June 3, 2022 ~ Jazz trombonist Grachan Moncur III passed away in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Son of jazz bassist Grachan Moncur II. Nephew of saxophonist Al Cooper. Toured with Ray Charles from the lae 1950s through the early 1960s. Noteworthy recordings as a leader include the acclaimed 1963 Evolution debut album featuring Jackie McLean and Lee Morgan and Some Other Stuff released the following year featuring Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. Has also worked with Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Sonny Rollins, Archie Shepp, Marion Brown, Beaver Harris, Roswell Rudd, 360 Degree Music Experience, and with Cassandra Wilson ~ Moncur was born in 1937
June 3, 2020 ~ Pianist, songwriter Gaynel Hodge passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-penning Earth Angel, a 1954 hit for the Penguins. Founding member of the Platters, the Turks, the Hollywood Flames. Has also worked with artists such as Lou Rawls, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Guitar Watson, Dr John, Ted Taylor, Richard Berry, Dick Dale, the Chamber Brothers, the Rivingtons, Duane Eddy, and others ~ Hodge was born in 1937
June 3, 2018 ~ Elisha Gerald Hopkins, commonly known as author, music journalist Jerry Hopkins passed away in Bangkok, Thailand ~ Best known for writing the first biographies of Elvis Presley and the Doors frontman Jim Morrison. Hopkins also served as a Rolling Stone editor for 20 years ~ Hopkins was born in 1935
June 3, 2017 ~ The 48th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. Mostly sunny, this year's edition would draw in total some 89,500 visitors. Included on today's, Saturday the 3rd's bill would include James TW, Chef Special, Kensington, Martin Garrix, Justin Bieber, the White Lies, Kaiser Chiefs, Five Finger Death Punch, Ten Bells, the Pierce Brothes, the Crystal Fighters, Richard Ashcroft, Alma, Declan McKenna, Ronnie Flex, Deuxperience, and Lotte Walda
June 3, 2016 ~ Violinist Dave Swarbrick passed away in Aberystwych, UK ~ Best known as key member of Fairport Convention, including on the critically acclaimed Liege And Lief. Admired by peers. In-demand collaborator. Worked with Ian Campbell, AL Lloyd, Ewan MacColl, Peggy Seeger, Martin Carthy, Julie Felix, John Renbourn, Al Stewart, Peter Bellamy, Whippersnapper, Chris Leslie, Kevin Dempsey, Alistair Hulett, Steve Ashley, John Kirkpatrick, Bert Jansch, Swarb's Lazarus, Vivian Stanshall, and others ~ Swarbrick was born in 1941
June 3, 2014 ~ Bluegrass guitarist James Alan Shelton passed away ~ Influenced by the Carter Family, Flatt & Scruggs, Bill Monroe. Released ten solo albums, starting with 1992's Blue In The Blue Ridge. Best known as a member of Ralph Stanley's backing unit the Clinch Mountain Boys ~ Shelton was born in 1960
June 3, 2011 ~ Pop, pop rock, soft rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Andrew Gold, full name Andrew Maurice Gold, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for a number of 1970s hits, notably Lonely Boy, Thank You For Being A Friend and Never Let Her Slip Away. Formed the duo Wax with Graham Gouldman. Has also worked with Bryndle, Linda Ronstadt, Cher, Vince Gill, and others ~ Gold was born in 1951
June 3, 2011 ~ Singer Benny Spellman passed away in Pensacola, Florida, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1962 single Lipstick Traces On A Cigarette b/w Fortune Teller, both songs written by Allen Toussaint. Also worked with Earl King, Huey Piano Smith, Ernie K-Doe, Wilson Pickett, the Neville Brothers, the O'Jays, and others ~ Spellman was born in 1931
June 3, 2009 ~ Cora Anna Walton, commonly known as blues singer Koko Taylor, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Queen of the Blues. Discovered by Willie Dixon. Broke through with the Dixon-penned Wang Dang Doodle in 1964, selling a million copies, previously recorded by Howlin' Wolf. Influenced Bonnie Raitt, Shemekia Copeland, Janis Joplin, Shannon Curfman, Susan Tedeschi ~ Taylor was born in 1928
June 3, 2009 ~ Tenor saxophonist Sam Butera passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Closely associated with Louis Prima and Keely Smith. Appears on classic recordings such as That Old Black Magic, Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody, Come On A-My House, and I Wanna Be Like You ~ Butera was born in 1927
June 3, 2006 ~ The 37th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. A sunny, warm weekend, this year's edition would draw a total of some 68,000 visitors. Included on today's, Saturday the 3rd's bil would be the Dresden Dolls, Nelly Furtado, Kaiser Chiefs, Placebo, Kubb, Admiral Freebee, Paul Weller, Mo'jones, and Kraak & Smaak
June 3, 2001 ~ The 32nd edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 2 of 3. A chilly but mostly dry weekend, this year's edition would draw a total of 64,200 visitors. Included on today's, Sunday the 2rd's bill would be Ellen ten Damme, Green Lizard, Papa Roach, Zita Swoon, K's Choice, Das Pop, Brainpower, OutKast, St Germain, and Johan
June 3, 1994 ~ Singer Wally Fowler passed away nearr Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Founding member of the Oak Ridge Boys. Previously a member of the Georgia Clodhoppers, a country group that also included famed guitarist Chet Atkins ~ Fowler was born in 1917
June 3, 1988 ~ David Lawrence Brewster Jr, commonly known as rapper, songwriter, actor Dave East, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Jadakiss, Notorious BIG, Raekwon, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg. First gained attention in the early 2010s with a series of mixtapes, leading up to a full-length Survival debut album released in 2019. Has collaborated with artists such as Lumidee, Juelz Santana, Greatness Jones, and Trae the Truth
June 3, 1986 ~ Florence Marjorie Robertson, commonly known as stage and film actress, singer, dancer Anna Neagle, passed away in West Byfleet, UK ~ Provided glamour and sophistication in war-torn London during World War II. Known for lightweight musicals, comedy and especially for her roles in historical dramas ~ Robertson was born in 1904
June 3, 1983 ~ Indietronica, electropop, synthpop, pop singer, keyboardist, guitarist Javiera Mena, full name Javiera Alejandra Mena Carrasco, born in Santiago, Chile ~ Rose to fame with her 2006 Esquemas Juveniles debut album and has recorded consistently since. Well known for songs such as Al Siquiente Nivel, Hasta La Verdad, and Otra Era
June 3, 1983 ~ Kelela Mizanekristos, mononymously known as alternative R&B, electronic singer, songwriter Kelela, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Active since the early 2010s, leading up to her critically acclaimed full-length Take Me Apart debut album released in 2017
June 3, 1982 ~ Russell Edward Davidson, commonly known as rock, hard rock, blues rock, psychedelic rock singer, drummer, percussionist Rusty Day, passed away in Longwood, Florida, USA ~ First gained attention as early member of the Amboy Dukes, replacing previous lead singer John Drake. Sang lead on the 1969 Migration before leaving the band. Member of early 1970s supergroup Cactus. Declined the offer to join AC/DC as replacement for the late Bon Scott. Fatally shot at his home at age 36, the murder officially remaining unsolved to this day ~ Davidson was born in 1945
June 3, 1981 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, banjoist, fiddler, songwriter Sam Amidon, full name Samuel Tear Amidon, born in Brattleboro, Vermont, USA ~ Married to singer Beth Orton. Member of Popcorn Behavior. Member of Doveman. Has recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Solo Fiddle consisting of traditional fiddle instrumentals released in 2001
June 3, 1978 ~ Chester Jermaine Jennings, commonly known as R&B, soul singer, producer, songwriter Lyfe Jennings, born in USA ~ Worked with Three 6 Mafia, Young Buck, TI, Bryan-Michael Cox, Fabolous, Bobby V, Ludacris, Anthony Hamilton, Jazmine Sullivan, Fantasia, YolanDa Brown, LL Cool J, Lil' Flip, Rick Ross, Swizz Beatz, and others
June 3, 1976 ~ Jazz singer, songwriter Hilde Louise Asbjørnsen born in Sykkylven, Norway ~ Formed the duo Asbjørnsen & Joh with Lene Kongsvik Johansen early on in her career. Best known for her solo recordings, having recorded over half a dozen albums starting with the Per Husby-produced Eleven Nights And Two Early Mornings album released in 2004
June 3, 1976 ~ Jazz bassist Roger Arntzen born in Bodø, Norway ~ Worked with Country, Ballrogg, Chrome Hill, Håvard Stubø, Istenfor Sol, Morten Qvenild, Paul Hausken, Subtonic, Damp, Erik Wesseltoft, and others
June 3, 1974 ~ Cedric Dormaine Hill, commonly known as Southern hip-hop rapper ESG, born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, USA ~ Released his full-length Ocean Of Funk debut album in 1994. Best known for his 2001 single Getchya Hands Up featuring Slim Thug
June 3, 1974 ~ Pop pianist, keyboardist, director, producer, songwriter Jason Halbert born in Port Arthur, Texas, USA ~ Member of DC Talk. Co-founding member of Sonicflood. Touring keyboardist for Paulina Rubio and Reba McEntire. Music director for Nick Carter, Clay Aiken, Justin Guarini, and notably Kelly Clarkson. Co-wrote a vast amount of the latter's songs, including Catch My Breath and Cry, and notably produced Clarkson's 2013 Grammy Award winning Stronger album. Halbert also formed the duo the Brezhnev Society with Todd Mark Evans
June 3, 1974 ~ Rock singer, guitarist Kelly Jones born in Cwmaman, UK ~ Co-founding member, lead singer, guitarist for alternative rock band the Stereophonics. The band would score a string of UK top 10 hits starting in the late 1990s, well known songs include The Bartender And The Thief, Just Looking, Pick A Part That's New, Have A Nice Day, Madame Helga, and Dakota, the latter topping the UK singles chart in 2005
June 3, 1974 ~ The 5th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ Drizzly with occassional rain, some 30,000 visitors show up for this edition's bill which includes Status Quo, Steeleye Span, Rory Gallagher, Fungus, Captain Beefheart, and Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel
June 3, 1970 ~ Death metal singer, guitarist Peter Tagtgren, full name Alf Peter Tagtgren, born in Grangarde, Sweden ~ Fronts Hypocrisy. Fronts Pain. Regularly appears on Rammstein singer Till Lindemann's solo outings, usually recorded under the moniker Lindemann
June 3, 1969 ~ Producer, songwriter Søren Rasted, full name Søren Nystrøm Raster, born in Blovstrød, Denmark ~ Best known as member and along with bandmate Claus Norreen primary songwriter of Eurodance outfit Aqua active from the mid 1990s through 2001. The band has sold over 20 million records and is best known for their 1997 Barbie Girl dance hit, a No.1 hit across Europe and a top 10 hit on the American Billboard Hot 100. Married to bandmate Lene Nystrøm from 2001 through 2016, the couple have two children. Rasted has also served as producer and songwriter for a wide array of Danish artists
June 3, 1968 ~ Hard rock singer Dave Gleeson, full name David Sean Gleeson, born in Newcastle, Australia ~ Lead singer for the Screaming Jets, known best for a string of succesful 1990s albums and their energetic live show. The single Better taken of their 1991 All For One debut album would reach top 10 in the band's native Australia
June 3, 1968 ~ Jamie Murphy, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Jamie O'Neal born in Sydney, Australia ~ Released her full-length Shiver in 2000, which included the Billboard Country No.1 hits There Is No Arizona and When I Think About Angels. Would again reach the top 10 with Somebody's Hero in 2005
June 3, 1968 ~ Indie rock, alternative rock drummer Tony Maxwell born in Paris, France ~ Founding member of That Dog, which drew comparisons to Redd Kross, Dolly Mixture and the Buzzcocks. After the band disbanded in 1997 would go on to score the soundtracks for the films Chuck & Buck and The Good Girl
June 3, 1966 ~ Lo-fi, alternative country, underground rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Bill Callahan, full name William Rahr Callahan, born in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA ~ Recorded over a dozen albums under the moniker Smog, starting with Sewn To The Sky released in 1990. Dropped the moniker by the mid-2000s, recording over half a dozen albums under his given name since. Singer Cat Power has notably covered Callahan's Bathysphere and Red Apples
June 3, 1966 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Bill Janovitz born ~ Lead singer for indie rock trio Buffalo Tom, with whom he has recorded over half a dozen albums since the late 1980s. The band is best known for their 1992 Let Me Come Over album and its followup Big Red Letter Day released the following year. The band would score a UK top 10 in 1999 with Going Underground, a cover of the Jam classic. Janovitz has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Lonesome Billy released in 1997. Janovitz has three younger brothers who are all musicians, Paul Janovitz of Cold Water Flat, Scott Janovitz of the Russians, and Tom Janovitz of Sodafrog
June 3, 1965 ~ Jazz trumpeter Derrick Gardner born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Count Basie, Frank Foster, Harry Connick Jr, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Jon Faddis, Nancy Wilson, Tony Bennett, Joe Williams, Rufus Reid, Vincent Gardner, Clark Terry, Kenny Barron, Stefon Harris, James Moody, Lizz Wright, Craig Bailey, and others
June 3, 1965 ~ Rock, folk, bluegrass bassist, guitarist, banjoist, pianist, singer Mike Gordon born in Sudbury, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as founding member of Phish. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's songs including Mound, Train Song, Yarmouth Road and Say Something. Has also worked with Leo Kottke, Jamie Masefield, the Chieftains, the Rhythm Devils, and released several solo albums starting with Inside In in 2003
June 3, 1964 ~ Dorothee Pesch, commonly known as heavy metal, hard rock singer, songwriter Doro, born in Düsseldorf, West Germany ~ Dubbed “the Metal Queen” for her leading role in heavy metal. Fronted the short-lived Snakebite in the early 1980s. Fronted Warlock. Well known as a solo artist with over two dozen albums to her name, starting with Force Majeure released in 1989
June 3, 1963 ~ Edgar Clyde Ennis Jr, commonly known as jazz, pop singer, bandleader Skinnay Ennis, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Popular late 1930s, 1940s bandleader known for his work for Hollywood films. Originally nicknamed “Skinny” but after a label misprint on one of his recordings the new “Skinnay” stuck ~ Ennis was born in 1907
June 3, 1962 ~ Dance, house producer David Cole, full name David Byron Cole, born in Johnson, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for forming C+C Music Factory with regular collaborator Robert Clivilles, scoring a string of early 1990s hits including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) , Here We Go (Let's Rock & Roll), and Things That Make You Go Hmmm. The duo also produced hit records for Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, Deborah Cooper, and others ~ Cole passed away in 1995
June 3, 1961 ~ Singer Connie Francis records Together ~ Written by Ray Henderson, Buddy DeSylva and Lew Brown. Well known as a 1928 hit for Paul Whiteman featuring Bix Beiderbecke on cornet. Also recorded as a duet by Dick Haymes and Helen Forrest in 1944. Francis would release her version as a single, b/w Too Many Rules, and reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100
June 3, 1961 ~ Edward Wynne, commonly known as psychedelic rock, progressive rock, space rock, jazz fusion guitarist, keyboardist Ed Wynne, born in Wandsworth, UK ~ Best known as principal songwriter and sole constant member of psychedelic rock outfit Ozric Tentacles. The band is noted for merging rock with a wide array of idioms including jazz fusion, ambient dub, and electronic music. Wynne has also worked with Nodens Ictus, Jordan Rudess, Eat Static, and Invisible System, and recorded as a solo artist starting with Shimmer Into Nature released in 2019
June 3, 1959 ~ Twin brothers mandolinist, banjoist Cary Park and guitarist Larry Park born in Stockton, California, USA ~ Members of country band Boy Howdy, known for a string of 1990s singles notably A Cowboy's Born With A Broken Heart, She'd Give Anything and They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anynmore
June 3, 1956 ~ Daniel Thomas, commonly known as singer, guitarist, harmonica player Danny Wilde, born in Houlton, Maine, USA ~ Co-founded power-pop unit the Quick, and subsequently Great Buildings. Has released a number of moderately succesful solo recordings, notably the singles Isn't It Enough and Time Runs Wild, before teaming up with Phil Solem to form the Rembrandts, known for Just The Way It Is and the Friends theme I'll Be There For You
June 3, 1953 ~ Trumpeter, composer Mike Mosiello passed away ~ Enlisted in the US Marine Corps as a military musician during World War I and started a musical career after his service. Worked as a studio musician, in big bands, radio orchestras, and in theatres. Worked with Vincent Lopez, Nathaniel Shilkret, Victor Borge, Andy Sannella, Charles Magnante, and others. ~ Mosiello was born in 1896
June 3, 1953 ~ Blues, country blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Terry Garland born in Johnson, Tennessee, USA ~ Guitarist, steel guitarist, slide guitarist. Drew comparisons to Bukka White and Mississippi Fred McDowell. Released his Trouble In Mind debut album in 1991, which also featured the Nighthawks' blues harpist Mark Wenner
June 3, 1952 ~ Keyboardist Billy Powell, full name William Norris Powell, born in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA ~ Best known as member of Southern rock outfit Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 until his death in 2009. Present on the band's best known starting with the acclaimed 1973 Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd debut album. Has also worked with Vision, 38 Special and the Rossington-Collins Band ~ Powell passed away in 2009
June 3, 1951 ~ June Deniece Chandler, commonly known as R&B, pop singer Deniece Williams, born in Gary, Indiana, USA ~ Four-octave soprano best known for the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits Let's Hear It For The Boy and Too Much Too Little Too Late, the latter a duet with Johnny Mathis. Other well known songs include Free, Silly and It's Gonna Take A Miracle. In-demand backing singer, present on albums by Stevie Wonder, Minnie Riperton (Perfect Angel), Syreeta Wright, Roberta Flack, Kenny Rankin (Silver Morning), Albert King, Joe Cocker, and the Weather Report
June 3, 1950 ~ Rock, glam rock, pop rock singer, bassist, songwriter Suzi Quatro, full name Susan Kay Quatro, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity especially in the UK and continental Europe after being discovered by producer, manager Mickie Most. Well-known songs include Can The Can, 48 Crash, Devil Gate Drive, The Wild One, If You Can't Give Me Love, all of which would reach top 10 in the UK
June 3, 1948 ~ Composer, pianist, arranger Carlos Franzetti, full name Carlos ALberto Franzetti, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Has composed symphonies, concertos, operas, chamber music, big band jazz. Best known for his 2001 Tango Fatal album and for several film scores including Beat Street, Misunderstood, and The Mambo Kings
June 3, 1948 ~ Singer, double bassist Fred LaBour, also known under the moniker Too Slim, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Member of Western swing, musical comedy troupe the Riders In The Sky alongside Douglas B Green, Woody Paul and Joey Miskulin, active since the mid-1970s
June 3, 1947 ~ Guitarist, songwriter, producer Clive Shakespeare born in Southampton, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member, guitarist, songwriter for Sherbet. Wrote or co-wrote the majority of the bands material, often with Garth Porter, including Cassandra, Silvery Moon, Slipstream, and the band's biggest hit Summmer Love. Also a member of the Road Agens and of Down Town Roll. Producer for Richard & Wendy, Tuesday Piranha, the Apartments, Leonard Samperi, Paul Kelly, Martin Plaza, and others ~ Shakespeare passed away in 2012
June 3, 1947 ~ Rock, garage rock, avant-punk, protopunk bassist Dave Alexander, full name David Michael Alexander, born in Whitmore Lake, Michigan, USA ~ Original bassist of Iggy Pop's band the Stooges. Appeared on the band's first two albums, 1969's The Stooges and 1970's Fun House. Co-penned a number of the band's best known, notably We Will Fail, Little Doll, Dirt and 1970. Fired from the band in 1970 after showing up drunk for a live date. Alexander would die five years later, making it to the notorious 27 Club alongside Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and others ~ Alexander passed away in 1975
June 3, 1947 ~ Drummer Mickey Finn, full name Michael Norman Finn, born in Thornton Heath, UK ~ Best known as member of Marc Bolan's T.Rex. Has also worked with Hapshash & the Coloured Coat, the Blow Monkeys, the Soup Dragons, and others ~ Finn passed away in 2003
June 3, 1946 ~ Gospel, R&B, pop singer Eddie Holman born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Considered a one-hit wonder for Hey There Lonely Girl, a 1970 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for Holman surpassing the original 1963 recording by Ruby & the Romantics. Had previously reached the charts yet none reached the top 10. Notable recordings include This Can't Be True, Am I A Loser From The Start, I Love You, Don't Stop Now and Cathy Called
June 3, 1946 ~ Conductor Jonathan Strasser born ~ To pop audiences best known for appearing in the 1980 film Fame as conductor of the High School of Performing Arts Orchestra ~ Strasser passed away in 2017
June 3, 1946 ~ Michael James Dick, commonly known as drummer Michael Clarke, born in Spokane, Washington, USA ~ Best known for his tenure with the Byrds from 1964 through 1967. Also worked with Dillard & Clark, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Firefall, and with Jerry Jeff Walker ~ Clarke passed away in 1993
June 3, 1946 ~ Violinist, conductor Rainer Kussmaul born in Mannheim, Germany ~ First concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic. Also led the Berliner Barocksolisten ~ Kussmaul passed away in 2017
June 3, 1945 ~ Jazz bassist, composer, arranger Bjørn Alterhaug born in Mo-i-Rana, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with Lee Konitz, Warne Marsh, Chet Baker, Thorgeir Stubø, Joe Henderson, Lucky Thompson, Sheila Jordan, Vigleik Storaas, Karin Krog, John Surman, Ben Webster, Clark Terry, Egil Kapstad, Laila Dalseth, Henning Gravrok, and others
June 3, 1944 ~ Fabienne Essalagh, commonly known as model, actress, singer, guitarist Fabienne Shine, born in Tunesia ~ Fronted rock outfit Shakin' Street, known for their 1978 Vampire Rock debut album. Married Chrome singer, keyboardist Damon Edge in 1980 and subsequently appeared on several of the band's albums, notably present on the 1982 3rd From The Sun album
June 3, 1942 ~ Actress, singer Anita Harris, full name Anita Madeleine Harris, born in Somerset, UK ~ Recorded as a solo artist since the early 1960s. Scored a 1967 UK top 10 hit with the Tom Springfield-penned Just Loving You, given to her at the suggestion of Tom's sister Dusty Springfield after a chance meeting appearing on the same episode of Top Of The Pops. Sang with the Cliff Adams Singers. Also known as an actress for stage, film and TV, often portraying a singer
June 3, 1942 ~ R&B, soul singer, songwriter Curtis Mayfield, full name Curtis Lee Mayfield, born in Chicago, Illinois, Illinois ~ Started as a member of the Impressions. Would rise to stardom as a solo artist starting with the 1970 Curtis album. Driving force in the early 1970s Blaxploitation genre, especially acclaimed for the 1972 Superfly soundtrack. Regarded as civil rights icon and musically as one of the icons of soul. Known for songs such as Don't Worry If There's A Hell Below We're All Gonna Go, Move On Up, Future Shock, Sweet Exorcist, So In Love, She Don't Let Nobody But Me, and others. As a songwriter had his songs covered by Major Lance, Gene Chandler, the Righteous Brothers, Main Ingredient, Donny Hathaway, Aretha Franklin, Deniece Williams, Bob Marley, the Isley Brothers, and others ~ Mayfield passed away in 1999
June 3, 1941 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer, arranger Janusz Muniak born ~ One of the pioneers of free jazz in Europe. One of the first Polish jazz musicians to work with rockers, including artists such as Dzamble and Czeslaw Niemen. Has also collaborated with Ronnie Burage, James Gammack, Don Cherry, Ted Curson, Art Farmer, Eddie Gladden, Dexter Gordon, Eddie Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Hank Jones, Rusty Jones, Nigel Kennedy, Branislav Lala Kovacev, Joe Lovano, Wynton Marsalis, Hank Mobley, Takeo Moriyama, Joe Newman, Sal Nistico, Jasper van 't Hof, Aladar Pege, Rufus Reid, Akira Sakata, Archie Shepp, Charlie Ventura, Yosuke Yamashita, Tomasz Stańko, Zbigniew Namyslowski, Adam Makowicz, Wojclecj Karolak, Krzysztof Komeda, Andrzej Kurylewicz, Andrzej Trzaskowksi, Jan Ptaszyn Wróblewski, Jarek Smietana, Jan Jarczyk, Wlodek Pawlik, Leszek Mozdzer, Michal Urbaniak, and others ~ Muniak passed away in 2016
June 3, 1940 ~ Joseph Benhamin Higgs, commonly known as R&B, ska, rocksteady, reggae singer, guitarist Joe Higgs, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Half of famed duo Higgs & Wilson with Roy Wilson. Has also worked with Bob Marley's backing unit the Wailers and Jimmy Cliff ~ Higgs passed away in 1999
June 3, 1939 ~ Ian Hunter Patterson, commonly known as rock, hard rock, glam rock singer, pianist, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Ian Hunter born in Owestry, UK ~ Lead singer for Mott The Hoople, known for a string of early to mid-1970s UK top 20 hits such as Honaloochie Boogie, All The Way From Memphis, Roll Away The Stone, The Golden Age Of Rock 'n Roll, and probably their best-known the David Bowie-penned All The Young Dudes. As a solo artist Hunter is best known for Once Bitten Twice Shy of his 1975 eponmyous Ian Hunter solo debut album
June 3, 1937 ~ Jazz trombonist Grachan Moncur III born in New York, New York, USA ~ Son of jazz bassist Grachan Moncur II. Nephew of saxophonist Al Cooper. Toured with Ray Charles from the lae 1950s through the early 1960s. Noteworthy recordings as a leader include the acclaimed 1963 Evolution debut album featuring Jackie McLean and Lee Morgan and Some Other Stuff released the following year featuring Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. Has also worked with Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Sonny Rollins, Archie Shepp, Marion Brown, Beaver Harris, Roswell Rudd, 360 Degree Music Experience, and with Cassandra Wilson ~ Moncur passed away in 2022
June 3, 1936 ~ Guitarist Eddie Willis born in Grenada, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by Chet Atkins, Wes Montgomery, and by Albert King. Member of Motown house band the Funk Brothers. Appeared on hundreds of recordings including Please Mr Postman (the Marvelettes), The Way You Do The Things You Do (the Temptations), You Keep Me Hangin' On (the Supremes), and I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder) ~ Willis passed away 2018
June 3, 1935 ~ Singer, pianist, actor, songwriter Enzo Jannacci, full name Vincenzo Jannacci, born in Milan, Italy ~ Workeed with Rocky Mountains, the Rock Boys, Adriano Celentano, Giorgio Gaber, Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Bud Powell, Franco Cerri, Mina, Paolo Conte, Dario Fo, Irene Grandi, Ligabue, Renato Pozzeto, Enrico Ruggero, Roberto Vecchioni, Francesco de Gregori, Fabrizio de André, and Seltori. As a solo artist known for songs such as L'Ombrello Di Mio Fratello, Milanon Milanin, L'Armando, and La Fotografia ~ Jannacci passed away in 2013
June 3, 1935 ~ Jazz trumpeter Ted Curson born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Penned, and recorded the song Tears For Dolphy for his 1964 album of the same name, the song being an elegy for iconic saxophonist, clarinetist Eric Dolphy who died earlier the same year. The song would become widely used in films. Curson has collaborated with a host of artists including Cecil Taylor, Pepper Adams, Bill Barron, Nick Brignola, Andrew Hill, Charles Mingus, Sal Nistico, Archie Shepp, Andrzej Trzaskowksi, and others ~ Curson passed away in 2012
June 3, 1934 ~ Jazz trumpeter Bob Wallis born in Bridlington, UK ~ Worked with the Storyville Jazz Band, Ken Colyer, Acker Bilk, Hugh Rainey, and others ~ Wallis passed away in 1991
June 3, 1930 ~ Jazz singer Dakota Staton born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for her single The Late Late Show, a hit in 1957 and title track of her acclaimed debut album of the same name. Staton recorded prolifically into the late 1960s, sporadically into the 2000s. She recorded her most acclaimed albums during the late 1950s and early 1960s, notably In The Night and Dynamic both released in 1958, and the live album Dakota At Storyville released in 1962 ~ Staton passed away in 2007
June 3, 1927 ~ Homer Louis Randolph III, saxophonist, commonly known as Boots Randolph, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Session musician. Member of the Mighty Handful. As a solo artist best known for his 1963 hit single Yakety Sax, which would become Benny Hill's signature tune. Has backed Elvis Presley on recording sessions and soundtracks, perhaps most notably on Return To Sender. Also present on Roy Orbison's Mean Woman Blues, Brenda Lee's Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, Jerry Lee Lewis' Turn On Your Lovelight, Al Hirt's Java, several of Chet Atkins recordings, and numerous other recordings from a wide array of pop, jazz and country artists ~ Randolph passed away in 2007
June 3, 1924 ~ James Arthur Lane, commonly known as blues harpist, guitarist, singer Jimmy Rogers, born in Ruleville, Mississippi, USA ~ Father of guitarist Jimmy D Lane. Rodgers is best known as member of Muddy Waters backing unit from 1947 through 1954. Has also recorded a number of pivotal solo recordings, notably That's All Right which has since become a blues standard, Chicago Bound, Walking By Myself and Rock This House, before gradually retiring from music by the early 1960s. Resurfaced in the early 1970s, enjoying popularity especially in Europe. Continued to perform and record until his death, passing away shortly after recording the all-star cast Blues Blues Blues album, posthumously released in 1998. The album featured musicians influenced by Rogers, including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Taj Mahal, Lowell Fulson, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and Jeff Healey ~ Lane passed away in 1997
June 3, 1924 ~ James Arthur Lane, commonly known as guitarist Jimmy Rogers, born in Ruleville, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for backing Muddy Waters in the early 1950s. As a solo artist known for songs such as That's All Right, Chicago Bound, Walking By Myself and Rock This House. Retired from music by the late 1950s to return in the 1970s ~ Lane passed away in 1997
June 3, 1923 ~ Jazz drummer Al Harewood born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Worked with JJ Johnson, Kai Winding, Art Farmer, Gigi Gryce, David Amram, Betty Carter, Curtis Fuller, Benny Golson, Lou Donaldson, Horace Parlan, Ike Quebec, Dexter Gordon, Grant Green, Stanley Turrentine, Benny Carter, Booker Ervin, Benny Golson, Betty Carter, Dodo Greene, Bobby Hutcherson, Dick Katz, Horace Parlan, Dizzy Reece, Buddy Tate, Al Grey, and others ~ Harewood passed away in 2014
June 3, 1923 ~ Jazz, classical clarinetist, bandleader, composer Phil Nimmons born in Kamloops, Canada ~ Best known for leading Nimmins 'n Nine for some three decades, starting in the early 1950s. Co-founded the Advanced School Of Contemporary Music in Toronto with virtuoso jazz pianist Oscar Peterson
June 3, 1914 ~ Dock Williams, commonly known as singer, songwriter Curley Williams, born in Cairo, Georgia, USA ~ Wrote Half As Much, recorded by Hank Williams, no relation, in 1951 and later covered by a wide array of musicians ~ Williams passed away in 1970
June 3, 1906 ~ Freda Josephine McDonald, commonly known as singer Josephine Baker born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Starred in the Broadway revues Shuffle Along and The Chocolate Dandies during the 1920s. Among the most popular entertainers in pre-war Paris. First black woman to star in a major film, namely 1927's silent film The Siren Of The Tropics. Member of the French Resistance during World War II ~ Baker passed away in 1975
June 3, 1904 ~ Jacob Pincus Perelmuth, commonly known as operatic tenor Jan Peerce, born in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Active since the early 1930, starting as a tenor soloist with Radio City Music Hall. Perhaps best known for his association with the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Has also worked with the Philadelphia La Scala Opera Company, the Metropolitan Opera, and others ~ Perelmuth passed away in 1984
June 3, 1899 ~ Johann Baptist Strauss, commonly known as composer Johann Straus II, passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Son of composer Johann Strauss I. Composed light music, dance music, operettas. Dubbed “the Waltz King”, having composed over 500 waltzes, polkas, quadrilles including The Blue Danube, Kaiser-Walzer and Tritsch-Tratsch Polka. Notably also remembered for the operettas Die Fledermaus and Der Zigeunerbaron ~ Strauss was born in 1825
June 3, 1897 ~ Lizzie Douglas, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Memphis Minnie, born in Algiers, Louisiana, USA ~ Influenced artists such as Big Mama Thornton, Jo-Ann Kelly, Erin Harpe. Known for songs such as Nothing In Rambling, Me And My Chauffeur Blues and Bumble Bee, the latter with her then-husband Kansas Joe McCoy ~ Douglas passed away in 1973
June 3, 1888 ~ Trombonist, bandleader Tom Brown born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Played with Papa Jack Laine and Frank Christian before leading bands of his own by the 1910s. Brown bragged to lead the first white band to play “Jass,” a similar claim as Nick LaRocca of the competing the Original Dixieland Jazz Band has adamantly made. Later Brown would also serve under bandleaders such as Bert Kelly and Harry Yerkes ~ Brown passed away in 1958
June 3, 1875 ~ Alexandre César Leopold Bizet, commonly known as composer Georges Bizet, passed away in Bougival, France ~ Romantic era composer best known for Carmen, one of the most popular works in the entire opera repertoire ~ Bizet was born in 1838
June 3, 1853 ~ Operatic tenor, bass singer Filippo Galli passed away ~ One of the most acclaimed operatic singer of the bel canto era, praised for his agility and expressivity ~ Galli was born ca.1783