December 15, 2023 ~ Rock drummer Colin Burgess, full name Colin John Burgess, passed away ~ Member of Masters Apprentices from 1968 until its disbandement in 1972, present on most of the band's best known including the hit singles 5:10 Man, Think About Tomorrow Today, Turn Up Your Radio, and Because I Love You. Following the band's disbandement Burgess would serve as the original drummer for AC/DC, remaining with the band joining the band late 1973 and fired early 1974 for appearing drunk on stage ~ Burgess was born in 1946
December 15, 2022 ~ Drummer Dino Danelli passed away ~ Member of Joey Dee & the Starliters. Best known as original drummer for the Young Rascals, later renamed the Rascals, remaining with the band through its initial disbandement. The band is known for Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as Groovin', A Girl Like You, How Can I Be Sure, A Beautiful Morning, and People Got To Be Free. After the band disbanded in 1972 Danelli formed Bulldog with bandmate Gene Cornish, recording two albums through 1975. Subsequently worked with Leslie West, Fotomaker, and Little Steven & the Disciples Of Soul ~ Danelli was born in 1944
December 15, 2022 ~ Country, jazz singer, songwriter Shirley Eikhard, full name Shirley Rose Eikhard, passed away in Orangeville, Canada ~ Well over a dozen albums to her name, starting with the eponymous Shirley Eikhard album released in 1972. Had her songs recorded by the likes of Anne Murray (It Takes Time), Emmylou Harris (Good News), Bonnie Raitt (Something To Talk About), and Cher (Born With The Hunger) ~ Eikhard was born in 1955
December 15, 2021 ~ Jose Angel Hernandez, commonly known as producer Flow La Movie, passed away ~ Perhaps best known for producing Te Boté, a collaborative hit for Casper Magico, Nio Garcia & Darell. Has also worked with Bad Bunny, Ozuna, and others ~ Hernandez was born ca.1983
December 15, 2021 ~ Indie rock, post-punk guitarist, bassist, singer Ian Worang passed away ~ Co-founding, sole constant member of Toronto-based indie rock band Uncut, known for the albums Those Who Were Hung Hang Here, Modern Currencies and Infinite Repeats. Has also worked with the Two Koreas, Bishop Morocco, and Diableros ~ Worang was born ca.1974
December 15, 2018 ~ Bassist, songwriter Arthur Maia passed away ~ Revered bassist. Worked with artists such as Djavan, Gilberto Gil, Marisa Monte, Lulu Santos, Ney Matogrosso, Ivan Lins, Luiz Melodia, Marcio Montarroyos, Cama de Gato, General Paz & Triple Frontera, Jorge Ben, Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Roberto Carlos, Martinho de Vila, Milton Nascimento, Fernanda Froes Pruett, Leila Pinheiro, Cesar Camargo Mariano, Ernie Watts, Sheila E, Pat Metheny, Carlos Santana, George Benson, Paquito d'Rivera, and Plácido Domingo ~ Maia was born in 1962
December 15, 2018 ~ Songwriter Jerry Chesnut passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Revered songwriter known for songs such as A Good Year For The Roses (Alan Jackson, George Jones, Elvis Costello). T-R-O-U-B-L-E (Elvis Presley, Travis Tritt), A Dime At A Time (Del Reeves), Another Place Another Time (Jerry Lee Lewis), It's Four In The Morning (Faron Young), Holding On To Nothing (Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton), Miles And Miles From Nowhere (Arthur Alexander), They Don't Make 'Em Like My Daddy (Loretta Lynn), Weakness In A Man (Waylon Jennings, Roy Drusky), and others ~ Chesnut was born in 1931
December 15, 2017 ~ Jazz pianist John Critchinson passed away ~ Worked with Ronnie Scott, Tubby Hayes, Jimmy Deuchar, Chet Baker, George Coleman, James Moody, Joe Henderson, Johnny Griffin, Dick Morrisey, Jim Mullen, Martin Drew, Ron Mathewson, Art Themen, Dave Green, Dave Barry, Pat Crumley, Simon Spillett, and others ~ Critchinson was born in 1934
December 15, 2015 ~ Gospel singer Jordan Smith wins the ninth season of talent contest The Voice, aired on NBC ~ Smith wins the talent show beating singer Emily Ann Roberts in the show's finals. His performances from the show, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Hallelujah, and Mary Did You Know would all reach top of the Billboard Christian charts. Smith had auditioned for the show once before, but was rejected. Even when he was accepted for the show, he had his doubt until the reactions started pouring in: “I thought, ‘Wow, people see something in me that honestly I didn't think was there.’ I thought I had fooled everyone! It took a lot of convincing for me to finally start seeing myself as an artist.”
December 15, 2012 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Dick Hafer passed away in La Costa, California, USA ~ Active since the late-1940s, starting out with Charlie Barnet. Would go on to become an in-demand sideman, present on albums by Nat Pierce, Ruby Braff, Charlie Byrd, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus (The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady), and Johnny Hartman. Has sporadically recorded as a leader later on in his career, acclaimed for Prez Impressions released in 1994 ~ Hafer was born in 1927
December 15, 2011 ~ Trombonist, pianist Bob Brookmeyer, full name Robert Edward Brookmeyer, passed away in New London, New Hampshire, USA ~ Established himself as leading trombonist in cool jazz and a superb arranger, influenced by modern classical music. Regularly collaborated with Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz, Jimmy Giuffre, and Manny Albam. Recorded well over two dozen albums as leader or co-leader, starting in the mid-1950s. Guested on albums by Chet Baker, Teddi King (Now In Vogue), Oscar Pettiford, Zoot Sims, Teddy Charles, Terry Gibbs, Mel Lewis, Maynard Ferguson (Maynard Fergusn And His Birdland Dream Band), Jimmy Raney, Ray Charles (The Genius of Ray Charles), Harry Lookofsky, Al Cohn, George Russell (Jazz In The Space Age), Anita O'Day, Jack Teagarden, Carol Sloane (Out Of The Blue), Joe Morello, Junior Mance, Freda Payne (After The Lights Go Down Low And Much More), Gary Burton, and Tubby Hayes ~ Brookmeyer was born in 1929
December 15, 2008 ~ Folk guitarist Davey Graham, full name David Michael Gordon Graham,, passed away ~ Best known for his acoustic instrumental Anji. Influential on guitarists such as Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, John Martyn, Paul Simon, Jimmy Page ~ Graham was born in 1940
December 15, 2001 ~ Rock, punk rock, hard rock bassist, singer Bianca Halstead, also known as Bianca Butthole, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Bassist and lead singer of punk band Butt Trumpet and the all-female hard rock outfit Betty Blowtorch. Killed in a car accident when she accepted a ride from a drunk driver. A substance abuse center in Los Angeles, opened in 2008, was named the Bianca Center For Substance Abuse in her honor ~ Halstead was born in 1965
December 15, 1994 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Harry Tobias passed away in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Brother of songwriters Charles Tobias and Henry Tobias, with whom he regularly collaborated. In-demand lyricist for Hollywood movies from the late-1920s through the 1940s, also co-writing numerous jazz standards. Co-wrote Sweet And Lovely, first recorded by Gus Arnheim in 1931 and covered by well over 350 artists including Sam Lanin, Joe Liggins, Patti Page, Faron Young, and Ella Fitzgerald. Other songs co-written by Tobias include Miss You (Rudy Vallée, Harry Sosnik, Bill Haley), It's A Lonesome Old Town (Since You're Not Around) (Ben Bernie, the Modernaires, Kay Starr), No Regrets (Henry King, Tommy Dorsey, Billie Holiday), and Sal Along Silv'ry Moon (Bing Crosby, Gene Autry, Slim Whitman) ~ Tobias was born in 1895
December 15, 1991 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist Alana Haim, full name Alana Mychal Haim, born in San Fernando Valley, California, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit Haim alongside Danielle Haim and Este Haim, drawing critical comparison to Fleetwood Mac and the Bangles. The band debuted in 2013 with the album Days Are Gone and has recorded consistently since. They are best known for songs such as Forever, The Wire, Want You Back, A Little Of Your Love, Now I'm In It, and Gasoline featuring Taylor Swift
December 15, 1991 ~ Rock, hard rock guitarist Timo Somers born in Drunen, the Netherlands ~ Best known as lead guitarist of symphonic metal band Delain and of hard rock band Vengeance. Founded Tri-Head. Has also worked with Arrow Haze, Zylver, and others
December 15, 1987 ~ Billie Moore, commonly known as Western swing, country mandolinist Tiny Moore, passed away in Jackpot, Nevada, USA ~ Best known for his work with Bob Wills during the 1940s and early-1950s, earning a reputation as one of the all-time prime mandolin players. Notably present on classic Wills tracks such as Three Guitar Rag and Bubbles In My Beer. Tired of touring, Moore would mostly retire from music by the early-1950s, keeping himself occupied running a bar, and hosting a children's TV show on a local station. Later he would serve in Merle Haggard's backing unit the Strangers for a little over a decade, and record two acclaimed albums of his own, 1972's Tiny Moore Music and 1979's Back To Back with fellow mandolin virtuoso Jethro Burns. Although best known as a mandolin player, Moore also mastered fiddle, banjo, and drums. Moore would be posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1999 for his work with Wills's group the Texas Playboys ~ Moore was born in 1920
December 15, 1985 ~ Keith A Moore, commonly known as hip-hop, nerdcore rapper Beefy, born in Kennewick, Washington, USA ~ Released his full-length debut album, Tube Technology, in 2006. Has collaborated with Doctor Popular, MC Router, Shael Riley, DJ Snyder, MC Lars, the Rondo Brothers, and Adam Warrock
December 15, 1984 ~ Jacob Pincus Perelmuth, commonly known as operatic tenor Jan Peerce, passed away in New Rochelle, New York, USA ~ Active since the early 1930, starting as a tenor soloist with Radio City Music Hall. Perhaps best known for his association with the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Has also worked with the Philadelphia La Scala Opera Company, the Metropolitan Opera, and others ~ Perelmuth was born in 1904
December 15, 1983 ~ Jazz trombonist Big Chief Russell Moore passed away in Nyack, New York, USA ~ Moore is perhaps best remembered for his tenure with Louis Armstrong from 1944 until the orchestra broke up in 1947. Studied trumpet, piano, drums, and horn before settling on the trombone. Relocated to Los Angeles in the early 1930s, where he worked with Lionel Hampton and Eddie Barefield. After relocating again to New Orleans, Moore would become a fixture on the Louisiana scene playing with the likes of Oscar Phillip Celestin, Kid Rena, AJ Piron, Paul Barbarin, Ernie Fields, Harlan Leonard, and Noble Sissle. Following his tenure with Armstrong, Moore toured with Sidney Bechet, Ruby Braff, Pee Wee Russell, Eddie Condon, Mezz Mezzrow, Frank Sinatra, and Buck Clayton. Moore continued to work into the early 1980s, including performances at the inaugurations of presidents John F Kennedy, Lyndon B Johnson, and Richard Nixon, and leading his own band in the 1970s. Moore has recorded two albums as a leader, Russell Big Chief Moore's Powwow Jazz Band released in 1973 and its successor Russell Big Chief Moore Vol.2 two years later. Proud of his Native American heritage, Moore often participated in events for the Native American community and is well known for his own composition Chant For Wounded Knee ~ Moore was born in 1912
December 15, 1983 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Brooke Fraser born in Wellington, New Zealand ~ Emerged in the early-2000s with commercially viable folk-pop, especially acclaimed for her 2003 What To Do With Daylight debut album. Best known for her 2010 hit Something In The Water. Fraser is also known as member of Christian music group Hillsong Worship, notably present on the 2017 hit single What A Beautiful Name co-written by Fraser
December 15, 1983 ~ Post-hardcore singer, rapper, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, songwriter Ronnie Radke, full name Ronald Joseph Radke, born in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ First gained attention as co-founding member of Escape The Fate. A two-year prison sentence starting in 2008 ended his stint with the band. After his release Radke joined Falling In Reverse as lead singer, the band releasing their The Drug In Me Is You debut album in 2011
December 15, 1981 ~ Indie rock singer, songwriter Emma Swift born ~ Originally a radio host from Sydney, Australia, Swift relocated to Nashville in 2013 to pursue a career as a singer, releasing her eponymous Emma Swift debut EP the following year. In a relationship with Robyn Hitchcock, with whom she has also released the collaborative singles Follow Your Money and Love Is A Drag. Opened for Whiskeytown-singer Ryan Adams on the Australian leg of his 2016 tour. A full-length Blonde On The Tracks debut album was released in 2020, consisting solely of Bob Dylan-covers with Wilco's Pat Sansone signing on as producer
December 15, 1981 ~ Hard bop, post-bop bassist, celloist Sam Jones passed away ~ As a leader especially acclaimed for his early-1960s albums The Soul Society, The Chant and Down Home. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Chet Baker, Kenny Dorham, Jimmy Smith, Clark Terry (In Orbit), Betty Carter, Cannonball Adderley (Somethin' Else), Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk (5 By Monk By 5), Blue Mitchell, Red Garland, Dizzy Reece, Yusef Lateef, Eric Dolphy, Freddie Hubbard (Open Sesame), King Curtis (Soul Meeting), John Lee Hooker, Wes Montgomery (The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery), Ike Quebec, Grant Green, Big Mama Thornton (Ball 'n Chain), Oscar Peterson, Sonny Stitt, and Gene Ammons ~ Jones was born in 1924
December 15, 1978 ~ Edward Andrew Brower, commonly known as rock drummer, singer, actor, model Ned Brower, born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA ~ Drummer with rock band Rooney, known best for their 2007 Calling The World album. Has also worked with Frausdots, Three Days Grace, Relient K, and with Margaret Cho
December 15, 1978 ~ Singer, guitarist Rosanne Cash releases her eponymous Rosanne Cash debut album ~ Issued on the Germany-based Ariola Records, Rosanne Cash would be released only in Europe. The album was the first to feature Rodney Crowell, who would go on to produce several of her albums. The following year, Cash released Right Or Wrong for Columbia Records, effectively her American debut, which spawned the Billboard Country top 20 singles No Memories Hangin' Round featuring Bobby Bare, and Couldn't Do Nothin' Right. Cash would be married to Crowell from 1979 until 1992, with whom she has three daughters
December 15, 1977 ~ Sibling outfit the Bee Gees release Stayin' Alive, lifted off the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack ~ Previously, disco had been the domain of the gay community. And then it exploded, suddenly disco was mainstream. The one main thing that made it happen was Saturday Night Fever, and Stayin' Alive was the biggest song from the soundtrack. It made the Bee Gees one of the hottest acts around. However, it also did pigeonhole them, somewhat undeservingly as Robin Gibb told Q Magazine in 1989: “We were not disco. People who emulated us were disco”
December 15, 1976 ~ Jeremy Binns, commonly known as folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Jeremy Fisher, born in Hamilton, Canada ~ Fronted of the Obvious, known for their 1999 eponymous The Obvious album. Fisher wrote Lemon Meringue Pie and Kiss The Moon, songs later also appearing on solo albums. Released his Back Porch Spirituals solo debut album in 2001 and has recorded consistently since. Guested on Jakalope's Unsaid of their 2006 Born 4 album. Has also collaborated with the likes of Hawksley Workman, Jim Bryson, Serena Ryder, and others
December 15, 1974 ~ Emil John Schmidt IV, commonly known as metal, rock bassist, guitarist, singer Acey Slade, born ~ Best known as bassist of Dope and as guitarist of Murderdolls. Also worked with the Misfits, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Trashlight Vision, the Vampire Love Dolls, and Billy Liar
December 15, 1974 ~ Alternative country, folk, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Cory Branan born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Influenced by John Prine. Released a full-length debut album, The Hell You Say, in 2002. Artists who guested on subsequent albums include Big Star-drummer Jody Stephens, Hold Steady members Craig Finn and Steve Selvidge, Tim Easton, Caitlin Rose, Austin Lucas, Jason Isbell, Deer Tick's Robbie Crowell, Amanda Shires, and others
December 15, 1973 ~ Andrea Nicoletti, commonly known as dub, dubstep, electronica bassist, keyboardist, DJ, producer Ashtech, born ~ Known for his 2007 Walkin' Target debut album. Has collaborated with the likes of Gaudi, Liquor Shop, Mauro Pagani, Luna Rossa, and Alamegretta
December 15, 1972 ~ Songwriter, producer, remixer Jason Nevins born in Los Angeles, USA ~ In-demand producer, remixer. Worked with Run-DMC, Florida Georgia Line, Jermaine Paul, Vicci Martinez, Duran Duran, and others
December 15, 1969 ~ Christopher Douglass Roney, commonly known as hip-hop rapper Cool C, born ~ As a rapper best known for his 1987 Juice Crew Dis debut single. Would release the albums I Gotta Habit and Life In The Ghetto before forming hardcore hip-hop outfit CEB with Steady B and Ultimate Eaze in the early-1990s. Found guilty and sentenced to death for his role in a botched armed robbery and second-degree murder of police officer Lauretha Vaird. The crime would inspire the G Love & Special Sauce song Slipped Away (The Ballad Of Lauretha Vaird) of the 1997 Yeah It's That Easy album
December 15, 1969 ~ Guitarist, bassist, singer Nick Moss born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ As a solo artist has been releasing records since the late-1990s. Also worked with Buddy Scott, Jimmy Dawkins, the Legendary Blues Band, Jimmy Rogers, Gerry Hundt, Lynwood Slim, and others
December 15, 1962 ~ Heavy metal, progressive metal bassist Jean-Yves Thériault born in Jonquière, Canada ~ Co-founding member of progressive metal band Voivod, remaining with the band through 1991 and rejoining in 2008. Released two solo albums in the 1990s, Poetry And Apocalypse and Our Brief Eternity. Also worked with Coeur Atomique
December 15, 1962 ~ Timothy Hagelganz, commonly known as bass guitarist, singer Tim Gaines, born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Best known as longtime bassist of Christian metal band Stryper. Also worked with Stormer, King James, Richard Marx, Tourniquet, Bryan Duncan, Dez Dickerson, Liberty & Justice, Michael Sweet, SinDizzy, and others
December 15, 1961 ~ Keyboardist, singer, songwriter Joseph Wooten born ~ Started playing in the family outfit the Wooten Brothers at age 11, which also included Victor Wooten, Roy Wooten, Regi Wooten and Rudy Wooten. Has recorded as a solo artist and is a member of the Steve Miller Band since 1993
December 15, 1961 ~ Bassist, singer Nick Beggs born ~ Co-founding member of Kajagoogoo, known for the 1983 UK top 10 hits Too Shy, Ooh To Be Ah and Big Apple. Would go on to work with Kaja, Iona, Gary Numan, Alphaville, Belinda Carlisle, Emma Bunton, Industrial Salt, Steven Wilson, Lifesigns, Fish On Friday, the Mute Gods, Trifecta, and others
December 15, 1957 ~ Guitarist Tim Reynolds born in Wiesbaden, Germany ~ Lead guitarist for the Dave Matthews Band, joining the band as a fulltime member in 2008 and having guested with the band since the early-1990s. Member of fusion band the Secrets. Frontman of TR 3
December 15, 1957 ~ Pop rock percussionist, singer, songwriter Vinx De'Jon Parrette, occasionally credited mononymously as Vinx, born in Fairfield, California, USA ~ As a solo artist known for his 1991 In My Fatha's House album. Member of drum and bass trio Jungle Funk. Guested on albums by Sting (The Soul Cages), Cassandra Wilson, Stevie Wonder, and Crystal Waters
December 15, 1956 ~ Folk, folk rock violinist, mandolinist, banjoist, guitarist Chris Leslie, full name Christopher Julian Leslie, born in Banbury, UK ~ Has recorded about half a dozen solo albums, starting with The Gift released in 1994. Worked with Whippersnapper, the Albion Band, Fairport Convention, Steve Ashley, St Agnes Fountain, Feast Of Fiddles, and others
December 15, 1956 ~ Songwriter, singer Kit Hain born in Cobham, UK ~ Founded Marshall Hain with Julian Marshall, known for their 1978 single Dancing In The City. After the duo split released a number of solo records starting with the 1979 single The Joke's On You. Has also written for others including Roger Daltrey, Kiki Dee, Cher (Fires Of Eden), Barbara Dickson, Heart (Back To Avalon), Fleetwood Mac, Kim Criswell, Til Tuesday (Crash And Burn), Conchita Wurst, Annie Haslam (Further From Fantasy), Milow, and others
December 15, 1955 ~ Blues harpist, singer, songwriter Mark Hummel born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA ~ Influenced by Jimmy Reed, Slim Harpo, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Ella Johnson, Lester Young, Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield, and by Charlie Musselwhite. Founded and fronted the Blues Survivors. Member of supergroup the Golden State Lone Star Revue. Akso worked with Boogie Jake, Sonny Lane, Cool Papa Sadler, Mississippi John Wates, Sue Foley, Charles Brown, Brownie McGhee, Willie Big Eyes Smith, Bob Stroger, Dave Myers, [artist-james-e-pugh-blues], Kid Andersen, Ron Thompson, Lowell Fulson, Eddie Taylor, and others
December 15, 1955 ~ Bassist Paul Simonon, full name Paul Gustave Simonon, born in Brixton, UK ~ Best known as member of the Clash, known for hits such as London Calling, Should I Stay Or Should I Go and Rock The Casbah. Has also worked with supergroup the Good The Bad & The Queen which also included Clash bandmate Mick Jones and Blur frontman Damon Albarn. Has toured with Gorillaz' Escape To Plastic Beach tour
December 15, 1953 ~ Country singer, songwriter Randy Parton, full name Randel Huston Parton, born in Sevlerville, Tennessee, USA ~ Brother of singers Stella Parton and Dolly Parton, having backed the latter on albums such as New Harvest First Gathering and Rhinestone. As a solo artist best known for being the first to record Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler), a 1984 Billboard Country No.1 hit for Alabama ~ Parton passed away in 2021
December 15, 1952 ~ Jazz bassist Bruce Gertz, full name Bruce David Gertz, born in Providence, Rhode Island, USA ~ Worked with George Garzone, Jerry Bergonzi, Mike Stern, John Abercrombie, Joey Calderazzo, Ken Cervenka, Adam Nussbaum, Dan Reiser, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and George Schuller
December 15, 1951 ~ Drummer Ken Knox born ~ Best known as member of a reformed the Chairmen Of The Board, starting in 1978
December 15, 1949 ~ Cellist, conductor, composer Allan Stephenson born in Wallasey, UK ~ Cellist with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra for nearly 25 years starting in 1973. Prolific composer with over a 100 works to his name, perhaps best known for writing one act of the three act opera The Mandela Trilogy, depicting the life of Nelson Mandela ~ Stephenson passed away in 2021
December 15, 1949 ~ Actor, pop singer Don Johnson, full name Donnie Wayne Johnson, born in Flat Creek, Missouri, USA ~ Best known as an actor for TV, notably the popular 1980s TV series Miami Vice, and film. As a singer released two solo albums, 1980's Heartbeat and 1986's Let It Roll. Best known for his Heartbeat top 10 hit and Till I Loved You, the latter a duet with then-girlfriend Barbra Streisand
December 15, 1948 ~ Carlos Alves, commonly known as violinist Carlos Zingaro, born in Lisbon, Portugal ~ Has worked with Carlos Zingaro, Gianluigi Trovesi, Albert Mangelsdorff, Rodrigo Amado, Joëlle Léandre, Paul Lovens, Derek Bailey, Tristan Honsinger, and Richard Teitelbaum
December 15, 1948 ~ Avant-garde, jazz fusion trumpeter Toshinori Kondo born in Mabari City, Japan ~ Active since the late-1970s, known for his avant-garde jazz and ambient recordings. As a leader especially acclaimed for a string of late-1990s, early-2000s albums, most notably Nerve Tripper released in 2003. As a sideman and collaborator, Kondo has appeared on albums by Eugene Chadbourne, Han Bennink (Jazz Bunker), Peter Brötzmann, Herbie Hancock (Future Shock), the Globe Unity Orchestra, Tristan Honsinger, the Die Like A Dog Quartet, Bill Laswell (Points Of Order), and Milford Graves ~ Kondo passed away in 2020
December 15, 1946 ~ Hard rock, psychedelic rock, blues rock drummer Carmine Appice born in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ Brother of drummer Vinny Appice. Influenced drummers such as Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain, Aerosmith's Joey Kramer, Rush's Neil Peart, Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, Deep Purple's Ian Paice. Authored the drum instruction book The Realistic Rock Drum Method, published in 1972. Has recorded as a solo artist and drummed with acts such as Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Jan Akkerman, Beck Bogert & Appice, KGB, Rod Stewart, Paul Stanley, King Kobra, Blue Murder, Pappo's Blues, and Pat Travers
December 15, 1946 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Harry Ray born ~ Joined the Moments in 1970, with whom he scored the Billboard R&B top 10 hits If I Didn't Care and All I Have the same year. Subsequent singles would include My Thing, Sexy Mama, Dolly My Love. A move to a new label barred the band from using the name and the trio renamed themselves Ray Goodman & Brown in 1978. The first single under their new moniker, Special Lady, would become one of their biggest hits and reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100 and No.1 Billboard R&B ~ Ray passed away in 1992
December 15, 1945 ~ Jazz singer Kimiko Kasai born in Kyoto, Japan ~ Actively recording since the early-1970s. Worked with Mal Waldron, Gil Evans, Herbie Hancock, and others
December 15, 1945 ~ Richard Leonard Tuckey, commonly known as rock, folk rock, country rock, pop rock guitarist, songwriter Len Tuckey, born in Aberdeen, UK ~ Lead guitarist with the Nashville Teens from 1969 through 1973. Rose to prominence backing Suzi Quatro, including co-writing a number of her songs including Glycerine Queen and Mama's Boy. Quatro and Powell were married from 1976 to 1992, the couple have two children together
December 15, 1943 ~ Thomas Wright Waller, commonly known as pianist, singer, songwriter Fats Waller, passed away in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Innovative stride pianist quintessential to development of modern jazz. Reportedly once kidnapped to play at gangster Al Capone's birthday party. Fronted Fats Waller's Rhythm. Wrote over 400 songs, many with lyricist Andy Razaff, including Ain't Misbehaving and Honeysuckle Rose ~ Waller was born in 1904
December 15, 1939 ~ Cynthia Ann Birdsong, commonly known as R&B singer Cindy Birdsong, born in Camden, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of Patti Labelle's 1960s group the Blue-belles. Best known as member of the Supremes, officially joining the band in 1967 as replacement for co-founding member Florence Ballard. Would first sing mostly backing vocals, from 1970 forward after the departure of Diana Ross gaining a more prominent role. Briefly retired from the band in 1972 and 1973, replaced by Lynda Lawrence
December 15, 1939 ~ Singer, songwriter Stefan Demert born in Nykoping, Sweden ~ As a solo artist or occasionally duetting with his wife actress and singer Jeja Sundstrom known for songs such as Balladen Om Den Kaxiga Myran, Till Sj, and Anna Anaconda. Demert was also a member of Visor & Bockfot alongside his wife Sundström, Sid Jansson, and Bjorn Stabi ~ Demert passed way in 2018
December 15, 1938 ~ Richard Adam Ziegler, commonly known as singer, songwriter Ritchie Adams, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Lead singer of Fireflies, present on You Were Mine and I Can't Say Goodbye. Would go on to become a successful songwriter, writing or co-writing songs such as Tossin' & Turnin' (Bobby Lewis), Happy Summer Days (Ronnie Dove), The Tra La La Song (One Banana Two Banana) (Banana Splits), After The Lovin' (Engelbert Humperdinck), and The Next Hundred Years (Al Martino) ~ Ziegler passed away in 2017
December 15, 1936 ~ Chicago blues, electric blues singer, songwriter Andrew Odom born in Denham Springs, Louisiana, USA ~ Has released three solo albums, starting with 1969's Farther On Down The Road. Worked with Albert King, Johnny Wiliams, Earl Hooker, Pinetop Perkins, Carey Bell, Geno Skaggs, Freddie Roulette, Johnny Big Moose Walker, Jimmy Dawkins, Otis Rush, and Magic Slim ~ Odom passed away in 1991
December 15, 1936 ~ Pianist, bandleader, composer Eddie Palmieri born ~ Active since the early-1960s, merging jazz with salsa. Influenced by Thelonious Monk and McCoy Tyner. Founded and led La Perfecta, La Perfecta II, Harlem River Drive. Best known for the 1975 collaborative album The Sun Of Latin Music with Lalo Rodríguez, the first record to earn a Grammy Award for Best Latin Recording. Has worked with artists such as Tito Rodriguez, Ismael Quintana, Barry Rogers, Manny Oquendo, Cheo Feliciano, Cal Tjader, and others
December 15, 1934 ~ Jazz trombonist Curtis Fuller, full name Curtis Dubois Fuller, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Paul Chambers, Cannonball Adderley, Yusef Lateef, Miles Davis, Sonny Clark, John Coltrane, Slide Hampton, Bud Powell, Jimmy Smith, Wayne Shorter, Lee Morgan, Joe Henderson, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie, Walter Bishop Jr, Buddy DeFranco, Tommy Flanagan, Machito, and others ~ Fuller passed away in 2021
December 15, 1934 ~ R&B singer Johnny Moore, full name John Darrel Moore, born in Selma, Alabama, USA ~ Member of the Hornets. Best known as a lead singer of the Drifters, remaining with the band from 1954 through 1957, and again from 1964 through 1978. Present on most of the band's best known including Saturday Night At The Movies, Come On Over To My Place, At The Club, and Up In The Streets Of Harlem ~ Moore passed away in 1998
December 15, 1932 ~ Singer, songwriter Jesse Belvin, full name Jesse Lorenzo Belvin, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by Nat King Cole and Billy Eckstine. Served as a model for Sam Cooke. Co-wrote Earth Angel, a hit for the Penguins. Member of the Shields. Member of Big Jay McNeely's backing unit Three Dots & A Dash. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Beware, The Girl In My Dreams and Guess Who. Died in car crash at age 27 following a concert date before a integrated audience in Little Rock, Arkansas. To this day rumours persist regarding the accident's circumstances ~ Belvin passed away in 1960
December 15, 1931 ~ Charlie Daniel Richmond, commonly known as jazz, R&B, pop, rock drummer Dannie Richmond, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his association with Charles Mingus, backing the pianist on some three dozen albums from the mid-1950s until Mingus' death in 1979 including the quintessential Mingus Ah Uhm and The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady. Also present on albums by the likes of Chet Baker (Chet Baker Sings), Jimmy Knepper, Eric Dolphy (Outward Bound), Booker Ervin (The Book Cooks), Ted Curson, Bert Jansch, Bennie Wallace, Mal Waldron, Duke Jordan (Tivoli One), and others ~ Richmond passed away in 1988
December 15, 1929 ~ Jazz, hard bop pianist Barry Harris, full name Barry Doyle Harris, full name Barry Doyle Harris, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell. Recorded well over a dozen albums since the late-1950s as a solo artist or leader, usually in smaller ensembles such as trios or quartets. Especially accclaimed for At The Jazz Workshop, Barry Harris Plays Tadd Dameron, and The Bird Of Red And Gold. As a sideman, Harris is present on albums by Art Farmer, Donald Byrd, Hank Mobley (Mobley's Message), Benny Golson, Harold Land (West Coast Blues), Cannonball Adderley, Wes Montgomery (The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery), Yusef Lateef, Sonny Red, Sal Nistico, Lee Morgan (The Sidewinder), Charles McPherson, Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet (Bottoms Up), Eddie Jefferson, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Stitt (Constellation), and Milt Jackson ~ Harris passed away in 2021
December 15, 1928 ~ Country singer Ernest Ashworth, full name Ernest Bert Ashworth, born in Huntsville, Alabama, USA ~ Known for a number of 1960s country hits including Each Moment Spent With You, Everybody But Me, I Love To Dance With Annie, The DJ Cried and perhaps his best known Talk Back Trembling Lips, all of which reached top 10 of the Billboard Country charts ~ Ashworth passed away in 2009
December 15, 1928 ~ Violinist Ida Haendel born in Chelm, Poland ~ Child prodigy. Won numerous prestiguous award well before her teens such as for instance the Warsaw Conservatory Gold Medal for her performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Violin Concerto or the Huberman Prize in 1933, at only 5 years old. Would go on to perform the world over and work on numerous acclaimed recordings during a career spanning seven decades. Notable recordings include Johann Sebastian Bach's Sonatas And Partitas For Solo Violin and Johannes Brahms' Violin Concerto with the London Symphony Orchestra, ~ Haendel passed away in 2020
December 15, 1925 ~ Violinist, conductor Jack Rothstein born ~ Member of the London Czech Trio. Conducted the Boyd Neel Orchestra, the Northern Sinfonia, the Johann Strauss Orchestra, and the Viennese Orchestra Of London. Also known for his work with TV and radio and as a member of the Wombles. Played violin on the Beatles-songs I Am The Walrus and Within You Without You ~ Rothstein passed away in 2001
December 15, 1924 ~ Soul jazz, blues guitarist Billy Butler, full name William Butler Jr, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for his association with Bill Doggett, including writing and performing on the 1956 hit Honky Tonk. Butler also worked with Al Casey, King Curtis, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Wild Bill Davison, Tommy Flanagan, Panama Francis, Benny Goodman, Johnny Hodges, Floyd Candy Johnson, David Fathead Newman, Houston Person, Sammy Price, Jimmy Smith, Norris Turney, Dinah Washington, Joey Dee & the Starliters (The Peppermint Twist (Part I)), Gene Ammons, James Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Hodges, Illinois Jacquet, Freddie King, Houston Person, and Yusef Lateef ~ Butler passed away in 1991
December 15, 1924 ~ Esther Lowy, commonly known as singer, accordionist, activist Esther Béjarano, born in Saarlouis, Germany ~ Survived Auschwitz by joining the newly formed the Women's Orchestra Of Auschwitz. After the war would keep the memory of the Holocaust alive through music and lectures and notably as founder and chairperson of the the International Auschwitz Committee which also included cellist Anita Lasker-Wallfisch. Founded the musical group Coincidence in 1980 with her daughter and son, performing songs from the ghetto, Hebrew folk and anti-fascist reportoire ~ Béjarano passed away in 2021
December 15, 1921 ~ DJ Alan Freed, full name Albert James Freed, born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Perhaps the first superstar radio DJ, promoting rock & roll, blues, country and R&&B until the payola scandal ended his career in the early 1960s ~ Freed passed away in 1965
December 15, 1917 ~ Hildegard Zadek, commonly known as operatic soprano Hilde Zadek, born in Bromberg, Prussia ~ As a Jew fled Germany in 1934 to Palestine. Returned to Europe in 1945. Soprano best known for her association with the Vienna State Opera, staying with the orchestra from her critically acclaimed 1947 debut starring in Giuseppe Verdi's Aida through 1971. Has also sang with the Munich State Opera, the Berlin State Opera, the Royal Opera House, the Paris Opera, La Scala, the Bolshoi Theatre, and others ~ Zadek passed away in 2019
December 15, 1916 ~ Edwin Lemar Cole, commonly known as jazz pianist, orchestra leader, composer Buddy Cole, born in Irving, Illinois, USA ~ Married Yvonne King, one of the King Sisters. Worked with Alvino Rey, Frankie Trumbauer, Henry Mancini, Jill Corey, Bing Crosby (In A Little Spanish Town), and Rosemary Clooney ~ Cole passed away in 1964
December 15, 1914 ~ Western singer, guitarist, songwriter Red River Dave, full name David Largus McEnery born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his 1939 recording Amelia Earhart's Last Flight. Also known for playing in several westerns as a singing cowboy, including 1944's Swing In The Saddle, and 1948's Hidden Valey and Echo Ranch. Member of the Swift Boys ~ McEnery passed away in 2002
December 15, 1911 ~ Jazz pianist, bandleader, composer Stan Kenton, full name Stanley Newcomb Kenton, born in Wichita, Kansas, USA ~ Revered bandleader leading his orchestra for well over four decades working in progressive jazz, West Coast jazz, swing, orchestral jazz and other idioms. Has worked with Maynard Ferguson, Zoot Sims, Gerry Mulligan, Nat King Cole, Anita O'Day, Lucky Thompson, June Christy, Chris Connor, Art Pepper, Pete Rugolo, Peter Erskine, Eddie Safranksi, and others ~ Kenton passed away in 1979
December 15, 1910 ~ John Henry Hammond II, commonly known as producer, label executive John Hammond Sr, born in New York, USA ~ Father of singer, guitarist John Hammond Jr. Instrumental in the careers of numerous future stars early on or at pivotal moments in their career such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Charlie Christian, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Teddy Wilson, Big Joe Turner, Pete Seeger, Aretha Franklin, Freddie Green, Leonard Cohen, Arthur Russell, Jim Copp, Asha Puthli, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Mike Bloomfield, and others ~ Hammond passed away in 1987
December 15, 1904 ~ Guitarist, steel guitarist Lani McIntyre born ~ Influenced Hank Williams and Elvis Presley. Laid the foundation for the use of the steel guitar, helping popularize the sound. The instrument would become a mainstay in country music. Well-known for his work with Jimmie Rodgers. Recorded prolifically as a solo artist and leader from the mid-1930 until his death in 1951. Backed Bing Crosby and the original version of Blue Hawaii ~ McIntyre passed away in 1951
December 15, 1898 ~ Choral conductor, organist, composer Fritz Werner born in Berlin, Germany ~ Best known for founding the Heinrich-Schütz-Chor Heilbronn in 1947, serving as its conductor until 1973. The ensemble is noted for its vast collection of recordings, especially the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, and for its impressive rotating roster of soloists including Agnes Giebel, Claudia Hellmann, Kurt Huber, Maurice André, and Marie-Claire Alain ~ Werner passed away in 1977
December 15, 1891 ~ Alvin Pleasant Delaney Carter, commonly known as guitarist, singer AP Carter born in Maces Spring, Virginia, USA ~ Patriarch, founding member of the Carter Family, which also included his wife Sara Carter and cousin Mother Maybelle Carter ~ Carter passed away in 1960