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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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