July 1, 2024 ~ Bluegrass guitarist, mandolinist, singer Cliff Waldron, full name Clifford Waldron, passed away in Virginia, USA ~ Formed the duo Emerson & Waldron with banjoist Bill Emerson. The band is best known for recording the first bluegrass rendition of Fox On The Run, which later became a bluegrass standard after the Country Gentlemen recorded it. Other well known songs in Emerson & Waldron's repertoire included If I Were A Carpenter, Early Morning Rain, and Spanish Grass. Waldron is also specifically known for founding the New Shades Of Grass, one of the prime 1970s bluegrass groups, with whom he recorded several acclaimed albums before releasing two gospel albums as a solo artist, eventually retiring from music by the mid-1970s to work for the National Park Service. In the mid-1990s, Waldron returned on the music scene, releasing several more albums through the early 2000s ~ Waldron was born in 1941
July 1, 2022 ~ Flavia Pozzaglio, commonly known as singer, actress, TV personality Irene Fargo, passed away in Brescia, Italy ~ Best known for her early 1990s singles La Donna Di Ibsen and Come Una Turandot, the latter inspired by Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot. Both singles would reach top 20 in her native Italy ~ Pozzaglio was born in 1962
July 1, 2021 ~ Composer, pianist Louis Andriessen, full name Louis Joseph Andriessen, passed away in Weesp, the Netherlands ~ Son of composer Hendrik Andriessen. Brother of composers Jurriaan Andriessen and Caecilia Andriessen. Co-founded Orkest de Volharding and Hoketus. Also worked with the Schonberg Ensemble, ASKO, Icebreaker, and others ~ Andriessen was born in 1939
July 1, 2021 ~ Mbaqanga, soul, jazz, pop singer, songwriter Steve Kekana, full name Tebogo Steve Kekana, passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Actively recording since the late 1970s with well over three dozen albums to his name. Best known for songs such as the Bushman, Feel So Strong and Raising My Family ~ Kekana was born in 1958
July 1, 2020 ~ Violinist Ida Haendel passed away in Pembroke Park, Florida, USA ~ Child prodigy. Won numerous prestiguous award well before her teens such as for instance the Warsaw Conservatory Gold Medal for her performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Violin Concerto or the Huberman Prize in 1933, at only 5 years old. Would go on to perform the world over and work on numerous acclaimed recordings during a career spanning seven decades. Notable recordings include Johann Sebastian Bach's Sonatas And Partitas For Solo Violin and Johannes Brahms' Violin Concerto with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sergiu Celibidache ~ Haendel was born in 1928
July 1, 2020 ~ Country, rockabilly guitarist Joe Pennington, full name Joseph Lephmon Pennington, passed away ~ Best known as member of Hank Williams' backing unit the Drifting Cowboys through 1949. Has subsuquently worked with Lefty Frizzell. As a solo artist known for a number of 1950s rockabilly singles under the moniker Joe Penny, notably Bip A Little (Bop A Lot) released in 1958 ~ Pennington was born in 1928
July 1, 2020 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Max Crook, full name Maxfield Doyle Crook, passed away ~ Best known for his association with Del Shannon, co-writing several of Shannon's hits and notably present on the 1961 Runaway single ~ Crook was born in 1936
July 1, 2013 ~ Singer, comedian, songwriter Maarten van Roozendaal passed away ~ Mainly performed his own songs, yet also a fine interpreter of Cornelis Vreeswijk. Collaborated with Paul de Munnik, Egon Kracht, Wouter Planteijdt, Marcel de Groot, Willem Ennes, Kim Soepnel, and others ~ Van Roozendaal was born in 1962
July 1, 2013 ~ John Riley Brown, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Texas Johnny Brown, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Active since the late 1940s, initially as a member of the Aladdin Chickenshackers known for regularly backing artists such as Amos Milburn and Ruth Brown. Perhaps best known for penning Two Steps From The Blues, notably recorded by Bobby Blue Bland as the title track of the pivotal 1961 Two Steps From The Blues soul-blues album. As a solo artist especially known among blues aficionados for songs such as The Blues Rock, There Goes The Blues and Bongo Boogie. Over the course of his career Brown has collaborated with numerous artists including Junior Parker, Lightnin' Hopkins, Joe Hinton, Goree Carter, Roy Gaines, and Clarence Hollimon ~ Brown was born in 1928
July 1, 2012 ~ Evelyn Shulman, commonly known as operatic soprano singer, actress Evelyn Lear, passed away in Sandy Spring, Maryland, USA ~ Known for her versatility. Appeared with every major American opera company as well as several in Europe including the Stadtische Oper Berlin, the Theater an der Wien, the Metropolitan Opera, the Houston Grand Opera, the Munich Nationaltheater, and others ~ Lear was born in 1926
July 1, 2012 ~ Oswald Hibbert, commonly known as reggae organist, pianist, keyboardist Ossie Hibbert, passed away in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Active since the mid-1970s. Member of the Professionals, the Aggrovators, the Revolutionaries. Sessioned for artists such as Johnny Clarke, Gregory Isaacs, Jimmy London, Delroy Wilson, Linval Thompson. As a solo artist known for two 1970s albums, 1976's Crueshal Dub and 1978's Satisfaction In Dub. Served as producer for Freddie McKay, Dillinger, Carlene Davis, Pat Kelly, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Errol Dunkley, Peter Hunnigale, the Wailing Souls ~ Hibbert was born in 1951
July 1, 2010 ~ Edith Zuser, commonly known as schlager, folk singer Lolita passed away in Salzburg, Austria ~ Best known for Seemann Deine Heimat Ist Das Meer, an international hit including in America in 1960. It would be translated to various other languages including English, French and Dutch, and be covered by numerous artists. Notable covers include versions by Petula Clark, Anne Shelton, Caterina Valente ~ Zuser was born in 1931
July 1, 2005 ~ Singer Luther Vandross passed away in Edison, New Jersey, USA ~ Session, backing singer for artists such as Todd Rundgren, Judy Collins, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Ben E King, Donna Summer, and others. Fronted Change. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Never Too Much, Here And New, Any Love, Power Of Love (Love Power), I Can Make It Better, For You To Love, Superstar, Always And Forever. Duetted with Cheryl Lynn, Beyoncé and Mariah Carey ~ Vandross was born in 1951
July 1, 2005 ~ Singer, songwriter Renaldo Benson passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Bass singer of the Four Tops, known for hits such as I Can't Help Myself (Sugarpie Honey Bunch), Reach Out I'll Be There, Keeper Of The Castle, Ain't No Woman Like The One I've Got, Bernadette, and When She Was My Girl. Co-wrote Marvin Gaye's signature song What's Going On ~ Benson was born in 1936
July 1, 2003 ~ Herbert Jay Solomon, commonly known as flutist, saxophonist, clarinetist Herbie Mann, passed away in Pecos, New Mexico, USA ~ One of the first jazz musicians to specialize on the flute. Early pioneer of merging jazz and world music. Over 80 albums to his name as leader or co-leader, starting in the mid-1950s. Has worked with artists such as Chet Baker, Art Blakey, Carmen McRae, Joe Wilder, Bobby Jaspar, Buddy Collette, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Baden Powell, Chick Corea, Duane Allman, Sonny Sharrock, Donald Duck Dunn, the New York Jazz Quartet, and others. To pop audiences best known for his 1975 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Hijack featuring Cissy Houston on vocals, originally recorded by Barrabás ~ Solomon was born in 1930
July 1, 1999 ~ Reggae singer, guitarist Dennis Brown, full name Dennis Emmanuel Brown, passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ First recorded while only 11 years old, to go on to release well over 50 albums over the course of his lengthy career. Dubbed “the Crown Prince of Reggae” by Bob Marley, who cited Brown as his favorite singer. Internationally, Brown is best known for songs such as Money In My Pocket, Love Has Found Its Way, Halfway Up Halfway Down and Senorita ~ Brown was born in 1957
July 1, 1999 ~ Albert George Cernik, commonly known as big band, traditional pop, country pop singer Guy Mitchell, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Active since the early 1950s. Discovered by Mitch Mitchell. Enjoyed popularity especially in the UK and Australia. Sold over 40 million records. Well known songs include My Heart Cries For You, My Truly Truly Fair, There's A Pawnshop On The Corner In Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Singing The Blues, and Heartaches By The Number ~ Cernik was born in 1927
July 1, 1988 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter James Southwell born in Bowning, Australia ~ Influenced by Lobby Loyde, George Harrison, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jonny Lang. Southwell left school in his mid-teens to become a professional musician, releasing his Dark Angel debut album in 2006. Southwell has since become a popular festival act, and has toured intensely since, including with former Rose Tattoo-singer Angry Anderson, Kate DeAraugo, and Charlie Wooton
July 1, 1984 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Jason Reeves, full name Jason Bradfod Reeves, born in Arlington, Texas, USA ~ Best known as regular songwriting partner of Colbie Caillat, including co-penning songs such as Realize, I Never Told You, and the Billboard Hot 100 No.5 hit Bubbly. Reeves has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Makeshift Aircraft released in 2003, was a member of Gone West from 2018 through 2020, and has co-written songs recorded by Lenka, Katharine McPhee, and Louis Tomlinson
July 1, 1983 ~ Jazz saxophonist Sandy Mosse passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Influenced primarily by Lester Young. Started on clarinet and alto sax, before switching to tenor saxophone in the early 1950s. Mosse has appeared on recordings by Wallace Bishop, Django Reinhardt, Woody Herman, Bill Russo, Chubby Jackson, James Moody, and Cy Touff. The 1960s saw him teaming up with Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, and Dave Remington. After relocating to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in the 1970s, Mosse would record less but occasionally toured with the likes of Zoot Sims and Al Cohn. While in the Netherlands, where he lived until his death, Mosse most notably played with Volume Two, which also included Irvin Rochlin, Klaus Flenter, Evert Hekkema, Ben Gerritsen, and Lex Cohen. As a leader, Mosse recorded sporadically, best remembered for the late 1950s albums Chicago Scene and Relaxin' With Sandy Mosse ~ Mosse was born in 1929
July 1, 1982 ~ Indie rock, psychedelic rock bassist, singer Hilma Nikolaisen born in Moi, Norway ~ Member of Loch Ness Mouse, Serena-Maneesh alongside brother guitarist Emil Nikolaisen, and Umbrella. Active as a solo artist since the mid-2010s, releasing her acclaimed Puzzler debut album in 2016. Nikolaisen has a son with Mayhem-singer Sven Erik Kristiansen
July 1, 1977 ~ Robert Henry Warren, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist Baby Boy Warren, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Leading figure on the 1950s Detroit blues scene. Active since the 1930s, first recording in the late 1940s. Perhaps best known for his 1954 single Stop Breakin' Down featuring pianist Boogie Woogie Red and guitarist Calvin Frazier ~ Warren was born in 1919
July 1, 1977 ~ Singer, actress Birgit Schuurman born in Utrecht, the Netherlands ~ Sister of actress, singer Katja Schuurman, with whom she worked in the band Jeunes Turcs. Released a handful of late 1990s singles, notably A Little Famous and Maybe The Wine, but lacking sales her already recorded Curious album would be indefinitely shelved. An appearance in the heavily aired Abel's Onderweg videoclip renewed interest in Schuurman, leading to the hits I Know and Few Like You, both included on her official debut album Few Like Me released in 2001
July 1, 1976 ~ Julia Liane Stanbridge, commonly known as doom metal, progressive metal, gothic metal singer, songwriter Aleah Stanbridge, born in Cape Town, South Africa ~ After relocating to Sweden, Stanbridge would become known on the Scandinavian metal scene, perhaps most for co-founding death metal, doom metal outfit Trees Of Eternity with guitarist Juha Raivio, with whom she recorded the Hour Of The Nightingale album released in 2016. Previously, she has guested on recordings by Krister Linder, Swallow The Sun, and Amorphis. Stanbridge's sole solo full-length album Aleah was released posthumously in 2020, containing newly mastered songs as well as previously unreleased material ~ Stanbridge passed away in 2016
July 1, 1975 ~ Indie folk, baroque pop, indie rock singer, guitarist, banjoist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Sufjan Stevens born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Released his A Sun Came solo debut album in 1999. Best known for his 2005 Illinnois album, which included the single Chicago. Has worked with Rosie Thomas, Denison Witmer, Half-handed Cloud, the Castanets, Will Stratton, Shannon Stephens, Bryce Dessner, Timo Andres, and others
July 1, 1972 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, experimental guitarist Alex Machacek born in Tulin-an-der-Donay, Austria ~ Influenced by rock acts such as Iron Maiden, Kiss, Queen, by jazz artists such as Mike Stern, John Scofield, Allan Holdsworth, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin. Released his Featuring Ourselves debut album in 1999, merging avant-garde, jazz fusion and progressive rock drawing critical comparison to Frank Zappa. Has worked with BPM, Planet X, UKZ, CAB, Terry Bozzio, Jeff Sipe, Matt Garrison, Marco Minneman, and Gary Husband
July 1, 1971 ~ Eugene Staples, commonly known as jazz singer, trombonist, bandleader Blue Steele, passed away ~ Enjoyed popularity through the 1930s, working with sidemen such as Pat Davis, Gene Gifford, and Kenny Sargent, and singers such as Kay Austin, Mabel Batson, and Bob Nolan. His popularity waned over the course of the 1930s, yet Staples would continue to work, conducting a radio orchestra in the 1940s, leading smaller ensembles, and notably leading the dixieland revival group the Rhythm Rebels in the 1950s, the latter including Elmer Schoebel ~ Staples was born in 1893
July 1, 1971 ~ Singer Jarobi White born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Best known as initial and co-founding member of A Tribe Called Quest, alongside Q-Tip, Phife Dawg and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, left after the band's Peoples Instinctive Travels & The Paths Of Rhythm debut album. Formed Evitan with Dres
July 1, 1971 ~ Melissa Arnett Elliott, commonly known as singer, rapper, MC, producer, songwriter Missy Elliott born in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA ~ First gained attention as member of R&B group Sista. Member of Swing Mob collective alongside frequent collaborator Timbaland. Producer, songwriter, in-demand collaborator for artists such as Aaliyah, 702, Total, Tweet, SWV, Jodeci, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Destiny's Child, Mary J Blige, Angie Stone, Monica. As a solo artist active since the early 2000s, known for Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as Hot Boyz featuring Nas, Eve & Q-Tip, Get Ur Freak On, Work It, Gossip Folks featuring Ludacris, and Lose Control featuring Ciara & Fatman Scoop
July 1, 1969 ~ Guitarist, singer Séamus Egan born in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Martin Donaghue, Mick Moloney, the Green Fields Of America, Susan McKeown, Eileen Ivers, Solas, Antje DUvekot, Liz Carroll, Karan Casey, Kyle Carey, Sarah McLachlan, and others
July 1, 1967 ~ Singer, guitarist, composer Marisa Monte, full name Marisa de Azevedo Monte, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Discovered by producer Nelson Motta. Released her MM Ai Vivo in 1989, which spawned the hit Bem Que Se Quis. Monte would go on to become one of Brazil's most popular singers, selling over 10 million records, and collaborate with Devendra Banhart, Rodrigo Amarante, Carlinhos Brown, Arnaldo Antunes, and others
July 1, 1967 ~ Tyrone Thompson, commonly known as reggae, dancehall, gospel singer Papa San, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ One of the major dancehall artists of the 1980s and 1990s known for songs such as Animal Party, I Will Survive and Style & Fashion
July 1, 1966 ~ Francis Griffiths, commonly known as keyboardist, remixer Franny Griffiths, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Influenced by hip-hop, electro, Krautrock, and specifically Kraftwerk and Can. Key member of Space since 1994, noted for his unusual keyboard sounds often mistaken for a theremin. The band is best known for a string of UK top 20 hits of their first two albums, including Me And You Versus The World, Avenging Angels, and The Ballad Of Tom Jones. Sang lead on only one song, I Am Unlike Any Lifefrom You've Ever Met
July 1, 1966 ~ Winston Lee Moore, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Slim Willet, passed away ~ Best known for penning and first recording Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes. Willet's original single would reach top of the Billboard Country charts in 1952. Later the same year, Perry Como took the song to No.1 on the pop charts, selling over a million copies. Others who recorded the song included Skeets McDonald, Ray Price, Faron Young, George Jones, Conway Twitty, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Willet is also known for hits such as Tool Pusher From Snyder, Red Rose, and No Love Song To You ~ Moore was born in 1919
July 1, 1964 ~ Violinist, violist, conductor Pierre Monteux, full name Pierre Benjamin Monteux, passed away in Maine, USA ~ As a conductor perhaps best known for premiering Igor Stravinsky's The Rite Of Spring and Petrusha, Maurice Ravel's Daphnis Et Chloé, and Claude Debussy's Jeux. Over the course of his career, Monteux has conducted numerous renowned orchestras, including notably the Metropolitan Opera, the Boston Symphony, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra ~ Monteux was born in 1875
July 1, 1964 ~ Drummer Pol Burton born ~ Member of pop-punk, post-punk outfit Transvision Vamp, with whom he recorded Pop Art, the band's debut album, and its follow-up Velveteen. Despite being dismissed by critics, the band briefly enjoyed success in the UK during the late 1980s, reaching the top 10 with I Want Your Love lifted off their debut album, and with Baby I Don't Care off their sophomore album. After Burton's departure, the band recorded one more album, Little Magnets Versus The Bubble Of Babble released in 1991, before disbanding
July 1, 1963 ~ British pop, rock group the Beatles record She Loves You at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Produced by George Martin. Released the following month, b/w I'll Get You recorded on the same day, the single would surpass several sales records, eventually becoming the band's best-selling UK single and the top-selling single of the 1960s by any artist. The following year, at the height of Beatlemania in the USA, it would be one of five Beatles singles occupying all top 5 spots on the Billboard Hot 100, the others being Please Please Me, I Want To Hold Your Hand, Twist & Shout and Can't Buy Me Love
July 1, 1963 ~ Thrash metal guitarist, songwriter Rick Hunolt, full name Richard Edward Hunolt, born in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Intermittent and longtime member of Exodus, succeeding the then-unknown Kirk Hammett who departed the band to join Metallica. Hunolt has recorded about half a dozen albums with the band, including the acclaimed Bonded By Blood and Fabulous Disaster, released respectively in 1985 and 1989. Hunolt has also produced Panic's 1991 Epidemic sophomore album
July 1, 1961 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Michelle Wright born in Chatham, Canada ~ Considered one of the finest female country singers to come out of Canada, enjoying popularity especially during the 1990s at home and a critics darling in America, where she charted only one Billboard Country top 10 hit with Take It Like A Man off her 1992 Now And Then album. Wright has recorded over half a dozen albums, is critically acclaimed especially for her 1996 album For Me It's You, and charted some twenty singles in the top 10 in her native Canada, of which half a dozen reached the No.1 spot. Well known songs include New Kind Of Love, He Would Be Sixteen, Guitar Talk, Nobody's Girl, and I Surrender
July 1, 1960 ~ Evelyn King, commonly known as R&B, pop, disco, post-disco singer, songwriter Evelyn Champagne King, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for the disco classic Shame, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit in 1977 taken of the singer's Smooth Talk debut album. King would continue to record and chart on the Billboard R&B charts well into the 1980s. Well known songs include I Don't Know If It's Right, I'm In Love, Love Come Down, Betcha She Don't Love You, Your Personal Touch, Flirt and Hold On To What You've Got
July 1, 1954 ~ Country singer, guitarist Keith Whitley, full name Jackie Keith Whitley, born in Ashland, Kentucky, USA ~ Recorded only two albums before his untimely death of alcohol poisoning at age 34 yet was held in the highest regard by peers, critics and a devoted fanbase. Master storyteller. Known for songs such as Miami My Amy, Ten Feet Away, Don't Close Your Eyes, When You Say Nothing At All, I'm No Stranger To The Rain, I Wonder Do You Think Of Me, It Ain't Nothin' and the Earl Thomas Conley-duet Brotherly Love. Artists who recorded songs written by Whitley included Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury, John Conlee, Joe Nichols, Vern Gosdin (Would These Arms Be In The Way), Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Rhonda Vincent, Alison Krauss, Travis Tritt, Kenny Chesney, Gene Watson, and others ~ Whitley passed away in 1989
July 1, 1952 ~ Actor, singer Dan Akroyd, full name Daniel Edward Akroyd born in Ottawa, Canada ~ To music audiences best known as half of the Blues Brothers alongside close friend John Belushi. The duo first performed on Saturday Night Live, their success on the satirical TV show leading to an actual band, the duo backed by an all-star line-up which included Stax/Volt veterans Donald Duck Dunn and Steve Cropper. The band has released several albums, mostly live, starting with Briefcase Full Of Blues in 1978, their popularity culminating with the release of the 1980 feature film The Blues Brothers and accompanying album. A sequel to the highly popular film was made some two decades later, without Belushi who had died in 1982
July 1, 1952 ~ New age, film, TV composer, guitarist, keyboardist David Arkenstone born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by classical music and bands such as Emerson Lake & Palmer, Deep Purple, and Yes. Has recorded well over 50 albums starting the mid-1980s, including collaborations and soundtracks. Especially acclaimed for the albums The Celtic Book Of Days and Music Inspired By Middle Earth, released respectively in 1998 and 2001
July 1, 1952 ~ Leon Chancler, commonly known as drummer Leon Ndugu Chancler, born in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for his association with Santana. Has sporadically recorded as a solo artist and formed the late 1970s funk outfit the Chocolate Jam Co, with whom he recorded the albums The Spread Of The Future and Do I Make You Feel Better. In-demand session drummer in jazz, pop, and funk. Present on albums by Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, George Duke (Faces In Reflection), Patrice Rushen, the Weather Report, Labelle, Gato Barbieri, Minnie Riperton (Minnie), Wilton Felder, Donna Summer, the Dazz Band, Michael Jackson (Thriller), James Ingram, Frank Sinatra, Tina Turner (Private Dancer), Kenny Rogers, John Lee Hooker (The Healer), Robbie Robertson, George Benson, and Sheena Easton ~ Chancler passed away in 2018
July 1, 1951 ~ Folk, traditional pop, bluegrass singer, guitarist, songwriter, activist Anne Feeney born in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Member of bluegrass outfit Cucumber Rapids. Best known as a lawyer and activist, focusing on social issues and especially women's rights. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Look To The Left in 1992 and has recorded as a solo artist consistently since ~ Feeney passed away in 2021
July 1, 1951 ~ Singer, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Fred Schneider, full name Frederick William Schneider, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founder, frontman of the B52's, known for songs such as Rock Lobster, Love Shack, Roam, Good Stuff and Meet The Flintstones. Has also released a number of solo recordings, starting with Fred Schneider And The Shake Society in 1984, fronts the side project the Superions, and guested on records by Richard Barone, Captain Planet, the Foo Fighters, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and others
July 1, 1951 ~ Singer, comedian, writer Harrie Jekkers born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ As a solo artist known for O O Den Haag released in 1982 under the moniker Harry Klorkestein, the song quickly becoming the unofficial anthem of the city Den Haag. Best known for co-founding Klein Orkest with Koos Meinderts, known for songs such as Laat Mij Maar Alleen, Koos Werkeloos, Later Is Allang Begonnen and perhaps their best-known Over De Muur. After the band disbanded Jekkers would venture into comedy and cabaret, including collaborating with Jeroen van Merwijk
July 1, 1951 ~ Glenn Michael Lockett, commonly known as producer, sound engineer SPOT, born California, USA ~ In-house producer and engineer for influential punk label SST Records. Engineered, mixed, produced most of SST's pivotal acts from 1979 until leaving the label in 1986. Has worked with acts such as Black Flag, the Descendents, the Minutemen, Meat Puppets, Hüsker Dü (Everything Falls Apart), the Misfits, St Vitus, and the Crucifucks ~ Lockett passed away in 2023
July 1, 1949 ~ Danny Pollo, commonly known as jazz clarinetist Danny Polo, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Active since the early 1920s, working in Europe from the late-1920s through the mid-1930s. Worked with Claude Thornhill, Elmer Schoebel, Merritt Brunies, Arnold Johnson, Ben Bernie, Jean Goldkette, Paul Ash, Bert Firman, Lud Gluskin, Ben Berlin, Arthur Briggs, Bert Ambrose, Ray Ventura, Joe Sullivan, and Jack Teagarden, appearing with the latter in the 1942 Bing Crosby-film The Birth Of The Blues ~ Pollo was born in 1901
July 1, 1949 ~ Bassist, songwriter Gregg Sutton born ~ Member of Lone Justice. Probably best known for co-writing Stop, Sam Brown's breakthrough hit. Used as the title track and sophomore single of her 1988 debut album, the track would initially only have modest success. Its re-release the following year, however, reached top 10 in over a dozen countries, including her native UK, and catapulted the singer to fame. Others who recorded songs co-written by Sutton include Joe Cocker, Maria McKee (Breathe), Prairie Oyster, the Jeff Healey Band, Curtis Stigers, Charles & Eddie, Billy Ray Cyrus (How Much), and the Bonedaddys ~ Sutton passed away in 2023
July 1, 1949 ~ Singer John Farnham, full name John Peter Farnham, born in Dagenham, UK ~ First gained attention in the late 1960s, becoming a teen idol in Australia with covers such as Sadie The Cleaning Lady and One. Lead singer of the Little River Band from 1982 replacing Glenn Shorrock through 1985. Well known for his 1986 international solo hit You're The Voice, a radio staple to this day
July 1, 1948 ~ Bassist John Ford born in London, UK ~ Active since the mid-1960s, starting with Jaymes Fenda & the Vulcans, for whom Ford wrote Mistletoe Love and The Only Girl. Co-founded psychedelic rock outfit Velvet Opera, with whom he recorded the albums Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera and Ride A Hustler's Dream. Member of the Strawbs, for whom he wrote the Strawbs and their biggest hit Part Of The Union. Formed Hudson Ford with drummer Richard Hudson. The pair would later resurface as the Monks, known for their 1979 surprise punk hit Nice Legs Shame About The Face
July 1, 1947 ~ Doris Svensson, mononymously known as pop, soul, funk singer Doris, born in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Known for her sole Did You Give The World Some Love Today album released in 1970. A late 1990s re-release would attract international attention, critics hailing the album as an overlooked rarity of Swedish pop ~ Svensson passed away in 2023
July 1, 1947 ~ Guitarist Marc Benno born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Formed Asylum Choir with Leon Russell. As a solo artist best known for his 1972 Ambush album. Wrote Rock 'n Roll Me Again for the System, used in the 1985 Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack. Has worked with the Doors, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Clarence White, Rita Coolidge, and others
July 1, 1946 ~ Singer June Montiero, full name Barbara Ann Harris born in Queens, New York, USA ~ One third of R&B girl group the Toys alongside Barbara Parritt and lead singer Barbara Harris, known for their 1965 hit recording A Lover's Concerto which reached the top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Its follow-up, 1966's The Attack featured in the beach movie It's A Bikini World, would also reach the Billboard top 20
July 1, 1946 ~ Paul Jones, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer Paul Wine Jones, born in Flora, Mississippi, USA ~ For most of his life played merely as a pastime, working with local musicians. Released two albums in the 1990s, 1995's Mule and 1996's Pucker Up Buttercup. Died of cancer at age 59. The album Stop Arguing Over Me was released posthumously in 2006 ~ Jones passed away in 2005
July 1, 1945 ~ Angela Trimble, commonly known as singer Debbie Harry, born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Fronted pop punk, new wave outfit Blondie, known for songs such as Denis, I'm Always Touched By Your Presence Dear, Hanging On The Telephone, Heart Of Glass, Sunday Girl, Call Me, Atomic, The Tide Is High, Rapture, and others
July 1, 1942 ~ Singer, arranger, songwriter, conductor Andráe Crouch born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ The father of Modern Gospel Music. Led Andráe Crouch & the Disciples. Worked with artists such as Stevie Wonder, El DeBarge, Philip Bailey, Chaka Khan, Sheila E, Take 6. Especially popular in the 1980s and 1990s as the go-to guy for gospel choirs on R&B and pop songs including Michael Jackson's Man In The Mirror and Madonna's Like A Prayer. As a songwriter Crouch's songs have been covered by Bob Dylan, Barbara Mandrell, Paul Simon, Elvis Presley, and Little Richard ~ Crouch passed away in 2015
July 1, 1940 ~ Pianist, composer Carles Santos born in Vinaros, Spain ~ Active since the early 1960s, starting his career as a pianist performing works by Béla Bartók, Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern. Would venture into avant-garde music, working with artists such as John Cage. From the 1970s onwards active as a film composer, eventually also turning to directing his own movies ~ Santos passed away in 2017
July 1, 1939 ~ Delaine Alvin Bramlett, commonly known as singer, songwriter Delaney Bramlett, born in Pontotoc, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for forming Delaney & Bonnie with then-wife Bonnie Bramlett. Taught George Harrison slide guitar. Produced and co-wrote Eric Clapton's 1970 eponymous solo debut Eric Clapton album. Duetted with Jerry Lee Lewis on the latter's 2006 Last Man Standing album. Also worked with Joe Cocker, Jimi Hendrix, King Curtis, Duane Allman, Rita Coolidge, Carl Radle, Jim Keltner, Gram Parsons, and others ~ Bramlett passed away in 2008
July 1, 1936 ~ Sylvester Johnson, commonly known as blues, soul singer, harpist, guitarist Syl Johnson, born in Holly Springs, Mississippi, USA ~ Claimed to be the most sampled artist ever, his Different Strokes used by Public Enemy, Jay-Z, the Wu-Tang Clan, Kool G Rap, Geto Boys, and numerous others. Active since the 1950s, initially backing artists such as Magic Sam, Billy Boy Arnold, Junior Wells, Howlin' Wolf. Released his solo debut single, Teardrops, in 1959 backed by Freddie King on guitar. Best known for songs such as We Did It, Back For A Taste Of Your Love, and Is It Because I'm Black. Father of singer, songwriter Syleena Johnson ~ Johnson passed away in 2022
July 1, 1935 ~ Blues harpist, singer James Cotton born in Tunica, Mississippi, USA ~ Started in the 1950s backing Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters. Formed his first own ensemble, the Jimmy Cotton Blues Quartet which also included noted blues pianist Otis Spann, in 1965. Cotton has also worked with blues, rock and pop artists such as BB King, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Taj Mahal, Big Mama Thornton, Joe Louis Walker, Elvin Bishop, Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield, the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Charlie Musselwhite, Steve Miller, Santana, Johnny Winter, Freddie King, Keith Richards, Joe Bonamassa, Jimmie Vaughan, Delbert McClinton, Keb' Mo, Pat Hare, and others ~ Cotton passed away in 2017
July 1, 1933 ~ Classical violinist Felix Ayo, full name Felix Ayo Losada, born in Sestao, Spain ~ Best known as founder of the Italian ensemble I Musici, formed in 1951 and known for their interpretations of Baroque works, particularly compositions by Antonio Vivaldi and Tomaso Albinoni. Founding member of the Quartetto Beethoven di Roma, with whom he toured extensively. An in-demand soloist, Ayo has also performed with numerous renowned orchestras, taught at the Conservatorio di Musica Santa Cecilia, Rome, and frequently served as juror on international music competitions ~ Ayo passed away in 2023
July 1, 1933 ~ Robert Patterson, commonly known as jazz drummer Rashied Ali, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his association with John Coltrane, notably present on the latter's last recordings The Olatunji Concert and Interstellar Space. Has also worked with Phalanx, Prima Materia, Carlos Ward, Greg Tardy, Marion Brown, Gary Bartz, Charles Gayle, Jackie McLean, Tisziji Muñoz, Alice Coltrane, Archie Shepp, and others ~ Patterson passed away in 2009
July 1, 1931 ~ Producer, label executive Chris Strachwitz born in Gross Reichenau, Germany ~ Founder and president of Arhoolie Records since 1960, which became a leading force in blues, Cajun, roots music. The first album produced would be Mance Lipscomb's Texas Songster And Sharecropper in an edition of just 250 copies. Would go on to work with Black Ace, Big Joe Williams, Mercy Dee Walton, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Juke Boy Bonner, Clifton Chenier, Country Joe & the Fish (I Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die Rag), Big Joe Duskin, Charlie Musselwhite, Robben Ford, John Delafose, Flaco Jiménez, and others
July 1, 1930 ~ Robert James Byrd, commonly known as R&B, soul, pop, rock & roll singer, songwriter Bobby Day, born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his 1958 hit Rockin' Robin. Other well known songs include Over And Over and Little Biitty Pretty One. Member of the Hollywood Flames. Formed the duo Bob & Earl with Flames-bandmate Earl Nelson ~ Byrd passed away in 1990
July 1, 1926 ~ Tango pianist, composer, arranger Atilio Stampone born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Active since the 1940s, working with Roberto Dimas, Pedro Maffia, Robert Rufino, Alberto Camara, and notably Astor Piazzolla. As a solo artist active since the late 1950s, particulary known for his film scores including Un Guapo Del 900 and La Mano En La Trampa as well as for songs such as Con Pan Y Cebolla, Aguatero, Fiesta De Mi Ciudad and Mocosa ~ Stampone passed away in 2022
July 1, 1926 ~ Classical composer Hans Werner Henze was born in Gutersloh, Germany ~ Incorporated neoclassicism, jazz, atonal techniques, serialism and rock and pop influences. Controversial for his left-leaning political views. As a composer known for symphonies, choral and orchestral works and operas, notably Ninth Symphony, The English Cat and Das Verratene Meer ~ Henze passed away in 2012
July 1, 1925 ~ Eric Alfred Leslie Satie, commonly known as composer, pianist Erik Satie, passed away in Paris, France ~ Influential in late 19th and early 20th century Parisian avant-garde. Precursor to minimalism and repetitive music. Well known suites include Gymnopédies and Gnossiennes. His compositions would find a new audience through a series of acclaimed 1980s albums by pianist Reinbert de Leeuw ~ Satie was born in 1866
July 1, 1924 ~ Jazz singer Ruth Olay born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Fixture in Hollywood's night club scene from the late 1940s through the early 1960s. Discovered by songwriter Irving Gordon. Mentored by Benny Carter. Got her big break filling in at the last minute for Billie Holiday, who fell ill that day. Released her OLAY! (The New Sound Of Ruth Olay) debut album in 1958 and would continue to record to acclaim well into the 1960s ~ Olay passed away in 2021
July 1, 1920 ~ Operatic tenor Henri Legay born in Paris, France ~ Debuted in 1950 with the Royal theater Of La Monnaie in Brussels, Belgium. Closely associated with the Opera-Comique. Perhaps best remembered for his 1955 recording of the Jules Massenet-opera Manon alongside Victoria de los Angeles ~ Legay passed away in 1992
July 1, 1915 ~ Producer, songwriter, singer, bassist Willie Dixon born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA ~ Perhaps the most influential musician in post-war Chicago blues. Chess Records stalwarth, producer, songwriter, mentor to many, revered sideman, bassist. Wrote or co-wrote classic blues songs such as Hoochie Coochie Man, Little Red Rooster, My Babe, and You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover. Worked with Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and others. Many of his songs were covered by late-1960s rockers such as the Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, Cream, the Doors, and by Led Zeppelin ~ Dixon passed away in 1992
July 1, 1914 ~ Jazz saxophonist Earle Warren, full name Earl Ronald Warren, born in Springfield, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for his association with Count Basie, joining Basie's orchestra in 1937 and remaining through 1945. Has also worked with Buck Clayton, Milt Jackson, Jay McShann, Buddy Tate, Teri Thornton, Milt Buckner, and others ~ Warren passed away in 1994
July 1, 1912 ~ Torch singer Roberta Sherwood born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Daughter of Robert Sherwood, a manager of a traveling minstrel show. After the death of her mother, she and her sister Anne Sherwood would be raised on the road, and become a sibling act while in their early teens, performing in vaudeville shows and nightclubs. Sherwood married Broadway actor Don Lanning, with whom she operated a nightclub in Miami through the early 1950s. After the club lost its concession, Sherwood began to seriously focus on her career, leading to her Introducing Roberta Sherwood debut album released in 1956. The album would spawn the modest hit Lazy River, which would be her sole charting hit, peaking in the 50s on the pop charts. Sherwood continued into the 1970s, recording about a dozen albums, but despite being a popular live performer she failed to reach the charts ~ Sherwood passed away in 1999
July 1, 1908 ~ Guitarist, bandleader Alvino Rey born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Married the King Sisters singer Luise King. Worked with Horace Heidt, Al Cohn, Ray Conniff, Neal Hefti, Zoot Sims, Billy May, Herbie Stewart, Dave Tough, Nelson Riddle, Johnny Mandel, George Handy, Jack Costanzo, George Cates, and Esquivel. Rey is also the grandfather of Arcade Fire members Win Butler and William Butler ~ Rey passed away in 2004
July 1, 1899 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Reverend Thomas A Dorsey born in Villa Rica, Georgia, USA ~ Dubbed “the Father of Gospel” for his influence on the genre and for penning numerous classics including Take My Hand Precious Lord and Peace In The Valley. Dorsey's songs have been recorded by Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin, BB King, Clara Ward, Dorothy Norwood, Jim Reeves, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and others ~ Dorsey passed away in 1993