July 3, 2023 ~ Pop, ragtime, classical, film pianist, conductor, arranger, composer Lincoln Mayorga passed away ~ Though best known for his work in classical music, Mayorga has played in a wide variety of genres including pop. Mayorga contributed piano to Big Man, a 1958 Billboard Hot 100 top 5 hit for the Four Preps. Subsequently, teaming up with the group's bassist Ed Cobb, Mayorga formed the Piltdown Men, known for the minor American hit Brontosaurus Stomp, and for the UK top 20 singles McDonald's Cave, Piltdown Rides Again, and Goodnight Mrs Flintstone. Mayorga has also served as staff pianist at Walt Disney Studios, and contributed to the soundtracks of films and TV shows. In the classical world, he is known for guesting with the Moscow Philharmonic, and for collaborating with the likes of Itzhak Perlman, Josef Suk, and Richard Stoltzman. In one capacity or another, Mayorga has also worked on albums by Dick Dale, Sam Cooke (Ain't That Good News), Glenn Yarbrough, Phil Ochs, Frank Zappa (Lumpy Gravy), Barbra Streisand, and Ringo Starr (Goodnight Vienna) ~ Mayorga was born in 1937
July 3, 2023 ~ Michael Ralph Foster, commonly known as rock, pop, jazz fusion, funk bassist, guitarist, mandolinist, keyboardist, percussionist, producer Mo Foster, passed away ~ As a solo artist acclaimed for his 1991 Southern Reunion album. Authored Seventeen Watts, a semi-autobiographical and anecdotal book published in 1997 about the birth and rise of rock guitar in the UK. Member of Affinity. Member of RMS. In-demand session musician with a career spanning five decades, appearing on over an estimated 300 albums. Notable credits include Olivia Newton-John, Roger Glover (The Butterfly Ball And The Grasshopper's Feast), Fancy, Cerrone (Love In C Minor), Eddie Hardin, Albert Hammond, Gerry Rafferty (Night Owl), Kevin Ayers, Peter Green, Cliff Richard, Gary Moore, Eros Ramazzotti (Musica E), Jeff Beck (Beckology), Luka Bloom, Michael Schenker, and Michael d'Abo ~ Foster was born in 1944
July 3, 2023 ~ Myra Barnes, commonly known as R&B, soul, funk singer Vicki Anderson, passed away ~ Closely associated with James Brown, serving as Brown's main female singer from 1965 replacing Anna King through 1968 succeeded by Marva Whitney. Anderson would rejoin Brown's band in 1972 and remain for another three years. As a solo artist best known for her 1970 The Message From The Soul Sisters feminist anthem. Anderson was the widow of Brown-sideman Bobby Byrd, and mother of singer Carleen Anderson from her previous marriage ~ Barnes was born in 1939
July 3, 2022 ~ Pianist, author Joseph Banowetz, full name Joseph Murray Banowetz, passed away ~ Concert pianist. Some two dozen albums to his name, perhaps best known for his recordings of orchestra and piano series composed by Anton Rubinstein. As a recitalist and concert pianist, he has worked with renowned orchestras such as the St Petersburg Symphony, the Moscow State Symphony, the New Zealand Symphony, and the Beijing Central Philharmonic, Banowetz is also known as an author, noted for The Pianist's Guide To Pedaling, and educator, teaching at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, until his death at age 87 ~ Banowetz was born in 1934
July 3, 2018 ~ Singer, drummer, keyboardist, bassist, guitarist, producer, songwriter Richard Swift passed away in Tacoma, Washington, USA ~ In-demand collaborator, producer for artists such as the Shins, Damien Jurado, David Bazan, Foxygen, Jessie Baylin, Nathaniel Rateliff, Lucius, Lonnie Holley, the Mynabirds, Wake Owl, Laetitia Sadier, Gardens & Villa, Cayucas, Guster, the Arcs, the Black Keys, and others ~ Swift was born in 1977
July 3, 2013 ~ Trumpeter, composer Bernard Vitet passed away ~ Considered a pioneer of free jazz in his native France. Closely associated with François Tusques, Michel Portal, Jean-Jacques Birge, and Francis Gorge. To more mainstream pop audiences, Vitet is known as a superb accompanist for the likes of Serge Gainsbourg, Barbara, Yves Montand, and Colette Magny. Vitet has also collaborated with a host of international jazz artists including Lester Young, Archie Shepp, Anthony Braxton, Don Cherry, the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, Gato Barbieri, Martial Solal, and early on in his career with Django Reinhardt, Eric Dolphy, and Albert Ayler. Has recorded prolifically, most notably well over a dozen albums with Un Drame Musical Instantané, and has invented several instruments such as the reed trumpet, a multiphonic French horn, a variable tension double-bass, and the dragoon. Besides trumpet, Vitet also sang and played flugelhorn, piano, and violin ~ Vitet was born in 1934
July 3, 2012 ~ Actor, comedian, gospel singer, writer, TV personality Andy Griffith, full name Andy Samuel Griffith, passed away in Manteo, California, USA ~ Rose to fame as an actor, notably featured in the mid- to late 1950s films A Face In The Crowd and No Time For Sergeants, and the TV sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. Griffiths sang in some of his acting roles and has recorded a number of standalone albums including country, gospel, and hymns ~ Griffith was born in 1926
July 3, 2008 ~ Actor, comedian, singer Harald Heide-Steen Jr passed away in Oslo, Norway ~ Son of actor Harald Heide-Steen. Best known as an actor, noted for his role as Dynamitt Harry in the Olsenbanden film series. As a singer known for a handful of albums, starting with Harald Synger Griseviser released in 1970, and for frequently collaborating with Rolv Wesenlund ~ Heide-Steen was born in 1939
July 3, 2007 ~ Homer Louis Randolph III, saxophonist, commonly known as Boots Randolph, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Session musician. Member of the Mighty Handful. As a solo artist best known for his 1963 hit single Yakety Sax, which would become Benny Hill's signature tune. Has backed Elvis Presley on recording sessions and soundtracks, perhaps most notably on Return To Sender. Also present on Roy Orbison's Mean Woman Blues, Brenda Lee's Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, Jerry Lee Lewis' Turn On Your Lovelight, Al Hirt's Java, several of Chet Atkins recordings, and numerous other recordings from a wide array of pop, jazz and country artists ~ Randolph was born in 1927
July 3, 2007 ~ Gospel, R&B singer Keedron Bryant born in Sicily, Italy ~ Best known for the protest song I Just Wanna Live written by Bryant's mother the day after the murder of George Floyd in 2020
July 3, 2005 ~ Hedwig Grace West, commonly known as folk singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Hedy West, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Actively performing since her teens. Best known for 500 Miles, patched together from older fragments and credited to West. The song would later be covered by a host of artists, perhaps most notably Bobby Bare ~ West was born in 1938
July 3, 2005 ~ Hard-bop double bassist, arranger Pierre Michelot passed away in Paris, France ~ Studied piano. Switched to bass at ge 16. Worked with Rex Stewart, Kenny Clarke, Coleman Hawkins, Sidney Bechet, Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli, Don Byas, Thelonious Monk, Lester Young, Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz, Bud Powell, Zoot Sims, Dizzy Gillespie, Chet Baker, Miles Davis (Ascenseur Pour L'Echafaud), Jacques Loussier, and others ~ Michelot was born in 1928
July 3, 2004 ~ Blues harpist, singer John Witmer, full name John Douglas Titmer, passed away in Vancouver, Canada ~ Co-founded Whiskey Howl. Lead singer for the Downchild Blues Band from 1982 through 1986, present on the But I'm On The Guest List album. Member of the Fabricators ~ Witmer was born ca.1951
July 3, 2001 ~ John Bright Russell, commonly known as singer, songwriter, comedian Johnny Russell, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for co-writing Act Naturally, made famous by Buck Owens, later one of the few covers ever done by the Beatles. Other artists who have recorded Russell's songs include Burl Ives, Jim Reeves, Jerry Garcia, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, George Strait, and others. As a singer Russell is mostly known for songs such as Rednecks White Socks & Blue Ribbon, The Baptism Of Jesse Taylor, Catfish John, and Hello I Love You ~ Russell was born in 1940
July 3, 1999 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, jazz rock, experimental rock singer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Mark Sandman passed away in Palestrina, Italy ~ Influenced artists such as Primus' Les Claypool, the Minutemen's Mike Watt and the Queens Of The Stone Age's Josh Homme. Best known as lead singer, bassist of alternative rock band Morphine. Has also worked with blue-rock outfit Treat Her Right. Passed away at age 46, suffering a heart attack on stage playing a concert in Palestrina, Italy ~ Sandman was born in 1952
July 3, 1989 ~ Tanner Elle Schneider, commonly known as singer, actress, songwriter Elle King, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Has opened for Dashboard Confessional, the Dropkick Murphys, Dry The River, James Bay and Ed Sheeran. Debuted in 2012 with the EP The Elle King EP, its lead track Playing For Keeps later chosen as the theme song to VH1's TV show Mob Wives Chicago. Released her full-length debut album, Love Stuff, in 2015
July 3, 1988 ~ Metalcore, post-hardcore singer, keyboardist, songwriter Matty Mullins born in Spokane, Washington, USA ~ Influenced by acts such as Every Time I Die, Bring Me The Horizon, Asking Alexandria. Best known as lead singer and main songwriter of the Memphis May Fire. Has also worked with Hands Like Houses, Sleeping With Sirens, For Today, and with Nowhere To Be Found
July 3, 1988 ~ Radio DJ Steve Walsh passed away ~ Key figure in London's soul scene. As a radio DJ known for his shows on pirate stations such as Radio Invicta and JFM, as well as on prominent regional stations such as BBC Radio Kent and BBC London. Perhaps best known for his live work in nightclubs, and notably known for his 1987 remix version of the Fatback Band's I Found Lovin' which would reach top 10 on the UK singles charts ~ Walsh was born in 1958
July 3, 1986 ~ Dillon Russell, commonly known as jazz double bassist Curley Russell, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Though largely forgotten today, Russell was an important figure in the early years of bebop, appearing on several key recordings. Nicknamed “Curley” for his curly hair. Hardly a soloist, but a fine accompanist able to keep up with the rapid tempoes. Russell has worked with Don Redman, Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Tadd Dameron, George Wallington, Al Cohn (Cohn's Tones), Bud Powell, Stan Getz, Buddy DeFranco, Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk (We See), Dexter Gordon, Horace Silver, Coleman Hawkins, Miles Davis, Johnny Griffin (A Blowin' Session), and Sonny Stitt. Parker's composition Donna Lee is named for Russell's daughter. In the latter half of the 1950s, Russell drifted away from jazz into R&B, retiring from music altogether by the end of the decade ~ Russell was born in 1917
July 3, 1986 ~ Hubert Prior Vallée, commonly known as singer, actor, saxophonist Rudy Vallée, passed away in Los Angeles, California, 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 was born in 1901
July 3, 1983 ~ Leo Edward Donald Jr, commonly known as R&B, rock & roll singer Larry Darnell, passed away in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Dubbed “Mr Heart & Soul”, known for a string of late 1940s, early 1950s hits including I'll Get Along Somehow, For You My Love, I Love My Baby, and Oh Babe ~ Donald was born in 1928
July 3, 1981 ~ Indie rock, alternative rock, post-hardcore singer, guitarist, drummer Colin Frangicetto born in Langthorne, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Member of This Day Forward, with whom he recorded four albums. Following the band's disbandement co-founded Circa Survive, known best for their 2007 On Letting Go sophomore album
July 3, 1980 ~ James Joseph Bennett, commonly known as blues shouter, saxophonist Buster Bennett, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Worked with Lester Melrose, Big Bill Broonzy, Yas Yas Girl, Monkey Joe, Washboard Sam, Jimmie Gordon, Sammy Price, Arrington Thornton, Duke Groner, Wild Bill Davis, Israel Crosby, Pee Wee Jackson, Tom Archia, and others ~ Bennett was born in 1914
July 3, 1980 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Sarah Buxton, full name Sarh Jane Buxton, born in Lawrence, Kansas, USA ~ Married to guitarist Tom Bukovac since 2009. Released her full-length eponymous Sarah Buxton debut album in 2010. Best known for songs such as Innocence, That Kind Of Day, Space, Outside My Window, and Stupid Boy. The latter would be notably covered by Keith Urban, whose version reached No.3 Billboard Country. An in-demand songwriter, Buxton has also written or co-written songs such as Big & Rich's That's Why I Pray, Gary Allan's Piece, the Band Perry's Don't Let Me Be Lonely and Florida Georgia Line's Sun Daze
July 3, 1980 ~ Frazier Othel Thompson III, commonly known as rapper Trae tha Truth, born in USA ~ Released his full-length Losing Composure solo debut album in 2003. Best known for his 2005 single In The Hood featuring Yung Joc. Has collaborated with Guerilla Maab, Fat Pat, Rich Boy, Lil' Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, Young Thug, TI, and others
July 3, 1979 ~ Composer, pianist Louis Durey, full name Louis Edmond Durey, passed away in Saint-Tropez, France ~ Durey had been primarily self-taught, active as a composer since the early 1900s composing chamber music, choral music, orchestral music, and works for piano. Well known for L'Offrande Lyrique, published in 1914 arguably the first piece of French twelve-tone music, the piano duet Carillons, and his sole opera L'Occasion. Durey was involved with L'Album Des Six, a suite of six piano pieces each written by a member of Les Six published in 1920, yet disassociated himself from the group afterwards. During World War II, Durey was a member of the French Resistance, only to embrace hard-line communism after the war which would isolate Durey and seriously hinder his career ~ Durey was born in 1888
July 3, 1978 ~ Finlay Beaton, commonly known as alternative rock singer, bassist, songwriter Satyam Kavyen Temperley or Kav Temperley, born in Perth, Australia ~ Co-founding member of Eskimo Joe, with whom he has recorded about half a dozen albums. The band is best known for the singles Black Fingernails Red Wine, Sarah, and Foreign Land, all of which reached top 20 in the band's native Australia. Temperley has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album All Your Devotion released in 2018, and has given songwriting workshops for teens and emerging musicians
July 3, 1976 ~ Singer Shane Lynch, full name Shane Eamon Mark Stephen Lynch, born in Donaghmede, Ireland ~ Member of boy band Boyzone. The band enjoyed popularity especially in the UK and their native Ireland where they scored an impressive string of top 10 hits in the 1990s. The singles Words, A Different Beat, All That I Need, No Matter What, When The Going Gets Tough, and You Needed Me would all reach No.1 in the UK. The band split in 1999, but reunited in 2007, and by sales was the most successfull boy band in Britain after Take That
July 3, 1975 ~ Pop, rock drummer, guitarist, singer Javier Weyler, full name javier Andrés Weyler, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Best known as a member of the Stereophonics from 2004 through 2012, present on the albums Language Sex Violence Other, Pull The Pin, and Keep Calm And Carry On. Had previously drummed with Venezualan band Claroscuro for close to a decade before relocating to London to study audio engineering. Weyler has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Lagrima released in 2007 under the moniker Capitan Melao
July 3, 1975 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, bassist Tim Arnold born in London, UK ~ Critically compared to David Bowie. Member of Jocasta, known for the modest hits Go and Change Me and their sole album No Coincedence released in 1997. Following the band's disbandement, Arnold has ventured into a solo career, recording some two dozen albums starting with Seeker's Serum in 1998
July 3, 1975 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Trent Tomlinson born in Blytheville, Arkansas, USA ~ Released his Country Is My Rock debut album in 2006. All of the albums singles, Drunker Than Me, One Wing In The Fire and Just Might Have Her Radio On, would reach top 30 on the Billboard Country charts. Tomlinson also co-wrote Evidence, recorded by Emerson Drive for their eponymous Emerson Drive album, Blue County's Walk On Water, Sara Evans's Missing Missouri, and George Strait's Why Can't I Leave Her Alone
July 3, 1972 ~ Hill country blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Mississippi Fred McDowell passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for songs such as Shake 'Em On Down, Kokomo Blues and You Gotta Move, the latter best known to rock audiences as covered by the Rolling Stones on their quintessential Sticky Fingers album ~ McDowell was born in 1904
July 3, 1971 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Donald McPherson passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Co-founding member of Main Ingredient, present on songs such as You've Been My Inspiration, Spinning Around (I Must Be Falling In Love) and the McPherson-penned Black Seeds Keep On Growing. McPherson died unexpectedly of leukemia at age 29, Cuba Gooding Sr taking his place as lead singer in the band ~ McPherson was born in 1941
July 3, 1971 ~ James Douglas Morrison, commonly known as singer, songwriter Jim Morrison, passed away in Paris, France ~ Lead singer of the Doors. Wrote or co-wrote vast amount of the band's best known songs including Light My Fire, Break On Through To The Other Side, The End, Moonlight Drive, People Are Strange, Hello I Love You, Roadhouse Blues, LA Woman, and Riders On The Storm ~ Morrison was born in 1943
July 3, 1970 ~ Actress, singer Audra McDonald, full name Audra Ann McDonald, born in West Berlin, West Germany ~ Has worked with orchestras such as the Houston Grand Opera, the Los Angeles Opera, the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, as well as in musicals, botn on and off Broadway, including 110 In The Shade, Carousel, Ragtime and Porgy & Bess
July 3, 1969 ~ Guitarist, sitarist, keyboardist, percussionist Brian Jones, full name Lewis Brian Hopkin Jones, passed away in Hartfield, UK ~ Co-founding member and original leader of the Rolling Stones, pushed to the back by manager Andrew Loog Oldham steered the band away from blues and more towards rock & roll. Best known as a slide guitarist as evidenced on songs such as I Wanna Be Your Man, I'm A King Bee, I'm Movin' On and No Expectations yet played several other instruments including sitar (Street Fighting Man, Paint It Black), organ (Let's Spend The Night Together), dulcimer, mellotron, marimba (Under My Thumb, Out Of Time), and saxophone (Citadel), and numerous other instruments. Fired by the band in 1969 as Jones's substance abuse became a problem and replaced by Mick Taylor. Jones passed away a month later, found dead in his swimming pool at age 27 ~ Jones was born in 1942
July 3, 1969 ~ Keyboardist Kevin Hearn, full name Kevin Neil Hearn, born in Grimsby, Canada ~ Member of Barenaked Ladies, joining the band in 1995 as replacement for Andrew Creeggan and first appearing on Stunt. Has also worked with Look People and with Rheostatics
July 3, 1969 ~ Vincent John Martin, commonly known as keyboardist, singer, songwriter Vince Clarke born in Basildon, UK ~ Key member, main songwriter of Erasure since its inception in 1985. Clarke is known for his low-key onstage demeanour, often remaining motionless over his keyboard. The band has sold over 25 million albums and enjoyed popularity especially in Europe and their native UK, racking up a string of hits through the 1990s including Sometimes, Stop, Drama, Blue Savannah, Chorus, and Love To Hate You. The singles Chains Of Love, A Little Respect, Always would also reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100. Previously Clarke has worked with Depeche Mode, appearing on the band's Speak & Spell debut album, for which Clarke penned Dreaming Of Me, New Life, and Just Can't Get Enough. Clarke also formed the duo Yazoo with singer Alison Moyet, with whom he scored the UK top 10 hits Only You, Don't Go, and Nobody's Diary
July 3, 1961 ~ Art rock, progressive rock, post-punk singer, guitarist, keyboardist, flutist, percussionist Tim Smith, full name Timothy Charles Smith, born in Carshalton, UK ~ Best known for fronting indie rock outfit the Cardiacs, which he co-founded with his brother bassist Jim Smith. The band would earn a cult following with their cassette-only releases and oddball performances, and is best known for Is This The Life of their 1988 A Little Man And A House And The Whole World Window album, and especially acclaimed for their 1989 On Land And In The Sea album. Smith has also recorded as a solo artist, collaborated with Joanne Spratley, and served as producer for the likes of Levitation, Monsoon Bassoon, Oceansize, and the Scaramanga Six ~ Smith passed away in 2020
July 3, 1960 ~ Leeds Collins, commonly known as trumpeter Lee Collins, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with the Young Eagles, the Columbia Band, the Tuxedo Brass Band, Louis Armstrong, Papa Celestin, Zutty Singleton, King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, the Astoria Hot Eight, Luis Russell, Dave Peyton, the Chicago Rambler, Johnny Dodds, Baby Dodds, Mezz Mezzrow, Lovie Austin, Jimmy Bertrand, Bertha Hill, Kid Ory, Art Hodes, Joe Sullivan, and others ~ Collins was born in 1901
July 3, 1958 ~ Singer, songwriter Aaron Tippin born in Pensacola, Florida, USA ~ Initially staff songwriter for Acuff/Rose Music. Best known as a singer of neo-traditionalist country songs, oft working class and patriotically themed. Debuted in 1991 with the single You've Gotta Stand For Something which became an anthem for US soldiers in the Gulf War. Also known for songs such as Nothing Wrong With The Radio, Kiss This, Working Man's PhD, and Where The Stars And The Stripes And The Eagle Fly
July 3, 1957 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Frank J Myers, full name Frank Joseph Myers, born in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing I Swear with regular songwriting partner Gary Baker. The song would be a 1993 hit for both country singer John Michael Montgomery and R&B outfit All 4 One, later covered by well over 50 artists. Others who have recorded songs written or co-written by Myers include the Oak Ridge Boys, Eddie Rabbitt (You And I), Eddy Raven, Collin Raye, Doug Stone, Alabama, George Jones (Honky Tonk Song), Reba McEntire, Lonestar (My Front Porch Looking In), and Jason Aldean
July 3, 1957 ~ Marion Elliott, commonly known as punk rock, downtempo singer, songwriter Poly Styrene, born in Bromley, UK ~ Fronted 1970s punk outfit X-Ray Spex, known for singles such as The Day The World Turned Day-glo, Identity and Germfree Adolescents. After the band disbanded she released a pop-jazzy solo debut album, 1980's Translucence, moving away from the loud punk guitars ~ Elliot passed away in 2011
July 3, 1957 ~ Jazz fusion, punk, hardcore punk singer Sid McCray, full name Sidney Alexander McCray, born ~ Founded jazz fusion outfit Mind Power. Best known as co-founding member, lead singer of Bad Brains, one of the first American punk outfits and generally considered as pioneers of hardcore punk. McCray led the band in 1977 and 1978, leaving before the band's rise to fame ~ McCray passed away in 2020
July 3, 1956 ~ Heavy metal, alternative metal singer, guitarist, songwriter Stephen Pearcy, full name Stephen Eric Pearcy, born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Founding and sole constant member of RATT. Has also worked with Firedome, Vicious Delite, Vertex and released a number of solo albums starting with Before And Laughter in 2000
July 3, 1955 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Mike Corby born in Windsor, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Babys. Present on the band's first two albums, The Babys and Broken Heart. The latter contained Isn't It Time, one of their most successful singles
July 3, 1955 ~ Guitarist Neil Clark born in Hamilton, UK ~ Member of Lloyd Cole & the Commotions, best known for their 1984 single Rattlesnakes. Also present on several of Cole's post-Commotions solo albums including Bad Vibes, Love Story and Etc. Also worked with Bloomsday, Mae Moore, and has recorded as a solo artist starting with 2008's Sundogs album
July 3, 1953 ~ Guitarist, percussionist Daniel Fichelscher, full name Daniel Secundus Fichelscher, born in Germany ~ Son of jazz pianist, singer Toby Fichelscher. Key member of Krautrock outfit Popol Vuh, present on over a dozen albums starting with Selingpreisung. Has also worked with Amon Düül II appearing on the albums Carnival In Babyln and Wolf City, and with Gila
July 3, 1953 ~ Duff Clark Jackson, commonly known as jazz drummer Duffy Jackson, born in Freeport, USA ~ The son of bandleader Chubby Jackson, Duffy has inherited his father's exuberant sense of enthusiasm. As a leader, Jackson has released one moderately received album, 1995's Swing Swing Swing. Yet as an in-demand sideman, Jackson has definitely left his mark, notably appearing on albums by Monty Alexander, Grover Mitchell, Eddie Miller (It's Miller Time), Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, the Manhattan Transfer, Illinois Jacquet (Jacquet's Got It), Jon Hendricks (Freddie Freeloader), George Benson, Billy Ross, Turk Mauro (Hittin' The Jug), and Sonny Stitt ~ Jackson passed away in 2021
July 3, 1952 ~ Pianist, bassist Andy Fraser, full name Andrew McIan Fraser, born in Paddington, UK ~ Member of late 1960s, early 1970s rock outfit Free, considered by some to be hard rock pioneers. Fraser co-wrote several of the band's best known, including My Brother Jake, Stealer, and their biggest hit All Right Now. Fraser has also worked with Toby, the Sharks, Chris Spedding, Kim Turner, and Nick Judd. Songs written or co-written by Fraser have also been recorded by Joe Cocker, Robert Palmer (Every Kinda People), Chaka Khan, Rod Stewart, and Paul Young ~ Fraser passed away in 2015
July 3, 1952 ~ Rock singer, songwriter Carla Olson born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Founding member of the Textones, known best for their 1978 Midnight Mission album which spawned the singles Standing In The Line and Midnight Mission. Olson is also acclaimed as a solo artist, with close to a dozen albums under her belt, and is an in-demand collaborator, having worked with the likes of Mick Taylor, Percy Sledge, Ry Cooder, Gene Clark, Don Henley, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, John Fogerty, and Mikael Rickfors
July 3, 1952 ~ Henry James, commonly known as singer Peter Broggs, born in Hanover Parish, Jamaica ~ Debuted in 1979 with the Progressive Youth album and has recorded to mixed success since. Best known for his 1990 Reasoning, which featured backing from the Wailers and Roots Radics ~ James passed away in 2015
July 3, 1950 ~ Jazz double bassist, trombonist John Lindsay passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with John Robichaux, AJ Piron, Dewey Jackson, Willie Hightower, Carroll Dickerson, Lil' Hardon, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Richard M Jones, Jimmie Noone, Punch Miller, Johnny Dodds, Bertha Hill, Georgia White, the Harlem Hamfats, Baby Dodds, and others ~ Lindsay was born in 1894
July 3, 1949 ~ Guitarist, singer, producer John Verity born in London, UK ~ Member of Argent from 1974 through 1976, present on the albums Circus and Counterpoints. Following the band's disbandement Verity founded Phoenix with Bob Henrit and Jim Rodford. Subsequently worked with Charlie. Verity also produced Saxon's eponymous Saxon debut album released in 1979
July 3, 1948 ~ Rock, swamp rock, blues rock guitarist, singer Paul Barrère born in Burbank, California, USA ~ Member of Little Feat, first appearing on Dixie Chicken, the band's third studio album issued in 1973. Barrère has written or co-written several of the band's songs, including One Love Stand, Let It Roll, and Feats Don't Fail Me Now, one of the band's best known. Barrère has also worked with Taj Mahal, Jack Bruce, Valerie Carter, Helen Watson, Chico Hamilton, Eikichi Yazawa, and Greg Koch ~ Barrère passed away in 2019
July 3, 1947 ~ Jazz violinist John Blake Jr, full name John Edward Blake Jr, born in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ First gained attention in the early 1970s working with Archie Shepp, appearing on the acclaimed albums Attica Blues and The Cry Of My People. Recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, noted especially for his Rhythm And Blu album released in 1986 which also included fellow violinists Didier Lockwood and Michal Urbaniak. A prolific sideman, veering between R&B and post-bop, Blake has also guested on albums by Norman Connors, Grover Washington Jr (Reed Seed), McCoy Tyner (Horizon), Carmen McRae, James Newton, Cecil McBee (Flying Out), Muhal Richard Abrams, Avery Sharpe, Steve Turre (Fire And Ice), Gerald Veasley, Phyllis Hyman (One On One), Tyrone Brown, and Gilberto Santa Rosa. Blake's son, jazz drummer Johnathan Blake, would also become a professional musician ~ Blake passed away in 2014
July 3, 1947 ~ Anthony Topham, commonly known as blues, blues-rock guitarist Top Topham, born in Southall, UK ~ Original lead guitarist of the Yardbirds, replaced by Eric Clapton in 1963. Following his departure from the band Topham returned to art school, and has since worked mostly as interior designer and painter. Occasionally Topham has worked in the music industry, including with the likes of John Mayall, Peter Green, and Bill Morrissey ~ Topham passed away in 2023
July 3, 1946 ~ Jazz saxophonist John Klemmer, full name John Theodore Klemmer, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ A superb composer and an innovator on the electric saxophone, Klemmer would prove especially influential on smooth jazz. As a leader or co-leader, he has recorded over two dozen albums since the mid 1960s, and is acclaimed particularly for Blowin' Gold released in 1969. As a sidemen, Klemmer appeared on recordings by John Lee Hooker, Don Ellis (Autumn), Oliver Nelson, Ray Manzarek (The Whole Thing Started With Rock & Roll And Now It's Out Of Control), Freda Payne, Steely Dan (The Royal Scam), CM Lord, Roy Haynes, Terence Boylan, the Manhattan Transfer, Art Pepper, and David Arkenstone
July 3, 1946 ~ John Lee Ham, commonly known as singer, guitarist Johnny Lee, born in Alta Loma, Texas, USA ~ Country singer best known for his Lookin' For Love hit single which crossed over to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts, reaching top 10 in 1980. Other well known songs include One In Million, Pickin' Up Strangers, Prisoner Of Hope, Bet Your Heart On Me, Sounds Like Love, Hey Bartender and You Could've Had A Heartbreak
July 3, 1945 ~ Soul, pop rock saxophonist, keyboardist, singer, arranger, songwriter Gary Beisbier, full name Gary Duane Beisbier, born in Aurora, Illinois, USA ~ Co-founding member of 1960s R&B, rock outfit the Mob. Perhaps best known for co-writing several of the Buckinghams' best known songs including Susan, Hey Baby (They're Playing Our Song), and Don't You Care
July 3, 1945 ~ Singer Perry Como, backed by Russ Case and orchestra, records Till The End Of Time ~ Written by Buddy Kaye and Ted Mossman, its melody based on Frédéric Chopin's Polonaise Heroique. A number of hit versions were recorded in 1945, the biggest hit being Como's. Other early recordings done by Dick Haymes, Doris Day, Ginny Simms. In later years it would also be covered by artists such as Pat Boone, Jane Morgan, Sarah Vaughan, Della Reese, and by Matt Monro
July 3, 1944 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Garland Jeffreys born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Debuted in 1970 with the Grinder's Switch featuring Garland Jeffreys album in 1970. Best known for his 1979 Matador single which reached top 10 across continental Europe
July 3, 1944 ~ Folk rock, psychedelic pop, jazz rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, percussionist songwriter Michel Polnareff born in Nérac, France ~ Critically acclaimed for his genre-crossing oeuvre. Active since the mid-1960s. Known best for songs such as La Poupée Qui Fait Non, Ta-ta-ta-ta, Ame Caline, Mes Regrets, Gloria, Tibili and Holidays, the latter featuring Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones
July 3, 1944 ~ Michael Richard Gee, commonly known as rock & roll guitarist Mickey Gee, born in Cardiff, UK ~ Influenced by Chet Atkins and Elvis Presley-guitarist Scotty Moore. Served as musical director for the Senators, the backing unit for Tom Jones. Would go on to work with Joe Cocker, Dave Edmunds (I Hear You Knocking), Shakin' Stevens, Andy Fairweather Low, Willie & the Poor Boys, Nick Lowe, and others ~ Gee passed away in 2009
July 3, 1943 ~ Judith Mavis Cock, commonly known as pop, folk pop singer, pianist Judith Durham born in Essendon, Australia ~ Lead singer of the Seekers from 1962 through 1968, scoring folk-pop hits such as I'll Never Find Another You, A World Of Our Own, The Carnival Is Over and Georgy Girl. Following her departure from the band would record about a dozen albums as a solo artist and sporadically join the Seekers from the mid-1990s forward ~ Cock passed away in 2022
July 3, 1942 ~ Lonnie Smith, commonly known as jazz, soul jazz, funk organist Dr Lonnie Smith, born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ First gained attention teaming up with George Benson in the 1960s including on the albums It's Uptown and Cookbook. Smith would go on to become one of the most acclaimed jazz, soul jazz, funk jazz organists, and record over two dozen albums as a leader, especially noted for the albums Think and Live At Club Mozambique. On stage and on record, Smith would be backed by some of the finest in jazz including Benson, who would become a lifelong collaborator, as well as Lee Morgan, David Fathead Newman, King Curtis, Blue Mitchell, and Joe Lovano. In the early 1970s, Smith added the “Dr” title to his name, however, the moniker's origin is unclear and it was not an academic title. Smith himself has been quoted as saying: “But I'm a doctor of music. I've been playing long enough to operate on it, and I do have a degree, and I ‘will’ operate on you. I'm a neurosurgeon. If you need something done to you, I can do it” ~ Smith passed away in 2021
July 3, 1942 ~ Claude Moine, commonly known as rock & roll, rock, R&B, country singer, actor Eddy Mitchell, born in Paris, France ~ Took his stage name from singer, actor, entertainer Eddie Constantine, an American expatriate enjoying popularity in France. Mitchell rose to fame as lead singer of Les Chausettes Noires in the early 1960s, known for rock and roll hits such as Be-Bop-A-Lula, Tu Parles Trop, Daniela, and Eddie Sois Bon, the latter an adaptation of Chuck Berry's Johnny B Goode. The band recorded only one official studio album before disbanding, yet as a solo artist Mitchell would record over two dozen albums well into the 2000s. Mitchell recorded mostly in France, but has also recorded in the UK with session musicians such as Big Jim Sullivan, Jimmy Page, and Bobby Graham, and in America backed by the likes of Kenny Buttrey, Reggie Young, Charlie McCoy, Booker T Jones, and Steve Cropper. Mitchell enjoyed a parallel career as an actor, featured in numerous films since the early 1960s
July 3, 1940 ~ Singer Bing Crosby records Only Forever, backed by John Scott Trotter and his Orchestra ~ Written by James V Monaco and Johnny Burke, initially intended for the 1940 Crosby film If I Had My Way yet used for his next, Rhythm On The River. Released as a single in August 1940, paired with When The Moon Comes Over Madison Square on the flip side, it would top the pop charts for nine weeks and earn Crosby an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Several other artists would record cover versions the same year, including Tommy Dorsey, Gene Krupa, and Vera Lynn. In later years, the song would be covered by Dean Martin, Count Basie, the Crew Cuts, and Nat King Cole
July 3, 1940 ~ R&B, jazz, free jazz, avant-garde jazz singer, pianist Fontella Bass, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Daughter of renowned gospel singer Martha Bass, with whom she has also recorded, and sister of singer David Peaston. Fontella is known for a string of 1960s singles including the Bobby McClure duets Don't Mess Up A Good Thing and You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone, and perhaps most notably her solo smash hit Rescue Me, the latter a Billboard Hot 100 No.4 hit fondly remembered to this day. Though Bass never was able to repeat the success of Rescue Me, she remained active as an in-demand collaborator appearing on recordings by Lester Bowie, Little Milton, Willie Mae Ford Smith, and specifically the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, recording several albums with the latter including the acclaimed Phase One released in 1971 ~ Bass passed away in 2012
July 3, 1935 ~ José Luis Feliciano Vega, commonly known as salsa, bolero percussionist, singer Cheo Feliciano, born in Ponce, Puerto Rico ~ Salsa pioneer, influential on Gilberto Santo Rosa, Rubén Blades, Alex d'Castro, and Jerry Rivas. After relocating to New York, Feliciano would find employ with Tito Rodriguez, Luis Cruz, and notably Joe Cuba, making his debut as a singer with Cuba. During his decade-long tenure with Cuba's sextet, Feliciano established himself as a prime singer, a rare baritone among salsa singers. Feliciano subsequently sang with Eddie Palmieri, before kicking a nasty drug habit which nearly killed him and his career, only to make a remarkable comeback as a solo artist by the early 1970s. Feliciano would record over two dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Cheo in 1971, and is well-known for songs such as Anacaona, Mi Trista Problema, Canta, Amada Mia, and Sobre Una Tumba Humilde ~ Feliciano passed away in 2014
July 3, 1935 ~ Classical, jazz pianist, conductor, bandleader Enrico Intra born in Milan, Italy ~ Brother of pianist, arranger Gianfranco Intra. As a leader or co-leader, Enrico is especially acclaimed for the albums Gerry Mulligan Meets Enrico Intra, a collaborative album with Gerry Mulligan released in 1976, and Dissonanza Consonanza released in 1999. Over the course of his lengthy career, Intra has also worked with the Civica Jazz Band, Lee Konitz, Milton Jackson, Enrico Pieranunzi, David Liebman, and Franco Ambrosetti
July 3, 1930 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger, composer Ronnell Bright, full name Ronnell Lovelace Bright, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Classically trained from a young age, Bright won a piano competition at age nine and played with the Chicago Youth Piano Symphony Orchestra before turning to jazz while in a Navy band. Had his compositions recorded by Sarah Vaughan, Horace Silver, and Blue Mitchell. Accompanist for Vaughan, Lena Horne, and Gloria Lynne. Sideman on albums by Carmen McRae, Coleman Hawkins (The Hawk Relaxes), Charles Kynard, Buddy Tate (Groovin' With Buddy Tate), Johnny Pate, and Shirley Scott. Member of Supersax in the early 1970s. In a 2008 Jazzwax interview, Bright would look back on one of his first jazz performances, gigging with Cannonball Adderley, Nat Adderley, and Eric Dolphy on a Washington DC date: “When we got there, Cannonball Adderley called for Blue Room. I said, ‘Blue Room, what is that, the blues?’ They teased me about that for years. Once they started playing the song, though, my ear figured out the chord changes. I'm not saying what I played was correct, but I worked it out” ~ Bright passed away in 2021
July 3, 1929 ~ Singer David Lynch born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Platters, remaining with the band from its inception in 1952 through the early 1970s, making him one of the few constant members in an ever-revolving line-up. The band is considered one of the prime vocal harmony groups, bridging the pre-rock era with early rock and roll and hugely influential on R&B. Lynch is present on most of the band's best known, including Only You (And You Alone), The Great Pretender, (You've Got) The Magic Touch, My Prayer, Twilight Time, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, and Harbor Lights, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Lynch passed away in 1981
July 3, 1929 ~ Lillia Lavell White, commonly known as blues, soul singer, songwriter Lavelle White, born in Amite City, Louisiana, USA ~ Active since her mid-teens. Got her first break in the late 1950s when Johnny Copeland recommended her to label owner Don Robey, subsequently recording about a dozen singles for Robey's Duke label through the mid-1960s. Well known songs include Just Look At You Fool, The Tide Of Love, If I Could Be With You, and Stop These Teardrops, the latter two notably covered respectively by Rosie Flores in 2012 and Sue Foley in 2021. Though uncredited, White has also co-written Lead Me On, a 1960 Billboard R&B top 10 hit and signature song for Bobby Blue Bland. Though a popular live performer, praised by critics and peers, White did not release a full-length album until well into her sixties
July 3, 1926 ~ Jazz, R&B trumpeter Johnny Coles born in Trenton, New Jersey, USA ~ Active from the late 1940s well into the 1990s. Recorded a handful of albums as a leader, noted most for Little Johnny C released in 1963. Most closely associated with Gil Evans, James Moody, and Charles Mingus. Also present on albums by the likes of Clifford Brown, Dinah Washington, Miles Davis (Porgy & Bess), Ray Crawford, Donald Byrd, Grant Green, Horace Parlan (Happy Frame Of Mind), Kenny Burrell, Astrud Gilberto, Booker Ervin (Back From The Gig), Herbie Hancock, and the Manhattan Transfer (Vocaleese) ~ Coles passed away in 1997
July 3, 1923 ~ John Maurice Hartman, commonly known as jazz singer, pianist Johnny Hartman born in Houma, Louisiana, USA ~ Critically acclaimed, admired by peers, never widely known. Fresh out of the US Army, Hartman won a singing contest awarding him a one-week engagement with Hines. Hines hired him for a year. Dizzy Gillespie snatched Hartman when the Hines orchestra broke up, and he sang with Dizzy for about a year. He briefly teamed up with pianist Erroll Garner before going solo in 1950. In 1955 he released his first solo album, Songs From The Heart, followed by a handful more, all on small labels and to little commercial succes. In 1963 John Coltrane asked Hartman to do a collaboration album. The result, Johnny Coltrane & Johnny Hartman, is widely considered a classic. Despite the attention, a label move and teaming up with famed producer Bob Thiele, Hartman failed to reach a wider audience. He continued to perform and record up to his death, mostly on smaller labels. Hartman did receive a Grammy-nomination for Best Male Jazz Vocalist following his LP Once In Every Life. Four of the tracks would later be included on the soundtrack to The Bridges Of Madison County, introducing the late Hartman to a younger generation ~ Hartman passed away in 1983
July 3, 1915 ~ Generoso Graziano, commonly known as violinist, bandleader, composer, arranger Jerry Gray, born in East Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Popular big band, swing era arranger. Closely associated with Artie Shaw and especially Glenn Miller. Arranged many of Miller's 1930s and 1940s recordings including Elmer's Tune, Moonlight Cocktail and Chattanooga Choo Choo, wrote or co-wrote songs such as Sun Valley Jump, The Man In The Moon, Pennsylvania 6-5000 and I Dreamt I Dwelt In Harlem ~ Graziano passed away in 1976
July 3, 1914 ~ Film, TV composer George Bruns, full name George Edward Bruns, born in Sandy, Oregon, USA ~ Best known for his work for Disney from the 1950s through the 1970s, including for animated films such as Sleeping Beauty, One Hundred And One Dalmations, Jungle Book, The Aristocats and Robin Hood ~ Bruns passed away in 1983