December 2, 2022 ~ Folk rock singer, songwriter, playwright, screenwriter Jo Carol Pierce passed away in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Schoolmate of Butch Hancock and Joe Ely, the latter encouraging her to become a songwriter. High school sweatheart of Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Widely acclaimed for her 1995 Bad Girls Upset By The Truth debut album ~ Pierce was born in 1944
December 2, 2022 ~ Oboist Laila Storch passed away in Orcas Island, Washington, USA ~ Principal oboist for the Houston Symphony. Has also worked with the National Symphony Orchestra, the Kansas City Philharmonic, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Storch was born in 1921
December 2, 2021 ~ Music manager, tour manager Richard Cole passed away ~ Best known as tour manager for Led Zeppelin from 1968 until its dissolution in 1980. Drew ire from the band for several bold statements about their behavior, most infamously in the Stephen Davis-penned Zeppelin-biography Hammer Of The Gods. Has also worked for bands such as Unit 4+2, the Who, the New Vaudeville Band, Vanilla Fudge, the Yardbirds, Eric Clapton, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Uhuru, Three Dog Night, and others ~ Cole was born in 1946
December 2, 2020 ~ Kenneth Victor Jones, commonly known as film composer Kenneth V Jones, passed away ~ Founder and original conductor of the Wimbledon Symphony Orchestra. As a film composer active since the 1950s scoring soundtracks such as Jazz Boat, the biopic Oscar Wilde, Psyche 59 and Whoever Slew Auntie Roo ~ Jones was born in 1924
December 2, 2019 ~ Andrew McArthur Smith, commonly known as new wave, rock singer, keyboardist, songwriter Greedy Smith, passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Joined Mental As Anything shortly after its formation in 1976 and remaining with the band until his death. Wrote or co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material including Live It Up, a top 10 hit in the band's native Australia as well as across Europe after its inclusion in the film Crocodile Dundee. Smith has also worked with Greedy's People and with the Space Shuttle Ramblers ~ Smith was born in 1956
December 2, 2019 ~ Blues producer, promoter Jacques Morgantini passed away ~ Married to Marcelle Morgantini. The duo serving as producers and promoters of previously underrated and little- or unrecorded American blues artists including Andrew Odom, Willie Kent, Luther Guitar Junior Johnson, Eddy Clearwater, Magic Slim, John Littlejohn, and others ~ Morgantini was born in 1924
December 2, 2019 ~ James Cavallo, commonly known as saxophonist Jimmy Cavallo, passed away in Pompano Beach, Florida, USA ~ Shortly after his discharge from the Army, around the end of World War II, founded the Jimmy Cavallo Quartet, one of the first white R&B blues bands, playing originals as well as covers of Wynonie Harris and Louis Jordan. Best known for fronting Jimmy Cavallo & his House Rockers, noted for appearing in the 1956 film Rock Rock Rock playing The Big Beat and the film's title track Rock Rock Rock. The band is also noted for being the first white band to play the Apollo Theatre in Harlem promoting the movie ~ Cavallo was born in 1927
December 2, 2018 ~ Singer Dalton Harris wis X-Factor ~ Harris wins the 15th edition of British talent show the X-Factor. Runner-ups would be the singer Scarlett Lee in 2nd place, singer Anthony Russell in 3rd
December 2, 2018 ~ Clarinetist, flutist Perry Robinson passed away ~ Son of composer Earl Robinson. Worked with Klezmokum, and with Gunter Hampel & the Galaxie Band ~ Robinson was born in 1938
December 2, 2017 ~ Jazz guitarist, conductor, composer Mundell Lowe, full name James Mundell Lowe, passed away in San Diego, California, USA ~ Notable NBC staff musician, member of the Today Show band for over a decade starting in 1950. Has worked as a leader since the mid-1950s, for TV and film, in-demand sideman. Collaborations include Jan Savitt, Benny Goodman, Bill Evans, Red Norvo, Charles Mingus, Charlie Parker, the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, Lester Young, Benny Carter, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Hodges, Lee Konitz, Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington, Ben Webster, Ruby Braff, Carmen McRae, Louie Bellson, Ruth Brown, Creed Taylor, Sarah Vaughan, Hugo Montenegro, Lee Wiley, and others ~ Lowe was born in 1922
December 2, 2017 ~ Singer, songwriter Norihiko Hashida passed away in Kyoto, Japan ~ Member of the Folk Crusaders from 1967 until the band's disbandement the following year, appearing with the band in the 1968 Three Resurrected Drunkards film. As a solo artist best known for Hanayome, a No.1 hit on the Oricon charts in 1971 ~ Hashida was born in 1945
December 2, 2016 ~ Chelsea Faith Dolan, commonly known as electronic music producer, DJ Cherushii, passed away in Oakland, California, USA ~ Classically trained. Champion of women in electronic music. Starting in the early 2010s released a number of EPs and a sole full-length album, the acclaimed Memory Of Water, before dying at age 33 in a fire in an venue where she was to perform that night ~ Dolan was born in 1983
December 2, 2016 ~ Country singer, keyboardist, songwriter Mark Gray passed away in Lebanon, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of Exile from 1979 to 1982, for whom he co-wrote The Closer You Get, You're Good For Me and Take Me Down, the latter later notably covered by Alabama. Also wrote Janie Fricke's It Ain't Easy Being Easy, Gary Morris' Second Hand Heart, and Aretha Franklin's Whatever It Is. Has also recorded as a solo artist, the singles The Left Side Of The Bed, If All The Magic Is Gone, Diamond In The Dust, the Tammy Wynette duet Sometimes When We Touch, and Please Be Love all reaching top 10 Billboard Country ~ Gray was born in 1952
December 2, 2015 ~ Composer John Eaton, full name John Charles Eaton, passed away ~ Prominent composer of microtonal music. Known for his 1980 Cry Of Clytaemnestra composition, hailed by critics as the first feminist opera ~ Eaton was born in 1935
December 2, 2015 ~ Christian Waldemar Roker, commonly known as singer Wally Roker, passed away ~ Member of the Heartbeats, known best for their 1955 single Thousand Miles Away ~ Roker was born in 1937
December 2, 2014 ~ Saxophonist Bobby Keys passed away in Franklin, Tennessee, USA ~ In-demand touring and session musician. Longtime associate of the Rolling Stones noted for his saxophone solo on the 1971 Stones hit Brown Sugar. Also present on albums such as Let It Bleed, Exile On Main St, Goat's Head Soup, Emotional Rescue, No Security, and others. Involved with several Stones side projects and solo albums, notably Keith Richards's, including with the New Barbarians and the X-Pensive Winos. Has also worked with Delaney & Bonnie, Joe Cocker, George Harrison, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, BB King, Barbra Streisand, Carly Simon, Chuck Berry, Dr John, Eric Clapton, Keith Moon, Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Hiatt, and others ~ Keys was born in 1943
December 2, 2013 ~ Murvin Junior Smith, commonly known as singer Junior Murvin, passed away in Port Antonio, Jamaica ~ Known for songs such as Solomon, Miss Kushie, and Police & Thieves. The latter would be covered by the Clash on their debut album. Worked with Sonia Pottinger, the Hippy Boys, the Mighty Falcons, the Tornadoes, Lee Scratch Perry, Joe Gibbs, Alvin Ranglin, Errol Thompson, Mikey Dread, Henry Jujo Lawes, Prince Jammy, King Tubby, and others ~ Smith was born ca.1946
December 2, 2009 ~ Songwriter, producer, publisher Aaron Schroeder passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Penned or co-penned over 1500 songs. Had his first success as a songwriter with At A Sidewalk Penny Arcade, a 1948 hit for Rosemary Clooney. Wrote several songs for Elvis Presley, including five number one hits; I Got Stung, A Big Hunk O' Love , It's Now Or Never, Stuck On You, and Good Luck Charm. Founded Musicor Records. Discovered and managed Gene Pitney. Also worked with and wrote or produced for artists such as Roy Orbison, Duane Eddy, Sammy Davis Jr, Nat King Cole, Perry Como, and Pat Boone, to name just a few ~ Schroeder was born in 1926
December 2, 2009 ~ Singer, songwriter, keyboardist, artist manager Eric Woolfson passed away in London, UK ~ Best known for his close association with Alan Parsons, practically being co-creator and only other key member of the Alan Parsons Project. Previously worked as a songwriter for artists including Marianne Faithfull, Frank Ifield, Joe Dassin, the Tremeloes, Marmalade, Dave Berry, Peter Noone, and others. Turned to music management, his first two signings Carl Douglas and Parsons ~ Woolfson was born in 1945
December 2, 2008 ~ Odetta Holmes, mononymously known as gospel singer, guitarist, songwriter Odetta passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Often referred to as “the Voice of the Civil Rights Movement”. Best known for her 1957 Take This Hammer recording ~ Holmes was born in 1930
December 2, 2006 ~ Singer Mariska Veres passed away in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Best known as lead singer of Shocking Blue, joining the band in 1968 as replacement for Fred de Wilde, and present on hits such as Send Me A Postcard, Never Marry A Railroad Man and their best-known Venus. The latter would reach No.1 in numerous countries, including topping the American Billboard Hot 100, and be notably covered by Bananarama in 1986 ~ Veres was born in 1947
December 2, 2004 ~ Rock, alternative rock, new wave singer, guitarist, harmonica player Kevin Coyne passed away in Nuremberg, Germany ~ Overlooked by the public. Anti-star admired by peers including Sting and Johnny Rotten. Reportedly turned down a chance to meet with label executive Jac Holzman to discuss replace the late Jim Morrison in the Doors, alleging he “did not like the leather trousers” ~ Coyne was born in 1944
December 2, 2002 ~ Malcolm Earl Waldron, commonly known as jazz pianist, composer, arranger Mal Waldron, passed away in Brussels, Belgium ~ Leader and sideman. Recorded over 100 albums under his own name. Composed John Coltrane's Soul Eyes. Worked with Coltrane, Charles Mingus, Jackie McLean, Eric Dolphy, Lucky Millinder, Lucky Thompson, Jackie McLean, Abbey Lincoln, Max Roach, Booker Little, Ben Webster, Kenny Clarke, Joe Henderson, Herbie Lewis, Freddie Waits, Steve Lacy, Gene Ammons, Benny Bailey, Kenny Burrell, Ron Carter, Teddy Charles, Nathan Davis, Terumasa Hino, Billie Holiday, John Laporta, Phil Woods, Webster Young, and others ~ Waldron was born in 1925
December 2, 2002 ~ Guitarist Richard Dangel passed away ~ Lead guitarist of the Wailers, generally credited as one of the first, if not the first, American garage bands, best known for Tall Cool One, a top 40 hit in 1959 ~ Dangel was born in 1942
December 2, 2001 ~ Singer Valorie Jones passed away ~ One third of sibling outfit the Jones Girls, alongside Shirley Jones and Brenda Jones. Served as backup singers for Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass, Aretha Franklin, Linda Clifford, and Tower Of Power. On their own they would score a number of modest hits on Billboard's R&B charts from the late 1970s through the mid 1980s including You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else, Dance Turned Into Romance and I Just Love The Man ~ Jones was born in 1956
December 2, 1999 ~ Guitarist Charlie Byrd passed away in Annapolis, Maryland, USA ~ Admired fingerstyle guitarist. Best known for his collaboration with Stan Getz, bringing the bossa nova to mainstream American audiences, especially with the album Jazz Samba. Byrd also worked with Les McCann, Zoot Sims, Cal Tjader, Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Buck Clayton, Helen Merrill, Joe Glazer, and others ~ Byrd was born in 1925
December 2, 1998 ~ Dixieland, swing, jazz bassist Bob Haggart, full name Robert Sherwood Haggart, passed away in Venice, Florida, USA ~ First gained attention in the mid-1930 working with Bob Crosby, including co-writing songs such as Big Noise From Winnetka and What's New. Would go on to work with Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald. Co-founded the Lawson-Haggart Band with Yank Lawson, the pair also subsequently co-leading the World's Greatest Jazz Band through 1978 ~ Haggart was born in 1914
December 2, 1998 ~ Jarad Anthony Higgins, commonly known a rapper, singer, songwriter Juice WRLD, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for songs such as All Girls Are The Same, Lean Wit Me, Wasted, Armed And Dangerous, and Lucid Dreams. Has collaborated with Benny Blanco, BTS, Ellie Goulding, Halsey, Marshmello, the Weeknd, Eminem, Kodak Black, and others ~ Higgins passed away in 2019
December 2, 1997 ~ World, new age guitarist Michael Hedges, full name Michael Alden Hedges, passed away in Mendocino County, California, USA ~ Classically trained. Influenced by John Martyn, the Beatles, Igor Stravinsky, Edgard Varèse, Anton Webern. Briefly a member, playing guitar and flute, of the Lotus Band before venturing out on his own playing as a solo acoustic guitarist. Signed to Windham Hill, the preeminent New Age label, by William Ackerman in 1980. Would release his acclaimed 1981 Breakfast In The Field debut album, its 1984 follow-up Aerial Boundaries and the 1985 Watching My Life Go By album ~ Hedges was born in 1953
December 2, 1990 ~ Composer, conductor Aaron Copland passed away in Tarrytown, New York, USA ~ Revered contemporary composer, best known for Appalachian Spring, Fanfare For The Common Man and Third Symphony ~ Copland was born in 1900
December 2, 1988 ~ Giovanni Giacobetti, commonly known as singer Tata Giacobetti, passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Co-founding member of Quartetto Cetra. Also known as a lyricist, co-wrote songs recorded by Gorni Kramer, Giovanni D'Anzi, Armando Trovajoli, and others. Married singer, actress Valeria Fabrizi in 1964 ~ Giacobetti was born in 1922
December 2, 1987 ~ Singer, conductor, songwriter Trygve Henrik Hoff passed away ~ Acclaimed songwriter and storyteller known to focus on the life in northern Norway. Wrote Har EnDrøm and El Hand Å Holde i, major hits for Jørn Hoel. Others who have recorded his songs include Solfrid Hoff, the Bodø-oktetten and notably Sissel Kyrkjebø ~ Hoff was born in 1938
December 2, 1986 ~ Rock singer, songwriter Billy Rancher passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Established himself as one of the premier performers on the Pacific Northwest music scene during the 1980s before his untimely death of cancer at age 30. Has fronted acts such as the Malchicks, the Unreal Gods and Flesh & Blood ~ Rancher was born in 1957
December 2, 1986 ~ Desiderio Arnaz y de Acha III, commonly known as actor, singer, television producer Desi Arnaz, passed away in Del Mar, California, USA ~ Best known for his role as Ricky on the television series I Love Lucy starring Lucille Ball, to whom Arnaz was married. Upon fleeing to America Arnaz turned to show business. Starred on Broadway by 1939 (Too Many Girls) and moved to Hollywood the next year to appear in the movie version, met Ball, they eloped. Arnaz also played guitar for Xavier Cugat ~ Arnaz was born in 1917
December 2, 1986 ~ Saxophonist Paul Bascomb passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Brother of trumpeter Dud Bascomb. Founding member of the Bama State Collegians. Also briefly worked with Count Basie in the late 1930s ~ Bascomb was born in 1912
December 2, 1986 ~ Metal singer, guitarist, songwriter Ragnar Zolberg born in Iceland ~ Founding member of the Sign, releasing five albums with the band starting with Vindar Og Breytingar in 2001. Joined Pain Of Salvation in 2011, present on the band's Falling Home, Remêdy Lane Re:Lived and In The Passing Light Of Day. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing his Upplifun debut album in 1998 at a mere 11 years old
December 2, 1986 ~ Rock, blues rock, indie rock, jazz fusion, funk bassist, guitarist, singer Tal Wilkenfeld born in Sydney, Australia ~ As a solo artist known best for her 2007 Transformation debut album, released while still in her teens. Has collaborated extensively with a host of international stars including Herbie Hancock, Macy Gray, Lee Ritenour, Jackson Browne, Trevor Rabin, Wayne Krantz, Toto's Steve Lukather, Ryan Adams, Todd Rundgren, Jeff Beck, Prince, and others.
December 2, 1983 ~ Country singer, songwriter, actress Jana Kramer, full name Jana Rae Kramer, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Known for songs such as Why You Wanna, I Got The Boy, I've Done Love, and others
December 2, 1983 ~ Psychedelic pop singer Mette Lindberg born in Herlev, Denmark ~ Best known as member of the Asteroids Galaxy Tour alongside producer, songwriter Lars Iversen, known best for The Golden Age of their 2009 Fruit debut album
December 2, 1982 ~ Stuart David Cohen, commonly known as folk singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor David Blue, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Debuted in 1966 with the eponymous David Blue album. Best known for penning Outlaw Man, notably covered by the Eagles on their 1973 Desperado album ~ Cohen was born in 1941
December 2, 1981 ~ Pop, dance pop, teen pop singer, songwriter Britney Spears, full name Britney Jean Spears, born in McComb, Mississippi, USA ~ Helped define late 1990s, early 2000s teen pop. Released her debut album, Baby One More Time, in 1999. Known for hits such as Baby One More Time, Oops I Did It Again, Toxic, Gimme More, Womanizer, and others
December 2, 1980 ~ Jonathan Warren Bechtolt, commonly known as indie rock, disco, grunge, electropop singer Jona Bechtolt, born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Best known as member of Yacht, started in 2003 as a solo project and expanded to a duo with the addition of singer Claire L Evans in 2008. Has also worked with Badger King, the Dirty Projectors and the Blow, Devendra Banhart, and others
December 2, 1978 ~ Rock bassist Chris Wolstenholme, full name Christopher Tony Wolstenholme, born in Rotherham, UK ~ Bassist of Muse, known for UK hits such as Plug-in Baby, Time Is Running Out, Hysteria, Butterflies & Hurricanes, Supermassive Black Hole, Knights Of Cydonia and Uprising, all of which reached the UK top 20
December 2, 1978 ~ Singer, songwriter Nelly Furtado, full name Nelly Kim Furtado, born in Victoria, Canada ~ Rose to fame with her trip hop inspired 2000 Whoa Nelly debut album. Has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial succes since. Known for songs such as I'm Like A Bird, Say What You Want, Try, Promiscuous featuring Timbaland, Say It Right, and others. Collaborated with Flo Rida, Estella Marie Thompson, NERD, Missy Elliott, Dave Stewart, Paul Oakenfold, the Roots, Bryan Adams, Andrea Bocelli, and others
December 2, 1978 ~ Double bassist Walt Yoder passed away ~ Best known for his assoication with Woody Herman. Also played with artists such as Joe Haymes, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Ben Pollack, Russ Morgan, Bob Crosby, and Red Nichols ~ Yoder was born in 1914
December 2, 1977 ~ Twin brothers keyboardist James Martin and guitarist Tom Martin born in York, UK ~ Both brothers have worked with Kyrah, Alistair Griffin, the Station Club, and VEGA. The twins have also formed a songwriting partnership with Griffin, notably penning By My Side for Do which reached top 10 in the singer's native Netherlands. Others who have recorded their songs include the House Of Lords, Ted Poley, Tommy Funderburk, Khymera, and Sunstorm
December 2, 1976 ~ Brady Goodwin Jr, commonly known as alternative hip-hop, Christian hip-hop rapper, author Phanatik, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Known especially for his creative wordplay. Member of collective the Cross Movement. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the The Incredible Walk released in 2005
December 2, 1972 ~ Singer Brenda Lee records Nobody Wins at Bradleys Barn, Mt Juliet, Tennessee ~ Written by Kris Kristofferson. Released the following January, paired with We Had A Good Thing Going on the flipside, it would reach top 5 of the country charts in the USA and Canada
December 2, 1972 ~ Bandoneon player Gianni Iorio born in Foggia, Italy ~ Member of the Nuevo Tango Ensemble alongside Pasquale Stefano and Pierluigi Balducci
December 2, 1972 ~ Bandleader, songwriter Moe Jaffe passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Has co-written over 250 songs including Collegiate (Waring's Pennsylvanians, the Revelers, the Crew Cuts), If I Had My Life To Live Over (Larry Vincent), The Gypsy In My Soul (Jack Harris, Margaret Whiting, Anita O'Day), If You Are But A Dream (Jimmy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Screamin' Jay Hawkins), Bell Bottom Trousers (the Jesters, Louis Prima) ~ Jaffe was born in 1901
December 2, 1972 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Pasquale Stefano born in Stornarella, Italy ~ Co-founded the Nuevo Tango Ensemble, a trio which also includes Gianni Iorio and Pierluigi Balducci. As a composer best known for his 2016 composition Milonguita
December 2, 1971 ~ Ernest Miller, commonly known as jazz trumpeter Punch Miller, passed away ~ Worked with Jelly Roll Morton, Tiny Parham, King Mutt, and others ~ Miller was born in 1894
December 2, 1966 ~ Clarence Lavonne Fitzgerald, commonly known as pop singer Barry Young, passed away in Los Angeles, USA ~ Best known for his 1966 hit single One Has My Name (The Other Has My Heart), previously a hit for Jimmy Wakely ~ Fitzgerald was born in 1931
December 2, 1965 ~ Jazz clarinetist Hank D'Amico passed away ~ Worked with Paul Specht, Red Norvo, Les Brown, Benny Goodman, Miff Mole, Tommy Dorsey, Jack Teagarden, and others ~ D'Amico was born in 1915
December 2, 1962 ~ Mercy Davis Walton, commonly known as jump blues singer, pianist, songwriter Mercy Dee Walton, passed away in Murphys, California, USA ~ Known for a string of singles through the mid-1950s, notably Lonesome Cabin Blues, One Room Country Shack and Come Back Maybellene, the latter in reply to Chuck Berry's then-current hit Maybellene. A year prior to his death released the Mercy Dee featuring backing from harmonica player Sidney Maiden, guitarist KC Douglas and drummer Otis Cherry ~ Walton was born in 1915
December 2, 1960 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Peter Blakeley born in Sydney, Australia ~ Lead singer of 1980s outfit the Rockmelons, present on Sweat It Out. As a solo artist best known for Crying In The Cjapel, a hit in 1990. Also worked with Wendy Matthews, Absent Friends, Eric Clapton, Ricky Fataar, Linda Ronstadt, Siedah Garrett, Andrew Gold, Jeff Porcaro, Jim Keltner, Larry Klein, Peter Asher, the Pink Slips, Cher, and others
December 2, 1960 ~ Bassist, guitarist Rick Savage born in Sheffield, UK ~ Founding, longtime member of Def Leppard, known for songs such as Photograph, Rock Of Ages, Foolin', Animal, Hysteria, Pour Some Sugar On Me, Love Bites and Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad
December 2, 1959 ~ Jazz trumpeter Sidney Desvigne passed away ~ Member of several 1910s, 1920s New Orleans jazz ensembles including the Silver Bell Band, the Maple Leaf Orchestra, the Excelsior Brass Band, the Whispering Gold Band. Fronted the Southern Syncopators ~ Desvigne was born in 1893
December 2, 1957 ~ Folk, new-age singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Ian Tamblyn born in Fort William, Canada ~ Over two dozen albums to his name starting with eponymous Ian Tamblyn debut album released in 1976. Best known for his 1990 Magnetic North album. Wrote the music for the first season of the animated TV series Toad Patrol which aired from 1999 through 2002, initially aimed at young children but gained popularity among teens and young adults for its dark undertones and backgrounds
December 2, 1955 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Jim Cuddy born in Toronto, Canada ~ Fronted the Jim Cuddy Band. Member of Blue Rodeo. Also worked with Greg Keelor, the Hi-Fi's, Jim Sublett, Malcom Schell, Jim Bryson, Melanie Doane, Cooper Brothers, George Canyon, and others
December 2, 1954 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Amina Figarova born in Baku, Azerbaijan ~ Renowned classically trained pianist with over a dozen albums to her name. Married to flutist Bart Platteau, with whom she also worked
December 2, 1952 ~ Singer, songwriter Peter Kingsbery born in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ Co-founded Cock Robin in the early 1980s, best known for songs such as The Promise You Made and THought You Were On My Side. Has been releasing solo records since the early 1990s, both in English and French, the language of his adopted home country. Has collaborated with Pat Mastelotto, Tenor Sw, Tim Pierce, Phil Solem, Herve Coster, Stephane Belmondo, Matthieu Chedid, and others
December 2, 1952 ~ Producer, arranger, conductor, pianist Rob Mounsey born in Berea, Ohio, USA ~ Session musician, producer worked with Aaron Neville, Aztec Camera, Brian Wilson, Carly Simon, Chaka Khan, Chromeo, Diana Ross, Donald Fagen, Eric Clapton, Karen Carpenter, Madonna, Michael Franks, Natalie Cole, Paul Simon, Rihanna, Steely Dan, Simon & Garfunkel, and others
December 2, 1950 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter John Wesley Ryles born in Bastrop, Louisiana, USA ~ Known for a number of country hits starting in 1968 through the mid-1980s including Kay, I've Just Been Wasting My Time, Once In A Lifetime Thing, Shine On Me (The Sun Still Shines When It Rains), Liberated Woman, Perfect Strangers, and others
December 2, 1949 ~ Boogie-woogie pianist Albert Ammons passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Chicago pianists Hershal Thomas and Jimmy Yancey Ammons, along with other high-energy boogie-woogie, blues, jazz, and jump-blues musicians, helped create a hybrid which predated and paved the way for rock & roll. Ammons worked with artists such as Meade Lux Lewis, Guy Kelly, DAlbert Bright, Jimmy Hoskins, Israel Crosby, Pete Johnson, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Lena Horne, Lionel Hampton, and others. Ammons would be a major influence on generations of piano players to come including Jerry Lee Lewis, Dr John, Erroll Garner, Ray Bryant, Johnnie Johnson, and Axel Zwingenberger ~ Ammons was born in 1907
December 2, 1949 ~ Rudolph Dennis, commonly known as reggae singer Garth Dennis, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Co-founded Black Uhuru with Don Carlos and Derrick Duckie Simpson in 1972, leaving the band after the early recordings and rejoining in the early 1990s, first reappearing on the 1991 album Now. Had a successful run throughout the late 1980s with the Wailing Souls starting with 1979's acclaimed Wild Suspense album. Released his solo debut album, Trenchtown 19 3rd Street, in 2015 ~ Dennis passed away in 2021
December 2, 1948 ~ Luciano Pozo Gonzalez, commonly known as jazz percussionist, singer, composer Chano Pozo, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Despite a relatively short career, shot and killed at age 33, regarded as a key figure in the development of Latin jazz. Co-wrote several of Dizzy Gillespie's songs including Manteca and Tin Tin Deo. Has worked with Gillespie, Chris Connor, Illinois Jacquet, Ben Webster, Peggy Lee, Machito, Charlie Parker, Clark Terry, Chico O'Farrill, and others ~ González was born in 1915
December 2, 1948 ~ Robbie Eduard, commonly known as pop, rock singer, songwriter Polle Eduard born ~ Fronted de Polle Eduard Band, best known for Ik Wil Jou. Also worked with the Tee Set, After Tea, Drama, Rob de Nijs' backing unit Pur Sang, Peter Koelewijn, Hans Vermeulen, Jody Pijper, and others
December 2, 1948 ~ Guitarist, singer Toninho Horta born in Mias Geris, Brazil ~ Played with Elis Regina, Milton Nascimento, Maria Bethânia, João Bosco, Airto Moreira, Edu Lobo, Nana Caymmi, Flora Purim, Gal Costa, Sérgio Mendes, Chico Buarque, Flavio Venturini, Johnny Air, Wagner Tiso, Francis Hime, Beto Guedes
December 2, 1947 ~ Country singer Pee Wee King records The Tennessee Waltz at RCA/Victor Studios, Chicago, Illinois ~ Written by King and Redd Stewart. Paired with Rootie Tootie on the flipside released as a single the next January. While on the road King and Stewart were inspired by Bill Monroe's Kentucky Waltz playing on the radio. They used the melody of King's previously written No Name Waltz and as the pair thought of the lyrics Stewart wrote them on a matchbox. The next day they presented the result to music publisher Fred Rose who changed the opening line to “I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz.” It would become a country top 10 hit and one of King's best-known. Singer Patti Page notably covered the song in 1950, handpicked because it was a favorite of her father's and initially released on the B-side of a seasonal single, Boogie Woogie Santa Claus
December 2, 1945 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer David Essig born in Frederick, Maryland, USA ~ Best known as producer and founder of the Woodshed Records label. Produced records by Willie P Bennett, Cathy Fink, Duck Donald, the Dixie Flyers, Fred Eaglesmith, and Jackie Washington
December 2, 1944 ~ Singer, songwriter Dionysis Savvopoulos born in Thessaloniki, Greece ~ Closely associated with the Greek New Wave of the 1960s. Drew critical comparison to a young Frank Zappa for his arrangements and to Bob Dylan for his politically driven lyrics. Briefly imprisoned by the military junta for his political convictions. Released his To Fortigho debut album in 1966, critically acclaimed but a commercial failure. Has achieved commercial succes since becoming one of Greece's most beloved and enduring songwriters
December 2, 1943 ~ Drummer Dave Munden born in Dagenham, UK ~ Co-founding and last remaining original member of the Tremeloes, remaining with band from 1958 through 2018. The band is known for a string of 1960s UK hits including Someone Someone, Twist And Shout, Candy Man and Someone Someone. The 1967 singles Here Comes My Baby and Silence Is Golden, the latter probably their best-known, would also crack the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 ~ Munden passed away in 2020
December 2, 1942 ~ Drummer Ted Bluechel born in San Pedro, California, USA ~ Founding member, drummer, rhythm guitarist, bassist of the Association
December 2, 1941 ~ Bassist Ernest Mothle born in Pretoria, South Africa ~ Member of Jabula, a group of exiled South African musicians living in England, known for a number of 1970s, 1980s albums. In addition to their own work the group has also notably worked with Mike Oldfield on the albums Ommadawn, Incantations and Amarok ~ Mothle passed away in 2011
December 2, 1941 ~ Paul John Guloien, commonly known as jazz saxophonist PJ Perry, born in Calgary, Canada ~ Son of saxophonist Paul Perry, in whose band he worked at age 14. Influenced by Art Pepper, Sonny Stitt, Phil Woods. Declined offers to play in the USA, including from jazz greats such as Terry Gibbs, preferring to remain in his native Canada. Acclaimed for albums such as 1990's Worth Waiting For and 2005's Time Flies
December 2, 1941 ~ Guitarist Tom McGuinness, full name Thomas John Patrick McGuinness, born in Wimbledon, UK ~ Best known for his association with Manfred Mann, notably present on songs such as PRetty Flamingo. Also wrote several tracks for the band, including LSD, One Way and Cubist Town. Following the disbandement of the band in 1969 McGuinness teamed up with drummer Hughie Flint in McGuinness-Flint, active through 1975. Later joined the Blues Band. Also known as an author, his book So You Want To Be A Rock & Roll Star, published in 1986
December 2, 1937 ~ Joseph Emory Smith, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, cornetist Joe Fox Smith, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with the Black Swan Jazz Masters, Fletcher Henderson, the Jazz Hounds, the Broadway Syncopators, mcKinney's Cotton Pickers, Bessie Smith, Billy Paige, Noble Sissle, Eubie Blake, and others ~ Smith was born in 1902
December 2, 1937 ~ Composer, flutist Katherine Hoover born in Elkins, West Virginia, USA ~ Best known for penning Kokopeli in 1990, a work for solo flute ~ Hoover passed away in 2018
December 2, 1935 ~ Jazz pianist Ronnie Mathews born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Freddie Hubbard, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, Jimmy Cobb, Dexter Gordon, Clark Terry, Johnny Griffin, Kenny Washington, Ray Drummond, Dizzy Gillespie, Clifford Jordan, Roland Alexander, Thomas Chapin, Larry Coryell, Kenny Dorham, Johnny Griffin, Bill Hardman, Louis Hayes, Roy Haynes, Joe Henderson, Sal Nistico, Woody Shaw, James Spaulding, Sonny Stitt, and others ~ Mathews passed away in 2008
December 2, 1933 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Ernest Warren born ~ Member of the Spaniels, known for 1950s hits such as Baby It's You and Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight, the latter later remaining popular to this day featured in several films including American Graffiti ~ Warren passed away in 2012
December 2, 1932 ~ Jazz trumpeter Raymond Court born in Lausanne, Switzerland ~ Worked with Raymond Droz, Flavio Ambrosetti, Kurt Weill, Daniel Humair, Martial Solal, René Urtreger, Charly Antolini, and others
December 2, 1931 ~ Composer, pianist Vincent d'Indy, full name Paul Marie Théodore Vincent d'Indy, passed away in Paris, France ~ Inspired to take up composition by Hector Berlioz. Particularly influential as a composer, co-founded the Schola Cantorom de Paris and also taught at the Paris Conservatoire. His students included Albert Roussel, Arthur Honegger, Erik Satie, and Cole Porter. As a composer known best for Symphony On A French Mountain and Istar, though most of his work has fallen out of grace perphaps partly due to his over time growing more extremist anti-liberal and anti-semitic views ~ d'Indy was born in 1851
December 2, 1931 ~ Jazz, bebop, hard bop pianist, composer Wynton Kelly, full name Wynton Charles Kelly, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Inventive jazz pianist influential on the likes of Monty Alexander, Chick Corea, Brad Mehldau, Chucho Valdes. As a leader especially acclaimed for the late 1950s albums Piano (Whisper Not) and Kelly Blue, and for the 1965 live album Smokin' At The Half Note. Also well-known for his stint with Miles Davis from the late 1950s through the early 1960s, including on the seminal Kind Of Blue album. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Dizzy Gillespie (School Days), Art Farmer, JJ Johnson, Dinah Washington (Dinah), Billie Holiday (Lady Sings The Blues), Lee Morgan, Frank Wess, Sonny Rollins (Newk's Time), Booker Little, John Coltrane (Giant Steps), Benny Golson, Abbey Lincoln (Abbey Is Blue), Paul Chambers, Cannonball Adderley (The Cannonball Adderley Quintet In Chicago), Blue Mitchell, Freddie Hubbard (Open Sesame), Hank Mobley (Roll Call), Helen Humes, Sam Jones (The Chant), Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Wes Montgomery, Bunky Green (My Baby), Clifford Jordan (In The World), Gene Ammons, and Dexter Gordon ~ Kelly passed away in 1971
December 2, 1929 ~ Jazz, classical tubist Harvey Phillips, full name Harvey Gene Phillips Sr, born in Aurora, Missouri, USA ~ Co-founded the All-Star Concert Band with James F Burke. Has collaborated with Kenny Burrell, Curtis Fuller, Dizzy Gillespie, Wes Montgomery, the Matteson-Phillips Tubajazz Consort, and others ~ Phillips passed away in 2010
December 2, 1928 ~ Pianist, composer Jorg Demus born in St Polten, Austria ~ Worked with Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Paul Badura-Skoda, Josef Suk, Antonio Janigro, Elly Ameling, Peter Schreier, and others ~ Demus passed away in 2019
December 2, 1925 ~ William Joseph Cowsill Sr, commonly known as singer Bud Cowsill, born ~ Member, patriarch of sibling outfit the Cowsills, best known for The Rain The Park And Other Things, Indian Lake and a live version of Hair, all of which reached the Billboard top 10 in the late 1960s ~ Cowsill passed away in 1992
December 2, 1924 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader, songwriter, producer, A&R executive Joe Scott, full name Joseph Wade Scott, born in Texarkana, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his work at Don Robey's Duke and Peacock labels, notably with artists such as Johnny Ace, Big Mama Thornton, Bobby Blue Bland, Junior Parker, Larry Davis, and others ~ Scott passed away in 1979
December 2, 1923 ~ Maria Kalogeropoulos, commonly known as opera singer Maria Callas, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Opera singer with rockstar status. Regarded as one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century known for her bel canto technique and dramatic interpretations ~ Kalogeropoulos passed away in 1977
December 2, 1920 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Géo Vournard born in Biel, Switzerland ~ Worked with Hazy Osterwald. Co-founded Montreux Jazz Festival with René Langel and Claude Nobs. Co-wrote Lys Assia's Refrain, winner of the very first edition of the Eurovision Songfestival in 1956 ~ Voumard passed away in 2008
December 2, 1918 ~ Jazz, pop pianist, accordionist, songwriter, arranger Milton Delugg born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Active since the 1940s. Musical director, bandleader, accordionist on Broadway Open House aired on NBC, considered a forerunner to The Tonight Show. Co-wrote and first recorded Orange Colored Sky featuring singer Janet Brace, best known as a hit for Nat King Cole. Other songs written or co-written by Delugg include Shanghai (Doris Day), Be My Life's Companion (the Mills Brothers), Shake Hands With Santa Claus (Louis Prima), A Poor Man's Roses Or A Rich Man's Gold (Patsy Cline). Also notably remembered for producing Buddy Holly's iconic Rave On rock & roll classic ~ Delugg passed away in 2015
December 2, 1916 ~ Charles Venturo, commonly known as saxophonist Charlie Ventura, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Gene Krupa, Teddy Powell, Conte Candoli, Bennie Green, Boots Mussulli, Ed Shaughnessy, Kacie Cain, Roy Kral, Buddy Rich, Marty Napoleon, Chubby Jackson, and others ~ Ventura passed away in 1992
December 2, 1915 ~ Jazz saxophonist Henry Bridges born in Paris, Texas, USA ~ Started in territory bands working with artists such as Don Byas and Charlie Christian. Would go on to work with Alphonso Trent, Anna Mae Winburn, Leslie Sheffield, Harlan Leonard, and others. Following a stint in the US Army during World War II would work through the early 1960s, collaborating with the likes of Julia Lee, Clifford Blivens, Peppy Prince, Helen Humes, and Damita Jo ~ Bridges passed away in 1986
December 2, 1915 ~ Songwriter, lyricist John DeVries born in Wayne, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Frequent collaborator of Joe Bushkin, writing songs such as Frank Sinatra's Oh Look At Me and Bing Crosby's There'll Be A Hot Time In The Town Of Berlin ~ DeVries passed away in 1992
December 2, 1914 ~ Swing drummer, trumpeter, composer, arranger Eddie Sauter, full name Edward Ernest Sauter, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Co-led the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra. Worked with Red Norvo, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Stan Getz, John Carisi, Mildred Bailey, and others ~ Sauter passed away in 1981
December 2, 1905 ~ Tango, milonga, vals pianist, composer, arranger Osvaldo Pugliese, full name Osvaldo Pedro Pugliese, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Pioneering arranger bridging the gap between salon tango and concert-style tango. Best known for songs such as Recuerdo, La Yumba, Ausencia (Tango Mio), Iguel Qua Una Sombra, Malandraca and Para Eduardo Arolas ~ Pugliese passed away in 1995
December 2, 1899 ~ Giovanni Battista Barbirolli, commonly known as conductor, cellist John Barbirolli, born ~ Best known for conducting the Hallé Orchestra. Also worked with the New York Philharmonic, the Houston Symphony, the BBC Sympony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and others ~ Barbirolli passed away in 1970
December 2, 1896 ~ Trumpeter, composer Mike Mosiello born in Fraso Telesino, Italy ~ Enlisted in the US Marine Corps as a military musician during World War I and started a musical career after his service. Worked as a studio musician, in big bands, radio orchestras, and in theatres. Worked with Vincent Lopez, Nathaniel Shilkret, Victor Borge, Andy Sannella, Charles Magnante, and others. ~ Mosiello passed away in 1953
December 2, 1895 ~ Pianist Harriet Cohen, full name Harriet Pearl Alice Cohen, born in London, UK ~ Sister of singer Myra Verney. Best known for premiering Ralph Vaughan Williams' Piano Concerto. Had compositions written especially for her by renowned composers such as John Ireland, Béla Bartók, Ernest Bloch and extensively by Arnold Bax, being romantically involved with the latter ~ Cohen passed away in 1967
December 2, 1895 ~ Pianist, organist Jesse Crawford born in Woodland, California, USA ~ Popular 1920s theater organist for silent films. Switched to Hammond organ in the 1930. As a recording artist known for songs such as Rose Marie, Valencia, Russian Lullabye, At Dawning, Roses Of Picardy, Vienna Violins, Louisiana Nocturn', Harlem Holiday, and Hawaiian Honeymoon ~ Crawford passed away in 1962
December 2, 1890 ~ Jazz bandleader, pianist Fate Marable born in Paducah, Kentucky, USA ~ Worked with the Kentucky Jazz Band, Red Allen, Baby Dodds, Pops Foster, Erroll Garner, Narvin Kimball, Zutty Singleton, Al Morgan, Jimmy Blanton, Joe Poston, and others ~ Marable passed away in 1947
December 2, 1883 ~ Violinist John Thomson Hall passed away ~ Child prodigy performing in public by the age of 12. Orchestra leader with the Lyster's Opera Company, later promoted to musical director. Orchestra leader at the Theatre Royal Adelaide ~ Hall was born in 1841
December 2, 1879 ~ Charles Rudolf Friml, commonly known as composer, pianist Rudolf Friml, born in Prague, Bohemia ~ Composer of operettas, musicals and works for piano. Best known for The Firefly, Rose-Marie and The Vagabond King ~ Friml passed away in 1972