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, 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, 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 ~ Country singer, 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 later notably covered by Keith Urban. In-demand songwriter, wrote or co-wrote 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. Buxton is also founding member of Skyline Motel
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, 1976 ~ Singer Shane Lynch, full name Shane Eamon Mark Stephen Lynch, born in Donaghmede, Ireland ~ Member of boy band Boyzone, known for 1990s hits such as Love Me For A Reason, Words, Picture Of You, All That I Need and No Matter What
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 . Following the band's disbandement shortly after the release of their sole No Coincedence album release in 1997 has recorded 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, 1970 ~ Singer, actress Askin Nur Yengi born in Istanbul, Turkey ~ Debuted in 1990 with the album Sevgiliye to become one of Turkey's most successful singers in the 1990s
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 ~ 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, 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, 1958 ~ Guitarist Jeff Mattson born in USA ~ Founding member of the Zen Tricksters. Also worked with Donna Jean Godchaux, the Dark Star Orchestra, Phil Lesh, and others
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, 1954 ~ Daniel Grafton Hill IV, singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter, commonly known as Dan Hill, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Best known for Sometimes When We Touch, It's A Long Road and the Vonda Shepard-duet Can't We Try
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, 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, 1949 ~ R&B, funk singer Johnnie Wilder Jr, full name Johnnie James Wilder Jr, born ~ Co-founder, lead singer of Heatwave, known for songs such as Boogie Nights, Mind Blowing Decisions, Always And Forever and The Groove Line ~ Wilder passed away in 2006
July 3, 1948 ~ Rock, swamp rock, blues rock guitarist, singer Paul Barrere born in Burbank, California, USA ~ Best known as a member of Little Feat, joining the band in 1972. Has written or co-written several of the band's songs, notably Feats Don't Fail Me Now. Has also worked with Taj Mahal, Jack Bruce, Valerie Carter, Helen Watson, Chico Hamilton, Eikichi Yazawa, and Greg Koch ~ Barrere passed away in 2019
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, composer, arranger John Klemmer born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Jodie Christian, Wilbur Campbell, Oscar Brashear, Les Hooper, James William Guercio, Harvey Mandel, Don Ellis, Oliver Nelson, Tim Buckley, David Batteau, Danny O'Keefe, Clint Holmes, Pamela Oland, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, 3rd Force, David Arkenstone, Craig Chaquico, Ray Manzarek, John Lee Hooker, Steely Dan, Roy Haynes, Tom Scott, Gato Barbieri, Lauren Wood, Tom Snow, Gloria Lynne, Nancy Wilson, DJ Krush, and others
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, 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 ~ Organist Dr Lonnie Smith born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Recorded with artists such as Bobby Broom, Karl Denson, Lou Donaldson, Richard Hart, Red Holloway, Javon Jackson, Rodney Jones, Jimmy McGriff, Jimmy Ponder, Akira Tana, and Chester CT Thompson
July 3, 1942 ~ Claude Moine, commonly known as singer, actor Eddy Mitchell, born in Paris, France ~ Member of Chausettes Noires. Worked with Big Jim Sullivan, Jimmy Page, Bobby Graham, Roger Hawkins, David Hood, Jimmy Johnson, Kenny Buttrey, Reggie Young, David Briggs, Charlie McCoy, and others
July 3, 1940 ~ Singer, songwriter Fontella Bass, full name Fontella Marie Bass, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Daughter of gospel singer Martha Bass. Best known for a string of mid-1960s hits including Rescue Me and the Bobby McClure duets Don't Mess Up A Good Thing and You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone. Worked with Leon Claxton, Little Milton, Oliver Sain, Maurice White, Louis Satterfield, Gene Barge, Minnie Riperton, the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, the World Saxophone Quartet, and others ~ Bass passed away in 2012
July 3, 1935 ~ Jose Luis Feliciano Vega, commonly known as percussionist, singer Cheo Feliciano, born in Ponce, Puerto Rico ~ Salsa pioneer. Influenced Gilberto Santo Rosa, Rubén Blades, Alex d'Castro, and Jerry Rivas. Known for songs such as Anacaona, Mi Trista Problema, Canta, Amada Mia, and Sobre Una Tumba Humilde. Worked with Tito Rodriguez, Luis Cruz, the Kako y Su Trabaco Orchestre, Joe Cuba, Eddie Palmieri, the Fania All-Stars, and others ~ Feliciano passed away in 2014
July 3, 1935 ~ Jazz pianist, conductor, composer Enrico Intra born in Milan, Italy ~ Known for his collborations with Gerry Mulligan, Franco Cerri, Lee Konitz, Milton Jackson, Severino Gazzeloni, Pino Presti, Tullio de Piscope, David Liebman, and others
July 3, 1930 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger, composer Ronnell Bright born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Sideman and leader. Active since the early 1950s. Played with Johnny Tate, Carmen McRae, Rolf Kühn, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne, Gloria Lynne. Had his compositions recorded by Vaughan, Cal Tjader, Horace Silver, and by Blue Mitchell
July 3, 1929 ~ Singer David Lynch born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Member of the most successful line-up of the Platters, remaining with the band from 1953 through 1970. Lynch is present on most of the band's best known, including Only You (And You Alone), The Great Pretender, My Prayer, Twilight Time, and Smoke Gets In Your Eyes ~ Lynch passed away in 1981
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 The Bridges Of Madison County, which would introduce 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