August 24, 2023 ~ Rock, blues rock, hard rock guitarist, singer Bernie Marsden, full name Bernard John Marsden, passed away ~ Member of Whitesnake from 1978 through 1982, for whom he co-wrote several of the band's best known including Fool For Your Loving, Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues, She's A Woman, Lovehunter, Trouble, Child Of Babylon, Rough And Ready, and Here I Go Again. Marsden has also worked with UFO, Cozy Powell, Babe Ruth, Paice Ashton Lord, Alaska, and the Company Of Snakes, and recorded over a dozen solo albums ~ Marsden was born in 1951
August 24, 2021 ~ Rock, jazz, blues drummer Charlie Watts, full name Charles Robert Watts, passed away in London, UK ~ Influenced by jazz artists such as Max Roach, Chico Hamilton, and Jelly Roll Morton. Best known as member of the Rolling Stones, joining the band in 1963 and appearing on all the band's albums until his death nearly sixty years later. In-demand collaborator and leader in a number of mostly jazz-focused side projects, notably Rocket 88 and the ABCD Of Boogie-Woogie. Back in 1964 while still in art school, the Stones not yet famous, Watts authored and illustrated a small book, Ode To A Highflying Bird, for a class project. A tribute to one of his biggest heroes, Charlie Parker also known as “Bird”, Watts portrayed the iconic saxophone player as an actual bird, complete with sunglasses and sax, in simple, child-like sketches along with light-hearted text: “Soon everybody was digging what Bird blew. His nest was made.” ~ Watts was born in 1941
August 24, 2021 ~ Pop keyboardist, singer, songwriter Fritz McIntyre passed away ~ Co-founding member, keyboardist of Simply Red from 1985 through 1995, leaving the band after the completion of the Life album. Co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material, sang lead on Wonderland. Has recorded as a solo artist since leaving the band, including the Christian worship album First Fruits, but would fail to reach the same level of succes ~ McIntyre was born in 1958
August 24, 2021 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger John Sheridan passed away ~ Got turned on to jazz at age 8, hearing a recording of Benny Goodman's famed 1938 Carnegie Hall concert. Best known for his association with Jim Cullum, performing and recording with the cornetist for some two decades starting in the late-1970s. Has recorded about a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, noted especially for his 1997 Something Tells Me debut album and the 2004 Thanks A Million collaborative album with trumpeter Bob Barnard. Other notable collaborations include Banu Gibson (Livin' In A Great Big Way), Duke Heitger, Brian Ogilvie, Randy Reinhardts (As Long As I Live), and Ron Hockett ~ Sheridan was born in 1946
August 24, 2020 ~ Anthony George Chalk, commonly known as keyboardist, singer, producer Tony Colton passed away ~ Member of Heads Hands & Feet, known for a handful of early-1970s album starting with their eponymous Heads Hands & Feet debut album released in 1971. The band has served as opening act for Deep Purple in early 1971. Colton and bandmate Ray Smith also co-wrote and co-produced for artists such as Richard Harris and Shirley Bassey, and notably wrote and performed the soundtrack for the 1970 BBC documentary The World Of Georgie Best ~ Chalk was born in 1942
August 24, 2018 ~ Producer James Mallinson passed away ~ First classical producer to be awarded a Grammy Award for Producer of the Year in the Classical category, recording several Johannes Brahms symphonies with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1980. Best known for his association wqith the London Symphony Orchestra, producing over 60 of the ensemble's recordings starting in 2000 ~ Mallinson was born ca.1943
August 24, 2017 ~ Fitzroy Marshall, commonly known as ska, rocksteady, reggae singer Larry Marshall, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Half of Larry & Alvin, the other half being Alvin Leslie, known for songs such as Nanny Goat. As a solo artist debuted in 1973 with the album Presenting Larry Marshall and known for songs such as A Promise Is A Comfort To A Fool, I've Got Another Girl, and Please Stay. Worked with Philip Yaz, Coxsone Dodd, Prince Buster, Enid Cumberland, Burning Spear, and King Tubby ~ Marshall was born in 1941
August 24, 2017 ~ Bluegrass banjoist, songwriter, publisher Pete Kuykendall passed away in Warrenton, Virginia, USA ~ Co-founded Bluegrass Unlimited in 1966 becoming its main editor in 1970. Instrumental in the formation of the International Bluegrass Music Association in 1985. As a musician best known as a member of the Country Gentlemen in the late-1950s and for penning a number of bluegrass standards including Down Where The Still Waters Flow, I Am Weary (Let Me Rest) and Remembrance Of You ~ Kuykendall was born in 1938
August 24, 2011 ~ Label executive Esther Gordy Edwards passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. Served as staff member and associate of her younger brother. Dubbed “the Mother of Motown” for taking on a motherly role towards some of the label's younger acts. Founder and director of the Motown Historical Museum, ~ Gordy was born in 1920
August 24, 2006 ~ Bonnie Campbell, commonly known as country singer Bonnie Owens, passed away ~ Married to Buck Owens, later to Merle Haggard. Revered singer known for a number of 1960s country recordings including Why Don't Daddy Live Here Anymore, Don't Take Advantage Of Me, and Just Between The Two Of Us, the latter a duet with then still future husband Haggard ~ Campbell was born in 1929
August 24, 2005 ~ Singer Harold Kalin passed away ~ Half of the Kalin Twins, the other half being his twin brother Herbie Kalin, known for their 1958 When hit, reaching top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. The follow-up single Forget Me Not, released shortly thereafter, also reached top 20 Billboard Hot 100. The siblings continued to record regularly through the early-1960s, but were unable to repeat their success ~ Kalin was born in 1934
August 24, 2004 ~ Noble Watts, commonly known as blues, jump blues, R&B saxophonist Noble Thin Man Watts, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Griffin Brothers, Nat Adderley, Lionel Hampton, Paul Williams, Dinah Washington, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, the Everly Brothers, Johnny Mathis, Rufus Thomas, Lucky Peterson, Raful Neal, and Floyd Miles ~ Watts was born in 1926
August 24, 1999 ~ Classical guitarist, composer Alexandre Lagoya passed away ~ Married to guitarist Ida Presti, with whom he regularly collaborated. Known for a number of transcriptions to guitar based on works by Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel and Niccolò Paganini. Also had a number of contemporary compositions written for him or for the Presti-Lagoya duo by composers such as Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur, André Jolivet, and Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco ~ Lagoya was born in 1929
August 24, 1999 ~ Bandleader, arranger Warren Covington passed away ~ Played with Isham Jones, Les Brown, Gene Krupa, and as staff musician for CBS Radio. Played briefly with Tommy Dorsey in 1950. Took over from Eddie Gray as leader of the Commanders in 1956. Led Tommy Dorsey Orchestra after Dorsey's death. Also backed Charles Mingus, Randy Weston, Bobby Hackett, George Benson, Yusef Lateef, and Don Sebesky ~ Covington was born in 1921
August 24, 1998 ~ Conductor, arranger, producer Gene Page, full name Eugene Edgar Page Jr, passed away in Westwood, California, USA ~ Emerged from the 1960s to become one of the most in-demand and recognizable pop, funk, and disco conductors, arrangers of the 1970s, 1980s. Early on in his career, Page drew attention arranging for hits such as the Righteous Brothers' You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', Solomon Burke's Got To Get You Off My Mind, and Dobie Gray's The In-Crowd, the latter penned by his brother Billy Page. Page would rise to fame as go-to collaborator of Barry White, including for White's side project Love Unlimited, and Johnny Mathis. Page released over half a dozen albums, including the acclaimed Blacula soundtrack, and has worked in one capacity or another on albums by the Supremes, Ike & Tina Turner, Al Wilson, Big Joe Turner, the Four Tops, Barbra Streisand (Stoney End), the Jackson 5, Cher, Marvin Gaye (Let's Get It On), Smokey Robinson, Stanley Turrentine (Pieces Of Dreams), Nancy Wilson, Betty Everett, Mongo Santamaria, Leo Sayer, Elton John (Blue Moves), the Manhattan Transfer, Seals & Crofts, Shalamar, Hall & Oates, Herb Alpert (Rise), and Gladys Knight ~ Page was born in 1939
August 24, 1997 ~ DJ, singer, producer, songwriter Alan Walker, full name Alan Olav Walker, born in Northampton, UK ~ Best known for his 2015 single Faded, reaching platinum in 14 countries
August 24, 1994 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer, songwriter Jesse Bolian passed away ~ Member of the Artistics, best known for their 1966 I'm Gonna Miss You hit single which reached top 10 on the Billboard R&B charts. Other charting singles included This Heart Of Mine and I Need You ~ Bolian was born in 1941
August 24, 1992 ~ Ralph Gallant, commonly known as drummer Larrie Londin, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Revered session, studio, touring drummer. Worked with the Headliners, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Junior Walker & the All-Stars, Elvis Presley, the Notorious Cherry Bombs, Emmylou Harris, Diana Ross, the Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson, Joe Tex, Wilson Pickett, Lionel Richie, the Carpenters, Jerry Lee Lewis, Boots Randolph, Charley Pride, Randy Travis, Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, BB King, Albert Lee, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, Jerry Reed, Rosanne Cash, Al Green, Dan Fogelberg, Reba McEntire, Journey, Steve Perry, Adrian Belew, and the Everly Brothers ~ Gallant was born in 1943
August 24, 1991 ~ William Paden Hensley, commonly known as washboard player Washboard Willie, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Backed Eddie Guitar Burns during the early-1950s. As a solo artist enjoyed regional popularity with his backing unit the Super Suds Of Rhythm and recorded a handful of singles through the early-1960s, including Cherry Red Blues, Washboard Shuffle, and Washboard Blues Parts 1 & 2 ~ Hensley was born ca.1909
August 24, 1986 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Aaron Lee Tasjan born ~ Worked with Semi Precious Weapons, Kevin Kinney, Tony Visconti, the New York Dolls, Everest, Jack White, Sean Lennon, Clem Burke, Ian McLagan, Nigel Harrison, and Lilly Hiatt
August 24, 1981 ~ Trumpeter Bill Coleman, full name William Johnson Coleman passed away in Toulouse, France ~ Worked with Cecil Scott, Luis Russell, Lucky Millinder, Benny Carter, Teddy Hill, Fats Waller, Django Reinhardt, Leon Abbey, Teddy Wilson, Andy Kirk, Ellis Larkins, Mary Lou Williams, John Kirby, Sy Oliver, Billy Kyle, Lester Young, Billie Holiday, and Coleman Hawkins ~ Coleman was born in 1904
August 24, 1981 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones release Waiting On A Friend, lifted off their Tattoo You album ~ The song originated from an early-1970s draft, then still titled Waiting For A Friend, recorded during the sessions for their Goat's Head Soup album released in 1973. However, it would be almost a decade before they finished the song. Waiting On A Friend is noted especially for its dreamy qualities with lead singer Mick Jagger showing a more mature of himself. The saxophone solo on the track is performed by iconic jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins, who also guested on the tracks Slave and Neighbours off the same album. Jagger would later reveal he was nervous about asking Rollins: “I had a lot of trepidation about working with Sonny Rollins. This guy's a giant of the saxophone. Charlie Watts said, ‘He's never going to want to play on a Stones record!’ I said, ‘Yes he is going to want to.’ And he did and he was wonderful”
August 24, 1979 ~ Singer Prince releases I Wanna Be Your Lover single as the lead single off his eponymous Prince sophomore album ~ His first major hit, reaching top 20 Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Billboard R&B chart. Prince promoted the song by lip-syncing it on American Bandstand, where he gave host Dick Clark an awkward interview, answering his questions with one-word answers only. The single would also be released in the UK, where it stayed just outside of the top 40. The singer gave some shows in London but was forced to cancel due to poor attendance. It would be a few more years before he finally broke through with the Purple Rain album and accompanying film, released in 1984
August 24, 1978 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader, singer Louis Prima, full name Louis Leo Prima, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Known for songs such as That Old Black Magic, Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody, Come On A-My House, I Wanna Be Like You. Rooted in jazz, swing, big band, jump blues. Drew from R&B, rock & roll, boogie-woogie, Italian folk. Worked with Frank Pinero, Jack Ryan, Garrett McAdams, Pee Wee Russell, Keely Smith, and Sam Butera ~ Prima was born in 1911
August 24, 1976 ~ Pianist, organist, singer, composer Michael Head, full name Michael Dewar Head, passed away in Cape Town, South Africa ~ Concert pianist, singer active since the late-1920s. Wrote a piano concerto, a tone poem and scherzo for orchestra. Best known for his song cycles Over The Rim Of The Moon and Songs Of The Countryside, the former containing his best known song The Ships Of Arcady ~ Head was born in 1900
August 24, 1973 ~ Composer Jacques Datin passed away in France ~ Often collaborated with Maurice Vidalin. Artists who have recorded his songs include Juliette Gréco, Colette Renard, Michèle Arnaud, Marcel Amont, Jean-Jacques Debout, Barbara, France Gall, Jean-Claude Pascal (1961 Eurovision Songfestival winner Nous Les Amoureux), Françoise Hardy, Serge Lama, Claude Nougaro, Serge Reggiani, and Edith Piaf ~ Datin was born in 1920
August 24, 1972 ~ Carlos Wesley Byas, commonly known as bebop, swing saxophonist Don Byas passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Worked with Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie, Bennie Moten, Terrence Holder, Walter Page, Lionel Hampton, Buck Clayton, Lorenzo Flennoy, Charlie Echols, Don Redman, Lucky Millinder, Andy Kirk, Edgar Hayes, Benny Carter, Hot Lips Page, Big Joe Turner, Paul Bascomb, Coleman Hawkins, Clyde Hart, Bill Coleman, Beryl Booker, and Amália Rodrigues ~ Byas was born in 1912
August 24, 1970 ~ Country, country-pop singer Kristyn Osborn, full name Kristyn Robyn Osborn, born ~ Member of sibling outfit SheDaisy, alongside Kassidy Osborn and Kelsi Osborn, known for songs such as Little Good-byes, This Woman Needs, Passenger Seat, Come Home Soon, Don't Worry 'Bout A Thing, all of which reached top 20 of the Billboard Country charts between the late-1990s and mid-2000s
August 24, 1964 ~ Bluegrass mandolinist, singer, songwriter Alan Bibey born in Walnut Cove, North Carolina, USA ~ Worked with New Quicksilver, IIIrd Tyme Out, Lou Reid, Carolina, Blueridge, Grasstowne, Wayne Benson, Terry Baucom, Jerry Douglas, Tony Rice, Kenny Smith, Sammy Shelor, Ronnie McCoury, Radim Zenkl, Emory Lester, Wayne Benson, Dan Tyminski, Ray Legere, Larry Richardson, Mark Newton, Herschel Sizemore, John Lawless, Dwight McCall, Carrie Hassler, Steve Gulley, Phil Leadbetter, Stuart Wyrick, the Wilson Banjo Company, and Mike Bentley
August 24, 1961 ~ Thrash metal, crossover thrash, hardcore punk singer, songwriter Kurt Brecht, full name Kurt Preston Brecht, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Best known as lead singer and along with guitarist Spike Cassidy the only other constant member of crossover thrash outfit DRI. Has also worked with Pasadena Napalm Division and provided guest vocals on the track Silent Spring for Dave Grohl's side project Probot
August 24, 1960 ~ Singer, actress Selma Reis born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Best known as an actress known for roles in telenovelas and miniseries. Debuted as a singer with the eponymous Selma Reis album in 1987 and has recorded steadily since ~ Reis passed away in 2015
August 24, 1959 ~ Singer Guy Mitchell records Heartaches By The Number ~ Written by Harlan Howard. First recorded by Ray Price. The bigger hit would be Mitchell's however, produced by Joe Sherman, paired with Two on the flip side, topping the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1959. The song would later be covered by numerous artists including George Jones, Connie Francis, Bing Crosby, Willie Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Kendalls, Martina McBride, Rosanne Cash, and Cyndi Lauper
August 24, 1958 ~ Singer Bobby Darin records Beyond The Sea ~ A cover of the French-language song La Mer, co-written by Charles Trenet and first recorded by Roland Gerbeau in 1945. English lyrics by Jack Lawrence. In English previously recorded by among others Benny Goodman in 1948 and by Roger Williams in 1955. Darin's version would be released as a single in 1959, paired with That's The Way Love Is on the flip side, and become the best known English version. It would later be covered by numerous artists as diverse as Ray Conniff, George Benson, Robbie Williams and Jeff Lynne
August 24, 1957 ~ Rock, pop, new wave singer, keyboardist, guitarist, TV personality Marcel Vanthilt, full name Marcel Céline Gerard Edgard Vanthilt, born in Lommel, Belgium ~ First gained attention in the early-1980s as frontman of Arbeid Adelt, known for songs such as De Dag Dat Het Zonlicht Niet Meer Scheen, Death Disco and Stroom. Also worked with the Yéh-Yéhs, known for their sole single The 7 Kings Of Rock & Roll, and with the Employees. Would go on to present a wide array of TV programs for both Dutch and Belgian TV stations
August 24, 1956 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Love Me Tender at 20th Century Fox Studios, Los Angeles, USA ~ Adapted from Aura Lee, an American Civil War era tune with music by George R Poulton. Regarded as one of Presley's most endearing love songs, later covered by a host of artists including Duane Eddy, the Platters, Chuck Jackson, James Brown, BB King, and Willie Nelson. Presley's single would be released in September 1956, featuring Any Way You Want Me on the B-side
August 24, 1955 ~ R&B, pop singer, guitarist, dancer, choreographer, songwriter Jeffrey Daniel, full name Jeffrey Glenn Daniel, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of Shalamar, best known for their 1979 The Second Time Around hit single which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Has worked with Michael Jackson, serving as co-choreographer on the videos of Bad and Smooth Criminal
August 24, 1953 ~ Tenor saxophonist Ron Holloway, full name Ronald Edward Holloway, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Influenced by Willis Jackson, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Miles Davis. Worked with Warren Haynes, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Dizzy Gillespie, Gil Scott-Heron, Root Boy Slim, Freddie Hubbard, the Sex Change Band, Osiris Marsh, the Allman Brothers Band, Gov't Mule, and Devon Allman
August 24, 1952 ~ R&B, jazz, soul blues singer, songwriter Vaneese Thomas born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Daughter of Rufus Thomas. Sister of Carla Thomas and Marvell Thomas. Best known for her 1987 hit Let's Talk It Over. As a songwriter had her work recorded by Patti Austin (A Candle, Rain Rain Rain), Freddie Jackson (Just Like The First Time), Larry Coryell (This Love Of Ours), Melba Moore (A Lot Of Love), and Diana Ross (One Shining Moment). Also an in-demand session singer appearing on records by Lenny White, Bob James, Carl Anderson, Beau Williams, Joe Cocker, Sarah Dash, Luciano Pavarotti, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Céline Dion, Eric Clapton, Carly Simon, and Dr John
August 24, 1950 ~ Gospel singer Ann McCrary born ~ Member of traditional black gospel, contemporary urban gospel outfit the McCrary Sisters alongside siblings Deborah McCrary, Regina McCrary and Alfreda McCrary. The group has recorded a number of albums, starting with Our Journey released in 2010, as well as provided backing vocals for artists such as Carrie Underwood (Choctaw County Affair), Margo Price (Do Right By Me), and Allison Russell (All Of The Women). Ann McCrary has also served as session vocalist for numerous gospel artists
August 24, 1949 ~ Donald Gregory Mattern, commonly known as DJ, remixer, producer Junior Vasquez, born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Frequent collaborator of Shep Pettibone. Worked with Madonna, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, MC Hammer, Prince, the Pet Shop Boys, Lisa Lisa, Cher, Cyndi Lauper, and Wild Orchid
August 24, 1947 ~ Drummer Jimmy Fox, full name James Kent Fox, born ~ Co-founding and sole constant member of the James Gang, best known for their 1970 James Gang Rides Again sophomore album which spawned the modest hit Funk No.49. At the time the band was fronted by singer Joe Walsh. The album would reach top 20 in both Canada and the USA
August 24, 1945 ~ Jazz drummer Bryan Spring born ~ Worked with Don Weller, Art Themen, Mark Edwards, Andy Cleyndert, Bill Le Sage, Alan Skidmore, Klaus Doldinger, Stan Tracey, Tubby Hayes, Dick Morrisey, Bobby Wellins, Frank Ricotti, Keith Tippett, Nucleus, and Hannibal Lokumbe
August 24, 1945 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Ken Hensley, full name Kenneth William David Hensley, born in Plumstead, UK ~ Best known as member of Uriah Heep, for which Hensley wrote or co-wrote a vast amount fo their best known songs including Lady In Black, Easy Livin', Stealin' and Look At Yourself. Also worked with the Gods, Head Machine, Toe Fat, Weed, Blackfoot, and John Lawton ~ Hensley passed away in 2020
August 24, 1945 ~ Saxophonist, flutist, songwriter Malcolm Duncan, also known as Molly Duncan, born in Montrose, UK ~ Founding member of funk, pop, R&B outfit the Average White Band from 1972 to 1983, present on the acclaimed albums AWB which spawned the hit Pick Up The Pieces and Cut The Cake. Also worked with Ray Charles, Tom Petty, Buddy Guy, Ben E King, the Dire Straits, Bryan Ferry, Marvin Gaye, Chaka Khan, Knee Deep, and Cold Sweat & the Horny Horns ~ Duncan passed away in 2019
August 24, 1943 ~ Guitarist John Cipollina born in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Showed great promise as a classical pianist in his youth, but switched to guitar at age 12. Perhaps best known as co-founder and lead guitarist for seminal 1960s psychedelic rock outfit Quicksilver Messenger Service, remaining with the band through the mid-1970s. They are especially acclaimed for their eponymous 1968 Quicksilver Messenger Service debut album and its follow-up Happy Trails released the following year. Though not as commercially successful as peers the Jefferson Airplane the band is credited for helping start and define the genre. Cipollina has also worked with Brewer & Shipley, Papa John Creach, Mickey Hart, Copperhead, Terry & the Pirates, Nick Gravenites, Dinosaurs, Merrell Fankhauser, and Zero, and has recorded a sole solo album, John Cipollina's Raven, released in 1980 ~ Cipollina passed away in 1989
August 24, 1938 ~ Pop, rock, bluegrass, classical, folk guitarist Mason Williams, full name Mason Douglas Williams, born in Abilene, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his 1968 instrumental Classical Gas. Member of the Hootenairs. Wrote for the Kingston Trio. Worked with Mannheim Steamroller, the Oregon Symphony, Edward Ruschka, Smother Brothers, Jennifer Warnes, Byron Berline, the Wayfarers Trio, and Zoe McCulloch
August 24, 1928 ~ Edith Gormezano, commonly known as singer Eydie Gormé, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Sang with Tommy Tucker, Tex Beneke, and with Steve Lawrence, staff writer at The Tonight Show. Lawrence and Gormezano were married in 1957 and would perform and record to critical acclaim and commercial succes since. As a solo singer Gormé is known for songs such as Too Close For Comfort, Love Me Forever, Blame It On The Bossa Nova, and We Can Make It Together ~ Gormezano passed away in 2013
August 24, 1924 ~ Robert Lamar Thompson, commonly known as composer, arranger, bandleader Bob Thompson, born in San Jose, California, USA ~ Popular bandleader from the 1950s through the 1980s. Leading figure in exotica and space age pop. Has worked with artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Mae West, Julie London, Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, Duane Eddy, Judy Garland, and Phil Ochs ~ Thompson passed away in 2013
August 24, 1915 ~ Swing, jump blues, R&B singer, guitarist Wynonie Harris born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Closely associated with Lucky Millinder. Considered a precursor to rock & roll, enjoying a streak of hits from the mid-1940s through the early-1950s. Particularly influential on Elvis Presley, who covered his 1948 hit Good Rockin' Tonight. Other well known songs include Who Threw The Whiskey In The Jar, Playful Baby, All She Wants To Do Is Rock, and Sittin' On It All The Time ~ Harris passed away in 1969
August 24, 1905 ~ Pianist, bandleader Alphonso Trent born in Fort Smith, Kansas, USA ~ Worked with Eugene Cook, Synco Six, Terrence Holder, Alex Hill, Stuff Smith, Snub Mosley, Charlie Christian, Harry Sweets Edison, Mouse Randolph, and Peanuts Holland ~ Trent passed away in 1959
August 24, 1905 ~ Swing jazz drummer Alvin Burroughs passed away ~ Played with Walter Page and Alphonso Trent before heading to Chicago around 1930. Played with Hal Draper, Horace Henderson, and extensively with Earl Hines. In the 1940s Burroughs backed greats such as Milt Larkin, Benny Carter, Red Allen, and George Dixon ~ Burroughs was born in 1911
August 24, 1905 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Arthur Crudup, full name Arthur William Crudup, born in Forest, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for writing and first recording That's All Right, My Baby Left Me and So Glad You're Mine, all later recorded by Elvis Presley ~ Crudup passed away in 1974
August 24, 1904 ~ Henry Franklin Smith, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Buster Smith, born in Alsdorf, Texas, USA ~ Instrumental 1930s saxophonist. Mentor to Charlie Parker. Recorded just one album as a leader, 1959's The Legendary Buster Smith. Worked with Hot Lips Page, the Oklahoma City Blue Devils, Lester Young, Count Basie, Jimmy Rushing, Emir Coleman, Pete Johnson, Eddie Durham, Don Redman, Duke Ellington, Earl Hines, and Ella Fitzgerald ~ Smith passed away in 1991
August 24, 1903 ~ Jazz stride pianist, bandleader Claude Hopkins, full name Claude Driskett Hopkins, born in Alexandria, Virginia, USA ~ Worked with Wilbur Sweatman, Sidney Bechet, Edmond Hall, Jabbo Smith, Vic Dickenson, Ovie Alston, Fernando Arbello, Shirley Clay, Arville Harris, Red Allen, Cozy Cole, Bud Freeman, Coleman Hawkins, Lonnie Johnson, and Ma Rainey ~ Hopkins passed away in 1984