August 28, 2023 ~ Ray Jacobs, commonly known as R&B, electronic singer, songwriter August 08, passed away ~ Co-wrote I'm The One, a Billboard R&B and Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit in 2017 for DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil' Wayne. As a recording artist Jacobs has released three albums, starting with Father in 2018, and is perhaps best known for his Bruises single released in 2023 ~ Jacobs was born ca.1992
August 28, 2023 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Len Chandler, full name Len Hunt Chandler Jr, passed away in San Pedro, California, USA ~ Part of the 1960s protest movement. As a recording artist known for the albums To Be A Man and The Lovin' People, both released in 1967. Best known for penning Beans In My Ears, later covered by both the Serendipity Singers and Pete Seeger ~ Chandler was born in 1935
August 28, 2021 ~ Operatic soprano Teresa Zylis-Gara passed away in Lödz, Poland ~ Enjoyed a major international career spanning four decades debuting in 1956 at the Opera Krakowski. Acclaimed for her 1965 performance at the Glyndebourne Festival in Der Rosenkavalier opposite Montserrat Caballé. Has worked with the Oper Dortmund, the Deutsche Oper Am Rhein, and perhaps most notably with the Metropolitan Opera from 1970 through 1984 ~ Zylis-Gara was born in 1930
August 28, 2020 ~ Actor, singer Shiro Kishibe passed away ~ Best known as an actor, noted for his role of Sandy in the TV drama series Monkey. Prior to venturing into acting Kishibe sang and played guitar in the 1960s band the Tigers, which also included his brother bassist Ittoku Kishibe ~ Kishibe was born in 1949
August 28, 2018 ~ Producer, orchestrator, arranger Tony Camillo passed away ~ Prolific soul, pop, disco producer, arranger. Co-produced Gladys Knight's Midnight Train To Georgia. Also worked with artists such as Dionne Warwick, Eric Carmen, the Stylistics, the Dazz Band, Millie Jackson, Chambers Brothers, Peaches & Herb, Sha Na Na, Grand Funk Railroad, the 5th Dimension, Martha Reeves, the Supremes, Parliament, Tommy James, Bazuka, and others. Also scored a number of movies, ranging from horror (Welcome To Arrow Beach) to action movies ~ Camillo was born ca.1918
August 28, 2017 ~ Singer Melissa Bell passed away ~ Best known as member of Soul II Soul, notably on Wish. Fronted her own band Soul Explosion. Sang backup for Liza Minnelli, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder. Also worked with Bobby E & the Midi City Crew, the Bingoboys, Potential Bad Boy, and with Dazz ~ Bell was born in 1964
August 28, 2016 ~ Alberto Aguilera Valadez, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actor Juan Gabriel, passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Known for his flamboyant style. Widely condisered one of the most prolific Mexican composer and singers. Sold over 60 million records. Best known for songs such as Amor Eterno, Querida, Haste Que Te Conoci, No Tengo Dinero, Abrazame Muy Fuerte, De Mi Enamorate, Lo Pasado Pasado, and others ~ Aguilera was born in 1950
August 28, 2014 ~ Jazz drummer Alan Turnbull passed away ~ In-demand sideman and session drummer. Closely associated with double bassist Ed Gaston, the duo setting the bar for future rhythm sections. Has worked with Don Burrows, Milt Jackson, Joe Henderson, Gary Burton, Sonny Stitt, Barney Kessel, Richie Cole, Cleo Laine, Billy Eckstine, Cab Calloway, Billy Field, Neil Sedaka, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Pops Orchestra, Rolf Stube, Graeme Norris, the Jazz Co/op, and Paul McNamara ~ Turnbull was born in 1943
August 28, 2009 ~ Alex Michael Goldstein, commonly known as DJ, turntablist, remixer DJ AM, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Club DJ in Los Angeles. Member of Crazy Town from 1999 through 2001. Skyrocketed to fame by the mid-2000s, playing weekly sets in Las Vegas. Formed the duo TRV$DJAM with Travis Barker. Has remixed tracks recorded by Three 6 Mafia, Ashlee Simpson, Weezer, Guru Josh, and others ~ Goldstein was born in 1973
August 28, 2006 ~ Folk singer, banjoist, songwriter Iain Mackintosh passed away in Glasgow, UK ~ Inspired to take up the banjo after attending a Pete Seeger concert. Known for his self-deprecating wit Mackintosh was regarded as a vital exponent of the Scottish folk revival. Over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting in the early-1970s. Perhaps best known for penning Pawn Song, recorded with his first band the Islanders. Also a member of the Skerries, and the Other Half. Regularly backed artists such as Hamish Imlach, Gaberlunzie, and Watt Nicoll ~ Mackintosh was born in 1932
August 28, 2006 ~ Drummer Pip Pyle passed away in Paris, France ~ Closely associated with the 1960s, 1970s Canterbury scene, best known for his work in bands such as Gong, Hatfield & the North and National Health. Has also worked with Chicken Shack, Steve Hillage, Robert Wyatt, Daevid Allen, Bridget St John, Soft Heap, Bash, Delivery, Pip Pyle's Equip' Out, and Brainville ~ Pyle was born in 1950
August 28, 2006 ~ Jazz guitarist Shungo Sawada passed away ~ Founded the Double Beats. Founded the record label Elec in 1972. Has played with artists such as Shotaro Moriyasu, Norio Maeda, Akitoshi Igarashi, Motohiko Hino, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Thad Jones, Helen Merrill, Oscar Peterson, and Sonny Stitt ~ Sawada was born in 1930
August 28, 1994 ~ Producer, DJ Felix Jaehn born in Hamburg, Germany ~ Became a household name with his 2014 remix of OMI's Cheerleader, the remix version would top charts around the globe. As a solo artist best known for his 2015 Chaka Khan-cover Ain't Nobody Loves Me Better featuring Jasmine Thompson, a top 10 hit througout Europe. Has also collaborated with Lost Frequencies, Steve Aoki, Herbert Grönemeyer, and others
August 28, 1993 ~ Songwriter Bernie Baum passed away ~ Best known for co-writing severak songs for Elvis Presley, usually with Bill Giant and Florence Kaye. Well known songs include Roustabout, Paradise Hawaiian Style, Edge Of Reality and notably You're The Devil In Disguise. Others who recorded his songs include Mickey Denton, the Everly Brothers (That's Old Fashioned (That's The Way Love Should Be)), and Gene Chandler ~ Baum was born in 1929
August 28, 1991 ~ Brian Maurice Holden, commonly known as rock & roll singer Vince Taylor, passed away in Lutry, Switzerland ~ Cited by David Bowie as inspiraton for the Ziggy Stardust character. Best known for Brand New Cadillac, a landmark single in British rock & roll later notably covered by the Clash on their London Calling album. Subject of the songs Just Like Vince Taylor by the Golden Earring and Vince Taylor by Adam Ant ~ Holden was born in 1939
August 28, 1989 ~ Singer, rapper, guitarist, DJ, engineer, producer Ash Riser, full name Ash Winston Riser, born in Redondo Beach, California, USA ~ Founded rock band Pistol P!stol. After the band disbanded in 2009 would focus on music production, fusing electronic music and hip-hop. Has collaborated with Jupiter Rising, Ab-Soul, IDK and extensively with Kendrick Lamar ~ Riser passed away in 2021
August 28, 1989 ~ Singer Cassadee Pope, full name Cassadee Blake Pope, born in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA ~ Lead singer of rock outfit Hey Monday. Debuted as a solo artist with the eponymous Cassadee Pope EP in 2012. Winner of The Voice later the same year. Released her full-length debut album, Frame By Frame, in 2013
August 28, 1989 ~ Jazz singer Cécile McLorin Salvant born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Classically trained. Influenced by Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Betty Carter. Debuted in 2010 with the Cécile & the Jean Francois Bonnel Paris Quintet album released to critical acclaim. Has collaborated with Jacky Terrasson, Fred Nardin, and with Wynton Marsalis, the latter once commenting “you get a singer like this once in a generation or two.”
August 28, 1984 ~ Rapper, producer Denmark Vessey, full name Denmark Martin Vessey, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Formed the hip-hop duo Crown Nation with Quelle Chris. Member of west coast collective Dirty Science. Released his full-length Life In My Direction solo debut album in 2013
August 28, 1984 ~ Jazz trombonist René Weiss passed away in Geneva, Switzerland ~ Worked with the Illarez Orchestra, Jean Yatov, Dajos Béla, Ben Berlin, Rio de Gregori, Lud Gluskin, Teddy Sinclair, Marek Weber, Fred Adison, Guy Paquinet, Ray Ventura, Teddy Stauffer, and others ~ Weiss was born ca.1900
August 28, 1983 ~ Singer, actor Alfonso Herrera, full name Alfonso Herrera Rodriguez, born in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Actor for TV and film. To pop audiences best known as a member of RBD, spawned from the telenovela Rebelde. The group, active from the mid-2000s through the end of the decade, would become hugely popular and sell over 15 million albums. Well known songs include Solo Quedate En Silencio, Nuestro Amor, Este Corazon and Inalcanzable
August 28, 1983 ~ Saxophonist Robin Verheyen born in Turnhout, Belgium ~ Worked with Saxkartel, Orvalectiq, Åki Rissanen, Pascal Niggenkemper, Dan Loomis, Charnett Moffett, Septych, Jesse Stacken, Michael Bates, Narcissus, Roy Hargrove, Dré Pallemaerts, Marc Copland, Gary Peacock, Joey Baron, Branford Marsalis, Toots Thielemans, Tom Rainey, Eric Revis, Joey Calderazzo, Ravi Coltrane, Will Calhoun, and others
August 28, 1982 ~ Singer LeAnn Rimes, full name Margaret LeAnn Rimes, born in Jackson, Mississippi, USA ~ Broke through in the mid-1990s as a young teen with the Patsy Cline-cover Blue, initially a local hit and quickly picked up nationally. Scored a number of hits, including How Do I Live and You Light Up My Life, through the end of the decade, mostly covers of country classics, eventually crossing over into pop culminating in 2000's Can't Fight The Moonlight from the Coyote Ugly soundtrack.
August 28, 1981 ~ Producer, band manager Guy Stevens passed away in South London, UK ~ Perhaps best remembered for producing London Calling, the third studio album by the Clash. The album, released in 1979, would reach top 10 in the band's native UK, and was the band's first to crack the top 30 on the American Billboard Hot 200 album chart. Associated with several labels over the course of his career, notably Sue Records and Island Records, other acts produced by Stevens include Alex Harvey, Larry Williams, Lee Dorsey, and Hapshash & the Coloured Coat, with Stevens also serving as the latter's manager. Stevens is also remembered for coming up with the band names for Procol Harum and Mott The Hoople ~ Stevens was born in 1943
August 28, 1981 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Jake Owen born in Vero Beach, Florida, USA ~ Released his debut album, Startin' With Me, in 2006. It would include the hit single Yee Haw. Has opened for artists such as Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Little Big Town and Sugarland early on his career. Well known songs include Something About A Woman, Barefoot Blue Jean Night, Alone With You, American Country Love Song and Homemade
August 28, 1981 ~ Rockabilly singer, songwriter Ronnie Self passed away in Springfield, Missouri, USA ~ As a singer known for his sole charting single, Bop A Lula, a modest hit in 1958. Best known as a songwriter, responsible for songs such as I'm Sorry, Sweet Nothin's and Everybody Loves Me But You all of which were hits for Brenda Lee ~ Self was born in 1938
August 28, 1980 ~ Melodic death metal singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer Antony Hämäläinen born in Hameenlinna, Finland ~ Critically compared to singer Tomas Lindberg of At The Gates. Played bass, drums, and sang for a succession of bands in the 1990s and 2000s, before gaining serious attentionm with Nightrage starting on the 2009 Wearing A Martyr's Crown album. Would go on to sing wirh Meridian Dawn, Armageddon, and Crystal Tears. Hämäläinen has also guested on recordings by Landmine Marathon, Rising Pain, Nervosia, Earthward, Sense Of Noise, and Ancient Settlers
August 28, 1979 ~ Traditional violinist, fiddler Caoimhin O Raghallaigh born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Developed a fiddle style heavily influenced by uilleann pipes and the music of the Sliabh Luachra region. Well-known for collaborating with piper Mick O'Brien on the 2003 Kitty Lie Over album. Member of the Gloaming, member of This Is How We Fly. Has collaborated with a host of mostly traditional artists including Brendan Begley, Larla O Lianaird, Amiina, Sam Amidon, and the Waterboys
August 28, 1978 ~ Heavy metal, alternative metal, alternative rock drummer Jess Margera, full name Jesse Phillip Margera, born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of post-grunge, stoner rock outfit CKY, with whom he has recorded about half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Infiltrate Destory Rebuild released in 2002. Previously, Margera and the band's singer, guitarist Deron Miller had paired up in Foreign Objects. Margera has also worked with Gnarkill and Fuckface Unstoppable, both of which included his brother keyboardist Bam Margera, as well as with Viking Skull, the Company Band, the Evesdroppers, and Sovereign Eagle
August 28, 1978 ~ Singer, bassist, songwriter Max Collins, full name James Maxwell Stuart Collins, born ~ Co-founded alternative rock outfit Yakoo, which would be renamed to Eleventeen, and later still to Eve 6 prior to issuing their eponymous Eve 6 debut album in 1998. 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. Collins has also worked with side projects the Sugi Tap and Fitness, and released his Honey From The Ice Box solo album in 2014, an album fully funded by crowdfunding from fans. Collins' brother is guitarist Johnny Collins of Controlling The Famous
August 28, 1977 ~ Progressive metal, progressive black metal guitarist Arve Isdal, also known by the moniker Ice Dale, born in Bergen, Norway ~ Influenced by King Crimson, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, and Kiss. Known best for his association with the bands the Enslaved and Audrey Home, recording over half a dozen albums with each starting in the mid-2000s. Isdal has also served as engineer, producer or co-producer for the likes of Octavia Sperati, Syrach, Demonaz, and the Gathering
August 28, 1975 ~ Rock band Aerosmith release their Walk This Way single ~ One of the songs that helped the band reach a mainstream audience. Originally released as the second single off their Toys In The Attic breakthrough album, the single initially didn't chart. Its re-release the following year, however, would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100, making it the band's second top 10 hit after the re-release of Dream On. The band's career would be revitalized in the 1980s when hip-hoppers Run-DMC recorded their rap rock cover, with a little assistance from Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry on vocals and guitars, respectively
August 28, 1975 ~ Marva Jean Cooks II, commonly known as rap, hardcore rap, gangsta rap rapper Marvaless, born ~ Has recorded about half a dozen albums, starting with Ghetto Blues in 1994 which prominently featured C-Bo. Over the course of her career, Cooks would continue to regularly collaborate with C-Bo, including notably on his Billboard R&B top 10 albums Tales From The Crypt and One Life 2 Live, released respectively in 1995 and 1997. Other notable collaborations include Luni Coleone, Master P, Killa Tay, Lil Ric, Messy Marv (Bonnie And Clyde), Husalah, and the Jacka
August 28, 1975 ~ Jazz trombonist Warren Smith passed away in Santa Barbara, California, USA ~ Learned piano, cornet and saxophone before settling on the trombone. Active from the 1920s, starting in territory bands, through the 1960s. Has worked with Harrison's Texans, Abe Lyman, Bob Crosby, Bud Jacobsen, Bob Scobey, Jess Stacy, Lu Watters, Duke Ellington, Joe Darensbourg, Wild Bill Davison, and Red Nichols ~ Smith was born in 1908
August 28, 1974 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist Andrew White, full name Andrew Robert White, born in Pontefract, UK ~ Co-founding member of Kaiser Chiefs, known for songs such as Oh My God, I Predict A Riot, Ruby and Never Miss A Beat, all of which reached the British top 10
August 28, 1972 ~ Heavy metal, extreme metal, progressive metal, death metal, black metal drummer Derek Roddy born in Deerfield Beach, Florida, USA ~ Earned the nickname “One Take” for his ability to record entire drum tracks in just one or two takes. Best known for his association with Hate Eternal, appearing on the band's King Of All Kings sophomore album and its successor I Monarch. Roddy has also drummed with Malevolent Creation, Divine Empire, Aurora Borealis, Council Of The Fallen, and Today Is The Day. In 2010, after original drummer Mike Portnoy departed Dream Theater, Roddy was one of seven drummers to auditioned for the vacant spot, which would go to Mike Mangini
August 28, 1971 ~ Trombonist, violinist Lou McGarrity passed away in Alexandria, Virginia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Benny Goodman, Eddie Condon, the Lawson-Haggart Band, the World's Greatest Jazz Band, Kenny Davern, Urbie Green, Bobby Hackett, JJ Johnson, Jimmy McPartland, Charlie Parker, Cootie Williams, and others ~ McGarrity was born in 1917
August 28, 1970 ~ Sherrie Veronica Krenn, commonly known as actress, country singer Sherrié Austin, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Half of Colourhaus, the other half being Phil Radford. As a solo artist debuted with her Words album in 1997. Known for songs such as Lucky In Love, Never Been Kissed and Streets Of Heaven
August 28, 1969 ~ Actor, comedian, singer, guitarist, songwriter Jack Black, full name Thomas Jacob Black, born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Best known as an actor, notable credits include the feature films The School Of Rock and the 2005 remake of King Kong. As a singer Black is perhaps best known for founding comedy rock duo Tenacious D with longtime friend Kyle Gass, best known for the albums The Pick Of Destiny and Rize Of The Fenix which would both reach top 10 on the Billboard Hot 200 album charts
August 28, 1968 ~ British pop group the Hollies record Listen To Me at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Tony Hazzard. Produced by Ron Richards. Released as a single, b/w Do The Best That You Can, later the same year it would reach top 20 in the UK. It was the last song recorded featuring Graham Nash during his initial tenure with the band. Songwriter Hazzard would record his own version the following year for his album Tony Hazzard Sings Tony Hazzard
August 28, 1968 ~ Jazz pianist, organist, composer Larry Goldings, full name Lawrence Sam Goldings, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, Dave McKenna, and by Red Garland. Worked with Sarah Vaughan, Harry Sweets Edison, Al Cohn, Jon Hendricks, Jim Hall, Bobby Previte's Weather Clear Track Fast, Trio Beyond, De La Soul, India Arie, Tracy Chapman, Madeleine Peyroux, Melody Gardot, Michael McDonald, Beck, Walter Becker, Steve Gadd, Leon Russell, Rickie Lee Jones, Sia, John Mayer, Herbie Hancock, Norah Jones, Maceo Parker, John Scofield, Carla Bley, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, John Pizzarelli, Jack DeJohnette, Anthony Wilson, Jim Keltner, Mike Viola, Charlie Haden, James Taylor, Peter Bernstein, David Fathead Newman, Joshua Redman, David Sanborn, Larry Grenadier, Bill Stewart, Matt Wilson, Ben Allison, Harry Allen, Scary Pockets, Kathleen Grace, Till Brönner, Robben Ford, Steve Gadd, Jesse Harris, Jessica Molaskey, Rebecca Pidgeon, Tim Riles, Lee Ritenour, Mark Sholtez, Dave Stryker, Matt Wilson, Priscilla Ahn, Herb Alpert, Benjamin Herman, Al Jarreau, Mark Eltzel, Holly Cole, Jane Monheit, Alexi Murdoch, John Stein, Chris Potter, Eros Ramazzotti, Rod Stewart, Nikki Yanofsky, Lyle Workman, and others
August 28, 1968 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist, pianist, bassist Tom Freund, full name Thomas Hagstrom Freund, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Draws from folk rock, American and alternative rock. Has recorded well over half a dozen solo albums, especially acclaimed for North American Long Weekend released in 1998 and its follow-up Sympatico released the following year. Also noted for Pleasure & Pain, a collaborative album with then-unknown Ben Harper, and for his stint with alternative country outfit the Silos
August 28, 1967 ~ Goth rock, punk, anarcho-punk singer, guitarist William Faith born ~ Best known for co-founding Faith & the Muse with singer Monica Richards, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. Has also worked with acts such as Christian Death, Mephisto Waltz, Wreckage, Anima Mundi, and the Bellwether Syndicate
August 28, 1965 ~ Eilleen Regina Edwards, commonly known as singer Shania Twain born in Windsor, Canada ~ Dubbed “the Queen of Country Pop”, sold over 100 million records, making her the all-time best-selling female country artist. Best known for songs such as Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under, Any Man Of Mine, If You're Not In It For Love I'm Outta Here, Love Gets Me Every Time, You're Still The One, That Don't Impress Me Much and Man I Feel Like A Woman. Married to producer Robert John Mutt Lange from 1993 to 2010, with whom she has one son
August 28, 1964 ~ Fiddler Jim Wood born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ One of the most decorated contest fiddlers, winning some estimated 160 championships, including 15 state championships from 1978 through 2001. Music director of the Tennessee Fiddle Orchestra. Also known as a regular contributor to Strings Magazine, the Devil's Box, Acoustic Guitar and Fiddler Magazine
August 28, 1964 ~ Jazz double bassist Peter Washington in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his tenure with Art Blakey, touring with Tommy Flanagan, appearing on about a dozen of Bill Charlap's albums, and as a co-founder of the hard bop sextet One For All. An in-demand sideman, Washington has appeared on over 400 albums including recordings by Steve Turre, Ralph Moore (Rejuvenate), Robin Eubanks, Jim Snidero (Blue Afternoon), Walter Bishop Jr, Michal Urbaniak, Wallace Roney (Seth Air), Tom Harrell, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Mulgrew Miller (Time And Again), Walt Weiskopf, Mike LeDonne (Soulmates), Russell Gunnn, Javon Jackson (When The Time Is Right), David Sánchez, Jimmy Ponder, Charles McPherson (First Flight Out), Joe Magnarelli, Richard Wyands, David Hazeltine, Greg Gisbert, Marlena Shaw, Andy Laverne, Kenny Drew Jr, Nnenna Freelon (Maiden Voyage), Giacomo Gates, Byron Stripling (Stripling Now), Ralph Lalama (Music For Grown-ups), Ann Hampton Callaway, Houston Person, Randy Sandke, Don Grolnick, Bennie Wallace, Percy Heath, Jon Weber, and Mark Elf
August 28, 1962 ~ Singer, songwriter Agustín Ramírez, full name Agustín Ramírez Sánchez, born in San Francisco del Rincón, Mexico ~ Co-founder, frontman of Los Caminantes, for whom he also co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material including Palomita Mensajera, Para Que Quieres Volver, Regresare, He Sabido, Volar Volar, Ven Y Abrazame, Una Noche, Mi Nina, and Lagrimas Al Recordar ~ Ramírez passed away in 2022
August 28, 1962 ~ Jazz trumpeter, conductor Jim Rotondi, full name James Robert Rotondi, born in Butte, Montana, USA ~ Co-founding member of One For All, with whom he recorded well over a dozen albums since the late-1990s including the acclaimed What's Going On released in 2008. Also closely associated with Eric Alexander, Charles Earland, and Irene Reid, recording several albums with each. Rotondi has recorded over a dozen albums as a leader, noted specifically for 1000 Rainbows released in 2010. As a sideman and collaborator, Rotondi has appeared on albums by Ann Hampton Callaway, Susan Tobocman, Bill Mobley, David Hazeltine (How It Is), Giacomo Gates, Dena DeRose, Mike DiRubbo (Keep Steppin'), Cecil Payne, Ned Otter, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Joe Farnsworth, Kyle Eastwood, Peter Lerner, Bob Mintzer (Swing Out), Jon Regen, and Craig Wuepper ~ Rotondi passed away in 2024
August 28, 1958 ~ Jazz composer, conductor, bandleader Dr Anthony Branker born ~ Led Imagine, Word Play and Ascent, working with sidemen such as Fabian Almazan, Ralph Bowen, David Binney, Adam Cruz, Kenny Davis, Tia Fuller, Mark Gross, Antonio Hart, Conrad Herwig, and Ralph Peterson Jr. As a composer saw his compositions performed or recorded by Kenny Barron, Cecil Brooks III, Sarah Jane Cion, Joe Ford, Winard Harper, and Valery Ponomarev. As a conductor has worked with Don Braden, Bryan Carrott, Benny Carter, Ted Curson, Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Heath, and Benny Powell
August 28, 1956 ~ Rock, glam rock singer, drummer, guitarist, saxophonist Steve Whiteman born in Piedmont, West Virginia, USA ~ Lead singer of KIX, with whom he recorded seven albums. The band is best known for their 1989 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 power ballad Don't Close Your Eyes. Following the band's initial disbandement Whiteman co-founded and fronted Funny Money
August 28, 1955 ~ Reggae lovers rock singer, toaster Beres Hammond, full name Hugh Beresford Hammond, born in Annotto Bay, Jamaica ~ Lead singer of Zap Pow from 1975 to 1979, known for the 1978 Jamaican hit single The System. As a solo artist reached the Jamaican charts with the ballad One Step Ahead in 1976 and the Joe Gibbs-produced I'm In Love in 1978. Internationally first gained attention with mid-1980 songs such as Groovy Little Thing and Settling Down. Would go on to establish himself as leading artist in the lovers rock genre in the 1990s
August 28, 1955 ~ Rigobert Bamundele, commonly known as soukous guitarist, songwriter Rigo Star, born ~ In-demand session guitarist on the French and African world music scenes from the mid-1980s onward. Appeared on albums by Koffi Olomidé, Papa Wemba, M'bilia Bel (Yalowa), Oliver N'Goma, Guy Lobe, Bibi Dens, Elles, and Madilu System. Notably present on Paul Simon's acclaimed 1990 The Rhythm Of The Saints album. Star has occasionally recorded as a solo artist, noted for his 1998 Attention album featuring singer Sam Mangwana ~ Bamundele passed away in 2023
August 28, 1953 ~ Michael Gregory Jackson, commonly known as jazz, avant-garde, R&B guitarist Michael Gregory, born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA ~ Recorded both under his full name and as Michael Gregory, the latter to avoid confusion with the pop singer Michael Jackson. First gained attention backing Oliver Lake in the mid-1970s, with whom he would record several albums. Over a dozen albums to his name as a leader, noted especially for Gifts released in 1979. Jackson has also appeared on albums by Nona Hendryx (The Heat), Al Jarreau, Clyde Criner, Amina Claudine Myers, Robert Hooks, Matthew Shipp, and Fiona Renshaw
August 28, 1951 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Keiichi Suzuki born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Co-founded the Moonriders, considered one of Japan's most innovative rock bands. Formed the duo the Beatniks with Yukihiro Takahashi. Member of trio the Three Blind Moses. Also well known as an actor, composer for film, notably The Blind Swordsman, Uzumaki and the Outrage trilogy, and for video games
August 28, 1949 ~ Alternative rock, new wave, punk rock, post-punk singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter, author Hugh Cornwell, full name Hugh Alan Cornwell, born in London, UK ~ Fronted the Stranglers, one of the most successful and beloved bands to emerge from the UK's late-1970s punk pop scene. Cornwell is present on most of the band's best known, including UK top 10 hits such as Peaches, No More Heroes, and Golden Brown, before departing the band in 1990 over artistic differences with the band's bassist and co-lead singer Jean-Jacques Burnel. Following his departure from the band, Cornwell has worked with Roger Cook and Andy West under the monniker CCW, known for their sole eponymous CCW album, has recorded over half a dozen solo albums, most notably Hi Fi released in 2001, and has written several books including The Stranglers (Song By Song) guiding the reader through the Stranglers catalogue
August 28, 1949 ~ Jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist, music journalist Mike Metheny born in Lee's Summit, Missouri, USA ~ Originally a classical music trumpeter, Metheny unlike his more famous brother Pat Metheny has never become a household name, yet is acclaimed for about a dozen jazz albums as a leader, notably his 1982 Blue Jay Sessions debut album, and as a valued sideman on recordings by his brother Pat (Secret Story), Karrin Allyson, Gary Sivils, the Leonard Brothers, Paul Hofmann, and Megan Birdsall. Metheny has also worked as a music journalist since the early-1990s, serving as editor or contributor for magazines such as Jazz Ambassador, KC Magazine, and Jazziz
August 28, 1948 ~ Drummer Danny Seraphine, full name Daniel Peter Seraphine, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Cites drummers Buddy Rich, Elvin Jones, Grady Tate, Ringo Starr, Mitch Mitchell, and Hal Blaine as influences. Best known as co-founding and longtime member of Chicago, one of the longest-running and most successful pop rock outfits. During Seraphine's two decades plus tenure with the band, they racked up some dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits including the No.1 hits If You Leave Me Now, Hard To Say I'm Sorry, and Look Away. Other well known songs include 25 Or 6 To 4, Saturday In The Park, Take Me Back To Chicago, and No Tell Lover, the latter two co-written by Seraphine. Seraphine also co-wrote Street Player with Rufus-keyboardist Hawk Wolinski, first recorded by Rufus with Chaka Khan in 1978, and by Chicago the following year. Upon his departure from the band in 1990, Seraphine retired from music only to resurface over a dozen years later with California Transit Authority, the band name a nod to Chicago's original name Chicago Transit Authority, playing both Chicago classics and new originals. In 2015, the city of Chicago, Illinois, renamed the 3500 block of North Normandy Avenue to Honorary Danny Seraphine Way in honor of Seraphine
August 28, 1948 ~ Rock, garage rock, hard rock, punk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Fred Cole, full name Frederick Lee Cole, born in Tacoma, Washington, USA ~ Active from the mid-1960s well into the 2000s. First gained attention as a member of garage rock outfit the Weeds, known for their sole single It's Your Time released in 1966 and over time becoming a cult classic. The band would later be renamed to Lollipop Shoppe. Cole would go on to work with acts such as King Bee, Rats, Dead Moon, and Pierce Arrows ~ Cole passed away in 2017
August 28, 1948 ~ Guitarist, arranger, songwriter Terry Taylor, full name Terence Martin Taylor ~ Fronted Tucky Buzzard. Last surviving member of the Arrows. Co-founded Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings with the Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman
August 28, 1945 ~ Rock singer, songwriter Bob Segarini, full name Robert Joseph Segarini, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Cult hero, known best perhaps as co-founding member of folk rock outfit the Wackers, with whom he recorded the albums Wackering Heights, Hot Wacks, and Shredder before the band disbanded in the mid-1970s. The band had earned critical acclaim during their brief lifespan, drawing comparisons to the Hollies, the Beatles, and Crosby Stills & Nash. A fourth album, Wack'n'Roll, remained unreleased. Previously, Segarini had worked with the Ratz, which included the then-unknown guitarist Gary Duncan of later Quicksilver Messenger Service fame, Roxy, and the Dudes. Following his tenure with the Wackers, Segarini recorded four solo albums, notably Gotta Have Pop released in 1978, before pursuing a career as a radio host from the mid-1980s onwards ~ Segarini passed away in 2023
August 28, 1944 ~ José Angel Amato, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actor José Angel Trelles, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ First gained attention in the musical TV show Siete Y Medio and subsequently winning the Canciorena talent contest, the latter landing him a record deal. Has recorded about two dozen albums since and collaborated with the likes of Sandro de América, Estela Raval, Rubén Juárez, Alberto Cortez, and perhaps most notably Astor Piazzolla, touring nationally and abroad with the latter as a member of his backing unit the Octeto Electronico. Has also starred in numerous stage productions, including the Piazzolla-penned operetta Maria De Buenos Aires ~ Amato passed away in 2022
August 28, 1943 ~ Soprano singer Anne-Lise Berntsen born in Drammen, Norway ~ Best known for her association with Nils-Henrik Asheim, notably on the Engleskyts albums Engleskyts and Kom Regin ~ Berntsen passed away in 2012
August 28, 1943 ~ Richard David Solberg, commonly known as actor, singer David Soul, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as an actor, appearing in TV shows such as Here Comes The Bride, Magnum Force, and perhaps most notably Starsky & Hutch, portraying the role of Hutch. Solberg has also recorded as a singer, enjoying popularity during the mid-1970s especially in the UK. Well-known songs include Going In With My Eyes Open, Silver Lady, Let's Have A Quiet Night In, and Don't Give Up On Us, the latter also reaching No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 ~ Solberg passed away in 2024
August 28, 1943 ~ Drummer, singer Honey Lantree born in Hayes, UK ~ At the time one of the very few female drummers, member of the Honeycombs best known for their 1964 million-seller Have I The Right, a top 10 hit on both sides of the Atlantic
August 28, 1941 ~ Jazz, jazz-rock, rock drummer John Marshall, full name John Stanley Marshall, born in Isleworth, UK ~ One of the UK's most renowned jazz-rock drummers. Founding member of Nucleus, noted for albums such as Elastic Rock and We'll Talk About It Later. Replaced Phil Howard when he joined Soft Machine in 1972. Has also played with the band's spin-offs Soft Works and Soft Machine Legacy. Other notable collaborations include Graham Collier, Neil Ardley, Jack Bruce (Songs For A Tailor), Centipede, Hugh Hopper, Volker Kriegel, Charlie Mariano (Helen 12 Trees), Eberhard Weber, Ian Carr, Uli Beckerhoff, and Porcupine Tree ~ Marshall passed away in 2023
August 28, 1941 ~ Singer, guitarist, musical director Joseph Shabalala born in Ladysmith, South Africa ~ Best known as founder and thriving force of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the ensemble rising to stardom after collaborating with Paul Simon on the latter's acclaimed Graceland album. Shabalala retired from the group in 2015, his son Thamsanqa Shabalala taking over as leader of the group
August 28, 1940 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Baxter Taylor born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ Formed the Wayfarers Trio with Mason Williams and Bill Cheatwood, known for their sole album Songs Of The Blue And Grey released in 1961. Became a member of the New Christy Minstrels in 1962. Co-wrote Marie Laveau with Shel Silverstein, first recorded by Dr Hook & the Medicine Show and notably covered by Bobby Bare
August 28, 1940 ~ George Ivy Hunter, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Ivy Jo Hunter, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Session keyboardist on a number of early Motown recordings before focusing on songwriting, mostly in partnership with William Mickey Stevenson. Artists who recorded his songs include the Spinners, Martha & the Vandellas (Dancing In the Street), the Four Tops (Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever), the Temptations, the Contours, Jimmy Ruffin, the Marvelettes (Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead), the Miracles, the Isley Brothers (Behind A Painted Smile), Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye (You're The One), Chuck Jackson, and Aretha Franklin (Without Love) ~ Hunter passed away in 2022
August 28, 1940 ~ Doo-wop singer Walter Ward born ~ Lead singer of 1950s doo-wop group the Olympics, known for songs such as Western Movies, I Wanna Dance With The Teacher, Baby Hully Gully which inspired a dance craze, and for Good Lovin' which would later be covered by the Young Rascals ~ Ward passed away in 2006
August 28, 1938 ~ Beatrice Pauline Botty, commonly known as pianist, organist Beebe Freitas, born in Youngstown, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as music director of the Hawaii Opera Theatre. Also worked with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops Orchestra, the Collegiate Chorale, the Camerata Singers, the New York Philharmonic, David Shifrin, Yo-Yo Ma, Sasha Cooke, and Frederica von Stade ~ Freitas passed away in 2018
August 28, 1937 ~ Drummer Clem Cattini born in London, UK ~ Member of the Beat Boys, Johnny Kidd & the Pirates (Shakin' All Over), and of the Tornados (Telstar). Would go on to become an in-demand session musician, appearing on recordings by the Kinks, Herman's Hermits, Dusty Springfield, the Merseys, the Bee Gees, Lulu, Marianne Faithfull, Tom Jones, the Hollies, the Wombles, Gene Pitney, Donovan, Jeff Beck, Engelbert Humperdinck, the Ivy League, Edison Lighthouse, the Yardbirds, Marc Bolan, the Flower Pot Men, Georgie Fame, Joe Cocker, Graham Gouldman, Cliff Richard, Justin Hayward, Phil Everly, Alvin Stardust, Demis Roussos, Paul McCartney, Chris Spedding, and others
August 28, 1937 ~ Bassist Joe Osborn born in Mound, Louisiana, USA ~ Session bassist best known as member of both the Wrecking Crew and the Nashville A-Team. Over the course of his career Osborn worked with Dale Hawkins, Bob Luman, Roy Buchanan, James Burton, Ricky Nelson (Traveling Man), Lou Adler, Bones Howe, the Mamas & the Papas (California Dreamin'), the Association, the Grass Roots (Midnight Confession), the 5th Dimension, Simon & Garfunkel (Bridge Over Troubled Water), America (Ventura Highway), Neil Diamond, the Carpenters, Nancy Sinatra, Kenny Rogers, Mel Tillis, Hank Williams Jr, Johnny Rivers (Memphis), Richard Harris (Macarthur Park), and others ~ Osborn passed away in 2018
August 28, 1937 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, trumpeter, pianist, singer Phil Shulman, full name Philip Arthur Shulman, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Eldest brother of Derek Shulman and Ray Shulman. All brothers were members of Simon Dupree & the Big Sound before forming progressive rock group Gentle Giant. Shulman remained with the group from 1970 to 1973, appearing on the albums Gentle Giant, Acquiring The Taste, Three Friends, and Octopus
August 28, 1931 ~ Martha Jane Greene, commonly known as actress, singer Jane Green, passed away in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Popular 1920s singer known for her association with Florenz Ziegfeld Jr and appearing in several Broadway productions including 1919's Nine O'Clock Review, 1923's Nitties Of 1923 and 1925's Greenwich Follies Revue. Married to songwriter Jimmy Byler from 1918 until Byler's death in 1924 ~ Greene was born in 1897
August 28, 1931 ~ Operatic bass-baritone John Shirley-Quirk, full name John Stanton Shirley-Quirk, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Member of the Purcell Singers. Closely associated with composer Benjamin Britten, who wrote several roles especially for him. Notable performances include roles in Britten's Curlew River, Canticle IV (Journey Of The Magi), and Death In Venice. Has worked with the English Opera Group, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Scottish Opera ~ Shirley-Quirk passed away in 2014
August 28, 1928 ~ Pianist Kenny Drew, full name Kenneth Sidney Drew, born in New York, New York, USA ~ A severely underrated jazz pianist, Drew is perhaps best known for appearing on John Coltrane's seminal Blue Train album issued in 1957. Drew has also recorded prolifically as a leader, and appeared as a sideman on numerous albums by Sonny Stitt, Sonny Rollins, Buddy DeFranco, Zoot Sims, Paul Quinichette, Clifford Brown (Caravan), Dexter Gordon, Donald Byrd, Art Farmer (Farmer's Market), Chet Baker (Chet Baker Sings), Jackie McLean, Art Blakey, and Johnny Griffin. Drew moved to Europe in the early-1960s, and lived in France and Denmark where he became a well known figure recording extensively with Danish bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen. Drew has a street named after him, Kenny Drew Vej, in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Drew passed away in 1993
August 28, 1926 ~ Harold Luttenbacher, commonly known as free jazz composer, bandleader, multi-instrumentalist Hal Russell, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Founded the NRG Ensemble. Worked with Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Joe Daley, and Joel Futterman ~ Luttenbacher passed away in 1992
August 28, 1926 ~ Jazz drummer Phil Seamen, full name Philip Wiliam Seamen, born in Burton-upon-Trent, UK ~ In-demand sidemen played with who's who of British jazz including Joe Harriott, Tubby Hayes, Stan Tracey, Ronnie Scott, Denny Termer, Dick Morrisey, Harold McNair, Don Rendell, Victor Feldman, Dizzy Reece, Tony Coe, Tony Lee, George Chisholm, and others ~ Seamen passed away in 1972
August 28, 1925 ~ Singer Billy Grammer born in Benton, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his 1959 hit Gotta Travel On, written by David Lazar, Larry Ehrlich, Paul Clayton, and Tom Six. Recorded the first version of Bobby Bare's Detroit City, entitled I Wanna Go Home in 1963 ~ Grammer passed away in 2011
August 28, 1925 ~ Swing singer Ronnie Deauville born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Influenced by Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra. Enjoyed a brief career through the mid-1950s, notably with Glen Gray's orchestra, cut short by a car accident and subsequently contracting polio leaving him paralyzed from the neck down ~ Deauville passed away in 1990
August 28, 1921 ~ Anthony Alessandrini, commonly known as jazz pianist Tony Aless, born in Garfield, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with Bunny Berigan, Johnny McGhee, Teddy Powell, Vaughn Monroe, Charlie Spivak, Woody Herman, Georgie Auld, Flip Phillips, Chubby Jackson, Neal Hefti, Stan Getz, Elliot Lawrence, Seldon Powell, Charlie Parker, JJ Johnson, Kai Winding, Dave Schildkraut, and others ~ Alessandrini passed away in 1988
August 28, 1920 ~ Jazz trumpeter Rowland Greenberg born in Oslo, Norway ~ Pivotal to Norwegian jazz in the 1940s and 1950s. Banned and jailed by the Nazis for viewing jazz films. Worked with the Hot Dogs, the Funny Boys, George Shearing, Vic Lewis, Arvid Gram Paulsen, Lulle Kristofferson, Pete Brown, Gordon Franklin, Robert Normann, Kjell Bjornstad, Frank Hansen, Lyder Vengbo, Fred Lange-Nielsen, Cecil Aagard, Thore Erling, Malte Johnson, Sam Samson, Miles Davis, Bill Coleman, Jimmy McPartland, Aimé Barelli, Egil Monn-Iversen, Leiv Flisnes, Mikkel Flagstad, Totti Bergh, Knut Young, Ivar Wefring, Bjorn Krokfoss, Ben Webster, Teddy Wilson, and others ~ Greenberg passed away in 1994
August 28, 1914 ~ Abraham Osser, commonly known as orchestra leader, arranger, songwriter Glenn Osser, born in Munising, Michigan, USA ~ Arranged for Bob Crosby, Vincent Lopez, Al Donahue, Charlie Barnet, Bunny Berigan, Ben Bernie. Backed singers such as Doris Day, Jerry Vale, Johnny Mathis, Jill Corey. Long-time musical director and conductor for the Miss America Pageant ~ Osser passed away in 2014
August 28, 1913 ~ Conductor Robert Irving, full name Robert Augustine Irving, born in Winchester, UK ~ Worked with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Sadler's Wells Ballet, Margot Fonteyn, Michael Somes, the Philharmonia Orchestra, the New York City Ballet, and others ~ Irving passed away in 1991
August 28, 1904 ~ Bandleader, trombonist, pianist Ernie Fields, full name Ernest Lawrence Fields, born in Nacogdoches, Texas, USA ~ Father of saxophonist Ernie Fields Jr. Best known as bandleader of the house band at Rendezvous Records from the late-1950s until the company folded in 1963 working with sidemen such as Ernie Freeman, Plas Johnson and Earl Palmer ~ Fields passed away in 1995