August 21, 1991 ~ Dimitra Papadea, commonly known as pop, R&B, dance pop singer, songwriter, actress Demy, born in Athens, Greece ~ Debuted in 2012 with her #1, which topped the Greek album charts and reached Platinum status in Greece and Cyprus. Known for songs such as Mono Mprosta, I Zoi (To Pio Omorfo Tragedi), I Alitheia Moaizzei Psema and This Is Love
August 21, 1988 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist Kacey Musgraves, full name Kacey Lee Musgraves, born in Golden, Texas, USA ~ Strong and independent, sincere and often self-penned songs with a broad crossover appeal. Impressed with her 2013 debut Same Trailer Different Park album. Performs and records steadily since. Known for songs such as Merry-go-round, Follow Your Arrow and Rainbow
August 21, 1987 ~ Experimental rock guitarist Rafiq Bhatia born in Hickory, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known as a member of Son Lux since 2015, previously serving as touring and session musician with the band. Bhatia has also recorded as a solo artist, his Yes It Will debut album released in 2012, and has collaborated with the likes of Olga Bell, Marcus Gilmore, Helado Negro, Vijay Iyer, Moses Sumney, and David Virelles
August 21, 1979 ~ Kelis Rogers, mononymously known as singer Kelis, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Debuted in 1999 with the Kaleidoscope album, critically acclaimed and spawned the singles Caught Out Here, Good Stuff and Get Along With You. Subsequent releases would regularly reach top 10 in the UK and continental Europe, such as Milkshake, Trick Me, Millionaire and Acapella. Kelis has collaborated with Ol' Dirty Bastard, Guru, Foxxy Brown, Angie Martinez, Royce da 5'9", Busta Rhymes, Calvin Harris, and others
August 21, 1977 ~ Rock, pop guitarist, songwriter Junji Ishiwatari born in Towada, Japan ~ Member of Supercar. Merging alternative rock with electronic music the band is especially acclaimed for their 1998 Three Out Change album, considered one of the all-time greatest Japanese rock albums. Following the band's disbandement in the mid-2000s Ishiwatari has primarily worked as songwriter and producer for a wide array of artists
August 21, 1975 ~ Ryu Yeong-gi, commonly known as rapper, producer Verbal, born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Well-known as a member of M-Flo, though Yeong-gi considers his role more as a host than a rapper or producer. Also closely assocaited with acts such as Crystal Kay, BoA, Koda Kumi, and Namie Amuro. Heads the Espionage Records label. As a solo artist known for his 2011 Visionair album which featured collaborations with Nicki Minaj, Lil' Wayne, and Kylie Minogue
August 21, 1974 ~ John Kirkland Reid, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Johnny Reid, born ~ Debuted in 1997 with the album Another Day Another Dime. First gained attention with his eponymous sophomore album, 2000's Johnny Reid, which spawned the minor hits Given Up On Me, Runnin' Wild and She Don't Wanna Hear, all of which barely missed the Canadian country top 40. In 2004 You Still Own Me, lead single of Reid's Born To Roll, would be his first single to reach top 20. More would follow. Country-rockers Emerson Drive covered Reid's You Still Own Me in 2007
August 21, 1974 ~ Christian rapper Shai Linne born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ An atheist for most of his childhood Linne would go on to become an in-demand collaborator in Christian hip hop, working with the likes of Lecrae, Trip Lee, Timothy Brindle, and notably 116 Clique, appearing on the latter's 2007 13 Letters album. As a solo artist perhaps best known for his controversial 2013 Fal$e Teacher$ single, criticizing prosperity theology naming well known TV preachers such as Joel Osteen and Paula White. Linne has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with The Soilus Christus Project released in 2005
August 21, 1970 ~ Jazz trumpeter, bandleader, composer Marlon Jordan born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Son of saxophonist Kidd Jordan and pianist Edvidge Jordan. Brother of flutist Kent Jordan, violinist Rachel Jordan and of jazz singer Stephanie Jordan. Worked with Branford Marsalis, Dennis González, Miles Davis, George Benson, Alvin Batiste, Maynard Chatters, Jonathan Bloom, and others
August 21, 1970 ~ Simone Larsen, commonly known as jazz, soul singer, guitarist Simone Eriksrud, born in Freiburg, West Germany ~ Lead singer of D'Sound with whom she recorded about half a dozen albums since the band's inception in 1993. Following her departure from the band the two remaining members, bassist Jonny Sjo and drummer Kim Ofstad, continued as a duo collaborating with a wide array of international artists. Eriksrud released her Last Days And Nights solo album in 2005, and has collaborated with the likes of Savoy, A-ha (Minor Earth Major Sky), Bjørn Eidsvåg, Donkeyboy, Eric Saade, and Marion Raven
August 21, 1968 ~ Producer, multi-instrumentalist Jan Bang born in Kristiansand, Norway ~ Has released albums as a solo artist and has worked with artists such as Morten Harket, Sidsel Endresen, David Sylvian, Nils Petter Molvær, Arild Andersen, Bugge Wesseltoft, Arve Henriksen, Erik Honoré, Bertine Zetlitz, Bel Canto, Eivind Sarset, Tigran Hamasyan, and others
August 21, 1964 ~ Jazz drummer, pianist, vibraphonist Jorge Rossy born in Barcelona, Spain ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Woody Shaw, Kenny Wheeler, Jack Walrath, David Schnitter, Sal Nistico, Sean Levitt, Paquito d'Rivera, Mark Turner, Chris Cheek, Seamus Blake, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Brad Mehldau, Ethan Iverson, Reid Anderson, Avishai Cohen, Joe Martin, Freddie Bryant, the Bloom Daddies, Joshua Redman, Bill McHenry, Bruce Barth, Mike Kanan, Ben Monder, Nat Su, Steve Wilson, Larry Grenadier, Ben Street, Albert Sanz, Lee Konitz, Charlie Haden, Carla Bley, Joe Lovano, Chick Corea, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Peter Bernstein, Doug Weiss, and others
August 21, 1962 ~ DJ, producer David Morales born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Spent the 1980s DJ-ing at several New York, New Jersey clubs, including his own. Co-founded Def Mix Productions with renowned DJ Frankie Knuckles to manage their own work. Morales has remixed and produced numerous recording for artists including Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey (nominated for a Grammy Award for his work on Daydream), Eric Clapton, Seal, the Pet Shop Boys, Jamiroquai, Jocelyn Brown, Róisín Murphy, Ultra Naté, Janice Robinson, and others
August 21, 1962 ~ Salsa, bolero singer, bandleader Gilberto Santa Rosa, full name Gilberto Santa Rosa Cortes, born in Santurce, Puerto Rico ~ Dubbed “the Gentleman of Salsa” with over two dozen albums to his name. Recorded with Mario Ortez Orchestra and La Grande Orchestra before venturing out on his own in the 1980s. Known for songs such as Good Vibrations, De Amor Salsa, Punto De Vista, Vivir Sin Ella and Perspectiva
August 21, 1958 ~ Pop, disco, funk, pop-rock singer, keyboardist, producer, songwriter Ellert Driessen born in Amsterdam ~ Brother of Fruitcake's Jan-Paul Driessen. Best known as keyboardist, singer, main songwriter of dance-pop, disco outfit Spargo, co-leading with Lilian Day Jackson, known for early to mid-1980s recordings such as Head Up To The Sky, One Night Affair, Just For You, Hip Hap Hop and their biggest hit Just For You. Has also worked as a solo artist and as a songwriter for the likes of Anita Meijer, Piet Veerman, and Rob de Nijs (Banger Hart)
August 21, 1958 ~ Actress, singer, songwriter Kate Robbins, full name Kate Elizabeth Robbins, born in Margate, UK ~ Best known as an actress active since the early-1980s. As a singer known as a member of Prima Donna, with whom she reached third place at the 1980 Eurovision Songfestival representing her native UK with the song Love Enough For Two, and for her 1981 UK top 10 solo hit More Than In Love
August 21, 1957 ~ Peter Edward Clarke, commonly known as drummer Budgie, born ~ Admired by peers including the Police's Stewart Copeland, Echo & the Bunnymen's Pete de Freitas, and U2's Larry Mullen Jr. Member of the Slits, present on the 1979 Cut masterpiece. Best known as drummer for Siouxsie & the Banshees, one of the all-time most successful post-punk, goth bands especially acclaimed for albums such as Kaleidoscope, Hyaena, and Tinderbox. Formed side project the Creatures with bandmate singer Siouxsie Sioux, dabbling in exotica-tinged rock
August 21, 1957 ~ Classical conductor, composer Karin Rehnqvist born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Artistic director for the Stans Kör from 1976 through 1991. Composer-in-residence with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Svenska Kammarorkestern during the 2000s. As a composer has written chamber music, orchestral works, and particularly vocal music. Well-known works include Arktis Arktis, Pucksånger-lockrop, and Solsången
August 21, 1957 ~ Rock, rock pop trumpeter, singer Mark Pender born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ In-demand session musician, member of the Miami Horns. Has worked with Southside Johnny, Little Steven, Bruce Springsteen, Max Weinberg, Diana Ross, Gary US Bonds, Joe Cocker, Darlene Love, Robert Cray, Bon Jovi, David Bowie, They Might Be Giants, Buster Poindexter, and others
August 21, 1954 ~ Guitarist Nick Kane born in Jerusalem, Georgia, USA ~ Member of the Mavericks from 1995 through 2000, first appearing on the 1995 Music For All Occasions album. Kane released a solo album, Songs In The Key Of E, in 1999 consisting mostly of covers, and has appeared on albums by James Horner, Sonny George, Los Super Seven, and Swag
August 21, 1954 ~ Jazz, rock drummer Steve Smith born in Brockton, Massachusetts, USA ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader. Founded and fronts Vital Information, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums starting in the early-1980s. To pop rock audiences perhaps best known as member of Journey from 1978 through 1985, occasionally rejoining the band in later years. Has also worked with Jean-Luc Ponty, Jeff Berlin, Neal Schon, Richie Kotzen, Zucchero, Steps Ahead, Vital Tech Tones, the Storm, and Wadada Leo Smith
August 21, 1953 ~ Douglas James Schlecht, commonly known as saxophonist Doug James, born in Turlock, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Roomful Of Blues as an intermittent touring and recording member of the band from the early-1970s through the late-1990s. Present on albums such as Roomful Of Blues, the collaborative Eddie Cleanhead Vinson & Roomful Of Blues with Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, and Dance All Night. James has also appeared on several of his Roomful bandmates solo outings, most notably several of its leader Duke Robillard, released his Blow Mr Low solo album in 2001, and has subsequently recorded several collaborative albums with Sax Gordon. James has also backed artists such as Lavern Baker, Helen Humes, Colin James, Freddie King, Charlie Musselwhite, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters, and Jimmy Witherspoon
August 21, 1952 ~ Hard rock, blues rock, progressive rock guitarist, bassist, singer Glenn Hughes born in Cannock, UK ~ Best known for his association with Deep Purple, present on the albums Burn, Stormbringer and Come Taste The Band, and for briefly fronting Black Sabbath in the mid-1980s. Noted for his soulful voice. Has also worked with Trapeze, Finders Keepers, Phenomena, John Norum, Black Country Communion, Kings Of Chaos, California Breed, the Dead Daisies, and others
August 21, 1952 ~ John Graham Mellor, commonly known as punk rock, post-punk, alternative rock, rock singer, guitarist, bassist, pianist Joe Strummer, born in Ankara, Turkey ~ Best known as co-founding member, co-lead singer of the Clash, considered part of the punk movement yet drawing from a wide array of genres including reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, and rockabilly. The band is known for songs such as Complete Control, Tommy Gun, London Calling, Train In Vain, Bankrobber, The Magnificent Seven, Know Your Rights, Should I Stay Or Should I Go, and Rock The Casbah. Strummer has also worked with the 101-ers, the Latino Rockabilly War, the Pogues, and the Mescaleros ~ Mellor was born in 2002
August 21, 1952 ~ Richard Zito, commonly known as rock, hard rock guitarist, keyboardist, producer Richie Zito, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ One of the most in-demand session guitarists of the late-1970s and 1980s, appearing on songs such as Blondie's Call Me, Irene Cara's Flashdance (What A Feeling), Glenn Frey's The Heat Is On, and Berlin's Take My Breath Away. Other notable credits include Neil Sedaka, Diana Ross, Eric Carmen, Helen Reddy, Brian Cadd, Yvonne Elliman, Elton John, Dan Seals, Lionel Richie, Albert Hammond, Kenny Rogers, Tina Turner, Eddie Money, Joe Cocker, and the Neville Brothers
August 21, 1950 ~ Singer, model, songwriter Patrick Juvet born in Montreux, Switzerland ~ Best known for I Love America, a 1978 Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo-produced top 20 hit throughout Europe. Also known for representing Switzerland in the 1973 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 12th place with Je Bais Me Marler Marie ~ Juvet passed away in 2021
August 21, 1949 ~ Avant-garde jazz trumpeter Malachi Thompson born in Princeton, Kentucky, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians, Joe Henderson, Jackie McLean, Frank Foster, Archie Shepp, Lester Bowie, Shamek Farrah, Errol Parker, Hubert Eaves, Roland Alexander, Gil Scott-Heron, Quincy Jones, and others ~ Thompson passed away in 2006
August 21, 1948 ~ Robert Rimato, commonly known as songwriter Robert Hazard born ~ Started as a Dylan-era folkie, turned to country for a number of years, followed by a reggae stint. Fronted Robert Hazard & the Heroes, scoring modest hits in the early MTV days with Escalator Of Life and Change Reaction. Best known for writing Cyndi Lauper's 1983 hit Girls Just Want To Have Fun. Would continue to record from time to time, his last recordings a return to country music ~ Rimato passed away in 2008
August 21, 1943 ~ Singer Clydie King, occasionally known as Brown Sugar, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Discovered by songwriter Richard Berry. Active since the mid-1950s starting fronting Little Clydie & the Teens, as a member of Ray Charles' backup singers Raelettes, and working as a session singer for Phil Spector in the early-1960s. Also recorded solo singles before becoming an in-demand session singer from the late-1960s onwards providing backing vocals for artists such as Humble Pie, BB King, the Rolling Stones, Steely Dan, Barbra Streisand, Crabby Appleton, Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, Joe Cocker, Dickey Betts, Joe Walsh, Neil Diamond, Les Dudek, Martha Reeves, Diana Ross, Dusty Springfield, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, notably present on the latter's Sweet Home Alabama ~ King passed away in 2019
August 21, 1941 ~ Sharon Lee Myers, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Jackie DeShannon, born in Hazel, Kentucky, USA ~ One of the first female singer, songwriters of the rock & roll age. Recorded since the late-1950s with her commercially most successful perios in the late-1960s, early-1970s. Best known for songs such as What The World Needs Now Is Love, Put A Little Love In Your Heart, When You Walk In The Room and Bette Davis Eyes. The latter, written by DeShannon and Donna Weiss, was notably covered by Kim Carnes who would take the song to the top of the charts in over half a dozen countries including America in 1981
August 21, 1941 ~ Rock, jazz fusion, classical keyboardist Tom Coster born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Member of Santana from 1972 through 1978, first appearing on the acclaimed Caravanserai album. Coster also co-wrote Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile), Flor D'Luna, and Dance Sister Dance (Baila Mi Hermana), all recorded by the band, and has appeared on several of Carlos Santana's solo albums. Coster recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, including the acclaimed Let's Set The Record Straight and Cause And Effect, and appeared on albums by Gato Barbieri, Labelle, Geoff Muldaur, Bunky Green, Pete Escovedo, Vital Information, Candlemass, and Joe Satriani
August 21, 1941 ~ Bassist, arranger, engineer, producer Tony Clarke, full name Anthony Ralph Clarke, born in Coventry, UK ~ Active since the early 1960s, Clarke served as bassist and session musician for a succession of bands, though to little commercial success. Clarke would, however, become well known as a producer, starting with Mirror Mirror, a 1966 UK top 10 hit for Pinkerton's Assorted Colours. Clarke is most closely associated with the Moody Blues, producing over half a dozen of the band's albums starting with Days Of Future Passed in 1967, as well as several of the band members' solo albums including Justin Hayward's Songwriter and John Lodge's Natural Avenue, both released in 1977. Clarke is also noted for engineering Tea For The Tillerman, arguably Cat Stevens's best known album, and has produced albums for Mahogany, Gonzalez, Camel (Nude), Clannad (Pastpresent), and Spiritualized ~ Clarke passed away in 2010
August 21, 1939 ~ Country, gospel, southern gospel singer Harold Reid born in Augusta Country, Virginia, USA ~ Bass singer, one of only two actual brothers in the band called the Statler Brothers, the other being lead singer Don Reid. No band member actually has the surname Statler. Started out singing gospel, at one point named themselves the Kingsmen and changed the name when the garage rock band Kingsmen became well known with their 1963 Louie Louie. The group gravitated towards more secular country throughout the years but would include at least one gospel song on each album. They would reach the top 10 of the country charts regularly from the mid-1960s through the late-1980s with songs such as Flowers On The Wall, You Can't Have Your Cake And Edith Too, Do You Remember These, I'll Go To My Grave Loving You, Do You Know You Are My Sunshine, You'll Be Back Every Night In My Dreams, Elizabeth, and More Than A Name On The Wall ~ Reid passed away in 2020
August 21, 1939 ~ Guitarist James Burton born in Dubberly, Louisiana, USA ~ Renowned session, touring, backing guitarist. Has worked with numerous artists including Bob Luman, Dale Hawkins (including on the quintessential 1957 recording Susie Q), Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley (led Presley's backing unit the TCB Band from 1969 up to Presley's death in 1977), John Denver, Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Judy Collins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Claude King, Elvis Costello (on tour and in the studio for about a decade, starting with 1986's King Of America), Joe Osborn, John Denver, Roy Orbison, Joni Mitchell, Hoyt Axton, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Young, Vince Gill, Suzi Quatro, Allen Harris, Rodney Crowell, Steve Wariner, and others
August 21, 1938 ~ Ernest Peter Maresca, commonly known as singer, songwriter, label executive Ernie Maresca, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ As a singer known for the 1962 hit Shout Shout (Knock Yourself Out) which he co-wrote with Thomas F Bogdany. Best known for his association with Dion, writing or co-writing some of his biggest hits including Runaround Sue, Donna The Prima Donna and The Wanderer. Other artists who recorded his songs include the Regents, Dean & Jean, Bernadette Carroll, Jimmie Rodgers, nbnd others ~ Maresca passed away in 2015
August 21, 1938 ~ Singer, actor Kenny Rogers, full name Kenneth Donald Rogers, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Hugely successful cross-over singer, especially during the 1970s and 1980s. Sold over 100 million records during his lifetime. Known for songs such as Just Dropped In To See What Condition My Condition Was In, Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town, Love Lifted Me, The Gambler, Laura (What's He Got That I Ain't Got), and Lucille. Worked with the Scholars, Bobby Doyle, Mickey Gilley, Eddy Arnold, the New Christy Minstrels, Larry Butler, extensively with Dottie West, with Kim Carnes (Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer), Lynda Carter, Dolly Parton (You Can't Make Old Friends, Islands In The Stream), Sheena Easton, Lionel Richie (who wrote Rogers' Lady), David Foster, Barry Gibb, Ronnie Milsap, Whitney Duncan, and Bloodline Rogers ~ Rogers passed away in 2020
August 21, 1935 ~ Flutist Felix Skowronek born ~ Student of William Kincaid. Leading figure in the revival of wooden Boehm-style flutes. Expert in the use of various hardwoods in flute manufacturing. . Founding member of the Soni Ventorum Wind Quintet. Skowronek has also played with the Seattle Symphony, the Seventh Army Symphony, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, and the St Louis Symphony ~ Skowronek passed away in 2006
August 21, 1935 ~ Kentrick Patrick, commonly known as calypso, rocksteady, ska singer Lord Creator, born in San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago ~ Influential on the early development of the Jamaican music scene. Active since the late-1950s, noted for hits such as The Cockhead, Evening News, Big Bamboo, and specifically Kingston Town. The latter would be covered by UB40 in 1989, which helped revive Patrick's career ~ Patrick passed away in 2023
August 21, 1933 ~ Mezzo-soprana opera, concert, lieder singer Janet Baker, full name Janet Abbott Baker, born in Hatfield, UK ~ Best known as n interpreter of baroque and early Italian opera as well as the works of Benjamin Britten, notably premiering the latter's Phaedra in 1976 written especially for her. Has worked with the English Opera Group, the Royal Opera House, the English Opera House, and others
August 21, 1928 ~ Twin brothers bassist Addison Farmer and trumpeter Art Farmer born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA ~ Addison played with Johnny Alston, Teddy Edwards, Mose Allison, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis. Art played with Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, Gerry Mulligan, Sonny Criss, Ernie Andrews, Big Jay McNeely, Benny Carter, Roy Porter, Gerald Wilson, Wardell Gray, Big Joe Turner, Pete Johnson, Teddy Charles, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Lester Young, Hal McKusick, McCoy Tyner, Jim Hall, Don Byas, Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster, and Clifford Jordan. Both would play with Benny Golson, Jay McShann and with Gigi Gryce ~ Addison passed away in 1963, Art in 1999
August 21, 1916 ~ Pianist, songwriter Consuelo Velázquez, full name Consuelo Velázquez Torres, born in Ciudad Guzman, Mexico ~ Best known as a songwriter, noted for penning Besame Mucho originally by Emilio Tuero and covered by over 500 artists including Xavier Cugat, Frankie Laine, Trini López, João Gilberto, José Carreras, and others. Other well known songs written by Velázquez include Amar Y Vivir (Fernando Fernández, Antonio Machín, Daniel Santos), Cachito (Gloria Lasso, Nat King Cole), and Que Seas Feliz (Miguel Aceves Mejía, Pedro Infante, Albert Hammond) ~ Velázquez passed away in 2005
August 21, 1907 ~ Songwriter Hy Zaret, full name Hyman Harry Zaritsky, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-authoring Unchained Melody with Alex North, originally sung by Todd Duncan for the 1955 film Unchained. It would be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Three versions of the song would hit the charts the same year, Les Baxter, Al Hibbler and Roy Hamilton. It would be covered by numerous artist throughout the years including Jimmy Young, Liberace, Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, Cliff Richard, Roy Orbison, Donny Osmond and perhaps most notably by the Righteous Brothers in 1965 with lush production by Phil Spector ~ Zaret passed away in 2007
August 21, 1904 ~ Pianist, bandleader Count Basie born in Red Bank, New Jersey, USA ~ Iconic figure in jazz. Originally wanted to play the drums, but disillusioned others were better switched to piano at age 15. Gigged extensively as a young pianist, hanging with the likes of Sonny Greer, Willie The Lion Smith, James P Johnson, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller. Would get his first experience as bandleader temporarily taking over for Bennie Moten, who was voted out. By the mid-1930s Basie would start his own orchestra. Mentored many future stars in the Count Basie Orchestra. At times his sidemen included Lester Young, Herschel Evans, Freddie Green, Buck Clayton, Harry Sweets Edison, Al Grey, Helen Humes, Thelma Carpenter, and others. His orchestra would often accompany noted jazz and blues singers of the day, Basie preferred blues, such as Billie Holiday, blues shouter Jimmy Rushing, and Big Joe Turner. Basie would lead the orchestra for nearly five decades ~ Basie passed away in 1986
August 21, 1895 ~ Vaudeville entertainer, songwriter Benny Davis born ~ Remembered for co-penning songs such as Margie (the Rega Dance Orchestra, the Modernaires, Tommy Dorsey, Fats Domino), I'm Nobodys Child (Aileen Stanley, Ruth Etting, Judy Garland, Mildred Bailey, Connie Francis), Oh How I Miss You tonight (the California Melodie Syncopators, Perry Como, Kay Starr, Frank Sinatra), Lonesome And Sorry (Jean Goldkette, Joni James, Nat King Cole), Baby Face (Jan Garber, Ben Selvin, Roberta Sherwood, Little Richard, the Kinks), Carolina Moon (Gene Austin, Guy Lombardo, the Chordettes, Jim Reeves), and With These Hands (Dick Brown, Shirley Bassey, Sarah Vaughan, the Temptations) ~ Davis passed away in 1979
August 21, 1895 ~ Bandleader Bob Haring passed away ~ Popular swing, dance, foxtrot bandleader of the 1920s and 1930s. Staff musician, bandleader at the Cameo Records and Brunswick Records labels, using a multitude of monnikers making his discography difficult to trace. Most closely associated with the Colonial Club Orchestrea and the Regent Club Orchestra ~ Haring passed away in 1975