July 23, 2023 ~ Cantastorie, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Otello Profazio, full name Otello Ermanno Profazio, passed away in Reggio Calabria, Italy ~ Draws heavily from traditional folk of South Italy, especially Sicily and Calabria. Acclaimed for his 1964 Il Treno Del Sole album. Also known for the 1970s albums Il Brigante Musolino and Qua Si Campa D'Aria. Host of several TV music programs, notably Quando La Gente Canta aired on Secondo Canala ~ Profazio was born in 1934
July 23, 2023 ~ Eurodance, eurodisco singer Patty Ryan passed away in Germany ~ Best known for You're My Love You're My Life of her Love Is The Name Of The Game debut album released in 1987. Other well known songs include Stay With Me Tonight, I Don't Want To Lose You Tonight, and Ohne Zweifel ~ Ryan was born in 1961
July 23, 2023 ~ Singer, songwriter Raymond Froggatt, full name Raymond William Froggatt, passed away in Shrewsbury, UK ~ Spent most of the 1960s fronting the Buccaneers, later renamed to Monopoly and ultimately the Raymond Froggatt Band, starting in rock & roll and moving towards country as the decade progressed. Though chart success eluded them, others would find success with covers of his songs. Beat band the Dave Clark Five would reach UK top 10 with The Red Balloon, originally titled Callow-La-Vita, as would Cliff Richard with Big Ship. Australian singer Russell Morris would have a hit Australia and New Zealand with Rachel. Froggatt would go on to record well into the 2000s as a solo country singer, and is best known for his 1974 Rogues & Thieves album ~ Froggatt was born in 1941
July 23, 2021 ~ Rock, blues guitarist Wally Gonzalez passed away in Paranaque, Philippines ~ Leading figure in Pinoy rock, especially as co-founder of the Juan de la Cruz Band which at the height of its succes also included Mike Hanopol and Pepe Smith. The band is best known for Himig Nation of the 1973 landmark album of the same name. Has also recorded as a solo artist, notably Wally's Blues of his 1978 On The Road album, and was involved with a number of Pinoy bands from the 1990s forward serving as a mentor to numerous emerging talents ~ Gonzalez was born in 1949
July 23, 2014 ~ Guitarist Adolph Jacobs, also known as Al Jacobs, passed away ~ Best known as an original member of the Coasters. Also worked with Vernon Green, the Medallions, Johnny Guitar Watson, Larry Williams, Little Richard (on the 1972 Second Coming album), Will Dub Jones, Elliot Shavers, Don & Dewey, and Billy Lamont. Jacobs is also known as a songwriter, specifically remembered for co-writing Hurt with Jimmie Crane, a smash hit and signature song for Timi Yuro and covered by over 100 artists ~ Jacobs was born in 1939
July 23, 2011 ~ Singer Amy Winehouse passed away in Camden, UK ~ Singer, songwriter rooted in soul, jazz and blues with just two albums to her name, 2003's Frank and 2006's Back To Black, before an untimely death at 27 due to alcohol poisoning. Known for songs such as Stronger Than Me, Rehab, You Know I'm No Good, Back To Black, and Tears Dry On Their Own ~ Winehouse was born in 1983
July 23, 2011 ~ Singer, producer, label exec, songwriter Johnny Hoes, full name Johannes Andreas Hoes, passed away in Weert, the Netherlands ~ As a singer known best for Och Was Ik Maar Bij Moeder Thuis Gebleven, Sneeuwwitte Boezem, Daar Mag Je Alleen Naar Kijken, Vader Waar Is Moeder Gebleven and Waar We Heengaan (Jelle Zal Wel Zien), all of which reached top 10 between 1961 and 1967. Founded the Telstar label, for which Hoes discovered and produced acts such as de Alpenzusjes, Zangeres Zonder Naam, Eddy Wally, de Heikrekels, Normaal, Doe Maar, Henk Wijngaard, and others. Internationally best known for producing de Electronicas' 1980 hit single De Vogeltjesdans, a remake of a 1950 accordeon song Tchip Tchip. The song would go on to become a global hit, known in English as Chicken Dance, with an estimated 370 cover versions selling some 40 million copies globally ~ Hoes was born in 1917
July 23, 2009 ~ Daniel Hatton, commonly known as singer, guitarist Danny McBride, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Enjoyed regional popularity with the Cavaliers in the Boston area during the 1960s. Rose to national prominence as lead guitarist for Sha Na Na including on the TV show of the same name and in the 1978 film Grease. Has since worked as musician with various bands, as actor, as voice-over actor and published several humorous pieces for a variety of magazines ~ Hatton was born in 1945
July 23, 2004 ~ Virtuoso fado, classical guitarist, composer Carlos Paredes passed away in Lisbon, Portugal ~ Son of guitarist Artur Paredes. Dubbed “the man with the thousand fingers” and regarded as one of the all-time premier Portuguese guitarists. Imprisoned during the late-1950s for his membership of the Communist Party. Has collaborated with artists such as Fernando Gusmão, Amália Rodrigues, Cecilia de Melo, Manuel Alegre, António Victorino de Almeida, and Charlie Haden ~ Paredes was born in 1925
July 23, 2004 ~ Singer, actor Serge Reggiani passed away in Boulogne-Bilancourt, France ~ Best known as an actor performing in some 80 films and various stage plays since the mid-1940s. Member of the French Resistance during World War II. Ventured out into music by the mid-1960s aided by singer, actor Yves Montand to become one of the most acclaimed chanson singers known for songs such as Les Loups Sont Entres Dans Paris and Sarah ~ Reggiani was born in 1922
July 23, 2002 ~ Leonard Graham, commonly known as bop trumpeter Idrees Sulieman, passed away in St Petersburg, Florida, USA ~ Played with the Carolina Cotton Pickers, Earl Hines, Mercer Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Cab Calloway, John Coltrane, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Coleman Hawkins, Randy Weston, Oscar Dennard, Kenny Clarke, Howard McGhee, and others ~ Graham was born in 1923
July 23, 1999 ~ R&B, neo-soul, soul singer Macy Gray releases her I Try sophomore single, which would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Gray's most successful single, reaching top 10 in over half a dozen countries including her native America, her only Billboard Hot 100 charting single. I Try would also earn Gray a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Upon reviewing Gray's On How Life Is album, which included I Try, music magazine Q rated the album as a “confident, bluesy soul debut, with a lived-in sound, as if Rod Stewart were a girl.”
July 23, 1996 ~ Country, country pop singer, guitarist, pianist Danielle Bradbery, full name Danielle Simone Bradbery, born in League City, Texas, USA ~ Won the fourth edition of NBC's talent show The Voice in 2013, becoming the youngest winner. Would subsequently release her eponymous Danielle Bradbery debut album, spawning the Billboard Country top 20 hit The Heart Of Dixie single
July 23, 1993 ~ Blues guitarist, singer Otis Big Smokey Smothers passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Brother of Little Smokey Smothers. Member of Howlin' Wolf's backing band from the mid-1950s onwards including on pivotal recordings such as Who's Been Talking, Tell Me, Change My Way, Natchez Burning and I Asked For Water. Also worked with Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, Bo Diddley, Ike Turner, JT Brown, Freddie King, Johnny Jones, Little Walter, Willie Dixon, Johnny Wiliams, Lester Davenport, Arthur Big Boy Spires, Earl Hooker, and Henry Strong ~ Smothers was born in 1929
July 23, 1987 ~ Singer, actor, bandleader Art Jarrett passed away in Los Angeles, California, 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 was born in 1907
July 23, 1986 ~ Glam metal, pop metal outfit Bon Jovi release You Give Love A Bad Name, which would become the band's first Billboard Hot 100 No.1 ~ Polygram Records executive Derek Shulman had signed the band, seeing the drive and ambition of Jon Bon Jovi despite the fact that he “could only sing five notes and most of them out of tune”. Up to Slippery When Wet, the band's third studio album, they had enjoyed popularity in their native New Jersey, and had scored a modest hit with Runaway, peaking just inside the top 40 at No.39 Billboard Hot 100. To break through though, the band needed a little help, and Shulman brought in songwriter Desmond Child. The move worked out well, the album's first two singles You Give Love A Bad Name and Livin' On A Prayer would both reach No.1 Billboard Hot 100. Looking back on first working with singer Jon Bon Jovi and lead guitarist Richie Sambora, the band's two main songwriters, Child would later recall: “The very first day we got together we wrote You Give Love A Bad Name. Then a few weeks later we wrote Livin' On A Prayer. It was a magical collaboration and there was instant chemistry between us.” The album would reach the top position in over half a dozen countries, including eight weeks atop the American Billboard Hot 200 charts
July 23, 1985 ~ James Kern Kyser, commonly known as big band, swing, jazz bandleader, singer Kay Kyser, passed away in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity during the 1930 and 1940s as a big band bandleader and radio, TV, film personality including on his own NBC radio show Kay Kyser's Kollege Of Musical Knowledge which ran from 1939 through 1949. Known for songs such as Strip Polka, Three Little Fishies and It's All Up To You. Kyser and his band also featured in several films, usually as themselves, starting with 1949 That's Right You're Wrong. Kyser employed sidemen such as Harry Babbitt, Ish Kabibble, Ginny Simms, and singer Georgia Carroll whom Kyser would marry in 1945 ~ Kyser was born in 1905
July 23, 1984 ~ British pop group Wham release Careless Whisper, lifted off their Make It Big sophomore album ~ Lead singer George Michael was only 17 when he wrote this song. Michael would later claim that he got more compliments on his writing of the sax solo for the intro of Careless Whisper thatn on anything else he had ever written. The saxophone part was played by session musician Steve Gregory. Reportedly, ten different sax players tried to do the solo before Gregroy came up with the sound Michael was looking for. The song has been released as a single by Wham, reaching the No.1 spot in both the UK and America, as well as a later rendition by George Michael solo. Eventually the single would sell over 6 million copies. In later years, it has been notably covered by Brian McKnight, Seether, Kenny G, and Julio Iglesias
July 23, 1983 ~ Robert William Lane, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Tex Morton, passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Considered a pioneer of country music in New Zealand and Australia, his adopted homeland since the mid-1930s. Also recorded under the moniker the Yodelling Boundary Rider. Strongly influenced by Jimmie Rodgers's yodeling style. Well-known songs include All Set And Saddled, Freight Train Yodel, Mandrake, and My Sweetheart's In Love With A Swiss Mountaineer ~ Lane was born in 1916
July 23, 1980 ~ Keyboardist Keith Godchaux, full name Keith Richard Godchaux, passed away in Marin County, California, USA ~ Best known as pianist for the Grateful Dead from 1971 through 1979, singing lead vocals on Let Me Sing Your Blues Away. Has also worked with the Jerry Garcia Band. Married to singer Donna Jean Godchaux, with whom he also worked in the Dead. The couple also released their own somewhat overlooked Keith & Donna album in 1975, backed by Garcia, Spooky Tooth-bassist Chrissy Stewart and Wings-drummer Denny Seiwell ~ Godchaux was born in 1948
July 23, 1980 ~ Pop, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Tim Akkerman born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Founding member, lead singer of Di-rect, known for hits such as Inside My Head, She, Als Je Iets Kan Doen, Hungry For Love, Cool Without You and A Good Thing, all of which reached top 10 in the Netherlands. Akkerman left the band in 2009 to pursue a solo career and would be replaced by Marcel Veenendaal
July 23, 1979 ~ R&B, soul, gospel singer, actress Michelle Williams, full name Tenitra Michelle Williams, born in Rockford, Illinois, USA ~ Member of Destiny's Child, joining the band in 2000, first appearing on the 2001 Survivor album which spawned the hit singles Independent Women (Part I), Survivor, Bootylicious, Emotion, Nasty Girl. Also known as a solo artist, starting with the 2002 gospel album Heart To Yours
July 23, 1976 ~ Alternative rock, punk rock, rock & roll guitarist Tony Bevilacqua born ~ Member of the Distillers, best known for their 2003 Drain The Blood single. After the band disbanded Bevilacqua formed Spinnerette. Has also worked with Brody Dalle, Cold Showers, the Drips, Adam Freeland, Har Mar Superstar, the Soft Pack, La Sera, Jenny Lee Lindberg, Jack Name, Airspace, Karyyn, Tei Shi, and Darker My Love
July 23, 1973 ~ Country singer Barbara Mandrell releases The Midnight Oil, title track, fifth and final single off her sophomore album of the same name ~ Considered one of the first “cheating songs” sung by a female, The Midnight Oil tells of a woman lying to her husband about having to work late, hence the title, a reference to “burning the midnight oil”, so he won't find out she's having an affair. In a retrospective review, AllMusic would praise the song's glossy production, courtesy of the then-immensely successful producer Billy Sherrill, further stating the song, firmly rooted in the 1970s, is “among the best recordings Mandrell ever made”
July 23, 1973 ~ Pop, rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist Fran Healy, full name Francis Healy, born in Statford, UK ~ Lead singer, frontman, primary lyricist of Travis, best known for their 1999 album The Man Who and its follow-up The Invisible Band released in 2001. Well known songs include More Than Us, Driftwood, Why Does It Always Rain On Me, Coming Around, Sing, Re-offender and Closer. Has also worked with BNQT. Released his Wreckorder solo debut album in 2010, whch featured Paul McCartney on bass. Co-wrote the Killers' Here With Me of their 2012 Battle Born album
July 23, 1971 ~ Singer, fiddler Alison Krauss, full name Alison Maria Krauss, born in Decatur, Illinois, USA ~ Child prodigy. First recorded at age 14, backing her brother Viktor Kraus on the album Different Strokes. Singer and virtuoso bluegrass fiddler. Member of Union Station. Debuted as a solo artist with the 1987 album Too Late To Cy. Collaborated with Swamp Weiss, Jim Hoiles, John Pennell, the Cox Family, Shenandoah (earning Krauss her first Country top 10 hit on the collaboration Somewhere In The Vicinity Of The Heart), Suzy Bogguss, Kathy Mattea, Crosby Stills & Nash, Tommy Shaw, Jerry Douglas, Brad Paisley (Whiskey Lullabye), Robert Plant, Chris Vallillo, Dan Tyminski, John Waite, James Taylor, Natalie Macmaster, Silver Rail, T-Bone Burnett, Elvis Costello, Sting, and Nickel Creek
July 23, 1971 ~ Singer Dalvin Degrate born in Hampton, Virginia, USA ~ Member of R&B boy band Jodeci, alongside Joel JoJo Hailey, Cedric K-Ci Hailey and his brother DeVante Swing, known for 1990s songs such as Forever My Lady, Stay, Come & Talk To Me, Cry For U, Feenin', Freek'n You, Love U 4 Life and Get On Up. Would release his Met A Mor Phic solo album in 2000
July 23, 1969 ~ Kim Lamont Owens, commonly known as R&B, soul, jazz, neo soul singer, keyboardist, songwriter Kem, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Overcame addiction and homelessness to emerge as one of the finest R&B singers from the early-2000s, continuing in the tradition of quiet storm singers such as Smokey Robinson and Anita Baker. Self-financed his 2003 Kemistry debut album, and has recorded to critical acclaim and a growing fanbase since. Well known songs include Love Calls, I Can't Stop Loving You, Find Your Way (Back In My Life), Why Would You Stay, It's You, and Stuck On You. Had Stevie Wonder guest on his Album II sophomore album, Wonder playing the harmonica on You Might Win. Also notably collaborated with Ronald Isley, serving as featured vocalist on My Favorite Thing off of Isley's 2013 This Song Is For You album. Other notable associations include Chrisette Michele, Ledisi, Patti Labelle, and Toni Braxton
July 23, 1967 ~ Punk rock, pop punk drummer Joe Haggerty born ~ Known for his dense, energetic, and relentless drumming style. First gained attention as a member of Chicago punk outfit Bloodsport, known for their I Am The Game album released in 1985. Two years later, Haggerty would join a reformed version of the Effigies. When the band folded at the end of the decade, Haggerty co-founded Pegboy, with whom he record the albums Strong Reaction, Earwig, and Cha Cha Damore. Haggerty was also a member of punk rock supergroup the Nefarious Fat Cats, alongside his brother guitarist John Haggerty and Stiff Little Fingers frontman Jake Burn
July 23, 1965 ~ Saul Hudson, commonly known as Slash, born in Lafayette, Indiana, USA ~ Rose to fame as lead guitarist of rock, hard rock band Guns 'n Roses, remaining with the band through 1996 and especially acclaimed for his guitar play on Paradise City, Sweet Child O' Mine and Welcome To The Jungle. Fronted the side project Slash's Snakepit. Founded the rock supergroup Velvet Revolver, which also included Dave Kushner and Scott Weiland. Has released a number of solo albums, starting with the eponymous Slash in 2010. In-demand collaborator, notably appearing on Michael Jackson's Give In To Me and on Lenny Kravitz' Always On The Run. Has also worked with Band Of Gypsys, Carole King, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Alice Cooper, Derek Sherinian, and Rihanna
July 23, 1964 ~ Trumpeter, keyboardist Tim Kellett born in Knaresborough, UK ~ First gained attention as member of post-punk band Durutti Column, present on the 1984 Without Mercy album. Member of Simply Red from 1985 through 1991, present on some of the band's best known. Founded Olive with Robin Taylor Firth, known for the 1997 You're Not Alone hit single. Has also worked with Nate James, Ella Chi, Emma Bunton, Gareth Gates, Girls Aloud, Taio Cruz, James Morrison, and others
July 23, 1963 ~ Hip-hop, experimental rock, drum and bass drummer Yuval Gabay born in Jerusalem, Israel ~ Best known as a member of Soul Coughing. Also drummed on Firewater's 1998 debut album Get Off The Cross, and worked with UV Ray, Suzanne Vega, Krust, Roni Size, Reprazent, John Scofield, Neil Finn, Action Figure Party, Boo Trundle, Mark de Gil Antoni, and with Mono Puff
July 23, 1960 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Prince Robinson passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with the Blue Rhythm Orchestra, June Clark, Duke Ellington, Billy Fowler, Fletcher Henderson, Lionel Howard, Clara Smith, Elmer Snowden, Leon Abbey, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, Lil' Armstrong, Willie Bryant, Blanche Calloway, Roy Eldridge, Teddy Wilson, Billie Holiday, Lucky Millinder, Benny Morton, Claude Hopkins, Red Allen, Freddie Washington, and others ~ Robinson was born in 1902
July 23, 1959 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Alan Barnes born in Altrincham, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Tommy Chase, the Jazz Renegades, Gerard Presencer, Brian Lemon, Warren Vaché Jr, Ken Peplowski, Tony Coe, Clark Tracey, Charlie Watts, Selma Jones, Björk, Van Morrison, Bryan Ferry, and Jamie Cullum
July 23, 1959 ~ Rock, jazz, folk singer, bassist, guitarist Pedro Aznar born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Influenced by Jaco Pastorius. Member of influential rock supergroup Serú Girán alongside Charly García, David Lebón, Oscar Moro. Also known for his association with Pat Metheny, appearing on among others the acclaimed 1984 First Circle album. Has recorded as a solo artist with over a dozen albums to his name starting with the eponymous Pedro Aznar album released in 1982. Has also worked with Madre Atomica, ALAS, Enrique Pinti, Billy Bond & the Jets, and others
July 23, 1954 ~ Philip Burrell, commonly known as producer, label founder, label executive Philip Fatis Burrell, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Produced Sugar Minott's More Dogs To The Bone in 1984, founding his first label later the same year. Would go on to manage and produce some of the hottest reggae acts of the 1980s and 1990s, churning out records by Yellowman, Sanchez, Gregory Isaacs, Dean Fraser, Glen Ricks, Sly & Robbie, Luciano, Beres Hammond, Ninjaman, Ini Kamoze, Sizzla, and Tony Rebel ~ Burrell passed away in 2011
July 23, 1952 ~ Jazz, a cappella, pop singer Janis Siegel born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Member of the Manhattan Transfer, awarded a Grammy Award for her vocal arrangement on the Birdland track of their 1979 Extensions album. Siegel has also recorded as a solo artist starting in the early-1980s and guested on recordings by Jay McShann, Ilhan Mimaroglu, Richie Cole, Robert Kraft, Jeff Lorber, Jon Hendricks, Bobby McFerrin, Frank Colón, Lorraine Feather, Erich Kunzel, Spyro Gyra, Steve Hass, Nils Landgren, Cheryl Bentyne, Renee Rosnes, and others
July 23, 1950 ~ Guitarist, singer Blair Thornton, full name Blair Montgomery Thornton, born in Vancouver, Canada ~ Best known as member of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, joining the band in 1974 as replacement for Tim Bachman and remaining through 1979. First appeared on the Not Fragile album. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's best known songs including Givin' It All Away, Four Wheel Drive, Take It Like A Man, It's Over, Wild Spirit
July 23, 1949 ~ Pop, progressive rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Flavio Venturini born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil ~ Emerged in the 1970s along with artists such as Milton Nascimento, Lô Borges, Beto Guedes. Member of O Terco. Co-founding member of 14 Bis. Active as a solo artist since the early-1980s, known best for songs such as Princesa, Besame and Ceu De Santo Marco
July 23, 1946 ~ Rock, art rock, R&B, classical saxophonist, oboist Andy Mackay born in London, UK ~ Classically trained. Best known as member of Roxy Music, joining the band in 1971 only months after its inception. Co-wrote several of the band's best known songs including A Song For Europe, While My Heart Is Still Beating, Tara, Love Is The Drug and Angel Eyes. Has also recorded as a solo artist and sessioned for acts such as Duran Duran, Mott The Hoople, Paul McCartney, Godley & Creme, Tomoyasu Hotei, Arcadia, and notably with Brian Eno including on the 1974 Here Come The Warm Jets album
July 23, 1946 ~ Rock, blues rock, folk rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Edoardo Bennato born in Naples, Italy ~ Brother of singer Eugenio Bennato. Widely regarded as one of the most important Italian rockers. Actively recording since the early-1970s with some 30 albums to his name. Broke through to mainstream with his 1977 Burattino Sensa Fill album, a concept album based on the Pinocchio fairy tale. The album would become one of the most influential albums in Italian pop and rock. First Italian singer to perform at Montreux Jazz Festival in 1976. First Italian singer to fill the San Siro Stadium, Milan, performing for a crowd of 60,000 in 1980
July 23, 1946 ~ Blues, blues-rock, rock & roll, R&B bassist, guitarist, singer Keith Ferguson born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Best known as member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds from 1976 through 1985, present on the band's first four albums. Subsequently a member of the Tailgators. Has also worked with Sunnyland Special, Black Kangaroo, the Nightcrawlers alongside Stevie Ray Vaughan, with Rocky Hill, Carlos Santana (Havana Moon), the LeRoi Brothers, Mike Morgan, Jim Suhler, and others ~ Ferguson passed away in 1997
July 23, 1944 ~ Drummer Dino Danelli born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of Joey Dee & the Starliters. Best known as original drummer for the Young Rascals, later renamed the Rascals, remaining with the band through its initial disbandement. The band is known for Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as Groovin', A Girl Like You, How Can I Be Sure, A Beautiful Morning, and People Got To Be Free. After the band disbanded in 1972 Danelli formed Bulldog with bandmate Gene Cornish, recording two albums through 1975. Subsequently worked with Leslie West, Fotomaker, and Little Steven & the Disciples Of Soul ~ Danelli passed away in 2022
July 23, 1944 ~ Gerard Blondiot, commonly known as singer Lucky Blondo, born in Paris, France ~ Enjoyed popularity in his native France during the 1960s in the heyday of French rock. Well known songs include Sheila, Baby Face, Dix Petits Indiens, Sur Ton Visage Une Larme, and Des Roses Rouges Pour Un Ange. Blondo is one of the few French singers to have toured with the Jordanaires, a vocal group known for their association with Elvis Presley, performing on over two dozen dates with the vocal group in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1977. Bondo would subsequently record the Ce Vieux Cow Boy in Nashville before semi-retiring from music to pursue a career in advertising
July 23, 1943 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Tony Joe White born in Goodwill, Louisiana, USA ~ Critically acclaimed. Highly admired by peers. Wrote and first recorded Polk Salad Annie, a song perhaps most closely associated with Elvis Presley who would adopt it as a live favorite. Wrote and first recorded Rainy Night In Georgia, covered by over a hundred artists including Brook Benton, Ray Charles, and Randy Crawford. Wrote Undercover Agent For The Blues and Steamy Windows, both first recorded by and hits for Tina Turner in her comeback period in the mid-1980s ~ White passed away in 2018
July 23, 1942 ~ Soul singer Madeline Bell born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Sessioned for Dusty Springfield, Donna Summer, Joe Cocker and notably the Rolling Stones, providing backing vocals on the latter's You Can't Always Get What You Want. As a solo artist best known for a number of late-1960s singles, notably I'm Gonna Make You Love Me, Picture Me Gone and What Am I Supposed To Do. Member of the Bradford Singers, Blue Mink, Sphinx, and of French disco outfit Space
July 23, 1940 ~ Eddie Ray White, commonly known as country singer, guitarist Johnny Darrell, born in Hopewell, Alabama, USA ~ Perhaps best known for first recording the Curly Putman-penned Green Green Grass Of Home, which did not chart but would later notably be covered by over an estimated 250 artists including Porter Wagoner, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom Jones, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. Darrell did reach the Billboard Country top 10 with the Mel Tillis-penned single Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town in 1967, later notably recorded by Kenny Rogers, and with the Bobby Goldsboro-penned With Pen In Hand in 1968 ~ Darrell passed away in 1997
July 23, 1934 ~ Saxophonist, composer Steve Lacy born in New York, New York, USA ~ Not to be confused with producer, instrumentalist Steve Lacy. Regarded as one of the most important soprano saxophonists. Lacy began his career working with much older musicians including Red Allen, Pee Wee Russell, Pops Foster, Zutty Singleton. He has also played and recorded with Buck Clayton, Dicky Wells, Jimmy Rushing, Cecil Taylor, Gil Evans, Kenny Drew, Enrico Rava, Johnny Dyani, Louis Moholo, his wife singer and violinist Irene Aebi, Steve Potts, Bobby Few, Jean Jacques Avenel, Oliver Johnson, Eric Watson, Cecil Taylor, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Carla Bley, the Jazz Composers Orchestra, Gary Burton, and Alan Silva ~ Lacy passed away in 2004
July 23, 1934 ~ Jazz pianist Tony Lee, full name Anthony Leedham Lee, born in Whitechapel, UK ~ Worked with Tommy Whittle, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, Barney Kessel, Sonny Stitt, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Terry Smith, Tubby Hayes, Dick Morrisey, Phil Seamen, Eddie Gomez, Tony Archer, Jack Parnell, Kenny Baker, Don Lusher, Betty Smith, and others ~ Lee passed away in 2004
July 23, 1930 ~ Jazz saxophonist Richie Kamuca born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Though lesser known than his contemporaries, Kamuca was one of several acclaimed Lester Young-influenced saxophonists active on the West Coast scene held in the highest regards by his peers. First gained attention as a soloist with the big bands of Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. Especially acclaimed for Tenors Head-On released in 1956, a collaborative album with fellow tenor saxophonist Bill Perkins. An in-demand sideman, Kamuca has appeared on albums by the Lighthouse All-Stars, Chet Baker, Manny Albam, Stan Levey, Nat Pierce (Kansas City Memories), Dempsey Wright, Bill Holman, Anita O'Day (Sings The Winners), Shorty Rogers, Herb Ellis (Nothing But The Blues), Buddy Bregman, Cy Touff, Annie Ross, Shelly Manne, Terry Gibbs, Betty Carter, Zoot Sims (Suitably Zoot), Kenny Burrell, Lee Konitz, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Frank Capp, and Ernestine Anderson. Kamuca remained active until his death of cancer, one day short of his 47th birthday ~ Kamuca passed away in 1977
July 23, 1928 ~ Conductor, double bassist, bass guitarist, composer Bill Lee, full name William James Edwards Lee III, born in Snow Hill, Alabama, USA ~ Father of filmmaker Spike Lee, has also composed the scores for several of his son's films. Has worked with Chris Anderson, Harry Belafonte, Chad Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Aretha Franklin, Odetta, Simon & Garfunkel, Ian & Sylvia, Tom Rush, Burt Bacharach, Peter Paul & Mary, Arlo Guthrie, Tom Paxton, Carolyn Hester, John Lee Hooker, Josh White, Duke Ellington, Malvina Reynolds, Eric Bibb, the Clancy Brothers, and Bob Dylan. Notably, Lee is the only other musician on Dylan's It's All Over Now Baby Blue, widely considered a classic ~ Lee passed away in 2023
July 23, 1923 ~ Producer, songwriter, label executive Ahmet Ertegun born in Istanbul, Turkey ~ Co-founded, along with Herb Abramson, of Atlantic Records in the late-1940s. The label would prove pivotal in the developement of R&B and soul. Helped advance the careers of artists including Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, the Clovers, the Drifters, the Coasters, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Ben E King. By the late-1960s, early-1970s the label would expand into rock and pop, including artists such as Crosby Stills & Nash, Led Zeppelin, and Yes in its stable ~ Ertegun passed away in 2006
July 23, 1920 ~ Fado singer, actress Amália Rodrigues, full name Amália da Piedade Rebordão Rodrigues, born in Lisbon, Portugal ~ Known as “the Queen of Fado”. Popularized fado worldwide. All-time best-selling Portuguese artist ~ Rodrigues passed away in 1999
July 23, 1919 ~ James Forbes Chapin, commonly known as jazz drummer, teacher, author Jim Chapin, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Did not begin playing the drums until he was 18 years old, after being inspired by iconic jazz drummer Gene Krupa. Spent two decades serving in bands led by the likes of Glen Gray, Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey. Authored the drum instruction standard Advanced Techniques For The Modern Drummer published in 1948. The manual is considered the definitive study on coordinated independence for jazz drummers, and Chapin used to carry a pair of drumsticks with him at all times just in case someone would ask him to demonstrate any pattern from the book. Has taught Peter Criss after Criss left Kiss in the early-1980s. Fathered ten children including singers Harry Chapin, Tom Chapin, and Steve Chapin ~ Chapin passed away in 2009
July 23, 1917 ~ Eva Alaine Overstake, commonly known as country singer, guitarist Judy Martin, born in Decatur, Illinois, USA ~ First sang at Salvation Army gatherings with her elder sisters, the trio becoming regulars on WLS Chicago radio shows by the early-1930s where they worked with Gene Autry, the Hoosier Hot Shots, and Judy's future husband Red Foley. In 1934, at age 16, Overstake married Foley, with whom she would have three daughters including singer Debby Boone. She notably collaborated with her husband on the late-1940s duets Our Christmas Waltz, Let's Go To Church (Next Sunday Morning), and Remember Me (When The Candle Lights Are Gleaming), and released several recordings as a solo singer. At age 34, Overstake took her own life by overdosing on sleeping pills, the reasons for her suicide were never made public ~ Overstake passed away in 1951
July 23, 1916 ~ William Jennings Bryan Weber, commonly known as composer Ben Weber, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ One of the first to embrace the 12-tone techniques of Arnold Schoenberg. Rose to prominence in the 1950s. Known for his Violin Concerto, Prelude And Passacaglia Op.42, and his 1961 Piano Concerto. Counted renowned composers such as Aaron Copland, John Cage, and Milton Babbitt among his fans ~ Weber passed away in 1979
July 23, 1914 ~ Singer, songwriter, author, poet, playwright Alf Prøysen born in Ringsaker, Norway ~ As a singer active since the late-1940s and known for songs such as Tango For To, Lillebrors Vise, Du Ska Tå En Dag I Mårå, Jukveldsvis, Jorgen Hattemaker, Musevisa and Romjulsdrøm. Considered a cultural icon for his contributions to literature, children's books, theatre, TV, radio, film. ~ Prøysen passed away in 1970
July 23, 1901 ~ Dr Cobie Walsh, commonly known as banjoist, bandleader Dock Walsh, born in Lewis Fork, North Carolina, USA ~ Dubbed “the Banjo King of Carolinas” and best known for founding and fronting old time string band the Carolina Tar Heels, active from the late-1920s through the early-1930s. Walsh was one of the first to use a three-finger playing style ~ Walsh passed away in 1967
July 23, 1832 ~ Violinist, conductor Adolf Pollitzer born in Pest, Hungary ~ An interpreter of classic chamber music, Pollitzer was regarded as one of the premier violinists of his day. After relocating to London, the UK, Pollitzer would serve as leader with the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Choral Society. Served as the first professor of violin at the London Academy of Music from its inception in 1861 through 1870, and subsequently as its Principal until his death in 1900. Harold Bauer and Edward Elgar were among his students ~ Pollitzer passed away in 1900
July 23, 1757 ~ Baroque, classical composer Domenico Scarlatti, full name Giuseppe Domenico Scarlatti, passed away in Madrid, Spain ~ Son of composer Alessandro Scarlatti. Influenced Béla Bartók, Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Claude Debussy, Vladimir Horowitz, Dmitri Shostakovich, and others. Best known for his keyboard sonatas, having written over 500 of them ~ Scarlatti was born in 1685