August 20, 2023 ~ Pop, pop rock, disco singer, conductor, arranger, songwriter, composer Luc Smets, full name Luc Jan Frans Smets, passed away in Bornem, Belgium ~ Member of 1960s pop group Pebbles, for whom he co-wrote their biggest hit Seven Horses In The Sky. Co-founded Shampoo. Member of disco unit the Dream Express, with whom he reached 7th place at the 1977 Eurovision Songfestival representing Belgium with the song A Million In 1 2 3. Smets has also composed for film and TV ~ Smets was born in 1947
August 20, 2022 ~ Helen Greco, commonly known as traditional pop singer, actress Helen Grayco, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for her appearances on the The Spike Jones Show in the 1950s and 1960s alongside her husband bandleader Spike Jones. Prior to teaming up with Jones Grayco sang with Bing Crosby, Chuck Cabot, Red Nichols. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing the album After Midnight in 1957 and The Lady In Red the following year. Grayco was married to Jones from 1949 until his death in 1965, the couple have three children ~ Greco was born in 1924
August 20, 2021 ~ Lawrence Ira Kahn, commonly known as salsa keyboardist, bandleader, producer, composer Larry Harlow passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Son of opera singer Rose Sherman and bandleader Buddy Kahn. Larry Harlow led Orchestra Harlow, the second orchestra to be signed to Fania. Harlow has recorded numerous albums with his own ensembles and produced over a 100 albums for various artist, mostly. Founded the Fania All-Stars, regarded as the seminal and most-important salsa group to date ~ Harlow was born in 1939
August 20, 2021 ~ Conductor, music director Michael Morgan, full name Michael DeVard Morgan, passed away ~ Started playing the piano at age 8. Was conducting two orchestras by age 12, one at his church and one in high school. Best known for his association with the Oakland East Bay Symphony, signing on as music director in 1991 and remaining until his death. Has guest conducted the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Opera, the San Francisco Symphony, the Washington National Opera, and others ~ Morgan was born in 1957
August 20, 2021 ~ Jazz double bassist, engineer, producer Peter Ind passed away ~ Played violin and piano through his teens, including professionally, before switching to bass. Ind had been active since the late-1940s, briefly serving in the house band on the luxury liner the Queen Mary, before relocating to New York altogether where he would work with Lee Konitz, Buddy Rich, Booker Ervin, Mal Waldron, Slim Gaillard, and notably mentor Lennie Tristano. By the mid-1950s, Ind had branched out into production and engineering, recording sessions by Zoot Sims, Gerry Mulligan, and Booker Little, founded his own recording studio, and pioneered overdubbing of jazz music, both for his own endeavours as well as freelancing for several labels. As a leader, co-leader, or solo performer, Ind has recorded over half a dozen albums, including notably Looking Out released in 1961. Ind returned to the UK by the mid-1960s, where he woulkd continue to perform, run several jazz clubs, and author two books, including Jazz Visiosn (Lennie Tristano And His Legacy), a memoir of his association with Tristano and the 1950s New York jazz scene ~ Ind was born in 1928
August 20, 2021 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter, novelist, author Tom T Hall passed away in Franklin, Tennessee, USA ~ As a songwriter best known for penning Harper Valley PTA, originally recorded by Margie Singleton but a smash crossover hit for Jeannie C Riley who took it to the top of both Billboard Country and the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1968. Hall is praised as one of country's most literate songwriters, lovingly dubbed “the Storyteller” and has actually written a number of novels and short stories. As a singer has some 3 dozen albums to his name starting in the late-1960s. Especially known for songs such as The Ballad Of Forty Dollars, A Week In A County Jail, The Year Clayton Delaney Died, Old Dogs Children & Watermelon Wine, Ravishing Ruby and Faster Horses (The Cowboy And The Poet) ~ Hall was born in 1936
August 20, 2020 ~ Rock guitarist Jack Sherman passed away ~ Best known as member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, replacing Hillel Slovak in 1983. Present on the band's eponymous the Red Hot Chili Peppers debut album. Co-wrote several tracks of their debut as well as the band's sophomore Freaky Styley album. Also worked with Bob Dylan, George Clinton, Tonio K, Feargal Sharkey, and others ~ Sherman was born in 1956
August 20, 2018 ~ Guitarist Eddie Willis passed away in Gore Springs, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by Chet Atkins, Wes Montgomery, and by Albert King. Member of Motown house band the Funk Brothers. Appeared on hundreds of recordings including Please Mr Postman (the Marvelettes), The Way You Do The Things You Do (the Temptations), You Keep Me Hangin' On (the Supremes), and I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder) ~ Willis was born in 1936
August 20, 2013 ~ Margaret Marian Tuner, commonly known as jazz pianist, composer Marian McPartland, passed away in Port Washington, New York, USA ~ Met her husband cornetist Jimmy McPartland when both served in the USO, playing for the Allied troops during World War II. After the war Marian played with Roy Eldridge, Coleman Hawkins, Terry Gibbs, Joe Morello, Vinnie Burke, Bill Crow, and others ~ Turner was born in 1918
August 20, 2009 ~ Keyboardist, bassist, guitarist, harmonica player Larry Knechtel, full name Lawrence William Knechtel, passed away in Yakima, Washington, USA ~ Recorded a handful of albums as a solo artist, starting with The In Harmonica in 1965 under the monniker Larry Nelson. Member of Bread. In-demand session musician, present on albums by the likes of Johnny Rivers, the Everly Brothers, the Byrds, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), the Doors, Elvis Presley, Simon & Garfunkel (The Sounds Of Silence), the Mamas & the Papas, Thelma Houston, Harry Nilsson, Barbra Streisand, Solomon Burke, Emitt Rhodes, Chet Baker, Jackie DeShannon, Billy Joel (Streetlife Serenade), Albert Hammond, Jerry Garcia, Dan Hill, Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, Elvis Costello (Mighty Like A Rose), and others ~ Knechtel was born in 1940
August 20, 2002 ~ Jazz drummer Chris Columbus passed away in New Jersey, USA ~ Active since the 1930s. Worked with Louis Jordan, Wild Bill Davis, Duke Ellington, Floyd Smith, Al Grey, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Buddy Tate, Milt Buckner, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Johnny Hammond Smith. His son was Count Basie's drummer Sonny Payne ~ Columbus was born in 1902
August 20, 1999 ~ Country singer, guitarist Bob Gallion passed away in Williamstown, West Virginia, USA ~ Active since the 1940s, sessioning for the likes of Stoney Cooper & Wilma Lee Cooper. As a solo artist, Gallion has recorded from the 1950s through the early-1970s, racking up about half a dozen Billboard Country top 30 hits including his best known Wall To Wall Love which reached top 10. Well-known songs include You Take The Table And I'll Take The Chairs, Loving You (Was Worth This Broken Heart), One Way Street, Sweethearts Again, and Ain't Got Time For Nothin' ~ Gallion was born in 1924
August 20, 1999 ~ Bassist Bobby Sheehan, full name Robert Vaughan Sheehan, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Co-founding member of jam band Blues Traveler. The band is best known for their breakout album Four released in 1994, which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Run Around. Sheehan would remain with the band until his death by accidental overdose in 1999 ~ Sheehan was born in 1968
August 20, 1995 ~ Jazz saxophonist John Gilmore passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for his association with Sun Ra, recording almost exclusively with the latter from the 1950s through the 1990s. As a co-leader best known for the 1957 album Blowing In Chicago, a session co-led with Clifford Jordan and with backing from Horace Silver, Curly Russell and Art Blakey. Gilmore also worked with Paul Bley, Freddie Hubbard, McCoy Tyner, Elmo Hope, Andrew Hill, Pete La Rosa, Phil Upchurch, and Dizzy Reece ~ Gilmore was born in 1931
August 20, 1992 ~ Singer, actress Demi Lovato, full name Demetria Devonne Lovato, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Started as an actress in several Disney productions, notably 2008's Camp Rock and its 2010 sequel Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam. Got her first taste of Billboard success duetting with Joe Jonas on This Is Me, taken from Camp Rock soundtrack. The single would reach the American top 10. Released her pop-rock debut album Don't Forget the same year and has been recording to commercial success since. Known for songs such as Here We Go Again, Skyscraper, Heart Attack, Cool For The Summer and Sorry (Not Sorry)
August 20, 1988 ~ Western swing guitarist, steel guitarist Leon McAuliffe, full name William Leon McAuliffe, passed away in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best known as a member of Bob Wills' pivotal the Texas Playboys backing unit during the 1930s. Co-wrote San Antonio Rose. Also wrote Steel Guitar Rag, a hit for Robert Lee Dunn. Also worked with the Light Crust Doughboys and the Cimarron Boys ~ McAuliffe was born in 1917
August 20, 1986 ~ Pop group Bucks Fizz release Love The One You're With, originally written and first recorded by Stephen Stills ~ A cover of the Stephen Stills classic, the British pop group released their popped-up rendition as a follow-up to their comeback UK top 10 hit New Beginning (Mamba Seyra). Disappointingly though, Love The One You're With would spend just three weeks on the British charts and failed to reach top 40. Member Mike Nolan blamed the song's failure on the decision to showcase the other male member, Bobby G, as the lead singer. New Beginning (Mamba Seyra) had equally featured all members and became a hit, while earlier singles with Bobby G on lead had all flopped. Although the band had enjoyed considerable popularity earlier on in their native UK, racking up close to a dozen top 20 hits including three No.1's, they would be unable to repeat their earlier success and faded out by the end of the decade
August 20, 1986 ~ Trumpeter, composer Thad Jones passed away in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Brother of pianist Hank Jones and of drummer Elvin Jones, both of whom he worked with in the Jones Boys. Also worked with Count Basie, Thelonious Monk, Mel Lewis, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Horace Parlan, Sahib Shihab, Tim Hagans, Bent Jædig, Pepper Adams, Manny Albam, Louis Armstrong, Bob Brookmeyer, Kenny Burrell, Al Cohn, Lou Donaldson, Kenny Drew, Curtis Fuller, Dexter Gordon, Milt Jackson, JJ Johnson, Yusef Lateef, Oliver Nelson, Houston Person, Paul Quinichette, McCoy Tyner, Frank Wess, Ben Webster, and others ~ Jones was born in 1923
August 20, 1983 ~ In its eighth week on the charts, It's A Mistake by Men At Work peaks at No.6 Billboard Hot 100 ~ At the time, tensions between the West and the Soviet Union were running high and many feared an escalation or possibly even a nuclear war. The Australian pop rock outfit dealt with this issue in the anti-war song It's A Mistake, lead singer and the song's sole songwriter Colin Hay taking on the persona of a mid-level officer wishing to learn from his superiors if they are going to war or not. It's A Mistake, lifted off their sophomore Cargo album, would be the band's fourth and final Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit, preceded by Who Can It Be Now, Down Under, and Overkill. Following Cargo the band would release one more album before disbanding, though in later years they have reconvened from time to time
August 20, 1981 ~ Leland James Gillette, commonly known as producer, label executive, A&R director Lee Gillette, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Headed the country division for Capitol Records starting in 1942, signing and producing acts such as Tex Ritter, Jack Guthrie, Jimmy Wakely, Merle Travis, Tex Williams, Tennessee Ernie Ford. Moved to the label's pop division in 1950, where he would produce Georgia Gibbs, Dean Martin, Peggy Lee, Stan Kenton, Vic Damone. Especially closely associated with Nat King Cole, producing all of Cole's recordings from 1950 onwards. Following Cole's death in 1965 Gillette suffered from depression and retired shortly afterwards, only occasionally producing thereafter ~ Gillette was born in 1912
August 20, 1980 ~ Folk, pop singer, songwriter Jenn Grant born in Charlottetown, Canada ~ Influenced by Kate Bush. Performed for a time in her early teens but stopped due to severe stage fright. Would start performing again in her early 20s, initially with the Heavy Blinkers. Would debut as a solo artist with the independently released EP Jenn Grant & Goodbye Twentieth Century in 2005. Released her full-length debut album, Orchestra For The Moon, in 2007 which featured the Blinkers, Ron Sexsmith, Matt Mays, and Jill Barber. Has performed and recorded steadily since, working with artists such as Buck 65, Doug Paisley, Justin Rutledge, Tanya Davis, and with producer Daniel Ledwell. She married Ledwell in 2011. Her song Dreamer is the theme song of CBC's TV series Heartland
August 20, 1979 ~ Jazz-pop singer, songwriter Jamie Cullum born in Rochford, UK ~ Released his debut album, Heard It All Before, in 1999 on a budget of only £480 with 500 copies made. Has recorded steadily since to critical acclaim and commercial succes. Cullum has covered songs originally by the White Stripes, Kanye West, Massive Attack, Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, the Pussycat Dolls, Radiohead, Gnarls Barkley, Elton John, Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Joy Division, Lady Gaga, and others.
August 20, 1977 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Aaron Watson, full name James Aaron Watson, born in Amarillo, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by George Jones and Merle Haggard. Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Singer Songwriter released in 1999. Gained wider attention with his 2002 Shut Up And Dance and its 2004 follow-up The Honky Tonk Kid, the latter produced by Asleep At The Wheel frontman Ray Benson and featuring backing vocals by musical hero and influence Willie Nelson. Well-known songs include Hearts Breaking Across Texas, Rollercoaster Ride, That Look, and Outta Style
August 20, 1977 ~ James Lloyd, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Lil' Cease, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Key member of Junior MAFIA, notably present on Player's Anthem of the group's 1995 Conspiracy debut album. As a solo artist known for his 1999 Wonderful World Of Cease A Leo album. Has worked with Lil' Kim, Mase, SWV, Kelly Price, the Notorious BIG, Mobb Deep, Fabolous, and others
August 20, 1974 ~ Alternative rock, punk rock drummer, percussionist Andy Strachan, full name Andrew Douglas Strachan, born in Adelaide, Australia ~ Best known as a member of the Living End, initially joining the band as a temporary fill-in for Travis Demsey and becoming an official full member by 2002. Present on albums such as Modern Artillery, State Of Emergency, White Noise, and The Ending Is Just The Beginning. Has also worked with Poxsii Barccs, Alcotomic, Pollyanna, and guested on albums by Jimmy Barnes, and Ash Grunwald
August 20, 1974 ~ Kenneth Doniell Moore, commonly known as rapper Big Moe, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member of DJ Screw's Screwed Up Click, considered one of the pivotal Southern rap acts. Released his City Of Syrup solo debut album in 2000. Best known for his 2003 single Just A Dog taken of the Moe Life album ~ Moore passed away in 2007
August 20, 1973 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones release Angie, lead single off their Goat's Head Soup album ~ Despite its sad undertone, arguably one of the band's most endearing, timeless, and tender ballads. Noted specifically for its restrained piano play, courtesy of regular collaborator Nicky Hopkins, and Mick Jagger's faintly audible vocals, an effect sometimes called “ghost” vocals. In a 1993 interview, Keith Richards said the title was inspired by his baby daughter, Dandelion Angela. Yet in his 2010 memoir Life, Richards said he had chosen the name at random, before they named their daughter or even before they knew that the baby would be a girl, and that the song was not about any particular person. Jagger's contributions to the lyrics may have referred to his breakup with Marianne Faithfull. The single would reach No.1 in over half a dozen countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands
August 20, 1970 ~ Singer, guitarist, producer Fred Durst, full name William Frederick Hurst, born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Best known as frontman of rap-rock outfit Limp Bizkit. Has ventured into films as both an actor and a film director. Collaborated with Korn, Soulfly, Methods Of Mayhem, Run-DMC, Rock, Corey Feldman and others
August 20, 1968 ~ Guitarist, composer Frode Barth born in Lorenskog, Norway ~ Worked with Oscar Peterson, Reggie Workman, Arthur Maia, Robertinho Silva, Toninho Horta, Kjell Karlsen, Trygve Seim, Terje Venaas, Harald Johnsen, Celio de Cravalho, Alf Kjellman, Pal Thowsen, Arild Andersen, Jon Eberson, Per Oddvar Johansen, Steve Bloom, Jane Vespestad, and others
August 20, 1966 ~ Daarrell Lance Abbot, commonly known as groove metal, southern metal, thrash metal, heavy metal guitarist, singer Dimebag Darrell, born in Ennis, Texas, USA ~ Son of country producer Jerry Abbott, brother of drummer Vinnie Paul. Influenced by Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, ZZ Top, and especially Kiss and Van Halen. Best known as guitarist, and alongside his brother co-founder of quintessential metal bands Pantera and Damageplan. Noted for his guitar solos on the former's Walk, Cemetery Gates and Floods. Abbott never received any formal guitar training. Shot and killed by a deranged fan at age 38 during a nightclub performance in Columbus, Ohio. Abbott was buried in a Kiss casket donated by Gene Simmons with a 1979 Bumblebee guitar donated by Eddie Van Halen ~ Abbott passed away in 2004
August 20, 1965 ~ Jeff Carmichael, commonly known as rapper Jay Supreme, born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as co-frontman of Eurodance group Culture Beat, scoring international hits with singles such as Mr Vain, World In Your Hands and Crying In The Rain. Subsequently collaborated with Rappers Against Racism and released a sole solo single in 2000, Your Love Encore featuring Cheryl Lynn
August 20, 1965 ~ Lawrence Parker, commonly known as MC, rapper KRS One, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Formed Boogie Down Productions with Scott La Rock. As a solo artist known for songs such as Sound Of Da Police, Love's Gonna Getch (Material Love), My Philosophy, Step Into A World (Raptures Delight) and The MC
August 20, 1963 ~ R&B, soul singer Sam Cooke records That's Where It's At at RCA Studios, Los Angeles, California ~ Written by Cooke and JW Alexander. Produced by Al Schmitt. Released as a single, paired with Cousin Of Mine on the B-side, September 1964 the single would barely make a chart presence, stalling in the 90s on the Billboard Hot 100, yet over time the song awarded critical acclaim. It has been covered by the likes of Van Morrison, Ray Charles, and notably Bobby Womack. The latter had also backed Cooke on the original recording, other musicians being John Anderson, Harper Cosby, Streamline Ewing, June Gardner, Jewell Grant, Darel Terwilliger and René Hall
August 20, 1961 ~ Jazz trumpeter Byron Stripling, full name Lloyd Byron Stripling, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Lead trumpeter and soloist with Count Basie's orchestra. Has also worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Louie Bellson, Buck Clayton, Gerry Mulligan, JJ Johnson, Jim Hall, Sonny Rollins, Paquito d'Rivera, Freddy Cole, Jack McDuff, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the GRP All-Star Big Band, the New York Pops, and the Boston Pops Orchestra
August 20, 1959 ~ Jazz bassist, composer Gaute Storaas born in Bergen, Norway ~ Brother of pianist Vigleik Storaas. As a composer best known for his work for TV and film, notably scoring the soundtrack of the Elias & The Treasure Of The Sea animated feature film. Has arranged for rock and jazz artist including Dimmu Borgir, Turbonegro, Sissel Kyrkjebø, M2M, Espen Lind, and others
August 20, 1958 ~ José Fernández Torres, commonly known as flamenco, jazz guitarist Tomatito, born in Fondón, Spain ~ First gained attention backing flamenco singer Camarón de la Isla. Released his Rosas Del Amor debut album in 1987 and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Has collaborated with Paco de Lucia, Michel Camilo, Josep Pons, and others
August 20, 1957 ~ Drummer, guitarist Gary Mudbone Cooper born in Kansas City, Kansas, USA ~ Closely associated with George Clinton, present on a string of 1970s Parliament and Funkadelic albums including Mothership Connection, Hardcore Jollies, and Motor Booty Affair. Has also worked with several Clinton alumni appearing on Fred Wesley's A Blow For Me A Toot For You album, Eddie Hazel's Game Dames And Guitar Thangs, and Bootsy Collins' Bootsy (Player Of The Year). Cooper also formed the short-lived mid-1980s duo Sly Fox with Michael Camacho, known for their Let's Go All The Way single which would reach top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic
August 20, 1952 ~ Singer Doug Fieger born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as rhytm guitarist and lead vocalist of the Knack, best known for their 1979 hit My Sharona co-written by Fieger. Fieger was also a member of Sky, has played with Triumvirat, produced Mystery Pop 's Rubber City Rebels debut LP, guested on Was (Not Was)'s 1983 LP Born To Laugh, provided lead vocals on Bruce Kullick's Dirty Girl, and recorded two solo albums namely 1999's First Things First and 2010's Hankerings, the latter a Hank Williams tribute released shortly after Fieger's death ~ Fieger passed away in 2010
August 20, 1948 ~ Organist, songwriter Lanier Greig born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Member of Neal Ford & the Fanatics, known for a handful of mid- to late-1960s singles and a sole eponymous album, regarded by aficionados as early key recordings in the pyschedelic rock era. Well known songs include I Can''t Go On, Good Men and Woman ~ Greig passed away in 2013
August 20, 1947 ~ Singer, songwriter David Lasley, full name David Eldon Lasley, born in Branch, Michigan, USA ~ Member of the Pousette-Dart Band. Member of Rosie. As a solo artist scored a Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hit with If I Had My Wish Tonight in 1982. Songs written or co-written by Lasley have been recorded by Rita Coolidge, Patti Labelle (Come What May), Kiki Dee, Valerie Carter, Maxine Nightingale (Lead Me On), Boz Scaggs, Peter Allen, Norman Connors, the Pointer Sisters (Got To Find Love), Sarah Dash, Amy Keys, and Bonnie Raitt (I Ain't Gonna Let You Break My Heart Again) ~ Lasley passed away in 2021
August 20, 1947 ~ Trombonist, brass player, songwriter James Pankow born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Founding member of Chicago. Wrote or co-wrote several Chicago songs including Make Me Smile, Colour My World, Just You 'n Me, Old Days and Feelin' Stronger Every Day. Sang lead on You Are On My Mind from 1976's Chicago X and on Till The End Of Time from 1977's Chicago XI. Scored most of the band's brass arrangements. Guested on Three Dog Night's 1969 top 20 hit Celebrate, on several tracks of the Bee Gees 1979 Spirits Having Flown album and on several Toto albums, notably the 1982 Grammy Award-winning Toto IV
August 20, 1944 ~ Jazz drummer Terry Clarke, full name Terence Michael Clarke, born in Vancouver, Canada ~ Worked with Chris Gage, Dave Robbins, John Handy, the 5th Dimension, Rob McConnell, the Boss Brass, Ed Bickert, Ruby Braff, Jim Galloway, Sonny Greenwich, Jay McShann, Emily Remler, Frank Rosolino, Jim Hall, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Eddie Daniels, Oliver Jones, Roger Kellaway, Helen Merrill, Ken Peplowski, Joe Roccisano, Free Trade, Ed Bickert, Oliver Jones, Oscar Peterson, Buddy Tate, and others
August 20, 1943 ~ Oliver Haydn Whigham III, commonly known as jazz trombonist Jiggs Whigham, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Stan Kenton, the Berlin Jazz Orchestra, Carl Fontana, Peter Herbolzheimer, Paul Kuhn, Bud Shank, the Globe Unity Orchestra, Art Farmer, Bert Kaempfert, Joe Pass, Allen Farnham, Frank Rosolino, Johnny Richards, Kurt Edelhagen, Harry Allen, and others
August 20, 1942 ~ Singer, songwriter Isaac Hayes, full name Isaac Lee Hayes Jr, born in Covington, Tennessee, USA ~ Southern soul icon, session musician, songwriter, producer at famed Stax/Volt label oft in collaboration with David Porter, writing songs for Sam & Dave, and Carla Thomas. Influenced by Percy Mayfield, Big Joe Turner, James Brown, Jerry Butler, Sam Cooke, Fats Domino, Marvin Gaye, the Chamber Brothers and Sly & the Family Stone. Worked with Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Donald Byrd, Linda Clifford, Albert King, William Bell, Dionne Warwick, Rufus Thomas, and Eddie Floyd. As a solo artist best known for pivotal late-1960s, early-1970s albums such as Hot Buttered Soul, Black Moses and the score of blaxploitation film Shaft. Received an Oscar for Best Original Song for the track Theme From Shaft. Would later embrace disco on albums such as Chocolate Chip and Disco Connection. Would resurge in the 1990s lending his voice to South Park's Chef ~ Hayes passed away in 2008
August 20, 1941 ~ Free jazz, avant-garde drummer Milford Graves born in New York, New York, USA ~ Widely considered a pioneer of free jazz, counted among the flashiest of drummers and considered pivotal to jazz drumming in the 1960s, noted for including Asian and African rhythms into his playing. As a leader especially acclaimed for his Stories album, released in 2000. Regularly collaborated with Paul Bley, Albert Ayler, and the New York Art Quartet. An in-demand sideman active until his death at age 79, Graves has also appeared on albums by Giuseppi Logan (The Giuseppe Logan Quartet), Montego Joe, Miriam Makeba (Makeba Sings), Sonny Sharrock, Andrew Cyrille, Kenny Clarke, Anthony Braxton (Beyond Quantum), and Wadada Leo Smith ~ Graves passed away in 2021
August 20, 1939 ~ Jazz trumpeter Enrico Rava born in Trieste, Italy ~ Started on trombone, changed to trumpet after hearing Miles Davis. Has worked with John Abercrombie, Andrea Centazzo, Gil Evans, Richard Galliano, Joe Henderson, Joe Lovano, Pat Metheny, Michel Petrucciani, Cecil Taylor, Miroslav Vitous, Carla Bley, Lee Konitz, Jeannie Lee, Paul Motian, Roswell Rudd, Stefano Bollani, Gato Barbieri, Aldo Romano, Eberhard Weber, and others
August 20, 1937 ~ Jazz trumpeter Johnny Dunn passed away in Paris, France ~ Critically compared to King Oliver and Louis Armstrong. One of the first to use a plunger, a style copied by Tricky Sam Nanton, the effect later became known as the wah-wah effect. Best known for his work in the 1920s with Perry Bradford, Mamie Smith, Jelly Roll Morton, James P Johnson, Fats Waller, Noble Sissle, Elmer Chambers, Charlie Dixon, Herb Flemming, Sam Wooding, Garvin Bushell, and Edith Wilson. Retired from music by the late-1920s. His style out of fashion and largely forgotten Dunn would pass away of tuberculosis at age 40 ~ Dunn was born in 1897
August 20, 1935 ~ Composer, conductor Otakar Ostrcil passed away in Prague, Czechoslovakia ~ Influenced by Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss and Arnold Schoenberg. Considered one of the leading composers in Czech Modernism, alongside Josef Suk and Vítezslav Novák. Best known for his symphonic works Impromptu, Suite In C Minor and Symfonietta and his operas Poupé and Honzovo Kralovstvi ~ Ostrcil was born in 1879
August 20, 1934 ~ Peter E Kleinow, commonly known as guitarist Sneaky Pete Kleinow, born ~ Influenced by Jerry Byrd. Best known as member of pivotal country-rock outfit the Flying Burrito Brothers from 1968 through 1971, present on all of the original band's three albums including the landmark The Gilded Palace Of Sin album. Also worked with several of the band's reunion line-ups and spin-off bands. In-demand session guitarist, steel guitarist with a host of rock, folk, country artists including Joe Cocker, Dillard & Clark, Delaney & Bonnie (To Bonnie From Delaney), the Byrds, Linda Ronstadt, Little Feat, Jackson Browne (Jackson Browne), Rita Coolidge, John Lennon (Mind Games), Ringo Starr, Stevie Wonder (Songs In The Key Of Life), the Golden Palominos, and Leonard Cohen ~ Kleinow passed away in 2007
August 20, 1933 ~ Rockabilly guitarist, producer Roland Janes born in Brookings, Arkansas, USA ~ Best known for his association with Cowboy Jack Clement and for his work as producer and session musician at Sun Records through 1963. Worked with artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Billy Lee Riley, Charlie Rich, Sonny Burgess, and others ~ Janes passed away in 2013
August 20, 1931 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Alain Goraguer born in Rosny-sous-Bois, France ~ Best known for his associations with Boris Vian and Serge Gainsbourg. Also composed, arranged for Jean Ferrat, Serge Reggiani, and Nana Mouskouri. Conducted the orchestra for France Gall's 1965 Eurovision Songfestival-winning performance of Poupée De Cire (Poupée De Son) ~ Goraguer passed away in 2023
August 20, 1931 ~ Francis Cappucio, commonly known as jazz, pop, rock drummer, percussionist, vibraphonist Frank Capp, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA ~ Co-led the Capp-Pierce Juggernaut with pianist Nat Pierce from 1975 until Pierce's death in 1992. Had been active in music since the early-1950s, initially gaining attention as a member of Stan Kenton's orchestra. In-demand session musician in jazz, pop, and rock. Present on albums by Art Pepper, Benny Goodman, André Previn, Henry Mancini (The Music From Peter Gunn), Dinah Shore, Sonny & Cher, Nancy Sinatra, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), the Monkees, Frank Zappa, Harry Nilsson, Bette Midler, Tina Turner (Simply The Best), and John Denver ~ Cappucio passed away in 2017
August 20, 1929 ~ Thomas Clague, commonly known as radio host, DJ Tom Clay, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Popular radio DJ remembered best for a number of controversies. Fired from his job at WWOL-AM-FM, Buffalo, after he pulled a stunt in which he played Bill Haley's Rock Around The Clock repeatedly from atop a billboard in Buffalo's Shelton Square. Clay would later be involved in the payola scandal of the late-1950s, and admitted to having accepted thousands of dollars for playing certain records WJBK, Cincinnati. Despite the controversies Clay would rise to popularity every time. As a recording artist, Clay is known for putting together the What The World Needs Now Is Love/Abraham Martin & John collage single, mixing two popular records of the time with children's voices and excerpts from speeches by John F Kennedy, Robert F Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. The single would be a surprise hit and reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Clague passed away in 1995
August 20, 1927 ~ James Elbert Raney, commonly known as jazz guitarist Jimmy Raney, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Best known for his early-1950s work with Red Norvo, replacing Tal Farlow in the Red Norvo Trio, and for backing Stan Getz during the same period. At home in various jazz idioms including cool jazz, bebop, post bop and hard bop. Has also worked with Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Buddy DeFranco, Al Haig, Bob Brookmeyer, and others. Suffered from Ménière's disease which eventually led to near deafness in both ears. This did not stop him from playing however, hailed by the New York Times in his obituary as “one of the most gifted and influential postwar jazz guitarists” ~ Raney passed away in 1995
August 20, 1926 ~ Jazz trombonist Frank Rosolino born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Worked with Kenny Burrell, Paul Chambers, Tommy Flanagan, Hank Jones, Thad Jones, Elvin Jones, Bob Chester, Glen Gray, Tony Pastor, Peggy Lee, Mel Tormé, Quincy Jones, Shelly Manne, Francy Boland, Terry Gibbs, Stan Kenton, Pete Rugolo, Elmer Bernstein, Frank Capp, Benny Carter, Ray Charles, Paulinho Da Costa, Dizzy Gillespie, Chico Hamilton, Charlie Mariano, Anita O'Day, Buddy Rich, Frank Sinatra, Cal Tjader, Tower Of Power, and Sarah Vaughan ~ Rosolino passed away in 1978
August 20, 1923 ~ Country, country-pop singer Jim Reeves, full name James Travis Reeves, born in Galloway, Texas, USA ~ Charted records from the 1950s through the 1980s. Dubbed “Gentleman Jim”. Instrumental in creating the lush Nashville sound, reaching audiences outside country circles. First gained attention with the single Mexican Joe in 1953. Frequently worked with producer Steve Sholes early on in his career. Known for songs such as Welcome To My World, I Guess I'm Crazy, Blue Side Of Lonesome, and Make The World Go Away ~ Reeves passed away in 1964
August 20, 1905 ~ Weldon Leo Teagarden, commonly known as jazz, swing, dixieland trombonist, singer Jack Teagarden, born in Vernon, Texas, USA ~ Preeminent trombonist of the pre bebop era. Best known as a sideman in ensembles led by Paul Whiteman and Louis Armstrong. Has also worked with Peck Kelley, Benny Goodman, Bix Beiderbecke, Red Nichols, Jimmy McPartland, Mezz Mezzrow, Glenn Miller, Eddie Condon, Red Allen, and Ben Pollack. Notably present on the Red Allen Kid Ory & Jack Teagarden At Newport album, released on Verve in 1957 ~ Teagarden passed away in 1964
August 20, 1900 ~ Rhumba, zarzuela singer, pianist, actress Rita Montaner, full name Rita Aurelia Fulcida Montaner y Facenda, born in Guanabacoa, Cuba ~ Classically trained. One of Cuba's most beloved artists from the 1920s through the 1950s, also enjoying popularity in Europe and America. Best known for Afro-Cuban salon songs including The Peanut Vendor and Siboney ~ Montaner passed away in 1958
August 20, 1873 ~ William Henry Bell, commonly known as composer, conductor WH Bell, born in St Albans, UK ~ Principal of the South African College Of Music, Cape Town, from 1912 through 1935. As a composer wrote operas, orchestral, symphonic and chamber music. Perhaps best remembered for South African Symphony and Viola Concerto ~ Bell passed away in 1946