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, and King Sunny Adé ~ Tuffour was born in 1954
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. Guttenberg is also an environmental activist, particularly known for co-founding BUND, a German non-profit organization 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, and Sonny Boy Williamson II ~ Murphy was born in 1929
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, 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, and Pat Metheny ~ 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 occasional 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 Domnérus, and Jan Allan ~ Gustafsson was born in 1933
June 15, 2007 ~ Multi-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, and Kathleen Edwards ~ bell was born in 1946
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, and Gene Norman ~ 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, and Scott Hardkiss ~ Kriegel was born in 1943
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, and Baby It's Cold Outside ~ 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 Kid 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 John Farnsworth Hall passed away ~ Member, violinist 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, 1987 ~ Synth-pop duo the Pet Shop Boys release It's A Sin, lead single off their Actually sophomore album ~ The band's second UK No.1 hit, after West End Girls off their previous album, and a top 10 hit in several countries including America. In It's A Sin, Neil Tennant reflects back on his time at the Catholic St Cuthbert's High School, at one point feeling that everything he had done or was going to do was a sin. Later Tennant said that he wrote the lyrics in a moment of frustration and anger, but that it was not something serious: “People took it really seriously. The song was written in about fifteen minutes, and was intended as a camp joke and it wasn't something I consciously took very seriously”
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 ~ Arthur Edward Pepper Jr, commonly known as saxophonist Art Pepper, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ First gained attention backing Stan Kenton. Though early on his career was regularly interrupted serving several stints in prison on drug charges, Pepper overcame his addiction and would go on to become a leading figure in bop and cool jazz. Pepper has recorded prolifically as a leader or co-leader since the mid-1950s, and is especially acclaimed for albums such as Art Pepper Meets The Rhythm Section, Plus Eleven, and Intensity. An in-demand sideman, Pepper has appeared on albums by Shorty Rogers, Shelly Manne, Annie Ross, Stan Getz (West Coast Jazz), Joe Morello (The Joe Morello Sextet), Marty Paich, Chet Baker, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Herb Ellis, Gerry Mulligan, Art Blakey, Barney Kessel (Some Like It Hot), Helen Humes, Buddy Rich, and Dizzy Gillespie ~ Pepper was born in 1925
June 15, 1979 ~ Post-punk outfit the Cure release their Boys Don't Cry single ~ Over time Boys Don't Cry would become to be widely regarded as one of the band's finest songs, although at the time of its initial release the stand-alone single, the band's third single after non-charters Killing An Arab and 10:15 Saturday Night, failed to reach the charts. A 1986 re-release, the track remixed with the vocals re-recorded, would do better, peaking just outside the UK top 20 at No.22. Singer Robert Smith would later reflect on the song in an interview with NME: “As an English boy at the time, you're encouraged not to show your emotion to any degree. And I couldn't help but show my emotions when I was younger. I never found it awkward showing my emotions. I couldn't really continue without showing my emotions, you'd have to be a pretty boring singer to do that.”
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 ~ In its ninth week on the charts, Billy Don't Be A Hero by Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by British songwriters Mitch Murray and Peter Callander, Billy Don't Be A Hero tells of a woman who pleaded with her fiancée to keep his head low and not be a hero as he goes off to war. However, he dies a hero after he volunteers for a risky mission, the one thing she had hoped he would not do. At the time, many listeners believed the song to be about the then-ongoing Vietnam war, yet most likely the songwriters had the American Civil War in mind when writing the song. Murray had initially intended to give the song to a major artist, but Callander's wife had seen Paper Lace win the talent contest Opportunity Knocks and suggested they would be given the song. Paper Lace's original single would top the UK charts. In America, however, the best known version would be the cover by Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods, which sold over three million copies. Over the next few years, the group would score several more American top 40 hits, but proved unable to repeat the success of their sole charttopper
June 15, 1974 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, songwriter 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, and Tony Malaby
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 ~ In its eleventh week on the charts, Mony Mony by Tommy James & the Shondells peaks at No.3 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Lead singer Tommy James wanted a party rock song, a throwback to the early-1960s. The band struggled for about a month pasting together several elements with still no clue to what the lyrics or title should be other than that they wanted a two-syllable girl's name that was memorable and silly. It was only when James and songwriting partner Ritchie Cordell looked out of James' New York apartment, that they saw the “Mutual of New York Insurance Company” sign, spelling out M-O-N-Y. They had found their title. The single would become the band's sole UK charttopper and their third American top 10 hit. In 1987, British rocker Billy Idol scored a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit with his cover version, surpassing the original
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, 1965 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones kick off their European tour at the Odeon Theatre, Glasgow, UK ~ The band plays slightly over a dozen shows through the end of June. Following four dates in Scotland they follow up with dates in Scandinavia. It would be their second visit there, this time also including Norway and Finland. The set list includes songs such as Not Fade Away, Pain In My Heart, It's All Over Now, and Time Is On My Side
June 15, 1962 ~ Pianist, conductor Alfred Cortot, full name Alfred Denis Cortot, passed away in Lausanne, Switzerland ~ One of the most renowned classical musicians of the 20th century. As a pianist revered for his insight into Romantic works including Frédéric Chopin, César Franck, and Camille Saint-Saëns, and for his association with cellist Pablo Casals and violinist Jacques Thibaud with whom he established the model for the classical piano trio. As a conductor, best known for bringing the music of Richard Wagner to French audiences, overcoming the initial resistance to Wagner. Cortot's legacy would be tainted for his role in World War 2, having worked with the rump state Vichy regime, although he had defended the rights of Jewish musicians and had helped several Jews survive the War ~ Cortot was born in 1877
June 15, 1959 ~ Country singer, guitarist 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 guested on albums by Rubicon (Rubicon), Ozzy Osbourne (Speak Of The Devil), Fiona (Like A Gun), Vicious Rumors, Derek Sherinian, Queensrÿche (Frequency Unknown), 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 ~ Reggae guitarist, singer David Hinds born in Handsworth, UK ~ Co-founding member, rhythm 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 ~ 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, 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 ~ Artemios Ventouris-Roussos, commonly known as 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 ~ 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, and Far Far Away. 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 their I'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 ~ Jean Philippe Leo Smet, commonly known as rock & roll, rock singer Johnny Hallyday, born in Paris, France ~ Credited with having brought rock & roll to France, earning him the nickname “the French Elvis Presley.” Reportedly once had the Jimi Hendrix Experience open for him. Well over two dozen albums to his name starting in the 1950s. Known for songs such as Tous Ensemble, Marie and Mon Plus Beau Noel ~ 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 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, 1938 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz, fusion drummer Tony Oxley born in Sheffield, UK ~ One of the most prominent figures of British free improvisation. Well over two dozen albums to his name as leader or co-leader. Co-founded the Incus Records label. Closely associated with the Joseph Holbrooke Trio, the London Jazz Composers Orchestra, and Cecil Taylor. Especially noted for the 1988 collaborative Leaf Palm Hand album with the latter. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Gordon Beck, John McLaughlin (Extrapolation), Howard Riley, Kenny Wheeler (Song For Someone), Vangelis, Peter Brötzmann, Norma Winstone, Paul Bley, and Bill Dixon ~ Oxley passed away in 2023
June 15, 1937 ~ Oboist, composer Rolf Riehm born in Saarbrücken, 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 Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson ~ Jennings passed away in 2002
June 15, 1934 ~ R&B singer Ruby Nash born in New York, New York, USA ~ Joined an all-male vocal group in 1961 with whom she toured under the moniker the Supremes. After the band got a recording contract they changed their name to Ruby & the Romantics to avoid confusion with the Motown girl group of the same name starring Diana Ross. The group is best known for their 1963 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Our Day Will Come, and their follow-up My Summer Love which reached top 20. The group would disband in 1971, still with all five original members
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 ~ 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, 1922 ~ John Arthur Byard, commonly known as jazz pianist, saxophonist 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, full name Erroll Louis Garner, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Earl Hines, James P Johnson, and Fats Waller. Considered one of the most brilliant jazz pianists, Garner has recorded prolifically since the 1940s, and is particularly acclaimed for a string of 1950s albums, including Mambo Moves Garner, Gone Garner Gonest, and Concert By The Sea. As a composer, Garner is especially known for penning and first recording Misty, which would become a jazz standard covered by hundreds of artists including Toots Thielemans, Count Basie, Henry Mancini, King Curtis, Buddy Rich, Sonny Stitt, and Wynton Kelly ~ Garner passed away in 1977
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 successfully 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 ~ Son of classical saxophonist François Combelle. Started on drums before taking up wind instruments. Though somewhat overlooked, especially in comparison to contemporaries such as Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, Combelle nevertheless was a vital figure in the development of European jazz through the 1940s. Combelle has accompanied French musicians such as Guy Paquinet, Philippe Brun, André Ekyan, Jean Sablon, and Charles Trenet, as well as visiting Americans such as Bill Coleman, Buck Clayton, Lionel Hampton, and Jonah Jones. When visiting America, Tommy Dorsey was so impressed with Combelle he offered him a position, yet he opted to return to his native France instead. Combelle continued to lead a series of bands through World War II, camouflaging the titles of jazz standards to evade a ban by the Nazis, who deemed the music inappropriate. Combelle performed throughout the 1950s, before opening a jazz nightclub in a Paris suburb ~ Combelle passed away in 1978
June 15, 1892 ~ Doie Hensley Owens, commonly known as singer, songwriter Tex Owens, born in Killeen, Texas, USA ~ Owens wrote over 100 songs, but is best remembered for penning Cattle Call. The song would be recorded by himself in 1934, to little success, and be popularized about a decade later by Eddy Arnold. The song has since gone on to become a country standard, covered by numerous artists. Inspiration for the song came to Owens, while in Kansas City, Oklahoma, watching the snow fall: “Watching the snow, my sympathy went out to cattle everywhere, and I just wished I could call them all around me and break some corn over a wagon wheel and feed them. That's when the words ‘cattle call’ came to my mind. I picked up my guitar, and in thirty minutes I had written the music and four verses to the song” ~ Owens passed away in 1962