August 17, 2024 ~ Surf rock, punk, cowpunk singer, rhythm guitarist Bert Susanka passed away ~ Longtime frontman, lead singer, rhythm guitarist of the Ziggens, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums since the early-1990s. Though not as well known as their contemporaries Sublime, the band is considered one of the most original outfits to hail from Long Beach, California, where they enjoyed a significant following. The band draws from cowpunk, surf, rockabilly, punk, ska, and country, a mixture dubbed “cowpunksurfabilly” by the band. They are perhaps best known for Big Salty Tears, notably covered by Sublime on their 1998 Sublime Acoustic (Bradley Nowell & Friends) album. Susanka has also worked as a solo artist, and formed the side project Jelly Of The Month Club, performing children's music, with Sublime-drummer Bud Gaugh. Susanka passed away at age 62 after a battle with ALS ~ Susanka was born in 1962
August 17, 2023 ~ Eli Tatarsky, commonly known as R&B guitarist, songwriter, arranger, producer Bobby Eli, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Lead guitarist, co-founding member of seminal Philadelphia studio band MFSB. In-demand songwriter, producer, wrote or co-wrote hits such as Main Ingredient's Just Don't Want To Be Lonely, Major Harris' Love Won't Let Me Wait, and Fat Larry's Band's Zoom. Others who have recorded his songs include Wilson Pickett, Blue Magic, Engelbert Humperdinck, Atlantic Starr, and the Dells. As a studio guitarist Tatarsky has appeared on recordings by Billy Paul, the O'Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Marlena Shaw, the Stylistics, the Delfonics, Barbara Mason, the People's Choice, the Salsoul Orchestra, the Trammps, the Whispers, Ronnie Dyson, First Choice, Grace Jones, Gloria Gaynor, and McFadden & Whitehead ~ Tatarsky was born in 1946
August 17, 2023 ~ Indie rock, punk rock drummer, keyboardist, singer Gary Young passed away in Stockton, California, USA ~ Original drummer of Pavement, present on the band's 1992's Slanted And Enchanted debut album and its follow-up Watery Domestic EP later the same year before being fired from the band in 1993. Young subsequently released a number of solo albums, starting with 1994's Hospital under the group moniker Gary Young's Hospital ~ Young was born in 1953
August 17, 2023 ~ Singer, guitarist Walter Aipolani, also known as Bruddah Waltah, passed away ~ Influenced by Bob Marley, Elton John, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the Beatles. Dubbed “the Father of Hawaiian Reggae” credited with popularizing Hawaiian-style reggae in the 1980s and 1990s. Well-known songs include Sweet Lady Of Waiahole and Keep Hawaiian Lands. The latter is inspired by Marley's Waiting In Vain and became a patriotic anthem for Hawaiian natives. Aipolani's best known album, 1991's Hawaiian Reggae, is considered a landmark in the Hawaiian reggae craze, a style sometimes referred to as Jawaiian ~ Aipolani was born ca.1955
August 17, 2021 ~ Gary Hirsh, commonly known as rock drummer Gary Chicken Hirsh, passed away in Ashland, Oregon, USA ~ Got his nickname “Chicken” as a young child for not daring to go on a slide. Best known as member of Country Joe & the Fish from 1966, replacing John Francis Gunning, through 1969. Present on the band's best known including the highly acclaimed albums Electric Music For The Mind And Body and Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die. Though primarily a percussionist, Hirsh sang lead vocals on the tracks Susan and Away Bounce My Bubbles, both written solely by Hirsh. Following his tenure with the band Hirsh has worked with Blackburn & Snow, the Cleanliness & Godliness Skiffle Band, and Touchstone. Later on in his career, Hirsh has worked as a painter, and jazz drummer. Hirsh's drumsticks are on display at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio ~ Hirsh was born in 1940
August 17, 2018 ~ Folk, folk-rock, rock singer, songwriter, poet Claude Lolli passed away in Bologna, Italy ~ Active since the early-1970s, mostly focusing on political and social issues. Known for songs such as Aspettando Godot, Michel, Quando La Morte Avrà and Quanto Amore. Also known as poet and novelist, publishing his first novel, Antipatici Antipode, in 1997 ~ Lolli was born in 1950
August 17, 2018 ~ Soul, R&B, disco singer, songwriter Danny Pearson passed away in Stonewall, Mississippi, USA ~ Known for his sole album Barry White Presents Mr Danny Pearson released in 1978. It would be produced by Barry White and spawn the Billboard R&B top 20 hit What's Your Sign Girl ~ Pearson was born in 1953
August 17, 2004 ~ Gérard Marcel Tisserand, commonly known as baritone singer Gérard Souzay, passed away ~ Active since the mid-1940s. Recitalist, opera singer, considered one of the finest mélodie singers. Frequent collaborator of pianist Dalton Baldwin. Sang in over a dozen languages. Noted for his interpretations of Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann. Had works written especially for him and his sister, soprano Geneviève Touraine, by Jacques Leguerney ~ Tisserand was born in 1918
August 17, 2001 ~ Joseph Edward Filippelli, commonly known as jazz, swing, jump blues saxophonist, clarinetit Flip Phillips, passed away in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA ~ Best known for his work with Norman Granz's Jazz At The Philharmonic concerts from the mid-1940 to the late-1950s. As a leader recorded extensively in the 1940s and 1950s, working with sidemen such as Buddy Morrow, Tommy Turk, Kai Winding, Sonny Criss, Ray Brown, Shelly Manne, and others. Backed singer Billie Holiday on her Billie Holiday Sings album released in 1952 ~ Phillips was born in 1915
August 17, 2000 ~ Gazzy Garcia, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Lil' Pump, born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ First gained attention with the 2017 single Gucci Gang of his debut Lil' Pump album. Also known for I Love It, Esskeetit, Drug Addicts, Butterfly Door, Racks On Racks, Be Like Me and Welcome To The Party
August 17, 1995 ~ Stanley Friedland, commonly known as conductor, arranger, songwriter Stan Free, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Classically trained. Led pop outfit Hot Butter, best known for their 1972 instrumental rendition of Popcorn. The single would be an international hit, selling over two million copies. Free also worked as arranger and conductor, notably for jazz singer Chris Connor, and served as studio musician for the likes of the Four Seasons, the Monkees, and the Association ~ Friedland was born in 1922
August 17, 1995 ~ William Strethen Davis, commonly known as jazz pianist, organist, guitarist, arranger Wild Bill Davis, passed away in Moorestown, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for pioneering the electronic organ prior to Jimmy Smith's emergence and as a member of Louis Jordan's backing unit the Tympany Five. Also worked with Milt Larkin, Arnett Cobb, Illinois Jacquet, Tom Archia, Buster Bennett, Claude McLin, Johnny Hodges, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Ray Brown, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Floyd Smith, Sonny Stitt, and others ~ Davis was born in 1918
August 17, 1993 ~ Power pop, singer, drummer, bassist, guitarist, songwriter Phil Seymour passed away in Tarzana, California, USA ~ Revered by power pop aficionados, especially for hi solo work. Formed the duo Oister with Dwight Twilley, known for their 1975 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit I'm On Fire. Member of the Textones. Sang backup on Tom Petty's American Girl and Breakdown ~ Seymour was born in 1952
August 17, 1990 ~ Singer, actress Pearl Bailey, full name Pearl Mae Bailey, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Vaudeville performer made her Broadway debut in St Louis Woman in 1946. Won a Tony Award for the title role in the original all-Black production of Hello Dolly ~ Bailey was born in 1918
August 17, 1988 ~ Gary Maurice Lucas Jr, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Joyner Lucas, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA ~ First gained attention with his 2015 single Ross Capicchioni in 2015. Also known for a number of popular remixes, notably Lil' Pump's Gucci Gang, 21 Savage's Bank Account, Kendrick Lamar's DNA. Released his full-length solo debut album, ADHD, in 2020
August 17, 1988 ~ Singer Natalie Sandtorv born in Ålesund, Norway ~ Married to drummer Ole Mofjell. Best known for fronting Morning Has Occurred. Also worked with Polygon Junx, John Hegre, Thore Warland, Marte Eberson, Kjetil Moster, Karl Seglem, Steve Beresford, and others
August 17, 1986 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Sam Mehran, also known as Sam Meringue, born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Co-founded punk band the Test Icicles, drawing from post-hardcore, dance-punk and indie rock. As a solo artist ventured into more lo-fi oriented music, influenced by Ariel Pink and R Stevie Moore, recording under several monikers. Critically acclaimed for a series of recordings under the moniker Outer Limit Recordings ~ Mehran passed away in 2018
August 17, 1984 ~ Hamie Nickerson, commonly known as country blues, blues harpist, guitarist Hammie Nixon, passed away in Jackson, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for his association with Sleepy John Estes. Pioneered the use of the mouth harmonica as a rhythm instrument rather than as a novelty. Has worked with Little Buddy Doyle, Charlie Pickett, Son Bonds, and others ~ Nickerson was born in 1908
August 17, 1980 ~ Carl Anthony Falk-Gramer, commonly known as pop, dance-pop, Europop producer, songwriter Carl Falk, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Has worked with Demi Lovato, One Direction, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Nicki Minaj, Ellie Goulding, Madonna, Avicii, Ariana Grande, Charlie Puth, Jason Derülo, Westlife, and Iggy Azalea
August 17, 1980 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Harold Adamson, full name Harold Campbell Adamson, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Popular songwriter of the 1930s and 1940s. Co-wrote songs such as Too Young To Go Steady (Nat King Cole, Patti Page, Connie Stevens), You're A Sweetheart (Tommy Dorsey, Alice Faye, Carroll Gibbons), Don't Believe Everything You Dream (the Ink Spots), Here Comes Heaven Again (Perry Como, Georgie Auld, the Platters), Little Things That Mean So Much (Teddy Wilson, Carmen McRae), A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening (Frank Sinatra, June Christy, Eddy Arnold), You're A Sweetheart (Hoagy Carmichael, Woody Herman, Harry James) ~ Adamson was born in 1906
August 17, 1980 ~ Lene Marlin Pederson, commonly known as singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter Lene Marlin, born in Tromsø, Norway ~ Released her Playing My Game debut album in 1999. Her Unforgivable Sinner debut single would be the all-time fastest-selling single in Norway. Other songs, such as Where I'm Headed used in the film Mauvaises Frequentations, and Sitting Down Here would both do well internationally. Marlin would continue to record throughout the 2010s, all of her albums reaching top 5 in her native Norway
August 17, 1979 ~ Rock, alternative country, folk singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Justin Jones, full name Justin Phillip Jones, born ~ Described as electrified country and roots-rock. Recorded his 2004 Blue Dreams debut album in one single day, just himself and his guitar. Perhaps best known for his Fading Light released in 2012
August 17, 1978 ~ Soprano singer, actress Vibeke Stene born in Sokndal, Norway ~ Member of Tristania from 1997 through 2007, considered one of the premiere goth metal bands. Stene has recorded about half a dozen albums with the band, including Illumination which is generally considered the band's masterpiece. Stene has guested on recordings by Green Carnation, Samael, and Plutho, and returned from semi-retirement in 2020 with doom metal outfit Veil Of Secrets
August 17, 1973 ~ Violinist Daniel Hope born in Durban, South Africa ~ Best known as member of the Beaux Arts Trio from 2002 through its disbandement in 2008. Also recorded as a solo artist. Music director of the Zurich Chamber Orchestra and subsequently of the New Century Chamber Orchestra
August 17, 1970 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Peter Martin born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Christian McBride, Victor Goines, Johnny Griffin, Reuben Rogers, Wynton Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Joshua Redman, Dianne Reeves, Rodney Whitaker, Terence Blanchard, Betty Carter, Roy Hargrove, Ellis Marsalis Jr, David Sanborn, Stanley Turrentine, and others
August 17, 1969 ~ Singer Donnie Wahlberg, full name Donald Edmond Wahlberg Jr, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Co-founding member of boy band New Kids On The Block, known for a string of 1980s, early-1990s hits including the Billboard Hot 100 charttoppers I'll Be Loving You (Forever), Hangin' Tough, and Step By Step
August 17, 1969 ~ Kelvin Mercer, commonly known as singer, rapper Posdnuos, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Considered one of the most underrated MCs of all time. Member of De La Soul, widely acclaimed for their 1989 3 Feet High & Rising album. Has guested on recordings by Common, the Propellerheads, Mint Royale, Gorillaz, Masta Ace, Statik Selektah, Black Eyed Peas, Phife Dawg, and others
August 17, 1969 ~ Saxophonist Robert Stewart born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Worked with Roy Hargrove, Max Roach, McCoy Tyner, Bobby Hutcherson, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Marsalis (Blood On The Fields), Milt Jackson, Billy Higgins, Jimmy Smith, Black Note, Delfeayao Marsalis, Winard Harper, Jeff Tain-Watts, Reginald Veal, Pharoah Sanders, Jon Faddis, Buddy Conner, Paul Tillman Smith, and others
August 17, 1968 ~ R&B, soul, hip hop singer Dave Hollister, full name David Le Chaine Hollister, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of Blackstreet, joining the band as replacement for original member Joseph Stonestreet prior to the release of their 1994 eponymous Blackstreet album. The band would reach Billboard Hot 100 top 10 with the singles Before I Let You Go and No Diggity featuring Dr Dre & Queen Pen. Hollister also guested on the Tupac Shakur singles Brenda's Got A Baby and Keep Ya Head Up. As a solo artist best known for his 2000 Chicago '85 (The Movie) album
August 17, 1968 ~ In its fifth week on the charts, People Got To Be Free by the Rascals, formerly known as the Young Rascals, hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ The band's third and final No.1 hit, having previously reached the top spot with Good Lovin' and Groovin', People Got To Be Free would become their biggest hit, spending five weeks atop the charts and selling over 4 million copies. An upbeat plea for tolerance and freedom, written by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati, the song was perceived by some as related to the assasinations of Martin Luther King Jr and Robert F Kennedy earlier the same year, yet it was recorded before the latter's death. Actually, the song was partly a reaction to an encounter wherein the then-long-haired group was threatened by a group of rednecks, after their tour vehicle broke down in Florida. The song would be notably covered by Dionne Warwick for her Soulful album released in 1969
August 17, 1967 ~ Kevin Max Smith, commonly known as Christian pop, alternative rock singer Kevin Max, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as a member of DC Talk. Following the band's indefinite hiatus has released about a dozen albums as a solo artist. Fronted Audio Adrenaline from 2012 through 2014
August 17, 1966 ~ Singer, bassist, songwriter Jill Cunniff born in New York, New York, USA ~ Formed Luscious Jackson with singer, guitarist Gabby Glaser in 1991, Cunniff serving as the band's main songwriter, bassist, lead singer. Member of the Kostars, known for the 1996 Klassics With A K album. Formed Cooler Kids in 2002. Released her City Beach solo debut album in 2007
August 17, 1964 ~ Colin James Munn, commonly known as rock, blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Colin James, born in Regina, Canada ~ Got his big break opening for Stevie Ray Vaughan in 1984, given only a few hours notice as the scheduled act did not show. Following the performance Vaughan invited him to stay on for the remainder of the tour. James would release his eponymous Colin James debut album in 1988, produced by Vaughan, and has recorded well over a dozen albums since. Best known for songs such as Voodoo Thing, Just Came Back, Cadillac Baby, Surely (I Love You), Freedom, and Saviour, all of which reached top 20 in the singer's native Canada
August 17, 1964 ~ Singer Maria McKee, full name Maria Luisa McKee, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Half-sister of Love's Bryan MacLean. Co-founded cowpunk outfit Lone Justice, with whom she recorded two albums. Wrote A Good Heart, a UK No.1 hit for Feargal Sharkey. Sang backup for Robbie Robertson on his eponymous 1987 Robbie Robertson album. As a solo artist recorded about half a dozen albums, starting with Maria McKee released in 1989. Best known for her 1990 hit Show Me Heaven and If Love Is A Red Dress (Hang Me In Rags), used respectively for the films Days Of Thunder and Pulp Fiction
August 17, 1962 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal guitarist, singer Gilby Clarke born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ First gained attention in the 1980s as lead guitarist for Candy. Probably best known for his 3-year stint with Guns 'n Roses, joining the band in 1991 as replacement for Izzy Stradlin and present on The Spaghetti Incident album. Would go on to record as a solo artist, as well as collaborate with Slash's Snakepit, Kat Men, Heart, Nancy Sinatra, Kathy Valentine, MC5, and others, and form supergroup Rock Star Supernova
August 17, 1961 ~ Saxophonist Everette Harp born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Best known as a member of Jazz-Funk-Soul, a trio which also included guitarist Chuck Loeb and keyboardist Jeff Lorber and known for their eponymous Jazz-Funk-Soul jazz-funk-soul-album] album released in 2014. Has also guested on recordings by Marcus Miller, Kenny Loggins, Billy Joel, Regina Belle, and Yolanda Adams
August 17, 1960 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Lisa Coleman born ~ Backed Prince from 1979 through 1986, including on albums such as Dirty Mind, Controversy, 1999, Purple Rain, and Around The World In A Day. Formed the duo Wendy & Lisa with Wendy Melvoin, known for the hit single Waterfalls of their 1987 eponymous Wendy & Lisa album. Has also worked with Doyle Bramhall II, kd Lang, Neil Finn (Try Whistling This), Los Lobos, and Gwen Stefani
August 17, 1960 ~ Jazz singer, guitarist, composer, arranger Maria Pia de Vito born in Naples, Italy ~ Worked with the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, Michael Brecker, Uri Caine, Peter Erskine, Paolo Fresu, Billy Hart, Maria João, Dave Liebman, Gianluigi Trovesi, Steve Turre, Miroslav Vitous, Joe Zawinul, Colin Towns, John Taylor, Rito Marcotulli, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Danilo Rea, Enzo Pietropaoli, Paolo Damiani, Pietro Tonolo, Giorgio Gaslini, Diederik Wissels, David Linx, and others
August 17, 1960 ~ Singer Stephan Eicher born in Munchenbuchsee, Switzerland ~ Influenced by Jacques Dutronc, Georges Brassens, Serge Gainsbourg, Patti Smith, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan. Member of Grauzone. Also worked with Philippe Dijan, Manu Katché, Pino Palladino, and others
August 17, 1959 ~ Fiddler Sue Draheim born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Worked with the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, the Bay Area Women's Philharmonic, Frank Zappa, Gael Alcock, Jim Bamford, Mac Benford, Will Spires, Sam Chatmon, the California Sheiks, John Renbourn, Keshav Sathe, Jacqui McShee, Wizz Jones, Marc Ellington, John Martyn, Albion Country Band, Steve Ashley, John Cohen, David Grisman, Jody Stecher, Craicmore, Stuat Rojstaczer, the Golden Bough, Gwydion Pendderwen, Richard Thompson, Kathy Kallick, and others ~ Draheim passed away in 2013
August 17, 1958 ~ Singer, drummer Belinda Carlisle, full name Belinda Jo Carlisle, born in Hollywood, California, USA ~ Member of punk rock outfit the Germs, going by the moniker Dottie Danger. Rose to fame as co-founding member of all-female rock, new wave outfit the Go-Go's, best known for their 1981 Beauty & The Beat album which is considered a landmark album in American new wave. After the band folded in 1985 Carlisle ventured out on her own scoring radio-friendly hits such as Mad About You, Heaven Is A Place On Earth, I Get Weak and Circle In The Sand
August 17, 1957 ~ Rock singer Alen Islamovic born in Bihal, Yugoslavia ~ Fronted Divlje Jagode from 1979 through 1986. Fronted Bijelo Dugme from 1986 through 1989. Has also recorded as a solo artist worked with Sanja Dolezal, Lepa Brena, Indira Radic, and Srcani Udar
August 17, 1957 ~ Oud player, composer Rabih Abou Khalil born in Beirut, Lebanon ~ Mixes traditional Arab music with jazz, rock and classical. Earned praise as a “world musician before the term became a label.” has worled with Alexander Balanescu, Luciano Biondini, Milton Cardona, Sonny Fortune, Michel Godard, Joachim Kühn, Howard Levy, Charlie Mariano, Gabriele Mirabassi, Glen Moore, Mark Nauseef, Setrak Sarkissian, Ramesh Shotham, Steve Swallow, Glen Velez, and Kenny Wheeler
August 17, 1956 ~ Producer, engineer Chris Tsangarides, full name Christopher Andrew Tsangarides, born ~ Made a name for himself in 1980s and 1990s metal and hard rock, producing albums such as Anvil's Metal On Metal, Thin Lizzy's Thunder And Lightning, and Judas Priest's Painkiller. Has also produced for artists, including outside metal, such as Money, Gary Moore, Tygers Of Pan Tang, Japan, Y&T, Lords Of The New Church, Spider, Killing Joke, Black Sabbath, Bruce Dickinson (Tattooed Millionaire), Concrete Blonde (Bloodletting), Helloween, and Yngwie Malmsteen ~ Tsangarides passed away in 2018
August 17, 1955 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Colin Moulding, full name Colin Ivor Moulding, born in Swindon, UK ~ One of the core members of rock outfit XTC, for whom he wrote some of the band's earliest hits including Life Begins At The Hop, Making Plans For Nigel, and Generals And Majors
August 17, 1955 ~ Jazz singer, composer, arranger Grazyna Augscik born in Stupsk, Poland ~ Over a dozen solo albums to her name, starting in the late-1980s. Draws from Polish folk, Latin American music and klezmer. Has collaborated with Michal Urbaniak, Jim Hall, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Jay Azzolina, John Medeski, Patricia Barber, Paul Wertico, Bobby Enriquez, Terry Callier, John McLean, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Robert Irving III, and others
August 17, 1955 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Kevin Welch, full name Kevin Stephen Welch, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Has written or co-written songs recorded by the likes of Reba McEntire, Bobby Bare, Mac Davis, the Judds (I Wish She Wouldn't Treat You That Way), Moe Bandy, Don Williams, Gail Davies, Jimmie Dale Gilmore (Headed For A Fall), Joy Lynn White, Kelly Willis (That'll Be Me), and Gary Morris. Co-founded the indie label Dead Reckoning Records. As a solo artist known for songs such as Stay November, Till I See You Again, and Praying For Rain. Closely associated with Fats Kaplin and Kieran Kane, the trio recording three albums starting with You Can't Save Everybody released in 2004
August 17, 1954 ~ Vaudeville, traditional pop singer Billy Murray, full name William Thomas Murray, passed away in Jones Beach, New York, USA ~ One of the most popular singers of the early 20th century. Dubbed “the Denver Nightingale” with a strong tenor voice and sometimes comical delivery. Known for songs such as You're A Grand Old Rag, Shine On Harvest Moon with Ada Jones, Stumbling and Tessie. Has also collaborated with Aileen Stanley, the Haydn Quartet, the American Quartet, and Elsie Baker ~ Murray was born in 1877
August 17, 1954 ~ Guitarist, pianist, singer, songwriter Eric Johnson born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Renowned guitarist drawing from a wide array of idioms including rock, blues, jazz, folk, classical, new age, and country. Influenced by Mike Bloomfield, Chet Atkins, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Wes Montgomery, Jerry Reed, and Django Reinhardt. As a solo artist about a dozen albums to his name, starting with Tones released in 1986. Especially acclaimed for his 1990 Ah Via Musicom and its Grammy Award-winning single Cliffs Of Dover
August 17, 1953 ~ Singer, songwriter Kevin Rowland born in Wolverhampton, UK ~ Member of Lucy & the Lovers. Member of the Killjoys, known for their 1977 Johnny Won't Get To Heaven single. Rose to fame as lead singer, front man for Dexys Midnight Runners, scoring a string of 1980s hits including the UK top 10 hits Geno, There There My Dear, Come On Eileen, and Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile)
August 17, 1952 ~ Composer, music director Heiner Goebbels born in Neustadt-an-der-Weinstrasse, Germany ~ Closely associated with Alfred Harth, with whom he co-founded wind band the Sogenanntes Linksradikales Blasorchester and avant-rock group Cassiber. As a composer best known for Surrogate Cities, Hashirigaki, and Stifters Dinge
August 17, 1949 ~ John Thomas Hashian, commonly known as drummer Sib Hashian, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Early member of Boston. Present on the band's first two albums, 1976's eponymous Boston and its 1978 Don't Look Back follow-up. Hashian would leave the band upon the return of original drummer Jim Masdea ~ Hashian passed away in 2017
August 17, 1947 ~ Guitarist Gary Talley born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Lead guitarist for 1960s pop rock outfit the Box Tops, known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits The Letter and Cry Like A Baby. Starting in the early-1970s Talley has worked with artists such as Pat Boone, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Dobie Gray, Billy Joe Royal, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, Waylon Jennings, and others
August 17, 1946 ~ Trombonist, bandleader, arranger, producer Juan Pablo Torres, full name Juan Pablo Torres Morell, born in Puerto Padre, Cuba ~ Regarded as one of the finest trombonists in Afro-Cuban jazz. Director of Algo Nuevo. Member of seminal Cuban outfit Irakere since the mid-1980s, led by Chucho Valdes ~ Torres passed away in 2005
August 17, 1944 ~ Folk, rock, pop drummer John Seiter born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Brother of drummer Jimmi Seiter. First gained attention as member of Spanky & Our Gang, joining the band in 1967 and present on the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits Lazy Day and Like To Get To Know You. Following the band's disbandement in 1968 Seiter joined the Turtles, appearing on their final Turtle Soup released in 1969. Has also worked with Rosebud, Aztec Two-Step, Jane Getz, Tom Waits, and the Conception Corporation
August 17, 1943 ~ Blues singer, guitarist Dave Ray, full name James David Ray, born in St Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ Closely associated with John Koerner and Tony Glover, the trio recording and performing in various configurations, in solo turns and duets, but rarely as a trio. Ray suggested that it would be more accurate to refer to them not as Koerner Ray & Gloever, but rather Koerner and/or Ray and/or Glover. As a trio noted for appearing at the Newport Folk Festival in 1964, captured on the Newport Folk Festival 1964 (Evening Concerts III) album. In later years they would occasionally perform together, until Ray's death in the early-2000s ~ Ray passed away in 2002
August 17, 1939 ~ Blues, Chicago blues, electric blues singer, guitarist Luther Allison, full name Luther Sylvester Allison, born in Widener, Arkansas, USA ~ Member of family gospel group the Southern Travellers. Member of 1950s band the Rolling Stones, which also included his brothers Ollie Allison and Grant Allison, later renamed to the Four Jivers. Backed blues singers such as Howlin' Wolf and Freddie King. Has also worked with Jimmy Dawkins, Magic Sam, Otis Rush, James Cotton, Shakey Jake Harris, Sunnyland Slim. As a solo artist actively recording since his 1969 acclaimed Love Me Mama solo debut album ~ Allison passed away in 1997
August 17, 1935 ~ James Ellis, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist Jimmy Preacher Ellis, born in Foreman, Arkansas, USA ~ Member of the Travelling Four during the mid-1950s. As a solo artist known for a number of singles starting in the mid-1960s, including I'm Gonna Do It By Myself, Can't Work And Watch You, and Work With What You Got
August 17, 1934 ~ João Donato de Oliveira Neto, commonly known as pianist, accordionist, composer João Donato, born in Rio Branco, Brazil ~ Leader and sideman. Helped shape Brazilian jazz and bossa nova. Active since the early-1950s. Well-known songs include Sambou Sambou, Vento Do Canavial (Sugarcane Breeze), Amazonas (Amazon), and Até Quem Sabe. Especially acclaimed for his 1965 The New Sound Of Brazil album. Has guested on albums by Mongo Santamaria, Astrud Gilberto (The Astrud Gilberto Album), Sérgio Mendes, Nana Caymmi, Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Eddie Palmieri (Eddie's Concerto), and Milton Nascimento ~ De Oliveira passed away in 2023
August 17, 1931 ~ Pianist Derek Smith born in London, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Art Tatum. Member of Johnny Dankworth's orchestra before relocating to America. Would go on to work with the Modern Jazz Quartet, Benny Goodman, the Tonight Show Band, Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy DeFranco, Louie Bellson, Ben E King, Stanley Turrentine, Milt Hinton, Clark Terry, and others
August 17, 1931 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader Floyd Newman born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ In-demand session musician closely associated with Stax/Volt, the Mar-keys, and the Memphis Horns. As a leader known for his 1963 single Frog Stomp b/w Sassy. Present on albums by the likes of BB King, Otis Redding (Otis Blue), Wilson Pickett, Etta James (Tell Mama), Aretha Franklin (Aretha Now), Boz Scaggs, and others ~ Newman passed away in 2023
August 17, 1924 ~ R&B guitarist, bandleader Edgar Blanchard, full name Edgar Vernon Blanchard, born in Grosse Tête, Louisiana, USA ~ Following his stint in the Army during World War II, Blanchard formed the Gondeliers named for his time in Italy. The band, notably featuring Roy Brown, would become well known in New Orleans for their gigs at the Down Beat Club and the Dew Dop Inn. Blanchard would also perform and record with others including Big Joe Turner, Ray Charles, Professor Longhair, Lloyd Price, Little Richard, Eddie Bo, and Clarence Frogman Henry. Blanchard is also known for appearing on the Ric-recordings of Johnny Adams during the late-1950s. Blanchard recorded a sole poorly-received album with the Gondeliers, Let's Have A Blast With The Gondeliers released in 1961, but would continue to perform with the band in New Orleans clubs through the mid-1960s ~ Blanchard passed away in 1972
August 17, 1922 ~ Jazz drummer Jack Sperling born ~ Worked with Bunny Berigan, Henry Mancini, Glenn Miller, Tex Beneke, Les Brown, Bob Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Bobby Darin, Sammy Davis Jr, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, the Four Freshmen, Lena Horne, Peggy Lee, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Scatman Crothers, Pete Fountain, Abe Most, Dinah Washington, Teresa Brewer, Harry Belafonte, Chet Atkins, Wynona Carr, James Brown, Carmen McRae, Bob Florence, John Sheridan, Don Fagerquist, and others ~ Sperling passed away in 2004
August 17, 1921 ~ Country singer, harmonica player Wayne Raney born in Wolf Bayou, Arkansas, USA ~ Worked with the Delmore Brothers. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Lost John Boogie, The Jack & Jill Boogie, the 1949 hit Why Don't You Haul Off And Love Me, and for the 1959 Christian revival song We Need A Whole Lot More Jesus And A Lot Less Rock & Roll ~ Raney passed away in 1993
August 17, 1920 ~ Bassist George Duvivier born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Coleman Hawkins, Lucky Millinder, Eddie Barefield, Jimmie Lunceford, Sy Oliver, Martial Solal, Bud Powell, Count Basie, Benny Carter, Benny Goodman, Chico Hamilton, Hank Jones, Shelly Manne, Oliver Nelson, Frank Sinatra, Clark Terry, Ben Webster, Bob Wilber, Soprano Summit, Pepper Adams, Manny Albam, Joe Albany, Ben E King (the 1961 album Spanish Harlem), Gene Ammons, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Mildred Anderson, George Benson, Louie Bellson, Bob Brookmeyer, Ruth Brown, Ray Bryant, Kenny Burrell, Arnett Cobb, Al Cohn, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Buddy DeFranco, Eric Dolphy, Art Farmer, Ronnie Foster, Bud Freeman, Stan Getz, Roland Hanna, Donna Hightower, Johnny Hodges, Etta Jones, Barry Manilow, Gerry Mulligan, Gil Melle, Moondog, Chico O'Farrill, Houston Person, Shirley Scott, Sonny Stitt, Warren Vaché Jr, and others ~ Duvivier passed away in 1985
August 17, 1919 ~ Jazz, swing, blues saxophonist, composer Irv Williams born ~ Backed artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Fletcher Henderson, Mary Lou Williams, Billy Eckstine. Turned down offers to tour with Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, preferring to play locally in the Twin Cities area and teach in public schools. Would continue to play at every local venue, backing visiting artists including Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Hodges. Would release a string of albums in his eighties, notably 2006's Duo with regular collaborator pianist Peter Schimke ~ Williams passed away in 2019
August 17, 1918 ~ Frieda Lipschitz, commonly known as singer Georgia Gibbs, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA ~ Versatile pop, pop-jazz singer enjoying her biggest success in the early to mid-1950s with songs such as If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd've Baked A Cake, While You Danced Danced Danced, Kiss Of Fire and Seven Lonely Days. Worked with Frankie Trumbauer, Tommy Dorsey, Hal Kemp, Artie Shaw, Earle Hagen, Bob Crosby, Glenn Osser, and others ~ Lipschitz passed away in 2006
August 17, 1918 ~ Jazz saxophonist Ike Quebec, full name Ike Abrams Quebec, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with the Barons Of Rhythm, Frankie Newton, Hot Lips Page, Roy Eldridge, Trummy Young, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Carter, Coleman Hawkins, Cab Calloway, Sonny Clark, Grant Green, Jimmy Smith, Dodo Greene, and others ~ Quebec passed away in 1963
August 17, 1917 ~ R&B saxophonist, bandleader Frank Culley, full name Frank Windsol Culley, born in Petsworth, Virginia, USA ~ Recorded prolifically from the 1930s onwards, notably the late-1940s hits Cole Slaw, Floorshow and After Hour Session. Leader of the first houseband at Atlantic Records, a position he held from 1948 through 1951 ~ Culley passed away in 1991
August 17, 1917 ~ Blues shouter Walter Brown born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Best known as lead singer with Jay McShann's band in the 1940s, including on some of their best known including Confessing The Blues, which Brown co-wrote, and Hootie Blues. Left McShann to be replaced by Jimmy Witherspoon. Brown later also recorded with Tiny Grimes, to lesser succes ~ Brown passed away in 1956
August 17, 1916 ~ Folk singer, banjoist, songwriter Ola Belle Reed born in Lansing, North Carolina, USA ~ 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 passed away in 2002
August 17, 1909 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader, arranger Larry Clinton born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Early on, while in his twenties, a popular arranger for dance orchestras including those led by Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Glen Gray, Louis Armstrong, and Bunny Berigan. As a bandleader recorded hits for the Victor Label label ranging from pop tunes and instrumentals penned by Clinton to swing adaptions of classical compositions (notably his 1938 hit My Reverie, an adaptation of Claude Debussy's Reverie with added pop lyrics sung by Bea Wain). Clinton served in the US Air Force during World War II as a pilot and resumed his career after the war, mostly leading studio bands up to the early-1960s ~ Clinton passed away in 1985
August 17, 1908 ~ Pianist, arranger Jimmy Sherman, full name James Benjamin Sherman, born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Started in dance bands in the late-1920s. Worked with Jimmy Gorham, Alphonso Trent, Peanuts Holland, Al Sears, Stuff Smith, Lil' Armstrong, Putney Dandridge, Mildred Bailey, Billie Holiday, and notably with the Charioteers as a full member from 1938 to 1952 ~ Sherman passed away in 1975
August 17, 1893 ~ Mary Jane West, commonly known as actress, singer, playwright, screenwriter Mae West, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Active as a vaudeville and stage entertainer before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the film industry. Would go on to become one of the most popular, as well as one of the most controversial, sex symbols of her day. Following her career as a movie actress would return to performing on stage, write plays, and record a number of rock & roll albums ~ West passed away in 1980