December 7, 1993 ~ Jasmie Marie Villegas, commmonly known as pop, R&B singer Jasmine V, born ~ Signed with Sony Music at age 16. Known for songs such as Serious, All These Boys, Didn't Mean It, Paint A Smile, and That's Me Right There, the latter featuring Kendrick Lamar
December 7, 1992 ~ Gionata Boschetti, commonly known as rapper Sfera Ebbasta, born in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy ~ Rose to fame with XDVR debut album, a collaborative effort with producer, DJ Charlie Charles released in 2015. Has recorded to commercial succes since, his three subsequent albums all reaching the No.1 spot on the Italian album charts
December 7, 1991 ~ Austin Hart, commonly known as hip-hop producer L'Orange, born in North Carolina, USA ~ Released his Old Soul debut album in 2011. Has collaborated with Stik Figa, Jeremiah Jae, Kool Keith, Mr Lif, Namir Blade, Solemn Brigham, and others
December 7, 1989 ~ Singer, songwriter Lucy Schwartz born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Daughter of composer David Schwartz. Best known as composer, performer of numerous songs for films such as Twilight Saga (Breaking Dawn), Shrek Forever, What Masie Knew and Mother And Child, and TV such as Grey's Anatomy, Army Wives, The Good Wife, Nashville and Parenthood
December 7, 1988 ~ Benjamin Sainte-Clémentine, commonly known as avant-garde, experimental pop, contemporary classical singer, songwriter Benjamin Clémentine, born in UK ~ Influenced by artists as diverse as Claude Debussy, Erik Satie, Leonard Cohen, Leo Ferré, Nina Simone, Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin. Released his critically acclaimed award winning debut album, At Least For Now, in 2015. Married to singer, songwriter Flo Morrissey
December 7, 1988 ~ Alternative rock, hip-hop singer, guitarist Toru Yamashita born ~ Influenced by the Foo Fighters, the Smashing Pumpkins, Good Charlotte, Nirvana, and Avril Lavigne. Member of hip hop dance group HEADS until its disbandement in 2002. Co-founding member, guitarist for rock unit One Ok Rock, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums since its inception in 2007. Singles such as Answer Is Near, Re: Make/No Scared, Deeper Deeper/Nothing Helps, and Might Long Fall/Decision would all reach top 10 in the band's native Japan
December 7, 1987 ~ Pop singer Aaron Carter, full name Aaron Charles Carter, born in Tampa, Florida, USA ~ Established himself as a pop and hip-hop star with pre-teen and teenage audiences from the late-1990s through the early-2000s, starting with his eponymous Aaron Carter debut album released at a mere 9 years of age. Well known songs include Crush On You, Crazy Little Party Girl and I Want Candy. Also ventured into acting, including in the Broadway musical Seussical ~ Carter passed away in 2022
December 7, 1986 ~ Jonathan Benjamin Gill, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter, TV personality JB Gill, born in Croydon, UK ~ Member of boy band JLS, runner-up in the 2008 edition of The X-Factor talent contest aired on ITV. The band released their eponymous JLS debut album the following year, which included the UK No.1 hits Beat Again and Everybody In Love. They would continue to reach the higher echelons of the UK charts before disbanding in 2013, reuniting in 2021. Well known songs include The Club Is Alive, Love You More, She Makes Me Wanna featuring Dev. Gill would be the first band member to release solo material, releasing his The Best Night Of My Life solo debut single in 2014
December 7, 1986 ~ Rock, hard rock guitarist Nita Strauss born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Touring guitarist for Alice Cooper since 2014 replacing Orianthi. Previously a member of several rock acts, including the all-female Iron Maiden-tribute band the Iron Maidens, Consume The Fire, Critical Hit and notably Femme Fatale. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing her Controlled Chaos debut album in 2018, and has guested on recordings by Maxxxwell Carlisle, Jamie Christopherson, Tina Guo, Docker's Guild, the Metal Allegiance, Kane Roberts, and others
December 7, 1983 ~ Kalen Chase Musmecci, commonly known as heavy metal singer, guitarist Kalen Chase, born ~ Best known as lead singer of Vimic, co-founded with Joey Jordison whom he befriended while touring with Korn in 2007. After a successful run in metal Chase would return to his singer-songwriter roots releasing a number of solo singles, starting with the acoustic single When The Sun Comes Up in early 2020
December 7, 1979 ~ Southern gospel singer Ryan Seaton born in Cynthiana, Indiana, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of Ernie Haase's gospel quartet the Signature Sound from 2003 through 2009. Following his departure from the band would release a solo album, 2010's The Stage Is Bare, before founding the Union Street Quartet. Also sang with the Canton Junction Quartet from 2014 through 2016
December 7, 1979 ~ Singer, songwriter Sara Bareilles born in Eureka, California, USA ~ Singer with strong mezzo-soprano vocal range often compared to Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple and Billy Joel. She has herself described her souns as piano-based pop soul. Became a household name following the success of Love Song in 2007
December 7, 1978 ~ Denaun Montez Porter, commonly known as rapper, producer, songwriter Mr Porter, born ~ Member of hip-hop group D-12. In-demand producer associated with Eminem, 50 Cent, Royce da 5'9", the Game, Method Man, Snoop Dogg, Jadakiss, and others
December 7, 1977 ~ Rock drummer, percussionist Dominic Howard, full name Dominic James Howard, born in Stockport, UK ~ Drummer of Muse, known for songs such as Plug-in Baby, Time Is Running Out, Hysteria, Butterflies & Hurricanes, Supermassive Black Hole, Knights Of Cydonia and Uprising, all of which reached the UK top 20. Also a member of the Beatles tribute band the Jaded Hearts Club which also includes Miles Kane, Nine Inch Nails drummer Lian Rubin and Sean Payne
December 7, 1977 ~ Heavy metal guitarist James McIlroy mborn in Norfolk, UK ~ Best known as member of extreme metal band Cradle Of Filth from 2003 through 2005, appearing on the Nymphetamine album. Has also worked with Chaosanct, the Order Of Apollyon, NFD, and others
December 7, 1975 ~ Jazz organist Pat Bianchi born in Rochester, New York, USA ~ Actively recording as a leader since the early-2000s, epecially acclaimed for his 2006 East Coast Roots album. In-demand sideman, notably with Lou Donaldson and mentor Pat Martino. Has also collaborated with Tim Warfield, Joey DeFrancesco, Ralph Peterson, Chuck Loeb, JC Stylles, Ed Cherry, Joe Locke, and others
December 7, 1974 ~ Pop, R&B singer Nicole Appleton, full name Nicole Marie Appleton, born in Hamilton, Canada ~ Married to Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher from 2008 through 2014. Along with her sister Natalie Appleton member of UK girl group All Saints, known for a string of late-1990s, early-2000s UK hits including the charttoppers Never Ever, Under The Bridge, Bootie Call, Pure Shores, and Black Coffee. Nicole and Natalie have also briefly recorded as a duo under the moniker Appleton, scoring the UK top 10 hits Fantasy and Don't Worry of their sole Everything's Eventual album released in 2003
December 7, 1974 ~ Synth-pop, new wave guitarist, keyboardist Phil Cunningham born in Macclesfield, UK ~ Member of Britpop outfit Marion from 1993 until its disbandement by the end of the decade, credited as co-writer on all the band's songs including the 1996 UK top 20 hit Sleep. Touring guitarist for Electronic, which also included Johnny Marr and Bernard Sumner. Member of New Order, joining the band in 2001. Has subsequently worked with Bad Lieutenant, ShadowParty, and Sea Fever
December 7, 1973 ~ Folk, indie rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, pianist, bassist, drummer, clarinetist Damien Rice, full name Damien George Rice, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ First gained attention as member of Juniper in the 1990s, finding some succes in Ireland with the singles The World Is Dead and Weatherman before the band's anticipated debut album was scrapped due to record company politics. Released his well-received O solo debut album in 2001, which reached top 10 on the British album charts and spawned the singles The Blower's Daughter, Cannonball and Volcano. Subsequent hits would include Lonely Soldier with Christy Moore, Unplayed Piano with Lisa Hannigan and 9 Crimes. Rice's songs have been used in a number of TV shows including True Blood, Bones, Lost and Criminal Minds and films such as Reservation Road, The Girl In The Cafe and Shrek The Third
December 7, 1972 ~ Jazz drummer, composer Thomas Stronen born in Oslo, Norway ~ Co-founded Food. Has worked with Arve Henriksen, Christian Fennesz, Nils Petter Molvær, Bobo Stenson, John Taylor, Tore Brunborg, Morten Qvenild, Ingebrigt Håker Flatan, Sidsel Endresen, Bugge Wesseltoft, Tomasz Stańko, Kolchi Makigami, Ernst Reijseger, Nils-Olav Johansen, Stian Carstensen, and others
December 7, 1971 ~ Singer Tammy Choat born in London, UK ~ Latter day member of British pop group and former Eurovision Songfestival-winner Bucks Fizz, remaining with the band from 2004 until its disbandement in 2018
December 7, 1968 ~ Jazz guitarist Noël Akchoté born in Paris, France ~ Leader and sideman in free improvisation, classical, experimental, free jazz, pop and avant-garde. Has worked with Joey Baron, Lol Coxhill, Glenn Ferris, Daniel Humair, Michel Portal, Sam Rivers, Aldo Romano, Louis Sclavis, Henri Texler, Derek Bailey, Han Bennink, Tim Berne, Eugene Chadbourne, Marc Ducret, Christian Escoudé, Fred Frith, Ingrid Jensen, Adam Levy, George Lewis, Phil Minton, Evan Parker, Marc Ribot, Herb Robertson, David Grubbs, Tony Hymas, Philippe Katerine, and others
December 7, 1966 ~ Colin Murray Archer, commonly known as Britpop, glam rock, alternative rock, indie rock guitarist, singer Gem Archer, born in Durham, UK ~ Co-founded Heavy Stereo, known for their sole album Deja Voodoo released in 1996. Member of Oasis from 1999 until the band's disbandement in 2009, first appearing on the 2002 Heathen Chemistry album. Has worked with both Gallagher siblings in post-Oasis projects, namely with Liam Gallagher in Beady Eye and with Noel Gallagher in Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
December 7, 1966 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Louise Post, full name Louise Lightner Post, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Best known as sole constant member of Veruca Salt, which she co-founded with Nina Gordon. The band is known for songs such as Shutterbug, Straight and perhaps their best known the 1994 debut single Seether. In the 1990s Post was romantically involved with Dave Grohl, who has said the Foo Fighters-song Everlong is about her. Post's Disconnected is said to be about Grohl's cheating on her. Post has been in a relationship with Brontosaur-frontman Tony Parks since 2001, married since 2008, with a daugher born in 2010
December 7, 1964 ~ Joseph Thomas Fine, commonly known as world music, reggae, funk bassist, guitarist Yossi Fine, born in Paris, France ~ Active as a session musician since his mid-teens. Wrote Always Knows, recorded by Stanley Jordan for his 1990 Cornucopia album earning Fine a Grammy Award nomination. Formed the critically acclaimed the Ex-Centric Sound System in 1997, merging authentic African sounds with dub, techno and hip-hop. Has recorded prolifically as a solo artist and collaborated with a wide array of pop rock, jazz and world music artists including Vieux Farka Touré, Naughty By Nature, John Scofield, Kenny Kirkland, Lou Reed, Rubén Blades, Meshell Ndegeocello, David Bowie, Brian Eno, Antibalas, and Ofra Haza
December 7, 1963 ~ Singer Claudia Brücken born in Berching, Germany ~ Fronted synth-pop groups Propaganda, present on the hits Dr Mabuse and Duel. Fronted synth-pop outfit Act. Has also worked with Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark's co-founder Paul Humphreys under the moniker Onetwo
December 7, 1960 ~ Pianist, composer Matthew Shipp born in Wilmington, Delaware, USA ~ Vanguard jazz pianist who has redefined the parameters of jazz. Well over 50 albums as a leader or co-leader starting in the late-1980s, especially acclaimed for the albums Symbol Systems, Multiplication Table, Magnetisms, and Pastoral Composure. Notable collaborations include David S Ware, Ivo Perelman, Mat Maneri, Roscoe Mitchell, Wadada Leo Smith, Joe McPhee, Evan Parker, and others
December 7, 1960 ~ Drummer, bandleader, composer Robby Ameen born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA ~ One of the premier Latin Jazz drummers known for his powerful Afro-Cuban style. Has worked with Rubén Blades (Escenas), Dave Valentin, Conrad Herwig, Eddie Palmieri, Paul Simon, Kip Hanrahan, Carly Simon, Mongo Santamaria, Jack Bruce, Brian Lynch (Simpático), Dizzy Gillespie, Hilton Ruiz, Kirsty Maccoll, Steve Swallow, Earl Klugh, and others
December 7, 1958 ~ Bassist, singer Richard Campbell born in Van Nuys, California, USA ~ Toured with Natalie Cole for most of the 1980s, including an appearance at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute, Wembley, UK. Toured with Three Dog Night during the 1990s. Member of America since the early-2000s, including on the albums Live At The Ventura Theatre, Here & Now, and Ventura Highway
December 7, 1958 ~ Bassist Tim Butler, full name Timothy George Butler, born in Teddington, UK ~ Co-founded the Psychedelic Furs with his older brother lead singer Richard Butler. The band is acclaimed especially for their first three albums, starting with their eponymous Psychedelic Furs debut album released in 1980. Its follow-up, 1981's Talk Talk Talk, would include the single Pretty In Pink. The classic 1986 coming of age film of the same name was named after the song and included a re-recorded version of the song on its soundtrack. The single would subsequently reach top 20 in the band's native UK. Both brothers would also found Love Spit Love in 1992 during a Furs hiatus
December 7, 1956 ~ Glam rock, punk rock, rock singer, guitarist Gary Twinn born in West Ham, UK ~ Influenced by T.Rex, David Bowie, the New York Dolls, Iggy Pop. Fronts punk rock supergroup the International Swingers formed in 2011, which also includes Blondie drummer Clem Burke, the Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock, and the Alarm guitarist James Stevenson. Has previously worked with Supernaut, the Twenty Flight Rockers, the Honeydippers and Speedtwinn
December 7, 1955 ~ Charles Samuel Loeb, commonly known as guitarist Chuck Loeb, born in Nyack, New York, USA ~ As a child listened to Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Cream, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. Discovered jazz at age 16, listening to guitarists such as Wes Montgomery, George Benson, John McLaughlin, and Pat Martino. Loeb worked with Chico Hamilton, Ray Barretto, Hubert Laws, Stan Getz, Michael Brecker, and others. Loeb was a member of Steps Ahead, 4play, Jazz-Funk-Soul, and a member of Metro ~ Loeb passed away in 2017
December 7, 1954 ~ Singer Brenda Jones born ~ One third of sibling outfit the Jones Girls, alongside Shirley Jones and Valorie Jones. Served as backup singers for Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass, Aretha Franklin, Linda Clifford, and Tower Of Power. On their own they would score a number of modest hits on Billboard's R&B charts from the late-1970s through the mid-1980s including You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else, Dance Turned Into Romance and I Just Love The Man ~ Jones passed away in 2017
December 7, 1954 ~ Pop singer Mike Nolan born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Original member of Bucks Fizz remaining with the band through 1996. Present on songs such as the 1981 Eurovision Songfestival winner Making Your Mind Up, The Land Of Make Believe, My Camera Never Lies, Now Those Days Are Gone, If You Can't Stand The Heat and When We Were Young, all of which reached UK top 10 in the early-1980s
December 7, 1951 ~ Singer, songwriter Henk Temming, full name Christiaan Hendrik Temming, born in Utrecht, the Netherlands ~ Co-founded het Goede Doel with Sander van Herk, known for songs such as Gijzelaar, België (Is Er Leven Op Pluto), Vriendschap and Alles Kan Een Mens Gelukkig Maken with René Froger. Served as producer for Verona, Paul de Leeuw, Richenel, Roberto Jacketti & the Scooters, Herman van Veen, Ramses Shaffy, the Dolly Dots, and others
December 7, 1950 ~ Pop singer, guitarist Charlie McGettigan, full name Charles Joseph McGettigan, born in Ballyshannon, Ireland ~ Debuted with the album Songs Of The Night And Other Stories in 1986. Internationally best known for winning the 1994 Eurovision Songfestival, teaming up with singer, pianist Paul Harrington, performing Rock 'n Roll Kids which was penned by Brendan Graham
December 7, 1949 ~ Keyboardist Michael Connor born in Latonia, Kentucky, USA ~ Member of Pure Prairie League from 1972 until the band's initial disbandement in 1988, also joining the reformed League in 1998. The band is best known for Amie of their 1975 Bustin' Out album and the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Let Me Love You Tonight featuring Vince Gill as lead vocalist of their 1980 Firin' Up album ~ Connor passed away in 2004
December 7, 1949 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter, actor Tom Waits, full name Thomas Alan Waits, born in Pomona, California, USA ~ Initially focused on jazz influences yet over time changed to draw from genres such as blues, rock, vaudeville and experimental music. Known for his trademark gravelly voice and dark subject matter focusing on the underbelly of society. Released his Closing Time debut album in 1973 and has recorded consistently since. Found greater succes by the end of the decade, slowly but steadily building a cult following with a string of critically acclaimed albums starting with 1976's Small Change and followed up with 1978's Blue Valentine and 1980's Heartattack And Vine, the latter considered a masterpiece to this day. Married to songwriter and frequent collaborator Kathleen Brennan since 1980, previously romantically with Rickie Lee Jones and intermittently with Bette Midler
December 7, 1948 ~ Singer, actor Gary Morris born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Discovered by producer Norro Wilson and known for a string of 1980s country-pop hits such as Headed For A Heartache, Wind Beneath My Wings (originally recorded by Roger Whittaker, later also a US No.1 hit for Bette Midler), The Love She Found In Me, Baby Bye Bye, I'll Never Stop Loving You, and Leave Me Lonely. Morris has also duetted with Crystal Gayle and ventured into acting, including in the soap opera The Colbys, in a Broadway production of Les Miserables and in a production of the opera La Bohème alongside singer Linda Ronstadt
December 7, 1948 ~ Jazz double bassist Mads Vinding born in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Began playing professionally at age 16 as house bassist at Café Montmartre, a jazz club in Copenhagen. Appears on over 800 recordings. Has worked artists such as Kenny Drew, Art Farmer, Johnny Griffin, Hank Jones, Duke Jordan, Doug Raney, Yelena Eckemoff, and Idrees Sulieman
December 7, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Pavol Hammel born in Bratislava, Slovakia ~ Initially rose to fame as lead singer and guitarist of rock outfit Prudy. Has ventured into a successful solo career, starting with the Zvonte Zvonky album in 1969
December 7, 1947 ~ Klapa, pop, jazz, blues singer, pianist, songwriter Oliver Dragojevic born in Split, Yugoslavia ~ One of Croatia's most beloved performers, considered a cultural icon, with a career spanning five decades. Known for merging traditional klapa melodies with jazz. Has performed globally at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, L'Olympia and Sydney Opera House. Member of cult band Batali before venturing out on his own by the early-1970s. Well known songs include Ca Ce Mi Copacabana, Galeb I Ja, Romanca, Oprosti Mi Pape, Stari Morski Vuk, La Musica Di Notte, Bez Tebe, Pred Tvodim Vratima, Psimo Moja, and others ~ Dragojevic passed away in 2018
December 7, 1946 ~ Jazz drummer, composer Phil Treloar, full name Phillip Maurice Treloar, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Active since the late-1960s starting out collaborating with artists such as Alan Lee, Roger Frampton, Barry Guy, Erroll Buddle, Judy Bailey, Bernie McGann. Member of the Jazz Co/op, one of the most influential jazz ensembles of the 1970s performing at major venues such as Sydney Opera House, Sydney Town Hall and Sydney's premier jazz club The Basement. Would go on to work with a host of artists from jazz and improvised music including Bruce Cale, Chico Freeman, David Friesen, Ricky Ford, Chip Jackson, the World Drum Ensemble, and others
December 7, 1942 ~ Zivorad Jelic, commonly known as rock guitarist Zika Jelic, born in Kraljevo, Yugoslavia ~ Best known as guitarist of YU Grupa, the longest lasting Serbian rock band and credited as a pioneer in merging rock music with elements of traditional Balkan folk music. Jelic co-founded the band in 1970 with among others his brother Dragi Jelic. The pair had also worked together in the 1960s beat band Dzentlmeni
December 7, 1941 ~ Guitarist James Reese, full name James Gordon Reese Jr, born in Amarillo, Texas, USA ~ Best known as guitarist, playing both lead and rhythm guitar, with the Bobby Fuller Four, best known for I Fought The Law, a top 10 hit in 1966 six months prior the lead singer Bobby Fuller's unexpected death
December 7, 1938 ~ Blues harpist, singer Johnny Dyer born in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, USA ~ Took up the harmonica at age 7, inspired to take up the harmonica after hearing Little Walter on the radio. Worked with Smokey Wilson, George Harmonica Smith, Jimmy Reed, and JB Hutto, before retiring from music by the 1960s. Resurfaced in the 1980s, collaborating with artists such as Shakey Jake Harris, Harmonica Fats, and Rod Piazza. Has recorded a handful of albums since, notably Shake It released in 1995 ~ Dyer passed away in 2014
December 7, 1936 ~ Jazz pianist, organist Sonny Phillips born in Mobile, Alabama, USA ~ Studied under Ahmad Jamal. Inspired to switch to jazz organ after hearing Jimmy Smith. Closely associated with Gene Ammons, including on the album The Boss Is Back, and with Houston Person, appearing on over half a dozen of the tenor saxophonist's albums. Has recorded as a leader or co-leader since the late-1960s, starting with the acclaimed Sure 'Nuff album. Has guested on albums by Eddie Harris (The In Sound), Rusty Bryant, Billy Butler, Boogaloo Joe Jones, Pucho & his Latin Soul Brothers (Jungle Fire), Willis Jackson, and Etta Jones
December 7, 1935 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Armando Manzanero, full name Armando Manzanero Canché, born in Ticul, Mexico ~ Son of singer Santiago Manzanero and string player Juanita Canché Baqueiro. Regarded as one of Mexico's finest romantic composers. Known best for songs such as Nunca En El Mundo, Cuando Estoy Contigo and Somos Novios. The latter would be translated to English by Sid Wayne and recorded by numerous artists, notably Perry Como, as It's Impossible. Others who recorded the song include Elvis Presley, Andy Williams, Shirley Bassey, Jerry Vale and Simply Red's Mick Hucknall ~ Manzanero passed away in 2020
December 7, 1935 ~ Singer, songwriter Darrell Glenn, full name Darrell Orvis Glenn, born ~ Best remembered for recording the original of Crying In The Chapel at age 17 in 1953. Despite the recording being intended solely as a demo to get the song published it would be released and became an instant hit. Written by Glenn's father country singer Artie Glenn it would be covered numerous times, perhaps most notably by Elvis Presley in 1960 who shelved the song for five years. Prior to Presley's million-seller the song had been recorded by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Eddy Arnold, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Glenn would go on to become a songwriter, known for penning Indescribably Blue, recorded by Presley, and Bear With Me A Little Longer first recorded by Billy Walker and notably covered by Eddy Arnold. Glenn was also co-owner of Glendale Records and was involved in several other labels including serving as head of A&R with Pompeii Records before becoming an evangelist in the 1970s ~ Glenn passed away in 1990
December 7, 1934 ~ Joseph S Ruggiero, commonly known as pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Joey Powers, born in Washington, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Released about a dozen singles from the late-1950s through the early-1970s. Best known for his sole hit Midnight Mary, which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100 in 1963 ~ Ruggiero passed away in 2017
December 7, 1931 ~ Mandolinist, singer Bobby Osborne, full name Bobby Van Osborne, born in Leslie County, Kentucky, USA ~ Best known as member of sibling outfit the Osborne Brothers, one of the most influentual bluegrass acts of the 1960s and 1970s, with whom he recorded well over a dozen albums. The siblings are best known for their 1967 hit song Rocky Top, the brothers' rendition would be later named an official Tennessee state song. An in-demand mandolinist, Osborne has guested on albums by Gary Burton, JD Crowe, the Country Gentlemen, Mac Wiseman, Vassar Clements, Delbert McClinton (The Jealous Kind), Flatt & Scruggs, the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, Terry Eldredge, Chubby Wise, Tom T Hall, Rhonda Vincent (The Storm Still Rages), and Kenny Baker ~ Osborne passed away in 2023
December 7, 1928 ~ Joan Rosemary Yarrow, commonly known as jazz, big band singer Rosemary Squires, born in Bristol, UK ~ Quintessentially English, Squires enjoyed popularity especially during the 1950s and 1960s with regular appearances on BBC shows such as Melody Time, Workers' Playtime, and especially Top Tunes. Equally at home in big bands, including ensembles led by bandleaders such as Ted Heath, Geraldo, and Cyril Stapleton, and in smaller settings, Squires has recorded about a dozen albums over the course of her career. Squires is also known as the voice of the Fairy Liquid advertisement, which ran intermittently for some four decades starting in the 1960s ~ Yarrow passed away in 2023
December 7, 1913 ~ Joseph Marshall J, commonly known as jazz drummer Joe Marshall, born in Pensacola, Florida, USA ~ Worked with Milt Larkin, Duke Ellington, Jimmie Lunceford, Ben Webster, Harold Baker, Cyril Hines, Bill Pemberton, Al Sears, Don Abney, Wally Richardson, Wendell Marshall, and others ~ Marshall passed away in 1992
December 7, 1911 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader, singer Louis Prima, full name Louis Leo Prima, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Known for songs such as That Old Black Magic, Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody, Come On A-My House, I Wanna Be Like You. Rooted in jazz, swing, big band, jump blues. Drew from R&B, rock & roll, boogie-woogie, Italian folk. Worked with Frank Pinero, Jack Ryan, Garrett McAdams, Pee Wee Russell, Keely Smith, Sam Butera, and others ~ Prima passed away in 1978
December 7, 1910 ~ Edmund William Ross, commonly known as bandleader, singer, arranger Edmundo Ros, born in Port Of Spain, Trinidad ~ Formed his own orchestra in the early-1940s, quickly becoming an in-demand artist in London's nightclubs and restaurants. Best known for his 1949 recording of The Wedding Samba, which sold an estimated three million copies ~ Ross passed away in 2011
December 7, 1906 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist George James born in Boggs, Oklahoma, USA ~ Active since the late-1920s. Perhaps best known for the 1952 hit Forgive Me, recorded with the Howard Biggs orchestra. As a backing musician, James has worked with Jimmie Noone, Ida Marples, and Jabbo Smith, toured with Louis Armstrong, and later would go on to play with the Savoy Bearcats, Fats Waller, James P Johnson, Benny Carter, Teddy Wilson, Lucky Millinder, and Noble Sissle. James continued to perform well into the 1970s ~ James passed away in 1995
December 7, 1905 ~ Accordionist, arranger, composer Charles Magnante born in New York, New York, USA ~ Played an important role in elevating the accordion, previously considered an instrument suitable only in folk music, to an instrument accepted in many genres ~ Magnante passed away in 1986
December 7, 1903 ~ Blues pianist Roosevelt Williams, also known as Grey Ghost, born in Bastrop, Texas, USA ~ Enjoyed a career spanning seven decades, ranging from the 1920 through the 1990s though most of it was spent in obscurity. Would be tracked down by archivist Tary Owens in the mid-1960 resulting in several of his old recordings being reissued and again in the late-1980s, this time leading to his full-length eponymous Roosevelt Williams debut album introducing Williams to a new generation of listeners. Williams would continue to perform until his death at 92 ~ Williams passed away in 1996