June 18, 2024 ~ James Siegfried, commonly known as no wave, avant-funk, punk jazz saxophonist, singer James Chance or James White, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Key figure on the New York no wave scene, rejecting the gloss of new wave and the traditionalism of punk while drawing from funk, jazz and post-punk, Chance enjoyed a cult following from the mid-1970s onwards. Frontman of the short-lived Teenage Jesus & the Jerks, and subsequently the Contortions, recording over half a dozen albums with the latter including the acclaimed Buy released in 1979. Chance has also fronted several side projects, mostly with the same basic set of musicians, including the bizarre disco-influenced James White & the Blacks. Chance had moved to New York in the mid-1970s with the intent of becoming a jazz musician, yet as he would later explain: “I just didn't fit into the jazz scene at all. My whole attitude, my own personal style and everything was more out of rock and roll” ~ Siegfried was born in 1953
June 18, 2023 ~ Milton Powell, commonly known as rapper Big Pokey, passed away in Beaumont, Texas, USA ~ Member of DJ Screw's Screwed Up Click, a pioneering collective considered pivotal to Southern rap and best known for their distinctive “chopped and screwed” technique. Has recorded half a dozen solo albums, starting with The Hardest Pit in The Litter released in 1999. Perhaps best known for Who Dat Talking Down, used in the pilot episode of the HBO comedy-drama series Entourage ~ Powell was born in 1977
June 18, 2023 ~ Punk drummer Teresa Taylor, also known as Teresa Nervosa, passed away ~ Member of the Butthole Surfers from 1983 through 1989 alongside King Coffey, the band at the time featuring two drummers playing in unison. Taylor appeared on over half a dozen of the band's albums including the acclaimed Locust Abortion Technician and Hairway To Steven ~ Taylor was born in 1962
June 18, 2021 ~ Timothy Jerome Parker, commonly known as alternative hip-hop rapper Gift Of Gab, passed away ~ Regarded as one of the best underground rappers to come out of the Bay Area. Formed the duo Blackalicious with DJ Chief Xcel. As a solo artist acclaimed for his 2004 4th Dimension Rocketships Going Up and 2009's Escape 2 Mars albums. Has collaborated with Galactic, DJ Z-Trip, Del The Funky Homosapien, Chali 2na, and Watsky ~ Parker was born in 1970
June 18, 2020 ~ Lynford Brown, commonly known as rocksteady, reggae guitarist Hux Brown, passed away in Oakland, California, USA ~ In-demand session guitarist appearing on key recordings such as Girl I've Got A Date (Alton Ellis), Ba Ba Boom (the Jamaicans), Bangarang (Lester Sterling), Rivers Of Babylon (the Melodians), and The Harder They Come (Jimmy Cliff). Outside Jamaican music played lead guitar on Paul Simon's Mother And Child Reunion. Touring member of Toots & the Maytals for over three decades ~ Brown was born in 1944
June 18, 2020 ~ Singer, songwriter, actress Vera Lynn, full name Vera Margaret Lynn, passed away ~ Widely known for her concerts for the troops during World War II. Best known for songs such as We'll Meet Again, The White Cliffs Of Dover, A Nightingale Sang In Berkely Square, There'll Always Be An England, Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart, and My Son My Son. Became the oldest person, at age 97, to top the English album charts, with the compilation album We'll Meet Again (The Very Best Of Vera Lynn) in 2014 ~ Lynn was born in 1917
June 18, 2018 ~ Operatic baritone singer Barry McDaniel passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ American opera singer spent his career almost excusively in Germany, notable well over three decades at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. Has also worked with the Staatsoper Stuttgart, the Staatstheater Karlsruhe, and the Staatsoper Mainz ~ McDaniel was born in 1930
June 18, 2018 ~ Jahsen Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, commonly known as rapper XXXTentacion, passed away in Deerfield Beach, Florida, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Falling Down, Look At Me, Changes, Arms Around You, Jovelyn Flores, and Sad. Had his debut album, 2017's 17, enter the Billboard Hot 200 chart at No.2 and his sophomore album, 2018's Question Mark enter at No.1. Collaborated with artists such as Cracka Paul, Kodak Black, Noah Cyrus, Sizzla, Skye Edwards, and others. Shot to death as victim in a robbery at age 20 ~ Onfroy was born in 1998
June 18, 2017 ~ Jazz, gospel singer Chris Murrell, full name Byron Christopher Murrell, passed away in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA ~ While in his teens fronted gospel outfit the Christian Disciples. Best known for his association with the Count Basie Orchestra, touring with the ensemble from the mid-1980s through the early-2000s. Released his Reprise solo album in 2002 to critical acclaim ~ Murrell was born in 1956
June 18, 2014 ~ Folk, pop, punk-pop bassist Alastair Donaldson passed away in Edinburgh, UK ~ Co-founding member of folk outfit Silly Wizard. Perhaps best known as member of the Rezillos, notably present on songs such as My Baby Does Good Sculptures and Flying Saucer Attack. As a solo artist known for the 1982 single Security Of Noise released under the moniker William Mysterious ~ Donaldson was born in 1955
June 18, 2014 ~ Jazz, hard bop pianist Horace Silver, full name Horace Ward Martin Tavares Silver, passed away in New Rochelle, New York, USA ~ Hard bop pioneer. Influenced by Nat King Cole, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Art Tatum, and Teddy Wilson. Critically acclaimed for a number of 1960s albums, especially Song For My Father and Serenade To A Soul Sister. Known for recordings such as Doodlin', Peace, and Sister Sadie. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Clifford Brown, JJ Johnson, Art Blakey, Miles Davis (Miles Davis Quartet), Kenny Dorham (Afro-Cuban), Art Farmer, Milt Jackson, JR Monterose (JR Monterose), Gerry Mulligan, Ray Charles, Tina Brooks (Minor Move), Wes Montgomery, and Gigi Gryce ~ Silver was born in 1928
June 18, 2013 ~ Progressive rock singer, songwriter Claudio Rocchi passed away ~ Bassist of Stormy Six from 1968 through 1970, present on the band's debut album Le Idee Di Oggi Par La Musica Di Domani. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Viaggo. Rose to fame with his 1971 sophomore Volo Magico Numero 1 album and has recorded steadily until semi-retiring from music in the 1980s. Resurged in the 1990s ~ Rocchi was born in 1951
June 18, 2011 ~ Saxophonist, actor Clarence Clemons passsed away in Palm Beach, Florida, USA ~ Best known as longtime saxophonist of Bruce Springsteen's backing unit the E Street Band. Scored a 1985 hit, You're A Friend Of Mine, with Jackson Browne. In-demand guest and collaborator also worked with Aretha Franklin, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Alvin Lee, Alan Niven, Lady Gaga, the Grateful Dead, Gary US Bonds, Zucchero, Dan Hartman, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, the Pezband, Ronnie Spector, Scarlet Rivera, Carlene Carter, Janis Ian, Michael Stanley, Joan Armatrading, Greg Lake, Schwarts, Little Steven, the Hawks, Ian Hunter, Steel Breeze, Silver Condor, Twisted Sister, Gloria Estefan, Narada Michael Walden, the Four Tops, Todd Rundgren, Herman Brood, Lisa Stansfield, Joe Cocker, Peter Maffay, Nils Lofgren, Roy Orbison, Jim Carroll, Great White, Luther Vandross, Nick Clemons, the Creation, Bruce Benson, and others ~ Clemons was born in 1942
June 18, 2007 ~ Indie rock band Arctic Monkeys release a limited edition single containing the songs Matador and Da Frame 2R in the UK ~ The British indie rockers issue a 1,000 copies of the single containing two tracks that were included as bonustracks on the Japanese version of the band's Favourite Worst Nightmare sophomore album. The reason given is to prevent their fans from having to buy the more expensive Japanese full-length album to attain these extra tracks
June 18, 2007 ~ Swing, jazz tubist Bill Barber, full name John William Barber, passed away in Bronxville, New York, USA ~ Worked with the Kansas City Philharmonic and various ballet and theatre orchestras prior to a stint in the US Army, playing in Patton's 7th army band during World War II. Would spent the 1950s throughout the mid-1960s playing jazz. Best known for his association with Miles Davis, appearing on albums such as Birth Of The Cool, Porgy & Bess, and Sketches Of Spain. Other notable credits include Urbie Green, Bob Brookmeyer, Slide Hampton, John Coltrane (Africa/Brass), and Gil Evans. Barber would semi-retire from music to work as an elementary school teacher, yet continued to record from time to time ~ Barber was born in 1920
June 18, 2007 ~ Henry Medress, commonly known as producer, songwriter Hank Medress, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of doo-wop group the Linc-Tones, which also included a young and unknown Neil Sedaka. After Sedaka's departure the Tones would rename themselves the Tokens, known best for their 1961 hit [title-tokens-the-lion-sleeps-tonight-wimoweh]. Medress also worked on a producer including for the Chiffons (He's So Fine), Tony Orlando & Dawn, Melissa Manchester, David Johanson, Rick Springfield, Dan Hill (Never Though (That I Could Love)), and Richard Simmons ~ Medress was born in 1938
June 18, 2005 ~ Basil Philip Kirchinsky, commonly known as drummer, composer Basil Kirchin, passed away ~ Son of bandleader Ivor Kirchin. Drummed in his father's big band starting at age 13. A number of early-1950s recordings by the Kirchin Band would be produced by George Martin who would later go on to work extensively with the Beatles. Kirchin would go on to score films and experiment with electronic music through use of tape manipulation with sounds of birds, insects and other animals. Has worked with Harry Roy, Teddy Foster, Jack Nathan, Ted Heath, Keith Herd, Big Jim Sullivan, Tubby Hayes. His electronic music influenced later stars such as Brian Eno and David Byrne ~ Kirchin was born in 1927
June 18, 2005 ~ Jazz trumpeter Chris Griffin passed away ~ Started out in dance bands working with Charlie Barnet, Rudy Vallée, Miff Mole, Mildred Bailey, Teddy Wilson, and Joe Haymes through-out the 1930s. Joined Benny Goodman's big band in 1936, remaining until 1939. Later played with artists such as Jimmy Dorsey, Tex Beneke, Pee Wee Erwin, Warren Covington, Bud Freeman, and Warren Vaché Sr. Led an ensemble of his own in 1980s which included Marty Napoleon, Sonny Igoe, Jane Jarvis, and Major Holley ~ Griffin was born in 1915
June 18, 1999 ~ Michael Lamar White, commonly known as rapper Trippie Redd, born in Canton, Ohio, USA ~ First gained attention with his 2017 A Love Letter To You mixtape, which spawned the single Love Scars. Has recorded consistently to commercial succes and critical acclaim since. Well-known songs include Taking A Walk, Topanga, Who Needs Love, and Miss The Rage. The latter, featuring Playboi Carti and taken of his 2021 Trip At Knight album, would reach top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100
June 18, 1998 ~ Lyricist, playwright, songwriter, actor Edward Eliscu passed away in Newtown, Connecticut, USA ~ Active on Broadway and in Hollywood until the 1950s when allegations made by the House Committee on Un-American Activities led by Senator Joseph McCarthy effectively ended his career. Best remembered for co-penning songs such as Orchids In The Moonlight (Raul Roulien, Rudy Vallée, Dinah Shore), Carioca (Etta Moten, Les Baxter, Fred Astaire), Great Day (Paul Whiteman, Sam Lanin, Nelson Eddy), and More Than You Know (Mayo Methot, Ruth Etting, Billie Holiday) ~ Eliscu was born in 1902
June 18, 1998 ~ Soprano singer Patricia Janecková, full name Patricia Burda Janecková, born in Munchberg, Germany ~ Rose to fame winning the Czech-Slovak talent show Talentmania in 2010, and subsequently released her eponymous Patricia Janecková debut album the following year at age 13. Known for her passionate and emotive performances, Janecková continued to perform in public while studying privately with soprano Eva Drizgova-Jirusova. Diagnosed with breast cancer, Janecková announced a career hiatus in 2022. Despite early signs of a successful treatment, she passed away the following year at age 25 ~ Janecková passed away in 2023
June 18, 1994 ~ Kirshnik Khari Ball, commonly known as hip-hop, trap rapper, songwriter Takeoff, born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA ~ Formed the trio Migos with Quavo and Offset. The hip hop act is best known for songs such as Bad And Boujee featuring Lil' Uzi Vert, Motorsport with Nicki Minaj & Cardi B, Stir Fry, and Walk It Talk It featuring Drake. Takeoff released his The Last Rocket solo debut album in 2018 ~ Ball passed away in 2022
June 18, 1993 ~ Blues guitarist Luther Tucker passed away in Greenbrae, California, USA ~ Though he never acieved much fame considered one of the most prominent Chicago blues rhythm guitarists on par with Eddie Taylor, Jody Williams, Freddie Robinson. Has worked with BB King, Mel Brown, Pat Hare, Elmore James, Little Walter, Otis Rush, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, James Cotton, Elvin Bishop, and others ~ Tucker was born in 1936
June 18, 1992 ~ Peter Richard Woolnough, commonly known as pop singer, pianist, songwriter Peter Allen passed away in San Diego, California, USA ~ First gained attention as half of the Allen Brothers, the other half being Chris Bell and actually not his brother. As a solo artist best known for his 1976 hit I Go To Rio of his Taught By Experts album. Also known for co-writing Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do), an Academy Award-winning 1981 hit for Christopher Cross used in the film Arthur starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli ~ Woolnough was born in 1944
June 18, 1987 ~ Odis Oliver Flores, commonly known as rapper OT Genasis, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Influenced by Cutty Ranks, Buju Banton, TI, Ludacris, Tupac Shakur, 50 Cent. Best known for songs such Touchdown and Cut It featuring Young Dolph. Has guested on recordings by Mustard, Afrojack, Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, Lil' Wayne and Lil' Keed
June 18, 1984 ~ Jazz singer Frida Ånnevik born in Hamar, Norway ~ Daughter of folk singer Tor Karseth. Acclaimed for her 2010 Synlige Hjerteslag debut album and has recorded consistently since. Also well known for collaborating with the trio In The Country on the collaborative Skogens Sang album released in 2014
June 18, 1984 ~ Sibling outfit the Jacksons release State Of Shock featuring Mick Jagger, lead single off their Victory album ~ By the early-1980s an established solo artist, singer Michael Jackson and Queen-frontman Freddie Mercury had recorded three tracks together, Victory, There Must Be More Than This, and the original version of State Of Shock. The first would become the unreleased title track of the Jacksons' album, the second would be recorded by Mercury for his solo album, and the third became a hit when Jackson and his siblings re-recorded the song with Mick Jagger. No explanation was given as to why the original version with Mercury was canned. The song is credited to Randy Hansen and Michael Jackson, with no mention of Mercury who most likely did have a role though in composing the track. State Of Shock would be a massive hit, reaching top 10 in several countries including peaking at No.3 on the Billboard Hot 100
June 18, 1983 ~ Pop, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Philipp Poisel born in Ludwigsburg, West Germany ~ First gained attention with his sophomore Bis Nach Toulouse album released in 2010. Subsequently would reach top 10 in his native Germany with the singles Eiserner Steg, which was used for the film What A Man, and the Max Herre-duet Wolke 7
June 18, 1982 ~ Rock, blues-rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Nathan Cavaleri born in Sydney, Australia ~ Child actor, child prodigy. Played with Mark Knopfler at age 9, toured with BB King at age 13. Released his solo debut single, the Elvis Presley-cover Little Egypt, in 1992. A full-length album, Jammin' With The Cats, followed in 1993. Worked with the Dirty Skanks, Electric Mary, Jimmy Barnes, Diesel, guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel, Teddy Andreadis, Sweet Pea Atkinson, Curt Bisquera, Jeff Berlin, Robben Ford, and Aaron Neville
June 18, 1978 ~ Indie rock, melodic hardcore, post-hardcore, punk rock bassist, guitarist Joseph Simmons, full name Joseph Lee Simmons, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Not to be confused with his namesake Run-DMC rapper Joseph Simmons. Active since the mid-1990s, initially working with bands such as Dinner Time and Lock Down. Member of Birds Of Ill Omen, and notably metalcore outfit Morning Again known for their sole As Tradition Dies Slowly album released in 1998. Simmons would go on to work with Culture, Some Sort Of Radio, As Friends Rust, Salem, and Rot In Coffins
June 18, 1976 ~ Country singer Blake Shelton, full name Blake Tollison Shelton, born in Ada, Oklahoma, USA ~ Rose to fame with his eponymous 2001 Blake Shelton debut album, its lead single Austin reaching the No.1 spot on the Billboard Country charts. Has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial success since. Well known songs include The Baby, Some Beach, All About Tonight, Honey Bee, Sure Be Cool If You Did, Boys 'Round Here featuring the Pistol Annies, Sangria, God's Country, and Nobody But You featuring Gwen Stefani
June 18, 1976 ~ Christoff de Bolle, commonly known as singer Christoff, born in Ninove, Belgium ~ Member of schlager boy band Klubbb 3 alongside Florian Silbereisen and Jan Smit. As a solo artist active since the early-1990s and best known for songs such as Koning Clown, Verslaafd Aan Jou, Als Ik In Je Blauwe Ogen Kijk, Een Ster, Alles Kan Een Mens Gelukkig Maken with René Froger, Voor Jou, Stapel Op Jou
June 18, 1976 ~ Glam rock, hard rock, pop rock outfit Queen release You're My Best Friend, lifted off their A Night At The Opera album ~ The band's bassist John Deacon was only just learning to play the piano, and wrote the song for and about his wife Veronica Tetzlaff on a Wurlitzer electric piano. The single, issued on the heels of their monster hit Bohemian Rhapsody, reached top 10 in Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the band's native UK, top 20 on the American Billboard Hot 100. You're My Best Friend has since become a concert favorite, the piano part usually played by Freddie Mercury on a grand piano rather than a Wurlitzer, with Deacon playing the bass. Deacon and Tetzlaff have been married since 1975 and have six children
June 18, 1975 ~ Jazz pianist Earl Washington passed away in Evergreen, Illinois, USA ~ Classically trained. Dubbed “the Ghost” for his light complexion. First gained attention in the late-1940s backing Red Saunders, remaining with Saunders through 1954. Subsequently led his own ensemble, collaborated frequently with Quincy Jones, composed jingles and soundtracks, and wrote for several Motown artists ~ Washington was born in 1921
June 18, 1975 ~ Vyshonne King Miller, commonly known as rapper Silkk The Shocker, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of the 504 Boyz. Released his The Shocker debut album in 1996. Best known for his 1998 It Ain't My Fault single featuring Mystikal. Has also worked with Master P, O'Dell, Mya, Snoop Dogg, Montell Jordan (Let's Ride), Lil Italy, Soulja Slim, Lil' Romeo, and others
June 18, 1971 ~ Elizabeth Lloyd Holzman, commonly known as actress, singer, civil rights activist Libby Holman, passed away in Stamford, Connecticut, USA ~ Became known as “the premier torch singer of Broadway” for her performances starting in the mid-1920s. Best known for her signature song Moanin' Low from the 1929 revue The Little Show ~ Holzman was born in 1904
June 18, 1971 ~ Singer Nathan Morris, full name Nathan Bartholomew Morris, born ~ Co-founding member of R&B boy band Boyz II Men, known for the 1990s Billboard Hot 100 charttoppers End Of The Road, I'll Make Love To You, On Bended Knee and 4 Seasons Of Loneliness. The band also collaborated with Mariah Carey on the 1995 hit One Sweet Day and with LL Cool J on Hey Lover later the same year
June 18, 1968 ~ Pop rock sibling outfit the Bee Gees record When The Swallows Fly ~ Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb. Produced by the band and their manager Robert Stigwood. Included on the 1968 Idea album. Released as a 1971 single in the Netherlands, b/w Give Our Best, where it reached top 20 in two weeks. The song's opening line is taken from William Wordsworth poem I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud
June 18, 1967 ~ Rock drummer Frank Lenz born in San Leandro, California, USA ~ Over half a dozen albums to his name, including the soundtracks to Strictly Background and Holy Rollers. As a band member has worked with the Lassie Foundation, Duraluxe, Charity Empressa, and Fold Zandura. In-demand studio musician and occasional producer, present on albums by the Dingees, Peter Shambrook, Michael Knott, Promise Keepers, and Crystal Lewis
June 18, 1966 ~ Rockabilly, roots rock singer, guitarist, pianist Dexter Romweber, full name John Michael Dexter Romweber, born in Batesville, Indiana, USA ~ Iconic figure in underground roots rock, rockabilly circles since the mid-1980s. Cited by the White Stripes guitarist Jack White as a major influence. Best known for founding rockabilly revivalists Flat Duo Jets with Chris Crow Smith, naming themselves after Gene Vincent's Gretsch Duo Jet guitar. The band recorded close to a dozen albums, and are especially acclaimed for their 1990 eponymous Flat Duo Jets album, and its 1992 follow-up Go Go Harlem. Romweber also formed Dex Romweber Duo with his older sister drummer Sara Romweber, their full-length Ruins Of Berlin debut album released in 2009, and has recorded several albums as a solo artist ~ Romweber passed away in 2024
June 18, 1963 ~ Darren Arthur Reed, commonly known as hard rock, heavy metal keyboardist, guitarist, singer Dizzy Reed born in Hinsdale, Illinois, USA ~ Longtime member of Guns 'n Roses, joining the band in 1990 and a key member since. Co-wrote songs such as Chinese Democracy, Street Of Dreams, and Oh My God. Reed released his Rock 'n Roll Ain't Easy solo debut album in 2018, has worked with the Dead Daisies, and guested on recordings by Duff McKagan, Slash's Snakepit, Motörhead, Tommy Stinson, the Backyard Babies, and Armored Saint
June 18, 1962 ~ Singer Connie Francis records Vacation ~ Written by Francis, Hank Hunter, Gary Weston. Produced by Danny Davis and Jim Vienneau. Released later the same year, b/w The Biggest Sin Of All, it would reach top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic
June 18, 1961 ~ Pop, synth-pop singer, ongwriter Alison Moyet, full name Genevieve Alison Jane Moyet, born in Basildon, UK ~ Known for her powerful, blues-contralto voice. Rose to fame as lead singer of synth-pop duo Yazoo alongside Vince Clarke, known for early-1980s songs such as Only You, Don't Go and Nobody's Diary. Released her Alt solo debut album in 1984, which spawned the UK top 10 hits Love Resurrection and All Cried Out. Would regularly reach the higher echelons of the charts throughout the end of the decade. Well known songs include That Ole Devil Called Love, Is This Love, Weak In The Presence Of Beauty, Love Letters and Whispering Your Name
June 18, 1960 ~ Rock, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Jude Cole, full name Jude Anthony Cole, born in Moline, Illinois, USA ~ About half a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, his eponymous Jude Cole debut released in 1987. Well known songs include 1990s Baby It's Tonight and 1992's Start The Car. Session musician present on recordings by Moon Martin, Peter Noone, Billy Thorpe, Ted Nugent, Del Shannon, Jewel, Travis Tritt, Billie Myers, Kendall Payne. Produced for Paola Turci, Clay Davidson, Lindsay Pagano, Beth Orton, Honeyhoney, Jim Stapley and especially Lifehouse, also serving as the latter's manager and songwriter
June 18, 1958 ~ Oud player, guitarist, mandolinist, singer, songwriter Ara Dinkjian born ~ Considered one of the premier oud players. Founder of Night Ark. As a songwriter had his songs recorded by Sezen Aksu, Ahmet Kaya, and by Eleftheria Arvanitaki, the latter notably performing the multi-platinum Dinkjian-penned hit Dinata at the closing ceremony of the 2004 Olympics held in Athens
June 18, 1953 ~ R&B, disco, funk guitarist Jerome Smith born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Best known as member KC & the Sunshine Band from its inception until his death in 2000. The band is known for classic 1970s dance material such as That's The Way (I Like It), Shake Shake Shake (Shake Your Booty), I'm Your Boogie Man and Keep It Comin' Love. Smith also guested on Rock Your Baby, a 1974 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 for George McCrae ~ Smith passed away in 2000
June 18, 1952 ~ Lars-Ove Wellander, commonly known as pop rock guitarist Lasse Wellander, born in Vikers, Sweden ~ In-demand session and touring musician active since the late-1960s. Internationally best known for his longtime association with ABBA, present on over half a dozen of the band's albums. Especially noted for his guitar play on the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Does Your Mother Know of their 1979 Voulez-Vous album. Wellander has also recorded as a solo artist and worked with the likes of Nature, Pugh Rogefeldt, Zkiffz, the Stockholm All-Stars, the Low Budget Blues Band, and others ~ Wellander passed away in 2023
June 18, 1952 ~ Giuseppa Marcella Bella, commonly known as singer Marcella Bella, born in Catania, Italy ~ Sister of singer Gianni Bella, who has also written songs for her. Active since the early-1970s. Known for songs such as Montagne Verdi and Nessuno Mai, the latter notably covered by Boney M as Tkae The Heat Off Me on their eponymous Boney M debut album
June 18, 1951 ~ Actress, singer Kerry Butler born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for her work in the musical theatre, performing in productions of Beetlejuice, Hairspray, and a 2007 Broadway production of Xanadu, the latter earning her a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. Aside from appearing on several cast recordings Kerry has also released a solo album, Faith Trust & Pixie Dust, in 2008
June 18, 1950 ~ Alan Moffatt, commonly known as folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Jackie Leven, born in Kirkcaldy, UK ~ Co-founding, sole constant member of outfit Doll By Doll. After the band disbanded in the early-1980s has recorded extensively as a solo artist with well over a dozen albums to his name. Best known for his 1994 The Mystery Of Love Is Greater Than The Mystery Of Death album ~ Leven passed away in 2011
June 18, 1949 ~ Raffaella Maria Roberta Pelloni, commonly known as singer, dancer, TV personality, actress Raffaella Carrà, born in Bologna, Italy ~ Active as an actress since the early-1960s, making her name in Italian peplum films. Moved to Hollywood in 1965, pursuiing an international career aiming to follow in the footsteps of fellow Italian actresses such as Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren yet feeling homesick she returned to Italy the following year. Has recorded about two dozen albums as a singer, starting with Raffaella released in 1970 ~ Pelloni passed away in 2021
June 18, 1946 ~ Ulla Agneta Andersson, commonly known as model, actress, singer, songwriter, photographer Ulla Jones, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Married to renowned producer Quincy Jones from 1967 through 1974, with whom she has two children including film and music producer QDIII. Ulla is best known as a former fashion model and actress and occasionally worked as a singer, releasing her sole No Time No Space No Age No Race That's Nifty album in 1979
June 18, 1944 ~ Sandra Lou Posey, commonly known as pop singer Sandy Posey, born in Jasper, Alabama, USA ~ Working as a receptionist at a recording studio, Posey regularly sang back-up including on sessions for Joe Tex, Bobby Goldsboro, Tommy Roe, Elvis Presley, and Percy Sledge, including on the latter's When A Man Loves A Woman hit. As a solo artist, Posey would enjoy a brief spell of success in the mid-1960s, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 with the singles Born A Woman, Single Girl, and I Take It Back. Posey continued to record into the 1980s, but was unable to repeat the success of her earliest releases. From the early-1970s onwards, however, she did enjoy some minor success on the Billboard Country charts, where Bring Him Safely Home To Me and Born To Be With You both reached top 30, respectively in 1971 and 1978 ~ Posey passed away in 2024
June 18, 1942 ~ Bassist Carl Radle, full name Carl Dean Radle, born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ In-demand touring and session bassist, mostly associated with a number of influential 1960s, 1970s artists notably Delaney & Bonnie and Eric Clapton, present on over half a dozen of the latter's albums including 461 Ocean Boulevard, Slowhand and on Clapton's Derek & the Dominos' Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs. Backed Joe Cocker on the 1970 Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour. Played George Harrison's 1971 The Concert For Bangladesh charity concert, released as a double LP the next year. Has also worked with Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson, Dave Mason, JJ Cale, and Leon Russell ~ Radle passed away in 1980
June 18, 1942 ~ Folk, pop rock singer, songwriter, photographer, painter, sculptor Jill Gibson born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Dated Jan Berry for a number of years during through the mid-1960s. Sang backup on a number of songs by Berry's surf duo Jan & Dean, and co-lead on It's As Easy As 1-2-3 which she co-wrote. As a solo artist scored a modest hit with You Really Know How To Hurt A Guy in 1965, the single reaching top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. Briefly a member of the Mamas & the Papas during the late-1960s, filling in for Michelle Phillips who was fired from the band by her husband John Phillips for having an affair with Gene Clark
June 18, 1942 ~ Singer, bassist, songwriter Paul McCartney born in Liverpool, UK ~ Member of the Quarrymen, which would evolve into the Beatles. The band would be considered one of the most influential and successful in pop history. McCartney co-wrote the majority of the band's material with John Lennon. Specific McCartney compositions such as And I Love Her, Yesterday, Eleanor Rigby and Blackbird rank among the most covered songs in history. McCartney recorded as a solo artist since the band's disbandement, leading Wings throughout most of the 1970s. Though hugely commercially successful he would be less critically acclaimed than other Beatles. Well known post-Beatles hits include Uncle Albert (Admiral Halsey), My Love, Band On The Run, Listen To What The Man Said, Silly Love Songs, With A Little Luck, Coming Up, Ebony And Ivory with Stevie Wonder, and Say Say Say with Michael Jackson
June 18, 1941 ~ Charles Newby, commonly known as pop rock bassist Chas Newby, born ~ Best known for briefly playing bass for the Beatles in late 1960, filling in for Stuart Sutcliffe on four gigs in the UK. After John Lennon asked Newby to accompany them on their 2nd Germany trip Newby declined, preferring to return to university after the holidays. As both Lennon and George Harrison declined to switch to bass, Paul McCartney reluctantly became the band's bass player ~ Newby passed away in 2023
June 18, 1941 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Jim Pepper, full name Jim Gilbert Pepper II, born in Salem, Oregon, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Rose to fame in the late-1960s as member of the Free Spirits, a pioneering jazz-rock outfit that also included Larry Coryell and Bob Moses. Pepper would go on to merge jazz and Native American influences. Has collaborated with Don Cherry, Naná Vasconcelos, Collin Walcott, Kenner Erner, John Scofield, Ed Schuller, Hamid Drake, the Liberation Music Orchestra, Paul Motian, Marty Cook, Mal Waldron, David Friesen, Tony Hymas, and Amina Claudine Myers ~ Pepper passed away in 1992
June 18, 1938 ~ Don Francis Bowman Harris, commonly known as guitarist, violinist Don Sugarcane Harris, born in Pasadena, California, USA ~ Given the stagename “Sugarcane” by Johnny Otis for being a ladies man. Started in the doo-wop group the Squires, which also included pianist Dewey Terry. Would form the duo Don & Dewey with Terry. After the duo disbanded Harris switched to electric violin, eventually establishing himself as a pioneer on the then-unusual instrument. Harris has appeared on albums by John Mayall, Frank Zappa (Hot Rats), Harvey Mandel, the Pure Food & Drug Act, John Lee Hooker (Born In Mississippi Raised In Tennessee), and Billy Bang. As a solo artist Harris is especially acclaimed for his 1971 Fiddler On The Rock album ~ Harris passed away in 1999
June 18, 1934 ~ Pianist, organist, keyboardist, singer Gladstone Anderson born in Jones Town, Jamaica ~ Helped define the ska sound and rocksteady beat. Said to have coined the term “rock steady.” As a solo artist perhaps best known for his 1972 It May Sound Silly album, considered a landmark album in Jamaican music. In-demand session musician from the 1950s onwards, working with producers such as Duke Reid, Coxsone Dodd and Leslie Kong. Appeared on key recordings including Take It Easy by Hopeton Lewis, Hold Them by Roy Shirley, and Girl I've Got A Date by Alton Ellis. Leader of Gladdy's All-Stars, best known for their 1969 instrumental hit The Liquidator. The All-Stars have also been known under a variety of pseudonyms including the Aggrovators, Rupies All-Stars, the Crystallites and the Upsetters, served as backing band for numerous artists, and at times included the likes of Jackie Jackson, Winston Grennan, Hux Brown, and Winston Wright ~ Anderson passed away in 2015
June 18, 1933 ~ Colin James Brumby, commonly known as composer, conductor Colin Brumby born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Closely associated with the Queensland Opera Company, serving as its musical director from 1968 through 1971 and touring with the company performing a number of children's operettas penned by Brumby, including The Wise Shoemaker and The Prince Who Couldn't Laugh. Also remembered for penning ballets, sonates, orchestral, choral and chamber works, notably Fibonacci Variations and A Ballade For St Cecilia ~ Brumby passed away in 2018
June 18, 1933 ~ Singer Tommy Hunt born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Formed R&B outfit the Five Echoes. Member of doo-wop, R&B outfit the Flamingos, best known for their 1959 hit I Only Have Eyes For You which remains popular to this day through its frequent use in film soundtracks and on compilation albums. After departing the group in 1961 Hunt has recorded as a solo artist, notably Human and first recording the Burt Bacharach/Hal David-penned I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself, the latter later a hit for Dusty Springfield and others
June 18, 1924 ~ Mathieu Huberts Wijnandts Schwarts, commonly known as jazz accordionist Mat Mathews, born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Inspired to play jazz after hearing Joe Mooney on the radio. Over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader. In-demand sideman and co-leader, working with the likes of Herbie Mann, Kenny Clarke, Art Farmer, Percy Heath, Carmen McRae, Oscar Pettiford, Joe Puma, Milt Jackson, Julius Watkins, the New York Jazz Ensemble, and others ~ Schwarts passed away in 2009
June 18, 1922 ~ Pianist, composer Claude Helffer born in Paris, France ~ Member of the French Resistance during World War II. Revered classical, contemporary classical pianist. Premiered works by Iannis Xenakis, André Boucourechliev, Betsy Jolas, and Luis de Pablo. Also noted for his renditions of Arnold Schoenberg, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Pierre Boulez, Alban Berg, and Jean Barraqué ~ Helffer passed away in 2004
June 18, 1916 ~ Violist David Schwartz born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Principal violist with the Cleveland Orchestra by age 23. Best known for his recordings with the Yale Quartet and the Paganini Quartet. Present on the soundtracks of The Godfather, Jaws, ET, Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, Raiders Of The Lost Ark. Has alo worked with the Detroit Symphony, the NBC Symphony Orchestra, John Williams, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, the Supremes, Sérgio Mendes, Lionel Richie, John Hiatt, and others ~ Schwartz passed away in 2013
June 18, 1913 ~ Samuel Cohen, commonly known as lyricist, pianist, violinist, songwriter Sammy Cahn, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Mostly a lyricist, frequently partnered up with composers such as Saul Chaplin, Jimmy van Heusen and Jule Styne, co-wrote numerous hits including Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow (Vaughn Monroe), Three Coins In The Fountain (Dinah Shore), Ain't That A Kick In The Head, Day By Day, Saturday Night Is The Loneliest Night Of The Week and Love & Marriage (Frank Sinatra), Because You're Mine (Mario Lanza), It's Magic and It's A Great Feeling (Doris Day), I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry (Kitty Kallen) and Teach Me Tonight (Dinah Washington) ~ Cohen passed away in 1993
June 18, 1911 ~ Irving Russin, commonly known as saxophonist Babe Russin, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Played with a number of the best known jazz bands during the 1930s and 1940s including Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Glenn Miller. Noted for his solo on the latter's 1941 recording of A String Of Pearls. Co-wrote Jimmy Dorsey's All The Things You Ain't, recorded by Dorsey in 1945 ~ Russin passed away in 1984
June 18, 1910 ~ Jazz drummer, singer, bandleader Ray McKinley born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Vocalist and co-writer on Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar, a 1940 hit recorded with Will Bradley's orchestra. As a leader known for first recording You Came A Long Way (From St Louis) in 1948, later covered by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, Peggy Lee, and Perry Como. Has also worked with the Dorsey Brothers, Smith Ballew, Jerry Gray, Sam Butera, and Freddie Slack ~ McKinley passed away in 1995
June 18, 1906 ~ Drummer Ray Bauduc born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Son of cornetist Jules Bauduc. Best known for his association with Bob Crosby and as a member of the Bobcats, the latter consisting of a subset of Crosby's orchestra. Co-wrote Big Noise From Winnetka, first recorded by the Bobcats it would become a jazz standard recorded by Gene Krupa, Jack Teagarden, Kenny Ball, Cozy Cole, Chico Hamilton, and Bette Midler. Bauduc has also worked with the Riverboat Five, Johnny Bayersdorffer, Joe Venuti, and the Original Memphis Five ~ Bauduc passed away in 1988
June 18, 1905 ~ James Kern Kyser, commonly known as big band, swing, jazz bandleader, singer Kay Kyser, born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity during the 1930 and 1940s as a big band bandleader and radio, TV, film personality including on his own NBC radio show Kay Kyser's Kollege Of Musical Knowledge which ran from 1939 through 1949. Known for songs such as Strip Polka, Three Little Fishies and It's All Up To You. Kyser and his band also featured in several films, usually as themselves, starting with 1949 That's Right You're Wrong. Kyser employed sidemen such as Harry Babbitt, Ish Kabibble, Ginny Simms, and singer Georgia Carroll whom Kyser would marry in 1945 ~ Kyser passed away in 1985