December 19, 2022 ~ Rosalie L Edmondson, commonly known as pop, pop rock singer Sandy Edmonds, passed away ~ At the height of her fame, during the mid-1960s, New Zealand's most recognizable teen idol. Well known songs include Oh No Not My Baby, I Love Onions, and Daylight Saving Time. Offered a spot in the Seekers in 1968, as replacement for Judith Durham, but declined ~ Edmondson was born in 1948
December 19, 2022 ~ Classical clarinetist Stanley Drucker passed away in Vista, California, USA ~ Best known for his longtime association with the New York Philharmonic, remaining with the orchestra from 1948 until his retirement in 2009. Active since his mid-teens, Drucker had previously worked with the Indianopolis Symphony Orchestra, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and others. Married to clarinetist Naomi Drucker, their son Leon is known as the Stray Cats-bassist Lee Rocker, their daughter Rosanne Drucker is an alternative country singer ~ Drucker was born in 1929
December 19, 2021 ~ Rock, alternative rock drummer Billy Conway passed away ~ Known for his jazz-influenced, stripped-down drumming style. Member of Treat Her Right. Member of Morphine, enjoying a cult following with acclaimed 1990s albums such as Good and Cure For Pain. After the death of frontman Mark Sandman in 1999 the band folded, Conway going on to work with Orchestra Morphine, Twinemen, Jeffrey Foucault, Cold Satellite, Kris Delmhorst, and John Statz. Released a sole solo album, Outside Inside, in 2020 ~ Conway was born in 1956
December 19, 2021 ~ Classical crossover baritone Carlos Marin, full name Carlos Marin Menchero, passed away in Manchester, UK ~ Best known as member of classical crossover quartet Il Divo which also included Urs Bühler, David Miller and Sébastien Izambard. The group was created and promoted by Simon Cowell and would go on to sell over an estimated 30 million records. They have worked with numerous pop artists including Barbra Streisand, Céline Dion, Nicole Scherzinger and perhaps most notably R&B singer Toni Braxton on Time Of Our Lives, which served as the official anthem of the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany ~ Marin was born in 1968
December 19, 2021 ~ Darrell Caldwell, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Drakeo the Ruler, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Discovered by DJ Mustard, who remixed Drakeo's Mr Get Dough which would become his breakthrough hit in 2015. Drakeo would release his official mixtape debut, I Am Mr Moseley, later the same year. Has been in and out of prison for the next few years, recording his critically acclaimed Thank You For Using GTL 2020 album while incarcerated. Drakeo was stabbed while trying to break up a backstage fight at the Once Upon A Time In LA concert, succumbing to his injuries the following day ~ Caldwell was born in 1993
December 19, 2021 ~ Roberto Orlando Bracone Macceialli, commonly known as singer Elio Roca, passed away ~ Active since the mid-1960s. Best known for songs such as Como Deseo Ser Tu Amor, Te Necesito Tanato Amor, Yo Quiero Dubujarte. Has also ventured into acting ~ Bracone was born in 1943
December 19, 2018 ~ Lyricist, songwriter Norman Gimbel passed away in Montecito, California, USA ~ Co-wrote songs such as Killing Me Softly With His Song first recorded by Lori Lieberman, later popularized by Roberta Flack, Ready To Take A Chance Again for Barry Manilow, Canadian Sunset for Andy Williams, and the Academy Award-winning It Goes Like It Goes recorded by Jennifer Warnes for the soundtrack to the 1979 Norma Rae drama film ~ Gimbel was born in 1927
December 19, 2017 ~ Country blues, gospel blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Leo Welch passed away in Bruce, Mississippi, USA ~ Performed locally alongside a day job as lumberjack for three decades. Recorded half a dozen albums, starting with Sabougla Voices released in 2014. Especially known and acclaimed for his final album, The Angels In Heaven Done Signed My Name released posthumously in 2019 ~ Welch was born in 1932
December 19, 2015 ~ Henry James, commonly known as singer Peter Broggs, passed away ~ Debuted in 1979 with the Progressive Youth album and has recorded to mixed success since. Best known for his 1990 Reasoning, which featured backing from the Wailers and Roots Radics ~ James was born in 1952
December 19, 2015 ~ Singer, actress Selma Reis passed away ~ Best known as an actress known for roles in telenovelas and miniseries. Debuted as a singer with the eponymous Selma Reis album in 1987 and has recorded steadily since ~ Reis was born in 1960
December 19, 2013 ~ Jazz saxophonist Herb Geller, full name Herbert Arnold Geller, passed away in Hamburg, Germany ~ Veteran of the 1950s Los Angeles jazz scene, with over two dozen albums to his name as a leader recording well into the 2000s. Especially acclaimed for 1955's Outpost Incident and 1993's The Herb Geller Quartet. In-demand sideman, present on quintessential albums by Shorty Rogers, Clifford Brown, Dinah Washington (Dinah Jams), Bill Holman, Maynard Ferguson, the Lighthouse All-Stars, Larance Marable (Tenorman), Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé, Anita O'Day, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Marty Paich, Lena Horne (Stormy Weather), Chet Baker, Ray Brown (Bass Hit), Jeri Southern, Bill Holman, Benny Goodman, Art Pepper (Plus Eleven), and Buddy DeFranco ~ Geller was born in 1928
December 19, 2012 ~ Inez McConico, commonly known as gospel singer, songwriter Inez Andrews, passed away ~ Member of the Caravans, lead vocals on songs such as Mary Don't You Weep, I'm Not Tired Yet, Make It In, He Won't Deny Me, and I'm Willing. As a solo artist best known for her 1972 crossover hit Lord Don't Move The Mountain ~ McConico was born in 1929
December 19, 2010 ~ Gertrude A Pitts, commonly known as soul jazz keyboardist, organist Trudy Pitts, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Primarily known for playing the Hammond B-3 organ. Played with Ben Webster, Gene Ammons, Sonny Stitt, Pat Martino, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and others ~ Pitts was born in 1932
December 19, 2006 ~ Singer Gwen Stefani releases The Sweet Escape featuring Akon, lifted off her album of the same name ~ Written by Gwen Stefani, Akon, who had finished the beat before collaborating with Stefani, and Giorgio Tuinfort, The Sweet Escape tells of a couple making up after a nasty fight. Peaking at No.2 Billboard Hot 100, the single would be Stefani's second American top 10 hit off the same album, and her fourth top 10 hit overall, after Rich Girl, Hollaback Girl, and Wind It Up. The Sweet Escape would be nominated for a Grammy Award in the category Best Pop Collaboration
December 19, 2000 ~ Bassist Milt Hinton, full name Milton John Hinton, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Regarded as the dean of jazz bassists. Worked extensively with Cab Calloway for well over a decade as swing transitioned to bop. About two dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for Basses Loaded released in 1955. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Buck Clayton, Buddy DeFranco (Mr Clarinet), Cozy Cole, Helen Merrill (Helen Merrill), Johnny Hartman, Harry Belafonte (Calypso), Little Willie John, Milt Buckner (Rockin' Hammond), Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Cootie Williams, Quincy Jones (The Birth Of A Band), Ida Cox, Ike Quebec, Quincy Jones, Gil Evans (The Individualism Of Gil Evans), John Lee Hooker, Bette Midler (Songs For The New Depression), Steve Goodman, the Manhattan Brass Band, and Eddie Kendricks ~ Hinton was born in 1910
December 19, 2000 ~ Singer Roebuck Staples, commonly known as Pops Staples, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leading figure in 1950's, 1960s gospel. Worked with Charlie Patton, Robert Johnson, Son House, Steve Cropper, Albert King, and others. Patriarch of the Staple Singers, which also included his son Pervis Staples, and daughters Mavis Staples, Yvonne Staples and Cleotha Staples ~ Staples was born in 1914
December 19, 2000 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Robert Buck, full name Robert Norman Buck, passed away in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Guitarist, co-founding member of 10,000 Maniacs, and as songwriter wrote or co-wrote some of the band's best known songs including What's The Matter Here, Hey Jack Kerouac, You Happy Puppet, and These Are Days ~ Buck was born in 1958
December 19, 1999 ~ Mary Ann Ward, commonly known as Marion Worth, passed away in Madison, Tennessee, USA ~ Popular the Grand Ole Opry performer known for a number of late-1950s, early-1960s songs such as That's My Kind Of Love, I Think I Know, Shake Me I Rattle (Squeeze Me I Cry), and duetting with George Morgan, Slipping Around ~ Ward was born in 1930
December 19, 1998 ~ Pop, folktronica singer, songwriter Frans Jeppsson Wall born in Ystad, Sweden ~ Released his full-length Da Man debut album in 2006, spawning the modest hit Kul Med Jul. Internationally best known for representing his native Sweden at the 2016 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 5th place with If I Were Sorry
December 19, 1997 ~ James Arthur Lane, commonly known as blues harpist, guitarist, singer Jimmy Rogers, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Father of guitarist Jimmy D Lane. Rodgers is best known as member of Muddy Waters backing unit from 1947 through 1954. Has also recorded a number of pivotal solo recordings, notably That's All Right which has since become a blues standard, Chicago Bound, Walking By Myself and Rock This House, before gradually retiring from music by the early-1960s. Resurfaced in the early-1970s, enjoying popularity especially in Europe. Continued to perform and record until his death, passing away shortly after recording the all-star cast Blues Blues Blues album, posthumously released in 1998. The album featured musicians influenced by Rogers, including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Taj Mahal, Lowell Fulson, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and Jeff Healey ~ Lane was born in 1924
December 19, 1994 ~ Jazz violinist, producer Noel Pointer passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ In-demand session musician in R&B, jazz, disco. Debuted as a solo artist with the Phantazia, which reached Platinum status. Notable guest appearance include Milira's Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) and Dianne Reeves' The Tracks Of My Tears, both covers of classics respectively Marvin Gaye and the Miracles. Has also worked with the Apollo Theater Orchestra, the Love Unlimited Orchestra, and the orchestras of several Broadway shows. Music advisory panelist for the National Endowment For The Arts ~ Pointer was born in 1954
December 19, 1993 ~ Earlan Bartley, also known as dancehall singer Alkaline born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Debuted in 2016 with the album New Level Unlocked. Known for songs such as Champion Boy, Block And Delete, After All, 12PM (Living Good), Formula and City, all hit singles in Jamaica
December 19, 1992 ~ Jazz, R&B, hard bop saxophonist Curtis Peagler passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Parker, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Louis Jordan. Recorded a handful of albums as a leader, most notably I'll Be Around released in 1986. Perhaps best known for his association with the Modern Jazz Disciples, appearing on the albums Modern Jazz Disciples and Right Down Front. Other notable collaborations include Count Basie, Teresa Brewer, Big Joe Turner, Jimmy Smith, Wynonie Harris, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles ~ Peagler was born in 1929
December 19, 1989 ~ Blues singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Floyd Jones passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Known for a number of late-1940s, early-1950s sides considered pivotal to the development of Chicago blues, including notably Stockyard Blues, Hard Times, Schooldays, and On The Road Again. The latter would later serve as the basis for a song of the same name by Canned Heat, which reached top 10 in the UK, top 20 on the American Billboard Hot 100. Over the course of his career, Jones has worked with Little Walter, Jimmy Rogers, Snooky Pryor, Moody Jones, Johnny Man Young, David Honeyboy Edwards, Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, and Kansas City Red. Jones remained active until his death at age 72 ~ Jones was born in 1917
December 19, 1987 ~ In its ninth week on the charts, Is This Love by Whitesnake peaks at No.2 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by David Coverdale and John Sykes, Is This Love became the band's second biggest American hit and final Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit, following Here I Go Again which had reached No.1 two months earlier. Some two decades after it's release, the band's singer Coverdale confirmed the long-standing rumor that Is This Love at one point had been considered to be given to Tina Turner. However, in the end he decided to keep it for himself, so persuaded by label executive David Geffen: “Before I'd left (for the south of France) a friend at EMI Records had asked me for any ideas that would work for Tina Turner. So that was where the original idea for Is This Love came from”
December 19, 1983 ~ Indie rock, post-hardcore, progressive rock guitarist, keyboardist, singer Casey Crescenzo born ~ Member of the Receiving End Of Sirens from 2004 through 2006. Member of the Dear Hunter since 2005. Has also worked with Falling Up, the Brobecks, the River Empires, Forgive Durden, the Woods Brothers, and the Jon Hill Project
December 19, 1980 ~ Jim Jin-tae, commonly known as rapper, producer Verbal Jint, born in Seoul, South Korea ~ Regarded as pioneering rapper in South Korean rap, establishing himself as one of the most popular underground rappers of the 2000s before achieving mainstream success. Member of Shown 'n Prove prior to venturing out on his own by the late-1990s. Well-known for his 2001 mini-album Modern Rhymes, considered pivotal to the development of South Korean rap. Broke through to mainstream with his 2008 full-length Framed album
December 19, 1979 ~ Guitarist, bassist, singer, songwriter Kevin Devine born in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Neutral Milk Hotel, Elliott Smith, Pavement, Nirvana, Bob Dylan. Debuted in 2002 with the Circle Gets The Square album
December 19, 1978 ~ Indie folk, alternative country guitarist Samuel Flynn Scott born in Wellington, New Zealand ~ Founded the Phoenix Foundation with Luke Budda and Conrad Wedde in 1997. Has also worked with Bunnies On Ponies, released several solo albums starting with The Hunt Brings Us Life in 2006, and has composed for commercials and movies
December 19, 1978 ~ Juan Luis Morera Luna, commonly known as reggaeton rapper, singer, producer Wisin, born in Cayvey, Puerto Rico ~ Forms the duo Wisin & Yandel with Yandel, known for songs such as Llamé Pa' Verte (Bailando Sexy), Pam Pam, Sexy Movimento, Me Estas Tentando, Abusadora, Gracias A Ti featuring Enrique Iglesias, Tu Olor, Follow The Leader featuring Jennifer Lopez, and Alog Me Gusta De Ta featuring Chris Brown & T-Pain,
December 19, 1977 ~ Elisa Toffoli, mononymously known as singer, songwriter Elisa, born in Trieste, Italy ~ One of the few Italian artists to write and record mainly in English. Draws from pop, alternative rock and trip-hop. Internationally best known for Come Speak To Me, Dancing as used in the 2006 and 2007 editions of the TV show So You Think You Can Dance, and for her Ennio Morricone-collaboration Ancora Qui featured in the Django Unchained soundtrack
December 19, 1972 ~ Grindcore, heavy metal drummer, singer Matt Skitz Sanders born in Ballarat, Australia ~ Founded metal outfit Damaged, described by critics as hatecore, fuelled by hatred and speed and merging elements of death metal, grindcore and hardcore. Sanders has also worked with Deströyer 666, Sadistik Execution, Blood Duster, Abramelin, Noir Macabre, Atomizer, Walk The Earth, the Suicide Bombers, Meatpond, Funeray Pit, Hellspawn, the King Parrot, the Kill Squad, Terrorust, and others
December 19, 1970 ~ Singer, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Eddie Glass born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with punk band Olivelawn and the stoner bands Nebula and Fu Manchu. Alongside Hagop Najarian and Neil Blender member of short-lived 1980s trio Worked World
December 19, 1970 ~ Alternative rock, power pop, pop punk, punk rock singer, guitarist, drummer, producer Stacy Jones, full name Stacy Glen Jones, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Lead vocalist, guitarist, primary songwriter of American Hi-Fi. Drummer of Letters To Cleo. Musical director of Miley Cyrus. In-demand producer for Hey Violet, Matt Nathanson, Laura Marano, the Downtown Fiction, Ingrid Michaelson, Low vs Diamond, Meg & Dia, Plain White T's, and others
December 19, 1969 ~ Patricia Rodriguez, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actress, activist Patricia Vonne, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Released her eponymous Patricia Vonne debut album in 2003 and has recorded consistently since. Well known for The Texicana Mamas album, a collaborative effert with Stephanie Urbina Jones and Tish Hinojosa, in 2020. Touring member of Tito & Tarantula. As an actress best known for her role as Dallas in the 2005 film Sin City
December 19, 1966 ~ Comedienne, singer, pianist, actress Mylou Frencken born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known for the cabaret shows Visch En Fruit and Varkens Wassen with then-husband the late Bert Klunder. Has also worked with Purper alongside Gerrie van der Klei, Anouk van Nes and Celine Purcell, performed in her own cabaret shows, authored the autobiographical novel Zonder Bert, written for the Dutch version of Sesame Street, and written or co-written songs for Angela Groothuizen and Marjolijn Touw
December 19, 1964 ~ Rock group the Who release their I Can't Explain debut single, paired with Bald Headed Woman on the flip side ~ The band had released the single Zoot Suit b/w I'm The Face earlier the same year as the High Numbers before renaming themselves the Who. When they released their first single as the Who, the band had just begun their Tuesday night residency at the famed London club the Marquee Club, breaking attendance records. I Can't Explain would reach top 10 in April 1965. Its success led to national tours, with the first concerts outside the UK given by September. Guitarist, singer Pete Townshend, who penned the tune, would later refer to the song as “a song, written by some 18-year-old-kid, about the fact that he can't tell his girlfriend he loves her because he's taken too many Dexedrine tablets.”
December 19, 1963 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer Dan Brenner, full name Daniel Abraham Brenner, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of Razor Magnet from 1985 through 1988, which also included his brother filmmaker Evan Brenner. Subsequently worked with Green Fuse, the Love Monsters, the Gunga Din. Film composer, starting with 1995's Rhythm Thief. Released his Little Dark Angel solo album in 2011, backed by guitarist Larry Campbell, bassist Will Lee, drummer Shawn Pelton, and Morphine-saxophonist Dana Colley
December 19, 1962 ~ Singer Tony Bennett records The Good Life at Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York, New York ~ Originally La Belle Vie, recorded by French singer Sacha Distel, the song would become known best in the English-speaking world via Bennett's translation with English lyrics provided by Jack Reardon. Releases in April 1963, paired with Spring In Manhattan on the flip side, it would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100 and become one of Bennett's staple songs. Bennett has recorded the song several times, including for his 1994 MTV Unplugged album and as a duet with Billy Joel for 2006's Duets (An American Classic). Others who have recorded the song include Billy Eckstine, Tony Orlando, the Drifters, and in 2004 as a duet by Distel and Dionne Warwick
December 19, 1961 ~ Rock & roll, pop singer Cliff Richard records Do You Want To Dance at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Written and originally recorded by Bobby Freeman. Produced by Norrie Paramor. Used as the B-side of the single I'm Lookin' Out The Window, released May 1962
December 19, 1958 ~ Singer Bobby Darin records Mack The Knife at Fulton Studios, New York, New York ~ Translated from a 1928 song, Die Moritat Von Mackie Messer, originally written by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht for the musical drama The Threepenny Opera. English lyrics written by Marc Blitzstein. Previously a hit for Louis Armstrong, and recorded numerous times after Darin's version, the song would become most closely associated with Darin. Singer Frank Sinatra who also recorded the tune on his final studio album, 1984's LA Is My Lady, would refer to Darin's version as the “definitive” version
December 19, 1958 ~ Christopher Hamill, commonly known as Limahl, born in Wigan, UK ~ Rose to fame as lead singer of new wave outfit Kajagoogoo, known best for their 1983 hit Too Shy. As a solo artist best known for Neverending Story, the theme song for the film of the same name
December 19, 1957 ~ Bassist, clarinetist Tracy Pew, full name Tracy Franklin Pew, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Closely associated with Nick Cave, serving as a member of Boys Next Door, the Birthday Party and Cave's backing unit the Bad Seeds including on the acclaimed 1986 Kicking Against The Pricks album. Prone to epileptic seizures, at times exacerbated by drug abuse, Pew would die later the same year at age 28 following a fit whilst in his bath resulting in severe head injuries and a brain haemorrhage several days later ~ Pew passed away in 1986
December 19, 1956 ~ Producer, songwriter Jimmy Cauty, full name James Francis Cauty, born ~ Formed the KLF with Bill Drummond, known for songs such as What Time Is Love, Train To Trancentral and Justified Aand Am. The same duo had previously recorded under different monikers including the Justified Ancients Of Mu Mu, Disco 2000 and the Timelords, scoring a 1988 hit with Doctorin' The Tardis. Co-founded the Orb, known for their pioneering The Orb's Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld debut album released in 1991. Married Thompson Twins-singer Alannah Currie in 2011
December 19, 1954 ~ Free improvisation guitarist John Russell born in Kent, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Founded the loose collective Quaqua in 1981. Collaborated with Roger Turner, Stefan Keune, Phil Minton, Evan Parker, Luc Houtkamp, Martin Archer, Henry Kaiser, Terry Day, Mats Gustafsson, Radu Malfatti, Jon Rose, and others ~ Russell passed away in 2021
December 19, 1953 ~ Sanford Mead Sylvan, commonly known as baritone singer Sanford Sylvan, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Studied under Phyllis Curtin. Performed with leading conductors, opera companies and orchestras including the Houston Grand Opera, the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and with the Concertgebouw Orchestra ~ Sylvan passed away in 2019
December 19, 1952 ~ Pianist, arranger, songwriter Walter Murphy, full name Walter Anthony Murphy Jr, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his 1976 hit A Fifth Of Beethoven, an adaptation of Ludwig van Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, included on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. Subsequent classical-disco adaptations followed, including Flight '76, Rhapsody In Blue, Toccata And Funk In D Minor, Bolero and Mostly Mozart, but Murphy would be unable to replicate the success of A Fifth Of Beethoven
December 19, 1951 ~ Doo-wop outfit the Clovers record One Mint Julep at Atlantic Studios, New York, New York ~ Written by Rudy Toombs. Released as a single, coupled with The Middle Of The Night on the B-side, the next March. One of the first pop songs featuring a saxophone solo. Important step for the then fledging Atlantic Records in establishing themselves as a hot R&B, pop label. Notably covered as an instrumental by Ray Charles in 1961. Others who adapted the song include Chet Atkins, Duane Eddy, Freddie Hubbard, the Ventures, Richard Groove Holmes, and Tommy Emmanuel
December 19, 1951 ~ Blues, blues-rock, rock guitarist Gerry McAvoy, full name John Gerrard McAvoy, born in Belfast, Northern Ireland ~ Closely associated with Rory Gallagher, backing the Irish guitarist on record and on tour for two decades starting in 1970. Subsequently a member of Nine Below Zero until 2011
December 19, 1949 ~ Jazz fusion, funk drummer Lenny White, full name Leonard White III, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Considered one of the founders of jazz fusion. Best known as a member of Chick Corea's Return To Forever ensemble. As a leader acclaimed for the albums Venusian Summer and The Adventures Of Astral Pirates. Founded jazz-soul group Twennynine. Produced and played on Chaka Khan's 1982 Echoes Of An Era album. Also notably present on albums by Andrew Hill, Miles Davis (Bitches Brew), Freddie Hubbard (Red Clay), Gato Barbieri, Stanley Clarke, Azteca, Don Cherry, Al di Meola (Land Of The Midnight Sun), John Klemmer, Chick Corea, Bob James, Marcus Miller, and the Essence Of Funk
December 19, 1947 ~ Singer, guitarist, actor, songwriter Chris Jagger, full name Christopher Jagger, born in Dartford, UK ~ Younger brother of the Rolling Stones-frontman Mick Jagger. First recorded as a solo artist in the 1970s and has recorded from time to time since. Has worked with Rufus Collins, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and others
December 19, 1947 ~ Singer Janie Fricke born in South Whitley, Indiana, USA ~ Started as a background singer in the mid-1970s for artists such as Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Crystal Gayle, Ronnie Milsap, Lynn Anderson, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, Eddie Rabbitt, and Johnny Duncan (including on Stranger). Debuted with the single What're You Doing Tonight in 1977 and released several singles and albums up to the turn of the 1980s. It was producer Billy Sherrill's suggestion to focus on one style. Turning to ballads brought Fricke mainstream success and she would become one of the most popular female country singers of the 1980s with songs such as Down To My Last Broken Heart, I'll Need Someone To Hold Me (When I Cry), Tell Me A Lie, Your Heart's Not In It, and others
December 19, 1947 ~ Bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Jimmy Bain, full name James Stewart Bain, born in Newtonmore, UK ~ Best known as member of Rainbow, present on the 1976 Rising album, and of Dio since 1982, first appearing on the 1983 Holy Diver album. Has also worked with Mike Montgomery, David Kubinec, Thin Lizzy, Phil Lynott, Kate Bush, Wild Horses, Gary Moore, Greedy Bastards, 3 Legged Dogg, Last In Line, and others ~ Bain passed away in 2016
December 19, 1945 ~ Guitarist, mandolinist, banjoist John McEuen born in Garden Grove, California, USA ~ Founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, remaining with the band for two decades. Has collaborated with a host of artists including David Bromberg, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Bill Wyman, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, June Carter, Jerry Garcia, Phish, Jerry Jeff Walker, Les Dudek, Alison Krauss, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Leon Russell, Little Richard, Mother Maybelle Carter, Levon Helm, Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, Kenny Rogers, Steve Vai, Jimmy Buffett, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Alan Arkin, the Allman Brothers Band, Waylon Jennings, Crystal Gayle, Doug Kershaw, Michael Martin Murphey, Donovan, David Amram, Arlo Guthrie, Asleep At The Wheel, Aerosmith, Lyle Lovett, and Tom Petty
December 19, 1944 ~ Graham Anthony Barnes, commonly known as guitarist, singer Alvin Lee, born in Nottingham, UK ~ Praised for his signature lightning-fast guitar licks, and best known as original lead singer, guitarist of pivotal British blues rock outfit Ten Years After, with whom he recorded close to a dozen albums through the early-1980s including the highly acclaimed Cricklewood Green released in 1970. Alvin Lee has also recorded over a dozen albums as a solo artist, notably teamed up with Christian rock singer Mylon LeFevre for the collaborative 1973 Road To Freedom album, and has guested on albums by Jerry Lee Lewis, Splinter, George Harrison (Dark Horse), Bo Diddley, Roy Harper, the Outfield, and Chris Farlowe ~ Barnes passed away in 2013
December 19, 1944 ~ Pop, rock pianist, bassist, producer Stuart Colman, full name Ian Stuart Colman, born in Harrogate, UK ~ First gained attention as member of Pinkerton's Assorted Colours and its successor the Flying Machine, known for their 1969 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Smile A Little Smile For Me. Colman would go on to become an in-demand producer, notably for Shakin' Stevens scoring hits such as This Old House, Green Door, Oh Julie. Produced the 1980s remake Living Doll, a collaborative effort of the Young Ones and Cliff Richard. Has also worked with Paul Kennerley, Claire Hamill, the Revillos, Kim Wilde, Alvin Stardust, Victoria Shaw, and Nanci Griffith ~ Colman passed away in 2018
December 19, 1944 ~ Conductor, harpsichordist William Christie, full name William Lincoln Christie, born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Specialized in baroque and classical repertoire, including Henry Purcell, George Frideric Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Founded Les Art Florissants in 1979, known especially for their performances of works written by Marc-Antoine Charpentier. Professor at the Paris Conservatoire from 1982 through 1985
December 19, 1944 ~ Folk rock, rock & roll guitarist Zal Yanovsky born in Toronto, Canada ~ One of the first rock & roll performers to wear a cowboy hat, a trend followed by Sonny Bono, Johnny Rivers, David Crosby. Teamed with Denny Doherty in the Halifax Three, the duo later joining Cass Elliott in the Mugwumps. Doherty and Elliot would go on to reach fame in the Mamas & the Papas, Yanovsky would reach fame co-founding Lovin' Spoonful with John Sebastian, scoring the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Do You Believe In Magic, You Didn't Have To Be So Nice, Daydream, Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind, Summer In The City, Rain On The Roof, and Nashville Cats ~ Yanovsky passed away in 2002
December 19, 1943 ~ Vibraphonist, percussionist, keyboardist, bandleader, songwriter Mulatu Astatke born in Jimma, Ethiopia ~ Considered “the Father of Ethiopian Jazz” actively recording since the mid-1960s. Has worked with Frank Holder, Mahmoud Ahmed, Duke Ellington, Hailu Mergia, the Either/Orchestra, the Heliocentrics, the Black Jesus Experience, and others
December 19, 1941 ~ Drummer, singer, songwriter Maurice White born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as co-founder of Earth Wind & Fire sharing co-lead vocal duties with Philip Bailey. Previously a Chess Records session drummer backing artists such as Etta James, Chuck Berry, Rotary Connection, Junior Wells, Sonny Stitt, Muddy Waters, the Impressions, the Dells, Betty Everett, Willie Dixon, Sugar Pie DeSanto, and Buddy Guy. Also backed Fontella Bass on Rescue Me, Billy Stewart on Summertime and Jackie Wilson on (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher. Member of the Jazzmen. Member of Ramsey Lewis Trio. Produced or c-produced for a number of R&B and pop artists including Deniece Williams (This Is Niecy, Song Bird), the Emotions, Minnie Riperton (Come To My Garden), Ramsey Lewis. Jennifer Holliday, Barbra Streisand (Emotion), the Urban Knights, and Paul Taylor ~ White passed away in 2016
December 19, 1940 ~ Post bop, hard bop saxophonist, composer Don Weller, full name Donald Arthur Albert Weller, born in Thornton Heath, UK ~ Worked with Kathy Stobart, Major Surgery, Bryan Spring, Stan Tracey, Harry Beckett, Art Themen, Alan Price, Tina May, Charlie Hearnshaw, Tucky Buzzard, Alex Harvey, Gil Evans, Hannibal Marvin Peterson, Dick Morrisey, Rocket 88, David Bowie, Bobby Wellins, and others
December 19, 1940 ~ David Edward Glyde, commonly known as saxophonist, flutist Griff West, born in Barnehurst, UK ~ Member of instrumental pop band Sounds Incorporated, active mostly throughout the end of the 1960s. Known for singles such as The Spartans and Spanish Harlem. The band is best known for backing visiting American musicians on UK tours, including Gene Vincent, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Brenda Lee, and Sam Cooke. The band had also served as opening act for the Beatles mid-1960s world tour, including the August 1965 Shea Stadium concert in New York
December 19, 1940 ~ Singer, songwriter Phil Ochs, full name Philip David Ochs born in El Paso, Texas, USA ~ Influential 1960s, 1970s protest singer known for his wit, political activism and insightful lyrics with eight albums to his name. Influenced by Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Bob Gibson, Faron Young, Merle Haggard. Some of his best known songs include I Ain't Marching Anymore, Changes, Cricifixion, Draft Dodger Rag, Love Me I'm A Liberal, Outside Of A Small Circle Of Friends, The Power And The Glory, There But For The Fortune and War Is Over ~ Ochs passed away in 1976
December 19, 1938 ~ Jazz trombonist Pete Strange born in Manor Park, UK ~ Worked with Eric Silk, Teddy Layton, Sonny Morris, Charli Gall, Ken Sims, Bruce Turner, Freddy Randall, Joe Daniels, Ron Russell, the Midnite Follies Orchestra, Alan Elsdon, FIve A Side, Roy Williams, Campbell Burnap, Humphrey Lyttelton, the Great British Jazz Band, and others ~ Strange passed away in 2004
December 19, 1938 ~ Jazz drummer Roger Blank born in New York, New York, USA ~ Son of trumpeter William Blank. Worked with Cootie Williams, Hank Mobley, Sun Ra, Ornette Coleman, the Melodic Art-Tet, Charles Brackeen, Ahmed Abdullah, Ronnie Boykins, Bill Barron, Don Cherry, John Coltrane, Denis Charles, Walt Dickerson, Kenny Dorham, Frank Foster, Charles Greenlee, John Hicks, Ken McIntyre, Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp, Charles Tolliver, and others
December 19, 1937 ~ Pianist, keyboardist, singer Joseph Byrd, full name Joseph Hunter Byrd Jr, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Fronted the short-lived the United States Of America. Has also worked with Tom Scott, Ted Greene, Phil Ochs, Don Buchla, arranged for Ry Cooder on the acclaimed 1979 Jazz, and has composed for several films and TV shows
December 19, 1937 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Milcho Leviev born in Plovidv, Bulgaria ~ First gained serious attention in the 1960s as conductor with Bulgarian National Radio ensembles. As a composer known for works such as Studia, Blues In 9 and Anti-waltz. Has worked with the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra, Don Ellis, Billy Cobham, Lainie Kazan, John Klemmer, Art Pepper, and Roy Haynes ~ Leviev passed away in 2019
December 19, 1935 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Bobby Timmons born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Undervalued pianist and composer. Helped developed the soul jazz style. Well-known for his tenure with Art Blakey, for whom he wrote or co-wrote several classics including Moanin' and Dat Dere. As a sideman, Timmons has also worked with jazz greats such as Pepper Adams, Arnett Cobb, Maynard Ferguson, Art Farmer, Dexter Gordon, Gloria Lynne, Hank Mobley, Anthony Ortega, Dizzy Reece, and Cannonball Adderley, including on the latter's 1959 live LP The Cannonball Adderley Quintet In San Francisco, arguably one of the finest jazz live albums of the era. Timmons also recorded extensively as a leader from late-1950s to late-1960s, backed by musicians such as Wayne Shorter, Jimmy Cobb, Ron Carter, Albert Tootie Heath, and Butch Warren ~ Timmons passed away in 1974
December 19, 1929 ~ Singer, songwriter Blind Lemon Jefferson passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USAa ~ Called “the Father of the Texas Blues” and one of the most popular blues singers of the 1920s. Known for songs such as See That My Grave Is Kept Clean, covered by Bob Dylan, BB King, Kelly Joe Phelps, and Phish, and One Kind Favor, covered by Canned Heat, the Grateful Dead, Pat Donohue, and by Peter Paul & Mary ~ Jefferson was born in 1893
December 19, 1929 ~ Trombonist, pianist Bob Brookmeyer, full name Robert Edward Brookmeyer, born in Kansas City, Missouri, 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 passed away in 2011
December 19, 1928 ~ Morris Isaac Charlap, commonly known as composer Bill Charlap, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for his work on the Broadway 1954 musical Peter Pan. Married to singer Sandy Stewart, jazz pianist Bill Charlap is the couple's son ~ Charlap passed away in 1974
December 19, 1925 ~ Songwriter, film composer Robert B Sherman born ~ Formed one of the most productive stage and film composer duos in history with his brother Richard M Sherman. Notable credits include films such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Happiest Millionaire, Charlotte's Web and The Aristocats. The brothers were awarded two Academy Awards for their work on the 1964 Mary Poppins musical fantasy film, one for the entire soundtrack and one for Best Original Song for Chim Chim Cher-ee sung by Dick Van Dyke & Julie Andrews ~ Sherman passed away in 2012
December 19, 1920 ~ James Cecil Dickens, commonly known as singer, songwriter Jimmy Dickens, born in Bolt, West Virginia, USA ~ Grand Ole Opry member since 1948. Best known for his humorous novelty songs. Formed the Country Boys in 1950, teaming up with Jabbo Smith, Grady Martin, Bob Moore and Thumbs Carllile. Known for songs such as Country Boy, The Violet And The Rose, May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose, Take An Old Cold Tater And Wait and others ~ Dickens passed away in 2015
December 19, 1915 ~ Edith Giovanna Gassion, commonly known as singer Edith Piaf, born in Paris, France ~ One of France's internationally best known stars. Specialized in torch songs and chansons about love, loss and sorrow. Known for songs such as La Vie En Rose, Non Je Ne Regrette Rien, Hymne A L'Amour, Milord, La Foule and L'Accordéoniste ~ Piaf passed away in 1963
December 19, 1914 ~ Singer Roebuck Staples, commonly known as Pops Staples, born near Winona, Mississippi, USA ~ Leading figure in 1950's, 1960s gospel. Worked with Charlie Patton, Robert Johnson, Son House, Steve Cropper, Albert King, and others. Patriarch of the Staple Singers, which also included his son Pervis Staples, and daughters Mavis Staples, Yvonne Staples and Cleotha Staples ~ Staples passed away in 2000
December 19, 1911 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader Lu Watters, full name Lucius Carl Watters, born in Santa Cruz, California, USA ~ Best known as leader of the Yerba Buena Jazz Band which at times also included Bob Scobey, Turk Murphy, Squire Gersh, Wally Rose, Clancy Hayes, and Harry Mordecai ~ Watters passed away in 1989
December 19, 1882 ~ Classical violinist Bronislaw Huberman born in Czestochowas, Russian Empire ~ Praised for his tone color, expressiveness, flexibility. Founded the Palestine Philharmonic Orchestra, renamed after the establishment of the State of Israel to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Huberman passed away in 1947
December 19, 1881 ~ Joseph Nathan Oliver, commonly known as cornetist, bandleader, composer King Oliver born in Aben, Louisiana, USA ~ Mentor to Louis Armstrong, the latter once exclaiming “if it had not been for Oliver, jazz would not be what it is today.” Noted composer known for songs such as Dippermouth Blues, Doctor Jazz, and others still popular today ~ Oliver passed away in 1938