August 22, 2023 ~ Salvatore Cutugno, commonly known as singer, pianist, guitarist, saxophonist, drummer, songwriter Toto Cutugno passed away in Milan, Italy ~ One of the most popular Italian singers and one of the most successful Italian songwriters of all time with sales reportedly exceeding 100 million globally. As a performer internationally best known for the 1983 worldwide hit L'Italiano, initially intended for Adriano Celentano who turned it down, and for the 1990 Eurovision Songfestival-winner Insieme 1992. Songs written or co-written by Cutugno have been recorded by Joe Dassin, Claude François, Michel Sardou, Domenico Modugno, Miguel Bosé, and Dalida ~ Cutugno was born in 1943
August 22, 2023 ~ Christine Clements, commonly known as dubstep, ambient, IDM singer, keyboardist, programmer, producer Vaccine, passed away ~ One of the first women to be signed to a dubstep related label, Hotflush Recordings, a genre dominated by males. Influenced by Nine Inch Nails, Akira Yamaoke, Portishead, Massive Attack, and Tricky. Has been releasing 12" recordings since the mid-2000s, starting with Wishful Thinking b/w Signal To Noise, leading up to her Decryption EP in 2014 ~ Clements was born in 1979
August 22, 2022 ~ Composer, pianist Franz Hummel passed away in Regensburg, Germany ~ Virtuoso pianist extensively performing and recording standard reportoire from classical, Romantic and contemporary music through the 1970s before focusing on composition. Wrote operas, symphonies, ballets and chamber music, noted for his 1996 Gesualdo opera ~ Hummel was born in 1939
August 22, 2022 ~ Jazz, classical drummer, percussionist Fredy Studer passed away ~ Formed the acclaimed jazz fusion quartet OM with Christy Doran, Urs Leimgruber and Bobby Burn. Would go on to collaborate with the likes of Franco Ambrosetti, George Gruntz, Joe Henderson, Miroslav Vitous, Larry Schneider, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, Pierre Favre, Dom Um Romão and David Friedman. Member of Red Twist & Tuned Arrow. Member of the Singing Drums. Played in Robyn Schulkowsky's ensemble, interpreting modern classical works by Charles Ives, John Cage, and Edgard Varèse ~ Studer was born in 1948
August 22, 2022 ~ Jazz trumpeter Jaimie Branch, full name Jaimie Breezy Branch, passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Cites Don Cherry, Axel Dörner, Booker Little and Miles Davis as influences. Formed the trio Princess with bassist Toby Summerfield and drummer Frank Rosaly. Has also worked with Ken Vandermark, Atlas Moth, Chad Taylor, Weasel Walter, Josh Berman, Jason Nazary, and Jeb Bishop ~ Branch was born in 1983
August 22, 2022 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly drummer Jerry Allison, full name Jerry Ivan Allison, passed away in Lyles, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for backing Buddy Holly as a member of the Crickets. Credited as a co-writer on the hits That'll Be The Day and Peggy Sue. The latter was originally titled Cindy Lou but renamed to charm Allison's girlfriend, and future wife, Peggy Sue ~ Allison was born in 1939
August 22, 2022 ~ Rock, pop singer Margaret Urlich, full name Margaret Mary Urlich, passed away in Southern Highlands, Australia ~ Ranks as one of New Zealand's most popular artists. Lead singer of new wave outfit Peking Man, known for songs such as Good Luck To You, Lift Your Head Up High and perhaps their best known Room That Echoes. Member of all-girl group When The Cat's Away. Debuted as a solo artist in 1989 with the Robyn Smith-produced Safety In Numbers album, which spawned the New Zealand No.1 hit Escaping ~ Urlich was born in 1965
August 22, 2022 ~ Rock drummer Piotr Szkudelski passed away in Warsaw, Poland ~ Member of Perfect, one of the best known Polish rock, hard rock acts active on and off since the early-1980s and known for songs such as Nie Placz Ewka, Choemy Byc Soba, Autobiografia and Kolysanka Dia Nieznajomej ~ Szkudelski was born in 1955
August 22, 2021 ~ Saxophonist, arranger Brian Travers passed away in Mosely, UK ~ Co-founding member of UB40, best known for a string of UK hits, mostly during the 1980s and early-1990s including Red Red Wine, If It Happens Again, the Sonny & Cher-cover I Got You Babe featuring Chrissie Hynde, Rat In The Kitchen and the Elvis Presley-cover I Can't Help Falling In Love ~ Travers was born in 1959
August 22, 2021 ~ Lyric tenor Charles Burles passed away in Marseille, France ~ Active since the late-1950s. Best known for his association with the Opera De Marseille, debuting as Almaviva in The Barber Of Seville in 1959. Has also notably worked with the Opera-Comique and the Paris Opera. As a recording artist best known for a number of EMI opera and operetta recordings usually partnering with [artist-mady-mesple ~ Burles was born in 1936
August 22, 2021 ~ Heavy metal singer Eric Wagner passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Best known as founding member, lead singer of Trouble, considered a pioneer in the doom metal genre. Wagner left he band in 1997 to rejoin in 2000, then leaving again in 2008 to be replaced by Kory Clarky. Wagner has also worked with Lid, Blackfinger, and the Skull ~ Wagner was born in 1959
August 22, 2021 ~ Singer, songwriter Powell St John, full name Rayward Powell St John, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Member of local trio the Waller Creek Boys, which also included Lannie Wiggins and a then-unknown Janis Joplin. Founding member of Mother Earth, present on the band's first two albums. Also remembered as a songwriter, his songs recorded by Big Brother & the Holding Company (Bye Bye Baby), the 13th Floor Elevators (You Don't Know How Young You Are), Boz Scaggs (I'll Forever Sing), and Roky Erickson (Right Track Now) ~ St John was born in 1940
August 22, 2018 ~ Guitarist Ed King passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Founding member of Strawberry Alarm Clock. Member of Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 to 1975, and again from 1987 to 1996. King initially replaced bassist Leon Wilkeson in 1972 but switched to guitar when Wilkeson regretted leaving the band and came back. This resulted in a three-guitar line-up, King, Allen Collins and Gary Rossington. The band would refer to the new line-up as the “three guitar army” ~ King was born in 1949
August 22, 2018 ~ Leslie Johnson, commonly known as singer and blues harpist Lazy Lester, passed away in Paradise, California, USA ~ Known for songs such as I'm A Lover Not A Fighter, I Hear You Knocking and Sugar Coated Love. Worked with Slim Harpo, Lightning Slim, Katie Webster, Mike Buck, Sue Foley, Gene Taylor, Kenny Neal, Lucky Peterson, Jimmie Vaughn. Had his songs covered by the Kinks, the Flamin' Groovies, Freddy Fender, Dwight Yoakam, Dave Edmunds, Raful Neal, Anson Funderburgh, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds ~ Johnson was born in 1933
August 22, 2017 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, free jazz guitarist John Abercrombie, full name John Laird Abercrombie, passed away in Cortlandt Manor, New York, USA ~ Became an in-demand session musician starting in the late-1960s with artists such as Gato Barbieri, Barry Miles, Gil Evans, the Brecker Brothers, Billy Cobham, Dreams. Closely associated with Jack DeJohnette. Over 50 albums to his name as leader or co-leader including 1976's Gateway and 1979's Abercrombie Quartet. Has worked with Jan Hammer, Ralph Towner, Richie Beirach, George Mraz, John Scofield, Tal Farlow, Vince Mendoza, Arild Andersen, Adam Nussbaum, Kenny Wheeler, Peter Erskine, John Patitucci, Marc Copland, Joe Beck, Robert Balzar, Franco Ambrosetti, Rudy Linka, Enrico Rava, Dr Lonnie Smith, Jan Garbarek, and Bob Mintzer ~ Abercrombie was born in 1944
August 22, 2016 ~ Jean Baptiste Frederic Isidor Thielemans, commonly known as harmonica player, guitarist, composer Toots Thielemans, passed away in Braine Lalleud, Belgium ~ Preeminent jazz harmonica player. Closely associated with friend, fan, frequent collaborator Quincy Jones. Best known for his composition Bluesette, for a number of soundtracks, and for his many collaborations. Over the course of his career Thielemans has worked with Sidney Bechet, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Max Roach, Benny Goodman, Dinah Washington, George Shearing, Ella Fitzgerald, Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, Stéphane Grappelli, JJ Johnson, Oscar Peterson, Shirley Horn, Joe Pass, Bill Evans, Peggy Lee, Elis Regina, Billy Joel, Julian Lennon, John Denver, Dizzy Gillespie, Urbie Green, Brook Benton, James Last, Joe Lovano, and Paul Simons ~ Thielemans was born in 1922
August 22, 2015 ~ Country, bluegrass, zydeco, jazz, rock banjoist, guitarist, fiddler, mandolinist Billy Constable, full name William Tarcisius Constable III, passed away in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, USA ~ Known for his distinctive three-finger-picking banjo technique. Has backed bluegrass and country greats such as Josh Graves, Doug Dillard, Kenny Baker, and Vassar Clements, and worked with jam bands such as Leftover Salmon, and the String Cheese Incident ~ Constable was born in 1959
August 22, 2014 ~ Jazz bassist John Ore passed away ~ Worked with Tiny Grimes, George Wallington, Lester Young, Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins, Elmo Hope, Bud Powell, Freddie Redd, Thelonious Monk, Double Six, Teddy Wilson, Earl Hines, Sun Ra, Hank Mobley, Cecil Payne, Charles Tyler, Eric Alexander, Billy Bang, Andrew Cyrille, Marva Josie, Steve Lacy, and Hampton Hawes ~ Ore was born in 1933
August 22, 2013 ~ Junko Abe, commonly known as enka singer, actress Keiko Fuji, passed away in Shinjuju, Japan ~ Married to producer Teruzane Utada. The couple married and divorced seven times and have one daughter, singer Hikaru Utada. Debuted in 1970 with the Shiunjuku No Onna Enka (No Hoshi Fuji Keiko No Subete) in 1970 ~ Abe was born in 1951
August 22, 2011 ~ Songwriter Jerry Leiber passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Noted songwriter, producer, often collaborating with Mike Stoller. Together the pair wrote hits for Big Mama Thornton (Hound Dog), the Coasters (Young Blood, Yakety Yak), Wilbert Harrison (Kansas City), the Drifters (There Goes My Baby), and Elvis Presley (Jailhouse Rock, King Creole, Loving You). Other artists who recorded Leiber's songs include Peggy Lee, Charles Brown, the Robins, Ben E King, Jay & the Americans, the Exciters, the Clovers, the Dixie Cups, the Shangri-Las, Stealers Wheel, Elkie Brooks, Little Willie Littlefield, Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, Perry Como, the Clovers, Lavern Baker, Damita Jo, Chuck Jackson, Hank Snow, and Brook Benton ~ Leiber was born in 1933
August 22, 2011 ~ Pop, R&B singer, songwriter Nickolas Ashford passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Formed the husband-wife songwriter, producer and recording duo Ashford & Simpson with Valerie Simpson. The duo had teamed up with Jo Armstead, writing a number of hits for the Scepter/Wand label in the mid-1960s including for Ronnie Milsap, Maxine Brown (One Step At A Time), the Shirelles, Chuck Jackson, Ray Charles (Let's Go Get Stoned). Joined Motown in 1966 as a songwriting duo, for whom they penned classics such as Ain't No Mountain High Enough for Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell and Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand for Diana Ross. In later years the duo would also write for other labels, notably Chaka Khan (I'm Every Woman), Stephanie Mills, and Teddy Pendergrass. As recording artists the duo is best known for Solid, a top 20 Billboard hit, a top 10 hit across Europe in 1984 ~ Ashford was born in 1942
August 22, 2007 ~ Jazz percussionist, composer Masahiko Togashi passed away in Kanagawa, Japan ~ Founded the Jazz Academy. Also worked with Sadao Watanabe, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Tony Scott, Yosuke Yamashita, Ornette Coleman, Blue Mitchell, Lee Morgan, Sonny Rollins, Paul Bley, Don Cherry, Jack DeJohnette, Charlie Haden, Steve Lacy, Gary Peacock, Masahiko Satoh, and Yuji Takahashi ~ Togashi was born in 1940
August 22, 2006 ~ Drummer Bruce Gary passed away in Tarzana, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known as member of the Knack, including on the hit My Sharona. Has also workled with Albert Collins, Jack Bruce, Mick Taylor, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Stephen Stills, Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, Bang, Harry Nilsson, Sheryl Crow, Albert King, and John Lee Hooker ~ Gary was born in 1951
August 22, 2003 ~ Western swing, honky tonk singer, guitarist, songwriter Floyd Tillman passed away in Bacliff, Texas, USA ~ Instrumental in the development of Western swing and honky tonk. Influenced Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Ray Price, Frankie Miller, Connie Smith, Lawton Williams, Mel Tillis, Darrell McCall, and George Jones. Worked with Adolph Hofner, Mack Clark, Leon Selph, the Blue Ridge Playboys, Cliff Bruner, Ted Daffan, and Moon Mullican. Wrote It Makes No Difference Now, recorded by Jimmie Davis. As a solo artist known for songs such as I Love You So Much It Hurts, I'm Gonna Change All My Ways, Each Night At Nine, Slippin' Around, and perhaps his best known They Took The Stars Out Of Heaven ~ Tillman was born in 1914
August 22, 1995 ~ Singer Brandy releases Brokenhearted, lifted off her eponymous debut album ~ A heartbreak song with a remarkably mature and optimistic message. The 32-year-old Kipper Jones, who had co-written the song with Keith Crouch, would later comment: “When you write for someone, you do an assessment: Who are they? Who is their audience? What is the message they're trying to convey to that audience? What is the call to action? And with Brandy, her audience was other 14-year-old girls. And what do 14-year-old girls talk about? School and boys. When they talk about boys, what's the deal? Well, they get their hearts broken. So then what is the call to action? You get your heart broken, but you get over it, and that was the message we wanted to convey.” Sung as a duet with Boyz II Men singer Wanya Morris, Brokenhearted would be the third single off her debut album to reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No.9, preceded by I Wanna Be Down and Baby
August 22, 1995 ~ Singer Dua Lipa born in London, UK ~ Debuted in 2017 with the eponymous Dua Lipa album, spawning UK hits such as Be The One, IDGAF and New Rules, the latter reaching top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Has since seen success with One Kiss, Electricity, Blow Your Mind (Mwah), and Scared To Be Lonely. Released her sophomore album, Future Nostalgia, in 2020. Has collaborated with Martin Garrix, Miguel, and with Calvin Harris. Prior to becoming a headlining act herself, the singer has opened for Troye Sivan, Bruno Mars, and for Coldplay
August 22, 1992 ~ Classical violinist Paul Winter passed away in Queens, New York, USA ~ Virtuoso violinist best known for his association with the NBC Symphony Orchestra serving under Arturo Toscanini. When he joined in 1937, at its inception, he was the youngest member of the orchestra. Also known for co-founding the American String Quartet with violinist Max Hollander, viola player Carlton Cooley and cellist Carl Stern in 1939 ~ Winter was born in 1914
August 22, 1988 ~ Singer Phil Collins releasese A Groovy Kind Of Love, recorded for the soundtrack of Buster ~ Written by Carole Bayer Sager and Toni Wine, and a UK hit for the Mindbenders back in 1965, Phil Collins would revive A Groovy Kind Of Love for Buster, a romantic crime comedy-drama based on events from the Great Train Robbery in which Collins portrayed the male lead role. For Collins, A Groovy Kind Of Love was not the first song he recorded specifically for a soundtrack to reach No.1 on the American charts, as he had previously reached the Billboard Hot 100 top spot with Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) from the 1984 film Against All Odds. Collins had also provided another song for the soundtrack, Two Hearts written by Collins Lamont Dozier, which would also reach the top spot on the American pop charts
August 22, 1985 ~ Jazz guitarist Kim Johannesen born in Bærum, Norway ~ Worked with Peter Wettre, Revolver, Speakeasy, Golden Dawn, John Butcher, Axel Dörner, Raymond Strid, Ingebrigt Håker Flatan, Chris Corsano, Pat Thomas, Frode Gjerstad, Per Zanussi, Klaus Holm, Tatsuya Nakatani, Joel Grip, Svein Magnus Furu, and Tore Sandbakken
August 22, 1984 ~ Dominic Ross Hunn, commonly known as rapper Dom Kennedy born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his well-received full-length 2010 From The Westside With Love II album, the sequel to an earlier mixtape, and for his 2012 single My Type Of Party. Has collaborated with artists such as Curren$y, Nipsey Hussle, Schoolboy Q, Ty Dolla $ign, YG, DJ Quik, Eric Bellinger, and Larry June
August 22, 1982 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist, percussionist, songwriter Richard Laviolette, full name Richard Andrew Laviolette, was born in Port Colborne, Canada ~ Fused indie rock, contemporary folk, and alt-country. Has recorded over half a dozen albums, starting with Mary Carl released in 2005. Perhaps best known for his 2017 Taking The Long Way Home album. Suffering from Huntington's disease Laviolette passed away at age 41 in an assisted suicide ~ Laviolette passed away in 2023
August 22, 1978 ~ Alternative rock, garage rock, shoegaze singer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Robert Levon Been born in Felton, California, USA ~ Also recorded under the moniker Robert Locke. Son of the Call's guitarist Michael Been. Member of the Beggars. Member of the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
August 22, 1974 ~ Ivana Pavlovic, commonly known as pop rock singer Ivana Peters, born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia ~ Member of 1990s dance-pop group Tap 011 with whom she recorded four albums. Would join pop rock outfit Negative by the end of the decade, the band would become one of the most popular acts during the 2000s and is best known for songs such as Zbunjena, Jutro Posle Dodira, Jad Se Svetla Ugase, and Prava Stvar
August 22, 1973 ~ Anthony Moses Davis, commonly known as dancehall singer, rapper Beenie Man, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Widely considered to be one of the leading dancehall artists. Known for singles such as Who Am I, Girls Dem Sugar featuring Mya, and Dude featuring Ms Thing and Shawnna. Has collaborated with Doug E Fresh, Maxi Priest, Jamelia, and TI
August 22, 1972 ~ Drummer, guitarist, singer Paul Doucette, full name Paul John Doucette, born in North Huntington, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as drummer, rhythm guitarist of Matchbox Twenty, scoring Billboard top 10 hits in the early-2000s with Bent, If You're Gone, and Unwell. Film composer and frontman of the Break And Repair Method. Married to actress Moon Zappa, daughter of Frank Zappa, from 2002 to 2014
August 22, 1971 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock singer, songwriter Craig Finn born ~ Gifted storyteller, literary but open and honest without any pretenses. Best known for fronting Hold Steady. Previously fronted Lifter Puller. Has released a number of solo albums, starting with 2012's Clear Heart Full Eyes. Has also worked with Brokerdealer, Titus Andronicus, and Chris Cheney
August 22, 1970 ~ In its eleventh week on the charts, Make It With You by Bread hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by the band's co-lead singer David Gates. Issued as a single off their On The Waters sophomore album, it would be their first of half a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits and their only one to reach the top spot. Other than Gates, who play guitars, bass, and strings, drummer Mike Botts is the only other band member to appear on Make It With You. The song would be covered by well over a hundred artists, including Peggy Lee, Aretha Franklin, Lou Donaldson, Earth Wind & Fire, Teddy Pendergrass, and Marc Anthony
August 22, 1970 ~ Frederick George Lays, commonly known as country singer, guitarist George Canyon, born in New Glasgow, Canada ~ First gained serious attention in 2004 as runner-up in the talent contest Nashville Star 2. Had been recording since the mid-1990s, releasing his Ironwolf debut album in 1996. Known best for songs such as My Name, Somebody Wrote Love, Just Like You and Surrender
August 22, 1970 ~ Baroque pop, bubblegum pop outfit the Partridge Family release I Think I Love You, lifted off their eponymous The Partridge Family debut album ~ Issued as the group's debut single a month prior to the start of the musical sit-com of the same name centered around the fictional Partridge family, it took the song seven weeks to reach the No.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, the first of three consecutive top 10 hits. Loosely based on the Cowsills, an actual real-life sibling outfit which enjoyed popularity in the late-1960s and early-1970, the TV show would run for four seasons and serve as a launching pad for both Shirley Jones, the mother of the fictional family, and David Cassidy, who became somewhat of a teen throb, popular especially in Europe. I Think I Love You was written by Tony Romeo, whose songs had previously been recorded by the likes of the Cowsills, the Everly Brothers, Lou Christie, and Paul Anka. Romeo would pen several more songs for the Partridge Family as well as I Am A Clown, a UK No.3 hit, for David Cassidy
August 22, 1969 ~ Guitarist Steve Cradock, full name Stephen John Cradock, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Best known as co-founding guitarist of Ocean Colour Scene, and other than Simon Fowler its only constant member. The band came to promince during the 1990s Britpop boom and have recorded well over half a dozen albums. They are best known for a string of six consecutive UK top 10 hits during the mid-1990s, including notably The Day We Caught The Train and Hundred Mile High City, all lifted off their Mosely Shoals sophomore album and its successor Marchin' Already. Cradock is also particularly known as a longtime sideman for Paul Weller, appearing on several of Weller's albums since Wild Wood issued in 1993. Cradock has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with The Kundalini Target released in 2009, and has appeared on albums by Alison Moyet (Hoodoo), Steve Ellis, and Amy MacDonald
August 22, 1968 ~ Gothic rock, gothic metal singer, keyboardist Anne Nurmi, full name Anne Marjanna Nurmi, born in Tampere, Finland ~ Co-founded dark wave outfit Two Witches in 1989. Member of Lacrimosa since 1993
August 22, 1967 ~ Singer Layne Staley, full name Layne Rutherford Staley born in Kirkland, Washington, USA ~ Original lead singer of Alice In Chains, acclaimed for their sophomore single, 1991's Man In The Box, and their 1994 EP Jar Of Flies. Also worked with Pearl Jam's Mike McCready, Screaming Trees' Barrett Martin and the Walkabouts' John Baker Saunders in the side project Mad Season. Staley struggled with depression and drug addiction for much of his life. Died from an overdose at age 34 ~ Staley passed away in 2002
August 22, 1967 ~ Pop rock, Christian pop singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Paul Colman born in London, UK ~ Active since the mid-1990s, his the Paul Colman Trio credited as one of the premier Australian Christian pop rock acts. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Let It Go in 2004. Joined the Newsboys in 2005 as replacement for Bryan Olesen. Has served as producer for acts suich as Lainey Wright, Glenridge and Epic Season
August 22, 1966 ~ Gary Grice, commonly known as rapper, songwriter GZA, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Early member and “spiritual head” of acclaimed and influential hip-hop group the Wu-Tang Clan. Previously formed the trio Force Of The Imperial Master with future fellow Clan members RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard. First of the Clan to secure a record deal, releasing his debut Words From The Genius album in 1991, using the moniker Genius. The album flopped due to lack of promotion,. Joined the newly formed Clan the next year becoming their 10th member
August 22, 1966 ~ Vocal duo Simon & Garfunkel record For Emily (Whenever I May Find Her) ~ Written by Paul Simon. Produced by Bob Johnston. Sung solely by Art Garfunkel First released as the B-side on the 1966 single Hazy Shade Of Winter. Included on the duo's fourth studio album Parsley Sage Rosemary And Thyme. A live version would be released as a single in 1972 to promote a Greatest Hits album. Covered by Glenn Yarbrough, Johnny Rivers, and the Arbors
August 22, 1963 ~ Keyboardist, singer James DeBarge born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as a member of 1980s family vocal group DeBarge, known for songs such as All This Love, Love Me In A Special Way, and The Rhythm Of The Night. Married Janet Jackson in 1984 but the marriage was annulled the next year. Has since collaborated with DJ Quik
August 22, 1963 ~ Heavy metal singer, songwriter John Bush born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Rose to prominence in the 1980s as Armored Saint frontman, a no-frills heavy metal band from Los Angeles especially acclaimed for their 1984 March Of The Saint debut album and 1991's Symbol Of Salvation. Joined thrash metal outfit Anthrax in 1992, remaining with the band through 2005. In 1984 Bush has a cameo appearance in the Huey Lewis & the News video The Heart Of Rock & Roll, exiting the limo at the 1:38 mark
August 22, 1963 ~ Myra Ellen Amos, commonly known as alternative rock, pop-rock pianist, singer, songwriter Tori Amos born in Newton, North Carolina, USA ~ Classically trained pianist. Won a Peabody Institute full scholarship at age 5. Youngest person to be admitted. Expelled at age 11 for “musical insubordination”. Lead singer of short-lived synth-pop band Y Kant Tori Read. Sang backup for Stan Ridgway, Sandra Bernhard, and Al Stewart. As a solo artist debuted with the Little Earthquakes album in 1992. Has been recording to critical acclaim and commercial success since. Does not shy away from serious topics including feminism, religion and politics. Known for songs such as Silent All These Years, Cornflake Girl, Professional Widow, Spark, 1,000 Oceans and A Sorta Fairytale
August 22, 1962 ~ Lee Gary Conner, commonly known as grunge, alternative guitarist Gary Lee Conner, born in Fort Irwin, California, USA ~ Lead guitarist of Screaming Trees from 1985 to its disbandement in 2000. The band also included his brother bassist Van Conner. Has released several solo outings while with the band, such as the 1990 The Purple Outside Mystery Lane album featuring another brother, Patrick Conner, on drums. Guested on Beat Happening's songs Indian Summer and Midnight A Go-gi of the 1988 album Jamboree. Went into seclusion from 2000 to 2010 to return with Microdot Gnome's 4D Sugarcube. Has been releasing solo records since 2016
August 22, 1961 ~ Andrés Calamaro Massel, commonly known as Latin rock, alternative rock, pop rock, rock & roll singer, pianist, guitarist, bassist Andrés Calamaro, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Rose to fame with Los Rodriguez, scoring hits in Spain and Latin America during the 1990s. Also known as a solo artist with over two dozen album to his name prior and after his stint with the band
August 22, 1961 ~ Pop-rock, Paisley underground, jangle pop bassist, drummer Debbi Peterson, full name Deborah Mary Peterson, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as drummer of all-female 1980s band the Bangles which also included her sister guitarist Vicki Peterson. Sang lead on their singles Going Down To Liverpool and Be With You. After the band broke up in 1990 pursued a solo career and formed the duo Kindred Spirit with River City People's Siobhan Maher
August 22, 1961 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Roland Orzabal born in Portsmouth, UK ~ Co-founded Tears For Fears, known for hits such as Mad World, Shout and Everybody Wants To Rule The World
August 22, 1959 ~ Floyd Elliot Wray, commonly known as country singer Collin Raye born in De Queen, Kansas, USA ~ Formerly going under the moniker Bubba Wray and member of country band the Wrays. Released his solo debut album, All I Can Be, in 1991. His first four albums would reach Platinum certification in the USA. Known for songs such as In This Life, Little Rock, On The Verge, I Can Still Feel You and Couldn't Last A Moment
August 22, 1958 ~ Progressive rock guitarist, singer Alan Morse born ~ Best known as member of Spock's Beard, a band co-founded by his brother Neal Morse. In addition to guitar, Morse plays bass, cello, keyboards, percussion and theremin. Has also worked with Chad & Jeremy, Spencer Davis, and with Spock bandmate Ryo Okumoto
August 22, 1958 ~ Guitarist Vernon Reid, full name Vernon Alphonsus Reid, born in London, UK ~ Rose to fame as co-founding member, primary songwriter for Living Colour, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. The band is considered one of the most exciting rock acts of the late-1980s, drawing from rock, punk rock, R&B, and jazz, and is especially acclaimed for their 1988 Vivid double platinum debut album. Reid has also worked with Bill Frisell, John Zorn, Mick Jagger (Primitive Cool), Public Enemy, Janet Jackson, Jack Bruce, Bernie Worrell, Garland Jeffreys (Don't Call Me Buckwheat), Jack DeJohnette, Whitney Houston, Marcus Miller, Spearhead, DJ Logic, and Joe Lynn Turner
August 22, 1957 ~ Country, country rock, rock & roll singer, guitarist Duane Jarvis born in Astoria, Oregon, USA ~ Influenced by the Who, the Kinks, the Rolling Stones. Co-wrote Lucinda Williams' Still I Long For Your Kiss of Williams' acclaimed Car Wheels On A Gravel Road album. Actively recording as a solo artist since the 1990s. Has worked with Peter Case, Rosie Flores, John Prine, Amy Rigby, and Dwight Yoakam ~ Jarvis passed away in 2009
August 22, 1957 ~ Singer, songwriter Holly Dunn, full name Holly Suzette Dunn, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Country singer with ten albums to her name. Charting singles since the mid-1980s including Are You Ever Gonna Love Me, You Really Had Me Going, Love Someone Like Me, There Goes My Heart Again (co-written with then unknown Joe Diffie), It's Always Gonna Be Someday, and A Heart Full Of Love. Sang with Kenny Rogers on Maybe, with John Michael Montgomery on A Face In The Crowd ~ Dunn passed away in 2016
August 22, 1953 ~ Ellen Lucille Thomas, commonly known as Hi-NRG, disco singer Evelyn Thomas, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Discovered by British producer Ian Levine, who was scouting the USA for gospel and soul singers to promote in the UK. Thomas has recorded four albums from the late-1970s through the mid-1980s and is known for songs such as Weak Spot, Masquerade, the Supremes-cover Reflections, Standing At The Crossroads, and perhaps her best known High Energy, the latter a 1984 club hit on both sides of the Atlantic ~ Thomas passed away in 2024
August 22, 1952 ~ Blues guitarist Debbie Davis born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Besides her solo work, releasing albums since the mid-1990s, best known for backing Albert Collins. Also worked with Maggie Mayall & the Cadillacs, Fingers Taylor, Ladyfinger Revue, Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton, Coco Montoya, J Geils, and Duke Robillard
August 22, 1952 ~ Label executive, concert promoter, film producer Michael Gudinski, full name Michael Solomon Gudinski, born in Caulfield, Australia ~ Leading figure in the Australian music business. Founded the Mushroom Records label in 1972. Incremental to the careers of the MacKenzie Theory, Skyhooks, the Choirboys, Kylie Minogue, Split Enz, Eskimo Joe, and Evermore ~ Gudinski passed away in 2021
August 22, 1952 ~ Rock, poto-punk, garage rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Peter Laughner, full name Peter Ravenscoft Laughner, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Influenced by Lou Reed, Robert Johnson, Woody Guthrie, Tom Verlaine. Described as “probably the single biggest catalyst in the birth of Cleveland's alternative rock scene in the mid-1970s.” Perhaps best known for his work with Rocket From The Tombs and with Pere Ubu ~ Laughner passed away in 1977
August 22, 1948 ~ Guitarist David Marks, full name David Lee Marks, born in Newcastle, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Early member of the Beach Boys, appearing on the band's first four albums, 1962's Surfin' Safari and 1963's Surfin' USA, Surfer Girl and Little Deuce Coupe. Left the band in 1963 due to personal issues with the band's manager. Has since worked with Casey Kasem, Delaney & Bonnie and Warren Zevon, among others
August 22, 1947 ~ Donna Jean Thatcher, commonly known as folk-rock, psychedelia singer Donna Jean Godchaux born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Best known as a member, singing backing and lead vocals, of the Grateful Dead from 1972 through 1979. Started as a backing and session singer for various artists recording in Muscle Shoals Studios. Sang backup on Percy Sledge's 1966 When A Man Loves A Woman, and on Elvis Presley's 1969 Suspicious Minds. Also heard as session singer on recordings by Boz Scaggs, Duane Allman, Cher, Joe Tex, and Neil Diamond. Married future fellow Dead bandmate Keith Godchaux in 1970. The couple also played with the Jerry Garcia Band and released an album of their own, Keith & Donna, in 1975. Returning the favor Jerry Garcia also guested on the couple's album. Donna would marry bassist Jeff Mattson after her husband's death in 1980. Continues to record and perform with her own band which includes Mattson, as well as occasionally guest on recordings by Bob Weir, Steve Kimock, and the New Riders Of The Purple Sage
August 22, 1945 ~ Singer Frank Sinatra records Day By Day ~ Written by Axel Stordahl, Paul Weston, Sammy Cahn. One of Sinatra's early key recordings, released as a single in January 1946. The same year it would also be recorded by Jo Stafford, Doris Day, and Bing Crosby
August 22, 1942 ~ Guitarist Joe Chambers born in Scott County, Mississippi, USA ~ Member of psychedelic soul band the Chamber Brothers, known for incorporating elements of traditional gospel and blues, psychedelica and rock into soul. The band, which also includes his siblings bassist George Chambers and harmonica player Lester Chambers, has recorded half a dozen albums and is best known for their 1968 eleven-minute single Time Has Come Today, which reached No.11 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Chambers passed away in 2024
August 22, 1941 ~ Keyboardist, organist Edwin Birdsong born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Enjoyed little chart success but remembered for a handful of experimental funk, disco recordings including Cola Bottle Baby and Rapper Dapper Snapper, sampled by respectively Daft Punk in Harder Better Faster Stronger and Gang Starr in Skills. Birdsong also produced three Roy Ayers albums ~ Birdsong passed away in 2019
August 22, 1941 ~ Keyboardist, producer, arranger Marvell Thomas, full name Ronald Marvell Thomas, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Son of singer Rufus Thomas. Brother of singers Carla Thomas and Vaneese Thomas. Reportedly the first pianist hired by Stax/Volt. Worked with the Triumphs, William Bell, Booker T Jones, Wilson Pickett, Clarence Carter, Eddie Hinton, Denise Lasalle, Johnnie Taylor, the Staple Singers, Little Milton, the Emotions, Albert King, Mavis Staples, Yvonne Elliman, Etta James, the Temptations, and Peabo Bryson. Co-produced and played on Isaac Hayes critically acclaimed Hot Buttered Soul album ~ Thomas passed away in 2017
August 22, 1937 ~ Journalist, author, columnist, critic, radio and TV personality Johan Anthierens born in Machelen, Belgium ~ Hosted Charme Van Het Chanson on Belgian public radio, showcasing his knowledge of and love for chansons, especially the anarchic lyrics of Leo Ferré, Georges Brassens, and Jacques Brel. Regularly irritated the censors. Fired for reading the lyrics of Evviva Il Papa on-air, a banned song protesting the Pope. Fired as co-host of TV show Noord-Zuid after angering singer Vader Abraham to the point of the latter walking out. The other host, Mies Bouwman, was offered a new co-host but declined and the show would be canceled altogether ~ Anthierens passed away in 2000
August 22, 1936 ~ Bandleader, composer Chuck Brown, full name Charles Louis Brown, born in Gaston, North Carolina, USA ~ Known as “the Godfather of Go-Go”. Local celebrity in Washington DC. Elsewhere known for hits such as We Need Some Money and Bustin' Loose. Influential on the Soul Rebels Brass Band, Big G & the Backyard Band, the Junk Yard Band, Rare Essence, Experience Unlimited, Little Benny & the Master, and Trouble Funk ~ Brown passed away in 2012
August 22, 1936 ~ Guitarist, singer Delmare Allen Hawkins, commonly known as Dale Hawkins, born in St Mary Parish, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for the 1957 swamp-blues classic Susie Q. Later turned label executive and producer, responsible for songs such as the Uniques' Not Too Long Ago, Five Americans' Western Union, and Bruce Channel's Hey Baby ~ Hawkins passed away in 2010
August 22, 1928 ~ Songwriter Jerry Capehart, full name Jerry Neil Capehart, born in Goodman, Missouri, USA ~ Best known for co-writing Summertime Blues and C'mon Everybody with Eddie Cochran. Has also written Rosemary Clooney's Beautiful Brown Eyes and Glen Campbell's Turn Around Look At Me ~ Capehart passed away in 1998
August 22, 1928 ~ Composer Karlheinz Stockhausen born in Burg Modrath, Germany ~ Widely regarded as one of the most important, and controversial, composers of the 20th century. Although much of Stockhausen's extensive catalogue is too experimental for mainstream audiences, Stockhausen has been acknowledged as a pioneer of electronic music and controlled chance, earning him critical acclaim and his influence extending to a wide range of artists including Louis Andriessen, Miles Davis, Cecil Taylor, Charles Mingus, Herbie Hancock, Yusef Lateef, Anthony Braxton, Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd's Richard Wright and Roger Waters, the Jefferson Airplane, Can, Holger Czukay, Kraftwerk, and Björk ~ Stockhausen passed away in 2007
August 22, 1928 ~ Singer, bandleader Pacho Alonso born in Santiago, Cuba ~ Best known for his association with percussionist, composer Enrique Bonne, the duo credited with creating pilón, a musical form and dance. Alonso had first gained attention in the early-1950s as a vocalist for Mariano Mercerón's orchestra. Would team up with fellow orchestra members Fernando Alvarez and Benny Moré soon thereafter. As a bandleader, Alonso would enjoy popularity especially in his native Cuba during the late-1950s and 1960s, expanding his fanbase to an international audience n the 1970s. Artists who have recorded with Alonso's orchestra include Faustino Oramas, Ibrahim Ferrer, and Carlos Querol. Following Alonso's death at age 54, his son Pachito Alonso who had been with the band since the early-1970s took over leadership ~ Alonso passed away in 1982
August 22, 1927 ~ Bassist, percussionist Malachi Favors born in Lexington, Mississippi, USA ~ Protégé of Wilbur Ware. Especially acclaimed for the 1975 Sightsong album collaborating with Muhal Richard Abrams and his 1978 Natural & Spiritual solo album. Backed Paul Bascomb, Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard early on in his career. Best known as a member of the Art Ensemble Of Chicago. Co-founded the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians. Has also worked with Sunny Murray, Archie Shepp, Dewey Redman, Charles Brackeen, Andrew Hill, and Wadada Leo Smith ~ Favors passed away in 2004
August 22, 1926 ~ Jazz, traditional pop singer, trombonist, double bassist Bob Flanigan, full name Robert Lee Flanagan, born in Greencastle, Indiana, USA ~ Longtime member of vocal group the Four Freshmen, known for 1950s hits such as Mood Indigo, Day By Day, Graduation Day and perhaps their best known It's A Blue World. Flannigan retired from performing in 1992 but would remain involved with the group ~ Flanigan passed away in 2011
August 22, 1925 ~ Composer, viola player Miroslav Miletić born in Sisak, Croatia ~ Founder of the Pro Arte Zagreb Quartet, who performed at over 2000 concerts. As a composer known for his devotion to Croatian folklore and his vast oeuvre, notable for works such as Concerto Fo Viola And Orchestre, Diptych For Cello And Piano and Suite In Modo Antico For Flute And Piano ~ Miletić passed away in 2018
August 22, 1923 ~ Conductor, cellist Lawrence Leonard born ~ Started as cellist with the London Symphony Orchestra at age 16. Would go on to become a renowned conductor, noted for conducting the UK premiere of West Side Story at the request of composer Leonard Bernstein. Has worked with the BBC Northern Orchestra, the Hallé Orchestra, and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. To pop audiences, Leonard is perhaps best known for his collaboration with Procol Harum recording the Procol Harum Live (In Concert With The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra) album released in 1972 ~ Leonard passed away in 2001
August 22, 1923 ~ Alfonso Thompson, commonly known as pianist, bandleader Sonny Thompson, born in Centreville, Mississippi, USA ~ Known for a number of late-1940s, early-1950s R&B hits including Long Gone (Parts I & II), Late Freight, Blue Dreams, Still Gone and I'll Drown In My Own Tears ~ Thompson passed away in 1989
August 22, 1917 ~ Singer, songwriter Fred Stobaugh born in Peoria, Illinois, USA ~ One hit wonder, retired truck driver Stobaugh became a viral sensation in 2013 with the song Oh Sweet Lorraine, written for his then recently departed wife of 73 years ~ Stobaugh passed away in 2016
August 22, 1917 ~ Blues singer, guitarist, songwriter John Lee Hooker born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA ~ Hugely influential and iconic blues guitarist, singer managed to stay relevant throughout the decades and appeal to younger generations while staying rooted in traditional blues idioms particularly boogie-woogie, Delta blues and Hill country blues. Hooker has recorded prolifically since the late-1950s, and is especially acclaimed for early-1960s albums such as I'm John Lee Hooker, Plays And Sings The Blues, Burnin', and the 1964 live album John Lee Hooker At Newport. Hooker managed to find appeal with younger audiences after appearing in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers and through a series of 1990s albums featuring renowned guests including Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, and Van Morrison. Two of his songs, Boogie Chillen and Boom Boom, are included on the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's list of 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. Other well known songs include Crawling King Snake, Dimples, One Bourbon One Scotch One Beer, I'm In The Mood, and The Healer ~ Hooker passed away in 2001
August 22, 1912 ~ Hubert Maxwell Myers, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Bumps Myers, born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, USA ~ Influenced by Coleman Hawkins. Fixture on the Los Angeles jazz scene from the late-1920s onwards. An in-demand sideman, Myers is best known for his associations with Lionel Hampton, Les Hite, Benny Carter, Jimmie Lunceford, Sid Catlett, T-Bone Walker, and Benny Goodman. Notably present on BB King's 1955 Singin' The Blues album. Maxwell retired from music by the early-1960s for health reasons ~ Myers passed away in 1968
August 22, 1899 ~ John Wesley Vivian Payne, commonly known as dance bandleader Jack Payne, born in Warwickshire, UK ~ Rose to prominence during the British band dance era of the late-1920s and 1930s. Bandleader of the first BBC dance band starting in 1928. Known for songs such as Blue Pacific Moonlight, Underneath The Spanish Stars, Pagan Serenade and his signature tune Say It With Music ~ Payne passed away in 1969
August 22, 1897 ~ Dominic Nicholas Anthony Lucinese, commonly known as jazz, traditional pop guitarist, singer Nick Lucas, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ First jazz guitarist to record as a soloist. Known for songs such as Pickin' The Guitar, Teasin' The Frets and perhaps his best known Tiptoe Through The Tulips ~ Lucinese passed away in 1982
August 22, 1847 ~ Conductor, composer Alexander Mackenzie, full name Alexander Campbell Mackenzie, born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Regarded as one of the fathers of the British musical renaissance in the late 19th century. Conductor of the Royal Choral Society and the Philharmonic Society Orchestra for most of the 1890s, premiering works by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Alexander Borodin. Mackenzie was also a prolific composer with close to a hundred works to his name, best known for his oratorios, violin and piano pieces, folk music and works for the stage ~ Mackenzie passed away in 1935