July 29, 2022 ~ Blues rock, garage rock singer Jimmy Sohn passed away ~ Lead singer of 1960s outfit the Shadows Of Knight, known best for their 1966 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 single Gloria previously a hit for Them featuring Van Morrison. The band recorded three albums through the end of the decade and would continue to perform in various incarnations, Sohn being a constant member, into the 2000s ~ Sohn was born ca.1947
July 29, 2020 ~ Jazz pianist, singer, songwriter Dave Mackay, full name David Owen Mackay, born in Syracuse, New York, USA ~ Fixture on the southern California jazz scene, grounded in bop and hard bop. Well over half a dozen albums as a leader. In-demand sideman, present on recordings by Don Ellis, Warne Marsh, Bill Henderson, Michael Parks, Emil Richards, Chet Baker, and Lori Bell ~ McKay was born in 1932
July 29, 2018 ~ Klapa, pop, jazz, blues singer, pianist, songwriter Oliver Dragojevic passed away in Split, Yugoslavia ~ One of Croatia's most beloved performers, considered a cultural icon, with a career spanning five decades. Known for merging traditional klapa melodies with jazz. Has performed globally at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, L'Olympia and Sydney Opera House. Member of cult band Batali before venturing out on his own by the early 1970s. Well known songs include Ca Ce Mi Copacabana, Galeb I Ja, Romanca, Oprosti Mi Pape, Stari Morski Vuk, La Musica Di Notte, Bez Tebe, Pred Tvodim Vratima, Psimo Moja, and others ~ Dragojevic was born in 1947
July 29, 2018 ~ Trumpeter Tomasz Stańko passed away in Warsaw, Poland ~ Leader and sideman. Mainly works in free jazz and avant-garde idioms. Formed his first band, the Jazz Darings, in 1962, also featuring Janusz Muniak, Adam Makowicz, Jacek Ostaszeweski, and Wiktor Perelmuter. The band is credited to be the first European outfit to play free jazz. Stanko has also worked with Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, Reggie Workman, Rufus Reid, Lester Bowie, David Murray, Manu Katché, Chico Freeman, Cecil Taylor, the Globe Unity Orchestra, Krzysztof Penderecki, Don Cherry, Edward Vesala, Tomasz Szukalski, Howard Johnson, Gary Peacock, Billy Hart, and others ~ Stańko was born in 1942
July 29, 2015 ~ Steel guitarist Buddy Emmons passed away in Hermitage, Tennessee, USA ~ Plays country, jazz, Western swing. Widely seen as one of the leading pedal steel guitarists of his day. Member of Ernest Tubb's backing unit the Texas Troubadours. Member of Ozark Mountain Daredevils. Member of the Dillards, a band believed to be quintessential in late-1960s country-rock. In-demand session musician. Has worked with Casey Clark, George Jones, Melba Montgomery, Roger Miller, Mel Tillis, Donna Fargo, Duane Eddy, Charlie Walker, Linda Ronstadt, Gram Parsons, Bob Wills, Ray Pennington, the Everly Brothers, the Carpenters, John Hartford, Jimmy Dickens, Ray Price (notably on You Took Her Off My Hands), Judy Collins, George Strait, John Sebastian, Ray Charles, and others ~ Emmons was born in 1937
July 29, 2014 ~ Jazz pianist, conductor, composer Giorgio Gaslini passed away in Parma, Italy ~ Worked with Anthony Braxton, Steve Lacy, Don Cherry, Roswell Rudd, Max Roach, Gato Barbieri, Jean-Luc Ponty, Enrico Rava, Kent Carter, Jean-François Jenny-Clark, I Nuovi Angeli, Pierro Leveratto, Gianni Bedori, Julius Farmer, Paolo Damiani, Roberto Ottaviano, Claudio Fasoli, Bruno Tomasso, Daniele di Gregorio, Roberto Bonati, and others ~ Gaslini was born in 1929
July 29, 2014 ~ Leo Morris, commonly known as drummer Idris Muhammad, passed away in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA ~ As a leader acclaimed for his 1970 Black Rhythm Revolution debut album. Renowned session jazz, R&B, funk drummer active since his mid-teens. Played on the Hawketts's Mardi Gras Mambo at age 15, and on Fats Domino's Blueberry Hill two years later. Appeared on albums by Willis Jackson, Nat Adderley (Calling Out Loud), Pharoah Sanders, Grant Green, Horace Silver, Sonny Stitt, Grover Washington Jr (Inner City Blues), Hank Crawford, Eric Gale, Bob James, Roberta Flack, Richard Groove Holmes (Good Vibrations), Freddie Hubbard, Luiz Bonfá, George Benson, John Scofield (Groove Elation), and Rusty Bryant ~ Morris was born in 1939
July 29, 2011 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Gene McDaniels passed away in Kittery Point, Maine, USA ~ As a singer known for early 1960s hits such as A Hundred Pounds Of Clay and Tower Of Strength. As a songwriter McDaniels is best known for the jazz-soul protest song Compared To What, made famous by Roberta Flack and also recorded by Les McCann and Eddie Harris, Ray Charles, Della Reese, John Legend, the Roots, Sweetwater and others. In the 1970s McDaniels turned to producing working with artists such as Gladys Knight, Nancy Wilson, Jimmy Smith, the Floaters, Jennifer Rush, and others ~ McDaniels was born in 1935
July 29, 2010 ~ Jazz drummer Martin Drew passed away in Harefield, UK ~ Best known for his associations with Ronnie Scott and with Oscar Peterson. Also worked with Eddie Thompson, John Critchinson, Dick Morrisey, Jim Mullen, Mornington Lockett, Nigel Hitchcock, Steve Melling, Andrew Cleyndert, the New Couriers, Paul Morgan, Barney Kessel, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, JJ Johnson, Lee Konitz, Phil Woods, Ron Carter, Woody Herman, Peanuts Hucko, George Coleman, Ruby Braff, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, Terence Blanchard, Arturo Sandoval, Alan Skidmore, Ken Peplowski, Monty Alexander, Milt Jackson, Chico Freeman, Johnny Griffin, Simon Spillett, Stanley Turrentine, Zoot Sims, Art Farmer, Plas Johnson, Scott Hamilton, Toots Thielemans, and numerous others ~ Drew was born in 1944
July 29, 2010 ~ Trumpeter Roy Caton, full name Roy Vernon Caton, passed away in Avila Beach, California, USA ~ Toured with Woody Herman prior to becoming a studio musician in the 1960s. Present on albums by the Beach Boys, the Righteous Brothers (Back To Back), Nancy Sinatra, Ike & Tina Turner, Love (Forever Changes), the Monkees, Harry Nilsson (Aerial Pandemonium Ballet), and Neil Diamond ~ Caton was born in 1927
July 29, 2007 ~ Double bassist Art Davis passed away ~ Classically trained. As opportunities in the classical world were sparse for black musicians, turned to jazz making his recording debut backing drummer Max Roach on the 1958 Deeds Not Words album. Closely associated with saxophonist John Coltrane, present on quintessential 1960s albums such as My Favorite Things, A Love Supreme, and Ascension. Revered for his mastery of the bass, Davis is a sought-after sideman present on albums by Lee Morgan (Expoodibent), Leo Wright (Blues Shout), Coleman Hawkins, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Abbey Lincoln (Straight Ahead), Booker Little, Quincy Jones, Eric Dolphy (Candid Dolphy), Jack Teagarden, Freddie Hubbard, Carol Sloane, Buddy Emmons (Steel Guitar Jazz), Shirley Scott, Solomon Burke (Rock 'n Soul), Buffy Sainte-Marie, Freda Payne, and Dizzy Reece ~ Davis was born in 1934
July 29, 2007 ~ Jump blues, R&B blues shouter Jimmy Nelson, also known as Jimmy T99 Nelson, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Mentored by Big Joe Turner, whose shouting style he emulated. Recorded a number of singles during the 1950s, most notably T-99 Blues which would top the Billboard R&B charts, Meet Me With Your Black Dress On, and Free And Easy Mind. Nelson would work day jobs through the 1970s, performing and sitting in with bands on occassion. As a singer would reemerge after Ace issued a compilation album of previously unreleased Nelson songs in the 1980s ~ Nelson was born in 1919
July 29, 2005 ~ Fred Smith, commonly known as R&B songwriter, producer Fred Sledge Smith, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing several hits for the Olympics including Hully Gully later notably covered by the Hollywood Argyles, Chubby Checker, and the Beach Boys. Smith also co-produced Bob & Earl's 1963 original recording of Harlem Shuffle, widely considered one of the most enduring early 1960s R&B recordings ~ Smith was born in 1933
July 29, 2004 ~ Jazz double bassist Al McKibbon passed away ~ Worked with Lucky Millinder, Tab Smith, JC Heard, and Coleman Hawkins before taking over for Ray Brown in Dizzy Gillespie's orchestra in 1947, remaining for three years. In the 1950s McKibbon played with Miles Davis, Earl Hines, Count Basie, Johnny Hodges, Thelonious Monk, George Shearing, Cal Tjader, Nat Adderley, and with Herbie Nichols. During the 1960s he appeared as sideman on albums by Lorez Alexandria, Sonny Criss, Charles Kynard, Jack Wilson, the Jazz Crusaders, and Shuggie Otis (Here Comes Shuggie). He also played on Randy Newman's 1970 critically acclaimed sophomore LP 12 Songs. McKibbon would continue to perform until 2004 ~ McKibbon was born in 1919
July 29, 2003 ~ Jazz, big band, orchestral jazz pianist, orchestrator, composer, arranger Luther Henderson, full name Luther Lincoln Henderson Jr, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Has worked with Lena Horne, Jule Styne, Richard Rodgers and Duke Ellington. Best known for his Broadway-work, serving as orchestrator, arranger, musical director on over 50 musicals including Ellington's Beggar's Holiday, Funny Girl, No No Nanette and Ain't Misbehavin'. Has worked as arranger for artists such as Robert Goulet, Nancy Wilson, Sandler & Young, Eartha Kitt, Diahann Carroll, Liza Minnelli, and others ~ Henderson was born in 1919
July 29, 1999 ~ Singer, bassist Anita Carter passed away in Goodletsville, Tennessee, USA ~ Daughter of Mother Maybelle Carter. Member of sibling act the Carter Sisters alongside Helen Carter and June Carter. As a solo artist Anita scored hits with Down The Trail Of Aching Tears with Hank Snow, Blue Bird Island, and I Got You with Waylon Jennings. Recorded the first version of Love's Ring Of Fire in 1962, later made famous by Johnny Cash who added horns and recorded it as Ring Of Fire ~ Carter was born in 1933
July 29, 1998 ~ Rock band Aerosmith release their I Don't Want To Miss A Thing single ~ Written by Diane Warren, who initially envisioned it would be performed by “Céline Dion or somebody like that”. Used as the theme song to blockbuster science fiction disaster film Armageddon starring lead singer Steven Tyler's daughter Liv Tyler alongside Bruce Willis. The film would be a blockbuster hit, the single would reach top of the charts in numerous countries, including the No.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the band's biggest hit. The band also contributed three other tracks to the soundtrack, What Kind Of Love Are You On, the Beatles-cover Come Together, and Sweet Emotion
July 29, 1997 ~ Charles Jagelka, commonly known as jazz, cool jazz, swing guitarist Chuck Wayne, passed away in Jackson, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with Woody Herman, George Shearing, Tony Bennett, Coleman Hawkins, Red Norvo, Joe Bushkin, Warren Chiasson, Gil Evans, Dick Katz, Beverly Kenney, Hank Jones, Clifford Jordan, Rolf Kühn, Duke Jordan, John Mehegan, Marian Montgomery, Jimmy Raney, George Wallington, Frank Wess, and others ~ Wayne was born in 1923
July 29, 1996 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, hornist Bill Green, full name William Ernest Green, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ In-demand session musician active since the mid-1950s. To pop and rock audiences perhaps best known for appearing on the Beach Boys landmark album Pet Sounds released in 1966, and on Marvin Gaye's 1973 Let's Get It On album as well as I Want You released in 1976. More jazz-oriented work includes sessions for Buddy Collette, Benny Carter (Aspects), Peggy Lee, Cannonball Adderley, Oliver Nelson (Sound Pieces), Lou Rawls, Blue Mitchell, Sarah Vaughan, Gene Ammons, Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, and Quincy Jones ~ Green was born in 1925
July 29, 1996 ~ Bassist Jason Thirsk, full name Jason Matthew Thirsk, passed away ~ Founding member of punk rock outfit Pennywise, remaining with the band from its inception in 1988 until his death by suicide in 1996. Present on the band's 1995 breakthrough About Time album. The band recruited One Hit Wonder bassist Randy Bradbury and continue to record. Their next album, 1997's Full Circle, would be dedicated to Thirsk and contain several songs carrying an anti-suicide message ~ Thirsk was born in 1967
July 29, 1995 ~ Jazz, swing, easy listening trumpeter Les Elgart, full name Lester Elliott Elgart, passed away in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Formed the Elgarts with his brother Larry Elgart. The duo is best known for their recording of Bandstand Boogie, used as the theme song to the musical TV show American Bandstand. Les has also worked with Raymond Scott, Charlie Spivak, Harry James, and others ~ Elgart was born in 1917
July 29, 1994 ~ R&B, blues, folk rock singer, songwriter Gary Farr, full name Gary Anthony Farr, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as founder and frontman of early 1960s British R&B outfit the T-Bones. Despite gaining a local reputation, notably inheriting the Yardbirds Friday night slot at the Marquee Club, London, and a critically well-received Dem Bones Dem Bones Dem T-Bones EP the band failed to chart and broke up in 1967. Following the band's disbandement Farr recorded three albums as a solo artist, to little commercial success, before semi-retiring from music by the mid-1970s ~ Farr was born in 1944
July 29, 1994 ~ Francisco Angel Bastar, commonly known as percussionist, bandleader, songwriter Kako, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Considered one of the most important timbaleros. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Kako y Su Cumbo Vol 1 in 1961. Has worked with Arsenío Rodriguez, Tito Puente, Ismael Rivera, Willie Colón, Mon Rivera, the Alegre All-Stars, and others ~ Bastar was born in 1936
July 29, 1985 ~ Classical, jazz composer Nicholas Urie born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Collaborated with Bob Brookmeyer, Dave Samuels, Brian Landrus. As a composer had his works performed by the Metropole Orchestra, John Scofield, Kurt Elling, Vince Mendoza, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, the Mobius Chamber Orchestra, the Jazz Composers Orchestra, and others
July 29, 1983 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Ashley McBryde born in Waldron, Arkansas, USA ~ Self-released two albums, 2006's Ashley McBryde and 2011's Elsebound, before gaining major attention in 2017, 2018 with both The New York Times and Rolling Stone including her single A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega on their lists of best songs of 2017 and a major label debut, 2018's Girl Going Nowhere on Warner Music Nashville
July 29, 1981 ~ Folk violinist, composer Gjermund Larsen born in Verdal, Norway ~ Debuted in 2004 with the album Sottenpassingen and has recorded steadily since. Has also worked with Frigg, Christian Wallumrød, Odd Nordstoga, Maj Britt Andersen, Reidar Larsen, Majorstuen, Maria Arredondo, Christel Alsos, Moddi, Arve Henriksen, and others
July 29, 1980 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader, composer Logan Richardson born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Member of the Next Collective. Member of Equality. Fronts the Shift. Also worked with Pat Metheny, Jason Moran, Harish Raghavan, Nasheet Waits, Jay McShann, Bill McGlaughin, Christian Scott, Gerald Clayton, Tony Tixler, Billy Hart, Jesse Elder, Ambrose Akinmusire, Gregory Tardy, Joe Chambers, and others
July 29, 1978 ~ Guitarist Glenn Goins, full name Glenn Lamonte Goins, passed away ~ Closely associated with George Clinton as a member of funk outfits Parliament and Funkadelic. Notably present on albums such as Mothership Connection and The Clones Of Dr Funkenstein. Sang lead vocals on Bop Gun (Endangered Species). After leaving Clinton in 1977 formed funk outfit Quazar which also included his brother Kevin Goins and drummer Jerome Brailey ~ Goins was born in 1954
July 29, 1978 ~ Singer, songwriter Nicole Scherzinger born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ First gained attention as member of Eden's Crush. Rose to prominence as lead singer of girl group the Pussycat Dolls, known for the albums PCD and Doll Domination. Debuted as a solo singer with the Killer Love album released in 2011
July 29, 1977 ~ Brian Burton, commonly known as rapper Danger Mouse, born in White Plains, New York, USA ~ First drew crtitical attention in 2004 with The Grey Album, which combined vocals from Jay-Z's The Black Album with instrumentals from the Beatles' The Beatles (The White Album). Formed Gnarls Barkley with Cee Lo Green, known for the hit Crazy. Also worked with Danger Doom, DM & Jemini, and with Broken Bells. Produced Gorillaz' sophomore album Demon Days. As a producer and songwriter Burton has also worked on albums by Beck (Modern Guilt), the Black Keys, the Red Hot Chili Peppers (Guilt), Norah Jones, Electric Guest, Portugal The Man, Adele (25), and A$AP Rocky
July 29, 1977 ~ Rodney Roy Jerkins, commonly known as producer Darkchild, born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA ~ Highly successful prolific producer, rapper, songwriter who collaborated with artists such as Sam Smith (Stay With Me), Janet Jackson, Brandy (The Boy Is Mine, What About Us), Jennifer Lopez, Mary J Blige (I Can Love You, Enough Crying), Tatyana Ali (Daydreaming), Monica (Angel Of Mine), Britney Spears, Ludacris, Whitney Houston (It's Not Right But It's Okay), Destiny's Child (Say My Name), Toni Braxton (He Wasn't Man Enought), Michael Jackson (You Rock My World), Ciara, Beyoncé (Déjà Vu), Lady Gaga (Telephone), Justin Bieber (As Long As You Love Me), and others
July 29, 1974 ~ Ellen Naomi Cohen, commonly known as singer Cass Elliott, passed away in London, UK ~ Best known as member of 1960s vocal group the Mamas & the Papas. Has gone on to release solo albums and singles, notably Dream A Little Dream Of Me. Prior to the Mamas & the Papas Cohen was a member of the Big 3 alongside Tim Rose and then-husband James Hendricks ~ Cohen was born in 1941
July 29, 1974 ~ Actor, author, singer, songwriter Josh Radnor, full name Joshua Thomas Radnor, born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for portraying the role of Ted Mosby in the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother. As a musician known as half of the duo Radnor & Lee, the other half being the Australian singer Ben Lee. The duo released their debut album, Radnor & Lee, in 2017
July 29, 1973 ~ R&B, new jack swing singer Wanya Morris, full name Wanya Jermaine Morris, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Constant member of Boyz II Men, known for Billboard Hot 100 top 10 songs such as Motownphilly, It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday, End Of The Road, In The Still Of The Nite (I'll Remember), I'll Make Love To You, On Bended Knee, Water Runs Dry, 4 Seasons Of Loneliness, and A Song For Mama
July 29, 1972 ~ Jazz drummer, composer Roger Johansen born in Bodø, Norway ~ Brother of trumpeter Tore Johansen. Worked with artists such as Randy Brecker, Jan Erik Kongshaug, Hallgeir Pedersen, Harald Halvorsen, Halvard Kausland, Staffan William-Olsson, Jan Gunnar Hoff, Terje Venaas, Finn Sletten, Knut Kristiansen, Hector Bingert, Gustavo Bergalli, Levin Dean, Frode Alnæs, Ole Paus, Erik Bye, Mari Boine, Mia Gundersen, Gjertrud Okland, Kenny Wheeler, Slide Hampton, Juan Pablo Torres, Randy Johnston, Barbara Morrison, Hal Galper, Larry Vuckovich, Bob Mintzer, Herb Geller, John Surman, and others
July 29, 1972 ~ Alternative rock bassist Simon Jones, full name Simon Robin David Jones, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Bassist for the Verve, best known for Bitter Sweet Symphony taken of their 1997 Urban Hymns. The single would reach top 10 in the UK, top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following the band's initial disbandement in 1999 Jones formed the short-lived the Shining with bandmate guitarist, keyboardist Simon Tong. Jones has also guested on Howie Day's Stop All The World sophomore album, backed Cathy Davey, and performed live with Damon Albarn's Gorillaz
July 29, 1966 ~ Singer Martina McBride born in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, USA ~ Debuted in 1991 with the neo-traditionalist single Time Has Come. Developed into country-pop crosover over the years. Dubbed “the Céline Dion of Country” for her soprano range. Known for songs such as Safe In The Arms Of Love, Concrete Angel, God's Wull, and I'm Gonna Love You Through It. Duetted with Clint Black on Still Holding On. Teamed up with Linda Davis, Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood on On My Own
July 29, 1963 ~ Girl group the Ronettes record Be My Baby at Gold Star, Hollywood, California ~ Widely regarded as one of the greatest songs of the 1960s. It was the first time producer Phil Spector recorded with a full orchestra, the song regarded as the quintessential example of his “Wall of Sound” recording technique. The song would influence numerous artists, perhaps most notably Brian Wilson who wrote Don't Worry Baby, a hit for the Beach Boys in 1964, as a response to Be My Baby. The future Ronnie Spector, then known as Veronica Bennett, was the only one of the Ronettes present on the song
July 29, 1962 ~ Hideaki Ishi, commonly known as DJ, producer DJ Krush, born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Considered a pioneer of Japanese hip-hop. Known for his atmospheric instrumental production incorporating sound element from nature and extensive use of jazz and soul samples. Has done notable remixes of songs by kd Lang (Sexuality), DJ Vadim, Roy Hargrove, Sugizo, Dragon Ash, Herbie Hancock (The Essence), Tetsuya Komuro, and Akira Sakata
July 29, 1960 ~ R&B outfit the Coasters record Shoppin' For Clothes at Atlantic Studios, New York, USA ~ Written and produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Partly based on Kent Harris' Clothes Lines (Wrap It Up) recorded previously under the moniker Boogaloo & his Galliant Crew, Harris later receiving co-writing credit. Released later the same year, b/w The Snake And The Book Wurm, it would become only a modest hit stalling in the 80s on the Billboard Hot 100
July 29, 1959 ~ R&B outfit the Isley Brothers record their self-penned Shout (Part 1 & 2) single at RCA-Victor, New York, New York ~ Produced by Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore. The first charting single for the siblings, peaking in the low 40s on the Billboard Hot 100, and later the group's first gold single on the basis of its longevity. Reportedly Ronald Isley later said that church groups wrote to radio stations asking them to stop playing the secular record, because of its use of a traditional black gospel sound. Singer Lulu, pop group the Shangri-Las, Tommy James & the Shondells, and perhaps most notably the Beatles all covered the song, the latter for a 1964 TV special called Around The Beatles. The success of the original single prompted RCA-Victor to rush the Isley Brothers into a recording studio to record their debut album, Shout, which was released later the same year
July 29, 1959 ~ Heavy metal, glam metal guitarist, bassist, singer John Sykes, full name John James Sykes, born in Reading, UK ~ Influenced by Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore, and Gary Moore. Member of Tygers Of Pan Tang. Member of Thin Lizzy, present on their 1983 Thunder And Lightning album. Member of Whitesnake, present on the band's 1987 eponymous Whitesnake. Formed and fronted Blue Murder and has recorded as a solo artist since the late 1980s
July 29, 1954 ~ Christian rock keyboardist, trombonist, songwriter Mark Gershmehl born in Fort Wayne, USA ~ Alongside Billy Smiley, the only other constant member of White Heart, widely regarded as one of the premier Christian rock bands. Though the band was nominated for a Dove Award, they never won one. Smiley and Gershmel were also bandmates in the Gaither Vocal Band. Gersmehl has also written for artists such as Kathy Troccoli, Sandi Patty, Geoff Moore, and others. Married to Rachel Rachel-keyboardist Brynn Beltran since 1993
July 29, 1953 ~ Gary Lee Weinrib, commonly known as bassist, keyboardist, singer Geddy Lee born in Willowdale, Canada ~ Serves as lead vocalist, bassist, keyboardist of Rush since 1968. Influenced by Jack Bruce, John Entwistle, Jeff Beck, Procol Harum, Paul McCartney, Chris Squire, and James Jamerson. In turn influenced Cliff Burton, Steve Harris, John Myung, Les Claypool, and Tim Commerford.
July 29, 1948 ~ Christian singer, guitarist, songwriter Bryn Haworth borrn in Darwen, UK ~ Some two dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with Let The Days Go By released in 1974. Member of Les Fleur De Lys, the house band for the UK division of Atlantic Records backing artists such as Isaac Hayes, Barney Kessel, Sharon Tandy. As a songwriter had his songs recorded by Lulu, Sandy Denny, Mary Black. Has also worked with Jackie Lomax, Chris De Burgh, Joan Armatrading, Iain Matthews, Gerry Rafferty and with Cliff Richard
July 29, 1946 ~ Conductor Enoch zu Guttenberg born in Guttenberg. Germany ~ Influenced by Bernhard Paumgartner, Antal Doráti, and Karl von Feilitzsch. Formed several musical ensembles for choral works and choirs including the famed Chorgemeinschaft Neubeurern in 1967. Environmental activist, co-founded BUND, a German non-profit dedicated to protect the natural environment ~ Zu Guttenberg passed away in 2018
July 29, 1946 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Neal Doughty, full name Neal Allan Doughty, born in Evanston, Illinois, USA ~ Sole constant member of REO Speedwagon, known for songs such as Keep On Loving You, Take It On The Run, Keep The Fire Burning and Can't Fight This Feeling. Noted for his organ solo on Roll With The Changes and his honky-tonk piano on 157 Riverside Avenue
July 29, 1945 ~ Jazz guitarist Joe Beck born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Fluent in a number of styles including jazz fusion, post bop, mainstream jazz, soul jazz, and rock. Worked with Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Esther Phillips, Ali Ryerson, John Abercrombie, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Howard Robert, Tommy Tedesco, Larry Coryell, Tom Scott, Jeremy Steig, Gábor Szabó, Gene Ammons, Gato Barbieri, James Brown (on the 1975 LP Reality), Rusty Bryant, Hank Crawford, Chico Hamilton, Mike Mainieri, Paul Simon (on the LP's Still Crazy After All These Years, and One Trick Pony), Leon Spencer, Bobby Timmons, Kai Winding, and others ~ Beck passed away in 2008
July 29, 1935 ~ Theater director, songwriter Jacques Levy born in New York, New York, USA ~ Frequently collaborated with Roger McGuinn, notably on the single Chestnut Mare of the Untitled album. Perhaps best known for co-writing the majority of songs on Bob Dylan's Desire album, including Hurricane and Isis ~ Levy passed away in 2004
July 29, 1935 ~ Opera, concert singer, conductor Peter Schreier born in Meissen, Germany ~ Started as an alto soloist, notably with Dresdner Kreuzchor, but would turn to tenor parts later on. Considered one of the leading lyric tenors of the 20th century renowned for his lieder singing and opera roles, particularly in works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Has worked with the Berlin State Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, and others ~ Schreier passed away in 2019
July 29, 1934 ~ Jazz, R&B saxophonist Ernie Fields Jr born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Son of trombonist, pianist Ernie Fields, with whom he has also worked. Composed the score to the 1978 film Disco Godfather. Toured with James Brown alumnus Fred Wesley during the 1990s. Fields was an in-demand session musician, appearing on albums by Alphonso Johnson, Albert King, Freddie Hubbard, Martha Reeves, Marvin Gaye (Here My Dear), Marlena Shaw, Teena Marie (Wild & Peaceful), Rick James (Bustin' Out Of L Seven), Aretha Franklin, Third World, Miles Davis, Two Tons Of Fun, and Stevie Wonder ~ Fields passed away in 2024
July 29, 1933 ~ Lloyd Arrington Sparks, commonly known as singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Randy Sparks, born in Leavenworth, Kansas, USA ~ Founded the New Christy Minstrels, most acclaimed for their 1962 Presenting The New Christy Minstrels debut album, and for often-covered songs such as Green Green, Saturday Night and Today written or co-written by Sparks. The band is also especially noted for including Barry McGuire and for launching the careers of John Denver and Kenny Rogers. Sparks also founded the Back Porch Majority, initially intended as a rehearsal space for the Minstrels, yet the group would become successful on its own, recording about half a dozen albums. A 1964 review by The New York Times would read: “The Minstrels maintain the sort of bubbling good spirits that ought to be bottled and sold at every supermarket in the land. They suggest a Norman Rockwell portrait of nine youths who are smiling their way through song and life” ~ Sparks passed away in 2024
July 29, 1931 ~ Jazz pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger Kjell Karlsen, full name Kjell Oddvar Karlsen, born in Sarpsborg, Norway ~ Father of singer Webe Karlsen. Founded his first orchestra at age 16. Has worked with Karin Krog, Totti Bergh, Bjørn Johansen, Harald Bergersen, Ole Jacob Hansen, Frode Thingnæs, Erik Amundsen, Grynet Molvig, Laila Dalseth, Odd Børre, Kirsti Sparboe, and others ~ Karlsen passed away in 2020
July 29, 1930 ~ James Frank Stewart, commonly known as label executive, producer Jim Stewart, born in Middleton, Tennessee, USA ~ Co-founded the Stax/Volt label with his sister Estelle Axton in 1957. The company would be one of the defining forces in 1960s, 1970s R&B and soul with a roster of artists that included Rufus Thomas, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Don Covay, Johnnie Taylor, the Staple Singers, Isaac Hayes, and Booker T & the MG's. The latter was initially formed as the label's in-house studio band, yet are also specifically remembered for several recordings in their own right, some of which including the instrumental Green Onions are regarded as among the funkiest grooves of the era ~ Stewart passed away in 2022
July 29, 1927 ~ Howard Weiss, commonly known as conductor, pianist, arranger Peter Howard, born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Rose to prominence in the 1960s, conducting and arranging the original Broadway productions of Hello Dolly, 1776, and Annie. Other notable credits include arranging for productions of musicals such as Chicago, The Tap Dance Kid, and Crazy For You ~ Weiss passed away in 2008
July 29, 1925 ~ Michail Theodorakis, commonly known as composer, activist Mikis Theodorakis, born in Chios, Greece ~ One of Greece's most acclaimed composers, having scored over 1,000 works. Has scored music for films such as Zorba The Greek which included Sirtaki, Z and Serpico. Wrote The Mauthausen Trilogy, one of the most revered musical pieces written about the Holocaust. Also active as a politician, known for his leftist ideas, and having served in several positions including MP and minister ~ Theodorakis passed away in 2021
July 29, 1923 ~ Guitar amplifier builder Jim Marshall born in Kensington, UK ~ Pioneer of guitar amplification, dubbed “the Father of Loud”. Founded Marshall Amplification in 1962, known for manufacturing guitar amplifiers regarded among the best available, used by the biggest names in rock. Marshall was awarded an OBE, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in 2003 for ”services to the industry and charity” ~ Marshall passed away in 2012
July 29, 1916 ~ Guitarist Charlie Christian born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Revered and highly influential guitarist. Key figure in development of bebop. Helped bring the electric jazz guitar to the forefront. Paved the way for modern electric guitarists such as T-Bone Walker, Eddie Cochran, Cliff Gallup, Scotty Moore, Franny Beecher, BB King, Chuck Berry, Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, and others ~ Christian passed away in 1942