August 3, 2024 ~ Classical cellist Antônio Meneses passed away in Basel, Switzerland ~ 1982 Tchaikowsky Competition winner. Member of the Beaux Arts Trio from 1998 until its disbandement in 2008. Has worked with renowned orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande, and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Meneses was born in 1957
August 3, 2024 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, gospel, R&B clarinetist, keyboardist, music director Shaun Martin passed away ~ Closely associated with Kirk Franklin, with whom he recorded since still in high school including the Grammy Award-winning albums Hero and The Fight Of My Life. Member of Snarky Puppy since 2010, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums starting with Tell Your Friends. An in-demand sideman, arranger, and producer, Martin has collaborated with the likes of Guru, Erykah Badu (Mama's Gun), N'Dambi, Donnie McClurkin, Myron Butler, Fred Hammond, Tamela Mann, Crystal Aikin, Amber Bullock, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Alicia Keys (Here), and Ledisi. Martin has also recorded three solo albums, starting with the jazz-infused 7 Summers in 2015. Martin has served as Minister of Music at the Friendship West Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas. Upon his death at age 45 of an undisclosed illness, which he had been battling for some time, Snarky Puppy issued a statement, saying: “Yesterday, we lost a music legend and, more importantly, a beautiful, luminous human being. Martin touched so many people during his life and through the beautiful immortality of music, will continue to do so” ~ Martin was born in 1978
August 3, 2023 ~ Conductor, composer Carl Davis passed away in Oxford, UK ~ Best known as prolific composer for film and TV, notably the 1981 drama film The French Lieutenant's Woman and the 1995 BBC TV series Pride & Prejudice. To pop audiences perhaps best known for collaborating with Paul McCartney on the 1991 Liverpool Oratorio album, McCartney's first foray into classical music ~ Davis was born in 1936
August 3, 2022 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist Nicky Moore, full name Nicholas Charles Moore, passed away ~ Best known as a member of Samson, joining the band in 1982 replacing Bruce Dickinson and first appearing on the Before The Storm album. Member of Mammoth. Has also worked with Hackensack, Tiger, Mister Big Stuff, From Behind, and others. Would gravitate towards a more bluesy sound with his own bands the Nicky Moore Band and especially Nicky Moore's Blues Corporation ~ Moore was born in 1947
August 3, 2021 ~ Engineer, producer Allan Blazek passed away in Michigan City, Indiana, USA ~ Mentored by producer Bill Szymczyk. Engineered the Eagles' pivotal Hotel California album. Would go on to produce albums by Glenn Frey, REO Speedwagon, the J Geils Band (Bloodshot), Fandango, Elvin Bishop (Struttin' My Stuff), and the Outlaws ~ Blazek was born in 1950
August 3, 2020 ~ Rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Michael Peter Smith passed away ~ On par with John Prine and Steve Goodman, though never became a household name. Best known for penning and first recording The Dutchman, popularized by Goodman and covered by numerous artists including Suzy Bogguss, John McDermott, the New Kingston Trio, Tom Russell, and Jerry Jeff Walker. Over a dozen albums to his name including collaborations with Anne Hills, James Lee Stanley, Jamie O'Reilly and several with Barbara Barrow ~ Smith was born in 1941
August 3, 2019 ~ Producer, songwriter Henri Belolo passed away in Paris, France ~ Most active during the disco era. Club DJ, A&R representative. Best known as producer and songwriter who, along with Jacques Morali, was behind the chart-busting acts Ritchie Family and the Village People ~ Belolo was born in 1936
August 3, 2016 ~ Singer Ricci Martin passed away in Kansas, Utah, USA ~ Son of singer Dean Martin. Fronted the Pack. Collaborated with the Beach Boys singer Carl Wilson. One third of Ricci Desi & Billy, the other two being Desi Arnaz Jr and Billy Hinsche who had previously worked with Martin's late brother Dean Paul Martin under the moniker Dino Desi & Billy ~ Martin was born in 1953
August 3, 2014 ~ Pianist Kenny Drew Jr passed away in St Petersburg, Florida, USA ~ Son of Kenny Drew. Cited Thelonious Monk as influence. Leader and sideman. Worked with Bob Berg, Charnett Moffett, Al Foster, Terence Blanchard, Cody Moffett, Buster Williams, Marvin Smitty Smith, Christian McBride, Winard Harper, Wallace Roney, Ralph Moore, George Mraz, David Sánchez, Lewis Nash, Joshua Redman, Eddie Gomez, Bill Stewart, Lynn Seaton, Michael Philip Mossman, Ravi Coltrane, Steve Nelson, Tony Reedus, Peter Washington, Larry Coryell, Jon Burr, Hal Melia, the Mingus Big Band, Carl Allen, Steve Slagle, Stanley Turrentine, Daniel Schnyder, Jack Walrath, Ron McClure, Bubba Brooks, Warren Vaché Jr, Paul F Kendall, Johnny Griffin, Butch Miles, Jeff Rupert, Paquito d'Rivera, Richard Drexler, Kevin Celebi, and others ~ Drew was born in 1958
August 3, 2011 ~ Progressive metal singer Andrew McDermott passed away ~ Best known as a member of Threshold, joining the band in 1998 replacing Damian Wilson. Has also worked with Sargant Fury, Yargos, Swampfreaks, and with Powerworld ~ McDermott was born in 1966
August 3, 2011 ~ Pianist Nikolai Petrov, full name Nikolai Arnoldovich petrov, passed away in Moscow, Russia ~ Son of cellist Arnold Ferkelman. Classically trained from an early age. Internationally renowned pianist. Has worked with conductors such as Mariss Jansons, Kirill Kondrashin, Gennnady Rozhdestvensky, Yevgeny Svetlanov, and Yuri Temirkanov ~ Petrov was born in 1943
August 3, 2010 ~ Robert Von Hebb, singer, commonly known as Bobby Hebb, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best remembered for his 1966 hit Sunny. Other notable songs include A Satisfied Mind and Love Me. Started working professionally with country artists such as Roy Acuff, and sang backup on Bo Diddley's Diddley Daddley, and replaced Mickey Baker in Mickey & Sylvia ~ Hebb was born in 1938
August 3, 2008 ~ Singer Erik Darling passed away in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA ~ Influential figure in the late-1950s, early-1960s folk scene. As a solo artist best known for his 1961 True Religion sophomore album. Founded the Tarriers, known for their 1956 rendition of The Banana Boat Song. Worked with the Kossy Sisters on their 1956 Bowling Green. Joined the Weavers in 1958, replacing Pete Seeger. Member of the Rooftop Singers ~ Darling was born in 1933
August 3, 2008 ~ Rock, blues-rock guitarist Roger Dean, full name David Roger Bryan Dean, passed away ~ Briefly a member of John Mayall's backing unit the Bluesbreakers, present on the 1965 John Mayall Plays John Mayall album. Also worked with the Nu Notes, Spike Island, the Bluejays, PP Arnold, Jonathan King, and others ~ Dean was born in 1943
August 3, 2006 ~ Singer, songwriter Arthur Porter Taylor, commonly known as Arthur Lee, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Rose to fame as frontman of Love, known for a number of mid- to late-1960s albums, most of which initially sold only moderately but did garner a cult following. Especially noted is the band's third album, Forever Changes, which Rolling Stone ranked as 40th greatest album of all-time in 2012 ~ Lee was born in 1945
August 3, 2003 ~ Country singer, songwriter Redd Stewart passed away in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Member of the Golden West Cowboys which included Eddy Arnold and Pee Wee King. Best remembered for co-writing The Tennessee Waltz with King. The song would be recorded by Patti Page, Roy Acuff, the Louvin Brothers, Elvis Presley, and by numerous others. Stewart also wrote or co-wrote songs such as Jim Reeves' That's A Sad Affair, Moon Mullican's Downstream, Hawkshaw Hawkins' Slow Poke, and Ernest Tubb's Soldier's Last Letter ~ Stewart was born in 1923
August 3, 2002 ~ Saxophonist Jerry Underwood passed away in Chambéry, France ~ Closely associated with John Martyn, backing the folk, folk rock guitarist on albums such as Could't Love You More and And. Perhaps best known as a member of Pentangle from 1995, first appearing on the Passe Avant album, until his death at age 45 of a brain tumor. Underwood has also guested on albums by Andy Sheppard, Carla Bley, Gail Thompson, and Tim Richards ~ Underwood was born in 1956
August 3, 1999 ~ Bassist Leroy Vinnegar passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Earned the nickname “the Walker” for his trademark rhythmic walking bass line, a steady series of ascending or descending notes. Vinnegar first gained notoriety in the 1950s recording with artists such as Lee Konitz, André Previn (including on the quintessential 1956 album My Fair Lady, one of the most successful records ever produced), Stan Getz, Shorty Rogers, Chet Baker, Shelly Manne, Joe Castro, and Serge Chaloff. Vinnegar has recorded with numerous others since, including Dolo Coker, Sonny Criss, the Doors (on the 1968 album Waiting For The Sun), Kenny Drew, Teddy Edwards, Red Garland, the Jazz Crusaders, and with Van Morrison (on the critically acclaimed 1972 album St Dominics Preview) ~ Vinnegar was born in 1928
August 3, 1997 ~ Markeyvius LaShun Cathey, commonly known as hip-hop, trap rapper Key Glock, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Protégé and regular collaborator of Young Dolph. Influenced by Gucci Mane, Lil' Wayne, and Three 6 Mafia. First gained in 2017 with his Glock Season mixtape. Released his full-length Yellow Tape debut album in 2020
August 3, 1991 ~ Joey Vercher, commonly known as hip-hop rapper, producer, songwriter Joey Fatts, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Active since the early-2010s, known for a number of mixtapes released with the help of A$AP Yams. Produced A$AP Rocky's Jodye. Has also worked with Aston Matthews, Vince Staples, the Cutthroat Boyz, and Snoop Dogg
August 3, 1988 ~ Shelley Marshaun Massenburg-Smith, producer, commonly known as Dram, born in Neustadt-an-der-Weinstrasse, West Germany ~ Goes by the stage name of DRAM, an acronym for Does Real Ass Music. Debuted in 2014 with the single Cha Cha which failed to chart. DRAM's sophomore single, 2016's Broccolu featuring Lil' Yachty, would reach No.5 Billboard. His debut studio album Big Baby Dram would follow in October and reach No.19 on the albums chart. Over the course of his career DRAM has collaborated with DP, E-40, Gorillaz, Trae tha Truth, Young Dolph, Juicy J, and A$AP Rocky
August 3, 1986 ~ Jazz saxophonist, singer Joe Thomas, full name Joseph Vankert Thomas, passed away in Kansas City, Missouri, Missouri ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Coleman Hawkins and Chu Berry. Worked with Earl Hood, Horace Henderson, Stuff Smith, Jimmie Lunceford, Johnny Grimes, George Duvivier, and others ~ Thomas was born in 1909
August 3, 1984 ~ Ska bassist, guitarist, singer Chris Maurer born ~ Member of ska, ska punk band the Suburban Legends fronted by his brother singer Tim Maurer, joining the band in 2000 as replacement for Justin Meacham. Maurer departed the band in 2004 to continue his education
August 3, 1984 ~ Country singer, songwriter Whitney Duncan born in Scotts Hill, Tennessee, USA ~ First gained attention as contestant on the 2007 edition of the talent contest Nashville Star, reaching 5th place. Would release her eponymous Whitney Duncan debut album later the same year. Best known for the modest hits When I Said I Would and Skinny Dippin', both taken of her 2010 Right Road Now sophomore album
August 3, 1983 ~ Christophe Durier, commonly known as singer Christophe Willem, born in Enghien-les-Bains, France ~ First gained serious attention as winner of the fourth edition of the talent show Nouvelle Star in 2006. Released his Inventaire debut album the following year. Known best for songs such as Sunny, Double Je, Jacques A Dit and Quelle Chance, all of which reached top 10 in his native France
August 3, 1983 ~ Jazz, pop singer Kat Edmonson born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Released her eponymous Kat Edmonson debut album in 2009. Has gone on to open for Lyle Lovett, who also guested on Long Way Home of her Way Down Low sophomore album, as well as open for Jamie Cullum, Michael Kiwanuka, Chris Isaak, and Gary Clark Jr. Edmonson has also guested on albums by Miles Zuniga, Walter Martin, and Asleep At The Wheel
August 3, 1983 ~ Travis Ryan Collins, commonly known as CCM singer, guitarist, songwriter Travis Ryan, born in San Clemente, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing We Believe, recorded by the Newsboys for their 2013 Restart album. Collins has been recording independently since the late-2000s, and released his major-label Fearless debut album in 2012
August 3, 1980 ~ Hardcore punk, metalcore, punk rock guitarist, singer Brandan Schieppati, full name Brandan Sebastian Schieppati, born in Newport Beach, California, USA ~ Member of bands such as Eighteen Visions, Throwdown, Bleeding Through, the Mistake and the Misfits-cover band Die Die My Darling. Also served as manager for several punk acts including Letlive, Stray From The Path, For The Fallen Dreams, and the Ghost Inside
August 3, 1973 ~ Dingilizwe Dumile, commonly known as hip-hop, alternative hip-hop DJ, rapper, producer DJ Subroc, born in East Meadow, New York, USA ~ Member of KMD, co-founded with his brother MF Doom, known for their 1991 Mr Hood album. The group would also serve as producing team for the likes of 3rd Bass, MF Grimm, and Kurious. Dumile's 1993 death in a traffic accident effectively halted the group's production of Black Bastards, although the album would be released posthumously in 2000. Dumile's brother Doom would dedicate his 2004 track Kon Karne to his late brother referencing him in the lyrics as “the hip-hop Jimi Hendrix” ~ Dumile passed away in 1993
August 3, 1968 ~ In its fifth week on the charts, Hello I Love You by the Doors hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ At the time, most 45rpm recordings were in the mono format. Hello I Love You was one of the first rock singles in stereo, helping set a new industry standard. The band had originally first recorded the song for a demo in 1965, prior to their namechange to the Doors, and at the insistence of their label dug it up to be included on their Waiting For The Sun album. Issued as the album's second single, it would become their second and final Billboard Hot 100 No.1. In a 1968 interview lead singer Jim Morrison remarked: “Sure, Hello I Love You isn't one of our best songs, but I am not ashamed of it. Really, I like the other side (Love Street) better. I was hoping they would flip it and play that, but they haven't”
August 3, 1965 ~ Darryl O Barnes, commonly known as rapper Smooth B, born ~ Formed the duo Nice & Smooth with Smooth B, aided by DJ Teddy Tedd and best known for a number of 1990s underground rap songs notably Funky For You, Hip-Hop Junkies, Sometimes I Rhyme Slow and Old To The New
August 3, 1964 ~ Reggae, mbaqanga guitarist, keyboardist, singer Lucky Dube, full name Lucky Philip Dube, born in Ermelo, South Africa ~ Initially a mbaqanga singer, Dube would switch to reggae in the mid-1980s, inspired by Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh. His earliest reggae releases would prove commercially unsuccessful, and the apartheid regime would ban him for his socio-political lyrics, yet Dube would soldier on and find his breakthrough with the 1985 Think About The Children album, which reached Platinum status. Dube would continue to record to critical acclaim and commercial success, becoming Africa's best selling reggae artist, well into the 2000s ~ Dube passed away in 2007
August 3, 1963 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Ed Roland, full name Edgar Eugene Roland Jr, born in Stockbridge, Georgia, USA ~ Lead singer and primary songwriter of Collective Soul, which also included his brother guitarist Dean Roland, with whom he recorded well over a dozen albums including Collective Soul and Disciplined Breakdown. The post-grunge band enjoyed popularity especially during the 1990s, the singles Shine, December, and The World I Know all reaching top 20 Billboard Hot 100. The band's best known single, Shine written by Roland, has been covered by Dolly Parton, the Holmes Brothers, and Phish
August 3, 1963 ~ Singer, guitarist James Hetfield, full name James Alan Hetfield, born in Downey, California, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer, rhythm and occasional lead guitarist, and primary songwriter of Metallica, with whom he recorded about a dozen albums starting with Kill 'Em All released in 1983. Hetfield was influenced by the likes of AC/DC, Black Sabbath, the Ramones, and particularly Aerosmith, Hetfield citing the latter as the main reason he wanted to play guitar, while Metallica themselves would become one of the most influential metal bands of all time, alongside Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth regarded as one of “the Great Four” of thrash metal. The band has had about half a dozen of their albums debut atop the Billboard Hot 200 chart, garnered over two dozen Grammy Award nominations, and has sold over 125 million records. Well known songs include Master Of Puppets, One, Enter Sandman, Nothing Else Matters, and Until It Sleeps
August 3, 1963 ~ In its tenth week on the charts, So Much In Love by the Tymes hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ The band evolved from the Latineers formed in 1956, changing their name to the Tymes in 1960 after recruiting George Williams as their new lead vocalist. The band's So Much In Love debut single tells of a guy so much in love he can't wait to get married to the object of his affection, the couple strolling along the sea. The strolling by the sea theme is enhanced by its intro of sound effects of singing birds and waves, accompanied by finger snaps as the lead instrument. Later, Billy Joel would remark So Much In Love inspired his 1984 single The Longest Time, a doo-wop-tinged song also featuring characteristic finger snaps. A follow-up to So Much In Love, Wonderful Wonderful would also reach top 10, peaking at No.7 Billboard Hot 100. In the UK, the band is best known for Ms Grace released in 1974, which topped the British charts but bombed in their native America
August 3, 1962 ~ Jazz, neo-bop, post-bop bassist Ben Wolfe, full name Benjamin Jonah Wolfe, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Praised by critics for his wit and cool intelligence and his signature blending of jazz and classical influences, his music once described by the New York Times as where “Charles Mingus and Miles Davis meet Béla Bartók and Bernard Herrmann”. Well over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader, starting in the late-1990s, especially noted for the 2008 No Strangers Here album. As a sideman and collaborator, Wolfe has appeared on albums by Frank Kimbrough, Wessell Anderson, Eric Reed, Carl Allen, Buckshot LeFonque (Music Evolution), Kevin Mahogany, Diana Krall, Wynton Marsalis (Live At The Village Vanguard), Harry Connick Jr (30), Cristina Branco, Brad Leali, Orrin Evans, Michael Bublé (Nobody But Me), and Julius Rodriguez
August 3, 1961 ~ Leon Drucker, commonly known as bassist, double bassist Lee Rocker born in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Son of clarinetists Naomi Drucker and Stanley Drucker. Rose to fame as a member of 1980s rockabilly revival band the Stray Cats, known for songs such as Runaway Boys, Rock This Town and Stray Cat Strut. Has also worked with Phantom Rocker & Slick, Carl Perkins, Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, John Fogerty and with Elvis Presley-guitarist Scotty Moore
August 3, 1960 ~ Country keyboardist, pianist Dean Sams born in Garland, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member of Lonestar, known for hits such as No News, Come Cryin' To Me, Amazed, Smile, What About Now, Tell Her, I'm Already There, My Front Porch Looking On and Mr Mom. The band is also known for once including John Rich, who would later rise to fame as half of country-rock duo Big & Rich
August 3, 1960 ~ Saxophonist Greg Osby born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the early-1980s. Co-founding member of M-Base Collective. Some two dozen albums to his name as a leader, some of his earlier recordings attempts to merge jazz with hip-hop influences. Most acclaimed for albums such as Banned In New York, Inner Circle, and St Louis Shoes. Has collaborated with the likes of Franco Ambrosetti, Uri Caine, Andrew Hill, Steve Coleman, Andrew Cyrille, Robin Eubanks, Herbie Hancock, Strata Institute, and others
August 3, 1960 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Richard Shindell born in Lakehurst, New Jersey, USA ~ About a dozen albums to his name, starting with Sparrows Point released in 1992. Received wider attention when Joan Baez recorded his Fishing, Reunion Hill and Money For Floods for her Gone From Danger album. Formed the group Cry Cry Cry with Dar Williams and Lucy Kaplansky, known for their 1998 eponymous Cry Cry Cry album
August 3, 1959 ~ Rock, pop drummer Kors Eijkelboom born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Worked with the Scene, Blue Murder, the Jack Of Hearts, Eton Crop. The song Niet Alle Meisjes Zijn Verliefd Op Kors, recorded by de Tröckener Kecks, is about Eijkelboom
August 3, 1958 ~ Actor, TV personality, singer, songwriter Wim Rijken born in Kinderdijk, the Netherlands ~ Best known as an actor for TV, film, theater. As a singer debuted in 1988 with the single Wie Weet Wat Liefde Is duetting with Conny Vandenbos and later rerecorded as a duet with Marga Bult. As a solo artist known for songs such as Voor Mij Is Er Maar Eén, Jij Bent Mijn Zomer and Zo Zijn We Samen ~ Rijken passed away in 2022
August 3, 1953 ~ John Bairnson, commonly known as bassist, guitarist Ian Bairnson, born in Shetland, UK ~ Member of 1970s outfit Pilot, known for their 1974 Magic single. Also closely associated with the Alan Parsons Project, working with Alan Parsons for over two decades starting in the mid-1970s and noted for his guitar solo on I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You. Appeared on Kate Bush's first four albums including the guitar solo on Wuthering Heights of Bush's The Kick Inside debut album. Co-wrote If You Can't Stand The Heat and Run For Your Life both recorded by Bucks Fizz. Has also worked with Yvonne Keeley, Joe Cocker, Jon Anderson, Chris De Burgh, Mick Fleetwood, Neil Diamond, and others ~ Bairnson passed away in 2023
August 3, 1948 ~ Classical, jazz, pop, R&B, gospel pianist, guitarist, singer, composer, producer Ray Reach, full name Raymond Everett Reach Jr, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Perhaps best known as longtime director of the Magic City Jazz Orchestra, which he founded. Has also worked with the Night Flight Band, Cleveland Eaton, the Alabama Allstars, the Superjazz Big Band, Ellis Marsalis, and others
August 3, 1947 ~ Singer, songwriter Sally Oldfield born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Sister of Mike Oldfield and Terry Oldfield. Sally recorded with her brother Mike as Sallyangle, releasing the album Children Of The Sun in 1968. Oldfield would also work with Pejje Phojola, Steve Hackett, with both her brothers including on Mike's critically acclaimed Tubular Bells, and record as a solo artist
August 3, 1947 ~ John Michael Kenneth Tyler, commonly known as singer, guitarist Sean Tyla, born in Barlow, UK ~ Best known as founding member of Ducks Deluxe, formed 1972. Also formed its successor Tyla Gang in 1975. Formed the Force in 1981. Also worked with Help Yourself, Joan Jett, Deke Leonard, Martin Belmont, the Trouble Boys, and with Little Bob Story
August 3, 1946 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Jack Wilson born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Gene Ammons, Sonny Stitt, Eddie Harris, Al Hibbler, Richard Evans, Gerald Wilson, Lou Donaldson, Herbie Mann, Jackie McLean, Johnny Griffin, Sammy Davis Jr, Sarah Vaughan, Lou Rawls, Eartha Kitt, Julie London, Sonny & Cher, Lorez Alexandria, Tutti Camarata, Curtis Amy, Earl Anderza, Roy Ayers, and Clark Terry ~ Wilson passed away in 2007
August 3, 1946 ~ John York Foley, commonly known as rock, country rock bassist, guitarist, oud player, singer John York, born in White Plains, New York, USA ~ Worked with Doug Sahm in Sir Douglas Quintet and sessioned for the Mamas & the Papas and Johnny Rivers. Briefly a member of the Byrds replacing original bassist Chris Hillman, present on the 1969 Dr Byrds And Mr Hyde album. Wrote the band's Fido and co-wrote Candy. Following his departure from the band has worked with Gene Clark, Chris Darrow, Katie Trickett, Carla Olson, and recorded as a solo artist
August 3, 1946 ~ Singer Syreeta Wright born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Started out at Motown as demo and backup singer including for the Supremes, the Spinners, and Stevie Wonder whom she eventually married. The couple would work on Wonder's Where I'm Coming From album, with Wright doing arranging, composing, notably If You Really Love Me, and backing vocals. As a solo artist Wright has been releasing albums since the early-1970s. Perhaps best known for her duet With You I'm Born Again with Billy Preston ~ Wright passed away in 2004
August 3, 1943 ~ Edward Cornelius, commonly known as trumpeter Corky Cornelius, passed away ~ Active since the early-1930s, working with Les Brown, Buddy Rogers, Frank Dailey, Benny Goodman, and the Casa Loma Orchestra. While working with Gene Krupa in the early-1940s, Cornelius met the band's singer Irene Daye whom he would marry soon after. Only a few years into the marriage, Cornelius passed away unexpectedly at age 53 of kidney cancer. His widow Daye would later marry trumpeter, bandleader Charlie Spivak ~ Cornelius was born in 1914
August 3, 1943 ~ Roberto Orlando Bracone Macceialli, commonly known as singer Elio Roca, born in Presidencia Roque Saenz Peña, Argentina ~ Active since the mid-1960s. Best known for songs such as Como Deseo Ser Tu Amor, Te Necesito Tanato Amor, Yo Quiero Dubujarte. Has also ventured into acting ~ Bracone passed away in 2021
August 3, 1941 ~ R&B, pop singer Beverly Lee born in Passaic, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of 1960s all girl vocal group the Shirelles, known for songs such as Tonight's The Night, Baby It's You and Will You Love Me Tomorrow. The latter would be the first single by a black girl group to top the Billboard Hot 100. The song stands as a classic from the era and has been covered by hundreds of artists, including Brenda Lee, Ben E King, Dusty Springfield, Carla Thomas, and the Righteous Brothers. Carole King, who had penned the song with then-husband Gerry Goffin back in 1960, would also record her own version for the acclaimed 1971 Tapestry album, and has regularly performed the song since
August 3, 1940 ~ Singer Antonis Kalogiannis born in Kaisariana, Greece ~ Actively recording since the mid-1960s, initially with the help of composer Mikis Theodorakis. Exiled during the reign of Greece's military junta, known for recording protesting songs among others collaborating with Maria Farantouri. Established himself as a popular balladeer in the 1980s ~ Kalogiannis passed away in 2021
August 3, 1940 ~ Lutenist, banjoist, guitarist, musicologist James Tyler, full name James Henry Tyler, born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Helped pioneer an early music revival with over 50 recordings to his name. Has notably collaborated with the New York Pro Musica, and performed with Sidney Beck's Consort Players for President John F Kennedy at the White House. Has formed the New Excelsior Talking Machine ragtime ensemble, for which he played banjo, and the London Early Music Group ~ Tyler passed away in 2010
August 3, 1939 ~ Drummer Jimmie Nicol, full name James George Nicol, born in London, UK ~ Best known for filling in for the Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, who fell ill with tonsillitis and was hospitalised, for eight dates during the height of Beatlemania in 1964. The brief stint with the band propelled Nicol to fame and back to obscurity again in the space of a fortnight
August 3, 1939 ~ Roy Charles Hammond, commonly known as R&B, soul singer Roy C, born in Newington, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for Shotgun Wedding, which reached top 20 Billboard R&B in 1965. Hammond is also noted for recording Impeach The President with the Honey Drippers, calling for the impeachment of then-President Richard Nixon. The song would become one of the most sampled drum tracks in hip-hop music used in hundreds of songs including MC Shan's The Bridge, De La Soul's Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey) and the Notorious BIG's Unbelievable ~ Hammond passed away in 2020
August 3, 1937 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, poet, author, journalist Patricio Manns, full name Iván Patricio Eugenio Manns De Folliot, born in Nacimiento, Chile ~ Wrote Bandido which was recorded by Los Travadores. Wrote El Sueño Americano which he recorded with the group Voces Andina. Reached national fame with Arriba En La Cordillera of his 1966 Entre Mar Y Cordillera solo album. Actively worked with the 1964 and 1970 Salvador Allende presidential campaigns as both a musician and journalist, fled the country after the military coup in 1973 and in exile became a spokesperson of the Chilean resistance ~ Manns passed away in 2021
August 3, 1936 ~ Producer, songwriter Henri Belolo born in Casablanca, French Morocco ~ Most active during the disco era. Club DJ, A&R representative. Best known as producer and songwriter who, along with Jacques Morali, was behind the chart-busting acts Ritchie Family and the Village People ~ Belolo passed away in 2019
August 3, 1935 ~ Jazz drummer Andrew Hilaire, full name Andrew Henry Hilaire, passed away in in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Lil' Armstrong, Carroll Dickerson, Doc Cook, Freddie Keppard, Jelly Roll Morton, Jerome Don Pasquall, and Eddie South ~ Hilaire as born in 1899
August 3, 1930 ~ Robert McCormick, commonly known as musicologist, folklorist, music journalist Mack McCormick, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Correspondent for famed Down Beat magazine. Helpful in bringing artists such as Mance Lipscomb, Robert Shaw and Lightnin' Hopkins to the forefront in the late-1950s. Also a valued researcher on Robert Johnson, closely associated with the Smithsonian Institute ~ McCormick passed away in 2015
August 3, 1926 ~ Anthony Dominick Benedetto, commonly known as singer Tony Bennett, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Enjoyed a career spanning eight decades, singing both pop and jazz. Has released over 70 albums including the acclaimed The Beat Of My Heart, Count Basie Swings Tony Bennett Sings with Count Basie, and I Left My Heart In San Francisco. Well-known hits include Because Of You, Cold Cold Heart, and Rags To Riches. Later on in life would rejuvenate his career through collaborations with Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga, extending his appeal to younger generations ~ Benedetto passed away in 2023
August 3, 1925 ~ Jazz, bossa nova, jazz fusion drummer Dom Um Romão born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Internationally best known for his stint with the Weather Report, joining the renowned fusion outfit in 1972 as replacement for Airto Moreira, and as a solo artist with about a dozen albums to his name including the highly acclaimed eponymous Dom Um Romão album. Prior to his rise to fame on the international scene, Romão was a celebrated accompanist for the likes of Latin artists such as Elis Regina, Elizeth Cardoso, Jorge Ben, and his then-wife singer Flora Purim. An in-demand sideman, Romão has also appeared on albums by Walter Wanderley, Vince Guaraldi, Luiz Bonfá, Stanley Turrentine, Collin Walcott (Grazing Dreams), Eddie Palmieri, Herbie Mann, Helen Merrill, Roberta Flack, Roy Ayers, McCoy Tyner, Kip Hanrahan (Coup De Tête), and Bobby Watson ~ Romão passed away in 2005
August 3, 1924 ~ Gospel, country, rock & roll singer Gordon Stoker born in Gleason, Tennessee, USA ~ Longtime member of the Jordanaires, a vocal group credited most with bringing black spirituals to white audiences. The group is also known for touring with Mahalia Jackson, one of the first interracial gospel pairings, as a backing vocal group for Elvis Presley on classic recordings such as (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear, (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care, King Creole, I Got Stung, GI Blues, and Return To Sender, and for backing Patsy Cline on all of her Decca Records-sessions including Crazy, I Fall To Pieces, Walkin' After Midnight and She's Got You ~ Stoker passed away in 2013
August 3, 1921 ~ Conductor Louis Frémaux, full name Louis Joseph Felix Frémaux, born in Aire-sur-la-Lys, France ~ Member of the French Resistance during World War II. As a conductor and director worked with the Monte Carlo Orchestre, the Orchestre National De Lyon, the City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Frémaux passed away in 2017
August 3, 1918 ~ Organist, pianist, composer Olivier Alain, full name Olivier Georges Alain, born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France ~ Son of Albert Alain, brother of Jehan Alain and Marie-Claire Alain, all renowned organists. Director of the Saint-Germain-en-Laye Conservatory from 1950 through 1964. Director of the Ecole Casar Franck in Paris from 1960 through 1974. Founder of Conservatoire National de Region in Paris, serving as its director from 1976 through 1985. Has composed some 170 works, most of which are still unpublished. Alain has also authored several books, including a monograph on Johann Sebastian Bach ~ Alain passed away in 1994
August 3, 1917 ~ Jazz, swing trumpeter Charlie Shavers, full name Charles James Shavers, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Played piano and banjo before switching to trumpet. Worked with Tiny Bradshaw, Lucky Millinder, and Dizzy Gillespie early on in his career. Well known for his tenure with John Kirby from the mid-1930s through the mid-1940s, Shavers' arrangements and solos making the band one of the most successful of its day. Kirby also recorded several compositions co-written by Shavers including Why Begin Again, Dawn On The Desert, Wondering Where, and notably Undecided, the latter of which became a jazz standard covered by well over 300 artists. As a leader or co-leader, Shavers has recorded some two dozen albums since the mid-1950s, specifically acclaimed for Like Charlie released in 1961. As an in-demand collaborator and sideman, Shavers has appeared on recordings by Gene Krupa, Art Tatum, Coleman Hawkins, Benny Goodman, Ernie Wilkins, Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Billie Holiday (Lady Sings The Blues), Teddy Wilson, Ray Charles, Art Blakey, Tommy Dorsey, Buddy Rich, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Charlie Byrd, and Jimmy McPartland ~ Shavers passed away in 1971
August 3, 1917 ~ Jazz, swing, easy listening trumpeter Les Elgart, full name Lester Elliott Elgart, born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA ~ Served in orchestras led by the likes of Raymond Scott, Charlie Spivak, and Harry James prior to teaming up with his brother Larry Elgart by the mid-1940s. With the declining popularity of big bands by the end of the decade, the siblings parted ways, Les going on to freelance, before reuniting by late 1952 with a new and unique blend of brass and reeds, with a handsome sound and smart arrangements appealing to a large audience through the end of the decade with albums such as Sophisticated Swing, The Elgart Touch, and For Dancers Also. One of their best known tracks, Bandstand Boogie, would be used as the theme song to the musical TV show American Bandstand ~ Elgart passed away in 1995
August 3, 1916 ~ R&B, rockabilly songwriter Claude Demetrius born in Bath, Maine, USA ~ Perhaps best known for writing Mean Woman Blues, one of the earliest hits for Elvis Presley and later covered by over an estimated hundred artists including Roy Orbison, whose single reached No.5 Billboard Hot 100 in 1963. Presley also recorded several other songs written or co-written by Demetrius including I Was The One, Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me), and Hard Headed Woman. Others who have recorded songs written or co-written by Demetrius include Louis Jordan (Ain't That Just Like A Woman (They'll Do It Every Time)), Dinah Washington, the Blenders, and Johnnie Ray ~ Demetrius passed away in 1988