July 28, 2024 ~ Jangle pop, indie pop singer, guitarist Martin Phillipps passed away ~ Frontman, sole constant member of the Chills, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums starting with Brave Words released in 1987. Acknowledged as one of the earliest proponents of the Dunedin sound, their distinctive hybrid drawing from punk rock, pop and psychedelic-infused jangle pop, they enjoyed popularity in their native New Zealand, with a cult following elsewhere, especially during the late-1980s and 1990s. They are particularly known for the 1990 album Submarine Bells which spawned their biggest hit Heavenly Pop Hit. Other well known songs include Pink Frost, Doledrums, I Love My Leather Jacket, and Male Monster From The Id ~ Phillipps was born in 1963
July 28, 2024 ~ Rock drummer Mick Underwood, full name Michael John Underwood, passed away ~ Underwood has enjoyed one of the longest British rock drummer careers spanning well over four decades starting in the early-1960s. Given his first drum kit at age 14, he was playing professionally by the time he left school. Closely associated with Ritchie Blackmore, the pair sessioning for producer Joe Meek early on in their careers, and with Ian Gillan. Touring musician for visiting Americans including Jerry Lee Lewis and Gene Vincent. Member of 1960s outfits such as the Outlaws, the Herd, and Episode 6. Co-founding member of progressive rock outfit Quatermass, known for their sole eponymous Quatermass album released in 1970. Underwood has also recorded with Strapps during the late-1970s, and with Ian Gillan throughout the 1980s including the acclaimed albums Mr Universe and Future Shock. Other notable associations include Jet Harris, Heinz, Graham Bonnet, Sammy, and Black Sabbath. In the 2010s Underwood, perhaps the most unassuming of all British rock drummers, looked back on his lengthy career, commenting: “A song is a song, and it doesn't start with me, (…) my job is to make that song sound the best for its own sake, not for mine” ~ Underwood was born in 1945
July 28, 2023 ~ James Mavin Parker, commonly known as composer Jim Parker, passed away ~ Member of the Barrow Poets. Rose to fame with a series of 1970s recordings of John Betjeman poems set to music, notably Banana Blush and Sir John Betjeman's Britain. Prolific film and TV composer, credits including Midsomer Murders, Foyles War, To Play The King, and The Final Cut. Concert works written by Parker have been performed by the Nash Ensemble, the Hilliard Ensemble, and the Albion Ensemble ~ Parker was born in 1934
July 28, 2023 ~ Thomas Peters, commonly known as singer, guitarist, keyboardist Tommi Stumpff, passed away ~ Founded and fronted punk outfit KFC in the late-1970s. Would go on to record about a dozen solo albums as an EBM singer, starting with Zu Spät Ihr Scheisser released in 1982 ~ Peters was born in 1958
July 28, 2021 ~ Joseph Michael Hill, commonly known as blues-rock, rock bassist, guitarist, singer Dusty Hill, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Brother of guitarist Rocky Hill, his bandmate in American Blues. Would rise to fame as member of ZZ Top, known for songs such as La Grange, Tush, Arrested For Driving While Blind, Cheap Sunglasses, Gimme All Your Lovin', Legs, Rough Boy, and Velcro Fly ~ Hill was born in 1949
July 28, 2021 ~ Operatic tenor Giuseppe Giacomini passed away ~ Made his debut in 1966 in Vercelli starring as Pinkerton in a production of the Giacomo Puccini-opera Madame Butterfly. Would go on to work with renowned orchestras and opera houses including the Staatsoper Munchen, the Teatro Colón, La Scala, and the Metropolitan Opera ~ Giacomini was born in 1940
July 28, 2018 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Sam Mehran, also known as Sam Meringue, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founded punk band the Test Icicles, drawing from post-hardcore, dance-punk and indie rock. As a solo artist ventured into more lo-fi oriented music, influenced by Ariel Pink and R Stevie Moore, recording under several monikers. Critically acclaimed for a series of recordings under the moniker Outer Limit Recordings ~ Mehran was born in 1986
July 28, 2013 ~ Maria Everdina Reijs, commonly known as jazz singer Rita Reys, passed away in Breukelen, the Netherlands ~ Dubbed “Europe's first lady of jazz.” Recorded and performed with Lars Gullin, Ove Lind, Clifford Brown, Art Farmer, Horace Silver, Hank Mobley, Donald Byrd, Herbie Mann, Oscar Pettiford, Milt Hinton, Osie Johnson, Mat Mathews, and Pim Jacobs ~ Reijs was born in 1924
July 28, 2005 ~ Rock, pop guitarist, bassist Roger Bunn passed away ~ As a solo artist known for his 1970 Piece Of Mind album. Early member of Roxy Music remaining with the band through 1971, replaced by David O'List. Has also worked with Pete Brown & Piblokto ~ Bunn was born in 1942
July 28, 2004 ~ R&B singer George Williams, full name George Reginald Williams Jr, passed away in Maple Shade, New Jersey, USA ~ Lead singer of vocal R&B outfit the Tymes, known best for their 1963 So Much In Love debut album. The album would spawn their biggest hits, the title track So Much In Love would top the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 while its follow-up Wonderful Wonderful peaked at No.7. The band would continue to record well into the 1970s, but apart from an occasional hit in the UK, where Ms Grace reached the No.1 spot in 1974, they were unable to repeat their earlier success ~ Williams was born in 1935
July 28, 2003 ~ Jazz double bassist Aaron Bell, full name Samuel Aaron Bell, passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Lucky Millinder, Teddy Wilson, Billie Holiday (Lady Sings The Blues), Lester Young, Stan Kenton, Johnny Hodges, Cab Calloway, Carmen McRae, Ray Bryant, Dick Haymes, Duke Ellington, Sam Woodyard, Buck Clayton, Earl Hines, Friedrich Gulda, Sonny Stitt, Charles Thompson, Mose Allison, Harold Ashby, Mae Barnes, Urbie Green, Junior Mance, Sam Most, Jimmy Rushing (If This Ain't The Blues), Buddy Tate, Norris Turney, and Randy Weston ~ Bell was born in 1921
July 28, 2003 ~ Singer, songwriter Greg Guidry, full name Gregory Mark Guidry, passed away in Fairview, Tennessee, USA ~ Staff songwriter at CBS Records. Artists who have recorded his songs include the Climax Blues Band, Robbie Dupree, Exile, Johnnie Taylor, Sawyer Brown, Reba McEntire, and others. As a recording artist known for the hit singles Goin' Down and Into My Love, the latter a duet with his sister Sandy Guidry ~ Guidry was born in 1954
July 28, 2003 ~ Ian Alistair Bruce, commonly known as rock, hard rock, glam rock, power pop guitarist, bassist, singer René Berg, passed away in Kent, UK ~ Spent most of the late-1970s and early-1980s in the Netherlands, where he worked with Soho and Herman Brood, prior to joining Finnish outfit Hanoi Rocks mere months before the band folded. Subsequently, Berg worked with the Soho Vultures, before releasing his sole solo album, The Leather The Loneliness And Your Dark Eyes, which featured backing from guitarist Bernie Tormé, bassist Paul Grat, and drummer Rat Scabies ~ Bruce was born in 1956
July 28, 2000 ~ R&B, disco, funk guitarist Jerome Smith passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Best known as member KC & the Sunshine Band from its inception until his death in 2000. The band is known for classic 1970s dance material such as That's The Way (I Like It), Shake Shake Shake (Shake Your Booty), I'm Your Boogie Man and Keep It Comin' Love. Smith also guested on Rock Your Baby, a 1974 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 for George McCrae ~ Smith was born in 1953
July 28, 1993 ~ At the birthday bash for New York radio station Z100, 10,000 Maniacs perform with lead singer Natalie Merchant, the band's last performance with Merchant ~ Merchant left the band shortly after performing at Z100's birthday bash to pursue an even more successful solo career, releasing over half a dozen albums well into the next millenium starting with her highly acclaimed Tigerlily debut album in 1995. 10,000 Maniacs continued to record to lesser success with Mary Ramsey as Merchant's replacement. Other performers at the radio station's birthday bash included Bon Jovi, Duran Duran, the Proclaimers, and Terence Trent d'Arby
July 28, 1993 ~ Singer Cher Lloyd born in Malvern, UK ~ 2010 The X-Factor contestant, reaching 4th place. Debuted with the single Swagger Jagger in 2011. Also known for With Ur Love featuring Mike Posner and Want U Back, the latter reaching the American Billboard top 20 in 2012
July 28, 1990 ~ DeAndre Cortez Way, commonly known as rapper Soulja Boy, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his 2007 debut single Crank That (Soulja Boy) which reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Subsequent hit singles include Kiss Me Thru The Phone featuring Sammie, Turn My Swag On and Pretty Boy Swag
July 28, 1987 ~ Swing, big band, pop singer John Stevens, full name John Basset Stevens IV, born ~ Influenced by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, his ability to impersonate the latter earning him the nickname “Teen Martin”. First gained attention in 2004 as a contestant on the talent contest American Idol. At age 16, Stevens would become the youngest contestant to reach the semi-finals. Following his success on the show, Stevens released his Red debut album the following year, and has gone on to sing with the Boston-based ensemble the Beantown Swing Orchestra focusing on the classic big band arrangements in the style of Sinatra and Bobby Darin
July 28, 1985 ~ Punk rock singer Patrick Stickles born ~ Influenced by Neutral Milk Hotel and Pulp. Founding member, frontman, main lyricist of Titus Andronicus with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums including their acclaimed The Monitor sophomore album released in 2010
July 28, 1982 ~ Contemporary Christian pianist, singer, songwriter Keith Green, full name Keith Gordon Green, passed away in Garden Valley, Texas, USA ~ Known for composing several standards of contemporary Christian music including Oh Lord You're Beautiful, Asleep In The Light, Your Love Broke Through, You Put This Love In My Heart and The Prodigal Son Suite ~ Green was born in 1953
July 28, 1982 ~ Dominic Nicholas Anthony Lucinese, commonly known as jazz, traditional pop guitarist, singer Nick Lucas, passed away in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA ~ First jazz guitarist to record as a soloist. Known for songs such as Pickin' The Guitar, Teasin' The Frets and perhaps his best known Tiptoe Through The Tulips ~ Lucinese was born in 1897
July 28, 1981 ~ Rock, pop guitarist, singer Dave Rosin, full name David Cameron Rosin, born in Prince George, Canada ~ Lead guitarist of Hedley since 2005, known for songs such as Trip, For The Nights I Can't Remember, Never Too Late, Cha-ching, Perfect, Kiss You Inside Out, Anything and Crazy For You. Has also worked with Day Theory and with Everything After
July 28, 1980 ~ Noel John Hayes, commonly known as singer, actor Noel Sullivan, born in Cardiff, UK ~ Rose to fame as member of Hear'say, known for songs such as Pure & Simple, The Way To Your Love and Everybody. After the band disbanded Sullivan would turn to musical theatre, appearing in productions of shows such as Fame, Love Shack and Grease
July 28, 1976 ~ Hard rock, alternative rock, alternative metal, rap metal, rap rock singer, rapper Jacoby Shaddix, full name Jacoby Dakota Shaddix, born in Mariposa, California, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of Papa Roach, with whom he has recorded about a dozen albums since its inception in the early-1990s. To European audiences, they are perhaps best known for their debut single Last Resort, which reached top 10 in several countries including the UK. In their native America, Scars lifted off their 2004 Getting Away With Murder album reached top 20 Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No.15. Other well known songs include To Be Loved, Lifeline, Face Everything And Rise, Help, Born For Greatness, Come Around, and Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)
July 28, 1975 ~ Keyboardist, guitarist, singer Jeff Heisholt, full name Jeffrey Thoralf Heisholt, born in Thunder Bay, Canada ~ Co-founding member of the Burt Neilson Band, with whom he recorded four albums through the mid-2000s starting with the eponymous Burt Neilson Band released in 1998. The band has toured their native Canada extensively, establishing themselves as one of Canada's prime jambands. Heisholt is also well known for his association with soul-rocker Peter Elkas, including on the 2007 Wall Of Fire album, and since 2008 with the Trews, with whom he has recorded about a dozen albums. Heisholt has also appeared on albums by Steven Elmo Howard, Trevor Howard, Carrie Catherine, Mark Crissinger, the Ragged Bankers, Karyn Ellis, the Skydiggers, Meredith Shaw, Rufus Wainwright, Sarah Jane Scouten, and Current Fantasy
July 28, 1974 ~ Rapper, singer, songwriter Afroman, full name Joseph Edgar Foreman born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Catapulted to fame on the strength of his 2001 single Because I Got High, produced by Tim Ramenofsky, which cracked the Billboard top 20 and topped the charts in numerous countries. The follow-up single, Crazy Rap would reach the British top 10. Afroman continues to record to this day but never reached the same level of chart success
July 28, 1973 ~ In its ninth week on the charts, What About Me by Anne Murray peaks at No.20 Billboard Country ~ Murray had recorded What About Me, written by singer Scott McKenzie, for her 1968 debut album of the same name, an album which initially was only released in her native Canada, where it failed to chart. About half a decade later, however, Murray included the song as a live track on her Danny's Song album. The big hit of said album was its title track, issued as the album's lead single. However, its follow-up What About Me would still reach a respectable No.20 on the Billboard Country charts. Songwriter McKenzie is best known for penning and recording the 1967 hit San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair), which became an anthem of the flower power generation
July 28, 1972 ~ Opera, concert singer Helen Traubel, full name Helen Francesca Trubel, passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Dramatic soprano best known for her roles in operas composed by Richard Wagner, notably as Brunnhilde in Die Walküre and as Isolde in Tristan Und Isolde. Closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera, singing with the orchestra from 1937 to 1953. Enjoyed a paralell career singing in nightclubs, musical theatre, TV and film ~ Traubel was born in 1899
July 28, 1971 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, post-grunge guitarist, songwriter Billy Sawilchik, full name William Craig Sawilchik, born in Oak Lawn, Illinois, USA ~ Lead guitarist of Lovehammers. Influenced by Jimmy Page, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, Social Distortion and Face To Face. Has also worked with 9 Arms and EZ Access
July 28, 1969 ~ Heavy metal, groove metal, rap metal, harcore punk singer, guitarist Billy Graziadei, full name William Graziadei, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Lead singer, guitarist, co-founding member of Biohazard. Has also worked with Powerflo, Suicide City, Roadrunner United, and Blood For Blood
July 28, 1968 ~ Carl Ravazza, commonly known as violinist, singer, bandleader Carl Ravell, passed away in Reno, Nevada, USA ~ Best known for his 1937 version of So Rare written by Jerry Herst and Jack Sharpe, presumed to be the first recorded version of what was to become a standard later recorded by over 50 artists including Guy Lombardo, Don Cherry, Ella Fitzgerald, and most notably Jimmy Dorsey ~ Ravazza was born in 1910
July 28, 1967 ~ Rock bassist Taka Hirose, full name Takashi Hirose, born in Mizuho, Japan ~ Co-founding member of alternative rock, post-grunge outfit Feeder, acclaimed for their 1997 Polythene debut album. Among the band's best known songs are Buck Rogers, Just A Day, Forget About Tomorrow, Tumble And Fall and Lost And Found
July 28, 1965 ~ Daniela Mercuru de Almeida, commonly known as Latin pop, axé, samba singer, actress, songwriter, TV personality Daniela Mercury, born in Salvador, Brazil ~ Lead singer of Cheiro De Amor. Lead singer of Companhia Clic. Sang backup for Gilberto Gil. Actively recording as a solo artist since the early-1990s. Scored about a dozen No.1 hits in her native Brazil. Sold over 20 million records. Internationally best known for her 2006 Bale Mulato (Ao Vivo) album. Among her greatest hits are songs such as Swing Da Cor, O Cante Da Cedade, Rapunzel, Maimbe Danda and Sol Du Sul
July 28, 1965 ~ Trombonist Delfeayao Marsalis born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. To pop audiences best known for his work with Buckshot LeFonque. Son of jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr, brother of trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, saxophonist Branford Marsalis, drummer Jason Marsalis. Has collaborated with Elvin Jones, Benny Green, Kermit Ruffins, Ruth Brown, Jeff Tain-Watts, Donald Harrison, Wycliffe Gordon, Monty Alexander, Ana Popovic, and others
July 28, 1963 ~ Pop singer, keyboardist, songwriter Beverley Craven born in Colombo, Sri Lanka ~ Influenced by Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and in particular Kate Bush. Best known for her first two albums, the eponymous Beverley Craven released in 1990 and its follow-up Love Scenes released three years later. Her Promise Me debut single initially failed to gain much attention in her native UK, though after becoming a hit across continental Europe a 1991 re-release would reach the UK top 10. Craven would record several more albums into the 2010s, notably the collaborative Woman To Woman with Judie Tzuke and Julia Fordham in 2018, but failed to repeat her earlier chart success
July 28, 1963 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Katharina Franck born in Düsseldorf, Germany ~ Rose to fame as lead singer, frontwoman of the Rainbirds, known best for their 1987 German top 10 hit Blueprint. After the band disbanded has worked with Stein in the 1990s and recorded as a solo artist starting with the Hunger album released in 1997
July 28, 1963 ~ Pop, rock singer, guitarist, trumpeter Shaunna Hall, full name Shaunna Elizabeth Hall, born ~ Co-founding member of the 4 Non Blondes remaining with the band through 1992, for which she wrote or co-wrote songs such as Morphine & Chocolate and Spaceman. Has also worked with Bad Dog Play Dead, Alcohol Of Fame, Eric McFadden, Tribe 8, the Crash Puppies and notably backed funk icon George Clinton on tour
July 28, 1962 ~ Jazz pianist, vibraphonist, composer, arranger Eddie Costa passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for a percussive, driving piano style. Appeared on over a 100 albums during an eight-year career, cut short by a car accident at age 31. Played under bandleaders including Manny Albam, Gil Evans, Woody Herman, Tal Farlow, Coleman Hawkins, Gunther Schuller, Phil Woods, and others. Accompanied singers such as Tony Bennett and Chris Connor. Recorded five albums as a leader, starting in 1956 with Eddie Costa Vinnie Burke Trio with bassist Vinnie Burke and drummer Nick Stabulas ~ Costa was born in 1930
July 28, 1961 ~ Drummer, producer, songwriter David Huff, full name David Lyndon Huff, born ~ Best known as member of hard rock outfit Giant and of Christian rock band White Heart, both of which also included his brother noted session musician and producer Dann Huff
July 28, 1961 ~ Jazz saxophonist, bandleader Derek Nash born in Stockport, UK ~ Best known as leader of Sax Appeal. Also worked with Protect The Beat, David Sanborn, Johnny Dankworth, Dick Morrisey, Spike Robinson, Roger Cotton, Humphrey Lyttelton, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Solomon Burke, Annie Lennox, Madeleine Peyroux, Roger Daltrey, Eddi Reader, Tom Jones, Don Grusin and Dave Grusin, John Ethridge, Russell Ferrante, Nelson Rangell, Snake Davis, Bob Dorough, Oscar Castro Neves, Clare Teal, Jamie Cullum, Axel Zwingenberger, Dave Green, the Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, George Melly, Jools Holland, Bob Dorough, Shakatak, Lulu, India Arie, Alison Moyet, Clark Tracey, and Digby Fairweather
July 28, 1961 ~ Country singer, songwriter Ray Vega born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Formed the siblng duo the Vega Brothers with Robert Vega, known for their 1986 Heartache Size Of Texas single. As a solo artist recorded one country album, 1996's Remember When, and one pop album, 1999's Geography
July 28, 1959 ~ Keyboardist, producer Bjørn Ole Rasch born in Elverum, Norway ~ Member of progressive rock band Boys'Voice, known for their 1984 20 Golden Lies single. Member of jazz ensemble EtCetera. Member of traditional folk ensemble Bukkene Bruse. Has also collaborated with the Secret Garden, Randy Crawford, the Chieftains, Keith Emerson, Trilok Gurtu, Hanne Boel, José Carreras, Sinéad O'Connor, Sissel Kyrkjebø, and Sigvart Dagsland
July 28, 1955 ~ Jazz bass guitarist Gerald Veasley born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Joe Zawinul, Odean Pope, Reverie, Grover Washington Jr, and others. As a solo artist debuted in 1992 with Look Ahead and has releasing albums steadily since
July 28, 1955 ~ Bassist Mike Merritt, full name Michael Monroe Merritt, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Son of jazz bassist Jymie Merritt. Best known as member of the Tonight Show Band alongside Jimmy Vivino and Max Weinberg. Has also worked with Johnny Copeland and Rock Candy Funk Party
July 28, 1954 ~ Jazz singer, composer, arranger, producer Nnenna Freelon born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA ~ Has worked with artists such as Ray Charles, Ellis Marsalis, Al Jarreau, Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, Dianne Reeves, Diana Krall, Ramsey Lewis, George Benson, Clark Terry, Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, and others
July 28, 1954 ~ Guitarist Steve Morse born in Hamilton, Ohio, USA ~ Cited as major influence by John Petrucci. Founding member of Dixie Dregs. Lead guitarist of Deep Purple since 1994. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with acts such as Kansas, Living Loud, Angelfire, Flying Colors, G3, and others
July 28, 1952 ~ Guitarist, singer Tony Poole born ~ Key member of early-1970s folk rock outfit Starry Eyed & Laughing alongside Ross McGeeney. After the band disbanded in 1976 Poole would venture into producing, working with artists such as Danny & the Champions, Maddy Prior, Steeleye Span, Giles Lewin, Pentangle and the Men They Couldn't Hang
July 28, 1951 ~ Thomas Michael Stevens, commonly known as pop rock bassist TM Stevens or occasionally as Shaka Zulu, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, perhaps most noted for Shocka Zooloo released in 2002. Member of Space Cadets, known for their eponymous Space Cadets album released in 1981. In-demand session and touring musician from the late-1970s onwards, present on albums by Narada Michael Walden, Stacy Lattisaw, David Sancious, Grandmaster Flash, Gregory Abbott (Shake You Down), the Pretenders (Get Close), Bob Geldof, Joe Cocker, Nona Hendryx, Cyndi Lauper, Tina Turner (Simply The Best), Curtis Stigers, Whitney Houston (The Bodyguard), Steve Vai, and Billy Joel ~ Stevens passed away in 2024
July 28, 1950 ~ Singer, keyboardist, trumpeter Duncan Mackay born in Leeds, UK ~ Worked with Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel from 1975 through 1977, with 10cc from 1978 through 1981. Appears on Kate Bush's first three albums, namely The Kick Inside, Lionheart and Never For Ever. Has also recorded as a solo artist, as well as with Alan Parsons, Camel, Budgie, and others
July 28, 1950 ~ Jazz trombonist Hal Crook born in Providence, Rhode Island, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Joe Diorio, Take Toriyama, Thompson Kneeland, Steve Laspina, Steve Bagby, Jerry Bergonzi, Dave Weigert, Yoral Oron, Hans Glawischnig, Phil Woods, Bill Dobbins, Chuck Israels, Bill Goodwin, and others
July 28, 1950 ~ Guitarist Roy Rogers born in Redding, California, USA ~ Not to be confused with the singing cowboy singer, actor Roy Rogers. Blues rock slide guitarist and producer. Founded and fronts the Delta Rhythm Kings. Played with John Lee Hooker, Linda Ronstadt, Sammy Hagar, Bonnie Raitt, Zucchero, John Gorka, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Elvin Bishop, Carlos Santana, Steve Miller, Ray Manzarek, and others
July 28, 1949 ~ Pop, new wave songwriter Liam Sternberg, full name Liam Hillard Sternberg, born in Akron, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for penning Walk Like An Egyptian, which would become a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 for all-female pop outfit the Bangles. Sternberg had been inspired while watching people trying to keep their balance on a ferry in rocky waters, scribbling down the words “walk like an Egyptian” in his notebook. The song would first be offered to Toni Basil, who declined, and then to Lene Lovich, who recorded a demo version shortly before taking a break from music altogether. Recorded by the Bangles, it would become a massive hit and Sternberg's greatest claim to fame. Other songs written by Sternberg have been recorded by Kirsty Maccoll, Rachel Sweet (Cuckoo Clock), RATT, Fuzzbox, Riff Regan, and Baby Tuckoo. Sternberg has also written 21 Jump Street, the theme song to the TV series of the same name performed by Holly Robinson
July 28, 1949 ~ Rock, hard rock, blues rock drummer, guitarist, singer Simon Kirke, full name Simon Frederick St George, born in London, UK ~ Member of Free, known for their 1970 hit All Right Now. Sole constant member of Bad Company. Has also worked with Black Cat Bones, Wildlife, Ringo Starr & his All-Starr Band, Lonerider, and others
July 28, 1949 ~ Stephen Ross Porter, commonly known as rock, psychedelic pop singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer Steve Peregrin Took, born in London, UK ~ First gained attention as member of T.Rex alongside Marc Bolan, remaining with the band through 1969. After his split from the band would go on to work with the Pink Fairies, Shagrat, and others ~ Porter passed away in 1980
July 28, 1948 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Gerals Casale, full name Gerald Vincent Casale, born in Ravenna, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as co-founder, bassist for Devo. Brother of Bob Casale. Directed most of the band's videos as well as videos for other artists including the Cars, A Perfect Circle, the Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, and Silverchair. As a musician also worked with the Numbers Band, and Jihad Jerry & the Evildoers
July 28, 1946 ~ Country rock, folk rock, bluegrass singer, guitarist, songwriter Jonathan Edwards, full name John Evan Edward, born in Aitkin, Minnesota, USA ~ Best known for his Sunshine, Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit of his 1971 eponymous Jonathan Edwards debut album. The single was only released by mistake, an engineer accidentally erasing the master track of Please Find Me and having to release a subsitute single instead. Sunshine would be covered by the Isley Brothers, Juice Newton, Paul Westerberg and Izzy Stradlin
July 28, 1946 ~ Gospel singer, bassist Lee Williams born ~ Lead singer of vocal quartet Lee Williams & the Spiritual QC's, originally started as the Spiritual QC's. After Willie Ligon's departure from the group Williams took over lead duties and the band was renamed to include his name. Broke through with the hit I've Learned To Lean of their 1990 Jesus Is Alive And Well debut album. The group would go on to become one of the most beloved contemporary gospel quartets, their albums regularly reaching the higher echelons of the Christian charts ~ Williams passed away in 2021
July 28, 1944 ~ Drummer, composer Allan Browne born in Deniliquin, Australia ~ Best known for his association with the Red Onion Jazz Band and with Paul Grabowsky ~ Browne passed away in 2015
July 28, 1944 ~ R&B, soul singer Bobby King born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA ~ Closely associated with Terry Evans. Sang backup for Ry Cooder, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, Boz Scaggs. As a solo artist known for two 1980s albums, namely 1981's eponnymous Bobby King and 1984's Love In The Fire
July 28, 1944 ~ Surf, rock drummer Mike Kowalski born in Hollywood, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with early surf bands such as the Avantis and for sessioning for the Beach Boys and Sonny Bono, appearing on Bono's sole solo recording Laugh At Me. Has also worked with Sonny & Cher, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Etta James, and with several British artists including John Martyn, Dudu Pukwana, Mike Heron, Nick Drake, and others
July 28, 1943 ~ Rock, blues, blues-rock guitarist, singer Michael Bloomfield, full name Michael Bernard Bloomfield, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Also noted for appearing on Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited album including on the track Like A Rolling Stone. Has also worked with the Electric Flag, KGB, Barry Goldberg, Nick Gravenites, Bill Vitt, Dr John, Frank Zappa, Mother Earth, Muddy Waters, Janis Joplin, Sam Lay, and notably with Al Kooper and Stephen Stills on the acclaimed Super Session album ~ Bloomfield passed away in 1981
July 28, 1943 ~ Keyboardist, singer, songwriter Richard Wright, full name Richard William Wright, born in Middlesex, UK ~ Co-founding member of Pink Floyd. Left the band after the 1981 tour to rejoin as a session musician in 1987 becoming a full-time member again in 1994 ~ Wright passed away in 2008
July 28, 1939 ~ Jazz trumpeter Jim Knapp, full name James Donald Knapp Jr, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Recorded a handful of albums as a leader, noted particularly for On Going Home released in 1995. Taught at the Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle, for over four decades starting in 1971. Director for the chamber ensemble the Composers And Improvisers Orchestra from 1977 through 1985, presenting compositions by the orchestra's members and guest composers including Carla Bley, Anthony Braxton, Gil Evans, and Sam Rivers. Founded the Chamber Groove Orchestra in the late-1990s. As a sideman has appeared on albums by Jay Clayton, Pax Wallace, Steve Korn, and Carolyn Graye ~ Knapp passed away in 2021
July 28, 1938 ~ Pop, rock guitarist, songwriter George Cummings born in Meridian, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of 1970s, 1980s rock outfit Dr Hook & the Medicine Show. Sang lead on songs such as Makin' It Natural, Penicillin Penny and I Got Stoned And I Missed It. Also worked with the Chocolate Papers
July 28, 1935 ~ Blues pianist, singer Pinetop Sparks records Every Day I Have The Blues in Chicago, Chicago, Illinois ~ Written by Sparks with his brother Milton Sparks. The song would become a blues standard after Memphis Slim's 1949 rendition. Over the years four different versions would reach top 10 on the Billboard R&B charts. Two versions, namely by Count Basie and BB King, would be inducted in the the Grammy Hall Of Fame
July 28, 1931 ~ Sidney Selby, commonly known as blues harpist, guitarist, singer Guitar Crusher, born in Hyde County, North Carolina, USA ~ Recording since the 1960s. Relocated to Germany in the 1980s, finding popularity across Europe playing clubs and festival across Europe with his backing unit the Midnight Rockers. Has worked with artists such as Katie Webster, Detroit Gary Wiggins, Alvin Lee, Benny Bailey, Thomm Jutz, and others ~ Selby passed away in 2020
July 28, 1930 ~ Mamadou Ndiaye, commonly known as drummer, bandleader, composer Doudou Ndiaye Rose, born in Dakar, Senegal ~ One of the first to bring Senegalese traditional music to a global audience. A virtuoso percussionist, he has been called “the Jimi Hendrix of the drum skin”. Perhaps best known for his 1994 Djabote album, recorded with no less than 50 drummers and an 80-member female choir. Over the course of his lengthy career Rose has toured with Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and the Rolling Stones, and recorded with artists as diverse as Peter Gabriel, Alan Stivell, David Murray, Aka Moon, and Nine Inch Nails. In 2006, he was declared a “living cultural treasure” by the UN Cultural Agency for keeping alive traditional rhythms ~ Ndiaye passed away in 2015
July 28, 1925 ~ Composer André Boucourechliev born in Sofia, Bulgaria ~ Composed chamber music, vocal music, opera. Best known for his 1959 Piano Sonata composition ~ Boucourechliev passed away in 1997
July 28, 1925 ~ Kenneth Alwyn Wetherell, commonly known as conductor, composer Kenneth Alwyn, born in London, UK ~ Active since the early-1950s, starting with the Sadler's Wells theater Ballet, moving on to the the Royal Opera House in 1957. Would go on to work with numerous renowned orchestras. Especially known for his long association with the BBC, both as a conductor and as presenter of programs, perhaps most notably Friday Night Is Music Night and The Orchestra ~ Wetherell passed away in 2020
July 28, 1923 ~ Contemporary classical composer Chou Wen-Chung born ~ Chinese-American credited as one of the first to translate authentic oriental melo-rhythms into modern Western music. Protégé of Edgard Varèse. Also known as founder of the the Center For US-China Arts Exchange to promotoe mutual understanding between the two countries through the channel of culture ~ Wen-chung passed away in 2019
July 28, 1923 ~ Producer, songwriter Ray Ellis born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Orchestrated Billie Holiday's Lady In Satin album. Arranged many 1950s and 1960s hits, including for Johnny Mathis (A Certain Smile), Sarah Vaughan (Broken-hearted Melody), and the Four Lads (Standing On The Corner). Produced Emmylou Harris' 1970 debut album Gliding Bird. As arranger or conductor Ellis has also worked with Chris Connor, Joe Castro, Barbra Streisand, Lena Horne, Liza Minnelli, Esther Phillips, Ben E King, Harold Land, Herbie Mann, and others ~ Ellis passed away in 2008
July 28, 1922 ~ Albert Atkinson, commonly known as jazz composer, arrenger AK Salim, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Played with King Kolax, Jimmy Raschel, Tiny Bradshaw. Stopped playing after a jaw injury and arranged, sometimes composed for Lucky Millinder, Cab Calloway, Jimmie Lunceford, Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, Tito Puente, Machito, and Dizzy Gillespie
July 28, 1901 ~ Hubert Prior Vallée, commonly known as singer, actor, saxophonist Rudy Vallée, born in Island Port, Vermont, USA ~ Started in the mid-1920s playing with the Savoy Havana Band. Became one of the first crooners. Became one of the first teen idol pop stars. Founded the Connecticut Yankees. Vallée's vocal phrasing would inspire artists such as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Perry Como, to model their voices on jazz instruments. Best known for songs such as Stein Song, Vieni Vieni and 99 Out Of A 100 ~ Vallée passed away in 1986
July 28, 1741 ~ Composer, violinist, priest Antonio Vivaldi, full name Antonio Lucio Vivaldi, passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Baroque composer influential on Johann Sebastian Bach. Virtuoso violinist. Composed over 40 operas. Also known for his concertos and choral works. Perhaps best remembered for his violin concertos, most notably The Four Seasons ~ Vivaldi was born in 1678