July 15, 1998 ~ Javorius Tykies Scott, commonly known as hip-hop, gangsta rap, mumble rap, trap rapper, singer, songwriter JayDaYoungan, born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, USA ~ Known for songs such as 23 Island, Elimination and Opps, all hugely popular on online streaming platforms. Has been releasing mixtapes since the mid-2010s. Issued his sole official full-length studio album, Baby23, in 2020. Shot and killed at age 24 ~ Scott passed away in 2022
July 15, 1992 ~ Joseph Douglas Muha, commonly known as groove metal, progressive metal, pop rock drummer Joey Muha, born in Port Dover, Canada ~ Member of Our Lady Of Bloodshed from 2009 through 2014. Member of progressive metal band OPTICS from 2011 through 2014. Toured the US in 2011 with Farewell To Freeway. Member of death metal band Threat Signal from 2012 through 2015. Also worked with Cynicist, Jungle Rot, Thought Beneath Film, and with pop band Liteyears
July 15, 1990 ~ Singer, songwriter, actor Olly Alexander, full name Oliver Alexander Thornton, born in Harrogate, UK ~ Member of Years & Years, best known for their 2015 King single. LGBTQ advocate. Starred as Peter Pan in a 2013 production of Peter And Alice. Starred in the 2014 God Help The Girl musical film written and directed by Belle & Sebastian-lead singer Stuart Murdoch
July 15, 1989 ~ Actor, singer, songwriter Mack Wilds, full name Tristan Paul Mack Wilds, born in Staten Island, USA ~ Best known for Own It of his 2013 New York (A Love Sottry) debut album. Guested on recordings by Fabolous, Mobb Deep, NORE, Method Man, Torae, and others
July 15, 1982 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Alex Scally born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Forms the dream pop duo Beach House with singer Victoria Legrand, known for songs such a Used To Be, and Zebra
July 15, 1976 ~ Joseph Guillermo Jones III, commonly known as rapper, label executive, music video director Jim Jones, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Original member of hip-hop collective the Diplomats. As a solo artist best known for Pop Champagne featuring Ron Browz and Juelz Santana, and for his hit We Fly High
July 15, 1973 ~ Mark Anthony Myrie, commonly known as dancehall, reggae singer Buju Banton, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known for his seminal albums Til Shiloh and Inna Heights and for his many collaborations with international stars as diverse as American punk rockers Rancid and Haitian producer Wyclef Jean, as well as a host of Jamaican musicians and producers including Donovan Germain, Steven Lanky Marsden, Luciano, Morgan Heritage, close friend Garnett Silk, and Stephen Marley
July 15, 1973 ~ Alternative metal, nu metal, hard rock drummer John Dolmayan born in Beirut, Lebanon ~ Best known as member of System Of A Down, joining the band in 1997 as replacement for original drummer Ontronik Khachaturian. The band is known for songs such as Chop Suey, Toxicity, Aerials, BYOB and Hypnotize. Also worked with Scars On Broadway
July 15, 1971 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Jacob Holm-Lupo born ~ Best known as guitarist and main songwriter in both White Willow and the Opium Cartel. Also known as an engineer and producer associated with Termo Records, having worked on recordings by Sinthorne, In Lingua Morta, the Glutton, Mathilda Gressberg, Three Winters, Anders Brørby, Frequency Drift, the Nerve Institute, Eivind Johansen, and others
July 15, 1970 ~ Keyboardist, singer, producer Frank McComb born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Worked with Buckshot Lefonque, Rude Boys, Gerald Levert, Prince, Chaka Khan, Will Smith, Najee, Branford Marsalis, George Duke, Frankie Beverly, Maze, Phyllis Hyman, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Patrice Rushen, Lalah Hathaway, John P Kee, Teena Marie, Billy Preston, Paulinho Da Costa, and others
July 15, 1970 ~ Heavy metal, jazz, rock bassist, producer Tarkan Gözübüyük born in Erzurum, Turkey ~ Best known as member of hard rock outfit Mezarkabul since 1987. Has also served as producer working with artists such as Sebnem Ferah, Özlem Tekin, Teoman, Demir Demirkan, Ogün Sanlisoy, Knight Errant, Mor Ve Otesi, Athena, and others
July 15, 1966 ~ Drummer, singer Jason Bonham, full name Jason John Bonham, born in Dudley, UK ~ Son of Led Zeppelin-drummer John Bonham. Eponym of Bonham, known for the 1989 Wait For You single. Has worked with Paul Rodgers, Slash, UFO, Joe Bonamassa, Black Country Communion, Glenn Hughes, Sammy Hagar, California Breed, and others
July 15, 1965 ~ Heavy metal guitarist Bobby Gustafson, full name Robert Wayne Gustafson, born in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ Longtime member of Overkill, remaining with the band from 1982 through 1990 appearing on albums from their 1985 Feel The Fire through the band's best-known album 1989's The Years Of Decay. When Gustafson joined the band was playing only covers, Gustafson convincing the band to write their own material and serving as main songwriter. Has also worked with Grip Inc, Satan's Taint, Skrew and with Vio-lence
July 15, 1962 ~ Engineer, remixer, producer Howard Gray born in Sydney, Australia ~ Founding member of Apollo 440. Worked with his brother Trevor Gray, Public Image Ltd, Orchestral Manouevres In The Dark, Kirsty Maccoll, the Armoury Show, the Pale Fountains, Japan, the Stranglers, the Simple Minds, the Pretenders, XTC, UB40, Scritti Politti, Cherubs, Terence Trent d'Arby, Jean-Michel Jarre, the Cure, the Manic Street Preachers, U2, Sean Combs, Jimmy Page, Tom Jones, Van Morrison, Steve Lillywhite, Rip Rig & Panic, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Head, Sceraming Blue Messiahs, Hugh Cornwell, Red Guitars, Age Of Chance, Trevor Herlon, and others
July 15, 1960 ~ Upright bassist Stig Hvalryg born in Oslo, Norway ~ Worked with Bodil Niska, Richard Badendyck, Frode Thingnæs, Michael Block, Tore Sandnaes, Per Hogland, Fire Bassister, David Arthur Skinner, Anne Lander, Per Husby, Nora Brockstedt, and others
July 15, 1959 ~ Lyman Corbitt McAnally Jr, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, mandolinist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Mac McAnally, born in Belmont, Mississippi, USA ~ Actively recording since the mid-1970s. Known for songs such as It's A Crazy World, Minimum Love, Back Where I'm From. In-demand songwriter. Artists who recorded songs written or co-written by McAnally include Kenny Chesney (Down The Road), Ricky Van Shelton, David Allan Coe, Charley Pride, Jimmy Buffett, Alabama (Old Flame), TG Sheppard, Steve Wariner, Ronnie Dunn, Sammy Kershaw, Sawyer Brown (Thank God For You), Shenandoah, and others
July 15, 1956 ~ Singer Ian Curtis, full name Ian Kevin Curtis, born in Stretford, UK ~ Lead singer, primary songwriter of post-punk band Joy Division, who recorded the quintessential albums Unknown Pleasures and Closer. Best known for their 1980 Love Will Tear Us Apart hit single. Despite recording only two albums before Ian's suicide at age 23 the band would prove to be hugely influential on bands such as U2, the Cure, Interpol, Bloc Party, the Editors, and others. The band was on the verge of an American breakthrough but would disband shortly after Curtis' death, the remaining members continuing as New Order ~ Curtis passed away in 1980
July 15, 1956 ~ Guitarist Joe Satriani born in Westbury, New York, USA ~ Guitar virtuoso known for his speed and technical prowess. Influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Brian May, Eric Clapton, and by jazz guitarist Allan Holdsworth. Studied under Lennie Tristano. Mentored guitarists such as Metallica's Kirk Hammett, the Counting Crows' David Bryson, Primus' Larry Lalonde. Released his Not Of This Earth solo debut album in 1986. Broke through to mainstream with his Surfing With The Alien sophomore album. Backed Mick Jagger on Jagger's first solo tour. Toured with Deep Purple as replacement for Ritchie Blackmore but turned down the subsequent offer to join the band as a permanent member. Co-founded guitar supergroup G3. Has also worked with Greg Kihn Band, Chickenfoot, Glenn Hughes, Chad Smith, Alice Cooper, Dream Theater, and others
July 15, 1955 ~ Jazz drummer Pal Thowsen born in Lillestrom, Norway ~ Worked with Arild Andersen, Moose Loose, Jon Eberson, Ketil Bjørnstad, Radka Toneff, Terje Rypdal, Palle Mikkelborg, Odd Riisnæs, Ole Paus, Finn Kalvik, Dag Arnes, the Jazzponkensemblet, Sinikka Langeland, Jon Christensen, and others
July 15, 1954 ~ Deirdre Elaine Cozier, commonly known as singer Dee D Jackson, born in Oxford, UK ~ Worked as a film producer in the 1970s before moving into music, working with Giorgio Moroder and Keith Forsey. She debuted in 1978 with Cosmic Curves, aptly described as a science-fiction disco album. She is also known for a number of classic Italo disco singles in the 1980s, including Talk Me Down, Shotgun, Carillon, Heat Of The Night, and Automatic Lover, the latter later being remixed by Enigma's Michael Cretu. Currently Cozier owns a record label and writes and produces for other artists
July 15, 1953 ~ R&B, soul, disco singer Alicia Bridges born in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known for her hit single I Love The Nightlife (Disco Round), co-penned by Bridges it would reach the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 in 1978 and remains a disco favorite to this day
July 15, 1952 ~ Rock, soft rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist David Pack born in Huntington Park, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of 1970s outfit Ambrosia, known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits How Much I Feel and The Biggest Part Of Me. Has recorded as a solo artist starting with Anywhere You Go released in 1985. In-demand producer for a wide array of artists including Chet Atkins, Patti Austin, David Benoit, Natalie Cole, Chick Corea, Andráe Crouch, DC Talk, Amy Grant, Faith Hill, James Ingram, Branford Marsalis, Bette Midler, Brian McKnight, Olivia Newton-John, Linda Ronstadt, Brian Setzer, CeCe Winans, Phil Collins, Aretha Franklin, Kenny Loggins, Wynonna Judd, and others
July 15, 1952 ~ John Anthony Genzale, commonly known as rock, punk rock, glam rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Johnny Thunders, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Rose to fame as guitarist of pivotal 1970s punk rock outfit the New York Dolls, remaining with the band from 1971 through 1975. After his departure formed and fronted the Heartbreakers, which also included Dolls-bandmate drummer Jerry Nolan and Television-bassist Richard Hell. Recorded as a solo artist, starting with 1978's So Alone working closely with Phil Lynott and Paul Cook with guest appearances by Chrissie Hynde and Steve Marriott ~ Genzale passed away in 1991
July 15, 1951 ~ Singer Gregory Isaacs, full name Gregory Anthony Isaacs, was born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ By the late 1970s one of the biggest internationally known reggae artists, rivaled only by Dennis Brown and Bob Marley. Known for songs such as My Only Lover, All I Have Is Love, Slavemaster, Lonely Soldier, Love Is Overdue, Permanent Lover, Wailing Ruby, Night Nurse, Rumour, and Too Good To Be True. Worked with Jamaica's biggest producers including Byron Lee, Errol Dunkley, Winston Holness, Gussie Clarke, Lloyd Campbell, Glen Brown, Harry Muddie, Roy Cousins, Sydney Crooks, Lee Scratch Perry, Prince Jammy, Bobby Digital, Tad Hawkins, Steely & Clevie, and others ~ Isaacs passed away in 2010
July 15, 1950 ~ Viola player Geoffrey Richardson, full name Peter Geoffrey Richardson, born ~ Best known as member of Caravan. Released a solo album, Viola Mon Amour, in 1993. Has collaborated with Spirogyra, Kevin Ayers, Café Jacques, the Penguin Café Orchestra, the Buzzcocks, Murray Head, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, John Glover, Julien Clerc, Bob Geldof, Chris De Burgh, Bruno Maman, Justin Hayward, Mostly Autumn, and others
July 15, 1950 ~ Drummer, percussionist Tony Esposito, full name Antonio Esposito, born in Naples, Italy ~ As a solo artist known for his 1984 hit Kalimba De Lune, later covered by Boney M, as well as for his 1987 single Papa Chico. Worked with Alan Sorrenti, Don Cherry, Famoudou Don Moye, Gato Barbieri, Eumir Deodato, Brian Auger, Gilberto Gil, Pino Daniele, Roberto Vecchioni, Francesco Guccini, Edoardo Bennato, Francesco de Gregori, Perigeo, Lucio Dalla, and others
July 15, 1949 ~ Pop, synth-pop, pop rock, progressive rock singer, bassist, songwriter Trevor Horn, full name Trevor Charles Horn, born in Hertfordshire, UK ~ Rose to fame in the late 1970s as half of Buggles, the other half being Geoff Downes, known for their international hit Video Killed The Radio Star. Would go on to work with Yes, Art Of Noise, the Producers. Has served as producer for artists such as Dollar, ABC, Malcolm McLaren, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, and others
July 15, 1948 ~ Drummer Artimus Pyle, full name Thomas Delmer Pyle, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Drummed for Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1974 through 1977 and again from 1987 through 1991. First appeared on the single Saturday Night Special of the band's Nuthin' Fancy album. Survived the 1977 plane crash that killed bandmates Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines and the band's road manager Dean Kilpatrick. Present on albums such as Gimme Back My Bullets and Street Survivors
July 15, 1948 ~ Singer, keyboardist Tony O'Malley born ~ Member of Arrival, known for the 1970 UK top 10 hit Friends. Co-founding member of Kokomo. Joined 10cc after the departure of key members Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, present on the band's 1977 Live And Let Live live album. Has also worked with Pino Palladino, Laurence Cottle, Andy Newmark, Hamish Stuart, Alan Spenner, Jim Mullen, Jody Linscott, Ash Soan, Mel Collins, Mornington Lockett, Jeremy Stacey, Neil Hubbard, and others
July 15, 1947 ~ Peter William Brockbanks, commonly known as keyboardist, guitarist Peter Banks, born in Barnet, UK ~ Important figure in early days of progressive rock. Original guitarist of Yes, remaining with the band through 1970 leaving shortly before the release of their Time And A Word sophomore album. Has also worked with the Devil's Disciples, the Syn, Neat Change, After The Fire, the Flash, Empire, David Cross, Pete Townshend, Ant-Bee, and others ~ Banks passed away in 2013
July 15, 1946 ~ Singer Linda Ronstadt, full name Linda Marie Ronstadt, born in Tucson, Arizona, USA ~ First gained attention in the late 1960s fronting the Stone Poneys, quickly venturing out on her own to achieve superstar status in the 1970s with originals and acclaimed covers of pop and rock hits. Focused on folk and country-influenced pop and soft rock during the 1970s. Would also venture into musicals, jazz and R&B-tinged pop in later years. Best known for her renditions of Betty Everett's You're No Good, the Eagles' Desperado and Roy Orbison's Blue Bayou, for duetting with Aaron Neville on the 1980 hit Don't Know Much, and for her collaboration with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris on the 1987 Trio album. In-demand collaborator appearing on over 100 albums including recordings by Bette Midler, Billy Eckstine, Carla Bley, Flaco Jiménez, Warren Zevon, Gram Parsons, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Earl Scruggs, and by Johnny Cash
July 15, 1946 ~ Jazz guitarist Tisziji Muñoz born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Worked with Pharoah Sanders, Paul Shaffer, John Hicks, Bernie Senensky, Bob Moses, Cecil McBee, Nick Brignola, Dave Liebman, Hilton Ruiz, John Medeski, David Finck, and others
July 15, 1944 ~ Conductor, composer Kobi Oshrat born in Haifa, Israel ~ Internationally best known for co-writing, with Shimrit Orr, Milk & Honey's Hallelujah, the 1979 Eurovision Songfestival winner
July 15, 1944 ~ Mildred Virginia Jackson, commonly known as R&B, soul, disco singer, songwriter Millie Jackson, born in Thomson, Georgia, USA ~ Member of Facts Of Life. Active since the early 1960s. Occasionally referred to as “the mother of hip-hop” for her long spoken sections. Known for songs such as Ask Me What You Want, My Man A Sweet Man, A House For Sale and If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don't Want To Be Right)
July 15, 1942 ~ Guitarist, singer Jerzy Kossela born in Czestochcowa, Poland ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of Czerwone Gitary, remaining with the band from 1965 through 1967, considered to be instrumental in the development of Polish rock. Has also worked with Electron, Niebiesko-Czarni, Pieciolinie, and others ~ Kossela passed away in 2017
July 15, 1940 ~ John Allan Seay Jr, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Johnny Seay born in Gulfport, Mississippi, USA ~ Popular during the 1950s and 1960s. Best known for his spoken word single Day For Decision, a Grammy Award-nominated hit in 1966. Other well known songs include Frankie's Man Johnny, Nobody's Darling But Mine and My Old Faded Rose ~ Seay passed away in 2016
July 15, 1939 ~ Luther Johnson, commonly known as electric blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Luther Houserocker Johnson, born in Hogansville, Georgia, USA ~ Influenced by Jimmy Reed and Lightnin' Slim. Despite enjoying popularity as a live performer for some seven decades from the late 1950s until his death has only recorded two studio albums, namely Takin' A Bite Outta The Blues and Houserockin' Daddy ~ Johnson passed away in 2019
July 15, 1936 ~ Child actor, pianist, singer, producer, arranger, A&R executive Hidle Brown Barnum born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Won a talent contest at age 4, landing him a role in the 1942 The Valley Of The Sun Marches On film. Would continu his acting career with appearances on The Amos 'n Andy SHow, The Jack Benny Show, and other. Member of 1950s doo-wop outfits the Dootones and the Robins. A&R executive for the Whippet label. As a solo artist best known for Lost Love, a hit in 1961. Would record three albums as a pianist-singer during the remainder of the decade. Would go on to work as an arranger for a wide array of artists including Lou Rawls, Count Basie, OC Smith, Frank Sinatra, the Supremes, Donna Loren, Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, Gladys Knight, Melinda Marx, and others. Co-wrote Your Love, a 1977 hit for Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr
July 15, 1934 ~ Composer Harrison Birtwistle born in Accrington, UK ~ Prolific contemporary classical composer known best for The Triumph Of Time and the operas The Mask Of Orpheus, Gawain and The Minotaur. The latter would be named as one of the most important 21st-century pieces by the Guardian in 2019. Also known for co-founding the Pierrot Players ensemble with composer, conductor Peter Maxwell Davies ~ Birtwistle passed away in 2022
July 15, 1933 ~ Leonald Francois Gauthier, commonly known as singer Hal Willis, born in Rouyn Noranda, Canada ~ Half of the rock & roll duo Hal & Ginger, the other half being his wife Ginger Willis, scoring 1950s hits such as My Pink Cadillac and Bop-a-dee Bop-a-dop. Along with Hank Snow the only Canadian artists to tour with Elvis Presley. As a solo artist best known for The Lumberjack, a million-seller in 1965 ~ Gauthier passed away in 2015
July 15, 1932 ~ Jazz, swing, choro clarinetist, saxophonist Paulo Moura born in São Paulo, 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, Raphael Rabello, and others ~ Moura passed away in 2010
July 15, 1932 ~ Blues harpist, singer, songwriter Willie Cobbs born in Smale, Arkansas, USA ~ Best known for his 1960 recording You Don't Love Me, loosely based on Bo Diddley's She's Fine She's Mine. Cobbs' tune would be covered by a wide array of artists including the Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, John Mayall, and Dawn Penn, the latter reworking the R&B, blues tune to the classic rocksteady tune You Don't Love Me (No No No) in 1967 ~ Cobbs passed away in 2021
July 15, 1931 ~ Label executive, music publisher Robert Gordy, full name Robert Louis Gordy, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Scored a minor hit in 1958 with Everyone Was There under the moniker Bob Kayli, co-written with his brother Berry Gordy Jr. Best known as executive at Motown's publishing arm Jobete Music from 1961 through 1985. Has also written or co-written a number of early 1960s successes, most notably Marvin Gaye's You're What's Happening In The World Today, which was used as the flip side of I Heard It Through The Grapevine, and the Supremes' Your Kiss Of Fire ~ Gordy passed away in 2022
July 15, 1928 ~ Bebop, free jazz saxophonist, composer Joe Harriott, full name Joseph Arhurlin Harriott, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Part of a wave of Caribbean jazz musicians relocating to England in the 1950s. Free-form jazz pioneer. Influenced by Charlie Parker. Especially acclaimed for his 1962 Abstract album. Worked with Tony Kinsey, Phil Seamen, Allan Ganley, Lita Roza, George Chisholm, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Michael Garrick, Amancio d'Silva, and others ~ Harriott passed away in 1973
July 15, 1913 ~ Lloyd Estel Copas, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Cowboy Copas born in Adams County, Ohio, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity from the 1940s onward until his death at age 49, dying in the same plane crash that killed Hawkshaw Hawkins and Patsy Cline. First gained attention replacing Eddy Arnold in Pee Wee King's backing band. As a solo artist Copas is best known for songs such as Filipino Baby, Signed Sealed And Delivered, Tennessee Waltz, Tennessee Moon, Candy Kisses, The Strange Little Girl, Tis Sweet To Be Remembered, Alabam, and Flat Top, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Country ~ Copas passed away in 1963
July 15, 1904 ~ Lyricist, songwriter Dorothy Fields born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-wrote over 400 songs, mostly for Broadway and Hollywood musicals, many of which have become jazz standards. Well known songs include A Fine Romance (Guy Lombardo, Billie Holiday), On The Sunny Side Of The Street (Harry Richman, Chick Webb, Lionel Hampton), Pick Yourself Up (Fred Astaire, Anita O'Day, Frank Sinatra), I'm In The Mood For Love (Jack Little, Frances Langford, Sarah Vaughan), You Couldn't Be Cuter (Irene Dunne, Freddy Martin, Tommy Dorsey), and Big Spender (Helen Gallagher, Peggy Lee, Shirley Bassey) ~ Fields passed away in 1974