June 24, 2024 ~ Seth Brooks Binzer, commonly known as rap rock, alternative rock singer, rapper Shifty Shellshock, passed away ~ Frontman of Crazy Town, with whom he recorded three albums. The band is best known for Butterfly lifted off their The Gift Of The Game 1999 debut album. The single reached top 10 in well over half a dozen countries, including the No.1 spot on the American Billboard Hot 100. During the band's hiatus, Binzer guested on Paul Oakenfold's Starry Eyed Surprise, which reached top 10 in the UK, and recorded a sole album, Happy Love Sick, as a solo artist ~ Binzer was born in 1974
June 24, 2019 ~ Mandolinist, singer Jeff Austin passed away in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Member of the Bluegrassholes. Best known as co-founding member of progressive bluegrass outfit the Yonder Mountain String Band from 1998 through 2013. Austin has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of Chris Castino, Keller Williams, Keith Moseley, Brendan Bayliss, and others ~ Austin was born in 1974
June 24, 2018 ~ Bolero coloratura-soprano singer Xiomara Alfaro passed away in Coral Gables, Florida, USA ~ Firstt gained attention starring in the original cast of Batamú, a musical revue composed by Obdulio Morales. Would go on to become a beloved bolero singer of the 1950s Cuban music scene dubbed “the Nightingale of Music” for her warm, soulful interpretations. Looking back on her career, Alfaro would comment on her career in a 2007 interview: “I try to transmit to my audience when I sing. God gave me a gift. And when God gives you something, you use it” ~ Alfaro was born in 1930
June 24, 2016 ~ Rock, blues guitarist Asim Can Gunduz passed away in Icmeler, Turkey ~ Outside of his native Turkey also known as Awesome John. Member of Zacharia, which also included Harry Zaverdas and Robert Gottfried. Best known for his 1998 Bir Sevgi (A Work Of Love) album, consisting of Turkish language veersion of blues singles ~ Gunduz was born in 1955
June 24, 2016 ~ Funk, R&B keyboardist Bernie Worrell, full name George Bernard Worrell Jr, passed away in Everson, Washington, USA ~ Founding member of Parliament and Funkadelic. Frequently worked with Talking Heads for much of the 1980s, including on the 1984 Stop Making Sense concert film. Guested on Mtume's hit song Juicy Fruit. Member of Black Jack Johnson alongside Mos Def, Will Calhoun, Doug Wimbish, and Dr Know. Also worked with Bill Laswell, Les Claypool, Fela Kuti, the Golden Palominos, Ginger Baker, Pharoah Sanders, Robben Ford, and Science Faxtion, and recorded as a solo artist ~ Worrell was born in 1944
June 24, 2016 ~ Composer Charles Chaynes, full name Charles Augustin Chaynes, passed away ~ Wrote a number of operas, chamber works and one symphony. Noted for his 1951 cantata Et L'Homme Se Vit Les Portes Rouvrir. Best known for his work for radio and TV serving as producer for RTF and as head of the channel France Musique ~ Chaynes was born in 1925
June 24, 2016 ~ Conductor, pianist Edoardo Müller passed away in Milan, Italy ~ Best known for his lengthy association with the San Diego Opera. Has also conducted the Metropolitan Opera, the Dallas Opera, the Houston Grand Opera, the Bavarian State Opera, La Scala, the Opera De Nice, the Teatro Colón, and other orchestras. As a pianist accompanied singers such as Carlo Bergonzi, Renato Bruson, Montserrat Caballé, José Carreras, Leyla Gencer, Elena Obraztsova, and others ~ Müller was born in 1938
June 24, 2013 ~ Drummer Alan Myers passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Devo, joining the band in 1976 as replacement for Jim Mothersbaugh. Myers has recorded about half a dozen albums with the band including the acclaimed Q Are We Not Men (A We Are Devo) album. Myers has also guested on albums by Ron Wood (1234), Toni Basil, and the Martini Ranch ~ Myers was born in 1954
June 24, 2010 ~ Charles A Hedges, commonly known as jazz clarinetist Chuck Hedges, passed away in Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA ~ Somewhat overlooked veteran clarinetist equally at home in swing and Dixieland. Perhaps best known for his association with George Brunies for most of the 1950s, and for spearheading the Dixieland revival during the 1960s. Over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader, specifically noted for Skylark released in 1983. A valued sideman, Hedges has appeared on albums by Barrett Deems, Betsy Kaske, Tom Saunders (Exactly Like You), Rick Fay, the Magnificent VII, Duane Thamm, toured with trumpeter Dick Ruedebusch, and frequently worked with Wild Bill Davison ~ Hedgeswas born in 1932
June 24, 2010 ~ Jazz, swing, hard bop tenor saxophonist Fred Anderson passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Rooted in swing and hard bop, incorporated elements of free jazz. Worked with the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians, Vernon Thomas, Bill Fletcher, BIlly Brimfield, Joseph Jarman, Douglas Ewart, Felix Blackman, Hamid Drake, Iqua Colson, Harrison Bankhead, David Boykin, Nicole Mitchell, Justin Dillard, Aaron Getsug, Josh Abrams, Fred Jackson Jr, Isaiah Sharkey, Kidd Jordan, and others ~ Anderson was born in 1929
June 24, 2010 ~ Peter Alexander Greenlaw Kinnis, commonly known as rock bassist Peter Quaife, passed away in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Co-founding member, bassist for the Kinks, apart from a half-year hiatus following a traffic accident remaining with the band through their 1968 Village Green Preservation Society album. Though Quaife announced his departure in early 1969, his bandmates did not believe him until they read about his new band, country-rock outfit Mapleoak, in the music press. Singer Ray Davies pleaded with him to stay, but to no avail. Quaife recorded one single, Son Of A Gun, with his new band before retiring from music altogether. Quaife did not appear on his new band's sole album, the eponymous Mapleoak released in 1971 ~ Quaife was born in 1943
June 24, 2009 ~ Rock, country guitarist, songwriter Tim Krekel, full name Timothy Joseph Krekel, passed away ~ Released well over half a dozen albums as a singer, starting with Crazy Me released in 1979. In-demand songwriter, his songs recorded by artists such as Dr Feelgood, Terri Gibbs (Ain't Nobody), Crystal Gayle, Alan Jackson (Anywhere On Earth You Are)second, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride (Cry On The Shoulder Of The Road), the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Delbert McClinton (Blues As Blues Can Get), Kim Richey, Aaron Tippin, Jason & the Scorchers (I Can't Help Myself), and Marshall Chapman ~ Krekel was born in 1950
June 24, 2008 ~ Gospel singer Ira Tucker Sr passed away in Greenville, South Carolina, USA ~ Father of singers Sundray Tucker, Ira Tucker Jr, and Lynda Lawrence. Best known as a member of the Dixie Hummingbirds for some seven decades from 1938, starting while in his early teens, until his death at age 83. The gospel quartet is considered one of the most important and certainly longest-running gospel quartets, influential on a wide array of artists including Jackie Wilson and James Brown ~ Tucker was born in 1925
June 24, 1999 ~ Edward Friedman, commonly known as R&B singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer Teddy Edwards, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Debuted in 2016 with the single My Name, co-written with Sabrina Teitelbaum and produced by Phredley Brown and Black Eyed Peas guitarist George Pajon
June 24, 1994 ~ Guitarist Mick Wayne passed away ~ Fronted short-lived late-1960s rock outfit Junior's Eyes, known for their sole Battersea Power Station album and for backing David Bowie during 1969. Wayne has also worked with Hullaballoos, Bunch Of Fives, and the Tickle ~ Wayne was born ca.1945
June 24, 1993 ~ Jazz bandleader, composer, arranger Rich Matteson, full name Richmond Albert Matteson, passed away ~ Worked with Bob Scobey, the Dukes Of Dixieland, Harvey Phillips, the Matteson-Phillips Tubajazz Consort, and Louie Bellson ~ Matteson was born in 1929
June 24, 1987 ~ John Herbert Gleaon, commonly known as actor, comedian, singer Jackie Gleason, passed away in Lauderhill, Florida, USA ~ Best known as actor and comedian, notably in The Honeymooners and his own The Jackie Gleason Show. Also a singer known for a string of million-seller “mood music” albums, starting with Music For Lovers Only released in 1957 ~ Gleason was born in 1916
June 24, 1987 ~ Timothy Cornell Patterson, commonly known as rapper, producer, songwriter Mozzy, born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Went by the monniker Lil' Tim during the 2000s. Released his 1 Up Top Ahk debut album in 2017 and has recorded consistently since. Perhaps best known for his 2021 Last One Standing single
June 24, 1987 ~ Singer, songwriter Trixie Whitley born in Ghent, Belgium ~ Daughter of singer, songwriter Chris Whitley. Worked with artists such as Black Dub, Marc Ribot, Robert Plant, Stephen Barber, Marianne Faithfull, Joe Henry, Craig Street, Malcolm Burn, Brian Blade, Daniel Lanois, Thomas Bartlett, Kid Koala, and others
June 24, 1983 ~ Singer, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Brandon Saller, full name Brandon Kyle Saller, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Lead singer and along with guitarist Dan Jacobs primary songwriter of metalcore outfit Atreyu, noted for his melodic singing. Saller has also fronted Hell Or Highwater, resulted out of Saller's solo material the band released their Begin Again debut album in 2011
June 24, 1983 ~ Jazz drummer, songwriter Gard Nilssen born in Skien, Norway ~ Leader and sideman, noted for his role in smaller ensembles since the mid-2000s including with Bushman's Revenge, Puma, and Acoustic Unity. Has also collaborated with Marita Røstad, Elvira Nikolaisen, Arild Andersen, and Maciej Obara
June 24, 1981 ~ Pop singer, actor Tilky Jones, full name Tilky Montgomery Jones, born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Member of Take 5, with whom he recorded the albums Take 5 and Against All Odds. The boy band was conceived by music promoter Lou Pearlman and would disband in 2001, failing to match the success of Pearlman's other outfits such as the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. Following the band's disbandement, Jones would venture into acting for film and TV
June 24, 1978 ~ Ariel Marcus Rosenberg, commonly known as lo-fi singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Ariel Pink, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Cabaret Voltaire, the Cure, Fleetwood Mac, Michael Jackson, Lou Reed, Steely Dan, Frank Zappa. Acclaimed for the albums The Doldrums and Before Today. Has collaborated with Weyes Blood, Dam-funk, Sky Ferreira, Charli XCX, Miley Cyrus, Theophilus London, and MGMT
June 24, 1975 ~ Bassist Justin Cary born in Catskills Mountains, New York, USA ~ Member of Sixpence None The Richer from 1997 through 2004 and rejoining in 2008. Present on the band's best known album, 1998's eponymous sophomore Sixpence None The Richer which included the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Kiss Me
June 24, 1974 ~ Vincent Fiorello, commonly known as ska punk, pop punk, punk rick drummer, percussionist Vinnie Fiorello, born in Rahway, USA ~ Co-founding member of ska-inspired punk band Less Than Jake, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums. The band is especially acclaimed for their first three albums, namely Pezcore, Losers Kings And Things We Don't Understand, and Losing Streak. Fiorello departed the band in 2019
June 24, 1970 ~ Singer, songwriter Glenn Medeiros, full name Glenn Alan Medeiros, born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Best known for his 1987 smash hit Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You. Collaborated with Elsa Lunghini (Un Roman D'Amitié (Friend You Give Me A Reason)), Bobby Brown (She Ain't Worth It), Ray Parker Jr (All I'm Missing Is You), the Jets (Under Any Moon). Wrote the songs Break These Walls (Sam Verlinden), Follow The Sun (Regina Velasquez, Forte), and These Tears I Cry (Martin Nievera)
June 24, 1970 ~ Punk rock guitarist, singer Jeff Ott born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Active since his early teens, co-founding SAG at age 12 which also included friends Aaron Cometbus and Jesse Michaels. The band would eventually be renamed to Crimpshrine, and is best known for the critically acclaimed Lame Gig Contest album released in 1989. Following the band's disbandement Ott founded Fifteen, with whom he recorded two albums. Ott has also authored two books, My World (Ramblings Of An Aging Guitar Punk) and Weapons Of Mass Destruction And The Real War On Terror
June 24, 1969 ~ Classical crossover soprano singer Sissel Kyrkjebø born in Bergen, Norway ~ Considered one of the world's top crossover sopranos. Records pop, folk, classical and opera. Has collaborated with artists such as Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Andrea Bocelli, Bryn Terfel, Josh Groban, Neil Sedaka, Mario Frangoulis, Russell Watson, Brian May, Warren G (Prince Igor), Tommy Körberg, Diana Krall, Charles Aznavour, Dee Dee Bridgewater. Involved in the Titanic soundtrack, originally tapped for the theme song but passed over in favor of Céline Dion. Sang Olympic Hymn at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1994 Winter Olympics held in Lillehammer, Norway
June 24, 1968 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Memories at Western Recorders, Burbank, California ~ Written by Mac Davis and Billy Strange specifically for Presley's 1968 comeback TV special. Included on the accompanying album Elvis. Released as a single, paired with Charro on the flip-side, in March 1969. Nancy Sinatra, the Free Design and the Lettermen all recorded cover versions the same year
June 24, 1968 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Willard Robison passed away in Peekskil, New York, USA ~ Best remembered for penning or co-penning songs such as Cottage For Sale (the Revelers, Guy Lombardo, Ruth Etting), Old Folks (Larry Clinton, Bing Crosby, Mildred Bailey), and A Woman Alone With The Blues (Lee Wiley, Peggy Lee, Anita O'Day) ~ Robison was born in 1894
June 24, 1967 ~ Blues rock, southern rock, country guitarist Jeff Cease born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as early member of the Black Crowes, playing lead guitar on the band's Shake Your Money Maker debut album, replaced by Marc Ford in 1991. Has also worked with the Bitter Pills, Bucky Covington, Trent Tomlinson and Eric Church
June 24, 1967 ~ Sven Kruspe, commonly known as singer, guitarist Richard Kruspe, born in Wittenberge, East Germany ~ Co-founded industrial metal, alternative metal band Rammstein with Oliver Riedel and Christoph Schneider. Also known as lead singer of Emigrate
June 24, 1966 ~ Singer, songwriter Hope Sandoval born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Lead singer of Mazzy Star, known for Halah, Blue Flower and their best known Fade Into You. Has also worked with Massive Attack, the Jesus & Mary Chain, the Chemical Brothers, Veitver, Mercury Rev, and others
June 24, 1966 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones kick off their North American tour at Manning Bowl, Massachusetts ~ In support of their Aftermath, the band plays some 30 shows across the USA and Canada through the end of July. The set list includes Not Fade Away, Paint It Black, Under My Thumb, Mother's Little Helper, and I Can't Get No Satisfaction. The tour's final set at the Hawai'i International Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, is broadcast on Hawaiian radio station KPOI
June 24, 1962 ~ John Wesley Dearth, commonly known as singer, guitarist, bassist John Wesley, born in Brandon, Florida, USA ~ Actively recording since the mid-1990s. Has opened for Marillion on several US tours. Collaborated with Mike Tramp, Fish, Porcupine Tree, Sound Of Contact, and others
June 24, 1961 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Curt Smith born ~ Formed Graduate with Roland Orzabal, known for their sole 1980 Acting My Age album. The duo would rise to fame as Tears For Fears, scoring a string of 1980s hits. Smith sang lead on hits such as Mad World, Pale Shelter, Change, The Way You Are, Everybody Wants To Rule The World, and Advice For The Young At Heart. Following his departure from the band Smith has recorded as a solo artist, starting with Soul On Board, formed Mayfield, and co-wrote and performed the soundtracks to Meth Head and Gravy
June 24, 1961 ~ Jazz drummer Marvin Smitty Smith born in Waukegan, Illinois, USA ~ Closely associated with Steve Coleman, working with Coleman in a number of ensembles including the Five Elements, Strata Institute, and M-Base Collective. Has also guested on albums by Terence Blanchard, Frank Foster, Hamiet Bluiett, Joe Newman, Branford Marsalis, Gunter Hampel, Mulgrew Miller, Kevin Eubanks, Art Farmer, Sonny Rollins, Grover Washington Jr, David Fathead Newman, the CTI All-Stars, Cassandra Wilson, Peter Leitch, and Dianne Reeves
June 24, 1960 ~ Pop, rock & roll singer Billy Fury records Wondrous Place at Decca Studios, London, UK ~ Previously recorded by Jimmy Jones on his Good Timin' debut album, released earlier the same year. Written by Jeff Lewis and Bill Giant. Produced by Jack Good. Released as a single, Alright Goodbye on the flip side, the following September. It would reach top 30 UK. Notably covered by supergroup the Last Shadow Puppets, featured as the B-side of their 2008 The Age Of Understatement debut single
June 24, 1960 ~ Country, country rock, Americana singer, songwriter Chris Knight born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Influenced by Steve Earle. Has recorded over half a dozen albums, starting with his eponymous Chris Knight debut album released in 1998. Had artists such as Lee Ann Womack, John Prine, and Buddy Miller guest on his recordings. Songs written or co-written by Knight have been recorded by Fred Eaglesmith, Cross Canadian Ragweed (Cry Lonely), the Great Divide, Ty Herndon, and Montgomery Gentry (She Couldn't Change Me)
June 24, 1960 ~ Deborah Christine Garrett, commonly known as singer, songwriter Siedah Garrett, born ~ In-demand collaborator. Duetted with Michael Jackson on I Just Can't Stop Loving You. Co-wrote Jackson's Man In The Mirror. Also worked with the Pointer Sisters, Brand New Heavies, Quincy Jones, Tevin Campbell, Donna Summer, Madonna, Jennifer Hudson, Dennis Edwards, Quincy Jones, Alphonse Mouzon, Brian Auger, Alex Ligertwood, Ray Parker Jr, Vikki Carr, David Paich, Spencer Davis, Lenny Castro, Salvador Santana, Walfredo Reyes Jr, Pete Escovedo, Shannon, Jon Anderson, the Carpenters, Phyllis Hyman, Glenn Medeiros, Peter Cetera, Barbra Streisand, Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Santana, Bryan Ferry, Earth Wind & Fire, Pebbles, Anastacia, and others
June 24, 1959 ~ New wave, synth-pop, post-punk singer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Andy McCluskey, full name George Andrew McCluskey, born in Wirral, UK ~ Pioneered electro-pop founding Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark with keyboardist Paul Humphreys, scoring hits with songs such as Enola Gay, Souvenir, Joan Of Arc, Maid Of Orleans, Talking Loud And Clear, and Sailing On The Seven Seas. Also serves as main songwriter for the girl group Atomic Kitten
June 24, 1959 ~ Bassist Chris Childs, full name Christopher James Childs, born in Writtle, UK ~ Member of Thunder, joining the band in 1996 as replacement for Mikael Höglund. Has also worked with Go West, Andy Summers, Robert Hart, Colin Blunstone, Gordon Haskell, Debbie Gibson, Greenslade, Bowes & Morley, Never The Bride, and Don Airey
June 24, 1958 ~ Mezzo-soprano, contralto singer, opera director Annette Jahns born in Dresden, East Germany ~ Closely associated with the Semperoper. Performed classical contralto and mezzo-soprano roles in several worled premieres including Matthias Pintscher's Thomas Chatterton and Peter Ruzicka's Celan ~ Jahns passed away in 2020
June 24, 1958 ~ Pop, rock bassist Branko Isakovic born in Veljevo, Yugoslavia ~ Best known as co-founding member of Bulevar. Has also worked with Suncokret, Propaganda, Idoli, Dejan Cukic, Kerber, Bilja Krstic, Teodulija, Kal, and Divine Sound
June 24, 1958 ~ Christian singer, songwriter Kathy Troccoli born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Known for songs such as Help Myself To You, My Life Is In Your Hands, Go Light Your World and perhaps her best known the secular Everything Changes hit, the latter also crossing over to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 reaching the top 20
June 24, 1958 ~ Southern gospel singer, songwriter Mark Lowry, full name Mark Alan Lowry, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Member of Bill Gaither's pivotal the Gaither Vocal Band. Notably known for co-writing Mary Did You Know, first recorded by Michael English and covered by numerous artists including Clay Aiken, Cee Lo Green, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, and others
June 24, 1957 ~ Terence Wilson, commonly known as rapper, toaster, singer, drummer Astro, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Member of UB40 from 1979 through 2013, present on the band's best known including the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits Red Red Wine and Can't Help Falling In Love. His nickname comes from his childhood, wearing a pair of Dr Martens boots of a model named “Astronaut” ~ Wilson passed away in 2021
June 24, 1956 ~ Rockabily, rock & roll singer Gene Vincent records Jezebel at Bradley Film & Recording Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Under the supervision of producer Ken Nelson, Vincent and his backing unit the Blue Caps record Jezebel as well as Crazy Legs, Peg O' My Heart and Wedding Bells Are Breaking Up That Old Gang Of Mine
June 24, 1956 ~ Blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Michael Coleman born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Well-known for backing James Cotton for about a decade starting in the late-1970s, including on the acclaimed 1984 High Compression album, before venturing out on his own. Has recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, especially praised for Blues Brunch At The Mart released in 2006. Coleman has also guested on albums by John Primer, Angela Brown, Malik Yusef, and Jimmy Dawkins ~ Coleman passed away in 2014
June 24, 1953 ~ Jean Marcopoulos, commonly known as singer, composer Jean Marco, passed away in Connerre, France ~ Best known as lead singer for Jacques Hélian's orchestra from 1947 to Hélian passing in 1953. One of the first to perform C'Est Si Bon, as early as 1948, a song later made famous by Eartha Kitt, also recorded either in French or English by Yves Montand, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Barbra Streisand, Dr Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, Abbey Lincoln, and others ~ Marcopoulos was born in 1923
June 24, 1950 ~ Reggae, dub singer Derrick Duckie Simpson born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Sole constant member of Black Uhuru, acclaimed for their 1981 Red album which is considered by some to be one of the best albums of the 1980s. The band is best known for songs such as General Penitentiary, Guess Who's Coming To Dinner and Shine Eye Gal. The latter featured the Rolling Stones-guitarist Keith Richards
June 24, 1947 ~ Drummer Mick Fleetwood born in London, UK ~ Co-founding and besides bassist John McVie the only other constant member of Fleetwood Mac, occasionally dabling in side projects. Active since the late-1960s the band would become best known for a number of 1970s and 1980s album including Rumours, Tusk, and Tango In The Night. Songs such as Go Your Own Way, Dreams, Don't Stop, You Make Loving Fun, Tusk, Sara, Hold Me, Big Love, and Little Lies would reach top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts
June 24, 1945 ~ Rock, pop singer Colin Blunstone, full name Colin Edward Michael Blunstone, born in Hatfield, UK ~ Rose to fame as lead singer of 1960s outfit the Zombies, known for songs such as She's Not There, Tell Her No, She's Coming Home and Time Of The Season. As a solo artist known for songs such as Say You Don't Mind and What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted. Lead singer on several songs by the Alan Parsons Project, notably Old And Wise. Has also guested on recordings by Mike Batt, the Crowd, Don Airey, Duncan Browne, Steve Hackett, and others
June 24, 1944 ~ Psychedelic rock, eperimental rock, progressive rock, shock rock singer, songwriter Arthur Brown born in Whitby, UK ~ Best known for his 1968 album The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown under the group moniker Crazy World Of Arthur Brown and its single Fire which reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Though he had little other chart succes both the album and single would establish him as pioneer of shock rock and influence artists such as Alice Cooper, David Bowie, Kiss, Marilyn Manson, King Diamond and Bruce Dickinson
June 24, 1944 ~ Richard John Whitney, commonly known as rock, blues rock guitarist, pianist, violinist, banjoist Charlie Whitney, born in Skipton, UK ~ Co-founding member and along with Roger Chapman principal songwriter of the Family, known best for their 1971 In My Own Time UK top 10 hit. Following the band's disbandement in 1973 the duo formed the Streetwalkers, with whom they recorded through 1977. Whitney formed Axis Point in 1978
June 24, 1944 ~ Flutist, saxophonist, keyboardist, songwriter Chris Wood, full name Christopher Gordon Blandford Wood, born in Quinton, UK ~ Co-founded Traffic with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Dave Mason. The band would launch the career of especially Winwood and is acclaimed for their 1968 eponymous Traffic and their 1971 The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys albums. Wood has also worked with Jimi Hendrix, appearing on the Electric Ladyland album, as well as with Free, the Small Faces, Ginger Baker's Air Force, and Chicken Shack ~ Wood passed away in 1983
June 24, 1944 ~ Geoffrey Arnold Beck, commonly known as rock guitarist Jeff Beck, born in Wallington, UK ~ Though not the first rock guitarist to experiment with distortion, considered a pioneer helpful in redefining the sound and role of the electric guitar in rock. Member of the Yardbirds in 1965 and 1966, present on the albums For Your Love, Having A Rave Up and Roger The Engineer. Over a dozen albums as a solo artist or with the Jeff Beck Group, starting with the acclaimed Truth released in 1968. Also acclaimed for the albums Beck-Ola, Blow By Blow, and Wired. Member of short-lived supergroup Beck Bogert & Appice, alongside bassist Tim Bogert and drummer Carmine Appice. Has also notably collaborated with Jed Leiber on the 1992 Frankie's House soundtrack, with the Big Town Playboys, and with Johnny Depp ~ Beck passed away in 2023
June 24, 1942 ~ Michele Lee Dusick, commonly known as actress, singer Michele Lee, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for her role as Karen Cooper Fairgate MacKenzie on the prime-time soap oper Knots Landing from 1979 through 1993. Starred in both the Broadway and the film version of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. Nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the 1974 Seesaw musical
June 24, 1939 ~ Avant-garde singer Brigitte Fontaine born in Morlaix, France ~ Prolific in numerous styles including rock & roll, folk, jazz, electronica, spoken word and world music. Has collaborated with Stereolab, Michel Colombier, Jean-Claud Vannier, Areski, the Gotan Project, Sonic Youth, Antoine Duhamel, Grace Jones, Noir Désir, Archie Shepp, Arno, and the Art Ensemble Of Chicago
June 24, 1937 ~ Lorenzo Giovanni Arbore, commonly known as singer, actor, director, radio and TV personality Renzo Arbore, born in Foggia, Italy ~ Best known as a radio and TV host. As a musician known for founding the Orchestra Italiana, specializing in Neapolitan music. Director of the the Umbria Jazz Festival
June 24, 1935 ~ Charles Romuald Gardès, commonly known as tango singer, songwriter, actor Carlos Gardel, passed away in Medellin, Colombia ~ Dubbed “the King of Tango” and generally acknowledged as the most popular tango singer of the first half of the 20th century. Noted for his baritone voice and dramatic phrasing. Co-wrote a vast amount of his material with lyricist Alfredo Le Pera, many songs becoming staples of the genre. Well known songs include El Dia Que Me Quieras, Por Una Cabeza and Volver. Died at the height of his fame in an airplane crash, alongside frequent collaborator Le Pera, becoming the archetypical tragic hero ~ Gardès was born in 1890
June 24, 1935 ~ Keyboardist, saxophonist, composer Terry Riley born in Colfax, California, USA ~ Pioneering minimalist composer known for his innovative use of repetition, tape technique and delay systems. Best known for his 1969 A Rainbow In Curved Air album, considered a landmark album of the genre and influential on electronic music on experimental rock. Has collaborated with the Kronos Quartet, La Monte Young, the Rova Saxophone Quartet, the ARTE Quartett and with his son guitarist Gyan Riley
June 24, 1932 ~ Mezzo-soprano singer Heli Laats born in Kunersaare, Estonia ~ Married to conductor, pianist Peeter Saul. Best known for songs such as Laats Tsirkus, Kaunid Balerlinid, and Oma Laulu Ei Leia Ma Ules. Worked with the Emil Laansoo Ensemble, the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, the Eesti Raadio Women's Trio, Mikk Mikiver, Uno Loop, and Jaak Joala ~ Lääts passed away in 2018
June 24, 1931 ~ Percussionist Anthony Williams born in Port Of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago ~ Pioneer of the steel pan. Best known as founding member of Sun Valley and subsequently the Trinidad All-Steel Percussion Orchestra. Has also worked with Five Graves To Cairo, the Harlem Nightingale Steelband, and the Pan Am North Stars ~ Williams passed away in 2021
June 24, 1931 ~ Singer Bing Crosby records At Your Command ~ Written by Crosby, Harry Tobias and Harry Barris. Released as a 78 single on Brunswick Records it would top the pop charts for three weeks.
June 24, 1928 ~ Jazz clarinetist Jimmy O'Bryant born ~ Worked with the Tennessee Ten, Jelly Roll Morton, WC Handy, King Oliver, Lovie Austin, Monette Moore, and others ~ O'Bryant was born ca.1896
June 24, 1925 ~ Singer Gene Mumford, full name Eugene Mumford, born ~ Lead singer of vocal group the Larks, known for early-1950s songs such as When I Leave These Prison Walls, Eyesight To The Blind and Little Side Car. Mumford would briefly join the Golden Gate Quartet but soon return with a reformed Larks ~ Mumford passed away in 1977
June 24, 1922 ~ Saxophonist, composer, producer Manny Albam born in Samana, Dominican Republic ~ Dropped out of school to join Muggsy Spanier. Was mentored in arranging by fellow bandmember Budd Johnson while in Georgie Auld's band. Went on to play with bandleaders such as Charlie Barnet and Charlie Spivak, then on to jazz collaborating, both as a sideman and as leader, with Count Basie, Stan Getz, Bob Brookmeyer, Coleman Hawkins, Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard, Hank Jones, Mel Lewis, Art Farmer, Urbie Green, Milt Hinton, and others. Arranged Leonard Bernstein's score for West Side Story in 1959. Albam would continue to work as an arranger, but would turn more and more to teaching ~ Albam passed away in 2001
June 24, 1917 ~ Thomas Scott, commonly known as country, rockabilly singer, guitarist Ramblin' Tommy Scott, born in Toccoa, Georgia, USA ~ Worked with Charlie Monroe and Curly Seckler. As a solo artist known for a number of 1950s, early-1960s recordings venturing more into rockabilly, notable singles including Rockin' And Rollin', Dance With Her Henry and Dig Me Little Mama ~ Scott passed away in 2013
June 24, 1909 ~ Conductor, violinist, violist Milton Katims born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Member of the NBC Symphony Orchestra from the mid-1940s through the mid-1950s, developing a special relationship with conductor Arturo Toscanini. Best known as music director of the Seattle Symphony for over two decades starting in 1954. Katims has also conducted renowned orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Boston Symphony, the London Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Montreal Symphony ~ Katims passed away in 2006
June 24, 1904 ~ Singer, bandleader Phil Harris born in Linton, Indiana, USA ~ As a singer scored the 1950 novelty hit The Thing. Best known as a bandleader for radio sitcoms, notably with The Jack Benny Program and his own The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show which he co-hosted with his wife actress and singer Alice Faye ~ Harris passed away in 1995
June 24, 1900 ~ Lemeul Eugene Lucas, commonly known as singer, songwriter Gene Austin, born in Gainesville, Texas, USA ~ One of the first crooners. Best known for his 1928 hit My Blue Heaven, which sold 5 million copies making it the all-time best-selling record. Other well known recordings include his 1925 breakthrough hit When My Sugar Walks Down The Street which he recorded with Aileen Stanley and 1927's The Lonesome Road, both co-written by Austin and becoming jazz and pop standards recorded by numerous artists ~ Lucas passed away in 1972
June 24, 1882 ~ Composer, pianist Joachim Raff, full name Joseph Joachim Raff, passed away in Frankfurt, Germany ~ Largely self-taught. Worked as a schoolteacher and sent some of his composition to Felix Mendelssohn who helped him get his work published. Worked as Franz Liszt's assistent in the early 1850s. Would go on to become one of Germany's most popular composers. Best known for his Symphony No.3 (In The Forest) which by the end of the century would become one of the most played orchestral pieces ~ Raff was born in 1822