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, 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, 1981 ~ Pop, teen pop singer, songwriter Britney Spears, full name Britney Jean Spears, born in McComb, Mississippi, USA ~ Signed at age fifteen. The single most important singer to define late 1990s, 2000s teen girl pop, particularly with her first two albums, Baby One More Time and its follow-up Oops I Did It Again. Managed to stay relevant, building and renewing her fanbase as she grew older, and recording over half a dozen albums since with record sales over her entire career totalling over 150 million copies. Well known for feuding with her management and family, who managed not only the business side but details of her personal life as well. While in a lengthy series of highly-publicized lawsuits to regain control, a support movement would grow among her fans using the tag “#freebritney”. Spears regained full control in the early 2020s
December 2, 1978 ~ Rock bassist Chris Wolstenholme, full name Christopher Tony Wolstenholme, born in Rotherham, UK ~ Co-founding member of Rocket Baby Dolls. The band would be renamed to Muse in 1994, and have recorded over half a dozen albums since. They are known best for songs 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. Wolstenholme mostly plays with his fingers, rather than a plectrum, as he prefers the sound. Producer Rich Costey would comment: “He hits the strings really goddamn hard. It sounds that way because that's the way he plays.”
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, 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, 1960 ~ Punta guitarist Andy Palacio, full name Andy Vivian Palacio, born in Barranco, British Honduras ~ Considered a cultural ambassador of Belize and an important in figure in punta rock, drawing from Garifuna pride yet influenced by R&B, jazz, and rock & roll. Acclaimed for the mid-1990s albums Keimoun (Beat On) and Til Da Mawnin ~ Palacio passed away in 2008
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 Chapel, 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 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal bassist Rick Savage born in Sheffield, UK ~ Co-founding member of Def Leppard, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums since the late 1970s. The band hit their peak popularity in the 1980s, especially with the albums Pyromania and Hysteria. They scored about a dozen top 20 hits in their native UK, their best known being Animal, Let's Get Rocked and When Love And Hate Collide. Savage and lead singer Joe Elliott are the band's only constant members, and appear on every album
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, 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 Saw, 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 ~ 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 ~ 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, 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, 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, 1935 ~ Jazz pianist Ronnie Mathews born in New York, New York, USA ~ Critically compared to Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, and McCoy Tyner. As a leader best known for his 1963 Doin' The Thang album. Closely associated with drummers Max Roach and Art Blakey. Guested on albums by Bill Hardman, Roland Alexander, Junior Cook, Clifford Jordan, Sonny Stitt, Roy Haynes (Cracklin'), Freddie Hubbard (Breaking Point), Lee Morgan, Donald Byrd (Slow Drag), Jean-Luc Ponty, Abbey Lincoln (People In Me), Louis Hayes, Clark Terry, Woody Shaw, and Clifford Jordan ~ Mathews passed away in 2008
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, 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, 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 ~ Lyricist, songwriter John DeVries born in Wayne, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Frequent songwriting partner of pianist Joe Bushkin. The pair is perhaps best known for writing Oh Look At Me Now, a 1941 hit for Tommy Dorsey featuring Frank Sinatra. The song has been covered by numerous artists including Benny Goodman, Sam Cooke, Jo Stafford, and Nancy Wilson ~ DeVries passed away in 1992
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