June 30, 2023 ~ Kentrick Patrick, commonly known as calypso, rocksteady, ska singer Lord Creator, passed away ~ Influential on the early development of the Jamaican music scene. Active since the late-1950s, noted for hits such as The Cockhead, Evening News, Big Bamboo, and specifically Kingston Town. The latter would be covered by UB40 in 1989, which helped revive Patrick's career ~ Patrick was born in 1935
June 30, 2023 ~ Eric Froberg, commonly known as punk rock, post-punk, indie rock guitarist, singer Rick Froberg, passed away ~ Perhaps best known as lead singer, guitarist for early-1990s outfit Drive Like Jehu, a band especially acclaimed for the albums Drive Like Jehu and Yank Crime. Froberg has also worked with Pitchfork, the Hot Snakes, and Obits. As a visual artist and illustrator, Froberg has created album art and merchandise for all of his bands as well as for Rocket From The Crypt, Beehive & the Barracudas, and Mr Tube & the Flying Objects ~ Froberg was born in 1968
June 30, 2021 ~ Guitarist Vic Briggs, full name Victor Harvey Briggs, passed away in New Zealand ~ One of the finest to pass through the ranks of the Animals, serving as the band's lead guitarist and primary arranger from 1966 through 1968, present on the albums Winds Of Change, The Twain Shall Meet and Every One Of Us. Mentored by Big Jim Sullivan, Briggs had been active since his mid-teens including with the Echoes, Dusty Springfield, notably present on Springfield's Ev'rything's Coming Up Dusty album, Brian Auger, Steampacket, and Johnny Hallyday. Following his tenure with the Animals, Briggs would focus on producing and arranging, working with the likes of Eire Apparent, Zoot Money, Hilton Valentine, and Sean Bonniwell ~ Briggs was born in 1945
June 30, 2018 ~ Country mandolinist Dean Webb, full name Roy Dean Webb, passed away ~ Co-founding member of the Dillards. The band would prove to be one of the most important progressive bluegrass acts to emerge from the 1960s, acclaimed for albums such as Back Porch Bluegrass, Wheatstraw Suite, and Copperfields, and influential on a wide range of artists including the Byrds and Linda Ronstadt. An in-demand guest collaborator, Webb has also appeared on albums by Malvina Reynolds, Severin Browne, JD Crowe (JD Crowe & The New South), Allan Clarke, and Jim Ringer ~ Webb was born in 1937
June 30, 2016 ~ Jazz pianist Don Friedman, full name Donald Ernest Friedman, passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ First appeared on the West Coast scene in 1956, playing with the likes of Dexter Gordon, Shorty Rogers, Buddy DeFranco, and the then-unknown Ornette Coleman. Friedman would relocate to New York, where he became an in-demand pianist, both as a leader and a sideman working with artists such as Pepper Adams, Booker Little, Jimmy Giuffre, Atilla Zoller, Chuck Wayne, and Clark Terry. Friedman remained active until his death at age 81, recording some 50 albums as a leader starting with the acclaimed A Day In The City (Jazz Variations On A Theme) released in 1961, though despite earning critical acclaim he never became a household name ~ Friedman was born in 1935
June 30, 2015 ~ Edouard Louise, commonly known as organist, singer Eddy Louiss, passed away in Poitiers, France ~ Member of Double Six in the early-1960s. Closely associated with Claude Nougaro, with whom he worked for about a dozen years starting in the mid-1960s. Internationally perhaps best known for guesting on Stan Getz's acclaimed 1971 Dynasty album. Other notable associations include Jean-Luc Ponty, Michel Legrand (The Young Girls Of Rochefort), Gong, André Condouant, Stéphane Grappelli, Quincy Jones, Daniel Humair, Albert Mangelsdorff (Room 1220), Toots Thielemans, and Jane Birkin ~ Louise was born in 1941
June 30, 2012 ~ Victor Guillermo Toro, commonly known as guitarist, cuatro player Yomo Toro, passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Known as “the King of the Cuatro” with a career spanning six decades starting in the 1940s. The cuatro is a stringed instrument of the guitar family, larger than a mandolin and containg ten strings which generate complex tones and multiple harmonic series. Toro is firmly grounded in traditional Puerto Rican and Mexican music, specifically jibaro, has recorded prolifically as a solo artist and is an in-demand sideman for a wide array of artists. Notable associations include Arsenío Rodriguez, Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon, Linda Ronstadt, David Byrne, and the Fania All-Stars ~ Toro was born in 1933
June 30, 2006 ~ Jazz, big band pianist Ross Tompkins passed away in St Augustine, Florida, USA ~ First gained attention in the 1960s, backing Kai Winding on about half a dozen albums. Tompkins would go on to record about a dozen albums as a leader, co-leader or solo artist, and is especially noted for the 1977 live album Live At Concord. Also closely associated with Doc Severinsen, serving in the Tonight Show Band for some two decades starting in 1971, and with Louie Bellson from the mid-1970s through the 1990s. Other notable associations include Herb Ellis, Zoot Sims (Hawthorne Nights), Howard Roberts (The Real Howard Roberts), Lorraine Feather, Snooky Young, Red Norvo, Peanuts Hucko, Bill Watrous (I'll Play For You), Dick Cary, Spike Robinson, Tommy Newsom, Dick Hafer (Prez Impressions), Jake Hanna, and Plas Johnson ~ Tompkins was born in 1938
June 30, 2002 ~ Howard Richard Allen, commonly known as drummer Richard Pistol Allen, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Max Roach, Buddy Rich, Benny Benjamin. Member of Motown house band the Funk Brothers. Present on recordings by Martha & the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Four Tops, and others ~ Allen was born in 1932
June 30, 2001 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Chet Atkins, full name Chester Burton Atkins, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Important behind the scenes country musician. Along with Owen Bradley and Bob Ferguson helped develop the Nashville sound. Highly admired as a guitarist. Influenced by Merle Travis, Django Reinhardt, George Barnes, Les Paul, Jerry Reed. Has collaborated with numerous artists, notably as a producer for Perry Como, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Don Gibson, Jim Reeves, Waylon Jennings ~ Atkins was born in 1924
June 30, 2001 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, soul jazz saxophonist Joe Henderson passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Parker. Well over two dozen albums as a leader, drawing from bebop, R&B, Latin jazz, and avant-garde. Best known for an impressive string of acclaimed 1960s albums, starting with Page One, and three tribute albums released in the 1990s celebrating the music of Billy Strayhorn (Lush Life), Miles Davis (So Near So Far), and Antônio Carlos Jobim (Double Rainbow). As a composer, Henderson is best known for Recorda-me, Serenity, Inner Urge, Isotope, and Black Narcissus, all covered by numerous artists. Though primarily a leader, Henderson has guested on numerous albums including landmark recordings by Lee Morgan (The Sidewinder), Horace Silver (Song For My Father), Andrew Hill (Point Of Departure), and Herbie Hancock (The Prisoner). Other notable associations include Kenny Dorham, Blue Mitchell, Johnny Coles, Grant Green, Duke Pearson, Freddie Roach, Pete La Roca, Larry Young, Bobby Hutcherson, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Ayers, Joe Zawinul, McCoy Tyner, Lee Konitz, Alice Coltrane, Miroslav Vitous, Flora Purim, Ron Carter, Patrice Rushen, Woody Shaw, Ben Sidran, Chick Corea, Mal Waldron, and Chaka Khan ~ Henderson was born in 1937
June 30, 1995 ~ Pop, R&B singer Phyllis Hyman, full name Phyllis Linda Hyman, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for songs such as You Know How To Love Me, Living All Alone, Don't Wanna Change The World. Nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the early-1980s Broadway-production of Sophisticated Ladies, a musical based on the music of Duke Ellington ~ Hyman was born in 1949
June 30, 1994 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Obadiah Carter, full name Obadiah Hawthorne Carter, passed away ~ Best known as member of the 5 Royales, originating from gospel quintet the Royal Sons. The band changed both their name and music, moving from gospel to secular R&B, and found succes with songs such as You Know I Know and Courage To Love ~ Carter was born in 1925
June 30, 1990 ~ Saxophonist Dudu Pukwana, full name Mtuhutuzeli Dudu Pukwana, passed away in London, UK ~ Influenced by Nikele Moyake, Charlie Parker, and King Curtis. Member of the Blue Notes, member of Brotherhood Of Breath, recording over half a dozen albums with each. Recorded about a dozen albums as a leader, including the acclaimed In The Townships released in 1974. Pukwana has also appeared on albums by Assagai, Mick Softley, Mike Heron, Hugh Masekela (Home Is Where The Music Is), Jabula, Toots & the Maytals (Reggae Got Soul), Johnny Dyani, George Fenton, and Gary Windo ~ Pukwana was born in 1938
June 30, 1987 ~ Frederic Mompou Dencausse, commonly known as classical pianist, composer Federico Mompou, passed away in Barcelona, Spain ~ Darling of 1920s Paris. Influenced by Erik Satie and Gabriel Fauré. Critically described as the sole successor to Claude Debussy. Composed for piano, guitar, voice, ballet, and choral works. Would seldom perform his own compositions in public, other than at small, intimate soirees. Well-known compositions include Scènes D'Enfants and Suite Compostelana ~ Dencausse was born in 1893
June 30, 1986 ~ Singer, musical actor Jamai Loman, full name Jamai Johannes Loman, born in Gouda, the Netherlands ~ Winner of the 2003 edition of the talent contest Idols. Following hits such as Step Right Up and When You Walk In The Room would venture into a career as musical actor and TV presenter
June 30, 1984 ~ In its sixth week on the charts, Dancing In The Dark by Bruce Springsteen hits No.2 Billboard Hot 100, its peak position, behind Duran Duran's The Reflex ~ Released as the lead single off his Born In The USA hit album, it would become his highest charting single, trailing behind Duran Duran's The Reflex in its first week at No.2, and held off the top spot by Prince's When Doves Cry for the next three weeks. Springsteen never scores a Billboard Hot 100 No.1, though Manfred Mann's Earth Band did reach the top spot with their cover of Blinded By The Light in 1977, penned and first recorded by Springsteen. Following Dancing In The Dark, all subsequent six singles from the same album would reach top 10 though
June 30, 1984 ~ Fantasia Monique Barrino, mononymously known as R&B singer, actress Fantasia born in High Point, North Carolina, USA ~ Winner of the third season of talent show American Idol in 2004. Released her I Believe debut single and Free Yourself debut album later the same year. Over the next few years, Fantasia would collaborate with Faith Evans, Patti Labelle, and Aretha Franklin, and star in a Broadway production of The Color Purple. She is well known for songs such as Truth, Free Yourself, When I See U and Bittersweet
June 30, 1983 ~ Cheryl Ann Tweedy, commonly known as singer Cheryl, born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK ~ Became a member of girl group Girls Aloud through ITV's 2002 edition of Popstars The Rivals. While still a band member Tweedy went on to pursue a solo career releasing her debut album, 3 Words, in 2009
June 30, 1983 ~ Colden Rainey Swindell, commonly known as country, country pop singer, songwriter Cole Swindell, born in Bronwood, Georgia, USA ~ As a singer known for songs such as Chillin' It, Ain't Worth The Whiskey, You Should Be Here and Middle Of A Memory. In-demand songwriter. Artists who recorded songs written or co-written by Swindell include Craig Campbell, Thomas Rhett (Get Me Some Of That), Scotty McCreery, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line (This Is How We Roll), Chris Young, and others
June 30, 1983 ~ Pop, rock drummer, percussionist, guitarist, keyboardist Jamie Morrison, full name James Ross Morrison, born ~ Perhaps best known as drummer for the Stereophonics, joining the band in 2012 as replacement for Javier Weyler. Morrison had previously toured and recorded with the Noisettes, Sia, Tom Baxter, Frankie Miller, Mark Ronson, KT Tunstall, and Drewford Alabama
June 30, 1981 ~ Pop singer, TV personality Alex Casademunt, full name Alejandro Casademunt Gonzalez, born in Barcelona, Spain ~ Brother of singer Papa Joe. First gained attention on the talent show Operación Triunfo aired on Televisión Española in 2001. Following the show would form the group Fórmula Abierte with fellow contestants Geno Machado, Javián and Mireia Montavez. Collaborated with David Bustamante on the 2002 hit Dos Hombres Y Un Desyono. Released his Inquietudes De Ella solo debut album in 2003 ~ Casademunt passed away in 2021
June 30, 1979 ~ Pop, rock drummer Andy Burrows, full name Andrew William Burrows, born in Winchester, UK ~ Best known as drummer for Razorlight from 2004 through 2009, rejoining in 2021. Has also drummed for We Are Scientists from 2009 through 2014. Released his The Colour Of My Dreams solo debut album in 2008 and drummed on the Arthur 2011 romantic comedy soundtrack
June 30, 1979 ~ Matthew Paul Miller, commonly known as reggae, alternative reggae, alternative hip-hop, alternative rock singer, rapper, beatboxer Matisyahu, born in Chester, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Merges Jewish themes with reggae, rock, hip-hop and beatboxing. Best known for his 2005 King Without A Crown single. Has worked with Bill Laswell, Sly & Robbie, Kool Kojak, Akon, Trevor Hall, Avicii, and Wyclef Jean
June 30, 1978 ~ New wave, pop rock outfit Talking Heads release Take Me To The River, lifted off their More Songs About Buildings And Food sophomore album ~ Producer Brian Eno wasn't really thrilled Talking Heads wanted to record a cover, the song having been co-written and first recorded by singer Al Green, yet it did work out well. Issued as their sophomore album's sole single, it reached No.26 Billboard Hot 100, making it only their second single to chart and their first to reach top 30. A live version would later be included on their critically acclaimed Stop Making Sense album. Take Me To The River would become a signature song for Talking Heads, a concert favorite, and especially the live versions remains a radio staple to this day. Many of the band's fans were unaware the song is actually a cover. The band's lead singer David Byrne would later comment: “There were at least four cover versions of this song out at the same time: Foghat, Bryan Ferry, Levon Helm, and us. More money for Mr Green's Full Gospel Tabernacle Church, I suppose. A song that combines teenage lust with baptism. Not equates, you understand, but throws them in the same stew, at least. A potent blend. All praise the mighty spurtin' Jesus”
June 30, 1974 ~ Kelli Dayton, commonly known as alternative rock, electronic, dream pop, trip hop singer Kelli Ali, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Lead singer of trip hop outfit Sneaker Pimps, remaining with the band through 1998. Notably present on the band's Becoming X released in 1996, which spawned the band's sole UK top 10 hit 6 Underground. Following her departure from the band Ali has recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Tigermouth which also featured the Doors drummer John Densmore. Ali has also collaborated with Marilyn Manson, Marc Almond, Satoshi Tomiie, Bootsy Collins, Linkin Park, and notably Cult With No Name
June 30, 1974 ~ Conductor Michael Christie born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin State Opera, the Brooklyn Philharmonic, and the Minnesota Opera. Earned a Grammy Award for premiering the The (R)evolution Of Steve Jobs with the Santa Fe Opera
June 30, 1973 ~ Christian ska, ska punk, alternative rock singer Reese Roper, full name Michael Reese Roper, born in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA ~ Known for his quirky and satirical sense of humor. Member of Guerilla Rodeo, Five Iron Frenzy, Brave Saint Saturn, and eponym of Roper. Has also guested on recordings by Showbread, the Insyderz, and Light Fantastic
June 30, 1969 ~ Rock, alternative rock bassist Tom Drummond, full name Tom Melville Drummond, born in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA ~ Co-founding and along with lead singer Kevin Griffin the only other constant member of Better Than Ezra, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums. To mainstream audiences the band is best known for their Billboard Hot 100 top 30 single Good of their 1993 Deluxe sophomore album
June 30, 1968 ~ Batsogile Lovederia Malope, commonly known as gospel singer Rebecca Malope, born in Nelspruit, South Africa ~ Dubbed “the African Queen of Gospel” with over 10 million albums sold worldwide over a career spanning three decades, making her one of the all-time best-selling gospel artists. Well known songs include Uyingcwele, Umoya Wam, Thank You, Nginikela Kuwe, Ke Ya Dumela, and Isikhalo
June 30, 1967 ~ Rock, punk rock singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Tom Spencer born in Chipping Barnet, UK ~ Formed the Yo-Yos with Danny McCormack, known for their sole Uppers & Downers album released in 2000. Formed the Loyalties in 2006, best known for their So Much For Soho debut album. Filled in for guitarist Steve Jones in a 2015 reunion concert of the Professionals, becoming an official member two years later. Spencer has also worked with Red Alert, Fast Lane Roogalator, Dogs D'Amour, Vincent Razorbacks, Swill & the Swaggerband, and with the Men They Couldn't Hang
June 30, 1966 ~ Rock, alternative rock guitarist, pianist, singer Patrick Duff born ~ Lead singer of Strangelove, with whom he recorded the critically acclaimed albums Time For The Rest Of Your Life, Love And Other Demons, and Strangelove. Following the band's disbandement Duff formed the short-lived Moon in 1998, known for their sole Anaesthesia single, and has recorded as a solo artist. Duff published his autobiography, The Singer (Vol.1), in 2022
June 30, 1965 ~ British pop group the Hollies record Look Through Any Window at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Graham Gouldman and Charles Silverman. Produced by Ron Richards. Follow-up single to the band's first UK No.1, the Clint Ballard Jr-penned I'm Alive, the song would reach the top 10. The song would be covered the following year by American group Gary Lewis & the Playboys for their Hits Again album
June 30, 1963 ~ Lars Johan Yngvie Lannerback, commonly known as neoclassical metal guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Virtuoso guitarist praised for his technical prowess and speed of his playing. Leding figure in neoclassical metal. Influenced by Niccolò Paganini, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ritchie Blackmore. Member of Steeler and of Alcatrazz. Over 20 albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with 1984's Rising Force. Guested on recordings by Tone Norum, Carmine Appice, Saxon, Åsa Jinder, and Derek Sherinian
June 30, 1961 ~ Progressive rock keyboardist Clive Nolan born in UK ~ Important figure in Britain's progressive rock revival scene. Well-known for his association with Pendragon, with whom he recorded about a dozen albums since the mid-1980s. Nolan has also written the rock opera She premiered in 2008, based on a Sir H Rider Haggard novel, and the 2014 musical Alchemy, and collaborated with Arena, Shadowland, Caamora, Strangers On A Train, Oliver Wakeman, Casino, Neo, and Gandalf's Fist
June 30, 1960 ~ Rock guitarist Tony Bellotto, full name Antonio Carlos Liberalli Bellotto, born ~ Influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Caetano Veloso, and João Gilberto. Lead guitarist for Titas, with whom he recorded well over a dozen albums since the band's eponymous Titas debut album released in 1981. The band is considered one of the most popular and influential Brazilian rock bands, drawing from rock, new wave, punk, grunge, MPB, and electronic music
June 30, 1959 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Brendan Perry, full name Brendan Michael Perry, born in London, UK ~ Founded Dead Can Dance with singer Lisa Gerrard, best known for their 1993 Into The Labyrinth album making them 4AD's best-selling act. Previously Perry had worked with punk rock outfit Scavengers, which would eventually change their name to the Marching Girls. Perry has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Eye Of The Hunter, and collaborated with the likes of Elijah's Mantle, Hector Zazou, Barbara Gogan, Peter Ulrich, and Deleyaman
June 30, 1956 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, producer, songwriter Adrian Wright born in Wakefield, UK ~ Member of Human League from 1978 through 1986, initially joining the band to provide lightning and slideshows for the band's live concerts and moving to keyboards later on. Co-wrote some of the band's best known including Darkness, I Am The Law, The Things That Dreams Are Made Of, and the UK No.1 hit Don't You Want Me. Wright also designed the cover art for their Dare. After leaving the band Wright would venture into film and later still design
June 30, 1954 ~ Jazz bassist, pianist Eric Von Essen born ~ Member of Quartet Music alongside Jeff Gauthier and twin brothers Alex Cline and Nels Cline. Member of the Lighthouse All-Stars, joining the ensemble in 1992 as replacement for Monty Budwig. Has also worked with Frank Morgan, Jimmy Rowles, Vinny Golia, the Jazz Tap Ensemble, Art Farmer, and others ~ Von Essen passed away in 1997
June 30, 1953 ~ Pop rock guitarist Hal Lindes, full name Hal Andrew Lindes, born ~ Best known as member of the Dire Straits replacing original rhythm guitarist David Knopfler in 1980. Present on the 1982 Love Over Gold album. Lindes left the band in early 1985 to pursue a career as a film composer and session musician
June 30, 1951 ~ Singer André Hazes, full name André Gerardus Hazes, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Hugely popular since the 1980s, known for numerous hits that became part of the Dutch pop canon, including De Vlieger, Een Beetje Verliefd, Volare, Zij Gelooft In Mij (translated from Kenny Rogers' She Believes In Me), Eenzame Kerst, and Bloed Zweet & Tranen ~ Hazes passed away in 2004
June 30, 1951 ~ Jazz, rock, jazz fusion bassist Stanley Clarke born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Revered jazz bassist known for his rapid patterns and influential slapping technique. Well known for his associations with Stan Getz, notably on the album Captain Marvel, and Chick Corea, serving as a co-founding member of Corea's pioneering jazz-fusion unit Return To Forever. About two dozen albums to his name as leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for School Days released in 1976. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Pharoah Sanders, Joe Henderson, Robin Kenyatta, Dexter Gordon (Tangerine), Art Blakey, Donny Hathaway (Extension Of A Man), Luiz Bonfá, Santana, Aretha Franklin, JD Souther, Al di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paul McCartney (Tug Of War), Alphonse Mouzon, and Roy Ayers
June 30, 1949 ~ Glam rock, pop, rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Andy Scott, full name Andrew David Scott, born in Wexham, UK ~ Lead guitarist of the Sweet, known for songs such as Funny Funny, Little Willy, The Ballroom Blitz, Fox On The Run and Love Is Like Oxygen. Also worked with the Ladder, Quatro Scott & Powell, the Silverstones, the Elastic Band, Weapon, and as a solo artist
June 30, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Murray McLauchlan, full name Murray Edward McLauchlan, born in Paisley, UK ~ Has recorded well over a dozen albums since the early-1970s, starting with Song From The Street. Well-known songs include Day To Dust, Boulevard, Whispering Rain, and Timberline
June 30, 1944 ~ Singer, songwriter Glenn Shorrock, full name Glenn Barrie Shorrock, born in Rochester, UK ~ Key figure in Australian pop rock, his adopted homeland. Co-founding member of 1960s pop rock outfit the Twilights, known for Needle In A Haystack and What's Wrong With The Way I Live. Co-founded late-1960s supergroup Axiom, acclaimed for the albums Fool's Gold and If Only, and for the Australian top 10 hits Arkansas Grass, Little Ray Of Sunshine, and My Baby's Gone. Internationally perhaps best known as co-founding member of the Little River Band, with whom he scored the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Reminiscing, Lady, Lonesome Loser, The Night Owls, and Take It Easy On Me. Shorrock has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Villain Of The Peace released in 1982
June 30, 1944 ~ Mardochée Elkoubi, commonly known as pop, chanson singer Guy Mardel, born in Oran, Algeria ~ Best known for representing France at the 1965 Eurovision Songfestival with the song N'Avoue Jamais co-written with Françoise Dorin, the song reaching third place behind the UK entry Kathy Kirby's I Belong and winner Luxembourg's France Gall's Poupée De Cire (Poupée De Son)
June 30, 1943 ~ R&B, pop singer Florence Ballard, full name Florence Glenda Ballard, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Original member of the Supremes, remaining with the band through 1967. Present on songs such as Where Did Our Love Go, Baby Love, Back In My Arms Again, I Hear A Symphony, You Can't Hurry Love, You Keep Me Hangin' On, and others ~ Ballard passed away in 1976
June 30, 1941 ~ Singer, songwriter Larry Henley born in Arp, Texas, USA ~ Henley fronted 1960s pop group the Newbeats, known for songs such as The Bees Are For The Birds (The Birds Are For The Bees), Bread And Butter, Everything Is Alright and Groovin' Out On Life. Henley is perhaps best known for co-writing, with Jeff Silber, Wind Beneath My Wings, a 1988 No.1 US hit for Bette Midler. Other artists who recorded the song include Roger Whittaker, Sheena Easton, Lee Greenwood, Colleen Hewett, Lou Rawls, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Gary Morris. Henley also wrote or co-wrote songs for Tammy Wynette (Till I Get It Right), Randy Travis (Is It Still Over), Tanya Tucker (Lizzie & The Rainman), Janie Fricke (He's A Heartache (Looking For A Place To Happen)), Delbert McClinton (Shotgun Rider), and others ~ Henley passed away in 2014
June 30, 1941 ~ Michael George Farr, commonly known as arranger, songwriter, producer Mike Leander, born in Walthamstow, UK ~ In-house arranger for Decca Records during the 1960s, and for Bell Records starting in the early-1970s. Arranged the Beatles' She's Leaving Home of the Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band as their staple producer, arranger, George Martin, was unavailable. Executive producer for the original Jesus Christ Superstar album. Has also worked with artists such as Marianne Faithfull, Marc Bolan, Joe Cocker, the Small Faces, Shirley Bassey, Lulu, Jimmy Page, Roy Orbison, the Rolling Stones, Gene Pitney, and Gary Glitter ~ Farr passed away in 1996
June 30, 1939 ~ Pianist, producer, songwriter Tony Hatch, full name Anthony Peter Hatch, born in Pinner, UK ~ Staff producer for Top Rank Records and Pye Records. Best known for his associations with Petula Clark, including penning her signature song Downtown, and Jackie Trent, to whom he was married from 1967 through 2002. Has also worked with Adam Faith, Josh MacRae, Garry Mills, the Searchers, the Settlers, the Viscounts, the Brook Brothers, the Montanas, Sweet Sensation, and others
June 30, 1938 ~ Jazz, new age pianist, flutist Chris Hinze, full name Christiaan Herbert Hinze, born in Hilversum, the Netherlands ~ Worked as a pianist with Boy Edgar in the 1960s. Switched to flute, fronting his own the Chris Hinze Combination by the 1970s transcribing Baroque music to jazz settings. Best known for his work from the 1980s onwards moving into Tibet and Asian-influenced electronic and New age music. Appears on recordings by Joachim Kühn, Charlie Mariano, Sigi Schwab, Zbigniew Seifert, Sly & Robbie, Rick van der Linden, Rob de Nijs, Thijs van Leer, Laurens van Rooyen, and others
June 30, 1936 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist Dave Van Ronk, full name David Kenneth Ritz Van Ronk, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Important figure in 1960s folk music revival. Nicknamed “the Mayor of MacDougal Street”, a street located in New York's Greenwich Village. Drew from blues, gospel, rock, jazz, swing, and ragtime. Held in the highest regards by peers including Bob Dylan, Tom Paxton, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and Joni Mitchell. Has recorded prolifically since the late-1950s, and is especially acclaimed for the albums Black Mountain Blues, Dave Van Ronk Folksinger, and Sunday Street ~ Van Ronk passed away in 2002
June 30, 1935 ~ Producer, label executive Mike Berniker born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Critically acclaimed producer with a career spanning four decades. First gained serious attention in the early-1960s producing Barbra Streisand's first three albums, the Grammy Award-winning The Barbra Streisand Album, The Second Barbra Streisand Album and The Third Album. Produced People, Streisand's first major hit. Also noted for signing Hall & Oates and Juice Newton to RCA Records. Has also worked with Perry Como, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Johnny Mathis, and others ~ Berniker passed away in 2008
June 30, 1931 ~ Pianist Andrew Hill born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ While in his early teens, Hill was encouraged to further himself in music by Earl Hines, and composer Bill Russo, the latter introducing him to classical composer Paul Hindemith with whom Hill studied for two years. Gigged with visiting jazz musicians including Miles Davis and Charlie Parker. Hill has recorded well over two dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, notably Judgement, his 1965 Point Of Departure masterpiece, and Passing Ships, and has served as sideman on quintessential albums by Walt Dickerson (To My Queen), Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Joe Henderson, Hank Mobley (No Room For Squares), Bobby Hutcherson (Dialogue), Tony Williams (Emergency), Joe Chambers, and Sam Rivers ~ Hill passed away in 2007
June 30, 1925 ~ Jazz trumpeter Wallace Davenport, full name Wallace Foster Davenport, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ One of the few traditional jazz trumpeters of the 1930s to remain relevant for decades, branching out into swing, bop, gospel, and R&B over a career spanning eight decades. Started in the Young Tuxedo Brass Band at age 13, going on to tour and record with Papa Celestin, Roy Brown, Lionel Hampton, Mezz Mezzrow, Count Basie, Ray Charles (The Genius Sings The Blues), Lloyd Price, Phil Upchurch (Feeling Blue), Junior Wells, George Wein, Panama Francis, and Larry Darnell ~ Davenport passed away in 2004
June 30, 1917 ~ Singer, dancer, actress Lena Horne, full name Lena Mary Calhoun Horne, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Joined the chorus of The Cotton Club at age 16, starting a career in music, stage, film and TV that spanned over 6 decades. As a singer best known for songs such as One For My Baby And One More For The Road, Deed I Do and Love Me Or Leave Me. Announced her retirement from music in 1980 only to come back the next year with her one-woman show The Lady And Her Music which ran 300 performances on Broadway. Horne would continue to record and sporadically perform well into the 1990s ~ Horne passed away in 2010
June 30, 1908 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer Grady Watts born in Texarkana, Texas, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Casa Loma Orchestra from 1931 through 1942, for whom he also penned or co-penned a number of songs including Rhythm Man, You Ain't Been Livin' Right, I Remember, and Touch And Go ~ Watts passed away in 1986
June 30, 1767 ~ Pianist, composer, music publisher Peter K Moran born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Probably the earliest classical composer from Ireland to emigrate to the United States. Known for compositions such as The Carrier Pigeon, Kinlock Of Kinlock, Swiss Waltz, Stantz Waltz, and Suabian Air ~ Moran passed away in 1831