July 20, 2024 ~ Rock guitarist, singer Jerry Miller, full name Jerry A Miller Jr, passed away 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 was born in 1943
July 20, 2024 ~ Sandra Lou Posey, commonly known as pop singer Sandy Posey, passed away in Lebanon, Tennessee, USA ~ Working as a receptionist at a recording studio, Posey regularly sang back-up including on sessions for Joe Tex, Bobby Goldsboro, Tommy Roe, Elvis Presley, and Percy Sledge, including on the latter's When A Man Loves A Woman hit. As a solo artist, Posey would enjoy a brief spell of success in the mid-1960s, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 with the singles Born A Woman, Single Girl, and I Take It Back. Posey continued to record into the 1980s, but was unable to repeat the success of her earliest releases. From the early-1970s onwards, however, she did enjoy some minor success on the Billboard Country charts, where Bring Him Safely Home To Me and Born To Be With You both reached top 30, respectively in 1971 and 1978 ~ Posey was born in 1944
July 20, 2021 ~ Charles Edward Weiss, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actor Chuck E Weiss, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Played blues, beat poetry, rock & roll. got his start in music as touring drummer for Lightnin' Hopkins. To mainstream audiences perhaps best known as the subject of Rickie Lee Jones' 1979 Chuck E's In Love hit single. Released his eponymous Chuck E Weiss debut album in 1981. Had Tony Gilkyson and Tom Waits guest on his 1999 Extremely Cool album, with Waits also signing on as co-producer ~ Weiss was born in 1945
July 20, 2020 ~ Singer Denise Johnson passed away ~ Best known for her association with Primal Scream singing backup for the band from 1990 through 1995. Sang co-lead on the single Don't Fight It (Feel It) taken of the quintessential 1991 Screamadelica album. Johnson has also worked with New Order, the Pet Shop Boys, A Certain Ratio, and others, as well as recorded as a solo artist ~ Johnson was born in 1963
July 20, 2020 ~ William Michael McGee, commonly known as drummer Mickey McGee, passed away ~ First gained attention in the early-1970s backing Linda Ronstadt on the Don't Cry Now album and subsequently Jackson Browne on the For Everyman album. Member of the Flying Burrito Brothers from 1975 through 1981. Has also worked with Juice Newton, for whom he co-wrote Blue and I'll Never Love Again, with Ricky Nelson, JD Souther, Warren Zevon, Chris Darrow, and others ~ McGee was born in 1947
July 20, 2016 ~ Organist André Isoir passed away ~ Recorded over 50 albums. Acclaimed for his interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach's The Art Of The Fugue. Best known as head organist at Eglise St Medard church, a position he held from 1952 through 1967 ~ Isoir was born in 1935
July 20, 2015 ~ Singer, songwriter Wayne Carson, full name Wayne Carson Head, passed away in Springfield, Missouri, USA ~ Best known as a songwriter who wrote or co-wrote several classics originally recorded by BJ Thomas (Always On My Mind) and perhaps most notably the Box Tops (The Letter, Neon Rainbow, and Soul Deep). Others who have recorded his songs include Brenda Lee, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, the Beach Boys, Dionne Warwick, Mel Tillis, Petula Clark, Clarence Carter, Gary US Bonds, Willie Nelson, Tina Turner, Conway Twitty, Johnny Paycheck, Gary Stewart, Moe Bandy, Glen Campbell, Shelby Lynne, April Fools, Waylon Jennings, Claude King, and others ~ Carson was born in 1943
July 20, 2013 ~ Trumpeter Laurie Frink, full name Laurie Ann Frink, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Mel Lewis, Gerry Mulligan, George Russell, Benny Goodman, Buck Clayton, Bob Mintzer, Maria Schneider, John Hollenbeck, Darcy James Argue, Ryan Truesdell, Jentsch Group Large, and others ~ Frink was born in 1951
July 20, 2009 ~ Singer Ria Brieffies, full name Maria Petronella Brieffies, passed away in Westerland, the Netherlands ~ Best known as member of pop girl group the Dolly Dots. The band would score numerous top 10 hits in the Netherlands, starting in the late-1970s, including Tell It All About Boys, Hela-do-ladi-do, STOP, Do You Wanna Wanna, She's A Liar, Dreaming Of You, and What A Night. After the groups disbandedment has released a handful of solo recordings, notably the 1989 single Love Always Finds A Reason, a duet with Glenn Medeiros. Briefly toured with her own jazz band, het Ria Brieffies Kwintet, before retiring from music in the 1990s ~ Brieffies was born in 1957
July 20, 2008 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Artie Traum, full name Arthur Roy Traum, passed away in Bearsville, New York, USA ~ Worked with the Band, Arlen Roth, Warren Bernhardt, Maria Muldaur, Pat Alger, Tony Levin, John Sebastian, Richie Havens, Eric Andersen, Paul Butterfield, Paul Siebel, Rory Block, James Taylor, Pete Seeger, David Grisman, Livingston Taylor, Michael Franks, Happy Traum, the Blues Project, and the Woodstock Mountain Revue ~ Traum was born in 1943
July 20, 2000 ~ Gospel, R&B singer Mabel Scott, full name Mabel Bernice Scott, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best remembered for her 1948 hits Elevator Boogie and Boogie Woogie Santa Claus. Married to pianist Charles Brown from 1949 through 1951. Disillusioned with the music industry Scott retired from music by the early-1950s, and would only sing gospel in church for the rest of her life ~ Scott was born in 1915
July 20, 1993 ~ Joanna Deborah Bussinger, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter Debrah Scarlett, born in Basel, Switzerland ~ Swiss-Norwegian singer internationally best known for representing Norway in the 2015 Eurovision Songfestival duetting with Kjetil Mørland on A Monster Like Me, reaching 8th place
July 20, 1991 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Earl Robinson, full name Earl Hawley Robinson, passed away ~ Father of jazz clarinetist Perry Robinson. Influenced by classical music and folk artists such as Woody Guthrie, Paul Robeson, and Pete Seeger. Penned and first recorded The Houdr I Live In, which would be covered by Frank Sinatra, Sam Cooke, Sarah Vaughan, Mahalia Jackson, and Kim Weston. Co-penned Ballad For Americans, which would become a signature for Robeson. Blacklisted during the MacCarthy era for his membership of the Communist Party ~ Robinson was born in 1910
July 20, 1987 ~ Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Riky Rick, born in Kwamashu, South Africa ~ Active since the mid-2010s, debuting with the single Barbershop featuring Da LES. Would release his acclaimed full-length Family Values debut album in 2015, featuring guests such as Cassper Nyovest, Okmalumkoolkat and Black Motion. Known for songs such as Sondela, Silukotini, and Oh Lord. Battling depression Makhado commited suicide at age 34 ~ Makhado passed away in 2022
July 20, 1986 ~ Rock group Santana celebrate their 20th anniversary ~ The band play a massive group reunion concert on frontman, guitarist Carlos Santana's birthday featuring current and former members in San Francisco, California, to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary
July 20, 1984 ~ Composer, music director, violinist Gail Kubik, full name Gail Thompson Kubik, passed away in Covina, California, USA ~ Staff composer for NBC Radio. Music director for Motion Picture Bureau during World War II, composing and conducting scores for motion pictures. Won the 1952 Pullitzer Prize for Music for his composition Symphony Concertante ~ Kubik was born in 1914
July 20, 1983 ~ Pop band Duran Duran headline charity concert at Dominion Theatre, London ~ The band headline Prince's Trust Rock Gala attended by Prince Charles and Princess Diana. It would be the first time the band and Lady Di meet, the latter previously having commented they were her favorite band
July 20, 1983 ~ Rock, heavy metal, gothic jazz keyboardist Rosie Smith, full name Rosemary Ellen Smith, born in London, UK ~ Best known as member of Cradle Of Filth, remaining with the band until 2009. Has also recorded as a solo artist, going by the moniker Rosa Damascena, describing her music as gazz or “Gothic jazz”
July 20, 1981 ~ Jazz, classical hornist James Buffington, full name James Lawrence Buffington, passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ One of the few French horn players in jazz. Has recorded occasionally as a leader but best known as an in-demand sideman active since the 1950s. Well-known for his association with Miles Davis, notably present on the albums Miles Ahead and Sketches Of Spain, and with Gil Evans. Has also appeared on albums by the likes of Chet Baker, Coleman Hawkins, Manny Albam (The Drum Suite), Art Farmer, John Coltrane (Africa/Brass), Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Jimmy Smith, Stan Getz, Stanley Turrentine (Look Of Love), Moondog, Freddie Hubbard, Houston Person, George Benson (White Rabbit), Hank Crawford, Janis Ian (Between The Lines), Sister Sledge, Meco, Joe Farrell, and Wes Montgomery ~ Buffington was born in 1922
July 20, 1980 ~ Guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer Mike Kennerty, full name Michael Brian Kennerty, born ~ Best known as rhythm guitarist for All-American Rejects. Also worked with Masked Intruder, Direct Hit, Screeching Weasel, the Copyrights, Red City Radio, Euclid Crash, Mr Crispy, and others
July 20, 1978 ~ Pop, R&B singer Elliott Yamin, full name Efraym Elliott Yamin, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ First gained attention as a contestant on American Idol, reaching third place in the show's fifth season in 2006. Released his eponymous Elliott Yamin debut album the next year, spawning the single Wait For You, and has been recording steadily since
July 20, 1978 ~ Jazz, swing guitarist, singer Teddy Bunn, full name Theodore Leroy Bunn, passed away in Lancaster, California, USA ~ Generally regarded as one of the best acoustic guitarists of the 1930s active throughout the early-1970s. Played solely by ear, having never learned to read notes. Best known as a member of Spirits Of Rhythm led by Leo Watson. Has also worked with Red Allen, Fats Pichon, Duke Ellington, the Six Jolly Jesters, the Washboard Rhythm Kings, the Ramblers, Victoria Spivey, Lizzie Miles, Spencer Williams, Sidney Bechet, Hadda Brooks, Johnny Dodds, JC Higginbotham, Lionel Hampton, Jimmie Noone, Louis Jordan, and others ~ Bunn was born in 1910
July 20, 1972 ~ Giovanna Bersola, commonly known as Eurodance singer Jenny B, born in Catania, Italy ~ Best known as singer with Playahitty, appearing on The Summer Is Magic, and with Corona, appearing on Rhythm Of The Night. Also worked with JK, Nevada, Libra, Red Velvet, Funky Company, Gemelli Diversi, Benny Benassi, Simpson Tune, Alan Sorrenti, Massimo Ranieri, Stylus Robb, Favretto, Marracash, Culture Beat, and others
July 20, 1971 ~ Robert Earl Davis Jr, commonly known as hip-hop DJ, rapper DJ Screw, born in Smithville, Texas, USA ~ Pivotal figure in Southern rap known best for establishing the “chopped and screwed” technique. Has released over 350 mixtapes, both as a solo musician and as frontman of the acclaimed collective Screwed Up Click. Rediscovered by a wider audience some five years after his death of a codeine overdose, finding a new generation of followers ~ Davis passed away in 2000
July 20, 1971 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, songwriter Jason Loewenstein born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as member of pivotal lo-fi, indie rock outfit Sebadoh, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums since the late-1980s including the acclaimed Sebadoh III and Bakesale. Also known for his association with the Fiery Furnaces, performing and recording with the Brooklyn-based band since 2005 also serving as the band's engineer on the albums Remember and I'm Going Away. Loewenstein has also recorded as a solo artist, and collaborated with Circle Of Buzzards, Will Oldham, David Kilgour, and Lou Barlow
July 20, 1970 ~ Punk rock, pop punk, alternative rock, alternative metal singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist Theo Goutzinakis born in Vancouver, Canada ~ Best known as guitarist, singer of Gob, which he founded with Tom Thacker
July 20, 1969 ~ Rodothas Hamilton, commonly known as R&B singer Roy Hamilton, passed away in New Rochelle, New York, USA ~ Popular from the mid-1950s through the early-1960s. Merged classical phrasing with black gospel feeling. Best known for 1954's You'l Never Walk Alone and 1955's Unchained Melody, the two first major hits of the Epic Records label ~ Hamilton was born in 1929
July 20, 1969 ~ Riot grrrrl, grunge, punk rock, indie rock drummer, guitarist, singer Tobi Vail, full name Tobi Celeste Vail, born in Auburn, Washington, USA ~ Key figure in the riot grrrl scene, actually said to have coined the spelling of “grrrl”, a term used for the underground feminist punk wave that began in the early-1980s. Co-founding member of Bikini Kill, acclaimed for their 1994 Pussy Whipped album. Has also worked with the Go Team, Phranc, the Frumpies, and Spider & the Webs
July 20, 1968 ~ Nathaniel Thomas Wilson, commonly known as MC, rapper Kool G Rap born in Elmhurst, New York, USA ~ Often credited as one of the most influential MCs of all-time. Influential on later stars such as the Notorious BIG, Nas, Jay-Z, Raekwon. Closely associated with DJ Polo. Member of the Juice Crew. Released his full-length 4-5-6 solo debut album in 1995
July 20, 1967 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist Courtney Taylor-Taylor born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Co-founder, guitarist, lead singer of the Dandy Warhols, known for songs such as Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth and Bohemian Like You. Also worked with the Beauty Stab, Nero's Rome, One Model Nation
July 20, 1967 ~ New beat singer Peter Renkens born ~ Member of the Confettis, a Belgian new beat band active from 1988 through 1992 and best known for their hit single The Sound Of C. Other well known songs include C'Day, The C In China, and Put 'M Up ~ Renkens passed away in 2023
July 20, 1966 ~ Guitarist Stone Gossard, full name Stone Carpenter Gossard, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of Pearl Jam. Previously a member of pivotal grunge outfits Green River and Mother Love Bone. Has also worked with Brad, the Ducky Boys, with supergroup Temple Of The Dog and has recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Bayleaf released in 2001
July 20, 1964 ~ Christopher John Boyle, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Chris Cornell, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Pivotal figure in 1990s grunge. Best known as singer, guitarist for Soundgarden and for Audioslave. Fronted Temple Of The Dog. Has also worked with Center For Disease Control Boys, Screaming Trees, Alice In Chains, Alice Cooper, Slash, and others ~ Boyle passed away in 2017
July 20, 1963 ~ Dean Esposito, commonly known as singer, DJ, producer, songwriter Dino, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Known for a string of late-1980s, earlt 1990s hits including 1989's I Like It and 1990's Romeo, both of which reach the Billboard top 10
July 20, 1960 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Ole Jacob Hystad born in Stord, Norway ~ Brother of saxophonist Jan Kåre Hystad. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Stein Inge Brækhus, Alex Riel, Frank Jacobsen, the Bakeriet Bluesband, Ole Amund Gjersvik, Terje Rypdal, the Bergen Big Band, Organ Jam, and others
July 20, 1959 ~ Keyboardist Mick MacNeill born in Glasgow, UK ~ Member of the Simple Minds from 1978 through 1990, known for Promised You A Miracle, Waterfront, Don't You (Forget About Me), Alive And Kicking, Sanctify Yourself and Belfast Child. Also worked with Johnny & the Self-abusers, Fourgoodmen and with Visage
July 20, 1959 ~ Singer, guitarist Radney Foster, full name Radney Muckleroy Foster, born in Del Rio, Texas, USA ~ Rose to prominence as half of Foster & Lloyd, the other half being Bill Lloyd, known for their 1987 hit Crazy Over You. Released his Del Rio TX 1959 debut album in 1992, spawning the Billboard Country top 20 hits Just Call Me Lonesome, Nobody Wins and Easier Said Than Done
July 20, 1957 ~ Drummer Merlina 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 20, 1956 ~ Punk, punk rock drummer Paul Cook born in London, UK ~ Married to Jeni Cook of Culture Club, their daughter Hollie Cook is also a musician recording as a singer, keyboardist. Best known as co-founding member of pivotal punk band the Sex Pistols. Has also worked with the Professionals, the Chiefs Of Relief, Man Raze, Subway Sect, Edwyn Collins, and others
July 20, 1953 ~ Singer Dave Evans born in Camarthen, UK ~ Original lead singer of AC/DC. Featured on the band's debut single Can I Sit Next To You Girl b/w Rocking In The Parlor. Replaced by Bon Scott in October 1974
July 20, 1953 ~ Singer, actress, TV personality Marcia Hines, full name Marcia Elaine Hines, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Mother of singer Deni Hines. Starred in the Australian versions of Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar. Known for cover versions such as Fire & Rain, I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself, and Something's Missing In My Life
July 20, 1952 ~ John French Segall, commonly known as heavy metal guitarist, singer Jay Jay French, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of Twisted Sister, present on the band's best known including We're Not Gonna Take It, I Wanna Rock and The Price
July 20, 1950 ~ Tobias Boshell, commonly known as folk rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Bias Boshell, born in Wye, UK ~ Co-founding member of late-1960s folk rock outfit Trees. The band would enjoy little commercial success and disbanded after two albums, The Garden Of Jane Delawney and On The Shore, yet in hindsight would gain critical acclaim. Boshell would go on to back Kiki Dee, for whom he wrote several songs including the hits I've Got The Music In Me and First Thing In The Morning
July 20, 1948 ~ Pianist, singer James Hooker born in Winnsboro, South Carolina, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Amazing Rhythm Aces, active with the band through 1980 and rejoining on occasion since. Co-wrote Steve Winwood's Freedom Overspill of the 1986 Back In The High Life album. Also closely associated with Nanci Griffith, serving as Griffith's bandleader and occasional co-writer for 20 years starting in the early-1980s including on the acclaimed 1993 Other Voices Other Rooms album. Has also worked with Mac Davis, Russell Smith, TG Sheppard, Paul Butterfield, John Martyn, John Hiatt, Sawyer Brown, Gove Scrivenor, the Decoys, Ian Gomm, Bernie Leadon, and others
July 20, 1947 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Carlos Santana born in Autlán de Navarro, Mexico ~ Frontman and eponym of Santana. Pioneering Latin rock guitarist, merging rock & roll with Latin influences. Widely acclaimed as guitar virtuoso. Best known for his work in the late-1960s and 1970s with albums such as Abraxas and Santana III, resurging in the 1990s and 2000s with The Supernatural and Shaman. Known for songs such as Evil Ways, Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, Samba Pa Ti, Smooth featuring Rob Thomas, and The Game Of Love featuring Michelle Branch
July 20, 1946 ~ Songwriter, producer Bob Heatlie, full name Robert Raymond Heatlie, born in Craigmillar, UK ~ Best known for penning the 1980s hits Japanese Boy for Aneka, and Merry Christmas Everyone for Shakin' Stevens. Both songs would top the UK singles charts, the latter became a mainstay popular to this day and covered by numerous artists ~ Heatlie passed away in 2023
July 20, 1946 ~ Saxophonist Johnny Almond born in Enfield, UK ~ Worked with the Alan Price Set, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Fleetwood Mac, Mark Almond, Zoot Money, Chicken Shack, Geoff Condon, Alan White, Curtis Amy, Hadley Caliman, Joe Harris, Charles Kynard, Joe Pass, and Martha Veléz ~ Almond passed away in 2009
July 20, 1946 ~ Joseph Henton, commonly known as trombonist Tricky Sam Nanton, passed away ~ Worked with Cliff Jackson, Elmer Snowden, Duke Ellington, and others. Hearing trumpeter Johnny Dunn play with a plunger, he realized the same trick could be used on a trombone. Together with Ellington bandmate Bubber Miley in large part responsible for Ellington's wah-wah sound in the late-1920s ~ Nanton was born in 1904
July 20, 1945 ~ Singer Brenda Reid born ~ Lead singer of the Exciters, known for the hit single Tell Him. Would marry fellow band member Herb Rooney. Also a member of the Masterettes
July 20, 1945 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter John Lodge, full name John Charles Lodge, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Moody Blues. Wrote or co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material including Evening Time To Get Away, Ride My See Saw, Send Me No Wine, Out & In, Isn't Life Strange, I'm Just A Singer and Gemini Dream. Has also released a number of albums outside of the band, notably 1975's The Blue Jays with bandmate Justin Hayward which reached top 10 UK and his own Natural Avenue two years later
July 20, 1945 ~ Pop rock, soft rock singer, songwriter Kim Carnes born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Briefly a member of the New Christy Minstrels in 1966 and 1967. Would marry bandmate Dave Ellingson. Released her Rest On Me solo debut album in 1971. Known best for her 1981 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 Bette Davis' Eyes hit single. Other well known songs include More Love, the Kenny Rogers-duet Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer, and Crazy In The Night (Barking At Airplanes)
July 20, 1944 ~ Folk rock singer, songwriter, playwright, screenwriter Jo Carol Pierce born in Wellington, Texas, USA ~ Schoolmate of Butch Hancock and Joe Ely, the latter encouraging her to become a songwriter. High school sweatheart of Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Widely acclaimed for her 1995 Bad Girls Upset By The Truth debut album ~ Pierce passed away in 2022
July 20, 1944 ~ William Neal Browder, commonly known as country singer TG Sheppard, born in Humboldt, Tennessee, USA ~ Scored close to two dozen Billboard Country charttopppers from the mid-1970s through the mid-1980s including Devil In The Bottle, I Loved 'Em Every One, Only One You, Finally and Make My Day, the latter a collaboration with actor Clint Eastwood. Sheppard is married to singer, songwriter Kelly Lang
July 20, 1941 ~ Jazz baritone saxophonist, clarinetist Charles Tyler born in Cadiz, Kentucky, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Ornette Coleman, Sunny Murray, Arthur Blythe, Bobby Bradford, David Murray, Steve Reid, Cecil Taylor, Billy Bang, Sun Ra, Khan Jamal, Steve Lacy, Albert Ayler, Wilber Morris, and Hal Russell ~ Tyler passed away in 1992
July 20, 1940 ~ Monica Danielsson, commonly known as pianist, songwriter, actress Monica Dominique born in Vasterås, Sweden ~ Sister of jazz double bassist Palle Danielsson. Married to composer Carl-Axel Dominique, with whom she regularly worked including co-writing the 1973 Swedish Eurovision Songfestival entry You're Summer performed by Nova. Member of Solar Plexus. Member of Gals & Pals. Has also recorded as a solo artist and has collaborated with Carol Rogers, Monica Nielsen, her brother Palle, and others
July 20, 1938 ~ James Tigner Jr, commonly known as R&B, soul singer, drummer Jimmy Tig, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Recorded as a leader with various units, best known for Small Town Girl and A Love That Never Grows Cold, from the 1950s through the early-1970s. Would enjoy popularity particular in the Southern states. As a backing musician Tig has worked with a wide array of artists including James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, the Drifters, and Gladys Knight ~ Tigner passed away in 2007
July 20, 1938 ~ Pop singer, dancer, songwriter Jo-Ann Campbell born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Best known for her 1962 I'm The Girl From Wolverton Mountain single, an answer song to Claude King's Wolverton Mountain. Other charting singles include Motorcycle Michael and Mother Please (I'd Rather Do It Myself). Retired from music in 1964 after marrying producer Troy Seals
July 20, 1935 ~ Organist André Isoir born ~ Recorded over 50 albums. Acclaimed for his interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach's The Art Of The Fugue. Best known as head organist at Eglise St Medard church, a position he held from 1952 through 1967 ~ Isoir passed away in 2016
July 20, 1935 ~ Thomas Paulsley LaBeff, commonly known as rockabilly, rock & roll, blues, gospel, country singer, guitarist Sleepy LaBeef, born in Smackover, Arkansas, USA ~ Influenced by George Jones, Bill Monroe, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Elvis Presley. Earned the nickname “Sleepy” for his lazy eye. Actively recording since the mid-1950s, initially focusing on rockabilly with songs such as I'm Through. Best known for a number of late-1960s, early-1970s singles notably Every Day and Blackland Farmer. Would continue to record and tour extensively, at times playing up to 300 sets per year, well throughout the 2010s ~ LaBeff passed away in 2019
July 20, 1934 ~ Label executive, A&R scout, label founder, producer Bob Krasnow, full name Robert Alan Krasnow, born in Rochester, New York, USA ~ Associated with various labels including King Records, Blue Thumb Records, Loma Records, Elektra Records, Warner Bros Records, Asylum Records. Co-founder of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Discovered and signed Captain Beefheart, produced Beefheart's acclaimed 1967 Safe As Milk debut album. Krasnow was also helpful in advancing the careers of acts such as Ben Sidran, Gerry Rafferty, Hugh Masekela, the Pointer Sisters, Marc Bolan, Clifton Chenier, John Mayall, Chaka Khan, Funkadelic, Teddy Pendergrass, Womack & Womack, Public Image Ltd, and the Cure ~ Krasnow passed away in 2016
July 20, 1934 ~ Singer, mandolinist Ralph Rinzler, full name Ralph Carter Rinzler, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Key figure in the folk revival of the late-1950s and early-1960s, helpful in introducing a wide array of musicians to a wider audience. Best known as a member of bluegrass outfit the Greenbriar Boys, for whom he co-wrote Stewball. An in-demand sideman and collaborator, Rinzler has appeared on albums by Shirley Collins, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Doc Watson, Patrick Sky (Patrick Sky), and Joan Baez. Rinzler is also known as a curator for the Smithsonian Museum, and as co-founder of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival held annually in Washington DC since 1967 ~ Rinzler passed away in 1994
July 20, 1933 ~ Rock & roll singer Buddy Knox, full name Buddy Wayne Knox, born in Happy, Texas, USA ~ First singer of the rock and roll era to reach the top of the charts with a self-penned song, his Party Doll produced by Norman Petty hitting the No.1 spot in 1957. Subsequently, Knox would score several more hits through the early-1960s, most notably Hula Love and Lovey Dovey. Buddy Holly-drummer Jerry Allison would later state Knox's Party Doll had served as inspiration for his drumming on the Holly track Not Fade Away ~ Knox passed away in 1999
July 20, 1933 ~ Michelle Jacqueline Jeanne Fricault, commonly known as lyricist, songwriter Michelle Senlis, born in Montgeron, France ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs such as C'Est Un Jour A Naples for Dalida, Rachel for Juliette Gréco and Quatre Cents Enfants Noir for Christine Sevres. Others who recorded her songs include Edith Piaf, Leo Ferré, Marguerite Monnot, Jean Ferrat, Fabienne Thibeault, Hugues Aufray, Noëlle Cordier, Mireille Mathieu, Regine Zylberberg and Jacques Hustin ~ Senlis passed away in 2020
July 20, 1932 ~ Folk singer, banjoist, songwriter Iain Mackintosh born in Glasgow, UK ~ Inspired to take up the banjo after attending a Pete Seeger concert. Known for his self-deprecating wit Mackintosh was regarded as a vital exponent of the Scottish folk revival. Over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting in the early-1970s. Perhaps best known for penning Pawn Song, recorded with his first band the Islanders. Also a member of the Skerries, and the Other Half. Regularly backed artists such as Hamish Imlach, Gaberlunzie, and Watt Nicoll ~ Mackintosh passed away in 2006
July 20, 1928 ~ Jazz double bassist, engineer, producer Peter Ind born in Middlesex, UK ~ Played violin and piano through his teens, including professionally, before switching to bass. Ind had been active since the late-1940s, briefly serving in the house band on the luxury liner the Queen Mary, before relocating to New York altogether where he would work with Lee Konitz, Buddy Rich, Booker Ervin, Mal Waldron, Slim Gaillard, and notably mentor Lennie Tristano. By the mid-1950s, Ind had branched out into production and engineering, recording sessions by Zoot Sims, Gerry Mulligan, and Booker Little, founded his own recording studio, and pioneered overdubbing of jazz music, both for his own endeavours as well as freelancing for several labels. As a leader, co-leader, or solo performer, Ind has recorded over half a dozen albums, including notably Looking Out released in 1961. Ind returned to the UK by the mid-1960s, where he woulkd continue to perform, run several jazz clubs, and author two books, including Jazz Visiosn (Lennie Tristano And His Legacy), a memoir of his association with Tristano and the 1950s New York jazz scene ~ Ind passed away in 2021
July 20, 1927 ~ Composer, conductor Michael Gielen, full name Michael Andreas Gielen, born in Dresden, Germany ~ Closely associated with the Royal Swedish Opera. Premiered works by György Ligeti, Karlheinz Stockhausen and Bernd Alois Zimmermann. Has also worked with the Oper Frankfurt, the National Orchestra Of Belgium, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Gielen passed away in 2019
July 20, 1922 ~ Ernest Brooks Wilkins Jr, commonly known as jazz, swing saxophonist Ernie Wilkins, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Played violin and piano as a child before settling on the saxophone. Perhaps best known for his association with Count Basie, as an arranger playing a key role in the development of Basie's sound in the early-1950s. Wilkins has served as musical director for Cannonball Adderley, Dinah Washington, Oscar Peterson, and Buddy Rich, recorded over a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, including the acclaimed 1955 Flutes And Reeds album, and has worked in one capacity or another on albums by Paul Quinichette, Tubby Hayes, Kenny Clarke, Sarah Vaughan, Milt Jackson, Manny Albam (Jazz Workshop), Dizzy Gillespie, Big Joe Turner, Zoot Sims, Ray Charles, Maynard Ferguson, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Joe Newman, Eddie Lockjaw Davis (Trane Whistle), Ray Brown, Sam Jones (Down Home), King Curtis, and Charles McPherson ~ Wilkins passed away in 1999
July 20, 1919 ~ Bassist, upright bassist Arnold Fishkind, full name Arnold Aaron Fishkind, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Got his start in music in the mid-1930s, working with the likes of Bunny Berigan, Jack Teagarden, and Les Brown. After serving in the US Army during World War II, Fishkind would go on to become a versatile bassist most closely associated with technically brilliant improvisers such as Lee Konitz and Lennie Tristano. Fishkind has also appeared on albums by Stan Getz, Miles Davis, Billy Bauer (Let's Have A Session), Tony Aless, Ella Fitzgerald (Lullabies Of Birdland), Eartha Kitt (Down To Eartha), Coleman Hawkins, Maynard Ferguson, Miles Davis, Bobby Short, Enoch Light (Dimension 3), Guy Mitchell, and Peanuts Hucko ~ Fishkind passed away in 1999
July 20, 1917 ~ Country songwriter, singer Cindy Walker born in Mart, Texas, USA ~ In 1940, accompanying her parents on a business trip to Los Angeles, Walker visited the Bing Crosby Enterprises Building on an impulse to pitch her Lone Star Trail song. Crosby's brother Larry Crosby was impressed, and arranged a demo session at Paramount Studios. It would land Walker a recording contract, while Lone Star Trail became a top 10 hit for Bing Crosby. Walker went on to become a prolific songwriter, with over an estimated 600 songs to her name. She is especially known for her association with Bob Wills, who recorded some 50 of her songs including Bubbles In My Beer, one of Walker's best known. Other songs written or co-written by Walker include Cowboy Blues (Gene Autry), I Was Just Walking Out The Door (Sue Thompson, Tommy Duncan, Wynn Stewart), I Don't Care (Webb Pierce, Kitty Wells, Ricky Skaggs), You Don't Know Me (Eddy Arnold, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley), Distant Drums (Jim Reeves, Charley Pride, Tex Ritter), Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream) (Roy Orbison, the Marvelettes, Jerry Lee Lewis), In The Misty Moonlight (Jerry Wallace, Dean Martin, Hank Snow), and Gringo's Guitar (Perry Como, the Sons Of The Pioneers) ~ Walker passed away in 2006
July 20, 1907 ~ Singer, actor, bandleader Art Jarrett born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Prior to founding his orchestra in 1941 Jarrett has worked in the dance orchestras of Earl Burtnett, Ted Weems, Jimmie Noone, Red Nichols, and Isham Jones ~ Jarrett passed away in 1987
July 20, 1902 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Jimmy Kennedy born in Omagh, Ireland ~ Co-wrote over an estimated 2,000 songs, adding lyrics to traditional songs or collaborating on original songs by composers such as Michael Carr, Wilhelm Grosz, and Nat Simon. Well known songs include Red Sails In The Sunset (Lew Stone, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong), Did Your Mother Come From Ireland (Roy Fox, Rudy Vallée, Guy Lombardo), South Of The Border (Billy Cotton, Gene Autry, Frank Sinatra), Istanbul Not Constantinopel (the Four Lads, Joe Fingers Carr, Caterina Valente), Write To Me From Naples (Dean Martin, Elvis Presley) ~ Kennedy passed away in 1984
July 20, 1898 ~ Joseph Emmett Mainer, commonly known as old-time fiddler, banjoist JE Mainer, born in Weaverville, North Carolina, USA ~ Frontman and sole constant member of JE Mainer's Mountaineers, which initially also included his brother Wade Mainer. The band would rise to notoriety in the early-1930s playing on North Carolina and South Carolina radio stations, and record in various incarnations throughout the outbreak of World War II. Mainer would continue to record throughout the late-1940s. From 1967 until his death in 1971 hundreds of previously unreleased recordings would be released on Rural Rhythm Records ~ Mainer passed away in 1971