December 3, 2022 ~ Folk singer Alexandre Zelkine, also known as Sasha Zelkin, passed away in Le Mans, France ~ Known best for a number of 1960s folk albums, starting with Sasha Sings Folk Songs Of Russia released in 1965 using the moniker Sasha Zelkin. Zelkine would record through the mid-1970s, singing in French, Yiddish, Spanish, and Russian ~ Zelkine was born in 1938
December 3, 2022 ~ Robert Naughton, commonly known as jazz vibraphonist, pianist Bobby Naughton, passed away ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader, starting with NAture's Consort released in 1969. As a sideman closely associated with Wadada Leo Smith, including on the acclaimed Divine Love album, and with Anthony Braxton. Also present on albums by Roscoe Mitchell, the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, and the Creative Orchestra ~ Naughton was born in 1944
December 3, 2022 ~ Singer, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Jamie Freeman passed away ~ Member of alt-country outfit Salter Cane. Backed his brother singer Tim Freeman in the pop rock band the Frazier Chorus, both as a touring member and appearing on the band's 1995 Wide Awake album. Recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting in the early 2010s ~ Freeman was born in 1965
December 3, 2022 ~ Music manager Janis Hunter passed away in Rhode Island, USA ~ Married to singer Marvin Gaye from 1977 until 1981, with whom she has two children including singer, actress Nona Gaye. After first meeting Gaye in 1973 Hunter became the inspiration for several of the R&B singer's songs, most notably the track Jan included on his 1974 Marvin Gaye Live live album. Gaye's entire 1976 I Want You studio album is also considered a romantic tribute to Hunter ~ Hunter was born ca.1956
December 3, 2022 ~ Sven Ove Hedlund, commonly known as pop singer Svenne Hedlund, passed away in Värnamo, Sweden ~ Member of the Clifftones and perhaps most notably the Hep Stars, the latter propelling Hedlund to national fame. The band is known for 1960s hits such as Farmer John, Cadillac, Bald Headed Woman, Sunny Girl, Wedding, Consolation, and Malaika. Hedlund was married to bandmate Lotta Hedlund from 1969 through 2014, the couple also forming the musical duo Svenne & Lotta ~ Hedlund was born in 1945
December 3, 2021 ~ Pop, schlager singer Arie Ribbens passed away in Emmeloord, the Netherlands ~ Active since the late 1950s, peaking commercially in the 1980s. Known for songs such as Dat Zien We Morgen Wel Weer, Polonaise Hollandaise, Akketdoe, and probably his best-known Brabantse Nachten Zijn Lang. Retired from performing in 2015 for health reasons ~ Ribbens was born in 1937
December 3, 2021 ~ R&B, funk drummer Melvin Parker passed away ~ Best known for his association with James Brown, his drum rhythms a key element of Brown's 1960s funk innovations. Present on recordings such as Out Of Sight, Papa's Got A Brand New Bag and I Got You I Feel Good. Parker would be drafted by the mid-1960s, replaced in the band by Clyde Stubblefield and John Jabo Starks, and would briefly rejoin by the end of the decade in time for the recording of the Sex Machine album. After his final departure from the band would join his brother saxophonist Maceo Parker's backing band ~ Parker was born in 1944
December 3, 2020 ~ Conductor, pianist, arranger, composer André Gagnon passed away in Montreal, Canada ~ Known for fusing classical music with pop and disco influences. Acclaimed for the albums Neiges, Movements, Le Saint-Laurent and Piano. Composed the opera Nelligan, premiered in 1990. Also known as a film composer, films such as Phobia, The Hot Touch and notably The Pianist to his credit ~ Gagnon was born in 1936
December 3, 2020 ~ Jazz double bassist, bass guitarist Ron Mathewson passed away ~ Worked with Ronnie Scott, Stan Getz, Joe Henderson, Joan Armatrading, Ben Webster, Philly Joe Jones, Roy Eldridge, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Tubby Hayes, Dick Morrisey, Jim Mullen, John Critchinson, Martin Drew, Nucleus, Barry Whitworth, Philly Joe Jones, John Taylor, Gordon Beck, Phil Woods, Terry Smith, Kenny Clarke, the Spontaneous Music Ensemble, Ray Nance, Kenny Wheeler, Charles Tolliver, and others ~ Mathewson was born in 1944
December 3, 2017 ~ R&B group Rak-Su win X-Factor ~ Rak-Su win the 14th edition of British talent show the X-Factor. Runner-ups would be the singer, songwriter Grace Davies in 2nd place, singer Kevin Davy White in 3rd
December 3, 2016 ~ Classical guitarist Antonio Membrado passed away in Kaysersberg, France ~ Mentored by Andrés Segovia. Known for his renditions of works by Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and others. Noted for accompanying Paco Ibáñez on his 1964 Paco Ibáñez debut album released in 1964. Also regarded a master of the laúd, an instrument of the cittern family popular in Spanish folk ~ Membrado was born in 1935
December 3, 2016 ~ Producer, label executive Harry Balk passed away in Oak Park, Michigan, USA ~ Discovered acts such as Little Willie John, Johnny & the Hurricanes, Rodriguez. Co-produced Del Shannon's Runaway. Noted for pushing Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, a career-changing and era-defining song disliked by Motown head Berry Gordy Jr but released partly thanks to Balk's insistence. Also pivotal to the career of Rare Earth ~ Balk was born in 1925
December 3, 2016 ~ Tenor saxophonist, trumpeter Herbert Hardesty passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Best known for his association with pianist Fats Domino and producer Dave Bartholomew. Has also worked with artists such as Papa Celestin, Sidney Desvigne, Chick Webb, Chubby Newsom, Earl Palmer, Ernest McLean, Cosimo Matassa, Jewel King, Tommy Ridgley, Lloyd Price (sax on Lawdy Miss Clawdy), Shirley & Lee, Smiley Lewis, T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, Little Richard, Hank Jones, Count Basie, Tom Waits, Plas Johnson, Mitch Woods, and others ~ Hardesty was born in 1925
December 3, 2015 ~ Pianist, organist, keyboardist, singer Gladstone Anderson passed away ~ Helped define the ska sound and rocksteady beat. Said to have coined the term “rock steady.” In-demand session musician from the 1950s onwards, working with producers such as Duke Reid, Coxsone Dodd and Leslie Kong. Appeared on key recordings including Take It Easy (Hopeton Lewis), Hold Them (Roy Shirley), and Girl I've Got A Date (Alton Ellis). Leader of Gladdy's All-Stars, which also included Jackie Jackson, Winston Grennan, Hux Brown and Winston Wright and best known for their 1969 instrumental hit The Liquidator. The All-Stars have also been known under a variety of pseudonyms including the Aggrovators, Rupies All-Stars, the Crystallites and the Upsetters. As a solo artist perhaps best known for his 1972 It May Sound Silly, considered a landmark album in Jamaican music ~ Anderson was born in 1934
December 3, 2015 ~ Alternative rock, nard rock, grunge singer, songwriter Scott Weiland, full name Scott Richard Weiland, passed away in Bloomington, Minnesota, USA ~ Best known as frontman of the Stone Temple Pilots from 1989 through 2002 and again from 2008 through 2013. Has also worked with supergroup Velvet Revolver, Art of Anarchy, Camp Freddy, the Wildabouts, and others ~ Weiland was born in 1967
December 3, 2014 ~ Edward Jessie Bivins Jr, commonly known as R&B, soul singer, songwriter Edward Sonny Bivins passed away in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of the Manhattans, best known for their 1976 hit Kiss And Say Goodbye. Wrote the band's There's No Me Without You, a 1973 Billboard R&B top 10 hit ~ Bivins was born in 1936
December 3, 2014 ~ Keyboardist Ian McLagan, full name Ian Patrick McLagan, passed away in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Member of the Small Faces, for whom he wrote Up The Wooden Hills To Bedforshire and Long Agos And Worlds Apart, and its succesor the Faces. In-demand session and touring keyboardist, perhaps most notably for the Rolling Stones including playing electric piano on the Billboard Hot 100 charttopper Miss You of their 1978 Some Girls. Close friend of Stones-guitarist Ronnie Wood, regularly serving in Wood's side projects including the New Barbarians. McLagan has also worked with artists such as Jackson Browne, Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Izzy Stradlin, John Hiatt, Bruce Springsteen, John Mayer, the Georgia Satellites, and others ~ McLagan was born in 1945
December 3, 2011 ~ Producer Philip Fatis Burrell passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Produced Sugar Minott's More Dogs To The Bone. Also worked with Sanchez, the Pinchers, Thriller U, Frankie Paul, Gregory Isaacs, and others ~ Burrell was born in 1954
December 3, 2009 ~ Salvatore Zito, commonly known as pianist, conductor, arranger, composer Torrie Zito, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Married to singer Helen Merrill, with whom he also worked. Faather of singer, songwriter Alan Merrill. Acclaimed for conducting and arranging on the pivotal Morgana King, Miss Morgana King album. Arranged strings on John Lennon's 1971 Imagine album ~ Zito was born in 1933
December 3, 2006 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, accordionistm drummer, songwriter Logan Whitehurst, full name Logan Anthony Whitehurst, passed away in Los Banos, California, USA ~ Drummer of Little Tin Frog from 1995 to 2000. Best known as key member of indie rock band the Velvet Teen, co-founded with frog bandmate guitarist Judah Nagler ~ Whitehurst was born in 1977
December 3, 2003 ~ Singer Marge Rosse passed away ~ Formed the sibling outfit the Fontane Sisters with Bea Rosse and Geri Rosse, best known for backing Perry Como and for their 1954 million-seller Hearts Of Stone ~ Rosse was born in 1917
December 3, 2001 ~ Dewells Barton Jr, commonly known as jazz, big band trombonist, drummer, composer Dee Barton, passed away in Brandon, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known as a film composer. Scored the movies Play Misty For Me and High Plains Drifter ~ Barton was born in 1937
December 3, 2001 ~ Guitarist Grady Martin, full name Thomas Grady Martin, passed away in Lewisburg, Tennessee, USA ~ In-demand session musician. Member of the Nashville A-Team. Worked with artists such as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Marty Robbins (El Paso), Johnny Burnette, Loretta Lynn (Coal Miner's Daughter), Don Woody, Arlo Guthrie, Sammi Smith (Help Me Make It Through The Night), Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Bing Crosby, and others ~ Martin was born in 1929
December 3, 1999 ~ John Paul Larkin, commonly known as singer Scatman John, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his 1990s hits Ski-ba-bop Ba-dop-bop and Scatman's World mixing scat singing and dance music. Suffered from a severe stutter from childhood forward. Recipient of the American Speech Language Hearing Associatios Annie Glenn Award for outstanding service to the stuttering community. Inducted in the National Stuttering Association Hall Of Fame ~ Larkin was born in 1942
December 3, 1993 ~ Rapper, singer, songwriter, producer Omega Crosby, full name Micah Omega Crosby, born in Modesto, California, USA ~ Worked with Clyde Carson, Adrian Marcel, Mayne Mannish, Chingy, and others
December 3, 1992 ~ Jatavia Shakara Johnson, commonly known as hip-hop singer JT, born ~ Half of hip-hop duo the City Girls, the other half being Yung Miami, known for singles such as Twerk featuring Cardi B and Act Up
December 3, 1989 ~ Indie rock, indie pop bassist, guitarist, songwriter Garron DuPree born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Joined indie pop outfit Eisley in 2005 at the age of 15, then consisting of his cousins Chauntelle DuPree, Stacy DuPree, Weston DuPree and Sherri DuPree. Present on all of the band's recordings since their 2007 Combinations sophomore album. Joined Say Anything in 2013. Has also served as recording engineer for Anberlin, Perma, David Upp, Crimson Arrow, and others
December 3, 1988 ~ Saxophonist Melissa Aldana born in Santiago, Chile ~ Daughter of saxophonist Marcos Aldana. Influenced by Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, Michael Brecker, Michael Brecker. Released her debut album, Free Fall, in 2010 and has recorded to critical acclaim since
December 3, 1984 ~ Hind Laroussi Tahiri, mononymously known as singer Hind, born in Gouda, the Netherlands ~ First gained attention in the 2003 edition of the talent show Idols, reaching 3rd place behind Jamai Loman and runner-up Jim Bakkum. Subsequently released her Around The World debut album later the same year. Best known for songs such as All Over Again, Weak and Give Me A Sign. Represented the Netherlands in the 2008 edition of the Eurovision Songfestival with Your Heart Belongs To Me, failing to reach the finals
December 3, 1983 ~ Singer, guitarist,pianist, songwriter Andy Grammer born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Cites influences as diverse as Jason Mraz, Coldplay, OneRepublic, Common, Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z. Released his eponymous debut album Andy Grammer in 2011. Known for songs such Keep Your Head Up, Fine By Me, Honey I'm Good and Fresh Eyes
December 3, 1983 ~ Irving Goldberg, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist, screenwriter Irving Taylor, passed away in Westlake Village, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known for penning Everybody Loves Somebody Sometimes with Sam Coslow and Ken Lane. The song would first be recorded by Peggy Lee in 1947 and covered by well over a 100 artists, usually retitled to Everybody Loves Somebody, including Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington, Brenda Lee, Sarah Vaughan, and others ~ Goldberg was born in 1914
December 3, 1982 ~ Jazz, smooth jazz, R&B, pop saxophonist, singer, producer Eric Darius born in Livingston, New Jersey, USA ~ Played professionaly at age 11, touring with Sonny Larosa and America's Youngest Jazz Band. Released his debut album, Cruisin', in 2000
December 3, 1980 ~ Heavy metal, metalcore, post-hardcore singer Jimmie Strimell born ~ Best known as founding member, singer, primary songwriter of Dead By April. Has also worked with Nightrage, Ends With A Bullet, My Collapse, and with Splittrad
December 3, 1979 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, producer, songwriter Daniel Bedingfield, full name Daniel John Bedingfield born in Auckland, New Zealand ~ Known for songs such as Gotta Get Thru This, If You're Not The One, Nothing Hurts Like Love, and others. Worked with Lionel Richie, Scratch, David Archuleta, Pixie Lott, and others
December 3, 1975 ~ Alternative metal, groove metal, experimental rock, funk rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Todd Smith born in Rockville, Maryland, USA ~ Best known for fronting Dog Fashion Disco. Has also recorded as a solo artist going by the moniker El Creepo, starting with the eponymous El Creepo album released in 2009, and worked with the Alter Boys, Polkadot Cadaver, Knives Out, and others
December 3, 1974 ~ R&B, soul, pop singer Trina Braxton, full name Trina Evette Braxton, born in Severn, Maryland, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Braxtons, releasing their sole album So Many Ways in 1996. The So Many Ways title single would be the only single charting on the Billboard Hot 100, stalling in the high 80s, yet the band would attract enough attention to launch the solo career of Toni Braxton
December 3, 1973 ~ Indie rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Amy Millan born in Toronto, Canada ~ Member of Stars, joining the band in 1999 when most of their Nightsongs debut album was already recorded limiting Millan's involvement to singing lead on Toxic Holiday. The band would breakthrough with their Set Yourself On Fire album released in 2004, Millan notably present on the album's single Ageless Beauty. Married to Stars bandmate Evan Cranley, with whom she has two children. Touring member for Broken Social Scene. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing her Honey From The Tombs debut album in 2006
December 3, 1973 ~ Jazz trombonist, cornetist, bassist Emile Christian, full name Emile Joseph Christian, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Brother of cornetist, bandleader Frank Christian. Worked with Papa Jack Laine, Bert Kelly, the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Benny Peyton, Leon Prima, Santo Pecora, Sharkey Bonano, Louis Prima, and others ~ Christian was born in 1895
December 3, 1972 ~ Banjoist, double bassist Bill Johnson, full name William Manuel Johnson, passed away in New Braunfels, Texas, USA ~ Worked with the Eagle Band, the Excelsior Brass Band, the Original Creole Orchestra, and others ~ Johnson was born in 1872
December 3, 1972 ~ Jazz banjoist, bassist William Manuel Johnson passed away in New Braunfels, Texas, USA ~ Brother of pianist, clarinetist, drummer Dink Johnson. Considered the father of the “slap” style of double bass playing. Played with the Eagle Band and the Excelsior Brass Band before founding the Original Creole Orchestra, the first jazz band to leave New Orleans and tour widely in the 1910s. Mentored Milt Hinton ~ Johnson was born in 1872
December 3, 1970 ~ Singer, mandolinist, songwriter Amy Helm born in Woodstock, New York, USA ~ Daughter of singer Libby Titus and the Band drummer Levon Helm. Has also played in her father's bands the Midnight Ramble Band and Ollabelle. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Didn't It Rain in 2015, backed by artists such as John Medeski, Bill Payne and Catherine Russell. Has also collaborated with Donald Fagen, Mercury Rev, Christine Lavin, Kenny White, Sean Costello, the Holmes Brothers, Ben Sidran, Matt Andersen, Ninni Poijarvi, Rosanne Cash, Tracy Bonham, Colin Linden, Doyle Bramhall II, Tyler Chester, Jennifer Condos, Jay Bellerose, Allison Russell, JT Nero, and Adam Minkoff
December 3, 1968 ~ Singer Montell Jordan born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for This Is How We Do It, a hit in 1995
December 3, 1967 ~ Jazz trumpeter, violinist Peter Bocage, full name Peter Edwin Bocage, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Pivotal figure in early New Orleans jazz. Led the Superior Orchestra in his early 20s, a ragtime band that also included Bunk Johnson. Also worked with the Tuxedo Orchestra, the Excelsior Brass Band, King Oliver, Fate Marable, AJ Piron, and Sidney Bechet ~ Bocage was born in 1887
December 3, 1965 ~ Latin rock, hard rock, rock guitarist, keyboardist Juan Valdivia born ~ Dubbed “El Maestro” by his fans. Rose to fame as a member of Héroes del Silencio, a band considered pivotal to 1990s Spanish rock. Present on albums such as El Mar No Cesa, Senderos De Traición, El Espíritu Del Vino, and Avalancha. Following the band's disbandement in the late 1990s has recorded his solo artist, releasing his Trigonometralia debut album in 2001
December 3, 1963 ~ Bassist, singer Joe Lally, full name Joseph Francis Lally, born in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA ~ Best known as bassist, co-founding member of post-hardcore outfit Fugazi. Has also recorded as a solo artist, formed the instrumental trio the Messthetics with guitarist Anthony Pirog and drummer Brendan Canty, and toured with Capillary Action and the Melvins
December 3, 1963 ~ Singer, trumpeter Louis Armstrong records Hello Dolly ~ Written by Jerry Herman for the 1964 Hello Dolly, in which it was introduced by Carol Channing. Armstrong was asked to record a version to promote the musical. Released as a single in January 1964, shortly after the musical premiered, Armstrong's version would reach top of the Billboard Hot 100 and win a Grammy Award for Song of the Year. Armstrong would reprise the song with Barbra Streisand in the 1964 film version of Hello Dolly. A slightly altered version, retitled Hello Lyndon, would be used for Lyndon B Johnson's 1964 Presidential campaign. Channing first performed it at that year's Democratic National Convention, a recording would be made by Ed Ames
December 3, 1961 ~ Rock guitarist Marcelo Fromer born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Co-founding member of Titas, one of the most popular Brazilian rock bands. Passed away hit by a motorcyclist while jogging, one day before recording of the band's 13th album A Melhor Banda De Todos Os Tempos Da Ultima Semana were set to begin ~ Fromer passed away in 2001
December 3, 1960 ~ Guitarist, producer Rolf Ellmer, full name Rolf Johannes Ellmer, born ~ Trance pioneer. Regular collaborator of Rolf Ellmer, the duo releasing records under several monikers including Tokyo Ghetto Pussy, Storm and most succesfully as Jam & Spoon. Well known songs include dance tracks such as Right In The Night (Fall In Love With Music), Kaleidoscope Skies, and Be Angeled. Ellmer also formed the dance, techno duo Dance 2 Trance with DJ Dag Lerner, and served as producer for the likes of Enigma, Moby, and Frankie Goes To Hollywood
December 3, 1959 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Maarten Peters born in Nijmegen, the Netherlands ~ Fingerpicking guitarist. Fronted Maarten Peters & the Dream. Member of Frank Boeijen Groep from 1984 through 1986. Backed Margriet Eshuijs. Wrote songs for Rob de Nijs, Liesbeth List, Manuela Kemp, and for Willeke Alberti
December 3, 1959 ~ Keyboardist Mark Fisher born ~ Son of trumpeter Tony Fisher. Session keyboardist. Worked with Wham, Sister Sledge, and with Matt Bianco ~ Fisher passed away in 2016
December 3, 1959 ~ Singer Nol Havens, full name Arnoldus Ignatius Maria Josephus Havens, born in Tilburg, the Netherlands ~ Frontman, lead singer of VOF De Kunst, known for the 1980s hits Suzanne and Eén Kopje Koffie
December 3, 1957 ~ Singer Don Gibson records Oh Lonesome Me at RCA Studios, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Gibson. Produced by Chet Atkins. Backing vocals by the Jordanaires. Released later the same month, b/w I Can't Stop Loving You recorded the same day, it would become one of Gibson's best known, a signature song, and be covered by numerous artists including Bob Luman, Johnny Cash, Connie Francis, Ray Charles, Skeeter Davis, the Beau Brummels, Nancy Sinatra, Neil Young, the Kentucky Headhunters, and others
December 3, 1956 ~ Composer, drummer, vibraphonist Rob Waring born in Yonkers, New York, USA ~ A resident of Oslo since the early 1980s, Waring has played with the finest of Norway's thriving jazz scene, including Frank Jacobsen, Carl Morten Iversen, Søyr, Erik Wøllo, Espen Rud, Torgrim Sollid, Rune Klakegg, Tone Hulbækmo, Arve Moen Bergset, Kjell Samkopf, Morten Halle, Skruk, Jon Larsen, and others
December 3, 1954 ~ Bassist, singer Paul Gregg born ~ Co-founding and constant member of country outfit Restless Heart, known for a string of Billboard Country hits from the mid-1980s through the 1990s. Have topped the country charts with That Rock Won't Roll, Why Does It Have To Be (Wrong Or Right), Wheels, The Bluest Eyes In Texas, and A Tender Lie. 1987's country charttopper I'll Still Be Loving You and 1992's When She Cries have also crossed over to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 peaking at respectively No.33 and No.11
December 3, 1952 ~ Guitarist Duane Roland born in Jeffersonville, Indiana, USA ~ Member of Southern rock band Molly Hatchet from its inception in the mid-1970s until 1990. Co-wrote a number of the band's best known including Bloody Reunion and Boogie No More. Has subsequently played with the Southern Rock Allstars and Gator Country ~ Roland passed away in 2006
December 3, 1951 ~ Jazz guitarist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter, arranger Barry Finnerty born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Miles Davis, the Crusaders, the Brecker Brothers, Hubert Laws, Ray Barretto, Chico Hamilton, Airto Moreira, Flora Purim, Joe Farrell, Tower Of Power, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Billy Cobham, Opa, and others
December 3, 1951 ~ Jazz trumpeter Cyril Blake passed away ~ Worked with the Southern Syncopated Orchestra, Leon Abbey, Happy Blake, Rudolph Dunbar, Leslie Thompson, Joe Appleton, Lauderic Caton, Lord Kitchener, and others ~ Blake was born in 1900
December 3, 1951 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Kimberley Rew born ~ Best known as a member of Katrina & the Waves for which he also wrote the band's biggest hits Walking On Sunshine and 1997 Eurovision Songfestival winning tune Love Shine A Light. Member of Robyn Hitchcock-fronted outfit the Soft Boys from 1978 to 1981, for which he wrote Going Down To Liverpool later famously covered by the Bangles. In 2007 Céline Dion would record Rew's composition That's Just The Woman In Me. Rew also worked with Lonely starting in the late-1980s and Jack starting in 2004
December 3, 1951 ~ Producer, songwriter Mike Stock born in Margate, UK ~ Best known as one third of songwriting, production team Stock Aitken & Waterman, known for their work with artists such as Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, Jason Donovan, Mel & Kim, Bananarama, and others
December 3, 1949 ~ Pop, jazz singer Patti Page records With My Eyes Wide Open I'm Dreaming in New York, New York, USA ~ Written by Harry Revel and Mack Gordon. First recorded by Jack Oakie and Dorothy Dell in the 1934 movie Shoot The Works. Page's version would have Page singing as a “one-woman quartet” using overdubbing, backed by Jack Rael's orchestra. It would become her first million-seller. She would later also record the song style in a rock & roll arrangement
December 3, 1948 ~ Rock, folk rock, blues rock violinist, bassist Jan Hruby born in Prague, Czechoslovakia ~ Member of Reprocity through the 1960s. Member Etc through the early 1980s. Member of Framus Five, notably present on the album Kolej Yesterday. Member of Cundrgrund. Has also worked with Dagma Andrtova-Vonkoca, Jazz Q, C&K Vocal, Hana Hegerová, Kukulin, and others
December 3, 1948 ~ John Michael Osbourne, commonly known as hard rock singer, songwriter Ozzy Osbourne born in Birmingham, UK ~ Rose to fame as lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, remaining with the band from its inception in 1970 until 1979, fired for alcohol abuse. Would go on to release over a dozen solo albums, many of them reaching multiple Platinum status. Known for songs such as Crazy Train, Flying High Again, Bark At The Moon, Shot In The Dark, No More Tears, Perry Mason, and Changes with daughter Kelly Osbourne
December 3, 1948 ~ Christian rock singer, bassist Rick Cua born in Syracuse, New York, USA ~ Member of Southern rock band the Outlaws from 1980 through 1983, leaving the band to pursue a career in Christian rock. Best known for the 1985 album You're My Road and the 1988 album Can't Stand Too Tall
December 3, 1947 ~ Drummer John Wilson born in Belfast, Northern Ireland ~ Briefly a member of Them, present on the band's Them Again sophomore album released in 1966. Has also worked with the Taste alongside Rory Gallagher, Stud, the Misfits, Skid Row, and others
December 3, 1947 ~ Pop, jazz singer Patti Page records Confess ~ Written by Bennie Benjamin and George David Weiss. Paired with Twelve O'Clock Flight on the B-side, it would be one of the first records to use multi-tracking. With a low budget they couldn't hire a second singer, so Page also recorded the second part with the tracks mixed together. Multi-tracking would become a Page trademark. The single made it to the top 20. Around the same time Doris Day would also have a hit with the song
December 3, 1944 ~ Paul Oscar Beuselinck, commonly known as actor, singer Paul Nicholas, born in Peterborough, UK ~ Played in productions of Hair, Fresh Hair and Cats. As a solo artist best known for a number of mid-1970s UK hits, namely Reggea Like It Used To Be, Dancing With The Captain and Grandma's Party. His single Heaven On The 7th Floor would reach the Billboard top 10 in 1977
December 3, 1944 ~ Ralph May, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Ralph McTell, born in Farnborough, UK ~ Influenced by Blind Blake, Robert Johnson, Blind Willie McTell. Best known for songs such as From Clare To Here and The Streets Of London, the latter covered by over two hundred artists
December 3, 1944 ~ Country songwriter Roger Bowling, full name Roger Dale Bowling, born in Helton, Kentucky, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing Lucille, a Billboard Country No.1 hit, Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit and the first UK charttopper for Kenny Rogers in 1977. Rogers had previously recorded The Coward Of The County and The Ghost Of Another Man, both co-written by Bowling. Bowling also wrote or co-wrote several songs for Billie Jo Spears including There's More To A Tear Than Meets The Eye, '57 Chevrolet and her biggest hit Blanket On The Ground. Others who recorded his songs include the Oak Ridge Boys (Dig A Little Deeper In The Well), Hank Thompson, Dottie West (The Lovin' Kind), Del Reeves, Freddie Hart, George Jones & Tammy Wynette (Southern California), Charlie Rich, and others. Sadly Bowling committed suicide at age 38, being diagnosed with terminal cancer a year earlier ~ Bowling passed away in 1982
December 3, 1943 ~ Singer, guitarist, saxophonist,poet, songwriter Mike Hart, full name Michael William Hart, born ~ Founded early 1960s R&B band the Roadrunners. Departed the band in 1965 to join poetry and music collective the Liverpool Scene. Released his Mike Hart Bleeds solo debut album in 1969, produced by John Peel ~ Hart passed away in 2016
December 3, 1942 ~ Pianist, conductor, arranger, film composer Michel Rubini born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Producer, conductor, arranger for Motown. In-demand session musician. In-demand touring musician for the likes of Ray Charles, Frank Zappa, Barbra Streisand. Organist on Frank Sinatra's That's Life, pianist on Strangers In The Night. Arranger, conductor on Sonny & Cher's A Cowboy's Work Is Never Done, arranged Cher's Don't Hide Your Love, arranged Maureen McGovern's I Won't Last A Day Without You. Along with Howard Blake and Danny Jaeger wrote the soundtrack to the 1983 erotic horror movie The Hunger. Other notable film and TV credits include films such as Manhunter, Nemesis and TV shows such as The Hitchhiker, the soap opera Capitol and Tales From The Crypt
December 3, 1940 ~ Kenneth Alan James Hawker, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter, producer Ken Lewis, born ~ Closely associated with John Carter, the duo serving as songwriters and producers for a host of mostly UK artists from the early 1960s through the mid-1970s. Well-known songs penned or co-penned by the duo include That's What I Want (the Marauders), Is It True (Brenda Lee), Funny How Love Can Be (the Ivy League), Can't You Hear My Heartbeat (Herman's Hermits), Peek-a-boo (the New Vaudeville Band), Let's Go To San Francisco (the Flower Pot Men), and Knock Knock Who's There (Mary Hopkin) ~ Hawker passed away in 2015
December 3, 1936 ~ Nikolas Kostantinos Venetoulis, commonly known as producer, A&R executive Nick Venet, born ~ Perhaps best remembered for signing the Beach Boys to Capitol Records and producing the band's early material such as Surfin' Safari. In one capacity or another has also worked with a wide array of others including Glen Campbell, Jim Croce, Bobby Darin, the Hondells, the Kingston Trio, the Lettermen, Ricky Nelson, Lou Rawls, the Stone Poneys, Linda Ronstadt, the Walker Brothers, Timi Yuro, and others ~ Venetoulis passed away in 1998
December 3, 1933 ~ Lesley Stein, controversial radio and TV host, also known as Les Crane, born in Long Beach, New York, USA ~ Scored un unlikely 1971 hit with Desiderata ~ Stein passed away in 2008
December 3, 1932 ~ Jazz bassist Bob Cranshaw, full name Melboure Robert Cranshaw, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his longtime association with Sonny Rollins. Co-founded short-lived but acclaimed MJT+3 which also included alto saxophonist Frank Strozier, pianist Harold Mabern, trumpeter Willie Thomas and drummer Walter Perkins. Has also worked with Pepper Adams, Nat Adderley, Eric Alexander, Mose Allison, Gene Ammons, Kenny Barron, George Benson, Walter Bishop Jr, Paul Bley, Jaki Byard, Donald Byrd, Johnny Coles, Hank Crawford, Sonny Criss, Frank Foster, George Freeman, Dexter Gordon, Bunky Green, Friedrich Gulda, Slide Hampton, Barry Harris, Grant Green, Hampton Hawes, Coleman Hawkins, Eddie Harris, Jimmy Heath, Joe Henderson, Maurice Hines, Johnny Hodges, Bobby Hutcherson, Milt Jackson, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Quincy Jones, Clifford Jordan, Willis Jackson, Yusef Lateef, Junior Mance, Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley, Wes Montgomery, Horace Silver, Stanley Turrentine, Cedar Walton, Mary Lou Williams, Duke Pearson, and others ~ Cranshaw passed away in 2016
December 3, 1932 ~ Singer Corry Brokken, full name Cornelia Maria Brokken, born in Breda, the Netherlands ~ Debuted in 1952 with the song I Apoligize. Internationally best known for winning the 1958 Eurovision Songfestival with Net Als Toen. Brokken also represented the Netherlands in the 1957 edition with Voorgoed Voorbij and in the 1959 edition with Heel De Wereld. Would go on to become a well known radio and TV presenter, study law and later become a lawyer and eventually a judge ~ Brokken passed away in 2016
December 3, 1932 ~ Ralph Joseph Reynolds, commonly known as singer Jody Reynolds, born in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ Best known for The Endless Sleep, a top 10 hit in 1958. Its follow-up, Fire Of Love, would chart significantly less but eventually become a blues-punk classic and later be covered by MC5 and the Gun Club ~ Reynolds passed away in 2007
December 3, 1932 ~ Jazz trumpeter, cornetist Webster Young born in Columbia, South Carolina, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Known for his lyrical style. Has worked with John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Hampton Hawes, Jackie McLean, Ike Turner, Lester Young, Bud Powell, Paul Quinichette, Joe Puma, Mal Waldron, Ed Thigpen, Earl May, Ray Draper, and others ~ Young passed away in 2003
December 3, 1931 ~ Mary Margaret Morgan, commonly known as singer, actress Jaye P Morgan born in Mancos, Colorado, USA ~ Known for 1950s hits such as Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherries, The Longest Walk, Pepper Hot Baby, That's All I Want From You, Two Lost Souls with Perry Como
December 3, 1929 ~ Trombonist Fred Assunto born ~ Original member of the Dukes Of Dixieland ~ Assunto passed away in 1966
December 3, 1927 ~ Howard Andy Wiliiams, commonly known as singer Andy Williams, born in Wall Lake, Iowa, USA ~ Brother of Dick Williams ~ Williams passed away in 2012
December 3, 1925 ~ Singer, actor, guitarist Ferlin Husky, full name Ferlin Eugene Husky, born in Cantwell, Missouri, USA ~ Traditional honky-tonk, weeping country ballads, rockabilly, with some humorous novelty songs thrown in for good measure. Popular from the early-1950s forward. Had a then-unknown Elvis Presley open for him. Known for songs such as I Feel Better All Over More Than Anywhere Else, I'll Baby Sit With You, Gone, The Wings Of A Dove, The Waltz You Saved For Me, Once, and Just For You ~ Husky passed away in 2011
December 3, 1921 ~ Phyllis Smith, commonly known as soprano singer Phyllis Curtin, born in Clarksburg, Virginia, USA ~ Worked with the New England Opera Theatre, the New York City Opera, the NBC Opera Company, the Philadelphia Lyric Opera Company, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and others ~ Smith passed away in 2016
December 3, 1921 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer, label executive Quinton Claunch, full name Quinton Mavis Claunch, born in Tishomingo, Mississippi, USA ~ Befriended Sam Phillips in the late 1940s and sessioned on several of early Sun Records recordings, backing artists such as Carl Perkins, Charlie Feathers and Wanda Jackson. Co-wrote Daydreamin' for Bud Deckelman, later a hit for country singer Jimmy C Newman. Co-founded Hi-Records in the 1950s. Co-founded Goldwax Records in the 1960s, specializing in Southern soul and gospel ~ Claunch passed away in 2021
December 3, 1914 ~ Neoclassical, romantic composer Irving Fine, full name Irving Gifford Fine, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of a group of mid-20th century composers sometimes referred to as the Boston School, which also included Arthur Berger, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Lukas Foss and Harold Shapero. Praised by Virgil Thomson for his “unusual melodic grace” and by Copland for his “elegance, style, finish and convincing continuity” ~ Fine passed away in 1962
December 3, 1910 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Rabon Delmore born in Elkmont, Alabama, USA ~ Formed the duo the Delmore Brothers with his brother Alton Delmore. The duo is known for songs such as Freight Train Boogie, Brown's Ferry Blues, Donna (Lay Down My Old Guitar), Fifteen Miles From Birmingham and perhaps their best known Blues Stay Away From Me. Artists who covered their songs include Johnny Burnette, Gene Vincent, the Louvin Brothers, Les Paul, Doc Watson, the Everly Brothers, and others ~ Delmore passed away in 1952
December 3, 1907 ~ Singer Connee Boswell born ~ One third of close harmony trio the Boswell Sisters, alongside siblings Martha Boswell and Helvetia Boswell, known for 1930s hits such as I Found A Million Dollar Baby In A Five An Ten Cent Store, Rock & Roll, The Object Of My Affection, Dinah, Alexander's Ragtime Band, and others ~ Boswell passed away in 1976
December 3, 1903 ~ Trombonist Brad Gowans, full name Arthur Bradford Gowans, born in Billerica, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Ray McKinley, Art Hodes, the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Max Kaminsky, Jimmy Dorsey, Nappy Lamare, and others. Arranged for Bud Freeman and for Lee Wiley. Collapsed on stage in 1954 while playing with Eddy Skrivanek, passed away 8 months later ~ Gowans passed away in 1954
December 3, 1902 ~ Jazz clarinetist, singer Joe Thomas, full name Joseph William Thomas, born ~ Worked with Joe Harris, Jack Carey, Chris Kelly, Kid Rena, Charles Cerbigny, Papa Celestin, Freddie Kohlmann, Punch Miller, the Olympia Brass Band, and others ~ Thomas passed away in 1981
December 3, 1901 ~ Tenor singer Charles Lockey passed away in Hastins, UK ~ Sang with the Melophonic Society, the Sacred Harmonic Society and others ~ Lockey was born in 1820
December 3, 1883 ~ Anton Friedrich Wilhelm Von Webern, commonly known as composer, conductor Anton Webern, born in Vienna, Austria ~ Along with Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg considered a leading figure in the Second Viennese School ~ Von Webern passed away in 1945
December 3, 1874 ~ Playwright, lyricist, screenwriter Arthur Wimperis, full name Arthur Harold Wimperis, born in London, UK ~ To musical audiences perhaps best known for co-writing the 1909 hit musical The Arcadians with composers Lionel Monckton and Howard Talbot, and co-writing the 1926 operetta Princess Charming with Albert Szirmai. With the advent of talking films Wimperis would venture into screenwriting for British and American films, notably winning an Academy Award for his contributions to the 1942 film Mrs Miniver ~ Wimperis passed away in 1953