July 31, 2022 ~ Morris Meyer Ostrofsky, commonly known as producer, label executive Mo Ostin, passed away ~ Got his start in the music business in the 1950s at Verve. Hired by Frank Sinatra in 1960 to run Sinatra's Reprise Records. Best known for his longtime association with Warner Bros, and considered one of a select few who helped shape modern pop and rock music. Inducted in the the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2003. Signed and worked with acts such as the Kinks, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, REM, Randy Newman, Prince, and others ~ Ostrofsky was born in 1927
July 31, 2021 ~ Stage, film, cabaret, TV singer, actor Alvin Ing passed away in Burbank, California, USA ~ Closely associated with the musical Flower Drum Song, composed by Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, performing the role of Wang Ta in numerous tours. Has also appeared in Chu Chem, Pacific Overtures, City Of Angels, and other musicals ~ Ing was born in 1932
July 31, 2021 ~ R&B, rock & roll drummer Charles Connor passed away in Glendale, California, USA ~ Best known for backing Little Richard on iconic rock & roll recordings such as Lucille, She's Got It and Keep A-Knockin'. Described as “the first to put the funk into the rhythm” by James Brown, with whom he also worked. Has worked with Professor Longhair, Smiley Lewis, Guitar Slim, Champion Jack Dupree, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, the Coasters, Big Joe Turner, Don Covay, and others ~ Connor was born in 1935
July 31, 2021 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Jerzy Matuszkiewicz passed away in Warsaw, Poland ~ Dubbed “the Father of Polish Jazz” for his pioneering role in post-World War II jazz. Best known as leader of Melomani. After the band disbanded in 1958 Matuszkiewicz would perform as a solo artist and from the mid-1960s forward focus on composing for film ~ Matuszkiewicz was born in 1928
July 31, 2021 ~ Rock, country rock, country guitarist, singer Paul Cotton, full name Norman Paul Cotton, passed away near Eugene, Oregon, USA ~ Member of the Illinois Speed Press. Perhaps best known as member of country-rock outfit Poco, joining the band in 1970 as replacement for Jim Messina. Penned several of the band's best-known including Barbados, Indian Summer, Ride The Country, Bad Weather and Heart Of The Night, the latter a Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit of the 1979 Legend album ~ Cotton was born in 1943
July 31, 2020 ~ Bill Mack Smith Jr, commonly known as country singer, songwriter, radio host Bill Mack, passed away ~ Perhaps best known as a songwriter, responsible for songs such as Drinking Champagne recorded by Cal Smith, George Strait and by others, and Blue, LeAnn Rimes' breakout hit. Others who have recorded his songs include Dean Martin, Ray Price, Jerry Lee Lewis, George Jones ~ Smith was born in 1929
July 31, 2020 ~ Classical soprano Maria Friesenhausen passed away in Essen, Germany ~ Best known as an interpreter of Baroque works. Closely associated with the NDR Choir, notably as soprano soloist in several Johann Sebastian Bach cantatas ~ Friesenhausen was born in 1932
July 31, 2017 ~ Charles Samuel Loeb, commonly known as guitarist Chuck Loeb, passed away ~ As a child listened to Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Cream, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. Discovered jazz at age 16, listening to guitarists such as Wes Montgomery, George Benson, John McLaughlin, and Pat Martino. Loeb worked with Chico Hamilton, Ray Barretto, Hubert Laws, Stan Getz, Michael Brecker, and others. Loeb was a member of Steps Ahead, 4play, Jazz-Funk-Soul, and a member of Metro ~ Loeb was born in 1955
July 31, 2016 ~ Jazz saxophonist Jon Klette passed away ~ Fronted the Jazzmob, known for the albums Truth and Pathfinder. Also worked with Paal Nilssen-Love, Ingebrigt Håker Flatan, Vidar Johansen, Bugge Wesseltoft, Per Zanussi, Sjur Miljeteig, Kjetil Moster, and others ~ Klette was born in 1962
July 31, 2016 ~ Singer Mike Mohede passed away in Jakarta, Indonesia ~ Winner of the second season of Indonesian Idol ~ Mohede was born in 1983
July 31, 2015 ~ Leroy May, commonly known as reggae, dancehall DJ Red Dragon, passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Known for a number of 1980s, 1990s recordings including Computer, Nah Get Nutten, Hol' A Fresh and perhaps his best-known Compliments On Your Kiss ~ May was born in 1966
July 31, 2014 ~ Country guitarist Velma Williams, also known as Velma Smith, passed away ~ Lone female member of select group of Nashville sessions musicians. Present on classics such as Eddy Arnold's Make The World Go Away, Jim Reeves' I Love You Because, Hank Locklin's Please Help Me I'm Falling, and others ~ Williams was born in 1927
July 31, 2012 ~ Robert Edward Moncrief, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Bobby Edwards, passed away in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for a string of country hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s including Long Gone Daddy, Jealous Heart, You're The Reason and Don't Pretend ~ Moncrief was born in 1926
July 31, 2012 ~ Anthony James SLy, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Tony Sly passed away ~ Best known as front man of punk rock band No Use For A Name ~ Sly was born in 1970
July 31, 2010 ~ George Baker Richardson, commonly known as songwriter, producer George Richey, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Keep Me In Mind (Lynn Anderson), The Grand Tour (George Jones), Til I Can Make It On My Own and You & Me (Tammy Wynette). Married to Wynette from 1978 up to her death in 1998 ~ Richardson was born in 1935
July 31, 2010 ~ Oboist, producer, conductor Mitch Miller passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the most influential people in music during the 1950s and early 1960s, especially as conductor and A&R executive at Columbia Records. Host and bandleader of the NBC TV series Sing Along With Mitch. As a producer known for his cheery arrangements and knack for comic novelty as evidenced in Rosemary Clooney's Come On-a My House and Frank Sinatra's Mama Will Bark. As a recording artist known for songs such as The Children's Marching Song, Tzena Tzena Tzena and The Yellow Rose Of Texas, the latter a No.1 hit and million-seller in 1955 ~ Miller was born in 1911
July 31, 2008 ~ Leonidas Raymond Young, commonly known as drummer Lee Young, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Baby brother of saxophonist Lester Young. Worked with Les Paul, JJ Johnson, Jean Baptiste, Mutt Carey, Fats Waller, Les Hite, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Nat King Cole, Oscar Moore, André Previn, Dinah Washington, and others ~ Young was born in 1914
July 31, 2007 ~ R&B singer Oliver Morgan passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for his 1964 single Who Shot The La La which tells of the mysterious circumstances of singer Prince La La's death, reportedly of a drug overdose the previous year at age 27. Morgan would not have another national hit, settle on performing locally in the New Orleans area and record his sole album, I'm Home, as late as 1998 ~ Morgan was born in 1933
July 31, 2005 ~ Bassist, keyboardist Les Braid, full name William Leslie Braid, passed away in Liverpool, UK ~ Member of the Swinging Blue Jeans, known for songs such as Hippy Hippy Shake, Good Golly Miss Molly and You're No Good ~ Braid was born in 1937
July 31, 1994 ~ Patricia Jacqueline Sibley, commonly known as singer Anne Shelton, passed away in Herstmonceux, UK ~ Perhaps best known as an inspirational singer for the British troops during World War II. Original singer of the English version of the Lale Andersen-penned Lili Marlene ~ Sibley was born in 1923
July 31, 1994 ~ Symere Woods, commonly known as rapper Lil' Uzi Vert, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Merges emo's dark subject matters with trap. Released his full-length Luv Is Rage 2 album in 2017. Known for songs such as Money Longer, You Was Right, New Patek. The singles XO Tour Lif3 and Futsal Shuffle 2020 would reach top 10 of the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Has collaborated with Future, Quavo, Travis Scott, Oh Wonder, Wiz Khalifa, Fabolous, A$AP Mob, Juice WRLD, and others
July 31, 1993 ~ Bassist, guitarist Rob Jones passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of Wonder Stuff. Present on the band's first two albums, namely The Eight Legged Groove Machine and Hup ~ Jones was born in 1964
July 31, 1990 ~ Jazz pianist, drummer Lowell Davidson passed away ~ Played with Ornette Coleman, Gary Peacock, Milford Graves, and the New York Art Quartet ~ Davidson was born ca.1941
July 31, 1989 ~ Benjamin Joseph Jackson, commonly known as saxophonist Bull Moose Jackson passed away in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Popular dirty blues singer most successful in the late 1940s. Known for songs such as I Want A Bow Legged Woman, Big Ten Inch Record, I Love You (Yes I Do), and I Can't Go On Without You ~ Jackson was born in 1919
July 31, 1987 ~ Pianist, songwriter Joe Liggins passed away in Lynwood, California, USA ~ Architect, along with artists such as Roy Milton, of the small-band jump blues. Co-founded and fronted Honeydrippers, best known for their 1945 smash hit Honeydripper. Other notable recordings include Got A Right To Cry, Tanya, Blow Mr Jackson, Little Joe's Boogie, and Pink Champagne. ~ Liggins was born in 1916
July 31, 1987 ~ Country guitarist, songwriter Kenneth Carllile, also known as Thumbs Carllile, passed away in Decatur, Georgia, USA ~ Discovered by Little Jimmy Dickens, who gave him the nickname “Thumbs” for his innovative fingerstyle playing, sitting with his guitar in his lap while fretting, picking and strumming with his fingers and thumbs. Has collaborated with Bill Wimberley, Les Paul, and Roger Miller, providing the signature guitar parts for Dang Me and King Of The Road. As a solo artist known for songs such as Caravan, Theme From Picnic, Stranger On The Shore, and Hold It ~ Carllile was born in 1931
July 31, 1987 ~ Kenneth Ray Carllile, commonly known as country guitarist Thumbs Carllile, passed away in Decatur, Georgia, USA ~ Discovered by Little Jimmy Dickens, who gave Carllile his nickname “Thumbs”. Played with Dickens' backing unit the Country Boys. Best known for his association with Roger Miller as member of Miller's backing band from 1964 through 1972, including on recordings such as Dang Me and King Of The Road ~ Carllile was born in 1931
July 31, 1986 ~ Pianist Teddy Wilson passed away in New Britain, Connecticut, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Described as “the definitive swing pianist” by noted jazz critic Scott Yanow, Wilson has backed some of the biggest names in jazz in concert and on record including Louis Armstrong, Lena Horne, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Carter, Gene Krupa, Helen Ward, Lester Young, Roy Eldridge, Charlie Shavers, Red Norvo, Sarah Vaughan, Ben Webster, Mildred Bailey, Buck Clayton, and others ~ Wilson was born in 1912
July 31, 1985 ~ Heavy metal, melodic death metal singer Alissa White-Gluz born in Montreal, Canada ~ Best known as lead singer of Arch Enemy and lead singer, co-founding member of the Agonist. Has also guested on recordings by Kamelot, Delain, Carnifex, Powerwolf, and others
July 31, 1985 ~ Blues-rock guitarist, singer Shannon Curfman, full name Shannon Marie Curfman, born in Fargo, North Dakota, USA ~ Released her Loud Guitars Big Suspicion debut album in 1999, at age 14. Has been a member of Kid Rock's backing unit Twisted Brown Trucker since 2010
July 31, 1984 ~ Percussionist, composer Manu Delago born ~ Worked with Zabine, Michael Tschuggnall, Nadine Beller, the Jazzwerkstatt Wien, Anoushka Shankar, Shpongle, Bugge Wesseltoft, Giannis Haroulis, Nitin Sawhney, Stuart McCallum, Boris Grevenschikov, George Breinschmid, Björk, the Cinematic Orchestra, and others
July 31, 1978 ~ Bandleader, producer, engineer Enoch Light passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Classically trained violinist. Led various dance bands from the late 1920s onwards, most notably the Light Brigade. Pioneered the use of stereo recording and as a result received little airplay early on in his career, most stations broadcasting on the mono AM band ~ Light was born in 1907
July 31, 1978 ~ Indie folk singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, songwriter José González, full name José Gabriel González, born in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Released his Veneer solo debut album in 2003 and has recorded to warm reception since. Internationally especially acclaimed for his 2015 Vestiges And Claws album. Has collaborated with Junip, Zero 7, Jori Hulkkonen, the Books, the Gotheburg String Theory, and others
July 31, 1978 ~ Drummer, keyboardist, songwriter Will Champion born in Southampton, UK ~ Member of Fat Hamster. Last bandmember to join Coldplay in late-1997. Has been with the band since. Has also guested on Magne Furuholmen's first solo album Past Perfect Future Tense and on Brian Eno's Someday World
July 31, 1976 ~ Tango pianist, composer Francisco de Caro passed away ~ Considered the most important representative of tango romanza. Brother of conductor, violinist, composer Julio de Caro. Influenced by Juan Carlos Cobián, Roberto Firpo, Eduardo Arolas. The latter would offer Julio a position in his orchestra after an impromptu performance in 1917. Francisco would later join him, as well as collaborate in other ensembles ~ De Caro was born in 1898
July 31, 1975 ~ Edward Lamonte Franklin, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Guitar Pete Franklin passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Guitar Pete's Blues and Casey Brown Blues. Influenced by guitarist Scrapper Blackwell and pianist Leroy Carr. Has worked with St Louis Jimmy Oden, Jazz Gillum, John Brim, Sunnyland Slim, Tampa Red ~ Franklin was born in 1928
July 31, 1973 ~ Geraldo Rivera Rodriguez, commonly known as salsa singer, songwriter Jerry Rivera, born in Humucao, Puerto Rico ~ Actively recording since his teens, debuting in 1989 with the album Empezando A Vivir, earning him the nickname “the Baby of Salsa”. Known best for songs such as De La Cabeza A Los Pies, Me Estoy Enloqueciendo Por Ti, Suave, Ese, Quiero, Vuela Muy Alto, Solo Pienso En Ti and El Amor Existe
July 31, 1971 ~ Singer, songwriter, arranger Claudia Acuna born in Santiago, Chile ~ Debuted in 1999 with the album The Wind From The South. Has collaborated with Peck Almond, George Benson, Joey Calderazzo, Avishai Cohen, Mark Elf, Tom Harrell, Antonio Hart, Arturo O'Farrill, Guilermo Klein, Billy Childs, David Gilmore, Susie Ibarra, Willie Jones III, Jason Lindner, Fabrizio Soti, Louie Vega, and others
July 31, 1971 ~ Pop rock guitarist, percussionist Harri Mänty born in Vasterås, Sweden ~ Lead singer of short-lived hardcore punk band No Security. Best known as member of alternative rock outfit Kent from 1996 through 2006, joining the band after the departure of Martin Roos
July 31, 1971 ~ John William Lowery, commonly known as singer, guitarist John 5, born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, USA ~ Worked with David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie. As a solo artist debuted with the album Vertigo in 2004 and has recorded steadily since. Staff writer for Chrysalis Records having worked with Matt Ball, Avril Lavigne, Rob Halford, kd Lang, Garbage, Meat Loaf, the Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne, Slash, Fefe Dobson, Steve Perry, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and others
July 31, 1970 ~ Industrial metal singer, guitarist Alexander Krull born in Ludwigsburg, West Germany ~ Best known as co-founding member, lead singer of Atrocity. Has also worked with Leaves' Eyes, Elis, Erben Der Schöpfung, and others
July 31, 1966 ~ Composer Ben Daglish born in London, UK ~ Best known as a composer for computer games during the 1980s, including The Last Ninja, Trap, Krakout and Deflektor ~ Daglish passed away in 2018
July 31, 1966 ~ Earl Rudolph Powell, commonly known as pianist Bud Powell, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Pivotal to the development of bebop. Played with Cootie Williams, Oscar Pettiford, Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Socolow, Sarah Vaughan, Dexter Gordon, JJ Johnson, Sonny Stitt, Fats Navarro, Kenny Clarke, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Tommy Potter, Max Roach, Roy Haynes, Ray Brown, George Duvivier, Percy Heath, Lloyd Trotman, Art Blakey, Kenny Clarke, Osie Johnson, Buddy Rich, Richie Powell, JJ Johnson, Clifford Brown, and others ~ Powell was born in 1924
July 31, 1964 ~ John Richard Keith Townshend, commonly known as drummer, TV personality Fuzz Townshend, born ~ Best known as a TV personality, co-hosting Car SOS. As a drummer has worked with General Public, with Pop Will Eat Itself, and has released a number of solo recordings starting with the single Hello Darlin' in 1996, a modest hit in the UK
July 31, 1964 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist Jim Corr, full name James Steven Ignatius Corr, born in Dundalk, Ireland ~ Member of sibling outfit the Corrs, alongisde his younger sisters Andrea Corr, Sharon Corr, Caroline Corr. The band scored hits with songs such as Runaway, Only When I Sleep, Dreams and Breathless, all of which reached top 10 in the band's native Ireland. Corr is also known as a conspirary theorist and blogger, running a 9/11 truther website through 2015 when one day all content disappeared and the site's URL redirected to the band's official site
July 31, 1964 ~ Country, country-pop singer Jim Reeves, full name James Travis Reeves, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Charted records from the 1950s through the 1980s. Dubbed “Gentleman Jim”. Instrumental in creating the lush Nashville sound, reaching audiences outside country circles. First gained attention with the single Mexican Joe in 1953. Frequently worked with producer Steve Sholes early on in his career. Known for songs such as Welcome To My World, I Guess I'm Crazy, Blue Side Of Lonesome, and Make The World Go Away ~ Reeves was born in 1923
July 31, 1963 ~ Hard bop, West Coast jazz double bassist Curtis Counce passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Active since the mid-1940s. Leader and sideman. Worked with Shorty Rogers, Stan Kenton, Shelly Manne, Lyle Murphy, Teddy Charles, Clifford Brown, Harold Land, Jack Sheldon, Carl Perkins, Frank Butler, Elmo Hope, Buddy Collette, Maynard Ferguson, Jimmy Giuffre, Illinois Jacquet, Stan Kenton, Johnny Otis, and others ~ Counce was born in 1926
July 31, 1963 ~ Singer Denise Johnson born in Manchester, UK ~ Best known for her association with Primal Scream singing backup for the band from 1990 through 1995. Sang co-lead on the single Don't Fight It (Feel It) taken of the quintessential 1991 Screamadelica album. Johnson has also worked with New Order, Pet Shop Boys, A Certain Ratio, and others, as well as recorded as a solo artist ~ Johnson passed away in 2020
July 31, 1963 ~ Norman Quentin Cook, commonly known as producer, DJ Fatboy Slim, born in Bromley, UK ~ Bassist of the Housemartins in the 1980s, best known for the single Caravan Of Love. Helped popularize the big beat genre in the 1990s. Formed Beats International, known for hits such as Dub Be Good To Me. Enjoyed succes with his own records, scoring hits such as The Rockafeller Skank, as well as being a sought-after remixer reworking songs by Cornershop, the Beastie Boys, A Tribe Called Quest, Groove Armada, Wildchild and others
July 31, 1962 ~ Regina Paula Martins, commonly known as singer Paula Morelenbaum, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Married to conductor, cellist Jaques Morelenbaum, with whom she also worked in the Quarteto Jobim Morelenbaum. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with Ryuichi Sakamoto, the SWR Bigband, and others
July 31, 1959 ~ Trumpeter, singer Saskia Laroo born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Dubbed “the Lady Miles Davis.” Leader and sidewoman. Has worked with Fra Fra Sound, Rosa King, Hans Dulfer, Candy Dulfer, Wynton Marsalis, Toots Thielemans, Roy Hargrove, Teddy Edwards, Warren Byrd, Billy Preston, and others
July 31, 1959 ~ Guitarist Stanley Jordan born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Michal Urbaniak, Richie Cole, the Dave Matthews Band, the String Cheese Incident, Phil Lesh, Moe, Umphrys McGee, Stanley Clarke, Charnett Moffett, Rebbie Jackson, Dionne Warwick, Ray Benson, Will Calhoun, and others
July 31, 1958 ~ Drummer Bill Berry born in Duluth, Minnesota, USA ~ Longtime member of alternative rock band REM, though best known as the band's drummer, Berry also plays occasional guitar, piano, bass, mandolin on their albums. Wrote or co-wrote some of the band's best-known songs including Everybody Hurts, Man On The Moon, Perfect Circle, 8, Can't Get There From Here, and I Took Your Name. Also a member of Hindu Love Gods, alongside Warren Zevon, Bryan Cook, and REM-bandmates Peter Buck and Mike Mills
July 31, 1957 ~ Alternative rock, gothic rock, post-punk guitarist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter Daniel Ash, full name Daniel Gaston Ash, born in Northampton, UK ~ Influenced guitarists such as Jane's Addiction's Dave Navarro, Soundgarden's Kim Thayil, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' John Frusciante. First gained attention in the late 1970s as guitarist of Bauhaus, known best for their Bela Lugosi's Dead debut single and their subbsequent debut album In The Flat Field, both considered hugely influential in goth rock and the latter cited as one of the first goth rock albums. Ash has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with 1991's Coming Down, and with acts such as Love & Rockets, Tones on Tail, Bubblemen, Poptone. His song Trouble is featured in the 2000 American Psycho film
July 31, 1955 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer Bruce Arnold born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Stuart Hamm, Peter Erskine, Joe Pass, Joe Lovano, Lenny Pickett, Randy Brecker, Stanley Clarke, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and others
July 31, 1953 ~ Cellist, keyboardist Hugh McDowell, full name Hugh Alexander McDowell, born ~ Best known as a member of the Electric Light Orchestra and ELO Part II. Has also worked with Wizzard ~ McDowell passed away in 2018
July 31, 1952 ~ Jazz pianist Michael Wolff, full name Michael Blieden Wolff, born in Victorville, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Cal Tjader, Cannonball Adderley, Answering Service, Frank Sinatra, Impure Thoughts, Warren Zevon, Bobby McFerrin, Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter, Jean-Luc Ponty, Terri Lyne Carrington, Christian McBride, Nancy Wilson, Steve Wilson, Lenny Pickett, James Genus, and others
July 31, 1951 ~ Harmonica player Howard Levy born in New York, New York, USA ~ Founding member of Béla Fleck's acclaimed group the Flecktones. Wrote the Grammy Award-winning Life In Eleven of the Rocket Science album. Has also worked with Trio Globo, Rabih Abou Khalil, Paquito d'Rivera, Donald Fagen, Paul Simon, John Prine, Ben Sidran, Bobby McFerrin, Chuck Mangione, Claudio Roditi, Dennis DeYoung, Dolly Parton, Jerry Butler, Miroslav Tadic, Pete Seeger, Steve Goodman, Tom Paxton, and others
July 31, 1948 ~ Saxophonist Chuck Wilson born in Wichita Falls, Texas, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Jerry Gray, Buddy Rich, Tito Puente, Gerry Mulligan, Bob Wilber, Loren Schoenberg, Benny Goodman, Buck Clayton, Wal Lewinsky, Howard Alden, Dan Barrett, Murray Wall, Joel Helleny, and with Joey DeFrancesco ~ Wilson passed away in 2018
July 31, 1948 ~ Singer Leaveil Degree born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of the Whispers, joining in 1973 as replacement for Gordy Harmon. Present on the band's best-known, the early 1980s hits And The Beat Goes On and It's A Love Thing
July 31, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Russell Morris, full name Russell Norman Morris, born ~ Enjoyed popularty during the late 1960s and 197os, songs such as The Real Thing, Part Three Into Paper Walls, Mr America, Sweet Sweet Love and Wings Of An Eagle reaching top 10 in his native Australia
July 31, 1947 ~ Bassist Karl Green, full name Karl Anthony Green, born in Salford, UK ~ Co-founding member of Herman's Hermits, remaining with the band through 1980. Wrote the band's Busy Line and Moonshine Man. Took over lead vocal duties in 1974 after the departure of Peter Noone
July 31, 1944 ~ Saxophonist Carl Magnus Neumann born in Oslo, Norway ~ Considered one of the best saxophonists in Norway. Played with Roy Hellvin, Karin Krog, Terje Borklund, Svein Finnerud Trio, Dizzy Gillespie, Espen Rud, Nils Okland, Bjørnar Andresen, Erik Wesseltoft, and others
July 31, 1943 ~ Roland Kent Lavoie, commonly known as singer, songwriter Lobo, born in Tallahassee, Florida, USA ~ Enjoyed his greatest success in the 1970s with songs such as I'd Love You To Want Me, Don't Expect Me To Be Your Friend, Where Were You (When I Was Falling In Love) and perhaps his best-known Me And You And A Dog Named Boo. LaVoie was a member of early 1960s outfit the Rumours which also included the then-unknown Gram Parsons, Jim Stafford and Jon Corneal
July 31, 1943 ~ Songwriter Paul Politi, full name Paul Leo Politi, born ~ Best known for his songwriting partnership with Barry White, co-writing numerous songs including It May Be Winter Outside (But In My Heart It's Spring) and Under The Influence Of Love (both originally recorded by Felice Taylor and later hits for White protegées Love Unlimited), as well as several tracks recorded by White (notably Any Fool Could See You Were Meant For Me, It Ain't Love Babe (Until You Give It) and Love Ain't Easy)
July 31, 1942 ~ Tenor singer Otoniel Gonzaga born in Ilollo, Philippines ~ Internationally renowned tenor worked with conductors such as Pablo Casals, Herbert von Karajan, Giuseppe Patanè, Eugene Ormandy, Max Rudolf, Alberto Erede, John Pritchard, Michael Gielen, and others ~ Gonzaga passed away in 2018
July 31, 1939 ~ Orchestral, opera conductor, pianist Steuart Bedford, full name Steauart John Rudolf Bedford, born ~ Brother of composer David Bedford and singer Peter Lehmann Bedford. Best known for his association with Benjamin Britten, conducting and recording several of Britten's works including premiering Death In Venice in 1973 ~ Bedford passed away in 2021
July 31, 1938 ~ Bonnie Jean Brown, commonly known as singer Bonnie Brown, born in Sparkman, Arkansas, USA ~ Member of sibling act the Browns, alongside Maxine Brown and Jim Ed Brown ~ Brown passed away in 2016
July 31, 1934 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Barry Devorzon born in New York, New York, USA ~ Founded Valiant Records. Member of Barry & the Tamerlanes. Wrote or co-wrote songs for Marty Robbins (Just Married), Johnny Burnette (Dreamin'), Dorsey Burnette (Big Rock Candy Mountain), the Cascades (Shy Girl), and others. Also known as a composer for film and TV, including Theme From SWAT and Nadia's Theme (The Young And Restless)
July 31, 1931 ~ Jazz, blues, soul jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell, full name Kenneth Earl Burrell, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Perhaps best known for his association with organist Jimmy Smith, including on the 1965 Organ Grinder Swing album. Leader and sideman. Cites Charlie Christian, Oscar Moore, Django Reinhardt, T-Bone Walker and Muddy Waters as influences. Has collaborated with Tommy Flanagan, Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Gene Ammons, Kenny Dorham, Benny Goodman, John Coltrane, Stanley Turrentine, Gil Evans, Donald Byrd, Stan Getz, Red Garland, Milt Jackson, Illinois Jacquet, Etta Jones, Wynton Kelly, Brother Jack McDuff, Gary McFarland, Ray Barretto, Aaron Bell, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ronnell Bright, James Brown, Betty Carter, Buck Clayton, Aretha Franklin, BB King, Miriam Makeba, Ike Quebec, Della Reese, Zoot Sims, and others
July 31, 1925 ~ Singer, actress Carmel Quinn born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Active in her native Ireland since her teens, working with Johnny Devlin and others. After relocating to America first gained attention on Arthur Godfrey's Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts radio show in 1955. Would become a regular on Godfrey's programs through the early 1970. Also starred in numerous musical roadshows including productions of Wildcat and The Sound Of Music. Best known for her 1955 recording of Whistling Gypsy ~ Quinn passed away in 2021
July 31, 1923 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Bjarne Nerem born in Oslo, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Among the top soloists on Norway's jazz scene. Worked with Rowland Greenberg, Simon Brehm, Harry Arnold, Carl Henrik Norin, Ove Lind, Lasse Sjosten, Arne Domnerus, Monica Zetterlund, Thore Ehrling, Nils Lindberg, Benny Bailey, Ake Persson, Stan Getz, Roy Haynes, and Quincy Jones ~ Nerem passed away in 1991
July 31, 1918 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Hank Jones, full name Henry Jones Jr, born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA ~ Brother of trumpeter Thad Jones and drummer Elvin Jones. Influenced by Earl Hines, Fats Waller, Teddy Wilson, and Art Tatum. Over 60 albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for the mid-1950s albums Bluebird and Urbanity. Accompanied Marilyn Monroe on piano as she sang Happy Birthday Mr President to then President John F Kennedy. Frequent collaborator, sideman to Milt Jackson, JJ Johnson, Oliver Nelson, and Sonny Stitt ~ Jones passed away in 2010
July 31, 1915 ~ Songwriter, pianist George Forest, full name George Forrest Chicester Jr, born ~ Regular collaborator of Robert Wright, the duo often adapting classical music to create over an estimated 2,000 songs for musicals, revues and films. Perhaps best known for the 1953 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Kismet, the music mostly adapted from compositions by Alexander Borodin ~ Chichester passed away in 1999
July 31, 1915 ~ Jazz saxophonist, bandleader George Kelly born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Employed sidemen such as Panama Francis, Tiny Grimes, Rex Stewart, Cozy Cole. Played in both 1940s and 1970s incarnations of the Savoy Sultans ~ Kelly passed away in 1998
July 31, 1907 ~ R&B, jump blues singer, drummer, bandleader Roy Milton born in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, USA ~ Formed the Solid Senders in 1933. Milton is best known for late-1940s, early-1950s R&B hits such as Hop Skip & Jump, Information Blues, Grooving With Joe, Best, and others ~ Milton passed away in 1983
July 31, 1894 ~ Pianist, composer Roy Bargy, full name Roy Fredrick Basrgy, born in Newaygo, Michigan, USA ~ Reportedly, in 1928 became the first pianist to record George Gershwin's Piano Concerto In F. Has worked with Charley Straight, the Benson Orchestra Of Chicago, Isham Jones, Paul Whiteman, Jimmy Durante, and others ~ Bargy passed away in 1974
July 31, 1886 ~ Composer, pianist Franz Liszt passed away in Bayreuth, Germany ~ Prolific composer from the Romantic era, one of the most prominent figures in New German School (Neudeutsche Schule). Friend and musical promoter to many composers of his time including Frédéric Chopin, Richard Wagner, Hector Berlioz, Robert Schumann, Camille Saint-Saëns, Edvard Grieg, Ole Bull, Joachim Raff, Mikhail Glinka, and Alexander Borodin ~ Liszt was born in 1811
July 31, 1847 ~ Pianist, composer Ignacio Cervantes, full name Ignacio Cervantes Kawanag, born in Havana, Cuba ~ Child prodigy. Would go on to become highly influential in the creolization of Cuban music. Would flee Cuba in 1875 after being warned by the government for raising money to fund the rebel cause, to return in later years. Known for his opera Maledetto, chamber pieces, zarzuelas, and songbooks. Father of María Cervantes, pianist, singer, composer ~ Cervantes passed away in 1905