July 11, 1996 ~ Alessia Cracciolo, singer, commonly known as pop, alternative R&B, indie pop, soul singer Alessia Cara, born in Brampton, Canada ~ Released her Know-it-all debut album in 2015, spawning the hit single Scars To Your Beautiful. Also known for collaborating with Zedd on the 2017 Stay hit single and with Logic on 1-800-273-8255 the same year
July 11, 1991 ~ Pop singer Alice Svensson, full name Alice Cecilia Linh Svensson, born in Hanoi, Vietnam ~ Enjoyed some success in her adopted homeland Sweden after reaching the finals of the 2008 edition of the talent contest Idol. The singles Heaven's On Fire, Girlfriend, and Lady Luck would all reach top 40. The hard rock band Kiss, who had originally recorded Heaven's On Fire, would post Svensson's rendition on their website
July 11, 1988 ~ Niia Bertino, mononymously know as singer, pianist, songwriter Niia, born in Needham, Massachusetts, USA ~ First gained attention in 2007, appearing on Wyclef Jean's Billboard Hot 100 top 20 Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill) single which also featured Akon and Lil' Wayne. Would go on to pay homage to the music of the James Bond soundtracks, performing classics from the spy movie series with a 14 piece orchestra in the early 2010. Bertino has released several albums as a solo artist, starting with I released in 2017
July 11, 1985 ~ Indie rock, baroque pop, alternative singer, pianist, bassist, guitarist Tobias Jesso Jr, full name Tobias Macdonald Jesso Jr, born in North Vancouver, Canada ~ Released his Goon debut album in 2015, drawing critical comparison to Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson and Emitt Rhodes. Co-wrote When We Were Young and Lay Me Down, recorded by Adele on her 25 album. Other who have recorded songs written or co-written by Jesso include Sia, Shawn Mendes, John Legend, Niall Horan, P!nk, Paloma Faith, Charlie Puth, Florence + the Machine, Meghan Trainor, Haim, Ellie Goulding, Shawn Mendes, Conan Gray, and others
July 11, 1983 ~ Pop singer, model Marie Serneholt, full name Marie Eleanor Serneholt, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Rose to prominence as member of the A-Teens, originally an ABBA-tribute band known for a number of late-1990s, early-2000s Swedish top 10 hits including Mamma Mia, Super Trouper and Upside Down and Floorfiller. After the band disbanded in 2004 Serneholt released a solo solo album, 2006's Enjoy The Ride, which spawned the Swedish top 10 That's The Way My Heart Goes hit single
July 11, 1978 ~ Bigram John Zayas, commonly known as DJ, producer, songwriter DVLP, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of The-Allies DJ Crew. Best known as a producer and songwriter. Has produced or co-produced over two dozen songs for Lil' Wayne including Fireman and Blunt Blowin'. Co-produced Eminem's Billboard Hot 100 2013 top 10 hit Rap God. Other notable credits include DJ Clue, Cam'ron, DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Pitbull, J Balvin, and Fuego
July 11, 1978 ~ Alterntive country, folk singer, guitarist, violinist, songwriter Kathleen Edwards born in Ottawa, Canada ~ Released her Failer debut album in 2002. Best known for her 2012 Voyageur album. Has collaborated with Matt Mays, John Doe, Bryan Adams, the Arkells, and others. Co-wrote Good Woman of Maren Morris' Girl released in 2019
July 11, 1977 ~ Goapele Mohlabane, mononymously known as soul, R&B singer, songwriter Goapele, born ~ Draws from neo-soul, trip hop, jazz, and other idioms. Has recorded half a dozen albums, starting with the self-released Closer in 2001. Collaborated with artists such as E-40, Zion I, the Hieroglyphics, Dwele, Mos Def, Hip-Hop Pantsula, and others
July 11, 1977 ~ Synth-pop, new wave keyboardist, singer Mira Aroyo born in Sofia, Bulgaria ~ Co-founding member, co-lead singer for Ladytron, with whom she has recorded over half a dozen album starting with 604 released in 2001. The Liverpool-based band has earned critical acclaim and cult fame by paying homage to a number of retro styles including electro, new wave, and Krautrock. The band's name was taken from the Roxy Music song Ladytron
July 11, 1975 ~ Kimberly Jones, commonly known as rapper Lil' Kim, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Influenced by MC Lyte and Lady Of Rage. Discovered by the Notorious BIG. Member of Junior MAFIA. Released her Hard Core solo debut album in 1996. Known for her sexually explicit lyrics, quite uncommon for female artists. Well known songs include Not Tonight featuring Da Brat, Lisa Left-Eye Lopes, Missy Elliott & Angie Martinez, Lady Marmalade with Christina Aguilera, Mya & P!nk, Jump Off featuring Mr Cheeks,. Magic Stick featuring 50 Cent, and Lighters Up
July 11, 1973 ~ Indie rock violinist, guitarist, mandolinist, singer, songwriter Andrew Bird, full name Andrew Wegman Bird, born in Lake Forest, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by classical music including Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, and Béla Bartók, jazz such as Johnny Hodges, Lester Young, and Fats Waller, as well as as swing, calypso, and folk. Known for his multi-layered pop-folk songs. Over a dozen albums to his name since the mid-1990s. Wel-known songs include Fitz And The Dizzyspells, Capsized, and Left Hand Kisses, the latter featuring Fiona Apple. Has also worked with Bowl of Fire, Kat Eggleston, the Squirrel Nut Zippers, Pinetop Seven, Kevin O'Donnells Quality Six, the Handsome Family, Neko Case, Ani DiFranco, My Morning Jacket, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, KT Tunstall, Wilco, and Sara Bareilles
July 11, 1972 ~ Christopher Juel Barriere, commonly known as rapper 3-2, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Member of southern hip-hop acts such as the Convicts, the Blac Monks, the Southside Playaz and perhaps most notably Screwed Up Click. As a solo artist about half a dozen albums to his name, starting with Wicked Buddah Baby released in 1996. Barriere was fatally shot at age 44 ~ Barriere passed away in 2016
July 11, 1972 ~ Jussi Heikki Tapio Vuori, commonly known as glam metal, hard rock drummer Jussi 69, born ~ Drummer for Finnish rockers the 69 Eyes, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums starting with Bump 'n Grind in 1992. The band has evolved from glam metal to hard-edged goth with industrial influences and is best known for the albums Devils and Wasting The Dawn, released respectively in 2005 and 2007
July 11, 1969 ~ Rock, punk rock drummer, producer, songwriter John Kiffmeyer, sometimes credited as Al Sobrante, born in El Sobrante, California, USA ~ Member of Isocracy, known for their sole Bedtime For Isocracy EP released in 1988. The band is regarded as one of the main bands who brought a new sense of positive anarchy to the punk scene. After the band folded Kiffmeyer joined Sweet Children, replacing original drummer Taj Punjabi. The band would evolve into Green Day, with Kiffmeyer appearing on the band's 1990 39/Smooth debut album before being replaced by Tré Cool
July 11, 1968 ~ Hard rock, glam metal singer Daniel MacMaster, full name Daniel Stewart MacMaster, born in Barrie, Canada ~ Lead singer for hard rock outfit Bonham, present on the band's The Disregard Of Time Keeping debut album and it's follow-up Mad Hatter. The band is best known for being founded by drummer Jason Bonham, the son of Led Zeppelin-drummer John Bonham ~ MacMaster passed away in 2008
July 11, 1968 ~ Matthew Sherrod, commonly known as drummer Matt Sherrod, born in California, USA ~ First gained attention backing Beck. Became a full member of a reformed Crowded House in 2007 after the death of Paul Hester. Has also worked as a songwriter, producer and session musician with artists such as Tracie Spencer, his brother Paul Sherrod, Wounded Cougar, NOFX, Macy Gray, Seiko Matsuda, Donna de Lory, and others
July 11, 1962 ~ Singer, songwriter Jill Jones born in Lebanon, Ohio, USA ~ Backup singer for Teena Marie and for Prince in the 1980s. The latter wrote most of Jones's 1987 Jill Jones sole album. The Prince track She's Always In My Hair, the flip side of Raspberry Beret, is reportedly about Jones. Jones also sang with Appolonia 6, Ryuichi Sakamoto (on You Do Me), wrote and co-produced Lisa Lisa's The Great Pretender, fronted the band Baby Mother, and sang vocals touring with late-1990s Chic
July 11, 1959 ~ Alasdair Mackie Ward, commonly known as rock & roll, punk rock singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist Algy Ward, born in Croydon, UK ~ Best known for founding Tank, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. The band is especially acclaimed for their 1982 Filth Hounds Of Hades debut album, produced by Motörhead-guitarist Fast Eddie Clarke, considered a landmark album in British heavy metal. Previously Ward had played with Australian rock outfit the Saints from 1977 through 1980, present on the albums I'm Stranded, Eternally Yours, and Prehistoric Sounds. Ward was also briefly a member of the Damned, appearing on the 1979 Machine Gun Etiquette comeback album before being fired due to animosity with the band's drummer Rat Scabies ~ Ward passed away in 2023
July 11, 1959 ~ Post-punk, ambient, industrial drummer John Murphy, full name John Russell Murphy, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Son of jazz drummer Russ Murphy. Got his start in music as co-founding member of punk outfit the News, present on singles such as Dirty Lies, Dowanna Love and Sweet Dancer. Would go on to work with Whirlywind, the Associates, Dumb & the Ugly, SPK, Wreckery, Death In June, Browning Mummery, Naevus, The The, Whitehouse, Gene Loves Jezebel, and others ~ Murphy passed away in 2015
July 11, 1959 ~ Richard Stephen Sambora, commonly known as guitarist, singer Richie Sambora, born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, USA ~ Lead guitarist, and along with lead singer Jon Bon Jovi main songwriter of Bon Jovi, known for songs such as You Give Love A Bad Name, Livin' On A Prayer, Bad Medicine, I'll Be There For You and Bed Of Roses. Has also released a number of solo albums, starting with 1991's Stranger In This Town, and formed the duo RSO with Orianthi
July 11, 1959 ~ Folk rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Suzanne Vega, full name Suzanne Nadine Vega born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Influenced by Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon. Rose to prominence in the 1980s with songs such as Marlene On The Wall, Left Of Center, Luka and No Cheap Thrill and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Her a capella Tom's Diner album track of her 1987 sophomore Solitude Standing album would be remade by electronic dance duo DNA, sparking intrest for Vega with new audiences
July 11, 1957 ~ Rock, blues, jazz gitarist, bassist, songwriter Erwin van Ligten born in Indonesia ~ Worked with Pangrass, Klaver, Spaak, the Dizzy Man's Band, Bertus Borgers, Barry Hay, Ton Dijkman, Rene Lopez, A Girl Called Johnny, Angela Groothuizen, Sue Chaloner, Berget Lewis, Mathilde Santing, Chris Hinze, the Alessi Brothers, and others
July 11, 1955 ~ Comedian, painter, songwriter Jeroen van Merwijk born in Bilthoven, the Netherlands ~ Best known as a cabaretier, comedian. As a songwriter known for his work with the radio show Spijkers Met Koppen, Karin Bloemen, Harrie Jekkers, Hans Dorrestijn, Adèle Bloemendaal ~ Van Merwijk passed away in 2021
July 11, 1953 ~ Guitarist Benny DeFranco born in Canada ~ Member of bubblegum pop sibling outfit the DeFranco Family, known for a string of 1970s hits including Abra-ca-dabra, Save The Last Dance For Me and their best known Heartbeat (It's A Lovebeat), the latter reaching the Billboard top 10 in 1973
July 11, 1953 ~ Rock guitarist Chris Newman, full name Christopher Lynn Newman, born in Longview, Washington, USA ~ Enjoyed regional popularity in the Northwest. Known for his intense blues and psychedelic-influenced guitar leads and near-operatic powerhouse vocals. Cited as an influence by numerous grunge artists, especially for his work with his best known band Napalm Beach, considered early innovators of the grunge sound. Other bands led by Newman include Snow Bud, the Flower People, Boo Frog, and the Chris Newman Deluxe Combo ~ Newman passed away in 2021
July 11, 1953 ~ Singer Peter Brown born in Blue Island, Illinois, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1977 A Fantasy Love Affair, which spawned the disco hits Dance With Me and Do Ya Wanna Get Funky With Me. The 12" for the latter would sell a million copies, mkaing it the first 12" record to be awarded gold status. Also known as a producer and songwriter, noted for co-writing Madonna's Material Girl hit single with Robert Rans
July 11, 1950 ~ Patricia Eva Pointer, commonly known as singer Bonnie Pointer born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of sibling outfit the Pointer Sisters. Co-wrote Fairytale, a 1974 Billboard top 20 hit for the band, with Anita Pointer. Left the band in 1977 to pursue a solo career. Scored a top 20 hit with 1978's Heaven Must Have Sent You ~ Pointer passed away in 2020
July 11, 1949 ~ Classical guitarist Liona Boyd, full name Liona Maria Carolynne Boyd, born in London, UK ~ Billed as “the First Lady of the Guitar” by her promoters, Boyd has evolved into one of the most popular classical guitarists. Has recorded over two dozen albums since the mid-1970s, especially acclaimed for Persona released in 1986. Has guested on recordings by Chet Atkins, the Canadian Brass, and Maurice Jarre
July 11, 1948 ~ Pierre Job, commonly known as composer, producer Hector Zazou, born in Sidi Bell Abbes, French Nigerioa ~ First gained attention as half of the duo ZNR alongside Joseph Racaille, noted for their 1976 Barricade 3 debut album. Would go on to become an in-demand producer and collaborator working with artists such as Sandy Dillon, MImi Goese, Barbara Gogan, Sevara Nazarkhan, Carlos Núnez, Anne Grete Preus, and others ~ Zazou passed away in 2008
July 11, 1948 ~ Reggae, dub producer Herman Chin Loy born in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica ~ Best known for his 1960s and early-1970s productions. Worked with Augustus Pablo, Dennis Brown, Alton Ellis, Bruce Ruffin, Lloyd Charmers, the Hippy Boys, the Now Generation, Horace Swaby, Little Roy, Ernest Wilson, and others
July 11, 1947 ~ Singer Francine Reed born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Sister of jazz singer Margo Reed. Best known for her association with Lyle Lovett. Duetted with Willie Nelson and Delbert McClinton. As a solo artist best known for her rendition of the Ida Cox-classic Wild Women (Don't Get The Blues). Has also worked with Miles Davis, Stanley Jordan, Smokey Robinson, Etta James, the Crusaders, Roy Orbison, Enlightenment Road Band, and others
July 11, 1947 ~ Guitarist Jeff Hanna born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Co-founding and core member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Also an in-demand collaborator and session musician. Has worked with artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Suzy Bogguss, the Texas Tenors, Patty Loveless, Rascal Flatts, Matraca Berg, Emmylou Harris, the Chieftains, Johnny Cash, Earl Scruggs, Michael Martin Murphey, Dickey Betts, and others
July 11, 1947 ~ Singer, songwriter John Holt born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Instrumental in the development of lovers' rock. Member of the Paragons, known for songs such as Ali Baba, I See Your Face and their biggest hit The Tide Is High. The latter, penned by Holt, would later be covered by both Blondie and Atomic Kitten. Holt also established himself as a successful solo artist, collaborating with producers such as Bunny Lee, Prince Buster, Alvin Ranglin, Henry Jujo Lawes, and others ~ Holt passed away in 2014
July 11, 1942 ~ Trumpeter Tomasz Stańko born in Rzeszow, Poland ~ Leader and sideman. Mainly works in free jazz and avant-garde idioms. Formed his first band, the Jazz Darings, in 1962, also featuring Janusz Muniak, Adam Makowicz, Jacek Ostaszeweski, and Wiktor Perelmuter. The band is credited to be the first European outfit to play free jazz. Stanko has also worked with Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, Reggie Workman, Rufus Reid, Lester Bowie, David Murray, Manu Katché, Chico Freeman, Cecil Taylor, the Globe Unity Orchestra, Krzysztof Penderecki, Don Cherry, Edward Vesala, Tomasz Szukalski, Howard Johnson, Gary Peacock, Billy Hart, and others ~ Stańko passed away in 2018
July 11, 1941 ~ Jazz trumpeter, hornist, violinist, composer Henry Lowther, full name Thomas Henry Lowther, born in Leicester, UK ~ As a leader best known for his 1970 Child Song album. Closely associated with Mike Westbrook, Johnny Dankworth, Graham Collier, and the London Jazz Composers Orchestra. Backed Keef Hartley at the famed 1969 the Woodstock Music and Art Fair performance. To pop rock audiences also known for his associations with John Mayall (Bare Wires), Manfred Mann, Jack Bruce (Songs For A Tailor), Alexis Korner, Norma Winstone, Richard Thompson, Elton John, the Pretenders (The Pretenders), Loudon Wainwright III, and Talk Talk (It's My Life)
July 11, 1940 ~ Songwriter Jacques Revaux, full name Jacques Abel Jules Revaux, born ~ Best known for co-penning Comme D'Habitude with Claude François. The song would be translated by Paul Anka and popularized by Frank Sinatra as My Way. Revaux also co-founded the label Trema Records and has written extensively for Michel Sardou
July 11, 1936 ~ Robert Lee Wilson, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Smokey Wilson, born in Glen Allan, Mississippi, USA ~ Has been releasing solo records since the late-1970s. Fronted the house band at his own Pioneer Club Watts. Worked with Booba Barnes, Big Jack Johnson, Frank Frost, Big Joe Turner, Rod Piazza, Hollywood Fats, Percy Mayfield, Pee Wee Crayton, Albert Collins, and others ~ Wilson passed away in 2015
July 11, 1932 ~ Singer, guitarist, banjoist Alex Hassilev born in Paris, France ~ Co-founding member of the Limeliters, enjoying popularity through the mid-1960s with songs such as There's A Meetin' Here Tonight, City Of New Orleans, A Dollar Down, Have Some Madeira M'Dear, Lonesome Traveler, Wabash Cannonball and Whiskey In The Jar ~ Hassilev passed away in 2024
July 11, 1931 ~ Arthur Gelien, commonly known as singer, actor Tab Hunter, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Mostly known as an actor, starring in over 40 films. As a singer best known for his late-1950s hits 99 Ways and Young Love, the latter would top the Billboard Hot 100 charts for six weeks ~ Gelien passed away in 2018
July 11, 1931 ~ Actor, songwriter, lyricist Thomas Hörbiger born in Berlin, Germany ~ Co-wrote Merci Chérie with Udo Jürgens. Performed by Jürgens it would win Austria the 1966 Eurovision Songfestival with a staggering 31 points awarded, nearly twice as much as runner-up Sweden, the duo Lill Lindfors & Svante Thuresson only earning 16 points with their performance of Nygammal Vals ~ Hörbiger passed away in 2011
July 11, 1929 ~ Singer, pianist, saxophonist, songwriter Danny Flores, also known as Chuck Rio, born in Santa Paula, California, USA ~ Founded the Champs with guitarist Dave Burgess. Flores is best remembered for authoring the near-instrumental Tequila, originally the flip side of the Champs' debut single. As listeners requested the B-side over its A-side, Train To Nowhere, the single was re-released and shot to No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 ~ Flores passed away in 2006
July 11, 1927 ~ Conductor Herbert Blomstedt born in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA ~ Worked with the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Danish Radio Symphony, the Swedish Radio Symphony, the Dresdner Staatskapelle, the San Francisco Symphony, and others
July 11, 1925 ~ Composer Charles Chaynes, full name Charles Augustin Chaynes, born in Toulouse, France ~ Wrote a number of operas, chamber works and one symphony. Noted for his 1951 cantata Et L'Homme Se Vit Les Portes Rouvrir. Best known for his work for radio and TV serving as producer for RTF and as head of the channel France Musique ~ Chaynes passed away in 2016
July 11, 1925 ~ Colarature soprano Mattiwilda Dobbs born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ One of the first African-American singers to enjoy international fame in opera, paving the way for artists such as Leontyne Price, Shirley Verrett, Jessye Norman, and Kathleen Battle. Dobbs was closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera, and has notably performed with the San Francisco Opera, La Scala, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. Following the example of other African-American performers, Dobbs refused to perform for segregated audiences although it hurt her career as she declined offers of work in the southern states. Dobbs retired from performing by the mid-1970s, and has since served as a teacher. In 1989, Dobbs was elected to the board of directors of the Metropolitan Opera ~ Dobbs passed away in 2015
July 11, 1914 ~ Bandoneonist, bandleader, composer Anibal Troilo, full name Anibal Carmelo Troilo, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Popular bandleader during the golden age of tango, a period from the early-1940s through the mid-1950s. Best known for his instrumentals though he has also recorded with vocalists such as Roberto Goyneche, Edmundo Rivero and Francisco Fiorentino. Noted for employing Astor Piazzolla in his orchestra from 1939 through 1944 ~ Troilo passed away in 1975
July 11, 1905 ~ Jazz trombonist Clyde Bernhardt born in Gold Hill, North Carolina, USA ~ Influenced by Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. Bernhardt had a lengthy career, starting in the early-1920s working with the likes of Tillie Vennie, Richard Cheatham, and the Whitman Sisters. Would go on to work with the likes of the Alabamians, Billy Fowler, Vernon Andrade, Jay McShann, Cecil Scott, Luis Russell, and Claude Hopkins, before leading his own ensembles, making his most significant recordings from the mid-1940s through the 195s0s. In the 1970s, interest in Bernhardt resurged, leading the Harlem Blues & Jazz Band, a veteran band with whom he recorded close to a dozen albums with sidemen such as Doc Cheatham, Happy Caldwell and Miss Rhapsody ~ Bernhardt passed away in 1986
July 11, 1897 ~ Jazz, country, folk singer, ukulele player Johnny Marvin, full name John Senator Marvin, born in Butler, Oklahoma, USA ~ Active since the mid-1920s, recording some 50 songs for Victor Records through the end of the decade. Regarded as one of the premier ukelele players. Has also recorded for other labels, going by different monikers including Elton Spence, Ukelele Luke, Honey Duke, and others. Helped launch Gene Autry's career by introducing him to his friend Art Satherley of the American Record Company. In turn Autry would often employ Marvin to provide songs and orchestration for his soundtracks, though often uncredited ~ Marvin passed away in 1944
July 11, 1824 ~ Choral and opera composer Adolphe Abraham Samuel born in Liège, Belgium ~ Composed operas, canatas, choir songs and symphonies. Influenced Hector Berlioz, Richard Wagner, Franz Liszt ~ Samuel passed away in 1898