July 27, 2024 ~ Bassist, producer Pat Collier passed away ~ Member of punk outfit the Vibrators, present on the albums Pure Mania and V2. Although at the time, their records sold poorly, the band is critically acclaimed and regarded as one of the more influential 1970s punk outfits. They are best remembered for Automatic Lover off their 1977 debut album, the single their only one to reach the UK top 40, peaking at No.35. Punk outfit Stiff Little Fingers would take their band name from the Vibrators song of the same title. From the 1980s onwards, Collier would establish himself as an engineer, and producer, noted especially for producing the Soft Boys' 1980 sophomore album Underwater Moonlight, and for his work with Robyn Hitchcock. To more mainstream audiences, Collier is perhaps best known for producing the 1983 album Walking On Sunshine for Katrina & the Waves, its title track Walking On Sunshine a top 10 hit in several countries including the USA and the UK ~ Collier was born ca.1951
July 27, 2023 ~ Pop singer, actress Bea van der Maat, full name Béatrice Marguerite van der Maat, passed away ~ Fronted Won Ton Ton, known for their 1988 I Lie And I Cheat hit single. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing her Thin-Skinned debut album in 1988, guested with the LSP Band and the Belpop Bastards, ventured into acting, and hosted several TV shows ~ Van der Maat was born in 1960
July 27, 2023 ~ Concert pianist, teacher Ruth W Greenfield, full name Ruth Miriam Wolkowsky Greenfield, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Broke racial barriers, bringing together black and white students, taught by black and white teachers. Studied composition with Nadia Boulanger. Best known for founding the Fine Arts Conservatory. Also taught at Miami Dade College ~ Greenfield was born in 1923
July 27, 2022 ~ Javorius Tykies Scott, commonly known as hip-hop, gangsta rap, mumble rap, trap rapper, singer, songwriter JayDaYoungan, passed away 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 was born in 1998
July 27, 2022 ~ John Denver Hore, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter John Grenell, passed away in Christchurch, New Zealand ~ Arguably New Zealand's best known country singer, graced with a voice often described as velvet, with well over a dozen albums to his name starting in the mid-1960s. First gained serious attention with his 1965 sophomore album Encore John Hore. Recorded actively through the mid-1970s, resurging in the late-1980s. Internationally best known for his acclaimed 1995 release Windstar Aotearoa ~ Hore was born in 1944
July 27, 2022 ~ Folk, traditional Irish singer, banjoist, mandolinist, guitarist, songwriter Mick Moloney passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Best known as co-founder, leader of the Green Fields Of America, an ensemble of American musicians promoting and performing Irish music. The band is especially acclaimed for their 1989 Live In Concert album. Moloney is also known as author of Far From The Shamrock Shore (The Story Of Irish-American History Through Song), published in 2002 ~ Moloney was born in 1944
July 27, 2022 ~ Alexander William Roberton, commonly known as label executive, music publisher, producer Sandy Roberton passed away ~ Member of several pop, beat groups before venturing into music production and publishing. As a producer first gained attention working with UK pop band the Chocolate Watch Band featuring Gary Osborne. Ran several of Chess Records' UK subsidiaries including Arc Music, Regent Music and Jewel Music before forming his own company September Productions. Noted for producing the first three Steeleye Span albums, Hark (The Village Wait), Please To See The King and Ten Man Mop (Or Mr Reservoir Butler Rides Again). Also worked with acts such as the Liverpool Scene, Iain Matthews, Decameron, Shirley Collins, Plainsong, John Martyn, and others. Roberton also formed Rockburgh Records and Worlds End Producer Management Company ~ Roberton was born ca.1942
July 27, 2021 ~ Singer, actor Gianni Nazzaro passed away ~ Recorded some 50-odd singles, mostly covers, from 1965 through 1968 going by the moniker Buddy before reverting to his given name. Best known for Solo Noi released in 1968 and Me Chiammi Ammore released in 1970. Would continue to chart regularly throughout the decade before slowing down in the 1980s ~ Nazzaro was born in 1948
July 27, 2017 ~ Samuel Shepard Rogers IIII, coommonly known as actor, playwright, songwriter, drummer Sam Shepard, passed away in Midway, Kentucky, USA ~ Acclaimed as playwright and actor. Has also drummed with the Holy Modal Rounders, appearing on the Indian War Whoop and The Moray Eels Eat The Holy Modal Rounders albums. Once romantically involved with then-unknown singer Patti Smith, the duo co-writing the stage 1971 play Cowboy Mouth loosely inspired by their love relationship earning Smith her first serious exposure ~ Shepard was born in 1943
July 27, 2016 ~ Traditional pop, doo-wop tenor singer Pat Barrett passed away ~ Member of Canadian vocal quartet the Crew Cuts, known for their mid-1950s string of hits including Sh'boom, Earth Angel, Ko-ko-mo I Love You So, Angels In The Sky and Gum Drop ~ Barrett was born in 1933
July 27, 2016 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Pat Upton passed away in Geraldine, Alabama, USA ~ Lead singer, guitarist, main songwriter for Spiral Starecase, known for songs such as Baby What I Mean, No One For Me To Turn To, and More Today Than Yesterday, the latter later also recorded by Sonny & Cher, Diana Ross, Goldfinger, Andy Williams, Lena Horne, and Patti Austin ~ Upton was born in 1940
July 27, 2013 ~ Bolero singer, guitarist, songwriter Julito Rodríguez, full name Julito Rodríguez Reyes, passed away in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico ~ Active since the late-1940s. Member of Los Romanceros achieving national fame. Became internationally known after joining the trio Los Panchos in 1952, for whom he wrote the classic Mar Y Cielo. Left the band in 1958 to be succeeded by Johnny Albino. Would subsequently work with Trio Los Primos, the first Puerto Rican group to perform at Radio City Music Hall in New York, and with Los Tres Grandes alongside Tato Diaz and Miguel Alcaide ~ Rodríguez was born in 1925
July 27, 2013 ~ Journalist, author, singer Mick Farren, full name Michael Anthony Farren, passed away in London, UK ~ Counterculture, UK underground figure. Known for a number of 1950s recordings with proto-punk band the Deviants, such as You've Got To Hold On, and a number of 1970s recordings. most of them solo, including Play With Fire, Half Price Drinks and Broken Statue. Has collaborated with MC5's Wayne Kramer, co-wrote Hawkwind's Lost Johnny and Motörhead's Keep Us On The Road and Damage Case with Lemmy Kilmister. Wrote two dozen novels and a number of non-fiction works including four Elvis Presley biographies. As a journalist and music critic worked for the International Times, New Musical Express and the Los Angeles CityBeat ~ Farren was born in 1943
July 27, 2012 ~ Pop, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Darryl Cotton, full name Darryl Grant Cotton, passed away in Melbourne, Australia ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of Zoot, known for songs such as 1 x 2 x 3 x 4, Monty And Me, Evil Child and perhaps their best known Eleanor Rigby. The latter, a hard rock cover of the Beatles song, would reach top 10 in the band's native Australia. After the band disbanded in the early-1970s Cotton would form the duo Darryl & Beeb with bandmate Beeb Birtles, soon renamed to Frieze. Has also recorded as a solo artist, notably scoring the 1980 hit Same Old Girl. Teamed up with Ronnie Burns and Russell Morris, forming the trio Burns Cotton & Morris in the 1990s ~ Cotton was born in 1949
July 27, 2009 ~ Jazz pianist George Russell, full name George Allen Russell, passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Though Russell started out on drums, he would become best known as a pianist active since the 1950s. As a composer, Russell is known for Ezz-Thetic, recorded by Lee Konitz, Max Roach, and Grant Green, and for Stratusphunk, recorded by Hal McKusick, and JJ Johnson. As a leader, Russell recorded some two dozen albums, and is especially acclaimed for three consecutive albums released in the early-1960s, Ezz-Thetics, The Stratus Seekers, and The Outer View. Though primarily a leader, arranger, and composer, Russell did on occasion serve as a sideman, notably on albums by Lucy Reed, Sheila Jordan (Portrait Of Sheila), and Gil Evans ~ Russell was born in 1923
July 27, 2008 ~ Heavy metal drummer Graeme Crallan, also known as Crash Crallan, passed away in Hampstead, UK ~ Co-founded White Spirit, which also included guitarist Janick Gers of future Iron Maiden fame. Though the band's sole album, the eponymous White Spirit released in 1980, was critically acclaimed it sold poorly and the band would split up the next year. Crallan would subsequently briefly work with Tank, appearing on the band's 1984 Honour & Blood album before departing the band. Crallan passed away at age 50 after sustaining injuries in a fall in the streets of London ~ Crallan was born in 1958
July 27, 2007 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Lawton Williams passed away in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Penned Fraulein, a hit for Bobby Helms in 1957. Also wrote Hank Locklin's Paper Face and Geisha Girl, Jim Reeves' Senor Santa Claus, Floyd Tillman's It Just Tears Me Up, and Bobby Bare's Shame On Me. As a singer known for just two charting singles, Anywhere There's People and Everything's OK On The LBJ ~ Williams was born in 1922
July 27, 2001 ~ Hard bop, post bop saxophonist Harold Land, full name Harold De Vance Land, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by John Coltrane. Worked with Clifford Brown, Max Roach, Curtis Counce, Bobby Hutcherson, Blue Mitchell, Red Mitchell, Cedar Walton, Buster Williams, Billy Higgins, Curtis Fuller, Jimmy Bond, Roy Ayers, Dolo Coker, Victor Feldman, Herb Geller, Chico Hamilton, Hampton Hawes, Al Hibbler, Elmo Hope, Freddie Hubbard, Carmell Jones, Thelonious Monk, Donald Byrd, Dinah Washington, Gerald Wilson, and others ~ Land was born in 1928
July 27, 1999 ~ Trumpeter Harry Sweets Edison passed away in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his tenure in Count Basie's orchestra, working alongside Buck Clayton, Lester Young (who named him “Sweets”), Buddy Tate, and Freddie Green. Has also worked with the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Lucky Millinder, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Harry Belafonte, Louie Bellson, Bob Brookmeyer, Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Milt Jackson, the Pointer Sisters, BB King, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Carole King, and Ella Fitzgerald ~ Edison was born in 1915
July 27, 1995 ~ Singer Ariel Moore, full name Ariel Alexis Moore, born ~ Member of girl group the Clique Girlz, known for the singles Then I Woke Up and Smile. The group disbanded in 2009 after the departure of Sara Diamond
July 27, 1990 ~ Robert James Byrd, commonly known as R&B, soul, pop, rock & roll singer, songwriter Bobby Day, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his 1958 hit Rockin' Robin. Other well known songs include Over And Over and Little Biitty Pretty One. Member of the Hollywood Flames. Formed the duo Bob & Earl with Flames-bandmate Earl Nelson ~ Byrd was born in 1930
July 27, 1986 ~ Jazz saxophonist Henry Bridges passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Started in territory bands working with artists such as Don Byas and Charlie Christian. Would go on to work with Alphonso Trent, Anna Mae Winburn, Leslie Sheffield, Harlan Leonard, and others. Following a stint in the US Army during World War II would work through the early-1960s, collaborating with the likes of Julia Lee, Clifford Blivens, Peppy Prince, Helen Humes, and Damita Jo ~ Bridges was born in 1915
July 27, 1985 ~ Adolph Robert Thornton Jr, commonly known as hip-hop, gangsta rap rapper Young Dolph, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ First gained serious attention as featured vocalist on OT Genasis's Cut It, a Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hit in 2015. Would release his solo debut album, King Of Memphis, the following year. As a solo artist best known for his 2020 album Rich Slave which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 200 album charts. Has collaborated with Key Glock, Gucci Mane, Lil' Durk, and Lil' Baby ~ Thornton passed away in 2021
July 27, 1981 ~ Singer, guitarist Bert Ostyn born in Kortrijk, Belgium ~ Founded Absynthe Minded in 1999, initially a one-man band which eventually grew into a full fledged band. They are known for the albums A New Day, As It Ever Was and their eponymous 2009 Absynthe Minded album. Ostyn has also composed for the film Turquaze and the TV series Bevergem. Ostyn released his No South Of The South Pole solo debut album in 2015
July 27, 1981 ~ Pop rock group U2 release Fire, lead single off their October sophomore album ~ Though it was the band's first single to reach top 10 in their native Ireland, and their first to chart in the UK, where it peaked at No.35, the band had later called it one of their least favorite songs. The song would also be their first ever performed on the British TV show Top Of The Pops, a performance of which singer Bono would later recall in his autobiography: “I moved like a bad puppet, a jack-in-the-box with a look of constant surprise etched on my face”
July 27, 1978 ~ Progressive rock, progressive metal bassist Kristoffer Gildenlöw born in Eskilstuna, Sweden ~ Best known as member of Pain Of Salvation. Has also recorded as a solo artist as well as with artists such as Arcana, Cirrha Nova, Lana Lane, Dial, Skytha, Dark Suns, Harmony, Omnia, Shadow Theory, Damian Wilson, For All We Know, the Consortium Project, Niels Vejlyt, Epysode, Renaissance Of Fools, Mr Fastfinger, Kayak, Breaking The Chains, Semantic Saturation, Melanie Mau, Martin Schnella, Shandon Sahm, and others
July 27, 1977 ~ Bassist, singer Daniel Andriano born in Elgin, Illinois, USA ~ Bassist, co-lead singer of the Alkaline Trio, joining the band in 1997, known for songs such as We've Had Enough, Time To Waste and Help Me. Has also recorded as a solo artist as well as with Slapstick, Tuesday, the Falcon, Ben Weasel, New Found Glory, Stephen Egerton, and with rock supergroup the Damned Things on their 2019 High Crimes alum
July 27, 1977 ~ Swing, jazz, fusion pianist, organist Milt Buckner, full name Milton Brent Buckner, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Known for his lively, animated stage presence, credited with pioneering the parallel-chords style which would prove influential on the likes of Red Garland, George Shearing, and Oscar Peterson, and with popularizing the Hammond organ in the 1950s. Brother of saxophonist Ted Buckner. Early on in his career, Buckner worked with Don Cox, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, and Cab Calloway. Rose to fame in the 1930s, serving as staff arranger for Lionel Hampton, his feel for rocking rhythms and boogie-woogie fit complementing Hampton's style. Buckner would go on to back Herbie Fields, Wynonie Harris, including on the hit Hey-Ba-Ba-Re-Bop, Rufus Thomas, and Mabel Scott. Buckner has recorded prolifically as a leader since the early-1950s, and is especially acclaimed for the albums Rockin' With Milt and Rockin' Hammond. Buckner would remain in demand, and enjoyed unprecedented success during the final decade of his career from the mid-1960s on, frequently collaborating with Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Buck Clayton, Joe Newman, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Illinois Jacquet, and Big Joe Turner, dying unexpectedly at age 62 of a heart attack three weeks after his last concert ~ Buckner was born in 1915
July 27, 1975 ~ Philip Bradford Barr, commonly known as avant-garde, indie rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Brad Barr, born in Providence, Rhode Island, USA ~ Member of the Barr Brothers, which also included his brother Andrew Barr, best known for their 2017 Queens Of The Breakers album. The siblings also worked together in avant-rock group the Slip and electro-folk outfit Surprise Me Mr Davis. Barr has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for his 2008 The Fall Apartment (Instrumental Guitar) album, and has guested on albums by Dan Rockett, Sonya Kitchell (This Storm), Jade McNelis, Plants And Animals, Sophie Hunger, Patrick Watson, Marco Benevento, Little Scream, Morcheeba, and Gracie Abrams
July 27, 1974 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, pop punk, folk rock, emo guitarist, singer Fred Mascherino, full name Frederick Paul Mascherino, born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as lead guitarist, co-lead singer of alternative rock band Taking Back Sunday, joining the band in 2003 as replacement for John Nolan. Has also worked with the Color Fred, the Terrible Things, the Lemonheads, Brody, Breaking Pangaea, Say Anything, and others
July 27, 1974 ~ Otis Verries Hicks, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Lightnin' Slim, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Lesser-known of the 1950s bluesmen, yet critically held on par with the likes of peers Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf and Sonny Boy Williamson II. Known for songs such as Farming Blues, It's Mighty Crazy, and Bad Luck Blues ~ Hicks was born in 1913
July 27, 1974 ~ Gospel, urban contemporary gospel singer, keyboardist, songwriter Myron Butler, full name Myron Demond Butler, born in Bradenton, Florida, USA ~ Leads the gospel choir Levi, best known for their 2005 Set Me Free debut album and its 2007 follow-up Stronger. Has also backed singers such as Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Smokie Norful, Donald Lawrence and Yolanda Adams
July 27, 1974 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, indie folk singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, pianist, songwriter Pete Yorn, full name Peter Joseph Yorn, born in Pompton Plains, New York, USA ~ Rose to prominence with his acclaimed 2001 Musicforthemorningafter debut album. Known for songs such as Life On A Chain, Strange Condition, Come Back Home and Crystal Village. Has opened for Coldplay. Has collaborated with REM's Peter Buck, Guided By Voices, Scarlett Johansson, and others
July 27, 1973 ~ Metal drummer Abe Cunningham, full name Abraham Benjamin Cunningham, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Influenced by the Police drummer Stewart Copeland, Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell and by Cream drummer Ginger Baker. Longtime drummer of alternative metal outfit the Deftones, with whom he recorded close to a dozen albums since the mid-1990s. The band is known especially for their 1997 Around The Fur sophomore album and its highly acclaimed White Pony released in 2000. The band is considered one of the prime progenitors of the nu-metal movement, known for their experimental nature, with Cunningham's frantic rhythms providing a key element of the band's sound. Cunningham has been praised as a drummer “whose abilities stretch further than most metal-scene sticksmen”
July 27, 1973 ~ R&B percussionist, singer Roger Durham passed away ~ Co-founding member of Bloodstone, with whom he recorded three albums until his untimely death. Present on the band's best known, Natural High, Never Let You Go, and Outside Woman, all of which reached top 10 Billboard R&B. Durham died at age 26 from internal injuries after being thrown from a horse. The band continued to record well into the 1980s, but was unable to repeat their earlier success ~ Durham was born in 1946
July 27, 1972 ~ Singer, keyboardist, actress Maya Rudolph born in Gainesville, Florida, USA ~ Musically first drew attention in the mid-1990s as a member of the Rentals. Regular contributor to Saturday Night Live from 2000 to 2007. Works mainly as a film and television actress
July 27, 1969 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Edward Simon born in Punta Cardon, Venezuela ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Greg Osby, Bobby Watson, Horizon, Terence Blanchard, Herbie Mann, Paquito d'Rivera, Bobby Hutcherson, Jerry González, John Patitucci, Arturo Sandoval, Manny Oquendo, Don Byron, Horacio Hernandez, the Ensemble Venezuela, the Afinidad Quartet, Larry Grenadier, Avishai Cohen, Brian Blade, Milton Cardona, Shane Endsley, Alan Ferber, Craig Handy, Diego Urcola, Adam Cruz, Luia Pulido, and others
July 27, 1969 ~ House, techno, progressive house DJ, producer, remixer Timo Maas born in Bückeburg, West Germany ~ First gained attention remixing Azzido Da Bass' Dooms Night single in 2000. Resident DJ at Ibiza's famed DC10 nightclub. Released his Loud in 2002. Has remixed for Depeche Mode, Fatboy Slim, Jamiroquai, Moloko, Muse, and others
July 27, 1967 ~ Jazz guitarist Hans Mathisen born in Sandeford, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Brother of bassist Per Mathisen, guitarist Nils Mathisen, and of saxophonist Ole Mathisen. Hans was influenced by Pat Metheny and Wes Montgomery. Worked with Quarternion, Brinck Johnson, Halvard Kausland, Kare Conradi, Johannes Eick, Per Oddvar Johansen, Gary Husband, Espen Rud, Jens Fossum, Kjell Karlsen, and others
July 27, 1967 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Juliana Hatfield born in Wiscasset, Maine, USA ~ Influenced by X, Olivia Newton-John, and the Police. Best known for fronting the Juliana Hatfield Three, which also included bassist Dean Fisher and drummer Todd Phillips. The trio is best known for the album Become What You Are which included the single My Sister. Formed the duo the Minor Alps with Nada Surf-guitarist Matthew Caws. Collaborated with Paul Westerberg under the group moniker the I Don't Cares. Worked with the Lemonheads, present on the early-1990s albums It's A Shame About Ray and Come On Feel The Lemonheads. Has also worked with the Blake Babies, Some Girls, and recorded as a solo artist
July 27, 1964 ~ Heavy metal, groove metal, rock bassist Rex Brown, full name Rex Robert Brown, born in Graham, Texas, USA ~ Best known as bassist of Pantera from 1982 through 2003, notably present on songs such as Floods, Walk and 5 Minutes Alone. Has also worked with Down, Kill Devil Hill, Crowbar, Rebel Meets Rebel, Jerry Cantrell, Cavalera Conspiracy, and others
July 27, 1963 ~ Bassist Karl Mueller born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Bass guitarist, co-founding member of Soul Asylum. In 2006 Soul Asylum released Silver Lining, containing Muller's last work before his untimely death in 2005 ~ Mueller passed away in 2005
July 27, 1963 ~ Jazz singer Karrin Allyson born in Great Bend, Kansas, USA ~ Classically trained pianist. Member of Tomboy. Sings in several langages and just about every genre including bossa nova, blues, bebop, samba, jazz standards, pop standards, ballads, soft rock, folk rock, and others
July 27, 1960 ~ Pianist Conway Savage born in Victoria, Australia ~ Best known as keyboardist, organist, backing singer of Nick Cave's backing unit the Bad Seeds from 1990 onwards including on the quintessential Cave albums Murder Ballads, The Boatman's Call and on No More Shall We Part. Previously a member of the Happy Ophans, the Scrap Museum, and of country band the Feral Dinosaurs. Also worked with Kim Salmon, Dave Graney, David McComb, Spencer P Jones, Robert Forster, Martyn P Casey, Mick Harvey, Suzy Higgi, and Charlie Owen ~ Savage passed away in 2018
July 27, 1960 ~ Jazz saxophonist Jean Toussaint born in St Thomas, Virgin Islands ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Wallace Roney, the Jazz Messengers, Steve Williamson, Courtney Pine, Julian Joseph, Jason Rebello, Cleveland Watkiss, McCoy Tyner, Gil Evans, Kirk Lightsey, Cedar Walton, Max Roach, Horace Silver, Jeff Tain-Watts, Lionel Loueke, and others
July 27, 1958 ~ Organist, harpsichordist, conductor Christopher Jackson, full name Christopher Donald Jackson, born in Halifax, Canada ~ Closely associated with Studio De Musique Ancienne De Montreal. Noted for conducting the ensemble on the 1998 Heavenly Spheres album, consisting of 15h, 16th century choral compositions ~ Jackson passed away in 2015
July 27, 1958 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter John Gorka born in Colonia, New Jersey, USA ~ Dubbed “the preeminent male singer-songwriter of what has been dubbed the New Folk Movement” by Rolling Stone magazine. Formed the Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band with Doug Anderson, Russ Rentler and Richard Shindell. Member of folk supergroup Red Horse, alongside Lucy Kaplanski and Eliza Gilkyson. Has also collaborated with Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, Michael Manning, Christine Lavin, Dave Van Ronk, Cliff Eberhardt, David Massengill, Frank Christian, and others
July 27, 1957 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz guitarist, singer, composer, arranger Joel Harrison born in Washington DC, DC, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Cites the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, the Allman Brothers Band and guitar virtuoso Danny Gatton as influences. Acclaimed for albums such as 2003's Free Country and 2009's Urban Myths. Has collaborated with artists such as Dave Liebman, Mark Feldman, Marty Ehrlich, David Binney, Dewey Redman, Norah Jones, Uri Caine, Christian Howes, and others
July 27, 1955 ~ Rock, heavy metal drummer, guitarist Bobby Rondinelli born ~ Worked with Rainbow, Doro, Quiet Riot, Black Sabbath, Sun Red Sun, Rondinelli, the Blue Öyster Cult, McCoy, the Dali Gaggers, Mark Stein, the Lizards, Axel Rudi Pell, Mark Duda, and Warlock
July 27, 1955 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, pianist, bandleader Edward Wilkerson Jr born in Terre Haute, Indiana, USA ~ Founder, director of 8 Bold Souls. Has also worked with the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, Shadow Vignettes, Frequency, Roscoe Mitchell, Douglas Ewart, the Temptations, Chico Freeman, Geri Allen, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Aretha Franklin, George Lewis, and others
July 27, 1954 ~ Progressive rock keyboardist Mark Stanway born in Sutton Coldfield, UK ~ Best known as keyboardist of Magnum from 1980 through 2016. Also worked with Phil Lynott, Snakecharmer, the Company Of Snakes, and with the Kingdom Of Madness
July 27, 1950 ~ Guitarist Mick Vaughan, full name Robert Michael Vaughan, born in Sheffield, UK ~ Lead guitarist for 1970s outfit Paper Lace, with whom he scored the UK hits Billy Don't Be A Hero, The Black-Eyed Boys, and The Night Chicago Died. All three would reach top 20 in the band's native UK, the latter would also top the American Billboard Hot 100
July 27, 1949 ~ Jazz, pop, rock, country rock flutist, saxophonist, keyboardist David Muse born ~ Best known as member of Firefall, joining the band just prior to recording their eponymous Firefall debut album. The band would score hits such as You Are The Woman, Just Remember I Love You and Strange Way. Subsequently recorded as a solo artist, worked with the Marshall Tucker Band, replacing original member Jerry Eubanks in 1996, and founded the Boulder County Conspiracy in 2012 ~ Muse passed away in 2022
July 27, 1949 ~ Melbourne James, commonly known as reggea DJ Jah Stitch, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Reggea DJ debuted with Danger Zone, produced by Errol Holt. Has also worked with producer Bunny Lee, with Yabby You, Trevor Douglas, and Jah Woosh ~ James passed away in 2019
July 27, 1949 ~ Singer Maureen McGovern born in Youngstown, Ohio, USA ~ Singer, TV, film, Broadway actress known for movie themes such as The Morning After (from The Poseidon Adventure), We May Never Love Like This Again (from The Towering Inferno), and Different Worlds (the theme from TV series Angie)
July 27, 1949 ~ Roderick Macdonald, commonly known as bassist, singer Rory Macdonald, born in Dornoch, UK ~ Bassist of Scottish Celtic rock band Runrig from 1973 through 2018, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums. Coming from a traditional folk background and over time venturing towards a more pop oriented folk rock sound, the band has enjoyed popularity especially in their native UK during the late-1980s and 1990s. As of the late-1990s, following Canadian singer Bruce Guthro's entry into the band, they have also built a following in Canada. The band is especially acclaimed for their Once In A Lifetime album, released in 1988. Calum and his bandmate and brother drummer Calum Macdonald have been the only two constant members of the band and wrote the bulk of their songs
July 27, 1948 ~ Singer, bassist, songwriter, film composer Henny Vrienten born in Hilvarenbeek, the Netherlands ~ Rose to fame as co-lead singer of Doe Maar, joining the band in 1980. The band spearheaded a resurgence of Dutch pop music and is best known for songs such as Nederwiet, 32 Jaar (Sinds 1 Dag Of 2), Is Dit Alles, De Bom, Pa and 1 Nacht Alleen. After the band folded in 1984 Vrienten has recorded as a solo artist, duetted with Herman Brood (Als Je Wint), and composed for dozens of films (Left Luggage, Abeltje), as well as for TV (het Klokhuis, Sesamstraat) ~ Vrienten passed away in 2022
July 27, 1947 ~ Pop, rock keyboardist, songwriter Andy McMaster born in Calton, UK ~ Member of Ducks Deluxe. Member of the Motors, co-wrote Dancing The Night Away with Nick Garvey, wrote Airport and Forget About You. Also wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Anita Harris, Alex Harvey (Broken Hearted Fairytale), and James Dewar
July 27, 1944 ~ Jazz, jazz-rock, classical saxophonist, composer Barbara Thompson, full name Barbara Gracey Thompson, born in Oxford, UK ~ Studied saxophone and classical composition yet her love of Duke Ellington and John Coltrane shifted her towards jazz. Best known for her association with Neil Ardley as a member of Ardley's the New Jazz Orchestra. Married to Colosseum-drummer Jon Hiseman from 1967 until his death in 2018, with whom she has two children. Founded and fronted Paraphernalia and a key member of the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble, both of which also included Hiseman. Worked closely with Andrew Lloyd Webber on several projects including the musical Cats and the 1978 classical-fusion Variations album. Has also collaborated with the She Trinity, Keef Hartley, Manfred Mann, and Marti Webb ~ Thompson passed away in 2022
July 27, 1942 ~ Roberta Lee Streeter, commonly known as singer Bobbie Gentry, born in Chakasaw County, Mississippi, USA ~ Rose to international fame with her 1967 hit Ode To Billy Joe. Initially intended for the flip side, the song would spend four weeks at the Billboard Hot 100 top position. Its accompanying album of the same name, Ode To Billy Joe, would hit the top position on the albums charts as well
July 27, 1942 ~ Producer, manager Kim Fowley born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his role behind a number of cult pop singles including Alley Oop (the Hollywood Argyles), Like Long Hair (Paul Revere & the Raiders), and Popsicles And Icicles (the Murmaids), as well as the manager for Joan Jett's outfit the Runaways ~ Fowley passed away in 2015
July 27, 1930 ~ Drummer Andy White, full name Andrew McLuckie White, born in Stranraer, UK ~ Perhaps best remembered for temporarily filling in for the Beatles-drummer Ringo Starr on the band's Love Me Do and PS I Love You, respectively the A and B-side of their 1962 debut single. The band had recorded the songs earlier both with original drummer Pete Best and newcomer Starr, but all takes would leave manager George Martin dissatisfied. Starr is present on both recordings though, playing tambourine, maracas, bongos, but White serves as the main drummer. White would go on to session for a wide array of artists including Billy Fury, Herman's Hermits, Tom Jones (It's Not Unusual), Lulu, Rod Stewart, Anthony Newley, and Bert Weedon ~ White passed away in 2015
July 27, 1930 ~ Pianist, composer Einar Iversen born in Mandal, Norway ~ Worked with Rowland Greenberg, Dizzy Gillespie, Anthony Ortega, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Dexter Gordon, Coleman Hawkins, Johnny Griffin, Svend Asmussen, Stuff Smith, Putte Wickman, Monica Zetterlund, Povel Ramel, Bjarne Nerem, Egil Johansen, Totti Bergh, Nora Brockstedt, Ditlef Eckhoff, Tor Hauge, Jon Christensen, and others ~ Iversen passed away in 2019
July 27, 1929 ~ Singer, producer, label executive Harvey Fuqua born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Member of the Marquees. Member of the Moonglows. Distributed the first Motown hit Barrett Strong's Money (That's What I Want). Founded Anna Records which would sign the Spinners, Junior Walker, and Shorty Long. Head of Motown's Artist Development, left in 1971. Discovered and produced acts such as the Weather Girls and Sylvester (Dance (Disco Heat), You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)). Produced Marvin Gaye's 1982 Midnight Love album ~ Fuqua passed away in 2010
July 27, 1928 ~ Rockabilly singer Curtis Gordon born ~ Though his records charted poorly, Gordon is remembered by rockabilly aficionados as one of the most endearing artists of the 1950s, heavily influenced by Ernest Tubb, Bob Wills, and Jimmie Rodgers. Well known songs include Rompin' And Stompin', Caffeine And Nicotine, Play The Music Louder, and Baby Please Come Home ~ Gordon passed away in 2004
July 27, 1927 ~ Country guitarist Velma Williams, also known as Velma Smith, born ~ Lone female member of select group of Nashville sessions musicians. Present on classics such as Eddy Arnold's Make The World Go Away, Jim Reeves' I Love You Because, Hank Locklin's Please Help Me I'm Falling, and others ~ Williams passed away in 2014
July 27, 1924 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer, teacher, author Ferruccio Busoni, full name Ferruccio Dante Michelangiolo Benvenuto Busoni, passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ Revered yet controversial pianist. Enjoyed an international career as a virtuoso concert pianist. Sought-after teacher of composition. Has worked closely with the leading figures of his day. As a composer wrote for piano, notably the Piano Concerto In C Major Op.39 premiered in 1904, as well as chamber music, vocal and orchestral works, and operas ~ Busoni was born in 1866
July 27, 1922 ~ Producer Bob Thiele born in Sheepshead Bay, New York, USA ~ Married to singer Teresa Brewer. Founded Signature Records which had Lester Young, Erroll Garner, and Coleman Hawkins until the label folded in 1948. Also worked at other labels, Impulse, Decca Records and ABC Records, as well as from time to time run his own, Flying Dutchman Records, Red Barron Records. Co-wrote, along with George David Weiss, the Louis Armstrong hit What A Wonderful World. Worked as producer on array of quintessential albums including ones by John Lee Hooker, T-Bone Walker, and BB King (Lucille) ~ Thiele passed away in 1996
July 27, 1919 ~ Conductor, musical director Jonathan Sternberg born in New York, New York, USA ~ Revered conductor who worked with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Alfred Brendel, the Halifax Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Flemish Opera, the Harkness Ballet, the Atlanta Opera & Ballet, and other noted orchestras ~ Sternberg passed away in 2018
July 27, 1917 ~ André Robert Raimbourg, commonly known as actor, singer André Bourvil, born in Prétot-Vicqueare, France ~ Best known as an actor closely associated with Louis De Funes. Also known as a singer with some 300 songs to his name, including La Tendresse, Salade De Fruits and La Tactique Du Gendarme ~ Raimbourg passed away in 1970
July 27, 1908 ~ Songwriter Nancy Hamilton born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Wrote sketches and lyrics for revues such as The New Faces Of 1934 (1934), One For The Money (1939), and Three To Make Ready (1946). Perhaps best known as co-writer of How High The Moon, initially for the 1940 Broadway revue show Two For The Show, and later recorded by Benny Goodman, Les Paul & Mary Ford, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, Don Byas, Al Casey, June Christy, Larry Clinton, Stéphane Grappelli, Emmylou Harris, Harry James, Marvin Gaye, Gloria Gaynor, the Manhattan Transfer, Oscar Peterson, and Phish ~ Hamilton passed away in 1985
July 27, 1892 ~ Close harmony singer Lewis James, full name Lewis Lyman James, was born in Scio, Michigan, USA ~ Active as a soloist and as a member of the Revelers, the Shannon Four and of the Criterion Trio. One of the most recorded artist from the end of World War I through the 1930s. Known for songs such as My Baby Boy, Till We Meet Again, What I'll Do, All Alone and Pal Of My Cradle Days ~ James passed away in 1959