July 29, 1987 ~ Country singer, songwriter Leah Turner born in California, USA ~ At the advice of Kenny Loggins, Turner relocated to Los Angeles, California, to pursue a career as a singer. After relocating again, this time to Nashville, Tennessee, Turner released her eponymous Leah Turner debut album in 2014, spawning the modest country hits Take The Keys and Pull Me Back. Turner is perhaps best known for co-writing Let It Be Me, recorded by both Rob Mayes and Vanessa Marie Carter
July 29, 1985 ~ Christian rock drummer Lauren Barlow, full name Lauren Ashley Nicole Barlow, born ~ One third of Christian girl group BarlowGirl, formed with her siblings bass guitarist, keyboardist Alyssa Barlow and guitarist Rebecca Barlow. Initially a backing band for their father Vince Barlow, the trio would become a popular festival act, and aided by a tribute song titled Barlow Girls by fellow Christian rockers Superchick, rose to fame prior to releasing their eponymous 2004 BarlowGirl debut album. They are best known for the singles Never Alone and I Need You To Love Me. They recorded about half a dozen albums, most acclaimed for their 2009 Love & War album, before disbanding the band in the early-2000s
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 ~ Singer, songwriter Jean-François Breau born in Hamilton, Canada ~ Studied medicine to become a cardiologist. However, after a winning a series of talent contests in the 1990s, emerged in the early-2000s as a Francophone singer, starting with his eponymous Jean-François Breau debut album. Well known for portraying the title role in the musical comedy Don Juan written by Félix Gray, opposite his girlfriend Marie-Ève Janvier. Breau and Janvier would also record several albums as a duo, and are noted for their 2011 hit rendition of J'Ai Un Problème, originally recorded by Johnny Hallyday and Sylvia Vartan in 1973. Breau also co-wrote On S'Est Aimé À Cause, recorded by Céline Dion for her 2007 D'Elles album, and co-wrote Te Revoir for Greek singer George Perris's 2012 Un Souhait album
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 ~ 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, one of the prime 1990s R&B outfits known for their vocal harmonies and a capella singing. The band has recorded well over a dozen albums, and scored over half a dozen top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 through the late-1990s, including the No.1 hits End Of The Road, I'll Make Love To You, and On Bended Knee. The band also notably collaborated with Mariah Carey's on her No.1 hit One Sweet Day, which though tapped as a favorite for the Grammy Award for Record of the Year lost out to Seal's Kiss From A Rose, much to the surprise of critics
July 29, 1972 ~ Jazz drummer Roger Johansen born in Bodø, Norway ~ Active on the local music scene from an early age, including in the school corps and the grunge rock unit Fresh Fruit. Johansen's interest in jazz was awakened in his mid-teens after meeting Jan Gunnar Hoff, Terje Venaas and Finn Sletten. A few years later, Johansen would join the local jazz outfit the Bodø Jazz Quintet and subsequently join his younger brother trumpeter Tore Johansen's band. Johansen would go on to work with a wide array of Scandinavian as well as international jazz artists, including Knut Kristiansen, Frode Alnæs, Ole Paus, Kenny Wheeler, Hal Galper, George Garzone, and Herb Geller. The Johansen brothers would found their own Inner Ear record label in 2007, on which they released several of their own recordings as well as albums by Vigleik Storaas, Elin Rosseland, and Eva Trones
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 album. 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, 1971 ~ DJ, producer Jonathan Toubin born ~ Active on the New York scene since the early-2010s, particularly known for his New York Night Train events, Toubin has been hailed as “the most-liked man in the soul music scene” by Rolling Stone, and as “New York's best DJ” by VICE. Toubin's distinctive sound is characterised by his use of obscure vinyl 45s, producing a richer sound than fellow DJs, or as he told the Wall Street Journal: “I used to DJ records, CDs, mp3s and it never sounded good. And then I found a box of great 45s on the street, so I started playing more of them. And I loved the way the 45s sounded. They were so much louder, like a punch in the face”
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, 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, 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. Guttenberg is also an environmental activist, particularly known for co-founding BUND, a German non-profit organization 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 Evansville, Illinois, USA ~ Sole constant member of REO Speedwagon, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums since the early-1970s. The band enjoyed popularity especially during the first of the 1980s with albums such as Hi Infidelity, Good Trouble, and Wheels Are Turnin'. The power ballads Keep On Loving You and Can't Fight This Feeling would reach the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, and both have remained radio staples. Doughty's distinctive keyboard playing is particularly noticable on the organ solo on Roll With The Changes and his honky-tonk piano on 157 Riverside Avenue
July 29, 1945 ~ Jazz fusion, jazz funk, funk, soul jazz guitarist Joe Beck born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Well over a dozen albums as a leader, co-leader or solo artist, noted most for 1975's Beck, 1980's Empathy, and 1991's The Journey. Over the course of his career, Beck has appeared on albums by Mike Mainieri, Gil Evans (Blues In Orbit), Johnny Pate (Outrageous), Al Kooper, Labelle, Gato Barbieri (Fenix), Dom Um Romão, Hank Crawford, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Lonnie Liston Smith (Astral Traveling), Idris Muhammad (Power Of Soul), Bill Watrous, James Brown (Hell), David Sanborn (Taking Off), Paul Simon, Ronnie Foster, Azuquita (Pura Salsa), Miles Davis, Tom Talbert (This Is Living), Nnenna Freelon (Maiden Voyage), and Jimmy Bruno. When reflecting back on the start of his career in the late-1960s, Beck once commented: “My career happened because I happened to be in the right place at the right time in a very unique time of jazz music” ~ Beck passed away in 2008
July 29, 1939 ~ Composer Annea Lockwood born in Christchurch, New Zealand ~ Considered a pioneer in sound sculpture and mixed-media composition, merging microtonal music, electro-acoustic soundscapes, and vocal music, while often including natural found sounds. Has recorded well over a dozen albums since the early-1970s, especially acclaimed for a string of mid-1990s albums including World Rhythms released in 1997. Lockwood is also known as a professor, teaching electronic music at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie Town, New York, since the early-1980s
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, and the Metropolitan Opera ~ Schreier passed away in 2019
July 29, 1935 ~ Classical pianist, musicologist Pietro Spada born in Rome, Italy ~ Pianist and researcher whose work expanded the repertoire of the classical piano. Well known for his research on Muzio Clementi, producing a definitive edition of Clementi's surviving symphonies, and for publishing and first recording many unedited keyboard compositions by Giovanni Paisiello, Gaetano Donizetti, and John Field, with Spada's arrangements later used by soloists and conductors such as Claudio Abbado, Riccardo Muti, Luciano Pavarotti, and Jean-Pierre Rampal. Through his Boccaccini & Spada Editori publishing company, cofounded with Massino Boccaccini, Spada published numerous previously unpublished compositions of great classical composers. Spada is also well regarded as a music teacher, having held positions at the Florida State University, the Indiana University, the Turin Conservatory, and the Rome Conservatory ~ Spada passed away in 2022
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 ~ Jazz, swing guitarist Charlie Christian, full name Charles Henry Christian, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Pioneering guitarist considered an innovator on the electric guitar. Rose to fame at the turn of the 1940s as a member of Benny Goodman's ensemble, including on classic sides such as Soft Winds, Stardust, Memories Of You, Poor Butterfly, I Surrender Dear, and On The Alamo. Though his success was brief, his career cut short by his untimely death of tuberculosis at a mere age 25, Christian is considered one of the all-time most important guitarists, helping bring the guitar to the forefront, predating both bebop and cool jazz, and a major influence on jazz artists such as trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, saxophonist Charlie Parker, and pianist Thelonious Monk, as well as a wide range of guitarists from just about every genre including T-Bone Walker, Eddie Cochran, Cliff Gallup, Scotty Moore, Chuck Berry, BB King, Jimi Hendrix, and Carlos Santana. At his induction in 1990, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame stated “Christian took electric guitar out of the rhythm section and into the spotlight, (his) single-string technique proving that the guitar could be a lead instrument” ~ Christian passed away in 1942