August 4, 2023 ~ Rock keyboardist John Gosling passed away ~ Member of the Kinks from 1970 through 1978, replaced by Gordon Edwards. Gosling recorded over half a dozen albums with the band, including the acclaimed Muswell Hillbillies released in 1971 ~ Gosling was born ca.1948
August 4, 2023 ~ Rock, indie rock guitarist, keyboardist, clarinetist, singer Tom Pintens passed away ~ As a solo artist best known for In Charleroi of his 2009 Winter Maakt Ons Vrolijk sophomore album. Pintens has been active since the mid-1990s, working with bands such as Flowers For Breakfast, Think Of One, Het Zesde Metaal, and perhaps most notably Zita Swoon ~ Pintens was born ca.1974
August 4, 2022 ~ Schlager, pop singer Margot Eskens passed away ~ Popular during the 1950s and 1960s. Sold over 40 million records. Known for songs such as Moulin Rouge, Ich Mochte Heut Ausgehn, Tiritomba and perhaps her biggest hit Cindy Oh Cindy. Represented Germany in the 1966 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 10th place with Die Zeiger Der Uhr written by Walter Dobschinski and Hans Bradtke ~ Eskens was born in 1939
August 4, 2021 ~ David Lee Jr, commonly known as jazz drummer, composer David Lee, passed away ~ Got his start in music in the late-1960s, backing Dizzy Gillespie. Closely associated with Sonny Rollins, appearing on several of the tenor saxophonist's albums including Next Album and The Cutting Edge. Has also guested on recordings by Joe Zawinul (Concerto Retitled), Leon Thomas, Albert Dailey (The Day After The Dawn), Lonnie Liston Smith, Charlie Rouse, Richard Wyands (Then Here And Now), Professor Longhair, Earl Tubinton, Ron Levy, Snooks Eaglin (Out Of Nowhere), Lowell Fulson, Grady Gaines, and Ellis Marsalis ~ Lee was born in 1941
August 4, 2020 ~ Heavy metal, groove metal drummer Tony Costanza passed away ~ Influenced by Dave Lombardo, Gene Hoglan, Terry Bozzio. Best known as original drummer of Machine Head, playing with the band in 1992 and 1993. Has also worked with Papsmear, Debris Inc, Crowbar, Area 51, Crisis, and others ~ Costanza was born in 1968
August 4, 2018 ~ Lawrencine May Collins, commonly known as country, rockabilly, rock singer, guitarist Lorrie Collins passed away in Reno, Nevada, USA ~ Girlfriend of singer and teen idol Ricky Nelson during the late-1950s, both on the TV show The Adventures Of Ozzie And Harriet and in real life. Sister of Larry Collins, with whom she performed through the 1960s under the moniker the Collins Kids and best known for their signature song Just Because ~ Collins was born in 1942
August 4, 2015 ~ Producer, songwriter Billy Sherrill passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Influenced by Phil Spector, Don Law, Chet Atkins. Helped define the Countrypolitan sound. Frequent writing collaborator of Norro Wilson, George Richey, and Glenn Sutton. Wrote or co-wrote many of country's most enduring classics including David Houston's Almost Persuaded, Tammy Wynette's Stand By Your Man, and Charlie Rich's The Most Beautiful Girl In The World. Others who recorded his songs include George Jones, Barbara Mandrell, Sandy Posey, Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, Lacy J Dalton, Ray Conniff, Bob Luman, Johnny Duncan, Jim & Jesse, Moe Bandy, Joe Stampley, Charlie Walker, Barbara Fairchild, and Mickey Gilley ~ Sherrill was born in 1936
August 4, 2013 ~ Guitarist, bassist Tim Wright passed away ~ Original bassist for Pere Ubu, appearing only on a handful of singles before departing the band before their first album was recorded. Best known as member of no wave band DNA, remaining with the band through its disbandement in 1982. Notably present on the Brian Eno and David Byrne collaborative 1981 album My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts, Byrne's first album outside of Talking Heads ~ Wright was born ca.1952
August 4, 2012 ~ Electric blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Johnnie Bassett, full name Johnnie Alexander Bassett, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Cites Billy Butler, Tiny Grimes, Albert King, BB King, T-Bone Walker as influences. Sessioned for decades for artists such as Big Joe Turner, Ruth Brown, Nolan Strong, André Williams, the Miracles, John Lee Hooker, Alberta Adams, Lowell Fulson, Dinah Washington, Tina Turner, Little Willie John, and others. Recorded as a leader since the mid-1990s ~ Bassett was born in 1935
August 4, 2011 ~ Krautrock, electronic, experimental keyboardist, cellist, violinist, percussionist Conrad Schnitzler passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ Early member of Tangerine Dream, playing with the band in 1969 and 1970. Co-founding member of Kluster. Member of Eruption. Has also recorded prolifically as a solo artist and was an in-demand collaborator, notably working with Gen Ken Montgomery ~ Schnitzler was born in 1937
August 4, 2007 ~ Producer, singer, songwriter Lee Hazlewood, full name Barton Lee Hazlewood, passed away in Henderson, Nevada, USA ~ Widely acclaimed as genius, ranked among America's all-time greatest songwriters. Best known for his work producing Duane Eddy in the 1950s and collaborating with Nancy Sinatra in the 1960s including producing and writing These Boots Are Made For Walkin'. As a solo artist best known for his output in the 1960s, often described as cowboy psychedelia. Once described as the world's cheeriest fatalist, especially due to his 1969 masterpiece Trouble Is A Lonesome Town. Hazlewood would retire from music by the early-1970s ~ Hazlewood was born in 1929
August 4, 2006 ~ Hard rock, rock keyboardist John Locke, full name John Tilden Locke, passed away in Ojai, California, USA ~ Co-founded Spirit with guitarist Randy California. Guested on the 1970 Tom Rush album The Wrong End Of The Rainbow. Worked with Nazareth in the early-1980s, appearing on the albums The Fool Circle, Snaz and 2XS. Guested on the Stray Cats album Gonna Ball, released in 1981 ~ Locke was born in 1943
August 4, 2005 ~ James Milton Campbell Jr, commonly known as R&B, electric blues, soul, funk singer, guitarist Little Milton, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for Who's Cheating Who, Let Me Down Easy, That's What Love Will Do, So Mean To Me, What It Is, and perhaps his best known the 1959 hit record We're Gonna Make It. Influenced by T-Bone Walker. Worked with the Rhythm Aces, Ike Turner, and others. As a producer helped bring Albert King and Fontella Bass to fame ~ Campbell was born in 1934
August 4, 1998 ~ Kimetrius Christopher Foose, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Lil Skies, born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Lil' Wayne, Eminem, Wiz Khalifa, 50 Cent. Active since the mid-2010s, leading up to his full-length Shelby debut album released in 2019. Known best for the singles Red Roses, Nowadays, and I. Has collaborated with the likes of Yung Bans, Lil Gnar, Hoodrich Pablo Juan. Lil' Durk, Juicy J, and PnB Rock
August 4, 1997 ~ Alexander Young, commonly known as rock singer George Alexander, passed away in Hamburg, Germany ~ Brother of the Easybeats guitarist George Young and AC/DC's Malcolm Young and Angus Young. Co-founding member, bassist of Grapefruit, known for the late-1960s albums Around Grapefruit and Deep Water ~ Young was born in 1938
August 4, 1993 ~ Dancer, actor, DJ Alan Shirahama born in Matsuyama, Japan ~ Best known as member of J-pop, dance-pop group Exile
August 4, 1993 ~ Pianist Kenny Drew, full name Kenneth Sidney Drew, passed away in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ 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 was born in 1928
August 4, 1992 ~ Alternative rock, power pop outfit Gin Blossoms release New Miserable Experience, the band's sophomore album ~ Formed in 1987, the band had steadily grown a following in their native Arizona, and independently released their Dusted debut album in 1989. It would be their second album, however, that brought them nationwide fame, with the singles Hey Jealousy and Found Out About You both peaking at No.25 Billboard Hot 100. The band would score one more major hit when Til I Hear It From You, recorded for the soundtrack to the 1995 coming-of-age comedy-drama Empire Records, became a No.1 hit in Canada and after its re-release in 1996 reached No.9 Billboard Hot 100. Unfortunately, Gin Blossoms would prove unable to continue their success and disbanded in 1997 with three studio albums under their belt. They have reunited in the early-2000s
August 4, 1989 ~ Manager, impresario Larry Parnes, full name Laurence Maurice Parnes, passed away in London, UK ~ First major British rock manager, especially successful during the 1950s and early-1960s. Aided the careers of artists such as Billy Fury, Vince Eager, Lance Fortune, Johnny Gentle, Nelson Keene, and others. His reputation would later be tarnished, many artists claiming they were exploited ~ Parnes was born in 1929
August 4, 1988 ~ Metalcore, post-hardcore, nu metal singer, guitarist, bassist, pianist, songwriter Aaron Pauley, full name Aaron Charles Pauley, born in Vacaville, California, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of rock band Of Mice & Men. Also a member of Jamie's Elsewhere and Razing Alexandria. Guested on recordings by Twenty Days With Julian, the Light Iris, the Blush Of Dawn and Eric July
August 4, 1988 ~ Pop, dance-pop singer Tom Parker, full name Thomas Anthony Parker, born in Bolton, UK ~ Member of pop, dance-pop boy band the Wanted. The boy band have recorded three albums and enjoyed popularity in the early-2010s, songs such as All Time Low, Heart Vacancy, Glad You Came, Lightning, Chasing The Sun and Show Me Love (America) all reaching the top 10 UK ~ Parker passed away in 2022
August 4, 1986 ~ Singer Prince releases Girls & Boys in Europe as a single off his Parade album ~ Previously issued as the B-side to Anotherloverholenyohead, the singer would not release Girls & Boys as a single in his native America but in Europe only, where it did well, reaching top 20 in the UK and the Netherlands. Drummer Bobby Z would later comment: “Second singles sometimes weren't right. Kiss was a complete smash and set the album up huge. In my opinion it should then have been Girls & Boys, not Mountains.”
August 4, 1985 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Kina Grannis, full name Kina Kasuya Grannis, born in Mission Viejo, California, USA ~ Has recorded about half a dozen albums, mostly self-released utilizing crowd-sourcing platforms, starting with Sincerely Me in 2006. Would gain wider attention in 2008 winning the Doritos Crash the Super Bowl contest with her video of Message From Your Heart, resulting in her video being displayed during the Super Bowl commercial break. Grannis is well known for songs such as Ours To Keep, used on the daytime TV series General Hospital, and Never Never and People, both used in the MTV reality series College Life
August 4, 1984 ~ Irving Russin, commonly known as saxophonist Babe Russin, passed away ~ Played with a number of the best known jazz bands during the 1930s and 1940s including Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Glenn Miller. Noted for his solo on the latter's 1941 recording of A String Of Pearls. Co-wrote Jimmy Dorsey's All The Things You Ain't, recorded by Dorsey in 1945 ~ Russin was born in 1911
August 4, 1984 ~ Singer, songwriter Jack McManus born in West Wickam, UK ~ Co-wrote Groove Armada's From The Rooftops and Boyzone's Separate Cars. Toured with John Mayer, Scouting For Girls, Amy MacDonald, and with Sam Sparro. Debuted as a solo artist with the single Bang On The Piano in 2008
August 4, 1982 ~ Pepijn Adriaan Lanen, commonly known as rapper Faberyayo, born in Utrecht, the Netherlands ~ Member of de Jeugd Van Tegenwoordig, known best for their 2005 hit Watskeburt. Also worked with de Spaarndammerbuurtkliek, Le Le, SLBMG, Yous & Yay, records as a solo artist starting with 2012's Coco and is an author with over half a dozen publications to his name
August 4, 1982 ~ R&B, pop singer, songwriter, actor Quindon Tarver, full name Quindon Dan Tarver, born in Plano, Texas, USA ~ Best known for When Doves Cry and Everybody's Free, both covers respectively of Prince and Rozalla and both used on the soundtrack of the 1996 William Shakespeare's Rome & Juliet soundtrack. Released a sole album, Quindon, the same year ~ Tarver passed away in 2021
August 4, 1981 ~ Singer Florian Silbereisen born in Passau, Germany ~ Member of schlager trio Klubbb 3 alongside Christoff de Bolle and Jan Smit, known best for their Het Leven Danst Sirtaki single released in 2017
August 4, 1980 ~ Operatic, concert tenor singer Daniel Johansson, full name Daniel Mattias Johansson, born ~ Closely associated with the Norwegian Opera since the early-2010s. Has also worked with the Norrlandsoperan, Malmo Live Konserthus, the Theater an der Wien, and others
August 4, 1980 ~ Jazz, rock saxophonist, flutist Pekka Pöyry, full name Pekka Juhani Pöyry, passed away in Helsinki, Finland ~ Influenced by Charlie Parker. Leader and sideman. Worked with Eero Ojanen, Teppo Hauta-aho, Reino Laine, Pia Skaar, Tassavallan Presidentti, Wigwam, Heikki Sarmanto, and others ~ Pöyry was born in 1939
August 4, 1977 ~ Singer Antonio Machín, full name Antonio Abad Lugo Machín, passed away in Madrid, Spain ~ Perhaps best known for his 1930 rendition of El Manisero (The Peanut Vendor), recorded with Don Azpiazú's orchestra. It would become the first recording for a Cuban artist to sell a million copies ~ Machín was born in 1903
August 4, 1975 ~ Dixieland, bebop trumpeter Fumio Nanri passed away ~ Enjoyed popularity in the 1930s and 1940s with his ensemble the Hot Peppers. One of the first Japanese jazz musicians to become known outside Japan. Nicknamed “the Satchmo of Japan” by Louis Armstrong ~ Nanri was born in 1910
August 4, 1972 ~ Pop rock, folk pop, country singer, guitarist, songwriter John Paul White born ~ Forms the Civil Wars with Joy Williams. The duo is best known for their collaboration with Taylor Swift on Safe & Sound, used in the soundtrack for the 2012 film Hunger Games. White has also recorded as a solo artist and guested on recordings by Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, and others
August 4, 1970 ~ Indie rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Patrice Pike, full name Patrice Rene Pike, born ~ Co-founded Sister 7 with Wayne Sutton, known best for their modest hit Know What You Mean. Following the band's disbandement Pike has performed as a duo with Sutton and as a solo artist
August 4, 1970 ~ George Dorman Carry, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Scoops Carry, passed away ~ Brother of guitarist, bandleader Ed Carry. Has worked with Cassino Simpson, the Midnight Revellers, Boyd Atkins, Lucky Millinder, Zutty Singleton, Fletcher Henderson, Roy Eldridge, Art Tatum, Horace Henderson, Darnell Edward, Earl Hines, and others ~ Carry was born in 1915
August 4, 1969 ~ Drummer, bandleader, songwriter Dylan Howe, full name Dylan Lee Howe, born in Finchley, UK ~ Son of Yes guitarist Steve Howe, brother of keyboardist, drummer Virgil Howe. Member of the Blockheads, both during Ian Dury's lifetime and after. Fronted his own jazz quintet the Dylan Howe Quintet. Also worked with Wilko Johnson, the Subterraneans, Paul McCartney, Ray Davies, Tom Jones, Gabrielle, Nick Cave, Hugh Cornwell, David Gilmour, Mick Jones, Damon Albarn, Beth Gibbons, Alison Moyet, Sarah Brightman, and others
August 4, 1969 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Max Cavalera, full name Massimiliano Antonio Cavalera, born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil ~ Best known for co-founding heavy metal outfit Sepultura with his brother Igor Cavalera, serving as the band's lead singer, rhythm guitarist from 1984 until his departure in 1996. Has also worked with Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy, Killer Be Killed, and Nailbomb
August 4, 1968 ~ Jazz saxophonist Eric Alexander born ~ Leader and sideman. Classically trained. Actively recording since the early-1990s. Has collaborated with Harold Mabern, Kenny Barron, Cecil Payne, Cedar Walton, Charles Earland, Jon Faddis, David Hazeltine, the New York All-Stars, One For All, Irene Reid, Jim Rotondi, and others
August 4, 1965 ~ Jazz drummer, singer, composer, producer Terri Lyne Carrington ~ Active since the early-1980s, played with Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Clark Terry, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Joe Sample, Al Jarreau, the Yellowjackets, Lester Bowie, Stan Getz, James Moody, David Sanborn, Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, Geri Allen, Jonathan Asperil, James Genus, Everette Harp, Josh Harri, Bob Hurst, Nona Hendryx, Robert Irving III, Munyungo Jackson, Ingrid Jensen, Andrew Marzotto, Aruán Ortiz, Greg Phillinganes, Tineke Postma, Patrice Rushen, Mats Sandahl, Negan Santos, Dwight Sills, Esperanza Spalding, Helen Sung, Gary Thomas, Gerald Albright, Hiram Bullock, Greg Osby, Carlos Santana, John Scofield, Wayne Shorter, Grover Washington Jr, Wallace Roney, Walter Beasley, George Duke, Everette Harp, Chuck Loeb, Christian McBride, and others
August 4, 1964 ~ Jonathan Darbyshire, commonly known as guitarist, bassist, cellist, singer Mr Dibs, born ~ Spent about a decade starting in 1997 as a member of Hawkwind's road crew before becoming a full member, replacing Alan Davey. Previously Darbyshire has played with underground space rock bands Krel and Spacehead
August 4, 1962 ~ Keyboardist, organist, mandolinist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, producer Joey Huffman, full name Joseph Rodney Huffman, born in Pikeville, Kentucky, USA ~ In-demand session and touring keyboardist, producer. Best known for his associations with Witness, Drivin' 'n Cryin', and the Georgia Satellites. Has appeared on over a 100 albums including recordings by Bowling For Soup, Skinny Molly, Miranda Lambert (Kerosene), Soul Asylum (Let Your Dim Light Shine), Meat Puppets, Matchbox Twenty, Cee Lo Green, and Izzy Stradlin
August 4, 1962 ~ New wave, synth-pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Paul Reynolds born in Liverpool, UK ~ Member of the short-lived Visual Aids. Joined A Flock Of Seagulls two months after its inception, replacing original guitarist Willie Woo, remaining with the band through 1984. Present on the band's best known including I Ran (So Far Away) and Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You)
August 4, 1962 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Salvatore Bonafede born in Palermo, Italy ~ Classically trained. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Sam Rivers, Archie Shepp, Pete Rugolo, Ernie Wilkins, Lester Bowie, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Joe Lovano, Charlie Mariano, Randy Brecker, Paul Motian, John Scofield, Norma Winstone, John Abercrombie, Esperanza Spalding, and others
August 4, 1959 ~ Guitarist Robbin Crosby, full name Robbinson Lantz Crosby, born in La Jolla, California, USA ~ Best known as member of glam metal outfit RATT. Co-wrote number of the band's best known including Round And Round, Wanted Man, Lay It Down and the band's You Think You're So Tough debut single ~ Crosby passed away in 2002
August 4, 1958 ~ Singer, guitarist, producer Ian Broudie born in UK ~ First gained attention in the late-1970s as member of short-lived punk, post-punk group Big In Japan. Would go on to become an in-demand producer for the likes of Echo & the Bunnymen, the Fall, the Coral, the Zutons, and the Subways. Formed and fronted Lightning Seeds, initially a solo project, enjoying great popularity during the 1990s. The band is best known for Three Lions, which reached the UK No.1 spot three times, first in 1996 to mark the UK's soccer team's participation in that year's UEFA European championship, in an alternate version two years later, and as a re-entry in 2018. The song featured comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner and has become an un-official anthem of English soccer
August 4, 1958 ~ Mbaqanga, soul, jazz, pop singer, songwriter Steve Kekana, full name Tebogo Steve Kekana, born in Zebediela, South Africa ~ Actively recording since the late-1970s with well over three dozen albums to his name. Best known for songs such as the Bushman, Feel So Strong and Raising My Family ~ Kekana passed away in 2021
August 4, 1957 ~ Avant-garde jazz, folk, rock duduk player, percussionist, singer, songwriter Arto Tuncboyaciyan born in Istanbul, Turkey ~ Brother of composer, producer Onno Tunç. Has worked with the Armenian Navy Band, Sezen Aksu, Eleftheria Arvanitaki, Night Ark, Yash-ar, Chet Baker, Marc Johnson, Al di Meola, the Zawinul Syndicate, Arthur Blythe, Paul Motian, Simon Nabatov, Hank Roberts, Paul Winter, System Of A Down, and Wax Poetic
August 4, 1957 ~ Reggae, jazz tenor saxophonist, singer Dean Fraser, full name Dean Ivanhoe Fraser, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Regarded as one of Jamaica's finest brass players, present on albums by Sly Dunbar, Bunny Wailer, Israel Vibration, Dennis Brown (Words Of Wisdom), Jimmy Cliff, Gregory Isaacs, Peter Tosh, Freddie McGregor, Burning Spear (Resistance), Sugar Minott, Maxi Priest, Junior Reid, Black Uhuru, Courtney Pine, Garnett Silk, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Sly & Robbie, Horace Andy, and Lauryn Hill (The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill)
August 4, 1954 ~ Folk rock, new age, jazz fusion, dream pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Claire Hamill, full name Josephine Claire Hamill, born in Port Clarence, UK ~ Actively recording as a solo artist since age 17 debuting with the 1971 One House Left Standing in 1971. Has opened for John Martyn, Procol Harum, Jethro Tull. Has collaborated with Wishbone Ash, Steve Howe, Jon & Vangelis
August 4, 1953 ~ Anne Elizabeth Woods, commonly known as rock, hard rock singer Holly Woods, born in Durham, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known as lead singer for Canadian rock outfit Toronto, with whom she recorded about half a dozen albums through the mid-1980s. The band is best known for their 1982 single Your Daddy Don't Know, a top 10 hit in Canada
August 4, 1953 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Jamie James born in Toronto, Canada ~ Founded and fronted early-1980s rockabilly trio the Kingbees, known for the albums The Kingbees and The Big Rock released. Also co-founded DQ & the Sharks fronted by actor, singer Dennis Quaid
August 4, 1953 ~ Drummer Jeff Hamilton born in Richmond, Indiana, USA ~ Best known as co-leader of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra alongside John Clayton. Has also worked with Monty Alexander, Woody Herman, the LA 4, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Diana Krall, Benny Carter, Ernestine Anderson, Michael Bublé, Milt Jackson, Barney Kessel, Diane Schuur, Natalie Cole, Barbra Streisand, Renee Olstead, Céline Dion, John Pizzarelli, Paul McCartney, and others
August 4, 1952 ~ Singer Moya Brennan born in Gweedore, Ireland ~ Sister of Enya. Member of family outfit Clannad, with whom she recorded well over a dozen albums starting with the eponymous Clannad released in 1970. The band is especially acclaimed for their 1985 Macalla album. Has also recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist or collaborator, starting with Máire released in 1992
August 4, 1950 ~ Gideon Gov, commonly known as rock, pop, jazz singer, actor, TV personality Gidi Gov, born in Rehovot, Israel ~ Co-founding member of Kaveret, one of the most successful Israeli acts during the 1970s. Internationally the band is best known for representing Israel in the 1974 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 7th place with Natati La Khayay. Following the band's disbandement in 1976 Gov has worked with Parnasa Tova, Gazoz, Doda, recorded as a solo artist and ventured into acting
August 4, 1949 ~ Reggae, ska, rocksteady trombonist Vin Gordon born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Active since the mid-1960s, starting with the quintessential Jamaica outfit the Skatalites. In-house trombonist for Studio One, working with all major Jamaican producers. Served as Bob Marley's go-to trombone player from 1965 through 1978 including on albums such as Kaya and Exodus. As a solo artist known for his 1975 Lee Scratch Perry-produced Musical Bones album
August 4, 1947 ~ Country singer Hank Williams records On The Banks Of The Old Ponchartrain ~ Written by Williams and Ramona Vincent. Produced by Fred Rose. Paired with Rose's novelty tune Fly Trouble on the B-side, released the next September. Seen as the oddest Wiliams single
August 4, 1947 ~ Bassist, singer Paul Layton, full name Paul Martin Layton, born in Beaconsfield, UK ~ Former child actor enjoyed minor success as a solo singer with his 1969 single Mister Mister prior to joining the New Seekers in 1970. Present on some of the band's best known including I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony), Beg Steal Or Borrow, Circles and You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me
August 4, 1946 ~ Keyboardist Max Middleton born in Amersham, UK ~ Classically trained. Best known for his association with Jeff Beck, present on the albums Rough And Ready, The Jeff Beck Group, Blow By Blow, and Wired. Has also worked with Brian Short, Linda Lewis, the Streetwalkers, Roy Harper, Nazareth (Hair Of The Dog), Hummingbird, Cleo Laine, Kate Bush (Never For Ever), Chris Rea, and Gary Moore
August 4, 1946 ~ Rock bassist, singer Walter Powers born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Closely associated with Willie Alexander, including in the Boston-based outfit the Lost from 1964 through 1967, and subsequently in the Grass Menagerie. Member of Listening, known for their sole eponymous Listening album released in 1968. Perhaps best known for his stint with the Velvet Underground, touring with the band in 1970 and 1971
August 4, 1944 ~ Bo Gustav Stenson, commonly known as jazz pianist Bobo Stenson, born in Vasterås, Sweden ~ Has played with Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz, Gary Burton, Don Cherry, Rena Rama, Palle Danielsson, Arild Andersen, Jon Christensen, Jan Garbarek, Charles Lloyd, Red Mitchell, George Russell, Terje Rypdal, and Tomasz Stańko
August 4, 1944 ~ Henri Emile Mossel, commonly known as clarinetist, saxophonist Hans Mossel, passed away in Auschwitz, Poland ~ Son of cellist Isaac Mossel and pianist Jeanette Belinfante. Worked with de Larensche Jazz Band, the Indian Jazz Band, and Marek Weber. Targeted by the Nazis Mossel passed away of starvation and exhaustion in Monowitz concentration camp, a part of Auschwitz concentration camp ~ Mossel was born in 1905
August 4, 1941 ~ Singer Cliff Nobles, full name Clifford James Nobles, born in Grove Hill, Alabama, USA ~ Fronted Cliff Nobles & Co, which also included bassist Benny Williams, guitarist Bobby Tucker and drummer Robert Marshall, best known for their 1968 single Love Is All Right b/w The Horse which peaked at No.2 Billboard mainly due to the instrumental flip side catching on ~ Nobles passed away in 2008
August 4, 1941 ~ Washboardist Pete Shotton born in Liverpool, UK ~ Member of the Quarrymen, precursor of the Beatles. Became a lifelong friend of John Lennon. Became a successful businessman in the restaurant and retail industries, known for founding the Fatty Arbuckle's chain of restaurants ~ Shotton passed away in 2017
August 4, 1941 ~ Singer Timi Yuro, full name Rosemary Victoria Yuro, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Considered to be one of the first blue-eyed soul singers. Known for songs such as early-1960s hits such as Hurt and What's A Matter Baby (Is It Hurting You). Over the course of her career Yuro has worked with producers such as Clyde Otis, Bob Johnston and Quincy Jones. Opened for Frank Sinatra. Influential on artists such as Elvis Presley, Morrissey, PJ Proby, Elkie Brooks, and others ~ Yuro passed away in 2004
August 4, 1940 ~ Keyboardist, bassist, guitarist, harmonica player Larry Knechtel, full name Lawrence William Knechtel, born in Bell, California, USA ~ Recorded a handful of albums as a solo artist, starting with The In Harmonica in 1965 under the monniker Larry Nelson. Member of Bread. In-demand session musician, present on albums by the likes of Johnny Rivers, the Everly Brothers, the Byrds, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), the Doors, Elvis Presley, Simon & Garfunkel (The Sounds Of Silence), the Mamas & the Papas, Thelma Houston, Harry Nilsson, Barbra Streisand, Solomon Burke, Emitt Rhodes, Chet Baker, Jackie DeShannon, Billy Joel (Streetlife Serenade), Albert Hammond, Jerry Garcia, Dan Hill, Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, Elvis Costello (Mighty Like A Rose), and others ~ Knechtel passed away in 2009
August 4, 1938 ~ Drummer, percussionist Kenny Malone born in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ In-demand session drummer. Played on Dolly Parton's Jolene and Crystal Gayle's Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue. Has also worked with artists such as as IIIrd Tyme Out, Ray Charles, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Donna Fargo, Merle Haggard, Charley Pride, Dr Hook, Johnny Paycheck, Kenny Rogers, the Time Jumpers, the New Grass Revival, Béla Fleck, Emmylou Harris, Lacy J Dalton, Barefoot Jerry, and others ~ Malone passed away in 2021
August 4, 1934 ~ Classical pianist Gabriel Tacchino born in Cannes, France ~ Worked with renowned orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande, the English Chamber Orchestra, and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra ~ Tacchino passed away in 2023
August 4, 1933 ~ Huey Simmons, commonly known as jazz, free jazz saxophonist, hornist Sonny Simmons, born in Sicily Island, Louisiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Prince Lasha, Michael Marcus, Moksha Samnyasin, Bobby Few, Horace Tapscott, Brandon Evans, Anthony Braxton, Elvin Jones, Eric Dolphy, Clifford Jordan, and others ~ Simmons passed away in 2021
August 4, 1930 ~ Opera, theater director Götz Friedrich born in Naumburg, Germany ~ Gained international attention with a controversial 1972 production of Richard Wagner's Tännhauser. Defected to the West later the same year. Principal director ar the Hamburg State Opera from 1977 to 1981. Simultaneously director of productions at the Royal Opera House from 1977 to 1981. General director of the Deutsche Oper Berlin from 1981 until his death in 2000. Married to operatic soprano Karan Armstrong since 1979 ~ Friedrich passed away in 2000
August 4, 1928 ~ Conductor, violinist, pianist, music director, orchestrator, composer Egisto Macchi born in Grosseto, Italy ~ Studied composition, piano, violin and singing as well as literature and human physiology. Editor of the magazine Orders. Founded Studio R7, an experimental electronic music laboratory in 1967. Member of the Gruppo Di Improvvisazione Di Nuova Consonanza, an avant-garde improvisation group that also included close friend Ennio Morricone. Macchi is also well known as a film composer, with over a dozen soundtracks to his name starting in the late-1960s ~ Macchi passed away in 1992
August 4, 1924 ~ Jazz pianist Tom Talbert, full name Thomas Robert Talbert, born in Crystal Bay, Minnesota, USA ~ Especially acclaimed for his Bix Fats Duke album released in 1956, consisting of reworkings of originals by Bix Beiderbecke, Fats Waller, and Duke Ellington. Regarded as one of the finest arrangers of the second half of the 20th century, yet remained largely unknown due to having only recorded a handful of albums as a leader. Has served as arranger for the likes of Claude Thornhill, Tony Pastor, Johnny Smith, Oscar Pettiford, Don Elliott, and others ~ Talbert passed away in 2005
August 4, 1919 ~ Southern gospel singer James Blackwood, full name James Webre Blackwood, born in Choctaw County, Mississippi, USA ~ The only person to have been nominated for a Grammy Award for 28 consecutive years, winning 9 times including for the 1966 album The Grand Old Gospel and its 1967 follow-up More Grand Old Gospel both of which collaborations of Porter Wagoner and the Blackwood Brothers ~ Blackwood passed away in 2002
August 4, 1915 ~ Jazz pianist, bandleader, arranger, composer Mel Henke born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Mitch Todd, Frank Snyder, Stephen Leonard, and others. Also known as a jingle writer, notably the Ajax cleanser “stronger than dirt” and Chevrolet's “see the USA in your Chevrolet” jingles ~ Henke passed away in 1979
August 4, 1904 ~ Trumpeter Bill Coleman, full name William Johnson Coleman born in Paris, Kentucky, USA ~ Worked with Cecil Scott, Luis Russell, Lucky Millinder, Benny Carter, Teddy Hill, Fats Waller, Django Reinhardt, Leon Abbey, Teddy Wilson, Andy Kirk, Ellis Larkins, Mary Lou Williams, John Kirby, Sy Oliver, Billy Kyle, Lester Young, Billie Holiday, and Coleman Hawkins ~ Coleman passed away in 1981
August 4, 1904 ~ Helen Clare Schroeder, commonly known as singer, actress Helen Kane born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Popular 1920s and early-1930s stage and film singer and actress best known for I Wanna Be Loved By You from the 1928 stage musical Good Boy. According to some accounts the animation character Betty Boop in the Talkartoons series was based on Kane, Kane sued the Fleischer Studios but eventually lost the court case with the judge ruling there was “insufficient evidence” ~ Kane passed away in 1966
August 4, 1901 ~ Trumpeter, singer Louis Armstrong born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Among the most influential figures in jazz. Known for songs such as What A Wonderful World, Ain't Misbehaving, You Rascal You, Stomping At The Savoy, About Time, and Hello Dolly. Worked with King Oliver, the Creole Jazz Band, Kid Ory, Fletcher Henderson, Clarence Williams, Sidney Bechet, Alberta Hunter, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Johnny Dodds, Erskine Tate, Lil' Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Jack Teagarden, Earl Hines, Barney Bigard, Edmond Hall, Trummy Young, Arvell Shaw, Billy Kyle, Marty Napoleon, Big Sid Catlett, Cozy Cole, Tyree Glenn, Barrett Deems, Mort Herbert, Joe Darensbourg, Eddie Shu, Danny Barcelona, and others ~ Armstrong passed away in 1971
August 4, 1899 ~ Francis Luther Crow, commonly known as singer, pianist, songwriter Frank Luther, born near Lakin, Kansas, USA ~ Member of late-1920s quartet the Revelers. Closely associated with singer Carson Robison, scoring a number of influential hits through the early-1930s including When Your Hair Has Turned To Silver, Little Green Valley, I'm Alone Because I Love You, Utah Trail, and Birmingham Jail. Luther would also front his own the Frank Luther Trio, work with dance bands, record children's music, and by the mid-1940s find employment as an executive at Decca Records ~ Crow passed away in 1980
August 4, 1897 ~ Abraham Simon, commonly known as bandleader, drummer Abe Lyman born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Popular bandleader from the 1920s through the 1940s ~ Simon passed away in 1957
August 4, 1895 ~ Musical actor, singer Bobby Howes, full name Charles Robert William Howes, born in Battersea, UK ~ Leading figure in London's West End theatres during the 1930s and 1940s. Would continue to star in musicals, including on Broadway, and work for film and TV until retiring from the entertainment industry by the late-1960s. Perhaps best known for his leading role in a 1960 production of Finian's Rainbow ~ Howes passed away in 1972
August 4, 1890 ~ Austin Dafora Horton, commonly known as drummer, singer, songwriter, choreographer Asadate Dafora, born in Freetown, Sierra Leone ~ Credited with the development of dance-drame, integrating narrative and song into dance performance. Broke through with his 1934 production of Kykunkor, its success so overwhelming the show had to move to a larger venue ~ Horton passed away in 1965
August 4, 1890 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Carson Robison, full name Carson Jay Robison, born in Oswego, Kansas, USA ~ Though largely forgotten, Robison played an important role in the early development of country music, especially noted for his years with pianist Frank Luther scoring hits from the late-1920s through the early-1930s. Robison also performed and recorded as a solo artist, and is reportedly one of the first country artists to tour UK from the early-1930s onward. Robison's 1942 reworking of the standard Turkey In The Straw, with new lyrics relating to World War II, would be one of the major hits of the year. In his native America, Robison is perhaps most known for his 1948 recording of Life Gets Tee-jus Don't It. Robison is also specifically noted for accompanying Vernon Dalhart, including notably on the landmark recordings The Wreck Of The Old '97 and The Prisoner's Song ~ Robison passed away in 1957
August 4, 1887 ~ Jazz trumpeter, violinist Peter Bocage, full name Peter Edwin Bocage, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Pivotal figure in early New Orleans jazz. Led the Superior Orchestra in his early 20s, a ragtime band that also included Bunk Johnson. Also worked with the Tuxedo Orchestra, the Excelsior Brass Band, King Oliver, Fate Marable, AJ Piron, and Sidney Bechet ~ Bocage passed away in 1967