July 6, 1993 ~ Chaine St Aubin Downer Jr, commonly known as rapper, producer, songwriter CJ Fly, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Influenced by the Notorious BIG, Nas, Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest. Founding member of hip-hop collective Pro-Era. Has worked with Wiz Khalifa, A$AP Rocky, Statik Selektah, the Flatbush Zombies, Chance the Rapper, and others. Released his full-length Flytrap solo debut album in 2016
July 6, 1987 ~ Indie pop, indie rock, garage punk singer, bassist, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Kate Nash, full name Kate Marie Nash, born in Harrow, UK ~ Released her Made Of Bricks debut album in 2007, which included the UK top 10 hit Foundations. Has collaborated with Ironik, Kano, Lethal Bizzle, FIDLAR, Watsky, Holychild, and others
July 6, 1985 ~ Eurodance, dance-pop singer Andrea Myrander born in Haninge, Sweden ~ Best known as lead singer of Eurodance group Basic Element
July 6, 1985 ~ Wanita Denise Woodgett, commonly known as singer, dancer, actress D Woods, born in Anaheim, California, USA ~ Best known as a member of Danity Kane, known for singles such as Show Stopper, Ride For You and Damaged
July 6, 1985 ~ Pop singer Maria Arredondo, full name Maria Sodal Arredondo, born in Vennesia, Norway ~ Debuted in 2003 with the eponymous Maria Arredondo album. In 2005 several tracks of Arredondo's Christmas album Min Jul were produced by Deep Purple's Jon Lord. Arredondo has been compared to artists such as M2M, Natalie Imbruglia, Michelle Branch, Jewel, and the Cranberries
July 6, 1984 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, pop rock singer, actress Lauren Harris born in Essex, UK ~ Daughter of Iron Maiden-bassist Steve Harris. Cites Belinda Carlisle, Alanis Morissette, Heart, Def Leppard, and the Foo Fighters as influences. Frontwoman and eponym of the Lauren Harris Band, with whom she recorded the albums Calm Before The Storm and Your Turn, and subsequently frontwoman of Six Hour Sundown in the early-2010s. Harris has toured with her father's band as a support act, as well as opened for the likes of Alice Cooper, Within Temptation, and Mötley Crüe. Harris has also ventured into acting, completing her acting studies in 2016 with a postgraduate degree from the Oxford School of Drama, Wootton, the UK, and has since performed in various stage productions
July 6, 1982 ~ Singer, guitarist Petter Vagån born in Brønnøysund, Norway ~ Brother ofd bassist Ole Morten Vågan. Best known as frontman of the Fjords. Has also worked with Eyewaterlillies, Peloton, Erik Nylander, Tore Brunborg, and Kirsti Huke
July 6, 1982 ~ Producer, engineer Shawn Everett born in Bragg Creek, Canada ~ Served as engineer, mixer for acts such as Simon Dawes, Natalie Cole, Everlast, Pete Yorn, Bruce Hornsby, Ozomatli, kd Lang, Charlie Winston, John Legend, Perfume Genius, Vampire Weekend, Haim, Kacey Musgraves and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Notable production include Weezer, Har Mar Superstar, Julian Casablancas, Houndmouth, Jenny Lewis, the Killers, the War On Drugs, Adele, and Belle & Sebastian
July 6, 1980 ~ Rapper Joell Ortiz, full name Joell Christopher Ortiz, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Released his full-length debut album, The Brick (Bodega Chronicles), in 2007 and has recorded steadily since. Has collaborated with Showbiz, the Alchemist, Domingo, Lil' Fame, Big Daddy Kane, Styles P, Big Noyd, Akon, Ras Kass, Pharoahe Monch, BoB, Joe Budden, Crooked I, Maino, Slaughterhouse, Illmind, and Apollo Brown
July 6, 1979 ~ Singer, songwriter Nic Cester, full name Nichola John Cester, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Frontman of Australian 1990s. 2000s rock band Jet, which also includes his brother Chris Cester, known for songs such as Are You Gonna Be My Girl, Look What You've Done, Cold Hard Bitch and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is. Also co-founded supergroup the Wrights and worked with Muse and the Jaded Hearts Club
July 6, 1975 ~ Curtis James Jackson III, commonly known as rapper, producer 50 Cent, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Former crack dealer, at age 12, escaped the ghetto to become one of raps'best-selling artists. Discovered by Eminem who, along with Dr Dre released his break-out album 2003's Get Rich Or Die Tryin'. Known for songs such as In Da Club, Candy Shop, Ayo Technology and others. De facto leads G-Unit which also included Tony Yayo and the Game. Has collaborated with Onyx, Lil' Kim, Mobb Deep, Ne-Yo, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Olivia, Ciara, Shawty Lo, Mase, and 2 Chainz
July 6, 1973 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Paul Banks, full name Paul Adrian Banks, born in York, UK ~ Lead guitarist of Shed Seven from 1993 through 1999. Co-wrote several of the band's bestr-known including Chasing Rainbows, Going For Gold and She Left Me On Friday, Has also worked with the Rising, Albion, and others
July 6, 1970 ~ Metal, hard rock singer David Readman born in Burnley, UK ~ Best known as member of hard rock band Pink Cream 69 and of progressive metal band Adagio. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of the Voodoo Circle, Room Experience, Almanac, Tank, Pendulum Of Fortune, Misha Calvin, DC Cooper, Silent Force, Missa Mercuria, Place Vendome, Thomas Zwijssen, Luca Turilli, and others
July 6, 1970 ~ Jason Richard Hunter, commonly known as rapper Inspectah Deck, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Co-wrote several of the band's well known tracks such as CREAM, Protect Ya Neck, Da Mystery Of Chessboxin' and Triumph. Appeared on several of his bandmates' solo albums, notably Method Man's Tical, Raekwon's Only Built 4 Linx and Ghostface Killah's Ironman. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with 1999's Uncontrolled Substance, and collaborated with Tupac Shakur, Czarface, Big Pun, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Kool G Rap, Sheek Louch, and others
July 6, 1970 ~ Christian rock singer, guitarist Martin Smith, full naem Martin James Smith, born in Woodford, UK ~ Frontman of Christian rock band Delirious, known for songs such as Deeper, Promise, See The Star and History Maker. Would resume his solo career after the band disbanded in 2009. Has collaborated with Amy Grant, Hillsong, André Valadão, Stu G, Matt Redman, Michael W Smith, Jars Of Clay, Israel Houghton, and others
July 6, 1970 ~ Roger Marcel Cicero Ciceu, commonly known as jazz and pop singer Roger Cicero, born in Berlin, West Germany ~ Son of jazz pianist Eugen Cicero, with whom he also worked. Opened for Helen Vita at age 11. Debuted on TV aged 16 teaming up with the RIAS Tanzorkester under the direction of Horst Jankowski. Also worked with de Jazzkantine, Soulounge, Julia Hülsmann, and others. Represented Germany at 2007's edition of Eurovision Songfestival, ranking 19th with the song Frauen Regiern Die Welt ~ Ciceu passed away in 2016
July 6, 1969 ~ Andrea Meyer, commonly known as singer, actress, model, writer Andrea Haugen, born in Hanover, Germany ~ Influenced by the Cocteau Twins, Kate Bush and Gregorian chants. Formerly married to black metal guitarist Samoth, with whom she had one daughter. Recorded under numerous monikers, most notably Nebelhexë in the 2000s. Guested on Cradle Of Filth's 1994 The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh and Satyricon's Nemesis Divina. Also known as a poet and author, writing horror and satire film script, non-fiction and social commentary published in alternative magazines and tabloids. Shot and killed alongside four others in a random spree killing ~ Meyer passed away in 2021
July 6, 1967 ~ Heather Allison Frith, commonly known as alternative rock, indie rock, folk rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Heather Nova, born in Bermuda ~ Sister of reggae singer Mishka. Praised for her dreamy melodies and esoteric vocals, reminiscent of her childhood idol Kate Bush. Debuted in 1993 with the critically acclaimed Glow Stars album and broke through with her sophomore Oyster album the following year. Best known for songs such as Walk This World, London Rain (Nothing Heals Me Like You Do) and I'm No Angel. Nova has recorded consistently since, and remains popular across continental Europe where she enjoys a devoted fanbase
July 6, 1965 ~ Jazz saxophonist Yuri Honing born in Hilversum, the Netherlands ~ Active since the mid-1990s with some dozen albums to his name as a leader or co-leader, usually in smaller ensembles such as trios or quartets. Especially acclaimed for the 2001 Seven album, featuring pianist Paul Bley, double bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Paul Motian. Also noted for the 1998 collaborative Playing album with avant-garde, free jazz icon Misha Mengelberg and the 2000 Lively album with Mengelberg and cellist Ernst Reijseger. Other notable associations include Michiel Borstlap, Tony Overwater, Rima Khcheich, and Erik Bosgraaf
July 6, 1964 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion trumpeter, flugelhornist Ken Watters, full name Kenneth Waters, born ~ Influenced by Tim Hagans and Woody Shaw. Brother of trombonist Harry Watters, with whom he has collaborated on several albums starting with Brothers released in 1999. Also specifically noted for the 2010 collaborative Riyel album with Andre Atkins and Yves Abel. An in-demand sideman, particularly on the New York jazz scene, Watters has also appeared on albums by Tabou Combo, Spoonful James, Clarence Carter, Sophia Darcell, Natalie Cole, Danny Brooks, Bonnie Bramlett, and Willie Hightower
July 6, 1963 ~ Stuart David Garrard, commonly known as alternative rock, Christian rock guitarist, singer Stu G, born ~ Lead guitarist of Delirious, for whom he wrote or co-wrote songs such as Come Like You Promise, Metamorphis and Majesty (Here I Am). Has also recorded as a solo artist as well as with Treasure Park and One Sonic Society
July 6, 1963 ~ Indie pop, indie rock guitarist, songwriter Tim Bricheno, full name Timothy John Bricheno, born in Huddersfield, UK ~ Member of bands such as All About Eve, Sisters Of Mercy, XC-NN, Tin Star. Also toured with the Mission
July 6, 1961 ~ Pop, pop rock, soft rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Rick Price, full name Rick Allan Price, born in Brisbane, Australia ~ Released his Heaven Knows debut album in 1992 . Known for songs such as Not A Day Goes By and River Of Love. Has collaborated with Tina Arena, Tommy Emmanuel, Mitch Grainger, Jack Jones, Regina Velasquez, and others. As a producer known for his work with Girlfriend and with Dami Im
July 6, 1956 ~ Country, pop, rock, gypsy jazz guitarist John Jorgenson, full name John Richard Jorgenson, born in Madison, Wisconsin, USA ~ Member of the Desert Rose Band and the Hellecasters. Best known as guitarist, yet plays several instruments including mandolin, piano, upright bass, clarinet, saxophone. Well over half a dozen albums as a solo artistIn-demand collaborator, has worked with Tommy Emmanuel, the Byrds, Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Barbra Streisand, Roy Orbison, Patty Loveless, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, Kenny Chesney, Rodney Crowell, Chad Brock, Lisa Brokop, Brooks & Dunn, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Peter Frampton, Amy Grant, Highway 101, Elton John, Chris LeDoux, LeAnn Rimes, JD Souther, Trisha Yearwood, Chely Wright, and others
July 6, 1955 ~ Smooth jazz, jazz fusion, pop trumpeter, singer, producer, songwriter Rick Braun born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Miles Davis, Lee Morgan, Chet Baker, Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie, Herb Alpert. Co-wrote REO Speedwagon's Here With Me. In-demand session musician, worked with Crowded House, Natalie Cole, Glenn Frey, Tom Petty, Sade, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner. Actively recording as a solo artist since the early-1990s. Best known for his 2001 Kisses In The Rain and 2007 R 'n R albums
July 6, 1953 ~ Folk, country folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Nanci Griffith, full name Nanci Caroline Griffith born in Seguin, Texas, USA ~ Actively recording since the late-1970s. Best known for a number of 1990s albums, notably 1993's Other Voices Other Rooms and 1994's Flyer. First to record From A Distance, later popularized by Bette Midler. Similarly, Griffith wrote or co-wrote and first recorded songs later hits for others such as Love At The Five And Dime which was covered by Kathy Mattea and Outbound Plane which would later be one of Suzy Bogguss' biggest hits ~ Griffith passed away in 2021
July 6, 1952 ~ Bassist John Bazz born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Along with Phil Alvin the only constant member of roots rock, rock & roll band the Blasters known for songs such as Dark Knight, So Long Baby Goodbye and Long White Cadillac. Has also collaborated with artists such as Charlie Musselwhite, Marc Ford, Mike Eldred, Top Jimmy, Ryan Bingham, Lynwood Slim, and others
July 6, 1950 ~ Jazz drummer, composer Jeff Williams, full name Jeffrey Lawrence Williams, born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, USA ~ Worked with Marc Copland, Lee Konitz, Stan Getz, the Lookout Farm, Richie Beirach, Interplay, the Circadian Rhythms, Left Handed Compliment, Dave Liebman, Paul Bley, Point Blank, and others
July 6, 1949 ~ Drummer Michael Shrieve born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Best known as member of Santana from 1969 through 1974 appearing on a number of the band's best known albums including the 1970 Abraxas breakthrough album. Has also drummed with Automatic Man, Go, Pat Travers, Klaus Schulze, Hagar Schon Aaronson Shrieve, Steve Roach, Revolution Void, and others
July 6, 1949 ~ Pop, R&B singer Phyllis Hyman, full name Phyllis Linda Hyman, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Known for songs such as You Know How To Love Me, Living All Alone, Don't Wanna Change The World. Nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the early-1980s Broadway-production of Sophisticated Ladies, a musical based on the music of Duke Ellington ~ Hyman passed away in 1995
July 6, 1948 ~ Psychedelic rock, progressive rock singer, keyboardist, bassist, guitarist, percussionist, cellist, songwriter Arnaldo Baptista, full nme Arnaldo Dias Baptista, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Son of pianist Clarisse Leite. Co-founded pivotal rock band Os Mutantes with his brother Sérgio Dias and Rita Lee, recording about half a dozen albums with the band before departing in 1973. After his departure, Baptista would release a number of solo albums, starting with 1974's Loki, generally regarded his best work. Baptista briefly rejoined Os Mutantes in the mid-2000s
July 6, 1947 ~ Elizabeth Jurist, commonly known as singer, songwriter Libby Titus, born in Woodstock, New York, USA ~ Though as a solo artist Titus never became a household name, she has earned universal critical acclaim, the New York Times once praising her “feeling for style, (and) appealingly sultry insouciance”. Titus has co-written songs with Carly Simon, Burt Bacharach, Dr John, and Donald Fagen, and was married to the latter since 1993. Previously, Titus was romantically involved with the Band's drummer, singer Levon Helm, with whom she has a daughter, the singer Amy Helm. As a songwriter, Titus is perhaps best known for co-penning Love Has No Pride with Eric Kaz, first recorded by Bonnie Raitt in 1972 for her Give It Up album, and since covered by dozens of artists including Linda Ronstadt, Rita Coolidge, and Lynn Anderson. Titus herself has also recorded the song for her 1977 eponymous Libby Titus sophomore album. Admired by peers, Titus is the subject of several tribute songs, including Carly Simon's Libby, and Dr John's Pretty Libby, while Wendy Waldman adresses their friendship in Long Hot Summer Nights, and Donald Fagen sings about their marriage in The Great Pagoda Of Fun. Titus also portrayed several minor roles as an actress ~ Jurist passed away in 2024
July 6, 1945 ~ Folk, kleinkunst singer, guitarist Zjef Vanuytsel, full name Jozef Guillaume Dymphna Vanuytsel, born in Mol, Belgium ~ Considered one of the leading Flemish kleinkunst artists, alongside Wannes van de Velde and Willem Vermandere. Best known for his 1970 debut album Zotte Morgen. Would return to work as an architect in commercially less successful periods ~ Vanuytsel passed away in 2015
July 6, 1944 ~ Fiddler, mandolinist Byron Berline, full name Byron Douglas Berline, born in Caldwell, Kansas, USA ~ Turned down a 1965 invite from Bill Monroe in order to finish his education first, joining Monroe's backing unit the Bluegrass Boys later on. Following his stint with Monroe, Berline would go on to become an in-demand collaborator, especially noted for his role in several pivotal country-rock acts. Berline has recorded over a dozen albums as a solo artist, and appeared on albums by the Dillards, the Flying Burrito Brothers (The Gilded Palace Of Sin), the Rolling Stones (Let It Bleed), the Byrds, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Gene Clark, Manassas, Bob Dylan, Bill Wyman (Monkey Grip), Gram Parsons, John Denver, Emmylou Harris (Elite Hotel), Lamont Dozier, Hoyt Axton, the Doobie Brothers (Minute By Minute), Rodney Crowell, Elton John, Michael Martin Murphey, T-Bone Burnett, Michelle Shocked, and John McEuen. Berline is also known for founding the Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival, held annually in Guthrie, Oklahoma, since 1997 ~ Berline passed away in 2021
July 6, 1944 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Ruthann Friedman born in New York, New York, USA ~ Took up the guitar at age eight, inspired by the music of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Josh White. Probably best known for penning Windy, a 1967 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit for sunshine pop outfit the Association. The song would be recorded by over 50 artists including Floyd Cramer, Astrud Gilberto, Willie Mitchell, Trini López, and Billy Paul. Friedman is also known as a member of Petrus and for her 1970 Constant Companion solo album. Friedman released her original recording of Windy, recorded in 1967 prior to the Association's single, in 2006 on a “lost tapes” compilation album
July 6, 1943 ~ Addie Bradley, commonly known as soul singer, songwriter Jan Bradley, born in Byhalia, Mississippi, USA ~ Auditioned for Curtis Mayfield, who would pen Bradley's We Girls and Mama Didn't Lie singles. Also known for subsequent releases including I'm Over You, Just A Summer Memory, It's Your Way and These Tears. Bradley retired from music by the early-1970s
July 6, 1942 ~ Izora Rhodes, commonly known as singer Izora Armstead, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Formed the duo Two Tons Of Fun with Martha Wash. The duo originally sang backup for Sylvester, but became better known as the Weather Girls, renaming themselves after landing a deal with Fantasy Records. Despite scoring several hits on the Billboard Dance charts, Earth Can Be Just Like Heaven, I Got The Feeling, and It's Raining Men all reaching top 10, only the latter crossed over to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at No.46 in 1983. It's Raining Men would do especially well in Europe, reaching No.2 in the UK at the time of its release, and remains a staple to this day, especially within the gay community. With no further hits, however, the original duo disbanded in 1988. Armstead later reformed the duo with her daughter Dynelle Rhodes, and after her death in 2004, the daughter continued the duo with other singers, yet none of the later line-ups would be able to repeat the band's earlier success ~ Rhodes passed away in 2004
July 6, 1939 ~ Terrence Harris, commonly known as bassist Jet Harris, born in London, UK ~ Member of the Shadows from 1958 through 1962 and notably present on songs such as Savage as used in the Cliff Richard-film The Young Ones. Following his departure from the band would score moderate hits as a solo artist (Besamo Mucho, Theme From The Man With The Golden Arm), handful of UK top 10 hits with Tony Meehan (Diamonds, Scarlet O'Hara), and briefly play with Jeff Beck before disappearing from the public view ~ Harris passed away in 2011
July 6, 1938 ~ Operatic soprano Deborah Cook born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ First gained serious attention in the early-1970s singing with Theater Bremen. Would go on to work with the Bavarian State Opera, the Hamburg State Opera, the Oper Frankfurt, the Deutsche Oper Am Rhein, the Santa Fe Opera, the Tetro Dell' Opera Di Roma, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, the BBC Sympony Orchestra, the Orchestre De Paris, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, and the Dresden Philharmonic ~ Cook passed away in 2019
July 6, 1937 ~ Eugene Drake Dixon, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter, label executive Gene Chandler, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of the Dukays. R&B pioneer dubbed “the Duke of Earl” after one of his best known songs, Duke Of Earl which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962. Later songs such as Nothing Can Stop Me, Rainbow '65, I Fooled You This Time and Groovy Situation would also fare quite well on the Billboard R&B charts
July 6, 1936 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Charles Baskerville born in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA ~ Member of Shep & the Limelites, with whom he recorded a string of singles in the first half of the 1960s including Ready For Your Love, Three Steps From The Altar, and What Did Daddy Do. Though most of their singles failed to reach the top half of the Billboard Hot 100, the trio are acknowledged as one of the finest and most consistent doo-wop outfits. Their best known, Daddy's Home, reached the top 10, peaking at No.2 in 1961, and over the years would be covered by dozens of artists, including notably Gene Chandler, Dee Dee Sharp, Chuck Jackson & Maxine Brown, Paul Anka, and Cliff Richard ~ Baskerville passed away in 1995
July 6, 1936 ~ Jean Vanobbergen, commonly known as singer, songwriter Grand Jojo, born in Brussels, Belgium ~ Cultural icon in his native Belgium with over three dozen albums to his name, starting in the early-1970s. Known for his self-mockery and festive songs. Well known songs include Chef Un P'tit Verre On A Soil, Sergent Flagada, La Petite Bête A Bon Dieu, and Jules César ~ Vanobbergen passed away in 2021
July 6, 1934 ~ Singer, actress Pia Colombo, full name Eliane Marie Amélie Pia Colombo, born in Aisne, France ~ Once dubbed the successor to Edith Piaf by critics, yet Colombo never became a household name. As a singer especially acclaimed for the album Pia Chante Bertolt Brecht & Kurt Weill released in 1969. Politically committed, besides Brecht and Weill, she was especially known as a gifted interpreter of songs written by Serge Gainsbourg, Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens, Hanns Eisler, Leo Ferré, and her husband Maurice Fanon. Colombo has also ventured into acting, both on stage and the big screen ~ Colombo passed away in 1986
July 6, 1934 ~ Bebop pianist René Urtreger born in Paris, France ~ A fixture on the Paris jazz scene since the mid-1950s. First gained serious attention backing American expatriates saxophonist Don Byas and trumpeter Buck Clayton, their 1954 Salon du Jazz performance becoming legendary. After a stint in the French Army, Urtreger would land a regular gig at the Club St Germain, a renowned jazz club on Paris' left bank, where he would be noticed by Lester Young who invited Urtreger to his touring band. Urtreger is also especially acclaimed for his contribution to Miles Davis' soundtrack Ascenseur Pour L'Echafaud released in 1957. Urtreger has recorded some two dozen albums as a leader, and has guested on recordings by Chet Baker, Claude François, Bobby Jaspar, Hubert Fol, Kenny Clarke, Michel Hausser, Stuff Smith, and Nathan Davis
July 6, 1932 ~ DiFosco T Ervin Jr, commonly known as singer, songwriter Big Dee Irwin, born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Lead singer of 1950's vocal group the Pastels, known for their debut single Been So Long, penned by Ervin. Best known for duetting with Little Eva on the 1963 single Swinging On A Star, a top 40 hit in America, top 10 in the UK. Also known for a handful of earlier modest R&B hits such as 1959's I Can't Help It (I'm Falling In Love), 1960's Let's Try Again and 1961's Someday You'll Understand Why. Has also worked as a songwriter for Clydie King, Ray Charles, and Bobby Womack ~ Ervin passed away in 1995
July 6, 1927 ~ Pianist, composer Dolores Claman, full name Dolores Olga Claman, born in Vancouver, Canada ~ Best known for composing The Hockey Theme, long used as the theme song for CBC's A Hockey Night In Canada TV show, and for A Place To Stand, initially used for the film of the same name that accompanied Montreal Expo '67 and over time regarded as Ontario's unofficial provincial anthem ~ Claman passed away in 2021
July 6, 1926 ~ Jazz trombonist Frank Rehak born in New York, New York, USA ~ In-demand session musician throughout the late-1960s, his career cut short by a heroin addiction and financial problems. Perhaps best known for appearing on the pivotal Miles Davis albums Miles Ahead, Porgy & Bess and Sketches Of Spain. Other notable credits include Nat Pierce, Manny Albam, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Perry Como, Big Maybelle, Charlie Byrd, Chubby Jackson, Ruth Brown (Late Date With Ruth Brown), Creed Taylor, Woody Herman, and Gil Evans (The Individualism Of Gil Evans) ~ Rehak passed away in 1987
July 6, 1925 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly, western swing singer, guitarist Bill Haley, full name William John Clifton Haley, born in Highland Park, Michigan, USA ~ Rock & roll pioneer. Has sold over 60 million records. Scored numerous hits throughout the 1950s, most with his backing unit the Comets, including Crazy Man Crazy, Dim Dim The Lights (I Want Some Atmosphere), Burn That Candle, and Razzle Dazzle, all considered pivotal in the early development of rock and roll. Haley's best known, See You Later Alligator and Rock Around The Clock, are considered classics and remain popular to this day, in part due to being frequently used in films and TV series ~ Haley passed away in 1981
July 6, 1924 ~ Luigi Balassoni, commonly known as drummer, bandleader, composer Louie Bellson, born in Rock Falls, Illinois, USA ~ Pioneered the use of two bass drums. Along with Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, considered among the finest drummers of their generation and the first drummer superstars. Known for both his extensive drums solos, sometimes running over fifteen minutes, as well as for being a fine accompanist playing quietly in the background. Served in big bands led by Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, and Duke Ellington, notably writing Skin Deep while with the latter. Well over 50 albums to his name as a leader or co-leader, acclaimed especially for Concerto For Drums released in 1956. Married to singer Pearl Bailey from 1952 until her death in 1990, for whom he also served as musical director. In a 2005 interview with Jazz Connection magazine, looking back on his lengthy career, Bellson talked of his main influences: “I have to give just dues to two guys who really got me off on the drums, Big Sid Catlett and Jo Jones. All three of us (Bellson, Rich, Krupa) realized what Jones did and it influenced a lot of us. We all three looked to Jo as the ‘Papa’ who really did it. Gene helped bring the drums to the foreground. Buddy was a great natural player. But we also have to look back at Chick Webb's contributions, too” ~ Balassoni passed away in 2009
July 6, 1916 ~ Jazz pianist Bill Clifton born in Toronto, Canada ~ An in-demand accompanist of the swing era, and considered an early and important influence on jazz pianist Bill Evans. Clifton decided to become a professional musician after hearing the music of Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington. Noted for his Piano Moods, released in 1950 as one of the first long-playing records, yet best known as a sideman to the likes of Paul Whiteman, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Bud Freeman, and Abe Lyman. Clifton also accompanied some of the era's greatest singers including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Ukulele Ike, and Ilene Woods ~ Clifton passed away in 1967
July 6, 1903 ~ Country, bluegrass guitarist, singer Charlie Monroe born in Rosine, Kentucky, USA ~ Older brother of bluegrass icon Bill Monroe, with whom he also worked. Founded Kentucky Pardners which at times included Lester Flatt, Red Rector, Curly Seckler and Ira Louvin ~ Monroe passed away in 1975
July 6, 1902 ~ Jazz bassist, double bassist Louis Vola born in La-Seyne-sur-Mer, France ~ Best known for his work with Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli as a co-founding member of the Quintette du Hot Club. Has also worked with Ray Ventura, Duke Ellington and with Charles Trenet ~ Vola passed away in 1990
July 6, 1892 ~ Songwriter, lyricist, screenwriter Jack Yellen, full name Jack Selig Yellen, born in Raczki, Russian Empire ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Happy Days Are Here Again, first recorded by Charles King in 1929 and covered by numerous artists including Leo Reisman, Ben Selvin, Bert Ambrose, Adriano Celentano. The song would be used for Franklin Roosevelt's 1932 presidential campaign. Other well known songs co-written by Yellen include Ain't She Sweet (Lou Gold, Pearl Bailey, Gene Vincent, Frank Sinatra), Happy Feet (Paul Whiteman, Leo Reisman, Jack Hylton), Hard Hearted Hannah (The Vamp Of Savannah) (Ukulele Ike, Ray McKinley, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles), and My Yiddishe Momme (Willie Howard, Patti Page, Connie Francis) ~ Yellen passed away in 1991