appeared on Beefheart's 1968 LP Trout Mask Replica. Co-founded Alchemy Records. Served as A&R director for Pig Records. Also produced for Ever Rat Records and Subcore Records ~ Hayden passed away in 2018
August 16, 1945 ~ Chanson, pop, disco singer Annie Chancelll, born in Créteil, France ~ Scored numerous hits in her native France during the 1960s and 1970s, including L'Ecole Est Fnie, Vous Les Copains (a French cover of Manfred Mann's Do Wah Diddy Diddy), and Petite Fille De Francais Moyens. Internationally best known as the Sheila in Sheila & B Devotion. The 1977 single Love Me Baby became a club and chart hit across Europe. The 1979 single Spacer, a collaboration with Chic 's Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, would make it across the Atlantic
August 16, 1944 ~ Singer, songwriter Kevin Ayers born in Herne Bay, UK ~ Important and influential figure in British progressive rock, psychedelic rock as a solo artist, in-demand collaborator and as founding and key member of Soft Machine. Worked with Brian Eno, Syd Barrett, Bridget St John, John Cale, Elton John, Robert Wyatt, Mike Oldfield, Ollie Halsall, Lol Coxhill, and Zoot Money ~ Ayers passed away in 2013
August 16, 1944 ~ Producer, songwriter Russ Titelman born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Got his start in music in the 1960s as rhythm guitarist in the house band for Shindig TV show. Sessioned for the likes of the Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Jackie DeShannon. As a producer closely associated with Randy Newman, producing or co-producing several Newman albums including Sail Away, Little Criminals and Trouble In Paradise. Other notable production credits include albums by Little Feat, Graham Central Station, Ry Cooder (Paradise & Lunch), James Taylor, Rickie Lee Jones, Gordon Lightfoot, Gary Wright, Chaka Khan (I Feel For You), George Benson, Patti Austin, Steve Winwood, Paul Simon (Graceland), Jude Cole, Phoebe Snow, the B52's (Good Stuff), Womack & Womack, Eric Clapton (From The Cradle), the Wondermints, the Bee Gees, and Milton Nascimento
August 16, 1942 ~ Barbara Ann Smith, commonly known as R&B singer, songwriter Barbara George born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for the R&B crossover classic I Know (You Don't Love Me No More) of her sole mostly self-penned 1961 album of the same name. The single would make top 10 Billboard Hot 100 and top the Billboard R&B charts in 1961. The song would later be covered by Fats Domino, Cher, and Bonnie Raitt. Two subsequent singles, You Talk About Love and Send For Me (If You Need Some Lovin') would also chart but fail to reach the same level of succes ~ George passed away in 2006
August 16, 1942 ~ Robert Lester, commonly known as singer Robert Squirrel Lester, born in McComb, Mississippi, USA ~ Longtime member of the Chi-lites, best known for their 1972 Oh Girl Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit single. Other well known songs include (For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People, Have You Seen Her, Stoned Out Of My Mind, and Homely Girl ~ Lester passed away in 2010
August 16, 1940 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Alix Dobkin, full name Alix Cecil Dobkin, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Emerged from the Greenwich Village coffeehouse scene. Actively recording since the early 1970s. Best known for her Lavender Jane Loves Women, released in 1973 ~ Dobkin passed away in 2021
August 16, 1939 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Billy Joe Shaver born in Corsicana, Texas, USA ~ Revered working man's intellectual and storyteller. Had his songs recorded by Waylon Jennings (Honky Tonk Heroes), Elvis Presley, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Bobby Bare (Ride Me Down Easy), Tom T Hall, JD Crowe (To Be Loved By A Woman), and Jerry Lee Lewis (Bottom Dollar). Known for songs such as I Been To Georgia On A Fast Train, Live Forever, You Asked Me To, I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal (But I'm Gonna Be A Diamond Someday), You Just Can't Beat Jesus Christ and Old Five And Dimers Like Me. Over the course of his career, Shaver has collaborated with numerous artists including Willie Nelson, Nanci Griffith, Chuck Leavell, Dickey Betts, Charlie Daniels, Flaco Jiménez, and Al Kooper ~ Shaver passed away in 2020
August 16, 1939 ~ Banjoist, steel guitarist, guitarist, dobroist, mandolinist Eric Weissberg born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known for his banjo solo in Dueling Banjos working with Steve Mandell, used as the theme for the 1972 film Deliverance. Co-founded bluegrass outfit the Greenbriar Boys, known for guesting on a number of Joan Baez albums starting with Joan Baez Vol.2 released in 1962 ~ Weissberg passed away in 2020
August 16, 1938 ~ Blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Robert Johnson, full name Robert Leroy Johnson, passed away in Greenwood, Mississippi, USA ~ Hugely important blues guitarist, arguably the most important pre-war blues musician. Has been cited as a major influence by blues, rock and pop artists including Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones-guitarist Keith Richards, Led Zeppelin-singer Robert Plant, and by numerous others. Johnson released only a mere 11 songs before his untimely death at age 27, all of which have become blues standards. Best known for songs such as Kind Hearted Woman Blues, Cross Road Blues, Me And The Devil Blues, Hell Hound On My Trail and perhaps his best known I'll Believe I'll Dust My Broom ~ Johnson was born in 1911
August 16, 1937 ~ Composer David Behrman born in Salzburg, Austria ~ Considered a pioneer in electronic, computer music. Co-founded the collective the Sonic Arts Union in 1966 with Robert Ashley, Alvin Lucier and Gordon Mumma. Especially acclaimed for his 1976 On The Other Ocean solo debut album, considered a landmark album in the genre
August 16, 1936 ~ Singer, songwriter Billy Roberts, full name William Moses Roberts Jr, born in Greenville, South Carolina, USA ~ Remembered for penning Hey Joe Where You Gonna Go, first recorded by the Leaves in 1965 but best known as recorded by Jimi Hendrix, retitled Hey Joe. The song has been covered by well over a hundred artists ~ Roberts passed away in 2017
August 16, 1935 ~ Anna Jean Harris, commonly known as jazz, R&B singer, actress Jean Dushon, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Dinah Washington. Best known for the first version of For Once In My Life in 1966, later recorded by Connie Haines, Barbara McNair, and perhaps most notably by Stevie Wonder. Worked with Cootie Williams, Phil Spector, Lou Donaldson, Ramsey Lewis (including on More (Theme From Mondo Cane)), Herman Foster, Oliver Nelson, Ray Charles, Count Basie, and others
August 16, 1935 ~ Country singer Patsy Montana, accompanied by the Prairie Ramblers, records I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart at ARC Studios, New York, New York ~ Penned by Montana, based on Stuart Hamblen's Texas Plains. Produced by Art Satherley. Released as a single later the same year, b/w Ridin' Old Paint, it would become the first single by a female artist to sell over a million copies
August 16, 1934 ~ Revoyda Frierson, commonly known as traditional pop, R&B singer, actress Ketty Lester born in Hope, Kansas, USA ~ As a singer best known for Love Letters, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit in 1962. Also known as an actress, notably as Hester-Sue Terhune in the TV series The Little House On The Prairie
August 16, 1930 ~ Guillermina Jimenez Chabolia, commonly known as singer, actress Flor Silvestre, born in Salamanca, Mexico ~ Sister of singers La Prieta Linda and Mary Jiménez. Dubbed “La Sentimental” for her melodious voice. As an actress appeared in over 70 films. As a singer best known for songs such as Imposible Olvidarte, Que Dios Te Perdone, Viejo Nopal, Guadalajara, Cielo Rojo, Carino Santo, Toda Una Vida, and Celosa ~ Chabolia passed away in 2020
August 16, 1930 ~ Gilliam Barmon Grayson, commonly known as old-time fiddler, singer GB Grayson, passed away in Johnson County, Tennessee, USA ~ Influential early country musician known for a handful of important recordings in the mid to late-1920s, often in partnership with Henry Whitter. Best remembered for recordings such as Going Down The Lee Highway, Rose Connally, Ommie Wise and Train 45. In later years songs written, co-written, adapted or first recorded by Grayson would be covered by the Kingston Trio (Tom Dooley), the Rolling Stones (Handsome Molly), Ralph Stanley (Little Maggie), and others ~ Grayson was born in 1887
August 16, 1929 ~ Jazz pianist Bill Evans, full name William John Evans, born in Plainfield, New Jersey, USA ~ Classically trained, influenced by Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, Evans was noted most for his technical ability and sense of harmony. As a leader, Evans is especially acclaimed for the early-1960s albums Portrait In Jazz, Explorations, and Sunday At The Village Vanguard. A revered sideman, Evans has also appeared on landmark albums by Charles Mingus, Jimmy Knepper, Chet Baker, Miles Davis (Kind Of Blue), Art Farmer, Tony Scott, Bob Brookmeyer, Cannonball Adderley, Oliver Nelson (The Blues And The Abstract Truth), Benny Golson, and Freddie Hubbard ~ Evans passed away in 1980
August 16, 1928 ~ Jazz pianist Carl Perkins born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Curtis Counce, Tiny Bradshaw, Big Jay McNeely, Miles Davis, Oscar Moore, Clifford Brown, Max Roach, Frank Morgan, Pepper Adams, Chet Baker, Victor Feldman, Dexter Gordon, Illinois Jacquet, and Leroy Vinnegar ~ Perkins passed away in 1958
August 16, 1925 ~ Blues singer Edna Hicks passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best remembered for her recordings of Hard Luck Blues, Poor Me Blues, Down Hearted Blues, and Gulf Coast Blues. Half-sister of singer Lizzie Miles ~ Hicks was born ca.1891
August 16, 1923 ~ Electric blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Eddie Kirkland born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Influenced by Blind Blake. Worked with John Lee Hooker, Syd Nathan, Otis Redding, Muddy Waters, David Honeyboy Edwards, Foghat, Gregg Hoover, James Thacker, Darren Thiboutot, and others ~ Kirkland passed away in 2011
August 16, 1922 ~ Pianist, organist, bandleader, arranger Ernie Freeman, full name Ernest Aaron Freeman, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Active since the 1940s, initially in jazz and later branching out into R&B and pop. Session musician on numerous 1950s R&B and rock & roll records, including on the Platters's The Great Pretender. Member of the Ernie Fields Orchestra, which became the house band for Rendezvous Records in 1958. Musical director of Reprise Records. Arranged virtually every recording for Snuff Garrett at Liberty Records. Conducted string arrangements for Simon & Garfunkel's acclaimed Bridge Over Troubled Waters album. Over the course of his career has worked, in one capacity or another, with Woody Herman, Dinah Washington, Earl Bostic, Plas Johnson, Earl Palmer, Duane Eddy, Bobby Byrd, Frank Sinatra, Connie Francis, Petula Clark, Julie London, Bobby Vee, Johnny Burnette, Gene McDaniels, Timi Yuro, Johnny Otis, Jimmy Witherspoon, Charlie Barnet, and others ~ Freeman passed away in 1981
August 16, 1915 ~ Albert George Hibbler, commonly known as singer Al Hibbler born in Tyro, Mississippi, USA ~ Started professionally with Dub Jenkins. Also sang with Jay McShann before moving on to the Duke Ellington Orchestra with whom he would stay for eight years. Considered among the best of Duke Ellington's male vocalists, he would be featured on songs such as Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, I Ain't Got Nothing But The Blues and on I'm Just A Lucky So And So. Hibbler left Duke in 1951 due to a dispute over wages. He would continue to sing in bands, including with Johnny Hodges and with Count Basie, before reaching solo success in the mid-1950s with songs such as Unchained Melody, He, 11th Hour Medley, and Never Turn Back. By the end of the decade Hibbler became active in the civil rights movement and the notoriety of his activism discouraged major labels. Frank Sinatra nevertheless supported Hibbler and signed him to his label but Hibbler would only sporadically record afterwards ~ Hibbler passed away in 2001
August 16, 1915 ~ Jazz trombonist, saxophonist Murray McEachern born in Toronto, Canada ~ Best known for his associations with Benny Goodman including on the pivotal 1937 recording of Sing Sing Sing (With A Swing) and with the Casa Loma Orchestra. Also worked with Lucio Agostini, Percy Faith, Jack Hylton, Phil Moore, and others ~ McEachern passed away in 1982
August 16, 1913 ~ Orchestrator, composer, songwriter Joseph J Lilley born in Providence, Rhode Island, USA ~ Best known for his work in various roles in Hollywood musicals, notably for Paramount Studios, since the early-1940s. Notable credits include Variety Girl, Mr Music, The Stooge and serving as musical director for a number of Elvis Presley films notably GI Blues, Blue Hawaii, Girls Girls Girls, and Fun In Acapulco ~ Lilley passed away in 1971
August 16, 1888 ~ Armand John Piron, commonly known as jazz violinist, bandleader AJ Piron, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Popular dancebandleader. Best known for I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate and The Purple Rose Of Cairo. Employed sidemen such as Lorenzo Tio, John Lindsay, and Peter Bocage ~ Piron passed away in 1943
August 16, 1884 ~ Vaudeville singer, dancer, songwriter George A Whiting born ~ As a performer, Whiting toured with singer Sadie Burt, whom he later married. However, Whiting would become best known for co-writing My Blue Heaven with Walter Donaldson. It would be a huge hit for Gene Austin in 1928, selling over 5 million copies, and become a standard recorded by hundreds of artists including Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Fats Domino, the Platters, Marlene Dietrich, Cliff Richard, Pat Boone, and Lena Horne. Other well known songs co-written by Whiting include I'll Be Blue Just Thinking Of You (From Now On) first recorded by Isham Jones, Believe It (Beloved) recorded by Fats Waller, and Who Told You I Cared recorded by Sammy Kaye ~ Whiting passed away in 1943
August 16, 1863 ~ Pianist, organist, conductor, composer Gabriel Pierné, full name Henri Constant Gabriel Pierné, born in Metz, France ~ Composed operas, chamber music, and choral and symphonic pieces. Perhaps best known for the oratario La Croisade Des Enfants. Other well known pieces include Introduction Et Variations Sur Une Ronde Populaire for saxophone quartet, and the ballet Cydalise Et Le Chevre Pied which included Marche Des Petits Faunes ~ Pierné passed away in 1937