August 9, 2024 ~ Rock drummer Carl Bevan passed away ~ Rose to fame as a member of 1990s rock, punk rock outfit 60 Ft Dolls, with whom he recorded the albums The Big 3 and Joya Magica, and played festivals such as Reading Festival and Glastonbury Festival. Two of the band's singles reached top 40 in their native UK, Talk To Me and Happy Shopper. Bevan has also produced Exit International's 2011 Black Junk album, and formed the female-fronted rock and roll unit the Lash. In later years, Bevan would become well known as a landscape painter. Upon hearing of his death, Dolls bandmate guitarist Richard Parfitt, not to be confused with his namesake Status Quo-rhythm guitarist, commented: “Carl was a brilliant drummer, a brilliant artist and a brilliant friend” ~ Bevan was born ca.1973
August 9, 2024 ~ Electric blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Carl Weathersby, full name Carlton Weathersby, passed away ~ Firmly rooted in the classic Chicago blues tradition with a solid dose of smooth soul-blues added for good measure, Weathersby first gained attention in the late-1970s backing Albert King on tour. Best known for his association with Billy Branch, with whom he worked for well over a dozen years including on the highly acclaimed The Blues Keep Following Me Around album. As a solo artist, Weathersby has recorded about half a dozen albums, starting with Don't Lay Your Blues On Me which was hailed as one of the most genuine Chicago blues albums of the 1990s. Weathersby has also appeared on albums by Robert Covington, George Gruntz, Buster Benton (Blues At The Top), Carey Bell (Deep Down), Hubert Sumlin, Mississippi Heat, Rico McFarland (Tired Of Being Alone), Charles Wilson (If Heartaches Were Nickles), Nora Jean Bruso, Trudy Lynn, Bernard Allison, Otis Rush, Keb' Mo, and Barrelhouse Chuck. Upon hearing of Weathersby's passing, longtime collaborator Branch commented: “Over the years I watched as Carl's guitar and singing skills continued to develop and mature, ultimately making him one of the most skilled and dynamic bluesmen of our times. His vocals were heartfelt and passionate. His guitar skills were unmatched. He had come into his own” ~ Weaterhersby was born in 1953
August 9, 2023 ~ Singer Peppino Gagliardi passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Enjoyed popularity in his native Italy especially during the 1970s. Well-known songs include T'Amo Et T'Amerò, Settembre, Come Le Viole, and Come Un Ragazzino. His Che Vuole Questa Musica Stasera would become one of his internationally best known, frequently used in soundtracks including the 1974 original film Scent Of A Woman ~ Gagliardi was born in 1940
August 9, 2023 ~ Jaime Royal Robertson, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Robbie Robertson, passed away ~ Best known as lead guitarist of the Band. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as The Weight, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, and Up On Cripple Creek. As a solo artist best known for Broken Arrow and Somewhere Down The Crazy River, both taken of his eponymous 1987 Robbie Robertson solo debut album. The album would feature appearances by his former bandmates as well as Peter Gabriel, and U2's Bono and the Edge ~ Robertson was born in 1943
August 9, 2022 ~ Pop rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Jussi Hakulinen, full name Jussi Pekka Hakulinen, passed away in Pori, Finland ~ Original member of Yö, one of the best selling bands in Finland. Present on the band's first two albums Varietee and Nuoalia Tanssija. Departed the band in 1985 to pursue a solo career though in later years from time to time guested with the band and wrote material for them. Five albums as a solo artist, starting with Vaaleanpunaien Majatolo released in 1985 ~ Hakulinen was born in 1964
August 9, 2021 ~ Carl Edward Thompson Jr, commonly known as hip-hop, R&B producer Chucky Thompson, born in Washington DC, USA ~ In-house producer with Bad Boy Entertainment. Has worked with artists such as Usher, Born Jamericans, the Notorious BIG (Ready To Die), Mary J Blige, Total, Faith Evans (Faith), Brian McKnight, Puff Johnson, Mya, Nas (8 Mile), Lil' Mo, Juvenile, Ne-Yo, and Busta Rhymes ~ Thompson was born in 1968
August 9, 2021 ~ Label executive Walter Yetnikoff passed away in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA ~ Executive with CBS Records for nearly two decades starting in 1971, rising to president and CEO by the mid-1970s. Signed artists such as James Taylor and Paul McCartney. Helped advance the careers of Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Earth Wind & Fire, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, Gloria Estefan, and others ~ Yetnikoff was born in 1933
August 9, 2020 ~ Engineer, producer Martin Birch passed away ~ Renowned hard rock, metal engineer, producer known for his work with artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Jeff Beck, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Wishbone Ash, Rainbow, Ronnie James Dio, the Blue Öyster Cult, Iron Maiden, Skid Row, Toad, Gary Moore, Roger Glover, Cozy Powell, the Michael Schenker Group, and others ~ Birch was born in 1948
August 9, 2017 ~ Organist, composer Marián Varga passed away in Bratislava, Slovakia ~ Member of Prudy, present on the quintessential 1969 Zvonte Zvonky album. Co-founded art-rock band Collegium Musicum, known for reinterpretations of classic themes by composers such as Joseph Haydn, Béla Bartók, Igor Stravinsky. Also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with Pavol Hammel, and Vladimír Merta ~ Varga was born in 1947
August 9, 2016 ~ Guitarist, mandolinist, singer Pádraig Duggan passed away in Dublin, Ireland ~ Alongside twin brother Noel Duggan rose to fame as member of Clannad, known best for Theme From Harry's Game which reached top 10 in both the UK and the band's native Ireland. The brothers took a hiatus after the band's acclaimed 1998 Landmarks album, releasing their own Rubicon album in 2005 to critical acclaim featuring guests such as Moya Brennan, Finbar Furrey and Orla Fallon ~ Duggan was born in 1949
August 9, 2012 ~ Producer, label executive Carl Davis, full name Carl H Davis Sr, passed away in Summerville, South Carolina, USA ~ Closely associated with Okeh Records, Brunswick Records, and Chi-Sound Records, founding the latter in 1976. First gained serious attention producing Gene Chandler's 1962 hit single Duke Of Earl, later named one of the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. Would go on to produce for the likes of Major Lance, Walter Jackson, the Artistics, Jackie Wilson ((Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher), Barbara Acklin, Tyrone Davis (Turn Back The Hands Of Time), and Hamilton Bohannon ~ Davis was born in 1934
August 9, 2010 ~ Electric blues bassist, singer Calvin Fuzz Jones passed away in Southaven, Mississippi, USA ~ Jones worked with Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, the Legendary Blues Band, Mississippi Heat, James Cotton, Luther Guitar Junior Johnson, Little Walter, Elmore James, Pinetop Perkins, Willie Big Eyes Smith, Ronnie Earl, Bruce Katz, the Blues Brothers, and Cassandra Wilson ~ Jones was born in 1926
August 9, 2009 ~ Bassist, arranger, conductor David Van De Pitte passed away in Soutfield, Michigan, USA ~ Member of Johnny Trudell's orchestra for most of the 1960s. In-house arranger for Motown from 1968 through the early-1970s. Especially known for conducting the orchestra on Marvin Gaye's 1971 masterpiece What's Going On album. Also arranged songs for the Four Tops, the Supremes, Gladys Knight (If I Were Your Woman), the Temptations (Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today)), and Stevie Wonder. Following his departure from the label by 1972 has freelanced, working with the likes of Paul Anka, Millie Jackson, and George Clinton ~ Van de Pitte was born in 1941
August 9, 2005 ~ Edward Emery Williams Jr, commonly known as Chicago blues singer, pianist, songwriter Detroit Junior, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Known for recordings such as So Unhappy, Call My Job, If I Hadn't Been High, Ella, and Money Tree. Had his songs covered by Koko Taylor, and Albert King. Backed Howlin' Wolf for over a decade, starting in 1956. Has also worked with Eddie Boyd, John Lee Hooker, and Amos Milburn ~ Williams was born in 1931
August 9, 2004 ~ Jazz guitarist Tony Mottola passed away in Dwenville, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Known for his 1968 easy listening hit This Guy's In Love With You. Worked with Carl Kress, John Serry Sr, Skitch Henderson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Urbie Green, Dick Hyman, Enoch Light, Charles Magnante, Joe Reisman, Doc Severinsen, Louie Bellson, Ray Conniff, Johnny Desmond, Neal Hefti, Cootie Williams, and others ~ Mottola was born in 1918
August 9, 2003 ~ Saxophonist Bill Perkins, William Reese Perkins, passed away in Sherman Oaks, California, USA ~ Revered West Coast, cool jazz saxophonist. Worked with Woody Herman, Jerry Wald, Stan Kenton, Art Pepper, Bud Shank, Al Cohn, Richie Kamuca, Art Pepper, Frank Strazzeri, Shorty Rogers, Pepper Adams, Pete Candoli, the Lighthouse All-Stars, Chet Baker, Louie Bellson, Nat King Cole (on the quintessential 1965 L-O-V-E album), Clifford Coultier, Clare Fischer, Dizzy Gillespie, Barney Kessel, John Lewis, Carmen McRae, Conte Candoli, André Previn, Lalo Schifrin, Gerald Wilson, and two decades with the Tonight Show Band starting in 1970 ~ Perkins was born in 1924
August 9, 2002 ~ Paul Sanson, commonly known as blues rock, hard rock, heavy metal guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer Paul Samson, passed away in Norwich, UK ~ Member of the Innocence. Member of McCoy. Best known as founding member and eponym of Samson, gaining a cult following with late-1970s and early-1980s albums such as Survivors, Head On and Shock Tactics ~ Sanson was born in 1953
August 9, 1998 ~ José Antonio Torresola Ruiz, commonly known as salsa singer Frankie Ruiz, passed away in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Leading figure in salsa romántica, enjoying popularity in the 1980s and early-1990s. Member of the Orquesta La Solución, including on the hits La Rueda and Chiquito Corazoncito. Member of La Dictadora, La Moderna Vibración, and the Primirisima Orquesta, before venturing out on his own. Released his Solista Pero No Solo debut album in 1985, which spawned the hits Tu Con El and La Cura. Ruiz would record about a dozen albums until succumbing to a fast-paced lifestyle, dying at age 40. Especially acclaimed for the albums Mas Grande Qua Nunca released in 1989 and Mi Libertad released in 1992 ~ Torresola was born in 1958
August 9, 1997 ~ Country singer Tim McGraw releases Just To See You Smile, lifted off his Everywhere album ~ Written by Mark Nester and Tony Martin, the latter also known for Billboard Country charttoppers for Joe Diffie, Sara Evans, and Keith Urban. In a retrospective review Country Universe would classify the song as one of the smartest and most incisive of its day, stating that upon a first listen one might easily pick up McGraw's unconditional love toward the girl who's been stringing him along, only to discover a deeper layer of “contempt and a bit more resigned disbelief at her remarkable obliviousness of her own callous selfishness” when digging just bit deeper. Just To See You Smile would spend 42 weeks on the Billboard Country charts, the longest run for any country single during the 1990s, and top the chart for six weeks, making it McGraw's third consecutive No.1 off the parent album
August 9, 1995 ~ Rock, psychedelic rock, jam guitarist, singer, songwriter Jerry Garcia, full name Jerome John Garcia, passed away in Forest Knolls, California, USA ~ Best known as co-founding and key member of the Grateful Dead, known for their excessive touring building a devoted cult following. The band scored a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit with A Touch Of Grey in 1987. Garcia has also worked with several Dead-side projects and is an in-demand collaborator. Has worked with the Jerry Garcia Band, Legion Of Mary, the New Riders Of The Purple Sage, Reconstruction, the Hart Valley Drifters, the Warlocks and with Old & In The Way ~ Garcia was born in 1942
August 9, 1988 ~ Blues harpist, guitarist, singer Woodrow Adams, full name Woodrow Wilson Adams, passed away in Robinsville, Mississippi, USA ~ Reportedly, Adams was taught how to play the blues harp by Howlin' Wolf. Adams has made only made three recordings, Prety Baby Blues, Wine Head Woman and How Long, yet these recordings are highly sought after by blues aficionados ~ Adams was born in 1917
August 9, 1985 ~ Actress, singer Anna Kendrick, full name Anna Cooke Kendrick, born in Portland, Maine, USA ~ Started as a child actress in theater productions. Ventured into film and TV. Starred in the 1998 Broadway musical High Society. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2009 comedy-drama Up In The Air. As a singer, Kendrick is best known for her 2013 Billboard top 10 hit Cups from the Pitch Perfect soundtrack
August 9, 1985 ~ Pop rock singer, bassist Sting releases Love Is The Seventh Wave, lifted off his The Dream Of The Blue Turtles solo debut album ~ Critically well received, Cash Box praising the “lifting rhythmic push and tropical melodic line” reminiscint of his work with the Police, while Billboard stated the song “integrates reggae influence with jazz chops”. Peaking at No.17 Billboard Hot 100, Love Is The Seventh Wave would be the second of four Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits off his solo debut album, preceded by If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, succeeded by Fortress Around Your Heart and Russians. In his native England, Love Is The Seventh Wave peaked just outside the top 40, reaching No.41. The song concludes with a brief, self-mocking reference to Sting's biggest hit song with the Police, Every Breath You Take. As the singer himself has said: “At the end I sing, ‘Every cake you bake, every leg you break’. I quite like using the songs as a modular system where you can mix and match lines from different songs”
August 9, 1980 ~ Pop, rock singer Rachel Kramer born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands ~ First gained attention in 2001 through the reality show and talent contest Starmaker, leading to the band K-otic known for songs such as Damn I Think I Love You, Falling and I Surrender. As a solo artist, Kramer is best known for her Rascal Flatts-cover What Hurts The Most first performed on the 2009 talent contest The X-Factor
August 9, 1975 ~ In its eleventh week on the charts, Jive Talkin' by the Bee Gees hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 for the first of two weeks ~ The siblings had scored a number of hits with their blend of vocal harmonies, but had been absent from the charts for awhile, their last hit being the 1971 ballad How Can You Mend A Broken Heart, and some wondered if they would ever return. Jive Talkin' marked a stylistic change and a return to the top of the charts. Through the end of the decade, the Bee Gees would be one of the hottest acts around, incremental in bringing disco, previously the domain of the gay community, to mainstream. Jive Talkin' initially started as Drive Talking, its rhythm inspired by the sound their car made. Until Maurice Gibb sang it like “ji ji jive talking” thinking of the dance the Jive. Producer Arif Mardin pointed out “jive talking” was American slang for “bullshitting”, and that's the lyric and title they would keep. Jive Talkin', as well as their 1976 You Should Be Dancing Billboard Hot 100 No.1, would later be used for the massively successful film and soundtrack Saturday Night Fever
August 9, 1975 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Reuben Morgan, full name Reuben Timothy Morgan, born ~ Member of contemporary worship ensemble Hillsong Worship, first appearing on the band's 1996 album God Is In The House for which he wrote I Give You My Heart. Initially a member of the group's choir, Morgan would eventually become one of the band's primary songwriters, guitarist and occasional lead singer. Notable songs written or co-written by Morgan include Through It All, Mighty To Save, Forever Reign, and Stronger
August 9, 1974 ~ William Edward Chialese, commonly known as jazz-rock trumpeter Bill Chase, passed away in Jackson, Minnesota, USA ~ Active since the late-1950s, backing artists such as Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton, and Woody Herman. Perhaps best known as leader and eponym of jazz-rock unit Chase, drawing from pop, rock, jazz, and blues. The band recorded the albums Chase, Ennea, and Pure Music, before Chase and three other bandmembers were killed in a plane crash while en route to a scheduled performance ~ Chialese was born in 1934
August 9, 1973 ~ Folk, pop, art-pop singer, guitarist, keyboardist, banjoist, vibraphonist Carwyn Ellis, full name Carwyn Meurig Ellis, born ~ Best known as frontman of alternative pop rock band Colorama. Has also worked with the Pretenders, Edwyn Collins, Bendith, Saint Etienne, Sarah Cracknell, Gemma Ray, Rails, Fabienne Delsol, Raf Rundell, Nev Cottee, Emma Tricca, Dan Sartain, Lay Low, Pete Molinari, James Hunter, Simon Scott, Bap Kennedy, Proud Mary, the North Mississippi Allstars, Southern Fly, and UNKLE
August 9, 1972 ~ André Echkyan, commonly known as reed player, bandleader André Ekyan, passed away in Alicante, Spain ~ Led the house band at Le Perroquet, Paris, during the late-1920s. Worked with Jack Hylton, Gregor, Tommy Dorsey, Django Reinhardt, Tommy Benford, Jacques Butler, Benny Carter, Big Boy Goudie, Coleman Hawkins, Mezz Mezzrow, Bobby Nichols, Joe Turner, and Ray Ventura ~ Echkyan was born in 1907
August 9, 1971 ~ Dedrick D'mon Rolison, commonly known as rapper Mack 10, born in Inglewood, California, USA ~ Debuted as a solo artist with the full-length eponymous album Mack 10 in 1995. Member of hip-hop supergroup Westside Connection, alongside WC and Ice Cube. Has collaborated with Michel Pras, Warren G, the Delinquents, Kurupt, Lil' Wayne, MC Eiht, Krayzie Bone, E-40, DJ Quik, and others
August 9, 1970 ~ Bassist, singer, producer Arion Salazar born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of Third Eye Blind, remaining with the band through 2006 and present on the band's first three albums including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Semi-charmed Life, How's It Going To Be and Jumper
August 9, 1970 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Joakim Ahlund born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Best known as lead singer of the Caesars. Member of Smile, Les Big Byrd, and alongside his brother Klas Ahlund of the Teddybears. As a producer and songwriter Ahlund has worked with Giorgio Moroder, Cheryl (I Don't Care), Charli XCX, Robyn, Petite Meller, Sia, Cee Lo Green, Theophilus London, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, Iggy Pop, Håkan Hellström, Chrissie Hynde, and others
August 9, 1968 ~ Jazz trombonist Frank Lacy born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Worked with Illinois Jacquet, Art Blakey, Lester Bowie, Marty Ehrlich, the Soultronics, Michael Formanek, Slide Hampton, Roy Hargrove, the Mingus Big Band, Rufus Reid, Henry Threadgill, Steve Turre, McCoy Tyner, Bobby Watson, David Murray, Superblue, Carla Bley, Ronnie Burrage, Ralph Peterson Jr, Jazzmeia Horn, and others
August 9, 1965 ~ Indie rock, indie pop singer, guitarist Eugene Kelly born in Glasgow, UK ~ Key figure in Scottish indie pop during the 1980s and 1990s with bands such as the Vaselines and Eugenius, releasing several quintessential albums with each. Co-wrote Molly's Lips, notably recorded by Nirvana, whose frontman Kurt Cobain was a fan of Kelly's. Kelly has also recorded as a solo artist, and appeared on albums by BMX Bandits (Star Wars), the Pastels, Gentle Waves, Future Pilot AKA, Isobell Campbell (Amorino), and Withered Hand
August 9, 1964 ~ Heavy metal singer, bassist, songwriter Denis Bélanger born in Jonquière, Canada ~ Best known as lead singer of Voivod, with whom he recorded well over a dozen albums since its inception in the early-1980s including the acclaimed Dimension Hatröss, Nothingface, and Angel Rat. During his hiatus from the band from the mid-1990s through the early-2000s, Bélanger formed Union Made and notably collaborated with Dave Grohl, singing lead vocal on the track Dictatosaurus for Grohl's side project Probot
August 9, 1963 ~ Singer, actress Whitney Houston, full name Elizabeth Whitney Houston, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Daughter of singer Cissy Houston. Goddaughter of Darlene Love. Married to singer Bobby Brown from 1992 to 2007. Her debut single, duetting with Teddy Pendergrass on 1984's Hold Me, would fail to reach the American top 40. Yet her debut album, 1985's eponymous Whitney Houston would make her an instant star with nearly every single topping the Billboard Hot 100. Houston would go on to become one of the most popular and at least for the next decade or so one of the best-selling female R&B artists. Known for songs such as You Give Good Love, The Greatest Love Of All, One Moment In Time, I Know Him So Well), I'm Your Baby Tonight, the Dolly Parton cover I Will Always Love You and It's Not Right But It's Okay. Houston would continue to record but as of the early-2000s would rarely hit the top of the singles charts, her career overshadowed by drug abuse and highly publicized marital problems ~ Houston passed away in 2012
August 9, 1963 ~ Singer, guitarist Zentaro Watanabe born ~ First gained attention in the 1980s as guitarist of Shijin No Chi. Formed the duo Oh Penelope with former bandmate Mutsuji Tsuji. Active as a producer since the 1990s, responsible for tracks such as Chara's Yasashii Kimochi, Hitomi's Love 2000 and Ikimonogakari's Hana Wa Sakura Kimi Wa Utsukushi ~ Watanabe passed away in 2021
August 9, 1962 ~ Singer Brenda Lee records All Alone Am I ~ Originally a Greek song, Min Ton Rotas Ton Ourano performed by Tzeni Karezi, written by [artist-manos-hadzidakis]. English lyrics by Arthur Altman. Produced by Owen Bradley. Released as a single the following September, paired with Save All Your Lovin' For Me on the flip side, it would reach the top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic
August 9, 1962 ~ Rock keyboardist Dan Donovan born in London, UK ~ Married to actress, singer Patsy Kensit from 1988 to 1991. Best known as member of Big Audio Dynamite, fronted by the Clash-guitarist Mick Jones. Briefly a member of Sisters Of Mercy during the early-1990s. Founding member of Dreadzone
August 9, 1959 ~ Kurtis Walker, commonly known as rapper, DJ, producer Kurtis Blow, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his sophomore single The Breaks released in 1980, the first rap record to reach Gold status. Other notable songs include Party Time and If I Ruled The World. Blow has also worked with Run-DMC and the Fat Boys. Known as an outspoken advocate against racism. Currently Walker, a reborn Christian, serves as a minister in the Hip Hop Church in Harlem
August 9, 1957 ~ Jazz pianist Danilo Rea born in Vicenza, Italy ~ Worked with Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, Steve Grossman, Mimmo Canero, Phil Woods, Art Farmer, New Perigeo, Curtis Fuller, Kenny Wheeler, Domenico Modugno, Pino Daniele, Riccardo Cocciante, Gianni Morandi, New Perigeo, Giovanni Tommaso, Roberto Gatto, Lingomania, Marco Volpe, Massimo Urbani, the Pentarte Ensemble, Pietro Tonolo, Paolo Damiani, Nicola Stilo, Doctor 3, Massimo Moriconi, Aldo Romano, Maria Pia de Vito, the Crew, Lillo Quarantino, Gino Paoli, Mina, Paolo Damiani, Ramin Bahrami, and others
August 9, 1954 ~ Drummer Pete Thomas, full name Peter Michael Thomas, born in Hillsborough, UK ~ Closely associated with Elvis Costello since his key role in Elvis Costello & the Attractions. Member of Squeeze, Works Progress Administration and of Jackshit. Has sessioned for a host of artists including Suzanne Vega, Neil Finn, Richard Thompson, Vonda Shepard, Mikel Erentxun, Sheryl Crow, Fito Paez, Joaquin Sabina, Los Lobos, Wild Colonials, Wendy James, Tasmin Archer, John Paul Jones, Elliott Smith, Kina Grannis, Tammy Lang, Arctic Monkeys, Jake Bugg, Leeroy Stagger, Matthew Sweet, Tracy Bonham, Susanna Hoffs, Rufus Wainwright, Bonnie Raitt, Daniel Powter, Rickie Lee Jones, Jackson Browne, Amos Lee, Randy Newman, and others
August 9, 1953 ~ R&B outfit the Drifters record Money Honey in Atlantic Studios, New York, New York, USA ~ R&B outfit the Drifters recorded this Jesse Stone-penned song featuring Clyde McPhatter on lead vocal, Bill Pinkney singing baritone, Andrew Thrasher and Gary Thrasher as tenors and Willie Ferbie singing bass. The group would be backed by saxophonist Sam Taylor and guitarists Walter Adams and Mickey Baker. A single would be released the next month, featuring The Way I Feel on the flip side. Money Honey would be covered by numerous artists, notably Elvis Presley for his 1956 Elvis Presley debut album, Wanda Jackson, and Little Richard
August 9, 1949 ~ Rock, pop, country percussionist, singer, songwriter, actress Brie Howard born in Stockton, California, USA ~ Worked with Carole King, Ringo Starr, the Electric Light Orchestra, Keith Moon, the Temptations, Jimmy Buffett's backing unit the Coral Reefer Band, Melissa Manchester, Janiva Magness, Glen Campbell, Martin Mull, Kiki Dee, Jack Wagner, Robert Palmer, Robbie Nevil, Duran Duran, Fanny, American Girls, and the Boxing Gandhis
August 9, 1949 ~ Jump blues, R&B singer, saxophonist, bandleader Louis Jordan records Saturday Night Fish Fry ~ Written by Jordan and Ellis Walsh. First recorded by Eddie Williams with spoken vocals by Walsh. Adapted by Jordan, whose version is often considered one of the records predating and paving the way for rock & roll, or even named by some as one of the first rock & roll records. Over the years the song would be covered by numerous artists, notably by Pinetop Perkins, BB King, Buddy Guy, the Coasters, and by Dr John. The song has been influential on numerous artists, perhaps most notably Chuck Berry, who once commented: “To my recollection, Jordan was the first that I heard play rock & roll.”
August 9, 1949 ~ Gaspard Wuta Mayi, commonly known as rumba singer, songwriter Wuta Mayi, born in Kinshasa, Congo ~ Member of seminal Congolese outfit TPOK Jazz from 1974 through 1982. Following his departure from the ensemble Mayi has recorded as a solo artist, and served as member of supergroup Les Quatre Etoiles and subsequently Kékélé
August 9, 1947 ~ R&B, soul singer, songwriter Barbara Mason born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Known for a number of 1960s, 1970s hits, notably 1965's self-penned Yes I'm Ready. Other well known songs include Sad Sad Girl, Oh How It Hurts and the Curtis Mayfield-cover Give Me Your Love, the latter produced by Mayfield
August 9, 1947 ~ Lee Audrey Nelms, commonly known as electric blues, soul blues, soul, R&B singer, songwriter Trudy Lynn, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Actively performing since the mid-1960s, including backing guitarist Albert Collins and opening for Ike & Tina Turner. Known for her powerful, emotive vocals. Did not start her recording career until the late-1980s, and has recorded about a dozen albums since merging Southern soul with blues. Especially acclaimed for her 1993 I'll Run Your Heart Away album
August 9, 1943 ~ R&B, soul, pop singer Wanda Young, full name Wanda LaFaye Young, born in Inkster, Michigan, USA ~ Member of pivotal Motown girl group the Marvelettes. Sang backup on Please Mr Postman. Lead vocalist on songs such as Don't Mess With Bill, I'll Keep Holding On, and The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game. Young retired from music when the group disbanded in 1972 ~ Young passed away in 2021
August 9, 1942 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, new age drummer, pianist Jack DeJohnette born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Played R&B, hard bop, avant-garde, jazz fusion. Classically trained pianist, best known as and considered one of the premier drummers of the 1970s. Well over 30 albums as a leader, starting with The DeJohnette Complex released in 1968. Backed Miles Davis on albums such as Bitches Brew, Jack Johnson, Live/Evil and On The Corner. Has also appeared on albums by Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Chick Corea (Tones For Joan's Bones), Miroslav Vitous (Infinite Search), George Benson, Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Rollins (Next Album), Don Sebesky, Sadao Watanabe (Round Trip), Collin Walcott, John Abercrombie (Timeless), Ron Carter, Arthur Blythe, Chico Freeman (The Outside Within), Kenny Wheeler, Keith Jarrett, Bennie Wallace, Michael Brecker (Don't Try This At Home), and Eliane Elias
August 9, 1941 ~ Vivian Martin Prince, commonly known as drummer Viv Prince, born in Loughborough, UK ~ Perhaps best known as early member of the Pretty Things, appearing on the band's eponymous 1965 The Pretty Things debut album and its follow-up Get The Picture released later the same year. Known for his wild and eccentric behaviour, Prince is said to have inspired the Who-drummer Keith Moon. Following his departure from the band Prince has worked with Chicago Line, Bunch Of Fives, and Denny Laine
August 9, 1939 ~ William Henderson, commonly known as singer, songwriter Billy Henderson, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Founding member of the Spinners, known for songs such as Could It Be I'm Falling In Love, the Dionne Warwick collaboration Then Came You, The Rubberband Man and It's A Shame co-written with Stevie Wonder, Syreeta Wright and Lee Garrett and notably reworked by Monie Love to It's A Shame (My Sister) in 1991 ~ Henderson passed away in 2007
August 9, 1939 ~ Edward Rudolph Warren Jr, commonly known as jazz bassist Butch Warren, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Kenny Dorham, Charles Davis, Tommy Flanagan, Buddy Enlow, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Hank Mobley, Donald Byrd, Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson, Jackie McLean, Stanley Turrentine, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Clark, Elmo Hope, Don Wilkerson, Grant Green, Slide Hampton, Booker Ervin, Bobby Timmons, and Walter Bishop Jr ~ Warren passed away in 2013
August 9, 1939 ~ James Timothy Shaw, commonly known as R&B, soul, funk singer, songwriter, producer Mighty Hannibal, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ As a solo artist known for The Biggest Cry, I Need A Woman (Cause I'm A Man), Baby Please Change Your Mind, I'm Coming Home, Hymn No.5, The Truth Shall Make You Free. Worked with the Overalls, Johnny Otis, and Leon Russell ~ Shaw passed away in 2014
August 9, 1939 ~ Odd Børre Sørensen, commonly known as pop singer Odd Børre, born in Harstad, Norway ~ Active mostly from the early-1960s until semi-retiring from music in 1970. Internationally best known for representing his native Norway in the 1968 Eurovision Songfestival contest, reaching thirteenth place with Stress ~ Sørensen passed away in 2023
August 9, 1928 ~ Coloratura soprano, musical theater singer Dolores Wilson, full name Dolores Mae Wilson born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Opera singer from the 1950s onwards working with the Metropolitan Opera, the Central City Opera, the Teatro Massimo, the Teatro Municipal, the Opera De Nice, and others. Turned to musical theater in the mid-1960s, starting with the original Broadway production of Fiddler On The Roof in 1965 ~ Wilson passed away in 2010
August 9, 1912 ~ Jazz, pop, film composer Bojan Adamic born in Ribnica, Austria ~ Member of the Slovenian resistance during World War II. First conductor of the RTV Slovenia Big Band, established in 1945. As a composer would venture from jazz to film scores, composing scores for over an estimated 200 films ~ Adamic passed away in 1995