July 12, 2023 ~ Classical pianist André Watts passed away ~ Recorded a wide variety of repertoire, concentrating on Romantic composers such as Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt, yet also included George Gershwin. Has worked with renowned orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra ~ Watts was born in 1946
July 12, 2020 ~ Judith Aileen Dyble, commonly known as singer, pianist, songwriter Judy Dyble, passed away ~ Best known as co-founding member of Fairport Convention, present on the band's 1968 eponymous Fairport Convention debut album. Also worked with Giles Giles & Fripp and made up half of the duo Trader Horne, the other half being Jackie McAuley ~ Dyble was born in 1949
July 12, 2020 ~ Swamp pop, country, rockabilly singer, guitarist Rod Bernard, full name Rodney Ronald Louis Bernard, passed away in New Iberia, Louisiana, USA ~ Cited as a major influence by artists such as CC Adcock, Marc Broussard, Zachary Richard. Formed the 1960s swamp-pop band the Shondells with Warren Storm and Skip Stewart. As a solo artist turned to country by the 1970s. Especially acclaimed for his 1976 album Boogie In Black & White, a collaboration with Clifton Chenier considered a landmark album for its blend of Cajun and black Creole influences ~ Bernard was born in 1940
July 12, 2019 ~ Country guitarist, singer, songwriter Russell Smith, full name Howard Russell Smith, passed away in Franklin, Tennessee, USA ~ Lead singer of the Amazing Rhythm Aces. Member of Run C&W. Released a handful of solo albums, starting with his eponymous Russell Smith debut album in 1978. As a solo artist best known for his 1989 I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight single. Found his biggest success as a songwriter, penning or co-penning songs for Randy Travis (Look Heart No Hands), T Graham Brown (Don't Go To Strangers), Don Williams (Heartbeat In The Darkness), Ricky Van Shelton (Keep It Between The Lines), and Mel McDaniel (Big Ole Brew) ~ Smith was born in 1949
July 12, 2015 ~ Singer, songwriter Javier Krahe, full name Francisco Javier Krahe de Salas, passed away in Zahara de los Atunes, Spain ~ As a songwriter strongly influenced by Georges Brassens and Leonard Cohen. Member of La Mandragora alongside Joaquin Sabina and Alberto Pérez. As a solo artist has well over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Valle De Lagrimas released in 1980 ~ Krahe de Salas was born in 1944
July 12, 2012 ~ Percussionist Perry Baggs passed away in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of alt-country outfit Jason & the Scorchers, appearing on acclaimed albums such as Reckless Country Soul and Lost & Found before retiring from the band in 1990 for health reasons, diagnosed with diabetes ~ Baggs was born ca.1962
July 12, 2010 ~ Jazz, swing, choro clarinetist, saxophonist Paulo Moura passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Active since the mid-1950s with over two dozen albums to his name. Noted for his 1962 Carnegie Hall performance alongside Sérgio Mendes. Has worked with Cannonball Adderley, Herbie Mann, Clara Sverner, and Raphael Rabello ~ Moura was born in 1932
July 12, 2010 ~ Percussionist, singer Tuli Kupferberg passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Counterculture poet, author, pacifist anarchist. Co-founded satirical rock group the Fugs with poet Ed Sanders. Eclectic and hugely influential the band is most acclaimed for their 1966 Kill For Peace album. Kupferberg is also known for appearing in Allen Ginsberg's poem How, telling of a person who “jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge and walked away”. The incident in question actually occurred on the Manhattan Bridge in 1944, after which Kupferberg was picked up by a tugboat and taken to the hospital ~ Kupferberg was born in 1923
July 12, 2007 ~ Alternative rock guitarist, singer Robert BurÃ¥s passed away in Oslo, Norway ~ Influenced by Led Zeppelin, Burås regularly citing Rock And Roll as the song that turned him on to music. Co-founding member of Madrugada with whom he recorded four albums including the highly acclaimed The Nightly Disease released in 2001. After Burås was found dead at age 31 in his apartment, holding his beloved guitar, the remaining members finished the band's final album in its original line-up, the eponymous Madrugada released the following year. Burås also formed and fronted the side project My Midnight Creeps, with whom he recorded the albums My Midnight Creeps and Histamin ~ Burås was born in 1975
July 12, 2003 ~ Swing, jazz saxophonist, bandleader, arranger, songwriter Benny Carter, full name Bennet Lester Carter, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Though Carter also played trumpet, clarinet, and piano, he is most acclaimed as a saxophonist, and regarded a pioneer on the alto sax alongside contemporary Johnny Hodges. Carter got his start in music in the early-1920s, serving as arranger for Fletcher Henderson. Carter has also briefly led McKinney's Cotton Pickers, before forming his first band by the early-1930s. Over the years, he has employed numerous sideman who would later rise to fame including Cozy Cole, Ben Webster, Dizzy Gillespie, Coleman Hawkins, JJ Johnson, Max Roach, and Miles Davis. Carter has recorded prolifically, and written and first recorded numerous songs which would go on to become standards, covered by many, including Blue Lou, When Lights Are Low, There I've Said It Again, Key Largo, and Summer Serenade. Carter remained active until his death at age 95, his consistency and longevity unprecedented ~ Carter was born in 1907
July 12, 1999 ~ William John Owen Rowbotham, commonly known as actor, songwriter Bill Owen, passed away in London, UK ~ Best known for portraying Compo Simmonite in the BBC comedy series Last Of The Summer Wine for over two decades. Also enjoyed some success as a songwriter, songs written by Owen recorded by Kenny Damon, Engelbert Humperdinck, Cliff Richard (Marianne), Sacha Distel, and Ken Dodd ~ Rowbotham was born in 1914
July 12, 1998 ~ James Corbitt Morris, commonly known as folk singer, guitarist, banjoist, fiddler, songwriter Jimmie Driftwood, passed away in Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA ~ Best known for penning and first recording The Battle Of New Orleans, based on the traditional Eighth Of January, and Tennessee Stud, both songs becoming country, folk standards covered by numerous artists. Driftwood reportedly adapted or wrote over an estimated 6,000 songs, hundreds of which have been recorded by the likes of Eddy Arnold, Odetta (He Had A Long Chain On), Porter Wagoner, Patrick Sky, Doc Watson, Malcolm Price (Get Along Yearlings), Country Joe McDonald, Sherwin Linton, Chris LeDoux, and Johnny Cash. Morris was also known as an environmental advocate, notably playing a major role in the preservation of the Blanchard Springs Caverns in the Ozark-St Francis National Forest in northern Arkansas ~ Morris was born in 1907
July 12, 1990 ~ Singer, songwriter Joan Whitney, full name Joan Whitney Kramer, passed away in Westport, Connecticut, USA ~ Student of vocal coach Alex Kramer, whom she eventually married. As a husband-wife songwriting team they would become known for penning a number of hits, notably the 1947 Jimmy Dorsey-hit High On A Windy Hill. Other successes would include Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens for Louis Jordan, Deep As The River for Harry Belafonte and Love Somebody for Buddy Clark and Doris Day ~ Whitney was born in 1915
July 12, 1990 ~ Dwane Marshall Weir II, commonly known as producer, songwriter Key Wane, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Produced for artists such as Big Sean (Guap), Jazmine Sullivan (Let It Burn), Beyoncé (Partition), Drake (All Me), Jhené Aiko, Wale, Lil' Wayne, Jeezy, Juicy J, Ariana Grande, Logic, Ty Dolla $ign, and Meek Mill (Amen)
July 12, 1987 ~ Post-hardcore, pop-rock, indie pop, electro-pop singer, guitarist, bassist, pianist, songwriter Tilian Pearson born in Clearwater, Florida, USA ~ Best known as lead singer for post-hardcore unit Dance Gavin Dance since 2012, replacing Jonny Craig. First appeared on the 2013 Acceptance Speech, the band's fifth studio album. Pearson has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Material Me released in 2013, and has worked with Tides Of Man, Emarosa, and Saosin
July 12, 1986 ~ In its eighth week on the charts, Like A Rock by Bob Seger peaks at No.12 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Seger's song about pride and consistency struck a chord with working class Americans, and became a signature song for the singer. Subsequently the song would be used in an advertising campaign for Chevrolet Silverado trucks that ran for well over a decade starting in 1991. It gave the song a new life, becoming better known than on its initial release. With its lyrics about reliability, not to mention a tag line better than any advertising executive could have dreamed up, it is considered one of the all-time best choices for an ad campaign
July 12, 1985 ~ Country singer, songwriter Adam Gregory born in Edmonton, Canada ~ Released his The Way I'm Made debut album in 2000. Best known for Crazy Days and What It Takes. Other songs that would reach top 10 on the Canadian country charts include Horseshoes, Only Know I Do, Never Be Another, and Get It On
July 12, 1984 ~ Singer, songwriter Gareth Gates, full name Gareth Paul Gates, born in West Yorkshire, UK ~ First gained attention as contestant in the first series of Pop Idol talent show aired on ITV in 2002. Known for a string of subsequent UK hits including Anyone Of Us (Stupid Mistake), Spirit In The Sky featuring the Kumars and Sunshine. Has since ventured into musical theatre
July 12, 1983 ~ Flutist, saxophonist, keyboardist, songwriter Chris Wood, full name Christopher Gordon Blandford Wood, passed away in Birmingham, UK ~ Co-founded Traffic with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Dave Mason. The band would launch the career of especially Winwood and is acclaimed for their 1968 eponymous Traffic and their 1971 The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys albums. Wood has also worked with Jimi Hendrix, appearing on the Electric Ladyland album, as well as with Free, the Small Faces, Ginger Baker's Air Force, and Chicken Shack ~ Wood was born in 1944
July 12, 1982 ~ Singer, songwriter Mahalia Barnes, full name Mahalia Violet Barnes, born ~ Daughter of rock singer Jimmy Barnes. Got her start in music as a member of children's pop group the Tin Lids alongside several of her siblings. Has since gone on to become a session and backing singer for the likes of Jackie Bristow, Jessica Mauboy, and notably Joe Bonamassa, including on the latter's Blues Of Desperation and Redemption albums. Has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for her 2015 Ooh Yea (The Betty Davis Songbook) album with her backing unit the Soul Mates
July 12, 1981 ~ Jazz pianist Yaron Herman born in Tel Aviv, Israel ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Keith Jarrett, Paul Bley, Lennie Tristano, Brad Mehldau. Has worked with Ambrose Akinmusire, Emile Parisien, Michel Portal, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Dominic Miller, Avishai Cohen, Pat Metheny, Lars Danielsson, Matt Brewer, Gerald Cleaver, Gilad Hekselman, Valgeir Sigurosson, Yael Naïm, and Matthieu Chedid
July 12, 1979 ~ Disco group KC & the Sunshine Band release Please Don't Go, lifted off their Do You Wanna Go Party album ~ The first love ballad by KC & the Sunshine Band, and their final of five Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits since 1975. Lead singer Harry Wayne Casey, who co-wrote the song with Richard Finch, would later tell Songfacts: “Near the end of 1978, I was kind of anti-disco believe it or not, and I was trying to change a little bit from That's The Way (I Like It) and Shake Shake Shake (Shake Your Booty) and all that. I was in the studio waiting for the next session to start, I'm sitting at the piano and I just start playing these chords, and I remember how beautiful they were. I decided that was the song I was going to record that day, and that became Please Don't Go”
July 12, 1979 ~ Soul, R&B singer Minnie Riperton, full name Minnie Julia Riperton, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Riperton released about half a dozen solo albums, starting with Come To My Garden in 1970, prior to an untimely death at age 31 by cancer. Lead singer of psychedelic soul outfit Rotary Connection. Backup singer for the likes of Etta James, Fontella Bass, Ramsey Lewis, Muddy Waters, and notably Stevie Wonder, including on the albums Fulfillingness' First Finale and Songs In The Key Of Life. Wonder would also co-produce Riperton's 1974 Perfect Angel sophomore album, which spawned her biggest hit and Billboard Hot 100 charttopper Lovin' You ~ Riperton was born in 1947
July 12, 1976 ~ R&B, pop singer, actress, model, songwriter Tracie Spencer, full name Tracie Monique Spencer, born in Waterloo, Iowa, USA ~ First gained attention as junior contestant on the talent show Star Search in 1987, landing her a record deal with Capitol Records. Released her eponymous Tracie Spencer debut album in 1988. Best known for songs such as Symptoms Of True Love, Save Your Love, This House, Tender Kisses, This Time Make It Funny
July 12, 1976 ~ Joseph Michael Poole, commonly known as horror punk, hevy metal, glam metal, glam punk singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Wednesday 13, born in Lexington, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known as frontman of Murderdolls. Has also recorded as a solo artist and worked with acts such as Maniac Spider Trash, Bourbon Crow, and Gunfire 76
July 12, 1973 ~ Melvin Barcliff, commonly known as rapper Magoo, born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Best known for his association with Timbaland, scoring late-1990s, early-2000s hits under the moniker Timbaland & Magoo such as Up Jumps Da Boogie featuring Missy Elliott & Aaliyah, Clock Strikes featuring Skillz, and All Y'All featuring Tweet. Has also worked with Swing Mob, Jodeci, DeVante Swing, and Playa ~ Barcliff passed away in 2023
July 12, 1972 ~ Drummer Brett Reed, full name Brett Adam Reed, born in USA ~ Best known as the original Rancid drummer, playing with the band from 1991 through 2006. Reed would be replaced by Branden Steineckert. Reed was also a member of the Devil's Brigade and drummed on P!nk's 2003 Try This album
July 12, 1970 ~ Songwriter L Wolfe Gilbert, full name Louis Wolfe Gilbert, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for writing Down Yonder, first recorded by the Peerless Quartet in 1921, and for co-writing Ramona, first recorded by Paul Whiteman in 1928. Both songs have become standards, covered by numerous artists. Other well known songs written or co-written by Gilbert include Waitin' For The Robert E Lee (Al Jolson), If I Didn't Know Your Husband And You Didn't Know My Wife (Whispering Jack Smith), Lucky Lindy (Vernon Dalhart), and Jeannine I Dream Of Lilac Time (Gene Austin) ~ Gilbert was born in 1886
July 12, 1969 ~ Guitarist Jesse Pintado born ~ Best known as a member of grindcore band Napalm Death, joining the band in 1989 as replacement for Bil Steer. Pintado remained with the band through 2004 and appears on about half a dozen of the band's albums, including the critically acclaimed Fear Emptiness Despair. Pintado has also worked with Terrorizer, Nausea LA, Lock Up, Resistant Culture, and Brujeria. Pintado passed away at age 37 of liver failure ~ Pintado passed away in 2006
July 12, 1968 ~ Pop rock sibling outfit the Bee Gees record I've Gotta Get A Message To You ~ Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb. Produced by the band with their manager Robert Stigwood. Released the following August as a single, b/w Kitty Can, it would become their first Billboard Hot 100 charttopper and their second UK No.1 hit, Massachusetts being their first
July 12, 1968 ~ Carl Edward Thompson Jr, commonly known as hip-hop, R&B producer Chucky Thompson, born in Washington DC, USA ~ In-house producer with Bad Boy Entertainment. Has worked with artists such as Usher, Born Jamericans, the Notorious BIG (Ready To Die), Mary J Blige, Total, Faith Evans (Faith), Brian McKnight, Puff Johnson, Mya, Nas (8 Mile), Lil' Mo, Juvenile, Ne-Yo, and Busta Rhymes ~ Thompson passed away in 2021
July 12, 1967 ~ Ralph Lee McCaughan, commonly known as indie rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Mac McCaughan, born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA ~ Best known as founding member of Superchunk, known for a string of critically acclaimed albums and especially No Pocky For Kitty released in 1991, and for his solo outlet Portastatic, known best for the 2005 Bright Ideas album. Co-founded the indie label Merge Records with regular musical collaborator Laura Ballance. McCaughan was also a member of the Slushpuppies, Wwax, Metal Pitcher, Bricks, and Seam, and notably present on the latter's 1992 Headsparks debut album. Teamed up with Guided By Voices-singer Robert Pollard to form the group Go Back Snowball, known for their 2002 Calling Zero
July 12, 1966 ~ Jazz, classical singer, composer Luciana Souza born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Founding member of Moss, teaming up with Theo Bleckmann, Peter Eldridge, Lauren Kinhan and Kate McGarry. Also worked with Donald Brown, Joey Calderazzo, Oscar Castro Neves, Dave Kikoski, Romero Lubambo, Bob Moses, John Patitucci, Danilo Pérez, Maria Schneider, Kenny Werner, Kenny Wheeler, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Brooklyn Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the American Composers Orchestra
July 12, 1966 ~ Pianist Vera Franceschi passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Regarded as one of the most acclaimed interpreters of Frédéric Chopin during the late-1940s and 1950s. Has also recorded works of Muzio Clementi, Luigi Cherubini, and Domenico Cimarosa. Married to tenor Daniele Baroni, with whom she has one son ~ Franceschi was born in 1926
July 12, 1964 ~ Post-rock, avant-garde, indie pop guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Tim Gane, full name Timothy John Gane, born in Ilford, UK ~ Co-founded avant-pop act Stereolab with then-girlfriend Laetitia Sadier, considered one of the most distinctive acts of the 1990s and 2000s. The band, centered around Gane and Sadier, recorded over half a dozen albums and are most acclaimed for Transient Random-Noise Bursts With Announcements and Emperor Tomato Ketchup, released respectively in 1993 and 1996. Prior to forming the band, the duo worked together in indie pop outfit McCarthy until its disbandement at the turn of the 1990s. Gane has also formed Cavern of Anti-Matter with former Stereolab members, releasing several albums in the 2010s including notably the soundtrack to the In Fabric horror comedy film
July 12, 1963 ~ Daniele Gaudi, mononymously known as dub, reggae, electronica, breakbeat keyboardist, producer Gaudi, born in Bologna, Italy ~ Has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, including the acclaimed Bass Sweat & Tears released in 2004. In-demand producer and remixer, has worked with the likes of Dub Alchemist, Jane Kumada, Diane Charlemagne, Native Soul, Elemental, Ashtech, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the Orb, Trentemøller, Horace Andy, and Dub FX
July 12, 1962 ~ Alternative rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Dan Murphy, full name Daniel David Murphy, born in Duluth, Minnesota, USA ~ Co-founding member of Soul Asylum, remaining with the band from its inception until 2012. Present on most of the band's best known including the acclaimed Grave Dancers Union album released in 1992. Murphy also co-founded supergroup Golden Smog, guested on the Replacements-drummer Chris Mars's 1992 Horseshoes And Hand Grenades solo album, and recorded as a solo artist
July 12, 1962 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Luc de Vos, full name Luc Theophile Emile de Vos, born in Evergem, Belgium ~ Frontman of alternative rock outfit Gorki, known for songs such as Anja, Lieve Kleine Piranha and Monstertje. Also worked with Automatic Buffalo ~ De Vos passed away in 2014
July 12, 1962 ~ Saxophonist, violinist, bandleader Roger Wolfe Kahn passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for songs such as I'm Sitting On Top Of The World and Crazy Rhythm. Worked with Tommy Dorsey, Morton Downey, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang, Artie Shaw, Jack Teagarden, Red Nichols, Libby Holman, Gertrude Niesen, Franklyn Baur, Dick Robertson, Elmer Feldkamp, and Gene Krupa ~ Kahn was born in 1907
July 12, 1961 ~ John Dukes Schroeder, commonly known as punk rock, alternative rock, post-hardcore singer John Stabb, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Best known as co-founding and sole constant member of hardcore punk band Government Issue active from 1980 through 1989. The band emerged from DC's hardcore scene but would differ from other hardcore acts by adding elements of heavy metal, new wave, gothic and psychedelic rock. Stabb has also recorded as a solo artist and worked with acts such as Betty Blue, the Factory Incident, the Pseudo Heroes, and History Repeated ~ Schroeder passed away in 2016
July 12, 1961 ~ Steven Bos, commonly known as singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter, actor Stef Bos, born in Veenendaal, the Netherlands ~ Best known for songs such as Is Dit Nu Later and Papa, the latter a hit in the Netherlands and Belgium in 1991. Has written for Ingeborg Sergeant and Clouseau. Collaborated with Raymond van het Groenewoud, Johan Verminnen, and Boudewijn de Groot
July 12, 1958 ~ Singer, songwriter Lynn Davis born in Jamestown, California, USA ~ Influenced by Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire, and mentor George Duke. Rose to prominence in the late-1970s singing with the latter, including lead vocals on hits such as I Want You For Myself, Party Down and Reach Out. Has also worked with pop, R&B and funk artists such as Tracie Spencer, La Toya Jackson, Patrice Rushen, Anita Baker, Billy Preston, Toshinobu Kubota, Go West, Eros Ramazzotti, Céline Dion, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Laura Pausini
July 12, 1957 ~ Trumpeter Eddie Allen born ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader, especially noted for his 2000 Summer Days album. Frequent sideman to Lester Bowie, Mongo Santamaria, Vanessa Rubin, and Muhal Richard Abrams. Has also worked with M'Boom, Nancie Banks, Cyrus Chestnut, Louis Hayes, Etta Jones, Bobby Previte, Charlie Persip, Marty Ehrlich, Houston Person, Natalie Merchant, and Musiq Soulchild
July 12, 1957 ~ Bassist, guitarist James Calvin Wilsey born in Logansport, Indiana, USA ~ Bassist for San Francisco punk band the Avengers. Better known as lead guitarist in Chris Isaak's backing band, playing on Isaak's albums Silvertone (1985), Chris Isaak (1986), Heart Shaped World (1989), and San Francisco Days (1993). Wilsey recorded one solo album, 2008's El Dorado, paying homage to influences such as Duane Eddy, Billy Strange, James Burton and Link Wray ~ Wilsey passed away in 2018
July 12, 1956 ~ Rock, rockabilly guitarist, singer Evan Johns born in McLean, Virginia, USA ~ Worked with guitar virtuoso Danny Gatton, performing on and writing several tracks on Gatton's 1978 Redneck Jazz including the title track. Founded and fronted Evan Johns & the H-Bombs, a band that counted the Dead Kennedys-frontman Jello Biafra among its fans. Johns has also worked with the LeRoi Brothers ~ Johns passed away in 2017
July 12, 1956 ~ Julie Anne Griffin, commonly known as country, alt country singer, guitarist, songwriter Julie Miller born in Waxahachie, Ohio, USA ~ Married to singer Buddy Miller since 1981, a frequent collaborator and notably on the acclaimed 2001 Buddy & Julie Miller album. As a solo artist best known for a number of early-1990s Christian-tinged albums. Has also guested with a wide range of country, folk, rock artists including Dennis Agajanian, Wes King, Nina Åström, Kate Miner, Lee Ann Womack, Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris, Tim Finn, John Hiatt, the Chieftains, Jim Lauderdale, and Levon Helm
July 12, 1956 ~ Sandra Faye Petty, commonly known as Christian music singer, pianist Sandi Patty, born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ Soprano singer praised for her wide vocal range and flexibility earning her the nickname “the Voice”. One of the most popular Christian artists of the 1980s. Fell out of grace with Christian audiences after her extramarital career with her backup singer Don Peslis but sought forgiveness and would rebuild her career in the 1990s performing pop songs with renowned orchestras including the New York Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Pops, and the Dallas Symphony
July 12, 1952 ~ Bassist, singer Phil Kramer, full name Philip Taylor Kramer, born in Youngstown, Ohio, USA ~ Member of hard rock band Iron Butterfly from 1974 through 1980. Kramer went missing after a flurry of frantic calls in 1995. His disappearance would lead to a massive search, numerous news reports and TV show segments including on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Unexplained and Unsolved Mysteries. His remains were found in a car wreck at the bottom of Decker Canyon near Malibu in 1999 ~ Kramer's remains were discovered in 1999
July 12, 1950 ~ Paul Charles Caravello, commonly known as drummer Eric Carr, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Ringo Starr, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Lenny White. Joined rock band Kiss in 1980, taking over from Peter Criss, recording over half a dozen albums with the band until his death of heart cancer at age 41. Co-wrote Don't Leave Me Lonely, recorded by Bryan Adams for his 1983 Cuts Like A Knife album. Carr also guested on the WOW album, recorded by Wendy O Williams in 1984 following her split from the Plasmatics ~ Carr passed away in 1991
July 12, 1948 ~ Rock, blues, country, jazz bassist Tom Robb, full name Thomas James Robb, born in Passaic, New Jersey, USA ~ Noted for his bass playing on the 1978 Billboard Hot 100 No.5 hit I Love The Nightlife by Alicia Bridges. An in-demand session musician throughout his career, Robb has appeared on albums by Mylon LeFevre, Pyramid, Johnny Nash, Melissa Manchester, Dionne Warwick, Bettye LaVette (Tell Me A Lie), Deborah Allen, Tammy Wynette (Higher Ground), Marie Osmond, Vern Gosdin, Ricky Van Shelton, John Jarvis, Eddie Rabbitt, Holly Dunn, the Winans, and Crystal Gayle. Robb is also known as a member of the Marshall Tucker Band during the mid-1980s ~ Robb passed away in 2006
July 12, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Walter Egan born in Jamaica, New York, USA ~ Best known for his Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Magnet And Steel of his 1978 Not Shy sophomore album. Self-penned and co-produced with Lindsey Buckingham and Richard Dashut it would feature Stevie Nicks on backing vocals
July 12, 1947 ~ Jazz, swing bandleader, saxophonist Jimmie Lunceford, full name James Melvin Lunceford, passed away in Seaside, Oregon, USA ~ Popular during the 1930s and known for his distinctive two-beat rhythm, called the Lunceford two-beat. Well known songs include Rhythm Is Our Business, I'm Nuts About Screwy Business, Four Or Five Times, Wham (Re-bop-boom-bam), For Dancers Only and Stratosphere ~ Lunceford was born in 1902
July 12, 1947 ~ John Peter Wilkinson, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Wilko Johnson, born in Canvey Island, UK ~ Fingerstyle punk, punk-pop, pub rock guitarist. Influenced Paul Weller. Core member of Dr Feelgood, known best for their 1979 Milk And Alcohol single. Also worked with the Solid Senders, Ian Dury's band the Blockheads, Roger Daltrey, and Mick Farren ~ Wilkinson passed away in 2022
July 12, 1946 ~ Sambista, singer, songwriter Almir Guineto born in Brazil ~ Known for songs such as Mordomia. Worked with Fundo de Quintal, and Originals Do Samba. As a songwriter had his songs recorded by Beth Carvalho, Zeca Pagodinho, and by Dorina ~ Guineto passed away in 2017
July 12, 1946 ~ Soft rock guitarist, bassist, singer, songwriter Jeff Christie born in Leeds, UK ~ Frontman and eponym of Christie, best known for their 1970 hit Yellow River. The song was initially offered to the Tremeloes who did record a version but never released it. Christie's single would top the UK charts and sell over 30 million copies worldwide. It's follow-up single San Bernadino would also reach the UK top 10
July 12, 1946 ~ Vivien Foreman, commonly known as pop singer Julie Grant, born in Blackpool, UK ~ Discovered by Frankie Vaughan, Grant is known for the singles Up On The Roof, Count On Me, and Come To Me, all of which reached top 40 in her native UK in 1963 and 1964. Her success gained her a series of television guest spots, plus star billing on a 1963 package tour alongside headliners the Everly Brothers and Bo Diddley. Grant would later join Spanish-based lounge act the Zaras, to return to a solo career by the mid-1970s
July 12, 1945 ~ Jazz percussionist, pianist, singer Bernard Lubat born in Uzeste, France ~ Worked with Jef Gilson, Les Double Six, the Paris Jazz All-Stars, Hubert Rostaing, Roger Guerin, the Swingle Singers, Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz, Eddy Louiss, Dalida, Charles Aznavour, Yves Montand, Sacha Distel, Manu Dibango, Bud Powell, Archie Shepp, Kenny Clarke, Cecil Taylor, Stéphane Grappelli, Paco Sery, Eddy Louiss, Claude Nougaro, Daniel Humair, Mino Cinélu, Jacques Higelin, Han Bennink, Dizzy Gillespie, and Sonny Stitt
July 12, 1945 ~ Guitarist, singer Butch Hancock born in Lubbock, Texas, USA ~ Member of country outfit the Flatlanders alongside Joe Ely and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, known for their pivotal More A Legend Than A Band album. The album would initially be released in 1972 on cassette and 8-track to only local success. The set would however over time become to become critically acclaimed and eventually be re-released in 1990. Hancock has also released solo albums and collaborated with Marce LaCouture, Terry Allen, Robert Earl Keen, Richard Buckner, Bob Neuwirth, and Delbert McClinton. In-demand songwriter, songs written or co-written by Hancock have been recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker, Sir Douglas Quintet, Emmylou Harris, the Texas Tornados, Flaco Jiménez, Rosie Flores, Toni Price, Willie Nelson, and by Bill Kirchen
July 12, 1945 ~ Pop, bubblegum pop singer Prudence McIntyre, full name Prudence Ann McIntyre, born ~ Formed the duo Patience & Prudence with her sister Patience McIntyre. Daughters of orchestra leader Mark McIntyre, they scored two hits in 1956, Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now and Tonight You Belong To Me. Both singles would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100, both would reach top 20 UK. The siblings continued to record through 1964 but were unable to repeat their earlier surprise succes. Later the duo explained their succes was “just an accident” and the siblings, both in their early teens back when they hit the charts, never intended to become performers ~ McIntyre passed away in 2023
July 12, 1944 ~ Double bassist Jean-François Jenny-Clark born in Toulouse, France ~ Regarded as one of the most important bassists of European jazz. First gained serious attention as member of Don Cherry's mid-1960s European quintet alongside drummer Aldo Romano, including on the highly acclaimed Symphony For Improvisers album. Though primarily active in jazz, Jenny-Clark is also known as a member of Diego Masson's Musique Vivante ensemble, interpreting contemporary compositions by John Cage, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Pierre Boulez. An in-demand collaborator, and occasional co-leader, Jenny-Clark has appeared on album by Barney Wilen, Michel Portal, Steve Lacy (Plays Monk), Martial Solal, Gato Barbieri (Bolivia), Albert Mangelsdorff, Charlie Mariano, Jean-Luc Ponty, Paul Motian (Le Voyage), Kenny Wheeler (Around 6), Michel Petrucciani, Joachim Kühn (From Time To Time Free), John Greaves, Pierre Boulez, Daniel Humair, Jane Birkin (Versions Jane), Jasper van 't Hof, and Richard Galliano ~ Jenny-Clark passed away in 1998
July 12, 1943 ~ Christine Anne Perfect, commonly known as blues rock, rock, pop rock singer, keyboardist, songwriter Christine McVie born in Bouth, UK ~ Daughter of concert violinist Cyril Perfect. Member of blues outfit Chicken Shack through 1969, with whom she recorded two albums. Best known as member of Fleetwood Mac, initially working with the band as a session pianist on their second album Mr Wonderful. Would become an integral member of the band by the early-1970s. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's best known including Don't Stop, The Chain, You Make Loving Fun, Little Lies, and As Long As You Follow. Married to Fleetwood bassist John McVie from 1969 through 1976 ~ Perfect passed away in 2022
July 12, 1942 ~ Jerry Williams Jr, commonly known as soul, R&B singer, songwriter Swamp Dogg, born in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA ~ After recording as Little Jerry in the 1950s and 1960s, noted especially for his 1967 track Run Run Roadrunner, Williams reinvented himself and took the stage name Swamp Dogg to become one of the most beloved cult figures with a series of satirical, eccentric recordings well into the 2020s starting with the acclaimed Total Destruction To Your Mind and its follow-up Rat On released in the early-1970s. Williams continued to write for other artists, frequently teaming up with Gary US Bonds, his songs recorded by Dee Dee Warwick, Arthur Conley, Gene Pitney, Doris Duke, and Freddie North. Having adopted his moniker before rapper Snoop Dogg was even born, Williams has claimed to be “the original D-O double G”
July 12, 1939 ~ Kenneth Diono, commonly known as singer Kenny Dino born in Astoria, New York, USA ~ Offered but turned down the opportunity to form a duo with then-unknown Paul Simon in the early-1960s. Diono was reportedly also offered Suspicion, a song later popularized by Elvis Presley, but denied the opportunity by his label. Diono is best known for his sole Your Ma Said You Cried In Your Sleep Tonight hit, which reached No.24 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961. Diono also ventured into acting, notably appearing in the 1967 Valley Of The Dolls feature film. Led Zeppelin lead singer Robert Plant would cover Diono's sole hit on his 1990 Manic Nirvana solo album. Though Diono would fail to reach the charts after his sole 1961 hit, he continued to perform until his death. Diono was found unconscious in his car on the side of the road, apparently having suffered a heart attack while driving home from a gig, and died later the same day ~ Diono passed away in 2009
July 12, 1939 ~ Reggae producer Lloyd Daley born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Worked with Jackie Mittoo (The Dark Of The Sun), the Scorchers, Little Roy, the Abyssinians, the Ethiopians (Owe Me No Pay Me), Dennis Brown (Things In Life, Don't Do It), the Wailing Souls, Alton Ellis (Lord Deliver Us), John Holt, the Paragons, and U-Roy (Sound Of The Wise, Scandal) ~ Daley passed away in 2018
July 12, 1937 ~ Singer Jan Buijs born ~ Considered a pioneer in the palingpop genre. Founded the skiffle band the Skyriders, employing numerous later stars including Cees Veerman and Arnold Mühre. Owned a dance studio, dance school which served as a breeding ground for numerous acts including the Spoetnik Boys, the Beat Boys and the Left Side ~ Buijs passed away in 2010
July 12, 1935 ~ Songwriter Barry Mason, full name Johnn Barry Mason, born in Wigan, UK ~ Frequent songwriting collaborator of Les Reed. Artists who have recorded songs written or co-written by Mason include Dalida, Jefferson (Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes), PJ Proby, David Essex, the Drifters, Rod Stewart, Petula Clark, Perry Como, Engelbert Humperdinck (The Last Waltz), the Fortunes (Here It Comes Again), Charles Aznavour, Tony Christie, Connie Francis, Tom Jones (Delilah), and Barbra Streisand ~ Mason passed away in 2021
July 12, 1935 ~ John Patton, commonly known as jazz, blues, R&B pianist Big John Patton, passed away in Montclair, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Regarded by some as an important figure inspiring the boom of 1960s soul jazz. Reeemerged in the 1980s and 1990s as a key player and influence on many acid jazz players. Has worked with Lloyd Price, Grant Green, Lou Donaldson, Art Blakey, Fred Jackson, Red Holloway, Clifford Jordan, Johnny Lytle, Jimmy Ponder, Harold Vick, Don Wilkerson, and John Zorn ~ Patton passed away in 2002
July 12, 1935 ~ Blues guitarist Sammy Lawhorn, full name Samuel David Lawhorn, born in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA ~ Best known for his association with Muddy Waters, including on pivotal albums such as Folk Singer and Live At Mr Kelly's. Has also worked with artists such as Otis Spann, Willie Cobbs, Eddie Boyd, Roy Brown, Big Mama Thornton, John Lee Hooker, James Cotton, Junior Wells, Otis Rush, Jimmy Witherspoon, T-Bone Walker, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Elmore James ~ Lawhorn passed away in 1990
July 12, 1926 ~ Saxophonist Joe Houston, full name Joseph Abraham Houston, born in Bastrop, Texas, USA ~ Worked with King Kolax, Amos Milburn, Big Joe Turner, Betty Roché, and Wynonie Harris. Fronted his own band, Joe Houston & the Rockers, known best for the early-1950s R&B hits Worry Worry Worry and Hard Time Baby. Also a member of the Defrosterz ~ Houston passed away in 2015
July 12, 1916 ~ Jazz, blues tenor saxophonist Sam Taylor, full name Samuel Leroy Taylor Jr, born in Lexington, Tennessee, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Bama State Collegians, Scatman Crothers, Cootie Williams, Lucky Millinder, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Buddy Johnson, Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner (including sax solo on Shake Rattle & Roll), Clyde McPhatter, the Drifters, the Chords (including on doo-wop classic Sh-boom), Ruth Brown, Freddy Cole, Al Hibbler, Langston Hughes, Quincy Jones, and Dick Hyman ~ Taylor passed away in 1990
July 12, 1912 ~ Wilbur Schwichtenberg, commonly known as trombonist, bandleader Will Bradley, born in Newton, New Jersey, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity during the 1930s and 1940s with a mixture of swing, dance, and boogie-woogie. Employed sidemen such as Freddie Slack, Arthur Rollini, Peanuts Hucko, Lee Castle, Pete Candoli, Ray McKinley, Doc Goldberg, Shorty Rogers, and Terry Allen. Best known for songs such as Scrub Me Mama With A Boogie Beat, Down The Road A Piece and perhaps his biggest hit Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar ~ Schwichtenberg passed away in 1989
July 12, 1895 ~ Lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, full name Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein II, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-wrote over 850 songs. Best known for his writing partnership with Richard Rodgers, scoring with musicals such as Oklahoma, The King & I and The Sound Of Music. Also collaborated with composers such as Jerome Kern, Vincent Youmans, Rudolf Frimi, Richard Whiting, and Sigmund Romberg ~ Hammerstein passed away in 1960