June 23, 2023 ~ Bluegrass, country, gospel mandolinist, fiddler, guitarist, singer Jesse McReynolds, full name Jesse Lester McReynolds, passed away in Gallatin, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for his innovative technique on the mandolin. Formed the duo Jim & Jesse with his brother Jim McReynolds, recording and performing from the 1950s until Jim's death in 2002. Guested on the Doors' 1969 Soft Parade album. Has also recorded with Bill Monroe and with bluegrass supergroup the Masters ~ McReynolds was born in 1929
June 23, 2023 ~ Pop, classical, easy listening producer, songwriter Paul De Senneville passed away ~ Frequent songwriting collaborator of Olivier De Toussaint. Songs written by the pair have been recorded by artists such as Mireille Mathieu, Michèle Torr, Christophe, Hervé Vilard, Dalida, Petula Clark, Claude François and others, selling over an estimated 100 million records. De Senneville can't read or write music notes, and writes songs by singing into a small taperecorder and having songwriting partners work out the arrangements and orchestration ~ De Senneville was born in 1933
June 23, 2022 ~ New jack swing, R&B, gospel bassist, pianist, songwriter, producer Bernard Belle passed away ~ Considered a pioneer of new jack swing. Regular collaborator of Teddy Riley. Best known for his work as a songwriter for the likes of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. Well known songs written or co-written by Belle include Guy's Let's Chill Long Gone, Hi-Five's I Like The Way (The Kissing Game), Jackson's Remember The Time, and Bobby Brown's Two Can Play That Game. Starting in the mid-1990s Belle would dedicate his life to Christ and become one of the most sought after producers, collaborators in the Gospel genre, working with acts such as Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin and the Winans ~ Belle was born in 1964
June 23, 2022 ~ Thomas Morgan Edwards, commonly known as harmonica player Tommy Morgan, passed away ~ One of the most recorded harmonicists, especially active for film and TV playing on an estimated 500 soundtracks including Alfred Newman's How The West Was Won soundtrack and the main themes for the TV series The Rockford Files and Sanford And Son. In-demand session musician, appearing on albums by the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), Elvis Presley (Elvis '68 Comeback Special), Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, the Bee Gees, Quincy Jones (Body Heat), the Carpenters, Carly Simon, Neil Diamond (Beautiful Noise), Olivia Newton-John, Melissa Manchester, Frank Zappa, Peter Cetera, Linda Ronstadt, and the Bangles. Morgan retired from music in 2013, following a stroke ~ Edwards was born in 1932
June 23, 2021 ~ Singer, guitarist, slide guitarist, pianist, songwriter Ellen McIlwaine passed away in Calgary, Canada ~ Founded the late-1960s psychedelic blues-rock band Fear Itself, known for their sole eponymous Fear Itself album released in 1969. Debuted as a solo artist with the 1972 Honky Tonk Angel album and has recorded to a devoted fanbase since. Known for songs such as I Don't Want To Play, The Secret In This Lady's Heart and a slide guitar cover of Stevie Wonder's Higher Ground ~ McIlwaine was born in 1945
June 23, 2020 ~ Singer Xabiiba Cabdilaahi passed away in Djibouti, Djibouti ~ Active since the early-1980s. Became a dominant figure in the Djiboutian music scene from the 1990s forward, known for using satire, metaphor and historical allusions to convey complex themes in an understandable manner. Best known for songs such as Geesi, Farsamo, and Bashahaygow ~ Cabdilaahi was born in 1961
June 23, 2019 ~ Bandleader, songwriter, producer Dave Bartholomew passed away in Metaine, Louisiana, USA ~ Iconic New Orleans R&B all-hatter. Originally a trumpeter. Best known for his long and productive association with Fats Domino. Other artists who have collaborated with Bartholomew or recorded his songs include Papa Celestin, Jimmie Lunceford, Cosimo Matassa, Alvin Tyler, Herbert Hardesty, Clarence Hall, Frank Fields, Ernest McLean, Salvador Doucette, Earl Palmer, Lee Allen, Jewel King, Lloyd Price, Smiley Lewis, the Spiders, Chris Kenner, Earl King, Robert Parker, T-Bone Walker, Roy Brown, Frankie Ford, Shirley & Lee, Tommy Ridgley, and Faye Adams ~ Bartholomew was born in 1918
June 23, 2018 ~ Avant-prog, art rock, rock bassist, guitarist, banjoist, keyboardist, singer Fred Chalenor passed away ~ Best known as a member of Caveman Shoestore, Tone Dogs, Face Ditch. Frequent collaborator of Wayne Horvitz, including in Pigpen and Zony Mash. Has also worked with Owen Maercks, Jeff Greinke, the Walkabouts, LAND, Curlew, and others ~ Chalenor was born in 1955
June 23, 2016 ~ Banjo player, singer Ralph Stanley passed away in Sandy Ridge, Virginia, USA ~ Member of iconic bluegrass band the Stanley Brothers. Also formed the Clinch Mountain Boys which at times included sidemen such as Curly Ray Cline, Melvin Goin, Larry Sparks, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Charlie Sizemore, Ron Thomason, James Alan Shelton, Sammy Adkins, Ernie Thacker, Jimmy Cameron, Ralph Stanley II, Mitchell van Dyke, Jimmie Vaughn, Alex Hibbits, and others ~ Stanley was born in 1927
June 23, 2015 ~ Matheus Josephus Lau, commonly known as singer, guitarist Thé Lau, passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Became a household name as the Scene frontman in the early-1990s scoring hits such as Blauw and Iedereen Is Van De Wereld. Debuted as an author in 2000 with Sterren Van De Hemel, a collection of short stories, publishing his first novel, Hemelrijk, in 2004 ~ Lau was born in 1952
June 23, 2013 ~ Robert Calvin Brooks, commonly known as singer Bobby Blue Bland, passed away in Germantown, Tennessee, USA ~ Pivotal in soul-blues, mixing gospel with blues and R&B. Especially acclaimed for his 1961 album Two Steps From The Blues. Best known for songs such as Cry Cry Cry, I Pity The Fool, Turn On Your Lovelight, Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City, and I Wouldn't Treat A Dog The Way You Treated Me. Worked with Johnny Ace, Eddie Fisher, Junior Parker, Blues Consolidated, Bill Harvey, Joe Scott, Wayne Bennett, Michael Omartian, Steve Barri, Van Morrison, BB King, and others ~ Bland was born in 1930
June 23, 2013 ~ Willie Littlefield, commonly known as R&B, jump blues, boogie-woogie pianist, singer Little Willie Littlefield, passed away in Voorhuizen, the Netherlands ~ Influenced by Albert Ammons, Charles Brown, Amos Milburn. Served as the bridge between boogie-woogie and rock & roll. Noted for his early-1950s recording especially It's Midnight and Little Willie's Boogie. Worked with Don Wilkerson, Maxwell Davis, Buddy Floyd, Chuck Norris, Johnny Moore, Al Wichard, Jesse Price, Little Lora Wiggins, and others ~ Littlefield was born in 1931
June 23, 2011 ~ Conductor, orchestrator, arranger, composer Fred Steiner, full name Frederick Steiner, passed away in Ajijic, Mexico ~ Perhaps best known as a composer for radio, TV and film. Wrote the themes for the TV series The Rocky And Biullwinkle Show and Perry Mason. Contributed significantly to the original Star Trek series, scoring or conducting the music for 29 of the 79 original episodes. Also contributed to 1979 feature film Star Trek (The Motion Picture) and the 1985 film The Color Purple ~ Steiner was born in 1923
June 23, 2006 ~ Club owner, label executive, producer Clifford Antone passed away in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Fixture on the Austin, Texas, music scene. Mentor to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, Kim Wilson, and Gary Clark Jr. Founder, owner of renowned blues club Antone's, which opened in the mid-1970s, and founder, label executive of the independent Antone's Records & Tapes record label. The club, one of the city first music venues, helped lead to Austin's reputation as a music city. Upon hearing of his death, then-mayor Will Wynn would comment: “One of the primary reasons Austin is known as ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ is because of Antone.” ~ Antone was born in 1949
June 23, 2000 ~ Jazz, hard bop saxophonist Jerome Richardson passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Gifted improviser active since the late-1940s. Has recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader, notably Midnight Oil released in 1958, but is best known as an in-demand studio musician active in jazz and R&B well into the 1990s. Present on albums by Cal Tjader, Oscar Pettiford (Another One), Cozy Cole, Sarah Vaughan (In The Land Of Hi-Fi), Betty Carter, Johnny Hartman, Cannonball Adderley, Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Gene Ammons, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Charles Mingus (Mingus Ah Uhm), Miles Davis (Sketches Of Spain), Etta Jones, Blue Mitchell, John Coltrane, Oliver Nelson, Freddie Hubbard, Wes Montgomery, Nina Simone, Roy Ayers, Steely Dan (Can't Buy A Thrill), the Four Tops, Horace Silver, Neil Diamond, BB King, Earth Wind & Fire, the Crusaders (Street Life), and George Benson ~ Richardson was born in 1920
June 23, 1998 ~ Luiz José da Costa, commonly known as sertanejo singer Leandro, passed away in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Formed the sibling duo Leandro & Leonardo with his brother Leonardo. Coming from a poor background the duo would relentlessly play bars while holding day jobs. After self-releasing their first two albums, the brothers would first gain attention with their 1989 Leandro & Leonardo Vol.3 album. By the early-1990s the brothers would have their own weekly TV show, aired nationally, and sell million of records. The siblings have sold over 17 million records, their 1990 Leandro & Leonardo Vol.3 album marked as the all-time best-selling Brazilian sertanejo album. Following Leandro's death of cancer at age 36, Leonardo continued to record as a solo artist starting with the album Tempo released in 1999 ~ Da Costa was born in 1961
June 23, 1993 ~ Jazz, bebop clarinetist, saxophonist Massimo Urbani passed away ~ Started on clarinet but soon switched to sax, to become a renowned alto saxophonist with about a dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially noted for The Blessing released the year of his death. As a sideman, Urbani has appeared on albums by Mario Schiano (Sud), Monte Mario, Enrico Pieranunzi (Isis), Larry Nocella, Luigi Bonafede, Paolo Pellegatti, Tullio de Piscopo, Mike Melillo, and Enrico Rava. Urbani passed away at age 36 of a heroin overdose ~ Urbani was born in 1957
June 23, 1992 ~ Pop rock singer, bassist Sting releases It's Probably Me featuring Eric Clapton, recorded for the Lethal Weapon 3 film ~ Eric Clapton and Michael Kamen had already worked out most of the instrumental part for this song, intended to be used for the soundtrack to Lethal Weapon 3, when Sting was brought in to complete the song. Although he was not a fan of action-comedy films, he was intrigued by the film producers' demand for a not too sappy buddy song. Sting would later comment he came up with the phrase “it's probably me” first and worked his way backward from the title to create a song where two men can express their love for each other while retaining their macho credentials through the veiled reticence of the title phrase. The single, as recorded for the soundtrack, would do reasonably well across Europe, where it charted inside the top 30 in several countries. Sting re-recorded the song for his Ten Summoner's Tales album released the following year
June 23, 1991 ~ Singer, songwriter Steven Grossman passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Influenced by Joni Mitchell and Cat Stevens. Known for his sole Caravan Tonight album released in 1974. The album was hailed by Rolling Stone as “one of the most auspicious singer-songwriter debuts of the 1970s” and is distinguished for being one of the first albums to openly deal with gay themes and subject matter. Grossman recorded a second album, Something In The Moonlight, shortly before his death at age 39 of an AIDS-related illness. Grossman's sophomore effort would be released posthumously in 2011 ~ Grossman was born in 1951
June 23, 1990 ~ In its ninth week on the charts, Children Of The Night by Richard Marx peaks at No.13 Billboard Hot 100 ~ After watching a 60 Minutes report on the Children Of The Night Foundation, a non-profit organisation to help victims of sex trafficking, Marx reached out to offer his help. Marx wrote the song based upon conversations with several children helped by the foundation. All proceeds of the song were donated, helping to establish a shelter in Van Nuys, California. The organization's co-founder Dr Lois Lee would later comment: “Thousands of children have Richard Marx imbedded in their hearts and their memories because of his generous gift that helped build the Children Of The Night home. Many of the children still talk about Richard and their experience in the studio singing with him on Children Of The Night. Just the mention of Richard Marx brings tears of sentiment to our eyes”
June 23, 1988 ~ Producer, songwriter Anders Nilsen born in Stavanger ~ Best known for Salsa Tequila, a dance hit that charted in the Netherlands, Belgium and topped the charts in Nilsen's native Norway in 2013
June 23, 1987 ~ Country, alternative country, indie folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Caitlin Rose, full name Caitlin Elisabeth Rose, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Daughter of country songwriter Liz Rose. Critic's darling, drawing comparisons to Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, and Iris DeMent. Lead singer of Save Macaulay. Released her My Own Side Now solo debut album in 2010. Has guested on albums by Justin Townes Earle, Laura Cantrell, Luke Bell, Cale Tyson, the Old 97's (Graveyard Whistling), Margo Price, and Spencer Collum
June 23, 1986 ~ Jarrod Clarence Heston, commonly known as rapper Mayne Mannish, born in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Member of West Coast hip-hoppers the Team, known for the 2005 singles Just Go and Bottles Up. Enjoyed more chart succes as a solo artist with songs such as Slow Down, Right Back, Burn Rubber and Foy. Has collaborated with E-40, Eric Bellinger, and with Omega Crosby
June 23, 1984 ~ Jazz singer Aida Ward passed away ~ Popular 1920s, 1930s singer known for her performances on Broadway and in the Cotton Club. Worked with Adelaide Hall, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway. First to introduce the often covered Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea and I've Got The World On A String ~ Ward was born in 1900
June 23, 1984 ~ Aimee Anne Duffy, mononymously known as pop singer, songwriter Duffy, born in Bangor, UK ~ Rose to international fame on the strength of her 2008 Rockferry, merging soul, blue-eyed soul, pop rock and neo-soul. Especially known for the album's lead single Mercy, which reached top 10 across Europe including No.1 spots in the Netherlands and the singer's native UK
June 23, 1980 ~ Jessica Taylor, commonly known as R&B, pop singer, dancer, TV personality Jessica Pietersen, born in Preston, UK ~ Member of Liberty X, a girl group formed through the ITV talent contest Popstars in 2001. The group would record three albums through the mid-2000s and score a string of UK top 10 hits including Just A Little, Got To Have Your Love, and Song 4 Lovers
June 23, 1980 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, pianist Mark Greaney born ~ Best known for fronting alternative rock outfit JJ72 from 1996 through 2006, with whom he recorded two albums. The band's eponymous JJ72 debut album would spawn the UK top 30 hits Oxygen, October Swimmer, and Snow. The single Formulae of their I To Sky sophomore album would also reach top 30
June 23, 1978 ~ Malik DeShawn Cox, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Memphis Bleek, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Released his Coming Of Age solo debut album in 1999. Best known for the singles It's Alright and Is That Your Chick (The Lost Verses) featuring Jay-Z, Twista and Missy Elliott. Has also collaborated with Beanie Sigel, Trick Daddy, TI, Nate Dogg, Swizz Beatz, Ruff Endz, and others
June 23, 1977 ~ Pop, folk-pop, soft rock, blue-eyed soul singer, guitarist, songwriter Jason Mraz, full name Jason Thomas Mraz, born in Mechanicsville, Virginia, USA ~ Released his Waiting For My Rocket To Come debut album in 2002, which included the hit single The Remedy (I Won't Worry). Subsequent hits would include 2008's I'm Yours and 2012's I Won't Give Up
June 23, 1976 ~ Indie rock, folk rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist Ben Ottewell, full name Benjamin Joseph Ottewell, born in Chesterfield, UK ~ Co-lead singer of UK indie outfit Gomez, founded in the mid-1990s. The band draws from a variety of genres including blues, indie, alternative, folk, psychedelic, and experimental music, and is especially acclaimed for their 1998 Bring It On debut album. Ottewell has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Shapes & Shadows released in 2011
June 23, 1975 ~ Kate Victoria Tunstall, commonly known as alternative rock, folk rock, indie rock, folktronica singer, guitarist, drummer, pianist, flutist, songwriter KT Tunstall, born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Released her Eye To The Telescope debut album in 2005, which included the UK top 20 hits The Other Side Of The World and Suddenly I See. Present on the 2003 Laughter Through The Tears album of klezmer band Oi Va Voi
June 23, 1973 ~ Rock keyboardist, guitarist, singer Carter Albrecht, full name Jeffrey Carter Albrecht, born ~ Latter day member of the New Bohemians fronted by Edie Brickell, appearing on the Stranger Things released the year before Albrecht's death. Has previously worked with Sorta and fronted his own Dallas-based outfit the Sparrows, known for the critically acclaimed albums Rock & Roll Days and Snowflakes. At the time of his death was working on his first solo album, Jesus Is Alive (And Living In London), posthumously released in 2009 with financial backing from Brickell ~ Albrecht passed away in 2007
June 23, 1973 ~ Marija Naumova, commonly known as pop, jazz singer Marie N, born in Riga, Latvia ~ Internationally best known for winning the 2002 Eurovision Songfestival for Latvia with the song I Wanna which she co-wrote with Marats Samauskis
June 23, 1971 ~ Singer, songwriter Ambrosia Parsley in Reseda, California, USA ~ First gained attention as lead singer of Shivaree, teaming up with keyboardist Danny McGough and guitarist Duke McVinnie
June 23, 1971 ~ Violist, violinist, bassist, songwriter Eyvind Kang born in Corvallis, Oregon, USA ~ Frequent collaborator of Bill Frisell and John Zorn. Over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with Sweetness Of Sickness released in 1996. Guested on albums by Joe McPhee, Karen Pernick, Aiko Shimada, Wayne Horvitz (4+1 Ensemble), Andrew Drury, Arto Lindsay, Laurie Anderson, Jason Webley, Robin Holcomb, Laura Veirs (Carbon Glacier), Branden Harper, Animal Collective, Sun City Girls, Oren Ambarchi, Beth Orton, and Avey Tare
June 23, 1971 ~ Ricardo Capuano, commonly known as pop rock singer, guitarist Rico, born in Paisley, UK ~ Member of 1990s outfit Perfect World. Released his solo debut album, Sanctuary Medicines, in 1999. Best known for guesting on Crazier, a 2003 UK top 20 hit with regular collaborator Gary Numan ~ Capuano passed away in 2022
June 23, 1971 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Wayne Jackson born in Manchester, UK ~ Founded 1990s band the Dostoyevskys, known best as recurring support act on Oasis tours. Co-writer and featured vocalist on Paul van Dyk's 2005 The Other Side. Best known as member of Bela B's backing band, also serving as producer on the albums Bingo and Code B. Released his The Long Goodbye solo debut album in 2008
June 23, 1970 ~ Minimal, avant-garde, post-rock pianist, violinist, guitarist, singer, songwriter, film composer Yann Tiersen, full name Yann Pierre Tiersen, born in Brest, France ~ Despite lack of formal classical training often categorised as a classical composer, especially at the start of his career. Influenced by punk and electronica. Active since the mid-1990s, with well over a dozen albums to his name. Perhaps best known for his film scores, notably for the 2003 tragicomedy Good Bye Lenin. Tiersen has collaborated with Noir Désir, Shannon Wright, Jane Birkin, and Elizabeth Fraser
June 23, 1969 ~ Achinoam Nini, commonly known as singer, percussionist, composer, poet, human rights activist Noa, born in Tel Aviv, Israel ~ Internationally perhaps best known for representing her native Israel at the 2009 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 16th place collaborating with Mira Awad on the song There Must Be Another Way. Has recorded about a dozen albums, starting with the Achinoam Nini & Gil Dor collaborative album with regular collaborator Gil Dor released in 1993
June 23, 1966 ~ Jonathan Arthur DeBarge, commonly known as pop, R&B, soul singer Chico DeBarge, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Best known for a number of 1980s hits, notably Talk To Me and Rainy Night. Would resurge in the late-1990s, acclaimed for his 1997 Long Time No See album which spawned the singles Love Still Good, No Guarantee featuring Joe and Virgin
June 23, 1966 ~ Blues rock, progressive rock, jazz singer, guitarist, songwriter Greg Koch born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Influenced by Jimi Hendrix. Has worked as a solo artist and in small bands starting in the early-1990s. Backed by artists such as Gary Koehler, Kevin Mushel, John Calarco, Tom Goode, Roscoe Beck, Malford Milligan, Toby Lee Marshall, and his son Dylan Koch
June 23, 1965 ~ Guitarist, bassist Paul Bonehead Arthurs born in Manchester, UK ~ Co-founding member of Oasis, remaining with the band through 1999 and present on the band's best known including the Definitely Maybe and (What's The Story) Morning Glory albums
June 23, 1965 ~ Producer, DJ, songwriter Richard Norris born ~ Member of electronic dance band the Grid known for songs such as Crystal Clear, Rollercoaster and their best known Swamp Thing. Also worked with artists such as Bryan Ferry, Marc Almond, the Pet Shop Boys, Joe Strummer, Psychic TV, Robert Fripp, Finnur Bjarnason, and others
June 23, 1964 ~ Joseph Alan Cagle, commonly known as heavy metal, glam metal guitarist Joey Allen, born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA ~ Lead guitarist of glam metal outfit Warrant from 1987 through 1994 and rejoining in later years. Present on the band's first three albums, 1989's Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich, 1990's Cherry Pie and 1992's Dog Eat Dog
June 23, 1964 ~ Singer Stevie Wonder releases his Stevie At The Beach album ~ Motown had initially tried to mold Wonder into a teenage version of Ray Charles, then as a lounge singer, and Stevie At The Beach was an attempt to get Wonder to sing surf and beach tunes, again to little success. Hey Harmonica Man, the album's sophomore single, would be a modest hit, reaching top 30 Billboard Hot 100, but the album as a whole would fail to make much of an impact. Wonder's next album, Up-Tight released the following year, geared more towards R&B and would mark the beginning of a streak of hits
June 23, 1962 ~ Alternative rock drummer Steve Shelley born in Midland, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as member of pivotal and influential noise rock outfit Sonic Youth, joining the band in 1985 replacing Bob Bert. Shelley lived in the apartment of Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon, serving as their dog sitter while the band was in Europe. When they returned to the USA drummer Bert had left the band and Shelley was hired. First appeared on Evol album, the band's third studio album released in 1986, and has been with the band since including on the acclaimed albums Daydream Nation and Goo released respectively in 1988 and 1990. Has also guested on recordings by Daniel Johnston, the Dim Stars, Richard Hell, Mosquito, Two Dollar Guitar, Cat Power, Christina Rosenvinge, and others
June 23, 1960 ~ Alternative rock, punk rock, psychedelic rock, heavy metal drummer, songwriter Derrick Bostrom born in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ Co-founding member of Meat Puppets remaining with the band from 1980 through its initial disbandement in 1996. The band is known for merging punk with country and psychedelic rock and has influenced artists such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, Dinosaur Jr, Sebadoh, Pavement and Jawbreaker
June 23, 1960 ~ Saxophonist Donald Harrison born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with Roy Haynes, Jack McDuff, the Jazz Messengers, Terence Blanchard, Dr John, Cyrus Chestnut, Christian Scott, Mark Whitfield, Christian McBride, Joanne Brackeen, the Headhunters, Eddie Palmieri, Don Pullen, the Cookers, Esperanza Spalding, Jane Monheit, and others
June 23, 1959 ~ Writer, poet, singer, actor Boris Vian passed away in Paris, France ~ Important influence on French jazz. Critic for several French jazz-reviews. Wrote extensively about both French and American jazz. As a singer best known for his 1954 anti-war song Deserteur. Also a revered novelist and poet remaining popular to this day ~ Vian was born in 1920
June 23, 1958 ~ Heavy metal guitarist Chris Holmes, full name Christopher John Holmes, born in Glendale, California, USA ~ Lead guitarist of WASP, which he co-founded with Blackie Lawless and Randy Piper. Has also worked with Psycho Squad, Animal, the LA Guns, Where Angels Suffer, Stonebreed, and others
June 23, 1956 ~ Bassist, producer, label executive Randy Jackson, full name Randall Darius Jackson, born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA ~ Longest-serving judge on American Idol talent show. Has worked with Journey, Richard Marx, Jean-Luc Ponty, Aldo Nova, George Benson, the Blue Öyster Cult, Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Bolton, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Billy Cobham, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock, Ernie Isley, Billy Joel, Brent Bourgeois, George Michael, Stevie Nicks, Imogen Heap, Bruce Springsteen, and others
June 23, 1954 ~ Pop, rock guitarist Bobby Messano born in Teaneck, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with Starz, Lou Gramm, Steve Winwood, Clarence Clemons, Franke & the Knockouts, Peter Criss, Stanky Brown, Gloria Gaynor, Joe Lynn Turner, and Glen Burtnick
June 23, 1953 ~ Del Stanley McEntire, commonly known as country singer, fiddler Pake McEntire, born in Chockie, Oklahoma, USA ~ Brother of singers Reba McEntire and Susie McEntire. Known for songs such as Every Night, Savin' My Love For You, Heart Vs Heart and perhaps his best known Savin' My Love For You
June 23, 1952 ~ Pop, country pop singer Betty Veldpaus, also known as Betty Dragstra-Veldpaus, born ~ Member of 1970s pop group Pussycat, which also included her siblings Marianne Veldpaus, and Toni Willé, with whom she scored about half a dozen top 10 hits in their native the Netherlands from the mid-1970s through the early-1980s including the top 5 hits Georgie, Smile, and My Broken Souvenirs. The band's best known, their 1975 Mississippi debut single would reach No.1 in over a dozen countries, including their native Netherlands and the UK, and sell over 5 million copies ~ Veldpaus passed away in 2024
June 23, 1951 ~ R&B singer Larry Cunningham born ~ Member of one-hit wonder the Floaters, known best for Float On of their 1977 eponymous The Floaters debut album. The single would reach top 10 on both the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard R&B charts. The song would later be notably covered by hip-hop group Stetsasonic for their 1988 In Full Gear album ~ Cunningham passed away in 2019
June 23, 1949 ~ Blues, R&B, jazz pianist Bill Sims Jr born in Marion, Ohio, USA ~ Member of Jacksonian Blues. Member of doo-wop influenced the Four Mints from 1971 through 1976. Founded the avant-garde jazz outfit the Lamorians in 1976. Subsequently founded the blues band the Cold Blooded Blues Band. Would release his Blues Before Sunrise debut album in 1992 ~ Sims passed away in 2019
June 23, 1948 ~ Kent Rowell, commonly known as blues singer Luther Kent, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Influenced by Bobby Blue Bland, Etta James, and Ray Charles. Longtime resident of Baton Rouge, powerhouse vocalist Kent would become a fixture in southern Louisiana where he attracted a large following through frequently performing at dance halls and festivals, including repeatedly at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Outside his home state, he was best known for briefly joining Blood Sweat & Tears, touring with the band in 1974 yet contractual obligations kept him from recording with the group. Kent has recorded half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with World Class in 1977, and has guested on albums by Maynard Ferguson, the Forever Fabulous Chickenhawks, Robi Zonca, and Rue De Funk. Kent is also known as a host for WBRH, an FM station operated by students at the Baton Rouge High School ~ Rowell passed away in 2024
June 23, 1948 ~ Miles Francis Goodwin, commonly known as rock, pop, hard rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Myles Goodwyn, born in Woodstock, Canada ~ Lead singer, main songwriter, co-founding and sole constant member of April Wine, with whom he recorded well over a dozen albums. The band would enjoy popularity especially during the 1970s and early-1980s, moving from garage rock to commercially viable rock, hard rock. They are best known for hits such as Tonite Is A Wonderful Time To Fall In Love, The Whole World's Goin' Crazy, and You Won't Dance With Me, all of which reached top 10 in their native Canada. The singles You Could Have Been A Lady, Roller, and Just Between You And Me would also reach top 40 Billboard Hot 100. Goodwyn released his eponymous Myles Goodwyn solo debut album in 1988 ~ Goodwin passed away in 2023
June 23, 1945 ~ Southern rock, rock bassist Paul Goddard born ~ Co-founding member of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, remaining with the band from its inception through 1983 and rejoining in later years. Present on the band's best known including So Into You, I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight and Imaginary Lover ~ Goddard passed away in 2014
June 23, 1943 ~ Conductor, pianist James Levine, full name James Lawrence Levine, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Perhaps best known as music director of the Metropolitan Opera from 1976 through 2016. Has also worked with the Munich Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the Berlin Philharmonic ~ Levine passed away in 2021
June 23, 1942 ~ Hans Eckard Wader, commonly known as singer, songwriter Hannes Wader, born in Bethel, Germany ~ Important singer, songwriter known for his leftist views, singing both originals and traditional songs covering socialist and communist resistance to oppression. Active since the late-1960s. Known for songs such as Die Internationale, Die Moorsoldaten, Traum Vom Frieden and Sag Mir Wo Die Blumen Sind
June 23, 1940 ~ Terence Nelhams Wright, commonly known as singer Adam Faith, born in Middlesex, UK ~ Teen idol, best known for a string of early-1960s hits including What Do You Want, Poor Me, Someone Else's Baby, When Johnny Comes Marching Home, How About That, Lonely Pup In A Christmas Shop and Who Am I ~ Nelhams-Wright passed away in 2003
June 23, 1938 ~ Boruch Alan Bermowitz, commonly known as singer Alan Vega born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Co-founded the electronic protopunk outfit Suicide with Martin Reverby. Releasing solo records since the early-1980s. Has worked with producers such as Chris Lord-Alge and Ric Ocasek. Has collaborated with Mercury Rev, Alex Chilton, Stephen Lironi, and with Lydia Lunch ~ Vega passed away in 2016
June 23, 1930 ~ Samba singer Elza Soares, full name Elza da Conceicao Soares, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Active since the late-1950s. Rose to fame with her debut single Se Acaso Você Chegasse, merging jazz scat singing with samba. Other well known songs include Boato, Cadeira Vazia, Só Danço Samba, Mulata Assanhada, and Aquarela Brasileira. Deemed dangerous by the Military dictatorship at the time fled to Italy in 1970 after regome agents machine-gunned her house ~ Soares passed away in 2022
June 23, 1930 ~ Bassist, painter Stuart Sutcliffe, full name Stuart Fergusson Victor Sutcliffe, born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Original member of the Beatles, present in the line-up during their Hamburg period. Left the band in 1961 to focus on his career as a painter. Sutcliffe would die the following year at age 21 of cerebal hemorrhage, specifically a ruptured aneurysm. The band would go on to become one of the most important in the history of pop music ~ Sutcliffe passed away in 1962
June 23, 1929 ~ Country, folk, gospel, rockabilly singer, guitarist, banjoist, keyboardist, autoharpist, songwriter June Carter, full name Valerie June Carter, born in Maces Springs, Virginia, USA ~ Member of the Carter Family and the Carter Sisters. As a solo artist known for upbeat 1950s country, rockabilly songs, notably Jukebox Blues and No Swallerin' Place. As a songwriter best known for penning Ring Of Fire for her then-future husband Johnny Cash. Married to Cash, who proposed to her during a live performance on-stage, from 1968 until her death ~ Carter passed away in 2003
June 23, 1926 ~ Henry Shalofsky, commonly known as bebop trumpeter Hank Shaw, born in London, UK ~ Active since his mid-teens, employed in Teddy Foster's band during World War II. Would go on to work with Oscar Rabin, Frank Weir, and Tommy Sampson, and spent stints in America and Canada, notably backing Oscar Peterson and Maynard Ferguson, before returning to his native England. Shaw became one of the early players at Club Eleven, a London jazz nightclub which played a significant role in the emergence of British bebop. Shaw continued to perform and record, both as a sideman and a leader, well into his eighties before retiring from music for health reasons, working with the likes of Joe Harriott, Tony Crombie, Don Rendell, and Stan Tracey ~ Shalofsky passed away in 2006
June 23, 1925 ~ Edmund Gregory, commonly known as jazz, hard bop saxophonist Sahib Shihab, born in Savannah, Georgia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Luther Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Fletcher Henderson, Tadd Dameron, Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Clarke, John Coltrane, Quincy Jones, Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, Kenny Dorham, Benny Golson, Brass Fever, Donald Byrd, Betty Carter, Roy Haynes, Abbey Lincoln, Specs Powell, AK Salim, Mal Waldron, Idrees Sulieman, and others ~ Gregory passed away in 1989
June 23, 1923 ~ Jazz pianist George Russell, full name George Allen Russell, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Though Russell started out on drums, he would become best known as a pianist active since the 1950s. As a composer, Russell is known for Ezz-Thetic, recorded by Lee Konitz, Max Roach, and Grant Green, and for Stratusphunk, recorded by Hal McKusick, and JJ Johnson. As a leader, Russell recorded some two dozen albums, and is especially acclaimed for three consecutive albums released in the early-1960s, Ezz-Thetics, The Stratus Seekers, and The Outer View. Though primarily a leader, arranger, and composer, Russell did on occasion serve as a sideman, notably on albums by Lucy Reed, Sheila Jordan (Portrait Of Sheila), and Gil Evans ~ Russell passed away in 2009
June 23, 1922 ~ Composer Francis Thorne, full name Francis Burritt Thorne Jr, was born in Bay Shore, New York, USA ~ Jazz-influenced contemporary classical composer best known for his Elegy For Orchestra premiered in 1964 by the Philadelphia Orchestra under the direction of Eugene Ormandy. One the first classical composers to write specifically for electric guitar and electric bass guitar ~ Thorne passed away in 2017
June 23, 1916 ~ Label executive Tony Martell born ~ Longtime CBS Records and Epic Records executive and producer. Helped shape and advance careers of the Isley Brothers, the O'Jays, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Ozzy Osbourne. Also worked with artists such as George Benson, Gerry Mulligan, Jim Hall, Lalo Schifrin, Bill Withers, Patti Austin, George Duke, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Eumir Deodato, Stanley Turrentine, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, the Electric Light Orchestra, Joan Jett, and Henry Lee Summer ~ Martell passed away in 2016
June 23, 1915 ~ William Edward Grishaw, commonly known as country, rockabilly songwriter, guitarist Zeb Turner, born in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA ~ Backed Red Foley and Hank Williams. Co-wrote There's No Room In My Heart For The Blues, recorded by Williams, Clyde Moody, Ernest Tubb, as well as by British group The The. Co-wrote It's A Sin, a 1947 hit for Eddy Arnold. Co-wrote Texas In My Soul, recorded by Tex Williams, Hank Penny, and by Willie Nelson ~ Grishaw passed away in 1978
June 23, 1911 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Eddie Miller, full name Edward Raymond Miller, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Got his start in music backing Julie Wintz in the early-1930s, and subsequently worked with Ben Pollack and Bob Crosby until being drafted in 1942. Following his stint in the Army, Miller returned to music and has recorded over half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader. Perhaps best known for writing Slow Mood, which served as the basis for Johnny Mercer's Lazy Mood. Miller has also guested on albums by Al Hirt, Si Zentner, Jack Lesberg, Ray Linn, and Heinie Beau ~ Miller passed away in 1991
June 23, 1910 ~ Bassist Milt Hinton, full name Milton John Hinton, born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA ~ Regarded as the dean of jazz bassists. Worked extensively with Cab Calloway for well over a decade as swing transitioned to bop. About two dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for Basses Loaded released in 1955. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Buck Clayton, Buddy DeFranco (Mr Clarinet), Cozy Cole, Helen Merrill (Helen Merrill), Johnny Hartman, Harry Belafonte (Calypso), Little Willie John, Milt Buckner (Rockin' Hammond), Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Cootie Williams, Quincy Jones (The Birth Of A Band), Ida Cox, Ike Quebec, Quincy Jones, Gil Evans (The Individualism Of Gil Evans), John Lee Hooker, Bette Midler (Songs For The New Depression), Steve Goodman, the Manhattan Brass Band, and Eddie Kendricks ~ Hinton passed away in 2000
June 23, 1908 ~ Jazz trombonist, arranger Eli Robinson born in Greenville, Georgia, USA ~ Worked with Speed Webb, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, Teddy Hill, Willie Bryant, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Roy Eldridge, Lucky Millinder, Count Basie, Buddy Tate, Blanche Calloway, Buster Bailey, Earl Warren, Johnny Otis, and Lester Young ~ Robinson passed away in 1972
June 23, 1907 ~ Sidney Edward Pollacsek, commonly known as songwriter, actor, radio and TV producer Edward Pola, born in New York, New York, USA ~ As a songwriter known for songs such as My Canary Has Circles Under His Eyes (Lawrence Welk), Marching Along Together (Ray Noble), Quicksilver (Doris Day), and I Love The Way You Say Goodnight (Doris Day). Probably best known for co-writing It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year with frequent collaborator George Wyle, the song would be first recorded by Andy Williams and become a Holiday classic covered by well over 250 artists ~ Pollacsek passed away in 1995