July 4, 2023 ~ Rogelia Medina Romero, commonly known as salsa, guaracha, son, guajira singer Canelita Medina, passed away ~ Mother of singer Trina Medina. Influenced by Celia Cruz. Considered one of the supreme voices in son montuno, with some two dozen albums to her name over a career spanning five decades. Well known songs include Quiéreme, Canto A La Guaira, and Triumphant Night ~ Medina was born in 1939
July 4, 2022 ~ Songwriter Alan Blaikley, full name Alan Tudor Blaikley, passed away ~ Known for a number of 1960s, 1970s UK hits, often written in partnership with Ken Howard. Notable hits include Have I The Right for the Honeycombs and The Legend Of Xanadu for Dave Dee Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich. Others who have recorded songs written or co-written by Blaikley include Petula Clark, Phil Collins, Sacha Distel, Engelbert Humperdinck, Eartha Kitt, Lulu, and Matthews Southern Comfort. Blaikley and Howard have also written the West End musicals Mardi Grass and The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole and composed for TV series ~ Blaikley was born in 1940
July 4, 2021 ~ Bassist Rick Laird, full name Richard Quentin Laird, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ House bassist at Ronnie Scott's famed London jazz club. Best known as member of John McLaughlin's pioneering jazz fusion outfit the Mahavishnu Orchestra, present on the albums The Inner Mounting Flame, Birds Of Fire and Between Nothingness And Eternity. Released one album as a leader, namely 1979's Soft Focus. Has also guested on albums by Prince Lasha, Almanac, Buddy Rich, Eric Kloss, Richie Cole, Atilla Zoller, Bob Mintzer, Charles Earland, and Simon Shaheen ~ Laird was born in 1941
July 4, 2009 ~ Music agent, label executive Allen Klein passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Became one of the most powerful individuals of his day in the music industry. Started representing 1950s rockabilly artists such as Buddy Knox and Jimmy Bowen. Would go on to negotiate contracts for Sam Cooke, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Also worked with Ersel Hickey, Dimitri Tiomkin, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gormé, Lloyd Price, Neil Sedaka, Bobby Darin, the Animals, Herman's Hermits, the Kinks, Lulu, Donovan, Pete Townshend, and Phil Spector ~ Klein was born in 1931
July 4, 2009 ~ James Forbes Chapin, commonly known as jazz drummer, teacher, author Jim Chapin, passed away in Fort Myers, Florida, USA ~ Did not begin playing the drums until he was 18 years old, after being inspired by iconic jazz drummer Gene Krupa. Spent two decades serving in bands led by the likes of Glen Gray, Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey. Authored the drum instruction standard Advanced Techniques For The Modern Drummer published in 1948. The manual is considered the definitive study on coordinated independence for jazz drummers, and Chapin used to carry a pair of drumsticks with him at all times just in case someone would ask him to demonstrate any pattern from the book. Has taught Peter Criss after Criss left Kiss in the early-1980s. Fathered ten children including singers Harry Chapin, Tom Chapin, and Steve Chapin ~ Chapin was born in 1919
July 4, 2007 ~ Singer Bill Pinkney passed away in Daytona Beach, Florida, USA ~ Original member of the Drifters along with Andrew Thrasher, Gerhart Thrasher, Willie Ferbie and naturally Clyde McPhatter. Sang on early hits such as Money Honey, Honey Love, Adorable, and Ruby Baby. Lead on I Should Have Done Right and Steamboat ~ Pinkney was born in 1925
July 4, 2007 ~ Jazz violinist, double bassist Johnny Frigo, full name John Virgil Frigo, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Perhaps best remembered for writing Detour Ahead, a jazz standard recorded by Woody Herman, Billie Holiday, Patti Page, Irene Kral, and Anita O'Day. Has worked with Ken Nordine, Holly Cole, Audrey Morris, Claiborne Cary, Buddy Greco, Skeeter Davis, Monty Alexander, Skitch Henderson, Chad Mitchell, and Pee Wee King ~ Frigo was born in 1916
July 4, 2005 ~ Tenor saxophonist John Stubblefield passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Worked with the World Saxophone Quartet, Reggie Workman, McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard, George Russell, Nat Adderley, Kenny Barron, Lester Bowie, the Mingus Big Band, Anthony Braxton, Stanley Cowell, Miles Davis, Billy Hart, Louis Hayes, Julius Hemphill, Joseph Jarman, Victor Lewis, Sam Rivers, and others ~ Stubblefield was born in 1945
July 4, 2003 ~ Singer André Claveau passed away in Brassac, France ~ Popular in his native France from the 1940s forward. Internationally best known for winning the 1958 Eurovision Songfestival with Dors Mon Amour written by Pierre Delanoë and Hubert Giraud ~ Claveau was born in 1911
July 4, 2003 ~ Singer, songwriter Barry White, full name Barry Eugene White, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Over 100 gold records worldwide. Influenced by James Cleveland, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, the Supremes, the Four Tops, and Marvin Gaye. Known for a bass-baritone smooth voice, his association with the Love Unlimited Orchestra, and for songs such as I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby, Never Never Going To Give You Up, Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe, and It's Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me ~ White was born in 1944
July 4, 1999 ~ R&B soul singer Ruby Johnson passed away in Lanham, Maryland, USA ~ Enjoyed a number of local hits in the Washington DC area including Calling All Boys, Here I Go Again, Nobody Cares. Signed to Stax/Volt in 1965 where under the guidance of Isaac Hayes and David Porter recorded a number of moderately successful hits backed by musicians such as Steve Cropper, Donald Duck Dunn and Al Jackson Jr. Her I'll Run Your Hurt Away and If I Ever Needed Love would continue to be included on compilation sets to this day. Johnson retired from music in 1974 ~ Johnson was born in 1936
July 4, 1995 ~ Austin Richard Post, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, actor Post Malone, born in Syracuse, New York, USA ~ Blends hip-hop, R&B, pop, trap, rap rock, cloud rap. First gained attention with his 2015 White Iverson debut single. Would follow up with a full-length debut album, Stoney, the following year. Has recorded to commercial succes since. Known for Billboard Hot 100 top hits such as Congratulations featuring Quavo, Rockstar, Psycho featuring Ty Dolla $ign, Better Now, Sunflower with Swae Lee, Circles, and Take What You Want featuring Ozzy Osbourne & Travis Scott
July 4, 1994 ~ Singer, songwriter Agnete Johnsen, full name Agnete Kristin Johnsen, born in Nesseby, Norway ~ Also known as Agnete Saba. Lead singer of teen punk pop outfit the BlackSheeps, best known for their 2008 Oro Jaska Beana hit single. Following the band's disbandement in 2011 Agnete has recorded as a solo artist. Internationally best known for representing her native Norway at the 2016 Eurovision Songfestival with Icebreaker, which failed to reach the finals. The song would however reach top 20 on the Norwegian singles charts
July 4, 1992 ~ Bandoneon player, composer Astor Piazzolla passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Virtuoso bandoneonist. Father of Nuevo Tango. Worked with Anibal Troilo, the Orquesta Tipica, the Orquesta de Cuerdas, Jorge Sobrel, Octeto Buenos Aires, Leopoldo Federico, Enrique Mario Francini, Hugo Baralis, Juan Vasssalo, Jose Bragato, Atilio Stampone, Juan Carlos Copes, Maria Nieves, Jaime Gosis, Simón Bajour, Horacio Malvicino, Kicho Diaz, Joge Luis Borge, Edmundo Rivero, Amelita Baltar, Gerry Mulligan, Tullio de Piscopo, Roberto Goyneche, Cacho Tirao, Osvaldo Pugliese, the Kronos Quartet, and Pablo Ziegler ~ Piazzolla was born in 1921
July 4, 1990 ~ Derrick Desmond Coleman, commonly known as rapper Fredo Santana, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Debuted in 2013 with the album Trapping Ain't Dad. Collaborated with his cousin Chief Keef, Lil' Reese, King Louie, Gino Marley, Frenchie, Lil' Herb, Lil' Bibby, Lil' Durk, 808 Mafia, Young Chop, Migos, Juelz Santana, Soulja Boy, Young Scooter, Fat Trel, Kendrick Lamar, Peewee Longway, and others ~ Coleman passed away in 2018
July 4, 1986 ~ Edward Shulman, commonly known as swing saxophonist, clarinetist, trumpeter Eddie Shu, passed away in St Petersburg, Florida, USA ~ Worked with Tadd Dameron, George Shearing, Johnny Bothwell, Buddy Rich, Les Elgart, Lionel Hampton, Charlie Barnet, Chubby Jackson, Gene Krupa, Jackie Paris, Bobby Byrne, Mel Powell, Louis Armstrong, and Joe Bonner ~ Shulman was born in 1918
July 4, 1985 ~ Pop rock bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Toy Valentine born ~ First gained attention as member of all-female trio the Faders alongside lead singer, lead guitarist Molly Lorenne and drummer Cherisse Osei. The band is best known for their 2005 UK top 20 hit No Sleep Tonight of their sole Plug In And Play album
July 4, 1984 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Jimmie Spheeris passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Initially a folk singer, songwriter, later drawing from jazz, rock and fusion. Recorded four albums in the 1970s, working with renowned producers such as Paul Leka, Felix Cavaliere, Henry Lewy and David Campbell. Backed by notable musicians including Jane Getz, Russ Kunkel, Leland Sklar, Bobbye Hall, Chick Corea, and Chuck Findley. Longtime friend Jackson Browne sang backing vocals on Spheeris' fourth and final album Ports Of The Heart, the recordings completed shortly before Spheeris' death in a motorcycle accident ~ Spheeris was born in 1949
July 4, 1983 ~ Melanie Fiona Hallim, commonly known as singer, songwriter Melanie Fiona, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Began her career in 2002 as part of Juno Award winning girl group X-Quisite. Wrote or co-wrote songs for Rihanna and Kardinal Offishal. Released her debut solo album, The Bridge, in 2009. Opened for Alicia Keys on the Freedom Tour in 2010. Collaborated with artists such as Future Cut, Vada Nobles, the Stereotypes, J Phoenix, Peter Wade Keutsch, Cee Lo Green, and others. Hallim cites Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Sam Cooke, Sade, Amy Winehouse, India Arie, Patsy Cline, and Bob Marley as influences
July 4, 1978 ~ Singer, songwriter Stephen McNally, full name Stephen Patrick McNally, born in Liverpool, UK ~ One third of Bbmak, alongside Mark Barry and Stephen McNally, known for a string of hits from the late-1990s through the band's disbandement in 2003. McNally joined 10 Reasons To Live as lead singer in 2009. Has also worked with Michael Scout, Koele Vaten, and Bert Van Engle
July 4, 1977 ~ Heavy metal, industrial metal singer, guitarist, bassist, producer Jonas Kjellgren, full name Per Jonas Kjellgren, born in Sweden ~ Best known as co-founder, guitarist for Scar Symmetry. Lead singer for Carnal Forge and Dellamorte. Guitarist for Centinex, Bassist for October Tide. In-demand producer for acts such as Sonic Syndicate, Zonaria, the Absence, Steel Attack, 21Lucifers, Darzamat, and others
July 4, 1976 ~ Progressive metal, progressive rock guitarist, singer Daniel Mongrain born in Trois-Rivières, Canada ~ Co-founding member of Martyr. Member of Voivod since 2008, replacing the late Denis D'Amour. Has also worked with Cryptopsy, Gorguts, Alcoholica, Capharhaum, Dan Bigras, Breen Leboeuf, Bruno Pelletier, and others
July 4, 1975 ~ Singer, actor John Lloyd Young, full name John Lloyd Mills Young, born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Best known for performing the lead role of Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys, a Broadway jukebox musical dramatizing the formation, success and eventual break-up of the Four Seasons. Young's performance would earn him a Tony Award in 2006. Young reprised his role in the 2014 film adaptation directed by Clint Eastwood
July 4, 1974 ~ Indie pop, shoegaze, synth-pop, pop singer, bassist, guitarist, songwriter Inara George, full name Inara Maryland George, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Formed the duo the Bird & the Bee with Greg Kurstin. Member of Merrick. One third of the Living Sisters alongside Eleni Mandell and Becky Stark. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with All Rise released in 2005, and collaborated with Lode, Ben Wendel, Idlewild, Mike Viola, Har Mar Superstar, Jason Mraz, the Foo Fighters, Superfruit, and others
July 4, 1973 ~ Gakuto Oshiro, commonly known as singer, pianist, songwriter, producer GACKT, born in Okinawa, Japan ~ Classically trained pianist. Cites Frédéric Chopin as a main influence. Active since the early-1990s, initially as frontman for shortlived indie band Cains-Feel and subsequently visual kei rock outfit Malice Mizer before venturing out on his own by the end of the decade. Has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Mars released in 2000
July 4, 1973 ~ Electronic, house, trance keyboardist, guitarist Simon Greenaway born ~ Formed the house duo Aurora with keyboardist, guitarist Sacha Collisson, known best for their 2001 Ordinary World, Duran Duran-cover featuring guest vocalist Naimee Coleman, a UK top 10 hit
July 4, 1971 ~ Keyboardist, percussionist Andrew Creeggan, full name Andrew Burnett Creeggan, born in Scarborough, Canada ~ Early drummer for Barenaked Ladies who along with his brother Jim Creeggan joined the then-duo consisting of Ed Robertson and Steven Page. Switched to keyboard when Tyler Stewart joined the band. Present on the bands first two albums, 1992's Gordon and 1994's Maybe You Should Drive. Has also recorded a number of albums with his brother Jim and Ian McLauchlan under the moniker the Creeggan Brothers as well as several solo albums consisting of contemporary classical with touches of jazz and rock
July 4, 1970 ~ Alternative metal, power metal drummer Alberto Ardines born in Oviedo, Spain ~ Regarded by some as one of Spain's greatest drummers. Worked with Avalanch, Warcry, Sauze and with the Last Days Of Eden
July 4, 1969 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones release Honky Tonk Women paired with You Can't Always Get What You Want on the single's flip side ~ Issued as a stand-alone single, Honky Tonk Women would be warmly received by critics with Rolling Stone naming the song as “likely the strongest three minutes of rock and roll yet released in 1969”. The song would be a major hit for the band, holding the top spot on the American Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks, and spending five weeks atop the charts in their native UK. The band would include an alternate version, titled Country Honk, on their Let It Bleed album, as well a live rendition on Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out with a different guitar part and an entirely different second verse. Over time, the original single version of Honky Tonk Women has been acknowledged as one of the band's key songs and included on several All-time Best lists
July 4, 1966 ~ Blues rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Dudley Taft born in Washington DC, USA ~ Member of Sweet Water, present on the band's eponymous 1993 Sweet Water debut album. Co-founding member of the Second Coming, remaining with the band through the early-2000s. Formed Omnivoid, with whom he recorded the EPs Combustion and Ignition before venturing out on his own. Recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Left For Dead released in 2010
July 4, 1966 ~ Babtunde Okungbowa, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer OJB Jezreel, born in Surulere, Nigeria ~ Revered singer. Prolific producer. Quintessential to development of Nigerian music. Worked with Ruggedman, Jazzman Olofin, Weird MC, IK Dairo, Daddy Showkey, Shina Peters, Olu Maintain, Faze, Iyanya, D'banj, Durella, WizKid, and Yemi Alade ~ Okungbowa passed away in 2016
July 4, 1965 ~ Blues, electric blues guitarist, bassist, drummer, singer Jimmy D Lane born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Son of blues harpist, guitarist, singer Jimmy Rogers. Critically compared to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Corey Stevens, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Jeff Healey. Released his eponymous Jimmy D Lane debut album in 1995. Subsequent albums would feature guest backing musicians including Jim Keltner, Hubert Sumlin, Sam Lay, Carey Bell, and others. Lane has also appeared on albums by David Honeyboy Edwards, Henry Gray, Pinetop Perkins, Lazy Lester, and BB King
July 4, 1965 ~ Raymond Emile Poole, commonly known as rapper, singer, producer Mo B Dick, born in Morgan City, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of No Limit Records production team the Medicine Men. As a solo artist released his full-length Gangsta Harmony debut album in 1999. Guested on recordings by Kane & Abel, Master P, TRU, C-Murder, the Gambino Family, Lil Soldiers, and others
July 4, 1963 ~ Singer, guitarist Michael Sweet born in Whitler, California, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member, guitarist, lead singer of Christian metal outfit Stryper. Has also recorded as a solo artist, worked with Boston during the late-2000s, collaborated with Dokken-member George Lynch under the monniker Sweet & Lynch, and guested on recordings by Michael W Smith, DC Talk, Liberty & Justice, and Tourniquet
July 4, 1963 ~ Conductor Thomas Dausgaard born in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Best known as principal conductor of the Swedish Chamber Orchestra since 1997. Has also worked with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
July 4, 1963 ~ Singer, actress Ute Lemper, full name Ute Gertrud Lemper, born in Münster, Germany ~ Joined jazz rock outfit the Panama Drive Band at age 16. Following her studies at the Dance Academy Cologne and the Max Reinhardt Seminary Drama School Vienna would go on to become a revered singer and stage actress in musicals including a Viennese production of Cats, the title role in Peter Pan, her breakthrough role of Sally Bowles in the original Paris production of Cabaret, and the role of Velma Kelly in Chicago
July 4, 1959 ~ Country guitarist, singer, songwriter Bill McCorvey born in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Founding member, lead singer, guitarist of the Pirates Of The Mississippi, remaining with the band through its initial split in 1996 and rejoining a later incarnation. The band is best known for songs such as Honky Tonk Blues, Feed Jake and Til I'm Holding You Again
July 4, 1959 ~ Heavy metal singer Eiríkur Hauksson born in Reykjavik, Iceland ~ First gained attention in 1981 as member of Start, noted for his vocals on Sekur. Would go on to work as a solo artist and with acts such as Drysill, Artch, Gardenian, Live Fire, Magic Pie, Aunt Mary, and Just 4 Fun
July 4, 1956 ~ R&B, pop bassist, singer, songwriter Deon Estus, full name Jeffery Dean Estus, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as member of 1980s pop group Wham, centered around Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael. Appears on Michael's first two solo albums, 1987's Faith and 1990's Listen Without Prejudice Vol.1. As a solo artist known for Heaven Help Me which reached top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 ~ Estus passed away in 2021
July 4, 1955 ~ Singer John Waite, full name John Charles Waite, born in Lancaster, UK ~ Rose to fame as lead singer of the Babys, known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits Isn't It Time and Everytime I Think Of You. Debuted as a solo artist with his 1982 Ignition. Would reach international success with its follow-up, 1984's No Brakes. The album would spawn the hit single Missing You, which reached top 10 across the globe including the No.1 spot on Billboard Hot 100. It would later notably be covered by Tina Turner, by Brooks & Dunn and re-recorded as a duet by Waite with Alison Krauss in 2006. Waite has also collaborated with Journey, Bad English and with Ringo Starr's Ringo Starr & his All-Starr Band
July 4, 1952 ~ Biaglo Bergantino, commonly known as songwriter Borney Bergantine, passed away ~ Co-wrote My Happiness with Betty Peterson, first recorded by Jon & Sondra Steele in 1948. The song would become a standard, recorded by numerous artists. Noted for being the first song Elvis Presley recorded. Others who covered the song include Ella Fitzgerald, Fats Domino, Jim Reeves, Kitty Wells, Connie Francis, Teresa Brewer, and Freddy Fender ~ Bergantino was born in 1909
July 4, 1951 ~ R&B, soul, jazz, funk drummer Ralph Johnson, full name Ralph Randolph Johnson, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of Earth Wind & Fire from 1972 through 1984, rejoining the band in 1987. Has also worked with Blue Magic, Stanley Turrentine, Howard Hewett, Nathan East, Siedah Garrett. Co-produced the Temptations' 1984 Treat Her Like A Lady single
July 4, 1947 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Jacques Morali born in Casablanca, Morocco ~ Along with Henri Belolo co-founder of and thriving force behind disco acts Ritchie Family (Brazil, The Best Disco In Town, Life Is Music) and the Village People (YMCA, Macho Man, In The Navy). Has also recorded as a solo artist and wrote or co-wrote for a wide array of artists including Patrick Juvet, Régine, Dalida, Eric Russell, Cher, Patricia Norton, Julius Brown, Starlight, Diva, Dennis Parker, David London, Wayne Scott, Lova Moor, Pia Zadora, and Break Machine ~ Morali passed away in 1991
July 4, 1946 ~ Pop, psychedelic pop singer, keyboardist David Skinner, full name David Ferguson Skinner, born ~ Formed the duo Twice As Much with Andrew Rose, best known for their 1966 Sittin' On A Fence single. The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and later included on the American edition of the Rolling Stones album Flowers. Skinner would later work with Uncle Dog, Clancy, tour with Roxy Music, and guest on albums by Phil Manzanera and Bryan Ferry
July 4, 1946 ~ Viola Billups, commonly known as R&B, soul, disco singer Pearly Gates, born ~ Member of 1960s R&B girl group the Flirtations, known for their 1966 Change My Darkness Into Light single and for backing Tom Jones on tour. Billups departed the group in 1973 to pursue a solo career recording a number of overlooked disco songs throughout the mid-1980s
July 4, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter David McWilliams, full name David Samuel McWilliams, born in Belfast, Northern Ireland ~ Best known for his 1967 song The Days Of Pearly Spencer, originally released as the B-side to Harlem Lady. Despite warm critical reception and ample airplay on pirate radio stations, the song failed to become a hit in either Ireland or the UK, yet would do well in several European countries, including reaching top 10 in the Netherlands and the No.1 spot in France. The song is noted for its dreaminess and phoned-in chorus, creating a low-tech effect by McWilliams singing the lines through a telephone line. Over two decades after its release, The Days Of Pearly Spencer would be notably covered by Marc Almond, the Almond cover did actually reach top 10 in both Ireland and the UK, peaking at No.8 and No.4 respectively. In the Netherlands, however, the biggest hit remains the McWilliams original ~ McWilliams passed away in 2002
July 4, 1945 ~ Rupert Lloyd Edwards, commonly known as reggae singer, producer Ruple Edwards, born in St Ann Parish, Jamaica ~ Formed the Ambassadors, teaming up with Junior Menz, Eric Frater, and Dobby Dobson. As a producer worked with the Heptones, the Mighty Diamonds, Bob Andy, Johnny Clarke, Joe Higgs, Gregory Isaacs (Lonely Man), the Ethiopians, U-Roy, Dennis Alcapon, I-Roy, Vin Gordon, and others
July 4, 1944 ~ Charles J Thornton Jr, commonly known as jazz drummer Butch Miles, born in Ironton, Ohio, USA ~ Cites Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa and Jo Jones as influences. Leader and sideman. Noted especially for his 1995 Cookin' album, accompanied by trumpeter Randy Sandke, saxophonist Harry Allen, guitarist Howard Alden, and bassist Frank Tate. Has collaborated with the likes of Dave Brubeck, Ella Fitzgerald, Danny Moss (Weaver Of Dreams), Sammy Davis Jr, Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Gerry Mulligan, Woody Herman, and Wild Bill Davison ~ Thornton passed away in 2023
July 4, 1944 ~ Harvey Goldstein, commonly known as bassist Harvey Brooks, born in New York, New York, USA ~ First gained serious attention in 1965 appearing on Bob Dylan's pivotal Highway 61 Revisited album alongside Michael Bloomfield and Al Kooper. Worked with Bloomfield in the short-lived the Electric Flag, recording three albums in 1967 and 1968. Guested on the acclaimed Super Session album by Bloomfield Kooper & Stills, also writing the track Harvey's Tune. Guested on the Doors album Soft Parade, appearing on the tracks Touch Me, Tell All The People and Wishful Sinful. Other notable collaborations include Richie Havens (Mixed Bag), Quicksilver Messenger Service, Graham Bond, Miles Davis (Bitches Brew), John Cale, Seals & Crofts (Summer Breeze), the Fabulous Rhinestones, and Loudon Wainwright III
July 4, 1943 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Alan Wilson born in Arlington, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as co-founder, frontman, lead singer, primary songwriter of Canned Heat, known for songs such as On The Road Again, and Going Up The Country ~ Wilson passed away in 1970
July 4, 1943 ~ Konrad Bauer, commonly known as free jazz trombonist Conny Bauer, born in Halle, Germany ~ Brother of trombonist Johannes Bauer. Has worked with Tadashi Endo, Sheryl Banks, Tony Oxley, Derek Bailey, Maggie Nichols, Theo Jörgensmann, Peter Brötzmann, Barre Phillips, Peter Kowald, Han Bennink, Barry Altschul, Jay Oliver, Louis Moholo, Gerry Hemingway, and others
July 4, 1942 ~ Bluegrass, folk, country, country rock singer, guitarist Peter Rowan born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Influenced by Eric von Schmidt, Joan Baez, the Country Gentlemen, the Stanley Brothers. Briefly a member of Bill Monroe's backing unit the Bluegrass Boys in the mid-1960s, co-writing Walls Of Time. Co-founded Earth Opera with David Grisman. Has also worked with Muleskinner, Old & In The Way, the Rowans, Tony Rice, Seatrain, Benjamin Logan, Jerry Douglas, and others
July 4, 1941 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Dick Addrisi born ~ Formed the sibling duo the Addrisi Brothers with Don Addrisi. Both brothers auditioned for Mickey Mouse Club, but were rejected. As a duo the brothers scored hits with songs such as Cherrystone, We've Got To Get It On Again and Slow Dancin' Don't Turn Me On. The pair also wrote Never My Love, a 1967 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for the Association
July 4, 1938 ~ Singer, songwriter Bill Withers, full name William Harrison Withers Jr, born in Salb Fork, West Virginia, USA ~ Known for songs such as Lean On me, Ain't No Sunshine, Use Me, the Grover Washington Jr duet Just The Two Of Us, Lovely Day, and Grandma's Hands. Has worked with Stephen Stills, James Gadson, Benorce Blackmore, Ray Jackson, Melvin Dunlap, Gladys Knight, the Crusaders, Ralph MacDonald, Michel Berger, Jimmy Buffett, Bobby Womack, and Ruby Lee ~ Withers passed away in 2020
July 4, 1938 ~ Vibraphonist Mike Mainieri born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his work with the pivotal jazz fusion band Steps Ahead. Married to harpist, singer, songwriter Dee Carstensen. Active as a leader since the early-1960s. Guested on a number of quintessential pop, rock albums including Don McLean's American Pie, Aerosmith's Toys In The Attic, Nils Lofgren's I Came To Dance, Billy Joel's 52nd Street, the Dire Straits' Love Over Gold and Brothers In Arms, and Paul Simon's Hearts And Bones. Has also worked with Pino Daniele, Manny Albam, George Benson, Kenny Burrell, Art Farmer, Urbie Green, Tim Hardin, Etta Jones, Pat Martino, Marcus Miller, Wes Montgomery, Buddy Rich, Carly Simon, Sonny Stitt, Kazumi Watanabe, and others
July 4, 1937 ~ Country singer Ray Pillow, full name Herbert Raymond Pillow, born in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA ~ Charted over a dozen singles on the Billboard Country charts, his best known the Jean Shepard-duet I'll Take The Dog which reached top 10 in 1966. Other well known songs include Thank You Ma'am, Common Colds And Broken Hearts and Volkswagen. Pillow has also co-founded Sycamore Records and worked as A&R representative for Capitol Records ~ Pillow passed away in 2023
July 4, 1934 ~ Marcus Barkan, commonly known as musical director, songwriter, producer Mark Barkan, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Got his first success in the early-1960s when Adam Wade took The Writing On The Wall, written by Barkan, Sandy Baron and George Eddy, to the Billboard Hot 100 top 10. Barkan would go on to write or co-write songs for the likes of Jay & the Americans, Connie Francis (I'm Gonna Be Warm This Winter), Lesley Gore, Neil Sheppard, Barbara Chandler, Shelley Fabares, Kurt Harris, Elvis Presley (Big Love Big Heartache), Lesley Gore (She's A Fool), Gene Pitney (Pretty Flamingo), the Archies, and the Monkees ~ Barkan passed away in 2020
July 4, 1931 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, bandleader Duncan Lamont born in Greenock, UK ~ Worked with Kenny Graham, Johnny Keating, Johnny Scott. Backed visiting American musicians including Tony Bennett, Bing Crosby, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Benny Goodman. Led his own band for over a decade. Perhaps best known for penning I Told You So, first recorded by Blossom Dearie and covered by Cleo Laine, Trudy Kerr, and Natalie Cole ~ Lamont passed away in 2019
July 4, 1930 ~ Mary Ann Ward, commonly known as Marion Worth, born ~ Popular the Grand Ole Opry performer known for a number of late-1950s, early-1960s songs such as That's My Kind Of Love, I Think I Know, Shake Me I Rattle (Squeeze Me I Cry), and duetting with George Morgan, Slipping Around ~ Ward passed away in 1999
July 4, 1930 ~ Nellie Paulina Burgin, commonly known as actress, singer Polly Bergen, born in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as an actress, notably starring in the 1962 Cape Fear film. Also actively recording as a singer, best known for her 1950s albums Bergen Sings Morgan and The Party's Over ~ Burgin passed away in 2014
July 4, 1929 ~ Musicologist James Haar born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Specialist in Renaissance music. Editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Musicological Society during the 1960s, and serving as the Society's President during the mid-1970s. Perhaps best known for his doctoral dissertation Musica Mundana (Variations On A Pythagorean Theme), exploring the ancient belief in musica universalis and considered a standard work on the subject to this day. Has taught at Harvard, the University of Philadelphia, the New York University, and the University of North Carolina ~ Haar passed away in 2018
July 4, 1928 ~ Bassist, singer Mitch Jayne, full name Mitchell Franklin Jayne, born in Sumter, North Carolina, USA ~ Member of the Dillards. Co-wrote a number of the band's songs nowadays considered bluegrass classics including Dooley, There Is A Time, The Old Home Place and The Whole World Round ~ Jayne passed away in 2010
July 4, 1923 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Aaron Sachs born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Benny Goodman, Earl Hines, Machito, Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Louie Bellson, Henry Glover, Stan Getz, Sarah Vaughan, Chet Baker, Billie Holiday, Red Norvo, Gene Krupa, Anita O'Day, Cozy Cole, John Lewis, and Specs Powell ~ Sachs passed away in 2014
July 4, 1911 ~ Oboist, producer, conductor Mitch Miller born in Rochester, 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 passed away in 2010
July 4, 1910 ~ William Thomas Dupree, commonly known as blues, boogie-woogie pianist, singer Champion Jack Dupree, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Dupree was notoriously vague about his background, claiming his parents died in a house fire started by the Ku Klux Klan, at other times saying the fire was accidental. Orphaned, Dupree grew up in a New Orleans Home for Boys before making a name for himself as a boxer, a career during which he earned the nickname “Champion Jack”. Dupree turned to music by the early-1940s, and is perhaps most acclaimed for his Blues From The Gutter album released in 1958. Dupree relocated to the less racially polarized Europe by the late-1950s, where he would continue to perform and record his distinctive rowdy, rollicking boogie-woogie infused piano blues, attracting admiration from a generation of future stars including John Mayall and Eric Clapton. Dupree is well remembered for songs such as Shim Sham Shimmy, Walkin' The Blues, Mail Order Woman, Let The Doorbell Ring, My And My Mule, Nasty Boogie, and perhaps most notably his rendition of Junker's Blues, the latter one of his earliest recordings that reportedly inspired Fats Domino's 1949 The Fat Man debut single ~ Dupree passed away in 1992
July 4, 1895 ~ Isidor Keiser, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Irving Caesar, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best remembered for co-writing songs such as Swanee (Al Jolson, the Peerless Quartet, Judy Garland, the Temptations), Sometimes I'm Happy (the Six Hottentots, Jack Hylton, Mildred Bailey), Crazy Rhythms (Roger Wolfe Kahn, Doris Day, Patti Page, Shirley Bassey), and perhaps his best known Tea For Two (Helen Clark, Waring's Pennsylvanians, Fats Waller, Anita O'Day) ~ Caesar passed away in 1996
July 4, 1889 ~ Joseph Young, commonly known as singer, lyricist, songwriter Joe Young, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Toured as a singer during World War I, entertaining the US troops. Would go on to become a successful songwriter. Best remembered for co-writing songs such as Lullaby Of The Leaves (Connee Boswell, Bert Ambrose, the Platters), Dinah (Eddie Cantor, Louis Armstrong, Adelaide Hall), I'm Sitting On Top Of The World (Sam Lanin, the Four Aces, the Del Vikings), In A Little Spanish Town (Paul Whiteman, the Revelers, Pérez Prado), I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter (Fats Waller, Eddy Arnold, Frank Sinatra), and Rock-a-bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody (Al Jolson) ~ Young passed away in 1939
July 4, 1884 ~ Vaudeville actress, singer Anna Chandler born in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, USA ~ First to introduce Lovesick Blues, penned by Cliff Fiend/Irving Mills, in the 1922 Oh Ernest musical. The song would later become most closely associated with country singer Hank Williams, who recorded the tune in 1948, nearly instantly making it a country classic ~ Chandler passed away in 1957
July 4, 1852 ~ Pianist, composer Alfred Grünfeld born in Prague, Czechoslovakia ~ Became the most popular salon pianist in Vienna. Frequently worked with Arnold Rosé, the Hellmesberger Quartet, and with his brother Heinrich Grünfeld. One of the first pianists of note to make commercial recordings, starting in the late 1880s. Also known for his transcriptions of close friend Johann Straus II ~ Grünfeld passed away in 1924