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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, Dean Owens, and others
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, 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, 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, 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 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, 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, 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