June 28, 2024 ~ Pop, country pop singer Betty Veldpaus, also known as Betty Dragstra-Veldpaus, passed away ~ 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 was born in 1952
June 28, 2024 ~ Producer, arranger, engineer Peter Collins, full name Peter Julian Alexander Collins, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Briefly a pop performer and jingle writer before becoming a producer in the 1980s, starting with UK acts such as Musical Youth, Tracey Ullman, and Nik Kershaw. After relocating to the USA, Collins would establish himself as an in-demand producer working with a wide array of artists including Queensrÿche, Voice Of The Beehive, the Indigo Girls (Indigo Girls), Gary Moore, Alice Cooper (Hey Stoopid), Suicidal Tendencies (The Art Of Rebellion), Nanci Griffith, Bon Jovi, Billy Squier, Sneaker Pimps, Letters To Cleo, the Brian Setzer Orchestra (The Dirty Boogie), Shawn Mullins, the Cardigans, Jewel, LeAnn Rimes, and Lisa Loeb. Upon hearing of his passing, guitarist Alex Lifeson of Rush, for whom he produced four albums, commented: “Collins will forever live in my memory as Mr. Big, sitting at his control center beside a recording console with his ubiquitous tools: a legal pad, an ashtray and a Monte Cristo No.2” ~ Collins was born in 1951
June 28, 2021 ~ Pianist Burton Greene passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Leader and sideman. Emerged from New York's 1960s avant-garde and free-jazz scene. Has worked with Alan Silva, Marion Brown, Cecil Taylor, Rashied Ali, Albert Ayler, Gato Barbieri, Byard Lancaster, Patty Waters, Maarten Altena, Willem Breuker, Roy Campbell Jr, Paul Smoker, and Klezmokum ~ Greene was born in 1937
June 28, 2021 ~ Paul Koulaksezian, commonly known as composer Paul Koulak, passed away in Paris, France ~ Best known for his work for various TV broadcasts and game shows, notably Fort Boyard. To pop audiences known for writing Souviens-toi De Moi for singer Marie-France Dufour and Sans Toi for Martine Clémenceau, the latter France's entry for the 1973 Eurovision Songfestival which reached 15th place ~ Koulaksezian was born in 1943
June 28, 2020 ~ Jazz bassist, composer Simon H Fell passed away ~ Primarily known as free improviser and composer of ambitously complex post-serialist works. Active since the early-1970s. Closely associated with Paul Hession, Alan Wilkinson, and Badland. As a composer best known for his Compilation series, especially the 1998 Composition No.30 (Compilation III) album. Has appeared on albums by Lol Coxhill, Mick Beck, Charles Wharf, Something Else, the London Improvisers Orchestra, and SFQ ~ Fell was born in 1959
June 28, 2017 ~ Jazz trumpeter, harpist, cornetist, hornist, saxophonist Phil Cohran, full name Kelan Phil Cohran, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ First gained attention backing Sun Ra during the late-1950s and early-1960s, present on the albums Interstellar Low Ways, Holiday For Soul Dance, In A Pleasant Mood and Angels And Demons At Play. Co-founded the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians in 1965. Has recorded over half a dozen albums as a leader, starting with On The Beach with his backing unit the Artistic Heritage Ensemble released in 1968 ~ Cohran was born in 1927
June 28, 2015 ~ Country keyboardist, clavinetist, songwriter Steve Hardin, full name Stephen Joseph Hardin, passed away in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best known as a songwriter. Penned songs such as I Love My Truck for Glen Campbell and Breakin' Down for Waylon Jennings. Member of Point Blank, for whom he wrote the concert favorite Mean To Your Queenie ~ Hardin was born in 1946
June 28, 2013 ~ Singer Silvi Vrait passed away in Tallinn, Estonia ~ Active since the early 1970 in several pop outfits including Viker 5, Initsiaal, Fix, and Ultima Thule. Starred in a number of musicals and operas such as productions of Porgy & Bess, The King & I, and The Sound Of Music. Represented her native Estonia at the 1994 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 24th place with Nagu Merelaine ~ Vrait was born in 1951
June 28, 2010 ~ Roger Sanders, commonly known as jazz percussionist, drummer Montego Joe, passed away ~ Worked with Babatunde Olatunji, Ted Curson, Max Roach, Monty Alexander, Phil Upchurch, Dizzy Gillespie, Willis Jackson, Herbie Mann, Harold Vick, Teddy Edwards, George Benson, Jack McDuff, Johnny Lytle, Chick Corea, Eddie Gomez, Milford Graves, Cornell Dupree, Ralph MacDonald, Curtis Mayfield, the 5th Dimension, Art Blakey, Bo Diddley, Rufus Harley, Solomon Ilori, Illinois Jacquet, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Chuck Rainey, Nina Simone, Grady Tate, Sonny Stitt, and others ~ Sanders was born ca.1929
June 28, 2008 ~ Jazz pianist Ronnie Mathews passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Critically compared to Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, and McCoy Tyner. As a leader best known for his 1963 Doin' The Thang album. Closely associated with drummers Max Roach and Art Blakey. Guested on albums by Bill Hardman, Roland Alexander, Junior Cook, Clifford Jordan, Sonny Stitt, Roy Haynes (Cracklin'), Freddie Hubbard (Breaking Point), Lee Morgan, Donald Byrd (Slow Drag), Jean-Luc Ponty, Abbey Lincoln (People In Me), Louis Hayes, Clark Terry, Woody Shaw, and Clifford Jordan ~ Mathews was born in 1935
June 28, 1994 ~ Actor, guitarist Ulrik Neumann passed away in Malmö, Sweden ~ Father of guitarist Mikael Neumann and singer Ulla Neumann. Perhaps best known as an actor, appearing in some 20 films from 1940 through the mid-1960s. As a guitarist known as one third of the trio the Swe-Danes alongside singer Alice Babs and violinist Svend Asmussen, active during the late-1950s and early-1960s ~ Neumann was born in 1918
June 28, 1993 ~ Kevin Michael Allin, commonly known as punk rock, shock rock, outlaw country singer, drummer, guitarist, bassist GG Allin, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Controversial punk icon labeled both “the toughest rock star in the world” and “the most spectacular degenerate in rock and roll history”, recorded prolifically yet was known more for his stage antics than his music. Allin's live performances often included acts of self-mutilation, defecating on stage, and assaulting audience members, for which he was arrested several times. Other than his 1988 Freaks Faggots Drunks & Junkies album, which received critical acclaim, most of his music received negative reviews, though Allin did enjoy a cult following. Allin had promised for years to commit suicide on stage, but died age 36 of a heroin overdose instead ~ Allin was born in 1956
June 28, 1993 ~ K-pop singer, actor Jung Dae-hyun born in Gwangju, South Korea ~ Lead singer of South Korean boy band BAP, enjoying popularity in Japan and South Korea with songs such as 1004 (Angel), Warrior, No Mercy, and Excuse Me. Following the band's disbandement Dae-hyun has recorded as a solo artist, starting with Chapter 2-27 released in 2019
June 28, 1991 ~ Seo Ju-hyun, commonly known as K-pop, R&B singer, actress Seohyun, born in Seoul, South Korea ~ Rose to fame as member of girl group Girls' Generation, remaining with the band through 2017 and present on hits such as Oh, Run Devil Run, The Boys, Dancing Queen, I Got A Boy and Mr Mr. Ju-hyun has released solo recordings, acted in several TV series and appeared in stage productions of musicals such as Embracing The Sun, Gone With The Wind and Mamma Mia
June 28, 1990 ~ Rock, punk rock, post-punk, gothic rock guitarist, bassist Rob Graves passed away ~ Known for his work in the 1970s and 1980s Los Angeles punk and punk rock scene, including with acts such as Bags, the Gun Club, 45 Grave, Thelonious Monster, and the Loafin' Hyenas. Following his death from a heroin overdose Courtney Love would dedicate Hole's 1991 Pretty On The Inside to him ~ Graves was born ca.1958
June 28, 1986 ~ Alternative rock, screamo, emo, pop punk singer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, songwriter Carson Allen, full name Carson Cole Allen, born in Montana, USA ~ Co-founding member of Escape The Fate, with whom he recorded the mid-2000s albums There's No Sympathy For The Dead and Dying Is Your Latest Fashion. Has also recorded as a solo artist, and worked with Apathy Drowns Desire, Tracemyveins, On The Last Day, and Me vs Myself
June 28, 1986 ~ Country, country pop singer, songwriter Kellie Pickler, full name Kellie Dawn Pickler, born in Albemarle, North Carolina, USA ~ First gained wider audience as a contestant on the 2006 edition of American Idol, finishing in 6th place. Would release her Small Town Girl debut album later the same year and has recorded consistently since. Well-known songs include Red High Heels, I Wonder, Things That Never Cross A Man's Mind, Best Days Of Your Life co-written with Taylor Swift, and Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You, all of which reached top 20 Billboard Country
June 28, 1986 ~ Elizabeth Anne Berg, commonly known as indie rock singer, guitarist Z Berg, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Daughter of record producer, label executive Tony Berg. Lead singer of the Like, with whom she recorded the albums Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking and Release Me. Berg has also guested on albums by Kate Earl, Bright Eyes, Jakob Dylan, Bruce Hornsby, Maroon 5, John Legend, and Switchfoot. Berg released her Get Z To A Nunnery solo debut album in 2020
June 28, 1982 ~ Frankie Lee Peterson, commonly known as folk, folk rock Americana singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Frankie Lee, born ~ Influenced by Nirvana, the Dead Milkmen, Tom Petty, Lucinda Williams. Released his American Dreamer debut album in 2015. Perhaps best known for Speakeasy, featured on the NBC TV series This Is Us in 2019
June 28, 1982 ~ Jazz trombonist George Matthews passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Tiny Bradshaw, Willie Bryant, Louis Armstrong, Chick Webb, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Erskine Hawkins, Lucille Dixon, Clark Terry, Cannonball Adderley, Ray Charles (Genius+Soul=Jazz), Lucky Millinder, Dicky Wells, and others ~ Matthews was born in 1912
June 28, 1981 ~ Antoine Marcel Toupin, commonly known as alternative dance, synth-pop, new wave singer, DJ, producer, songwriter Antoine Becks, born in Montreal, Canada ~ Formed Second Sun with Adam White in the early-2000s. The electronic duo is known best for working with German DJ Paul van Dyk on his hit single Crush of his 2003 Reflections album. The duo also formed CB7 with Thirty Seconds To Mars drummer Shannon Leto
June 28, 1981 ~ Singer, keyboardist Johnny Whitney born ~ Perhaps best known as member of post-hardcore outfit the Blood Brothers alongside Jordan Blilie. Member of post-punk group Jaguar Love. Has also worked with Glowbug, Soiled Doves, and Neo Blonde
June 28, 1979 ~ Pianist, bandleader Edgar Hayes, full name Edgar Junius Hayes, passed away in San Bernardino, California, USA ~ Led the Blue Grass Buddies, Eight Black Buddies, the Symphonic Harmonists from the mid-1920s forward. Closely associated with the Mills Blue Rhythm Band, playing and arranging with the band from 1931 to 1936. Best known for his late-1930s recordings of Stardust and the original version of In The Mood, later popularized by Glenn Miller ~ Hayes was born in 1902
June 28, 1977 ~ Rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, pianist Harun Tekin born in Ankara, Turkey ~ Co-founding member of Turkish alternative rock outfit Mor Ve Otesi. The band broke through to mainstream with their Dunya Yalan Soyluyor album released in 2004. Internationally they are perhaps best known for representing their native Turkey at the 2008 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 7th place with Deli. BBC commentator would describe Tekin as “a sinister James Bond”
June 28, 1977 ~ Measha Gosman, commonly known as operatic, concert soprano singer Measha Brueggergosman, born in Fredericton, Canada ~ Drew critical acclaim for her lead rol in the opera Beatrice Chancy at age 20. Would go on to record over half a dozen albums and perform with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and the St Louis Symphony Orchestra. Performed the Olympic Hymn at the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver
June 28, 1975 ~ Industrial rock, alternative rock, punk rock bassist, producer Matt Warhurst born in Sechelt, Canada ~ Member of punk rock outfit SNFU, present on the 2004 In The Meantime And In-Between Time album. Has also worked with Ocean3, Based On A True Story, and with industrial rockers Jakalope, and served as producer for the Invasives
June 28, 1974 ~ Singer Barry White releases Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe, lifted off his Can't Get Enough album ~ Regarded as one of his greatest love songs, as well as a precursor to disco, Barry White actually wrote this song for Glodean Beverly James one night when he couldn't get to sleep. White and James, who was lead singer of White's backing unit dubbed the Love Unlimited Orchestra, would be married in October 1974 and became one of the best known couples in showbiz. The song, a signature song for White, would spend twelve weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart including one week at No.1, making it his highest charting single. James and White separated in 1988 but never divorced and remained close until White's death in 2003, the couple have four children
June 28, 1973 ~ Christian Anthony Mathis, commonly known as rapper, producer Trick Trick, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Member of hip hop group the Goon Sqawd. Released his The People Vs solo debut album in 2005, which spawned the minor hit Welcome 2 Detroit featuring Eminem. Mathis has guested on recordings by Royce da 5'9", D12, and Snoop Dogg
June 28, 1972 ~ Folk rock, indie rock singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, songwriter Julie Doiron, full name Julie Elaine Doiron, born in Moncton, Canada ~ Co-founding member, bassist, co-lead singer for indie rock outfit Eric's Trip, especially acclaimed for their 1995 Forever Again. Has recorded over half a dozen solo albums, starting with Broken Girl released in 1996. Guested on albums by the Wooden Stars, Gord Downie (Coke Machine Glow), and Daniel Romano
June 28, 1971 ~ Rapper, singer Ray Slijngaard, full name Raymond Lothar Slijngaard, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Co-fronted 2 Unlimited alongside singer Anita Doth, known for 1990s Eurodance hits such as No Limit, Tribal Dance, The Real Thing, Workaholic, and Maximum Overdrive
June 28, 1970 ~ Metal guitarist, singer, songwriter Oliver Hartmann born in Russelsheim, West Germany ~ Best known as co-founding member of At Vance. Has also fronted his own band Hartmann and worked with Freedom Call, Edguy, Rhapsody Of Fire, Iron Mask, Aina, and others
June 28, 1969 ~ Folk rock, jam, country rock, jazz, bluegrass singer, violinist, guitarist, mandolinist, percussionist John Kadlecik born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA ~ Founding member, lead guitarist of the Grateful Dead-tribute band the Dark Star Orchestra. Has also worked with original Dead members Bob Weir and Phil Lesh in Furthur
June 28, 1968 ~ Elmer Figueroa Arce, commonly known as Latin pop singer, actor Chayanne, born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico ~ One of the best-selling Latin artists with record sales exceeding 50 million. Auditioned for boy band Menudo in the late-1970s but was deemed too young. Would go on to join Los Chicos, known for the hits Puerto Rico Son Los Chicos and Ave Maria. After the band disbanded ventured out on his own, releasing his Chayanne Es Mi Nombre debut album in 1984. Broke through with his 1987 eponymous Chayanne album, finding his succes formula in blending ballads and dance tracks, and has recorded to commercial succes since. Well known songs include Peligro De Amor, Este Ritmo Se Baila Asi, El Centre De Mo Corazon, Extasis, Dejaria Todo, Y Tu Te Vas, Si No Quedara Poco Tiempo, Humanos A Marte, and others
June 28, 1966 ~ Alternative country, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Bobby Bare Jr born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Son of country singer Bobby Bare and Jeannie Bare. As a child recorded Daddy What If with his father, a Billboard Country top 10 hit of the 1973 Lullabys Legends & Lies. Fronted 1990s roots rock outfit Bare Jr, known for the minor radio hit You Blew Me Off. Has recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Young Criminals Starvation League released in 2002. Has collaborated with Guided By Voices on about half a dozen albums, starting in the mid-2010s
June 28, 1965 ~ Ernest Loring Nichols, commonly known as jazz cornetist, bandleader, composer Red Nichols, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Child prodigy. Influenced by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band and Bix Beiderbecke. Closely associated with trombonist Miff Mole. Also worked with Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Jack Teagarden, Pee Wee Russell, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang, Gene Krupa. Known for songs such Wasshboard Blues recorded with the Five Pennies, Sugar recorded with the Red Nichols Stompers, and for penning Nervous Charlie Stomp, the latter a hit for Fletcher Henderson ~ Nichols was born in 1905
June 28, 1965 ~ Guitarist, electric violinist Saul Davies born in Liverpool, UK ~ Best known as member of James from 1989 through 2001, rejoining in 2007. Present on the band's best known including Sit Down, Sound, Born Of Frustration, Sometimes and Sit Down
June 28, 1964 ~ Saxophonist, composer Steve Williamson born in London, UK ~ Leader and sideman. One of the most distinctive saxophonists in contemporary British jazz. Worked with Courtney Pine, Louis Moholo, Chris McGregor, Iain Ballamy, Maceo Parker, Bheki Mseleku, US3, Graham Haynes, Abbey Lincoln, Cassandra Wilson, the Jazz Warriors, Orphy Robinson, Pat Thomas, and others
June 28, 1963 ~ Charles William Prophet, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Chuck Prophet, born in Whittier, California, USA ~ Member of Green On Red, joining the band prior to the recording of their 1985 Gas Food Longing sophomore album. Over a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with 1990's Brother Aldo. Guested on albums by True West, Paul Collins, Bob Neuwirth, Cake (Prolonging The Magoic), Penelope Houston, Kelly Willis (What I Deserve), Warren Zevon, Kim Richey, Duane Jarvis, and Victor Krummenacher
June 28, 1963 ~ Jazz, vocal jazz singer Tierney Sutton born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Known for her wide-ranging voice and uncluttered style. Has recorded well over a dozen albums with a consistent group of backing musicians, the Tierney Sutton Band, since the late-1990s. Especially acclaimed for her 1998 Introducing Tierne Sutton debut album, 2001's Blue In Green, and 2009's Desire
June 28, 1960 ~ Howard Kusten, commonly known as punk rock, heavy metal bassist Howie Pyro, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Founding member of the Blessed, D-Generation, and PCP Highway. Member of Danzig from 2000 through 2003, first appearing on the 2002 I Luciferi album ~ Kusten passed away in 2022
June 28, 1960 ~ Comedienne, actress, singer Karin Bloemen born in Alkmaar, the Netherlands ~ Comedienne, interlacing her comedy shows with music. As a recording artist best known for Wereldwijd Orkest and for participating in the Artiesten Voor Azie charity single Als Je Iets Kan Doen, the latter a No.1 hit in the Netherlands in 2005
June 28, 1959 ~ Producer, DJ, keyboardist, singer Clint Boon, full name Clinton David Boon born in Oldham, UK ~ Rose to fame as keyboardist and ocassional singer of indie rock outfit the Inspiral Carpets, known best for This Is How It Feels, Dragging Me Down and I Want You
June 28, 1955 ~ Operatic baritone singer Thomas Hampson, full name Thomas Walter Hampson, born ~ Worked with the Deutsche Oper Am Rhein, the Opera Theater Of Saint Louis, the Opernhaus Zurich, the Metropolitan Opera, the Paris Opera, the San Francisco Opera, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, and others
June 28, 1954 ~ Walter Morrison, commonly known as R&B, funk keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, trumpeter, percussionist, singer, songwriter Walter Junie Morrison, born in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Keyboardist of the Ohio Players from 1970 through 1974, present on the 1972 Pleasure album which spawned the hit single Funky Worm. Closely associated with George Clinton as a member of Parliament-Funkadelic, including on the quintessential 1978 One Nation Under A Groove album ~ Morrison passed away in 2017
June 28, 1952 ~ Pop rock, jazz, jazz fusion keyboardist Alan Pasqua born in New Jersey, USA ~ In-demand session and touring keyboardist. Co-founded late-1980s outfit Giant, for whom he co-wrote their hit I'll See You In My Dreams. Has previously played with Tony Williams, appearing on the albums Believe It and Million Dollar Legs, with Bob Dylan including on At Budokan and Street Legal, and with John Fogerty on Eye Of The Zombie. Other notable collaborations include Young-Holt Unlimited, Sheila Jordan, Eddie Money, Santana, Rick Springfield, Jim Messina, Sammy Hagar, Womack & Womack, Graham Nash, Vince Gill, Rubén Blades, Boz Scaggs, Damn Yankees, Mike Pinder, and Jean-Luc Ponty
June 28, 1952 ~ Bassist, producer, engineer John Lee, full name John Gregory Lee, born ~ Leader and sideman recording since the early-1970s. Has played with Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Joe Henderson, Larry Coryell, Paquito d'Rivera, Gregory Hines, Claudio Roditi, Arturo Sandoval, Joachim Kühn, Philip Catherine, and others
June 28, 1946 ~ Jazz, hard bop saxophonist Bill Saxton, full name William Edward Saxton, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Pharoah Sanders, Jackie McLean, Bennie Maupin, Dannie Richmond, Charlie Persip, Errol Parker, Frank Foster, Clark Terry, Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Roy Ayers, Bobby Watson, Roy Haynes, Jimmy Ponder, and Big John Patton
June 28, 1946 ~ Paulo Roberto Figueiredo de Olivera, commonly known as singer, songwriter Paulinho Boca de Cantor, born ~ Co-founding member and principal songwriter of Novos Baianos, remaining with the band from its inception in 1969 through 1979. The band is best known for their 1972 Acabou Chorare sophomore album, widely regarded as the best Brazilian album of all time. Following the band's disbandement he has recorded as a solo artist
June 28, 1945 ~ Bassist David Knights, full name David John Knights, born in Islington, UK ~ Original member of Procol Harum, present on the band's best known single A Whiter Shade Of Pale, which served as the band's debut single and reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Knights recorded three albums with the band before departing in 1969 to be succeeded by Chris Copping
June 28, 1945 ~ Jazz singer, guitarist Magni Wentzel born in Oslo, Norway ~ Daughter of violinist, trumpeter Odd Wentzel-Larsen and singer Åse Wentzel. Released her That Old Feeling debut album in 1959, while still only in her mid-teens. Would go on to record both as a solo artist and as an in-demand collaborator working with artists such as the Geir Wentzel Band, Einar Iversen, Egil Kapstad, Halvard Kausland, Carl Morten Iversen, Terje Venaas, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Mads Vinding, Jørn Øien, and others
June 28, 1943 ~ Guitarist Bobby Harrison, full name Robert Leslie Harrison, born in East Ham, UK ~ Early member of Procol Harum who, along with guitarist Ray Royer, left the band shortly after recording the 1967 hit single A Whiter Shade Of Pale to form the band Freedom ~ Harrison passed away in 2022
June 28, 1942 ~ Roy Samuel Reid, commonly known as reggae, dancehall DJ I-Roy, born in St Thomas, Jamaica ~ Influenced by U-Roy and Dennis Alcapon. Worked with Dennis Walks, Harry Muddle, Lloyd Campbell, Bunny Lee, Derrick Harriott, Lee Scratch Perry, Glen Brown, Ruple Edwards, Byron Lee, Keith Hudson, Rudy Redwood (Sidewalk Killer), Prince Jazzbo, and others ~ Reid passed away in 1999
June 28, 1941 ~ Singer Vello Orumets born in Viljandi, Estonia ~ Best known as soloist for Laine from 1960 through 1977. The ensemble consisted of members of the Estonian State Philharmonic and is known as one of the few to have introduced Estonian pop music to other Soviet republics during the Soviet era. Subsequently Orumets was a member of Erfia from 1978 through 1988 ~ Orumets passed away in 2012
June 28, 1929 ~ Gospel singer, music director Milton Brunson, also known as Rev Milton Brunson, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Mentored by Reverend Thomas A Dorsey and Mahalia Jackson. Founded the Thompson Community Singers, well known for their regular appearances on Jubilee Showcase TV concert series. Especially acclaimed for his 1988 Available To You album, its title track becoming a gospel standard ~ Brunson passed away in 1997
June 28, 1924 ~ Country singer, guitarist George Morgan, full name George Thomas Morgan, born in Waverly, Tennessee, USA ~ Father of country singer Lorrie Morgan. Though Morgan is the lesser known of the three, alongside contemporaries Eddy Arnold and Jim Reeves Morgan is considered one of the few, and finest “country crooners”, sometimes dubbed “the Candy Kid” for his first hit Candy Kisses. Morgan has recorded over a dozen albums until his death in the mid-1970s. Other than Candy Kisses, his sole Billboard Country No.1 hit, he is known for songs such as Please Don't Let Me Love You, Rainbow In My Heart, Room Full Of Roses, I Love Everything About You, Almost, I'm In Love Again, and You're The Only Good Thing (That Happened To Me). In 1974, Morgan was the last person to perform on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium before the Grand Ole Opry moved to the Grand Ole Opry House. A week later, he would be the first to sing on the stage of the new venue, also located in country music capitol Nashville, Tennessee ~ Morgan passed away in 1975
June 28, 1924 ~ Kenneth Parkin, commonly known as singer, actor Kenneth Sandford, born in Surrey, UK ~ Best known for his performances in baritone roles of Gilbert & Sullivan operas. Closely associated with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, remaining with the company for over two decades starting in 1957 ~ Parkin passed away in 2004
June 28, 1915 ~ Singer, guitarist David Honeyboy Edwards born in Shaw, Mississippi, USA ~ Worked with Big Joe Williams, Charley Patton, Tommy Johnson, Johnny Shines, Robert Lockwood Junior, Henry Townsend, Pinetop Perkins, and others ~ Edwards passed away in 2011
June 28, 1903 ~ Saxophonist, pianist, vibraphonist Adrian Rollini, full name Adrian Francis Rollini, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for 1930s recordings such as Savage Serenade, Got The Jitters, Tap Room Swing, Riverboat Shuffle, and Small Fry. Worked with artists such as Annette Hanshaw, Ukulele Ike, Joe Venuti, Miff Mole, Red Nichols, Roger Wolfe Kahn, Frankie Trumbauer, Red Nichols, Bert Lown, Lee Morse, the Dorsey Brothers, Ben Selvin, Jack Teagarden, Bunny Berigan, and Vaughn Monroe ~ Rollini passed away in 1956
June 28, 1902 ~ Composer Richard Rodgers, full name Richard Charles Rodgers, born in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the most important composers of the 20th century with over 40 musicals to his name and some 900 songs, often in collaboration with lyricist Lorenz Hart. Well known songs co-written by Rodgers include Some Enchanted Evening (Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Al Goodman), Bewitched Bothered And Bewildered (Vivienne Segal, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald), My Funny Valentine (Mitzi Green, Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock), Falling In Love With Love (Muriel Angelus, Rita Reys, Patti Page), Dancing On The Ceiling (Jessie Matthews, Buddy Greco, Peggy Lee), Lover (Jeanette Macdonald, Jimmy Dorsey, Margaret Whiting), Hello Young Lovers (Gertrude Lawrence, Mabel Mercer, Tommy Sands), The Sound Of Music (Mary Martin, Eddie Fisher, Vic Damone), This Nearly Was Mine (Ezio Pinza, Giorgio Tozzi, Fred Waring), It Might As Well Be Spring (Dick Haymes, Sammy Kaye, Rosemary Clooney), It Never Entered My Mind (Shirley Ross, Buddy Morrow, Julie London), and Little Girl Blue (Gloria Grafton, Lena Horne, Pinky Winters) ~ Rodgers passed away in 1979