December 27, 2022 ~ Vibraphonist Harry Sheppard passed away ~ Got his professional start as a musician in his late teens, working in Sol Yaged's ensemble. Would go on to become an in-demand concert and session vibraphonist throughout the 1950s, backing artists such as Cozy Cole, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Ben Webster, and Coleman Hawkins, and became closely associated with Benny Goodman during the 1960s. Sheppard is also well known as co-creator of the electric vibraphone, an instrument he developed with Claire Omar Musser. Later on in his career, Sheppard has recorded a handful of albums as a leader, perhaps most notably Points Of View released in 1992. Upon hearing of his death, Randall Jamail, who had produced several of Sheppard's albums, commented: “There was nobody like him. Aside from the musicianship, which was phenomenal, he was such a great spirit” ~ Sheppard was born in 1928
December 27, 2022 ~ Joseph Marley, commonly known as reggae singer Jo Mersa Marley, passed away ~ Son of reggae singer Stephen Marley. Co-wrote and sang on his father's Revelation Party. Released his Comfortable debut EP in 2014, leading up to a full length album Eternal in 2021 featuring guests such as Busy Signal, Kabaka Pyramid, and Melii. Best known for his 2019 recording Burn It Down. Marley also guested on the 2015 Grammy Award-winning Strictly Roots album by Morgan Heritage ~ Marley was born in 1991
December 27, 2019 ~ Jazz trombonist, singer, composer Garrett List passed away in Liège, Belgium ~ Leader and sideman. Member of Musica Elettronica Viva. Has worked with artists such as Anthony Braxton, Willem Breuker, Johnny Copeland, Arthur Russell, Frederic Rzewski, Keshavan Masiak, La Monte Young, Marianne Schroeder, Morton Feldman, Yoshi Wada, and Christian Wolff ~ List was born in 1943
December 27, 2015 ~ Singer, banjoist, mandolinist, whistler, songwriter Andy M Stewart, full name Andrew McGregor Stewart, passed away ~ Fronted Silly Wizard for over a decade, with whom he recorded well over half a dozen albums. Considered the premiere Celtic folk act during its day, they are especially acclaimed for 1981's Wild & Beautiful album. Stewart has also recorded as a solo artist, as well as with Manus Lunny, the duo especially noted for their 1987 Dublin Lady collaborative album ~ Stewart was born in 1952
December 27, 2014 ~ Claus Johannes Frank, commonly known as pianist Claude Frank, passed away ~ Of Jewish descent as a child fled Germany with his family, first settling in Paris and by 1940 relocating to America. Married to pianist Lilian Kallir, with whom he regularly collaborated. Also worked extensively with their daughter violinist Pamela Frank, notably recording the complete Ludwig van Beethoven sonatas for violin and piano. Member of the Boston Symphony Chamber Players. Has also worked with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Berliner Philharmoniker ~ Frank was born in 1925
December 27, 2010 ~ Maureen Theresa Lehane Wishart, commonly known as mezzo-soprano Maureen Lehane, passed away in Great Elm, UK ~ Married to composer Peter Wishart from 1966 until his death in 1984. Perhaps best known for performing in a 1974 production of George Frideric Handel's Ariodante with the Handel Opera Society. Lehane's repertoire over the years also included Claudio Monteverdi, Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms, and Richard Wagner ~ Lehane was born in 1932
December 27, 2008 ~ Delaine Alvin Bramlett, commonly known as singer, songwriter Delaney Bramlett, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for forming Delaney & Bonnie with then-wife Bonnie Bramlett. Taught George Harrison slide guitar. Produced and co-wrote Eric Clapton's 1970 eponymous solo debut Eric Clapton album. Duetted with Jerry Lee Lewis on the latter's 2006 Last Man Standing album. Also worked with Joe Cocker, Jimi Hendrix, King Curtis, Duane Allman, Rita Coolidge, Carl Radle, Jim Keltner, and Gram Parsons ~ Bramlett was born in 1939
December 27, 2007 ~ Carlos Guillermo Cascales, commonly known as saxophonist, bandleader Chuck Cabot, passed away ~ Brother of jazz, big band arranger Johnny Richards. As a bandleader enjoyed popularity during the 1940s and 1950s, known for songs such as Psychopathic Sally From The San Fernando Valley, Part-Time Sweetheart, In San Francisco (Long Ago), and Come Into My Arms. Co-founded the Hollywood International Talents talent agency. From the early-1960s until shortly before his death worked as booker, concert promoter, noted for organizing the Rolling Stones first West Coast concert tour ~ Cascales was born in 1915
December 27, 2006 ~ Pierre Charles Marcel Napoleon Leroyer, commonly known as songwriter Pierre Delanoë passed away in Poissy, France ~ Wrote thousands of songs recorded by Dalida, Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Petula Clark, Johnny Hallyday, Joe Dassin, Michel Sardou, Mireille Mathieu. Co-wrote Et Maintenant with Gilbert Bécaud, its translation What Now My Love was recorded by Agnetha Fältskog, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, the Supremes, Sonny & Cher, the Temptations. Co-wrote Je T'Appartiens, translated to Let It Be Me recorded by the Everly Brothers, Tom Jones, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and Nina Simone ~ Delanoë was born in 1918
December 27, 2004 ~ Walter Louis Garland, commonly known as country, rock & roll, jazz guitarist Hank Garland passed away in Orange Park, Florida, USA ~ Scored the million-seller Sugarfoot Rag at age 18. Best known for his association with Elvis Presley from 1958 through 1961, incuding on songs such as I Need Your Love Tonight, A Big Hunk O' Love, I Got Stung, Stuck On You, Little Sister, and I Feel So Bad. Also worked with Don Gibson (Sweet Sweet Girl), Little Jimmy Dickens (I Got A Hole In My Pocket), Benny Joy (Bundle Of Love), Brenda Lee, Mel Tillis, Patsy Cline (Let The Teardrops Fall), Marty Robbins, Lefty Frizzell (You're Humbuggin' Me), Faron Young (Alone With You), the Everly Brothers, Johnnie Strickland, Boots Randolph, Roy Orbison, Conway Twitty, and Moon Mullican. Recorded a jazz album, 1961's Jazz Winds From A New Direction, before a car crash later the same year cut his career short ~ Garland was born in 1930
December 27, 2003 ~ Richard Gosting, commonly known as singer Dick St John, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Formed the duo Dick & Dee Dee with Dee Dee Phelps, known for a number of 1960s recordings such as Young And In Love, Turn Around, Thou Shalt Not Steal and their best known The Mountain's High, the latter reaching the top 10 in 1961 ~ Gosting was born ca.1944
December 27, 2000 ~ John Vivian McVea, commonly known as swing, blues, R&B saxophonist, clarinetist, bandleader Jack McVea, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of banjoist Satchel McVea. Led the Black & White Records house band. Well known for co-writing and first recording Open The Door Richard, a hit for McVea in 1946 and later covered by Louis Jordan, Hot Lips Page, Count Basie, and Billy Lee Riley. McVea also appeared on the quintessential T-Bone Walker track They Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday's Just As Bad), and backed artists such as Lionel Hampton, Slim Gaillard, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and BB King ~ McVea was born in 1914
December 27, 1998 ~ Emani Johnson, commonly known as R&B singer Emani 22, born ~ First gained attention in 2018 collaborating with Trippie Redd on the tracks Emani's Interlude and Fire Starter. As a solo artist known for songs such as Heartbreak Hotel, Better Days and Dripomatic. Ironically died at age 22, the same number she used in her stage name, having released her full-length The Color Red debut album just the year before ~ Johnson passed away in 2021
December 27, 1997 ~ Country songwriter Kent Robbins, full name Kent Marshall Robbins, passed away ~ Songs written or co-written by Robbins were recorded by Barbara Mandrell, Trace Adkins (Every Light In The House), Gary Allan, John Anderson (Straight Tequila Night), the Judds (Love Is Alive), Janie Fricke, Kathy Mattea, Ronnie Milsap (I'm A Stand By My Woman Man), Willie Nelson, Charley Pride, George Straitt (Write This Down), Tanya Tucker, Steve Wariner (Heart Trouble), Don Williams, Trisha Yearwood, and Shania Twain ~ Robbins was born in 1947
December 27, 1996 ~ John Leroy Eastman Jr, commonly known as singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter Johnny Heartsman, passed away in Sacramento, California, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1957 R&B hit Johnny's House Party. Also known for songs such as Paint My Mailbox Blue and Heartburn. Has backed artists such as Jimmy McCracklin, Sugar Pie DeSanto, Big Mama Thornton, Roy Agee, Jimmy Wilson, Johnny Fuller, Al King, Tiny Powell, and Joe Simon. As a songwriter wrote for artists such as Jesse James (Are You Gonna Leave Me), Roy Buchanan (Goose Grease), John Hammond Jr (Got To Find My Baby), and Amos Garrett (Move On Down The Line) ~ Eastman was born in 1936
December 27, 1993 ~ Singer, songwriter Michael Callen passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Diagnosed with AIDS in the early-1980s became a pioneering activist raising awareness of the disease. Member of a capella quintet the Flirtations. Has recorded two solo albums, Purple Heart released in 1988 and Legacy released posthumously in 1996 ~ Callen was born in 1955
December 27, 1989 ~ Saxophonist, songwriter George Weidler, full name George William Weidler, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Second husband of singer Doris Day, the couple were married from 1946 to 1949. Has worked with Freddie Slack, Les Brown, Charlie Barnet, Ike Carpenter, the Delta Rhythm Boys, Stan Kenton, the Metronome All-Stars, Charlie Barnet and with his brothers Warner Weidler and Walter Weidler, both of whom also played saxophone ~ Weidler was born in 1926
December 27, 1986 ~ Metal guitarist, graphic designer Chris Rörland born ~ Best known as member of Swedish heavy metal outfit Sabaton, joining the band in 2012 alongside Thorbjörn Englund as replacements for Rikard Sundén and Oskar Montelius. First appeared on the 2014 Heroes album. Previously Rörland had worked with TME, Cronan, and Nocturnal Rites
December 27, 1986 ~ Etienne Stephen Jean Gustave Combe, commonly known as jazz drummer Stuff Combe, passed away in Morges, Switzerland ~ Worked with Philippe Brun, Eddie Brunner, Ernest Hollerhagen, Hazy Osterwald, Paul Kuhn, Fats Sadi, Kurt Edelhagen, Lucky Thompson, Francy Boland, Benny Bailey, and the Groupe Instrumental Romand ~ Combe was born in 1924
December 27, 1984 ~ Marcus Ramone Cooper Sr, commonly known as R&B, hip-hop, pop singer, keyboardist, songwriter Pleasure P, born ~ Member of Pretty Ricky through 2007, known for a number of mid-2000s hits including Grind With Me, Your Body and On The Hotline. Released his The Introduction Of Marcus Cooper solo debut album in 2009, which spawned the Billboard R&B top 10 hits Boyfriend #2 and Under. Cooper reunited with Pretty Ricky in 2014
December 27, 1983 ~ Walter Simon Notheis, commonly known as rock & roll singer Walter Scott, disappeared, later to be found murdered ~ Lead singer of Bob Kuban & the In-Men known for Look Out For The Cheater, a Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit in 1966. After the band disbanded Notheis pursued a solo career but would be unable to achieve the same level of success. Notheis disappeared in 1983, his body found by police four years later. His wife and her lover would be found guilty of his murder ~ Notheis was born in 1943
December 27, 1981 ~ Hoagland Howard Carmichael, commonly known as pianist, bandleader, songwriter Hoagy Carmichael passed away in Rancho Mirage, California, USA ~ Revered songwriter. Wrote or co-wrote classics such as Stardust (the Chocolate Dandies, Benny Goodman, Erroll Garner, Willie Nelson), Georgia On My Mind (Frankie Trumbauer, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles), The Nearness Of You (Chick Bullock, Glenn Miller, Sarah Vaughan), Heart And Soul (Larry Clinton, Sue Raney, Jan & Dean, Betty Carter), Lazy Bones (Glen Gray, Kay Starr, the Supremes, Leon Redbone), Skylark (Gene Krupa, Dinah Shore, Earl Hines), Ole Buttermilk Sky (Kay Kyser, Paul Weston, Connee Boswell), and In The Cool Cool Cool Of The Evening (Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Henry Mancini) ~ Carmichael was born in 1899
December 27, 1980 ~ In its ninth week on the charts, (Just Like) Starting Over by John Lennon hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Lennon had departed the music industry about half a decade earlier, his last album Rock 'n Roll issued in 1975 consisting solely of covers, and had chosen (Just Like) Starting Over as lead single off his upcoming Double Fantasy album not because he felt it was the best track, but because it was the most appropriate, “just like starting over”. Sadly, it would be the singer's last single released during his lifetime as he would be shot and killed in early December in the archway of his New York residence by Mark David Chapman. About three weeks after his death, (Just Like) Starting Over would become Lennon's second American No.1 as a solo artist, having previously reached the top spot with Whatever Gets You Thru The Night in 1974. Chapman pled guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 20 years to life. He currently remains incarcerated at Green Haven Correctional Facility, Beekman, New York
December 27, 1979 ~ Country, country pop singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Walker Hayes, full name Charles Edgar Walker Hayes, born in Mobile, Alabama, USA ~ Released his Reason To Rhyme debut album in 2011. Would gain serious attention in 2017, the single You Broke Up With Me reaching top 10 on the Billboard Country charts. Subsequent hits include Fancy Like and AA. Co-wrote and guested on Colt Ford's Dirty Side of Ford's 2014 Thanks For Listening album. Co-wrote Eat Sleep Love You Repeat, recorded by Rodney Atkins later the same year
December 27, 1978 ~ Country, rockabilly singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Luman, full name Robert Glynn Lyman, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Tried out for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but as he was not selected turned to music instead of professional baseball. Has recorded over a dozen albums since the early-1960s. Best known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Let's Think About Living and for Red Cadillac And A Black Mustache. Luman has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1965 ~ Luman was born in 1937
December 27, 1978 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Chris Bell, full name Christopher Branford Bell, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as early member and along with Alex Chilton co-leader of power pop band Big Star, present on the band's 1972 No.1 Record debut album. Influenced artists such as Beck, REM, Teenage Fanclub, the Pixies, Primal Scream, Afghan Whigs, Wilco, and the Replacements ~ Bell was born in 1951
December 27, 1973 ~ Singer, pianist, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, songwriter Alexi Murdoch born in London, UK ~ First gained attention in 2002 with his self-released Four Songs EP. Would release a critically acclaimed full-length album, Time Without Consequences, in 2006 drawing comparisons to late singer, songwriter Nick Drake
December 27, 1972 ~ Guitarist, cellist, pianist, songwriter Matt Slocum born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as lead guitarist of Sixpence None The Richer and along with singer Leigh Nash the only constant members. Slocum is the principal songwriter of the band including writing the band's best known 2002's Breathe Your Name and the 1998 global hit Kiss Me, the latter reaching top 10 across the globe including in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Has also worked with Love Coma, Over The Rhine, the Astronaut Pushers, Viva Voce, Julie Miller, Plumb, Wes King, Switchfoot, Hammock, the Lost Dogs, the Choir, Threefold, Brooke Waggoner, and Chris Rice
December 27, 1966 ~ Violinist, composer, teacher Willis James, full name Willis Laurence James, passed away ~ Best known as a teacher, serving as a member of the faculty staff of Spelman College for more than three decades starting in the early-1930s. Studied with Sidney Woodward. Protégé of Kemper Harreld. Member of the Morehouse Quartet. Co-founded the Fort Valley State College Folk Festival which ran anually from 1940 through 1955 ~ James was born in 1900
December 27, 1960 ~ Gospel singer, bassist Fred Hammond, full name Frederick William Hammond, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ One of the most popular figures in contemporary Christian music. Draws from a variety of styles including R&B, hip-hop, pop and disco. Played bass in the Winans. Member of Commissioned. Also records as a solo artist since the early-1990s
December 27, 1960 ~ Martin Glover, commonly known as rock, post-punk, experimental rock bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, producer Youth, born ~ Founding member, bassist of Killing Joke, leaving the band in 1982 before they would hit mainstream success in the mid-1980s. As a collaborator, label founder, producer and remixer Youth would later turn to dub, ambient, techno, house and electronica. Has worked with Fireman, Kate Bush, Guns 'n Roses, Primal Scream, Art Of Noise, Crowded House, Zoe, PM Dawn, Erasure, U2, Bananarama, INXS, and Suns Of Arqa
December 27, 1957 ~ Progressive metal drummer Jerry Gaskill, full name Jerry Wayne Gaskill, born ~ Co-founding member of King's X. Has also worked with Phil Keaggy, Doug Pinnick, the Galactic Cowboys, Jay Hooks, Ty Tabor, Black Sugar Transmission, and Poundhound. Released his Come Somewhere solo debut album in 2004, singing lead and playing guitar and drums
December 27, 1956 ~ Pianist, comedian Erik Brey, full name Erik Johannes Maria Breij, born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Founded cabaret group Purper with Haye van der Heyden, Jan Dagevos and Willem Gulcher, remaining with the group throughout its entire existence from 1980 to 1996
December 27, 1952 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, pianist David Knopfler born in Glasgow, UK ~ Co-founded the Dire Straits, which also included his older brother Mark Knopfler, appearing on on the band's first two albums, 1978's Dire Straits and 1979's Communiqué. Released his solo debut album, Release, in 1983 and has been recording steadily since
December 27, 1951 ~ Singer, songwriter Karla Bonoff born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of Bryndle. Especially known as a songwriter, writing songs covered or originally recorded by artists such as Bonnie Raitt (Home), Linda Ronstadt (Someone To Lay Down Beside Me), Wynonna Judd (Tell Me Why), and Lynn Anderson (Isn't It Always Love). As a solo artist best known for Personally, a Billboard top 20 hit in 1982
December 27, 1950 ~ Hariklia Roupaka, commonly known as folk, rebetiko, laiko, entehno singer Haris Alexiou, born in Tebes, Greece ~ Over 30 albums to her name, considered one of the most popular Greek singers with record sales trailing only behind George Dalaras and Yiannis Parios. Well known songs include O Fantaros, Ola Se Thymizoun, Fevgo, Ximeroni, I Agapi Ine Zali, and Nefeli's Tango
December 27, 1950 ~ Drummer Terry Bozzio, full name Terry John Bozzio, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Frank Zappa, appearing on over two dozen of the latter's albums including Sheik Yerbouti, Joe's Garage Acts I II & III and Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar. Has also worked with Missing Persons, 10cc (Deceptive Bends), the Brecker Brothers, UK, Robbie Robertson (Robbie Robertson), Gary Wright, Debbie Harry, Jeff Beck, Mark Isham, the Lonely Bears, Steve Vai, Duran Duran, Bozzio Levin Stevens, the Explorers Club, the Knack, Omar & the Howlers, Pat Mastelotto, the Fantomas, and BPM
December 27, 1949 ~ Rock, blues guitarist Wally Gonzalez born in Manila, Philippines ~ Leading figure in Pinoy rock, especially as co-founder of the Juan de la Cruz Band which at the height of its succes also included Mike Hanopol and Pepe Smith. The band is best known for Himig Nation of the 1973 landmark album of the same name. Has also recorded as a solo artist, notably Wally's Blues of his 1978 On The Road album, and was involved with a number of Pinoy bands from the 1990s forward serving as a mentor to numerous emerging talents ~ Gonzalez passed away in 2021
December 27, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Les Taylor, full name Leslie Christopher Taylor, born in Oneida, Kentucky, USA ~ Lead singer, rhythm guitarist of Exile from 1980 to 1989 and rejoining in 1995. As a solo artist known for songs such as I Gotta Mind To Go Crazy. Has also written or co-written songs recorded by Shelby Lynne, Janie Fricke (It Ain't Easy Bein' Easy), Travis Tritt
December 27, 1948 ~ Engineer, producer Martin Birch born in Woking, UK ~ Renowned hard rock, metal engineer, producer known for his work with artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Jeff Beck, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Wishbone Ash, Rainbow, Ronnie James Dio, the Blue Öyster Cult, Iron Maiden, Skid Row, Toad, Gary Moore, Roger Glover, Cozy Powell, and the Michael Schenker Group ~ Birch passed away in 2020
December 27, 1947 ~ Alan Bruce Galuten, commonly known as pianist, guitarist, producer, orchestrator, songwriter Albhy Galuten, born in Hartsdale, New York, USA ~ In-demand producer. Closely associated with the Bee Gees, producing or co-producing several of the band's best known including You Should Be Dancing, How Deep Is Your Love, Stayin' Alive, Night Fever, Too Much Heaven, Tragedy, and Love You Inside Out. Other notable credits include Jellyfish, Frankie Valli (Grease), Barbra Streisand (Guilty), Dionne Warwick (Heartbreaker), Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Samantha Sang, Diana Ross (Chain Reaction), Eric Clapton, and Jesse Ed Davis
December 27, 1944 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Mick Jones born in Portsmouth, UK ~ Active since the early-1960s. Member of Nero & the Gladiators, known for the minor UK hits Entry Of The Gladiators and In The Hall Of The Mountain King. Sessioned for Françoise Hardy, Sylvia Vartan, Johnny Hallyday, including writing Je Suis Né Dans La Rue and A Tout Casser for Hallyday. Best known as co-founding and sole constant member of Foreigner, writing or co-writing a vast amount of the band's material including their best known I Want To Know What Love Is. Released a sole solo album, the eponymous Mick Jones, in 1989. Co-wrote Bad Love of Eric Clapton's 1989 Journeyman album. Has served as producer for Van Halen (5150), Bad Company, Billy Joel (Storm Front), Tina Arena, and for the Cult
December 27, 1944 ~ Country, blues, roots singer, songwriter Tracy Nelson born in Madison, Michigan, USA ~ Member of folk outfit the Fuller Wood Singers and frontwoman of the Fabulous Imitations in her teens. Released her Deep Are The Roots solo debut album in 1965, backed by harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite. Member of Mother Earth with whom she first recorded the self-penned Down So Low, included on the band's Living With The Animals debut album. It would become a signature song for Nelson, recorded several times over the course of her career, and be covered by a host of female singers including Linda Ronstadt, Etta James, Diamanda Galás, Maria Muldaur, and Cyndi Lauper. Would continue to record as solo artist, take a lengthy hiatus in the 1980s, and make a comeback in the 1990s, notably with the acclaimed collaborative album Sing It with labelmates Marcia Ball and Irma Thomas
December 27, 1943 ~ Progressive rock, art rock guitarist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter Peter Sinfield, full name Peter John Sinfield, born in Putney, UK ~ Co-founded King Crimson, remaining with the band through its first four albums. The band is especially acclaimed for their 1969 In The Court Of The Crimson King debut album, widely considered one of the most influential albums in the progressive rock genre. Following his departure from King Crimson, Sinfield has produced Roxy Music's eponymous Roxy Music debut album, which included the hit single Virginia Plain, and has notably worked with Emerson Lake & Palmer. Sinfield would remain an in-demand songwriter, known for his use of surreal imagery, over time gravitating towards more pop-oriented artists. Artists who have recorded songs co-written by Sinfield include Angelo Branduardi, Leo Sayer, Bucks Fizz (The Land Of Make Believe), Five Star, Céline Dion, Nikka Costa, Cher (Heart Of Stone), and Agnetha Fältskog. Sinfield recorded one album as a solo artist, the overlooked Still released in 1973 ~ Sinfield passed away in 2024
December 27, 1942 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Mike Heron, full name James Michael Heron born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Co-founding and key member of the Incredible String Band, with whom he recorded about a dozen albums through the mid-1970s including the acclaimed The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter issued in 1968. While the Incredible String Band pioneered psychedelic folk, or as Heron has stated “the kind of music we felt was missing from our lives, that fitted with the hippy lifestyle”, Heron's solo outings were eclectic yet much more rock-oriented. Songs written by Heron and first recorded by the Incredible String Band have been covered by the likes of Alex Harvey (Maybe Some Day), Johnny McEvoy, Derek Brimstone, and Michael Martin Murphey. As a solo artist, Heron is especially known for his 1971 Smiling Men With Bad Reputations debut album, blending rock, folk and world music, backed by the day's finest musicians including Pete Townshend, Keith Moon, Ronnie Lane, Elton John, and Steve Winwood
December 27, 1941 ~ Keyboardist, saxophonist Les Maguire, full name Leslie Charles Maguire, born in Wallasey, UK ~ Played the saxophone for Liverpool pop group the Undertakers. Joined Gerry & the Pacemakers in 1961, replacing original pianist Arthur Mack, and remained with the band through 1966. Appeared on most of the band's best known including How Do You Do It, I Like It, You'll Never Walk Alone, Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying, and Ferry Cross The Mersey, all of which reached top 10 in the band's native UK ~ Maguire passed away in 2023
December 27, 1941 ~ Keyboardist Mike Pinder, full name Michael Thomas Pinder, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Founding member of the Moody Blues, remaining with the band from its inception in 1964 through the recording of the band's ninth album, Octave, in 1978. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Let Me Go, Stop, The Best Way To Travel, The Sun Is Still Shining, Procession, Lost In A Lost World, When You're A Free Man and One Step Into The Light ~ Pinder passed away in 2024
December 27, 1937 ~ Jazz drummer Bob French born ~ While not widely known outside New Orleans, French is nonetheless considered a key figure in the city's rich musical history. Organized an R&B band while in high school, which included Art Neville, Charles Neville, and Kidd Jordan. Recorded with the likes of Earl King, Snooks Eaglin, and Fats Domino during the 1960s. Led the the Tuxedo Jazz Band, previously led by his father banjoist Papa French, from 1977 until his death at age 74 ~ French passed away in 2012
December 27, 1933 ~ Guitarist, pedal steel guitarist John Hughey born in Elaine, Arkansas, USA ~ Influenced by Eddy Arnold's longtime steel guitarist Little Roy Wiggins. Best known for his decade-plus stint with Slim Rhodes and subsequently Conway Twitty for most of the 1970s and 1980s. Member of Nashville supergroup the Time Jumpers. As an in-demand session musician, Hughey has appeared on albums by Elvis Presley (From Elvis In Memphis), Tony Joe White, Alex Taylor (Dinnertime), Don McLean, Willie Nelson (Phases And Stages), Dickey Betts (Highway Call), Gary Stewart, Ronnie Milsap, Steve Wariner, Dolly Parton (White Limozeen), Vince Gill, and Marty Stuart ~ Hughey passed away in 2007
December 27, 1931 ~ Pianist, composer Walter Norris born in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA ~ Considered a brilliant pianist, known for his harmonically complex yet melodic improvisations. Recorded about a dozen albums as a leader, notably Synchronicity and Winter Rose, the latter a collaborative effort with Aladar Pege. Over the course of his lengthy career, Norris has appeared on albums by Frank Rosolino, Jack Sheldon (The Quartet And The Quintet), Ornette Coleman, Pepper Adams (Julian), Chet Baker, Herb Geller, and Joe Pass. Norris relocated to Berlin, Germany, by the late 1970s, where he would spend the remainder of his life ~ Norris passed away in 2011
December 27, 1930 ~ Electric blues bassist, singer, songwriter Bob Stroger born in Hayti, Missouri, USA ~ Worked with Eddie King, Otis Rush, Jimmy Rogers, Eddie Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Sunnyland Slim, Louisiana Red, Buster Benton, Homesick James, Mississippi Heat, Snooky Pryor, Odie Payne, Fred Below, Willie Big Eyes Smith, Billy Davenport, Willie Kent, Rufus Forman, and Mark Hummel
December 27, 1927 ~ Jazz bassist, tubist Bill Crow, full name William Orval Crow, born in Othello, Washington, USA ~ Best known for his longtime association with saxophonist Gerry Mulligan. Has also worked with Stan Getz, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn, Clark Terry, Marian McPartland, JJ Johnson, Al Haig, Jimmy Cleveland, Milt Jackson, Benny Goodman, Mose Allison, Bob Wilber, Eddie Bert, and Jay McShann
December 27, 1919 ~ Mitchell W Wood, commonly known as jazz trombonist Booty Wood, born in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Active since the late-1930s. Sporadically recorded as a leader. Closely associated with Duke Ellington and Count Basie, recording over half a dozen albums with each. Has also guested on albums by Willis Jackson, Jimmy Hamilton (Swing Low Sweet Clarinet), Johnny Hodges, Maria Muldaur, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lionel Hampton ~ Wood passed away in 1987
December 27, 1917 ~ John Landry Boudreaux, commonly known as saxophonist, clarinetist Buddy Boudreaux, born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Andy Williams, Bernadette Peters, Doc Severinsen, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Burt Bacharach, Johnny Mathis, the Four Tops, Bob Hope, George Burns, Joan Rivers, Tommy Dorsey, and Warren Covington ~ Boudreaux passed away in 2015
December 27, 1916 ~ Jazz violinist, double bassist Johnny Frigo, full name John Virgil Frigo, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Perhaps best remembered for writing Detour Ahead, a jazz standard recorded by Woody Herman, Billie Holiday, Patti Page, Irene Kral, and Anita O'Day. Has worked with Ken Nordine, Holly Cole, Audrey Morris, Claiborne Cary, Buddy Greco, Skeeter Davis, Monty Alexander, Skitch Henderson, Chad Mitchell, and Pee Wee King ~ Frigo passed away in 2007
December 27, 1907 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger Eddie Wilcox born in Method, North Carolina, USA, USA ~ Arranger for Jimmie Lunceford from the 1920s until Lunceford's death in 1947. Took over the orchestra, serving as co-leader with Joe Thomas, through the early-1950s. Founded R&B Raecox label in the 1950s. Also worked as executive for Riviera Records and Derby Records ~ Wilcox passed away in 1968
December 27, 1902 ~ Pop, show tunes songwriter Sam Coslow born in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for songs such as Sing You Sinners (the Harlem Hot Chocolates, Susan Hayward, Tony Bennett), Jammin' (Abe Lyman, Mike Riley), The Moon Song (Kate Smith, Wayne King, Doris Day), I Guess It Had To Be This Way (Bing Crosby, Champ Butler), True Confession (Dorothy Lamour, Connee Boswell) ~ Coslow passed away in 1982
December 27, 1901 ~ Maria Magdalene Dietrich, commonly known as actress, singer Marlene Dietrich, born in Schoneberg, Germany ~ Rose to fame as a stage and silent film actress in 1920s Berlin before moving to Hollywood becoming one of the highest-paid stars of the era. As a singer known for songs such as Falling In Love Again (Can't Help It), See What The Boys In The Back Room Will Have and perhaps her best known Lili Marlene ~ Dietrich passed away in 1992
December 27, 1887 ~ Gertrude Mary Astbury, commonly known as music hall singer, dancer Gertie Gitana, born in Longport, UK ~ Enjoyed popularity from the early-1900s, while still only in her mid-teens, until retiring from performing by the late-1930s. Well known as the Forces sweetheart during World War I, entertaining the wounded in hospitals. Best known for her signature song Nellie Dean, written by Harry Armstrong and Richard H Gerard ~ Astbury passed away in 1957