July 10, 1993 ~ Pop, R&B, dance-pop singer Perrie Edwards, full name Perrie Louise Edwards, born in South Shields, UK ~ Member of girl group Little Mix, known for UK hits such as Cannonball, Wings, Salute, Black Magic, Secret Love Song featuring Jason Derülo, Shout Out To My Ex, A Woman Like Me featuring Nicki Minaj, and others
July 10, 1991 ~ Raykeea Raeen-Roes Wilson, commonly known as rapper, singer Angel Haze, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Released her full-length Dirty Gold debut album in 2013. Best known for songs such as New York and Battle Cry featuring Sia. Has also worked with RDGLDGRN, Timeflies, Rudimental, Nick Jonas, Ludacris, Skylar Grey, Stromae, Bastille, the Saturdays, Ellie Goulding, and Mary Lambert
July 10, 1981 ~ Bassist John Spiker born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as bassist of Tenacious D. Also worked as bassist, engineer, remixer with artists such as the Dust Brothers, Beck, Trainwreck, Pete Yorn, Steve Earle, Big Talk, Filter, the Kyle Gass Band, Abandoned Pools, and others
July 10, 1980 ~ Singer, songwriter, TV personality Claude Leitte born in Sao Goncalo, Brazil ~ Rose to fame in the early-2000s as lead singer of Babado Novo. Ventured out on her own with her 2007 Ao Vivo Em Copacabana debut album, recorded live at Copacabana Beach and spawning the Brazilian charttopper Exttravasa. Has recorded to commercial succes since. To international audiences perhaps best known as featured vocalist, alongside Jennifer Lopez, on Pitbull's 2014 single We Are One (Ole Ola) which would serve as the official anthem for the 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil
July 10, 1980 ~ Actress, singer Jessica Simpson born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Debuted in 1997 with the Sweet Kisses, selling two million copies and spawning the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit I Wanna Love You Forever. Subesequent hits would include With You, Take My Breath Away, A Public Affair. Also known as an actress for TV and film
July 10, 1980 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Julie Crochetiere born in Montreal, Canada ~ Became a member of R&B, pop girl group Sugar Jones through the Canadian version of Popstars in 2000. The band toured nationally, and scored two top ten hits in Canada (How Much Longer, Days Like That) from their eponymous sole album. Crochetière debuted as a solo artist in 2003 with the EP Café, has received numerous awards, and has established herself as a sincere adult contemporary pop artist with a R&B and jazz-infused feel
July 10, 1978 ~ Alternative rock, emo, indie rock, post-hardcore singer, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, trombonist Jesse Lacey, full name Jesse Thomas Lacey, born in Nassau County, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Lifetime, the Cars, Pearl Jam. Lead singer, rhythm guitarist of alternative rock band Brand New. Has also worked with the Rookie Lot, Kevin Devine, Denver Dalley
July 10, 1978 ~ Punk rock, hardcore punk, heavy metal, progressive rock drummer Wes Keely born in Flint, Michigan, USA ~ Member of Walls Of Jericho from 1998 through 2001, present on the band's 1999 The Bound Feed The Gagged debut album. Briefly a member of Morning Again during the early-2000s. Member of Remembering Never. Has also worked with Most Precious Blood, Throwdown, Anything But Joey, the Famed, Earthmover, the Riot Before, Spit, and Again & Again
July 10, 1974 ~ Imelda Mary Clabby, commonly known as singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Imelda May born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Released her No Turning Back debut album in 2003. Best known for songs such as Mayhem, Kentish Town Waltz, It's Good To Be Alive. Has collaborated with Mike Crossey, Tony Visconti, Peter Asher, T-Bone Burnett, Noel Gallagher, Ronnie Wood
July 10, 1973 ~ Pop, rock singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist Jonny Polonsky born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Lab Report, Puscifer, Tom Morello, Johnny Cash (American VI (Ain't No Grave)), Pete Yorn, Neil Diamond, Mason Jennings, Dan Wilson, Minnie Driver, the Dixie Chicks, Frank Black, Rick Rubin, Brendan O'Brien, Marc Ribot, Big Nose, Mark Lanegan, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, and others
July 10, 1972 ~ Guitarist, singer Anna Waronker, full name Anna Jeanette Waronker, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Daughter of producer Lenny Waronker and singer Donna Loren, sister of drummer Joey Waronker. Married to bassist Steven Shane McDonald. Founding member of That Dog. Has also released a number of solo recordings, starting with 2002's Anna, played the role of Joan Jett in the biopic What We Do Is Secret, and has collaborated with Ze Malibu Kids, Say Anything, Charlotte Caffey, Beck, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers
July 10, 1972 ~ Gothic rock, alternative rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist Tilo Wolff born in Frankfurt-am-Main, West Germany ~ Best known as key member of, thriving force behind Lacrimosa, mergn gothic, darkwave and orchestral influences and writing the majority of the band's material. Has also worked with Dreams Of Sanity, Girls Under Glass, Cinema Bizarre, and others
July 10, 1971 ~ Jazz singer Carolyn Leonhart born in New York, New York, USA ~ Daughter of bassist Jay Leonhart, sister of trumpeter Michael Leonhart. Influenced by her father, as well as by Wayne Shorter, Woody Shaw, Ahmad Jamal, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane. Member of Lyn Leon. Sang backup for Steely Dan. Also worked with Wayne Escoffery, the Swiss Percussion Group, Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, and the Dukes Of September
July 10, 1970 ~ Gary Wayne Vernon Jr, commonly known as singer, songwriter Gary LeVox, born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of Rascal Flatts, teaming up with second cousin Jay Demarcus and Joe Don Rooney. The three men first worked together backing Chely Wright and immediately felt chemistry leading to forming their own band. The band has recorded consistently since the early-2000s, starting with their eponymous Rascall Flatts debut album, and regularly reached the higher echelons of the Billboard Country charts ever since, with over a dozen of their singles reaching the No.1 spot. Well-known singles include Bless The Broken Road, What Hurts The Most, Take Me There, Here Comes Goodbye, and Why Wait. The group had an uncommon young demographic for country music, doing especially well with teens and young adults. They are also known for their philantropy, supporting various charities. The band's 2006 single My Wish was used for the soundtrack to the ESPN series that follows the Make A Wish Foundation, one of the charities supported by the band, as they turn dreams into reality for children with life-threatening illnesses
July 10, 1963 ~ Progressive rock, folk rock, hard rock keyboardist Andrew Giddings born in Pembury, UK ~ Best known as member of Jethro Tull from 1991, succeeding Maartin Allcock, through 2007. Following his departure from the band Giddings has released a solo album, Picture This released in 2010, and wrote and recorded music for film and TV
July 10, 1960 ~ Rock guitarist Martyn P Casey, full name Martyn Paul Casey, born in Chesterfield, UK ~ Best known for his association with Nick Cave, joining Cave's backing band the Bad Seeds in 1990 as replacement for Kid Congo Powers. Present on pivotal Cave albums such as Murder Ballads, The Boatman's Call and No More Shall We Part. Has also worked with Grinderman, the Triffids, and with the Blackeyed Susans
July 10, 1958 ~ Harvey Charles Goering, commonly known as Chicago blues, electric blues pianist, singer, songwriter Barrelhouse Chuck, born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Influenced by Pinetop Perkins, the longtime pianist for Muddy Waters. As a solo artist recorded about a dozen albums, especially noted for 2002's Prescription For The Blues. Also particularly known for collaborating with Mud Morganfield and Kim Wilson on the 2012 For Pops (A Tribute To Muddy Waters) album. Other notable associations include Jimmy Rogers, Eddie Taylor, Hubert Sumlin, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Otis Big Smokey Smothers, Mississippi Heat, SP Leary, Calvin Fuzz Jones, Nick Moss, and Willie Big Eyes Smith ~ Goering passed away in 2016
July 10, 1958 ~ Banjoist Béla Fleck, full name Béla Anton Leos Fleck, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Acclaimed banjo virtuoso drawing from and playing a wide of genres including bluegrass, jazz, classical and world music. Best known for his recordings with his backing unit the Flecktones and with the New Grass Revival. In-demand collaborator, worked with the Dave Matthews Band, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer, Jean-Luc Ponty, Stanley Clarke, Tasty Licks, Spectrum, Tony Trischka, Mark O'Connor, Chick Corea, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the Chieftains, Phish, Jorma Kaukonen, Gov't Mule, Nelly Furtado, Jerry Garcia, and Bootsy Collins
July 10, 1957 ~ Daryl L Cameron, commonly known as funk, R&B singer, bassist Captain Sky, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Recorded three albums at the tail end of the 1970s, The Adventures Of Captain Sky, Pop Goes The Captain, and Concerned Party No.1. Known best for songs such as Dr Rock, Sir Jam A Lot, You Bring Me Up, and his signature song Super Sporm. The latter would be referenced in the early hip hop classic The Message, it would also be sampled by numerous artists including Boogie Down Productions, Public Enemy, Salt-n-Pepa, and De La Soul
July 10, 1957 ~ Dermot Fergus Grehan, commonly known as rock guitarist Derry Grehan, born in St Catharines, Canada ~ Guitarist for Honeymoon Suite which he co-dounded with singer Johnnie Dee. The band is best known for songs such as New Girl Now and Feel It Again, both used in the 1980s TV series Miami Vice. Songs such as What Does It Take, Love Changes Everything, and Lookin' Out For Number One would also chart well in the band's native Canada
July 10, 1954 ~ Bassist Gene Holder born ~ Member of the dB's, which though never a household name would be acclaimed as one of the most influential early-1980s jangle pop acts debuting in 1981 with the Stands For Decibels album. Holder also joined bandmates Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey in Holsapple-Stamey
July 10, 1954 ~ Keyboardist, singer Neil Tennant, full name Neil Francis Tennant, born in Gosforth, UK ~ Formed synth-pop band the Pet Shop Boys with Chris Lowe, known for songs such as West End Girls, Suburbia, It's A Sin, What Have I Done To Deserve This featuring Dusty Springfield, Always On My Mind and Go West. Tennant guested on recordings by Electronic, Boy George, Suede, Robbie Williams, and co-produced Rufus Wainwright's 2007 Released The Stars album
July 10, 1954 ~ Country songwriter, producer Robert Byrne, full name Robert Bellarmine Byrne, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ As a recording artist best known for co-penning and first recording That Didn't Hurt Too Bad at the tail end of the 1970s, notably covered by Dr Hook. Best known as a songwriter, his songs recorded by the likes of Wayne Newton, Captain & Tennille (No Love In The Morning), Ronnie Milsap (It's Written All Over Your Face), Michael Johnson, Taffy McElroy, Earl Thomas Conley (What I'd Say), the Forester Sisters, Lorrie Morgan (I Didn't Know My Own Strength), and Phil Vassar. As a producer, Byrne has notably worked with Shenandoah, including on the acclaimed 1989 The Road Not Taken album ~ Byrne passed away in 2005
July 10, 1954 ~ Jazz pianist, songwriter Stu Goldberg, full name Stuart Wayne Goldberg, born in Malden, Massachusetts, USA ~ Worked with Ray Brown, the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Al di Meola, Freddie Hubbard, Alphonse Mouzon, Michal Urbaniak, Miroslav Vitous, Toto Blanke, Lalo Schifrin, Ira Newborn, Air Pocket, Palle Danielsson, and others
July 10, 1952 ~ Greenwood Mkandawire, commonly known as jazz, gospel, soul, world music singer, guitarist Wambali Mkandawire, born in Democratic Republic Of Congo ~ Influenced by Congolese rhythms, South African music and Western pop. Lead singer of Sounds Pentagon, merging Malawian music with Western influences. Sang gospel with New Song in the mid-1980s. Active as a solo artist since the late-1980s. Best known for the album Zani Muwone, released in 2002 ~ Mkandawire passed away in 2021
July 10, 1951 ~ Folk, folk pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Cheryl Wheeler born in Timonium, Maryland, USA ~ Critics darling, admired by peers, over time built a dedicated cult following. Known for her well-crafted songs. Released her eponymous Cheryl Wheeler debut album in 1985. Had her songs covered by the likes of Dan Seals (Addicted), Kathy Mattea, Suzy Bogguss (Aces), Sylvia, Maura O'Connell, Garth Brooks, Peter Paul & Mary, Bette Midler (I Know This Town), Kenny Loggins, Holly Near, and others
July 10, 1949 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Greg Kihn, full name Gregory Stanley Kihn, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Active since the early-1970s. Frontman and eponym of the Greg Kihn Band, known best for The Breakup Song (They Don't Write) and the 1981 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Jeopardy. Kihn's backing unit at one time included guitarist Joe Satriani. Kihn is also known as an author, having penned several horror fiction novels starting with Horror Show published in 1996 ~ Kihn passed away in 2024
July 10, 1949 ~ Reggae singer, songwriter Lincoln Thompson born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Got his start in music as a member of the Tartans. After the band disbanded in 1969 taken on by producer Coxsone Dodd recording the singles Daughters Of Zion, True Experience and Live Up To Your Name. Would go on to work with Cedric Myton, Clinton Hall, and front the Rasses. Thompson's hit single Love The Way It Should Be would be notably covered by John Legend in 2010, retitled to Humanity (Love The Way It Should Be), featuring backing by the Roots ~ Thompson passed away in 1999
July 10, 1948 ~ Producer, songwriter, singer John Whitehead born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Member of 1960s group the Epsilons, discovered by Otis Redding. Half of the production, songwriter McFadden & Whitehead, the other half being Gene McFadden. Best known for their 1979 disco hit Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now. As behind the scenes figures the pair wrote and produced some of the most enduring 1970s, 1980s R&B, soul songs for artists such as Melba Moore, Freddie Jackson, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes (Wake Up Everybody (Part 1)), Gladys Knight, the Jackson 5, the O'Jays (Back Stabbers), James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Teddy Pendergrass (The More I Get The More I Want), Lou Rawls, Archie Bell & the Drells (Let's Groove), the Intruders, and others. Whitehead was shot and killed at age 55 in an apparent case of mistaken identity, the case still unresolved ~ Whitehead passed away in 2004
July 10, 1947 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Arlo Guthrie, full name Arly Davy Guthrie, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Son of protest singer Woody Guthrie. Known for his debut recording, Alice's Restaurant Massacree, and for a cover of The City Of New Orleans, his sole top 40 charting single and a cover of the Steve Goodman classic
July 10, 1947 ~ Producer, label executive Bruce Iglauer born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA ~ Co-founder of Living Blues magazine. Best known as founder of renowned blues label Alligator Recordss, a label he founded when his then-employer Delmark would not follow up on his suggestion to sign and record Hound Dog Taylor. Iglauer's new record company would become a thriving force in blues releasing numerous pivotal blues recordings starting with 1971's Hound Dog Taylor & the Houserockers. Other artists recorded by the label included Big Walter Horton, Son Seals, Koko Taylor, Albert Collins, Lonnie Brooks, Fenton Robinson, Johnny Winter, Roy Buchanan, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite, Luther Allison, Shemekia Copeland, Roomful Of Blues, and Marcia Ball
July 10, 1944 ~ Elliott Small, commonly known as blues harpist, singer Grandpa Elliott, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known as a street-musician in New Orleans, Louisiana, preferring the streets over the studio and concert stage. Small developed the persona of Grandpa Elliott, an old man dressed in blue denim overals, bright red shirt, Santa beard and a floppy hat playing the blues harp and singing for the street traffic on his corner at Royal and Toulouse in the French quarter. Over the years has become an institution in New Orleans, recording a debut album as late as 2009 after a YouTube video of him went viral. The sudden attention would get him on The Tonight Show, The Colbert Report, at Dodger Stadium performing for a crowd of 40,000, and have Keb' Mo accompany him on his sole Sugar Sweet album ~ Small passed away in 2022
July 10, 1943 ~ Rock guitarist, singer Jerry Miller, full name Jerry A Miller Jr, born in Tacoma, Washington, USA ~ Co-founding member of Moby Grape which, though critically considered one of the most innovative to emerge from 1960s San Francisco drawing from folk, rock, blues, and country, never achieved the same level of fame as their contemporaries. The three-guitar outfit, featuring Miller on lead, is known best for the eponymous Moby Grape debut album, and has been praised by the likes of Stephen Stills, David Crosby, Taj Mahal, Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, and Jimmy Page, the latter citing the band as one of the main influences of Led Zeppelin. Following the band's initial disbandement in 1969, Moby Grape has reformed in various line-ups over the years. Miller has also formed the Rhythm Dukes, and recorded several albums as a solo artist. In 2023, looking back on the early days, Miller revealed in an interview with The Spectator the band's tumultuous career didn't faze him: “The way I see it, I'm the luckiest guy in the world. I've still got my health and my music, and I still get to do what I most love for a living. Maybe the Grape were screwed, but so what? If you haven’t been ripped off, you haven't been in the music business” ~ Miller passed away in 2024
July 10, 1942 ~ Ronald James Padavona, commonly known as heavy metal, hard rock singer, songwriter Ronnie James Dio, born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA ~ Founded Elf. Lead singer of Rainbow, with whom he recorded three albums. Replaced Ozzy Osbourne as lead singer in Black Sabbath, present on the albums Heaven & Hell, Mob Rules and Dehumanizer. Founder, frontman, eponym of Dio. Founded Heaven & Hell with Tony Iommi ~ Padavona passed away in 2010
July 10, 1942 ~ Folk, folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Sixto Rodriguez, full name Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Best known for Sugar Man of his 1970 Cold Fact debut album ~ Rodriguez passed away in 2023
July 10, 1940 ~ Jazz writer, pianist, arranger Brian Priestley born in Manchester, UK ~ Worked with Tony Faulkner, Alan Cohen, Dave Gelly. Arranged for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Led the Special Septet. Regular broadcaster on BBC Radio London. Authored biographies of Charles Mingus, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and frequently contributed articles to several music magazines. Taught jazz piano at the Goldsmiths College, London from 1977 through 1993
July 10, 1939 ~ John B Richmond, commonly known as jug player Fritz Richmond, born in Newton, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of the Jim Kweskin Jug Band. Has guested on records by Jackson Browne, Loudon Wainwright III, Maria Muldaur, Geoff Muldaur, Tom Rush, Ry Cooder, Norman Greenbaum, the Grateful Dead, and others ~ Richmond passed away in 2005
July 10, 1939 ~ Gospel, R&B singer, actress, civil rights activist, songwriter Mavis Staples born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best-known member of family outfit the Staple Singers led by patriarch Roebuck Staples, known for songs such as I'll Take You There and Come Go With Me. Has enjoyed a parallel solo career, recording well over a dozen albums starting with the eponymous Mavis Staples album released in 1969. In-demand collaborator, has worked with Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Prince, Nona Hendryx, George Jones, Natalie Merchant, Ann Peebles, Delbert McClinton, Los Lobos, Dr John, and others
July 10, 1938 ~ Arnold Lawrence Finkelstein, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Arnie Lawrence, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Actively performing since his teens, including at the famed Birdland jazz club from age 17 onwards, yet did not record until 1966 appearing on Chico Hamilton's The Dealer. Has worked with Willie Bobo. Toured with Liza Minnelli, toured with Louie Bellson. Founded the New School For Jazz And Contemporary Music in New York in 1986. Relocated to Israel by the late-1990s, where he founded the International Center for Creative Music ~ Lawrence passed away in 2005
July 10, 1938 ~ Jazz, hard bop trumpeter Lee Morgan, full name Edward Lee Morgan, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ One of hard bop's most revered musicians. Perhaps best known for his 1963 crossover hit The Sidewinder. As a leader acclaimed for a string of mid-1950s to mid-1960s albums including Peckin' Time, Lee-Way and Tom Cat. As a sideman, Morgan appeared on albums by Hank Mobley, Dizzy Gillespie (At Newport), Benny Golson, Tina Brooks (Minor Move), Art Blakey, Curtis Fuller, Wayne Shorter (Blues A La Carte), Art Farmer, Wynton Kelly, Quincy Jones (The Birth Of A Band), John Coltrane, Grachan Moncur III, Jackie McLean, Freddie Hubbard, Bud Shank, McCoy Tyner (Tender Moments), and Dr Lonnie Smith. Morgan was shot and killed at age 33 by his wife, who would briefly serve time in prison ~ Morgan passed away in 1972
July 10, 1937 ~ Tenor saxophonist George Young born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Perhaps best known for his association with Fuse One, the Manhattan Jazz Quintet, and White Elephant. Has also wrorked with Maynard Ferguson, Walter Bishop Jr, Quincy Jones, Dr John (City Lights), Christy Baron, and others
July 10, 1936 ~ R&B keyboardist Johny Griffith, full name John Ellis Griffith Jr, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Bud Powell, Glenn Gould, and Oscar Peterson. Member of Motown in-house band the Funk Brothers, with whom he worked on numerous recordings, perhaps most notably playing the electric piano on Marvin Gaye's I Heard It Through The Grapevine and the Temptations' Ain't Too Proud To Beg, and the organ on the Supremes Stop In The Name Of Love and Junior Walker & the All-Stars' Shotgun. Griffith has also appeared on tracks by other Motown artists including Mary Wells, the Miracles, the Marvelettes, and Martha & the Vandellas, and non-Motown acts including the Capitols, Edwin Starr (Agent Double-O-Soul), Jackie Wilson ((Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher), the Chi-lites, and Young-Holt Unlimited ~ Griffith passed away in 2002
July 10, 1933 ~ Morris Eugene Simmons, commonly known as rock & roll, rockabilly, country singer, songwriter Jumpin' Gene Simmons, born in Itawamba County, Mississippi, USA ~ Earned his nickname “Jumpin' Gene” for his energetic stage act. Best remembered for Haunted House, his sole hit peaking at No.11 Billboard Hot 100 in 1964. The song would later be covered by a wide array of artists including the Compton Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ace Cannon, Hasil Adkins, Sam the Sham, John Fogerty, and John Anderson. Other songs written or co-written and first recorded by Simmons include Drinkin' Wine, Indian Outlaw, which became a breakout hit for Tim McGraw in 1994, and Peroxide Blonde In A Hopped Up Model Ford, notably covered by Brian Setzer in 2005. Kiss bassist Gene Simmons, whose real name is Chaim Witz, chose his stage name in honor of the rockabilly singer ~ Simmons passed away in 2006
July 10, 1931 ~ Gerald Sheldon Herman, commonly known as composer, lyricist Jerry Herman, born in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the most successful Broadway composers of his day perhaps best known for Hello Dolly, which produced the hit title song for Louis Armstrong, and La Cage Aux Follies, the first hit musical about a gay couple ~ Herman passed away in 2019
July 10, 1926 ~ Joe Bennie Pugh, commonly known as blues harpist, singer Forest City Joe or Forrest City Joe, born in Hughes, Arkansas, USA ~ Influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson I, Pugh initially emulated Williamson's style, yet over time he developed his own unique sound. Though he is largely forgotten today and his recording career was brief due to his untimely death at age 33 in a car accident, Pugh was considered one of the prime blues harpists of his day, and has played with Big Joe Williams, Otis Spann, and Muddy Waters. Pugh is known by blues aficionados for his sole single Memory Of Sonny Boy b/w A Woman On Every Street, released to little success in 1949. Had Waters sessioned on Pugh's sole Chess Records record, as was intended, chances are more of his recordings would have seen the light of day, yet the sole single remains the only recording released during Pugh's lifetime ~ Pugh passed away in 1960
July 10, 1924 ~ Jazz bassist, upright bassist Major Holley, full name Major Holley Jr, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Played violin and tuba in his youth, before taking up the bass while in a Navy band. Following his stint in the military, Holley worked with Dexter Gordon, Charlie Parker, and Ella Fitzgerald. In the 1950s, Holley was most closely associated with Oscar Peterson, prior to relocating to the UK for a number of years, where he worked at the BBC. After his return to America, Holley toured with Woody Herman, and subsequently Al Cohn and Zoot Sims, before focusing on session work. Holley has recorded about half a dozen albums with Coleman Hawkins, including the acclaimed Desafinado released in 1963, and has appeared on albums by Kenny Burrell, Clark Terry (Tread Ye Lightly), Shirley Scott (Soul Shoutin'), Milt Jackson, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Phil Woods (Directly From The Half Note), Johnny Lytle, Quincy Jones (Gula Matari), Gerald Wiggins, Milt Buckner, Buddy Tate (The Texas Twister), Ray Bryant, Lee Konitz, Joe Venuti (Sliding By), Roland Hanna, Hilton Ruiz (Cross Currents), Totti Bergh, and Peter Appleyard (Barbados Heat). Holley has also recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, perhaps most notably Two Big Mice with Slam Stewart ~ Holley passed away in 1990
July 10, 1919 ~ Bass-baritone opera, concert singer Ian Wallace, full name Ian Bryce Wallace, born in London, UK ~ Active in opera since the mid-1940s, starting with the Sadler's Wells Opera and subsequently the New London Opera House under the direction of Alberto Erede, remaining active on the opera stage through the 1980s. Maintained a parallel career in revue, non-musical theatre, and broadcasting. Has performed as a one-man show for many years, the Flanders & Swann novelty song The Hippopotamus becoming most closely associated with Wallace ~ Wallace passed away in 2009
July 10, 1916 ~ Jazz, swing, dixieland trumpeter Dick Cary, full name Richard Durant Cary, born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Perhaps best known for his late 1940's stint with Louis Armstrong. First gained attention at the beginning of the decade, working with Joe Marsala, to go on work with Joe Marsala, the Casa Loma Orchestra, Brad Gowans, and Billy Butterfield, prior to his tenure with Armstrong. Cary was also closely associated with Jimmy Dorsey, and notably with Eddie Condon during the 1950s. An in-demand arranger and freelancer, Cary has also appeared on recordings by Hot Lips Page, Jack Teagarden (Jazz Great), Pee Wee Russell, Barbara Lea (Lea In Love), Lee Castle, Jimmy McPartland, and Barney Bigard. Cary has recorded over half a dozen albums as a leader, noted specifically for Hot And Cool released in 1958 ~ Cary passed away in 1994
July 10, 1915 ~ Swing, jazz, fusion pianist, organist Milt Buckner, full name Milton Brent Buckner, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Known for his lively, animated stage presence, credited with pioneering the parallel-chords style which would prove influential on the likes of Red Garland, George Shearing, and Oscar Peterson, and with popularizing the Hammond organ in the 1950s. Brother of saxophonist Ted Buckner. Early on in his career, Buckner worked with Don Cox, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, and Cab Calloway. Rose to fame in the 1930s, serving as staff arranger for Lionel Hampton, his feel for rocking rhythms and boogie-woogie fit complementing Hampton's style. Buckner would go on to back Herbie Fields, Wynonie Harris, including on the hit Hey-Ba-Ba-Re-Bop, Rufus Thomas, and Mabel Scott. Buckner has recorded prolifically as a leader since the early-1950s, and is especially acclaimed for the albums Rockin' With Milt and Rockin' Hammond. Buckner would remain in demand, and enjoyed unprecedented success during the final decade of his career from the mid-1960s on, frequently collaborating with Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Buck Clayton, Joe Newman, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Illinois Jacquet, and Big Joe Turner, dying unexpectedly at age 62 of a heart attack three weeks after his last concert ~ Buckner passed away in 1977
July 10, 1911 ~ Charles Melvin Williams, commonly known as jazz, jump blues, R&B trumpeter, bandleader Cootie Williams, born in Mobile, Alabama, USA ~ Considered one of the leading trumpeters of the 1930s, known specifically for his use of the plunger mute. Backed the likes of James P Johnson, Chick Webb, and Fletcher Henderson, before rising to fame as a member of Duke Ellington's orchestra, notably present as a soloist on songs such Echoes Of Harlem, Air Shaft, and The Shepherd Who Watches Over The Night. Ellington also wrote the instrumental Concerto For Cootie specifically tailored to showcase Williams, a song later reworked to Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me with lyrics added. At the turn of the 1940s, Williams joined Benny Goodman's orchestra, a move that caused a stir at the time, and which was commemorated by Raymond Scott in the song When Cootie Left The Duke. Williams has also led his own bands, at times employing sidemen such as Charlie Parker, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Bud Powell, and Eddie Cleanhead Vinson. Williams recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader, and is noted specifically for the 1950s albums The Big Challenge and its follow-up Cootie Williams In Hi-Fi. Williams returned to play with Ellington in the early-1960s, remaining with the orchestra until Duke's death in 1974 ~ Williams passed away in 1985
July 10, 1907 ~ Fulton Allen, commonly known as singer, guitarist Blind Boy Fuller, born in [where-wadesboro-nc-usa], North Carolina, USA ~ One of the most popular Piedmont blues artists. Known for a number of 1930s recordings, perhaps most notaby his rendition of Rag Mama Rag. Other well known songs include I Want Some Of Your Pie, Truckin' My Blues Away and Get Yer Yas Yas Out. The latter's title would be adapted by the Rolling Stones for their 1970 Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out live album ~ Fuller passed away in 1941
July 10, 1904 ~ Jazz singer Ivie Anderson born in Gilroy, California, USA ~ Best known for her association with Duke Ellington, remaining with the orchestra for over a decade starting in 1931. Present on recordings such as It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing, I've Got The World On A String, When My Sugar Walks Down The Street, Solitude, Stormy Weather, and Mood Indigo ~ Anderson passed away in 1949
July 10, 1900 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Mitchell Parish born in Lithuania, Russian Empire ~ Well-regarded Tin Pan Alley lyricist who collaborated with composers such as Hoagy Carmichael, Al Goodman, Loften Mitchell, and others. Among his best known songs are Stardust (Art Tatum, Louis Prima, Louis Armstrong, Willie Nelson), Sweet Lorraine (Teddy Wilson, Nat King Cole), Deep Purple (where Deep Purple got their band name from, the song being a favorite of Ritchie Blackmore's grandmother), Stars Fell On Alabama (Al Bowlly, Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, Jimmy Buffett, Billie Holiday, Doris Day, Mel Tormé, Renee Olstead, Vera Lynn, Harry Connick Jr), and the Holiday classic Sleigh Ride (the Andrews Sisters, the Ronettes, Ella Fitzgerald, the Carpenters, Air Supply) ~ Parish passed away in 1993
July 10, 1895 ~ Composer Carl Orff born in Munich, German Empire ~ Best known for his 1937 cantata Carmina Burana. One of the few composers allowed to work under the Nazi regime and a controversial figure, both accused of ties to the regime and of ties to the Resistance movement and persecuted Jewish composers. After the War Orff claimed he helped establish the White Rose resistance group, though this claim has been disputed. Eventually, American denazification authorities would change his classification from “gray unacceptable” to “gray acceptable”, allowing him to continue to compose for public presentation ~ Orff passed away in 1982
July 10, 1894 ~ Composer, songwriter Jimmy McHugh, full name James Francis McHugh, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Prolific songwriter, popular from the 1920 through the 1950s. Songs co-written by McHugh include On The Sunny Side Of The Street (Harry Richman, Chick Webb, Billie Holiday), Cuban Love Song (Paul Whiteman, Don Barretto, Ruth Etting), Don't Blame Me (Walter Woolf King, Paul Weston, Sarah Vaughan), A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening (Frank Sinatra, the Ink Spots, Eddy Arnold), I Just Found Out About Love (Nat King Cole, Ronnie Hilton), Let's Get Lost (Vaughn Monroe, Jimmy Dorsey, Kay Kyser), Exactly Like You (Roger Wolfe Kahne, Benny Goodman, Punch Miller), and I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me (Dolores Valesco, Louis Armstrong, Earl Hines) ~ McHugh passed away in 1969