June 4, 1995 ~ Singer, dancer, actress, songwriter Amanda Brown, full name Amanda Leah Brown, born in the Bronx, New York, New York, USA ~ First gained attention in 2012 as contestant on the talent show The Voice aired on NBC, reaching 5th place. Released the singles Dream On and Stars, which both barely charted. Released a full-length album, Dirty Water, in 2018
June 4, 1993 ~ Achi Avelino, mononymously known as hip hop rapper, singer Avelino, born in Tottenham, UK ~ Known for his unique tone and deep wordplay. Rose to prominence in 2014, following the release of his mixtape Iconic Ambition. Well-known for his collaboration with Wretch 32 and for his 2016 single On A Roll
June 4, 1992 ~ Rock, progressive metal singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Dino Jelusick born in Pozega, Croatia ~ Won the first edition of the Junior Eurovision Contest in 2003 with the song Ti Si Moja Prva Ljubav, which he penned at age ten. Would release his No.1 debut album later the same year. Ventured into hard rock as he grew older. Co-founding member, frontman of progressive rock outfit Animal Drive. Touring member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra since 2016. Has also worked with the Stone Leaders, The-Ralph, and Dirty Shirley
June 4, 1989 ~ Pop singer Eldar Gasimov born in Baku, Soviet Union ~ Best known as half of the duo Ell & Nikki, the other half being Nigar Jamal, winners of the 2011 Eurovision Songfestival representing Azerbaijan with the song Running Scared
June 4, 1979 ~ Pop, soul singer, songwriter Alain Clark born in Haarlem, the Netherlands ~ Released his eponymous Alain Clark debut album in 2004. Best known for songs such This Ain't Gonna Work, Father And Friend with his father Dane Clark, Blow Me Away and Back In My World. Has also served as producer for Ali B and Boris, and wrote Fuck It (I Don't Want You Back) for Eamon
June 4, 1976 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Kasey Chambers born in Mount Gambler, Australia ~ Member of the Dead Ringer Band, which included her parents Diane Chambers and Bill Chambers and brother Nash Chambers, known for their acclaimed 1996 Home Fires album. Relesed her The Captain solo debut album in 1999 and has recorded consistently since. Best known for songs such as Not Pretty Enough, True Colours, Pony and Nothing At All
June 4, 1975 ~ Roots reggae singer, guitarist, songwriter Julian Marley, full name Julian Ricardo Marley, born in London, UK ~ Son of iconic reggea singer Bob Marley and Lucy Pounder. Would release his Lion In The Morning debut album in 1996, featuring backing from the likes of Earl Chinna Smith, Tyrone Downie, and half-siblings Stephen Marley, Cedella Marley, and Sharon Marley. Marley is especially acclaimed for his 2019 As I Am album and for his collaborative Say single with Moshe Reuven released in 2022
June 4, 1974 ~ Bassist Stefan Lessard, full name Stefan Kahil Lessard, born in Anaheim, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Dave Matthews Band, known for acclaimed albums such as Under The Table And Dreaming, Before These Crowded Streets and Stand Up
June 4, 1972 ~ Domenica Costa, commonly known as pop singer Nikka Costa, born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Daughter of noted producer Don Costa. Married to poducer, songwriter Justin Stanley. Released her eponymous Nikka Costa debut album in 1981 at age 9. Would go on to release a number of well-received albums ranging from electro-pop to soul-influenced pop. Well known for songs such as Like A Feather, Everybody Got Their Something and Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter
June 4, 1971 ~ Jazz saxophonist Grant Stewart born in Toronto, Canada ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Pat LaBarbera, Bob Mover, Peter Bernstein, Jesse Davis, Brad Mehldau, Clark Terry, Peter Washington, and others
June 4, 1970 ~ Andrew Jennati Atale, commonly known as alternative rock, punk rock singer, songwriter Andrew Champion, born in East Bay, California, USA ~ Known for his vibrato singing style while still remaining straightforward and edgy. Sang with acts such as Screw 32, Hopelifter, Highwire Days, the Dance Hall Crashers, and Oh Ghost Of Mine
June 4, 1970 ~ Heavy metal bassist Dave Pybus born in UK ~ Best known as member of Cradle Of Filth. Has also worked with Darkthrone, Autopsy, My Dying Bride, the Vital Remains, Pitchshifter, Anathema, Paradise Lost, At The Gates, and others
June 4, 1970 ~ DJ, producer Richie Hawtin born in Banbury, UK ~ Leading figure in minimal techno since the mid-1990s. Has recorded under numerous monnikers including Plastikman and FUSE. Released his Dimension Intrusion debut album in 1993
June 4, 1968 ~ Albert Joseph Brown, commonly known as singer Al B Sure, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ One of new jack swing's most popular romantic singers, songwriters, record producers. Selected by Quincy Jones as first winner of a talent content. He would work on several of Quincy's projects, including the single The Secret Garden alongside Barry White, El DeBarge and James Ingram. Also known for the single Nite & Day of his 1988 solo debut LP In Effect Mode. As a writer and producer Brown was pivotal in the early careers of Jodeci, Tevin Campbell, Faith Evans, Dave Hollister, Case and Usher
June 4, 1968 ~ Contemporary Christian singer, pianist, songwriter Cindy Morgan, full name Cindy Lavonne Morgan, born ~ Has recorded about a dozen albums, starting with her critically acclaimed Real Life debut album released in 1992. Her debut album would earn her no less than six Dove Award nominations. Has also formed the duo St Lola In The Fields with Jeremy Bose, going by her married name Cindy Brouwer
June 4, 1966 ~ Bassist Chris Stillwell born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Greyboy Allstars, known best for ther 1994 Wet Boogaloo debut album which also featured noted James Brown-trombonist Fred Wesley
June 4, 1963 ~ Operatic soprano singer Solveig Kringlebotn born in Drøbak, Norway ~ Internationally acclaimed. Known especially for her interpretations of compositions by Edvard Grieg. Made her operatic debut in 1987 at the Royal Swedish Opera. Has worked with the Opera National de Paris, the Royal Opera House, La Scala, the Vienna Staatsoper, the Metropolitan Opera, and other renowned orchestras
June 4, 1962 ~ Gospel singer, pastor John P Kee, full name John Prince Kee, born in Durham, North Carolina, USA ~ Dubbed “the Prince of Gospel music” and known for merging traditional gospel with more modern, contemporary influences. Active since the mid-1980s. Has released solo works as well as with several choirs, most notably the New Life Community Choir
June 4, 1962 ~ Louise Watts, commonly known as singer Lou Watts, born in Bunley, UK ~ Best known as lead singer of Chumbawamba, originally an anarcho-punk band known for their outspoken anarchist views, opposing homophobia and fascism. Later the band would turn to folk music. They would score a global hit with Tubthumping in 1997. Watts stayed with the band from its formation in 1982 to its breakup in 2012
June 4, 1962 ~ Jazz drummer Winard Harper, full name Hiram Winard Harper, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Brother of trumpeter Philip Harper, with whom he also worked. Has collaborated with Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin, Betty Carter, Wycliffe Gordon, Justin Robinson, Javon Jackson, Walter Blanding, Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Stephen Scott, Kevin Hays, Nedra Wheeler, and others
June 4, 1961 ~ Eldra Patrick DeBarge, commonly known as R&B, soul pop singer, keyboardist, songwriter El DeBarge, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Known for his uniue high tenor and strong falsetto. Member of family outfit DeBarge, singing lead on songs such as Time Will Reveal, Stay With Me, All This Love and one of their best-known The Rhythm Of The Night, the latter a top 10 hit on both sides of the Atlantic and the tune that jump-started the career of songwriter Diane Warren. As a solo artist known for his 1986 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Who's Johnny and for his collaborations with artists such as Dionne Warwick, Al Green, Lalah Hathaway, Tone Loc, DJ Quik, 4play, Quincy Jones, Faith Evans, and others
June 4, 1957 ~ New wave, pop rock singer, guitarist Luca Madonia born in Catania, Italy ~ First gained attention as a member of Denovo, best known for their 1987 Persuasione sophomore album which is considered one of the premier 1980s Italian indie albums. Following the band's disbandement in 1990 Madonia has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist. Has duetted with Franco Battiato, Carmen Consoli, and Grazia di Michele. Perhaps best known for La Consuetudine, used as the theme song of the Radio Rai radio show Hobo
June 4, 1957 ~ Blues, bluse-rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Tinsley Ellis born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Drew critical comparisons to Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton. Influenced by the Yardbirds, the Animals, Cream, the Rolling Stones. Released his Cool On It debut album in 1986 and has recorded to critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase since
June 4, 1956 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Reeves Gabrels born in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ Best known as a member of Tin Machine, backing David Bowie from 1987 through 1999. Acclaimed as one of the most daring rock-guitar improvisers since Jimi Hendrix. Member of the Cure since 2012. Has also worked with Rubber Rodeo, Sister Machine Gun, Club D'Elf, David Tronzo, and recorded as a solo artist
June 4, 1954 ~ Michael George Campbell, commonly known as reggae singer, producer Mikey Dread, born in Port Antonio, Jamaica ~ Known for songs such as Dread At The Controls, Barber Saloon, Rasta Born Baby, Positive Reality, Roots & Culture. Produced the Clash's Bankrobber and guested on the 1980 Sandinista album. Has also worked with Junior Murvin, Roots Radics, Seal, Izzy Stradlin, Sugar Minott, Earl Sixteen, Edi Fitzroy, and others ~ Campbell passed away in 2008
June 4, 1953 ~ James McCulloch, commonly known as rock, pop rock guitarist, bassist Jimmy McCulloch, born in Dumbarton, UK ~ Mentored by the Who's Pete Townshend. Brother of drummer Jack McCulloch. Best known for his association with Paul McCartney, appearing on McCartney's 1970 McCartney solo album and subsequently serving as lead guitarist and bassist for Wings on the albums Band On The Run, Venus And Mars, Wings At The Speed Of Sound, and Wings Over America, London Town. McCulloch has also recorded with Thunderclap Newman, Stone The Crows, Billy Lawrie, Speedy Keen, Roger Daltrey, and Roy Harper, McCulloch passed away of heart failure at age 26 due to morphine and alcohol poisoning ~ McCulloch passed away in 1979
June 4, 1953 ~ Paul Sanson, commonly known as blues rock, hard rock, heavy metal guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer Paul Samson, born ~ Member of the Innocence. Member of McCoy. Best known as founding member and eponym of Samson, gaining a cult following with late 1970s and early 1980s albums such as Survivors, Head On and Shock Tactics ~ Sanson passed away in 2002
June 4, 1952 ~ Rock, new wave, post-punk guitarist, bassist, pianist John Perry born in Bristol, UK ~ Rose to prominence as guitarist of 1970s outfit the Only Ones, best known for their 1978 single Another Girl Another Planet later notably covered by Blink-182
June 4, 1951 ~ New wave, power pop drummer Gilson Lavis, full name Leslie Gilson Lavis, born in Greenwich, UK ~ Rose to fame as member of Squeeze, remaining with the band through 1993 and replaced by Pete Thomas. Present on some of the band's best-known albums including the acclaimed Cool For Cats released in 1979
June 4, 1950 ~ Singer Dagmar Krause born in Hamburg, Germany ~ Known for instantly recognizable voice defining the sound of many of the avant-rock bands she worked with, most notably Slap Happy, Henry Cow, and Art Bears. Notably collaborated with Kevin Coyne on his 1979 Babble album. Other associations include News From Babel, Michael Nyman, Duck And Cover, Lindsay Cooper, Tom Hodginkson, and the Orckestra
June 4, 1947 ~ Songwriter, keyboardist, singer Toni Wine born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of the Archies. Best known as a songwriter, co-wrote songs such as Groovy Kind Of Love for the Mindbenders, and Candida for Tony Orlando & Dawn. Sang backup on Willie Nelson's Always On My Mind
June 4, 1946 ~ Electronic, new age, avant-garde pianist, keyboardist, composer Suzanne Ciani born in Indiana, USA ~ Dubbed “the Diva of the Diode” for her pioneering work in electronic music. Active as a solo artist since the early 1970s. Has guested on recordings by the Starland Vocal Band, Elliott Randall, Meco, Bryan Ferry, Art Farmer, Spyro Gyra, Steve Hackett, Fuse One, Mike Rutherford, Ray Barretto, and others
June 4, 1945 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, pianist Anthony Braxton born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Considered a pivotal figure in avant-garde and free jazz, recording prolifically since the late 1960s. Identifies as a “trans-idiomatic” composer and has repeatedly opposed the idea of a rigid dichotomy between improvisation and composition. Especially acclaimed for his 1969 For Alto album, containing solo alto saxophone works. Early member of the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians. Member of Circle alongside Chick Corea, Dave Holland, and Barry Altschul. Member of Creative Construction Company. Authored several books explaining his music theories and work, notably the three-volume Tri-Axium Writings. Braxton's son Tyondai Braxton is also a musician, best known as guitarist, keyboardist, singer with math-rock outfit Battles
June 4, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist Gordon Waller born in Braemar, UK ~ Half of Peter & Gordon, the other half being Peter Asher, known for songs such as A World Without Love, Nobody I Know, I Don't Want To See You Again, and Woman ~ Waller passed away in 2009
June 4, 1945 ~ Funk, R&B singer, keyboardist, clarinetist, saxophonist, producer, songwriter Leroy Hutson born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Lead singer of the Impressions, jopining the band in 1970 as replacement for Curtis Mayfield and remaining with the band through 1973. First sang lead on the 1971 single Love Me. Released his Love Oh Love solo debut album in 1973 and would gain a cult following in the years after. Best known for his 1976 single Feel The Spirit. Would go on to work as a producer, working with Linda Clifford, Arnold Blair, the Natural Four, and as a songwriter for Roberta Flack, the Voices Of East Harlem, Next Movement, and others
June 4, 1944 ~ Jack Rivers Lewis, commonly known as jazz guitarist Jack Wilkins, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Johnny Smith, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, and Tal Farlow. Active since his teens, backing artists such as the Elgarts, Warren Covington, and Sammy Kaye early on in his career. About a dozen albums to his name as a leader, noted especially for Merge released in 1978. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Albert Dailey, Lionel Hampton, Sonny Fortune, Astrud Gilberto, Morgana King, Charles Mingus, Bob Brookmeyer, Buddy Rich, and the Manhattan Transfer ~ Lewis passed away in 2023
June 4, 1944 ~ Holly Michelle Gilliam, commonly known as pop singer Michelle Phillips born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Founding member of vocal group the Mamas & the Papas, which also included her then-husband John Phillips, known for songs such as California Dreamin', Monday Monday, Dedicated To The One I Love, Creeque Alley, and others
June 4, 1944 ~ Keyboardist, saxophonist, horn player Roger Ball born in Dundee, UK ~ Best known as original member of funk, pop, R&B outfit the Average White Band from 1972 to 1983, present on the acclaimed albums AWB which spawned the hit Pick Up The Pieces and Cut The Cake. Rejoined a renewed incarnation of the band in 1989, staying on until 1996. Has also worked with Vinegar Joe, Badfinger, Kiki Dee & Elton John, Mama Cass, Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music, and others. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Street Struttin' in 2005
June 4, 1944 ~ Songwriter Will Jennings born in Kilgor, Texas, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing Eric Clapton's Tears In Heaven and Céline Dion's My Heart Will Go On. Others who have recorded songs penned or co-penned by Jennings include Steve Winwood (When You See A Chance), Whitney Houston, BB King, the Crusaders (Street Life), Rodney Crowell (Many A Long And Lonesome Highway), Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick (I'll Never Love This Way Again), Jimmy Buffett, Barry Manilow, Diana Ross, and others
June 4, 1941 ~ Robert George Porter, commonly known as pop, country, rock guitarist, producer Robie Porter, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Enjoyed regional succes in the Sydney area during the 1960s, going by the moniker Rob EG, with singles such as Your Cheatin' Heart, Si Senor (I Theenk), Jezabel, 55 Days At Peking, and When You're Not Near. Had his biggest succes as a producer starting in the early 1970s, notably producing Daddy Cool's 1971 debut album Daddy Who (Daddy Cool). Helpful in advancing Rick Springfield's career. Co-wrote Marcia Hines's Shining of her 1976 album of the same name. Has also served as producer for Air Supply, Tommy Emmanuel, Supernaut, and others ~ Porter passed away in 2021
June 4, 1940 ~ R&B, beat singer Cliff Bennett, full name Clifford Bennett, born in Slough, UK ~ Fronted Cliff Bennett & the Rebel Rousers. The band is known for the Drifters-cover One Way Love and the Beatles-cover Got To Get You Into My Life, both singles reaching the UK top 20 respectively in 1964 and 1966
June 4, 1940 ~ Roy Taylor, commonly known as rock & roll, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Vince Eager, born in Grantham, UK ~ Known for a string of late 1950s, early 1960s singles, notably Teenage Tears. Had a falling out with his impresario Larry Parnes, the latter commercialising the early death of Eddie Cochran who was a close friend of Eager's. Has since gone on to appear in cabaret and West End stage productions
June 4, 1937 ~ Baldemar Garza Huerta, commonly known as Tejano, country, rock, swamp pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Freddy Fender, born in San Benito, Texas, USA ~ Merged country, rock, swamp pop and Tex-Mex. Active since the 1950s. Became a household name in the mid-1970s, scoring the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Before The Next Teardrop Falls. Subsequent hits included Wasted Days And Wasted Nights, Secret Love, and You'll Lose A Good Thing. Fender was also a member of supergroups Los Super Seven and the Texas Tornados ~ Huerta passed away in 2006
June 4, 1937 ~ Jazz, free jazz, avant-garde jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Mark Whitecage born ~ Recorded well over a dozen albums as a leader, especially noted for the late 1990s albums Consensual Tension and Split Personality. Married to clarinetist Rozanne Levine, with whom he also worked. Regular collaborator of Gunter Hampel including on the acclaimed albums All The Things You Could Be If Charles Mingus Was Your Daddy and Celestial Glory. Other notable associations include Paul Bley, Annette Peacock (I'm The One), Saheb Sarbib, Soren Anders, Michael Jefry Stevens, Dominic Duval, the Fonda-Stevens Group, Joseph Scianni (Moon Flower), Marshall Allen, Anthony Braxton, the Nu-Band, and Dom Minasi (Quick Response) ~ Whitecage passed away in 2021
June 4, 1936 ~ Jazz pianist, vibraphonist, saxophonist Alan Branscombe born in Wallasey, UK ~ Closely associated with Johnny Dankworth, serving in Dankworth's orchestra on and off from 1960 through 1972. Has also worked with the likes of Cleo Laine, Georgie Fame, Jackie Lomax, Harold McNair, Kenny Wheeler, and Tubby Hayes. To pop and rock audiences perhaps best known for his saxophone playing on the Beatles track Got To Get You Into My Life of their 1966 Revolver album ~ Branscombe passed away in 1986
June 4, 1932 ~ Bebop, hard bop, post-bop, jazz fusion saxophonist, clarinetist, arranger, composer Oliver Nelson, full name Oliver Edward Nelson, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Recorded over two dozen albums as a leader or co-leader. Best known for his 1961 The Blues And The Abstract Truth album, which featured backing from Eric Dolphy, Roy Haynes and Freddie Hubbard. As a songwriter, composer Nelson had his songs recorded by Benny Bailey, Frank Wess, and Jimmy Smith. Nelson's best known composition, Stolen Moments, would first be recorded by Eddie Lockjaw Davis in 1960, and has been covered by well over a 100 artists including Booker Ervin, Milt Jackson, Quincy Jones, and Frank Zappa. As a sideman and collaborator, Nelson has worked with Eddie Kirkland, Jimmy Forrest, Lem Winchester, Etta Jones, Shirley Scott, Cannonball Adderley, Manny Albam, Ben Webster, Stanley Turrentine, Lee Morgan, Sonny Rollins, and Thelonious Monk ~ Nelson passed away in 1975
June 4, 1931 ~ Pianist, conductor, orchestrator, arranger, composer Jeremy Lubbock, full name Jeremy Michael Lubbock, born in Berkshire, UK ~ Active since the 1950s, initially as a jazz singer and pianist with a style modeled after Nat King Cole. In-demand collaborator from the mid-1970s, notably present on albums such as Joni Mitchell's Mingus and Minnie Riperton's Minnie. Would go on to work with David Foster (The Best Of Me), Quincy Jones, Chicago (Hard Habit To Break), Céline Dion, and others ~ Lubbock passed away in 2021
June 4, 1930 ~ Maria Grazia Morgana Messina, commonly known as jazz singer, actress Morgana King, born in Pleasantville, New York, USA ~ Well over 30 albums to her name from the 1950s through the 1990s. Especially acclaimed for her 1964 Miss Morgana King album and its follow-up It's A Quiet Thing the next year. Married to trumpeter Tony Fruscella from 1947 to 1956, to trombonist Willie Dennis from 1961 until his death in 1965. Has worked with Ben Aronov, Ronnie Bedford, Clifford Carter, Don Costa, Larry Fallon, Sammy Figueroa, Steve Laspina, Ray Mantilla, Adam Nussbaum, Joe Puma, Torrie Zito, and others. Also known as an actress, notably portraying the role of Carmela Corleone in The Godfather and its sequel The Godfather Part II ~ Messina passed away in 2018
June 4, 1929 ~ Bill Mack Smith Jr, commonly known as country singer, songwriter, radio host Bill Mack, born ~ Perhaps best known as a songwriter, responsible for songs such as Drinking Champagne recorded by Cal Smith, George Strait and by others, and Blue, LeAnn Rimes' breakout hit. Others who have recorded his songs include Dean Martin, Ray Price, Jerry Lee Lewis, George Jones ~ Smith passed away in 2020
June 4, 1928 ~ Jazz bassist Teddy Kotick, full name Theodore John Kotick, born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, USA ~ Sidemen to many of the leading names in jazz during the 1940s and 1950s. Present on albums by Charlie Parker, Jimmy Raney, Jon Eardley (From Hollywood To New York), Stan Getz (West Coast Jazz), Al Cohn, Herbie Nichols, George Russell (The Jazz Workshop), and Martial Solal ~ Kotick passed away in 1986
June 4, 1920 ~ Jazz trombonist Britt Woodman born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his work with Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus. Also worked with Boyd Raeburn, Lionel Hampton, Ella Fitzgerald, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Gene Ammons, Ruth Brown, Benny Carter, Tadd Dameron, Miles Davis (on Blue Moods), Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Golson, Chico Hamilton, Johnny Hodges, Jimmy Hamilton, Hank Jones, Junior Mance, Zoot Sims, Clark Terry, Jimmy Woode, and others ~ Woodman passed away in 2000
June 4, 1909 ~ Jazz violinist, saxophonist, clarinetist Johnny Russell, full name John W Russell, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Active since the mid-1920s. Perhaps best known for his work with Bobby Martin, notably present on the soundtrack to the 1938 film L'Alibi. Has also worked with Jimmy Campbell, Earle Howard, Harry White, Benny Carter, Willie Bryant, Willie Lewis, Garvin Bushell, Russell Wooding, Cecil Scott, and Eddie Cornelius. Semi-retired from music by the late 1940s, yet would continue to occasionally play club dates ~ Russell passed away in 1991
June 4, 1891 ~ Conductor, pianist Erno Rapée born in Narva, Estonia ~ Symphonic conductor, virtuoso pianist. Known for his association with the Radio City Symphony Orchestra and for composing scores for numerous films ~ Rapée passed away in 1945