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, 2021 ~ Yves Martin, commonly known as singer Lionel Leroy, passed away ~ Best known for singing themes for TV series from the late 1970s through the early 1980s, notably Wonder Woman and Starsky & Hutch. Married to singer Annie Chancelll of Sheila & B Devotion from 2006 to 2016 ~ Martin was born in 1956
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, 2017 ~ Albert Johnson, commonly known as rapper, producer Prodigy, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Half of Mobb Deep, the other half being Havoc. Grandson of noted bebop saxophonist Budd Johnson. Son of doo-wop group Chanters singer BUdd Johnson Jr and vocal group the Crystals singer Fatima Frances Collins ~ Johnson was born in 1974
June 20, 2016 ~ Manager, producer Bill Ham passed away in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Best known as ZZ Top's producer and manager ~ Ham was born in 1937
June 20, 2015 ~ Jazz double bassist Bob Whitlock passed away in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Worked with Gerry Mulligan, Art Pepper, Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Buddy DeFranco, Joe Albany, Jack Sheldon, Warne Marsh, Zoot Sims, Vi Redd, Curtis Amy, Victor Feldman, Joe Pass, George Shearing, and others ~ Whitlock was born in 1931
June 20, 2014 ~ Bolero singer María Luisa Landín passed away ~ Dubbed “the Queen of the Bolero” with over 150 songs to her name recorded from 1939 through 1967. Best known for her rendition of the Pedro Flores-penned Amor Perdido, which became her signature song ~ Landín was born in 1921
June 20, 2013 ~ Addarren Ross, commonly known as Lil' Snupe, passed away in Winnfield, Louisiana, USA ~ Murdered at age eighteen ~ Ross was born in 1995
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 Vache Jr, Kenny Davern, Scott Hamilton, Greg Cohen, Keith Ingham, Marty Grosz, and others ~ 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, long-time 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, Abdul 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, Ain't No Woman Like The One I've Got, and others ~ Payton was born in 1938
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, 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, 1983 ~ R&B singer Walter Jackson passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Known for a number of soul ballads from the 1960s through the 1980s. Well known recordings include It's All Over, It's An Uphill Climb To The Bottom and a 1976 cover of the Morris Albert-tune Feelings ~ Jackson was born in 1938
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, 1981 ~ George Erwin, commonly known as jazz trumpeter Pee Wee Erwin, passed away in Teaneck, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with Joe Haymes, Isham Jones, Benny Goodman, and Ray Noble. ~ Erwin was born in 1913
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, Joell Ortiz and others
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, Nakhane, and others
June 20, 1979 ~ Charles Elliott Wicks, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Chuck Wicks, singer and songwriter, born in Smyrna, Delaware, USA ~ First gained attention as contestant on the Fox reality TV show Nashville in 2007. Released his Stealing Cinderella debut single the same year. A full-length Starting Now, followed in 2008
June 20, 1978 ~ Gaelic folk singer, flutist, oboe player, accordionist, pipe player Julie Fowlis born in North Ulst, UK ~ Worked with Dual, Allt, Brolum, Dochàs, Rachel Walker, Danu, Diona Mackenzie, John McCusker, Runrig, Kathleen Boyle, and others
June 20, 1977 ~ Guitarist Aaron Dugan born in 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, Tim Keiper, and others
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, 1975 ~ Carlos Crespo Planas, commonly known as reggaeton singer Nejo, born in Puerto Rico ~ Half of Nejo & Dálmata, the other half being Dálmata
June 20, 1973 ~ Singer Bruce Tate passed away ~ Original member of doo-wop outfit the Penguins, best known for Earth Angel, a hit in 1954 ~ Tate was born in 1937
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 ~ Rock, hard rock, glam metal bassist, guitarist Barry Sparks born in Lucasville, Ohio, USA ~ In-demand session and touring bassist. Has worked with Riot On Mars, Ted Nugent, the Scorpions, Dokken, Tony Macalpine, Uli Jon Roth, Vinnie Moore, Roland Grapow, John West, Cosmosquad, the Michael Schenker Group, Yngwie Malmsteen, and others
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, 1967 ~ Eduardo Ardanuy, commonly known as hard rock, heavy metal, progressive rock guitarist Edu Ardanuy, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Worked with Dr Sin, Blezqi Zatzas, the Key, Anjos Da Noite, Almah, Supla, Eduardo Araújo, Steve Vai, and others
June 20, 1967 ~ Bassist Murphy Karges born in Newport Beach, California, USA ~ Member of Sugar Ray from 1986 through 2012, present on the band's best-known including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Every Morning and Someday
June 20, 1967 ~ Classical violinist Pamela Frank born in New York, New York, USA ~ Daughter of Claude Frank and Lilian Kallir, both pianists. Has worked with the New York String Orchestra, Peter Serkin, Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, and others
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 flipside, it would reach the No.1 spot on the Billboard R&B charts
June 20, 1960 ~ Jazz, classical pianist, singer, composer Jeremy Monteiro born in Singapore ~ Dubbed “Singapore's King of Swing” by local press
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, Lodge, and briefly Richard Hell & the Voidoids. Co-founded critically acclaimed 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, John Zorn, and others ~ 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, 1953 ~ Eduardo Neves Borges, commonly known as sertanejo singer, guitarist, songwriter Parrerito, born in Sao Fidelis, Brazil ~ Brother of singer Barrerito. Member of Trio Parada Dura ~ Borges passed away in 2020
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, 1951 ~ Saxophonist, keyboardist, film composer Peter Gordon, full nme Peter Laurence Gordon, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Over a dozen albums to his name. In-demand collaborator appearing on records by Laurie Anderson, Suzanne Vega, David Johanson, Elliott Murphy, the Flying Lizards, David van Tieghem, 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 bron 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, 1947 ~ Singer, actress Dolores Lala Brooks born ~ Best known as member of the Crystals, appearing on hits such as Then He Kissed Me and Da-doo-ron-ron. Married to renowned session drummer Idris Muhammad. Brooks also worked with the Neville Brothers, Bobby Womack, Isaac Hayes, and others
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 DownBeat 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, songwriter 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, Todd Snider, and others ~ 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, 1936 ~ Frank Phillips Jr, commonly known as singer Billy Guy, born in Itasca, Texas, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of the Coasters from 1955 onwards. Previously half of comedy singing duo Bip & Bop ~ Phillips passed away in 2002
June 20, 1935 ~ Frances Sokolov, commonly known as singer, guitarist Vi Subversa born in London, UK ~ Lead singer, rhythm guitarist of anarcho-punk outfit the Poison Girls ~ Sokolov passed away in 2016
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. Has her Porteuse D'Eau covered by Jean-Claude Pascal as La Terre. Has collaborated with Isabelle Aubret, Pauline Julien, Michele Bernard. Recorded for a wide range of audiences, touched on a wide variety of subjects, ranging from children's music to love songs and socially conscious material ~ 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 numerous 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, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and others ~ 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 ~ Reportedly wrote over an estimated 6,000 songs. Best known for The Battle Of New Orleans and Tennessee Stud. His songs have been recorded by numerous artists including Eddy Arnold, Johnny Cash, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Homer & Jethro, Don Reno, and others ~ Morris passed away in 1998
June 20, 1907 ~ Jazz trumpeter Lammar Wright Sr born in Texarkana, Texas, USA ~ Worked with Bennie Moten, the Missourians, Cab Calloway, Don Redman, Claude Hopkins, Cootie Williams, Lucky Millinder, Sy Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Arnett Cobb, Count Basie, the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, George Shearing, and others ~ 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
June 20, 1878 ~ Dancer, singer Will Mastin born in Madison, Alabama, USA ~ Best known as member of the Will Mastin Trio, which also included Sammy Davis Sr and Sammy Davis Jr ~ Mastin passed away in 1979
June 20, 1823 ~ Songwriter George Cameron passed away ~ Best known for penning The Pitman's Revenge, which has since become a traditional Geordie folk song ~ Cameron was born ca.1768
June 20, 1819 ~ Cellist, composer, impresario Jacques Offenbach born in Cologne, Germany ~ Romantic era composer with close to a 100 operettas to his name. Influenced later composers, in particular Johann Straus II and Arthur Sullivan ~ Offenbach passed away in 1880