December 30, 2020 ~ Thomas Neal Cartnell, commonly known as rock, heartland rock, roots rock, rock & roll saxophonist Alto Reed, passed away ~ Best known as longtime associate of Bob Seger and member of Silver Bullet Band, notably present on songs such as Turn The Page and Old Time Rock & Roll. Has also worked with Foghat, Grand Funk Railroad, Little Feat, Otis Rush, Jamie Oldaker, Dave Mason, Spencer Davis, Tico Torres, and George Thorogood ~ Cartmell was born in 1948
December 30, 2020 ~ Jazz bassist Eugene Wright, full name Eugene Joseph Wright, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Dave Brubeck, including on the Dave Brubeck Quartet landmark album Time Out which included the ensemble's classic Take Five. Also present on albums by Buddy DeFranco, Harry Belafonte (Calypso), Cannonball Adderley, Gerald Wiggins, Monty Alexander (We've Only Just Begun), Cal Tjader, Guatauba, and Abe Most ~ Wright was born in 1923
December 30, 2020 ~ Pianist Frank Kimbrough passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Thelonious Monk, Vince Guaraldi, Keith Jarrett, Cecil Taylor. Actively recording since the mid-1980s. Collaborated with Ben Wolfe, the Herbie Nichols Project, Joe Locke, Rufus Reid, the Jazz Composers Collective, Paul Motian, and others ~ Kimbrough was born in 1956
December 30, 2020 ~ Henry Gibson Dan, commonly known as folk, jazz, hula singer, songwriter Seaman Dan, passed away in Edmonton, Australia ~ Regular performer at local events for decades. Gained international fame in the 2000s with a fusion of American, Australian, African and Polynesian genres, especially the hula genre of his native Thursday Island. Acclaimed for the albums Perfect Pearl and Sailing Home, released respectively in 2004 and 2009 ~ Dan was born in 1929
December 30, 2017 ~ Schlager, easy listening singer Bernd Spier passed away ~ Son of conductor Robby Spier. Enjoyed succes in the early-1960s prior to the rise of the Beatles. Briefly returned in the late-1960s, early-1970s scoring hits in Germany with Pretty Belinda and Knock Three Times, covers of respectively Chris Andrews and Tony Orlando & Dawn ~ Spier was born in 1944
December 30, 2015 ~ Folk, kleinkunst singer, guitarist Zjef Vanuytsel, full name Jozef Guillaume Dymphna Vanuytsel, passed away in Louvain, Belgium ~ Considered one of the leading Flemish kleinkunst artists, alongside Wannes van de Velde and Willem Vermandere. Best known for his 1970 debut album Zotte Morgen. Would return to work as an architect in commercially less successful periods ~ Vanuytsel was born in 1945
December 30, 2013 ~ Producer Ibrahima Sylla passed away ~ Helped define popular African music. Founded Syllart Records. Has worked with Africando, Youssou n'Dour, Les Quatre Etoiles, Oumou Dioubate, Baaba Maal, Bako Dagnon, Ismaël Lô, Pape Seck, Oumou Sangaré, Gnossàs Pedro, Kouyate Sory Kandia, Bembeya Jazz, Fanta Damba, Alpha Blondy, Miriam Makeba, and others ~ Sylla was born in 1956
December 30, 2009 ~ Guitarist, organist, singer Rowland S Howard passed away in Heidelberg, Australia ~ Member of post-punk outfit the Birthday Party, active from 1979 through 1983. The band evolved from its predecessor Boys Next Door and achieved little commercial success yet was heralded by critics as one of the most challenging post-punk groups of the early-1980s and is especially known for launching the career of singer Nick Cave. Howard would go on to work with Crime & the City Solution, These Immortal Souls, Nikki Sudden, and record as a solo artist ~ Howard was born in 1959
December 30, 2004 ~ Swing, big band bandleader, saxophonist, clarinetist Artie Shaw, full name Arthur Jacob Arshawsky, passed away in Thousand Oaks, California, USA ~ Widely seen as one of jazz's finest clarinetists. Widely popular from the late-1930s onwards. Led both big bands and smaller ensembles. Hired Billie Holiday as lead vocalist in 1938 and toured the segregated South. Has also worked with Lena Horne, Helen Forrest, Mel Tormé, Buddy Rich, Dave Tough, Barney Kessel, Jimmy Raney, Tal Farlow, Dodo Marmarosa, and Ray Conniff ~ Shaw was born in 1910
December 30, 1998 ~ R&B singer Johnny Moore, full name John Darrel Moore, passed away in London, UK ~ Member of the Hornets. Best known as a lead singer of the Drifters, remaining with the band from 1954 through 1957, and again from 1964 through 1978. Present on most of the band's best known including Saturday Night At The Movies, Come On Over To My Place, At The Club, and Up In The Streets Of Harlem ~ Moore was born in 1934
December 30, 1993 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist Arthur Rollini, full name Arthur Francis Rollini, passed away in Florida, USA ~ Worked with Benny Goodman, including at the famed 1938 Carnegie Hall performance considered a milestone in big band history. Also worked with Richard Himber, Will Bradley, Wingy Manone, Joe Venuti, Lionel Hampton, Harry James, Louis Armstrong, Brad Gowans, Bunny Berigan, Jack Teagarden, and wioth his older brother Adrian Rollini ~ Rollini was born in 1912
December 30, 1986 ~ Accordionist, arranger, composer Charles Magnante passed away in Westchester, New York, USA ~ Played an important role in elevating the accordion, previously considered an instrument suitable only in folk music, to an instrument accepted in many genres ~ Magnante was born in 1905
December 30, 1986 ~ Elena Jane Goulding, commonly known as elektropop, synth-pop, indie pop singer, songwriter Ellie Goulding, born in Hereford, UK ~ Debuted in 2010 with the album Lights. Known for songs such as Starry Eyed, Your Song, Anything Could Happen, Burn, How Long Will I Love You, Love Me Like You Do, On My Mind, River, and others
December 30, 1984 ~ Cassandra Monique Batie, commonly known as R&B, soul, pop singer, songwriter, actress Andra Day, born in Edmonds, Washington, USA ~ Released her Cheers To The Fall debut album in 2015, spawning the Grammy Award-nominated modest R&B hit Rise Up. The album featured backing musicians such as Raphael Saadiq, Questlove, James Poyser, DJ Jazzy Jeff, the Dap-Kings. Portrayed the role of Billie Holiday in the 2021 biopic The United States vs Billie Holiday. Has worked with Black Eyed Peas, Needtobreathe, Gary Clark Jr, Keedron Bryant, and Stevie Wonder (Someday At Christmas)
December 30, 1984 ~ Classical conductor, violinist Dalia Stasevska born in Kyiv, Ukranian SSR ~ Married to bassist Lauri Porra. Assistant conductor to Paavo Järvi at the Orchestra de Paris from 2014 through 2016. Would go on to work with the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, the Opera North, the BBC Sympony Orchestra, and others. Conducted the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra at the 2018 Nobel Prize Award Ceremony making her the second female conductor to do so, shortly after Karina Canellakis the same year
December 30, 1984 ~ Maria Micaela Secada Ramos, commonly known as singer Moraima Secada, passed away in Havana, Cuba ~ Aunt of pop singer Jon Secada. Member of Anacaona, the first all-female Latin-American orchestra. Member of Cuarteto Los Meme. Member of the Cuarteto D'Aida alongside Elena Burke, Omara Portuondo and Haydee Portuondo ~ Secada was born in 1930
December 30, 1982 ~ Jazz guitarist, songwriter Nir Felder born in USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Greg Osby, Esperanza Spalding, Jack DeJohnette, Meshell Ndegeocello, Sylent Running, Barney McAll, Goan Slater, Terri Lyne Carrington, Aaron Parks, Matt Penman, Nate Smith, Chase Baird, the Boeuf Brothers, Tony Grey, Mark Giuliana, Janek Gwizdala, Bob Reynolds, Brian Landrus, David Weiss, and others
December 30, 1980 ~ Heavy metal, progressive metal singer, keyboardist Tommy Giles Rogers Jr born in Morganton, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known as founding member, lead vocalist, keyboardist, songwriter of progressive metal band Between The Buried And Me. Also guested on recordings by Devin Townsend, Ayreon, Prayer For Cleansing, August Burns Red, Safety Fire, Johnny Booth, Abnormal Thought Patterns, and others
December 30, 1979 ~ Composer Richard Rodgers, full name Richard Charles Rodgers, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the most important composers of the 20th century with over 40 musicals to his name and some 900 songs, often in collaboration with lyricist Lorenz Hart. Well known songs co-written by Rodgers include Some Enchanted Evening (Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Al Goodman), Bewitched Bothered And Bewildered (Vivienne Segal, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald), My Funny Valentine (Mitzi Green, Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock), Falling In Love With Love (Muriel Angelus, Rita Reys, Patti Page), Dancing On The Ceiling (Jessie Matthews, Buddy Greco, Peggy Lee), Lover (Jeanette Macdonald, Jimmy Dorsey, Margaret Whiting), Hello Young Lovers (Gertrude Lawrence, Mabel Mercer, Tommy Sands), The Sound Of Music (Mary Martin, Eddie Fisher, Vic Damone), This Nearly Was Mine (Ezio Pinza, Giorgio Tozzi, Fred Waring), It Might As Well Be Spring (Dick Haymes, Sammy Kaye, Rosemary Clooney), It Never Entered My Mind (Shirley Ross, Buddy Morrow, Julie London), and Little Girl Blue (Gloria Grafton, Lena Horne, Pinky Winters) ~ Rodgers was born in 1902
December 30, 1979 ~ Michael Wayne Atha, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Yelawolf, born in Gadsden, Alabama, USA ~ Active since the mid-2000s. Over half a dozen albums to his name starting with Creek Water. Broke through to mainstream with the 2010 EP Trunk Muzik. Has recorded a number of collaborative EPs and albums with Ed Sheeran, Travis Barker, Korn, and Shooter Jennings
December 30, 1978 ~ House, dance-pop DJ, producer Lucas Prata born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Known for a string of club, dance hits starting in the early-2000s, including Never Be Alone, And She Said, Love Of My Life featuring Reina, I Think I'm Falling In Love, A Girl Like That featuring Jeannie Ortega and First Night Of My Life featuring Lenny B
December 30, 1978 ~ Tyrese Darnell Gibson, mononymously known as R&B, hip hop, pop, soul singer, songwriter Tyrese, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Got his start in music singing in commercials, notably appearing in a 1994 Coca-Cola advertisement singing the phrase “Always Coca-Cola,” which led to other appearances. Would release his Nobody Else debut single in 1998, which would reach top 40 Billboard Hot 100. Has recorded over half a dozen albums since. Well-known songs include Sweet Lady, Lately, I Like Them Girls, and his biggest hit the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 single How You Gonna Act Like That. Tyrese also formed the trio TGT with Tank and Ginuwine, known for its sole album Three Kings released in 2013
December 30, 1977 ~ Jazz guitarist Thornel Schwartz passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for accompanying organist Jimmy Smith from the mid-1950s through the late-1960s including on quintessential albums such as The Champ and A New Sound A New Star. Other notable credits include Johnny Hammond Smith (That Good Feelin'), Larry Young, Sylvia Syms, Byrdie Green, Jimmy McGriff (The Worm), Grady Tate, Big Joe Turner, and Babs Gonzales ~ Holmes was born in 1927
December 30, 1976 ~ Saxophonist Miguel Zenón born in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Edmar Castaneda, Adam Cruz, Guillermo Klein, Brian Lynch, Luis Perdomo, Pat Metheny, the SF Jazz Collective, Charlie Haden, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, David Sánchez, Danilo Pérez, Kurt Elling, Ray Barretto, Miles Okazaki, Dan Tepfer, Bobby Hutcherson, Steve Coleman, Andy Montañez, David Gilmore, Jason Lindner, and others
December 30, 1974 ~ Folk, psychedelic rock, country, R&B singer, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist Jonathan Wilson, full name Jonathan Spencer Wilson, born in Forest City, North Carolina, USA ~ Co-founded Muscadine with Benji Hughes, known for their 1998 Ballad Of Hope Nicholls debut album. Released his Gentle Spirit solo debut album in 2011, featuring backing musicians such as Barry Goldberg, Gary Louris, Z Berg, Josh Grange, Jonathan Rice, Gary Mallaber, and others
December 30, 1970 ~ Ignacio Arsenio Travieso Scull, commonly known as bandleader, composer Arsenío Rodriguez, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Contributed to the development of son montuno, the basic template of modern-day salsa. Worked with the Orquesta Casino de la Playa, Septeto Boston, Antonio Arcana, Chano Pozo, Machito, Dizzy Gillespie, and Mario Bauzá ~ Scull was born in 1911
December 30, 1970 ~ Ayalah Deborah Bentovim, commonly known as trip hop, house,progressive house, psychedelic trance producer, DJ, keyboardist Sister Bliss, born in London, UK ~ Closely associated with Rollo Armstrong. Co-founding member of Faithless, known for songs such as Salva Mea, Insomnia, God Is A DJ and We Come 1. Has also worked with Dido, Boy George, Cat Power, the Temper Trap, and others
December 30, 1967 ~ Songwriter, producer Bert Berns, full name Bertrand Russell Berns, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Twist And Shout (the Top Notes, the Isley Brothers, the Tremeloes, the Who), Piece Of My Heart (Erma Franklin, Janis Joplin, Dusty Springfield), Here Comes The Night (Lulu, Them, David Bowie, Dwight Yoakam), Hang On Sloopy (the Vibrations, the McCoys), and Everybody Needs Somebody To Love (Solomon Burke, the Rolling Stones, the Blues Brothers) ~ Berns was born in 1929
December 30, 1965 ~ Ronaldo Antunacci Charles Affif, commonly known as jazz guitarist Ron Affiff, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Dick Berk, Pete Christlieb, Dave Pike, Jack Sheldon, Colin Bailey, Brian O'Rourke, Andy Simpkins, Sherman Ferguson, Essiet Essiet, Jeff Tain-Watts, Michael Carvin, Dave Kikoski, Ralph Lalama, Leon Parker, Joe Ascione, Miri Ben Ari, Alexis Cole, Allan Harris, Steve Hass, Donna Lewis, John Pisano, and others
December 30, 1963 ~ Contemporary Christian music singer Kim Hill born in Starkville, Mississippi, USA ~ Grammy-nominated CCM singer, not to be confused with Kim Hill of Black Eyed Peas. Sang background for Rich Mullins on the albums Wind Of Heaven and Stuff Of Earth. Hill debuted as a solo artist in 1988 with an eponymous album
December 30, 1962 ~ Le Moise Roosevelt Graves, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer Blind Roosevelt Graves, passed away ~ Brother of Uaroy Graves, with whom he recorded Guitar Boogie, I'll Be Rested, and Crazy About My Baby. The latter, recorded in 1929, has been cited as the first rock & roll recording ~ Graves was born in 1909
December 30, 1962 ~ Conductor Paavo Järvi born in Tallinn, Estonia ~ Son of conductor Neeme Järvi, brother of conductor Kristjan Järvi and flutist Maarika Järvi. Closely associated with the Malmo Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Has also worked with the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre De Paris, and others
December 30, 1961 ~ David Leon Miller, commonly known as electric blues, funk bassist, singer, songwriter Biscuit Miller, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Known for songs such as Lay It On Down, Bottle Of Whiskey Bottle Of Wine, One More Mile and Wishbone. Worked with Sonny Rodgers, George Mojo Buford, Lady Blue, Lonnie Brooks, Anthony Gomes, Billy Branch, Ronnie Baker Brooks, and Carl Weathersby
December 30, 1959 ~ Rock drummer, guitarist, songwriter Brett Ford, full name Brett Taylor Ford, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Co-founding member of Lubricated Goat, remaining with the band through 1989. Has also worked with the Kryptonics, X, the Punjabbers, and Rattlesnake Shake ~ Ford passed away in 2007
December 30, 1959 ~ Jazz fusion, smooth jazz, pop rock, R&B guitarist Paul Jackson Jr, full name Paul Milton Jackson Jr, born ~ In-demand session guitarist in jazz, pop and R&B. especially prolific in the 1980s. As a solo artist best known for his 1996 Never Alone (Duets) release featuring a wide array of guests. As a sideman present on albums by the likes of the Jacksons (Destiny), the Crusaders (Street Life), BB King, Donna Summer (Bad Girls), Aretha Franklin, José Feliciano, Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, Anita Baker, Michael Jackson (Thriller), Patti Austin, Peabo Bryson, Natalie Cole, George Benson, Scritti Politti, Amy Grant, Madonna (True Blue), Glenn Frey, Luis Miguel, Whitney Houston (Whitney Houston), Randy Crawford, Rod Stewart, and Jewel
December 30, 1959 ~ Trace Ullman, commonly known as singer, actress, comedian Tracey Ullman, born in Slough, UK ~ Best known as a comedian, notably with her own TV show The Tracey Ullman Show which ran from 1987 through 1990. As a singer known for a string of early-1980s singles including Breakaway, They Don't Know and Move Over Darling, all of which reached the UK top 10
December 30, 1958 ~ Drummer Lewis Nash born in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ In-demand sideman appearing on over an estimated 400 albums. Recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader, starting with Rhythm Is My Business released in 1989. Has worked with artists such as Toshiko Akiyoshi, Kenny Barron, the Blue Note 7, Kenny Burrell, Benny Carter, Ron Carter, the Classical Jazz Quartet, Tommy Flanagan, Frank Foster, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Heath, Eddie Henderson, Joe Lovano, Branford Marsalis, Mulgrew Miller, David Fathead Newman, Ken Peplowski, Houston Person, Toots Thielemans, McCoy Tyner, Gerald Wilson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jane Monheit, and others
December 30, 1957 ~ Singer, songwriter Nikos Portokaloglou born in Volos, Greece ~ Rose to fame as founding member, frontman of band Fatme, best known for the mid-1980s albums Vgenoume Apo To Tunel and Taxidi. After the band broke up ventured in to a successful career, starting with 1990s Fones, and has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial succes since. Has collaborated with Greek singers such as Haris Alexiou, Melina Kana, Eleftheria Arvanitaki, as well as composed for films
December 30, 1956 ~ Country singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Suzy Bogguss, full name Susan Kay Bogguss, born in Aledo, Illinois, USA ~ Released her major label debut album, Somewhere Between, in 1989. Known for songs such as Cross My Broken Heart, Outbound Plane, Aces, Letting Go, the John Hiatt-cover Drive South, Just Like The Weather, Hey Cinderella, and others
December 30, 1952 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Tony Sciuto, full name Antonino Joseph Sciuto Jr, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ As a solo artist recorded a handful of albums, starting with Island Nights released in 1980. Member of the Little River Band from 1990 through 1997. Subsequently served as keyboardist for Player through 2001. Best known as a songwriter, songs co-written by Sciuto recorded by the Bay City Rollers (My Lisa), Marc Hunter, Herman Brood, Don Johnson (The Last Sound That Love Makes), Nick Kamen (Bring Me Your Love), Tina Turner (Stronger Than The Wind), and BJ Thomas
December 30, 1951 ~ R&B, soul keyboardist, songwriter Chris Jasper born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Keyboardist and primary songwriter of the Isley Brothers from 1971 through 1984, first appearing on the 1973 3+3. Alongside Ernie Isley and Marvin Isley member of Isley-Jasper-Isley. As a solo artist well over a dozen albums to his name, starting with 1988's Superbad.
December 30, 1950 ~ Progressive rock keyboardist Dave Stewart born in Waterloo, UK ~ Worked with acts such as Arzachel, the Egg, Khan, Hatfield & the North, National Health, Steve Hillage, Pip Pyle, Bunch Of Fives, and Gong. Stewart has also served as producer for the likes of Peter Blegvad, Jakko Jakszyk, and Bill Bruford
December 30, 1950 ~ Bassist Greg Macainsh born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Bassist of Skyhooks from 1973 through 1980, present on songs such as Horror Movie, Ego Is Not A Dirty Word and Women In Uniform. Has also worked with John Farnham, Dave Warner, and others
December 30, 1950 ~ Hugo Martin Montgomery, commonly known as wind player, harpist, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Mont Campbell, born in Ismalia, Egypt ~ Active in blues, rock, progressive rock throughout the mid-1970s working with acts such as Arzachel, the Egg, Gilgamesh, Hatfield & the North, National Health. Over time would gravitate towards folk and world music, eventually abandoning rock music altogether. Has written music for theatre, TV, films including Dreamland Express, In The Time Of Angels, Deutsche Post. Released his solo debut, Music From A Round Tower, in 1996
December 30, 1947 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Jeff Lynne born in Birmingham, UK ~ Member of the Move, member of Idle Race. Rose to fame as leader, co-founding member of the Electric Light Orchestra, known for songs such as Evil Woman, Livin' Thing, Rockaria, Telephone Line, Turn To Stone, Mr Blue Sky, Sweet Talkin' Woman, Don't Bring Me Down, Xanadu featuring Olivia Newton-John, All Over The World, Hold On Tight, and others. Lynne was also a member of supergroup the Traveling Wilburys
December 30, 1946 ~ Progressive rock, hard rock, folk rock drummer Clive Bunker, full name Clive William Bunker, born in Luton, UK ~ Influenced by Ginger Baker, Mitch Mitchell, Buddy Rich, and the Hollies-drummer Bobby Elliott. Best known as original member of Jethro Tull, remaining with the band from 1967 through 1971. Would go on to work with artists such as Steve Howe, Generation X, Aviator, Steve Hillage, Uli Jon Roth, Blodwyn Pig, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Solstice, Beggar's Farm, and others
December 30, 1946 ~ Punk rock, proto-punk art rock singer, guitarist, poet, songwriter Patti Smith born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Called “the Punk poet laureate” known best for her 1975 debut album Horses, backed by the Patti Smith Group, widely considered one of the most important albums in New York's punk rock movement. Also known for her 1978 Billboard top 20 hit Because The Night, penned by Bruce Springsteen
December 30, 1945 ~ Pop singer, actor Davy Jones, full name David Thomas Jones, born in Manchester, UK ~ Rose to fame as a member of 1960s teen idol group the Monkees and its accompanying TV show of the same name. The band recorded over half a dozen albums through the 1970s, including the acclaimed Headquarters and Pisces Aquarius Capricorn & Jones Ltd. Jones sang lead on many of the band's best known including I Wanna Be Free and the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Daydream Believer. Following the band's disbandement in 1970, Jones has recorded as a solo artist, reunited with the Monkees bandmate Micky Dolenz in Dolenz Jones Byoce & Hart, and has acted for TV and stage productions ~ Jones passed away in 2012
December 30, 1942 ~ Philip Anastasi, commonly known as pop, soul singer, actor Dean Parrish, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for a number of moderately successful mid-1960s singles, notably Tell Her, Determination, Bricks Broken Bottles And Sticks and most likely his best known I'm On My Way. The latter single would be rediscovered by English DJ Russ Winstanley who would regularly play it during sets at the Wigan Casino. Its popularity would lead to a UK re-release reaching the top 40 in 1975 and continued intrest among Northern Soul aficionados. Parrish himself would remain unaware of the renewed interest until 2000 ~ Anastasi passed away in 2021
December 30, 1942 ~ Singer, guitarist Michael Nesmith, full name Robert Michael Nesmith, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Member of the Monkees, known for songs such as Last Train To Clarksville, I'm A Believer, and Daydream Believer. Member of country-rock outfit the First National Band, known for the 1970 hit Joanne. Also wrote Different Drum, a hit for Linda Ronstadt ~ Nesmith passed away in 2021
December 30, 1942 ~ Singer, guitarist Robert Quine, full name Robert Wolfe Quinne, born in Akron, Ohio, USA ~ Draws from a wide range of influences, including jazz, rock and blues. In-demand collaborator, most noted for his associations with the Dim Stars and Richard Hell & the Voidoids. Has also worked with Brian Eno, Lou Reed (The Blue Mask), John Zorn, Ikue Mori, Marc Ribot, Marianne Faithfull, Matthew Sweet, and Tom Waits ~ Quine passed away in 2004
December 30, 1939 ~ Bassist, producer Felix Pappalardi born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Bassist of Mountain, known for their 1970 hit Mississippi Queen. Closely associated with Cream, producing and arranging the band's sophomore Disraeli Gears album. As a producer also worked with Bo Grumpus, Kensington Market, Leslie West, Jack Bruce, Mylon LeFevre, the Flock, Gasolin, and Jesse Colin Young. Pappalardi was shot and killed by his wife, who was charged with second-degree murder and found guilty of the lesser charge criminally negligent homicide ~ Pappalardi passed away in 1983
December 30, 1938 ~ Blues shouter Big Joe Turner and pianist Pete Johnson record Roll 'Em Pete in New York, New York ~ Written by Turner and Johnson. The song would become to be regarded as a precursor to rock & roll. Re-recorded by Turner several times over the course of his career. Covered by numerous artists including Albert Ammons, Lionel Hampton, T-Bone Walker, Chuck Berry, Bill Wyman, and Count Basie
December 30, 1938 ~ Bluegrass, country dobroist, singer Mike Auldridge born in Washington DC, 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 passed away in 2012
December 30, 1937 ~ John Cowan Hartford, commonly known as folk, country, bluegrass singer, fiddler, banjoist, songwriter John Hartford, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for penning and first recording Gentle On My Mind in 1968, earning Hartford two Grammy Awards. It would be notably covered by Glen Campbell the same year, which also received two Grammy Awards. Others who covered the song included Aretha Franklin, Dean Martin, and Patti Page ~ Harford passed away in 2001
December 30, 1937 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Paul Stookey, full name Noel Paul Stookey born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Best known as one third of folk trio Peter Paul & Mary, alongside Peter Yarrow and Mary Travers, known for 1960s hits such as If I Had A Hammer (The Hammer Song), Puff The Magic Dragon, Blowin' In The Wind, I Dig Rock & Roll Music, Leaving On A Jet Plane, and others. The trio would continue to perform until Mary's death in 2009. As a solo artist known for his 1971 single The Wedding Song (There Is Love), a favorite at weddings to this day
December 30, 1935 ~ Jazz, rock pianist Wolfgang Dauner born in Stuttgart, Germany ~ Draws from jazz, rock, and electronic music, while incorporating elements of opera and theatre. About two dozen albums as a leader or solo artist, especially acclaimed for 1967's Free Action and 1970's Output. Founding member of jazz rock unit Et Cetera. Co-founding and longtime member of the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble. In-demand sideman, notably appearing on albums by Jean-Luc Ponty (Live At Donte's), Robin Kenyatta, Don Sugarcane Harris, Larry Coryell, Albert Mangelsdorff (Three Originals), Volker Kriegel, Gary Windo (His Master's Bones), and Klaus Doldinger ~ Dauner passed away in 2020
December 30, 1934 ~ Charles Weedon Westover, commonly known as rock & roll, country pop singer, songwriter Del Shannon, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Best known for Runaway, a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit taken off his 1961 Runaway With Del Shannon debut album. Westover recorded about a dozen albums through the early-1980s, albeit it to lesser success. The singles Hats Off To Larry, Little Town Flirt and Keep Searchin' (We'll Follow The Sun), all released through the mid-1960s would all reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Westover passed away in 1990
December 30, 1933 ~ Miguel Angel Barcasnegras, commonly known as salsa singer Meñique, born in Panama City, Panama ~ Has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with the eponymous Meñique released in 1972. Has also appeared on albums by Tito Puente, Kako, Charlie Palmieri (Impulsos), Chamaco Rivera, Jerry Masucci, and Santitos Colon ~ Barcasnegras passed away in 2021
December 30, 1928 ~ Ellas Otha Bates, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Bo Diddley born in McComb, Mississippi, USA ~ Pivotal figure in development of rock & roll and just about everything after. Defined both the beat, the hearbeat of rock, and the guitar riffs. Influenced by Louis Jordan, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters. Hugely influential himself on Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and especially Stones guitarist Keith Richards, the Animals, the Clash, and others. Best known for recordings such as I'm A Man, Bo Diddley, Say Man, You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover, and Who Do You Love ~ Diddley passed away in 2008
December 30, 1928 ~ Jazz double bassist Gene Mayl born in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Worked with Claude Bolling, Don Byas, Claude Luter, the Dixieland Rhythm Kings, Speckled Red, Terry Waldo, George Brunies, Wild Bill Davison, Billy Maxted, Bob Scobey, Muggsy Spanier, and others ~ Mayl passed away in 2015
December 30, 1927 ~ Country songwriter, producer Bob Ferguson, full name Robert Bruce Ferguson, born in Willow Springs, Missouri, USA ~ Helpful in creating the Nashville sound of the 1950s and 1960s. Perhaps best remembered for writing The Wings Of A Dove, recorded by Ferlin Husky, George Jones, Ricky Skaggs, and Hal Ketchum, and for writing The Carroll County Incident, a 1968 hit for Porter Wagoner. Staff producer at RCA-Victor, producing acts such as Connie Smith, Jerry Reed, Floyd Cramer, Danny Davis, Dolly Parton (Jolene), the Browns, Lester Flatt, Homer & Jethro, and Charley Pride ~ Ferguson passed away in 2001
December 30, 1926 ~ Reinaldo Hierrezuelo, commonly known as trova singer, guitarist Rey Caney, born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba ~ Led the the Cuarteto Patria. Replaced Compay Segundo in Los Compadres. Best known for performing and recording with his brother Lorenzo Hierrezuelo for three decades. Has also worked with his sister guaracha singer Caridad Hierrezuelo. Led the Vieja Trova Santiaguera ~ Hierrezuelo passed away in 2016
December 30, 1926 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Stan Tracey, full name Stanley William Tracey, born in South London, UK ~ Influenced by Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk. Best known for his 1965 album Under Milk Wood, an acclaimed landmark album in British jazz. House pianist at Ronnie Scott's famed Soho jazz club for most of the 1960s. Collaborated with Michael Horovitz and extensively with Bobby Wellins. Gravitated towards free jazz and avant-garde from the 1970s onwards, working with Mike Osborne, Keith Tippett and John Surman. Also worked with Evan Parker, his son percussionist and bandleader Clark Tracey, Art Themen, Sal Nistico, Charlie Rouse, Gerard Presencer, and others ~ Tracey passed away in 2013
December 30, 1922 ~ Magin Diaz Garcia, commonly known as singer, composer Magin Diaz born in Manates, Colombia ~ Best known for his chalupa version of the Cuban song Rosa Que Linda Eres, which has since become a standard, and his 2017 Grammy Award-winning El Orisha De La Rose album ~ Garcia passed away in 2017
December 30, 1918 ~ James Henry Jones, commonly known as jazz pianist Jimmy Jones, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Leader, sideman, arranger. Cited by Dave Brubeck as a major influence. Closely associated with Sarah Vaughan, backing Vaughan from 1947 through 1952 and again from 1954 through 1957. Also worked with Stuff Smith, Don Byas, Dizzy Gillespie, JC Heard, Buck Clayton, Etta Jones, Clifford Brown, Anita O'Day, Dakota Staton, Pat Suzuki, Morgana King, Harry Belafonte, Johnny Hodges, Bud Johnson, Nat Gonella, Harry Sweets Edison, Big Joe Turner, Coleman Hawkins, Frank Wess, Milt Jackson, Sidney Bechet, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt, and others. Present on the 1957 The Jones Boys album by the Jones Boys, a one-off group put together by Leonard Feather with all members named “Jones” though none were related ~ Jones passed away in 1982
December 30, 1897 ~ Author, scriptwriter, songwriter Alfredo Bracchi born in Milan, Italy ~ As a songwriter known as a frequent collaborator of Giovanni D'Anzi, working prolifically for radio, film and stage from the 1930s through the 1950s. The pair is responsible for songs such as Lina Termini's Ma L'Amore No, Tony Dallara's Bambina Innamorata and Carlo Buti's Ti Diro. Other artists who recorded their songs include Caterina Valente, Ornella Vanoni, Gigliola Cinquetti, Nicola Arigliano, Luciano Pavarotti, and José Carreras ~ Bracchi passed away in 1976
December 30, 1895 ~ Bandleader, actor, pianist Vincent Lopez born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Bandleader from the big band and swing eras who employed many noted musicians early in their career such as Artie Shaw, Xavier Cugat, Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey, Mike Mosiello, Fred Lowery, Glenn Miller, and singers Betty Hutton and Marion Hutton. Later musicians such as Eddy Duchin and Liberace were influenced by Lopez's flamboyant style of piano playing ~ Lopez passed away in 1975