This Day In Music: December 29
December 28 ~ Birthdays/All ~ December 30
 
December 29, 2023 ~ Jazz, soul jazz pianist, singer, songwriter Les McCann, full name Leslie Coleman McCann, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Actively recording since the early 1960s. Noted for his 1969 Swiss Movement album, which also featured saxophonist Eddie Harris and trumpeter Benny Bailey. The album spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hit Compared To What, later covered by over 250 artists including Roberta Flack. McCann also collaborated with Teddy Edwards, Richard Groove Holmes, Lou Rawls (Stormy Monday), Stanley Turrentine, Cash McCall, and Herbie Mann ~ McCann was born in 1935
December 29, 2023 ~ Actor, director, singer, choreographer Maurice Hines, full name Maurice Robert Hines Jr, passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Brother of dancer Gregory Hines, with whom he has also worked including as opening act for the likes of Lionel Hampton and Gypsy Rose Lee. Starting in the late 1970s Hines would appear in Broadway productions of Eubie, Bring Back Birdie, Sophisticated Ladies and Uptown (It's Hot), earning a Tony Award for the latter. Conceived, choreographed, and directed Hot Feet, a 2006 jukebox musical featuring the music of Earth Wind & Fire ~ Hines was born in 1943
 
December 29, 2022 ~ Electronic composer Eduard Artemeyev, full name Eduard Nikolayevich Artemeyev, passed away in Moscow, Russia ~ One of the first composers to utilize a synthesizer, and as such regarded as a pioneer of electronic music. Outside of Russia best known for his film scores, with well over two dozen soundtracks to his name including Solaris, At Home Among Strangers, Stalker, Siberiade, and Burnt By The Sun ~ Artemeyev was born in 1937
December 29, 2022 ~ Folk, country singer, guitarist, songwriter Ian Tyson, full name Ian Dawson Tyson, passed away in Longview, Canada ~ Formed the husband-wife duo Ian & Sylvia with Sylvia Tyson, known for originals such as Four Strong Winds, You Were On My Mind and Someday Soon. The latter would become a country classic recorded by numerous artists including Judy Collins, the Kingston Trio, Lynn Anderson, Glen Campbell, Chris LeDoux, Crystal Gayle, Moe Bandy, Fred Eaglesmith and others ~ Tyson was born in 1933
December 29, 2022 ~ Pop singer Margriet Eshuijs passed away in Zaandam, the Netherlands ~ Lead singer for Lucifer, known best for their 1974 hit House For Sale which remains a radio staple to this day. Other well known songs include Scarlet Lady, I Can See The Sun In Late December, and Selfpity. After the band disbanded in 1979 Eshuijs has recorded as a solo artist, noted for her 1982 Black Pearl Dutch top 20 hit ~ Eshuijs was born in 1952
 
December 29, 2021 ~ Drummer John Hartman passed away ~ Original drummer, co-founding member of the Doobie Brothers. The band would add a second drummer, Michael Hossack, to the line-up in 1971 and keep the dual-drummer formation until Hartman's final departure from the band in 2016. Hartman was present on Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits such as Listen To The Music, Long Train Runnin', China Grove, Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me), Takin' It To The Street and Minute By Minute. 1974's Black Water and 1979's What A Fool Believes would both reach No.1 ~ Hartman was born in 1950
 
December 29, 2020 ~ Heavy metal, power metal, neoclassical metal guitarist, singer, songwriter Alexi Laiho, full name Markku Uula Aleksi Laiho, passed away in Helsinki, Finland ~ Best known as co-founding member, lead singer of Children Of Bodom. Has also worked with Sinergy, the Local Band, Kylähullut, Thy Serpent, Impaled Nazarene, Warmen, Hypocrisy and with Bodom After Midnight, the latter formed just prior to his death ~ Laiho was born in 1979
December 29, 2020 ~ Pianist, bandleader, composer Claude Bolling passed away in St Cloud, France ~ Especially known as a film composer with over 100 scores to his name. Worked with Lionel Hampton, Roy Eldridge, Kenny Clarke, Jean Pierre Rampal, Alexandre Lagoya, Pinchas Zukerman, Maurice André, Yo-Yo Ma, and others ~ Bolling was born in 1930
December 29, 2020 ~ Hubert Brad Lewis, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, bassist, pianist, songwriter Hugh X Lewis, passed away ~ As a singer best known for a number of 1960s, 1970s singles, notably What I Need Most, I'd Better Call The Law On Me and All Heaven Broke Loose. Also known as a songwriter, his songs recorded by Stonewall Jackson (BJ The DJ), Mac Wiseman and George Morgan ~ Lewis was born in 1930
December 29, 2020 ~ Singer Phyllis McGuire, full name Phyllis Jean McGuire, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Formed the sibling outfit the McGuire Sisters with Christine McGuire and Dorothy McGuire. The close-harmony vocal trio would first gain attention in 1952 through Arthur Godfrey's talent contest Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, after which Godfrey hired them for several of his other TV shows. The trio remained active through the late 1960s, and are well known for songs such as Goodnight Sweatheart Goodnight, Muskrat Ramble, It May Sound Silly, Something's Gotta Give, and He. The sisters would top the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice, first with Sincerely in 1955, and again with Sugartime two years later. They have performed for five American presidents, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George HW Bush ~ McGuire was born in 1931
December 29, 2020 ~ Singer Rudy Salas passed away ~ Brother of Steve Salas. The pair would be discovered by Mario Paniagua of the Percussions. Rudy sang on the Jaguars' Where Lovers Go while still in his early teens. Soon the brothers would record several singles under the moniker the Salas Brothers. The pair would join El Chicano in 1972 and form their own band Tierra the following year, best known for Together of their 1980 City Nights album ~ Salas was born ca.1949
 
December 29, 2019 ~ Folk, pop, Latin jazz singer, percussionist, songwriter Norma Tanega, full name Norma Cecilia Tanega, passed away in Claremont, California, USA ~ Best known for Walkin' My Cat Named Dog, an international hit in 1966 nearing the top 20 in America and Britain and reaching top 10 in Canada. Wrote or co-wrote a number of songs recorded by Dusty Springfield including No Stranger Am I, The Colour Of Your Eyes, Earthbound Gypsy and Midnight Sounds. Has collaborated with Hybridvigor, the Latin Lizards, John Zeretzke, Brian Ransom, Baboonz, Steve Rushingwind Ruiz, and others ~ Tanega was born in 1939
 
December 29, 2018 ~ Cellist Aldo Parisot passed away in Guilford, Connecticut, USA ~ Debuted profesionally at age 12. Principal cellist of the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra. Composer Heitor Villa-Lobos wrote Cello Concerto Number 2 for Parisot. Has worked with numerous orchestras and conductors including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, Leopold Stokowski, John Barbirolli, Pierre-Michel Le Conte, Leonard Bernstein, Eleazar de Carvalho, Zubin Mehta, Claude Monteux, Paul Paray, and Victor de Sabata ~ Parisot was born in 1918
 
December 29, 2013 ~ Guitarist, drummer, songwriter Benjamin Curtis passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Brother of bassist Brandon Curtis. Influenced by Michael Rother, Yoshimi P-We and U2's the Edge. Co-founding member of acts such as Secret Machines, the School of Seven Bells and UFOFU. Drummer for Tripping Daisy from 1997 through 1999 ~ Curtis was born in 1978
 
December 29, 2012 ~ Bluegrass, country dobroist, singer Mike Auldridge passed away in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA ~ Considered one of country's all-time most distinctive and beloved dobro players. Influenced by his uncle steel guitarist Ellsworth T Cozzens and dobroist Josh Graves, the latter actually selling Auldridge his first dobro. Co-founding member of the Seldom Scene. Has also worked with the Country Gentlemen, Chesapeake, John Starling & Carolina Star, Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris, the Bass Mountain Boys, Doyle Lawson, Cliff Waldron, and others ~ Auldridge was born in 1938
 
December 29, 2011 ~ Robert Dickey, singer, commonly known as Bobby Purify passed away in Tallahassee, Florida, USA ~ Best known as half of vocal duo James & Bobby Purify, the other being his cousin James Purify, known for songs such as I'm Your Puppet, Let Love Come Between Us, Shake A Tail Feather, and others. Dickey would retire from music in the early 1970s for health reasons. James would initially continue to perform as a solo singer, and team up with singer Ben Moore in the mid-1970s using the old James & Bobby monniker ~ Dickey was born in 1939
 
December 29, 2008 ~ Bebop, hard bop, post-bop trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, full name Frederick Dwayne Hubbard, passed away in Sherman Oaks, California, USA ~ Closely associated with Art Blakey, backing Blakey in the Jazz Messengers for most of the 1960s including on albums such as Mosaic, Caravan and Free For All. Over 50 albums as leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for Open Sesame, Ready For Freddie and Backlash. In-demand sideman appearing on some of most important jazz albums from the late 1950s onwards including by JJ Johnson, Eric Dolphy (Outward Bound), Tina Brooks, Jackie McLean (Bluesnik), Dexter Gordon, Ornette Coleman (Free Jazz), John Coltrane, Oliver Nelson (The Blues And The Abstract Truth), Herbie Hancock (Takin' Off), Willie Bobo, Wayne Shorter (The All Seeing Eye), Max Roach, Quincy Jones (Walking In Space), George Benson, Don Sebesky, and Milt Jackson (Sunflower). To pop audiences perhaps best known for his trumpet playing on Zanzibar of Billy Joel's 1978 52nd Street album ~ Hubbard was born in 1938
 
December 29, 2001 ~ Keyboardist, pianist Florian Fricke passed away in Munich, Germany ~ Best known as keyboardist of krautrock group Popol Vuh, starting out on Moog synthesizers and switching to acoustic piano as the band evolved in a different direction. Also known for composing a number of soundtracks, most notably for film director Werner Herzog. Has also worked with Tangerine Dream, Renate Knaup, Gila, and others ~ Fricke was born in 1944
December 29, 2001 ~ Stride pianist Ralph Sutton passed away in Evergreen, Colorado, USA ~ Along with James P Johnson and Fats Waller among the best known and most influential stride pianists. Active since the late 1930s, backing artists such as Jack Teagarden and Bob Scobey before venturing out on his own. Over a dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for his eponymous 1950 Ralph Sutton debut album. Present on albums by Conrad Janis, Jess Stacy, Edmond Hall, Wild Bill Davison, Tony Parenti, Sidney Bechet (Creole Reeds), Clancy Hayes (Swingin' Minstrel), the Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band, the World's Greatest Jazz Band, and Dick Cary ~ Sutton was born in 1922
 
December 29, 1996 ~ Singer, bassist Jerry Knight passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Founding member of Raydio, which also included Ray Parker Jr, best known for Jack And Jill, You Can't Change That and perhaps their best-known A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do). Also half of Ollie & Jerry, the other half being drummer Ollie E Brown, known for Breaking (There Is No Stopping Us) which was used as the theme song to the 1984 Breakin' feature film and would reach the Billboard top 10. Knight has also written and produced for artists such as the Whispers, Patrice Rushen, DeBarge, Howard Hewett, Elkie Brooks, and others ~ Knight was born in 1952
December 29, 1996 ~ Singer, composer, actress Mireille Hartuch passed away in Paris, France ~ French cultural icon. Member of the French Resistance during World War II. As a singer perhaps best known for Ce Petit Chemin. Wrote or co-wrote over 600 songs, many of them recorded by artists such as Maurice Chevalier, Jean Sablon, Charles Trenet ~ Hartuch was born in 1906
 
December 29, 1993 ~ Rock singer Chloe Kohanski born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Winner of thirteenth season of NBC's talent show The Voice, aired in 2017. Won the $100,000 grand prize and a record deal, but apart from winning the season with Wish I Didn't Love You has only sparsely recorded since. Her sole EP, Fantasy released in 2019, produced no chart hits
 
December 29, 1992 ~ Actress, singer Vivienne Segal, full name Vivienne Sonia Segal, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for her role as Vera Simpson in the 1940 Broadway production of Pal Joey, written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, introducing the song Bewitched Bothered And Bewildered ~ Segal was born in 1897
 
December 29, 1991 ~ Aaquil Iben Shamon Brown, commonly known as trap, hip-hop rapper Slim Jxmmi, born in Whitler, California, USA ~ Forms the sibling duo Rae Sremmurd with his younger brother Swae Lee, best known for their 2016 Billboard Hot 100 charttopper Black Beatles featuring Gucci Mane. Other well known songs include No Type, Throw Sum Mo featuring Nicki Minaj & Young Thug, and Swang
 
December 29, 1990 ~ Electric blues, jump blues, rock & roll singer, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Goree Carter passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his 1949 Rock Awhile single, one of the records regularly cited as one of the first rock & roll records. After serving in the military, including a deployment to Korea, would record throughout the mid-1950s yet mostly retire from music on account of discontement with the music industry. Carter would occasionally perform locally or sit in with visiting artists including BB King ~ Carter was born in 1930
 
December 29, 1984 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Leo Robin passed away in Woodland Hills, California, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Thanks For The Memory with Ralph Rainger, sung by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross in the film The Big Broadcast Of 1938. Other well known songs co-written by Robin include Blue Hawaii (Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley), In Love In Vain (Margaret Whiting, Betty Madigan, Patti Page), Prisoner Of Love (Russ Columbo, Mildred Bailey, Teddy Wilson, the Ink Spots), Miss Brown To You (Billie Holiday, Anita O'Day, Carmen McRae), Love Is Just Around The Corner (the Pickens Sisters, the Dorsey Brothers), and Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend (Carol Channing, Marilyn Monroe, Lena Horne, Della Reese) ~ Robin was born in 1900
 
December 29, 1980 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Tim Hardin, full name James Timothy Hardin, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for penning two songs, both covered by a wide array of artists. His If I Were A Carpenter was covered by Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, Johnny Rivers, Bert Jansch, and others. His Reason To Believe was covered by Brainbox, Neil Young, the Carpenters, and numerous others ~ Hardin was born in 1941
 
December 29, 1978 ~ R&B, soul, jazz singer, actress LaToya London, full name LaToya Renee London, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ First gained attention in 2004, reaching 4th place on the talent show American Idol. Would release her Love & Life debut album the following year. Would go on to focus on stage work, notably portraying the role of Shug Avery in the musical The Color Purple from 2007 through 2010
 
December 29, 1973 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Glenn Richards, full name Glenn Anthony Richards, born in Shepparton, Australia ~ Key member, primary songwriter of Augie March, best known for the singles The Vineyard and One Crowded Hour. Richards released a solo album, Glimjack, in 2010
December 29, 1973 ~ Jazz singer, composer Maja Ratkje, full name Maja Solvief Kjelstrup Ratkje, born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Worked with Jaap Blonk, Lasse Marhaug, Joëlle Léandre, Per Inge Bjørlo, Stian Westerhuis, Kathy Hinde, Odd Johan Fritzoe, POING, HC Gilje, Stephen O'Malley, Ikue Mori, Zeena Parkins, the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, Spunk, Fe-mail, Matmos, Derek Piotr, and others
December 29, 1973 ~ Chad Lamont Butler, commonly known as rapper Pimp C, born in Crowley, Louisiana, USA ~ Formed the rap duo UGK with Bun B. The pair has recorded over half a dozen albums since the early 1990s, noted especially for 1992's Ridin' Dirty, and had guested on tracks such as Jay-Z's hit Big Pimpin', as well as on Three 6 Mafia's hit Spin On Some Syrup ~ Butler passed away in 2007
 
December 29, 1970 ~ R&B producer, keyboardist, guitarist, percussionist, songwriter Dallas Austin born in Columbus, Georgia, USA ~ First gained attention as a staff producer at Motown, producing debut albums by then-unknown acts such as Another Bad Creation and Boyz II Men. Would go on to work with artists such as TLC (Unpretty), Monica, P!nk (Just Like A Pill), After 7, Crystal Waters, Samantha Ronson, N'dea Davenport, Carly Rae Jepsen, Madonna, Brand New Heavies, Terence Trent d'Arby, Anastacia, the Sugababes, Gwen Stefani (Cool), George Clinton, Ciara, Janet Jackson, Fishbone, Deborah Cox, Blu Cantrell, Klymaxx, Goodie Mob, and others
December 29, 1970 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist, keyboardist, songwriter Glen Phillips born in Santa Barbara, California, USA ~ Lead singer of alternative rock band Toad The Wet Sprocket, best known for their 1991 Fear album which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits All I Want and Walk The Ocean. Has also recorded as a solo artist and worked with Flapping Flapping, Mutual Admiration Society, Plover, RemoteTreeChildren, Works Progress Administration, and others
 
December 29, 1969 ~ Twin brothers drummer Adam Perry and singer, producer Jason Perry born in Leeds, UK ~ Both are members of A, known for songs such as I Love Lake Tahoe, Nothing, Starbucks and Rush Song. The band also included their younger brother keyboardist Giles Perry. Adam has also formed the songwriting, production team the Collective, which also included Daniel P Carter and Julian Emery, and drummed with the Bloodhound Gang. Jason has served as producer for acts such as Fatherson, Don Broco, McBusted, Kids In Glass Houses, Futures, and others
December 29, 1969 ~ Jazz pianist, organist, drummer, trumpeter, bandleader, composer George Colligan born in New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Chick Corea, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner. Has worked with Phil Woods, Gary Bartz, Robin Eubanks, Billy Higgins, Lee Konitz, Nicholas Payton, Steve Wilson, Richard Bona, Cassandra Wilson, Christian McBride, Buster Williams, Al Foster, Don Byron, Benny Golson, Lonnie Plaxico, Vanessa Rubin, Dwayne Burno, Drew Gress, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Perico Sambeat, Larry Grenadier, and others
 
December 29, 1968 ~ Derek Murphy, commonly known as MC Sadat X, born in New Rochelle, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of Brand Nubian, known for songs such as Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down and Don't Let It Go To Your Head. Has recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist. Guested on recordings by A Tribe Called Quest (Show Business), Notorious BIG, OSTR, DJ Symphony, and others
 
December 29, 1967 ~ Singer, bassist, actor Evan Seinfeld born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Founding member of Biohazard, remaining with the band through 2011. Married to DJ, producer, former pornographic actress Lupe Fuentes
 
December 29, 1966 ~ Jazz, Latin Jazz pianist, composer Danilo Pérez born in Panama ~ Leader and sideman. Actively recording since the early 1990s. Merges Panamanian roots with Latin folk, jazz, and European and African influences. Has worked with Jack DeJohnette, Steve Lacy, Lee Konitz, Charlie Haden, Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Tito Puente, Wynton Marsalis, Tom Harrell, Gary Burton, Roy Haynes, Rubén Blades, George Garzone, Larry Grenadier, Jeff Tain-Watts, John Patitucci, Terri Lyne Carrington, Paquito d'Rivera, Claudio Roditi, Wayne Shorter, and others
December 29, 1966 ~ Bryan Keith Holland, commonly known as Dexter Holland, born in Garden Grove, California, USA ~ Best known as lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, primary songwriter of the Offspring. Has guested on recordings by the Vandals, the Aquabats, Ron Emory, the Dwarves, and others
 
December 29, 1965 ~ R&B girl group the Supremes release My World Is Empty Without You, as second and final single off their I Hear A Symphony album ~ Diana Ross on lead vocals, backing vocals Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard, with instrumentation provided by the Funk Brothers and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. One of the few songs penned for the girl group by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland Jr, to not reach No.1, peaking at No.5 for two consecutive weeks in February 1966. The group's previous single, the title track I Hear A Symphony held the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 spot for two consecutive weeks in November 1965
 
December 29, 1959 ~ Latin pop, cumbia, bachata singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor Marco Antonio Solís, full name Marco Antonio Solís Sosa, born in Ario de Rosales, Mexico ~ Actively performing since age 6 as member of Los Hermanitos Solis. Co-founder, lead singer, guitarist of Los Bukis. As a solo artist debuted in 1996 with the En Pieno Vuelo album and has been recording steadily to commercial success since
 
December 29, 1958 ~ Jazz drummer George Schuller born in New York, New York, USA ~ Son of composer Gunther Schuller. Leader and sideman. Best known for foundind Orange Then Blue. Has also led Chump Change, Schulldogs, Jiggle. Has collaborated with Herb Pomeroy, Ran Blake, George Garzone, Jaki Byard, Dave Douglas, Nnenna Freelon, Lee Konitz, Joe Lovano, Mike Baggetta, Armen Donelian, Joe Fonda, Eugene Maslov, Ballin' The Jack, Conference Call, and others
 
December 29, 1957 ~ Jazz saxophonist Ernie Henry passed away ~ Active since the late 1940s. Recorded three albums as a leader shortly before his death of a heroin overdose at age 31. Has worked with Tadd Dameron, Fats Navarro, Charlie Ventura, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie (At Newport), Illinois Jacquet, Thelonious Monk (Brilliant Corners), Charles Mingus, Kenny Dorham, Kenny Drew, Wynton Kelly, Wilbur Ware, Art Taylor, and Philly Joe Jones ~ Henry was born in 1926
 
December 29, 1956 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Yehudit Ravitz born in Beersheba, Israel ~ One of the most popular Israeli pop rock singers with a career spanning over four decades starting in the mid-1970s. First gained attention as member of Sheshet, noted for their 1977 hit Forgiveness. As a solo artist she is best known for her 1987 Coming From Love album. Ravitz has also collaborated with Parnasa Tova, Gidi Gov, Corinne Allal, and David D'Or
 
December 29, 1955 ~ Avant-prog, art rock, rock bassist, guitarist, banjoist, keyboardist, singer Fred Chalenor born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Best known as a member of Caveman Shoestore, Tone Dogs, Face Ditch. Frequent collaborator of Wayne Horvitz, including in Pigpen and Zony Mash. Has also worked with Owen Maercks, Jeff Greinke, the Walkabouts, LAND, Curlew, and others ~ Chalenor passed away in 2018
 
December 29, 1954 ~ Drummer Alan Myers born in Akron, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for his association with Devo, joining the band in 1976 as replacement for Jim Mothersbaugh. Myers has recorded about half a dozen albums with the band including the acclaimed Q Are We Not Men (A We Are Devo) album. Myers has also guested on albums by Ron Wood (1234), Toni Basil, and the Martini Ranch ~ Myers passed away in 2013
December 29, 1954 ~ Drummer John JR Robinson born in Creston, Iowa, USA ~ In-demand session drummer, arguably one of the most recorded drummers in history. Notable sessions include Michael Jackson's Off The Wall album and Chaka Khan's Grammy Award-winning Ain't Nobody hit. Has also worked with Rufus, John Fogerty, Bonnie Raitt, Joyride, Peter Frampton, Lady Gaga, Daft Punk, Wilson Phillips, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, Anita Baker, Barbra Streisand, Seal, Peter Cetera, Rod Stewart, the Pointer Sisters, George Strait, Clint Black, Toby Keith, Hans Zimmer, Christophe Beck, James Newton Howard, Jeff Lorber, David Benoit, Sadao Watanabe and numerous others
 
December 29, 1953 ~ Singer, actress Gali Atari born in Rehovot, Israel ~ Internationally best known as lead vocalist of Milk & Honey, winning the 1979 Eurovision Songfestival for Israel with their song Hallelujah
December 29, 1953 ~ Singer Perry Como records Wanted at Manhattan Center, New York, New York ~ Written by Jack Fulton and Lois Steele. Accompanied by Hugo Winterhalter and orchestra. Released the next year, paired with Look Out The Window And See How I'm Standing In The Rain on the flip side, it would top both the Billboard and Cash Box pop charts
 
December 29, 1952 ~ Bandleader Fletcher Henderson, full name James Fletcher Hamilton Henderson, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Pivotal figure in development of swing and big band jazz. Along with Duke Ellington, one of the most prolific African-American arrangers and bandleaders of his day. Has worked with sidemen such as Don Redman, Howard Scott, Coleman Hawkins, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Dixon, Kaiser Marshall, Buster Bailey, Elmer Chambers, Charlie Green, Ralph Escudero, Red Allen, Joe Smith, Rex Stewart, Tommy Ladnier, Doc Cheatham, Chu Berry, Roy Eldridge, Frank Pronto, Elisha Hanna, and others ~ Henderson was born in 1897
December 29, 1952 ~ Jazz, modal jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, drummer Joe Lovano, full name Joseph Salvatore Lovano, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Married to singer Judi Silvano. Influenced by John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt. Closely associated with Woody Herman and with Paul Motian. As a leader known for a string of acclaimed 1990s albums, notably Landmarks, Universal Language and Rush Hour. In-demand sideman and collaborator, has worked with Jack McDuff, Dr Lonnie Smith, John Abercrombie, Scolohofo, Sound Prints, the SF Jazz Collective, Joshua Redman, Us Five, Greg Osby, Enrico Rava, John Scofield, Roseanna Vitro, and others
 
December 29, 1951 ~ Singer Yvonne Elliman, full name Yvonne Marianne Elliman, born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Best known for If I Can't Have You, written by Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb & Robin Gibb, a 1977 Billboard No.1 in the midst of the disco era. Discovered by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber who cast her as Maria Magdalena in the first stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar, a role she portrayed for four years starting in 1971. Also sang backup on Eric Clapton's I Shot The Sheriff as well as on the albums 461 Ocean Boulevard, There's One In Every Crowd, EC Was Here, No Reason To Cry and Slowhand and toured with Clapton as member of Eric Clapton Band
 
December 29, 1948 ~ Reggae, ska, dub producer, engineer Errol Thompson born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Nicknamed “ET”. One of the first engineers, over time moving into producing as well, involved in dub music. Has worked with Joe Gibbs, Junior Byles, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Althea & Donna, Prince Far I, Eek-a-mouse, I-Roy, Cornell Campbell, Freddie McGregor, Barrington Levy, Clive Chin, King Tubby, and others ~ Thompson passed away in 2004
 
December 29, 1947 ~ Colin Trevor Flooks, commonly known as drummer Cozy Powell, born in Cirencester, UK ~ Named himself after jazz drummer Cozy Cole. One of the most respected session drummers in British rock. As a solo artist, known for his 1973 drum instrumental Dance With The Devil, which reached UK No.3. Powell has appeared on albums by Jeff Beck (Rough And Ready), Murray Head, Donovan, Bedlam, Graham Bonnet, Rainbow, Robert Plant (Pictures At Eleven), Jon Lord, Brian May, Whitesnake (Slide It In), Roger Daltrey, Warlock, Hot Chocolate, Cinderella, Gary Moore, and Black Sabbath ~ Flooks passed away in 1998
 
December 29, 1946 ~ Singer Marianne Faithfull, full name Marianne Evelyn Gabriel Faithfull, born in Hampstead, UK ~ Rose to international fame with her 1964 single As Tears Go By becoming one of the leading ladies of the British invasion. Other well known recordings include Come And Stay With Me, This Little Bird and Dreamin' My Dreams
December 29, 1946 ~ Rock guitarist Slobodan Kovacevic, full name Slobodan Adem Kovacevic, born ~ Regarded as one of the most technically skilled guitarists in Yugoslavic rock. Founded Lutalice in the early 1960s. Best known as core member of Indexi from 1965 until lead singer Davorin Popovic's death in 2001. The group, considered pioneers of rock and psychedelic rock, is known for songs such as Svijet U Kome Zivim, Plima, Sve Ove Godine, and perhaps their best known Bacila Je Sve Niz Rijeku ~ Kovacevic passed away in 2004
 
December 29, 1945 ~ Russell Edward Davidson, commonly known as rock, hard rock, blues rock, psychedelic rock singer, drummer, percussionist Rusty Day, born in Garden City, Michigan, USA ~ First gained attention as early member of the Amboy Dukes, replacing previous lead singer John Drake. Sang lead on the 1969 Migration album before leaving the band. Member of early 1970s supergroup Cactus. Declined the offer to join AC/DC as replacement for the late Bon Scott. Fatally shot at his home at age 36, the murder officially remaining unsolved to this day ~ Davidson passed away in 1982
 
December 29, 1944 ~ Singer Patti Drew born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Briefly enjoyed modest success in the early 1960s heading the sibling outfit the Drew-vels, alongside Lorraine Drew and Erma Drew. Known for It's My Time, I've Known and their biggest hit Tell Him. As a solo artist Patti would subsequently reach the R&B charts later in the decade with the singles Hard To Handle, Workin' On A Groovy Thing and The Love That A Woman Should Give To A Man
 
December 29, 1943 ~ Singer Barbara Alston born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Member of the Crystals from 1961 through 1964, present on songs such as There's No Other Like My Baby, Uptown, He's Sure The Boy I Love, Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home), and Then He Kissed Me ~ Alston passed away in 2018
December 29, 1943 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Rick Danko born in Blayney, Canada ~ Member of Ronnie Hawkins' backing unit the Hawks. Best known as member of the Band, alongside Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Robbie Robertson and Richard Manuel. Cited as an influence by a host aof artists including Elvis Costello, John Doe, Mumford & Sons, Lucinda Williams, Jay Farrar, Neko Case, Robbie Fulks, Cindy Cashdollar, Craig Finn, Chris Thomson, Mike Watt, and Eric Clapton ~ Danko passed away in 1999
 
December 29, 1942 ~ Christopher Cedzich, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Chris Gantry, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with the Outlaw country movement. Father of actress, songwriter Nicole Taylor Hart. Gantry is best known for a number of late 1960s, early 1970s albums, notably Introspection, and for writing songs such as Glen Campbell's Dreams Of The Everyday Housewife.
 
December 29, 1941 ~ Robert L Comstock, commonly known as rock & roll, pop singer Bobby Comstock born in Athaca, New York, USA ~ Popular late 1950s, early 1960s singer both as a solo artist and with his band Bobby Comstock & the Counts. Best known for The Tennessee Waltz and Let's Stomp ~ Comstock passed away in 2020
December 29, 1941 ~ Flutist, songwriter Ray Thomas born in Stourport-on-Severn, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Moody Blues. Especially remembered for his flute solo on the band's Nights In White Satin. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's songs including Legend Of A Mind, Procession, Dreamer, For My Lady, and Never Blame The Rainbows For The Rain ~ Thomas passed away in 2018
 
December 29, 1939 ~ Country, outlaw country, urban country singer, songwriter, actor Ed Bruce, full name William Edwin Bruce Jr, born in Keiser, Arkansas, USA ~ Notably known for penning and first recording See The Big Man Cry, later covered by Charlie Louvin, as well as Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys, later made famous by Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings. As a singer enjoyed his biggest commercial success in the 1980s with Billboard Country top 10 hits such as You're The Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had, Ever Never Lovin' You, After All, You Turn Me On (Like A Radio) and Nights ~ Bruce passed away in 2021
December 29, 1939 ~ Church organist, choir director, radio host Leon Cole born ~ Father of jazz singer Holly Cole. Composed orchestral works and documentary film scores. Best known as host of classical music radio show RSVP from 1985 through 1995, aired on Canadian station CBC Stereo ~ Cole passed away in 2019
 
December 29, 1929 ~ John Wayne Carroll, commonly known as R&B, doo-wop singer, songwriter Gregory Carroll, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Four Buddies, known for the 1951 hit I Will Wait. Member of the Orioles, joining the band in 1953 as replacement for George Nelson and present on their biggest hit Crying In The Chapel. Formed the duo Greg & Peg with singer, guitarist Peggy Jones. Co-wrote Doris Troy's Northern soul classic Just One Look ~ Carroll passed away in 2013
December 29, 1929 ~ Matthew Tyler Murphy, commonly known as guitarist Matt Guitar Murphy, born in Sunflower, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for his associations with Memphis Slim, Howlin' Wolf, and with the Blues Brothers. Also worked with Little Junior Parker, Ike Turner, Chuck Berry, Etta James, Otis Rush, Willie Dixon, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and others ~ Murphy passed away in 2018
 
December 29, 1922 ~ Singer Little Joe Cook born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Declined an offer to join the Soul Stirrers after Sam Cooke left. Fronted Little Joe & the Thrillers, known for their 1957 US hit Peanuts. Member of the Sherrys, known for Pop Pop Pop Pie, a modest 1962 hit ~ Cook passed away in 2014
December 29, 1922 ~ Doris Helen Schetrompf, commonly known as country singer, guitarist Rose Lee Maphis, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Formed a musical duo with her husband guitarist Joe Maphis, pioneering the Bakersfield sound in the 1950s. The couple is perhaps best remembered for penning Dim Lights Thick Smoke (And Loud Loud Music), first recorded by Flatt & Scruggs in 1952. Joe & Rose Lee Maphis released the song as a single in 1953. It has since been covered by numerous artists including Conway Twitty, the Flying Burrito Brothers, the New Riders Of The Purple Sage, the Derailers, Ricky Skaggs, the Beat Farmers, and others ~ Schetrimpf passed away in 2021
 
December 29, 1912 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer, bandleader Thore Ehrling born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Played with Frank Vernon in the early 1930s. Played with Håkan von Eichwald. Formed his own ensemble in 1938 which played for 19 years. The band included later prominent solo artists such as Uffe Baadh, Carl Henrik Norin, and singers such as Inger Berggren and Lily Berglund ~ Ehrling passed away in 1994
 
December 29, 1906 ~ Harold Manfred Kirchstein, commonly known as classical, opera, jazz, traditional pop, pop composer, arranger, conductor, producer Henri René, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for a string of mid-1950s albums, Music For Bachelors, For The Weaker Sex, Compulsion To Swing and Riot In Rhythm, regarded as forerunners of the space-age pop aesthetic ~ René passed away in 1993
 
December 29, 1905 ~ Lawrence Leo Mosley, commonly known as saxophonist Snub Mosley, born in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA ~ Worked with Alphonso Trent, the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, Claude Hopkins, Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, Luis Russell Orchestra, and others ~ Mosley passed away in 1981
 
December 29, 1900 ~ Dixieland clarinetist Willie Humphrey, full name Willie James Humphrey, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Son of clarinetist Willie Eli Humphrey, brother of trombonist Earl Humphrey and trumpeter Percy Humphrey. Has worked with Lawrence Duhé, King Oliver, Paul Barbarin, Sweet Emma Barrett, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and others ~ Humphrey passed away in 1994
 
December 29, 1890 ~ Pianist, composer Yves Nat born in Béziers, France ~ Encouraged to pursue his musical studies by Gabriel Fauré and Camille Saint-Saëns. Toured with Jacques Thibaud and George Enescu. Frequently appeared with Eugène Ysaÿe. Composed concertos, piano works, chamber music, and an oratorio. Included repertoire by Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms. Also well-known for recording all of Ludwig van Beethoven's piano sonatas during the early 1950s ~ Nat passed away in 1956
 
December 29, 1876 ~ Classical violist, composer Lionel Tertis born in West Hartlepool, UK ~ One of the first viola players to achieve international fame. Premiered works by Arnold Bax, Frank Bridge, Benjamin Dale, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and others. Formed the Chamber Music Players alongside William Murdoch, Albert Sammons and Lauri Kennedy ~ Tertis passed away in 1975
 
December 29, 1868 ~ William Stanley Grinsted, commonly known as singer, banjost Frank Stanley, born in Orange, New Jersey, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity mostly throughout the 1890s and early 1900s. Recorded prolifically in the 1900s, both as a solo artist and as a member, leader of the Peerless Quartet including on some of their best-known such as You're The Flower Of My Heart Sweet Adeline and Honey Boy ~ Grinsted passed away in 1910