August 7, 2023 ~ Violinist, singer David LaFlamme passed away ~ Worked with the Orkustra and Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks. Best known for founding and fronting It's A Beautiful Day, which also included his wife Linda LaFlamme. The band is best known for White Bird of their eponymous 1969 It's A Beautiful Day debut album. After the group disbanded in 1972 LaFlamme has recorded as a solo artist ~ LaFlamme was born in 1941
August 7, 2023 ~ Willie Perry Jr, commonly known as DJ, hype man DJ Casper, also referred to as Mr C The Slide Man, passed away ~ Earned the moniker “Casper”, as in the fictional character Casper the Friendly Ghost from the animated cartoon series of the same name, for regularly appearing on stage in all-white attire. Best known for his 2004 single Cha Cha Slide, which became a hit in Chicago. The song would gain wider attention after Perry appeared as a DJ in an episode of Orange Is The New Black, with prisoners and guards line dancing to the song ~ Perry was born in 1965
August 7, 2023 ~ R&B singer, organist Toussaint McCall passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Known for the mid-1960s singles I'll Do It For You and its follow-up Nothing Takes The Place Of You. The latter would reach top 10 Billboard R&B, peaking at No.5, and later be covered by Asleep At The Wheel, Shovels & Rope, and by Prince Buster. McCall released several more singles and a full-length album, Nothing Takes The Place Of You named for and including his one big hit, yet would be unable to repeat his earlier success ~ McCall was born ca.1934
August 7, 2022 ~ Punk rock, garage rock guitarist Gord Lewis passed away ~ Co-founding member of Teenage Head. The band was named after the Flamin' Groovies 1971 album titled Teenage Head and debuted in 1979 with the eponymous Teenage Head. Best known for their 1980 Frantic City album, which spawned the hits Let's Shake and Somethin' On My Mind. Lewis was found killed in 2022, his son Jonathan Lewis would be arrested and charged with second-degree murder ~ Lewis was born ca.1957
August 7, 2019 ~ Indie rock, country rock singer, guitarist, songwriter David Berman, full name David Craig Berman, passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Sole constant member of the indie rock outfit Silver Jews, which he co-founded with Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich. Has also worked with Ectoslavia, with Purple Mountains, and guested on recordings by the Royal Trux, Will Oldham, the Dexateens, and others ~ Berman was born in 1967
August 7, 2009 ~ Folk singer Mike Seeger passed away in Lexington, Virginia, USA ~ Son of singer, folklorist Charles Seeger, half-brother of singer Pete Seeger. Plays a variety of instruments, including banjo, fiddle, dulcimer, guitar, mandolin, dobro, and pan pipes. Co-founded old-time string band the New Lost City Ramblers in 1958 with John Cohen and Tom Paley. Has also recorded prolifically as a solo artist, notably Solo Old Time Music released in 1962, and with the Strange Creek Singers ~ Seeger was born in 1933
August 7, 2004 ~ Wilbert Granville Thodore Hogan Jr, commonly known as jazz drummer GT Hogan, passed away in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Played with Earl Bostic, Randy Weston, Kenny Drew, Kenny Dorham, Ray Charles, Elmo Hope, Bud Powell, Walter Bishop Jr, Earl Coleman, Hank Crawford, Curtis Fuller, Wilbur Harden, Cal Massey, Leo Parker, Ike Quebec, and with AK Salim ~ Hogan passed away in 1929
August 7, 2001 ~ Guitarist Billy Byrd passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Key guitarist in early country, studio musician. Helped popularize the electric lead guitar in country. Influenced by jazz players such as Charlie Christian and Django Reinhardt. Tutored artists such as Hank Garland and Shot Jackson. Member of Ernest Tubb's backing unit the Texas Troubadours. Also worked with artists such as the Oak Ridge Quartet, Tex Ritter, George Hamilton IV, and Jimmy Dickens ~ Byrd was born in 1920
August 7, 1993 ~ Pop singer, dancer Anton Ewald, full name Anton Kim Ewald, born in Sweden ~ Dancer, choreographer, backing vocalist working with artists suchg as Velvet, Danny Saucedo, Andreas Lundstedt. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Begging, Natural, This Could Be Something featuring Medina and New Religion
August 7, 1993 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Roy Budd, full name Roy Frederick Budd, passed away ~ Best known as film composer including for Get Carter and Wild Geese. Has worked with Peter McGurk, Trevor Tomkins, Chris Karan, Pete Morgan, Dave Holland, Tony Hatch, Johnny Harris, Larry Adler, Bob Hope, Tony Bennett, Charles Aznavour, the London Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Budd was born in 1947
August 7, 1990 ~ Dance, hip hop, funk act Deee-lite release their World Clique debut album ~ Hailed by Spin as “the debut album of the year”, the album would quickly find appeal in the UK, and steadily rise on the American charts to eventually scratch the Billboard Hot 200 top 20, aided by the success of its lead single Groove Is In The Heart co-written by Herbie Hancock. The album featured a number of notable guest appearances by saxophonist Maceo Parker, bassist Bootsy Collins, and trombonist Fred Wesley, all of which well known for their work with both James Brown and Parliament, and A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip
August 7, 1984 ~ Esther Mae Jones, commonly known as singer Esther Phillips passed away in Carson, California, USA ~ Best known for her association with Johnny Otis, recording a number of 1950s hits with the Otis orchestra including Double Crossing Blues, Mistrusting Blues and Cupid's Boogie. As a solo artist scored a number of 1960s R&B hits for Release Me, And I Love Him and Try Me ~ Jones was born in 1935
August 7, 1979 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Cheri Dennis born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Member of girl group Spoyled. Worked with Mase on the tracks No Matter What, All I Ever Wanted and If You Want To Party of his 1999 Double Up album. Debuted as a solo artist with the Ryan Leslie-produced single I Love You in 2005. Would release a full-length solo album, In And Out Of Love, in 2008. Also appears on recordings by Faith Evans, the Notorious BIG, Black Rob, Danity Kane, and Machine Gun Kelly
August 7, 1979 ~ Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, commonly known as rapper Gangsta Boo, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Second female member of hip-hop collective Three 6 Mafia, remaining with the group through 2002. Recorded three albums as a solo artist, starting with Enquiring Minds released in 1998. Has also worked with the Prophet Posse, the Hypnotize Camp Posse, Gangsta Blac, Lil' Jon, Gucci Mane, Lord Infamous, Frayser Boy, Lil Wyte, and Clipping ~ Mitchell passed away in 2023
August 7, 1973 ~ Electronica, breakbeat, house, dub producer, DJ Adam Freeland born in Welwyn Garden, UK ~ Became an in-demand DJ around Britain in the 1990s. Formed the duo Tsunami One with Kevin Beber. Also one third of the Acid, alongside Steve Nalepa and Ry X. Released his full-length Now & Them solo debut album in 2000
August 7, 1973 ~ Pop, pop rock, symphonic rock singer Cindy Oudshoorn born in Zwolle, the Netherlands ~ As a solo artist best known for her 1996 single Soms Als Ik Je Zie. Member of Kayak from 2004 through 2014. After her departure from the band founded the symphonic rock cover band Symfo Classics with Edward Reekers and Joost Vergoossen
August 7, 1970 ~ Alternative rock, pop, classical violinist, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, singer, conductor, arranger, composer, producer Davide Rossi born in Turin, Italy ~ To pop audiences perhaps best known for his association with electronic music duo Goldfrapp from 2000 through 2013. Regular string arranger for Coldplay, starting on the 2008 Viva La Vida. Has also worked with Dido, Afterhours, the Proclaimers, Eros Ramazzotti, Alicia Keys, Moby, Rihanna, and others
August 7, 1969 ~ Singer Marvin Gaye releases his That's The Way Love Is single ~ Originally a 1967 non-charter for the Isley Brothers during their brief tenure at Motown, producer, co-writer Norman Whitfield took the Isley's up-tempo record and slowed it down for Gaye, adding elements of psychedelic soul. The single would sell a million copies, as did both of his two latest singles I Heard It Through The Grapevine and Too Busy Thinking About My Baby, and reach top 10 on both the Billboard R&B and the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song would be covered by the Temptations later the same year, included on their Puzzle People album. Singers Paul Young and Alison Moyet performed the song at the Live Aid charity concert in 1985
August 7, 1968 ~ Folk, pop, rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, percussionist, songwriter Geir Luedy, full name Geir Steen-Olsen Luedy, born in Bergen, Norway ~ Member of rock outfit Barbie Bones, with whom he recorded the acclaimed yet commercially unsuccessful early-1990s albums Brake For Nobody and Death In The Rocking Horse Factory. Subsequently co-founded Chocolate Overdose, best known for their 1999 Dingledoodies album. Has also worked with a host of other, mostly Bergen-based, acts including the DumDum Boys, Unge Frustrerte Menn, Kenneth Sivertsen, and Jan Eggum
August 7, 1968 ~ Nu metal, funk metal, hardcore punk singer Lynn Strait, full name James Lynn Strait, born in Manhasset, New York, USA ~ Bassist in thrash metal band Lethal Dose. Would rise to notoriety as lead singer of nu metal band Snot, known for their sole album Get Some released in 1997. Strait was killed in a six-car pile-up, the band disbanding after his death. The remaining band members released Strait Up in 2000 as a tribute album to Strait, featuring guests such as System Of A Down's Serj Tarkian, Korn's Jonathan Davis, Soulfly's Max Cavalera, Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst, and Slipknot's Corey Taylor ~ Strait passed away in 1998
August 7, 1968 ~ José Antonio Aguilar Jiménez, commonly known as singer, actor, songwriter Pepe Aguilar, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Son of Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre. Father of singers Leonardo Aguilar and Angela Aguilar. Made his stage debut at age 3, joining his father onstage at Madison Square Garden. Influenced by Pink Floyd and the Who. Member of Equs. Released his solo debut album, Pepe Aguilar Con Tambora, in 1989. Has since gone on to become one of the main forces in Latin music, merging traditional music with modern pop influences
August 7, 1967 ~ Punk rock singer, songwriter Johnny Bonnel, also known as Johnny Peebucks Bonnel, born in California, USA ~ Lead singer of long-running California outfit the Swingin' Utters. Influenced by UK punk, the band has recorded well over half a dozen albums since the mid-1990s, and is most acclaimed for their 2003 Dead Flowers Bottles Bluegrass And Bones album. Also fronted the side project the Filthy Thievin' Bastards, drawing from folk rock, country, pop and punk rock and specifically the Pogues
August 7, 1966 ~ Alternative rock singer, songwriter Kristin Hersh, full name Martha Kristin Hersh, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ First gained attention as co-lead singer of the acclaimed alternative rock, post-punk outfit Throwing Muses, the other lead singer being her stepsister Tanya Donelly. Hersh has also worked with 50 Foot Wave and recorded prolifically as a solo artist, starting with her Hips & Makers debut album released in 1994. Also known as an author, noted for her 2015 book Don't Suck Don't Die (Giving Up Vic Chesnutt) about her friendship with singer, songwriter Vic Chesnutt. Hersh has cited Chesnutt as a major influence on her songwriting
August 7, 1966 ~ Drummer, producer Torstein Ellingsen born in Oslo, Norway ~ Worked with the Royal Rakes Jazzband, the Christiana Jazzband, the Caledonia Jazzband, Real Thing, Magnolia, his wife Majken Christiansen, Ingar Kristiansen, Paul Wagnberg, Rune Nicolaysen, Anders Aarum, Tor Einar Bekken, Sandvika Storband, Ola Kvernberg, Jan Werner, Sigurd Kohn, George Michael Reiss, Norbert Susemihl, Halvdan Sivertsen, Øystein Sunde, the Garden Of Delight, and others
August 7, 1965 ~ DJ, remixer Angel Moraes born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Resident DJ at various New York nightclubs during the 1980s, notably Paradise Garage. Best known for releases such as Release Yourself, Heaven Knows and Burnin' Up. Has remixed tracks for the Pet Shop Boys, kd Lang, Jaydee, and Funky Green Dogs ~ Moraes passed away in 2021
August 7, 1965 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, alternative rock singer, songwriter Johnny Solinger, full name John Preston Solinger, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of Skid Row from 1999, replacing Sebastian Bach, through 2015. Also recorded as a solo artist, noted for his 2008 eponymous Johnny Solinger country-rock album, initially only released regionally ~ Solinger passed away in 2021
August 7, 1965 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist Raul Malo born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of the Mavericks, also having co-written many of their best known songs. Also a member of Tex-mex supergroup Los Super Seven as well as an acclaimed solo artist, steadily releasing solo albums since the breakup of the Mavericks
August 7, 1964 ~ Rock, pop rock bassist, guitarist, pianist, singer Aslak Dørum born in Oslo, Norway ~ Best known as a member of the DumDum Boys since 1993. Released his Lonesome Means Happy solo debut album in 2005. Has also worked with Follow That Dream, Racer, and Blister
August 7, 1963 ~ Marthaniel Roberts, commonly known as jazz, swing, classical pianist, arranger, composer Marcus Roberts, born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Influenced by Jelly Roll Morton and Fats Waller. Founded the Modern Jazz Generation. Has worked extensively with Wynton Marsalis. Also worked with Marin Alsop, Seiji Ozawa, Mark Whitfield, Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Printup, Jason Marsalis, Chick Corea, and others
August 7, 1962 ~ Banjoist Alison Brown born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Banjoist who blends jazz, bluegrass, rock, blues, and other styles. Spent three years with Union Station, the band best known for frequently backing Alison Krauss. Member of New Grange. Co-founded Small World Records with her husband bassist Garry West, which eventually led to launch of Compass Records. Also works as a producer for artists such as Dale Ann Bradley, Peter Rowan, Quiles & Cloud, and Claire Lynch
August 7, 1961 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Carlos Vives born in Santa Maria, Columbia ~ Started his career acting in telenovelas, first gaining serious attention in 1986 playing the title role in Gallito Ramirez. As a singer released his Por Fuera Y Por Dentro debut album the same year, to little succes. Would continue to release albums consisting mostly of ballads. Broke through as a singer in the 1990s merging traditional Colombian music with rock, pop and funk. Known for songs such Matilde Lina, Gota Fria, Vives Tu Amor Eterno, Dejame Entrar, Luna Nueva, Como Tu, and Deciams De Paracido
August 7, 1961 ~ Bassist, actor, songwriter Zander Schloss born in USA ~ Closely associated with Joe Strummer. Best known as an actor, appearing in over a dozen films starting with the 1984 film Repo Man in the role of Kevin. Has also regularly contributed to the soundtracks of films he played in. Well-known for his collaborative albums with Sean Wheeler, Walk Thee Invisible and Other Desert Cities released respectively in 2010 and 2014. Has also appeared on albums by the Circle Jerks, Thelonious Monster (A Beautiful Mess), Mike Watt, the Magnificent Bastards fronted by Scott Weiland, the Weirdos, and the Low & Sweet Orchestra
August 7, 1959 ~ Blues singer Jimmy Reed records Baby What Do You Want Me To Do ~ Self-penned. Released as a single the following November, b/w Caress Me Baby, it would reach top 10 Billboard R&B in 1960 and become one of Reed's most popular, covered by well over a hundred artists. Notable renditions include Etta James on her 1963 Etta James Rocks The House live album, and Elvis Presley on his Elvis '68 Comeback Special TV special and accompanying album. Others who would cover the song include Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Lou Rawls, John Mayall, and Neil Young
August 7, 1959 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Michael Peterson, full name Michael James Peterson, born in Tucson, Arizona, USA ~ Released an overlooked eponymous Michael Peterson in 1986, consisting of contemporary Christian songs prior to establishing himself as a country singer a decade later with another eponymous Michael Peterson album. The album would spawn the Billboard Country top 10 hits Drink Swear Steal & Lie, From Here To Eternity, and Too Good To Be True. Peterson would continue to record, releasing over half a dozen more country albums through the 2010s
August 7, 1958 ~ Singer Bruce Dickinson born in Nottinghamshire, UK ~ Joined heavy metal band Samson in 1979 and recorded two albums with them. Replaced Paul di'Anno as Iron Maiden's lead singer in 1981, stayed with the band till 1993, rejoined in 1999. Has been releasing solo records since the late-1980s. Is also a commercial airline pilot and has captained Iron Maiden on world tours
August 7, 1955 ~ Desmond D'Andrea Dickerson, commonly known as guitarist, singer Dez Dickerson, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Member of Prince's backing unit the Revolution. Noted for his guitar solo on Little Red Corvette. Has also written or co-written for several side projects including He's So Dull for Vanity 6 and Wild And Loose, After Hi School and Cool for the Time
August 7, 1953 ~ Rock, alternative country bassist, guitarist JD Foster born in Indiana, USA ~ Closely associated with the likes of Patty Griffin and Dwight Yoakam, notably present on the latter's Guitars Cadillacs Etc Etc and Hillbilly Deluxe. Other collaborations include Marc Ribot, the True Believers, Richard Buckner, Lucinda Williams, Vinicio Capossela, Anna Coogan, T-Bone Burnett, and others
August 7, 1950 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Rodney Crowell born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Was with Emmylou Harris's backing band the Emmylou Harris Hot Band for three years. Formed the side project the Notorious Cherry Bombs which also included Vince Gill and Tony Brown. Has been recording solo albums since the late-1970s, the first few initially only to cult following. Starting in the early-1980s though both critical acclaim and commercial succes followed suit. Married to Johnny Cash's daughter Rosanne Cash from 1979 to 1992. As a songwriter saw his songs recorded by Waylon Jennings (Ain't Living Long Like This), the Oak Ridge Boys (Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight), Jerry Reed, Bob Seger (Shame On The Moon), Crystal Gayle (Till I Gain Control Again), Alan Jackson (Song For The Life), Lee Ann Womack (Ashes By Now), and Tim McGraw (Please Remember)
August 7, 1949 ~ Guitarist Tim Renwick born in Cambridge, UK ~ Best known for his association with Al Stewart in his early career and for leading the Sutherland Brothers. Renowned session and backing musician. Has worked with Elton John, Procol Harum, Andy Gibb, Bridget St John, Shirley Collins, David Bowie, Mike Oldfield, Pink Floyd (touring with them on their 1987 and 1994 tours), Roger Waters, Eric Clapton, David Byron, Richard Wright, Jonathan Kelly, Sally Oldfield, Maggie Reilly, China Crisis, Brian Joseph Friel, and others
August 7, 1948 ~ Jazz, rock pianist, organist Neil Larsen born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Has recorded close to a half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Jungle Fever in 1978, and a number of collaborative jazz-fusion albums with guitarist Howard Buzz Feiten under the common moniker the Larsen-Feiten Band. In-demand session musician in jazz, pop and rock, present on albums by Don McLean, George Harrison (Dark Horse), Roy Buchanan, Don Covay, Sea Level (Cats On The Coast), Doug Kershaw, Dusty Springfield, Dr John, Jim Messina, Randy Crawford, Rickie Lee Jones, Randy Newman (Trouble In Paradise), George Benson, Billy Joe Shaver, Al Jarreau, and others
August 7, 1948 ~ Guitarist Pau Riba, full name Pau Riba i Romeva, born in Palma de Mallorca, Spain ~ Has recorded extensively since the late-1960s, starting in counterculture scene. Especially influential for his early work, fusing folk with psychedelia. Has collaborated with the likes of Maria Del Mar Bonet, Grup de Folk, Jaume Sisa, and Pascal Comelade. Also a well-published author, having written poems, novels, and essays ~ Riba passed away in 2022
August 7, 1945 ~ Singer Bing Crosby records I Can't Begin To Tell You ~ Written by James V Monaco and Mack Gordon. Recorded by several artists in 1945, the biggest hit being Crosby's, with Carmen Cavallaro notably present on the ivories, reaching the No.1 spot on the pop charts
August 7, 1944 ~ Guitarist Arty McGlynn born in Omagh, Northern Ireland ~ Perhaps best known for backing Van Morrison, including on the acclaimed 1989 Avalon Sunset album. Released his McGlynn's Fancy solo album in 1979. Has also worked with Enya, Patrick Street, Planxty, Four Men & a Dog, Liam O'Flynn, Frankie Gavin, and his wife Nollaig Casey ~ McGlynn passed away in 2019
August 7, 1944 ~ Electric blues guitarist, keyboardist, organist, songwriter Denny Freeman, full name Dennis Edward Freeman, born in Orlando, Florida, USA ~ Worked with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, Bob Dylan, Angela Strehli, Lou Ann Barton, James Cotton, Taj Mahal, Percy Sledge, Otis Rush, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Lazy Lester, Tony Garnier, Stu Kimball, Clem Burke, Donnie Herron, Doyle Bramhall, and others
August 7, 1942 ~ Billy Joe Thomas, commonly known as singer BJ Thomas, born in Hugo, California, USA ~ Popular country-pop singer from the 1960s and 1970s best known for hits such as Hooked On A Feeling, the smash hit Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head penned by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Hey Won't You Play Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song and As Long As We Got Each Other, the latter a duet with Dusty Springfield ~ Thomas passed away in 2021
August 7, 1942 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Caetano Veloso born in Santo Amaro da Purificao, Brazil ~ Alongside artists such as his sister Maria Bethânia, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Tom Zé and Os Mutantes, one of the founders of Tropicalismo in the 1960s, an artistic movement that encompassed music, film, poetry and other art forms. Political activist under Brazilian military dictatorship who, along with Gil, would eventually be exiled by the regime
August 7, 1942 ~ Engineer, producer David Rubinson born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Active since the mid-1960s. Has served as engineer or producer for a wide array of artists including Moby Grape, Taj Mahal (The Natch'i Blues), the Chamber Brothers, Santana (Santana), Tower Of Power, Elvin Bishop, Herbie Hancock (Mwandishi), the Pointer Sisters, Bobby Womack, Labelle, Phoebe Snow (It Looks Like Snow), the Meters, VSOP (Tempest In The Colosseum), Salt-n-Pepa, and Gato Barbieri
August 7, 1941 ~ R&B singer Ben Moore, full name Benjamin Moore Jr, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Sang with Otis Redding and James Brown. Member of Jimmy Tig & the Rounders. Teamed up with James Purify in the mid-1970s adopting the moniker Bobby Purify previously held by Robert Lee Dickey. The reformed James & Bobby Purify would re-record I'm Your Puppet reaching top 20 in the UK in 1976. Subsequently Moore would also record as a solo artist, keeping the Purify moniker, retiring from music by the 1990s. By the end of the decade returned to music, encouraged by Ray Charles, and later joined gospel outfit the Blind Boys Of Alabama ~ Moore passed away in 2022
August 7, 1941 ~ Tubist, saxophonist, clarinetist, trumpeter Howard Johnson, full name Howard Lewis Johnson, born ~ Leader and sideman. Father of blues singer Nedra Johnson. Best known for his associations with George Gruntz, Hank Crawford, Gil Evans. Has also worked with Gravity, Charles Mingus, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Archie Shepp, Hank Mobley, Taj Mahal, the Band, Tomasz Stańko, Carla Bley, John Lennon, Gato Barbieri, David Fathead Newman, George Gruntz, John Scofield, and Jack DeJohnette ~ Johnson passed away in 2021
August 7, 1937 ~ Trombonist, hornist George Bohanon, full name George Roland Bohanon Jr, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Bohanon sporadically recorded as a leader, noted most for Boss (Bossa Nova) issued in 1963, yet is best known as an in-demand sideman praised for his fluid sound and ability to play in nearly any setting. Closely associated with Detroit's Workshop Jazz Ensemble, Chico Hamilton, including on the albums Man From Two Worlds and The Dealer, Ernie Wilkins, and Frank Sinatra, backing the latter for nearly a decade starting in the mid-1980s. Over the course of his lengthy career, Bohanon has appeared on albums by John Lee Hooker, Roy Brooks (Beat), the Temptations, the Doors (Soft Parade), Rita Coolidge, Ry Cooder (Into The Purple Valley), Diana Ross, Arlo Guthrie, Willie Hutch (The Mack), Bonnie Raitt (Takin' My Time), Marvin Gaye, Jesse Ed Davis, Flora Purim, Patrice Rushen, Hampton Hawes, the Four Tops, Glen Campbell (Rhinestone Cowboy), Donald Byrd, Quincy Jones, Deniece Williams (This Is Niecy), Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder (Songs In The Key Of Life), the Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Donna Summer (Bad Girls), Frank Capp, Barry White (Just For You), Everette Harp, and Milt Jackson ~ Bohanon passed away in 2024
August 7, 1937 ~ Morris Holt, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist Magic Slim, was born in Torrance, Mississippi, USA ~ Worked with Magic Sam, John Primer, Billy Branch, Popa Chubby, Joe Carter, Sunnyland Slim, James Cotton, Elvin Bishop, Lil' Ed Williams, Lonnie Brooks, Otis Clay and with his son Shawn Holt. Recorded a number of singles starting in 1966 with Scuffling, recorded his first full-length solo album, Born Under A Bad Sign, in 1977 ~ Holt passed away in 2013
August 7, 1936 ~ Singer Charles Pope, full name Charles Walter Pope, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Longtime member of the Tams, known for 1960s R&B hits such as Untie Me, Hey Girl Don't Bother Me, and Be Young Be Foolish Be Happy. Their 1963 single What Kind Of Fool Do You Think I Am would also cross over into the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, reaching the top 10. Pope's daughter Tameka Cottle is also a singer, known as a member of 1990s multi-platinum girl group Xscape ~ Pope passed away in 2013
August 7, 1935 ~ Classical trumpeter, cornetist Maurice Murphy, full name Maurice Harrison Murphy, born in Hammersmith, UK ~ Cornetist for brass ensemble the Black Dyke Band from 1956 through 1961. Would shift to orchestral work through stints with the Hallé, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Lemare Orchestra, Principal trumpeter with the London Symphony Orchestra for some three decades starting in 1977, including appearing with the latter on numerous soundtracks such as the first six Star Wars films, the Alien film series, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and Johnny English ~ Murphy passed away in 2010
August 7, 1935 ~ Ronald Theodore Kirk, commonly known as saxophonist, flutist Rahsaan Roland Kirk, born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Revered jazz, soul jazz, hard bop saxophonist, known for his vitality, improvisational skills and showmanship. Influenced by R&B, pop, jazz, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and classical music such as Camille Saint-Saëns, Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Antonín Dvorák. Kirk has occasionally worked as a sideman, including on albums by Quincy Jones, Roy Haynes, and Charles Mingus ~ Kirk passed away in 1977
August 7, 1931 ~ TV producer, musical theater producer, record producer Jack Good born in London, UK ~ As a TV producer responsible for early popular music shows on British TV, including Six Five Special and Wham. As a music manager represented artists such as Tommy Steele, Marty Wilde, Billy Fury, Jess Conrad, and Cliff Richard ~ Good passed away in 2017
August 7, 1929 ~ Singer Reverend Julius Cheeks born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA ~ Briefly a member of the Soul Stirrers. Best known as a member of the Sensational Nightingales, popular in the early-1950s and known for songs such as Somewhere To Lay My Head and The Last Mile Of The Way. Also a member of the Mighty Clouds Of Joy ~ Cheeks passed away in 1981
August 7, 1928 ~ Singer Herb Reed born in USA ~ Co-founding and last surviving member of the Platters. Came up with the band's name, as DJ's would refer to records as “platters.” Sang on all of the band's recordings, mostly backup. Sang lead on songs such as Sixteen Tons, Singing In The Rain, In A Little Spanish Town, Sleepy Town Gall, Darktown Strutter's Ball, Blues In The Night, and On The Top Of My Mind ~ Reed passed away in 2012
August 7, 1925 ~ Matlde Genevieve Scaduto, commonly known as songwriter Felice Bryant, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Songwriter, usually in partnership with her husband Boudleaux Bryant. Together they wrote some of Nashville's most enduring hits for artists such as Jimmy Dickens (Country Boy), Buddy Holly (Raining In My Heart), Gram Parsons (Love Hurts), Emmylou Harris (Like Strangers), Ricky Van Shelton (Loving Proof), Johnny O'Keefe (She Wears My Ring), and perhaps most extensively for the Everly Brothers (Bye Bye Love, Problems, Wake Up Little Susie). Other artists who have recorded their songs include Tony Bennett, Frankie Laine, Sonny James, Eddy Arnold, Bob Moore, Charley Pride, Nazareth, Jim Reeves, Leo Sayer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Simon & Garfunkel, Sarah Vaughan, the Grateful Dead, Elvis Costello, Count Basie, Dean Martin, Ray Charles, Joan Jett, Roy Orbison, Solomon King, Sue Thompson, Moon Mullican, and Dillard & Clarke ~ Bryant passed away in 2003
August 7, 1923 ~ Leonard Graham, commonly known as bop trumpeter Idrees Sulieman, born in St Petersburg, Florida, USA ~ Played with the Carolina Cotton Pickers, Earl Hines, Mercer Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Cab Calloway, John Coltrane, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Coleman Hawkins, Randy Weston, Oscar Dennard, Kenny Clarke, Howard McGhee, and others ~ Graham passed away in 2002
August 7, 1923 ~ Frank Boder, commonly known as drummer Uffe Baadh, born in Aarhus, Denmark ~ Emigrated to the USA in 1947 to play with big bandleaders such as Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, Claude Thornhill, and others. Has also played with Alice Babs, Thore Ehrling, Rolf Ericson, George Vernon, Carl Henrik Norin, Stan Hasselgard, Red Callender, Benny Goodman, and Elvis Presley ~ Baadh passed away in 1980
August 7, 1921 ~ Bandleader, arranger Warren Covington born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Played with Isham Jones, Les Brown, Gene Krupa, and as staff musician for CBS Radio. Played briefly with Tommy Dorsey in 1950. Took over from Eddie Gray as leader of the Commanders in 1956. Led Tommy Dorsey Orchestra after Dorsey's death. Also backed Charles Mingus, Randy Weston, Bobby Hackett, George Benson, Yusef Lateef, and Don Sebesky ~ Covington passed away in 1999
August 7, 1920 ~ Harry Arnold Persson, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, bandleader Harry Arnold, born in Helsingborg, Sweden ~ Worked with Thore Ehrling, the Swedish Radio Big Band, Arne Domnérus, Bengt Hallberg, Ake Persson, Benny Bailey, Quincy Jones, Ernestine Anderson, Lucky Thompson, Coleman Hawkins, Toots Thielemans, Tony Scott, and Stan Getz ~ Persson passed away in 1971
August 7, 1913 ~ Swing, jazz guitarist George van Eps born in Plainfield, New Jersey, USA ~ Renowned for his fingerpicking technique. Influenced country guitarists such as Chet Atkins and Merle Travis, jazz guitarists such as Bucky Pizzarelli and Howard Alden. Worked with Harry Reser, Smith Ballew, Freddy Martin, Benny Goodman, Ray Noble, Frank Sinatra, Eddie Condon, the Casa Loma Orchestra, Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Sarah Vaughan, Jack Teagarden, Bunny Berigan, Paul Weston, Doris Day, Louis Prima, Adrian Rollini, Mel Tormé, Ella Mae Morse, Gene Krupa, Helen Ward, Jo Stafford, Red Norvo, Peggy Lee, Frankie Laine, Bob Haggart, Tony Bennett, and John Pisano ~ Van Eps passed away in 1998
August 7, 1910 ~ Swing, boogie-woogie pianist, bandleader Freddie Slack, full name Frederick Charles Slack, born in Westby, Wisconsin, USA ~ Co-wrote, recorded House Of The Blue Lights with Ella Mae Morse as lead singer, later covered by Chuck Miller, the Andrews Sisters, Chuck Berry, and by Jerry Lee Lewis. Worked with Will Bradley including the piano solo on Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar, arguably one of the first white boogie-woogie hits. Also worked with Henry Halstead, Earl Burtnett, Lennie Hayton, Ben Pollack, Jimmy Dorsey, T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, Johnny Mercer, Margaret Whiting, Liza Morrow, and others ~ Slack passed away in 1965
August 7, 1887 ~ Charles Luckyth Roberts, commonly known as jazz, ragtime, blues composer, stride pianist Luckey Roberts, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Toured with James Reese Europe during World War I. Along with James P Johnson, helped develop the stride piano style. Had unusually large reach on the keyboard. Noted compositions include Junk Man Rag, Moonlight Cocktail, Pork & Beans, Railroad Blues, and Moonlight Cocktail, the latter a huge hit for Glenn Miller in 1942. Roberts also co-wrote three Broadway musicals, 1923's Go Go and Sharlee, and 1926's My Magnolia. ~ Roberts passed away in 1968