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, 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, 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 ~ 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, 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, 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, Steve Kuhn, and others
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 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. 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 ~ 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, 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