June 20, 2023 ~ Post-punk guitarist, bassist John Waddington passed away ~ Founded short-lived punk band the Boyfriends at age 17, serving as the band's singer, guitarist, and principal songwriter. Rose to fame as a member of the Pop Group, known for the albums Y and For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder. Following the band's initial disbandement joined post-punk outfit Maximum Joy, appearing on the 1982 Station MXJY album. Waddington has also worked with the New Age Steppers, Playgroup, Judy Nylon, Perfume, and Lily Allen ~ Waddington was born in 1960
June 20, 2023 ~ Paolo Zavalloni, commonly known as pop, funk, soul, disco pianist, singer, songwriter Paolo Zavallone, passed away ~ Active since the 1950s. Member of Henghel Gualdi's orchestra. Rose to fame in the 1970s as bandleader in several TV shows and composer and singer of their theme songs. Best known for his 1977 disco hit Amada Mia Amore Mio with El Pasador. Other well known songs include Non-Stop, Kilimangiaro, and Papa Ha La Bua, Has also composed for others, notably Le Notti Lunghi for Adriano Celentano ~ Zavalloni was born in 1932
June 20, 2022 ~ Guitarist Dennis Cahill passed away ~ Formed Midnight Court with fiddler Martin Hayes, merging traditional Irish music with rock & roll. After the band folded in the early-1990s the duo would continue to work together, drawing critical acclaim. Both would also be involved with the Celtic supergroup the Gloaming, best known for their eponymous The Gloaming released in 2014 ~ Cahill was born in 1954
June 20, 2021 ~ Keyboardist, organist, songwriter, producer Ike Stubblefield, full name Isaac Larry Stubblefield, passed away in Conyers, Georgia, USA ~ In-demand studio and touring Hammond B3 organist, starting his career with Motown in the late-1960s. Has worked with the Four Tops, Martha Reeves, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Rare Earth, George Benson, BB King, Ike & Tina Turner, Curtis Mayfield, Al Green, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Bobby Caldwell, Boz Scaggs, Quincy Jones, Phil Spector, and others ~ Stubblefield was born in 1952
June 20, 2020 ~ Rock, dub, funk, folk-rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Aaron Tokona passed away ~ Of Maori descent and influenced by artists such as Billy T James and Prince Tui Teka. Member of acts such as Weta, Cairo Knife Fight, Bongmaster, Fly My Pretties, and the Superjesus ~ Tokona was born in 1975
June 20, 2018 ~ Producer David Bianco passed away ~ Worked with Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Fleetwood Mac, Ozzy Osbourne, Danzig, AC/DC, Cathedral, Primal Scream, Teenage Fanclub, Buffalo Tom, the Posies, the Caulfields, Black Lab, the Damned, Buckcherry, the Dropkick Murphys, Mick Jagger, the Rollins Band, and John Mellencamp ~ Bianco was born ca.1954
June 20, 2009 ~ Jazz trombonist Joel Helleny passed away in Herrin, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Mel Lewis, Roy Eldridge, Benny Goodman, the Memphis Nighthawks, Buck Clayton, Jimmy McGriff, George Wein, Frank Wess, Randy Sandke, Warren Vaché Jr, Kenny Davern, Scott Hamilton, Greg Cohen, Keith Ingham, and Marty Grosz ~ Helleny was born in 1956
June 20, 2008 ~ Folk singer Tom Hunter passed away in Bellingham, Washington, USA ~ Best known for his children's songs, notably tracks such as My Washing Machine Eats Socks, The Shirt Song, and There's A Monster In My Closet. In 2013 the Children's Music Network posthumously awarded Hunter the Magic Penny Award. In addition to his work as a singer Hunter has worked in radio, hosting the God Talk radio show on label San Franciscan KGO Radio station ~ Hunter was born in 1946
June 20, 2006 ~ Funk, R&B, pop guitarist Claydes Smith, full name Claydes Charles Smith, passed away in Maplewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founder, lead guitarist, longtime member of Kool & the Gang, active since the late-1960s and known for hits such as Jungle Boogie, Celebration, Fresh, and Cherish. Stopped touring in 2006 for health reasons ~ Smith was born in 1948
June 20, 1997 ~ Singer Lawrence Payton, full name Lawrence Albert Payton, passed away in Soutfield, Michigan, USA ~ Key member of the Four Tops, credited with most of the band's vocal arrangements. Sang lead on songs such Until You Love Someone and Feel Free. The group stayed together in its original line-up, consisting of Payton, Levi Stubbs, Duke Fakir and Renaldo Benson, for well over three decades from the mid-1960s until Payton's death. Well known songs include Baby I Need Your Lovin', I Can't Help Myself (Sugarpie Honey Bunch), Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever, Reach Out I'll Be There, Bernadette, and Ain't No Woman Like The One I've Got ~ Payton was born in 1938
June 20, 1993 ~ Rock band Aerosmith release their Cryin' single ~ Written by Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Taylor Rhodes, produced by Bruce Fairbarn. Released as the fourth single off their Get A Grip album, the single would do well especially abroad, reaching top 10 across continental Europe. Both in the UK and their native USA, the single reached top 20. Tyler described the song saying “It was country, we just Aerosmith’d it.”
June 20, 1992 ~ Dominic Wynn Woods, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Sage The Gemini, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Released his full-length Remember Me debut album in 2014. Best known for his 2013 single Gas Pedal featuring iamsu. Appears on Flo Rida's 2014 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit GDFR
June 20, 1987 ~ Gospel singer, actress, songwriter Kierra Sheard, full name Kierra Valencia Sheard, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Daughter of gospel singer Karen Clark Sheard. Portrayed the role of her mother in the bio-pic The Clark Sisters (First Ladies Of Gospel). As a singer debuted with the album I Owe You in 2004. Best known for songs such as You Don't Know, Why Me, Praise Him Now and It Keeps Happening
June 20, 1987 ~ In its eleventh week on the charts, Head To Toe by Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Paul Anthony, a member of the Full Force production collective that discovered Lisa Lisa, came up with the idea when his girlfriend told him she “loved him from head to toe”. With some help from his fellow producers it became Head To Toe. The Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam trio had previously scored a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit, the ballad All Cried Out having peaked at No.8, but Head To Toe would become their first charttopper. Some six months later, the follow-up single Lost In Emotion off the same album, would become the trio's second and final No.1 hit
June 20, 1986 ~ Latin pop, pop drummer, guitarist, singer Joy Huerta, full name Tirzah Joy Huerta Uecke, born in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Forms the sibling duo Jesse & Joy with pianist, guitarist Jesse Huerta, known for songs such as Corre, La De La Mala Suerte, Quien Se Queda El Perro, Llorar featuring Mario Domm, Ecos De Amor, No Soy Una De Esas featuring Alejandro Sanz, 3AM featuring Gente De Zona, Te Esperé, Mañana Es Too Late featuring J Balvin, all of which reached the No.1 spot in their native Mexico
June 20, 1985 ~ Indie pop, alternative pop singer Caroline Polachek, full name Caroline Elizabeth Polachek, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founded indie pop outfit Chairlift, known for the sleeper hit Bruises. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with her Arcadia album released in 2014. In-demand collaborator, has worked with Blood Orange, Fischerspooner, Christine & the Queens, Charli XCX, Grimes, and PC Music
June 20, 1983 ~ Pop, rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter, actress Grace Potter, full name Grace Evelyn Potter born in Waitsfield, Vermont, USA ~ Released her Red Shoe Rebel debut album in 2002. Best known for her association with country singer Kenny Chesney, recording several successful duets including You & Tequila and Wild Child. Has also notably collaborated with the Flaming Lips. As a solo artist pehaps best known for her Stealers Wheel-cover Stuck In The Middle With You, used as the theme song for the Netflix series Grace & Frankie
June 20, 1982 ~ Elliot John Gleave, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter Example, born in London, UK ~ First gained attention with his 2010 Won't Go Quietly sophomore album, which included the UK top 10 hit Won't Go Quietly and Kickstarts. Would subsequently reach the higher echelons of the charts with songs such as Changed The Way You Kiss Me, Stay Awake, Say Nothing and One More Day (Stay With Me)
June 20, 1981 ~ Singer, actress Alisan Porter, full name Alisan Leigh Porter, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA ~ Winner of the 10th season of NBC's talent show The Voice, aired in 2016
June 20, 1980 ~ Erik Vincent Stephens, commonly known as producer Apollo Brown, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Member of hip-hop group the Ugly Heroes, teaming up with Red Pill and Verbal Kent. Has collaborated with Guilty Simpson, OC, Ras Jass, Skyzoo, Planet Asia, Ghostface Killah, Big Pooh, and Joell Ortiz
June 20, 1980 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones release Emotional Rescue, lead single off their album of the same name ~ Fans hated Emotional Rescue but it became a hit nevertheless, reaching top 10 in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the UK, and America, where it peaked at No.3 Billboard Hot 100. The song has Mick Jagger singing falsetto, a la the Bee Gees, which gave it a disco vibe. Unlike their previous “disco” hit, 1978's Miss You which has remained a radio staple to this day, Emotional Rescue would have less staying power, largely forgotten once it fell off the charts
June 20, 1979 ~ Guitarist Charlotte Hatherley, full name Charlotte Franklin Hatherley, born in London, UK ~ First gained attention as member of alternative rock band Ash. After leaving the band in 2006 has worked with Bryan Ferry, KT Tunstall, Bat For Lashes, Cold Specks, Rosie Lowe, Birdy, NZCA Lines, and Nakhane
June 20, 1979 ~ Country singer Waylon Jennings records I Ain't Living Long Like This at American Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Although Jennings was not the first to record the song, which had been previously recorded by Gary Stewart, Emmylou Harris, and its songwriter Rodney Crowell, the song may have been most convincingly sung by Jennings. Although the song may not have been written specifically with a potentially fatal drug habit in mind, at the time of its release Jennings seemed to be living out the lyrics, struggling with a cocaine addiction that nearly killed him. In his performance, Jennings seems to have resigned to the inevitable, either he's going to kick the habit, or he's going to die but either way he “ain't living long like this”
June 20, 1977 ~ Guitarist Aaron Dugan born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Roots Tonic, Matisyahu, Trevor Hall, Bootsy Collins, Amy Carrigan, John Zorn, Maya Dunietz, Chris Tunkel, Mark Giuliana, Bill Laswell, Sly & Robbie, Anders Nilson, Jaymay, Mat Maneri, Andrew d'Angelo, Cyro Baptista, Tim Lefebvre, Zeena Parkins, Nir Felder, Jeff Arnal, Mike Pride, Jason Fraticelli, and Tim Keiper
June 20, 1977 ~ Ryan Anthony Massaro, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Amos Lee, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Draws from folk, rock, pop and soul. Has opened for artists such as Norah Jones, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Paul Simon, Merle Haggard, Adele, the Avett Brothers. Released his eponymous Amos Lee debut album in 2005. Best known for his 2011 Mission Bell album
June 20, 1973 ~ Camillo Wong Moreno, commonly known as alternative metal, alternative rock, post-metal, nu metal singer, guitarist, songwriter Chino Moreno, born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Lead singer, primary lyricist for metal outfit the Deftones. Described by some as “the Radiohead of Metal” the band has recorded since the mid-1990s and is especially acclaimed for their 2000 White Pony album. Moreno has also worked with the side projects Team Sleep, Crosses, and Palms
June 20, 1971 ~ Jeordie Osbourne White, commonly known as alternative metal, industrial metal bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer Twiggy Ramirez, born ~ Influenced by the likes of Mötley Crüe. Best known for his association with Marilyn Manson, initially in the side project Mrs Scabtree and as a full member with Manson's band from 1993 through 2002. Present on some of the band's best known including the acclaimed 1996 Antichrist Superstar. White has also worked with A Perfect Circle, toured with Nine Inch Nails, fronts his own Goon Moon, and rejoined Manson in later years, both on tour and on record
June 20, 1970 ~ Musical composer, lyricist, playwright Jason Robert Brown born in Ossining, New York, USA ~ Best known for writing the musicals Parade and The Bridges Of Madison County, both of which earned him a Tony Award. Has also written or co-written musicals such as Urban Cowboy, 13, Honeymoon In Vegas, and Mr Saturday Night
June 20, 1968 ~ Pop rock sibling outfit the Bee Gees record I Started A Joke at IBC Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb. Produced by Robert Stigwood and the band. Released as a single, b/w Kilburn Towers in most countries. It would be the last single featuring guitarist Vince Melouney who left the band shortly after its release in December 1968. The song would be covered a number of times, notably by Faith No More in 1998, and parodied in films and sketches
June 20, 1968 ~ Eric Dwayne Collins, commonly known as rapper, songwriter, producer RBX, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Guested on the seminal golden age rap albums The Chronic by Dr Dre and Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg before leaving Death Row Records over what he perceived as dubious business practices, a subject covered on his AWOL solo single. Has since recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with The RBX Files released in 1995
June 20, 1967 ~ Bluegrass singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter Dan Tyminski, full name Daniel John Tyminski, born in Rutland, Vermont, USA ~ Member of Union Station, best known as backing unit for bluegrass, country, gospel fiddler, singer Alison Krauss. Tyminski has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the Green Mountain Bluegrass album released in 1985, and guested on DJ Avicii's Hey Brother 2013 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 single
June 20, 1965 ~ Ira Lonnie Loudermilk, commonly known as singer, mandolinist Ira Louvin, passed away in Williamsburg, Missouri, USA ~ Half of noted country duo the Louvin Brothers, the other half being Charlie Louvin. Influential on Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, and the Byrds. Known for songs such as When I Stop Dreaming, I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby, Cash On The Barrelhead, and My Baby's Gone ~ Loudermilk was born in 1924
June 20, 1963 ~ Composer Jeff Beal born in Hayward, California, USA ~ Has written over 30 concert works, orchestral, choral and dance compositions, some of which he has conducted with a variety of orchestras including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Also well known as a film composer with over two dozen scores to his name, noted for the 2001 Pollock soundtrack
June 20, 1963 ~ R&B girl group Martha & the Vandellas record Heat Wave at Hitsville USA, Detroit, Michigan ~ Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland Jr, with Brian and Lamont also serving as producers. Released as a single the next month, paired with A Love Like Yours (Don't Come Knocking Everyday) on the flip side, it would reach the No.1 spot on the Billboard R&B charts
June 20, 1960 ~ New wave, new romantic, pop rock bassist John Taylor born in Solihull, UK ~ Co-founding member of Duran Duran, remaining with the band from 1978 through 1997. The band is known for a string of 1980s hits including Hungry Like The Wolf, Save A Prayer, Is There Something I Should Know, The Reflex, The Wild Boys, A View To A Kill, and Notorious. Taylor has also worked with supergroups Power Station and the Neurotic Outsiders, and recorded half a dozen albums as a solo artist starting with Feelings Are Good And Other Lies released in 1997
June 20, 1958 ~ Bernadette Jean Johnson, commonly known as guitarist Kelly Johnson, born in Edmonton, UK ~ Rose to fame as lead guitarist of all-female heavy metal outfit Girlschool from 1978 through 1984 and again from 1993 through 2000, present on hits such as Race With The Devil, Hit And Run and C'mon Let's Go ~ Johnson passed away in 2007
June 20, 1958 ~ Oscar Rabinowitz, commonly known as dance band, jazz saxophonist, violinist Oscar Rabin, passed away in London, UK ~ Eponym of the popular dance band the Oscar Rabin Band, which actually was led by Harry Davis as Rabin preferred to play the bass saxophone. Key sidemen in the ensemble included Ken Mackintosh, Eric Jupp, Kenny Clare, Jimmy Deuchar, and others ~ Rabinowitz was born in 1899
June 20, 1956 ~ Drummer, producer Anton Fier born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ In-demand collaborator in experimental rock, jazz and alternative rock. Member of the Lounge Lizards, the Feelies, the Lodge, and briefly Richard Hell & the Voidoids. Co-founded critically acclaimed eclectic outfit the Golden Palominos known for their impressive revolving line-ups. Has also notably worked with Pere Ubu, Bill Laswell, Bob Mould, Jack Bruce, Kenji Suzuki, Ex-Blank-Ex, the Styrenes, and John Zorn ~ Fier passed away in 2022
June 20, 1954 ~ Hard rock, rock bassist Michael Anthony born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as bassist for Van Halen from 1974 through 2006 replaced by Wolfgang Van Halen, with whom he recorded close to a dozen albums. The band is best known for a string of 1980s hits, including Jump, Panama, Why Can't This Be Love, and When It's Love. Anthony has also worked with Sammy Hagar, short-lived supergroup Planet Us, and Chickenfoot
June 20, 1952 ~ Rock, pop keyboardist, producer Rob van Donselaar born in Hilversum, the Netherlands ~ Worked with the Bintangs, the Oscar Benton Blues Band, Vitesse, the Wild Onions, the Prodigal Sons, Rowwen Hèze, Doe Maar, the Analogues, Danny Vera, Hallo Venray, Clouseau, Kadanz, Marcel de Groot, Henny Vrienten, Abel, Paul de Leeuw, Guus Meeuwis, Trijntje Oosterhuis, and others
June 20, 1949 ~ Keyboardist, singer Bob Andrews, full name Robert Charles Andrews, born in Leeds, UK ~ Member of early pub rock outfit Brinsley Schwarz. Following the band's disbandement in 1975 joined Graham Parker's backing unit the Rumour. Co-produced Carlene Carter's eponymous 1978 Carlene Carter debut album with former bandmate Brinsley Schwarz. Produced Jona Lewie's Stop The Cavalry UK top 10 single
June 20, 1949 ~ Singer, songwriter Lionel Richie, full name Lionel Brockman Richie Jr, born in Tuskegee, Alabama, USA ~ Rose to fame as key member of funk, R&B band the Commodores to venture out on his own becoming one of the 1980s most successful R&B balladeers. Known for songs such as Endless Love with Diana Ross, Truly, All Night Long (All Night), Hello, Say You Say Me, Dancing On The Ceiling and Ballerina Girl
June 20, 1948 ~ Singer, bassist, keyboardist Alan Longmuir born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member the Bay City Rollers. His younger brother drummer Derek Longmuir also played with the band. Longmuir would leave the band in 1976 but return in 1978 following the departure of Pat McGlynn ~ Longmuir passed away in 2018
June 20, 1946 ~ Classical pianist André Watts born in Nuremburg, Germany ~ Recorded a wide variety of repertoire, concentrating on Romantic composers such as Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt, yet also included George Gershwin. Has worked with renowned orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra ~ Watts passed away in 2023
June 20, 1945 ~ Pop, country pop, soft rock singer. guitarist, songwriter Anne Murray, full name Morna Anne Murray, born in Spring Hill, Novia Scotia, Canada ~ Married to producer Bill Langstroth since 1975, with whom she has two children. Their daughter Dawn Langstroth is also a singer. Recorded well over 2 dozen albums starting with What About Me in 1968. First female Canadian singer to top the Billboard Hot 100, achieving this feat with her You Needed Me single in 1978. Other well known songs include Danny's Song, You Won't See Me, I Just Fall In Love Again and Shadows In The Moonlight
June 20, 1942 ~ Singer, songwriter Brian Wilson, full name Brian Douglas Wilson, born in Hawthorne, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Beach Boys. Widely considered one of the greatest American pop composers of the 20th century, especially acclaimed for the masterpiece Pet Sounds album
June 20, 1940 ~ Producer Bob Porter born in Wellesleys, Massachusetts, USA ~ Studio wizzard responsible for remastering and reissuing hundreds of classic jazz, blues, and R&B recordings by the likes of Duke Ellington, Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Ray Charles, and Richard Groove Holmes. Porter has also worked as a radio host and editor for magazines such as Down Beat and Cashbox ~ Porter passed away in 2021
June 20, 1940 ~ Organist, composer Jehan Alain, full name Jehan Aristide Alain, passed away in Saumur, France ~ Son of Albert Alain, brother of Olivier Alain and Marie-Claire Alain, all renowned organists. Influenced by Claude Debussy. Composed until the outbreak of World War II, serving as a dispatch rider in the French Army where he was killed in action in the Battle of Saumur ~ Alain was born in 1911
June 20, 1939 ~ Alvin Lee Johnson, commonly known as singer, pianist Al Johnson, born ~ Not to be confused with Al Johnson, lead singer of Unifics. Johnson credits James Sugarboy Crawford, Fats Domino and Smiley Lewis as influences and recorded his first songs, Ole Time Talking and I've Done Wrong, in 1956. Johnson is best known for his 1960 release of Piano Carnival Time, produced by Joe Ruffino, which would become one of the most played and requested classics of the New Orleans Mardi Gras
June 20, 1939 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, banjoist Bob Neuwirth born ~ Underground cult hero. Influential on close friend and associate of Bob Dylan, with whom he also played including in the 1967 tour documentary Don't Look Back. Assembled Dylan's backing band for the 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue tour. Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Mercedes Benz with Michael McClure and Janis Joplin, the latter first recording the song as the B-side to Cry Baby released in 1971. Recorded five albums through the late-1990s, starting with his eponymous Bob Neuwirth debut in 1974. Collaborated with John Cale on the 1994 collaborative Last Day On Earth album. Songs written or co-written by Neuwirth have been recorded by Kristofferson, Peter Case, T-Bone Burnett, Robert Earl Keen, and Todd Snider ~ Neuwirth passed away in 2022
June 20, 1938 ~ Jazz, pop, rock guitarist Dennis Budimir, full name Dennis Matthew Budimir, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Active since his mid-teens, initially focused on jazz working with artists such as Don Cherry, Ken Hanna, Harry James, Chico Hamilton, Bud Shank, and Peggy Lee through the early-1960s. After a stint in the military toured with Bobby Troup before settling in Los Angeles to become an in-demand session musician. Appeared frequently on albums by the 5th Dimension, Harry Nilsson, Quincy Jones, the Partridge Family, and Sérgio Mendes. Other notable collaborations include Bobby Darin, Milt Jackson, Gene Ammons, Glen Campbell, Neil Diamond, Cass Elliott, Randy Newman (Good Old Boys), Cher, Barbra Streisand, Judy Collins, Rodney Franklin, Melissa Manchester, Barry Manilow, Ringo Starr, Lou Rawls, Bette Midler, Amy Grant, and Lee Ann Womack. Has also recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader or solo artist, starting with The Creeper released in 1965 ~ Budimir passed away in 2023
June 20, 1938 ~ Michael Peter Hayes, commonly known as producer, label executive Mickie Most, born in Aldershot, UK ~ Produced singles such as the Animals' debut single Baby Let Me Take You Home, Brenda Lee's Is It True and What'd I Say, Donovan's Sunshine Superman and Mellow Yellow, Lulu's To Sir With Love, the Seekers' The Days Of My Life an Nancy Sinatra's The Highway Song. Worked with Jeff Beck on the albums Truth and Beck-ola. Continued into the 1970s producing acts such as Alexis Korner's CCS, Smokie, Hot Chocolate, Julie Felix, Suzi Quatro (Can The Can, Devil Gate Drive), Mud (Tiger Feet), and others. Discovered Kim Wilde singing background vocals for her father and Most immediateley scored with Kids In America, launching Kim's career. Most's son Calvin Hayes is a member of pop group Johnny Hates Jazz, also signed to Most's RAK Records. Other acts that Most worked with throughtout the years include Terry Reid, the She Trinity, New World, Duncan Browne, Cozy Powell, Tam White, and Chris Spedding ~ Hayes passed away in 2003
June 20, 1937 ~ Easy listening, traditional pop singer, songwriter Jerry Keller born in Fort Smith, Kansas, USA ~ Member of the Tulsa Boy Singers. As a solo artist best known for the self-penned Here Comes Summer, which reached top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1959. Co-penned Almost There recorded by Andy Williams, How Does It Go recorded by Ricky Nelson, and Turn Down Day recorded by Cyrkle
June 20, 1937 ~ Blues singer, guitarist Robert Johnson records Hellhound On My Trail in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Regarded by many as one of Johnson's greatest performances, arguably his greatest. Thematically inspired on a number of earlier blues recordings. Often mentioned are Johnny Temple's Evil Devil Blues, Kansas Joe McCoy's Evil Devil Woman Blues and Skip James' Devil Got My Woman. Johnson recorded Hellhound on the second and last day of his final recording session. Recorded on the same day: Love In Vain and Stop Breaking Down
June 20, 1934 ~ Composer Alain Bancquart born in Dieppe, France ~ Musical director for ORTF and subsequently the Orchestre National de France, having previously served as violinist in the latter. As a composer has written symphonies, concertos, operas, and chamber music ~ Bancquart passed away in 2022
June 20, 1934 ~ Anne-Marie Beugras, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Anne Sylvestre, born in Lyon, France ~ Active since the 1950s starting in cabarets. Discovered by Michel Valette. Had her Porteuse D'Eau covered by Jean-Claude Pascal, retitled to La Terre. Recorded for a wide range of audiences, and touched on a wide variety of subjects, ranging from children's music to love songs and socially conscious material. Has collaborated with Isabelle Aubret, Pauline Julien, and Michele Bernard ~ Beugras passed away in 2020
June 20, 1934 ~ Louis Thomas Watts, commonly known as blues, R&B, rock & roll singer Kid Thomas, born in Sturgis, USA ~ Best known for his 1959 George Motola-produced recording Rocking This Joint To-nite. Would continue to record into the mid-1960s but would be unable to replicate its success. Also worked with Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Bo Diddley, and Hound Dog Taylor ~ Watts passed away in 1970
June 20, 1933 ~ Songwriter Ben Peters, full name Ben James Peters, born in Greenville, Mississippi, USA ~ As a recording artist known for his sole charting single San Francisco Is A Lonely Town. Revered as a songwriter, writing or co-writing numerous hits for a host of artists, mostly in the country idiom, including Eddy Arnold, Lynn Anderson, Duane Dee and Freddy Fender (both recorded Before The Next Teardrop Falls), Johnny Rodriguez, Kenny Rogers (Daytime Friends), Charlie Rich, John Conlee, the Bellamy Brothers, Roy Drusky, Brenda Lee, Jerry Lee Lewis (Before), Boris Gardiner (I Wanna Wake Up With You), Val Doonican, David Frizzell, Charley Pride (Kiss An Angel Good Morning), and others ~ Peters passed away in 2005
June 20, 1933 ~ Leslie Johnson, commonly known as singer and blues harpist Lazy Lester, born in Torras, California, USA ~ Known for songs such as I'm A Lover Not A Fighter, I Hear You Knocking and Sugar Coated Love. Worked with Slim Harpo, Lightning Slim, Katie Webster, Mike Buck, Sue Foley, Gene Taylor, Kenny Neal, Lucky Peterson, Jimmie Vaughn. Had his songs covered by the Kinks, the Flamin' Groovies, Freddy Fender, Dwight Yoakam, Dave Edmunds, Raful Neal, Anson Funderburgh, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds ~ Johnson passed away in 2018
June 20, 1932 ~ Composer Mzilikazi Khumalo, full name James Steve Mzilikazi Khumalo, born in Natal, South Africa ~ Known for compositions such as Ma Ngificwa Ukufa premiered in 1959, the cantate Ushaka Kasengzangakohna, and the opera Princess Magogo Kadinuzulu, the latter would be the first opera in the Zulu language ~ Khumalo passed away in 2021
June 20, 1931 ~ Composer Arne Nordheim born ~ Composed for stage, orchestral works, chamber music, choral works, and for film and TV. Well-known composition include String Quartet, the song ccylce Aftonland (Evening Land), Canzona Per Orchestra, and perhaps his best known Epitaffio Per Orchestra E Nastro Magnetico published in 1963. Nordheim's popularity grew immensely after Frank Zappa visited Denmark in 1973 and told journalists he wanted to meet Nordheim. The two would later develop a longtime friendship ~ Nordheim passed away in 2010
June 20, 1929 ~ Classical pianist Ingrid Haebler born in Vienna, Austria ~ Made her first public performance at age 11. One of several Austrian musicians to experiment with period instruments, notably recording Johann Christian Bach's keyboard concertos on a fortepiano. Also well known for her recordings of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven ~ Haebler passed away in 2023
June 20, 1928 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Eric Dolphy, full name Eric Allan Dolphy Jr, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Pushed bop to its outer limits. Helped establish the bass clarinet as a viable jazz instrument. Extended the boundaries of the alto saxophone. During his lifetime released about half a dozen albums as a leader, with a multitude of recordings released posthumously. Especially acclaimed for the albums Looking Ahead and Out There, both released in 1960. Closely associated with Charles Mingus, John Coltrane and Booker Little. Also present on albums by Teddy Charles, Ernie Andrews, Chico Hamilton (Gong's East), Oliver Nelson (Screamin' The Blues), John Lewis, Eddie Lockjaw Davis (Trane Whistle), George Russell, Booker Little (Out Front), Max Roach, Ted Curson, Pony Poindexter (Pony's Express), Freddie Hubbard, and Andrew Hill (Point Of Departure. Dolphy passed away at age 36, most likely due to undiagnosed diabetes ~ Dolphy passed away in 1964
June 20, 1924 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Chet Atkins, full name Chester Burton Atkins, born in Luttrell, Tennessee, USA ~ Important behind the scenes country musician. Along with Owen Bradley and Bob Ferguson helped develop the Nashville sound. Highly admired as a guitarist. Influenced by Merle Travis, Django Reinhardt, George Barnes, Les Paul, Jerry Reed. Has collaborated with numerous artists, notably as a producer for Perry Como, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Don Gibson, Jim Reeves, Waylon Jennings ~ Atkins passed away in 2001
June 20, 1913 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Al Gallodoro, full name Alfred J Gallodoro, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Praised as “the best sax player who ever lived” by bandleader Jimmy Dorsey. Best known for his longtime associations with Paul Whiteman and the NBC Symphony Orchestra led by Arturo Toscanini ~ Gallodoro passed away in 2008
June 20, 1907 ~ Paul Wesley Evans, commonly known as jazz, classical cornetist Doc Evans, born in Spring Valley, Minnesota, USA ~ Worked with the Carleton Collegians in college. Traded in his saxophone for cornet in the late-1920s. Performed and recorded as a leader, notably for Disc Records and Joco Records throught the 1950s. Founded the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra in the mid-1970s, which he conducted until his death a few years later ~ Evans passed away in 1977
June 20, 1907 ~ James Corbitt Morris, commonly known as folk singer, guitarist, banjoist, fiddler, songwriter Jimmie Driftwood born in Mountain View, Kansas, USA ~ Best known for penning and first recording The Battle Of New Orleans, based on the traditional Eighth Of January, and Tennessee Stud, both songs becoming country, folk standards covered by numerous artists. Driftwood reportedly adapted or wrote over an estimated 6,000 songs, hundreds of which have been recorded by the likes of Eddy Arnold, Odetta (He Had A Long Chain On), Porter Wagoner, Patrick Sky, Doc Watson, Malcolm Price (Get Along Yearlings), Country Joe McDonald, Sherwin Linton, Chris LeDoux, and Johnny Cash. Morris was also known as an environmental advocate, notably playing a major role in the preservation of the Blanchard Springs Caverns in the Ozark-St Francis National Forest in northern Arkansas ~ Morris passed away in 1998
June 20, 1907 ~ Jazz trumpeter Lammar Wright Sr born in Texarkana, Texas, USA ~ First gained attention playing with Bennie Moten's band in the 1920s, prior to relocating to New York by 1927 to join the Missourians, staying with the group after Cab Calloway became its leader, serving as lead trumpeter through the early-1940s. Wright has subsequently also worked with Don Redman, Claude Hopkins, Cootie Williams, Lucky Millinder, Sy Oliver, and Louis Armstrong, in addition to from time to time leading his own ensembles. Wright's sons Lammar Wright Jr and Elmon Wright would both follow in their father's footsteps, and become professional trumpeters ~ Wright passed away in 1973
June 20, 1899 ~ Opera, concert singer Helen Traubel, full name Helen Francesca Trubel, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Dramatic soprano best known for her roles in operas composed by Richard Wagner, notably as Brunnhilde in Die Walküre and as Isolde in Tristan Und Isolde. Closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera, singing with the orchestra from 1937 to 1953. Enjoyed a paralell career singing in nightclubs, musical theatre, TV and film ~ Traubel passed away in 1972