December 9, 2022 ~ Inventor, composer, educator Herbert Deutsch passed away ~ Best known for co-inventing the Moog synthesizer with Robert Moog in 1964. The instrument would be adopted by rock and pop acts including the Doors, the Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones, and the Beatles. It would also become a key instrument in 1970s progressive rock, used by acts such as Yes, Tangerine Dream, and Emerson Lake & Palmer. Deutsch was also a dedicated educator, serving as professor of electronic music and composition at Hofstra University for over 50 years from the early-1970s until his death at age 90 ~ Deutsch was born in 1932
December 9, 2021 ~ Singer, songwriter David Lasley, full name David Eldon Lasley, passed away ~ Member of the Pousette-Dart Band. Member of Rosie. As a solo artist scored a Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hit with If I Had My Wish Tonight in 1982. Songs written or co-written by Lasley have been recorded by Rita Coolidge, Patti Labelle (Come What May), Kiki Dee, Valerie Carter, Maxine Nightingale (Lead Me On), Boz Scaggs, Peter Allen, Norman Connors, the Pointer Sisters (Got To Find Love), Sarah Dash, Amy Keys, and Bonnie Raitt (I Ain't Gonna Let You Break My Heart Again) ~ Lasley was born in 1947
December 9, 2021 ~ Rudolph Dennis, commonly known as reggae singer Garth Dennis, passed away ~ Co-founded Black Uhuru with Don Carlos and Derrick Duckie Simpson in 1972, leaving the band after the early recordings and rejoining in the early-1990s, first reappearing on the 1991 album Now. Had a successful run throughout the late-1980s with the Wailing Souls starting with 1979's acclaimed Wild Suspense album. Released his solo debut album, Trenchtown 19 3rd Street, in 2015 ~ Dennis was born in 1949
December 9, 2020 ~ Rock bassist, songwriter Jason Slater passed away in Maui, Hawaii, USA ~ Briefly a member of Third Eye Blind, leaving the band shortly after recording their demo. Would go on to work with acts such as the Snake River Conspiracy, the Band Of Flakes, Revenge Of The Triads and Brougham. Has also worked as producer for artists such as Interstate '76, Earshot and notably Queensrÿche ~ Slater was born in 1971
December 9, 2020 ~ Progressive metal, jazz, jazz fusion, rock bassist, keyboardist, guitarist Sean Malone passed away ~ Best known as member of Cynic. Noted for his chemistry with bandmate drummer Sean Reinert. Released his Cortlandt solo album in 2007, featuring guests such as Trey Gunn, Ron Jarzombek, John Myung. Has also worked with Gordian Knot, Roadrunner United, Spiral Architect, Spastic Ink, Anomaly, James Labrie, Aghora, Cygnus, and Dream Theater ~ Malone was born in 1970
December 9, 2015 ~ Isham Russell Jones II, commonly known as jazz drummer Rusty Jones, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Backed Judy Roberts during the late-1960s. Subsequently a member of George Shearing's trio for most of the 1970s, including on the albums As Requested, The Way We Are, and Continental Experience. Through his association with Shearing, Jones has also regularly worked with Stéphane Grappelli. Other notable credits include albums by Harvey Mandel, Frank Portolese, Ron Surace (The New Cool), Marc Pompe, Scott Hollman, Frank Catalano (Cut It Out), Eddie Picard, and Patrick Noland ~ Jones was born in 1942
December 9, 2014 ~ Winfred Lorenzo Lovett, commonly known as R&B singer Winfred Blue Lovett, passed away in Arizona, USA ~ Co-founding member of R&B, soul outfit the Manhattans best known for their 1976 Kiss And Say Goodbye, Billboard Hot 100 charttopper, written by the group's primary songwriter Lovett and arranged and co-produced with the group by noted Philly soul musician Bobby Martin. Lovett remained with the group from its inception in 1962 through 1990 ~ Lovett was born in 1936
December 9, 2012 ~ Singer James Arthur wins the ninth edition of the talent contest The X-Factor UK, aired on ITV ~ Arthur wins the talent show The X-Factor, leaving fellow finalists Jahméne in second place, and singer Christopher Maloney in third. Following his success on the show, Arthur Impossible debut single, a cover of the Shontelle song, would debut atop the UK charts. The followup single You're Nobody Til Somebody Loves You reached No.2. Arthur issued his eponymous James Arthur full-length debut album in 2013 and has recorded to mixed success since. Say You Won't Let Go, lead single off his Back From The Edge sophomore album, would become his second UK No.1 hit and reach No.11 on the American Billboard Hot 100 chart
December 9, 2011 ~ Myra Jardine Render, commonly known as jazz singer Myra Taylor, passed away in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Enjoyed a career spanning seven decades, starting in the late-1930s touring with Clarence Love. Worked at length with Harlan Leonard, present on recordings such as I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire and Dig It, the latter supposedly written by Taylor despite Leonard omitting her name and denying her royalties. Has also worked Baby Dodds, Lonnie Johnson, Roy Eldridge, Lil' Armstrong, Eubie Blake, and the Wild Women Of Kansas ~ Render was born in 1917
December 9, 2010 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist James Moody passed away in San Diego, California, USA ~ Well over three dozen albums to his name as a leader since the late-1940s, best known for his unexpected 1956 hit Moody's Mood For Love off the album of the same name. As a sideman, Moody has guested on albums by Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie (In Paris), Al Haig, Eddie Lockjaw Davis (Bacalao), Hank Crawford, Eddie Jefferson (Letter From Home), Wes Montgomery, Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Dexter Gordon (The Tower Of Power), Cedar Walton, Charles Mingus (Let My Children Hear Music), Aretha Franklin, Coleman Hawkins, Elvin Jones, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, George Benson (Give Me The Night), and Karin Krog ~ Moody was born in 1925
December 9, 2010 ~ Pop, dance-pop singer Justin Bieber releases Pray, lifted off his My Worlds Acoustic album ~ Bieber has stated he was inspired to write the contemporary Christian song by Michael Jackson's Man In The Mirror, attempting to offer hope in times of despair. Set against a world music backdrop, the song primarily features acoustic instruments, but does make minor use of electronics. The accompanying video adresses several social injustices, interspering images of earthquake-torn Haiti, post-hurricane New Orleans, soldiers reuniting with their families, homes being repossessed, and Bieber himself visiting children in hospitals. Like the song itself, the video also includes religious undertones. The single was released in a select few countries only, where it became a modest hit
December 9, 2006 ~ Drummer Freddie Marsden passed away in Southport, UK ~ Original member of Gerry & the Pacemakers, alongside Les Chadwick, Arthur McMahon and his brother Gerry Marsden, known for a string of 1960s UK hits such as How Do You Do It, I Like It, You'll Never Walk Alone, I'm The One, Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying and Ferry Cross The Mersey ~ Marsden was born in 1940
December 9, 2006 ~ Frieda Lipschitz, commonly known as singer Georgia Gibbs, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Versatile pop, pop-jazz singer enjoying her biggest success in the early to mid-1950s with songs such as If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd've Baked A Cake, While You Danced Danced Danced, Kiss Of Fire and Seven Lonely Days. Worked with Frankie Trumbauer, Tommy Dorsey, Hal Kemp, Artie Shaw, Earle Hagen, Bob Crosby, Glenn Osser, and others ~ Lipschitz was born in 1918
December 9, 2005 ~ Pianist György Sándor passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as interpreter, as well as close friend, of Béla Bartók. One of only ten people who attended Bartok's funeral. Toured as a concert pianist throughout the 1930s, briefly served in the US Army during World War II, and returned to the stage after the war. Has recorded works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and notably the complete solo piano works of Zoltán Kodály and Sergei Prokofiev, and the complete piano works of Bartók ~ Sándor was born in 1912
December 9, 2001 ~ Jazz reedist Pierre Gossez, full name Pierre Fernand Gossez, passed away in Creil, France ~ Worked with Noel Chiboust, Tony Muréna, Jacques Hélian, Michel Legrand, Martial Solal, Claude Bolling, Sonny Grey, Michel Hausser, André Hodeir, Ivan Jullien, Guy Lafitte, the Paris Jazz All-Stars, Maxim Saury, Dany Doris, Gunther Schuller, Bob Quibel, Solal, Jean-Michel Jarre (saxophone on 1986 album Rendez-Vous), and others ~ Gossez was born in 1928
December 9, 1996 ~ Singer, A&R scout Patty Donahue passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for fronting the Waitresses. Also worked with Chris Butler, Alice Cooper, and others. Later became a talent scout and A&R representative for MCA Records ~ Donahue was born in 1956
December 9, 1995 ~ Actor, singer Benny Lee passed away ~ Best known as an actor. As a singer known for songs such as Enjoy Yourself It's Later Than You Think, the Guy Mitchell-cover Pretty Little Black-eyed Susan and the Hank Williams-cover Your Cheatin' Heart. Has worked with Johnny Claes, Sid Phillips, and Joy Nichols ~ Lee was born in 1916
December 9, 1995 ~ Vivian Stapleton, commonly known as actress, singer Vivian Blaine, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Started as a singer with dance bands in the late-1940s. Starred in a number of Hollywood films during the 1940s. Returned to the stage in 1950 playing the role of Miss Adelaide in the Frank Loesser-musical Guys And Dolls. She would do some 1,200 performances on Broadway, over 500 in London's West End, take the show to Vegas and recreate her role in the 1955 film version. Blaine would star in numerous plays, films, and guest in TV series throughout the 1980s ~ Stapleton was born in 1921
December 9, 1994 ~ Garnet Damion Smith, commonly known as reggae singer Garnett Silk, passed away in Mandeville, Jamaica ~ Praised for his emotive, powerful and smooth voice. Emerged as a rising star in the early-1990s, only to have his career cut short by an early death trying to save his mother in a house fire. Well known songs include Hello Mama Africa, Lord Watch Over Our Shoulders, and Love Is The Answer ~ Smith was born in 1966
December 9, 1993 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Carter Jefferson passed away ~ Worked with the Temptations, the Supremes, Little Richard, Mongo Santamaria, the Jazz Messengers, Woody Shaw, Elvin Jones, Roy Haynes, Cedar Walton, Jerry González, Malachi Thompson, Walter Davis Jr, Woody Shaw, Barbara Donald, Malachi Thompson, Jack Walrath, and Clifford Jordan ~ Jefferson was born ca.1946
December 9, 1991 ~ Rakim Hasheem Allen, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer PnB Rock born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for his mid-2010s singles Fleek and Selfish. Has worked with Young Thug, Kodak Black, Lil Skies, Nicki Minaj, Young Zona, and others ~ Allen passed away in 2022
December 9, 1987 ~ Anna-Catherine Hartley, commonly known as synth-pop, alternative dance, nu-disco singer, rapper, DJ, keyboardist Uffie, born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Draws from synth-pop, acid house, alternative dance, electro, rap, and nu skool. Probably best known for her single Pop The Glock, an international underground hit originally included on a 2006 EP and re-released on single in 2009. A full-length debut album, Sex Dreams And Denim Jeans, would be released in 2010. Hartley has guested on recordings by Feadz, Steve Aoki, Crystal Castles, Mr Oizo, and Charli XCX
December 9, 1985 ~ Jazz pianist, bandleader, composer Calvin Jackson, full name John Calvin Jackson, passed away in Encinitas, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Frankie Fairfax, Mildred Bailey, Ray Charles (arranger on the Sweet & Sour album), Buddy Collette, and Fred Katz ~ Jackson was born in 1919
December 9, 1981 ~ Earlington Carl Tilghman, commonly known as R&B, doo-wop singer Sonny Til, passed away in Washington DC, USA ~ Lead singer, sole constant member of doo-wop outfit the Orioles, known for songs such as It's Too Soon To Know, Tell Me So, Forgive And Forget, Lonely Christmas, Baby Please Don't Go, and perhaps their biggest hit Crying In The Chapel, the latter topping the Billboard R&B charts in 1953 ~ Tilghman was born in 1928
December 9, 1980 ~ Jazz drummer Anton Eger born in Oslo, Norway ~ As a solo artist known for his 2019 Æ album. Closely associated with Jazzkamikaze and Phronesis, recording about half a dozen albums with each since the mid-2000s. Other collaborations include People Are Machines, Django Bates, and Marius Neset
December 9, 1979 ~ Country singer, songwriter David Kersh, full name Charles David Kersh, born in Humble, Texas, USA ~ Known for a number of mid-1990s singles including Goodnight Sweetheart, Another You, Day In Day Out and If I Never Stop Loving You
December 9, 1979 ~ Country fiddler Tommy Jackson, full name Thomas Lee Jackson Jr, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ In-demand session musician from the 1940s through the 1970s. Reportedly played on more country records than any other musician. Worked with Red Foley, Jerry Byrd, extensively with Hank Williams including on pivotal recordings such as Lovesick Blues, Webb Pierce, Faron Young, Ray Price, George Jones, Bill Monroe, and others ~ Jackson was born in 1926
December 9, 1975 ~ Jazz pianist Frank Signorelli passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founded the Original Memphis Five, for whom he also co-wrote Sioux City Sue. Would go on to work with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Adrian Rollini, Eddie Lang, Bix Beiderbecke, Matty Malneck, Dick Stabile, Phil Napoleon, and Miff Mole. As a songwriter perhaps best known for co-writing songs such as A Blues Serenade (Johnny Sylvester, Glenn Miller, Bing Crosby), Little Buttercup (I'll Never Be The Same) (Joe Venuti, Nat King Cole, Coleman Hawkins), and Park Avenue Fantasy (Paul Whiteman, Morton Gould) ~ Signorelli was born in 1901
December 9, 1974 ~ Germaine Williams, commonly known as hardcore hip-hop rapper, MC, actor Canibus, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Known for his ability to freestyle. Over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with Can-I-Bus released in 1998. Has worked with HRSMN, the Refugee Camp All-Stars, the Sharpshooterz, Cloak & Dagga, and the Undergods
December 9, 1972 ~ Frank Edwin Wright, commonly known as drummer, singer, songwriter Tré Cool born in Frankfurt, West Germany ~ Cites Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell, Charlie Watts, Buddy Rich and John Wright as influences. Best known as drummer of Green Day, joining the band in 1990 taking over for John Kiffmeyer. Has also worked with the Lookouts, Samiam, Dead Mermaids, Bubu & the Brood, Network, the Foxboro Hot Tubs, and others
December 9, 1971 ~ Southern rockers the Allman Brothers Band record Melissa at Criteria Studios, Miami, Florida ~ Written by Gregg Allman. Produced by Tom Dowd. Released in August 1972 as the second single of the Eat A Peach album. The album version was recorded in tribute to Duane Allman who considered the song among his brother's best. Duane passed away in a motorcycle accident six weeks before the album version would be recorded
December 9, 1969 ~ Singer, songwriter Jakob Dylan, full name Jakob Luke Dylan, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Son of renowned singer Bob Dylan. Fronts the Wallflowers, known for songs such as 6th Avenue Heartache, One Headlight, Three Marlenas and Reboot The Mission. Also records as a solo artist, starting with 2008's Seeing Things, and has collaborated with Rusty Truck, Joe Henry, the Jayhawks, Willie Nile, Jesse Malin, Jordan Zevon, the Court Yard Hounds, Holly Williams and Crystal Bowersox
December 9, 1968 ~ Classical pianist Alexandre Tharaud born in Paris, France ~ Concert and recording pianist well versed in the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, Frédéric Chopin, François Couperin, Maurice Ravel and contemporary classical pianist, composer Thierry Pecou. Refuses to keep a piano at his house preferriing the pleasure of improvisation over the necessity of rigorous work. Before each recording session lays flowers at the tomb of Romantic pianist and composer Emmanuel Chabrier at the Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris, France
December 9, 1968 ~ The TV special TCB, featuring the Supremes and the Temptations, airs on NBC ~ Taped before a live studio audience the previous September, the TV special TCB, an acronym for “Taking Care of Business”, was aired, exceeding all expectations. Bringing together two of the era's most favorite groups, the Supremes and the Temptations, the set list includes showtunes, medleys, and several popular Motown hits. Highlights of the show include Paul Williams's rendition of the Stevie Wonder hit For Once In My Life, a cover by both groups of the recent Aretha Franklin hit RESPECT, and Dennis Edwards, then the new lead singer for the Temptations, singing lead on I Know I'm Losing You. The show would become the highest-rated variety show of the year. The accompanying soundtrack album, released a week prior to the show's broadcast, reached No.1 Billboard Hot 200
December 9, 1966 ~ Sybil Lynch, mononymously known as R&B, soul, pop, house, new jack swing singer, songwriter Sybil, born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Cousin of En Vogue's Maxine Jones. Regularly scored on the American dance and R&B charts from the mid-1980s through mid-1990s with songs such as Falling In Love, Let Yourself Go, and The Love I Lost featuring West End. Scored her two biggest hits with Dionne Warwick covers, namely Walk On By and Don't Make Me Over. The latter would cross over to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, cracking the top 20 in 1989
December 9, 1965 ~ Jose Henrique Campos Pereira, commonly known as punk, punk rock bassist Canisso, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Best known as member of Raimundos from its inception in 1987 through 2002, rejoining in 2007. The punk rock outfit is hugely influenced by American rockers the Ramones and would go on to become one of the most influential rock bands in Brazil, especially popular during the 1990s and acclaimed for their 1996 Lavô Tá Novo album. Has also briefly worked with Rodox during the early-2000s, and founded Rockfellas with Paul di'Anno ~ Campos passed away in 2023
December 9, 1963 ~ Alternative rock, punk rock singer, guitarist, bassist, pianist, songwriter Kat Bjelland, full name Katherine Lynne Bjelland, born in Salem, Oregon, USA ~ Influenced by artists as diverse as Rush, Cheap Trick, the Cocteau Twins, Billie Holiday. Lead singer, guitarist, co-founding member of alternative rock band Babes In Toyland. Noted for her jagged, energetic guitar playing and her unusual vocal style, critically compared to Ozzy Osbourne and Diamanda Galás, which includes everything from whispering to shouting. Has worked with the Pagan Babies, Crunt, Katastrophy Wife, and others
December 9, 1957 ~ Singer Donny Osmond, full name Donald Clark Osmond, born in Ogden, Utah, USA ~ Rose to fame as youngest sibling in family outfit the Osmonds. Sang co-lead, usually the hook or chorus, on songs such as Double Lovin' and Yo-Yo, sang lead on Sweet And Innocent, I Knew You When and Puppy Love. Donny has also had a successful solo career with Billboard Hot 100 top 1o hits such as Go Away Little Girl, Hey Girl, Puppy Love and Twelfth Of Never. Formed a sibling duo with Marie Osmond, again reaching the American top 10 with I'm Leaving it Up To You and Morning Side Of The Mountain
December 9, 1957 ~ Christian alternative rock singer, guitarist, producer, filmmaker Steve Taylor born in Brawnley, California, USA ~ Member of short-lived group Chagall Guevara. As a solo artist known for taking aim at other Christian artists and his use of satirical lyircs. Well known songs include Sin For A Season, Meltdown At Madame Tussaud's, Svengali, Curses and Shortstop. Founded Squint Entertainment label and fueled the careers of artists such as Sixpence None The Richer, Chevelle and Burlap To Cashmere
December 9, 1956 ~ Singer, songwriter Kari Bremnes born in Svolvaer, Norway ~ Actively recording as a solo artist since the late-1980s. Has collaborated with Lars Klevstrand, Ole Paus, Mari Boine, Ketil Bjørnstad, Tom Russell, Eva Dahlgren, Anisette Koppel, and others
December 9, 1956 ~ Sylvia Jane Kirby, mononymously known as country, country pop singer Sylvia, born in Kokomo, Indiana, USA ~ Known for a string of 1980s country top 10 hits including Tumbleweed, Drifter, Matador, Heart On The Mend, Like Nothing Ever Happened, Snapshot, I Never Quite Got Back From Loving You, Fallin' In Love, Cry Just A Little Bit and her best known Nobody, the latter also reaching the top 20 of the all-genre Billboard Hot 100
December 9, 1955 ~ Singer, songwriter Anne Haigis born in Rottweil, Germany ~ Released her debut album, For Here Where The Life Is, in 1981. Would continue to record throughout the 1980s, to commercial success, in German before adding English-language songs to her repertoire in the 1990s. Has collaborated with Tony Carey, Eric Burdon, Kevin McCormick, Curtis Stigers, Nils Lofgren, and Melissa Etheridge. The latter would write the songs Dancing In The Fire and Out Of My Mind for Haigis
December 9, 1954 ~ Rock guitarist Jack Sonni born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Fronted the Leisure Class, a Monday night fixture at Kenny's Castaways, New York. Best known as guitarist for the Dire Straits during the mid-1980s. Present on the Brothers In Arms album, noted especially for his guitar synthesizer play on The Man's Too Strong. Sonni also played with the band at the 1985 Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium, London. Following the birth of his twin daughters in 1988 Sonni retired from music to pursue a career in marketing ~ Sonni passed away in 2023
December 9, 1954 ~ Jazz producer, music impresario, percussionist Kip Hanrahan born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Worked with Don Pullen, Steve Swallow, Milton Cardona, Horacio Hernandez, Sting, Jack Bruce, Grayson Hugh, Fernando Saunders, Astor Piazzolla, and others
December 9, 1953 ~ Singer, flutist, songwriter Jill Saward born in Tooting, UK ~ Lead singer of pop, jazz-funk group Shakatak, known for songs such as Easier Said Than Done, Night Birds and Down On The Street
December 9, 1952 ~ Folk singer Estíbaliz Uranga, full name Estíbaliz Uranga Amezaga, born in Bilbao, Spain ~ Formed the sibling outfit Las Hermanas Urangas in the late-1960s which through a number of additions and namechanges evolved into the folk outfit Mocedades. Would leave the band in 1972 along with bandmate Sergio Blanco to form the duo Sergio & Estíbaliz, internationally best known for representing Spain at the 1975 Eurovision Songfestival where they reached 10th place with Tu Volveras. The duo would marry the same year and continue to have succes in Spain and Latin American throughout the mid-1990s. From 1993 through 2008 they would be involved with El Consorcio, consisting of former Mocedades members
December 9, 1950 ~ Singer, composer Alan Sorrenti born in Naples, Italy ~ Sings in Italian and English. Debuted in 1972 with the album Aria. Internationally best known for representing Italy in the 1980 Eurovision Songfestival with Tu Se L'Unica Donna Per Me, reaching 6th place
December 9, 1950 ~ Singer, songwriter Joan Armatrading, full name Joan Anita Barbara Armatrading, born in Basseterre, Saint Kitts ~ Critically acclaimed for a number of late-1970s, 1980s album, notably 1980's Me Myself I and 1981's Walk Under Ladders. Best known for songs such as Love And Affection, Rosie, and Drop The Pilot
December 9, 1948 ~ Dixieland, swing drummer Dave Tough, full name David Jarvis Tough, passed away in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with Tommy Dorsey, Red Norvo, Bunny Berigan, Benny Goodman, Bud Freeman, Jack Teagarden, Eddie Condon, Mezz Mezzrow, Joe Marsala, Charlie Spivak, Claude Thornhill, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Jerry Gray, Muggsy Spanier, Will Bradley, and others ~ Tough was born in 1907
December 9, 1947 ~ Cornelis Tol, commonly known as guitarist Cees Tol, born in Volendam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as member of BZN from 1966 through 1988. Co-wrote songs such as Pearlydumm, Just An Illusion and Amore. Formed the duo Tol & Tol with his brother Thomas Tol, known for the 1990 hit Eleni. Has also written for Jan Smit ~ Tol passed away in 2018
December 9, 1946 ~ William Church, commonly known as bassist, songwriter Bill Church born ~ Has worked with Sawbuck, Montrose, Van Morrison (Tupelo Honey), Sammy Hagar, and the DHC Band
December 9, 1946 ~ Bassist Dennis Dunaway born in Cottage Grove, Oregon, USA ~ Best known as original bassist of Alice Cooper's backing band, remaining with the band from 1962 through 1975. Co-wrote songs such as I'm Eighteen and School's Out
December 9, 1943 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger Jimmy Owens born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Lionel Hampton, Charles Mingus, Hank Crawford, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Herbie Mann, Max Roach, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Golson, Curtis Amy, Gary Bartz, Willie Bobo, Jaki Byard, Billy Cobham, Milt Jackson, Yusef Lateef, Hubert Laws, Junior Mance, Les McCann, Oliver Nelson, Archie Shepp, Joe Zawinul, Booker Ervin, Tom McIntosh, and others
December 9, 1943 ~ Kenneth Rosenberg, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Kenny Vance, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Founding member of Jay & the Americans, remaining with the band from 1960 through 1973, present on hits such as She Cried, Come A Little Bit Closer, Cara Mia and This Magic Moment. Has managed songwriting duo Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. Has also worked, in one capacity or another, with Phoebe Snow, Delbert McClinton, the Kingsnakes, Peter Himmelman, Toni Basil, Yusef Lateef, Don McLean, Tracey Ullman, and others
December 9, 1943 ~ Lars Eric Gustav Holm, commonly known as pop, dansband, schlager singer, songwriter, TV personality Lasse Holm, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Member of a number of 1960s groups including Doug & the Millsmen, the Spacemen, the Moonlighters. Best known as schlager, pop songwriter, songs written or co-written by Holm recorded by Chips, Carola, Arvingarna, Kikki Danielsson, Arja Saijormaa, Henrik Åberg, and others. Internationally best known for duetting with Monica Törnell on E' De' Det Hår Du Kallar Kålek, reaching 5th place at the 1986 Eurovision Songfestival representing Sweden
December 9, 1942 ~ Joseph Stubbles, commonly known as R&B, soul singer Joe Stubbs, born ~ Baby brother of Levi Stubbs. Member of the Falcons, singing lead on the million-seller You're So Fine and The Teacher. Member of the Contours, singing lead on the Stevie Wonder-penned Just A Little Understanding. Subsequently worked with the Originals and with 100 Proof (Aged In Soul) ~ Stubbles passed away in 1998
December 9, 1942 ~ Humberto Waldemar Asdrubal Baeza Fernández, commonly known as folk singer, songwriter Tito Fernández, born in Temuco, Chile ~ Over 40 albums to his name since the early-1970s. Although following the 1973 military coup his left-leaning albums would be censored, and he would be banned from performing live and even briefly detained, Fernández did have fans within the military and right-wing circles. Well-known songs include Casa Nueva, Me Gusta El Vino, Los Versos De Mi Compadre, Salud, and En Un Principio Y Siempre ~ Fernández passed away in 2023
December 9, 1941 ~ Singer, songwriter Dan Hicks, full name Daniel Ivan Hicks, born in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA ~ Fronted Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks. Draws from numerous genres including folk, jazz, country, swing, bluegrass, pop, rock and gypsy music, often paired with humorous lyrics. Hicks himself has referred to his blend as “folk swing” ~ Hicks passed away in 2016
December 9, 1940 ~ Ska, reggae singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, talent scout Clancy Eccles born in St Mary, Jamaica ~ Worked with Coxsone Dodd, Charlie Moo, Lyndon Pottinger, Jackie Jackson, Hux Brown, Paul Douglas, Winston Wright, Gladstone Anderson, Winston Grennan, Joe Isaacs, Hugh Malcolm, Johnny Moore, Bobby Ellis, Alton Ellis, Joe Higgs, Lee Scratch Perry, Winston Niney Holmes, King Stitt, Cynthia Richards, and others
December 9, 1940 ~ Doo-wop, R&B singer Sam Strain, full name Samuel Strain Jr, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Member of Little Anthony & the Imperials from 1958 through 1972, present on hits such as I'm On The Outside Looking In, Goin' Out Of My Head, Hurt So Bad. Member of the O'Jays from 1975 through 1992, present on Livin' For The Weekend and Use Ta Be My Girl. Strain would rejoin the Imperials in 1992
December 9, 1937 ~ Anna Dolores Williams, commonly known as R&B, soul, gospel singer Anna King, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Touring singer for James Brown from 1963, replacing Tammi Terrell, through 1964. Simultaneously recorded as a solo singer, noted for the Brown-produced album Back To Soul, and the singles If Somebody Told You, Baby Baby Baby with Bobby Byrd and Mama's Got A Bag Of Her Own, the latter an answer song to Brown's Papa's Got A Brand New Bag. Toured with Duke Ellington during the mid-1960s, backing Ellington on his tour of sacred music. Member of gospel choir the Brocking Choral Ensemble in the late-1960s. King would retire from music by the mid-1970s to devote her life to preaching, as an ordained minister of the church ~ Williams passed away in 2002
December 9, 1935 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter David Houston, full name Charles David Houston, born in Bossier City, Louisiana, USA ~ Recorded some two dozen albums through the early-1980s, his popularity peaking in the 1960s and early-1970s. First to record Almost Persuaded in 1966, written by Billy Sherrill and Glenn Sutton. It would be Houston's first Billboard Country No.1 hit and become a country classic, covered by numerous artists including Conway Twitty, Dottie West, George Jones, and Johnny Paycheck. Houston would score well over a dozen more Billboard Country top 10 hits, including the No.1's With One Exception, You Mean The World To Me, Have A Little Faith, and Baby Baby (I Know You're A Lady). Houston has also recorded two duet albums, My Elusive Dreams with Tammy Wynette in 1967, and A Perfect Match with Barbara Mandrell in 1972 ~ Houston passed away in 1993
December 9, 1935 ~ Country singer Red Foley records Old Shep at American Furniture Mart ARC Studio, Chicago, Illinois ~ Written by Foley. Produced by Willis Arthur. Released as a single the following year, b/w Sing Me An Old Hillbilly Ballad, it would become a country standard covered by many including Tex Morton, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Hank Snow, and Johnny Cash. Though the subject of the song was titled Shep, in reality it was about a German shepherd named “Hoover” owned by Foley as a child. The 1970 Led Zeppelin song Bron-y-aur Stomp, written about Robert Plant's dog, also references Old Shep in the lyrics “when you're old and your eyes are dim, ain't no Old Shep gonna happen again”
December 9, 1934 ~ Actress, singer Judi Dench, full name Judith Olivia Dench, born in Heworth, UK ~ One of Britain's most revered actresses with a career starting in the mid-1950s. Well-known for her role as M in over half a dozen James Bond films. To musical audiences known for starring in UK productions of the musicals Cabaret, The Good Companions, and A Little Night Music
December 9, 1934 ~ Amos Wells Blakemore Jr, commonly known as singer Junior Wells, born in West Memphis, Arkansas, USA ~ Iconic electric Chicago blues singer, blues harpist. Best known for his critically acclaimed, highly influential 1965 album Hoodoo Man Blues. Worked with artists such as Muddy Waters, Earl Hooker, and Buddy Guy. Gained attention with rock audiences by opening for the Rolling Stones ~ Wells passed away in 1998
December 9, 1933 ~ Ranchera, corrido singer, actress Irma Serrano, full name Irma Consuelo Cielo Serrano Castro, born in Comitá, Mexico ~ Began her career as a dancer, to become one of the most popular folk singers of the 1960s. Dubbed “la Tigressa” for her tantalizing, untamed spitfire voice. Well known for La Martina, considered a contemporary classic song of Mexican folk. Ventured into acting for film, appearing in over a dozen films, and stage, often causing controversy. Served as senator for her home state of Chiapas during the late-1990s ~ Serrano passed away in 2023
December 9, 1932 ~ Billy Edward Wheeler, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler, born in Whitesville, West Virginia, USA ~ Though he only enjoyed limited chart success, apart from the 1964 Billboard Country No.3 hit Ode To The Little Brown Shack, Wheeler has enjoyed critical success especially as a songwriter and composer, including for over half a dozen plays and musicals, the folk opera Song Of The Cumberland Gap, and dramas, and has penned several novels. To mainstream audiences, Wheeler is perhaps best known for co-penning Jackson, a Grammy Award winner as recorded by Johnny Cash & June Carter, and for penning Coward Of The County, a hit for Kenny Rogers in 1979. Others who have recorded his songs include Judy Henske, the Kingston Trio, Judy Collins, Mel Tillis, John Denver, Richie Havens (High Flying Bird), Jay & the Americans, Glen Campbell, OC Smith (I Ain't The Worryin' Kind), Elvis Presley (It's Midnight), Bob Luman (Jesus Was A Country Boy), Kathy Mattea, and Neil Young ~ Wheeler passed away in 2024
December 9, 1932 ~ Donaldson Toussaint L'Ouverture Byrd II, commonly known as jazz, bebop trumpeter Donald Byrd, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Major influence on and mentor of Herbie Hancock. First gained serious attention playing with Art Blakey, replacing Clifford Brown in the Jazz Messengers. Has also backed artists such as John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk before establishing himself as a bandleader. Known for early-1960s albums such as Royal Flush and Free Form as well as late-1960s, early-1970s albums such as Fancy Free and Black Byrd exploring jazz fusion and R&B ~ Byrd passed away in 2013
December 9, 1927 ~ Bernard Green, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Benny Green, born in Leeds, UK ~ Active since the early-1950s, working with artists such as Ralph Sharon, Ronnie Scott, Stan Kenton, Dizzy Reece, Lord Rockingham's XI, including on the latter's 1958 novelty UK hit Hoots Mon. Also known as a beloved BBC radio host. Father of guitarist Dominic Green and saxophonist Leo Green ~ Green passed away in 1998
December 9, 1923 ~ Henry Oliver Jones, commonly known as singer, songwriter Ollie Jones, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Member of various doo-wop groups including the Ravens, the Blenders, the Cues. Also known as a songwriter, responsible for tracks such as Nat King Cole's Send For Me, Fabian's Tiger, Perry Como's Love Makes The World Go Round, the Crests' Step By Step, Damita Jo's I'll Be There, and Elvis Presley's Finders Keeper (Losers Weepers) ~ Jones passed away in 1990
December 9, 1919 ~ Bolero singer Johnny Albino born in Yauco, Puerto Rico ~ Lead singer of the Trio San Juan. Joined Los Panchos in 1958, replacing Julito Rodríguez, and remaining with the band until 1968. Would continue to work with numerous groups, appearing on over an estimated 300 albums ~ Albino passed away in 2011
December 9, 1909 ~ Le Moise Roosevelt Graves, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer Blind Roosevelt Graves, born in Meridian, Mississippi, USA ~ Brother of Uaroy Graves, with whom he recorded Guitar Boogie, I'll Be Rested, and Crazy About My Baby. The latter, recorded in 1929, has been cited as the first rock & roll recording ~ Graves passed away in 1962
December 9, 1906 ~ Bandleader, tenor saxophonist Freddy Martin, full name Frederick Alfred Martin, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Pioneered the tenor-band style. Adapted several classical tunes to jazz. Worked with the Mason-Dixon Band, Arnold Johnson, Jack Albin, Merv Griffin, Buddy Clark, Sid Appleman, Terry Shand, Elmer Feldkamp, and Helen Ward ~ Martin passed away in 1983
December 9, 1903 ~ Matthew Michael Malneck, commonly known as jazz, swing violinist, bandleader, arranger, songwriter Matty Malneck, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ First gained attention working with Paul Whiteman, serving in bandleader Whiteman's orchestra for about a decade starting in 1926. Has also worked with Mildred Bailey, Annette Hanshaw, Frank Signorelli, Frankie Trumbauer. As a bandleader enjoyed popularity from the late-1930s through the 1940s, notably appearing in the 1939 film St Louis Blues and on radio shows such The Charlotte Greenwood Show and Campana Serenade. As a songwriter probably best known for co-writing I'm Thru With Love, originally recorded by Henry Busse and covered by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Carmen McRae, Marilyn Monroe, Della Reese, Dinah Washington, Etta Jones, and Tony Bennett ~ Malneck passed away in 1981