July 7, 2023 ~ Jazz trumpeter, hornist, trombonist Oscar Brashear passed away ~ In-demand sideman influenced by Lee Morgan, Woody Shaw, and Freddie Hubbard. Present on albums by John Lee Hooker, Count Basie (Standing Ovation), Oliver Nelson, Donny Hathaway (Everything Is Everything), Bobby Hutcherson, Moacir Santos, Hampton Hawes, Bonnie Raitt (Takin' My Time), Gene Harris, Harold Land, Nat Adderley, Willie Hutch, Ry Cooder (Paradise & Lunch), Patrice Rushen, Tom Waits (The Heart Of Saturday Night), Horace Silver, Oliver Nelson, Earth Wind & Fire (That's The Way Of The World), Neil Diamond, Carmen McRae, Alice Coltrane, Marvin Gaye (I Want You), Maria Muldaur, BB King, Patti Labelle, Sadao Watanabe, Rodney Franklin, Rick James (Bustin' Out Of L Seven), Tavares, the Crusaders (Street Life), Randy Crawford, Con Funk Shun, Was (Not Was) (What Up Dog), Zoot Sims, Natalie Cole, and others ~ Brashear was born in 1944
July 7, 2021 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Angélique Ionatos passed away in Les Lilas, France ~ In her early teens fled with her family from Greece after the military coup, resettling in France. Rooted in Greek culture yet drew from classical, jazz, chanson, oriental and tango. Well over a dozen albums to her name since the 1970s, the first few collaborating with her brother Photis Ionatos. Sang in both Greek and French. Known for setting both classic and contemporary text and poetry to music, frequent collaborator of poet Odysseas Elytis ~ Ionatis was born in 1954
July 7, 2021 ~ Tenor saxophonist Sam Reed passed away ~ Musical director for Teddy Pendergrass. Also worked with artists such as the Silhouettes, the Ambassadors, the Intruders, Dusty Springfield, Laura Nyro, Labelle, Billy Paul, Roberto Magris, Bootsie Barnes, Mickey Roker, Jimmy Oliver, and others ~ Reed was born in 1935
July 7, 2020 ~ Pianist, composer, producer Henry Krtschil passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ Closely associated with Gisela May. Also known as a longtime composer for Deutscher Fernsehfunk ~ Krtschil was born in 1932
July 7, 2018 ~ Death metal singer Bret Hoffmann passed away ~ Member of Fire For Effect, Resthaven, Malevolent Creation, Down The Drain, Silent Death, and others ~ Hoffmann was born in 1967
July 7, 2018 ~ Composer Paul Fetler passed away ~ Known for choral, orchestral, chamber music ~ Fetler was born in 1920
July 7, 2017 ~ Composer Egil Monn-Iversen, full name Egil Ragnar Monn Iverson, passed away ~ One of the most influentual modern composers in Norway. Composed scores to over 100 movies and TV series ~ Monn-Iversen was born in 1928
July 7, 2010 ~ Robert Edward Jansen, commonly known as rock, jazz brass player, saxophonist Robbie Jansen, passed away in Cape Town, South Africa ~ Member of the Pacific Express. Would go on to work with Dollar Brand and saxophonist Basil Coetzee. Would become a leading figure by the 1970s in Cape Jazz. Has also worked with Johnny Clegg, Sipho Mchunu, Juluka (Universal Men), and others. Especially acclaimed for his 2006 solo album Nomad Jez. His international career suffered a blowback in 2007 when on doctor's orders he could no longer travel due to a respitory condition, and forced to cancel a European tour ~ Jansen was born in 1949
July 7, 2006 ~ Roger Keith Barrett, commonly known as guitarist, singer Syd Barrett passed away in Cambridge, UK ~ Co-founding member, frontman, primary songwriter of Pink Floyd. Regarded as a troubled genius. Fully present on the band's debut Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, contributed partly on their sophomore album A Saucerful Of Secrets. Ousted from the band in 1968. Fully retired from music in 1972, devoting himself to painting and gardening. The band would later record several tributes to Barrett, among which most famously the 1975 song Shine On You Crazy Diamond. Barrett would be cited as an influence by artists such as Paul McCartney, Pete Townshend, Blur, Tangerine Dream, Paul Weller, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, David Bowie, Jimmy Page, Brian Eno, and the Sex Pistols ~ Barrett was born in 1946
July 7, 2001 ~ Frederick Neil, commonly known as folk, folk-pop singer, songwriter Fred Neil, passed away in Summerland Key, Florida, USA ~ Best known for penning and first recording Everybody's Talkin', notably covered by Harry Nilsson. Though Neil never became a household name he was revered by peers and is seen as a pioneer of the folk-rock movement, influencing artists such as Tim Buckley, Stephen Stills, David Crosby, Tim Hardin, John Sebastian, Gram Parsons, Paul Kantner, and others ~ Neil was born in 1936
July 7, 1993 ~ Courtney Everald Dewar Junior, commonly known as rapper Capital Steez, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Worked with CJ Fly, Chuck Strangers, Joey Badass, Dirty Sanchez, Jakk The Rhyner, Madlib, MF Doom, Free The Robots, DJ Premier, Knxwledge, Ant, J Rawls, Tommy Mas, the Entreproducers, Kirk Knight, Bruce Leekiz, Pro-Era, and others ~ Dewar passed away in 2012
July 7, 1992 ~ Jazz alto saxophonist Guido Sinclair passed away ~ Played with Horace Tapscott, Roy Brewster, Charles Pendergraff ~ Sinclair was born ca.1935
July 7, 1991 ~ Alessandro Renato Rodolfo Lindblad, commonly known as DJ, producer Alesso born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Released his full-length Forever solo debut album in 2015. Has worked with artists such as Tove Lo, Theo Hutchcraft, Ryan Tedder, Hailee Steinfeld, Calvin Harris, Anitta, Usher, David Guetta, Sebastian Ingrosso, Liam Payne, Tini, and the Stray Kids
July 7, 1986 ~ Amber Denise Streeter, commonly known as singer, songwriter Sevyn Streeter, born in Haines City, Florida, USA ~ Best known as member of girl groups TG4 and Richgirl. Released her fuill-length Disrupted solo album in 2017. Known for songs such as It Won't Stop featuring Chris Brown and, Next. In-demand songwriter. Artists who have recorded songs written or co-written by Streeter include Usher, Kelly Rowland, Ariana Grande, Trey Songz, Alicia Keys, Fantasia, Brandy, Tamar Braxton, and others
July 7, 1986 ~ Trip hop, hip-hop rapper Sid Diamond born in Auckland, New Zealand ~ Founded hip-hop trio Smashproof in 2005. Released his Move The Crowd solo debut album in 2007, featuring a guest appearance by Chamillionaire
July 7, 1982 ~ Jazz drummer Ferit Odman born in Istanbul, Turkey ~ Has worked with Brian Lynch, Peter Washington, Vincent Herring, Benny Golson, Jacky Terrasson, Mike Moreno, Sean Jones, Ernie Watts, Stefano di Battista, Bertha Hope, Jim Rotondi, Alan Broadbent, Alex Sipiagin, David Berkman, Kenan Dogulu, Ozan Musluoglo, Danielle Eva, and others. Singers backed by Odman include Sheila Jordan, Kevin Mahogany, Allan Harris, Mark Murphy, Deborah Davis, Ive Mendes, and Hilary Kole. Released his debut as a leader, Nommo, in 2010
July 7, 1980 ~ Fyfe Antony Dangerfield Hutchins. commonly known as indie rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Fyfe Dangerfield, born in Moseley, UK ~ Member of Senseless Prayer. Rose to prominence as founding and key member of Guillemots, known best for a number of 2000s singles including Made-up Lovesong No.43, Annie Let's Not Wait and Get Over It. Dangerfield also composed a number of choral and orchestral pieces, notably In Wait, performed by the City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in 2007 to celebrate the re-opening of Birmingham Town Hall
July 7, 1979 ~ Noora Mohammed Noor, mononymously known as neo-soul singer Noora, born in Dubai, United Arab Emirates ~ Signed with Warner Music at age 15. Released her full-length Curious debut album in 1999, one of the first notable Norwegian R&B albums, spawning the hit single Need You. Appears on Madcon's 2007 So Dark The Con Of Man album
July 7, 1979 ~ Country singer, songwriter Shane Yellowbird born in Hobbema, Canada ~ Began singing while in speech therapy to treat his severe stuttering. Has released two albums before dying at age 42. His 2006 Life Is Calling My Name debut album would spawn the hits Pickup Truck and I Remember The Music, both of which would reach top 10 country in his native Canada. Bare Feet On The Blacktop, the lead single of his 2009 It's About Time sophomore album would also reach the top 10 ~ Yellowbird passed away in 2022
July 7, 1978 ~ Singer Bloem de Ligny born in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands ~ Drew critical comparison to Björk. Member of Sam & the Womp, known for their 2012 Bom Bom debut single. Previously formed the duo Polichinele with Bubu
July 7, 1978 ~ Singer Bruce Springsteen plays the Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood ~ As part of his 1978 Darkness Tour, generally considered his best tour, Springsteen plays the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood. A considerable portion of tonight's concert, the recordings of Adam Raised A Cain, Spirit In The Night, Paradise By The C, Growin' Up, It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City, Backstreets, Rosalita (Come Out Tonight), and Raise Your Hand, make it to the Live 1975-85 live box set released in 1986
July 7, 1978 ~ Manuel Reuter, commonly known as DJ, producer DJ Manian, born in Bonn, West Germany ~ Co-founding member of Cascada alongside Natalie Horler and Yanou, known for songs such as Bad Boy, Miracle, Evacuate The Dancefloor, and perhaps their best-known Everytime We Touch, the latter also reaching the American top 10
July 7, 1976 ~ Roy Morgan, commonly known as singer, producer, label executive Gramps Morgan, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Son of reggae singer Denroy Morgan. Member of sibling outfit Morgan Heritage, best known for their 1999 Don't Haffi Dread album. Morgan has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album 2 Sides Of My Heart Vol.1 released in 2009. Guested on India Arie's Therapy of Arie's Testimony Vol.2 (Love & Politics) released the same year
July 7, 1976 ~ Jazz bassist Orlando le Fleming, full name Antony Orlando Frank le Fleming, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Has worked with Julian Joseph, Jason Rebello, Iain Ballamy, Jane Monheit, Jimmy Cobb, Ari Hoenig, Antonio Sánchez, Lage Lund, Seamus Blake, Joey Calderazzo, Ben Sidran, Jeff Tain-Watts, and others
July 7, 1975 ~ Country singer George Morgan, full name George Thomas Morgan, passed away ~ One of a few to be referred to as a “country crooner”, alongside contemporaries such as Eddy Arnold and Jim Reeves. Father of country singer Lorrie Morgan. Best known for songs such as Candy Kisses, Room Full Of Roses, Almost, I'm In Love Again and You're The Only Good Thing That Happened To Me ~ Morgan was born in 1924
July 7, 1974 ~ Jazz drummer, percussionist Kenneth Ekornes born in Sykkylven, Norway ~ Has worked with Desfinado, the Brazz Brothers, the Nymark Collective, Ab Und Zu, the Trio de Janeiro, Ole Paus, Foøk, Baba Nation, Mari Boine, Terje Gewelt, Frode Alnæs, Geir Lysne, Batagraf, Karl Seglem, and others
July 7, 1973 ~ Benjamin Louis Feinberg, commonly known as songwriter Ben Trace, passed away ~ Co-wrote You Call Everybody Darlin', a 1948 No.1 hit for his brother Al Trace ~ Feinberg was born in 1897
July 7, 1973 ~ Diego Amaya Flores, commonly known as flamenco guitarist Diego del Gastor, passed away in Sevilla, Spain ~ Renowned guitarist, creator and best known exponent of the Andalusian guitar playing tradition of Sevilla, Spain. Well-known songs include Buleria and Solea ~ Amaya was born in 1908
July 7, 1970 ~ Songwriter Charles Tobias passed away in Manhasset, New York, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Comes Love, first recorded by Harry James in 1939 and covered by over 200 artists including Benny Goodman, Jimmy Dorsey, Billie Holiday, and Sam Cooke. Other notable songs co-written by Tobias include Just Another Day Wasted Away (Waiting For You) (the Golden Gate Dance Orchestra), After My Laughter Came Tears (the Harmony Trio), Miss You (Rudy Vallée), I Lost My Gal From Memphis (Roy Evans), The Old Lamp-Lighter (Kay Kyser), and The Wonderful World Of Christmas (Elvis Presley) ~ Tobias was born in 1898
July 7, 1969 ~ Bassist, singer Adam Kury born ~ Has worked with acts such as Candlebox, Legs Diamond, Jagger Cook, Kings Royal, the 7th Sun, and Whipped Cream
July 7, 1969 ~ Mezzo-soprano opera singer, actress Gladys Swarthout passed away in Florence, Italy ~ Sang with New York Metropolitan Opera Company from 1929 through 1966 ~ Swarthout was born in 1900
July 7, 1969 ~ Jazz pianist Svein Olav Herstad born in Odda, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with Sonny Simmons, Nils-Olav Johansen, Harald Johnsen, Per Oddvar Johansen, Magne Thormodsæter, Jan Erik Kongshaug, and others
July 7, 1967 ~ Jacqueline Neal, commonly known as blues singer Jackie Neal, born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Right Thang Wrong Man, The Way We Roll, Down In The Club. Daughter of blues guitarist Raful Neal, sister of blues guitarist Kenny Neal. Shot and killed at age 37 by an ex-boyfriend ~ Neal passed away in 2005
July 7, 1967 ~ Jonathan Sutter, commonly known as singer, rapper Tenor Fly, born in Brixton, UK ~ Recorded solo and as member of the Freestylers. Best known for his collaborations with artists such as Rebel MC, Top Cat, Daddy Freddy, Prizna, Pendulum, Barrington Levy, and the Sir Coxson Sound ~ Sutter passed away in 2016
July 7, 1965 ~ Progressive metal, thrash metal guitarist, songwriter Evan McCaskey born ~ Best known for his work with Exodus and with Blind Illusion. McCaskey committed suicide at age 24 ~ McCaskey passed away in 1989
July 7, 1964 ~ Jazz fusion, experimental rock flutist, saxophonist, clarinetist Theo Travis born in Birmingham, UK ~ Member of Gong from 1999 through 2010. Member of Soft Machine Legacy since 2006. About a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, leader, starting in the early 1990s. Has also worked with Mark Hewins, Steve Lawson, Robert Fripp, John Foxx, Jade Warrior, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Masami Tsuchiya, Indigo Falls, Francis Dunnery, Harold Budd, No-Man, Porcupine Tree, the Tangent, David Sylvian, David Gilmour, and others
July 7, 1962 ~ Pop, rock bassist Mark White born in the Bronx, New York, New York ~ Co-founding member of the Spin Doctors, leaving the band in 1998 sometime during the recording of the band's fourth album Here Comes The Bride. Present on the band's best-known including Two Princes which reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic
July 7, 1961 ~ Alan Chesnnovitz, commonly known as trumpeter, hornist Alan Chez, born ~ Worked with the CBS Orchestra, the Garfield Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps, Jon Bon Jovi, the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps, the Cadets, Tower Of Power, the Robert Cray Band, Dave Edmunds, Dion, Graham Parker, Kim Wilson, Sting, Flavor Flav, the Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, and David Bowie
July 7, 1961 ~ Clive Jackson, commonly known as glam rock, new wave, pop rock singer the Doctor, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Fronted Doctor & the Medics, best known for their 1981 Norman Greenbaum-cover Spirit In The Sky which would top the charts in their native UK. Subsequent charting singles would include Burn and Waterloo
July 7, 1959 ~ Siblings the Everly Brothers record Till I Kissed You at RCA-Victor Studios, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Don Everly. Produced by Archie Bleyer. Backing musicians include Chet Atkins, Sonny Curtis, Floyd Chance, Jerry Allison, Floyd Cramer. Released as a single later the same year, paired with Oh What A Feeling on the flip side
July 7, 1958 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal bassist Perry Richardson born in Conway, South Carolina, USA ~ Worked with Maxx Warrior. Member of Firehouse through 2000. Member of Stryper, appearing on the 2020 Even The Devil Believes album
July 7, 1957 ~ Singer, guitarist Berry Sakharof born in Izmir, Turkey ~ Dubbed “the Prince of Israeli rock” and regarded as one of the most important Israeli rock guitarists. As a solo artist has over a dozen albums to his name, starting in the early 1990s. Has also worked with Cosmic Dream, Minimal Compact, Rea Mochiach, Fortisakharof, Rami Fortis, Foreign Affair, and Micha Shitrtit
July 7, 1957 ~ Jazz, art rock, world music, progressive rock, rock guitarist, pianist, event organizer Dennis Rea born in Utica, New York, USA ~ Influenced by artists as diverse as King Crimson, Soft Machine, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Jimi Hendrix. Member of Earthstar, known for the albums Salterbury Tales, French Skyline, and Atomkraft Nein Danke. Fronted progressive rock quintet Moraine. Collaborated with Jeff Greinke in LAND. Other notable collaborations include Stackpole, Iron Kim Style, Savant, and Flame Tree
July 7, 1956 ~ Jazz bandleader, violinist Alex Hyde passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Founded dance band the Romance Of Rhythm Orchestra, popular in the 1920s. Has worked with Howard McFarlane, Walker O'Neill, Eddie Grosso, Gene Sedric, and Mike Danzi ~ Hyde was born in 1898
July 7, 1955 ~ Jazz pianist John Campbell born in Bloomington, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Actively recording since the late 1980s. Worked with Buddy DeFranco, Terry Gibbs, Stan Getz, Eddie Harris, James Moody, Charles McPherson, Clark Terry, Mel Tormé, Greg Gisbert, Denise Jannah, the Jump 'n the Saddle Band, Randy Stonehill, Cy Touff, and others
July 7, 1954 ~ Singer Cherry Boone, full name Cheryl Lynne Boone, born in Denton, Texas, USA ~ Daughter of singer-actor Pat Boone and has recorded with her siblings as the Boones, scoring modest hits with the Supremes-cover When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes in 1975 and the ABBA-cover Hasta Mañana in 1977
July 7, 1954 ~ Ram Ephraim Fortis, commonly known as rock, punk rock singer Rami Fortis, born in Tel Aviv, Israel ~ Pioneer of Israeli rock. Influenced by the Clash, the Sex Pistols, Iggy Pop, the Ramones. Released his Plonter debut album in 1978, initiallty to little succes yet later hailed as an influential cult album. Member of alternative rock outfit Minimal Compact since 1984
July 7, 1952 ~ Country, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter James Hand, also known as James Slim Hand, born in Waco, Texas, USA ~ Actively performing since his late teens, playing honky-tonks and roadhouses across Texas rising to regional fame, yet would not release a solo album until well into his 40s. Recorded about half a dozen albums, especially acclaimed for The Truth Will Set You Free and its follow-up Shadow On The Ground released respectively in 2006 and 2009. Hand played a fictional version of himself in the independent film Thank You A Lot released in 2014 ~ Hand passed away in 2020
July 7, 1952 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Sammy Walker born near Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Influenced by Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams. Best known for a number of 1970s album, notably Broadside Ballads released in 1975
July 7, 1951 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, R&B, funk, soul, pop singer, bassist, saxophonist, producer Michael Henderson born in Yazoo City, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by Motown house bass guitarist James Jamerson. First gained attention backing Stevie Wonder on tours. Made his name playing on a number of pivotal 1970s Miles Davis jazz fusion albums, notably Live/Evil and Agharta. Would go on to work with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, the Dramatics, Dr John, and others. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing over half a dozen albums starting with Solid in 1976 ~ Henderson passed away in 2022
July 7, 1951 ~ Drummer, percussionist Sue Evans born in New York, New York, USA ~ In-demand session percussionist working in a wide array of genres including jazz, pop and classical. Has worked with Steve Kuhn, Art Farmer, George Benson, Urbie Green, the New York Pops, the New York Philharmonic, Michael Franks, Suzanne Vega, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Sting, James Brown, Blood Sweat & Tears, Philip Glass, Don Sebesky, Sadao Watanabe, Randy Brecker, David Sanborn, Terence Blanchard, Lalo Schifrin, Jeremy Steig, and others
July 7, 1950 ~ Theodore Navarro, commonly known as jazz, bebop trumpeter Fats Navarro, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Pioneering bebop improviser. Influential on players such as Clifford Brown and JJ Johnson. Worked with Snookum Russell, Charlie Parker, Andy Kirk, Billy Eckstine, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Kenny Clarke, Tadd Dameron, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, Howard McGhee, Bud Powell, Dexter Gordon, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and others ~ Navarro was born in 1923
July 7, 1948 ~ Rock guitarist Larry Reinhardt born in Florida, USA ~ Worked with Bittersweet, the Second Coming, Iron Butterfly (Metamorphosis), Captain Beyond, Bobby Womack, the Ryno Band, Mad Dancer, and others ~ Reinhardt passed away in 2012
July 7, 1947 ~ Singer David Hodo born in San Andreas, California, USA ~ Best known as the “construction worker” in disco otufit the Village People from 1978 through 1982 and again from 1987 through 2013. Also worked in musical theatre, making his Broadway debut in 1975 in Doctor Jazz and acted in a variety of TV shows including Married With Children and The Love Boat
July 7, 1947 ~ Rock drummer Rob Townsend born in Leicester, UK ~ Member of the Family. Member of Medicine Head. Also worked with the Beatniks, Broodly Hoo, Legay, Peter Skellern, George Melly, Bill Wyman, Kevin Ayers, Axis Point, the Blues Band, and others
July 7, 1947 ~ Singer, songwriter Victor Manuel, full name Victor Manuel San José Sánchez, born in Mieres, Spain ~ Along with his wife, singer and actress Ana Belén considered symbols of the Spanish Transition from the Francoist dictatorship, who would ban his songs, to a consititional monarchy. Over a dozen albums to his name, especially acclaimed for his Todos Tenemos Un Precio released in 1974
July 7, 1943 ~ Salvatore Cutugno, commonly known as singer, pianist, guitarist, saxophonist, drummer, songwriter Toto Cutugno born in Fodinovo, Italy ~ One of the most popular Italian singers and one of the most successful Italian songwriters of all time with sales reportedly exceeding 100 million globally. As a performer internationally best known for the 1983 worldwide hit L'Italiano, initially intended for Adriano Celentano who turned it down, and for the 1990 Eurovision Songfestival-winner Insieme 1992. Songs written or co-written by Cutugno have been recorded by Joe Dassin, Claude François, Michel Sardou, Domenico Modugno, Miguel Bosé, and Dalida ~ Cutugno passed away in 2023
July 7, 1941 ~ Bassist Jim Rodford, full name James Walter Rodford, born in St Albans, UK ~ Best known as founding member of Argent, known for songs such as Hold Your Head Up and God Gave Rock & Roll To You. Following the band's disbandement in 1976 would work with the Kinks from 1978 through 1997, and with later-day incarnations of 1960s UK bands such as the Zombies and the Swinging Blue Jeans ~ Rodford passed away in 2018
July 7, 1940 ~ Richard Starkey, commonly known as drummer Ringo Starr, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Father of drummer Zak Starkey. Member of pivotal pop-rock band the Beatles, usually singing lead on one song per album including Yellow Submarine, With A Little Help From My Friends and the Starr-penned Don't Pass Me By and Octopus's Garden. As a solo artist known for songs such as It Don't Come Easy, Photograph, You're Sixteen and Back Off Boogaloo
July 7, 1939 ~ Mezzo-soprano singer Elena Obraztsova, full name Elena Vasiliyena Obraztsova, born ~ Has served under renowned conductors including Herbert von Karajan and Claudio Abbado, working with the latter in a 1977 La Scala performance of Don Carlos's Eboli. Also noted for performing the title role in a 1976 TV production of Carmen opposite Plácido Domingo. Has also shared stages with Luciano Pavarotti, Joan Sutherland and Ingvar Wixell ~ Obraztsova passed away in 2015
July 7, 1939 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Nico Kasanda, sometimes reffered to as Dr Nico, born in Mikalayi, Belgian Congo ~ Influential guitar virtuoso, considered a pioneer of Congolese music. Said to have inspired Jimi Hendrix. Worked with L'African Jazz prior to co-founding the soukous ensemble African Fiesta with singer Tabu Ley Rochereau in 1963, which would become one of the most popular bands in Africa ~ Kasanda passed away in 1985
July 7, 1936 ~ Conductor, clarinetist, arranger, composer Christopher Ball born in Leeds, UK ~ Started his career as clarinetist for the Hallé Orchestra. As a conductor associated with the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Ballet. Founded and directed the early music ensemble the Praetorius Consort, known for Medieval Paris (Music Of The City). Founded the London Baroque Trio, which also included harpsichordist Mary Verney and bass violist Peter Vell ~ Ball passed away in 2022
July 7, 1936 ~ Composer Friedhelm Döhl born ~ Revered lecturer and teacher. Founded Lubeck Brahms Festival. Composed works for orchestra, voice, chamber music, and for live electronics ~ Döhl passed away in 2018
July 7, 1936 ~ Singer, songwriter Nikos Xylouris born in Anogeia, Greece ~ Dubbed “the Archangel of Crete” known for capturing the Greek psyche and demeanor ~ Xylouris passed away in 1980
July 7, 1932 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, world keyboardist Joe Zawinul, full name Josef Erich Zawinul born in Vienna, Austria ~ Active since the mid-1950s. Jazz fusion pioneer, rising to notoriety through his associations with Miles Davis on albums such as In A Silent Way, Bitches Brew and Live/Evil, and Cannonball Adderley. Wrote Mercy Mercy Mercy, an unexpected crossover hit in 1966 for Adderley. Co-founded the Weather Report with Wayne Shorter, for whom he wrote Birdland which is regarded as one of the 1970s most recognizable jazz pieces. Eponym and leader of the Zawinul Syndicate. Other notable credits include appearances on albums by Dinah Washington (What A Diff'rence A Day Makes), Maynard Ferguson, Nat Adderley, Sam Jones (Down Home), Ben Webster, Madeline Bell, Willie Bobo, Aretha Franklin (Soul '69), Roy Ayers, the Average White Band, the Manhattan Transfer, Steps Ahead (Smokin' In The Pit), Ernestine Anderson, Jan Akkerman, and Quincy Jones ~ Zawinul passed away in 2007
July 7, 1930 ~ Country singer Doyle Wilburn, full name Virgil Doyle Wilburn, born in Hardy, Arkansas, USA ~ Child performer since the mid-1930s, alongside his younger brother Doyle Wilburn under the moniker the Wilburn Children. Discovered by Roy Acuff, who brought them to the Grand Ole Opry in 1940. Following each brother's stints in the Army, the brothers would reconvene as the Wilburn Brothers. They were offered the chance to record Heartbreak Hotel before Elvis Presley, but declined as they felt the song was “strange and almost morbid”. The duo would record well into the 1970s, backing Webb Pierce on the 1954 Billboard Country top 10 hit Sparkling Brown Eyes, and reaching the top 10 on their own with songs such as Which One Is To Blame, Trouble's Back In Town, Roll Muddy River, and Hurt Her Once For Me ~ Wilburn passed away in 1982
July 7, 1930 ~ Henry Mobley, commonly known as hard bop, soul jazz saxophonist Hank Mobley born in Eastman, Georgia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Praised for his laid-back, subtle tone and regarded by some critics as one of the most underrated jazz saxophonists. Collaborated with Lee Morgan, Curtis Fuller, Elmo Hope, Cedar Walton, Art Blakey, Kenny Burrell, Donald Byrd, Sonny Clark, John Coltrane, Zoot Sims, Miles Davis, Kenny Dorham, Kenny Drew, Art Farmer, Dizzy Gillespie, Grant Green, Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, JJ Johnson, Tete Montoliu, Dizzy Reece, Max Roach, Horace Silver, Julius Watkins, and others ~ Mobley passed away in 1986
July 7, 1927 ~ Charles Elzer Loudermilk, commonly known as guitarist Charlie Louvin, born in Section, Alabama, USA ~ Half of noted country duo the Louvin Brothers, the other half being Ira Louvin. Influential on Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, and the Byrds. Known for songs such as When I Stop Dreaming, I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby, Cash On The Barrelhead, and My Baby's Gone. As a solo artist teamed up with George Jones, Jeff Tweedy, Alex McManus, Elvis Costello, Derwin Hinson, Colonel Robert Morris, Al Perkins, and others ~ Loudermilk passed away in 2011
July 7, 1927 ~ Carl Hildin Severinsen, commonly known as jazz trumpeter Doc Severinsen, born in Arlington, Oregon, USA ~ Nicknamed “Doc” after his father, the only dentist in Arlington. Starting in high school Severinsen played with Ted Fio Rito. After graduating he toured with Charlie Barnet, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman. In 1949 Doc was hired as a NBC studio musician. He would rise to first-chair trumpeter of the Tonight Show Band and eventually lead the band, becoming one of the most popular bandleaders in America. Since the mid 1950s Severinsen has recorded extensively as sideman, collaborator, and as bandleader with artists including Chris Connor, Urbie Green, Gerry Mulligan, Tito Puente, Dinah Washington, Lena Horne, Fats Waller, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Ruth Brown, Gene Krupa, Gil Evans, Dizzy Gillespie, Milt Jackson, Cab Calloway, Tony Bennett, and others
July 7, 1924 ~ Iris Colleen Summers, commonly known as singer, guitarist Mary Ford born in Pasadena, California, USA ~ Best known for her recordings with her husband Les Paul, scoring numerous hits during the 1950s including Tiger Rag, Vaya Con Dios, Mockin' Bird Hill, Bye Bye Blues, The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise and perhaps their best-known How High The Moon, the latter topping the American charts in 1951. Prior to her marriage, she formed the western trio the Sunshine Girls with Vivian Earles and June Widener, best known for backing Jimmy Wakely ~ Ford passed away in 1977
July 7, 1921 ~ Guitarist, mandolinist Ervan Coleman born ~ Best known for his close association with Herb Alpert as a member of the Tijuana Brass. Wrote the hit song Tijuana Taxi. Member of Julius Wechter's the Baja Marimba Band. Also worked the T-Bones. Coleman passed away of surgical complications. Alpert's Bud from the 1967 Herb ALpert's Ninth album was written and recorded as a tribute to Coleman, nicknamed Bud ~ Coleman passed away in 1967
July 7, 1920 ~ Singer, actress Elizete Cardoso born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Discovered at age 16 by Jacob do Bandolim. Over 40 albums to her name. Best known for her 1958 Cancao Do Amor Demais album, generally regarded as the first bossa nova album. Also especially remembered for Manha De Carnaval of the 1959 Orfeu Negro soundtrack ~ Cardoso passed away in 1990
July 7, 1917 ~ Woodrow Wilson Sovine, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Red Sovine, born in Charleston, West Virginia,. USA ~ Especially known for his truck drivin' songs, notably 1965's Giddyup Go and 1976's Teddy Bear. Had his songs covered by Del Reeves, Dave Dudley, Ferlin Husky, Boxcar Willie, Henk Wijngaard, Tom Waits, and others ~ Sovine passed away in 1980
July 7, 1916 ~ Lloyd Grimes, commonly known as jazz guitarist Tiny Grimes, born in Newport News, Virginia, USA ~ Worked with Cats & Fiddle, Art Tatum, Billie Holiday, Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, Pepper Adams, Roy Eldridge, Earl Hines, JC Higginbotham, Charlie Shavers, Kenny Burrell, and others ~ Grimes passed away in 1989
July 7, 1913 ~ Joe Willie Perkins, commonly known as pianist Pinetop Perkins, born in Belzoni, Mississippi, USA ~ Accompanied some of the greatest names in blues. Perhaps best known for his association with Muddy Waters. Also worked with Earl Hooker, Robert Nighthawk, BB King, Ronnie Earl, Bob Margolin, Carey Bell, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and others ~ Perkins passed away in 2011
July 7, 1911 ~ Carl Gustaf Mauritz Nilsson, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, bandleader, composer Charles Redland, born in Södertälje, Sweden ~ Enjoyed popularity in Sweden from the 1930s onwards. Recorded with Benny Carter by the mid-1930s. Has composed music for over 80 films, as well as for radio and TV programs ~ Nilsson passed away in 1994
July 7, 1911 ~ Composer, librettist Gian Carlo Menotti born in Cadegliano-Viconago, Italy ~ Wrote over two dozen operas, including the Pullitzer Prize winners The Consul and The Saint Of Bleecker Street ~ Menotti passed away in 2007
July 7, 1908 ~ Operatic soprano Nina Dorliak born in St Petersburg, Russia ~ Married to pianist Sviatoslav Richter, with whom she worked from the early 1940s until his death in 1997 performing works by Robert Schumann, Sergei Prokofiev, Modest Mussorgsky, and Johann Sebastian Bach. Has also worked with pianists such as Konstantin Igumnov, Alexander Goldenweiser, Maria Yudina, and Maria Grinberg. Voice teacher at the Moscow Conservatory, as was her mother Xenia Dorliak ~ Dorliak passed away in 1998
July 7, 1905 ~ Violinist, violist Max Rostal born in Teschen, Austria ~ Played a wide variety of music, yet best known as a champion of contemporary works such as Béla Bartók's Violin Concerto No.2, Alan Bush's Violin Concerto, and Benjamin Frankel's 1942 Violin Sonata, the latter dedicated to Rostal himself. Also well-known as a teacher, associated with the Musikhochschule Köln and the Conservatory Bern ~ Rostal passed away in 1991
July 7, 1888 ~ Jazz drummer, bandleader Curtis Mosby born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Mosby played with Mamie Smith, Jake Porter, Les Hite, Henry Starr, Lawrence Brown, Marshal Royal, Wilbert Baranco, Baron Moorehead, Buck Clayton, Harlan Leonard, Roy Milton, and with Johnny Otis. Jailed two years for tax evasion ~ Mosby passed away in 1957
July 7, 1880 ~ Isidore Levkowitz, commonly known as vaudeville singer Eugene Howard, born in Neustadt, Germany ~ Formed the sibling duo the Howard Brothers with his older brother Willie Howard. The duo were among the earliest openly Jewish performers and known for their burlesque and vaudeville performances and appeared in several Broadway revues, most notably The Passing Show series starting in the early 1910s and the George Gershwin-penned Girl Crazy musical in 1930 ~ Levkowitz passed away in 1965
July 7, 1860 ~ Composer, conductor Gustav Mahler born in Bohemia, Austria ~ One of the leading composers, conductors of the Romantic era. Served as a bridge between the 19th century tradition and 20th century modernism. Of Jewish descent, his music would be banned throughout much of Europe during the Nazi era. Rediscovered by new generations after the war ~ Mahler passed away in 1911
July 7, 1851 ~ Gospel composer, minister Charles Albert Tindley born in Berlin, Maryland, USA ~ Dubbed “the Prince of Preachers” and founder of one of the largest Methodist congregations serving the African-American community. Perhaps best known for penning the hymn I'll Overcome Someday, which would serve as the basis for the Civil Rights anthem We Will Overcome, also known as We Shall Overcome, recorded in various incarnations by Joe Glazer, the Limeliters, Pete Seeger, Mahalia Jackson, and others ~ Tindley passed away in 1933