December 1, 2022 ~ Indie rock singer, drummer, guitarist Hamish Kilgour reported missing ~ Co-founded indie rock band Clean with his brother David Kilgour, known best for their 1981 single Tally Ho. Following the band's initial disbandement Kilgour relocated to New York and formed the Mad Scene with guitarist, bassist Lisa Siegel, recording the albums A Trip Thru Monsterland and Sealight. Kilgour released his All Of It And Nothing solo debut album in 2014. Hamish would be reported missing by his family on December 1st, his body found by police about one week later ~ Kilgour was born in 1957
December 1, 2021 ~ Experimental composer Alvin Lucier, full name Alvin Augustus Lucier Jr, passed away in Middletown, Connecticut, USA ~ Explores the physical properties of sound itself, resonance of spaces, and transmission of sound through physical media. Best known for North American Time Capsule, I Am Sitting In A Room and Music On A Long Thin Wire. Member of the collective the Sonic Arts Union, which also included Robert Ashley, David Behrman, Gordon Mumma ~ Lucier was born in 1931
December 1, 2021 ~ Jean Vanobbergen, commonly known as singer, songwriter Grand Jojo, passed away ~ Cultural icon in his native Belgium with over three dozen albums to his name, starting in the early-1970s. Known for his self-mockery and festive songs. Well known songs include Chef Un P'tit Verre On A Soil, Sergent Flagada, La Petite Bête A Bon Dieu, and Jules César ~ Vanobbergen was born in 1936
December 1, 2019 ~ Conductor Mariss Jansons, full name Mariss Ivars Georgs Jansons, passed away in St Petersburg, Russia ~ Revered interpreter of the works of Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Dmitri Shostakovich. Closely associated with the Oslo Philharmonic serving as its music director from 1979 through 2000. Has also worked with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Jansson was born in 1943
December 1, 2019 ~ Michael Lau Siu-Tin, commonly known as cantopop producer, songwriter Michael Lai, passed away in Hong Kong ~ Son of composer Lai Cho-Tin. First gained attention working as music director for Rediffusion Television, co-hosting and composing a number of TV themes. Would move to Capitol Artists by the early-1980s, where he would be a key figure in Cantopop. Noted especially for producing Leslie Cheung's 1983 Wind Blows On album ~ Lai was born in 1946
December 1, 2018 ~ Guitarist Calvin Newborn passed away in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Active since the mid-1950s. Equally at home in jazz and blues. A fluid player praised for his blues sensibility and smooth execution, though somewhat overlooked next to his more famous brother and regular collaborator pianist Phineas Newborn Jr. Has recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, noted especially for Up City released in 1998. As a sideman, Newborn is present on albums by Booker Little, Earl Hines (Earl's Pearls), Jimmy Forrest, Wild Bill Davis, Al Grey (Having A Ball), Lou Donaldson, Billy The Kid Emerson (Little Healthy Thing), Hank Crawford, Jimmy Witherspoon (Midnight Lady Called The Blues), Big Walter Horton, and Jerry McCain ~ Newborn was born in 1933
December 1, 2018 ~ R&B, pop, reggae, dancehall singer Dalton Harris wins The X-Factor UK, aired on ITV ~ Harris had previously won Digicel Rising Stars in 2010 in his native Jamaica, making him the youngest winner of the talent contest, and subsequently released a number of singles including I'm Numb, Whisper In The Wind, and Dem Kinda Woman. In 2018 Harris competes in the 15th edition of British talent show The X-Factor, and tapped as the favorite from the get-go Harris did actually win, beating singers Scarlett Lee and Anthony Russell. His winner duet from the show The Power Of Love with James Arthur, originally a hit for Frankie Goes To Hollywood in 1984, would be released on single and reach top 10 in the UK
December 1, 2015 ~ Rock & roll, pop rock singer, guitarist Leoni Franco passed away in Guatemale City, Guatemala ~ Co-founding and longtime member of Los Iracundos, which also included his brother singer Eduardo Franco. The band enjoyed a particularly long run, active from the late-1950s starting as a teenage band well through the 2000s, and is known for songs such as Tú Con Él, Apróntata Para Vivir, and Te Lo Pido De Rodillas ~ Franco was born ca.1942
December 1, 2012 ~ Canadian singer Shania Twain begins a two-year residency at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada ~ Returning to the stage for the first time in 8 years, the Canadian singer known for hits such as You're Still The One, From This Moment On, and That Don't Impress Me Much, begins her concert residency titled Shania (Still The One). With some 100 shows over a two year period, the show would gross in excess of $40 million at the box office. Twain would release both a live album and DVD of the concert series, Still The One (Live From Vegas), in 2015
December 1, 2010 ~ Trumpeter Stan Lokhin passed away ~ Dubbed “the Godfather of Surinam music”. Best known for leading the Stan Lokhin Band and the Resurrection Singers, drawing from kaseko, soul, calypso, and jazz. Lokhin has also worked with the Needles, Mariah Carey, Céline Dion, Stevie Wonder, and Ruth Jacott. To Dutch audiences also remembered for conducting the Residentie Orkest at the abdication ceremony of Queen Juliana in 1980 ~ Lokhin was born in 1947
December 1, 2009 ~ Singer, pianist, actor Ramses Shaffy passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Emerged from the 1960s to become one of the Netherlands' most beloved singers. Known for songs such as Sammy, We Zullen Doorgaan, Pastorale with Liesbeth List, Laat Me and perhaps his best known Zing Vecht Huil Bid Lach En Bewonder. Many of his songs remain popular to this day ~ Shaffy was born in 1933
December 1, 2004 ~ Producer, A&R executive, songwriter Norman Newell passed away in Angmering, UK ~ Joined Columbia Records as staff producer in 1949 and would head the label during its most successful years. In-demand songwriter and lyricist, co-writing songs such as Portrait Of My Love (Matt Monro), Forget Domani (Katyna Ranieri), the White Rose Of Athens (Nana Mouskouri), and Après Toi (Vicky Leandros) ~ Newell was born in 1919
December 1, 2000 ~ Cornetist George Finola passed away ~ Co-founded the non-profit organization the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Helped organise the first edition of the New Orleans Jazz Festival, also known as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, an annual event celebrating the local music and culture of New Orleans, Louisiana. As a leader best known for his acclaimed Jazz Of The Chosen Few debut album released in 1965, featuring backing from Raymond Burke, Armand Hug, Danny Barker, and Blue Lu Barker ~ Finola was born in 1945
December 1, 2000 ~ Jazz keyboardist Neal Creque, full name Earl Neal Creque, passed away in Olmstead Falls, Ohio, USA ~ Wrote and played on Grant Green's Windjammer, included on Green's 1970 Green Is Beautiful album. Co-wrote Sofrito, recorded by Mongo Santamaria in 1976. Creque recorded three albums as a leader, starting with Creque in 1972. An in-demand session pianist and organist, Creque has appeared on albums by Pucho & his Latin Soul Brothers, Ramsey Lewis, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Bernard Pretty Purdie, Harold Ousley, Leon Thomas (Blues And The Soulful Truth), Johnny Lytle, Charles Earland, and Ronnie Earl. Creque's daughter is singer Nina Creque of the R&B group 1 Of The Girls ~ Creque was born in 1940
December 1, 1997 ~ Singer Björk discharged from the hospital ~ The singer had been admitted to the hospital in Reykjavik, Iceland, the previous week with a high fever. Diagnosed with a kidney infection, she is advised to take three weeks rest and forced to cancel a number of upcoming concert dates and scheduled media appearances in the USA
December 1, 1997 ~ Singer Sheryl Crow releases Tomorrow Never Dies, main theme to the James Bond film of the same name ~ Initially another song with the same title, written by the soundtrack's main composer David Arnold and performed by kd Lang, was tapped to be the film's theme. However, MGM wanted a more popular artist and invited about a dozen artists to write songs before one was picked through a competitive process. Crow's entry, which the singer co-wrote with producer Mitchell Froom, would be the winner. Other contenders for the main theme included Saint Etienne, Marc Almond, and Pulp. The latter renamed their song to Tomorrow Never Lies, and issued it as the B-side to their Help The Aged single. The kd Lang song still made it onto the soundtrack, retitled to Surrender it would be used for the film's end credits
December 1, 1997 ~ Violinist Stéphane Grappelli passed away in Paris, France ~ Dubbed “the Grandfather of jazz violinists” and co-founder of the Quintette du Hot Club with Django Reinhardt. Acclaimed for albums such as Violins No End, Venupelli Blues, and Live In London. Grappelli had his compositions recorded by Charlie Byrd, Chet Atkins, Baden Powell, Jethro Burns, and Biréli Lagrène, and guested on albums by Duke Ellington, Svend Asmussen, Barney Kessel, Michel Legrand, Gary Burton, Paul Simon (Paul Simon), Gary Burton, the Rowans, David Grisman (Hot Dawg), and Mark O'Connor ~ Grappelli was born in 1908
December 1, 1996 ~ Israel Goldner, commonly known as songwriter Irving Gordon, passed away in Malibu, California, USA ~ Took to writing parody lyrics to popular songs in the 1930s. Staff writer for Irving Mills, first solely as lyricist, later also writing music. Commissioned to write lyrics for Duke Ellington, such as on the Billy Strayhorn composition Prelude To A Kiss. Wrote Mister & Mississippi, a 1951 top 10 hit for Patti Page, later also recorded by Eddy Arnold and Tennessee Ernie Ford. Gordon is perhaps best known for penning Unforgettable, originally titled Uncomparable, a hit and signature song for Nat King Cole earning him a Grammy Award when Cole's daughter Natalie Cole covered the song in 1992. Gordon did not care for rock music, once stating that by 1960 the vogue for rhymed words and hummable melodies had passed, so “I became a tennis pro, I have many lives.”; ~ Gordon was born in 1915
December 1, 1995 ~ An auction of his memorabilia nets singer Frank Sinatra some two million dollars ~ At Christie's, New York, auctioneer Christopher Burge presided over brisk bidding on 250 items that once decorated Sinatra's Rancho Mirage, California, house. The items, many of them gilded, varied from tchotchkes to china, posters to pianos, a golf cart to a Jaguar car. A French-made shoehorn, gold with the diamond-set monogram “FS, ” went for $5,520. A metal mailbox with “F. Sinatra” engraved on glass panels, with a presale estimate of $600 to $800, would be sold for $13,800 to an unidentified buyer who bid by phone
December 1, 1993 ~ Darrell Caldwell, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Drakeo the Ruler, born ~ Discovered by DJ Mustard, who remixed Drakeo's Mr Get Dough which would become his breakthrough hit in 2015. Drakeo would release his official mixtape debut, I Am Mr Moseley, later the same year. Has been in and out of prison for the next few years, recording his critically acclaimed Thank You For Using GTL 2020 album while incarcerated. Drakeo was stabbed while trying to break up a backstage fight at the Once Upon A Time In LA concert, succumbing to his injuries the following day ~ Caldwell passed away in 2021
December 1, 1993 ~ Hard rock, blues rock singer Ray Gillen, full name Raymond Arthur Gillen, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Briefly fronted Black Sabbath in the mid-1980s. More of a blues rock singer than a heavy metal singer, critically compared to Robert Plant, Paul Rodgers, and Steve Marriott, Gillen would become best known as lead singer for Badlands. Present on the band's first two albums, the eponymous Badlands debut album released in 1989, and its follow-up Voodoo Highway two years later. Has also worked with Phenomena, Savatage, Blue Murder, Raging Slab, George Lynch, Sun Red Sun, and Rondinelli ~ Gillen was born in 1959
December 1, 1989 ~ Dancer, director, choreographer Alvin Ailey passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Founded the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, nurturing black artists and fusing theatre, modern dance, ballet and jazz dance. As a choreographer best known for Revelations, one of the most performed ballet pieces in the world ~ Ailey was born in 1931
December 1, 1989 ~ Singer, flutist, keyboardist, songwriter Billy Lyall passed away ~ Early member of the Bay City Rollers from 1969 through 1971. Co-founding member of Pilot known for the early-1970s hits January, Magic, Just A Smile and Call Me Round. Keyboardist of Dollar from 1978 to 1982. Guested with the Alan Parsons Project and Runner. Lyall recorded one solo album, Solo Casting, released in 1979 ~ Lyall was born in 1953
December 1, 1988 ~ Pop rock group U2 release Angel Of Harlem, lifted off their Rattle & Hum album ~ Written as a tribute to the blues, jazz and gospel music the band heard while touring America, their first truly successful major arena tour of the States following their breakthrough The Joshua Tree album. The “Angel of Harlem” refers to singer Billie Holiday, who moved to Harlem as a teenager. Holiday's was also referred to in the lyrics by her nickname “Lady Day” in the line “Lady Day got diamond eyes, she sees the truth behind the eyes” Released as the second single off the band Rattle & Hum, Angel Of Harlem would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100
December 1, 1988 ~ Singer, actress, model Zoë Kravitz, full name Zoe Isabella Kravitz, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Daughter of actress Lisa Bonet and singer Lenny Kravitz. As an actress appeared in films such as No Reservations, The X-Men (First Class) and the Divergent trilogy. As a model associated with brands such as Vera Wang, Calvin Klein and as of 2017 the face of ysl Beauté. As a singer Kravitz forms the duo Lolawolf with drummer, producer Jimmy Giannopoulos, having released their Calm Down debut album in 2014
December 1, 1987 ~ James Gabriel Keogh, commonly known as indie pop, indie folk singer, guitarist, pianist, ukulele player, songwriter Vance Joy, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Released his Dream Your Life Away debut album in 2014, it would reach top 20 in both the UK and America as well as top the charts in his native Australia. Known for songs such as Riptide, Georgia, Lay It On Me, We're Going Home and Missing Piece. Prior to his music career a promising soccer player, defender for the Coburg Tigers in 2008 and 2009, eventually settling for a career in music as Keogh felt he “wasn't every really in the mix” for the AFL (major league), and he was “just doing something in the meantime before writing my first songs”
December 1, 1986 ~ Bandleader, pianist Horace Heidt passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Popular bandleader during the 1930s and 1940s touring the vaudeville circuit and a regular appearance on radio and TV. Known for hits such as Gone With The Wind, Sweet Someone, The Man With The Mandolin, I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire and Deep In The Heart Of Texas ~ Heidt was born in 1901
December 1, 1983 ~ Kingslee James McLean Daley, commonly known as rapper Akala, born in Crawsley, UK ~ Released his It's Not A Rumour debut album in 2006, which includes his best known songs The Edge featuring Niara, Roll Wid Us, and Shakespeare. Founded the Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company in 2009, a music theater production company aimed at exploring parallels between the works of William Shakespeare and modern-day hip-hop artists
December 1, 1981 ~ Jazz trumpeter Taft Jordan passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Started with the Washboard Rhythm Kings. Well-known for his stint with Chick Webb, serving in Webb's orchestra for about a decade starting in the early-1930s. As a leader best known for his 1961 album Taft Jordan Plays Duke Ellington. Also present on albums by Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Big Joe Turner, Miles Davis (Sketches Of Spain), and Louis Armstrong ~ Jordan was born in 1915
December 1, 1980 ~ Experimental rock, art rock, progressive rock, avant-garde singer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, violinist Daniel O'Sullivan born in Manchester, UK ~ Known for his eclectic range of styles including neo-classical, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, free improvisation, jazz, minimalist, synth-pop, metal and folk. Best known for his associations with acts such as Guapo, Æthenor, Ulver, and with Sun O))). Recorded a number of albums as a solo artist, starting with VELD released in 2017. Has also worked with Mothlite, Miracle, Grumbling Fur, Serena Korda, Big Pink, Alexander Tucker, and Chrome Hoof
December 1, 1979 ~ In its tenth week on the charts, Broken Hearted Me by Anne Murray hits No.1 Billboard Country ~ Written by Randy Goodrum, who had previously also written You Needed Me, by far Murray's biggest hit and sole Billboard Hot 100 charttopper. Broken Hearted Me, possibly one of her saddest songs telling of a woman who's been hurt so deep by a former lover she thinks she'll never recover, also did well on the charts. On the Billboard Country charts it would be her third consecutive No.1, following I Just Fall In Love Again and Shadows In The Moonlight, while it reached top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No.12
December 1, 1978 ~ Pop rock outfit the Doobie Brothers release Minute By Minute, the band's eighth studio album ~ The band's eighth studio album would become their biggest, their only one to top the Billboard Hot 200 chart, and earned the band four Grammy Awards. Three of those went to What A Fool Believes, the album's lead single and their sole Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit. Kenny Loggins, who co-wrote What A Fool Believes with the Doobies' Michael McDonald, also recorded his own version of the song as an album track for his Nightwatch sophomore album
December 1, 1977 ~ Producer, songwriter, singer Akive Schaffer born in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Along with Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone member of comedy troupe the Lonely Island, best known for their association with the TV show Saturday Night Live
December 1, 1977 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Alec Ounsworth born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as frontman of off-center indie pop band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Only Run released in 2014. Ounsworth married Emily Jean Stock in 2007, the inspiration behind the song Emily Jean Stock off the band's 2007 Some Loud Thunder sophomore album. Ounsworth released his Mo Beauty solo debut album in 2009, and has worked with the likes of the Walkmen, Walter Martin, and Claptone
December 1, 1977 ~ Alternative metal, nu metal, alternative rock guitarist Brad Delson, full name Bradford Phillip Delson, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead guitarist for Xero. The band would change its name to Hybrid Theory, and later still to Linkin Park. Delson has been a constant member, recording about half a dozen albums with the band since the early-2000s. They enjoyed popularity especially through the end of the 2000s, singles such as In The End, What I've Done, and New Divide all reaching top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Delson has stated he “doesn't like to show off”, attempting to play his guitar so that it seamlessly fits in with the band's overall sound. Nevertheless, prompted by his bandmates he at some point did begin to play more guitar solos, most notably on the band's The Hunting Party album
December 1, 1976 ~ Rock, hard rock, alternative metal singer Agnete Kjølsrud, full name Agnete Maria Forfang Kjølsrud, born in Norway ~ Lead singer of Animal Alpha from 2002 to 2009. Best known as frontwoman of Djerv, joining the band in 2009. Guested on Dimmu Borgir's Abrahadabra album and on Solefald's Norrøn Iivskruft album
December 1, 1976 ~ Bill Grundy, host of the regional programme Today on Thames Television, London, gains national attention interviewing the Sex Pistols, an incident which seriously harmed his career ~ Rock band Queen was scheduled to make an appearance but as frontman Freddie Mercury urgently needed dental treatment, the show finds a last-minute substitute in the Sex Pistols. After being goaded by Grundy, the band swears and trades insults with Grundy on live television. The incident seriously harmed Grundy's career, and elevated the band to notoriety. Grundy would be temporarily suspended, the show cancelled altogether a few months later, and Grundy did not return to prime time TV, confined to lesser slots. In his defence, Grundy said he had set out “to prove that these louts were a foul-mouthed set of yobs, and that is what I did prove.”
December 1, 1975 ~ Country singer Barbara Mandrell releases Standing Room Only, lead single off her This Is Barbara Mandrell album ~ Although Mandrell did enjoy chart success during the early-1970s working with producer Billy Sherrill over at Columbia Records, regularly reaching top 20 on the Billboard Country charts including two top 10 hits, it was her move to ABC/Dot that truly brought her to a wider audience, moving away from soul-infused country to a slicker countrypolitan sound. Her first single for the new label, Standing Room Only, would reach No.5 Billboard Country, making it her highest-charting up till then. Through the end of the decade, Mandrell would score five more Billboard Country top 10 hits including the charttoppers Sleeping Single In A Double Bed and (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right
December 1, 1974 ~ Randolph Isaiah Owens, commonly known as progressive rock, experimental rock, neo-psychedelia, hip-hop keyboardist Isaiah Ikey Owens, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Best known as co-founding and longtime member of influential progressive rock band the Mars Volta, known for their energetic live shows and concept albums, as well as its predecessor At The Drive-in. Also closely associated with other acts from the Long Beach music scene, released the Looking For Lauryn Hill In Hollywood solo debut album in 2010, and was an in-demand collaborator and producer. Notable credits include the Free Moral Agents, Look Daggers, De-Facto, Long Beach Dub All-Stars, Reel Big Fish, Sublime, Saul Williams, the Visionaries, and Run The Jewels ~ Owens passed away in 2014
December 1, 1971 ~ Jazz, post-bop pianist Mika Pohjola born in Helsinki, Finland ~ Influenced by Claude Debussy, Johann Sebastian Bach, Art Tatum, and Charlie Parker. Considered one of the the most prolific Scandinavian jazz musicians of his generation. Well over a dozen albums as a leader, especially acclaimed for his 1999 Announcement album. Has guested on albums by STUCK, Tove Jansson, Pohjala Saarte Haaled, Zero Nine, Myon, the Village Music Collective Project, Fernando Huergo (Provinciano), and Grupo Nuevo
December 1, 1969 ~ Samuel Gene Maghett, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Magic Sam, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for Feelin' Good (We're Gonna Boogie), a hit in 1957. Has worked with Charlie Musselwhite and Sam Lay. On the verge of breakthrough when he died unexpectedly of a heart attack at age 32 ~ Maghett was born in 1937
December 1, 1966 ~ Guitarist, singer Carter Stanley, full name Carter Glen Stanley, passed away in Bristol, Tennessee, USA ~ Formed the Carter Brothers in the mid-1940s with his brother banjoist, singer Ralph Stanley. The duo would become one of the most respected and influential pioneering acts in what later would become known as bluegrass. Many of the duo's mostly self-penned songs would become classics, covered by numerous artists including the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, Keith Whitley, the Osborne Brothers, the Dillards, Ricky Skaggs, Doc Watson, Patty Loveless, and the Seldom Scene ~ Stanley was born in 1925
December 1, 1965 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Eric McFadden born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of punk rock, metal outfit the Angry Babies. First gained serious attention as lead singer, guitarist for Liar, known for their critically acclaimed 1995 Devil Dog Road debut album and its 1998 Gone Too Far follow-up. Fronted EMT from 2002 through 2010. Served as touring guitarist, mandolinist for George Clinton and touring guitarist for Eric Burdon's group the Animals. Forms supergroup TEN with Thomas Pridgen and John Norwood Fisher. Has collaborated with Les Claypool, Joe Strummer, Reverend Horton Heat, Keb' Mo, Fishbone, Widespread Panic, Jackson Browne, Nels Cline, and Wally Ingram. As a solo artist best known for his 2010 Pull A Rabbit Out Of His Hat (Tribute Vol.2) album, paying tribute to his favorite artists
December 1, 1964 ~ Country singer, guitarist Buck Owens records I've Got A Tiger By The Tail in Hollywood, California ~ Written by Owens and Harlan Howard. Produced by Ken Nelson. Released as a single later the same month and included on the album of the same name. Inspired by a sign at an Esso gas station which read “Put a tiger in your tank, ” the company's slogan at the time. Would become Owens' biggest hit, crossing over to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100
December 1, 1959 ~ Jazz, blues pianist Avery Parrish, full name James Avery Parrish, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Erskine Hawkins, Penned the jazz standard After Hours, first recorded with Hawkins and covered by numerous artists including Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Hazel Scott, Phineas Newborn Jr, Hank Crawford, Buck Clayton, Roy Buchanan, and Muddy Waters ~ Parrish was born in 1917
December 1, 1959 ~ Stephen Ian Batt, commonly known as new wave, art pop, art rock, electropop, pop rock percussionist, keyboardist Steve Jansen, born in Beckenham, UK ~ Co-founding member of Japan, which also included his brother David Sylvian, known best for a number of 1980s UK hits most notably Quiet Life, Ghosts and I Second That Emotion. The same line-up would reunite in 1991, using the moniker Rain Tree Crow and release the eponymous Rain Tree Crow album. Has also recorded with Richard Barbieri, Mick Karn, the Dolphin Brothers, Nine Horses, Yukihiro Takahashi, and Exit North. Jansen has also recorded several solo albums, starting with Slope released in 2007
December 1, 1958 ~ Reggae singer, actress June Lodge, full name June Carol Lodge, born in London, UK ~ Draws mostly from reggae, pop, and R&B. Best known for her 1982 reggae cover Someone Loves You Honey, originally a hit for country singer Charley Pride. Other well known songs include Telephone Love, More Than I Can Say, Make It Up and Love Me Baby. Has worked with producers such as Joe Gibbs, Willie Lindo, Gussie Clarke, Errol O'Meally, and the Mad Professor
December 1, 1958 ~ In its eleventh week on the charts, To Know Is To Love Him by the Teddy Bears hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ The only charting single that featured future-producer, songwriter, label executive Phil Spector as a band member, and the single that would launch the then-17-year-old Spector's career. Spector had been inspired by a line on his father's tombstone: “to have known him was to have loved him.” Spector changed the tense and made it into a No.1 hit. He would soon go on to become a highly respected producer and label owner, at age 21 the youngest label owner in history, and is regarded by some as one of the most influential figures in pop history
December 1, 1957 ~ Pop, jazz, R&B singer Vesta Williams, full name Mary Vesta Williams, born in Coshocton, Ohio, USA ~ Sang backup for artists such as Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Sting, Stephanie Mills, Anita Baker, Joe Sample, and Gordon Lightfoot. As a solo artist debuted in 1986 with the album Vesta. Best known for songs such as Once Bitten Twice Shy, Sweet Sweet Love, Congratulations, and Special ~ Williams passed away in 2011
December 1, 1956 ~ Pop, dream pop singer, songwriter, actress Julee Cruise born in Creston, Iowa, USA ~ Known for Falling and Rockin' Back Inside My Heart, the former the theme song of the Twin Peaks TV series. Guested on Hybrid's 1989 Wide Angle debut album, including on the acclaimed track If I Survive. Touring member of the B52's for most of the 1990s, at times filling in for Cindy Wilson. Has released four full-length solo albums, starting with Floating Into The Night released in 1989 ~ Cruise passed away in 2022
December 1, 1956 ~ Country, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Kim Richey born in Zanesville, Ohio, USA ~ Known for songs such as Just My Luck, Those Words We Said, and From Where I Stand. Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Trisha Yearwood (Believe Me Baby (I Lied)), Radney Foster (Nobody Wins), Brooks & Dunn (Every River), George Ducas (In No Time At All), Patty Loveless (That's Exactly What I Mean), Mindy McCready (You'll Never Know), Jim Lauderdale (It's Just Like You), Terri Clark (I'm Alright). Sang backup for Bill Lloyd, Reba McEntire, Rodney Crowell, Keith Stegall, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tammy Rogers, Ryan Adams, Will Kimbrough, Darden Smith, Honeyroot, Gretchen Peters, Jason Isbell, and Dean Owens
December 1, 1951 ~ John Francis Anthony Pastorius III, commonly known as jazz fusion bassist Jaco Pastorius, born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as member of the Weather Report from 1976 to 1981, including on the albums Black Market and Heavy Weather. As a solo artist acclaimed for the albums Jaco Pastorius, Invitation and Curtain Call. Also present on albums by Pat Metheny, Joni Mitchell (Hejira), Al di Meola, Airto Moreira, Flora Purim, Herbie Hancock (Mr Hands), and Biréli Lagrène ~ Pastorius passed away in 1987
December 1, 1950 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Armen Donelian born ~ Classically trained. About a dozen albums as a leader, specifically noted for A Reverie released in 1984. Guested on albums by Roy Ayers, Billy Harper, Mongo Santamaria, Rory Stuart (Nightwork), Night Ark, Bobby Paunetto (Commit To Memory), Janet Grice, and Remo Capra
December 1, 1950 ~ Rock & roll, progressive rock, rock guitarist, singer Ross Hannaford, full name Ross Andrew Hannaford, was born in Newcastle, Australia ~ Closely associated with singer Ross Wilson, including in the bands Pink Finks and Daddy Cool. The latter would become one of Australia's biggest bands with the release of their 1971 Daddy Who (Daddy Cool) album and are specifically noted for the single Eagle Rock. Has also worked with Mighty Kong, Hey Gringo, the Party Machine, the Black Sorrows, Paul Madigan, Ian Moss, Steve Hoy, Mark Gillespie, and the Ram Band. Hanna, as he was affectionately known, also fronted the Ross Hannaford Trio, acclaimed for a number of albums starting with the eponymous The Ross Hannaford Trio album released in 1996 ~ Hannaford passed away in 2016
December 1, 1950 ~ Rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock guitarist Sérgio Dias, full name Sérgio Dias Baptista, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Co-founding and sole constant member of rock band Os Mutantes, emerging form the late-1960s Tropicália movement. Though never achieving much fame outside their native Brazil, they are considered one of the most talented of the psychedelic era for their use of distortion, feedback and numerous studio tricks. Especially acclaimed for albums such as 1968's Os Mutantes, 1970's A Divina Comedia Ou Ando Meio Desligado and 1972's E Seus Cometas No Pais Do Baurets
December 1, 1947 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Alain Bashung born in Paris, France ~ Widely revered and influential in French rock for reviving the French chanson from the early-1980s onwards. Known for songs such as Gaby Oh Gaby, Vertige De l'Amour, Josephine, Ma Petite Entreprise, and La Nuit Je Mens. Has collaborated with a host of French and international artists including Sonny Landreth, Ally McErlaine, Link Wray, Marc Ribot, Brigitte Fontaine, Jean Fauque, Rodolphe Burger, Les Valentins, Jean-Marc Lederman, Adrian Utley, Noir Désir, Vanessa Paradis, Françoise Hardy, Arno, Daniel Darc, Gaetan Roussel, and Arman Melies ~ Bashung passed away in 2009
December 1, 1946 ~ John Rockford Hill, commonly known as guitarist, bassist Rocky Hill born ~ Older brother of ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, with whom he worked in the acid rock band American Blues. Rocky subsequently played with John Lee Hooker, Lightnin' Hopkins, Freddie King and Jimmy Reed. His 1982 solo debut Texas Shuffle featured guests Johnny Winter and Dr John. Has also worked with Townes Van Zandt, Don Sanders, and with Joe Miranda ~ Hill passed away in 2009
December 1, 1945 ~ Singer, actress Bette Midler born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Began her career as a stage actress, featuring in Broadway plays such as Fiddler On The Roof and Salvation by the late-1960s. As a singer released her The Divine Miss M debut album in 1972, the album's title sticking as a nickname through the rest of her career. Has recorded about a dozen albums to critical and commercial success since. Well known songs include Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, The Rose, Wind Beneath My Wings, and From A Distance, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100
December 1, 1944 ~ Pop, schlager singer, political activist, actress Arja Saijormaa, full name Arja Enni Helena Saijonmaa, born in Mikkell, Finland ~ Sang Swedish translations of songs by composers such as Mikis Theodorakis and Violeta Parra as well as covers of Zarah Leander songs. Best known for songs such as Jag Vill Tacka Livet, Högt Over Havet and Jagg Vill Leva I Europa. Sang at the funeral of Swedish politician, PM and close personal friend Olof Palme, murdered in 1986
December 1, 1944 ~ Drummer John Densmore, full name John Paul Densmore, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Elvin Jones and Art Blakey. Best known as co-founding member of 1960s rock outfit the Doors, known for songs such as Light My Fire, People Are Strange, Hello I Love You, Touch Me, and Love Her Madly. Also founded the short-lived the Butts Band with Robby Krieger, his bandmate from the Doors
December 1, 1942 ~ Guitarist Richard Dangel born ~ Lead guitarist for the Wailers, generally credited as one of the first, if not the first, American garage bands, best known for their debut single Tall Cool One, a Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hit in 1959. Encouraged by its success the band would record a full-length album, The Fabulous Wailers, released by the end of the year. A second instrumental single, Mau-Mau, would chart moderately. A third, Wailin', failed to chart. However, the band continued to perform regionally in the Pacific Northwest, and according to the band's keyboardist Kent Morrill counted a young and then-unknown Jimi Hendrix among their fans ~ Dangel passed away in 2002
December 1, 1939 ~ Singer Dianne Lennon, full name Dianne Barbara Lennon, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of sibling outfit the Lennon Sisters. The family outfit enjoyed popularity especially from the late-1950s through the late-1960s, best known for their regular appearances on The Lawrence Welk Show, their own variety show Jimmy Durante Presents The Lennon Sisters, and a successful Las Vegas concert residency. Well known songs include Among My Souvenirs, Moon River, Scarlet Ribbons, Tonight You Belong To Me and Sad Movies Make Me Cry
December 1, 1938 ~ Jazz, avant-garde, jazz-funk saxophonist Carlos Garnett born in Red Tank, Panama ~ Self-taught tenor soloist. First gained attention backing Freddie Hubbard on the 1969 album A Soul Experiment for which Garnett wrote the originals No Time To Lose and Hang 'Em Up. Would go on to work with Art Blakey, Pharoah Sanders, Norman Connors, Charles Mingus, Miles Davis (On The Corner), Robin Kenyatta, Denroy Morgan, and Charles Earland. As a solo artist, leader over half a dozen albums to his name, especially acclaimed for the albums Journey To Enlightenment and Black Love, both released in 1974 ~ Garnett passed away in 2023
December 1, 1938 ~ Drummer, singer, songwriter Sandy Nelson, full name Sander Lloyd Nelson, born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ One of the best known and in-demand session rock drummers of the early-1960s. Attended high school with Jan Berry, Dean Torrence and Kim Fowley. Started out in late-1950s, early-1960s sessionning for the Teddy Bears (To Know Is To Love Him), the Hollywood Argyles (Alley Oop), and Kathy Young (A Thousand Stars). As a solo artist Nelson is also known for a string of instrumental hits, starting with 1959's Billboard Hot 100 No.4 Teen Beat and continuing on with songs such as Let There Be Drums, and Drums Are My Beat ~ Nelson passed away in 2022
December 1, 1937 ~ Francis Ossei, commonly known as Afro-pop saxophonist, drummer, singer Teddy Osei, born in Kumasi, Gold Coast ~ Best known as frontman of Afro-pop unit Osibisa, which was formed in the late-1960s in London, the UK. The band, consisting of African and Latin-American musicians, has been credited as one of the earliest and most influential acts in bringing African-based rhythms to Western audiences. They are especially acclaimed for their first two albums, Osibisa and Woyaya, both of which were produced by a then-relatively unknown Tony Visconti. The band counted Stevie Wonder among its fans, while several of their tracks have been covered by the likes of Art Garfunkel and the 5th Dimension. Although line-up changes were common for the band, Osei remained a constant factor ~ Osei passed away in 2025
December 1, 1934 ~ Paul Williams, commonly known as singer Billy Paul, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Scored a 1972 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit with Me & Mrs Jones, to this day one of the most cherished songs of the era. Also well known for his War Of The Gods album, released the following year, blending conventional pop, soul, and funk with electronic and psychedelic elements. Would continue to record well into the 1980s, but was unable to repeat his earlier chart success. Hugely influential on Questlove, who called him “one of the criminally unmentioned proprietors of socially conscious post-revolution 1960s civil rights music.” ~ Paul passed away in 2016
December 1, 1934 ~ Arthur Blake, commonly known as blues, ragtime singer, guitarist Blind Blake, passed away in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Fingerpicking guitarist influential on Reverend Gary Davis, Jorma Kaukonen, Ry Cooder, John Fahey, Ralph McTell, and Leon Redbone. Known for songs such as Early Morning Blues, West Coast Blues, and You Gonna Quit Me Blues, the latter would be notably covered by Bob Dylan ~ Blake was born ca.1896
December 1, 1933 ~ Free jazz, avant-garde jazz saxophonist Jimmy Lyons born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Parker. Best known for his association with Cecil Taylor, being the only other constant member of the Cecil Taylor Unit from the mid-1960s until his death in 1986 including on acclaimed albums such as Conquistador, Live At the Café Montmartre and Akisakila. Lyons has also recorded over half a dozen albums as leader or co-leader, notably Other Afternoons, Wee Sneezawee and Give It Up, and has appeared on albums by Urbie Green, Dave Brubeck, Eddie Gale (Black Rhythm Happening), and Joel Futterman ~ Lyons passed away in 1986
December 1, 1933 ~ R&B, soul, gospel, jazz, blues singer Lou Rawls, full name Louis Allen Rawls, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Has recorded over 50 albums, initially focusing on jazz, starting with Stormy Monday backed by Les McCann in 1962. Scored his first hit in 1966 when he switched to pop soul, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 with Love Is A Hurtin' Thing. Other well known songs include Your Good Thing's About To End, You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine and Lady Love. Rawls has sold over 40 million records, has ventured into acting and voice acting, and has hosted the annual Lou Rawls Parade Of Stars Telethon since 1980, later renamed to An Evening Of Stars (A Celebration Of Educational Excellence), raising funds for the United Negro College Fund ~ Rawls passed away in 2006
December 1, 1930 ~ Terrence Edward Parsons, commonly known as easy listening, pop singer Matt Monro, born in London, UK ~ Dubbed “the Man with the Golden Voice” with a career spanning three decades. Known best for hits such as Portrait Of My Love, My Kind Of Girl, Softly As I Love You, Walk Away, and the Beatles-cover Yesterday, all of which reached the British top 10 ~ Parsons passed away in 1985
December 1, 1926 ~ Actress, singer, dancer Allyn Ann McLerie born in Grand-Mere, Canada ~ Enjoyed popularity during the Golden Age of musicals, including on Broadway and in numerous films. Would also venture into character acting guesting in TV shows ranging from Bonanza to St Elsewhere ~ McLerie passed away in 2018
December 1, 1921 ~ Jazz pianist John Bunch born in Tipton, Indiana, USA ~ Somewhat overlooked swing, big band pianist. As a leader acclaimed for the albums John's Bunch, The Best Thing For You, and John Bunch Plays Kurt Weill. Music director and pianist for Tony Bennett from the mid-1960s through the early-1970s. Member of New York Swing. Bunch has also appeared on albums by Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich (Richcraft), Rex Stewart, Buck Clayton (Goin' To Kansas City), Joe Morello, Gene Roland (Swingin' Friends), Bucky Pizzarelli, Milt Hinton, Max Kaminsky (When Summer Is Gone), Eddie Barefield (The Indestructible Eddie Barefield), Butch Miles, George Masso (A Swinging Case Of Masso-ism), Ruby Braff, and Ken Peplowski ~ Bunch passed away in 2010
December 1, 1919 ~ Contralto jazz singer Lurlan Hunter born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA ~ First gained attention singing with Red Saunders at Club DeLisa in Chicago and subsequently as featured vocalist with George Shearing at famed New York jazz club Birdland. Would spend most of the 1950s working hotels and night clubs around the country. Released her full-length Blue And Sentimental debut album in 1961 ~ Hunter passed away in 1983
December 1, 1919 ~ Winston Lee Moore, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Slim Willet, born in Dublin, Texas, USA ~ Best known for penning and first recording Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes. Willet's original single would reach top of the Billboard Country charts in 1952. Later the same year, Perry Como took the song to No.1 on the pop charts, selling over a million copies. Others who recorded the song included Skeets McDonald, Ray Price, Faron Young, George Jones, Conway Twitty, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Willet is also known for hits such as Tool Pusher From Snyder, Red Rose, and No Love Song To You ~ Moore passed away in 1966
December 1, 1896 ~ Raymond Brost, commonly known as pianist, songwriter Ray Henderson, born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Frequent collaborator of Lew Brown and BG DeSylva. Songs written or co-written include Bye Bye Blackbird (Sam Lanin, Gene Austin, Leo Reisman), I'm Sitting On Top Of The World (Art Gillham, Al Jolson, Roger Wolfe Kahn), The Birth Of The Blues (Irving Abrams, the Revelers, Bing Crosby), Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries (Ethel Merman, Ben Bernie, Rudy Vallée), Animal Crackers In My Soup (Don Bestor, Shirley Temple), and Sonny Boy (Ruth Etting, the Andrews Sisters, Jackie Wilson) ~ Henderson passed away in 1970
December 1, 1844 ~ Composer, conductor, orchestrator Alfred Cellier born in South Hackney, UK ~ Directed several Gilbert & Sullivan productions, occasionally writing overtures for them. Has composed several operas and other works, most notably the comic opera Dorothy which would become the longest-running piece of musical theatre in the 19th century ~ Cellier passed away in 1891