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, 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, 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, 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 ~ 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 ~ 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, 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, 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, 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 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 ~ 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