December 1, 2022 ~ Indie rock singer, drummer, guitarist, songwriter Hamish Kilgour reported missing, found dead one week later ~ Best known for co-founding 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 in December 2022, his body found by police 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 ~ Brother of pianist Phineas Newborn Jr, son of drummer Phineas Newborn Sr. Worked with Willie Mitchell, Ben Branch, BB King, Jackie Brenston, Earl Hines, Lionel Hampton, Jimmy Forrest, Wild Bill Davis, Al Grey, Freddie Roach, Ray Charles, Count Basie, Hank Crawford, David Fathead Newman, Booker Little, Sun Ra, Lou Donaldson, Jerry McCain, Charlie Rich, Ike Turner, Bobby Hutcherson, Sonny Boy Williamson II, James Austin, and others ~ Newborn was born in 1933
December 1, 2018 ~ Joseph Leon Williams, commonly known as guitarist Jody Williams passed away in Munster, Indiana, USA ~ Sought-after 1950s session guitarist. Worked with Bo Diddley (Who Do You Love), Memphis Minnie, Elmore James, Otis Spann (It Must Have Been The Devil), Charles Brown, Howlin' Wolf (Evil (Is Going On), Forty Four), Jimmy Witherspoon, Billy Boy Arnold (I Ain't Got You), Jimmy Rogers, Otis Rush (Three Times A Fool), Buddy Guy, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Earl Phillips, Lu Mac, Floyd Dixon, Bobby Charles, Willie Dixon, Harold Burrage, and others ~ Williams was born in 1935
December 1, 2015 ~ Composer, guitarist Leoni Franco passed away in Guatemale City, Guatemala ~ Co-founded Iracundos with his brother Eduardo Franco ~ Franco was born ca.1942
December 1, 2015 ~ Singer Shirley Gunter passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Sister of singer Cornell Gunter. Worked with the Platters, Maxwell Davis and most notably with the Queens on songs such as Oop Shoop ~ Gunter was born in 1934
December 1, 2013 ~ Drummer Richard Couglan passed away ~ Joined progressive rock band Wilde Flowers in 1966 and stayed with the band after the name change to Caravan in 1968 ~ Coughlan was born in 1947
December 1, 2011 ~ Pianist Denny Termer, full name Dennis William Termer, born in London, UK ~ Worked with Laurie Morgan, Stanley Watson, Don Rendell, Johnny Dankworth, Tony Crombie, Ronnie Scott, Kenny Graham, Phil Seamen, Duncan Whyte, Carl Barriteau, Nat Temple, Danny Kaye, Billie Holiday, Pearl Bailey, Sarah Vaughan, Diana Dors, Marlene Dietrich, Matt Monro, Judy Garland, and others ~ Termer was born in 1925
December 1, 2010 ~ Trumpeter, conductor, arranger, composer Stan Lokhin passed away ~ Dubbed “the Godfather of Surinam music” drawing from kaseko, soul, calypso, jazz. Best known for leading the Stan Lokhin Band and the Resurrection Singers. Has worked with the Needles, Mariah Carey, Céline Dion, Stevie Wonder, Ruth Jacott, and others ~ 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 ~ Played with artists such as Paul Crawford, Raymond Burke, Armand Hug, Danny Barker, and others ~ Finola was born in 1945
December 1, 2000 ~ Pianist, organist, composer Neal Creque passed away in Olmstead Falls, Ohio, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Pucho & the Latin Soul Brothers, Mongo Santamaria, Stanley Turrentine, Teresa Brewer, Leon Thomas, Harold Ousley, Bernard Pretty Purdie, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Grant Green, Eric Kloss, Johnny Lytle, Melvin Sparks, and others ~ Creque was born in 1940
December 1, 2000 ~ Percussionist, singer Pete El Condo Rodriguez passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Member of the Fania All-Stars from its inception in 1964 through 1974, and again from 1983 through 1989. Released his solo debut album, El Conde, in 1974 ~ Rodriguez was born in 1933
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. Also worked with Adelaide Hall, Andre Ekyan, George Shearing, Jack Llewelyn, Coleridge Goode, Diz Disley, Franco Cerri, Pino Presti, Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson, Michel Petrucciani, Claude Bolling, Svend Asmussen, Jean-Luc Ponty, Stuff Smith, Gary Burton, Paul Simon, David Grisman, Yehudi Menuhin, André Previn, Bucky Pizzarelli, Joe Pass, Yo-Yo Ma, Toots Thielemans, Henri Crolla, Jon Burr, Mark O'Connor, Denny Wright, Ike Isaacs, Louis Stewart, John Ethridge, Martin Taylor, Pink Floyd, and others ~ Grappelli was born in 1908
December 1, 1996 ~ Songwriter Irving Gordon passed away in Los Angeles, 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 and also recorded by Eddy Arnold, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and others. 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, 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, heavy metal, blues rock singer Ray Gillen, full name Raymond Arthur Gillen, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as lead singer for Badlands around the turn of the 1990s, present on the band's Badlands and its follow-up Voodoo Highway before departing the band to be replaced by John West. Briefly fronted Black Sabbath in the mid-1980s. 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 ~ Best known for founding 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 popular and most performed ballets in the world ~ Ailey was born in 1931
December 1, 1989 ~ Singer, flutist, keyboardist, songwriter Billy Lyall passed away ~ Co-founding member of Pilot known for January, Magic, Just A Smile and Call Me Round. Early member of the Bay City Rollers from 1969 through 1971. Keyboardist of Dollar from 1978 to 1982. Guested with the Alan Parsons Project and Runner. As a solo artist known for his sole Solo Casting album released in 1979 ~ Lyall was born in 1953
December 1, 1988 ~ Singer, rapper, songwriter Tyler Joseph, full name Tyler Robert Joseph, born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Frontman and half of twenty one pilots, the other half being drummer Josh Dun, known for a number of mid-2010s hits such as Stressed Out, Ride and Heathens
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, ukelele 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, 1986 ~ Singer Lee Dorsey, full name Irving Lee Dorsey, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for the R&B classics Ya-Ya and Working In The Coal Mine. Often backed by the Meters. Childhood friend of Fats Domino ~ Dorsey was born in 1924
December 1, 1985 ~ Janelle Monáe Robinson, commonly known as R&B, neo-soul, pop singer Janelle Monáe born in Kansas City, Kansas, USA ~ Known for songs such as QUEEN featuring Erykah Badu, Prime Time, Yoga featuring Jidenna. Also collaborated with .fun, Goodie Mob, Jeezy, OutKast, BoB, Big Boi, Estelle, Pharrell Williams, Kelly Clarkson, and others
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, synthpop, 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, Chrome Hoof, and others
December 1, 1980 ~ Rock singer Roger Peterson, full name Roger Francis Peterson, born in Savaneta, Aruba ~ Lead singer of Intwine from 2001 through 2010, known best for the Dutch top 10 hits Happy and Cruel Man
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 indie rock band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Also worked with Pelican Picnic and Flashy Python. Released his Mo Beauty solo debut album in 2009
December 1, 1977 ~ Alternative metal, nu metal, alternative rock guitarist Brad Delson born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead guitarist of Xero which would morph into Hybrid Theory and after one more name change into Linkin Park, known for songs such as In The End, Numb, What I've Done, and New Divide
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, 1975 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Jamie Lawson born in St Budeaux, UK ~ Best known for Wasn't Expecting That, a British top 10 hit in 2015
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, in-demand collaborator and producer. Notable credits include the Free Moral Agents, Look Daggers, De-Facto, Long Beach Dub All-Stars, and guest appearances on recordings by Reel Big Fish, Sublime, Saul Williams, the Visionaries, Run The Jewels, and others ~ Owens passed away in 2014
December 1, 1973 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist Steve Gibb born in London, UK ~ Son of the Bee Gees-singer Barry Gibb, with whom he also worked. Also worked with various metal, hard rock bands including 58, Black Label Society, Crowbar, Kingdom of Sorrow, the Underbellys, Skillethead, Saigon Kick, and others
December 1, 1971 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Mika Pohjola born in Helsinki, Finland ~ Considered on the the most prolific Scandinavian jazz musicians of his generation. Influenced by Claude Debussy, Edvard Grieg, Johann Sebastian Bach, Art Tatum, Charlie Parker, Oscar Peterson, and others. Worked with Chris Cheek, Mark Turner, Miguel Zenon, Ben Monder, Drew Gress, Jeff Williams, Jochen Rückert, Matt Wilson, Mark Ferber, Yusuke Yamamoto, Rigmor Gustafsson, Lisa Werlinder, and others
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 ~ Bluegrass guitarist, singer, songwriter Carter Stanley passed away in Bristol, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as member of the Stanley Brothers and the Clinch Mountain Boys, both co-founded with his brother Ralph Stanley ~ 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. Would first gain serious attention as lead singer, guitarist of 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, Wally Ingram, and others. Active as a solo artist since the mid-1990s, best known for his 2010 Pull A Rabbit Out Of His Hat (Tribute Vol.2) 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, 1964 ~ Pop, rock singer Stijn Meuris, full name Stijn Léon Maria Meuris, born in Neerpelt, Belgium ~ Rose to fame as frontman of Noordkaap, known for the hits Ik Hou Van U and Satelliet Suzy. Has fronted Monza since 2001. Released his Spectrum solo sebut album in 2010
December 1, 1963 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Samuel Reid born in Brampton, Canada ~ Founding member of rock band Glass Tiger. Has also worked with Rik Emmett
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, Muddy Waters, and others ~ 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, Exit North. Released a number of 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, crossing over into and drawing from pop and R&B. Best known for her 1982 reggae cover Someone Loves You Honey, originally a hit for country singer Charley Pride. Also known for songs such as 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, the Mad Professor, and others
December 1, 1958 ~ Singer, songwriter Lisa Fischer born in New York, New York, USA ~ Debuted with the So Intense album in 1991, which spawned the hit single How Can I Ease The Pain. Has sung backup for Sting, Luther Vandross, Tina Turner, and the Rolling Stones
December 1, 1957 ~ Tenor saxophonist Dave Ellis born ~ Worked with Charlie Hunter, Bob Weir, Dmitri Matheny, the Black Crowes, the Other Ones, and others
December 1, 1957 ~ Pop, jazz, R&B singer, songwriter 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 (1986), Sweet Sweet Love (1988), Congratulations (1989), and Special (1991) ~ 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, Dean Owens, and others
December 1, 1954 ~ Songwriter, publisher Fred Rose, full name Knowles Fred Rose, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Half of Acuff/Rose music publishing company, the other half being Roy Acuff. Instrumental to the developement of country music. Had his songs recorded by Hank Snow, Gene Autry, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Sophie Tucker, the Ipana Troubadours, Bob Wills, Carl Smith, George Strait, Don Everly, Jesse Crawford, David Houston, Red Foley, Ray Price, Moe Bandy, Marty Robbins, Eddy Arnold, Gene Watson, Jim Reeves, Hank Locklin, and others ~ Rose was born in 1897
December 1, 1952 ~ Gospel, blues singer, pianist Liz McComb born ~ Started singing at 3. Before switching to piano, learned the violin. Would become one of the best pianist-singers of her generation. Influenced by the Staple Singers, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and especially by Mahalia Jackson
December 1, 1952 ~ Margaret Mary Morton, commonly known as singer, songwriter, environmentalist Pegi Young, born in San Mateo, California, USA ~ Married to guitarist Neil Young from 1978 through 2014 ~ Morton passed away in 2019
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. Leader and sideman. Has worked with with array with jazz musicians including Sonny Rollins, Eddie Gomez, Billy Hart, Dick Oatts, Anthony Cox, Billy Harper, Mongo Santamaria, Night Ark, Roy Ayers, Cosmology, and others
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, among others in the bands Pink Finks and Daddy Cool, the latter becoming one of Australia's biggest bands with the release of their 1971 Daddy Who (Daddy Cool) album and 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, the Ram Band, and others. 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, Arman Melies, and others ~ Bashung passed away in 2009
December 1, 1946 ~ Raymond Edward O'Sullivan, commonly known as singer, songwriter Gilbert O'Sullivan, born in Waterloo, UK ~ Best known for early-1970s hits such as Alone Again Naturally, Clair and Get Down
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 ~ Nickname “the Divine Miss M”. As a singer known for songs such as The Rose, Wind Beneath My Wings, Do You Want To Dance, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, and From A Distance. Also renowned stage, musical, and film actress
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, Love Her Madly, and others. Also founded the short-lived the Butts Band with Doors bandmate Robby Krieger
December 1, 1942 ~ Guitarist Richard Dangel born ~ Lead guitarist of the Wailers, generally credited as one of the first, if not the first, American garage bands, best known for Tall Cool One, a top 40 hit in 1959 ~ Dangel passed away in 2002
December 1, 1939 ~ Singer Dianne Lennon, full name Dianne Barbara Lennon, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Lennon Sisters, known for songs such as 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 ~ Afropop saxophonist, flutist, drummer, singer Teddy Osei born in Kumasi, Ghana ~ Best known as founder and frontman of Afropop band Osibisa, known for merging african music, rock, highlife, caribbean, jazz rock, funk, Latin music and R&B. The band was helpful in bringing Afropop to Western mainstream especially through the 1971 albums Osibisa and Woyaya both of which reached top 20 in the UK
December 1, 1934 ~ Paul Williams, commonly known as singer Billy Paul, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for the 1972 charttopper Me & Mrs Jones. Closey associated with Philly sound as created by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell. Influential on later soul stars including Questlove ~ 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, Leon Redbone, and others. 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 ~ Jazz, 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 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. Also appears on albums by Urbie Green, Dave Brubeck, Eddie Gale (Black Rhythm Happening), and Joel Futterman, and has recorded as a leader, notably the albums Other Afternoons, Wee Sneezawee and Give It Up ~ 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 ~ Best known for songs such as Love Is A Hurtin' Thing, Your Good Thing's About To End, You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine and Lady Love ~ Rawls passed away in 2006
December 1, 1930 ~ Terrence Edward Parsons, commonly known as 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, 1926 ~ Jazz pianist Christian Azzi born ~ Worked with Hugues Panassié, Sidney Bechet, Claude Luter, Maxim Saury, and others
December 1, 1926 ~ Drummer, singer, songwriter Earl Forest, full name Earl Lacy Forest, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Beale Streeters, a blues band that also included Johnny Ace, Bobby Blue Bland, Junior Parker, BB King and Rosco Gordon. As a solo artist Forest scored a hit record with Whoopin' And Hollern' in 1953 ~ Forest passed away in 2003
December 1, 1925 ~ Big band, jazz clarinetist, bandleader Dick Johnson, full name Richard Brown Johnson, born in Brockton, Massachusetts, USA ~ Worked with Frank Sinatra, the Swing Shift Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Bennett, Dave McKenna, Eddie Costa, and others. Best known for leading the the Artie Shaw Orchestra from 1983 until his death over two decades later ~ Johnson passed away in 2010
December 1, 1921 ~ Jazz pianist John Bunch born in Tipton, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Music director and pianist for Tony Bennett from the mid-1960s through the early 1970s. Member of New York Swing alongside Bucky Pizzarelli and Jay Leonhart. Also worked with Urbie Green, Milt Hinton, George Mraz, Frank Wess, Georgie Auld, Jimmy Rowles, Eddie Condon, the World's Greatest Jazz Band, Maynard Ferguson, Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Pearl Bailey, Benny Bailey, Kenny Davern, and others ~ Bunch passed away in 2010
December 1, 1919 ~ Jazz guitarist Ike Isaacs born in Rangoon, Burma ~ Not to be confused with bassist Ike Isaacs. Best known for his work with violinist Stéphane Grappelli. He also worked with Ted Heath, Barney Kessel, Barry Gray, Jake Thackray, and others ~ Isaacs passed away in 1996
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, 1915 ~ Actor, singer Johnny Johnston, full name John Clifford Johnston, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity during the 1940s, best known for songs such as All Of A Sudden My Heart Sings, Laura and There Must Be A Way ~ Johnston passed away in 1996
December 1, 1913 ~ Actress, singer Mary Martin, full name Mary Virginia Martin, born in Weatherford, Texas, USA ~ Muse of composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Has played lead roles in musicals such as South Pacific, Peter Pan and The Sound Of Music. Mother of actor Larry Hagman ~ Martin passed away in 1990
December 1, 1896 ~ Singer, actress Ethel Shutta born in New York, New York, USA ~ Married to big band bandleader George Olsen from 1926 to 1939, with whom she had two children. Best known for her appearances in the 1928 Broadway musical Whoopee and for starring on the The Jack Benny Program radio show ~ Shutta passed away in 1976
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 Vallee), Animal Crackers In My Soup (Don Bestor, Shirley Temple), 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