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, Lil' Baby, and others ~ 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, 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, 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 ~ 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 ~ Best known as drummer of alternative metal outfit the Deftones. Influenced by the Police drummer Stewart Copeland, Jimi Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell and by Cream drummer and co-founder Ginger Baker
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, 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, Charlie Owen, and others ~ 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, Warlock, and others
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 with 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, Jah Woosh, and others ~ 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, 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, 1922 ~ Producer Bob Thiele born in Sheepshead Bay, New York, USA ~ Married to singer Teresa Brewer. Founded Signature Recors 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, Phish, and numerous others ~ 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