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, 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, 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, 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, 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, Vinnie Colaiuta, and others
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, 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 ~ 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, 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. 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”, 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