June 17, 2024 ~ House, trance, dance producer, DJ Paul Spencer passed away ~ Member of producer, DJ trio Dario G, which also included Scott Rosser and Stephen Spencer, no relation. The trio are best known for their 1998 Sunmachine debut album, which included the hit singles Sunchyme and Carnaval de Paris. The latter was recorded for the 1998 FIFA World Cup held in France, would reach top 10 across Europe, and has since been used at various sporting events the world over. The trio's follow-up album, In Full Colour, released in 2000, spawned the single Dream To Me, which would become their third and final UK top 10 hit. Spencer passed away at age 53 of cancer ~ Spencer was born ca.1971
June 17, 2023 ~ José Carlos González, commonly known as pop rock, sertanejo singer, songwriter Dave Maclean, passed away ~ Member of Os Botões, later renamed to the Buttons. Best known as a solo artist, enjoying popularity in the 1970s with songs such as Me And You, We Said Goodbye, Tears, and Feelings. Formed the trio the Dollar Company in the 1980s. As a songwriter González had his songs recorded by the likes of Sergio Reis, Sula Miranda, and Sandy & Junior ~ González was born in 1944
June 17, 2021 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Fane Flaws, full name Fane Michael Flaws, passed away ~ Member of bands such as Blerta, the Spats, the Crocodiles, co-writing the 1980 New Zealand top 20 hit Tears for the latter. Contributed to the soundtracks of the 1989 animated black comedy Meet The Feebles and the 1992 comedy horror Braindead. Co-authored the 1998 children's book The Underwater Melon Man And Other Unreasonable Rhymes, which was complemented by a CD the following year and a DVD in 2011 with contributions from renowned musicians such as Chris Knox, Jenny Morris, Neil Finn, Tim Finn, and Renée Geyer ~ Flaws was born in 1951
June 17, 2021 ~ Claus Herwig, commonly known as singer Teddy Parker, passed away in Munich, Germany ~ Enjoyed popularity in his adopted homeland Germany in the 1960s. Best known for songs such Musikanten Der Liebe and Abends In Madrid both duets with Leonie Brückner, and as a solo artist known for Nachtexpress Nach St Tropez which topped the German charts for three weeks ~ Herwig was born in 1938
June 17, 2020 ~ Violinist, conductor Victor Feldbrill passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Violinist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1949 through 1956. Principal conductor of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra from 1958 through 1968. Resident conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1973 through 1978. Founded the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra in 1974, serving as its conductor through 1978 ~ Feldbrill was born in 1924
June 17, 2018 ~ The 49th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 3 of 3. Mostly sunny, this year's edition would draw some 113,500 visitors in total. Included on today's, Sunday the 17th's bill would include Ronnie Flex, Deuxperience, Jessie J, Di-rect, DJ Rashida, Bruno Mars, Michelle David, Milky Chance, Years & Years, Triggerfinger, Oscar & the Wolf, Cloves, Maan, Brian Fallon, Don Diablo, Greta Van Fleet, Tom Walker, the Overslept, Scarlet Pleasure, Sigrid, Blackbird
June 17, 2016 ~ Attrell Stephen Cordes Jr, commonly known as rapper, producer Prince Be, passed away in Neptune City, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founding member and lead singer of hip-hop group PM Dawn, known for blending rap with singing, and incorporating ethereal beats, mysticism and crypto-Christian imagery. Debuted in 1989 with the album Of The Heart Of The Soul And Of The Cros ~ Cordes was born in 1970
June 17, 2016 ~ Jonathan Sutter, commonly known as singer, rapper Tenor Fly, passed away ~ Recorded solo and as member of the Freestylers. Best known for his collaborations with artists such as Rebel MC, Top Cat, Daddy Freddy, Prizna, Pendulum, Barrington Levy, and the Sir Coxson Sound ~ Sutter was born in 1967
June 17, 2012 ~ Actor, singer Brian Hibbard passed away in Cardiff, UK ~ Co-founding member of a capella ensemble the Flying Pickets, present on the band's 1984 Lost Boys debut album which included the hit Only You. Originally recorded by Yazoo, the Pickets cover would be more successful than the original and reach top 10 across Europe including the No.1 spot in Germany, Ireland, and their native UK. Ruling prime minister Margaret Thatcher would proclaim the song to be her favorite. The band itself was known for its socialist views. Hibbard would depart the band in 1986 to focus on his acting career ~ Hibbard was born in 1946
June 17, 2005 ~ Bassist Karl Mueller passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Bass guitarist, co-founding member of Soul Asylum. In 2006 Soul Asylum released Silver Lining, containing Muller's last work before his untimely death in 2005 ~ Mueller was born in 1963
June 17, 2004 ~ Singer Jackie Paris passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for a number of 1940s and 1950s recordings, most notably Skylark and Round Midnight. Declined an offer to join Duke Ellington. Did collaborate with artists such as Lionel Hampton, Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, Bobby Scott, Charlie Shavers, Coleman Hawkins, Dizzy Gillespie, Donald Byrd, Eddie Costa, Gigi Gryce, Hank Jones, Joe Wilder, Johnny Mandel, Lee Konitz, Max Roach, Neal Hefti, Oscar Pettiford, Ralph Burns, Terry Gibbs, Tony Scott, and Wynton Kelly ~ Paris was born in 1924
June 17, 2002 ~ R&B, hip hop, soul singer Ashanti releases Happy, lifted off her eponymous Ashanti debut album ~ On the heels of her Foolish smash success, the singer's sophomore single would also reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No.2. Produced by Irv Gotti and Chink Santana, the single would also reach top 10 in the Netherlands, top 20 in Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK
June 17, 2000 ~ Songwriter Clive Westlake, full name Gerald Clive Westlake, passed away in Pegram, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for writing or co-writing a number of songs most closely associated with Dusty Springfield, including the UK top 10 hits Losing You, All I See Is You, and I Close My Eyes And Count To Ten. Also co-wrote Here I Go Again with Mort Shuman, a 1964 UK top 10 hit for the Hollies. Others who recorded his songs include Helen Shapiro, Shirley Bassey, Vera Lynn, Tom Jones (A Minute Of Your Time), Jackie Lomax, Cilla Black, Elvis Presley (It's A Matter Of Time), and Crystal Gayle ~ Westlake was born in 1932
June 17, 1994 ~ Pop, gospel, soul, R&B singer Andrea Faustini born in Rome, Italy ~ Reached third place in the 11th edition of The X-Factor in 2014
June 17, 1991 ~ Singer Bryan Adams releases (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, lead single off his Waking Up The Neighbours album ~ The initial draft of the song was written by Michael Kamen ordered for the soundtrack of Robin Hood (Prince Of Thieves), with Bryan Adams and producer Robert John Mutt Lange fine-tuning the song in about an hour. Initially, the song did not meet the film producers' approval as they wanted the song to have instrumentation in line with the film's era, such as lute and mandolin. Issued as both the lead single off the soundtrack album and the Canadian singer's own Waking Up The Neighbours, the power ballad alienated some of his rock fans, but gained Adams a much wider audience, as it topped the charts in well over a dozen countries and eventually sold over an estimated 15 million copies, making it one of the all-time best selling singles. Adams would record several more power ballads for soundtrack albums, All For Love with Rod Stewart and Sting for The Three Musketeers, and Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman for Don Juan DeMarco, both of which would also do well internationally. Adams would score his final top 10 hit in 1996, when he was invited to join Barbra Streisand on I Finally Found Someone, which reached No.8 Billboard Hot 100, recorded for the soundtrack of The Mirror Has Two Faces, a film directed by and starring Streisand
June 17, 1987 ~ Rapper, singer Kendrick Lamar, full name Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, born in Compton, California, USA ~ Member of hip hop supergroup Black Hippy alongside Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and Schoolboy Q. Influenced by Tupac Shakur, the Notorious BIG, Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem. As a solo artist broke through to mainstream with his 2012 Good Kid MAAD City sophomore album. Best known for hits such as Swimming Pools (Drank), Humble, Loyalty featuring Rihanna, Love featuring Zacari, All The Stars with SZA, and Pray For Me featuring the Weeknd
June 17, 1986 ~ Soprano singer Kate Smith, full name Kathryn Elizabeth Smith, passed away in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA ~ Dubbed “the Songbird of the South” and active since the mid-1920, most notably on radio and TV including several own radio shows throughout the 1930s. Best known for her rendition of Irving Berlin's God Bless America ~ Smith was born in 1907
June 17, 1985 ~ Pop rock singer, bassist Sting releases his The Dream Of The Blue Turtles solo debut album ~ Sting had initially started working on the tracks for his solo debut album with producers William Orbit, Laurie Mayer, and Grant Gilbert, the sessions more synth-driven and electrofunk in nature. However, eventually Sting decided against this approach, opting for a more jazz-infected sound instead with producer Pete Smith and a cast containing jazz-oriented musicians such as keyboardist Kenny Kirkland and saxophonist Branford Marsalis. The album would be a critical and commercial success, earning the singer several Grammy Award nominations, and spawn four hit singles, If You Love Somebody Set Them Free and Fortress Around Your Heart both reaching top 10 Billboard Hot 100, and Love Is The Seventh Wave and Russians peaking inside the top 20. The album itself reached No.2 Billboard Hot 200, and No.3 in his native UK where it was held off the top spot by Marillion's Misplaced Childhood and Bruce Springsteen's Born In The USA
June 17, 1983 ~ Jazz trumpeter Jaimie Branch, full name Jaimie Breezy Branch, born in Huntington, New York, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Cites Don Cherry, Axel Dörner, Booker Little and Miles Davis as influences. Formed the trio Princess with bassist Toby Summerfield and drummer Frank Rosaly. Has also worked with Ken Vandermark, Atlas Moth, Chad Taylor, Weasel Walter, Josh Berman, Jason Nazary, and Jeb Bishop ~ Branch passed away in 2022
June 17, 1983 ~ Singer, songwriter Lee Ryan born in Chatham, UK ~ Rose to fame as member of boy band Blue, known for the UK charttopppers Too Close, If You Come Back and Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word featuring Elton John. After the band disbanded released his eponymous Lee Ryan debut album in 2005, which spawned the UK top 20 hits Army Of Lovers, Turn Your Car Around and When I Think Of You
June 17, 1983 ~ Peter Mennini, commonly known as composer, teacher Peter Mennin passed away in New York, New York, New York, USA ~ Has written symphonies, concertos, and numerous works for wind band, chorus, and other ensembles. Perhaps best known as President of the prestigious performing arts conservatory the Juilliard School, New York, from 1962 until his death nearly two decades later ~ Mennini was born in 1923
June 17, 1982 ~ Keyboarist, accordionist, guitarist, singer Kathryn Calder, full name Kathryn Jane Calder, born in Victoria, Canada ~ Married to producer Colin Stewart. Best known as member of the New Pornographers, initially filling in for Neko Case for live performances and becoming a full member in 2006. Calder has also formed the duo Frontperson with Mark Andrew Hamilton, was a member of the Immaculate Machine, and recorded as a solo artist starting with the album Are You My Mother released in 2010
June 17, 1978 ~ In its tenth week on the charts, Shadow Dancing by Andy Gibb hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Holding the Billboard Hot 100 top spot for seven consecutive weeks, Shadow Dancing would become Gibb's third of three consecutive Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits, preceded by I Just Want To Be Your Everything and (Love Is) Thicker Than Water, all three written with the help of one or more of his more famous siblings from the Bee Gees. Gibb would score several more hits through the early-1980s, including notably the Billboard Hot 100 No.4 single Desire, before fading from view. For most of the 1980s, Gibb would struggle with substance abuse, depression, and financial woes. In 1988, just as he was sobering up, even working on new material, Gibb passed away at age 30 of myocarditis, aggravated by years of substance abuse
June 17, 1974 ~ Anthony Henderson, commonly known as rappert Krayzie Bone, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Founding member of hip-hop group Bone Thugs 'n Harmony, which also included Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, Wish Bone and Flesh-n-Bone. The group would be discovered by NWA's Eazy E and release a debut EP in 1994 which spawned the hit Thuggish Ruggish Bone featuring Shatasha Williams. Subsequent hits included 1st Of Da Month, Tha Crossroads, Look Into My Eyes and I Tried featuring Akon. Also recorded as a solo artist, starting with his 1999 Thug Mentality, featuring guests such as Mo Thugs, Mariah Carey, Big Pun, Fat Joe, Cuban Link, E-40, Kurupt, Naughty By Nature and Snoop Dogg. Guested on Chamillionaire's Grammy Award-winning Ridin' in 2006
June 17, 1968 ~ Jazz pianist Harvey Brooks passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Wrote the score for the Mae West film I'm No Angel released in 1933, making him the first African-American to have written a complete score for a major motion picture. Has toured and recorded with Mamie Smith in the 1920s. Musical director for Les Hite during the early-1930s. Brooks has also worked with Kid Ory, Teddy Buckner, and Joe Darensbourg ~ Brooks was born in 1899
June 17, 1967 ~ Singer Gladys Knight & the Pips record I Heard It Through The Grapevine at Hitsville USA, Detroit ~ Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, Whitfield also serving as producer. The Pips version would be the first version to be released, b/w It's Time To Go Now, and reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100 and top the Billboard R&B chart. The song would also be a hit for the Miracles and Marvin Gaye
June 17, 1967 ~ Country songwriter Rivers Rutherford, full name Melvern Rivers Rutherford II, born in Germantown, Tennessee, USA ~ In-demand songwriter active since the 1990s. Songs written or co-written by Rutherford that have reached the top of the Billboard Country charts include Real Good Man for Tim McGraw, If You Ever Stop Loving Me for Montgomery Gentry, When I Get Where I'm Going for Brad Paisley, Living In Fast Forward for Kenny Chesney, and Ladies Love Outlaws for Trace Adkins. Others who have recorded his songs include Brooks & Dunn, Mark Wills, Jamie O'Neal, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson, Chuck Wicks, Darius Rucker, and Lady Antebellum
June 17, 1965 ~ Kim Nazel, commonly known as producer, DJ the Arabian Prince, born in Compton, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of pivotal rap group NWA, leaving shortly after the release of their 1988 Straight Outta Compton debut album
June 17, 1965 ~ Progressive rock, post-prog singer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, percussionist David Longdon born in Nottingham, UK ~ Best known as co-lead singer of progressive rock band Big Big Train, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums after joining the band in 2009 including the acclaimed The Underfall Yard. Longdon has also recorded as a solo artist, notably Wild River issued in 2004, and collaborated with the likes of Louis Philippe, Martin Orford, the Tangent, Dave Kerzner, the Charlatans, and Judy Dyble ~ Longdon passed away in 2021
June 17, 1964 ~ Pop punk, punk rock, indie rock, ska, power pop producer, drummer, bassist, guitarist, singer, songwriter Steve Kravac born ~ Best known as a producer for the likes of 7 Seconds, Guttermouth, Less Than Jake, Buck-O-Nine, Pepper, and Home Grown. As a recording artist, Kravac released his Summer Bliss And Autumn Tears debut album in 1999 going by the moniker Steven Bradley, the album drawing critical comparison to Bob Mould, Elvis Costello, and Nick Lowe. The album featured guest musicians such as Wayne Kramer, Kevin Kane and pedal steel virtuoso Greg Leisz
June 17, 1962 ~ Arranger, orchestrator, composer Conrad Salinger passed away in Pacific Palisades, California, USA ~ Orchestrated Broadway productions in the 1930s. Worked on scores of over 75 motion pictures starting in the early-1930s such as most of MGM's musicals including Show Boat, Singing In The Rain, Kiss Me Kate, An American In Paris and Gigi. Mentor to and influence on film composer John Williams who spent a great deal of time around Salinger early in his career. Revered by composers and performers including Nelson Riddle, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and Barbra Streisand ~ Salinger was born in 1901
June 17, 1962 ~ Vanda Maria Ribeiro Furtado Tavares de Vasconcelos, commonly known as pop, new wave, bubblegum pop singer, actress Lio, born in Mangalde, Portugal ~ Pop icon in France and her adopted homeland Belgium during the 1980s. First gained attention in the late-1970s as a member of synth-pop trio Telex. Released her eponymous Lio solo debut album in 1980. Best known for the singles Le Banana Split and Amoureux Solitaires, both songs becoming hits in France and Belgium
June 17, 1960 ~ Matti Fagelhorn, commonly known as glam punk, glam rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist, saxophonist, percussionist, songwriter Michael Monroe born in Helsinki, Finland ~ Rose to prominence as lead singer, frontman of Hanoi Rocks, regarded as one of the all-time most influential glam rock bands known for songs such as Love's An Infection, Malibu Beach, Until I Get You and Up Around The Bend
June 17, 1959 ~ Rock, punk rock, pop punk, post-punk, indie rock guitarist Bob Andrews, full name Robert Ian Andrews, born in Fulham, UK ~ Cited as an influence by Johnny Marr of the Smiths, and John Squire of the Stone Roses. First gained attention as a member of Generation X, which also included lead singer Billy Idol, with whom he recorded the albums Generation X and Valley Of The Dolls. Andrews subsequently worked with Empire, Westworld, Moondogg, and Speedtwinn
June 17, 1958 ~ Eric Reed Boucher, commonly known as singer Jello Biafra, born in Boulder, Colorado, USA ~ Best known as lead singer and primary songwriter for punk rock outfit the Dead Kennedys. The band would be pivotal to the development of American punk, and is known for biting social commentary often leading to controversy. Following the band's disbandement in the mid-1980s, Boucher has taken over the independent record label Alternative Tentacles, which he had founded with bandmate East Bay Ray. The band has reconvened yet without Biafra and has not released any new material. Biafra is also known as a political activist, and ran for the presidential nomination of the Green Party in 2000, losing out to Ralph Nader
June 17, 1957 ~ Philip Ryan, commonly known as singer, guitarist Philip Chevron born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Regarded as one of the most influential figures in Irish punk. Best known as lead guitarist of celtic punk rockers the Pogues. Chevron wrote several classic Pogues songs including Thousands Are Sailing and Lorelei. Previously fronted Radiators From Space ~ Ryan passed away in 2013
June 17, 1957 ~ Trumpeter Tom Varner born in Morristown, New Jersey, USA ~ Influenced by Ornette Coleman, Charles Mingus, Anthony Braxton, Steve Reich, Philip Glass. As a leader has over a dozen albums to his name since the early-1980s. Ind-demand sideman. Worked with Steve Lacy, Dave Liebman, George Gruntz, John Zorn, Bobby Watson, La Monte Young, Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Bobby Previte, Orange Then Blue, McCoy Tyner, Reggie Workman, Kenny Barron, Natalie Merchant, and the Vienna Art Orchestra
June 17, 1956 ~ New wave, pop rock singer, songwriter Lorraine Segato, full name Lorraine P Segato, born in Hamilton, Canada ~ Lead singer for the Parachute Club, one of the first Canadian pop acts to incorporate elements from world music. The band recorded three albums through the mid-1980s and is best known for the singles Rise Up, At The Feet Of The Moon, and Love Is Fire, the latter featuring duet guest vocalist John Oates. Segato has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Phoenix released in 1990
June 17, 1955 ~ Actor, producer, songwriter John Golden, full name John Lionel Golden, passed away in Bayside, New York, USA ~ As a songwriter perhaps best known for co-writing Poor Butterfly with Raymond Hubbell. The song was inspired by the Giacomo Puccini-opera Madame Butterfly and written for the Broadway show The Big Show, in which it was introduced by Sophie Bernard. Over time it would be recorded by well over 300 artists, including early versions in the mid-1910s by Elizabeth Spencer and Edna Brown, as well as later versions by Paul Whiteman, Sarah Vaughan, Sonny Rollins, Tony Bennett, and Johnny Mathis. Golden has co-written or co-produced well over 50 plays, including musicals, and a handful of films ~ Golden was born in 1874
June 17, 1954 ~ Producer, A&R executive David Bendeth, full name David Jonathan Bendeth, born in Stoke Newington, UK ~ Has recorded a number of albums with his the David Bendeth Band prior to turning to producing, songwriting and serving as A&R executive for various labels. In-house songwriter for Chrysalis from 1987 through 1990. In-house producer, A&R executive for BMG Canada from 1987 through 1995, for whom he signed acts such as the Cowboy Junkies, the Crash Test Dummies, and Prairie Oyster. In one capacity or another Bendeth has worked with SR-71, Treble Charger, Bruce Hornsby, Parmalee, Ima Robot, Paramore, Breaking Benjamin, Of Mice & Men, and Sleeping With Sirens
June 17, 1954 ~ Gospel singer Deborah McCrary born ~ Member of traditional black gospel, contemporary urban gospel outfit the McCrary Sisters alongside siblings Ann McCrary, Regina McCrary and Alfreda McCrary. The group has recorded a number of albums, starting with Our Journey released in 2010, as well as provided backing vocals for artists such as Carrie Underwood (Choctaw County Affair), Margo Price (Do Right By Me), and Allison Russell (All Of The Women) ~ McCrary passed away in 2022
June 17, 1952 ~ Drummer Mike Buck born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Active since his mid-teens, backing musicians such as Robert Ealey, Ray Sharpe, Johnny Carroll. Member of blues-rock outfit the Fabulous Thunderbirds, present on the band's 1979 Girls Go Wild debut album and its follow-up What's The Word. Formed the LeRoi Brothers with Steve Doerr and Don Leady. Has also worked with Roky Erickson, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Roy Head, Lazy Lester, Toni Price, Doug Sahm, the Juke Jumpers, and Omar & the Howlers
June 17, 1951 ~ Guitarist, steel guitarist Lani McIntyre passed away ~ Influenced Hank Williams and Elvis Presley. Laid the foundation for the use of the steel guitar, helping popularize the sound. The instrument would become a mainstay in country music. Well-known for his work with Jimmie Rodgers. Recorded prolifically as a solo artist and leader from the mid-1930 until his death in 1951. Backed Bing Crosby and the original version of Blue Hawaii ~ McIntyre was born in 1904
June 17, 1951 ~ Soft rock singer, songwriter Lenny LeBlanc born in Leominster, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known for the 1977 single Falling with collaborator Pete Carr, recorded under the moniker LeBlanc & Carr. Has also recorded as a solo artist and is an in-demand session musician for artists such as Hank Williams Jr, Crystal Gayle, Etta James, Shenandoah, Ricky Skaggs, Sawyer Brown, Amy Grant, and Roy Orbison. In 1980, LeBlanc became a born-again Christian and has been focusing on contemporary Christian music since
June 17, 1950 ~ Rock guitarist Dany Lademacher, full name Daniel Germain Jean Lademacher, born in Etterbeek, Belgium ~ Once declined Mark Knopfler's offer to join the Dire Straits. Best known as member of Herman Brood's backing unit the Wild Romance. Co-wrote several of Brood's best known songs including Saturday Night, Never Be Clever and I Don't Need You. Lademacher has also worked with Kleptomania, Bart Peeters backing band the Radios, Innersleeve, Vitesse, and the Paris Dandies
June 17, 1949 ~ Country guitarist, singer, songwriter Russell Smith, full name Howard Russell Smith, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Lead singer of the Amazing Rhythm Aces. Member of Run C&W. Released a handful of solo albums, starting with his eponymous Russell Smith debut album in 1978. As a solo artist best known for his 1989 I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight single. Found his biggest success as a songwriter, penning or co-penning songs for Randy Travis (Look Heart No Hands), T Graham Brown (Don't Go To Strangers), Don Williams (Heartbeat In The Darkness), Ricky Van Shelton (Keep It Between The Lines), and Mel McDaniel (Big Ole Brew) ~ Smith passed away in 2019
June 17, 1947 ~ Keyboardist, songwriter Gregg Rolie, full name Gregg Alan Rollie, born in Passaic, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of Santana, remaining with the band through 1972 and present on pivotal albums such as Santana and Abraxas. Co-founding member, lead singer of Journey, remaining with the through 1980 and present on the band's most acclaimed album Evolution released in 1979. Fronted rock outfit the Storm. Worked with Ringo Starr's Ringo Starr & his All-Starr Band
June 17, 1947 ~ Pop rock, soft rock singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist Paul Young born in Benchill, UK ~ Not to be confused with his namesake Paul Young born in 1956. Member of the Toggery Five, known for the single I'm Gonna Jump. Best known as a member of 1980s band Mike + the Mechanics, notably present on Word Of Mouth, Taken In, Nobody's Perfect and on the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit All I Need Is A Miracle. Young has also worked with the Young Brothers, Gyro and with Sad Cafe ~ Young passed away in 2000
June 17, 1946 ~ Brian John Cole, commonly known as pedal steel guitarist BJ Cole, born in Enfield, UK ~ Rose to prominence as member of Conchise in the early-1970s. Considered one of Britain's finest pedal steel guitarists. In-demand session musician proficient in a wide range of styles including rock, pop, jazz, experimental and country. Recorded as a solo artist and guested on recordings by Humble Pie, Dave Edmunds, Trapeze, Uriah Heep, Elton John (Tiny Dancer), Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Hallyday, Kiki Dee, Roger Daltrey, T.Rex, Procol Harum, Deacon Blue (Chocolate Girl), the Walker Brothers, Joan Armatrading (Down To Zero), Olivia Newton-John, Alan Parsons, Gerry Rafferty, the Moody Blues, David Sylvian, the Stranglers, kd Lang, Jimmy Nail, Björk, the Selecter, John Cale, Sting, Depeche Mode, the Pet Shop Boys, Devon Sproule, REM, and Matt Berry
June 17, 1944 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Chris Spedding, full name Christopher John Spedding, born in Staveley, UK ~ One of the UK's most in-demand studio musicians with a career spanning five decades. Member of several rock bands including Battered Ornaments, Nucleus, and Greedy Bastards. Produced the very first demos for the Sex Pistols. Over a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Songs Without Words released in 1970. Scored the 1975 UK top 20 hit Motor Bikin'. Guested on albums by the likes of Jack Bruce (Songs For A Tailor), Mike Batt, Julie Driscoll, Elton John (Madman Across The Water), Linda Lewis, Harry Nilsson, Donovan, Brian Eno (Here Come The Warm Jets), John Cale, Jim Capaldi, Ginger Baker, Bryan Ferry, Art Garfunkel, Joan Armatrading (Me Myself I), Nina Hagen, Paul McCartney (Tug Of War), and Roger Daltrey
June 17, 1943 ~ Barry Alan Pincus, commonly known as soft rock singer, pianist, songwriter Barry Manilow born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Scored over four dozen top 40 singles on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts during a decade spanning five decades. Sold over 85 million records. Best known for songs such as Mandy, Could It Be Magic, I Write The Songs, Tryin' To Get The Feeling Again, Looks Like We Made It, Can't Smile Without You and Copacabana (At The Copa). Has served as producer for Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, Nancy Wilson and Sarah Vaughan
June 17, 1940 ~ Charles Walter Rainey III, commonly known as pop, rock, jazz fusion, R&B bassist, singer Chuck Rainey born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Session musician. First gained attention sessioning on various recordings by the Young Rascals, first and perhaps most notably on the band's 1967 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Groovin'. Has also recorded as a solo artist and guested on recordings by Louis Armstrong, Gato Barbieri, George Benson, Donald Byrd, Joe Cocker, the Crusaders, King Curtis, Aretha Franklin, Gene Harris, Etta James, Quincy Jones, David Fathead Newman, Steely Dan, Sadao Watanabe, Ernie Wilkins, Cannonball Adderley, Mose Allison, Brook Benton, Randy Brecker, James Brown, Tim Buckley, Paul Butterfield, Valerie Carter, Fats Domino, Roberta Flack, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Albert King, Al Kooper, Nils Lofgren, Melissa Manchester, Bette Midler, Ry Cooder, and Blue Mitchell
June 17, 1939 ~ Producer, songwriter, singer Gerry Granahan born in Pittston, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for his work in the 1950 and 1960s. Demo singer for Elvis Presley. As a solo artist best known for his 1958 hit No Chemise Please. Also co-wrote and recorded Click Clack, released under the pseudonym Dickey Doo & the Dont's for contractual reasons. The single's succes would prompt Granahan to record several more using the same moniker, including Nee Nee Na Na Na Na Nu Nu, Leave Me Alone (Let Me Cry) and Teardrops Will Fall. Granahan would venture into producing by the 1960s, working with artists such as Fireflies, James Ray, Patty Duke, Jay & the Americans and notably produce the original version of the Wild Ones' Wild Thing, the latter song later made famous by the Troggs ~ Granahan passed away in 2022
June 17, 1937 ~ Identical twin brothers vocal pop singers Ed Farran and Fred Farran born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Members of the Arbors, known for a number of 1960s recordings including Symphony For Susan, Just Let It Happen, Graduation Day and perhaps their best known The Letter, the latter a Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit in 1969 and originally a charttopper for the Box Tops three years earlier. The vocal pop quartet is also noted for their follow-up album, Featuring I Can't Quit Her The Letter featuring vocal pop interpretations of songs originally by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Doors, Blood Sweat & Tears, and Simon & Garfunkel ~ Ed passed away in 2003, Fred in 2011
June 17, 1935 ~ Margaret Seeger, commonly known as folk singer, banjoist, guitarist, pianist Peggy Seeger born in New York, New York, USA ~ Daughter of folklorist Charles Seeger and modernist composer Ruth Porter Crawford. Sister of singer Mike Seeger, half-sister of singer Pete Seeger. Married to singer Ewan MacColl, with whom she frequently collaborated, from 1977 until MacColl's death in 1977. Actively recording since the mid-1950s. Advocate of women's rights, many of her songs such as I'm Gonna Be An Engineer becoming anthems of the women's movement
June 17, 1930 ~ Guitarist Cliff Gallup born ~ Member of Gene Vincent's backing unit the Blue Caps through late 1956, appearing on some 35 tracks including Race With The Devil, Blue Jean Bop and Be-bop-a-lula. Regarded as one of early rock & roll's most technically proficient electric guitarists. Influential on Eric Clapton, Brian Setzer and Jeff Beck. At the request of his widow obituaries in local newspapers made no mention of his time with Vincent ~ Gallup passed away in 1988
June 17, 1920 ~ Pianist, keyboardist, bandleader Aubrey Adams, full name Aubrey Wellington Adams, born in St Andrew Parish, Jamaica ~ Worked with the Dewdroppers, Clue J & the Blues Blasters, Tommy McCook, Sonny Bradshaw, Roland Alphonso, Clancy Eccles, Pat Kelly, the Soul Defenders, Coxsone Dodd, Sonia Pottinger, Lynn Taitt, and Rico Rodriguez ~ Adams passed away in 1990
June 17, 1916 ~ Singer, songwriter Terry Gilkyson born in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Wrote and first recorded Cry Of The Wild Goose, later a hit for Frankie Laine. Wrote Tell Me A Story for Jimmy Boyd. Sang with the Weavers (On Top Of Old Smokey, Across The Wide Missouri). Formed the Easy Riders with Richard Dehr and Frank Miller, known for their major hit Marianne. Worked as Walt Disney Studios songwriter, including for animated movies Jungle Book and The Aristocats ~ Gilkyson passed away in 1999
June 17, 1911 ~ Walter D Williams Jr, commonly known as producer, label executive Dootsie Williams, born in Mobile, Alabama, USA ~ Leader of the Harlem Dukes in the 1940s. Would found the Blue Records label by the end of the decade. Has worked with Papa John Creach, the Penguins (Earth Angel), Redd Foxx, and the Medallions ~ Williams passed away in 1991
June 17, 1910 ~ Clyde Julian Foley, commonly known as country, gospel, rockabilly singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Red Foley, born in Blue Lick, Kentucky, USA ~ Dubbed “Mr Country Music” Foley was one of the most popular country singers of the 1940s and 1950s, selling over 25 million records. His 1951 rendition of Peace In The Valley, originally recorded by Mahalia Jackson in 1937, would become one of the first gospel songs to sell over a million copies. Other well known songs include Smoke On The Water, Shame On You, New Jolie Blonde (New Pretty Blonde), Tennessee Saturday Night, Chattanooga Shoeshine Boy, Birmingham Bounce, Midnight and the Kitty Wells-duet One By One ~ Foley passed away in 1968
June 17, 1910 ~ Singer, pianist, dancer Sam Costa, full name Samuel Gabriel Costa, born in London, UK ~ Popular singer, crooner during Britain's dance band era, comic actor on the 1940s, 1950s Much Binding In The Marsh radio show. Has worked with Bert Firman, Jack Jackson, Lew Stone, Harry Leader, Maurice Winnick, and Jay Wilbur. From the 1950 onwards, Costa has worked as a radio host and DJ ~ Costa passed away in 1981
June 17, 1907 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, singer Gene Sedric, full name Eugene Hall Cedric, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Acquired the nickname “Honey Bear” for his camelhair coat. Closely associated with Fats Waller, a member of Fats Waller's Rhythm from 1934 through 1942. Also worked with the Kentucky Jazz Band, Charlie Creath, Fate Marable, Dewey Jackson, Ed Allen, Julian Arthur, Sam Wooding, Alex Hyde, Fletcher Henderson, Mezz Mezzrow, Don Redman, Phil Moore, Hazel Scott, Pat Flowers, Bobby Hackett, Jimmy McPartland, Conrad Janis, and Dick Wellstood ~ Sedric passed away in 1963
June 17, 1905 ~ Jazz pianist Don Kirkpatrick born in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Sideman, arranger. Worked with Chick Webb, Don Redman, Harry White, Elmer Snowden, Zutty Singleton, Mezz Mezzrow, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Cootie Williams, Bunk Johnson, Sidney Bechet, Wilbur de Paris, and Doc Cheatham ~ Kirkpatrick passed away in 1956
June 17, 1902 ~ Jazz drummer Chris Columbus born in Greenville, North Carolina, USA ~ Active since the 1930s. Worked with Louis Jordan, Wild Bill Davis, Duke Ellington, Floyd Smith, Al Grey, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Buddy Tate, Milt Buckner, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Johnny Hammond Smith. His son was Count Basie's drummer Sonny Payne ~ Columbus passed away in 2002
June 17, 1902 ~ Samuel E Feinberg, commonly known as singer, pianist, songwriter Sammy Fain, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best remembered for co-writing songs such as You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me (Ted Wallace, Maurice Chevalier, Benny Goodman), When I Take My Sugar To Tea (the Melotone Boys, the Casa Loma Orchestra, Milton Brown), That Old Feeling (Virginia Verrill, Shep Fields, Count Basie), Secret Love (Doris Day, Gogi Grant, Ray Anthony), April Love (Pat Boone, Connie Francis, Johnny Mathis), Tender Is The Night (Tony Bennett, Vic Damone, Billy Eckstine), and I'll Be Seeing You (Tamara, Dick Todd, Billie Holiday) ~ Feinberg passed away in 1989
June 17, 1899 ~ Jazz saxophonist Benny Krueger born ~ Briefly played with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, appearing on a number of early-1920s recordings. Would go on to become a musical director and conductor for radio and TV working with artists such as Rudy Vallée and Bob Crosby. As a solo artist best known for I Cried For You and Wang Wang Blues (Saxopation). Also wrote Sunday, recorded by Pat Boone, Louis Jordan and most notably Lester Young ~ Krueger passed away in 1967
June 17, 1895 ~ Pianist, bandleader Sam Wooding, full name Samuel David Wooding, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Contemporary of Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington. Best known for bringing jazz, and big band ensembles to European audiences. In 1926 Wooding became one of the first jazz artists to perform in Russia ~ Wooding passed away in 1985
June 17, 1882 ~ Composer Igor Stravinsky, full name Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky, born in Orahienbaum, Russia ~ Generally acknowledged as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century noted for his stylistic diversity. Rose to fame with three ballets, 1910's Firebird, 1911's Petrushka and 1913's The Rite Of Spring ~ Stravinsky passed away in 1971
June 17, 1818 ~ Composer Charles Gounod, full name Charles-François Gounod, born in Paris, France ~ Composed choral music, chamber music, song suites and operas, most notably Faust and Romeo Et Juliette. Influenced composers such as Jules Massenet, Gabriel Fauré, Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy ~ Gounod passed away in 1893