December 5, 2023 ~ Brian Frederick Arthur Hines, commonly known as pop rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Denny Laine passed away in Naples, Florida, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Moody Blues, present on the band's 1965 The Magnificent Moodies debut album. Sang lead on the band's first hit, Go Now, which would top the charts in their native UK in 1965 and reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Laine would depart the band in 1966 and be replaced by Justin Hayward. Perhaps best known for his association with Paul McCartney, serving as member of McCartney's backing unit Wings from 1971 through 1981. Also co-wrote Mull Of Kintyre with McCartney. Laine has recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist, noted for his 1976 Holly Days sophomore album, and worked with the Electric String Band, Balls, Ginger Baker, Colin Blunstone, and Carmine Appice ~ Hines was born in 1944
December 5, 2022 ~ James Frank Stewart, commonly known as label executive, producer Jim Stewart, passed away ~ Co-founded the Stax/Volt label with his sister Estelle Axton in 1957. The company would be one of the defining forces in 1960s, 1970s R&B and soul with a roster of artists that included Rufus Thomas, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Don Covay, Johnnie Taylor, the Staple Singers, Isaac Hayes, and Booker T & the MG's. The latter was initially formed as the label's in-house studio band, yet are also specifically remembered for several recordings in their own right, some of which including the instrumental Green Onions are regarded as among the funkiest grooves of the era ~ Stewart was born in 1930
December 5, 2022 ~ Modernist composer, pianist John Beckwith passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Wrote over 160 compositions for orchestral, chamber and choral genres. Also known for arranging traditional Canadian folk songs, expecially the songbooks Four Love Songs and Five Songs. Authored well over a dozen books on several musical topics, the last published just three months before his death ~ Beckwith was born in 1927
December 5, 2021 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Bill Staines, full name William Russell Staines, passed away ~ Over 20 albums to his name since the 1960s. Has toured excessively, playing up to 200 dates per year. Known for songs such as The Boats They Come And The Boats They Go, A Place In The Choir, The Roseville Fair, Flowers In The Snow, Sueño, and Spirit Song. Has his songs recorded by Nanci Griffith, the Highwaymen, Glenn Yarbrough, Grandpa Jones, the Clydesiders, Foster & Allen, Debby McClatchy, Wendy Grossman, Sheila Noonan, Liam Clancy, and Jerry Jeff Walker ~ Staines was born in 1947
December 5, 2021 ~ John Errington, commonly known as rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist John Miles, passed away ~ Member of local band the Influence, which also included future Roxy Music-drummer Paul Thompson and future Geordie-guitarist Vic Malcolm. Active as a solo artist since the eary 1970s, best known for Highfly, Slowdown and Music, the latter a UK top 10 hit in 1975 and a radio staple since. Would go on to back artists such as Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, and Stevie Wonder ~ Errington was born in 1949
December 5, 2019 ~ Jerry Naylor Jackson, commonly known as country, rock & roll singer, guitarist Jerry Naylor, passed away ~ Lead singer of post-Buddy Holly rock & roll band the Crickets from 1961 through 1964, present on the 1961 UK top 10 hit Don't Ever Change. As a solo artist best known for his 1974 Billboard Country top 40 hit Is This All There Is To A Honky Tonk ~ Jackson was born in 1939
December 5, 2019 ~ Church organist, choir director, radio host Leon Cole passed away ~ 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 was born in 1939
December 5, 2019 ~ Pop singer, pianist, songwriter Marie Fredriksson, full name Gun-Marie Fredriksson, passed away in Djursholm, Sweden ~ Formed Roxette with Per Gessle, known for a string of late-1980s, early-1990s hits including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits The Look, Listen To Your Heart, Dangerous, It Must Have Been Love, Joyride, and Fading Like A Flower (Every Time You Leave). Previously sang with bands such as Strul and with the short-lived MaMas Barn. Has also recorded a number of solo albums, starting with Het Vind released in 1984 ~ Fredriksson was born in 1958
December 5, 2017 ~ Jean Philippe Leo Smet, commonly known as rock & roll, rock singer Johnny Hallyday, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Credited with having brought rock & roll to France, earning him the nickname “the French Elvis Presley.” Reportedly once had the Jimi Hendrix Experience open for him. Well over two dozen albums to his name starting in the 1950s. Known for songs such as Tous Ensemble, Marie and Mon Plus Beau Noel ~ Smet was born in 1943
December 5, 2016 ~ Tyruss Gerald Himes, commonly known as rapper Big Syke, passed away in Hawthorne, California ~ Best known for his association with hip-hop groups Thug Life and Outlawz. Also known under the moniker Mussolini. Present on Tupac Shakur's Picture Me Rollin', All Eyez On Me and Check Out Time of Shakur's 1996 All Eyez On Me. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of DJ Ripley, C-Bo, Nate Dogg, Daz Dillinger, Knight Owl, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and Young Noble ~ Himes was born in 1968
December 5, 2007 ~ Composer Karlheinz Stockhausen passed away in Kürten, Germany ~ Widely regarded as one of the most important, and controversial, composers of the 20th century. Although much of Stockhausen's extensive catalogue is too experimental for mainstream audiences, Stockhausen has been acknowledged as a pioneer of electronic music and controlled chance, earning him critical acclaim and his influence extending to a wide range of artists including Louis Andriessen, Miles Davis, Cecil Taylor, Charles Mingus, Herbie Hancock, Yusef Lateef, Anthony Braxton, Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd's Richard Wright and Roger Waters, the Jefferson Airplane, Can, Holger Czukay, Kraftwerk, and Björk ~ Stockhausen was born in 1928
December 5, 2005 ~ Reggae, dancehall singer, DJ Sean Paul releases Temperature, lifted off his The Trinity album ~ Widely regarded as Paul's signature song, Temperature would be his second Billboard Hot 100 charttopper as a solo artist, after Get Busy, and his third overall having been notably featured on the 2003 hit Baby Boy by Beyoncé. The music video for Temperature shows Paul dancing in various settings, going through the seasons to mark the changing temperatures, starting in autumn with falling leaves, in the winter's snow, in spring's rain to finally center on summer with the singer squirting sunscreen, an obvious sexual innuendo, in a tanning salon
December 5, 2002 ~ Jazz double bassist Arvell Shaw passed away in Roosevelt, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Louis Armstrong, intermittently working with Armstrong from the mid-1940s through the mid-1950s, including for the acclaimed 1956 High Society musical comedy film. Other associations include Teddy Wilson, Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins (Lover Man), Herb Hall, Dorothy Donegan (The Many Faces Of Dorothy Donegan), and Rahsaan Roland Kirk ~ Shaw was born in 1923
December 5, 2002 ~ Jazz, hard bop saxophonist Bob Berg, full name Robert Berg, passed away in Amagansett, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with Horace Silver and Cedar Walton in the 1970s, and Miles Davis for most of the 1980s. Recorded about a dozen albums as a leader, notably New Birth released in 1978. An in-demand sideman, valued for his expressive style, Berg has guested on albums by Idris Muhammad (House Of The Rising Sun), Tom Harrell, Sam Jones (Something In Common), Kenny Drew, Billy Higgins (Soweto), the Players Association (We Got The Groove), Mike Wofford, Tom Harrell, Randy Brecker (Live At Sweet Basil), Doug Munro, Chroma, Barbara Dennerlein, Joe Chambers (Phantom Of The City), Chick Corea, Marc Copland (Stompin' With Savoy), and Larry Coryell ~ Berg was born in 1951
December 5, 1999 ~ Oscar James Gibson, commonly known as R&B singer Bobby Marchan, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Toured with Huey Piano Smith's unit the Clowns, sometimes taking over as lead singer and bandleader in place of Smith. Also recorded with Smith, including on The Rocking Pneumonia & The Boogie-Woogie Flu, Don't You Just Know It and Sea Cruise. As a solo artist Marchan is best known for 1960's There's Something On Your Mind and 1965's Get Down With It. The latter would be covered by Little Richard and reworked by glam rockers Slade to Get Down & Get With It, their first UK top 20 hit ~ Gibson was born in 1930
December 5, 1998 ~ Indie pop, bedroom pop singer Conan Gray, full name Conan Lee Gray, born in Lemon Grove, California, USA ~ Cites Taylor Swift as his biggest inspiration. Other influences include Lorde, the Dixie Chicks and Adele. First gained attention as a teenager through his vlogs and Youtube uploads of original songs, leading to a record deal in 2018. Released his full-length Kid Krow debut album in 2020, which reached top 10 on the Billboard Hot 200 in its first week
December 5, 1997 ~ Eugen Ciceu, commonly known as jazz pianist Eugen Cicero, passed away in Zurich, Switzerland ~ Gave his first performance at age 6 with the the Cluj Symphony Orchestra. Known for introducing swing harmonies into baroque, classical, romantic compositions. Enjoyed popularity since the early-1960s especially in Germany, his adopted homeland, working with orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra. Recorded prolifically since the mid-1960s. Brother of jazz drummer Adrian Cicero. Father of jazz singer Roger Cicero ~ Ciceu was born in 1940
December 5, 1997 ~ Songwriter Henry Tobias, full name Henry Hyman Tobias, passed away ~ Brother of songwriters Charles Tobias and Harry Tobias, both regular collaborators. Probably best known for co-writing Miss You first recorded by Rudy Vallée in 1929 and covered by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, Bill Haley, and Dinah Washington. Other songs co-written by Tobias include Cooking Breakfast For The One I Love recorded by Fanny Brice, If I Had My Life To Live Over recorded by Larry Vincent, I Remember Mama recorded by the Andrews Sisters, and If I Knew Then What I Know recorded by the Ray Conniff Singers ~ Tobias was born in 1905
December 5, 1996 ~ Country singer, guitarist, yodeller, songwriter Wilf Carter, full name Wilfred Arthur Charles Carter, nicknamed Montana Slim, passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA ~ Regarded as the father of Canadian country music. Inspired future country musician with a simple, honest sound. Active since the early-1930s. Injured his back in a 1940 car crash and would be unable to perform for much of the decade, but would continue to record periodically ~ Carter was born in 1904
December 5, 1993 ~ Rock guitarist, bassist Doug Hopkins, full name Douglas Owen Hopkins, passed away in Tempe, Arizona, USA ~ Co-founded Gin Blossoms, present on the band's first two albums. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Hey Jealousy, Found Out About You, Hold Me Down, and Lost Horizons. Also co-founded the Chimeras, remaining only shortly with the band, departing after a poor live performance. Suffering from mental health issues and depression and struggling with alcoholism Hopkins committed suicide at age 32 ~ Hopkins was born in 1961
December 5, 1990 ~ Trumpeter, flugelhornist Bill Hardman, full name William Franklin Hardman Jr, passed away in Paris, France ~ Never a household name, yet an influential crackling hard bop player nevertheless, known for his blazing technique, crisp articulations, and no-frills sound. Over half a dozen albums as a leader since the mid-1950s, acclaimed especially for Politely, one of his latter-day albums released in 1981. Sideman on albums by Jackie McLean, Mal Waldron (Wheelin'), Hank Mobley, Art Blakey (A Night In Tunisia), Tiny Bradshaw, Lou Donaldson, Dave Bailey (Two Feet In The Gutter), Charles Mingus (Tijuana Moods), Benny Golson, Howard McGhee, Reuben Wilson (The Sweet Life), Curtis Fuller, Charles Earland, and Junior Cook (Good Cookin') ~ Hardman was born in 1933
December 5, 1987 ~ Lois LaVerne Williamson, commonly known as country singer Molly O'Day, passed away in Huntington, West Virginia, USA ~ After some limited success in local dances and radio bands, notably with Johnnie Bailes first gained serious attention in 1940 teaming up with Lynn Davis & his Forty Niners, marrying Lynn Davis within a few months. In 1945 the band would be renamed to the Cumberland Mountain boys to be quickly discovered by renowned music publisher Fred Rose. Successes such as Six More Miles, The Tramp On The Street and Singing Waterfall quickly followed. Recorded and toured throughout the 1960s, retiring from the stage by the 1960s to focus on singing in churches and do evangelistic work despite attempts by among others Ralph Stanley to lure her back to the stage ~ Williamson was born in 1923
December 5, 1986 ~ Colin Benders, commonly known as singer, bandleader, songwriter Kyteman, born in Utrecht, the Netherlands ~ Worked with Relax, Krezip, Voicst, Wouter Hamel, C-Mon & Kypski, and others. Best known for the album The Hermit Sessions and for leading the Kyteman Orchestra
December 5, 1985 ~ William Swan, commonly known as post-hardcore, experimental rock guitarist, singer Will Swan, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Cites artists as diverse as the Mars Volta, the Temptations, the Deftones, and Earth Wind & Fire as influences. Co-founding member, lead guitarist for post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Jackpot Juicer released in 2022. Has also served in metal outfit the Secret Band, progressive rock unit Royal Coda, and in math rock group Sianvar. Swan also founded and owns the label Blue Swan Records
December 5, 1982 ~ Singer Keri Hilson, full name Kery Lynn Hilton, born in Decatur, Georgia, USA ~ Wrote for Britney Spears, the Pussycat Dolls, Mary J Blige. As a singer first gained attention appearing on Timbaland's 2007 hit The Way I Are. Released her In A Perfect World solo debut album in 2009, spawning the hits Knock You Down, Turnin' Me On and I Like
December 5, 1981 ~ In its twelfth week on the charts, If I Needed You by Emmylou Harris, Harris duetting with Don Williams, peaks at No.3 Billboard Country ~ Harris issued the track as the lead single off her Cimarron album, performing the cover as a duet with Williams. The song had first been recorded some nine years earlier by Townes Van Zandt, who reportedly wrote the song about his wife Anne Mittendorf Eggers. Several others would also cover the song, Doc Watson included a version on his 1973 Then And Now album. Succeeding Harris's hit, it would also be recorded by the Dead Ringer Band, Lyle Lovett, Guy Clark, Kasey Chambers, and Mumford & Sons. The original Van Zandt song is also said to have inspired David Allan Coe's Would You Lay With me (In A Field Of Stone)
December 5, 1980 ~ Synthwave, post-hardcore, alternative rock bassist Dan Haigh born in Grimsby, UK ~ Co-founding member of post-hardcore unit Fightstar, known best for their critically acclaimed Grand Unification debut album released in 2006. Co-founded synthwave band Gunship with bandmate Alex Westaway, the band's music has been described as influenced by the soundtracks of 80s films, TV shows, video games and cartoons. Haigh has also notably contributed to a number of soundtracks
December 5, 1980 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Dawn Landes born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Debuted with the Dawn's Music and has recorded steadily since. Known for songs such as The Kissing Song, You Alone, Straight Lines, Drive, Toy Piano, Twilight, All Dressed In White and Home. Member of all-girl trio Bandana Splits alongside Annie Nero and Lauren Balthrop, known for their 2011 Mr Sam Presents album
December 5, 1977 ~ Ronald Theodore Kirk, commonly known as saxophonist, flutist Rahsaan Roland Kirk, passed away in Bloomington, Indiana, USA ~ Revered jazz, soul jazz, hard bop saxophonist, known for his vitality, improvisational skills and showmanship. Influenced by R&B, pop, jazz, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and classical music such as Camille Saint-Saëns, Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Antonín Dvorák. Kirk has occasionally worked as a sideman, including on albums by Quincy Jones, Roy Haynes, and Charles Mingus ~ Kirk was born in 1935
December 5, 1977 ~ Pop punk, punk rock, emo drummer, label executive, A&R scout Rob Hitt born ~ Co-founding and constant member of pop punk band Midtown, best known for their 1999 Save The World Lose The Girl debut album. Following the band's disbandement in 2005, Hitt would co-found I Surrender Records with Ted DiBiase. The label's roster includes acts such as I Am The Avalanche, Four Year Strong, Valencia and Dragonette
December 5, 1974 ~ Courtney Smith, commonly known as rapper C-Note, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Member of the Botany Boyz. Member of the loose hip-hop collective Screwed Up Click led by DJ Screw. As a solo artist debuted in 1999 with the album Third Coast Born, receiving acclaim in underground hip-hop circles
December 5, 1974 ~ Eric San, commonly known as hip hop, trip hop, electronica DJ, turntablist Kid Koala, born in Vancouver, Canada ~ Active since the mid-1990s. Released his full-length Carpal Tunnel Syndrome solo debut album in 2000. Has recorded with Bullfrog, Deltron 3030, Lovage, Martin Tétrault, and others. Has toured or collaborated with artists as diverse as Radiohead, the Beastie Boys, Arcade Fire, A Tribe Called Quest and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. San has also composed for several short films and TV
December 5, 1972 ~ McKinley Howard Dorham, commonly known as bop, hard bop trumpeter Kenny Dorham, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for his understated, subtle approach, specifically on ballads. Wrote the jazz standard Blue Bossa, first recorded by Joe Henderson in 1964 and since covered by well over a hundred artists. Dorham has recorded well over a dozen albums as leader or co-leader, specifically acclaimed for Afro-Cuban, Quiet Kenny, and Whistle Stop. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Art Blakey, Bud Powell, Dizzy Gillespie (In Paris), Thelonious Monk (Genius Of Modern Music Vol.1), Sonny Rollins, Joe Gordon (Introducing Joe Gordon), Hank Mobley, Max Roach (Max Roach Plus Four), Gil Melle, Louis Prima (The Wildest), Oscar Pettiford (Deep Passion), John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard (Goin' Up), Eric Dolphy, Andrew Hill (Point Of Departure), Dexter Gordon, and Toshiko Akiyoshi ~ Dorham was born in 1924
December 5, 1970 ~ Michel'le Denise Toussaint, mononymously known as R&B singer Michel'le, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Scored the Billboard R&B top 10 hits No More Lies, Nicety and Something In My Heart, all taken of her eponymous 1989 Michel'le debut album. Featured vocalist on Dogg Pound's best known single, 1995's Let's Play House. Romantically involved with Dr Dre, with whom she has a child. Married Death Row Records founder Suge Knight in 1999, filing for divorce six years later
December 5, 1970 ~ Indie rock, lo-fi singer, guitarist, producer Rick White born in Moncton, Canada ~ Member of Eric's Trip, Perplexus and perhaps most notably of the Unintended. Has also worked with the Sadies, Orange Glass, Joel Plaskett, One Hundred Dollars, Dog Day, HotKid and Julie Doiron
December 5, 1967 ~ Gary Allan Herzberg, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Gary Allan born in La Mirada, California, USA ~ Debuted with the album Used Heart For Sale in 1996. Known for songs such as Her Man, It Would Be You, Right Where I Need To Be, Man To Man, Tough Little Boys, Nothing On But The Radio, The Best I Ever Had, Life Ain't Always Beautiful, Watching Airplanes, Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain, all of which reached Billboard Country top 10
December 5, 1966 ~ Chanson singer, actress Patricia Kaas born in Forbach, France ~ Mixes pop, cabaret, jazz, chanson. Debuted in 1988 with the Mademoiselle Chante and has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial success since. Has sold over 17 million albums. Represented France in the 2009 Eurovision Songfestival contest, reaching 8th place with the song Et S'Il Fallait Le Fair
December 5, 1965 ~ Ian Fleming Smith, commonly known as reggae, dancehall singer Wayne Smith, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known for his 1985 hit single Under Mi Sleng Teng, generally regarded as the beginning of ragga. Its rhythm is based on a riff from Eddie Cochran's Somethin' Else, its lyrics inspired by Barrington Levy's Under Mi Sensi. Smith is also know for songs such as Come Along and Ain't No Meaning In Saying Goodbye. ~ Smith passed away in 2014
December 5, 1964 ~ In its sixth week on the charts, Ringo by Lorne Greene hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by Don Robertson and Hal Blair, Ringo tells of the narrator finding a man named Ringo wounded and lying face down in the dessert. The narrator extracts the bullet and saves his life, nursing Ringo until he is out of danger. Lorne Greene has said the song is about the noted 1800s outlaw Johnny Ringo, though the account in the song differ's from Ringo's life. The song's spoken-word format, its only sung lyrics by a male choir, is most likely inspired by Big Bad John, a Billboard Hot 100 charttopper for Jimmy Dean some three years earlier. The B-side of Ringo featured an alternate version of Bonanza, theme song to the popular western TV show of the same name starring Greene, with lyrics never used on the show
December 5, 1963 ~ Alternative rock, heavy metal drummer, keyboardist, bassist, singer Kerry Brown, full name Kerry Paul Brown, born in Pasadena, California, USA ~ Drummer for alternative rock outfit Catherine during the 1990s. Has worked with the Smashing Pumpkins on several occasions, starting on the 1994 Pisces Iscariot album, drumming on Blew Away and producing the tracks Starla and Plume. At the time Brown was married to the band's bassist D'Arcy Wretzky. Brown has also produced the music soundtracks for several major Hollywood films including Blow and PS I Love You, served as producer, engineer or mixer for artists including Courtney Love, Greg Dulli, Cheap Trick, Sky Saxon, Miley Cyrus, and Ziggy Marley, and was a member of Spirits In The Sky alongside Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro
December 5, 1962 ~ Kevin Graham Ogilvie, commonly known as keyboardist, guitarist, singer Nivek Ogre, born ~ Musician, actor best known as founding member of electronic band ohGr, and as co-founding member of industrial band Skinny Puppy. Has acted in several movies, mostly low-budget horror films
December 5, 1960 ~ Jazz bassist, producer Brian Bromberg born ~ Jazz, smooth jazz bassist and in-demand producer. First gained attention at age 19, backing saxophonist Stan Getz. Debuted as a solo artist, initially focusing on smoooth jazz, in 1986 with the smooth jazz album New Day. Also worked with Freddie Hubbard, Ernie Watts, Rick Braun, Joe Sample, Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp, Randy Waldman, his brother David Bromberg, and Vinnie Colaiuta
December 5, 1960 ~ Bassist Les Nemes, full name Leslie Alexander Nemes, born in Croydon, UK ~ Best known as bassist of Haircut 100, which he co-founded with guitarist, singer Nick Heyward, known for songs such as Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl), Love Plus One, Nobody's Fool, Fantastic Day, After the band's dissolution Nemes would go on to session and tour with Hugh Masekela, Chris Rea, Friends Again, China Crisis, Rick Astley, and others
December 5, 1960 ~ Contemporary classical composer Osvaldo Golijov, full name Osvaldo Noé Goliojov, born in La Plata, Argentina ~ Composed vocal and orchestral works, as well as film soundtracks. Closely associated with soprano singer Dawn Upshaw who regularly premiered his compositions. Influenced by chamber music, klezmer music and nuevo tango. Known for compositions such as La Pasion Segun San Marcos written to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the death of Johann Sebastian Bach, Sidereus, Three Songs For Soprano And Orchestra and the opera Ainadamar
December 5, 1959 ~ Drummer, producer, arranger Robbie France born in Sheffield, UK ~ While living in Australia formed the jazz fusion group Carnival, which opened for John McLaughlin. Also worked with the Easybeats lead singer Stevie Wright, Marty Rhone, and Tim Gaze. After returning to his native England joined heavy metal outfit Diamond Head in 1983, appearing on the band's Canterbury album as well as on the hit single Making Music. Toured with UFO, replacing Andy Parker. Has subsequently also worked with Wishbone Ash, Simon Ellis, Skunk Anansie notably present on the band's Sunburnt & Paranoid debut album and co-writing the hit Weak, Alphaville, and others ~ France passed away in 2012
December 5, 1956 ~ Jazz guitarist Randy Johnston, full name Randy Barksdale Johnston, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Inspired to take up the guitar after watching the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. Influenced by Kenny Burrell and Grant Green. Well over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader, starting with Walk On released in 1991. Frequent collaborator of Houston Person, including on the acclaimed albums The Party and Why Not. Other notable associations include Della Griffin, Etta Jones, Jack McDuff (Another Real Good'un), Larry O'Neill (You Got Me Runnin'), Eddie Marshall, Joel Chassan, Sheila Landis, Eddie Landsberg, Irene Reid, Chris Buzzelli (I Can Pick My Friends), and David Mackenzie
December 5, 1955 ~ Blues harpist, guitarist, singer Jimmy Reed records Ain't That Lovin' You Baby ~ Written by Reed. Backing musicians include Eddie Taylor and Vernel Fournier. Released early 1956 as a single, paired with Baby Don't Say That No More on the flip side. Reed's original would be covered by numerous artists including the Newbeats, Link Wray, Dale Hawkins, the Everly Brothers, Etta James, and Eric Clapton
December 5, 1950 ~ Jazz bassist, guitarist Sveinung Hovensjø born in Lillehammer, Norway ~ One of the most in-demand jazz session musicians in Norway. Active since the late-1960s. Especially known for his mid to late-1970s collaborations with guitarist Terje Rypdal. Has notably worked with Bruno, Geir Wentzel, Christian Reim, Jan Garbarek, Susanne Fuhr, the Trio de Janeiro, Son Mu, Tamma, Moose Loose, Talisman, Claudio Latini, Celio de Carvalho, Miki N'Doye, and others
December 5, 1947 ~ James Messina, commonly known as country rock, folk rock, soft rock singer, guitarist, mandolinist, dobroist, songwriter Jim Messina, born in Maywood, California, USA ~ Member of Buffalo Springfield. Co-founding member of pivotal country rock outfit Poco. Formed the successful soft rock duo Loggins & Messina with Kenny Loggins, known for songs such as Danny's Song, The House At Pooh Corner and Your Mama Don't Dance. Following the duo's breakup in 1976 would record as a solo artist, though to lesser commercial succes
December 5, 1946 ~ Andrew Youakim, commonly known as pop, rock singer, songwriter Andy Kim born in Montreal, Canada ~ Member of the Archies, for whom he sang on and co-wrote the 1968 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Sugar Sugar. Co-wrote Oh My My, Do You Feel It Too, and I Love You Better with Jeff Barry for the 1970 Changes album by the Monkees. As a solo artist best known for the 1969 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Baby I Love You, and for the 1974 No.1 hit Rock Me Gently
December 5, 1945 ~ Engineer, producer Geoff Emerick, full name Geoffrey Ernest Emerick, born in Crouch End, UK ~ Well-known for his association with the Beatles, noted for engineering the albums Revolver, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Abbey Road. Has also engineered albums for the likes of the Zombies, Jackie Lomax, Matt Monro, Paul McCartney, Stealers Wheel, Nazareth, Robin Trower, Steeleye Span, Mott The Hoople, UFO, and John Wetton. Served as producer for Mary Hopkin (Post Card), Badfinger, Split Enz, Elvis Costello (Get Happy), and Big Country ~ Emerick passed away in 2018
December 5, 1944 ~ Swing, big band trombonist, bandleader Glenn Miller, full name Alton Glenn Miller, passed away over English Channel ~ One of the best-selling artists of the swing era, known for songs such as In The Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Pennsylvania 6-5000, Chattanooga Choo Choo, A String Of Pearls, At Last, I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo, American Patrol, Tuxedo Junction, Elmer's Tune and Little Brown Jug. While at the time one of the best-earning entertainers, Miller had volunteered for the US Army during World War II. He would be rejected for active duty on account of his eye sight, yet Miller persisted and eventually was allowed to entertain the troops as a musician. His plane would go missing on a December night over the English Channel ~ Miller was born in 1904
December 5, 1944 ~ Rock drummer, singer Lucas Sideras born in Athens, Greece ~ Drummer of Aphrodite's Child, formed with Vangelis and Demis Roussos. The group became well known throughout Europe with singles such as Rain And Tears, I Want To Live and It's Five O'Clock. They have recorded three albums, 1968's End Of The World, 1970's It's Five O'Clock and 1972's 666 (The Apocalypse Of John 13/18), the latter considered a landmark album in progressive rock which went on to sell over 20 million copies. After the band disbanded Sideras has released solo albums, worked as a producer, notably Riccardo Cocciante's Alba album, and founded groups such as Ypsilon, Diesel, LST and Los-Tres
December 5, 1941 ~ Jerome Noel Jumonville, commonly known as jazz, R&B, rock & roll saxophonist Jerry Jumonville, born ~ Rooted in New Orleans R&B of the 1950s. Initially emulated the style of David Fathead Newman until Ray Charles told him to stop trying to copy Newman. Influenced by Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Gene Ammons, Illinois Jacquet and Ben Webster. In-demand session musician, notably present on the Doobie Brothers' 1972 album Toulouse Street and on Rod Stewart's 1976 hit single Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright). As a solo artist known for his 1986 Jump City album ~ Jumonville passed away in 2019
December 5, 1940 ~ Songwriter, producer Frank Wilson born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Wrote, co-wrote, produced, co-produced for numerous artists, especially on the Motown label, including Patrice Holloway (Stevie), Chris Clark, Martha & the Vandellas, Brenda Holloway (You've Made Me So Very Happy), Marvin Gaye, the Supremes (Stoned Love, Nathan Jones), the Isley Brothers (All Because I Love You), the Marvelettes, the Miracles, the Four Tops (Still Water Love), the Temptations, Eddie Kendricks (Keep On Truckin'), the Originals, Lakeside, New Birth, Lenny Williams (Cause I Love You), Renée Geyer, Freda Payne (Love Magnet), Mr Cheeks, and John Legend (Each Day Gets Better) ~ Wilson passed away in 2012
December 5, 1938 ~ John Weldon Cale, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter JJ Cale, born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ Revered by peers including iconic artists such as Mark Knopfler, Neil Young, and Eric Clapton. As a songwriter Cale had his songs recorded by Clapton (After Midnight, Cocaine), Lynyrd Skynyrd (Call Me The Breeze), Captain Beefheart (I Got The Same Old Blues), Lucinda Williams (Magnolia), Johnny Rivers (Crazy Mama), Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings (Clyde), Pat Travers, Bryan Ferry. Beck, Kansas, Santana (The Sensitive Kind), George Thorogood (Devil In Disguise), Widespread Panic (Traveling Light), Freddie King, Joan Shelley, Francis Cabrel, and Phish ~ Cale passed away in 2013
December 5, 1938 ~ Blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Willie James Lyons born in Alabama, USA ~ Influenced by BB King, Freddie King, T-Bone Walker, Lowell Fulson. Accompanied artists such as Fenton Robinson, Hubert Sumlin, Eddy Clearwater, Carey Bell, John Littlejohn, Mighty Joe Young, Johnny Big Moose Walker, Lefty Dizz, Luther Allison, Jimmy Dawkins, and Bobby Rush. Regularly performed as a solo artist yet recorded only one album, the 1979 album Chicago Woman, which contained blues standards and the self-penned I've Got Trouble In Mind, Groovin' In Paris and the title track Chicago Woman ~ Lyons passed away in 1980
December 5, 1935 ~ Theodor Christian Frolich Bergh, commonly known as saxophonist Totti Bergh, born in Oslo, Norway ~ Worked with the Kjell Karlsen Sextet, Rowland Greenberg, Einar Schanke, Per Borthen, his wife Laila Dalseth, Al Cohn, Per Husby, Plas Johnson, Harry Allen, George Masso, Terje Venaas, and others ~ Bergh passed away in 2012
December 5, 1934 ~ Double bassist Art Davis born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Classically trained. As opportunities in the classical world were sparse for black musicians, turned to jazz making his recording debut backing drummer Max Roach on the 1958 Deeds Not Words album. Closely associated with saxophonist John Coltrane, present on quintessential 1960s albums such as My Favorite Things, A Love Supreme, and Ascension. Revered for his mastery of the bass, Davis is a sought-after sideman present on albums by Lee Morgan (Expoodibent), Leo Wright (Blues Shout), Coleman Hawkins, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Abbey Lincoln (Straight Ahead), Booker Little, Quincy Jones, Eric Dolphy (Candid Dolphy), Jack Teagarden, Freddie Hubbard, Carol Sloane, Buddy Emmons (Steel Guitar Jazz), Shirley Scott, Solomon Burke (Rock 'n Soul), Buffy Sainte-Marie, Freda Payne, and Dizzy Reece ~ Davis passed away in 2007
December 5, 1934 ~ Pianist, author Joseph Banowetz, full name Joseph Murray Banowetz, born ~ Concert pianist. Some two dozen albums to his name, perhaps best known for his recordings of orchestra and piano series composed by Anton Rubinstein. As a recitalist and concert pianist, he has worked with renowned orchestras such as the St Petersburg Symphony, the Moscow State Symphony, the New Zealand Symphony, and the Beijing Central Philharmonic, Banowetz is also known as an author, noted for The Pianist's Guide To Pedaling, and educator, teaching at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, until his death at age 87 ~ Banowetz passed away in 2022
December 5, 1932 ~ Richard Wayne Penniman, commonly known as singer, pianist, songwriter Little Richard, born in Macon, Georgia, USA ~ Laid the foundation of rock & roll. Hugely influential on R&B. Known for songs such as Tutti Frutti, Long Tall Sally, Lucille, Good Golly Miss Molly, Baby Face and others ~ Penniman passed away in 2020
December 5, 1931 ~ Gospel singer, pianist James Cleveland born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Dubbed “the King of Gospel”, incorporating traditional black gospel, soul, pop, and jazz into gospel. Known for songs such as Lord Help Me To Hold Out, Peace Be Still, I Don't Feel No Ways Tired, God Has Smiled On me and You're The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me ~ Cleveland passed away in 1991
December 5, 1925 ~ Alvin Owen Tyler, commonly known as R&B, neo-bop saxophonist, composer, arranger Alvin Tyler, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Also known as Alvin Red Tyler for his light tanned skin. Key figure helpful in the development of the New Orleans R&B sound. Made his recording debut in 1949 backing Fats Domino on The Fat Man. As a leader noted for his 1960 Rockin' & Rollin' album released on Ace. In-demand sideman, backing some of the finest R&B and rock & roll artists including Amos Milburn, Little Richard (Here's Little Richard), Jimmy Clanton, Big Joe Turner, Lee Dorsey (Ya-Ya), Barbara George, Red Holloway, Professor Longhair, Huey Piano Smith, and Dr John. Tyler also co-wrote Java, first recorded by Allen Toussaint, later notably covered by numerous artists including King Curtis, Lawrence Welk, Tommy Tedesco, and Willie Mitchell ~ Tyler passed away in 1998
December 5, 1920 ~ Kathryn Elizabeth Wimp, commonly known as jazz singer Kay Davis, born in Evanston, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for her tenure, from 1944 through 1950, with Duke Ellington including on tours of the UK and Europe, and notably the 1948 Carnegie Hall concert where she premiered Lush Life. Wimp retired from music by the early-1950s ~ Wimp passed away in 2012
December 5, 1791 ~ Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ One of the most prolific and influential classical composers. Child prodigy, composing since the age of 5. Composed over 600 works ~ Mozart was born in 1756