August 29, 2022 ~ Country singer, songwriter Luke Bell found deceased in Tucson, Arizona, USA ~ Critically compared to Buck Owens and Roger Miller. Draws from honky-tonk and classic country. Acclaimed for his third and final studio album, the eponymous Luke Bell released in 2016. Known best for the singles Where Ya Been and the John Lennon-cover Jealous Guy. Bell disappeared in August 2022, his body discovered nine days later ~ Bell was born in 1990
August 29, 2021 ~ Psychedelic rock, acid rock, hard rock drummer, guitarist Ron Bushy passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Early member of Iron Butterfly, replacing original drummer Bruce Morse in 1966. Noted for his drum solo on the band's iconic song In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. Bushy is the only band member to appear on all of the band's six studio albums ~ Bushy was born in 1945
August 29, 2014 ~ Robert William Woodman, commonly known as pop rock, rock & roll drummer Bobbie Clarke, passed away in Coventry, UK ~ Important figure in early British rock & roll active since the late-1950s. Has drummed with Eric Delaney, Vince Eager, Marty Wilde, Johnny Hallyday, and briefly Deep Purple, serving as the latter's first drummer. Perhaps best known for several stints with Vince Taylor. Clarke's autobiography, Bobbie Clarke Playboy & Showman, would be published posthumously in 2017 ~ Woodman was born in 1940
August 29, 2011 ~ Singer, guitarist David Honeyboy Edwards passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Big Joe Williams, Charley Patton, Tommy Johnson, Johnny Shines, Robert Lockwood Junior, Henry Townsend, Pinetop Perkins, and others ~ Edwards was born in 1915
August 29, 2011 ~ Vocal pop singer Fred Farran passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of the Arbors, which also included his twin brother Ed Farran, known for a number of 1960s recordings including Symphony For Susan, Just Let It Happen, Graduation Day and perhaps their best known The Letter, the latter a Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit in 1969 and originally a charttopper for the Box Tops three years earlier. The vocal pop quartet is also noted for their follow-up album, Featuring I Can't Quit Her The Letter featuring vocal pop interpretations of songs originally by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Doors, Blood Sweat & Tears, and Simon & Garfunkel ~ Farran was born in 1937
August 29, 2009 ~ Mary Jean Loutsenhizer, commonly known as jazz singer Chris Connor, passed away in Toms River, New Jersey, USA ~ Sang with bands led by Claude Thornhill, Jerry Wald, and Stan Kenton in the early-1950s. Signed with Bethlehem in 1953 and released dual LPs, Sings Lullabies Of Birdland and Sings Lullabies For Lovers, making her the label's best-selling solo artist. Moved to Atlantic Records in 1955, becoming the label's first white female jazz singers, producing a string of well-polished albums through the early-1960s working with some of the days best musicians. Connor spent the remainder of the 1960s and 1970s recording for various labels. ~ Connor was born in 1927
August 29, 2006 ~ Morris Eugene Simmons, commonly known as rock & roll, rockabilly, country singer, songwriter Jumpin' Gene Simmons, passed away in Tupelo, Mississippi, USA ~ Earned his nickname “Jumpin' Gene” for his energetic stage act. Best remembered for Haunted House, his sole hit peaking at No.11 Billboard Hot 100 in 1964. The song would later be covered by a wide array of artists including the Compton Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ace Cannon, Hasil Adkins, Sam the Sham, John Fogerty, and John Anderson. Other songs written or co-written and first recorded by Simmons include Drinkin' Wine, Indian Outlaw, which became a breakout hit for Tim McGraw in 1994, and Peroxide Blonde In A Hopped Up Model Ford, notably covered by Brian Setzer in 2005. Kiss bassist Gene Simmons, whose real name is Chaim Witz, chose his stage name in honor of the rockabilly singer ~ Simmons was born in 1933
August 29, 2005 ~ Pop, bubblegum pop drummer, bassist, singer Barry Cowsill, full name Barry Steven Cowsill, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Cowsills, best known for The Rain The Park & Other Things, Indian Lake and a live version of Hair, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100 in the late-1960s. The band disbanded in 1972, but has on occasion reunited ~ Cowsill was born 1954
August 29, 2001 ~ Rock & roll, pop, glam rock singer Graeme Strachan also known as Shirley Graeme, full name Graeme Ronald Strachan, passed away in Mount Archer, Australia ~ Briefly a member of Frame in the early 1970s. Strachan would, however, rise to fame as lead singer of Skyhooks from 1974 through 1978, rejoining on occasion in later years. Strachan has recorded a solo artist, noted for the mid-1970s Australian top 20 hits Every Little Bit Hurts and The Tracks Of My Tears originally recorded by respectively Brenda Holloway and the Miracles, as well as with supergroup the Party Boys, and worked as a host for several TV shows. Strachan passed away at age 49 in a self-piloted helicopter crash ~ Strachan was born in 1952
August 29, 1998 ~ Singer Charlie Feathers, full name Charles Arthur Feathers, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for a number of pioneering 1950 rockabilly, rock & roll recordings including Peeping Eyes, Defrost Your Heart, Tongue-tied Jill, and Bottle To The Baby. At the time underappreciated, and most certainly underpromoted, but in retrospect Feather's energetic, theatrical vocal style which included intentional hiccups, screeching and screaming, would prove to be influential on numerous later musicians, perhaps most notably the Cramps-singer Lux Interior. As a songwriter, Feathers is perhaps best known for co-penning I Forgot To Remember To Forget, first recorded by then-labelmate Elvis Presley and over the years covered by dozens of artists. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Feathers include Tommy Tucker, Cub Koda, the Stray Cats (One Hand Loose), and Nick Lowe. Though disputed, Feathers has claimed to have arranged That's All Right and Blue Moon Of Kentucky for Presley ~ Feathers was born in 1932
August 29, 1993 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Liam Payne, full name Liam James Payne, born in Wolverhampton, UK ~ Member of boy band One Direction. The Irish-English boy band was conceived and assembled through the talent show The X-Factor in 2010 to become one of the all-time best-selling boy bands, releasing five albums until their definite hiatus in 2016, all albums reaching top 5 on both sides of the Atlantic. Well-known songs include What Makes You Beautiful, Live While We're Young, Best Song Ever, and Story Of My Life. Payne would debut as a solo artist with the 2017 single Strip That Down featuring Quavo, which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Payne has since collaborated with Zedd, Rita Ora, J Balvin, French Montana, and Jonas Blue, and released his full-length solo album LP1 in 2019. At the time of his death, Payne was working on his sophomore album ~ Payne passed away in 2024
August 29, 1992 ~ Maria Luiza de Arruda Botelho Pereira de Magalhães, commonly known as singer, guitarist, banjoist, dobroist, songwriter Mallu Magalhães, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Rose to fame in her mid-teens, with several of her songs posted to her MySpace page attracting serious attention including Tchubaruba, J1, and Vanguart. Following critical acclaim, Magalhães would release her full-length eponymous Mallu Magalhães debut album in 2008. The album earned her several MTV Brazil nominations including for Best New Act. Magalhães has continued to record to commercial and critical success since, and formed Banda Do Mar in the mid-2010s with her husband guitarist Marcelo Camelo and drummer Fred Ferreira
August 29, 1986 ~ Singer Lea Michele born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Former Broadway child actress, appearing in stage productions of Les Miserables and Fiddler On The Roof. Best known as a member of Glee cast from 2009 to 2015. Released her solo debut album, Louder, in 2014
August 29, 1985 ~ Trombonist Achilles Liarmakopoulos born in Athens, Greece ~ Briefly played with the Greek Radio Symphony Orchestra prior to joining the Canadian Brass, with whom he has recorded and toured all over the world since 2011. As a solo artist best known for his 2011 Astor Piazzollo (Tango Distinto) album, the first full album to feature Astor Piazzolla's work on solo trombone. Formed Cuatrombon in 2018, which also features Jorge Glem, Manuel Rangle, and Bam Bam Rodriguez, known for their 2020 Volar album
August 29, 1982 ~ André Levins, commonly known as rapper A+, born in Hempstead, New York, USA ~ Released his debut album, The Latch-Key Child, at age 13. The album featured contributions from Mobb Deep and Q-Tip and would spawn the modest hit single All I See. Released a sophomore album three years later, Hempstead High, with guest appearances from DeBarge, Lost Boyz and Canibus. Its hit single, Enjoy Yourself, would reach the top 10 in the UK
August 29, 1982 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Dor Daniel born in Hod Hasharon, Israel ~ Rose to fame with Ahava Ktana, a song he had written at a young age and left in a drawer. Its success led to a songwriting deal with Helicon Records. Artists who have recorded Daniel's songs include Idan Yaniv, Hila Zaitun, Maya Bouskilla, and others
August 29, 1981 ~ Indie rock bassist, producer Chris Taylor born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Best known as indie rock outfit Grizzly Bear bassist. Also produced albums for artists including the Dirty Projectors, the Department Of Eagles, Twin Shadow, Kishi Bashi, the Morning Benders, and others
August 29, 1979 ~ Electronic producer, DJ, composer Chris Clark, full name Christopher Stephen Clark, born in St Albans, UK ~ Over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Clarence Park released in 2001. Also known as a remixer having taken on songs by Friendly Fires, Amon Tobin, PVT, Maxïmo Park, Massive Attack and Depeche Mode
August 29, 1976 ~ Blues, electric blues harpist, guitarist, singer, songwriter Jimmy Reed, full name Mathis James Reed, passed away in Oakland, California, USA ~ Considered one of the most influential blues musicians due to his easily accessible style. Covered by Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones, Etta James, Chuck Berry, Aretha Franklin, Elvin Bishop, Barbara Lewis, Bryan Ferry, and others. Best known for songs such as Honest I Do, Shame Shame Shame, Baby What Do You Want Me To Do, Big Boss Man and Bright Lights Big City ~ Reed was born in 1925
August 29, 1973 ~ Rock singer, guitarist Vincent Cavanagh born in Liverpool, UK ~ Best known as co-founder and sole constant member of Anathema. Co-wrote a considerable amount of the band's material including Restless Oblivion, Re-connect, Leave No Trace, Balance and Thin Air
August 29, 1972 ~ Elisabeth Bunnenberg, commonly known as chanson singer Lale Andersen, passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Best known for her 1939 recording of Lili Marleen, a huge hit with German soldiers through the end of the war and eventually selling over a million copies. Nazi officials prohibited Andersen to perform altogether for some nine months because of the song and her association with Jewish friends. In desperation Andersen reportedly attempted suicide but failed. Forced to sing in several Nazi propaganda films before semi-retiring. After the war she returned scoring hits with Die Blaue Nacht Am Hafen and Ein Schiff Wird Kommen and represented Germany at the 1961 Eurovision Songfestival with Einmal Sehen Wir Uns Wieder reaching thirteenth place ~ Buttenberg was born in 1905
August 29, 1972 ~ Composer, conductor René Leibowitz passed away in Paris, France ~ Known as an avid promoter of the Second Viennese School style after World War II. Renowned conductor acclaimed for his performances of works by composers as diverse as Ludwig van Beethoven, Jacques Offenbach, Maurice Ravel, George Gershwin, Giacomo Puccini, and Arthur Sullivan ~ Leibowitz was born in 1913
August 29, 1971 ~ Ingo Martens, commonly known as breakbeat, house, UK garage DJ, producer Azzido Da Bass, born ~ Important figure in the 1990s German techno scene. As a recording artist and producer best known for his association with Stevo Wilcken, scoring late-1990s, 2000s hits such as Dooms Night and Speed (Can You Feel It)
August 29, 1969 ~ Progressive metal keyboardist Michael Pinnella born in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, USA ~ From a young age Pinnella is influenced by classical composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin, and Johann Sebastian Bach, later expanding into hard rock, progressive metal, and neo-classical acts such as Emerson Lake & Powell, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Best known as a constant member of Symphony X, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums since its inception, his keyboards an essential element of the band's symphonic sound. The band is best known for the albums The Divine Wings Of Tragedy and Iconoclast, released respectively in 1997 and 2011. Outside of the band, Pinnella has recorded as a solo artist, starting with Enter By The Twelfth Gate released in 2004, and guested on albums by Whiplash, Russell Allen, God Forbid, Mike Orlando, and Nektar
August 29, 1968 ~ Pop singer Bobby Vinton records I Love How You Love Me ~ Written by Barry Mann and Larry Kolber, it would be a modest hit for the Paris Sisters in 1961. Vinton's rendition, urged by producer Billy Sherrill to do a string of covers, would make it to the Billboard Hot 100 top 10, revitalizing Vinton's career. Later notable covers would be recorded by Bryan Ferry, Eddy Arnold, the Babys, Billy Fury, and Neutral Milk Hotel
August 29, 1967 ~ Psychedelic rock, rock, anti-folk, experimental singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, cellist, percussionist Anton Newcombe, full name Anton Alfred Newcombe, born in Newport Beach, California, USA ~ Best known as co-founding and key member of the Brian Jonestown Massacre, writing or co-writing the majority of the band's material
August 29, 1967 ~ Singer Glen Campbell records By The Time I Get To Phoenix at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, California ~ Written by Jimmy Webb. Called “the greatest torch song ever written” by Frank Sinatra. Recorded by Johnny Rivers in 1965. Campbell would release his Al De Lory-produced version as lead single of the album of the same name in October 1967, paired with You've Still Got A Place In My Heart on the flip side. Later covered by numerous artists including Solomon Burke, Charlie Rich and Isaac Hayes, the latter including an 18 minute version of the tune on his 1969 Hot Buttered Soul album
August 29, 1967 ~ Alternative rock bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Rich Priske born in Vancouver, Canada ~ Worked with Art Bergmann, DSK, ShoCore, Chrome Dog, Bif Naked, the Real McKenzies, Florida Man, Matthew Good, Brooke Nolan, the Town Pants, Sex With Nixon, and others
August 29, 1966 ~ Singer Shawn Camp born in Perryville, Kansas, USA ~ As a recording artist known as a member of the Earls Of Leicester and of Silver Scooter. Backed musicians such as the Osborne Brothers, Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood. As a solo artist known for a handful of modest country hits, most notably Fallin' Never Felt So Good and Confessin' My Love. Achieved his biggest succes as a songwriter wrting or co-writing hits for artists such as Garth Brooks (Two Piña Coladas), Brooks & Dunn (How Long Gone), Josh Turner (Would You Go With Me), George Strait (River Of Love), and for Billy Currington (Love Done Gone)
August 29, 1963 ~ Singer, songwriter Elizabeth Fraser, full name Elizabeth Davidson Fraser, born in Grangemouth, UK ~ Member of the Cocteau Twins. Also worked with This Mortal Coil, Massive Attack (notably on the hit Teardrop), Craig Armstrong, Peter Gabriel, Sam Lee (The Moon Shines Bright), Damon Reece, Ian McCulloch, the Wolfgang Press, and others
August 29, 1960 ~ Earl Thomas Bridgeman, commonly known as blues singer, songwriter Earl Thomas, born ~ Debuted in 1991 with the acclaimed album Blue Not Blues. Had his songs covered by Tom Jones, Etta James (I Sing The Blues), Solomon Burke, and Screamin' Jay Hawkins
August 29, 1959 ~ Sadenia Reader, commonly known as singer, songwriter Eddi Reader, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Member of Fairground Attraction. Sang backup for punk band Gang Of Four. Worked with with Eurythmics, the Waterboys, Billy Mackenzie, John Foxx, Alison Moyet, Vladimir Cosma, Mark E Nevin, and others
August 29, 1958 ~ Singer Michael Jackson, full name Michael Joseph Jackson, born in Gary, Indiana, USA ~ Considered one of the most important cultural icons of the twentieth century. Dubbed “the King of Pop”. Child star as a member of sibling oufit the Jackson 5, known for songs such as I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save and I'll Be There. Debuted as a solo artist with 1972's Got To Be There, quicly followed by Ben, its title track Ben becoming a massive global hit. Shot to mega stardom in the late-1970s with the Off The Wall containing songs such as Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough and Rock With You. Dominated the 1980s with a string of subsequent hit albums which to this day still rank among all-time best-selling albums, notably Thriller and Bad, spawning numerous hit singles and it's accompanying music videos transforming the medium music video to an art form. Well known songs from this period include Billie Jean, Wanna Be Startin' Something, PYT (Pretty Young Thing), Thriller, Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Dirty Diana and Smooth Criminal. Jackson would continue to hit the charts well into the 1990s scoring hits with Black Or White, Remember The Time, You Are Not Alone, You Rock My World, but starting in the late-1980s his career would be overshadowed by an array of controversies over his changing appearance, extravagant behavior earning him the nickname “Wacko Jacko” such as having a personal theme park and zoo built or allegedly sleeping in a bubble, never-proven allegations of child abuse and legal and financial battles ~ Jackson passed away in 2009
August 29, 1958 ~ Percussionist, songwriter Peter Ulrich born in Perivale, UK ~ Best known as member of Dead Can Dance, starting on the band's eponymous Dead Can Dance debut album. Also worked with This Mortal Coil, the Wolfgang Press, and others. Released his solo debut album, Pathways And Dawns, in 1999
August 29, 1956 ~ Keyboardist Dan Truman born in St George, Utah, USA ~ Core member of country, gospel outfit Diamond Rio, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums. The band enjoyed popularity especially during the 1990s and early-2000s, and has racked up well over a dozen Billboard Country top 10 hits including the No.1 hits Meet In The Middle, How Your Love Makes Me Feel, One More Day, Beautiful Mess, and I Believe
August 29, 1956 ~ Jazz guitarist Doug Raney born in New York, New York, USA ~ Son of guitarist Jimmy Raney, with whom he made his first recordings. Would go on to become an acclaimed guitarist in his own right, praised for his crisp chording and fluid voicings. Over a dozen albums as leader or co-leader, especially noted for Stolen Moments and Guitar Guitar Guitar. Recorded several albums with Chet Baker through the mid-1980s, most notably The Touch Of Your Lips released in 1979. Raney also guested on albums by Bernt Rosengren, John McNeil, Jesper Thilo, Horace Parlan (Hi-Fly), Ola Kvernberg, Joaquín Chacón, and Jesper Lundgaard. Raney lived in Denmark for a large portion of his career, where he died of heart failure at age 59 ~ Raney passed away in 2016
August 29, 1956 ~ Kevin Michael Allin, commonly known as punk rock, shock rock, outlaw country singer, drummer, guitarist, bassist GG Allin, born in Lancaster, New Hampshire, USA ~ Controversial punk icon labeled both “the toughest rock star in the world” and “the most spectacular degenerate in rock and roll history”, recorded prolifically yet was known more for his stage antics than his music. Allin's live performances often included acts of self-mutilation, defecating on stage, and assaulting audience members, for which he was arrested several times. Other than his 1988 Freaks Faggots Drunks & Junkies album, which received critical acclaim, most of his music received negative reviews, though Allin did enjoy a cult following. Allin had promised for years to commit suicide on stage, but died age 36 of a heroin overdose instead ~ Allin passed away in 1993
August 29, 1956 ~ Alternative rock guitarist Jeff Walls, full name Jeffrey Kermit Walls, born ~ Co-founding member of 1980s alternative rock outfit Guadalcanal Diary, best known for their 1987 2x4 album which was hailed by some critics as one of the best albums of the 1980s ~ Walls passed away in 2019
August 29, 1955 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Diamanda Galás born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Avant-garde confrontational performer with well over a dozen albums to her name since the early-1980s. Cites artists as diverse as Maria Callas, John Lee Hooker, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, and Jimi Hendrix as influences. Especially acclaimed for the 1986 album The Divine Punishment and the 1991 album Plague Mass (1984 End Of The Pandemic). Well-known for addressing a range of political and social issues
August 29, 1951 ~ Guitarist Geoff Whitehorn, full name Geoffrey Charles Whitehorn, born in London, UK ~ Joined If in 1971, appearing on their last two albums. Member of Crawler from 1976 to 1979. Member of the Shortlist from 1979 to 1988. Joined Procol Harum in 1991. Has also worked with artists such as Bad Company, Jethro Tull, Kevin Ayers, Elkie Brooks, the Who, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, and Paul McCartney
August 29, 1950 ~ Jannaro Uvena, commonly known as drummer Jan Uvena, born in Huntington, USA ~ Best known as a member of heavy metal outfit Alcatrazz for a good portion of the 1980s, including on the acclaimed No Parole From Rock 'n Roll album released in 1983. Uvena has also worked with artists such as Alice Cooper, the Paley Brothers, Bonnie Pointer, Pipedream, Signal, and the Jonas Hansson Band
August 29, 1948 ~ Violinist, keyboardist Simon House born in Nottingham, UK ~ Classically trained. Best known as key member of space rock band Hawkwind, staying with the band from 1974 to 1978. Left to join David Bowie's backing band. Has also worked with High Tide, Denny Gerrard, the Third Ear Band, Michel Moorcock, Robert Calvert, Japan, David Sylvian, Thomas Dolby, Mike Oldfield, Magic Muscle, Nik Turner, the Anubian Lights, Ade Shaw, Judy Dyble, Nektar, and released various solo recordings
August 29, 1945 ~ Keyboardist, organist, bassist Chris Copping born in Southend, UK ~ Member of Procol Harum from 1969 through 1977, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums starting with Home. Previously Copping had played with the Paramounts in the early-1960s, worked for the government, and received a chemistry degree. Following his departure from the band, shortly before the band disbanded altogether, Copping relocated to Australia where he continued to play and compose including for a number of short films
August 29, 1945 ~ Jazz drummer Trevor Richards, full name Trevor Hamilton Edward Richards, born ~ Worked with Zutty Singleton, the Olympia Brass Band, Louis Nelson, Alton Purnell, Freddie Kohlmann, Albert Nicholas, Benny Waters, Art Hodes, Ralph Sutton, Jacques Gauthe, Clive Wilson, and others
August 29, 1943 ~ Richard Bernard Halligan, commonly known as pianist, trombonist, flutist, producer, arranger Dick Halligan, born in Troy, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of Blood Sweat & Tears. Wrote Redemption and Lisa Listen To Me. Trombonist on the band's 1968 Child Is Father To The Man debut album, switched to piano and flute after Al Kooper left. Remained with the band through 1971, leaving after the BS&T 4 album. Worked as a film composer and performer since ~ Halligan passed away in 2022
August 29, 1943 ~ Singer, guitarist, composer Edu Lobo born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Achieved fame in 1960s as part of the bossa nova movement. Known for compositions such as Upa Neguinho, Pra Dizer Adeus, Chora Bandido A Historia De Lily Braun Beatriz and others. Has worked with, has his composition seen performed or recorded by artists such as Toots Thielemans, Marcos Valle, Elis Regina, Silvia Telles, Sérgio Mendes, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Milton Nascimento, Maria Bethânia, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Monica Salmaso, Sarah Vaughan, Earth Wind & Fire, Caterina Valente, and others
August 29, 1942 ~ Guitarist, bassist Sterling Morrison, full name Holmes Sterling Morrison Jr, born in East Meadow, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Velvet Underground, present on the band's first four albums starting with the acclaimed Velvet Underground & Nico debut album released in 1967. Unlike his bandmates Lou Reed, John Cale, Moe Tucker, and Nico, Morrison has never recorded as a solo artist ~ Morrison passed away in 1995
August 29, 1940 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist Bennie Maupin born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ About half a dozen albums as leader or co-leader, notably with the quartet Almanac which also included Cecil McBee, Mike Nock and Eddie Marshall. Perhaps best known for appearing on the seminal Miles Davis Bitches Brew jazz fusion album released in 1970, and for his longtime association with Herbie Hancock, including on the albums Mwandishi and Head Hunters. Other notable collaborations include Freddie Hubbard, McCoy Tyner (Tender Moments), Horace Silver (Serenade To A Soul Sister), Lee Morgan, Jack DeJohnette, Andrew Hill, Eddie Henderson (Realization), Sonny Rollins, Freddie Hubbard, and the Essence Of Funk
August 29, 1936 ~ Pianist Clara Sverner born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Over two dozen albums to her name. Frequent collaborator of Paulo Moura. Credited for popularizing the works of composer Glauco Velasquez. Also hailed as an interpreter of Almeida Prado, Gilberto Mendes, Ronaldo Miranda, and others
August 29, 1935 ~ Singer, percussionist, songrwriter, producer Bob Markley, full name Robert H Markley, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Founded psychedelic rock band the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. The band is best known for their 1968 album Volume 3 (A Child's Guide To Good And Evil), considered a landmark album in psychedelic rock ~ Markley passed away in 2003
August 29, 1933 ~ Singer, pianist, actor Ramses Shaffy born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France ~ Emerged from the 1960s to become one of the Netherlands' most beloved singers. Known for songs such as Sammy, We Zullen Doorgaan, Pastorale with Liesbeth List, Laat Me and perhaps his best known Zing Vecht Huil Bid Lach En Bewonder. Many of his songs remain popular to this day ~ Shaffy passed away in 2009
August 29, 1932 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist Jerry Dodgion born in Richmond, California, USA ~ Worked with Rudy Salvini, Gerald Wilson, Vernon Alley, Billie Holiday, Benny Carter, Red Norvo, Benny Goodman, Oliver Nelson, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Herbie Hancock, Duke Pearson, Blue Mitchell, Count Basie, Marian McPartland, Sonny Clark, Charlie Mariano, Randy Brecker, Lou Donaldson, Bobby Hackett, JJ Johnson, Etta Jones, Yusef Lateef, Blue Mitchell, Quincy Jones, Wes Montgomery, Shirley Scott, Jimmy Smith, Stanley Turrentine, and others ~ Dodgion passed away in 2023
August 29, 1932 ~ Paolo Zavalloni, commonly known as pop, funk, soul, disco pianist, singer, songwriter Paolo Zavallone, born in Riccione, Italy ~ Active since the 1950s. Member of Henghel Gualdi's orchestra. Rose to fame in the 1970s as bandleader in several TV shows and composer and singer of their theme songs. Best known for his 1977 disco hit Amada Mia Amore Mio with El Pasador. Other well known songs include Non-Stop, Kilimangiaro, and Papa Ha La Bua, Has also composed for others, notably Le Notti Lunghi for Adriano Celentano ~ Zavalloni passed away in 2023
August 29, 1929 ~ Gospel singer, songwriter, actress Albertina Walker born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Mahalia Jackson. Known for songs such as Please Be Patient With Me, I Can Go To God In Prayer, The Best Is Yet To Come, The Impossible Dream, and Joy Will Come. Worked with the Pete Williams Singers, the Willie Webb Singers, the Robert Anderson Singers, the Caravans, James Cleveland, Bessie Griffin, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrews, Loleatta Holloway, John McNell, Cassietta George, Delores Washington, the Cathedral Of Love Choir, Metro Mass Choir, the West Point Choir, the Sisters Of Glory, Thelma Houston, CeCe Peniston, Phoebe Snow, and Lois Walden ~ Walker passed away in 2010
August 29, 1929 ~ Algia Mae O'Neal, comonly known as singer, guitarist Algia Mae Hinton, born in Johnston County, North Carolina, USA ~ Piedmont blues singer, guitarist. Known for playing the guitar behind her head as she danced ~ O'Neal passed away in 2018
August 29, 1928 ~ Paul Evans, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Stump Evans, passed away in Douglas County, Kansas, USA ~ One of the first jazz saxophonists. Worked with the Creole Jazz Band led by King Oliver, the Dixie Syncopators, Priscilla Stewart, Jelly Roll Morton's outfit the Red Hot Peppers, Erskine Tate, Jimmy Wade, and others. Died at age 23 of tuberculosis ~ Evans was born in 1904
August 29, 1927 ~ Jimmy Yves Newman, commonly known as country, cajun singer, guitarist, songwriter Jimmy C Newman, born in Mamou, Louisiana, USA ~ Influenced by Cajun music, the C in his artist name stands for Cajun. Enjoyed popularity in country scenes from the early-1950s through the 1960s. Regular performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Known for songs such as Cry Cry Darling, A Fallen Star, A Lovely Work Of Art, and DJ For A Day, all of which reached top on the Billboard Country charts ~ Newman passed away in 2014
August 29, 1927 ~ Thomas Raymond Kelly, commonly known as jazz double bassist Red Kelly, born in Shelby, Montana, USA ~ Worked with Charlie Barnet, Herbie Fields, Claude Thornhill, Red Norvo, Red Mitchell, Woody Herman, Dick Collins, Nat Pierce, Maynard Ferguson, Med Flory, Stan Kenton, Lennie Niehaus, the Modest Jazz Trio, Jim Hall, and Harry James ~ Kelly passed away in 2004
August 29, 1924 ~ Ruth Lee Jones, commonly known as singer, pianist Dinah Washington, born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA ~ Popular 1950s jazz singer, drew from blues, R&B, traditional pop. Debuted in 1944 with Evil Gal Blues. Also known for hits such as Ain't Misbehavin', Am I Asking Too Much, Baby Get Lost, I Wanna Be Loved, Cold Cold Heart, What A Difference A Day Makes, the Brook Benton duet Baby You've Got What It Takes, and September In The Rain. Worked with Lionel Hampton, Clifford Brown, Clark Terry, Cannonball Adderley, and Ben Webster ~ Jones passed away in 1963
August 29, 1924 ~ Singer, actress Maria Dolores Pradera born in Madrid, Spain ~ Recognised as one of the most admired voices in Spain and Latin America. Started as an actress in the 1950s. Focused on her music career since the 1960s, specializing in bolero, ballad, ronda, folk and other traditional idioms ~ Pradera passed away in 2018
August 29, 1922 ~ Jazz trumpeter Rolf Ericson born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, most notably Stockholm Sweetnin' released in 1985. In-demand sideman, present on albums by the Lighthouse All-Stars, Chet Baker, Harold Land, Ernestine Anderson, Stan Kenton, Quincy Jones, Buddy Rich, Charles Mingus (The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady), Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster, and Monica Zetterlund ~ Ericson passed away in 1997
August 29, 1920 ~ Saxophonist Charlie Parker born in Kansas City, Kansas, USA ~ Pivotal be-bop pioneer. Helped change the image of a jazz musician from entertainer to intellectual. Best known for songs such as Yardbird Suite and Ornithology. Influenced by Count Basie, Bennie Moten, Buster Smith. Worked with Jay McShann (who gave Parker his nickname, Yardbird, usually shortened to Bird), Earl Hines, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Christian, Kenny Clarke, William Fleet, Miles Davis, Curley Russell, and Max Roach. Charlie Watts, drummer for the Rolling Stones, wrote the children's book Ode To A High Flying Bird as a tribute to Parker ~ Parker passed away in 1955