December 12, 2023 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, poet, author Ole Paus, full name Ole Christian Paus, passed away ~ Actively recording since the early-1970s. Regarded as Norway's premier troubadour, described as the Norwegian counterpart to Bob Dylan and as “the Voice of the Nation”. Best known for songs such as Innerst I Sjelen and Engler I Sneen. Frequent collaborator of Ketil Bjørnstad. Father of classical composer Marcus Paus, with whom he has also worked ~ Paus was born in 1947
December 12, 2021 ~ Ranchera singer, songwriter, actor Vicente Fernández, full name Vicente Fernández Gómez, passed away in Guadalajara, Mexico ~ Cultural icon with over 30 films to his name, over 50 albums with a total sales of an estimated 50 million copies. Best known for Volver Volver, notably covered by both Nana Moskouri and Ry Cooder. Other well known songs include El Rey, Dos Corazones, Aunque Mal Paguen Ellas, Que Sepan Todos, Yo Quiero, Aca Entre Nos, Miseria, and No Te Vayas. His son, Alejandro Fernández, would also become a popular singer ~ Fernández was born in 1940
December 12, 2020 ~ Country singer, guitarist Charley Pride, full name Charley Frank Pride, passed away in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ One of only three African-American artists who made it to the the Grand Ole Opry, the other two being DeFord Bailey and Darius Rucker. Actively recording since the mid-1960s. Known best for country hits such as The Easy Part's Over, All I Have To Offer You Is Me, I'm So Afraid Of Losing You Again, Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone, Wonder Could I Live There Anymore, I Can't Believe That You've Stopped Loving Me, I'm Just Me, It's Gonna Take A Little Bit Longer, She's Too Good To Be True, A Shoulder To Cry On, Hope You're Feelin' Me Like I'm Feelin' You, I'll Be Leaving Alone, Where Do I Put Her Memory, You're My Jamaica, Mountain Of Love, and Night Games ~ Pride was born in 1938
December 12, 2020 ~ Robert Nathan Sheff, commonly known as avant-garde pianist, composer Gene Tyranny or Blue Gene Tyranny, passed away in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name, especially acclaimed for Country Boy Country Dog (How To Discover Music In The Sounds Of Your Daily Life album. Closely associated with Robert Ashley, appearing on over half a dozen of Ashley's albums. Toured with Carla Bley and with Iggy Pop. Has also guested on albums by Peter Laurence Gordon (Star Jaws), David van Tieghem, Laurie Anderson, and Philip Krumm (Formations) ~ Sheff was born in 1945
December 12, 2019 ~ Giovanni Domenico Scafone Jr, commonly known as rock & roll, rockabilly singer, songwriter Jack Scott, passed away in Warren, Michigan, USA ~ Hailed as perhaps Canada's greatest rock & roll singer. Known for songs such as Leroy, Goodbye Baby, The Way I Walk, What In The World's Come Over You, Burning Bridges and It Only Happened Yesterday ~ Scafone was born in 1936
December 12, 2017 ~ Rock, power pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Pat DiNizio, full name Patrick Michael DiNozio, passed away in Summit, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founded the Smithereens in 1980, known for songs such as Behind The Wall Of Sleep, In A Lonely Place, A Girl Like You, and Too Much Passion. The band has also collaborated with artists such as Belinda Carlisle, Julian Lennon, Lou Reed, Suzanne Vega, and others ~ DiNizio was born in 1955
December 12, 2017 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Willie Pickens passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Eddie Harris, Buddy DeFranco, Louie Bellson, Elvin Jones, Dan Shapera, Robert Shy, Nicholas Payton, Marian McPartland, George Mraz, Joe Farnsworth, Larry Gray, Milton Suggs, Bunky Green, Francine Griffin, Steve Grossman, Clark Terry, Frank Catalano, Von Freeman, Peter Lerner, Malachi Thompson, and others ~ Pickens was born in 1931
December 12, 2016 ~ Harvey Charles Goering, commonly known as Chicago blues, electric blues pianist, singer, songwriter Barrelhouse Chuck, passed away in Libertyville, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Pinetop Perkins, the longtime pianist for Muddy Waters. As a solo artist recorded about a dozen albums, especially noted for 2002's Prescription For The Blues. Also particularly known for collaborating with Mud Morganfield and Kim Wilson on the 2012 For Pops (A Tribute To Muddy Waters) album. Other notable associations include Jimmy Rogers, Eddie Taylor, Hubert Sumlin, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Otis Big Smokey Smothers, Mississippi Heat, SP Leary, Calvin Fuzz Jones, Nick Moss, and Willie Big Eyes Smith ~ Goering was born in 1958
December 12, 2016 ~ Singer, songwriter Jim Lowe, full name James Elisworth Lowe, passed away in East Hampton, New York, USA ~ Best known for his 1956 hit The Green Door and for writing Gambler's Guitar, a million-seller for Rusty Draper. Also a radio host and personality, considered an export on popular music of the 1940s and 1950s ~ Lowe was born in 1923
December 12, 2012 ~ Blues guitarist, harpist, singer, songwriter Eddie Guitar Burns passed away ~ Influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson I and Big Bill Broonzy. Guested on John Lee Hooker's 1966 The Real Folk Blues album. Released his Bottle Up & Go debut album in 1972. Had his Orange Driver covered by the J Geils Band for their 1975 Hotline album ~ Burns was born in 1928
December 12, 2007 ~ Izear Luster Turner Jr, commonly known as pianist, guitarist, singer Ike Turner, passed away in San Marcos, California, USA ~ Perhaps the most vilified musician in pop and rock history, known for substance abuse and his at times abusive relationship with Tina Turner overshadowing his contributions to both early rock & roll and R&B. Fronted the Kings Of Rhythm, known for the 1951 Rocket '88 hit recording which is often cited as one of the first rock & roll records. Talent scout and producer instrumental in the early careers of BB King, Howlin' Wolf, Bobby Blue Bland. Became a global household name with the Ike & Tina Turner Revue co-fronted with his then-wife Tina. The pair would become one of the most popular R&B duos in history, known for their energetic stage presence, scoring a string of hits from the early-1960s through the 1970s including A Fool In Love, It's Gonna Work Out Fine, Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits and perhaps their best known River Deep Mountain High, the latter described by producer Phil Spector as his best work ~ Turner was born in 1931
December 12, 2006 ~ Dixieland, swing clarinetist, saxophonist Kenny Davern, full name John Kenneth Davern, passed away in Sandia Park, New Mexico, USA ~ Decided to pursue a career in music after hearing Pee Wee Russell. Well over a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for his collaborations with Bob Wilber under the common moniker Soprano Summit. A jazz purist praised for the clarity and pureness of his tone, Davern would establish himself as an in-demand sideman working with the likes of Jack Teagarden (Jazz Great), Phil Napoleon, Pee Wee Erwin, Wild Bill Davison (After Hours), Eddie Condon (Jazz At The New School), Dick Wellstood, Dick Hyman (Some Rags Some Stomps And A Little Blues), Red Norvo, Art Hodes, the Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band, George Masso, and Cynthia Sayer ~ Davern was born in 1935
December 12, 2000 ~ Opera, theater director Götz Friedrich passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ Gained international attention with a controversial 1972 production of Richard Wagner's Tännhauser. Defected to the West later the same year. Principal director ar the Hamburg State Opera from 1977 to 1981. Simultaneously director of productions at the Royal Opera House from 1977 to 1981. General director of the Deutsche Oper Berlin from 1981 until his death in 2000. Married to operatic soprano Karan Armstrong since 1979 ~ Friedrich was born in 1930
December 12, 1998 ~ Clarinetist, flutist, quena player Gilbert Favre passed away ~ Traded in his clarinet for the quena, a traditional flute of the Andes, after relocating to South America. Co-founding member of Los Jairas, one of the most popular 1960s Bolivian folk outfits. Closely associated with singer Violeta Parra with whom he was also romantically involved. Parra would later dedicate Run Run Se Fue Pa'l Norte to him. Has also worked with Alfrede Dominguez, Erneste Cavour, and others ~ Favre was born in 1936
December 12, 1992 ~ Douwe Bob Posthuma, commonly known as singer, songwriter Douwe Bob, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ First gained serious attention in 2012 winning the first edition of the talent show De Beste Singer-Songwriter Van Nederland aired on public television. His debut album, Born In A Storm, released the following year would reach top 10 of the Dutch album charts. Best known for songs such as Multicoloured Angels, Hold Me and Slow Down. The latter had served as the Dutch entry for the 2016 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 11th place
December 12, 1989 ~ Marcel Gothow, commonly known as glam rock, indie rock, alternative rock drummer Shin, born ~ Member of Cinema Bizarre until its disbandement in 2010. The band has recorded four albums, starting with Final Attraction released in 2007. The album included their best known, the single Lovesongs (They Kill Me) which reached top 10 in the band's native Germany
December 12, 1988 ~ Producer, songwriter Paul Carter born ~ As a recording artist has released a number of recordings under the moniker Benbrick, starting in the mid-2010s. Perhaps best known for his association with Hikaru Utada, writing Sakura Nagashi of her 2016 Fantome album. Carter has also written for Gary Go, Troye Sivan, Mary-Jess Leaverland, Elva Hsiao, and others
December 12, 1987 ~ Accordionist, singer Clifton Chenier passed away in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA ~ Énergetic and hugely influential cajun, zydeco accordionist, dubbed “the King of Zydeco”. Actively recording since the 1950s, first scoring a national hit in 1955 with the Professor Longhair-cover Ay Tete Fi (Hey Little Girl), Clifton would go on to tour with artists such as Ray Charles, Etta James and Lowell Fulson. He would remain a mainstay, touring extensively for decades. Mainstream popularity would peak in the 1980s, earning a Grammy Award in 1983 for the I'm Here album, the first Grammy for the Alligator Records blues label ~ Chenier was born in 1925
December 12, 1986 ~ Bandleader, cornetist, songwriter Harry Owens, full name Harry Robert Owens, passed away in Eugene, Oregon, USA ~ Best known for leading the Royal Hawaiians. Probably best known for penning Sweet Leilani, first recorded by Ted Fio Rito in 1937 and covered by numerous artists including Bing Crosby for the film Waikiki Wedding. The song would earn Crosby his first gold record and be awarded an Academy Award for Best Song in 1938. Other songs written or co-written by Owens include Linger Awhile (Bailey's Lucky Seven, Fletcher Henderson, Sarah Vaughan), To You Sweetheart Aloha (Dick McIntyre, Louis Armstrong, the Ames Brothers), and Sing Me A Song Of The Islands (Ray Kinney, Alvino Rey, Bert Ambrose) ~ Owens was born in 1902
December 12, 1981 ~ Heavy metal guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, violinist Olof Mörck born in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Best known as member of Amaranthe and previously of Dragonland. Member of Nightrage from 2006 to 2011. Has also worked with Disarmonia Mundi, My Darling Dismay, Vanisher, Universum, Lord, and others. Married to flutist, oboist Catalina Popa of symphonic metal band Haggard
December 12, 1981 ~ Rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist, clarinetist, saxophonist, percussionist Shawn Fogel, full name Shawn Matthew Fogel, born in New York, USA ~ Influenced by the Beatles and Stevie Wonder. Released his Millions Of Miles Away debut album in 2004, recorded, edited and mixed singlehandedly while in college using the campus facilities. Plays bass guitar with the LeeVees. Member of the Zambonis since 2006
December 12, 1980 ~ British punk rockers the Clash release their Sandinista 3-LP set ~ The band originally wanted their previous album, 1979's London Calling, to be a 2-LP set, the label only allowing them a single disc. Now they took a significant cut in royalties to have their Sandinista album issued as a reasonably priced 3-LP set containing three dozen songs. Considered one of the most influential punk rock albums, it drew from a wide variety of genres including funk, reggae, jazz, gospel, rockabilly, and rap, and clearly showed the influence of renowned dub producer Lee Scratch Perry. Well known tracks include Hitsville UK featuring Mick Jones's then-girlfriend Ellen Foley, the title a nod to Motown who used the moniker Hitsville USA for its first headquarters, and the danceable The Magnificent Seven centered around a funky bass and strongly inspired by up-and-coming rap acts such as Sugarhill Gang and Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five
December 12, 1977 ~ Progressive metal, Christian metal drummer David Husvik born ~ First gained attention drumming in Extol, considered one of the more influential Christian metal bands. Would go on to work with Absurd, the Crest, Twisted Into Form, Ganglion, Aperture, Doctor Midnight & the Mercy Cult, Insection, Azusa, and others
December 12, 1974 ~ Orchestra leader, pianist, accordionist, songwriter Billy Reid, full name William Gordon Reid passed away ~ Popular from the 1930s through the 1950s. Wrote a number of songs for singer Dorothy Squires, including The Gypsy, A Tree In The Meadow and I'm Walking Behind You, all of which would become US hits for other vocalists ~ Reid was born in 1902
December 12, 1974 ~ Hugh Steven James Mingay, commonly known as avant-garde metal, symphonic metal guitarist Hugh Mingay, born ~ Member of Arcturus from 1995 to 2000, and again from 2002 until the band's disbandement in 2007. Has also worked with Ulver, Ved Buens Ede, and with Fimbulwinter
December 12, 1973 ~ Alternative rock, alternative metal violinist, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist,singer Paz Lenchantin born in Mar del Plata, Argentina ~ Member of the Pixies since 2014. Has played bass or strings for a number of artists including A Perfect Circle, Ashes Divide, Brightblack Morning Light, Entrance, Jenny Lewis, Josephine Foster, Kaura, Melissa Auf Der Maur, Queenadreena, the Queens Of The Stone Age, Silver Jews, the Trust Company, Zwan, Jarboe, and others
December 12, 1972 ~ Shelton Hank Williams, commonly known as cowpunk, psychobilly, stoner metal singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist Hank Williams III, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Son of Hank Williams Jr, grandson of iconic country singer Hank Williams. Known for his unique blend of country, rockabilly and punk rock. Key member of metalcore outfit Assjack. Drummer of punk band Arson Anthem. Bassist in Superjoint Ritual led by Pantera-singer Phil Anselmo. Also an acclaimed solo artist with a devoted following
December 12, 1972 ~ Rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer Quan Yeomans born in Sydney, Australia ~ Co-founding member, frontman of Regurgitator, known for songs such as Polyester Girl and Happiness (Rotting My Brain). Also formed Happyland with his then-girlfriend Janet English, known for Don't You Know Who I Am and Hello
December 12, 1965 ~ Funk, R&B, blues drummer Russell Batiste Jr, full name David Russell Batiste Jr, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Formed the trio Porter Batiste Stoltz with bassist George Porter Jr and guitarist Brian Stoltz. Has also worked with the Funky Meters, Walter Wolfman Washington, Vida Blue, Harry Connick Jr, Champion Jack Dupree, Robbie Robertson, Maceo Parker, Papa Grows Funk, and the Nuclear Rhythms ~ Batiste passed away in 2023
December 12, 1964 ~ R&B, pop singer Aaron Brown, full name Jeff Aaron Brown, born ~ Member of UK R&B, soul group the Pasadenas, best known for their Tribute (Right On) single of their 1988 To Whom It May Concern debut album. The single would be a hit across Europe, reaching top 10 in their native UK and topping the charts in the Netherlands
December 12, 1963 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Eric Schenkman born ~ Co-founding member of the Spin Doctors, best known for Little Miss Can't Be Wrong and the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Two Princes both taken of the band's 1991 Pocket Full Of Kryptonite debut album. Schenkman also formed the duo Cork with Mountain-drummer Corky Laing
December 12, 1961 ~ Country, easy listening, folk singer, songwriter Daniel O'Donnell, full name Daniel Francis Noel O'Donnell, born in Kincasslagh, Ireland ~ Considered a cultural icon in Ireland and the UK. Rose to prominence in the early-1980s. Merges country and Irish folk. As of 2012 the first artist to have a different album in the British charts every year for 25 consecutive years. Sold over 10 million records
December 12, 1960 ~ Reggae, lovers rock singer, bassist, songwriter Peter Hunnigale, also known as Mr Honey Vibes, born in South London, UK ~ Got his start in music playing bass guitar for the Vibes Corner Collective. Debuted as a solo singer in 1983 with the single Slipping Away. A full-length album, In This Time, followed in 1987 and has recorded about a dozen albums since. Well known songs include Got To Know You, Be My Lady, and Ragamuffin Girl
December 12, 1960 ~ Jazz trombonist Sebi Tramontana born in Rosolini, Italy ~ Associated with the avant-garde jazz and free improvisation movements. Member of the Italian Instabile Orchestra. Has guested on recordings by Gioconda Cilio, Mario Schiano, Antonio Moncadae, Joëlle Léandre, Jeb Bishop, Carlos Zingaro, and others
December 12, 1958 ~ Drummer, songwriter Leo Kenter born in Wervershoof, the Netherlands ~ Best known as drummer of de Tröckener Kecks, remaining with the band through 1995. Also co-wrote songs for Jan Rot. Published his De Kameleons novel in 2001, portraying the rise of a Dutch band and said to be at least slightly inspired on the story of the Kecks
December 12, 1957 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Cy Curnin born in Wimbledon, UK ~ Lead singer of new wave outfit the Fixx, known for Billboard top 20 hits such as One Thing Leads To Another, Saved By Zero, Are We Ourselves and Secret Separation. Has been recording steadily as a solo artist since the mid-2000s
December 12, 1957 ~ Sheila Cecilia Escovedo, commonly known as drummer, singer, songwriter Sheila E, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Daughter of percussionist Pete Escovedo. Goddaughter of Latin icon Tito Puente. Sometimes referred to as “the Queen of Percussion.” Backed artists such as Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, Diana Ross and notably George Duke in the 1970s. Rose to fame with her The Glamorous Life debut album released in 1984, which included the hit singles The Belle Of St Mark, Sister Faate and her best known A Love Bizarre. Also known for her association with Prince starting around the same time, guesting on the Purple Rain album and notably providing vocals on the non-album track Erotic City used as the flip side to Let's Go Crazy. Continued to work with Prince through the end of decade as well as release solo albums. Has also worked with Azteca, the Blackout All-Stars, and with Ringo Starr & his All-Starr Band
December 12, 1956 ~ Jazz bassist, songwriter, producer Geir Holmsen born in Oslo, Norway ~ Married to singer Maj Britt Andersen. Worked with Krabol, Lotus, Terje Lie, Paul Weeden, Espen Rud, Dirlef Eckhoff, Chipahua, Jon Eberson, the Jazzponkensemblet, the Oslo Rhythm & Blues Ensemble, Silje Nergaard, Bjørn Eidsvåg, Vindel, Torbjørn Sunder, Kong Lavring, Dollie de Luxe, Latini, and others
December 12, 1956 ~ R&B, soul singer Sam Cooke records I'll Come Running Back To You at Cosimo's Studios, New Orleans, Louisiana ~ Self-penned. Produced by Robert Bumps Blackwell. Released as Cooke's sophomore single in 1957. It would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100 and top the Billboard R&B charts. Cooke recorded Forever, used as the single's B-side, during the same session
December 12, 1955 ~ Charles Edward Davenport, commonly known as blues organist, singer Cow Cow Davenport, passed away in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Worked with Dora Carr, Tampa Red, and others. As a solo artist best known for the 1928 recording Cow Cow Blues containing an influential piano riff widely used in blues recordings since, up to and including in the Ahmet Ertegun-penned Mess Around, an early-1950s hit for Ray Charles. Davenport reportedly claimed to have written Arthur Crudup's Mama Don't Allow It and Louis Armstrong's I'll Be Glad When You're Dead (You Rascal You), but have sold the rights ~ Davenport was born in 1894
December 12, 1954 ~ Robert Neil Morris, commonly known as drummer, singer, songwriter Colonel Robert Morris, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for his gold record Trucker's Last Ride and for his association with rockabilly star Charlie Feathers. Has also worked with Eddie Bond, BB King, Rufus Thomas, Ma Rainey, Big Sam Clarke, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ronnie Milsap, Charlie Rich, and others ~ Morris passed away in 2013
December 12, 1954 ~ Jazz bassist, double bassist Jeff Johnson born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Over a dozen albums as a leader, noted especially for the albums The Art Of Falling, Near Earth and Silent Photographer. In-demand sideman, has worked with the likes of Philly Joe Jones, Charlie Rouse, Barney Kessel, Chet Baker, Lew Tabackin, Joanne Brackeen, George Cables, Bud Shank, and others
December 12, 1953 ~ Songwriter, producer Byron Hill born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA ~ Songwriter, producer with a career spanning four decades. Artists who have recorded songs written or co-written by Hill include Joe Sun (Out Of Your Mind), Johnny Lee (Picking Up Strangers), Ray Charles (The Pages Of My Mind), Ed Bruce (Nights), Larry Stewart (Alright Already), Tracy Byrd (Lifestyles Of The Not So Rich And Famous), George Jones (High Tech Redneck), Anne Murray (Over You), Neal McCoy (If I Was A Drinking Man), Sammy Kershaw (Politics Religion & Her), Joe Nichols (Size Matters), George Strait (Fool Hearted Memory), Alabama (Born Country), and Gary Allan (Nothing On But The Radio)
December 12, 1953 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Dan Baird, full name Daniel John Baird, born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Cowpunk, alt-country pioneer. Lead singer, rhythm guitarist, co-founding member of the Georgia Satellites, best known for their 1986 Billboard top 10 hit Keep Your Hands To Yourself. Baird released his solo debut album, Love Songs For The Hearing Impaired, in 1992
December 12, 1951 ~ Mildred Eleanor Rinker, commonly known as singer Mildred Bailey passed away in Poughkeepsie, New York, USA ~ Sister of Al Rinker. Married to Red Norvo, with whom she also worked, from 1933 to 1942. Dubbed “the Queen of Swing” and known for songs such as For Sentimental Reasons, It's So Peaceful In The Country, Doin' The Uptown Lowdown, Trust In Me, Where Are You, I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart, Small Fry, Please Be Kind, Darn That Dream, Rockin' Chair, Blame It On My Last Affair, and Says My Heart. Has worked with the Three Ickkies, Bing Crosby, the Rhythm Boys, Paul Whiteman, Eddie Lang, the Dorsey Brothers, Benny Goodman, and Joe Marsala ~ Bailey was born in 1907
December 12, 1950 ~ Accordionist Richard Galliano born in Cannes, France ~ Influenced by Clifford Brown. Has worked with Astor Piazzolla, George Mraz, Brigitte Fontaine, Al Foster, Juliette Gréco, Charles Aznavour, Ron Carter, Chet Baker, Martial Solal, Miroslav Vitous, Trilok Gurtu, Jan Garbarek, Michel Petrucciani, Michel Portal, Eddy Louiss, Biréli Lagrène, Sylvain Luc, Renaud Garcia-Fons, Ivan Paduart, Arnouar Brahem, Wynton Marsalis, Toots Thielemans, Claude Nougaro, Enrico Rava, Charles Aznavour, Pierre Bachelet, Avi Avital, Wynton Marsalis, Louis Sclavis, Maurice Vander, and others
December 12, 1950 ~ Stella Zelcer, commonly known as singer Stella Vander, born in Paris, France ~ As a songwriter, singer best known for her work from ages 12 to 17, getting fed up with people misinterpreting her sarcastic lyrics. Known for songs such as Pourquoi Pas Moi, Un Air Du Folklore Auvergnat. Member of Magma, which also features her husband drummer Christian Vander. Has also been releasing solo albums sings the early-1990s
December 12, 1948 ~ Mandolinist, harmonica player Ray Jackson, full name Lindsay Raymond Jackson born in Wallsend, UK ~ Co-founding member and alongside Alan Hull co-lead vocalist of folk-rock group Lindisfarne. Sang lead on Meet Me On The Corner, the band's first hit single. Guested on the Rod Stewart-albums Every Picture Tells A Story, Never A Dull Moment and Smiler, notably present on the song Maggie May for which he wrote the mandolin hook. Released a solo album, In The Night, in 1980
December 12, 1947 ~ Singer, clarinetist, saxophonist, percussionist, songwriter Albert Marcœur born in Dijon, France ~ Actively recordings since the mid-1970s. Mixes melodic, rhythmic and sonic experimentations with humorous and offbeat lyrics. Has ventured into composing for film in the 1980s
December 12, 1946 ~ Jazz drummer, percussionist Bruce Ditmas born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with Ira Sullivan, Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Della Reese, Leslie Uggams, Sheila Jordan, Joe Newman, Gil Evans, Enrico Rava, Atmospheres, Paul Bley, Lee Konitz, Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Dino Saluzzi, Rita Marcotulli, Pietro Tonolo, Sam Rivers, John Abercrombie, and Steve Kuhn
December 12, 1945 ~ Drummer Tony Williams, full name Anthony Tillmon Williams, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name as a leader. First gained attention backing Miles Davis from 1963 onwards, including on the acclaimed Filles de Kilimanjaro album released in 1968. Noted for leading Tony Williams Lifetime, a pioneering jazz fusion trio which included guitarist John McLaughlin and organist Larry Young and especially acclaimed for their 1969 Emergency album which is considered one of the landmark albums in jazz-rock and jazz-fusion. Member of VSOP in the mid-1970s alongside Davis alumni Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and Wayne Shorter. Other notable collaborations include Hank Jones, Chet Baker, Tommy Flanagan, Sonny Rollins, Eric Dolphy (Out To Lunch), Dexter Gordon, Terumasa Hino, Branford Marsalis, and Marcus Miller ~ Williams passed away in 1997
December 12, 1944 ~ Alejandro Neciosup Acuña, commonly known as drummer, percussionist Alex Acuña, born in Pativilca, Peru ~ Member of the Weather Report from 1975 through 1978, appearing on the albums Black Market and Heavy Weather. As a solo artist best known for his 2000 Acuarela De Tambores album. In-demand session and touring musician, present on albums by Sérgio Mendes, Gilberto Gil, Blondie (Autoamerican), Michael Omartian, the Manhattan Transfer (Mecca For Moderns), Koinonia, Los Lobos (How Will The Wolf Survive), Patrick O'Hearn, Lyle Mays (Lyle Mays), Donna Summer, Richard Marx, the Yellowjackets (Politics), U2 (Rattle & Hum), Bob Florence, Toni Childs, Was (Not Was) (What Up Dog), Tim Finn, Michael Franks, John Patitucci, Crowded House (Woodface), the GRP All-Star Big Band. Plácido Domingo, and Joe Zawinul (My People)
December 12, 1944 ~ Jazz drummer Michael Carvin born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Staff drummer at Motown in the 1960s. Joined Freddie Hubbard's band in 1973. Best known as in-demand drummer on the New York scene. Appears on over 250 albums. Has played with Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Jackie McLean, Hank Jones, McCoy Tyner, Illinois Jacquet, Pharoah Sanders, Bobby Hutcherson, James Moody, Hampton Hawes, Ruth Brown, Johnny Hartman, Abbey Lincoln, Jimmy Smith, Hugh Masekela, Alice Coltrane, Cecil Taylor, Charles Brown, Terumasa Hino, Bobby Watson, Billy Bang, Pat Martino, and others
December 12, 1944 ~ Robert W Derminer, commonly known as proto-punk singer Rob Tyner, born in West Virginia, USA ~ Took his stage name in honor of jazz pianist McCoy Tyner. Lead singer of proto-punk outfit MC5, known best for Kick Out The Jams. Originally auditioned for the bass player spot ~ Derminer passed away in 1991
December 12, 1943 ~ Melvyn Jones, commonly known as Soul, R&B, blues soul, R&B, blues organist Deacon Jones, born in Richmond, Indiana, USA ~ Co-founded Baby Huey & the Babysitters with Johnny Ross and Baby Huey. Jones left the band after Ramey's death in 1970 and would go on to work with Curtis Mayfield, Freddie King, John Lee Hooker, Gregg Allman, Elvin Bishop, Lester Chambers, Albert Collins, Buddy Miles, and others ~ Jones passed away in 2017
December 12, 1943 ~ Forrest Richard Betts, commonly known as guitarist, singer Dickey Betts, born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Co-founding and longtime member of pivotal Southern rock outfit the Allman Brothers Band, assuming sole lead guitar duties after the death of Duane Allman in 1971. Wrote and sang lead on one of the band's best known, Ramblin' Man. Betts also penned most of the band's instrumentals, including In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed and Jessica. Betts has also recorded as a solo artist, notably with his backing unit Great Southern, and guested on albums by Derek & the Dominos, Elvin Bishop, Kitty Wells, Bobby Whitlock, Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Bramlett, Buddy Miles, Katy Moffatt, George Jones, Michael Martin Murphey, and Hank Williams Jr ~ Betts passed away in 2024
December 12, 1943 ~ Smooth jazz, jazz-pop saxophonist Grover Washington Jr born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Considered one of the founders of smooth jazz. Known for songs such as Mr Magic, Reed Seed and Black Frost. Especially known for a number of collaborations including duetting with Patti Labelle on The Best Is Yet To Come, with Phyllis Hyman on A Sacred Kind Of Love, and with Bill Withers on Just The Two Of Us ~ Washington passed away in 1999
December 12, 1940 ~ Singer Dionne Warwick born in East Orange, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of the Sweet Inspirations. As a solo artist debuted in 1962 with the single Don't Make Me Over. Over the course of her career Warwick would sell over 75 million singles, over 25 million albums. Known for songs such as Anyone Who Had A Heart, Do You Know The Way To San Jose, Walk On By, Message To Michael, I Say A Little Prayer, This Girl's In Love With You, and others
December 12, 1939 ~ Singer Steve Trott born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of the Highwaymen, influential on the early-1960s folk scene. The band is best known for songs such as All My Trials, Big Rock Candy Mountain and Cotton Fields
December 12, 1939 ~ Folk rock, sunshine pop percussionist, singer, songwriter Terry Kirkman, full name Terry Robert Kirkman, born in Salina, Kansas, USA ~ Co-founding member, percussionist, singer of the Association, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums and performed at the Monterey International Pop Festival held in Monterey, California, in 1967. Kirkman wrote several of the band's best known including Enter The Young, Everything That Touches You, and perhaps their best known Cherish, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. The latter would be covered by over 40 artists including the Lettermen, the Four Tops, Petula Clark, Nina Simone, and Jodeci. Kirkman departed the band in late 1972, and rejoined by the late-1970s. Growing tired of touring Kirkman retired from music by the mid-1980s to work as an addictions counselor ~ Kirkman passed away in 2023
December 12, 1938 ~ Singer Bing Crosby records My Melancholy Baby ~ Written by by Ernie Burnett, Maybelle Watson, George A Norton, published in 1912. First recorded by Walter Scanlan. Recorded by hundreds of artists. Crosby 1938 recording would reach top 20 on the pop charts. He would again sing it for the 1941 film The Birth Of The Blues. Burnett, who composed the music, suffered memory loss after being injured in battle. While recovering a pianist entertained the patients. When he played Melancholy Baby Burnett regained his memory, reclaiming “that's my song.”
December 12, 1938 ~ Experimental composer Michael Parsons, full name Michael Edward Parsons, born ~ Influenced by Anton Webern, John Cage, Morton Feldman, Christian Wolff. Co-founded the Scratch Orchestra, which disbanded in 1970 partly due to politization with Parsons among the members who refused to be associated with Cornelius Cardew's Maoist politics. Parsons would continue to collaborate with bandmate Howard Skempton
December 12, 1936 ~ Guitarist Reggie Young born in Caruthersville, Missouri, USA ~ Session man for artists including Elvis Presley, BJ Thomas, the Memphis Boys, John Prine, JJ Cale, Willie Nelson, the Box Tops, Jerry Lee Lewis, and George Strait ~ Young passed away in 2019
December 12, 1935 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist Juhani Aaltonen born in Kouvola, Finland ~ Worked with Heikki Rosendahl, Edward Vesala, Eero Koivistoinen, Tassavallan Presidentti, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Heikki Sarmanto, the New Music Orchesta, the Nordic All-Stars, Arild Andersen, Peter Brötzmann, the UFO Big Band, Jan Garbarek, Charlie Mariano, Olli Ahvenlahti, Heikki Virtanen, Reino Laine, and others
December 12, 1929 ~ Jazz pianist, bandleader, composer Toshiko Akiyoshi born in Liaoyang, China ~ During a 1952 Japan tour pianist Oscar Peterson discovered her playing in a club. Impressed he convinced producer Norman Granz to record her. And so he did. The album Toshiko's Piano, featuring Peterson's rhythm section consisting of guitarist Herb Ellis, double bassist Ray Brown and drummer JC Heard, was released in 1953. Akiyoshi went on to study at Berklee College of Music. Married saxophonist Charlie Mariano with whom she has a daughter, later married Lew Tabackin. Akiyoshi continues to perform and record to this day to critical acclaim and commercial success.
December 12, 1925 ~ Michael Marmarosa, commonly known as jazz pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger Dodo Marmarosa, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Active since the mid-1940s. Started in big bands orchestras under the direction of leaders such as Tommy Dorsey, Gene Krupa, and Artie Shaw. Recorded with smaller groups in the bebop and swing idioms, including with artists such as Howard McGhee, Charlie Parker, and with Lester Young. Led his own bands. By the end of the 1940s Marmarosa had mostly dropped out of the music business due to health reasons. He would however record and perform sporadically throughout the early-1970s ~ Marmarosa passed away in 2002
December 12, 1925 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Obadiah Carter, full name Obadiah Hawthorne Carter, born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA ~ Best known as member of the 5 Royales, originating from gospel quintet the Royal Sons. The band changed both their name and music, moving from gospel to secular R&B, and found succes with songs such as You Know I Know and Courage To Love ~ Carter passed away in 1994
December 12, 1918 ~ Joe Goreed, commonly known as jazz, blues singer Joe Williams, born in Cordele, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for his association with Count Basie, staying with Basie for most of the 1950s including on songs such as Everyday I Have The Blues and Alright Okay You Win. Worked with Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Jimmie Noone, Les Hite, Coleman Hawkins, Red Saunders, Harry Sweets Edison, Junior Mance, Cannonball Adderley, Clark Terry, Thad Jones, Norma Simmons, Henry Johnson, and others ~ Goreed passed away in 1999
December 12, 1915 ~ Singer Frank Sinatra, full name Francis Albert Sinatra, born in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA ~ One of the most popular artists of the 20th century. One of the all-time best-selling artists, having sold over 150 million records. Member of the Rat Pack. Critically acclaimed for albums such as In The Wee Small Hours, Songs For Swingin' Lovers, Come Fly With Me, Only The Lonely and Nice 'n Easy ~ Sinatra passed away in 1998
December 12, 1913 ~ Jazz saxophonist Don Stovall born ~ Started on the riverboats in the 1920s with Dewey Jackson and Fate Marable. Would go on to become one of the great alto-saxophonists of the 1940s, working with the likes of Sammy Price, Snub Mosley, Eddie Durham, Cootie Williams, and Red Allen. Retiring from music altogether at his prime by the early-1950s, Stovall has sadly been largely forgotten ~ Stovall passed away in 1970
December 12, 1910 ~ William Stanley Grinsted, commonly known as singer, banjost Frank Stanley, passed away in Orange, New Jersey, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity mostly throughout the 1890s and early-1900s. Recorded prolifically in the 1900s, both as a solo artist and as a member, leader of the Peerless Quartet including on some of their best known such as You're The Flower Of My Heart Sweet Adeline and Honey Boy ~ Grinsted was born in 1868
December 12, 1896 ~ Abraham Jacob Gornetzsky, commonly known as songwriter Jay Gorney, born in Bialystok, Russia ~ Film and theater songwriter perhaps best remembered for co-penning Brother Can You Spare A Dime with Yip Harburg, first performerd by Rex Weber and covered by over a 100 artists including Bing Crosby, Rudy Vallée, Chick Bullock, Peter Paul & Mary, Tom Jones, Ronnie Lane, George Michael, Allison Moorer, and others ~ Gorney passed away in 1990