August 6, 2022 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Daniel Lévi passed away ~ Active since the early-1980s, releasing his full-length Cocktail debut album in 1983. Duetted with Karine Costa on Ce Rêve Blue, used for the French-language version of the Disney animated feature film Aladdin. The original English-language version of the song, A Whole New World, would win an Academy Award for Best Original Song. As a solo artist Lévi is best known for his 2000 L'Envie D'Aimer hit single ~ Lévi was born in 1961
August 6, 2022 ~ Jazz, pop, rock, country rock flutist, saxophonist, keyboardist David Muse passed away ~ Best known as member of Firefall, joining the band just prior to recording their eponymous Firefall debut album. The band would score hits such as You Are The Woman, Just Remember I Love You and Strange Way. Subsequently recorded as a solo artist, worked with the Marshall Tucker Band, replacing original member Jerry Eubanks in 1996, and founded the Boulder County Conspiracy in 2012 ~ Muse was born in 1949
August 6, 2022 ~ Dansband, pop, schlager songwriter Torgny Söderberg, full name Sten Torgny Söderberg, passed away ~ Best known as co-writer of 1984 Eurovision Songfestival winner Diggi-loo Diggi-ley by Herrey's, lyrics written by Britt Lindeborg ~ Söderberg was born in 1944
August 6, 2021 ~ John Worsley, commonly known as singer, songwriter Les Vandyke, passed awa in Consett, UK ~ First gained attention as a songwriter in the late-1950s, penning the UK No.1 hits What Do You Want and Poor Me for Adam Faith. Would go on to become an in-demand songwriter especially successful throughout the 1960s. His songs have been recorded by the Raindrops, Marty Wilde, Al Saxon, Craig Douglas, John Barry, Bobby Vee, Eden Kane, the Viscounts, Jet Harris, Petula Clark, the Roulettes, Tommy Steele, Bobby Rydell, Chubby Checker, Freddie & the Dreamers, Maureen Evans, Herman's Hermits, Scott McKenzie, the Foundations, Shirley Bassey, Jackie Trent, Barbra Streisand, Jimmy Helms, and others ~ Worsley was born in 1931
August 6, 2020 ~ Glyn Geoffrey Ellis, commonly known as pop, beat singer Wayne Fontana, passed away in Stockport, UK ~ Named himself “Fontana” after Elvis Presley's backing drummer DJ Fontana. Best known for his 1965 hit The Game Of Love backed by the Mindbenders, which reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic ~ Ellis was born in 1945
August 6, 2019 ~ Jazz saxophonist Maurice Simon, full name Maurice James Simon, passed away ~ Worked with Russell Jacquet, Teddy Edwards, Charles Mingus, Wild Bill Davis, Chico Hamilton, Sonny Stitt, Leo Parker, Charles Thompson, Al Lucas, Shadow Wilson, Gerald Wilson, Snooky Young, Red Kelly, Melba Liston, Dexter Gordon, Ernie Freeman, Red Callender, JC Heard, Fats Domino, Papa John Creach, Big Maybelle, Faye Adams, Bumble Bee Slim, Percy Mayfield, BB King, and others ~ Simon was born in 1929
August 6, 2016 ~ Blues singer, guitarist Larry Johnson, full name Larry Alonzo Johnson, passed away in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Worked with Big Joe Williams, Alec Seward, Reverend Gary Davis. Debuted as a solo artist in 1962 with the eponymous Larry Johnson album. Recorded a number of low-key albums throughout the 1980s before finding acclaim and becoming an in-demand concert performer in the 1990s, especially in Europe, with albums such as Railroad Man and Blues For Harlem ~ Johnson was born in 1938
August 6, 2016 ~ Pierre Dewey Lafontaine Jr, commonly known as clarinetist Pete Fountain passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Recorded over 100 albums under his ow name. Founder of the Fast Walking Club, one of the best known marching bands in New Orleans Mardi Grass parade. Co-founded the Basin Street Six with trumpeter George Girard. Also played with Lawrence Welk, Monk Hazel, the Dukes Of Dixieland, Al Hirt, and others ~ LaFontaine was born in 1930
August 6, 2009 ~ William Paul Borsey Jr, commonly known as rock singer, guitarist, dobroist, flutist, songwriter Willy DeVille, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Fronted rock band Mink DeVille from 1974 through 1986, the house band at the famed CBGB New York nightclub, often regarded as birth place of punk rock. The band is acclaimed especially for their 1977 Cabretta debut album and 1980 Le Chat Blue album. Has subsequently recorded as a solo artist. In-demand guest and collaborator, has worked with the likes of Jack Nitzsche, Doc Pomus, Dr John, Mark Knopfler, Allen Toussaint, and others ~ Borsey was born in 1950
August 6, 2005 ~ Son, guracha, bolero singer Ibrahim Ferrer passed away in Havana, Cuba ~ Closely associated with Los Bocucos for nearly four decades. Has also worked with Conjunto Sorpresa, the Orquesta Oriental and Mario Patterson. Would gain international attention in the 1990s as member of the Afro-Cuban All Stars and especially the Buena Vista Social Club, touring internationally both with the revival bands and as a solo artist until his death ~ Ferrer was born in 1927
August 6, 2005 ~ William Thomas Betts, commonly known as jazz, R&B double bassist Keter Betts, passed away in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA ~ Best known for his associations with Charlie Byrd, notably on the Stan Getz & Byrd album Jazz Samba, and with Ella Fitzgerald. Also worked with Earl Bostic, Dinah Washington, Bobby Timmons, Roberta Flack, Johnny Hartman, Kenny Burrell, Herbie Mann, Billy Eckstine, Clifford Brown, Tommy Flanagan, Etta Jones, Junior Mance, Louie Bellson, Red Holloway, and others ~ Betts was born in 1928
August 6, 2004 ~ James Ambrose Johnson Jr, commonly known as singer, producer Rick James, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Went AWOL in the 1960s, fleeing to Canada where he founded the Mynah Birds, which also included Neil Young in its line-up. As a solo artist best known for mixing funk, disco, rock and new wave, starting in the late-1970s. Became a household name with his 1981 Street Songs album, which spawned hits such as Give It To Me Baby and Super Freak. Took Teena Marie under his wing, producing her 1979 Wild & Peaceful debut album ~ James was born in 1948
August 6, 2003 ~ Trombonist, bandleader Grover Mitchell, full name Grover Curry Mitchell, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Count Basie, staying with the Count Basie Orchestra from 1962 through 1970. Also worked with Earl Hines, Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, Gene Ammons, Joey DeFrancesco, Al Grey, Eddie Harris, Oliver Nelson, and others ~ Mitchell was born in 1930
August 6, 2003 ~ Flutist Julius Baker passed away in Danbury, Connecticut, USA ~ One of the foremost American orchestral flute players. Student of William Kincaid. Baker played with several of America's premier orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony, and others ~ Baker was born in 1915
August 6, 2001 ~ Harmonica player Larry Adler, full name Lawrence Cecil Adler, passed away in London, UK ~ Worked in theatre, film, orchestras collaborating with Flo Ziegfield, Lew Leslie, Charles B Cochran, Paul Draper, and George Martin. Later in his career Adler also worked with pop stars such as Peter Gabriel, Oleta Adams, Elton John, Sting, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Meat Loaf, Sinéad O'Connor, Robert Palmer, Cher, Kate Bush, Elvis Costello, Courtney Pine, Issy van Randwyck, Lisa Stansfield, and Carly Simon ~ Adler was born in 1914
August 6, 1998 ~ Trumpeter, mellophonist, singer, bandleader Nat Gonella, full name Nathaniel Charles Gonella, passed away in Hampshire, UK ~ Best known as founder of dance band the Georgians. Also worked with Archie Pitt, Rob Brydon, Archie Alexander, Billy Cotton, Roy Fox, Lew Stone, Al Bowlly, and others ~ Gonella was born in 1908
August 6, 1994 ~ Pop, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Domenico Modugno passed away in Lampedusa, Italy ~ First to record Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu in 1958, also known as Volare, which he co-wrote with Franco Migliacci. The song would win the 1958 edition of the Sanremo Music Festival, sell over 20 million copies worldwide, and over the years be covered by over an estimated 350 artists. It stands as one of the all-time best known Italian songs, perhaps topped only by O Sole Mio first recorded in 1901. Other well known Modugno songs include Lazzarella, Piove, Libero, Io, Addio Addio, and Dio Come Ti Amo. Modugno has also worked as an actor, appearing in over three dozen films, and served as Congressman in the Italian parliament ~ Modugno was born in 1928
August 6, 1991 ~ Violinist, violist Max Rostal passed away in Bern, Switzerland ~ Played a wide variety of music, yet best known as a champion of contemporary works such as Béla Bartók's Violin Concerto No.2, Alan Bush's Violin Concerto, and Benjamin Frankel's 1942 Violin Sonata, the latter dedicated to Rostal himself. Also well known as a teacher, associated with the Musikhochschule Köln and the Conservatory Bern ~ Rostal was born in 1905
August 6, 1990 ~ Pianist, keyboardist, bandleader Aubrey Adams, full name Aubrey Wellington Adams, passed away in St Andrew Parish, Jamaica ~ Worked with the Dewdroppers, Clue J & the Blues Blasters, Tommy McCook, Sonny Bradshaw, Roland Alphonso, Clancy Eccles, Pat Kelly, the Soul Defenders, Coxsone Dodd, Sonia Pottinger, Lynn Taitt, and Rico Rodriguez ~ Adams was born in 1920
August 6, 1988 ~ The American edition of Yo MTV Raps premiers on MTV, rap group Run-DMC hosting the pilot episode ~ The first hip-hop show on MTV, previously aired on MTV Europe, airs on MTV America, its pilot episode hosted by Run-DMC. The show would offer a mixture of rap videos, interviews, live in-studio performances and comedy
August 6, 1984 ~ Swing, jazz trumpeter Joe Thomas, full name Joseph Lewis Thomas, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the most in-demand trumpeters of the 1930s and 1940s. Worked with Cecil Scott, Fletcher Henderson, Fats Waller, Benny Carter, Joe Sullivan, Teddy Wilson, Claude Hopkins, Buck Clayton, Vic Dickenson, Coleman Hawkins, Rex Stewart, and others ~ Thomas was born in 1909
August 6, 1984 ~ Glenn De Randamie, commonly known as MC, rapper Typhoon, born in t Harde, the Netherlands ~ Member of Rudeteenz. Collaborated with Opgezwolle. Released his solo debut Tussen Licht En Lucht. Known for the philosophical nature of his lyrics
August 6, 1983 ~ Rock, experimental rock, free jazz, noise rock, avant-garde, punk jazz, trip hop drummer, accordionist Balázs Pándi born in Budapest, Hungary ~ In-demand collaborator. Has worked with Venetian Snares, Otto von Schirach, To Live And Shave In LA, the Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble, Zu, Marco Eneidi, Merzbow, Ivo Perelman, Lee Ranaldo, Wadada Leo Smith, and Roswell Rudd
August 6, 1978 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer Andreas Oberg born in Stockholm ~ Describes his music as a mix of jazz, funk, soul, Latin and Brazilian music. Has worked with Viktoria Tolstoy, Svante Thuresson, the Resonance Big Band, Barbara Hendricks, Hank Jones, Les Paul, Eros Ramazzotti, Toots Thielemans, and Namie Amuro
August 6, 1978 ~ Leslie Edward Pridgen, commonly known as rapper Freeway, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Rose to prominence in the 2000s as member of rap group State Property led by Beanie Sigel and known for their 2003 Can't Stop Won't Stop, Billboard Hot 100 top 20 single. As a solo artist best known for his Philadelphia Freeway debut album released the same year. Has collaborated with Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Jermaine Dupri, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, LL Cool J, Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg, DJ Drama, Kool G Rap, Ghostface Killah, and others
August 6, 1977 ~ Rock, country rock singer Terry McDermott born in Aberdeen, UK ~ As a solo artist reached 2nd place, behind singer Cassadee Pope, in the third season of NBC's talent show The Voice aired in 2012. Was a member of Driveblind and of Lotus Crush
August 6, 1976 ~ Bassist Bob Fairfoull, full name Robert James Fairfoull, born ~ Member of indie rock outfit Idlewild from 1997 through 2002, appearing on the albums Hope Is Important, 100 Broken Windows, and The Remote Part. Following his departure from the band Fairfoull joined rock band Degrassi
August 6, 1974 ~ Eugene Ammons, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Gene Ammons, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Son of boogie-woogie pianist Albert Ammons. Leader and sideman. Heavily influenced by R&B. Has worked with Billy Eckstine, Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis, Sonny Stitt, Woody Herman, Donald Byrd, Jackie McLean, John Coltrane, Kenny Burrell, Mal Waldron, Art Farmer, Duke Jordan, Charles Mingus, Richard Groove Holmes, Jack McDuff, and others ~ Ammons was born in 1925
August 6, 1973 ~ Pop, dream pop, dance pop, folk singer, keyboardist, songwriter Donna Lewis born in Cardiff, UK ~ Best known for her 1996 I Love You Always Forever hit single, an international hit including top 10 positions in America and her native UK. Also worked with Art Of Noise, Dino Lenny, Ryan Farish, Chute, David Baron
August 6, 1973 ~ Lizzie Douglas, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Memphis Minnie, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Influenced artists such as Big Mama Thornton, Jo-Ann Kelly, Erin Harpe. Known for songs such as Nothing In Rambling, Me And My Chauffeur Blues and Bumble Bee, the latter with her then-husband Kansas Joe McCoy ~ Douglas was born in 1897
August 6, 1973 ~ Singer, keyboardist Stevie Wonder injured in serious traffic accident ~ The car Wonder is in hits the back of a logging truck, a log hitting him in the face. Wonder would temporarily lose smell and taste and be in a coma for several days. Wonder would fully recover, returning to the studio in just a few weeks
August 6, 1972 ~ Singer Geri Halliwell, full name Geraldine Estelle Halliwell, born in Watford, UK ~ Member of 1990s girl group the Spice Girls, dubbed Ginger Spice, known for songs such as Wannabe, Who Do You Think You Are, Spice Up Your Life and Viva Forever. Halliwell has also recorded a number of albums as a solo artist. Her 1999 Schizophonic solo debut album spawned three UK No.1 hits, Mi Chico Latino, Lift Me Up and Bag It Up
August 6, 1971 ~ Isaac Freeman III, commonly known as rapper, hype man, promoter, radio and TV personality Fatman Scoop, born in New York, New York, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for Be Faithful released in 2003. The track heavily sampled from Chic and Faith Evans, would become a club favorite and topped the charts in the UK and Ireland. Freeman has also notably guested on Missy Elliott's Lose Control and Mariah Carey's It's Like That, which respectively reached top 10 and top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Freeman has also guested on tracks by Bone Thugs 'n Harmony, Chingy, David Guetta, B'witched, Kat DeLuna, Skrillex, Ciara (Level Up), Hardwell, and Lil' Mo. Freeman passed away at age 53 after collapsing on stage during a performance in Hamden, Connecticut ~ Freeman passed away in 2024
August 6, 1969 ~ Steven Paul Smith, commonly known as singer, songwriter Elliott Smith, born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Member of Heatmiser. Gained attention with the song Miss Misery, included on the soundtrack for Good Will Hunting, was nominated for an Oscar. Primarily a guitarist, Smith also plays piano, clarinet, bass, harmonica, drums and percussion ~ Smith passed away in 2003
August 6, 1966 ~ Jazz, classical violinist Regina Carter born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Classically trained since an early age. Studied piano, violin, viola, oboe. Has worked with the youth division of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Civic Orchestra, Brainstorm, Straight Ahead, String Trio Of New York, Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, Mary J Blige, Billy Joel, Dolly Parton, Max Roach, Oliver Lake, Kenny Barron, Elliott Sharp, Cassandra Wilson, Eddie Palmieri, Wynton Marsalis, and others
August 6, 1965 ~ Jazz saxophonist, producer Ravi Coltrane born in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Son of saxophonist John Coltrane and harpist Alice Coltrane. Has worked with the Blue Note 7, Ralph Alessi, Cindy Blackman, Terence Blanchard, Billy Childs, Steve Coleman, Scott Colley, Jack DeJohnette, Flying Lotus, Elvin Jones, Ryan Kisor, Tisziji Muñoz, Luis Perdomo, Bob Thiele, Yosuke Yamashita, and others
August 6, 1961 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Victor Goines born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Terence Blanchard, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ruth Brown, Ray Charles, Bo Diddley, Bob Dylan, Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Green, Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, BB King, Lenny Kravitz, Branford Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis Jr, James Moody, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Roberts, Diana Ross, Eric Clapton, Wycliffe Gordon, Stevie Wonder, and others
August 6, 1960 ~ Singer Chubby Checker performs The Twist for the first time on national TV ~ Performing on Dick Clark's Saturday Night Beechnut Show Checker plays his new single The Twist. The song would start a dance craze and become a career-defining hit for Checker
August 6, 1959 ~ R&B, dance, house, soul singer, pianist, songwriter Joyce Sims born in Rochester, New York, USA ~ Best known for her 1988 hit Come Into My Life, produced by Kurtis Mantronik. Also made the R&B charts with songs such as All And All, Walk Away and, collaborating with Jimmy Castor, Love Makes A Woman. Sims has also worked with Junior Vasquez, Glen Frisica, and Maxi Priest ~ Sims passed away in 2022
August 6, 1958 ~ R&B, soul bassist, singer Randy DeBarge, full name William Randall DeBarge, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Member of family outfit DeBarge. Sang co-lead on the band's first hit, I Like It released in 1982 and co-written with brother El DeBarge. Randy remained with the band until its disbandement in the early-1990s
August 6, 1957 ~ Dennis Smith, commonly known as reggae DJ, producer Dennis Alcapon, born in Clarendon, Jamaica ~ Known for recordings such as Marker Version, Spanish Amigo, Shades Of Hudson, Revelation Version, Maca Version, The Sky's The Limit, and others. As a producer worked with Dennis Brown, Augustus Pablo, and Delroy Wilson
August 6, 1955 ~ Earl Smith, commonly known as reggae, dub guitarist, bassist, percussionist, singer Earl Chinna Smith, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known for his work with the Soul Syndicate. In-demand collaborator and sideman, appeared on over an estimated 500 albums. Notable collaborations include Augustus Pablo, Horace Andy, King Tubby, Max Romeo (Revelation Time), John Holt, Dillinger (Bionic Dread), Burning Spear (Man In The Hills), Bob Marley, Inner Circle, Bunny Wailer, Gregory Isaacs, Jimmy Cliff, Mikey Dread (Dread At The Controls), Black Uhuru, Sugar Minott, Alpha Blondy, Lauryn Hill (The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill), and Amy Winehouse
August 6, 1954 ~ Blues guitarist Corey Stevens born in Centralia, Illinois, USA ~ Early on in his career would be critically compared to Stevie Ray Vaughan. Recorded about a dozen albums, best known for his 1995 Blue Drops Of Rain debut album and its 1997 The Road To Zen follow-up
August 6, 1953 ~ Pop singer Stella Maessen born in Zandvoort, the Netherlands ~ Formed Hearts Of Soul with siblings Bianca Maessen and Patricia Maessen, known for their 1970 Eurovision Songfestival entry Waterman which reached 7th place for the Netherlands. Sang backup for Belgian singer Sharif Dean, including on the ballad Do You Love Me. The siblings would also work together in the Dream Express, with whom she reached 7th place at the 1977 Eurovision Songfestival with A Million In 1 2 3 representing Belgium. Maessen would again represent Belgium at the 1982 Eurovision Songfestival, this time as a solo artist, and reach 4th place with Si Tu Aimes Ma Musique. Subsequent solo singles included Can't Live On Memories and Flashlight
August 6, 1952 ~ Singer Patti Page records I Went To Your Wedding ~ Written by Jessie Mae Robinson. Released as a 1952 Mercury Records single, paired with You Belong To Me on the flip side. Also recorded by others, notably Sammy Kaye, Hank Snow, and Lys Assia who would record a French language version titled Ton Mariage, but Page would have the biggest hit with the song
August 6, 1952 ~ Guitarist, producer Tony Gilkyson, full name Anthony Gilkyson, born in Hollywood ~ Member of Lone Justice. Member of X, joining the band in 1986 as replacement for Billy Zoom. As a producer worked with Exene Cervenka, Eleni Mandell, Chuck E Weiss and with Dave Alvin
August 6, 1952 ~ Vincent John Kusano, commonly known as glam metal, heavy metal, hard rock guitarist Vinnie Vincent born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA ~ Member of Kiss during the early-1980s, appearing on the albums Creatures Of The Night and Lick It Up. Vincent would have some minor hits in the late-1980s fronting his own Vinnie Vincent Invasion, and has guested on albums by Laura Nyro, Was (Not Was), and the Bangles
August 6, 1946 ~ Jazz fusion, progressive rock guitarist Allan Holdsworth born in Bradford, UK ~ Cited as influence by Eddie Van Halen, Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Yngwie Malmsteen and Tom Morello. Described as “the John Coltrane of the guitar” by Robben Ford. First gained attention as member of Igginbottom, known for their sole album Igginbottom's Wrench. Has also worked with Sunship, Nucleus, Tempest, Soft Machine, Tony Williams Lifetime, Pierre Moerlen, Jean-Luc Ponty, Bill Bruford, UK, Gordon Beck, Frank Gambale, Derek Sherinian, Alan Pasqua, Level 42, Gongzilla, Soft Works, and Stanley Clarke ~ Holdsworth passed away in 2017
August 6, 1944 ~ Horatios Adolphus Kelly, commonly known as rocksteady, reggae singer Pat Kelly, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Influenced by Sam Cooke. Replaced Slim Smith in the Techniques. Also worked with producers such as Bunny Lee, Lee Scratch Perry, Duke Reid, and Phil Pratt. As a solo artist best known for his 1969 recording of How Long Will It Take ~ Kelly passed away in 2019
August 6, 1942 ~ Avant-garde jazz saxophonist, flutist Byard Lancaster born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Co-founded the Sounds Of Liberation with Khan Jamal. Has also worked with artists such as McCoy Tyner, Archie Shepp, Elvin Jones, Sun Ra, Memphis Slim, Johnny Copeland, Arcana, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Odean Pope, and Larry Young ~ Lancaster passed away in 2012
August 6, 1941 ~ Jazz drummer Svein Christiansen born in Kolbotn, Norway ~ Worked with artists such as the Hot Saints, Oddvar Paulsen, Roy Hellvin, Helge Hurum, Fred Nøddelund, Frode Thingnæs, Einar Iversen, Egil Kapstad, Karin Krog, Terje Bjørklund, Laila Dalseth, Øystein Sevåg, Jens Wendelboe, Susanne Fuhr, Dag Arnesen, Bjørn Alterhaug, Helge Iberg, Svein Finjarn, Odd Børretzen, Bjørn Eidsvåg, Jan Eggum, Lars Klevstrand, Ryfylke Visegruppe, Trond Viggo Torgersen, the Oslo Filharmonien, the Tott Bergh Quintet, the Tine Asmundsen Trio, and others ~ Christiansen passed away in 2015
August 6, 1940 ~ Pianist, composer, arranger Egil Kapstad born in Oslo, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Appears on over 60 albums. Worked with Karin Krog, Chet Baker, Red Mitchell, Bjørn Johansen, Bjarne Nerem, Jon Larsen, Magni Wentzel, Jan Erik Bold, Lars Klevstrand, Ole Paus, Rolf Jacobsen, Thorgeir Stubø, Per Husby, Laila Dalseth, Bjørn Alterhaug, Bodil Niska, Hilde Hefte, Ola Kvernberg, Staffan William-Olsson, Per Husby, Hilde Hefte, and others ~ Kapstad passed away in 2017
August 6, 1939 ~ William Nelson Sanders, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Sonny Sanders, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Formed the Satintones, the first vocal group to be signed to Motown, in 1957 which also featured Robert Bateman, James Ellis, and Sammy Mack. Also sessioned as backup singer on You Got What It Takes (Marv Johnson), and Money (That's What I Want) (Barrett Strong). Left the label in 1960 but continued to work as arranger on Motown-tracks including Just Like Romeo And Juliet (the Reflections). Also worked with non-Motown artists such as producer Carl Davis, Mary Wells, Edwin Starr (arranged Agent Double-O-Soul), Jackie Wilson, Gene Chandler, the Chi-lites, and Tyrone Davis. Co-wrote Barbara Acklin's Am I The Same Girl with Eugene Record. Co-wrote Wilson Pickett's If You Need Me, later also recorded by Solomon Burke, and by the Rolling Stones ~ Sanders passed away in 2016
August 6, 1937 ~ Baden Powell de Aquino, commonly known as guitarist, composer Baden Powell, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Merges classical techniques with harmony and swing. Plays bossa nova, samba, Latin jazz. As a composer known for Abração Em Madrid, Braziliense, Consolaçao, Canto De Ossanho, and Samba Triste, the latter becoming a jazz standard. Worked with the Steve Bernard Orquestra, Ed Lincoln, Billy Blanco, Herbie Mann, Carlos Monteiro de Souza, Oscar Castro Neves, Stéphane Grappelli, and Herbie Mann ~ De Aquino passed away in 2000
August 6, 1937 ~ Bassist, double bassist Charlie Haden, full name Charles Edward Haden, born in Shenandoah, Iowa, USA ~ One of the most important post-bop jazz bassists with a career spanning five decades. Helped liberate the jazz bassist to free themselves from a strictly serving role. Closely associated with Ornette Coleman, including on the pivotal albums The Shape Of Jazz To Come, Change Of The Century, Free Jazz, The Art Of The Improvisers, and This Is Our Music. As a leader especially acclaimed for his 1970 The Liberation Music Orchestra album with backing unit the Liberation Music Orchestra and his 1987 Quartet West album with Quartet West. Has also worked with Paul Bley, John Coltrane (Live At The Village Vanguard), Denny Zeitlin, Roswell Rudd, the Jazz Composers Orchestra, Gato Barbieri, John McLaughlin, Paul Motian, Keith Jarrett (Backhand), Don Cherry, Art Pepper, Robert Wyatt (Ruth Is Stranger Than Fiction), Old And New Dreams, Pat Metheny (80-81), and John Scofield ~ Haden passed away in 2014
August 6, 1935 ~ Bluegrass mandolinist Herschel Sizemore, full name Herschel Lee Sizemore, born in Sheffield, Alabama, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for penning and first recording the mandolin instrumental Rebecca, named after his mother. Member of the Dixie Gentlemen from 1957 through 1965. Subsequently a member of the Shenandoah Cut-Ups, Country Grass which also included Ricky Skaggs, the Dixie Pals and the Bluegrass Cardinals. Guested on recordings by Rual Yarbrough, Jim Eanes, David Parmley, Curly Seckler, and others ~ Sizemore passed away in 2022
August 6, 1931 ~ Cornetist, pianist, composer Bix Beiderbecke passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the most influential jazz soloists of the 1920s. Member of the Wolverines. One third of Tram Bix & Lang. Known for his contributions to songs such as Singing The Blues (the Original Dixieland Jazz Band) and I'm Coming Virginia (Will Marion Cook). Has also worked with Jean Goldkette's orchestra, Frankie Trumbauer, and Paul Whiteman ~ Bix was born in 1903
August 6, 1931 ~ Jazz saxophonist Jean-Louis Chautemps born in Paris, France ~ Initially studied medicine and law, yet chose a career in music. Got his first break working with pianist, bandleader Jef Gilson in 1950. Would go on to back stalwarts of French jazz such as Henri Renaud and Albert Nicholas. Has also worked with Claude Bolling, Sidney Bechet, Django Reinhardt, Chet Baker, Zoot Sims, Lester Young, Albert Ayler, Roy Eldridge, Philly Joe Jones, Lester Bowie, Martial Solal, and others. To pop audiences perhaps best known for appearing on Elton John's Honky Cat of the 1972 Honky Château album ~ Chautemps passed away in 2022
August 6, 1930 ~ Anna Marie Wooldridge, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actress, civil rights advocate Abbey Lincoln, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Billie Holiday. Married to drummer Max Roach from 1962 tot 1970, with whom she also sang including on the 1960 civil rights anthem We Insist. Recorded as a solo artist and guest vocalist from the mid-1950s onwards. Worked with artists such as Benny Carter, Marty Paich, Dave Liebman, Archie Shepp, Steve Coleman, Jerry González, Tarik Shah, Jackie McLean, Clark Terry, Stan Getz, Charlie Haden, Maxine Roach, Rodney Kendrick, Bobby Hutcherson, Victor Lewis, Kenny Barron, Eric Dolphy, Frank Morgan, Bheki Mseleku, Mal Waldron, and Cedar Walton ~ Wooldridge passed away in 2010
August 6, 1928 ~ Producer, manager Andy Warhol born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as film director, painter, visual arts artist leading in art pop movement. Also produced and managed the Velvet Underground in their early days. Warhol's production role amounted to little more than paying for the band's studio time and the relationship, especially with the band's frontman Lou Reed, would be seriously frailed after the band's debut album ~ Warhol passed away in 1987
August 6, 1928 ~ Jazz reedist Pierre Gossez, full name Pierre Fernand Gossez, born in Valenciennes, France ~ Worked with Noel Chiboust, Tony Muréna, Jacques Hélian, Michel Legrand, Martial Solal, Claude Bolling, Sonny Grey, Michel Hausser, André Hodeir, Ivan Jullien, Guy Lafitte, the Paris Jazz All-Stars, Maxim Saury, Dany Doris, Gunther Schuller, Bob Quibel, Solal, Jean-Michel Jarre (saxophone on 1986 album Rendez-Vous), and others ~ Gossez passed away in 2001
August 6, 1924 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Jimmy Ricks, full name James Thomas Ricks, born in Adrian, Georgia, USA ~ Co-founded the Ravens with Warren Suttles and remained with the band through 1956. The doo-wop group would become one of the the most influential vocal quartets of the 1940s and early-1950s, known for songs such as Honey, Ole Man River, Write Me A Letter and Rock Me All Night Long ~ Ricks passed away in 1974
August 6, 1923 ~ John Russell Parnell, commonly known as producer, bandleader, drummer, composer Jack Parnell, born in London, UK ~ The “real” conductor of The Muppet Show Orchestra. Musical director for Benny Hill Show. Composed for TV, including well known themes for shows such as Father Brown, Family Fortunes and Love Story. Worked with Kenny Baker, Don Lusher, Betty Smith, Tony Lee, Tony Archer, Johnny Griffin, Ronnie Ross, Kathy Stobart, the London Big Band, and others ~ Parnell passed away in 2010
August 6, 1921 ~ William Marcel Collette, commonly known as flutist, saxophonist, clarinetist Buddy Collette, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ In 1949 Collette was the first black musician to be hired by a nationally broadcast TV studio orchestra, for You Bet Your Life hosted by Groucho Marx. The conductor received hate-mail for it, yet show, station and musicians stood by Collette. Collette also helped merge an all-black musicians union with an all-white one in the early-1950s. Over the course of his career Collette played with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, Nelson Riddle, Jim Hall, Fred Katz, Carson Smith, Ivie Anderson, Johnny Otis, Gerald Wilson, Ernie Andrews, Charles Mingus, Britt Woodman, John Anderson, Lucky Thompson, Teddy Edwards, Spaulding Givins, Oscar Bradley, Benny Carter, Percy Faith, Joe Liggins, and Louis Jordan ~ Collette passed away in 2010
August 6, 1906 ~ Trombonist Vic Dickenson born in Xenia, Ohio, USA ~ Made his recording debut as a vocalist with Luis Russell in 1930. Member of Blanche Calloway's orchestra in the early-1930s. Led his own bands from the mid-1940s to mid-1950s. Session man ever since working with such greats as Count Basie, Jimmy Rushing, Coleman Hawkins, Pee Wee Russell, Benny Carter, Lester Young, and Sidney Bechet ~ Dickenson passed away in 1984