August 23, 2024 ~ Experimental folk, avant-garde singer Catherine Ribeiro passed away in Martigues, France ~ Critically acclaimed, boundary-breaking Ribeiro remained a cult figure throughout her career influential on fellow musicians. Well known for teaming up with composer Patrice Moullet in the folk, psychedelic outfit Alpes, the pair recording some half a dozen albums throughout the early-1980s with a revolving line-up. The band is especially acclaimed for their 1974 Paix album. Ribeiro also enjoyed a parallel career as a solo singer, starting with her Le Blues De Piaf solo debut album issued in 1977. Ribeiro counted musicians such as Julian Cope and Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon among her fans, the latter once stating in an interview: “Ribeiro's voice is so amazing and the music sounds so, I hate to use the word organic, but I just kind of relate it to the music. She is definitely an influence on me” ~ Ribeiro was born in 1941
August 23, 2024 ~ Jazz guitarist Russell Malone passed away ~ Began playing at age four on a toy guitar his mother bought him. Influenced by BB King, the Dixie Hummingbirds, and George Benson. Spent the late-1980s and 1990s backing artists such as Jimmy Smith, Harry Connick Jr, and Diana Krall, including on the latter's acclaimed and Grammy Award-winning When I Look In Your Eyes album. As a leader or co-leader, Malone has recorded some dozen albums since the early-1990s, specifically noted for the 2003 collaborative album Jazz At The Bistro with pianist Benny Green, as well as 2004's Playground, and 2017's Time For The Dancers. As a sideman and collaborator, Malone has appeared on albums by Branford Marsalis, Don Braden, Johnny O'Neal (On The Montreal Scene), Stephen Scott (The Beautiful Thing), Gary Bartz, Dave Grusin, Mose Allison (Gimcracks And Gewgaws), Marian McPartland, Ray Brown, Janis Siegel, the Chieftains, Houston Person, Wynton Marsalis, Regina Carter (Motor City Moments), Gary Burton, Will Downing, Natalie Cole, Kenny Rankin, David Sanborn, Jon Faddis (Teranga), Gladys Knight, Alvin Batiste, Jeff Lorber (He Had A Hat), the CTI All-Stars, Jimmy Cobb, Joss Stone (Colour Me Feel), Sonny Rollins, Christian McBride, Macy Gray (Stripped), Jimmy Heath (Love Letter), Eric Bibb, and Rickie Lee Jones ~ Malone was born in 1963
August 23, 2023 ~ Pop rock songwriter, producer Bob Feldman, full name Robert C Feldman, passed away in Florida, USA ~ Formed a songwriter, producer team with Jerry Goldstein and Richard Gottehrer. The trio were responsible for 1960s hits such as Let's Stomp for Bobby Comstock, Betty Jean for Freddy Cannon, and My Boyfriend's Back for the Angels. The trio's Sorrow would be used as a B-side for the McCoys in 1965, but is better known as recorded by David Bowie who released it as the sole single of his 1973 Pin Ups album. Goldstein, Gottehrer and Feldman would also record several of their songs themselves under the moniker the Strangeloves, most notably I Want Candy, later covered by Brian Poole, the Surfaris, and Bow Wow Wow ~ Feldman was born in 1940
August 23, 2022 ~ Producer, label executive Creed Taylor, full name Creed Bane Taylor V, passed away in Nuremberg, Germany ~ In-house producer and executive at various labels including Bethlehem, ABC-Paramount, Verve, and A&M Records. Signed John Coltrane to Impulse. Helpful in bringing bossa nova to the USA in the 1960s, signing artists such as Antônio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto, Airto Moreira. Founded CTI Records, one of the most successful jazz labels of the 1970s. Has worked with artists such as Oscar Pettiford, Ruby Braff, Charles Mingus, Herbie Mann, Stan Getz, Wes Montgomery, Cal Tjader, Freddie Hubbard, Chet Baker, Milt Jackson, Nina Simone, Eumir Deodato, Herbie Hancock, Chroma, and Fuse One ~ Taylor was born in 1929
August 23, 2021 ~ Glam rock, gothic rock, post-punk, trance, psychedelic trance singer, DJ Olli Wisdom, full name Oliver John Wisdom, passed away in London, UK ~ Fronted UK punk band the Unwanted. Member of early-1980s glam, gothic rock outfit the Specimen. Would go on to become a pioneer of psychedelic trance, using the moniker Space Tribe from the mid-1990s on, influenced by electro-driven psychedelic sounds he first encountered on his travels to Asia ~ Wisdom was born in 1958
August 23, 2020 ~ Jazz drummer Charlie Persip passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Founded the Jazz Statesmen with Roland Alexander, Freddie Hubbard, and Ron Carter in 1960. Also leads Supersound. Worked with Tadd Dameron, Dizzy Gillespie, Harry Sweets Edison, Harry James, Lee Morgan, Dinah Washington, Melba Liston, Kenny Dorham, Zoot Sims, Red Garland, Gil Evans, Don Ellis, Eric Dolphy, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Gene Ammons, Sonny Rollins, Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Louis Jordan, Ernestine Anderson, Art Farmer, Randy Weston, Erroll Garner, Buddy Emmons, Slide Hampton, Pony Poindexter, Benny Golson, and Sonny Stitt ~ Persip was born in 1929
August 23, 2020 ~ Laiko singer Giannist Poulopoulos, sometimes referred to as John Poulopoulos, passed away in Haidari, Greece ~ One of the best-selling Greek artists, enjouying popularity from the 1960s onwards. Well-known songs include Mi Mu Thymponis, the Helen Kladi-duets Very Late and I Love You, and In Piraeus ~ Poulopoulos was born in 1941
August 23, 2020 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer Peter King, full name Peter John King, passed away in London, UK ~ Worked with Johnny Dankworth, Maynard Ferguson, Tubby Hayes, Harry South, Stan Tracey, the Brussels Big Band, Ray Charles, Philly Joe Jones, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Red Rodney, Hampton Hawes, Nat Adderley, Al Haig, John Burch, Bill Watrous, Dick Morrisey, Tony Kinsey, Bill Le Sage, Jimmy Witherspoon, Joe Williams, Jon Hendricks, Anita O'Day, Everything But The Girl, Ben Watt, Tete Montoliu, Jimmy Witherspoon, and others ~ King was born in 1940
August 23, 2012 ~ Avant-garde jazz saxophonist, flutist Byard Lancaster passed away in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Co-founded the Sounds Of Liberation with Khan Jamal. Has also worked with artists such as McCoy Tyner, Archie Shepp, Elvin Jones, Sun Ra, Memphis Slim, Johnny Copeland, Arcana, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Odean Pope, and Larry Young ~ Lancaster was born in 1942
August 23, 2010 ~ Songwriter, arranger, lyricist George David Weiss passed away in Oldwick, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known for writing or co-writing songs such as Lullabye Of Birdland (Morris Levy), Mr Wonderful (Olga James), Can't Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley), That Sunday That Summer (Nat King Cole), Stay With me (Lorraine Ellison), and What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) ~ Weiss was born in 1921
August 23, 2010 ~ Nathan Bernstein, commonly known as impresario, bandleader Tito Burns, passed away in London, UK ~ As a musician worked with Lou Preager, Carl Barriteau, Denis Rose, Ronnie Scott, Johnny Dankworth, and Tony Crombie. Burns would switch to management by the mid-1950s, serving as manager and impresario for artists such as Cliff Richard, and the Searchers. Burns also served as tour manager for Bob Dylan. He is, however, perhaps most noted for discovering Dusty Springfield, who would go on to become one of the finest British pop soul singers to emerge from the 1960s ~ Bernstein was born in 1921
August 23, 2008 ~ Jazz trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, full name James Milton Cleveland, passed away in Lynwood, California, USA ~ One of the finest trombonists to emerge from the 1950s. As a leader best known for his 1959 Rhythm Crazy album. As a sideman appeared on albums by Clifford Brown, Lionel Hampton, Quincy Jones, Art Farmer, Manny Albam (Jazz Workshop), Betty Carter, Cannonball Adderley, Oscar Pettiford, Art Blakey, Dinah Washington, Maynard Ferguson, Miles Davis (Miles Ahead), Benny Golson, Milt Jackson (Plenty Plenty Soul), Melba Liston, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich (Richcraft), Ray Charles (Genius+Soul=Jazz), Randy Weston, Blue Mitchell, Jimmy Smith, Shirley Scott (For Members Only), Wes Montgomery, the Drifters, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Barbara Lewis, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin (Soul '69), Quincy Jones (Walking In Space), and James Brown ~ Cleveland was born in 1926
August 23, 2006 ~ Jazz, jazz rock, jazz fusion trumpeter, bandleader Maynard Ferguson, full name Walter Maynard Ferguson, passed away in Ventura, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Boyd Raeburn, Jimmy Dorsey, Charlie Barnet, Doc Severinsen, Ray Wetzel, Pérez Prado, Dusko Gojkovic, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Harry Belafonte, Buddy Bregman, Russ Garcia, Stan Kenton, Shorty Rogers, Pete Rugolo, Georgie Auld, Louie Bellson, Wayne Bergeron, Clifford Brown, the Fania All-Stars, Red Grammer, Vido Musso, Tito Puente, and Dinah Washington ~ Ferguson was born in 1928
August 23, 2001 ~ Jazz, contradance, danzón bandleader, pianist Frank Emilio Flynn, full name Francisco Emilio Flynn Rodriguez, passed away in Havana, Cuba ~ Considered a pioneer of Afro-Cuban jazz, active since the 1940s in a number of forms of Cuban music including danzas, danzones, filin, and descarga. Founder and director of a number of seminal ensembles including Loquibamba, Los Modernistas, and the Quinteto Instrumental de Musica Moderna, the latter later evolving into Los Amigos ~ Flynn was born in 1921
August 23, 1997 ~ Miles Parks McCollum, commonly known as producer, rapper Lil' Yachty, born in Mableton, Georgia, USA ~ Known for songs such a One Night, Minnesota, Peek-a-boo featuring Migos, Oprah's Bank Account with DaBaby. Has also worked with Dram, Carnage, Leaf, Charli XCX, T-Pain, Macklemore, Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki, and others
August 23, 1996 ~ Composer, pianist, conductor Jurriaan Andriessen, full name Jurriaan Hendrik Andriessen, passed away in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Son of composer Hendrik Andriessen, brother of composer Louis Andriessen. Composed chamber music, orchestral music, opera and ballet. Perhaps best known for his 1994 composition Il Discorso Della Corona, played yearly for chamber of parliament by the Residentie Orkest prior to the Troonrede ~ Andriessen was born in 1925
August 23, 1989 ~ Lianne Charlotte Barnes, commonly known as indie folk, soul singer, guitarist, songwriter Lianne La Havas born in London, UK ~ Known for songs such as Lost & Found, Is Your Love Big Enough and What You Don't Do. Has worked with Gareth Malone, Tourist, Prince, Alt-J, Aqualung, Rudimental, Rober Glasper, Mr Jukes, Jacob Collier, and others
August 23, 1989 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist Ric Ocasek, frontman of the Cars, and supermodel Paulina Porizkova get married ~ The two had met in 1984 during the filming of the music video for the Cars song Drive, the band's biggest hit, which featured the then 19-year old Czech born supermodel. After divorcing his second wife in 1988, Ocasek and Porizkova marry on Saint Barthélemy Island, French Guadeloupe, in 1989. The couple separated in 2017, and have two sons
August 23, 1988 ~ Margaret Osborn, commonly known as electronic, electropunk singer, songwriter Alice Glass, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Best known as co-founding member, frontwoman of Crystal Castles, with whom she recorded the acclaimed albums Crystal Castles, Crystal Castles II, and Crystal Castles III before departing the band in 2014. Has since recorded as a solo artist and guested on recordings by Dreamcrusher, Pabllo Vitar, and Pussy Riot
August 23, 1986 ~ Eddy Brace Rashid MacDonald, commonly known as pop, R&B, hip-hop singer Brace, born in Soerabaja, Indonesia ~ As a solo artist best known for his 2005 single Vraag Jezelf Eens Af. Guested on Moppie recorded by Lange Frans & Baas B. Guested on Ik Ben Je Zat recorded by Ali B. Has also worked with the D-Men
August 23, 1984 ~ Joseph Talbot, commonly known as punk rock, post-punk, post-hardcore, indie rock singer, songwriter Joe Talbot, born in Newport, UK ~ Cites the Strokes, Thom Yorke, Joy Division and the Fall as major influences. Co-founding member, frontman of IDLES, best known for their 2020 Ultra Mono album which topped the UK charts. Has collaborated with Anna Calvi, Jehnny Beth, and Turbowolf
August 23, 1980 ~ In its eleventh week on the charts, JoJo by Boz Scaggs peaks at No.17 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Possibly the first hit song about a pimp, named Jojo, as clearly evidenced in lyrics such as “his baby stays high, got to keep her sweet, and he keeps her just right, keeps her on the street”. On the recording of JoJo, Scaggs is backed by first-call session musicians, including keyboardist David Paich, bassist David Hungate, and drummer Jeff Porcaro, three musicians who would rise to fame in the 1980s as the nucleus of Toto. JoJo is one of Scaggs' best known, lifted off his Middle Man. The album had spawned one more top 20 hit, Breakdown Dead Ahead which did just slightly better reaching No.15. His other hit album had been Silk Degrees released in 1976, which spawned the hits Lowdown and Lido Shuffle, which respectively peaked at No.3 and No.11 Billboard Hot 100
August 23, 1979 ~ Bilal Sayeed Oliver, mononymously known as R&B, hip-hop, neo soul, funk, jazz singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Bilal born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Discovered by Aaron Comess of the Spin Doctors. Known for his wide vocal range. Drew comparisons to Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Sly & the Family Stone, Prince, Curtis Mayfield. In-demand collaborator, worked with Kendrick Lamar, Common, Erykah Badu, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Guru, J Dilla, Rober Glasper, the Roots, Jermaine Dupri, Dr Dre, Talib Kweli, Jaguar Wright, Tweet, and Lupe Fiasco
August 23, 1978 ~ Indie rock, alternative rock, garage rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, songwriter Julian Casablancas, full name Julian Fernanda Casablancas, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by the Doors, Lou Reed, Bob Marley, Nirvana, Pearl Jam. Frontman and primary songwriter of the Strokes, known for songs such as Last Nite, Juicebox and Bad Decisions. Formed Voidz in 2013. Has collaborated with the Queens Of The Stone Age, Daft Punk, Santigold, Pharrell Williams, Danger Mouse, and the Exhibition
August 23, 1978 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, gospel, R&B clarinetist, keyboardist, music director Shaun Martin born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Closely associated with Kirk Franklin, with whom he recorded since still in high school including the Grammy Award-winning albums Hero and The Fight Of My Life. Member of Snarky Puppy since 2010, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums starting with Tell Your Friends. An in-demand sideman, arranger, and producer, Martin has collaborated with the likes of Guru, Erykah Badu (Mama's Gun), N'Dambi, Donnie McClurkin, Myron Butler, Fred Hammond, Tamela Mann, Crystal Aikin, Amber Bullock, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Alicia Keys (Here), and Ledisi. Martin has also recorded three solo albums, starting with the jazz-infused 7 Summers in 2015. Martin has served as Minister of Music at the Friendship West Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas. Upon his death at age 45 of an undisclosed illness, which he had been battling for some time, Snarky Puppy issued a statement, saying: “Yesterday, we lost a music legend and, more importantly, a beautiful, luminous human being. Martin touched so many people during his life and through the beautiful immortality of music, will continue to do so” ~ Martin passed away in 2024
August 23, 1975 ~ In its eleventh week on the charts, Spring by Tanya Tucker peaks at No.18 Billboard Country ~ Country singer Tucker had an impressive start in the early-1970s, scoring about half a dozen consecutive Billboard Country top 10 hits in just two years starting with her Delta Dawn debut single in 1972. After three successful albums, Tucker moved from Columbia Records to MCA Records, yet her old label continued issuing some of her older, shelved material. Spring, written by John Tipton and produced by Billy Sherrill, was one of those. The single would spend fifteen weeks on the Billboard Country charts and peak at No.18. Though it would have been a respectable hit for others, obviously it was lesser material for Tucker. Her first two singles for her new label, Lizzie & The Rainman and San Antonio Stroll released around the same time, both reached the No.1 spot. Spring was her first single not to reach top 10
August 23, 1974 ~ Seth Brooks Binzer, commonly known as rap rock, alternative rock singer, rapper Shifty Shellshock, born in Marblehead, Massachusetts, USA ~ Frontman of Crazy Town, with whom he recorded three albums. The band is best known for Butterfly lifted off their The Gift Of The Game 1999 debut album. The single reached top 10 in well over half a dozen countries, including the No.1 spot on the American Billboard Hot 100. During the band's hiatus, Binzer guested on Paul Oakenfold's Starry Eyed Surprise, which reached top 10 in the UK, and recorded a sole album, Happy Love Sick, as a solo artist ~ Binzer passed away in 2024
August 23, 1970 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Brad Mehldau born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Started as a member of Joshua Redman's mid-1990s quartet, alongside bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade. Would go on to lead his own ensembles working with sidemen such as Larry Grenadier, Jorge Rossy, Perico Sambeat, Jeff Ballard, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Jim Keltner, Jon Brion, Matt Chamberlain, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Kurt Elling. Would incorporate Beatles-esque elements in jazz, branch out to rock as well as classical music, working with and writing for Renée Fleming and tour with guitarist Pat Metheny
August 23, 1968 ~ Alessandro Britti, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Alex Britti, born in Rome, Italy ~ Worked with Buddy Miles, Billy Preston, Louisiana Red. Debuted in 1998 with the album It Pop and has been recording regularly since
August 23, 1968 ~ Ayub Bey, commonly known as hip-hop rapper, MC, producer, songwriter Grand Daddy IU, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with the Juice Crew. Ghostwriter for Biz Markie and Roxanne Shanté. Has released a number of solo albums, starting with Smooth Assassin in 1990. Has worked with Das EFX, Heltah Skeltah, KRS One, Ice-T, Tupac Shakur, and others ~ Bey passed away in 2022
August 23, 1967 ~ Reggae singer Cedella Marley, full name Cedella Marley Minto1, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Daughter of reggae singers Bob Marley and Rita Marley. Best known for her association with brother Ziggy Marley's Melody Makers. The sibling outfit has recorded well over half a dozen albums and is perhaps best known for their Tomorrow People single of their 1988 Conscious Party album. As a solo artist Marley is best known for her 2017 single Could You Be Loved, a cover of her father's classic
August 23, 1965 ~ R&B girl group Martha & the Vandellas record My Baby Loves Me at Hitsville USA, Detroit, Michigan ~ Written by William Mickey Stevenson, Ivy Jo Hunter, Sylvia Moy. Produced by Stevenson and Hunter. Released as a single the following year, b/w Never Leave Your Baby's Side. The single would reach top 10 Billboard R&B. Background vocals were provided by the Andantes and the Four Tops.
August 23, 1963 ~ Punk rock, skate punk, hardcore punk, pop punk bassist, guitarist, singer Steve Soto born ~ Co-founded Agent Orange in 1979, one of the first punk rock outfits to draw heavily from surf music. Would depart the band the following year to co-found the Adolescents, serving as the band's bassist and sole constant member until his death in 2018. The band is especially acclaimed for their 1981 eponymous The Adolescents debut album, providing a blueprint for many California hardcore bands. Soto has also worked with Legal Weapon, Joyride, Manic Hispanic, supergroup 22 Jacks, and Punk Rock Karaoke ~ Soto passed away in 2018
August 23, 1962 ~ Neoclassical composer Irving Fine, full name Irving Gifford Fine, passed away in Natick, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of a group of mid-20th century composers sometimes referred to as the Boston School, which also included Arthur Berger, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Lukas Foss and Harold Shapero. Praised by Virgil Thomson for his “unusual melodic grace” and by Copland for his “elegance, style, finish and convincing continuity” ~ Fine was born in 1914
August 23, 1962 ~ R&B, soul singer Sam Cooke records Nothing Can Change This Love at RCA Studios, Hollywood, California ~ Self-penned. Produced by Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore. Released as a single, Somebody Have Mercy featured on the B-side, the following September. It would reach top 10 Billboard R&B, top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Later also included on the Mr Soul album
August 23, 1962 ~ Singer Shaun Ryder, full name Shaun William George Ryder, born in Little Hulton, UK ~ Lead singer of the Happy Mondays, which also included his brother bassist Paul Ryder. The Madchester band is best known for songs such as best known including Step On, Kinky Afro and Loose Fit. Shaun also co-founded Black Grape
August 23, 1961 ~ Jazz singer Anita Wardell born in Guildford, UK ~ Accomplished scat singer known for vocal rendition of Moanin'
August 23, 1960 ~ Hard rock, rock, blues-rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Gary Hoey born in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA ~ Auditioned in 1988 for Ozzy Osbourne, who needed a replacement for Jake E Lee, but the job went to Zakk Wylde. Formed Heavy Bones in 1990, which also included Joel Elis, Rex Tennyson and Frankie Banali. Debuted as a solo artist with the 1993 Animal Instinct album, which spawned the hit single Hocus Pocus, originally recorded by Dutch rockers Focus. Has been recording as a solo artist steadily since
August 23, 1960 ~ Lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, full name Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein II, passed away in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Co-wrote over 850 songs. Best known for his writing partnership with Richard Rodgers, scoring with musicals such as Oklahoma, The King & I and The Sound Of Music. Also collaborated with composers such as Jerome Kern, Vincent Youmans, Rudolf Frimi, Richard Whiting, Sigmund Romberg, and others ~ Hammerstein was born in 1895
August 23, 1960 ~ R&B singer, pianist Ray Charles records Ruby at Bell Sound Studios, New York, New York ~ Written by Mitchell Parish and Heinz Roemheld. Produced by Sid Feller. Released as a single, paired with Hardhearted Hannah on the flip side, the next November
August 23, 1959 ~ Singer, songwriter Edwyn Collins, full name Edwyn Stephen Collins, born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Lead singer of post-punk group Orange Juice. The band would be critically acclaimed for their 1980 debut single Fallin' And Laughin', which sold only 2,000 copies, and for their 1983 UK top 10 hit Rip It Up. Pursued a solo career after the band's split in 1985. Best known for A Girl Like You, an international hit in 1995
August 23, 1957 ~ Classical cellist Antônio Meneses born in Recife, Brazil ~ 1982 Tchaikowsky Competition winner. Member of the Beaux Arts Trio from 1998 until its disbandement in 2008. Has worked with renowned orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande, and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Meneses passed away in 2024
August 23, 1957 ~ R&B, soul singer Sam Cooke records Lonely Island at Radio Recorders, Los Angeles, California ~ Written by Eden Ahbez. Produced by Robert Bumps Blackwell. First released as the B-side of You Were Made For Me in March 1958, a Billboard R&B top 10 hit
August 23, 1954 ~ Jazz double bassist Avery Sharpe born ~ Played with Wynton Marsalis, Pat Metheny, McCoy Tyner, Archie Shepp, Yusef Lateef, Ricky Ford, and with Joe Ford
August 23, 1953 ~ Robert Alan Gubby, commonly known as pop singer Bobby G born in Epsom, UK ~ Member of Bucks Fizz, scoring hits with The Land Of Make Believe, My Camera Never Lies and perhaps their best known the 1981 Eurovision Songfestival winner Making Your Mind Up. Gubby released one solo single, 1984's Big Deal, which was used as the theme to BBC's comedy-drama show Big Deal. Previously unreleased solo recordings would be included on Bucks Fizz compilation album in 2006
August 23, 1952 ~ Vasiliki Papathanasiou, commonly known as singer Vicky Leandros, born in Palaiokastritsa, Greece ~ Daughter of singer, songwriter Leo Leandros. Internationally best known for representing Luxembourg twice at the Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 4th place in 1967 with L'Amour Est Blue and winning in 1972 with Après Toi. Over the course of her career, starting in the mid-1960s, Leandros has recorded over 50 albums, singing in French, English, Spanish, and German
August 23, 1951 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Mark Hudson, full name Mark Jeffery Anthony Hudson, born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ First gained attenton as member of sibling outfit the Hudson Brothers alongside Bill Hudson and Brett Hudson, best known for their 1974 single So You're A Star. Would go on to work as an in-demand producer and songwriter. Co-wrote Aerosmith's Grammy Award-winning hit Livin' On The Edge. Produced a number of Ringo Starr albums, starting with 1998's Vertical Man. Also worked with Cher, the Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne, Hanson, the Baha Men, Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi, and others
August 23, 1947 ~ Linda Pettifer, commonly known as folk rock singer Linda Thompson, born in London, UK ~ Married to folk singer Richard Thompson, with whom she also worked. Member of the Bunch, alongsde Sandy Denny and Ashley Hutchings, known for their sole album Rock On, released in 1972
August 23, 1947 ~ Country, countrypolitan singer, guitarist, songwriter Rex Allen Jr born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Son of singing cowboy Rex Allen. Debuted in 1971 with his Todays Generation album, which did not chart. Would enjoy chart succes starting with his 1974 Another Goodbye Song sophomore album. Well known songs include Goodbye, Can You Hear Those Pioneers, Two Less Lonely People, Lonely Street, Me And My Broken Heart and the Margo Smith-duet Cup Of Tea
August 23, 1947 ~ Jazz, classical guitarist, composer Terje Rypdal born in Oslo, Norway ~ Starting out in pop rock outfit the Vanguards, Rypdal would become one of the most important guitarists in Norway's jazz scene. Especially acclaimed for 1970s albums such as Odyssey and Waves. Appears on albums by George Russell, Lester Bowie, Jan Garbarek (Afric Pepperbird), Don Sugarcane Harris (Sugar Cane's Got The Blues), Michael Mantler (The Hapless Child And Other Inscrutable Stories), Barre Phillips, Jack DeJohnette, and Ketil Bjørnstad. Married to singer Inger Lise Anderson, father of guitarist Jakob Rypdal
August 23, 1946 ~ Rock, hard rock drummer Keith Moon, full name Keith John Moon, born in London, UK ~ Best known as drummer of the Who, as well as its predecessor the High Numbers. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as I Need You, Cobwebs And Strange, In The City, Girl's Eyes. Also worked with Jeff Beck (Beck's Bolero), the Plastic Ono Band, Ringo Starr, Curly Smith, Jim Keltner, and others ~ Moon passed away in 1978
August 23, 1943 ~ Giuseppe Prestipino Giarritta, commonly known as bassist, conductor, producer, composer, arranger Pino Presti, born in Milan, Italy ~ Worked with Mina, Astor Piazzolla, Gerry Mulligan, Quincy Jones, Wilson Pickett, Shirley Bassey, Franco Cerri, Aldemaro Romero, Tullio de Piscopo, and others
August 23, 1941 ~ Edward O'Sullivan Lee, commonly known as reggae producer Bunny Lee, born in Jamaica ~ One of Jamaica's most important and influential producers from the late-1960s through the late-1970s, instrumental in the development of dub music. Started as a plugger in the early-1960s for producer Duke Reid, later for Leslie Kong. Would turn to engineering and producing records by 1967, his first hit record being Roy Shirley's Music Field. Founded his own label, Lee, producing artists such as Lloyd Jackson, Lester Sterling, Derrick Morgan, Slim Smith (Everybody Needs Love), the Uniques, Pat Kelly, Max Romeo, Delroy Wilson, Eric Donaldson (Cherry Oh Baby), John Holt, Johnny Clarke, Owen Gray, Cornell Campbell, and King Tubby ~ Lee passed away in 2020
August 23, 1939 ~ Terje Nielsen, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Teddy Nelson, born in Bergen, Norway ~ Best known for his singles Diggy Liggy Lo, Bonde Ifrå Hamlagrø, Skilsmisseferd I Hardanger, internationally best known for his collaborations with country-pop singer Skeeter Davis ~ Nielsen passed away in 1992
August 23, 1937 ~ Composer Albert Roussel, full name Albert Charles Paul Marie Roussel, passed away in Royan, France ~ Regarded as one of the most prominent French composers of the Interbellum period. Influenced by Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, gravitating towards neoclassicism later on in his career. Well known works written by Roussel include Suite For Piano, Le Festin De L'Araignee, and Third Symphony ~ Roussel was born in 1869
August 23, 1935 ~ Drummer Sam Lay born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Worked with Little Walter, Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, Eddie Taylor, John Lee Hooker, Junior Wells, Bo Diddley, Magic Sam, Jimmy Rogers, Earl Hooker, Muddy Waters, Moon Dog Combo, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, the Siegel-Schwall Band, Mike Bloomfield, Johnnie Marshall, and others
August 23, 1934 ~ Trombonist Raul de Souza born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Leader and sideman. Known especially for his 1975 Colors and 1977 Sweet Lucy albums, both produced by George Duke. Has worked with Sérgio Mendes, Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Milton Nascimento, Sonny Rollins, Hermeto Pascoal, Cal Tjader, Caldera, David Feldman, and others ~ De Souza passed away in 2021
August 23, 1933 ~ Pianist, composer Jure Robeznik born in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia ~ Despite the lack of formal musical education authored over a hundred and fifty musical works, focusing primarily on jazz and popular music. Robeznik was bestowed with a Kozina Award by the Society of Slovenian Composers in 2017 ~ Robeznik passed away in 2022
August 23, 1929 ~ Jazz saxophonist, jazz club manager Pete King, full name Peter Stephen George King, born in Bow, UK ~ Managed Ronnie Scott's noted Soho, London jazz club for fifty years. Played wih Jiver Hutchinson, George Evans, Oscar Rabin, Dill Jones, Lennie Bush, Tony Crombie, Jack Parnell, Victor Feldman, Philly Joe Jones, and others ~ King passed away in 2009
August 23, 1924 ~ Gospel, R&B, rock & roll singer, songwriter Wynona Carr, full name Wynona Merceris Carr, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Actively recording since the late-1940s initially to little success. Would fade into obscurity by the early-1960s only to be rediscovered in the 1990s with re-releases of old material ~ Carr passed away in 1976
August 23, 1923 ~ Songwriter Leo Leandros born in Astakos, Greece ~ Father of singer Vicky Leandros, for who he co-wrote the 1972 Eurovision Songfestival winner Après Toi. Other artists who recorded his songs include Julio Iglesias, Demis Roussos, Nana Mouskouri, Jairo, and others
August 23, 1917 ~ Sollie Paul Williams, commonly known as singer, actor Tex Williams born in Ramsey, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for he novelty hit Smoke Smoke Smoke That Cigarette. Also known for songs such as California Pola, That's What I Like About The West, Talking Boogie and Life Gets Tee-jus Don't It ~ Williams passed away in 1985
August 23, 1912 ~ Actor, singer, dancer Gene Kelly. full name Eugene Curran Kelly, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Pioneering choreographer, dancer. Credited with transforming the Hollywood musical as an artform. Made ballet commercially viable. Starred in numerous musical films of the 1940s and 1950s, perhaps best remembered for 1952's Singing In The Rain. Honored with several lifetime achievement awards, including an Academy Honorary Award in 1952 ~ Kelly passed away in 1996
August 23, 1900 ~ Composer, conductor Ernst Krenek, full name Ernst Heinrick Krenek, born in Vienna, Austria ~ Explored atonality and other modern styles. Perhaps best known for composing the opera Johnny Spielt Auf published in 1927. The work typified the cultural freedam of the golden era of the Weimar Republic. In the 1930s it would draw the ire of the Nazis, classifying it as degenerate music due to its jazz-influences. Krenek would leave Germany in 1933, settling in America a few years later ~ Krenek passed away in 1991
August 23, 1894 ~ Jazz double bassist, trombonist John Lindsay born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with John Robichaux, AJ Piron, Dewey Jackson, Willie Hightower, Carroll Dickerson, Lil' Hardon, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Richard M Jones, Jimmie Noone, Punch Miller, Johnny Dodds, Bertha Hill, Georgia White, the Harlem Hamfats, Baby Dodds, and others ~ Lindsay passed away in 1950