August 27, 2024 ~ Drummer Makaya Ntshoko passed away ~ Closely associated with Dollar Brand and Hugh Masekela with whom he would regularly collaborate over his lengthy career, including on the 1959 Jazz Epistles Verse 1 landmark album by the Jazz Epistles. Despite their brief lifespan, the ensemble, inspired by American bebop, is considered pivotal to the development of South African jazz and one of the nation's first black ensembles to record. Following the band's disbandement, Ntshoko founded the Jazz Giants, with whom he played until departing South Africa. Ntshoko would go on to work in both Europe and America, appearing on albums by Stuff Smith, fellow expatriate Masekela (Home Is Where The Music Is), John Tchicai, Pepper Adams (Julian), Joe McPhee, Hannibal Lokumbe, Johnny Dyani (Song For Biko), Mal Waldron, Bob Degen, Ben Webster, and Abdullah Ibrahim. As a leader, Ntshoko is perhaps most noted for the Makaya & the Tsotsis album released in 1974 ~ Ntshoko was born in 1939
August 27, 2023 ~ Calypso, gospel, pop singer Denyse Plummer, full name Denyse Burnadette Kirline Plummer, passed away ~ Has recorded half a dozen albums, starting with Natural in 1978. Quit her day job in 1977 to pursue a career in music, singing pop songs through the early-1980s. An invite by Phase II Pan Groove's Lennox Sharpe to sing two songs would set her on a career in calypso music, eventually being recognised as one of the leading calypso performers of her day. Well-known for songs such as Heroes and Nah Leaving ~ Plummer was born in 1953
August 27, 2022 ~ Manuel Muñoz Alcón, commonly known as flamenco guitarist, composer Manolo Sanlúcar, passed away in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain ~ Alongside Paco de Lucia, Tomatito and Vicente Amigo considered one of the key figures in the evolution of the flamenco guitar. Actively recording since the late-1960s. Especially acclaimed for the albums Tauromagia and Locura De Brisa Y Trino ~ Alcón was born in 1943
August 27, 2021 ~ Samuel Salter, commonly known as R&B singer, songwriter Sam Salter, passed away in Apple Valley, California, USA ~ Influenced by Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Discovered by LA Reid. Had his 1997 It's On Tonight debut album produced by a team which included Tricky Stewart, Tony Rich and Robin Thicke, spawning the Billboard R&B top 20 hit After 12 Before 6. Would continue to record to mixed succes. Has written songs for 98°, Aaron Skyy, Xscape's Kandi Burruss, B2K, the Isley Brothers, and Tyrese ~ Salter was born in 1975
August 27, 2019 ~ Keyboardist, songwriter Donnie Fritts, full name Donald Ray Frits, passed away in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Best known for his association with Kris Kristofferson. Also worked with Rick Hall, Billy Sherrill, Dan Penn, Arthur Alexander, David Briggs, Jerry Carrigan, Norbert Putnam, Jerry Wexler, Willie Nelson, Spooner Oldham, Waylon Jennings, Delbert McClinton, Tony Joe White, Sammy Creason, Lee Roy Parnell, and John Prine. As a songwriter, Fritts had his songs recorded by Joe Simon, Bonnie Koloc, Charlie Rich (You're Gonna Love Yourself In The Morning), the Box Tops, Dolly Parton (We Had It All), and Dusty Springfield (Breakfast In Bed) ~ Fritts was born in 1942
August 27, 2014 ~ Progressive rock, Christian rock singer, keyboardist Jan Groth, full name Jan Leonard Groth, passed away ~ Rose to prominence in the early-1970s as member of progressive rock band Aunt Mary, singing lead and playing keyboards. Would later venture out on his own, focusing on Christian rock. Internationally perhaps best known as member of Just 4 Fun, representing Norway in the 1991 Eurovision Songfestival with the song Mrs Thompson reaching 17th place ~ Groth was born in 1946
August 27, 2014 ~ Jazz trombonist, composer, arranger Roy Crimmins born in London, UK ~ Worked with Mick Mulligan, the Philharmonia Orchestra, Ray Premru, Don Lusher, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Archie Semple, Alex Welsh, Freddy Randall, Harry Gold, Lennie Hastings, Pee Wee Russell, Wild Bill Davison, Bob Wilber, and others ~ Crimmins was born in 1929
August 27, 2007 ~ Pianist, music director Doug Riley, full name Douglas Brian Riley, passed away ~ Also recorded under the moniker Dr Music. Musical director of the Famous People Players for two decades. Keyboardist and arranger on Ray Charles' 1969 Doing His Thing album after which Charles offered him a steady spot in the band. Riley kindfully declined, focusing on his career in Canada ~ Riley was born in 1945
August 27, 2006 ~ Beat, psychedelic rock drummer Christer Pettersson passed away ~ Co-founding member of the Hep Stars, enjoying popularity in their native Sweden during the 1960s. The band is best known as serving as the launchpad for Benny Anderson of later ABBA fame. Well known songs include Farmer John, Cadillac, Bald Headed Woman, Sunny Girl, Wedding, Consolation, Malaika and Mot Okant Land ~ Pettersson was born in 1942
August 27, 2006 ~ Guitarist Jesse Pintado passed away in Rotterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as a member of grindcore band Napalm Death, joining the band in 1989 as replacement for Bil Steer. Pintado remained with the band through 2004 and appears on about half a dozen of the band's albums, including the critically acclaimed Fear Emptiness Despair. Pintado has also worked with Terrorizer, Nausea LA, Lock Up, Resistant Culture, and Brujeria. Pintado passed away at age 37 of liver failure ~ Pintado was born in 1969
August 27, 2001 ~ Guitarist Cal Collins passed away in Dillsboro, Indiana, USA ~ Collins first played the mandolin as a bluegrass musician but turned to jazz guitar after hearing Charlie Christian, Irving Ashby, and Oscar Moore perform. Collins worked with artists such as Benny Goodman, Scott Hamilton, Warren Vaché Jr, Rosemary Clooney, Ross Tompkins, Woody Herman, John Bunch, and Marshal Royal. Collins would occasionally return to country including on a 1993 tour with Jerry Douglas and Doc Watson ~ Collins was born in 1933
August 27, 1997 ~ Madeline Ashley Noyes, commonly known as singer Maty Noyes, born in Corinth, Mississippi, USA ~ First gained attention as vocalist on the Weeknd's 2015 Beauty Behind The Madness album and subsequently as lead singer on Kygo's international hit Stay. Debuted a as a solo artist with the Noyes Complaint EP in 2016
August 27, 1995 ~ DiFosco T Ervin Jr, commonly known as singer, songwriter Big Dee Irwin, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Lead singer of 1950's vocal group the Pastels, known for their debut single Been So Long, penned by Ervin. Best known for duetting with Little Eva on the 1963 single Swinging On A Star, a top 40 hit in America, top 10 in the UK. Also known for a handful of earlier modest R&B hits such as 1959's I Can't Help It (I'm Falling In Love), 1960's Let's Try Again and 1961's Someday You'll Understand Why. Has also worked as a songwriter for Clydie King, Ray Charles, and Bobby Womack ~ Ervin was born in 1932
August 27, 1990 ~ Guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan passed away in East Troy, Wisconsin, USA ~ Although his career was cut short by an untimely death considered one of the most influential and gifted guitarists in blues rock. Baby brother of Jimmie Vaughan. Paved the way for guitarists such as Robert Cray, Jeff Healey, Robben Ford, Walter Trout. Recorded half a dozen albums starting with Texas Flood released in 1983. Guested on recordings by David Bowie, Johnny Copeland, Marcia Ball, Lonnie Mack, James Brown, Dick Dale, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Warnes, and others ~ Vaughan was born in 1954
August 27, 1989 ~ Indie rock, alternative country, folk rock singer, songwriter Jessica Lea Mayfield born in Kent, Ohio, USA ~ Member of family bluegrass outfit One Way Rider, touring as early as age 8. Recorded her White Lies solo debut at age 15, selling only a few hundred copies. One of those copies reached the Black Keys-singer Dan Auerbach. The latter would go on to produce her next album, With Blasphemy So Heartfelt, released in 2008. Mayfield has recorded to critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase since
August 27, 1986 ~ Mario Dewar Barrett, mononymously known simply as singer, songwriter, actor, dancer Mario, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Best known for his early-2000s singles Just A Friend and Let Me Love You. Has collaborated with Gucci Mane, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Baby Bash, Hurricane Chris, Lil' Jon, Alex Gaudino, Nitti Gritti, and others
August 27, 1985 ~ Electropop, dance-pop, crunkcore singer, rapper, songwriter Sean Foreman born in Boulder, Colorado, USA ~ Half of electronic pop duo 3OH!3, the other half being Nathaniel Motte, known for songs such as Don't Trust Me and Starstrukk featuring Katy Perry. In-demand songwriter and collaborator. Has worked with Lil' Jon, Blues Traveler, Wallpaper, the Summer Set, Karmin, Ariana Grande, Delta Goodrem, Fitz & the Tantrums, the Two Door Cinema Club, and others. Co-wrote Ke$ha's Blah Blah Blah, a platinum hit in 2010
August 27, 1983 ~ Susana Alimivna Jamaladinova, commonly known as singer Jamala born in Osh, Kirghiz SSR ~ Internationally best known for winning the 2016 Eurovision Songfestival, representing Ukraine with the song 1944, one of the most politically charged songs in the history of the Songfestival
August 27, 1982 ~ Jorge Alves Barcelos, mononymously known as sertanejo singer Jorge, born in Itumbiara, Brazil ~ Forms the sertanejo duo Jorge & Mateus with Mateus Liduário, enjoying popularity since the mid-2000s especially as live performers. Their career would be given a further boost when their De Tanto Te Querer track would be featured in the popular telenovela A Favorita. The duo has primarily released live albums, of which the 2016 Como Sempre Feito Ninca (Ao Vivo) album was the most successful, spending ten weeks atop the charts in their native Brazil
August 27, 1982 ~ Khulane Morule, commonly known as rapper Khuli Chana, born ~ Rapping since an early age, Morule was a member of rap group Morafe prior to venturing out on his own starting in the mid-2000s. Best known for his Motswakoriginator sophomore album released in 2009. The album, which infuses both the Setswana and English languages would become a defining album for the hip hop subgenre motswako
August 27, 1982 ~ Singer, bandleader Pacho Alonso passed away in Havana, 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 was born in 1928
August 27, 1979 ~ Guitarist, bassist, singer Jon Siebels, full name Jonathan Lee Siebels, born ~ Member of post-grunge outfit Eve 6, with whom he has recorded since the late-1990s starting with their eponymous Eve 6 debut album. The band is best known for the singles Inside Out and Here's To The Night, both of which reached top 30 Billboard Hot 100. Siebels also notably guested on Hesta Prynn's 2010 Can We Go Wrong debut EP, for which he co-wrote the songs You Winding Me Up, Whoa Whoa, and the title track Can We Go Wrong
August 27, 1978 ~ Violinist, orchestra director, composser Enrique Mario Francini passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Formed the Orquesta Francini-Pontier in 1945 with bandoneonist Armando Pontier. Also noted for working with Astor Piazzolla's Octeto Buenos Aires. Has also worked with Miguel Caló, Hector Stamponi, the Quinteto Real, Elvino Vardaro, Orlando Tripodi, the Buenos Aires Philharmonic, and others ~ Francini was born in 1916
August 27, 1977 ~ Singer Jimmy Buffett marries Jane Slagsvol ~ Previously married to Margie Washichek for two years, Buffett marries his second wife, Jane. The couple would have three children, the third adopted in 1994
August 27, 1977 ~ Mason Durell Betha, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Mase, born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Released his full-length debut album, Harlem World, in 1997. Three of the album's singles would reach top 10 of the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, namely Feel So Good featuring Kelly Price, What You Want featuring Total and Lookin' At Me featuring Puff Daddy. Has also collaborated with the Notorious BIG, Tasha Holiday, Brian McKnight, Blackstreet, Cam'ron, Busta Rhymes, DMX, Nelly, Fat Joe, French Montana, Eric Bellinger, and others
August 27, 1977 ~ Jazz drummer Quincy Davis born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Brother of pianist Xavier Davis, with whom he has also collaborated. Sporadically recorded as a leader, notably the 2003 Life In The Key Of Q album. An in-demand sideman from the late-1990s onward, Davis has appeared on albums by Steve Talaga, Holly Holmes, Greg Glassman (Onward And Upward), Tom Harrell, Matt Munister, Gregg August (Late August), Randy Napoleon, Vincent Gardner, Sachal Vasandani, Peter Zak (Seed Of Sin), Daniela Schächte, Bobby Watson, Andrea Wright, David Gibson, Walt Weiskopf, and Aaron Diehl
August 27, 1972 ~ James Moyer Franks, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Jimmy Pop, born in Trappe, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, primary songwriter of the Bloodhound Gang, merging pink rock, alternative hip-hop, rapcore, funk metal and electronic rock with a dose of humor. Well known songs include Fire Water Burn, Foxtrot Uniform Charlie, Ballad Of Chasey Lain and their best known The Bad Touch. The latter would become a top 10 hit across Europe, including reaching the No.1 spot in Germany, Italy, Ireland
August 27, 1971 ~ Lilian Hardin, commonly known as pianist, singer, songwriter Lil' Armstrong, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Second wife of Louis Armstrong, whom she convinced to leave King Oliver's band and pursue a solo career. As a composer known for songs such as Strutting With Some Barbecue, Don't Jive Me, Two Deuces, Knee Drops, Doing The Suzie Q, Just For A Thrill (a 1959 hit for Ray Charles), Clip Joint, Bad Boy (a 1978 hit for Ringo Starr), and others ~ Armstrong was born in 1898
August 27, 1970 ~ Jason Dwight Campbell, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Jason McCoy, born in Barrie, Canada ~ Member of country-rock outfit the Road Hammers from 2005 through 2010. The band is known for songs such as I'm A Road Hammer, East Bound And Down, Nashville Bound, Girl On The Billboard, and I've Got The Scars To Prove It, all of which would reach top 10 in the country charts in the band's native Canada. Has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Greatest Times Of All released in 1989. The singles This Used To Be Our Town, Learning A Lot About Love, and Candle, all take of his his eponymous 1995 sophomore Jason McCoy album would all top the country charts
August 27, 1968 ~ Bassist Nicolas Thys born in Brussels, Belgium ~ Worked with Toots Thielemans, Garrett List, Judy Niemack, Mark Turner, Ivan Paduart, Kris Defoort, Kenny Werner, Mike Stern, KD's Decade, Felix Simtaine, Tomas & Co, the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, Octun, Jason Seizer, Bill Carrothers, and others
August 27, 1968 ~ Electronic composer, producer Uwe Schmidt born in Frankfurt-am-Main, West Germany ~ Also known under the monikers Lassigue Bendthaus, Atom, Atom Heart, and Señor Coconut. Considered “the Father of Electrolatino” for his role in electronic music, inspired by early house. Actively recording since the mid-1980s, starting with the full-length Matter. Has collaborated with Bill Laswell, Tetsu Inoue, Haruomi Hosono. Served as remixer for the likes of Depeche Mode, Cesária Évora, Sketch Show, Moreno Veloso, and Merzbow
August 27, 1965 ~ Johnny Rowan, commonly known as rock drummer Blackie Onassis, born ~ Member of Urge Overkill, first appearing on the band's 1991 The Supersonic Storybook album. The band is widely known for their single Sister Havana and their Neil Diamond-cover Girl You'll Be A Woman Soon. The latter would be used for the soundtrack of Quentin Tarantino's 1994 Pulp Fiction cult film ~ Rowan passed away in 2023
August 27, 1965 ~ Bo Martin Erik Erikson, commonly known as eurodance singer E-Type, born in Uppsala, Sweden ~ Scored a number of top 10 hits in his native Sweden, starting in the mid-1990s. Among his best known songs are This Is The Way, Free Like A Flying Demon, Calling Your Name, Angels Crying, Campione 2000, and Paradise
August 27, 1965 ~ Indie rock, sadcore, country bassist Mike Johnson born in Grants Pass, Oregon, USA ~ Fronted punk outfit Snakepit until its disbandement in 1989. Member of Dinosaur Jr during the 1990s, present on the albums Where You Been, Without A Sound, and Hand It Over. Frequent collaborator of Mark Lanegan, appearing on about half a dozen of the alternative rock singer's albums including the acclaimed Whiskey For The Holy Ghost. Johnson has also recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Where Am I released in 1994. Johnson was briefly married to bassist, singer Leslie Hardy of all-female Seattle outfit Juned
August 27, 1965 ~ Jazz guitarist, producer, composer Rez Abbasi born in Karachi, Pakistan ~ Worked with Kiran Ahluwalia, Billy Hart, DD Jackson, Dave Liebman, Dave Pietro, Gary Thomas, Gary Versace, Kenny Werner, Marvin Smith, Rick Margitza, Sunny Jain, Tim Hagans, Tony Malaby, Mike Clark, Adam Rudolph, and others
August 27, 1964 ~ Michael Alec Anthony West, commonly known as jungle producer, toaster Rebel MC, born in Islington, UK ~ Popularized the term “jungle”. Co-founded Double Trouble with Karl Brown and Leigh Guest, known for the late-1980s recordings Just Keep Rockin' and Street Tuff. Debuted as a solo artist in 1990 with the Rebel Music album
August 27, 1961 ~ Rock, heavy metal, southern rock drummer Mark McConnell, also known as Mark Bam-Bam McConnell, born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ First gained attention in the mid-1980s, replacing original drummer Roxy Petrucci in hard rock, glam metal outfit Madam X. At the time, the band was fronted by singer Sebastian Bach, with whom McConnell would team up several times over the course of his career including on Bach's solo albums Bring 'Em Bach Alive and Forever Wild. McConnell is also known as a member of Blackfoot in the 2000s, and subsequently the Southern Rock Allstars. Other associations include Warp Drive (Gimme Gimme), the Comatones, Cryptonaut, Future Urban Zoo, and Native Sun ~ McConnell passed away in 2012
August 27, 1961 ~ Gospel, R&B singer Yolanda Adams, full name Yolanda Yvette Adams, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Dubbed “the First Lady of Modern Gospel”. Debuted in 1987 with the album Just As I Am. Crossover appeal and became known to listeners outside gospel with 1999's Mountain High Valley Low, collaborating with Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Warryn Campbell and Keith Thomas. Best known for songs such as I Believe I Can Fly featuring Gerald Levert, Someone Watching Over You and perhaps her best known Open My Heart
August 27, 1959 ~ Latin pop singer, actress Daniela Romo born in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Influenced by Rocio Dúrcal, whom she credits as an inspiration to become a singer and actress. Made her film debut in La Casa Del Pelicano at age 17. As a singer worked with Lolita de la Colina, Adrian Posse, and Silvetti. Known for songs such as Mentiras, Yo No Te Pida La Lune, the gay anthem Coco Loco, Adelante Corazón, Todo Todo Todo, and others
August 27, 1959 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Frode Fjellheim born in Mosjoen, Norway ~ Best known for penning Eatnemen Vuelle, which was later adapted to become the opening number of the animated feature film Frozen. Co-founded Transjoik, active since the mid-1990s. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with Ulla Pirttijärvi-Länsman, Barut, Mari Boine, Anne Vada, and others
August 27, 1956 ~ Bassist Glen Matlock born in Paddington, UK ~ Original bassist for the Sex Pistols. Co-wrote the majority of the songs on their sole Never Mind The Bollocks (Here's The Sex Pistols) album, though Matlock is only present on the tracks Anarchy In The UK and God Save The Queen as he left the band early in the recording process. Matlock has recorded with various artists, notably the Rich Kids known for their 1978 UK top 30 hit Rich Kids, as well as with the Vicious White Kids, Iggy Pop, the Damned, and the International Swingers
August 27, 1955 ~ Laura Ingrid Thérèse Fijgi, commonly known as singer Laura Fygi, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Member of girl group Centerfold, with whom she scored several hits in the Netherlands during the 1980s including notably the top 10 hit Dictator. After her tenure with the disco-tinged pop group, Fygi established herself as a versatile jazz, pop-jazz singer praised for the warmth and depth of her sultry voice, with about a dozen albums to her name starting with Introducing released in 1991. Earning some level of international acclaim, she would go on to work with the likes of Toots Thielemans, Johnny Griffin, Michel Legrand, Clark Terry, and the Pasadena Roof Orchestra
August 27, 1953 ~ Alexandar Zivojinovic, commonly known as guitarist Alex Lifeson born in Fernie, Canada ~ Co-founding member of Rush, and along with lead singer Geddy Lee the only other member to appear on every album. Although at times scorned by critics for commercialising progressive rock, the band enjoyed a cult following, their fans once dubbed “the Trekkies of Rock” by Rolling Stone, and have sold over 40 million albums over their lengthy career starting in the late-1960s. The band enjoyed popularity especially during the 1980s and 1990s, with about a dozen of their albums reaching the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 200 charts. The early-1980s albums Moving Pictures and Signals as well as Clockwork Angels released in 2012 have topped the charts in their native Canada. The band, inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2013, has been cited as an influence by numerous artists including Alice In Chains, Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, Living Colour, the Manic Street Preachers, Metallica, Pearl Jam, the Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, and Tool
August 27, 1953 ~ Rock guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer Johnne Sambataro ~ Has toured and recorded with a wide range of artists including Andy Gibb, Barry Gibb, Stephen Stills, Peter Frampton (Premonition), Meat Loaf, John Parr, Zakk Wylde, McGuinn Clark & Hillman, and Firefall. Sambataro recorded a solo solo album, Me Myself & I released in 2011
August 27, 1953 ~ Laurence Mark Wisefield, commonly known as rock, hard rock, progressive rock, art rock guitarist Laurie Wisefield, born in East London, UK ~ Member of progressive rock outfit Home, with whom he recorded the early-1970s albums Pause For A Hoarse Horse, Home, and The Alchemist. However, when Ted Turner departed Wishbone Ash in 1974, the band's guitarist and singer Andy Powell snatched up Wisefield to take his place. Wisefield would remain with the band through the 1980s, recording over half a dozen albums starting with There's The Rub. Subsequently, Wisefield has worked with Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, and Roger Chapman
August 27, 1951 ~ New age, world fusion, fingerstyle guitarist, banjoist, flutist, keyboardist, percussionist Paul Adams born in Kokomo, Indiana, USA ~ Originally an ethnomusicology student and luthier, known for building stringed instruments such as guitars, banjos, basses, and dulcimers, Adams got his start as a recording artist in the late-1980s, releasing his highly acclaimed Various Waves debut album in 1989. Has since released close to a dozen albums, drawing from new age, jazz, and world music. Though not a household name, Adams is revered by critics and well known for his collaborations including with the likes of Elizabeth Geyer, David Hoffman, flutist Pravin Godkhindi, former Gentle Giant-guitarist Gary Green, and Alp Akmaz
August 27, 1950 ~ Guitarist, singer John Turnbull, full name John George Turnbull, born in Newcastle-upon-Thyne, UK ~ Member of the Chosen Few and its successor psychedelic rock unit Skip Bifferty, known for their sole eponymous Skip Bifferty album released in 1968. When the band folded over management disputes, Turnbull would join bandmates singer Graham Bell and keyboardist Mick Gallagher in Bell & Arc. Turnbull would however become best known as a member of Ian Dury's backing unit the Blockheads, including on key albums such as New Boots & Panties, Do It Yourself, and Laughter. A prolific session musician, Turnbull has also appeared on albums by Glencoe, Gary Shearston, Nick Lowe (Jesus Of Cool), Paul Young, Londonbeat, World Party (Egyptology), the Spiritual Cowboys, and Bob Geldof
August 27, 1950 ~ Bassist Neil Murray, full name Philip Neil Murray, born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Originally played drums before taking up the bass. Influenced by Jeff Beck, Jack Bruce, James Jamerson, and Tim Bogert. Best known as a member of Whitesnake from 1977 through 1987, with whom he recorded well over half a dozen albums including their best known, 1984's Slide It In and their eponymous Whitesnake album released in 1987. Previously Murray had briefly played with Gilgamesh in the early 1970s, served as touring member for Cozy Powell's rock unit Hammer, and was a member of jazz-rock group Colosseum II. Following his decade-long tenure with Whitesnake, Murray has appeared on the 1990 Tyr album by Black Sabbath, as well as on several of Queen-guitarist Brian May's solo albums, and worked with Peter Green, the Company Of Snakes, and the Michael Schenker Group
August 27, 1949 ~ Country singer, guitarist, fiddler Jeff Cook, full name Jeffrey Alan Cook, born in Fort Payne, Alabama, USA ~ Co-founded Wildcountry in 1972 with his cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry. The band would become better known after changing its name to Alabama in 1977 and regularly top the country charts, mostly in the 1980s, with songs such as Love In The First Degree, Mountain Music, Dixieland Delight, and others ~ Cook passed away in 2022
August 27, 1946 ~ Singer Frankie Laine records That's My Desire ~ Written by Helmy Kresa and Carroll Loveday. Paired with By The River Sainte Marie on the flip side it would be Laine's first hit, eventhough the version by Sammy Kaye would chart higher. Over time it has become one of Laine's best known records. Also recorded by Eddie Cochran, Louis Armstrong, Hadda Brooks, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, James Brown and others
August 27, 1946 ~ Jazz guitarist Roland Prince born in St John, West Indies ~ As a leader best known for Color Vision released in 1976, featuring an all-star cast which included Frank Foster, Kenny Barron, and Bob Cranshaw. Closely associated with Elvin Jones, appearing on about half a dozen of the drummer's 1970s albums including the acclaimed Summit Meeting. Prince has also appeared on albums by Johnny Hartman, Buddy Terry (Awareness), Roy Haynes (Senyah), Compost, Larry Willis, James Moody, Don Pullen (Tomorrow's Promises), Clark Terry, Dr Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, David Murray, Frank Wess, and Bob Montgomery (On The Brink) ~ Prince passed away in 2016
August 27, 1944 ~ John Voorhis Bogert III, commonly known as bassist, singer Tim Bogert, born in Richfield, New Jersey, USA ~ One of hard rock's most distinguished and respected bassists. As Willie Kizart, Link Wray, and Dave Davies have been said to pioneer guitar distortion, so is Bogert credited as a pioneer of bass guitar distortion. Closely associated with drummer Carmine Appice, including in celebrated late-1960s, early-1970s outfits Vanilla Fudge, known for their Billboard Hot 100 You Keep Me Hanging On top 10 hit, Cactus, and Beck Bogert & Appice. Has released a handful of solo albums, such as Progressions and Master's Brew in the early-1980s, perhaps somewhat overlooked and underpromoted due to lack of time and effort while working on other projects around the same time. Bogert appears on recordings by Marcus, Jan Akkerman (Tabernakel), Michael Quatro, Boxer, Rod Stewart, Rick Derringer, Buzzy Linhart, Jeff Beck (Beckology), Jon Bare, and Graham Bonnet. While already in his 70s, Bogert reluctantly retired from touring in 2010, following a motorcycle accident, yet he continued to record, churning out a few more decent solo albums until his death about a decade later ~ Bogert passed away in 2021
August 27, 1942 ~ Singer, keyboardist Daryl Dragon, full name Daryl Frank Dragon, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of conductor, composer Carmen Dragon. Formed Captain & Tennille with his wife Toni Tennille, a duo fondly remembered for some of the most endearing love songs from the 1970s including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Love Will Keep Us Together, Muskrat Love, and Do That To Me One More Time. By 1976 the couple would be so popular that they were invited to play the White House, performing for Queen Elizabeth II and President Gerald Ford during the country's bicentennial celebration, and were given their own TV show, The Captain & Tennille Show aired on ABC. Despite decent ratings the show was cancelled after one season, possibly because the couple tried to get out of their contract to focus on their music. Dragon had previously backed artists such as Charles Wright, the Carpenters, and the Beach Boys. The latter's lead singer, Mike Love, had given Dragon the nickname Captain Keyboard ~ Dragon passed away in 2019
August 27, 1937 ~ Alice McLeod, commonly known as harpist Alice Coltrane, was born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Married to saxophonist John Coltrane, with whom she also worked. Debuted in 1967 with the album Monastic Trio. Worked with Terry Gibbs, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, McCoy Tyner, Joe Henderson, and Charlie Haden ~ Coltrane passed away in 2007
August 27, 1937 ~ James Dee Crowe, commonly known as bluegrass, progressive bluegrass banjoist, guitarist, singer JD Crowe, born in Lexington, Kentucky, USA ~ Got his start in music while still in his teens playing with Raymond Curly Parker and notably with Jimmy Martin from 1956 through 1960. Formed the Kentucky Mountain Boys in 1961, enjoying regional succes in the Lexington area. The band would be renamed to JD Crowe & the New South by the early-1970s and become one of the most popular, influential and longest-running bluegrass, progressive bluegrass acts drawing from both rock and country. Served as mentor to numerous sidemen, many later becoming stars in their own right including Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, and Keith Whitley ~ Crowe passed away in 2021
August 27, 1937 ~ Singer, actor Tommy Sands, full name Thomas Adrian Sands, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Became an “overnight sensation” and teen idol after appearing on Kraft Television Theater in early 1957 performing Teen-age Crush. The single would reach the Billboard top 10. Would go on to perform in a number of TV shows and films. Married to Nancy Sinatra from 1960 to 1965
August 27, 1934 ~ Jazz samba, bossa nova singer Silvia Telles born in Brazil ~ Popular 1950s, 1960s singer. Preceded the advent of bossa nova. Especially known as an interpreter of Antônio Carlos Jobim's songs. Mother of singer Claudia Telles. Worked with Barney Kessel, Lucio Alves, Roberto Menescal, Edu Lobo, Trio Tamba, the Quinteto Villa-Lobos, and others. Passed away age 32 in a car accident ~ Telles passed away in 1966
August 27, 1932 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer, teacher François Glorieux born in Kortrijk, Belgium ~ Influenced by Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, jazz, blues, and Latin rhythms. Has composed over 300 works, mostly orchestral pieces yet also chamber music, works for solo instruments, and scores for film and TV. As a conductor led nearly 6,000 recitals and concerts the world over, working with renowned orchestra such as the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra, the Locke Brass Consort, the BBC Radio Orchestra, the Kyiv Chamber Orchestra, and most extensively with the Ballet of the 20th Century ~ Glorieux passed away in 2023
August 27, 1928 ~ Contralto singer Gerda Schriever born in Leipzig, Germany ~ Best known as a member of the Thomanerchor for over two decades starting in the mid-1950s. Also noted as a member of the Leipziger Bachsolisten from 1968 through 1972 and for her association with Dresdner Kreuzchor. Married to pianist Hans-Joachim Drechsel, with whom she had three children ~ Schriever passed away in 2014
August 27, 1927 ~ Publisher, label executive Morris Levy born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Founder of Roulette Records and the Birdland jazz club. Described as “one of the record industry's most controversial and flamboyant players” and “a notorious crook who swindled artists out of their own royalties”. At the peak of his career, Levy owned more than 90 companies, including a record-pressing plant, a distribution company, the Strawberries chain of record stores, and numerous record labels. Convicted of extortion in 1990, Levy passed away two months before he was scheduled to report to prison ~ Levy passed away in 1990
August 27, 1926 ~ Chicago blues drummer Odie Payne born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for backing Chuck Berry on classic rock & roll recordings such as Nadine, You Never Can Tell, and on No Particular Place To Go. Payne is closely associated with Tampa Red, and with Elmore James, appearing on over two dozen of the latter's 1950s singles. Payne was held in the highest regards by fellow drummers, admired for his use of the cowbell, lightning-fast bass drum pedal, and drum rolls, serving as a role model for many of his contemporaries. An in-demand sideman, Payne has also worked with Sleepy John Estes, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Magic Sam, Otis Rush, and Albert King ~ Payne passed away in 1989
August 27, 1925 ~ Jazz, R&B drummer Bill English born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Sonny Thompson, Amos Milburn, Julien Dash, Bennie Green, Erskine Hawkins, Earl Hines, the Prestige Blues Swingers, Gene Ammons, Quincy Jones, Joe Newman, Stanley Turrentine, Kenny Burrell, Eddie Jefferson, and Eric Dixon ~ English passed away in 2007
August 27, 1925 ~ Guitarist, singer Carter Stanley, full name Carter Glen Stanley, full name Carter Glen Stanley, born in Big Spraddle Creek, Virginia, USA ~ Formed the Carter Brothers in the mid-1940s with his brother banjoist, singer Ralph Stanley. The duo would become one of the most respected and influential pioneering acts in what later would become known as bluegrass. Many of the duo's mostly self-penned songs would become classics, covered by numerous artists including the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, Keith Whitley, the Osborne Brothers, the Dillards, Ricky Skaggs, Doc Watson, Patty Loveless, and the Seldom Scene ~ Stanley passed away in 1966
August 27, 1925 ~ Anthony John Kronenberg, commonly known as jazz drummer, pianist, bandleader, composer Tony Crombie, born in Bishopsgate, UK ~ Formed rock & roll outfit the Rockets, modeled after Bill Haley's the Comets. Also ushered in British be-bop. Worked with diverse array of artists including Duke Ellington, Conway Twitty, Freddy Cannon, Johnny Preston, Wee Willie Harris, Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, Joe Pass, Mark Murphy, and Eddie Lockjaw Davis ~ Kronenberg passed away in 1999
August 27, 1916 ~ Actress, singer Martha Raye born in Butte, Montana, USA ~ Band vocalist for Paul Ash and Boris Morros. Sang with Al Jolson. Comedy, film, TV and Broadway actress and singer who worked with many of the leading comics of her day including Abbott & Costello, WC Fields, and Charlie Chaplin. Joined the USO in 1942, awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in the form of an Oscar in 1969, awarded the Presidential Medal Of Freedom in 1993 by President Bill Clinton for her service to her country ~ Raye passed away in 1994
August 27, 1909 ~ Tenor saxophonist Lester Young, full name Lester Willis Young, born in Woodville, Mississippi, USA ~ Leader and sideman known for his free-floating style. Influenced Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Gerry Mulligan, Paul Quinichette, and Sonny Stitt. Lovingly dubbed “Pres”, short for President, a nickname given to him by Billie Holiday. In return Young gave Holiday the nickname “Lady Day”. Worked with Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Andy Kirk, Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson, Buddy Rich, and Charlie Parker. Posthumously honored by Charles Mingus in the track Goodbye Pork Pie Hat), and by Wayne Shorter in Lester Left Town ~ Young passed away in 1959
August 27, 1887 ~ Julia Ellen Sackett, commonly known as Broadway actress, singer Julia Sanderson, born in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA ~ Daughter of Broadway-actor Albert H Sackett, Sanderson got her start on the stage at an early age. Well known for roles in shows such as Brewster's Millions, Wang, The Tourists, and The Dairymaids. Teamed up with her third husband singer Frank Crumit, performing on the radio show Blackstone Plantation through the mid-1930s and on the popular quiz show The Battle Of The Sexes from 1930 until Crumit's death in 1943, after which Sanderson retired from showbiz. The Springfield theater the Julia Sanderson Theater was named after her ~ Sackett passed away in 1975