June 15, 2021 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter, engineer, producer Tim Thorney passed away in Collingwood, Canada ~ Co-wrote most of Lisa Dal Bello's 1981 Drastic Measures album. Singer, keyboardist for the Front, known for the early 1980s albums Gina's At A Party and Underworld. Has recorded as a solo artist, most notably the 1993 Fortunate Home single which reached top 20 of the Canadian country charts. Co-produced Jimmy Rankin's 2001 Song Dog debut album and its follow-up Handmade. Co-produced Alanis Morissette's 2004 So-called Chaos album ~ Thorney was born in 1955
June 15, 2020 ~ James Kwaka Tuffour, commonly known as highlife singer, songwriter Nana Tuffour, passed away ~ Over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with Highlife Romance released in 1979. Known for songs such as Aketekyiwa, Abeiku and Owupo Sei Fie. Has worked with Alex Konadu, the Wanto Wazuri Band, the Waza Africo Band, King Sunny Adé, and others ~ Tuffour was born in 1954
June 15, 2018 ~ Francis Leona Nowell, commonly known as singer Delia Bell passed away ~ Half of famed bluegrass duo alongside Bill Grant ~ Nowell was born in 1935
June 15, 2018 ~ Conductor Enoch zu Guttenberg passed away in Munich, Germany ~ Influenced by Bernhard Paumgartner, Antal Doráti, and Karl von Feilitzsch. Formed several musical ensembles for choral works and choirs including the famed Chorgemeinschaft Neubeurern in 1967. Environmental activist, co-founded BUND, a German non-profit dedicated to protect the natural environment ~ Zu Guttenberg was born in 1946
June 15, 2018 ~ Matthew Tyler Murphy, commonly known as guitarist Matt Guitar Murphy passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Best known for his associations with Memphis Slim, Howlin' Wolf, and with the Blues Brothers. Also worked with Little Junior Parker, Ike Turner, Chuck Berry, Etta James, Otis Rush, Willie Dixon, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and others ~ Murphy was born in 1929
June 15, 2018 ~ Nicholas George Stephanoff, commonly known as drummer Nick Knox, passed away ~ Best known as drummer for psychobilly band the Cramps, replacing Miriam Linna in 1977 and staying with the band through 1991. Previously a member of protopunk outfit the Electric Eels ~ Stephanoff was born in 1953
June 15, 2018 ~ The 49th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. Mostly sunny, this year's edition would draw some 113,500 visitors in total. Included on today's, Friday the 15th's bill would be Lil' Kleine, BLØF, Snow Patrol, Pearl Jam, Jess Glynne, Oh Wonder, the Offspring, Walden, the Last Internationale, Blaudzun, Oliver Heldens, Slydigs, the Academic, and Aicha Cherif
June 15, 2017 ~ Big band singer Harry Prime, full name Harry Charles Prime, passed away in Chalfont, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Popular big band singer from the late-1940s. Recorded nearly 100 songs during the 1940s and 1950s. Worked with Randy Brooks, Tommy Dorsey, Jack Fina, Ralph Flanagan, and others ~ Prime was born in 1920
June 15, 2015 ~ Jeanna Vladimirovna Kopylova, commonly known as singer, model, actress Jeanne Friske, passed away in Balashika, Russia ~ Rose to fame as member of Blestyaschiye, remaining with the band from 1996 through 2003. As a solo singer best known for her 2007 I Was hit single ~ Kopylova was born in 1974
June 15, 2015 ~ Samuel McClain, commonly known as soul-blues singer, songwriter Mighty Sam McClain, passed away in New Hampshire, USA ~ Got his first success with the releases Give It Up To Love in 1992 and Keep On Movin' in 1995. Earned critical praise for his 2000 album Blues For The Soul. Went on to collaborate with Iranian singer Mahsa Vahdat and later Ramy Essam ~ McClain was born in 1943
June 15, 2015 ~ Saxophonist, composer Ornette Coleman passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Free jazz pioneer, a genre he actually named. Saxophonist, violinist, trumpeter. Best known for his 1959 landmark album The Shape Of Jazz To Come. Father of jazz drummer Denardo Coleman. Worked with Pee Wee Crayton, Don Cherry, Billy Higgins, Walter Norris, Don Payne, Paul Bley, Charlie Haden, Scott LaFaro, Jimmy Garrison, Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Elvin Jones, Dewey Redman, Ed Blackwell, David Izenzon, Charles Moffett, Albert Ayler, Yoko Ono, Jerry Garcia, Pat Metheny, and others ~ Coleman was born in 1930
June 15, 2013 ~ The 44th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 2 of 3. Sunny and pleasant with an occassional splash of rain, this year's edition would draw some 60,000 visitors in total. Included on today's, Saturday the 15th's bill would include La Pegatina, Passenger, the Opposites, Thirty Seconds To Mars, the Kings Of Leon, Douwe Bob, .fun, Gaslight Anthem, Phoenix, Palma Violets, Graveyard, Miles Kane, Ellie Goulding, and C2C
June 15, 2012 ~ Singer, actress Emi Ito passed away ~ Formed the pop duo the Peanuts with identical twin Yumi Ito, enjoying popularity from the late 1950s until disbanding in 1975. The duo started out singing Japanese covers of standards and international hits yet over time would add more originals to their repertoire, working with songwriters such as Koichi Sugiyama and Rei Nakanishi. Well-known songs include Kawaii Hana, Koi No Vacance, Souvenirs From Tokyo, Bye Bye Yokohama, and Furimukanaide ~ Ito was born in 1941
June 15, 2012 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer Rune Gustafsson, full name Rune Urban Gustaffson, passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Composed the scores to a number of Swedish films including The Man Who Quit Smoking, Release The Prisoners To Spring and Sunday's Children. Leader and sideman. Worked with Jan Johansson, Georg Riedel, Cornelis Vreeswijk, Egil Johansen, Red Mitchell, Ed Thigpen, Zoot Sims, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Arne Domnerus, Jan Allan, and others ~ Gustafsson was born in 1933
June 15, 2007 ~ Multin-instrumentalist Richard Bell passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Best known as member of Janis Joplin's backing band the Full Tilt Boogie Band. Also worked with the Mid-Knights, Ronnie Hawkins, Burrito Deluxe, the Blue Aeroplanes, Crowbar, Paul Butterfield, Karen Dalton, John Sebastian, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Bruce Cockburn, Judy Collins, the Fridge Magnets, the Cowboy Junkies, Bob Dylan, Michael Kaeshammer, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Walsh, Pyro, Jim Weider, the Convertibles, the Band, Colin Linden, Kathleen Edwards, and others ~ bell was born in 1946
June 15, 2004 ~ Singer Jimmy Arnold passed away in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Original member of the Four Lads, remaining with the quartet for three decades. The group is best known for 1950s hits such as Istanbul Not Constantinopel, No Not Much, and Standing On The Corner ~ Arnold was born in 1932
June 15, 2004 ~ Bassist Lennie Bush, full name Leonard Walter Bush, passed away in Long Melford, UK ~ Worked with Alan Clare Trio, Nat Gonella, Ronnie Scott, Hank Shaw, Tommy Pollard, Tony Crombie, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Roy Eldridge, Stéphane Grappelli, Anita O'Day, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Ralph Sharon, Jack Parnell, and others ~ Bush was born in 1927
June 15, 2003 ~ Pianist, bandleader, composer René Touzet, full name René Touzet y Monte, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Wrote No Te Importe Saber, which with lyrics by Mitchell Parish was recorded as Let Me Love You Tonight by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and by Dean Martin. Collaborated with Desi Arnaz, Xavier Cugat, Stan Kenton, Gene Norman, and others ~ Touzet was born in 1916
June 15, 2003 ~ Guitarist Volker Kriegel passed away in Spain ~ Considered a key figure in European jazz-rock. Closely associated with the Dave Pike Set. As a leader especially acclaimed for his 1971 Spectrum album. Co-founding member of the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums. As a sideman has collaborated with Klaus Doldinger, Emil Mangelsdorff, Don Sugarcane Harris, Scott Hardkiss, and others ~ Kriegel was born in 1943
June 15, 2002 ~ Curtis Donnell Davis, commonly known as rapper Big Mello, passed away ~ Associated with Screwed Up Click. As a solo artist known for five albums, starting with 1992's Bone Hard Zaggin, before dying at age 33 ater losing control of his vehicle ~ Davis was born in 1968
June 15, 2001 ~ Blues slide guitarist, singer Joe Carter, full name Joseph J Carter, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Otis Smothers, Lester Davenport, Magic Slim, the Ice Cream Men, Kansas City Red, and others. Active since the 1950s. Would not record until 1976, releasing the album Mean & Evil Blues, preferring the live circuit ~ Carter was born in 1927
June 15, 1996 ~ Aurora Aksnes, mononymously known as art pop, electropop, synth-pop singer, keyboardist, bassist, percussionist, songwriter AURORA, born in Stavanger, Norway ~ Influenced by Enya, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Underworld, Björk, Kate Bush. Released her full-length All My Demons Greeting Me As A Friend debut album in 2016. It would include the single Runaway, a moderate hit in the UK and a top 20 hit in her native Norway
June 15, 1996 ~ Jazz, swing, bebop, blues singer Ella Fitzgerald, full name Ella Jane Fitzgerald, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Often referred to as “the First Lady of Song” and praised for her vocal abilities, particularly in her scat singing. Rose to fame in the 1930s working with bandleader Chick Webb and his orchestra. After Webb's death in 1939 Fitzgerald initially took over the band to set out on a hugely successful solo career soon afterwards. Noted for her collaborations with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, the Ink Spots. Known for songs such as My Melancholy Baby, Goodnight My Love, A-Tisket A-Tasket, I Want The Waiter (With The Water), I'm Making Believe, Baby It's Cold Outside, and others ~ Fitzgerald was born in 1917
June 15, 1995 ~ Gospel singer, pianist, songwriter Robert Anderson passed away in Hazel Crest, Illinois, USA ~ Backed Roberta Martin as a member of the Roberta Martin Singers from 1933 through 1941 and rejoining in later years. Formed and led early 1950s outfit the Caravans. As a solo artist best known for his self-penned Oh Lord Is It I, later notably covered by Mahalia Jackson ~ Anderson was born in 1919
June 15, 1994 ~ Classical, entekhno, film composer, pianist, violinist, accordionist Manos Hatzidakis passed away in Athens, Greece ~ Member of the Greek Resistance during World War II. Widely recognized as one the premier Greek composers and one of the main proponents of the Entekhno genre. Closely associated with Nana Moskouri, who recorded several of his songs including Never On Sunday used as the theme song for the 1960 comedy film of the same name. The song would earn Hatzidakis an Academy Award and become a worldwide hit. In total Hatzidakis has written over two dozen soundtracks ~ Hatzidakis was born in 1925
June 15, 1992 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Parker McCollum, full name Parker Yancey McCollum, born in Conroe, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by Ryan Bingham, Townes Van Zandt, and George Strait. Critically compared to fellow Texan Charlie Robison. Released his The Limestone Album debut album in 2015, drawing from Americana, Texas country, and folk-rock, and has recorded to a growing fanbase and critical acclaim since
June 15, 1987 ~ Conductor, violinist John Farnsworth Hall passed away ~ Member of the Farmer's Trio, a 1920s pioneering radio chamber trio with Horace Keats and John Boatwright. Would go on to become a renowned conductor, notably associated with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra ~ Hall was born in 1899
June 15, 1985 ~ Folk, jazz, pop guitarist, bassist Dave Buck Wheat passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Founded the Whiskeyhill Singers with Dave Guard. Also worked with the Kingston Trio, Chet Baker, Jerome Richardson, Bud & Travis, and others ~ Wheat was born in 1922
June 15, 1985 ~ Singer, actress, model Nadine Coyle, full name Nadine Elizabeth Louise Coyle, born in Derry, Northern Ireland ~ Member of 2000s girl group Girls Aloud created through the talent contest Popstars The Rivals, with whom she scored the UK No.1 singles Sound Of The Underground, I'll Stand By You, Walk This Way, and The Promise. Coyle has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing her sole Insatiable album in 2010
June 15, 1982 ~ Arrhut Edward Pepper Jr, commonly known as saxophonist Art Pepper, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Came to prominence in Stan Kenton's band. Also worked with Benny Carter, Buddy Rich, Frank Morgan, Chet Baker, Jesse Belvin, Hoagy Carmichael, Dolo Coker, Conte Candoli, Art Farmer, Jerry Fielding, Toni Harper, Freddie Hubbard, Barney Kessel, Shelly Manne, Jack Nitzsche, Anita O'Day, Marty Paich, André Previn, Shorty Rogers, and others ~ Pepper was born in 1925
June 15, 1981 ~ Bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Billy Martin, full name William George Martin, born in Waldorf, Maryland, USA ~ Best known as member of rock band Good Charlotte since 1998, present on all the band's albums and best-known singles including the 2002 Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous, Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit
June 15, 1981 ~ Mark Sagapolutele, commonly known as rapper Mareko, born in New Zealand ~ Member of Deceptikonz. Released his White Sunday solo debut album in 2003, spawning the hits Mareko (Here To Stay) and Stop Drop & Roll
June 15, 1976 ~ Alternative metal, nu metal, punk rock singer, guitarist Dryden Mitchell born in Redondo Beach, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of Alien Ant Farm, best known for their 2001 Michael Jackson-cover Smooth Criminal
June 15, 1976 ~ Singer, guitarist Gary Lightbody born in Bangor, Northern Ireland ~ Co-founding member, lead singer, rhythm guitarist of pop rock unit Snow Patrol, known for the 2000s UK top 10 hits Run, You're All I Have, Signal Fire, and Take Back The City. Their 2006 Chasing Cars single would reach top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Lightbody has also founded the supergroups the Reindeer Section and Tired Pony
June 15, 1975 ~ Jazz, pop singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter Chiara Civello born in Rome, Italy ~ Writes and sings in Italian, English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Over half a dozen albums to her name since the mid-2000s, especially noted for Eclipse released in 2017. Has duetted with Gilberto Gil, Chico Buarque, Esperanza Spalding, James Taylor, and Pino Daniele
June 15, 1974 ~ Jazz banjoist, guitarist Maceo Jefferson, full name Maceo Buckingham Jefferson, passed away in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA ~ Worked with Roscoe Lee, Wilbur Sweatman, Lucille Hegamin, Ethel Waters, Leon Abbey, Louis Armstrong, Aime Barelli, Arthur Briggs, WC Handy, Willie The Lion Smith, Walter Kildare, and others ~ Jefferson was born in 1898
June 15, 1974 ~ Rock singer, guitarist Øystein Greni born in Oslo, Norway ~ Son of singer, songwriter Thor Sigbjørn Greni. Co-founding and sole constant member, singer, lead guitarist for BigBang, with whom he recorded about a dozen albums starting with Waxed released in 1995. The band would become one of the principal Norwegian rock acts, in large part thanks to Greni's songwriting skills
June 15, 1972 ~ Country singer Bobby Bare records Sylvia's Mother at Mercury Custom Recording Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Shel Silverstein, containing autobiographical elements and written about his failed releationship with a woman named Sylvia Pandolfi. It would be a bigger hit, reaching Billboard Hot 100 top 10, for Dr Hook & the Medicine Show, recorded just months earlier. Bare's Jerry Kennedy-produced version would be the country hit, released later the same year b/w Music City USA it would reach top 20 Billboard Country
June 15, 1972 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Carl Thomas, full name Carlton Neron Thomas, born in Aurora, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his 1999 I Wish hit single, which reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 20. It would be included on the singer's Emotional album released in 2000. Subsequent singles such as Emotional, Can't Believe with Faith Evans and Make It Alright would do quite well on the Billboard R&B charts yet fail to cross over to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100
June 15, 1972 ~ Hans-Erik Dyvik Husby, commonly known as punk rock, glam punk, hard rock, heavy metal singer, guitarist, songwriter Hank von Hell, born ~ Frontman, lead singer of Turbonegro starting in 1993, merging glam rock, punk rock and hard rock first achieving international recognition in the mid- to late 1990s. Especially known for their 1998 The Apocalypse Dudes. Husby was known for his theatrical stage presence, including wearing Alice Cooper-like makeup. As a solo artist best known for Rom For Alle, a duet with Maria Solheim which topped the Norwegian charts in 2009. Has also fronted Doctor Midnight & the Mercy Cult. Portrayed the role of Cornelis Vreeswijk in the 2009 biopic Cornelis ~ Husby passed away in 2021
June 15, 1971 ~ Beth Torbert, commonly known as alternative rock, pop punk singer, songwriter Bif Naked, born in New Delhi, India ~ Prior to venturing out on her own sang with punk outfits Gorilla Gorilla and Chrome Dog. As a solo artist enjoyed popularity since the 1990s, acclaimed especially for her 1998 I Bificus sophomore album and its 2001 follow-up Purge. The latter would spawn the single I Love Myself Today, a smash hit in Canada
June 15, 1971 ~ Drummer Nasheet Waits born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of M'Boom. Also worked with Fred Hersch, Antonio Hart, Joe Lovano, Jason Moran, Andrew Hill, Tony Malaby, Bunky Green, William Parker, Eddie Gomez, Casimir Liberski, John Medeski, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Ralph Alessi, Rob Brown, Avishai Cohen, Ethan Iverson, Christian McBride, Igor Lumpert, David Murray, Tony Malaby, and others
June 15, 1969 ~ Alternative rock, punk rock drummer, percussionist Dave Rees born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Spent the 1980s playing with Entirely Distorted, Broken Smile, and My Dog Popper. Best known as a member of the Wheat Chiefs from 1990 through 1992, the short-lived Cowboy Dick and subsequently as a member of a reformed SNFU through the end of the decade. Rees retired from music by the late 1990s to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, working as an editor for several TV shows
June 15, 1969 ~ O'Shea Jackson Sr, commonly known as rapper Ice Cube, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founded pioneering rap group NWA with Eazy E and Dr Dre. The band is known for its politically conscious subjects and controversial, often violent lyrics. Albums such as Straight Outta Compton, AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, and Death Certificate have all been considered ground-breaking and pivotal to the development of gangsta rap. Jackson has also ventured into acting, appearing in over three dozen films, co-wrote and starred in the 1995 comedy film Friday, and directed the 1998 film The Players Club
June 15, 1968 ~ Neville Williams, commonly known as pop singer, actor Gary Miller, passed away in London, UK ~ Enjoyed popularity from the mid-1950s through the early 1960s. Best known for his sole UK top 10 hit, Robin Hood, used as the theme to the TV series The Adventures Of Robin Hood. Other charting singles included The Yellow Rose Of Texas, Garden Of Eden, and The Story Of My Life ~ Williams was born in 1924
June 15, 1968 ~ Hard bop, post bop, soul jazz, jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery, full name John Leslie Montgomery, passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Christian. Leader and sideman. Worked with Lionel Hampton, Charles Mingus, Milt Buckner, Fats Navarro, Eddie Higgins, Walter Perkins, Leroy Vinnegar, Quincy Jones, Cannonball Adderley, and others ~ Montgomery was born in 1923
June 15, 1966 ~ Jazz, classical saxophonist Andy Scott born in Bournemouth, UK ~ Active since the mid-1980s. Formed and led several ensembles, including the Apollo Saxophone Quartet, the London Saxophonic, and notably Sax Assault, the latter frequently featuring guests such as Bob Mintzer and Gwilym Simcock. As a solo artist Scott is especially noted for his 2006 My Mountain Top album
June 15, 1966 ~ Guitarist Michael Britt born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member of country outfit Lonestar, known for songs such as No News, Come Cryin' To Me, Amazed, Smile, What About Now, Tell Her, I'm Already There, My Front Porch Looking In, Mr Mom, and others
June 15, 1961 ~ Funk, jazz fusion, world music bassist, songwriter Kai Eckhardt born ~ Worked with John McLaughlin, Vital Information, Torsten de Winkel, Billy Cobham, Garaj Mahal, Larry Coryell, Tom Coster, and others
June 15, 1959 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Jeff Stevens, full name Jeffery David Stevens, born in Alum Creek, West Virginia, USA ~ Formed Jeff Stevens & the Bullets with brother bassist Warren Stevens, cousin drummer Terry Dotson, and rhythm guitarist Jim Mayo. The band is best known for their 1986 Bolt Out Of The Blue. After the band disbanded in 1990 Stevens would go on to become an in-demand songwriter. Well-known songs include Reckless recorded by Alabama, and Carried Away and Carrying Your Love With Me both recorded by George Strait. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Stevens include Chris LeDoux, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, and Luke Bryan
June 15, 1959 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Tor Endresen born in Bergen, Norway ~ Over a dozen albums to his name starting in the mid-1980s. Best known for the early 1990s hits Ingen Er Sa Nydelig Som Du and Radio Luxembourg. His 1986 Black Rain single of his Call Me Stranger was nearly selected for the The Living Daylights James Bond film, but lost to A-ha who recorded The Living Daylights as the film's theme song
June 15, 1957 ~ Rock guitarist Brad Gillis, full name Bradley Frank Gillis, born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Along with drummer Kelly Keagy the only other member to have played in every incarnation of Night Ranger, best known for their Billboard top 10 hits 1984's Sister Christian and 1985's Sentimental Street. Other well known songs include When You Close Your Eyes, Four In The Morning (I Can't Take It Anymore) and Goodbye. Gillis has also played with Rubicon (Rubicon, America Dream), Ozzy Osbourne (Speak Of The Devil), Fiona (Like A Gun), Vicious Rumors, Derek Sherinian, Queensryche (Frequency Unknoen), and has released a number of solo albums notably 1993's Gilrock Ranch which spawned the top 20 hit Honest To God
June 15, 1956 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, progressive rock singer, songwriter Bernie Shaw born in Victoria, Canada ~ Best known as lead singer of Uriah Heep, joining the band in 1986. Has previously worked with Cold Sweat, Grand Prix, Praying Mantis, Stratus
June 15, 1956 ~ Reggae guitarist, singer David Hinds born in Handsworth, UK ~ Co-founding member, rhtyhm guitarist, lead singer for Steel Pulse, one of Britain's most acclaimed reggae outfits known for blending politically conscious roots sounds with infectious R&B and dance grooves. The band has recorded over a dozen albums since its inception in 1978, their best-known being Handsworth Revolution, True Democracy, and Rage & Fury
June 15, 1954 ~ Country singer, keyboardist, songwriter Terri Gibbs, full name Teresa Fay Gibbs, born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Known for a string of 1980s country hits including Rich Man, Mis'ry River, Ashes To Ashes, Anybody Else's Heart But Mine and perhaps her best-known Somebody's Knockin', the latter her debut single which also reached top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 in 1980
June 15, 1951 ~ Bassist Craig Gruber born in Cortland, New York, USA ~ Member of Elf, which also included singer Ronnie James Dio. Member of Rainbow, present on the band's 1975 Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow debut album. Toured with Gary Moore. Founded Bible Black ~ Gruber passed away in 2015
June 15, 1951 ~ Singer Steve Walsh born in St Joseph, Missouri, USA ~ Best known as longtime member of Kansas, present on a dozen albums. Sang lead on some of the band's best known including Carry On Wayward Son, Dust In The Wind, Point Of Know Return, and All I Wanted. Walsh was a member from 1973 through 1981, and again from 1985 through 2014. Walsh has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Schemer-Dremer released in 1980, recorded several albums with Streets, and has appeared on recordings by Steve Hackett, glam metal outfit Blonz, Trent Gardner, and the Explorers Club
June 15, 1950 ~ Christian rock keyboardist John Lawry born ~ Best known for his tenure with Petra, joining the band in 1984 as replacement for John Slick. The band would be regarded as one of the premier Christian rock bands, and influential on later Christian artists. Lawry would remain with the band for 10 years and appear on 9 albums
June 15, 1950 ~ Pop, jazz singer Patti Page records Back In Your Own Backyard ~ Written by Billy Rose and Dave Dreyer. Previously recorded by Al Jolson who got co-writing credit but reportedly wrote little of it, by Ruth Etting, and by Eva Taylor, all in 1928. Billie Holiday recorded it in 1938. Page's 1950 version would nearly reach top 20, peaking at No.23, but only chart one week. Later versions would be done by the Andrews Sisters, Peggy Lee, Brenda Lee, Vera Lynn, and by Nancy Wilson, among others
June 15, 1949 ~ Meri Wilson Edgmon, commonly known as novelty singer, songwriter Meri Wilson, born in Nagoye, Japan ~ Best known for the 1977 self-penned novelty hit Telephone Man, selling over a million copies. The single's succes would get her a record deal, Wilson releasing her First Take sole album later the same year ~ Edgmon passed away in 2002
June 15, 1949 ~ Soft rock singer, drummer Russell Hitchcock, full name Russell Charles Hitchcock, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of soft rock band Air Supply, known for songs such as Lost In Love, Every Woman In The World and Just As I Am
June 15, 1948 ~ Pop singer, keyboardist Paul Michiels, full name Paul Anna Kamiel Michels, born in Heist-op-den-Berg, Belgium ~ Member of Octopus. Member of Soulsister, known for the international hit The Way To Your Heart. One third of the Big M's, alongside Robert Mosuse and Hervé Martens
June 15, 1947 ~ Hans Joachim Boenke, commonly known as singer, songwriter Joe Hall, born in Wuppertal, Germany ~ About a dozen albums to his name, starting with Joe Hall & the Eyeball Wine Company released in 1972. Especially known for his eccentric and often comedic stage appearance, performing in daring apparel such as a kilt with workboots and flowing bow tie and Frank Zappa-esque stage monologues. Boenke has collaborated with the likes of Daniel Lanois, the Continental Drift, and Willie P Bennett ~ Boenke passed away in 2019
June 15, 1946 ~ Singer Demis Roussos born in Alexandria, Egypt ~ Known for songs such as Goodbye My Love Goodbye, From Souvenirs To Souvenirs, Forever And Ever, We Shall Dance, Velvet Mornings, Lovely Lady Of Arcadia, and Someday Somewhere. Member of progressive rock group Aphrodite's Child, alongside Vangelis, Lucas Sideras, and Silver Koulouris. ~ Roussos passed away in 2015
June 15, 1946 ~ Rock drummer Duris Maxwell born in East York, Canada ~ Worked with Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers, the Powder Blues Band, Doucette, the Temptations, the Jefferson Airplane, Skylark, Heart, Devin Townshend, and others
June 15, 1946 ~ Singer Janet Lennon, full name Janet Elizabeth Lennon, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Lennon Sisters, known for songs such as Among My Souvenirs, Moon River, Scarlet Ribbons, Tonight You Belong To Me and Sad Movies Make Me Cry
June 15, 1946 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Leo Nocentelli born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Influenced by jazz guitarists since Charlie Christian, Barney Kessel, and Kenny Burrell. Active since his early teens, backing artists such as Otis Redding, Clyde McPhatter, and sessioning for Motown on recordings by the Supremes and the Temptations. Best known as key member of funk outfit the Meters, for whom he wrote their breakout hit Cissy Strut and Sophisticated Sissy. Nocentelli has also recorded as a solo artist, and appeared on albums by Allen Toussaint, Dr John (In The Right Place), Labelle, Boz Scaggs, Rick James (Come Get It), Albert King, Herbie Mann, Etta James, the Neville Brothers, Ramsey Lewis, Joe Cocker (Sheffield Steel), and the Winans
June 15, 1946 ~ Neville John Holder, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Noddy Holder, born in Walsall, UK ~ Lead singer, rhythm guitarist and along with bassist Jim Lea main songwriter of 1970s rock, glam rock outfit Slade from 1966 through 1992, known for songs such as Coz I Love You, Look Wot You Dun, Take Me Bak 'Ome, Mama Weer All Crazee Now, Cum On Feel The Noize, My Friend Stan, Merry Xmas Everybody, Far Far Away, and others. After the death of singer Bon Scott offered the lead vocal position in AC/DC but declined. After his departure from the band has acted on numerous TV shows, notably as the classical music teacher Neville Holder on the ITV comedy-drama series The Grimleys
June 15, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Mike Rudd, full name Michael David Rudd, born in Christchurch, New Zealand ~ Formed and fronted Spectrum in 1969. The band is regarded as one of Australia's premier, and first, progressive rock outfits. They are best known for theirI'll Be Gone debut single, a No.1 hit in their native Australia. Following the band's disbandement in 1973 Rudd and bandmate Bill Putt formed Ariel, with whom they recorded three albums
June 15, 1945 ~ Guitarist Peter Lewis, full name Peter Charles Lewis, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of acid rock, folk rock, country rock outfit Moby Grape. The band is best known for their first two acclaimed and influential albums, 1967's Moby Grape debut and 1968's Wow/Grape Jam sophomore album
June 15, 1944 ~ Jose Pastor Lopez Pineda, commonly known as cumbia singer, songwriter Pastor Lopez born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela ~ First gained serious attention teaming up with Nelson Henriquez in the early 1970s. Set out on his own shortly thereafter and has since recorded well over two dozen albums. Best known for interpretations of Peruvian cumbia traditionals including Carinito Sin Mi, Bonita Y Mentirosa and Traicionera ~ Pineda passed away in 2019
June 15, 1943 ~ Jazz, rock pianist Colin Wood, full name Colin Arthur Wood, born in Camberwell, UK ~ In jazz best known for his associations with Monty Sunshine, Lol Coxhill, the Spontaneous Music Ensemble, and Suns Of Arqa. Has also sessioned for rock acts including the Yardbirds, David Bowie, Cat Stevens, Kevin Coyne, and notably on Uriah Heep's debut album
June 15, 1943 ~ Singer Jean Philippe Leo Smet, commonly known as Johnny Hallyday, born in Paris, France ~ Credited to having brought rock & roll to France. Dubbed the “French Elvis Presley.” Known for songs such as Tous Ensemble, Marie and Mon Plus Beau Noel. Had the Jimi Hendrix Experience open for him ~ Smet passed away in 2017
June 15, 1943 ~ David Raskin, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Kal David, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Got his stage name fronting the neighborhood band Kal David & the Exceptions in the early 1960s. The band also included Peter Cetera of future Chicago-fame and Marty Grebb who would later play for the Buckinghams. Formed the duo the Rovin' Kind with future Poco-guitarist Paul Cotton. Fronted the 1970s outfit the Fabulous Rhinestones, known for the acclaimed albums The Fabulous Rhinestones, Freewheelin' and Rhinestones. Would go on to back artists such as Etta James, Johnny Rivers and John Mayall, and record prolifically as a solo artist, often accompanied by his wife singer Lauri Bono ~ Raskin passed away in 2022
June 15, 1941 ~ Singer, songwriter Harry Nilsson, full name Harry Edward Nilson III, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known for songs such as I Guess The Lord Must Be In New York City, Me And My Arrow, Jump Into The Fire, Coconut, and Spaceman. Though a respected songwriter in his own right, admired by peers, his two biggest hits were written by others, namely Fred Neil's Everybody's Talking and Badfinger's Without You both reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 ~ Nilsson passed away in 1994
June 15, 1940 ~ Bebop, vocal jazz singer Nancy King born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Scat singer renowned for her vocal range. Collaborated with artists such as Jon Hendricks, Vince Guaraldi, Ralph Towner, David Friesen, Glen Moore, the Metropole Orchestra, Karrin Allyson, Ray Brown, Roy Nathanson, Oregon, and others
June 15, 1938 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz, fusion drummer Tony Oxley born in Sheffield, UK ~ Well over two dozen albums to his name as leader or co-leader. Co-founded Incus Records label. Closely associated with Cecil Taylor, Joseph Holbrooke Trio, and the London Jazz Composers Orchestra. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Gordon Beck, John McLaughlin (Extrapolation), Howard Riley, Kenny Wheeler (Song For Someone), Vangelis, Peter Brötzmann, Norma Winstone, Cecil Taylor, Paul Bley, Bill Dixon, and others
June 15, 1937 ~ Oboist, composer Rolf Riehm born in Saarbrucken, Germany ~ Member of the Sogenanntes Linksradikales Blasorchester from 1976 through 1981, a political wind band for which Riehm also wrote arrangements. Riehm is also known as a music teacher and composer for stage and orchestral works, most noted for his 2014 opera Sirenen which drew from the major Greek epic poem Odyssey
June 15, 1937 ~ Rockabilly, country, outlaw country singer, guitarist, songwriter Waylon Jennings, full name Waylon Arnold Jennings, born in Littlefield, Texas, USA ~ Hired by Buddy Holly to play bass. Gave up his seat on the flight in 1959 that killed Holly, JP Richardson and Ritchie Valens. First achieved major chart success in the mid-1960s with songs such as Anita You're Dreaming, Time To Bum Again, Green River and Just To Satisfy You. Especially acclaimed for a string of 1970s albums, notably Lonesome On'ry & Mean and Honky Tonk Heroes. Collaborated with Willie Nelson, Tompall Glaser and his wife Jessi Colter on the 1976 Wanted The Outlaws landmark album. Member of country supergroup Old Dogs alongside Bobby Bare, Jerry Reed and Mel Tillis. Member of country supergroup the Highwaymen with Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson ~ Jennings passed away in 2002
June 15, 1935 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer François Jeanneau born in Paris, France ~ Worked with Jef Gilson, François Tusques, Triangle, the Orchestre National De Jazz, and others
June 15, 1934 ~ R&B singer Larry Birdsong, full name Lawrence E Birdsong, born in Pulaski, Tennessee, USA ~ Discovered by Ted Jarrett. Best known for his 1956 Pleadin' For Love hit. Has worked with Gene Allison, Lee Allen, Alvin Tyler, and others ~ Birdsong passed away in 1990
June 15, 1933 ~ Folk singer Roy Harris was born in Cardiff, UK ~ Referred to as “the Gentleman of Folk song” due to his warm personality and congeniality. ~ Harris passed away in 2016
June 15, 1933 ~ Singer, songwriter Sergio Endrigo born in Pola, Italy ~ Well over two dozen albums to his name starting in the early 1960s. Internationally best known for representing his native Italy at the 1968 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 10th place with Marianne. Other well known songs include L'Arca Di Noè, Lo Che Amo Solo Te and Adesso Si ~ Endrigo passed away in 2005
June 15, 1929 ~ Pianist Geoffrey Parsons, full name Geoffrey Penwill Parsons, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Revered accompanist of lieder singers. Worked with Essie Ackland, Peter Dawson, Anne Ziegler, Webster Booth, Gerhard Hüsch, Joan Hammond, Birgit Nilsson, Hugues Cuénod, Norman Bailey, Janet Baker, Jessye Norman, and others ~ Parsons passed away in 1995
June 15, 1929 ~ Rhythm guitarist, singer Nigel Pickering born in Pontiac, Michigan, USA ~ Rhythm guitarist of sunshine pop outfit Spanky & Our Gang, best known for their 1967 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Sunday Will Never Be The Same. Subsequent hits would include Making Every Minute Count and Lazy Day. The band would disband shortly after lead guitarist Hale's death in 1968, though their remained popularity propelled the record label to reissue compilations and shelved recordings ~ Pickering passed away in 2011
June 15, 1927 ~ Joji Kawaguchi, commonly known as jazz drummer, bandleader George Kawaguchi, born in Kyoto, Japan ~ Worked with the Azumanians, the Big Four, Art Blakey, Isao Suzuki, Motohiko Hino, Takeshi Inomata, Donald Harrison, Terence Blanchard, Norio Maeda, Tatsuya Takahashi, Nobuo Hara, and others ~ Kawaguchi passed away in 2003
June 15, 1922 ~ John Arthur Byard, commonly known as jazz pianist, saxophonist, composer Jaki Byard, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA ~ Known for his eclectic style, drawing from everything from ragtime to free jazz. Worked with Maynard Ferguson and Charles Mingus before venturing out on his own. His initial early 1960s recordings as a leader would not sell particularly well but would be widely acclaimed by critics and peers. In-demand sideman, appearing on albums by Charlie Mariano, Serge Chaloff, Herb Pomeroy, Eric Dolphy (Outward Bound), Herb Ellis, Honi Gordon (Honi Gordon Sings), Charles Mingus (The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady), Booker Ervin, Sam Rivers, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Quincy Jones (Smackwater Jack), and Archie Shepp ~ Byard passed away in 1999
June 15, 1921 ~ Pianist Erroll Garner born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Earl Hines, James P Johnson, Fats Waller. Worked with his brother pianist Linton Garner, Slam Stewart, Charlie Parker, Eddie Calhoun, Kelly Martin, Wyatt Ruther, Fats Heard, Woody Herman, Alvin Stoller, Red Callender, Art Tatum, and others ~ Garner passed away in 1977
June 15, 1919 ~ Classical cellist Eleanor Warren, full name Eleanor Catherine Warren, born in London, UK ~ Married to pianist, conductor Walter Susskind from 1943 to 1953 ~ Warren passed away in 2005
June 15, 1916 ~ Tango pianist, orchestra leader, composer, arranger Horacio Salgán, full name Horacio Adolfo Salgán, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Discovered by Roberto Firpo, with whom he played through the early 1940s. Led his own orchestras starting in the mid-1940s. Best known for compositions such as Del 1 A 5 (Dias De Pago), Don Agustin Bardi, Entre Tango Y Tango, and A Fuego Lento ~ Salgán passed away in 2016
June 15, 1913 ~ Tenor saxophonist, clarinetist George Tyndale born in Manchester, Jamaica ~ Worked with Milton McPherson, Jiver Hutchinson, Ken Turner, Cab Kaye, Joe Harriott, Ted Heath, Harry Gold, the Squadronaires, Joe Appleton, Johnny Dankworth, Annie Laurie, Pete Pitterson, Ivan Browne, Rupert Nurse, and others ~ Tyndale passed away in 1991
June 15, 1913 ~ Lyricist, screenwriter Tom Adair, full name Thomas Montgomery Adair, born in Newton, Kansas, USA ~ Songwriting partner of Hal Hopper, Gordon Jenkins, and most succesfully Matt Dennis. With the latter Adair wrote songs such as Everything Happens To Me first recorded by Kay Kyser, Let's Get Away From It All, Will You Still Be Mine, and Violets For Your Furs all recorded by Tommy Dorsey, and In The Blue Of The Evening recorded by Johnny Long ~ Adair passed away in 1988
June 15, 1912 ~ Swing saxophonist, clarinetist, bandleader Alix Combelle born in Paris, France ~ Worked with Django Reinhardt, Arthur Briggs, Michel Warlop, Guy Paquinet, Ray Ventura, Benny Carter, Adelaide Hall, Coleman Hawkins, Freddy Johnson, Danny Polo, Bill Coleman, Oscar Alemán, Charles Trenet, Jean Sablon, Philippe Brun, Buck Clayton, Stan Kenton, Stéphane Grappelli, Georges Ulmer, and others ~ Combelle passed away in 1978
June 15, 1902 ~ Conductor Max Rudolf born in Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany ~ Worked with the Metropolitan Opera, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony, the New Jersey, and others. Wrote The Grammar Of Conducting, a widely used text for orchestral conducting published in 1950 ~ Rudolf passed away in 1995
June 15, 1900 ~ Trumpeter, cornetist, bandleader Paul Mares born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for leading the New Orleans Rhytm Kings, one of the most popular bands in Chicago during the early 1920s ~ Mares passed away in 1949
June 15, 1892 ~ Doie Hensley Owens, commonly known as singer, songwriter Tex Owens, born in Killeen, Texas, USA ~ Wrote over 100 songs but best remembered for penning Cattle Call, first recorded by Owens himself in 1934 to little success but made famous by Eddy Arnold in 1944 ~ Owens passed away in 1962
June 15, 1843 ~ Composer, pianist Edvard Grieg born in Bergen, Norway ~ Leading composer of the Romantic era. Merged Norwegian folk music with classical ~ Grieg passed away in 1907