August 26, 1996 ~ Markel Ni'Jee Scott, commonly known as rapper, producer Bishop Nehru, born ~ Influenced by Michael Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Kanye West, Herbie Hancock, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Over a dozen albums to his name, starting in the early 2010s. Initially went by the monikers Kelz Scott and subsequently Kile Kanvas. Perhaps best known for his 2014 collaboration with MF Doom, releasing the album NehruvianDoom under the common moniker NehruvianDoom. Has also worked with Dizzy Wright, 9th Wonder, Brady Watt, and others
August 26, 1993 ~ Lauren Keyana Palmer, commonly known as singer, rapper, songwriter, actress Keke Palmer, born in Harvey, Illinois, USA ~ Former child actress matured into comedy and drama roles for TV and film, including the musical drama film Joyful Noise and the TLC-biopic CrazySexyCool (The TLC Story). As a singer debuted in 2007 with the So Uncool album and has sung on several soundtracks
August 26, 1986 ~ Justin Lewis Scott, commonly known as rapper, producer Big KRIT, born in Meridian, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for his 2011 single Country Shit (Remix) featuring Ludacris & Bun B. Released his full-length Live From The Underground debut album in 2012
August 26, 1986 ~ Casandra Elizabeth Ventura, commonly known as singer, actress, model, songwriter Cassie, born in New London, Connecticut, USA ~ Known for songs such as It Must Be Love featuring Puff Daddy, Let's Get Crazy featuring Akon and her biggest hit Me & U. Also collaborated with Nicki Minaj, G-Eazy, Ryan Leslie, Black Eyed Peas, Eden Prince, and others
August 26, 1984 ~ Rock, electronic, R&B singer, guitarist, keyboardist Craig Owens, full name Craigery Owens, born in Flint, Michigan, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer for post-hardcore band Chiodos through 2009, best known for their 2007 All's Well That Ends Well sophomore album. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the Sound Of Animals Fighting, Cinematic Sunrise, Isles & Glaciers, DRUGS, the Devil Wears Prada, Ace Enders, In Fear And Faith, Jon Connor, the Color Morale, and others
August 26, 1980 ~ James David Washington, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter Jim Beanz, born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Mentored by Dru Hill. Member of R&B outfit Tresan. Well known as producer and songwriter, frequently collaborating with Timbaland. Perhaps best known for co-penning Believe, which earned Dima Bilan the 2008 Eurovision Songfestival win for Russia. Washington has also worked with Shakira, Jamie Foxx, Nelly Furtado, Danity Kane, Gwen Stefani, MIA, Ashlee Simpson, Ashanti, Taio Cruz, Ciara, Esmée Denters, Ginuwine, Demi Lovato, and Keyshia Cole
August 26, 1979 ~ Guitarist Allison Robertson, full name Allison Rae Robertson, born in North Hollywood, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of all-female rock outfit the Donnas, known best for the early 2000s singles Take It Off and Fall Behind Me. Also formed the sibling duo Elle Rae with her sister Emily Robertson, and was a member of the Chelsea Girls during the late 2000s
August 26, 1976 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Amaia Montero, full name Amaia Montero Saldias, born in Irun, Spain ~ Lead singer of pop outfit La Oreja De Van Gogh from 1996 through 2007, wrote some of the band's best-known including La Playa, Mariposa and Puedes Contar Conmigo. Released her eponymous Amaia Montero debut album in 2008 and has guested on recordings by Alex Ubago (Sin Miedo A Nada), El Canto De Loco, José Luis Perales, Rocio Dúrcal, Alejandro Fernández, Eros Ramazzotti (Está Pasando Noviembre), Presuntos Implicados, Miguel Bosé, Tiziano Ferro, and Franco de Vita
August 26, 1975 ~ Flamenco guitarist Amir John Haddad born in Freiburg im Breisgau, West Germany ~ Member of Radio Tarifa since the late 1990s, an ensemble merging flamenco with Arabic and Moorish influences. Also well known for collaborating with Thomas Vogt and Héctor Tellini on the album 9 Guitarras released in 2013, which includes Haddad's best known compositions Suena El Viento, Punta Y Tacon, Recuerdos, and Dos Palomas Vuelan
August 26, 1972 ~ Gospel, jazz singer, pianist, organist Kim Burrell born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ First gained serious attention as featured singer on Ricky Dillard's Jesus Paid It All of the Worked It Out. As a solo artist best known for her acclaimed 1999 Everlasting Life album. Notable guest appearances include R Kelly's 2004 3-Way Phone Call alongside Kelly Price, George Clinton's 2008 Mathematics Of Love and Pharrell Williams' 2016 I See A Victory
August 26, 1971 ~ Christian rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Pete Orta, full name Pete Thelonious Orta, born in Port Lavaca, Texas, USA ~ Member of Christian rock outfit Petra from 1996 through 2000, present on the albums God Fixation and Double Take. Released his sole solo album, Born Again, in 2001. Has also guested on recordings by Jaci Velasquez, Steven Delopoulos, Rachael Lampa, and Michael Cook
August 26, 1971 ~ Ron Christopher Watts, commonly known as hip-hop MC Phat Kat, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Especially known for his association with J Dilla. Released his full-length The Undeniable LP solo debut album in 2004. Has collaborated with Jay Dee, BR Gunna, Slum Village, Lil' Skeeter, and others
August 26, 1971 ~ Ariadna Thalia Sodi Mirandi Mottola, commonly known as singer, actress, songwriter, producer Thalia, born in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Sometimes referred to as “the Queen of Latin pop.” Collaborated with Tony Bennett, Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, Marc Anthony, Laura Pausini, Romeo Santos, Carlos Vives, Maluma, Prince Royce, Becky G, Natti Natasha, Gente De Zona, Lali, and others
August 26, 1969 ~ Drummer, percussionist, producer Drew Hester born ~ Perhaps best known for his association with the Foo Fighters, notably present on the Grammy Award-winning Echoes Silence Patience & Grace album released in 2007. Has worked with a wide array of artists including Common Sense, Joe Walsh, Lisa Marie Presley, Jewel, Chicago, Beck, Stevie Nicks, and others
August 26, 1966 ~ Guitarist Dan Vickrey born in Walknut Creel, California, USA ~ Member of the Counting Crows since 1994, first appearing on the band's sophomore Recovering The Satellites album. Co-wrote the band's Accidentally In Love, used in the 2004 animated feature film Shrek 2. Formed the side project the Tender Mercies in 2011 with Crows-bandmate drummer Jim Bogios, Patrick Winningam and Kurt Stevenson
August 26, 1966 ~ Country guitarist, banjoist Jimmy Olander born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Core member of Diamond Rio, joining the band in 1985 replacing Larry Beard. The band would become the first act to reach the top position on the Billboard Country charts with their debut single, namely Meet In The Middle of their 1991 eponymous Diamond Rio album. Subsequent hits would include How Your Love Makes Me Feel, One More Day, Beautiful Mess and I Believe
August 26, 1966 ~ Alternative rock, electronic, dream pop singer, keyboardist, guitarist Shirley Manson, full name Shirley Ann Manson, born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Known for her rebellious attitude and distinctive voice. Member of Goodbye Mr Mackenzie. Recorded as a sole album, 1994's Angelfish, under the moniker Angelfish featuring contributions from Talking Heads-members Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth. Best known as lead singer of Garbage, joining the band in 1995 and becoming the primary songwriter by their 1998 Version 2.0 sophomore album. Manson has also ventured into acting, cast as a Terminator in the 2008 TV series Terminator (The Sarah Connor Chronicles) aired on Fox
August 26, 1961 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Daniel Lévi born in Constantine, French Algeria ~ Active since the early 1980s, releasing his full-length Cocktail debut album in 1983. Duetted with Karine Costa on Ce Rêve Blue, used for the French-language version of the Disney animated feature film Aladdin. The original English-language version of the song, A Whole New World, would win an Academy Award for Best Original Song. As a solo artist Lévi is best known for his 2000 L'Envie D'Aimer hit single ~ Lévi passed away in 2022
August 26, 1960 ~ Saxophonist Branford Marsalis born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Equally at home in the fields of classical and jazz music. To pop audiences probably best known for founding Buckshot Lefonque, the band name taken from a pseudonym once used by Cannonball Adderley, merging jazz with rock and hip hop. Also well known for his association with Sting, appearing on several of the singer's album from the mid-1980s through the late 1990s including Dream Of The Blue Turtles. Has also worked with Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, the Jazz Messengers, Herbie Hancock, the Grateful Dead, the New York Philharmonic, and others
August 26, 1960 ~ Pop, pop rock singer Claudia Fontaine born ~ Formed the 1980s pop group Afrodiziak, initially a duo with Caron Wheeler and later joined by Naomi Thompson. The group is best known as backing choir on recordings by Elvis Costello, the Jam (Beat Surrender), Madness, Neneh Cherry, Heaven 17, the Hothouse Flowers, and others. Fontaine is also noted for singing lead on the Beatmasters's 1989 Warm Love hit single, and as touring member for Pink Floyd, Robbie Williams, Joe Cocker ~ Fontaine passed away in 2018
August 26, 1958 ~ Jazz bassist David Finck born in Rochester, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Woody Herman, Annie Ross, Al Cohn, Ernestine Anderson, Rosemary Clooney, Tom Harrell, Clark Terry, Paquito d'Rivera, Steve Kuhn, Freddie Hubbard, Makoto Ozone, Joe Locke, Tom Ranier, Joe LaBarbera, Tisziji Muñoz, André Previn, and others
August 26, 1958 ~ Brian John Duffy, commonly known as rock, new wave, punk rock drummer, percussionist Jet Black, born in Ilford, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Stranglers, known for UK top 10 hits such as Peaches, No More Heroes, Golden Brown, Strange Little Girl and the Kinks-cover All Day And All Of The Night. As of 2015 Black has retired from touring with the band ~ Duffy passed away in 2022
August 26, 1958 ~ Trumpet, flugelhorn player John Thirkell born ~ Worked with Level 42, Pixie Lott, Rod Stewart, George Michael, Lisa Stansfield, Jamiroquai, UB40, Cher, Tina Turner, Swing Out Sister, the Spice Girls, Phil Collins, Kylie Minogue, Tom Jones, Spandau Ballet, Tom Jones, M-People, Prefab Sprout, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Take That, ABC, Bros, the Stereo MC's, Randy Crawford, Katrina & the Waves, Culture Club, the Style Council, Lionel Richie, The The, Anastacia, Cher, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Jakko M Jakszyk, Maxi Priest, M-People, Right Said Fred, Angélique Kidjo, the Pet Shop Boys, the Beautiful South, the Hothouse Flowers, James Morrison, Paloma Faith, Jamie Cullum, Jeff Beck, Bruno Mars, and others
August 26, 1957 ~ Singer, songwriter Claudia Telles born ~ Daughter of bossa nova, jazz samba singer Silvia Telles
August 26, 1957 ~ Alban Uzoma Nwapa, commonly known as Eurodance producer, singer Dr Alban, born in Oguta, Nigeria ~ Best known his It's My Life, a hit across Europe in 1992, of his One Love album
August 26, 1956 ~ Trumpeter, drummer, bandleader, singer Norbert Susemihl born in Hamburg, West Germany ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Louis Armstrong, Bunk Johnson, De De Pierce, Alvin Acorn, Jack Willis, Wynton Marsalis, Kid Thomas Valentine, Percy Humphrey. Worked with Thomas Letienne, the Shepherds, Willie Humphrey, Fred Lonzo, Lars Edegran, Orange Kellin, Frank Fields, Ernie Elly, Jason Marsalis, Louis Ford, Daniel Farrow, Kerry Lewis, Seva Venet, Wanda Rouzan, Nadia & the Rabbits, the New Orleans Delight, Al Lewis, the Savoy Ballroom Orchestra, Joyful Gumbo, Arlington Annex, and others
August 26, 1950 ~ Jazz trombonist Fred Lonzo born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Influenced by Kid Ory and Frog Joseph. Worked with Ernest Doc Paulin, the Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Alvin Alcorn, Doc Cheatham, Evan Christopher, Lars Edegran, Bob French, Wynton Marsalis, Teddy Riley, Michael White, Wendell Brunious, Sammy RImington, and others
August 26, 1949 ~ Bubblegum pop, pop rock guitarist, singer Bob Cowsill born in Newport, Rhode Island, USA ~ Member of family outfit the Cowsills, which served as an inspiration for the 1970s TV series the Partridge Family. The band is best known for their 1967 single The Rain The Park & Other Things, which reached top 10 in numerous countries including on the Billboard Hot 100
August 26, 1949 ~ Dickran Gobalian, commonly known as singer, guitarist Leon Redbone, born in Nicosia, British Cyprus ~ Jazz, blues, roots singer with over a dozen album to his name starting with 1975's On The Track. Preferred material from the Tin Pan Alley-era, circa 1890 to 1910. Upon a chance meeting in 1972 Redbone impressed Bob Dylan, the latter mentioning him in a Rolling Stone interview leading the magazine to do a profile on Redbone ~ Gobalian passed away in 2019
August 26, 1948 ~ Singer, songwriter Jean-Paul Corbineau born in Nantes, France ~ Co-founding member of Tri Yann along with Jean Chocun and Jean-Louis Jossic, a folk rock band known for drawing from traditional folk ballads. Well known songs include La Jument De Michao, Dans Les Prisons De Nantes, and Bro Gosh Ma Zadou ~ Corbineau passed away in 2022
August 26, 1946 ~ Singer, songwriter Valerie Simpson born in New York, New York, USA ~ Formed the husband-wife producer, songwriter and occassionaly recording duo Ashford & Simpson with Nickolas Ashford. Well known songs written by the couple include California Soul recorded by the 5th Dimension, Cry Like A Baby recorded by Aretha Franklin, Let's Go Get Stoned recorded by Ray Charles, and all but one of the late 1960s Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell duets including Ain't No Mountain High Enough and Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing. Produced three albums for Diana Ross, including her 1970 eponymous Diana Ross solo debut album. Others who have recorded songs written by the husband-wife duo include Gladys Knight & the Pips, the Miracles, Syreeta Wright, Martha Reeves, Teddy Pendergrass, the Brothers Johnson, Stephanie Mills, and Chaka Khan. As a recording duo the couple are best known for Solid, a Billboard R&B charttopper and Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit in 1984
August 26, 1944 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Alan Parker born in Matlock, UK ~ In-demand session musician, often uncredited. Said to have played on recordings such as Donovan's Hurdy Gurdy Man, the Walker Brothers' No Regrets, and David Bowie's 1984. Other notable credits includ Blue Mink, the English Congregation, CCS, and Serge Gainsbourg. Later on in his career Parker has focused on working for film and TV soundtracks
August 26, 1943 ~ Dorival Tostes Caymmi, commonly known as jazz, bossa nova, pop rock singer, guitarist, producer, songwriter, arranger Dori Caymmi, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Son of composer Dorival Caymmi and singer Stella Maris. Member of Grupo Dos Sete. Well over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist. Composed for TV and film, notably co-wrote the score for the 1971 film Cronica Da Casa Assassinada with Antônio Carlos Jobim. Has produced albums by Eumir Deodato, Edu Lobo, Nara Leão. Has arranged for Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil
August 26, 1942 ~ Pop rock bassist Keith Allison born in Coleman, Texas, USA ~ Member of Paul Revere & the Raiders from 1968, replacing Charlie Coe, through 1975. As a solo artist known for his 1967 Keith Allison In Action album. Over the course of his career Allison has also worked with artists such Ringo Starr, the Monkees, the Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, Sonny & Cher. Appears on the Jerry Lee Lewis album Last Man Standing released in 2006 ~ Allison passed away in 2021
August 26, 1942 ~ Samuel Mendola, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actor Vic Dana born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Filled in for Gary Troxel as lead singer for the Fleetwoods for live performances only during Troxel's stint in the US Navy. As a solo artist best known for his 1965 hit Red Roses For A Blue Lady, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. Other well-known songs include Shangri-La, I Love You Drops, and If I Never Knew Your Name
August 26, 1941 ~ Christopher Crummey, commonly known as drummer, singer Chris Curtis, born in Oldham, UK ~ Member of Merseybeat outfit the Searchers from 1960, replacing Norman McGarry, through 1966. Wrote or co-wrote most of the band's original material and constantly on the lookout for obscure songs. Present on recordings such as Needles And Pins, Sugar And Spice, Don't Throw Your Love Away and Ain't That Just Like Me ~ Curtis passed away in 2005
August 26, 1940 ~ Saxophonist, flutist, singer, songwriter Nik Turner, full name Nicholas Robert Turner, born in Oxford, UK ~ Owning a van, Turner originally offered his services as a roadie to the newly formed Hawkwind. However, when the band learned he played the saxophone they offered him a position in the band. Present on most of the band's best-known including the acclaimed albums Space Ritual and Hall Of The Mountain Grill. Turner has also recorded as a solo artist and guested on recordings by Robert Calvert, Mother Gong, Psychic TV, Helios Creed, and others ~ Turner passed away in 2022
August 26, 1939 ~ Singer Fred Milano born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Longtime member of doo-wop outfit Dion & the Belmonts, known for songs such as A Teenager In Love, Where Or When, and Tell Me Why. Upon hearing of his death, lead singer Dion commented: “He and the Belmonts, they were the best. Freddie was almost like a genius with vocal harmony. I was humbled to sing with them.” ~ Milano passed away in 2012
August 26, 1937 ~ Bolero singer Blanca Rosa Gil born in Matanzas Perico, Cuba ~ Dubbed “the Singing Dolly” active since the mid-1950s. Best known for her Te Odio Y Te Quiero hit single. Would focus on more religous songs later on in her career
August 26, 1936 ~ Singer René Ornelas born ~ Half of René & René, the other half being René Herrera, known for 1964's Angelito and 1969's Lo Mucho Que To Quiero, the latter reaching the Billboard top 20
August 26, 1928 ~ Jazz vibraphonist, percussionist, composer Peter Appleyard born in Cleethorpe, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Toured with Benny Goodman in the 1970s. Has also worked with Duke Ellington, Skitch Henderson, Peanuts Hucko, Sherrie Maricle, Bucky Pizzarelli, Lenny Solomon, Slam Stewart, Mel Tormé, and others ~ Appleyard passed away in 2013
August 26, 1924 ~ Chiarina Francesca Bartocci, commonly known as jazz singer Frances Wayne, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known for Happiness Is Just A Thing Called Joe. Married to Neal Hefti, with whom she also worked. Also worked with Charlie Barnet, Woody Herman, Hank Jones, Milt Hinton, Jerome Richardson, Richie Kamuca, John LaPorta, Billy Bauer, and Al Cohn ~ Bartocci passed away in 1978
August 26, 1920 ~ Film, TV composer, conductor, pianist, music director Emil Cadkin, full name Emil Milton Cadkin, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Frequent collaborator of William Loose and Harry Bluestone. Best known for his work as composer for film, TV series and cartoons from the 1940s through the 1960s, notably Gumby and Hanna-Barbera's Augie Doggie ~ Cadkin passed away in 2020
August 26, 1912 ~ Thérèse Maria Léonie Gendebien, commonly known as singer Léo Marjane, born ~ Noted for her warm contralto voice and clarity enjoyed popularity during the 1930s and 1940s with songs such as Begin The Beguine and Night And Day. Following the liberation of France, popular opinion abruptly turned against her for her performances on radio stations run by the Nazis. Marjane maintained she was just naive and continued to record but to little success ~ Gendebien passed away in 2016
August 26, 1907 ~ Jazz, big band, pop bandleader Lester Lanin, full name Nathaniel Lester Lanin, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Active since the late 1920s, most popular during the 1950s, albums such as 1957's Dance To The Music Of Lester Lanin and Lester Lanin & his Orchestra, as well as Have Band Will Travel and Lester Lanin Goes To College the following year all reaching the Billboard top 10. Played at the wedding of Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley in 1985. Led the orchestra at the prestigious annual the International Debutante Ball until his death ~ Lanin passed away in 2004
August 26, 1901 ~ Singer Jimmy Rushing, full name James Andrew Rushing, born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ Blues shouter dubbed “Mr Five by Five” for his physique. Best known for his association with Count Basie, singing with Basie's orchestra from 1935 through 1948. Has also worked with Walter Page, Bennie Moten, Jelly Roll Morton, Billy King, Duke Ellington, Humphrey Lyttelton, and others ~ Rushing passed away in 1972