December 5, 2022 ~ Alt-country guitarist, banjoist Jess Barr passed away ~ Member of Slobberbone, acclaimed for their 2000 Everything You Thought Was Right Was Wrong Today album. The album included Gimme Back My Dog, referenced by fan Stephen King in his Black House novel ~ Barr was born ca.1976
December 5, 2022 ~ 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, Booker T & the MG's, and others ~ Stewart was born in 1930
December 5, 2022 ~ 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, Jerry Jeff Walker, and others ~ 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 his best-known Music, the latter a UK top 10 hit in 1975 and a radio staple since. Would go on to back musicians such as Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Stevie Wonder ~ Errington was born in 1949
December 5, 2021 ~ Antonio Morese, commonly known as comedian, actor, folk singer, songwriter Toni Santagata, passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Over a dozen albums to his name starting in the late 1960s. Best known for his 1973 single Lu Maritiello, a top 10 hit in his native Italy ~ Morese was born in 1935
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 ~ Singer Jean Philippe Leo Smet, commonly known as Johnny Hallyday, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Credited to having brought rock & roll to France. Dubbed the “French Elvis Presley.” Known for songs such as Tous Ensemble, Marie and Mon Plus Beau Noel. Had the Jimi Hendrix Experience open for him ~ 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, Young Noble, and others ~ Himes was born in 1968
December 5, 2012 ~ Pianist, composer Dave Brubeck, full name David Warren Brubeck, passed away in Norwalk, Connecticut, USA ~ Leading in cool jazz genre. Known for experimenting with time signatures, arguably most famously on Take Five penned by long-time collaborator Paul Desmond. Led the Dave Brubeck Quartet which at times included Desmond, Ron Crotty, Bob Bates, Norman Bates, Lloyd Davis, Joe Dodge, Joe Morello, Eugene Wright, Gerry Mulligan, and others ~ Brubeck was born in 1920
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. Pioneered electronic music and controlled chance. Influenced musicians such as 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, the Can, Holger Czukay, Kraftwerk, Björk, and others ~ Stockhausen was born in 1928
December 5, 2005 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer Harry Pepi passed away in Wiener Neustadt, Austria ~ Worked with Werner Pirchner, Adelhard Roldinger, Benny Goodman, Dave Holland, Enrico Rava, Wolfgang Puschnig, Steve Swallow, Jack DeJohnette, Michel Portal, Herbert Joos, Jon Christensen, Georg Polanski, and others ~ Pepl was born in 1945
December 5, 2002 ~ Jazz double bassist Arvell Shaw passed away in Roosevelt, New York, USA ~ Best known for his work with Louis Armstrong. Also worked with artists such as Fate Marable, Big Sid Catlett, Russ Case, Teddy Wilson, Benny Goodman, Red Allen, and others ~ 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 ~ Leader and sideman. Backed Horace Silver from 1973 through 1976, Cedar Walton from 1977 through 1983, Miles Davis from 1984 through 1987. Recorded about a dozen albums as a leader, notably New Birth released in 1978. Has collaborated with artists such as Mike Stern, Tom Harrell, Chroma, Pino Daniele, Niels Lan Doky, Al Foster, Idris Muhammad, the Players Association, Randy Brecker, Gary Burton, Chick Corea, Tom Coster, Ben Sidran, Ulf Wakenius, Steps Ahead, and others ~ Berg was born in 1951
December 5, 1999 ~ Oscar James Gibson, commonly known as singer Bobby Marchan, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Toured with the Clowns, sometimes taking over as lead singer and bandleader in place of Huey Piano 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 as Get Down & Get With It, Slade's first chart hit ~ Gibson was born in 1930
December 5, 1998 ~ Pop, indie pop, bedroom pop singer, songwriter 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 (Fanny Brice), If I Had My Life To Live Over (Larry Vincent), I Remember Mama (the Andrews Sisters), and If I Knew Then What I Know (Ray Conniff Singers) ~ Tobias was born in 1905
December 5, 1997 ~ Indie pop, folk singer, guitarist, pianist, ukelele player Maddie Poppe, full name Madeline Mae Poppe, born in Clarksville, Iowa, USA ~ Winner of the 16th season of American Idol in 2018, beating Caleb Lee Hutchinson. Had previously competed in The Voice but failed to make the finals
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 ~ William Franklin Hardman Jr, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist Bill Hardman, passed away in Paris, France ~ Played with Tiny Bradshaw, Jackie McLean, Charles Mingus, Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Lou Donaldson, Junior Cook, Dave Bailey, Walter Bishop Jr, Charles Earland, Curtis Fuller, Benny Golson, Eddie Jefferson, Ronnie Mathews, Jimmy McGriff, Hank Mobley, Mickey Tucker, Mal Waldron, and with Reuben Wilson ~ Hardman was born in 1933
December 5, 1989 ~ Violinist, conductor John Pritchard passed away in Daly City, California, USA ~ Known especially for his interpretations of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Worked with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Opera House, the Vienna Symphony, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and others ~ Pritchard was born in 1918
December 5, 1987 ~ Eugene Heard, commonly known as jazz drummer Fats Heard, passed away ~ Worked with Coleman Hawkins, Lionel Hampton, and with Erroll Garner including on the latter's original 1954 Misty recording ~ Heard was born in 1923
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, 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, 1980 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer Ibrahim Maalouf born in Beirut, Lebanon ~ Worked with Matthieu Chedid, Vincent Delerm, Sting, Salif Kreita, Lhasa De Sela, Marcel Khalife, Vanessa Paradis, Juliette Gréco, Archie Shepp, Melody Gardot, and others
December 5, 1977 ~ Songwriter, director Doron Medalie born in Ramat, Israel ~ Wrote Netta's Toy with Stav Beger. The song would win the 2018 Eurovision Songfestival, making it Israel's fourth win
December 5, 1977 ~ Singer Michael Patrick Kelly born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Member of sibling outfit the Kelly Family, selling over 20 million records in the 1990s. Releases a debut solo album, In Exile, in 2003.
December 5, 1977 ~ Tenor saxophonist, flutist Rahsaan Roland Kirk passed away in Bloomington, Indiana, USA ~ Revered jazz, soul jazz, hard bop musician. Multi-instrumentalist 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. Rarely worked as a sideman though he did with Quincy Jones, with drummer Roy Haynes, with bassist Charles Mingus, and a few others ~ Kirk was born in 1935
December 5, 1977 ~ Pop punk, punk rock, emo drummer, label executive, A&R scout Rob Hitt born ~ Co-founding member of pop punk band Midtown, best known for their 1999 Save The World Lose The Girl debut album. Hitt remained with the band from its inception in 1998 through its disbandement in 2005. Hitt would go on to co-found the I Surrender Records with Ted DiBiase, signing artists 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 turntablist, film composer 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
December 5, 1974 ~ Heavy metal, black metal bassist, singer Tomasz Rejek born in Zielona, Poland ~ Actively recording since the mid-1990s as member of metal acts such as Vader, Supreme Lord, Profanum, Christ Agony, Incantation and Witchmaster
December 5, 1972 ~ Trumpeter, singer, composer Kenny Dorham passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Critically acclaimed, admired by peers, underrated by the general public. Wrote the jazz standard Blue Bossa. As a leader or sideman Dorham played with Lionel Hampton, Billy Eckstine, Dizzy Gillespie, Mercer Ellington, Charlie Parker, Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Max Roach (taking over for Clifford Brown after Brown's death in 1956), the Jazz Prophets, Joe Henderson, Jackie McLean, Cedar Walton, Andrew Hill, Milt Jackson, Tommy Flanagan, Paul Chambers, Art Taylor, Tadd Dameron, Benny Golson, Sonny Rollins, Horace Silver, Cecil Taylor, Barney Wilen, and others ~ Dorham was born in 1924
December 5, 1972 ~ Pianist, singer, songwriter, TV personality Stefano Bollani born in Milan, Italy ~ Has worked with Gato Barbieri, Chick Corea, Bill Frisell, Sol Gabetta, Richard Galliano, Egberto Gismonti, Lee Konitz, Bobby McFerrin, Pat Metheny, Caetano Veloso, Phil Woods, Hector Zazou, and extensively with Enrico Rava
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, 1969 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Ray Scott, full name Carlton Ray Scott Jr, born in Semora, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known for his 2005 debut single My Kind Of Music, taken of his debut album of the same name
December 5, 1969 ~ Hard rock, metal bassist, guitarist, singer Todd Kerns born in Estevan, Canada ~ Best known as frontman, lead guitarist of Age Of Electric. Has also worked with Slash, Static In Stereo, Toque, and others
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 ~ Jazz trumpeter, hornist Hildegunn Øiseth born in Kongsvinger, Norway ~ Worked with the Bohuslän Big Band, Nils-Olav Johansen, Paolo Vinaccia, Stein Austrud, Majken Christiansen, Tuva Syvertsen, Tore Brunborg, Mats Eilertsen, Thomas Stronen, the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, and others
December 5, 1966 ~ 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 ~ Rock, alternative rock, pop rock guitarist, singer John Rzeznik, full name John Joseph Theodore Rzeznik, born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Fronts the Goo Goo Dolls, known for songs such as Name, Iris, Slide, Black Balloon, Here Is Gone, and others
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, 1963 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Ingrid Bjornov born in Norway ~ Best known as half of 1980s, 1990s pop duo Dollie de Luxe, the other half being Benedicte Adrian
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, 1963 ~ Singer, guitarist Ty England, full name Gary Tyler England, born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ Initially a member of Garth Brooks' backng band. Debuted as a solo artist in 1995 with the eponymous Ty England album. It's lead single, Should've Asked Her Faster, reached the Billboard Country top 5
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, Vinnie Colaiuta, and others
December 5, 1960 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal glam metal singer, guitarist, percussionist, keyboardist, songwriter Jack Russell born in Montebello, California, USA ~ Influenced by Robert Plant and Steven Tyler. Best known for founding and fronting hard rock outfit Great White.
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, 1958 ~ Jazz double bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa born in Osaka, Japan ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with Makoto Ozone and Kenny Barron. Has also worked with the Harper Brothers, Susannah McCorkle, Kenny Garrett, Jimmy Heath, Terell Stafford, Jon Faddis, Andy Bey, Ben Riley, and others
December 5, 1958 ~ Hard rock singer, bassist, guitarist, pianist, saxophonist, songwriter Mark Boals, full name Mark Robert Boals, born in Youngstown, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as singer for Foundry and for his appearring on Yngwie Malmsteen's quintessential Trilogy album. Also founded and fronted Ring Of Fire. Has worked with Dokken, Lana Lane, Erik Norlander, Empire, Indigo Dying, Royal Hunt, Uli Jon Roth, Vindictiv, Wolf, Seven The Hardway, Jayce Landberg, Iron Mask, Ted Nugent, Krilly Simmons, Labyrinth, Holy Force, Bogusalw Balceaks Crylord, Magnus Karlsson, Thunder Rising, the Vivaldi Metal Project, Ark Storm, and others
December 5, 1956 ~ Jazz guitarist Randy Johnston, full name Randy Barksdale Johnston, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Kenny Burrell and Grant Green. Worked with Warne Marsh, Houston Person, Etta Jones, Joey DeFrancesco, Lou Donaldson, Lee Konitz, Dr Lonnie Smith, Della Griffin, Eddie Landsberg, Irene Reid, and others
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 flipside. Reed's original would be covered by numerous artists including the Newbeats, Link Wray, Dale Hawkins, the Everly Brothers, Etta James, Eric Clapton, and others
December 5, 1952 ~ Andrew Youakim, commonly known as pop, rock singer, songwriter Andy Kim born in Montreal, Canada ~ As a solo artist best known for the 1969 hit Baby I Love You and the 1974 hit Rock Me Gently. Member of the Archies, known for the 1968 hit Sugar Sugar
December 5, 1950 ~ José Monje Cruz, commonly known as flamenco singer Camarón de la Isla, born in San Fernando, Spain ~ Along with Paco de Lucia and Tomatito, both of whom he collaborated with, credited for helping revive flamenco ~ Cruz passed away in 1992
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, 1949 ~ Jazz pianist Enrico Pieranunzi born ~ Leader and sideman. Fuses classical and jazz. Has worked with Frank Rosolino, Sal Nistico, Kenny Clarke, Johnny Griffin, Chet Baker, Joey Baron, Art Farmer, Jim Hall, Marc Johnson, Lee Konitz, Phil Woods, Bill Smith, Charlie Haden, Mads Vinding, Thomas Fonnesbaek, Billy Higgins, and others
December 5, 1947 ~ Guitarist, pianist, songwriter Egberto Gismonti, full name Egberto Amin Gismonti, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Actively recording as a solo artist since the late 1960s. Has worked with Academia De Dancas, Nana Vasconcelos, Charlie Haden, Jan Garbarek, 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 ~ Opera singer José Carreras born in Barcelona, Spain ~ Especially known for his roles in operas composed by Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini. Became a household name as member of the Three Tenors, alongside Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti
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 ~ 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'), Originals, Lakeside, New Birth, Lenny Williams (Cause I Love You), Renée Geyer, Freda Payne (Love Magnet), Mr Cheeks, John Legend (Each Day Gets Better), and others ~ 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, Phish, and others ~ 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, Bobby Rush. Regularly performed as a solo artist yet recorded only one album, Chicago Woman, released in 1979 containing several blues standars as well as 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 ~ Worked with Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, Max Roach, Joe Albany, Gene Ammons, Count Basie, Art Blakey, Buddy Emmons, Curtis Fuller, Bunky Green, Al Grey, Eddie Harris, Freddie Hubbard, Elvin Jones, Clifford Jordan, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Etta Jones, Abbey Lincoln, Booker Little, Quincy Jones, Lee Morgan, Tisziji Muñoz, Joe Newman, Dizzy Reece, Hilton Ruiz, Sal Salvador, Pharoah Sanders, Shirley Scott, Jack Teagarden, Clark Terry, McCoy Tyner, Leo Wright, Roberto Magris, and others ~ Davis passed away in 2007
December 5, 1934 ~ Pianist, author Joseph Banowetz, full name Joseph Murray Banowetz, born ~ Concert pianist. As an author best known for The Pianist's Guide To Pedaling. As a recitalist and concert pianist has worked with renowned orchestras such as the St Petersburg Symphony, the Moscow State Symphony, the New Zealand Symphony, and the Beijing Central Philharmonic. Some two dozen albums to his name, perhaps most noted for his recordings of orchestra and piano series composed by Anton Rubinstein ~ 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”, incorporated traditional black gospel, soul, pop, jazz. 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 ~ Worked with Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Lloyd Price, Aaron Neville, Lee Dorsey, Huey Piano Smith, Frankie Ford, Sam Cooke, Larry Williams, Johnny Adams, Germaine Bazzle, and others ~ Tyler passed away in 1998
December 5, 1923 ~ Bassist, producer, arranger Johnny Pate born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, USA ~ Jazz bassist turned producer. Known for Swinging Shepherd's Blues, an R&B hit in 1958. Worked with Eddie Johnson and James Moody. Turned to arranging and producing in the 1960s and 1970s, working with the Impressions, Bobby Blue Bland, BB King, and others
December 5, 1920 ~ Kathryn Elizabeth Wimp, commonly known as jazz singer Kay Davies, born in Evanston, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for her tenure, from 1944 to 1950, with Duke Ellington ~ Wimp passed away in 2012
December 5, 1912 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Marshal Royal born ~ Active since the 1920s. Worked with Les Hite, Lionel Hampton, his brother Ernie Royal, Jackie Kelso, Buddy Collette, Jerome Richardson, Vernon Alley, Bill Berry, Frank Capp, Nat Pierce, Earl Hines, Duke Ellington, Dave Frishberg, Warren Vaché Jr, Snooky Young, extensively with Count Basie (including on the landmark album The Atomic Mr Basie), Kenny Burrell, Clifford Coultier, Coleman Hawkins, Monk Montgomery, Joe Newman, and others ~ Royal passed away in 1995
December 5, 1870 ~ Composer Vítezslav Novák, full name Vízslav Augustin Rudolf Novák, born in Kamenici nad Lipou, Bohemia ~ Part of the neo-romantic tradition and alongside Josef Suk and Otakar Ostrcil considered one of the leading composers in Czech Modernism ~ Novák passed away in 1949
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