June 7, 2020 ~ Actress, opera singer Edith Thallaug passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Sister of actress, singer Anita Thallaug. Active since the mid-1940s, working with companies such as the Studioteatret, the Nationaltheatret, and most notably the Royal Swedish Opera, working with the latter from the mid-1960s through the early 1980s ~ Thallaug was born in 1929
June 7, 2020 ~ Theodore Williams, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer Floyd Lee, passed away in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as a street performer in and around New York. Recorded a number of albums in the early 2000s, starting with Mean Blues released in 2002 ~ Williams was born in 1933
June 7, 2014 ~ Jazz samba, bossa nova drummer Hélcio Milito, full name Hélcio Paschoal Milito, passed away ~ Member of Trio Tamba, alongside Luiz Eça and Bebeto Castilho. Has also worked with Luiz Bonfá, João Gilberto, Astrud Gilberto, and others ~ Milito was born in 1931
June 7, 2014 ~ The 45th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. Mostly sunny and very warm, heavy thunder on the last evening, this year's edition would draw a total of 134,000 visitors. Included on today's, Saturday the 7th's bill would be Ed Kowalczyk, Flogging Molly, John Mayer, the Rolling Stones, Haim, Joe Bonamassa, Bastille, Les Djinns, Thé Lau, the White Lies, Epica, the Paceshifters, Afterpartees, Gecko, and DJ Gomes
June 7, 2012 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Welch passed away in Antiloch, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of Fleetwood Mac from 1971 through 1974, appearing on the albums Future Games, Bare Trees, The Penguin and Mystery To Me, and on Heroes Are Hard To Find. Helped steer Fleetwood Mac away from the blues, more towards general pop, rock sound. As a solo artist best known for a number of hits during the late-1970s including Hot Love Cold World, Ebony Eyes, Precious Love and Sentimental Lady. Has also worked with the Seven Souls, Head West and Paris ~ Welch was born in 1945
June 7, 2010 ~ Alternative rock, britpop drummer Stuart Cable, full name Stuart James Cable, passed away in Llwydcoed, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Stereophonics, remaining with the band through 2003. Present on most of the band's best known including UK top 10 hits such as The Bartender And The Thief, Just Looking, Pick A Part That's New, Handbags And Gladrags, and Maybe Tomorrow ~ Cable was born in 1970
June 7, 2009 ~ Bassist Hugh Hopper, full name Hugh Colin Hopper, passed away in Whitstable, UK ~ Key figure in the UK's Canterbury scene, especially influential through his membership of Soft Machine and previously Wilde Flowers. Brother of guitarist, saxophonist Brian Hopper, a regular collaborator and bandmate. Well over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with 1984 released in 1973. Has worked with Daevid Allen, Syd Barrett (The Madcap Laughs), Stomu Yamashta, Isotope, Gilgamesh, Carla Bley, Equipe Out, In Cahoots, Caveman Hughscore, Robert Wyatt, and others ~ Hopper was born in 1945
June 7, 2009 ~ Folk-rock, jazz-pop singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Kenny Rankin, full name Kenneth Joseph Rankin, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Actively recording as a solo artist since the mid-1960s, initially folk-rock and later gravitating more towards jazz-influenced work. Sessioned on Bob Dylan's 1965 Bringing It All Back Home album. Has also worked with Alan Broadbent, Mike Wofford, Bill Watrous, Michael Brecker, Ernie Watts, and others ~ Rankin was born in 1940
June 7, 2008 ~ Pop singer Céline Dion records My Love in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Recorded for a live audience during her Taking Chances world tour. Written and produced by Linda Perry of the 4 Non Blondes-fame. Included on the singer's Taking Chances. Released as the lead single of the 2008 My Love (Essential Collection) compilation album. Met with mixed reviews, comments ranging from “cringe-worthy diva track” to “sky-scraping ballad”. The single would reach top 10 on the Canada AC charts in her native Canada, yet failed to make much of a chart presence elsewhere
June 7, 2007 ~ Singer Jan Høiland passed away in Sweden ~ Known for songs such as Tiotusen Röda Rosor and Midnattstango with singer Åse Wentzel, the latter song topping the Norwegian charts in 1963 ~ Høiland was born in 1939
June 7, 2003 ~ The 34th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. Mostly sunny and warm, this year's edition would draw a crow of some 47,500 visitors in total. Included on today's, Saturday the 7th's bill would be Junior Senior, the Deftones, Placebo, Moby, Liftid, Tom McCrea, and Skin
June 7, 2001 ~ Singer Carole Fredericks, full name Carole Denis Fredericks, passed away in Dakar, Senegal ~ Baby sister of Taj Mahal. As a solo artist perhaps best known for her 1979 Black Orchid album. Formed the trio Fredericks Goldman Jones with singer Jean-Jacques Goldman and guitarist Michael Jones ~ Fredericks was born in 1952
June 7, 1998 ~ Songwriter Jerry Capehart, full name Jerry Neil Capehart, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for co-writing Summertime Blues and C'mon Everybody with Eddie Cochran. Has also written Rosemary Clooney's Beautiful Brown Eyes and Glen Campbell's Turn Around Look At Me ~ Capehart was born in 1928
June 7, 1998 ~ Walter Gold, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer, label executive Wally Gold passed away ~ Founding member of the Four Esquires, known for the late 1950s hits Love Me Forever and Hideaway. Co-wrote Elvis Presley's It's Now Or Never and Good Luck Charm. Others who recorded his songs include Gene Vincent, Lesley Gore (It's My Party), Duane Eddy, Gene Pitney, Nat King Cole, and others. Produced Barbra Streisand's 1969 What About Today album. Discovered and produced Kansas ~ Gold was born in 1928
June 7, 1994 ~ Dixieland clarinetist Willie Humphrey, full name Willie James Humphrey, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Son of clarinetist Willie Eli Humphrey, brother of trombonist Earl Humphrey and trumpeter Percy Humphrey. Has worked with Lawrence Duhé, King Oliver, Paul Barbarin, Sweet Emma Barrett, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and others ~ Humphrey was born in 1900
June 7, 1993 ~ Boogaloo, salsa, latin jazz percussionist, vibraphonist, bandleader Louie Ramirez born in New York, New York, USA ~ Active since the mid-1950's, starting out in Joe Locos band replacing Pete Terrace. Active as a bandleader since the early 1960s, starting with Introducing Louie Ramirez. Also notably collaborated with Charlie Palmieri and Joe Cuba during the late 1960s and with Tito Rodriguez in the early 1970s. Staff producer at the Fania label since 1975 ~ Ramirez was born in 1938
June 7, 1993 ~ Percussionist, vibraphonist, bandleader, composer Louie Ramirez passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Sometimes referred to as “the Quincy Jones of Salsa”. Staff producer at Fania. Drew from boogaloo, salsa and latin jazz. Co-wrote Johnny Pacheco's El Guiro De Macorina. Worked with Joe Loco, Charlie Palmieri, Joe Cuba, Tito Rodriguez, Willie Colón, and others ~ Ramirez was born in 1938
June 7, 1993 ~ Khalif Malik Ibn Shaman Brown, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Swae Lee, born in Tupelo, Mississippi, USA ~ Formed the duo Rae Sremmurd with his brother Slim Jxmmi, best known for their 2016 hit Black Beatles featuring Gucci Mane. Featured vocalist on French Montana's 2017 Unforgettable single. As a solo artist debuted in 2018 with the album Swaecation
June 7, 1991 ~ William Maxwell II, commonly known as singer Fetty Wap, born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Rose to fame with his Trap Queen debut single, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. Subsequent hits would include 679 featuring Remy Boyz and My Way featuring Monty. Has also worked with French Montana, PnB Rock, T-Wayne, and others
June 7, 1990 ~ Amethyst Amelia Kelly, commonly known as hip-hop, R&B, dance-pop singer, songwriter Iggy Azalea born in Sydney, Australia ~ First gained attention with her Youtube videos of Pussy and Two Times, landing her a record deal with TI's Grand Hustle label. Released her The New Classic debut album in 2014. Best known for songs such as Fancy featuring Charli XCX, Black Widow featuring Rita Ora and Trouble featuring Jennifer Hudson
June 7, 1990 ~ Jazz trombonist Lou Blackburn passed away ~ Played with Lionel Hampton, Charlie Ventura, Cat Anderson, the Beach Boys, the Turtles, June Christy, Gil Fuller, Chico Hamilton, and with the Three Sounds ~ Blackburn was born in 1922
June 7, 1989 ~ Bossa nova, pop singer, actress Nara Leão, full name Nara Lofego Leao, passed away ~ Known as “the Muse of Bossa Nova”. Befriended artists such as Roberto Menescal, João Gilberto and Vinicius de Moraes by the late 1950s. Toured with Sérgio Mendes by 1963. Debuted as a solo artist in 1964 with the Nara album. Would turn to more politically themed lyrics under the pressure of military dictatorship, eventually leaving Brazil for Paris ~ Leão was born in 1942
June 7, 1985 ~ Alternative rock, pop rock, pop punk singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer Charlie Simpson, full name Charles Robert Simpson, born in Woodbridge, UK ~ Member of pop rock outfit Busted, known for a string of early 2000s UK hits including the No.1 singles You Said No, Crashed The Wedding, Who's David, and Thunderbirds/3AM. Formed Fightstar with Alex Westaway, producing a heavier, more rock-oriented sound drawing from metal and alternative rock, and especially acclaimed for their 2006 Grand Unification debut album
June 7, 1985 ~ Klejdi Lupi, commonly known as dance-pop, R&B, house singer, songwriter Claydee, born in Tirana, Albania ~ Enjoyed popularity in Greece, Spain, Albania, Russia, Poland, Cyprus and Serbia. Well-known songs include Call Me, Deep Inside, Mamacita Buena, and Sexy Papi
June 7, 1983 ~ Singer, pianist, cellist, guitarist, flutist, songwriter Heather Woods Broderick born in Maine, USA ~ Sister of Peter Broderick. Worked with Efterklang, Horse Feathers, Loch Lomond, Laura Gibson, Sharon van Etten, Lisa Hannigan, and others
June 7, 1978 ~ Ahn Seung-ho, commonly known as K-pop, dance-pop, R&B singer Tony Ahn. born in Seoul, South Korea ~ Best known as a member of boyband HOT. Following its disbandement in 2001 formed JTL with bandmates Jang Woo-hyuk and Lee Jae-won
June 7, 1976 ~ Jazz trumpeter, cornetist, guitarist Bobby Hackett, full name Robert Leo Hackett, passed away in Chatham, Massachusetts, USA ~ Worked with Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Vic Schoen, the Andrews Sisters, Tony Bennett, Teresa Brewer, and others ~ Hackett was born in 1915
June 7, 1976 ~ Ron Raphael Braunstein, commonly known as underground rapper Necro, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Brother of rapper Ill Bill. Released his I Need Drugs solo debut album in 2000 and has recorded over half a dozen albums since. Has worked with the Secret Society, the Godfathers, Circle Of Tyrants, Kool G Rap, and others
June 7, 1976 ~ The 7th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ Sunny and hot, some 40,000 visitors show up for this edition's bill which includes Uriah Heep, Little Feat, the Outlaws, the Streetwalkers, the Chieftains, the Jess Roden Band, and Sido Martens
June 7, 1974 ~ R&B, soul singer, songwriter Sunshine Anderson, full name Sunshine Jocelyn Sian Anders, born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known for her 2001 debut single Heard It All Before, a Billboard top 20 hit taken of the album Your Woman
June 7, 1973 ~ Andrew Derek Cocup Sr, commonly known as DJ, producer Andy Cato born in Barnsley, UK ~ Chose his stage name “Cato” for Cato Road, where he lived. Formed the duo Groove Armada with Tom Findlay, known best for I See You Baby featuring Gram'ma Funk, Superstylin', Get Down and Song 4 Mutya (Out Of Control) featuring Mutya Buena. Also worked with Rachel Foster under the group moniker the Weekend Players
June 7, 1971 ~ Drummer, bandleader Ben Pollack passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Popular bandleader from the mid-1920s forward employing musicians such as Benny Goodman, Jack Teagarden, Glenn Miller, Jimmy McPartland, Harry James, and others. Co-wrote the jazz standard Tin Roof Blues. Has also worked, either as leader or in serving roles, with Harry Bastin, the New Orleans Rhytm Kings, the Venice Ballroom Orchestra, Gil Rodin, Irving Mills, Matty Matlock, Charlie Teagarden, Eddie Miller, Irving Fazola, Chico Marx, Dick Cathart, Frank Teschemacher, Freddie Slack, Joe Marsala, Muggsy Spanier, Yank Lawson, and others. ~ Pollack was born in 1903
June 7, 1971 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer, arranger Håvard Fossum born in Mysen, Norway ~ Worked with Tommy Dorsey, John Surman, Staffan William-Olsson, Jens Wendelboe, Anders Aarum, Jarle Vespestad, Funky Butt, the New Swing Generation, the Inge Stangvik Quintet, Erling Wicklund, Marvin Charles, and others
June 7, 1968 ~ Henry James Duncan, commonly known as dixieland, jazz pianist Hank Duncan, passed away in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Worked with Fess Williams, King Oliver, Tommy Ladnier, Sidney Bechet, Charles Fat Man Turner, Fats Waller, and others ~ Duncan was born in 1894
June 7, 1967 ~ Guitarist Dave Navarro, full name David Michael Navarro, born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Jane's Addiction, remaining with the band from 1986 through 1991 and rejoining on occasion in later years. Member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, present on the 1995 One Hot Minute album. Has also recorded as a solo artist, known for his 2001 Trust No One album, and worked with Deconstruction and Panic Channel
June 7, 1958 ~ Prince Rogers Nelson, commonly known as singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Prince born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Known for his eclectic work and flamboyant stage performances. Wrote his first song, Funk Machine, at age 7. Incorporated just about every genre including funk, rock, R&B, new wave, soul, psychedelica and pop. Debuted at age 17 with the album For You (1978). Ruled from the 1980s onwards with albums such as Purple Rain, Parade, Sign O' The Times, and others ~ Prince passed away in 2016
June 7, 1957 ~ Merengue, bacata, salsa, Latin pop singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Juan Luis Guerra born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic ~ One of the best-selling Latin artists with over 30 million records sold. Active since the mid-1980s. Draws from a wide array of genres including bachata-fusion, salsa, rock & roll, gospel. Best known for Ojala Que Llueva Cafe. Other well known songs include Burbujas De Amor, Estrellitas Y Duende, El Costo De La Vida, Palomita Blanca, La Llave De Mi Corazon and Bachata En Fukuoka
June 7, 1957 ~ Patrick Joseph McAloon, commonly known as pop, new wave singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Paddy McAloon, born in Newcastle, UK ~ Co-founding and sole constant member of Prefab Sprout, best known for their 1988 UK top 10 hit The King Of Rock 'n Roll. McAloon has been hailed by British critics as one of the most endearing British songwriters. Artists who have recorded his songs include Kylie Minogue, Cher, Wendy Matthews, Danny Seward, Jimmy Nail, and others
June 7, 1956 ~ Singer Eugenia León born in Tialnepantla de Baz, Mexico ~ One of the most acclaimed Mexican contemporary singers, praised by artists such as Ramón Vargas, Fito Paez, Mercedes Sosa, Willie Colón. Over two dozen albums to her name starting with 1983's Asi Te Quiero and numerous collaborations
June 7, 1956 ~ Antonio Marquis Reid, commonly known as producer, songwriter LA Reid born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ As a drummer member of Pure Essence and subsequently of the Deele. Best known as a producer and label executive. Co-founded LaFace Records with Kenneth Babyface Edmonds. Noted for discovering, signing artists such as Avril Lavigne, P!nk, Ciara. Helpful in Mariah Carey's comeback with the acclaimed 2005 The Emancipation Of Mimi album. Over the course of his career has produced artists such as the Whispers, Bobby Brown, Karyn White, Paula Abdul, Sheena Easton, the Jacksons, Whitney Houston, Damian Dame, Johnny Gill, Bell Biv DeVoe, Toni Braxton, Aretha Franklin, Boyz II Men, Usher, TLC, Donell Jones, Dru Hill, Lisa Left-Eye Lopes, Blu Cantrell, Run-DMC, Cee Lo Green, Kenny Lattimore, Young Jeezy, Ne-Yo, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Fantasia, Mary J Blige, and others
June 7, 1955 ~ Pop rock, soft rock singer, pianist, songwriter Joey Scarbury born in Ontario, California, USA ~ Best known for Theme From The Greatest Hero (Believe It Or Not), theme song of the 1980s comedy superhero TV series and a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit in 1981
June 7, 1955 ~ Jazz pianist Jon Balke, full name Jon Georg Balke, born in Fumes, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Brother of saxophonist Erik Balke. Has worked with the Magnetic North Orchestra, Arild Andersen, Oslo 13, Masqualero, Batagraf, Radka Toneff, Karin Krog, Lars Klevstrand, the Jazzpunkensemblet, Mathias Eick, Alex Riel, and others
June 7, 1952 ~ Keyboardist, organist, songwriter, producer Ike Stubblefield, full name Isaac Larry Stubblefield, born in Toledo, Ohio, USA ~ In-demand studio and touring Hammond B3 organist, starting his career with Motown in the late 1960s. Has worked with the Four Tops, Martha Reeves, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Rare Earth, George Benson, BB King, Ike & Tina Turner, Curtis Mayfield, Al Green, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Bobby Caldwell, Boz Scaggs, Quincy Jones, Phil Spector, and others ~ Stubblefield passed away in 2021
June 7, 1951 ~ Blues-rock, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Rainer Ptacek, full name Rainer Jaromir Ptacek, born in East Berlin, East Germany ~ Admired by peers. Noted for his slide and finger-picking technique and use of electronic manipulation. Praised by artists such as Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons. Worked with Giant Sand, the Band of Blacky Ranchette, Joey Burns, John Convertino, and others ~ Ptacek passed away in 1997
June 7, 1949 ~ Bassist Jack Ryland born ~ Member of Three Dog Night, joining the band in 1973 as replacement for Joe Schermie and remaining with the band through 1975 ~ Ryland passed away in 1996
June 7, 1949 ~ Actor, singer Shiro Kishibe born in Kyoto, Japan ~ Best known as an actor, noted for his role of Sandy in the TV drama series Monkey. Prior to venturing into acting Kishibe sang and played guitar in the 1960s band the Tigers, which also included his brother bassist Ittoku Kishibe ~ Kishibe passed away in 2020
June 7, 1949 ~ Jordi Soler o Gali, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Toti Soler, born in Barcelona, Spain ~ Classically trained, yet draws from blues, jazz, and flamenco. Member of cult outfits Pic-nic in the 1960s, and OM in the 1970s. Influenced by Taj Mahal and Diego del Gastor. Critically acclaimed for albums such as L'Arxiver De Tortosa, Racconto, and Guitar Cançons I. Has collaborated with Pedro Javier González, Leo Ferré, Ovidi Montllor, Jordi Sabatés, Pascal Comelade, Maria Del Mar Bonet, and Pau Riba
June 7, 1948 ~ Robert Noonan, commonly known as folk, alternative rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Willie Nile, born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Released his eponymous Willy Nile debut album in 1980. A follow-up, Golden Down, would be released the next year. Though both albums would be warmly received his career would suffer from personal and legal problems for a number of years. Would reemerge however by the late 1980s. Has worked with Richard Thompson, Loudon Wainwright III, Roger McGuinn, Ringo Starr, Tori Amos, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, Ian Hunter, Barenaked Ladies, Jay Dee Daugherty, and others
June 7, 1946 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Micky Jones born in Merthyr Tydfil, UK ~ Co-founded close harmony group the Bystanders in 1962, which evolved into Man by the end of the decade when the band ventured into a more psychedelic sound. The band is most acclaimed for a srtting of albums through the mid-1970s, especially Revelation, Back Into The Future, Christmas At The Patti, and Rhinos Winos And Lunatics ~ Jones passed away in 2010
June 7, 1946 ~ Jazz violinist Zbigniew Seifert born in Krakow, Poland ~ Best known for his association with Tomasz Stańko. Also worked with Janusz Muniak, Barre Phillips, Josef Vejvoda, Urszula Dudziak, Attila Zoller, Andrzej Trzaskowksi, Volker Kriegel, Jasper van 't Hof, Stan Sulzmann, Charlie Mariano, Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, Nana Vasconcelos, Glen Moore, Jan Hammer, Albert Mangelsdorff, Leszek Zadlo, Joachim Kühn, and others. Died of cancer at age 32 ~ Seifert passed away in 1979
June 7, 1945 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Billy Butler born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Co-founding member of Archie Bell & the Drells. Present on the 1968 single Tighten Up, the band's best-known and a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit
June 7, 1944 ~ Clarence Joseph LeBlanc, commonly known as guitarist Clarence White, born in Lewiston, Maine, USA ~ Influential bluegrass, country, country rock guitarist. Critically acclaimed. Admired by peers. Helped popularize the guitar as a viable lead instrument in bluegrass. Influential on future bluegrass stars such as Dan Crary, Norman Blake, Tony Rice. Helped birth country-rock, especially through his tenure with the Byrds. Has also worked with bands such as Three Little Country Boys, the Kentucky Colonels, Muleskinner. In-demand session musician appearing on recording vy the Everly Brothers, Ricky Nelson, the Monkees, Gene Clark, Joe Cocker, Pat Boone, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Arlo Guthrie, and others ~ LeBlanc passed away in 1973
June 7, 1944 ~ Trombonist, composer, arranger Erling Wicklund born in Goteborg, Sweden ~ Played with Atle Hammer, Jan Berger, Erik Amundsen, Bjorn Vidar Solli, Staffan William-Olsson, Frode Kjekstad, Halvard Kausland, Stig Hvalryg, Harald Bergersen, Lars Erik Norum, and others. Best known as a journalist, especially for a series of jazz programs on NRK
June 7, 1944 ~ R&B, funk drummer Melvin Parker born in Kinston, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known for his association with James Brown, his drum rhythms a key element of Brown's 1960s funk innovations. Present on recordings such as Out Of Sight, Papa's Got A Brand New Bag and I Got You I Feel Good. Parker would be drafted by the mid-1960s, replaced in the band by Clyde Stubblefield and John Jabo Starks, and would briefly rejoin by the end of the decade in time for the recording of the Sex Machine album. After his final departure from the band would join his brother saxophonist Maceo Parker's backing band ~ Parker passed away in 2021
June 7, 1944 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Miguel Rios, full name Miguel Rios Campana, born in Granada, Spain ~ Considered a pioneer of Spanish rock & roll. Internationally best known for his 1970 single A Song Of Joy (Himno A La Alegria) which peaked at No.14 on the Billboard charts in 1970
June 7, 1942 ~ Singer Anneke Grönloh born in Tondano, Netherlands East Indies ~ Best known for Brandend Zand, one of the best-selling Dutch singles of all time ~ Grönloh passed away in 2018
June 7, 1942 ~ R&B singer Don Adams born in Glasgow, UK ~ Not to be confused with the country singer Don Adams. Moved to Munich in the 1960s to perform in a German production of the musical Hair. Has recorded as a solo artist, notably 1969's Watts Happening and 1972's The Black Voice. Member of the Love Generation and subsequently of the Les Humphries Singers ~ Adams passed away in 1995
June 7, 1940 ~ Thomas John Woodward, commonly known as pop singer Tom Jones, born in Pontypridd, UK ~ Rose to prominence with a string of mid-1960s UK top 10 hits to become a mainstay with a career spanning over 5 decades and records sales exceeding 100 million. Draws from a wide array of idioms including traditional pop, soul, show tunes, country and gospel. Known for songs such as It's Not Unusual, What's New Pussycat, Delilah, Green Green Grass Of Home, Kiss, Sex Bomb, and others
June 7, 1939 ~ Conductor Eri Klas born in Tallinn, Estonia ~ Associated with the Netherlands Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Israel Sinfonietta, the Munich Philharmonic, the Hamburg State Opera, and others ~ Klas passed away in 2016
June 7, 1934 ~ Winford Lindsey Stewart, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Wynn Stewart, born in Morrisville, Missouri, USA ~ Though never a household name important to what would later become known as the Bakersfield sound and major influence on artists such as Merle Haggard and Buck Owens as well as on rockers such as Nick Lowe. Known for songs such as The Waltz Of The Angels, Wishful Thinking, Big Big Love, It's Such A Pretty World Today, Cause I Have You, Love's Gonna Happen To Me and Something Pretty ~ Stewart passed away in 1985
June 7, 1932 ~ Harold Floyd Brooks, commonly known as hard bop, blues, funk tenor saxophonist, composer Tina Brooks, born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA ~ Brother of Bubba Brooks. Harold was active from the early-1940s onwards and has played with artists such as Sonny Thompson, Lionel Hampton, Kenny Burrell, Freddie Hubbard, Jackie McLean, Freddie Redd, Howard McGhee, Jimmy Smith, and others ~ Brooks passed away in 1974
June 7, 1928 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, flutist Anthony Ortega, full name Anthony Robert Ortega, born ~ Worked with Earle Spencer, Lionel Hampton, Gigi Gryce, Art Farmer, Milt Buckner, Nat Pierce, Paul Bley, Claude Williamson, the Lighthouse All-Stars, Don Ellis, Gerald Wilson, Quincy Jones, and others
June 7, 1928 ~ Musical composer, lyricist Charles Strouse born in New York, New York, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote over two dozen musicals, including Broadway musicals such as Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, and Annie. Strouse also wrote or co-wrote several soundtracks, notably Bonnie & Clyde, orchestral works, chamber music, piano concertos, and opera. His Concerto America premiered in 2002, commemorating the 9/11 terror attacks
June 7, 1925 ~ Engineer, synthesizer builder Alan R Pearlman born ~ Best known as founder of ARP Instruments Inc, one the early leading American synthesizer manufacturers ~ Pearlman passed away in 2019
June 7, 1925 ~ Richard Blaine Williams, commonly known as actor, singer Dick Williams, born in Wall Lake, Iowa, USA ~ Brother of singer Andy Williams ~ Williams passed away in 2018
June 7, 1924 ~ Sylvia Dolores Finkelstein, commonly known as actress, singer Dolores Gray, born in Los Angeles, California ~ Discovered by Rudy Vallée. Won a Tony Award for her lead role in the 1953 Broadway musical Carnival In Flanders even though the show only ran six nights. Sang the musical parts of Marilyn Monroe in the 1954 There's No Business Like Show Business film ~ Finkelstein passed away in 2002
June 7, 1922 ~ Swing, post bop, cool jazz pianist Beryl Booker born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Slam Stewart, Dinah Washington, Don Elliot, Chuck Wayne, Clyde Lombardi, Connie Kay, Miles Davis, Bonnie Wetzel, Elaine Leighton, and others ~ Booker passed away in 1978
June 7, 1921 ~ Talmage Holt Farlow, commonly known as jazz guitarist Tal Farlow born in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA ~ Worked with Red Norvo, Charles Mingus, Artie Shaw, Vinnie Burke, Eddie Costa, Sonny Criss, Buddy DeFranco, Howard McGhee, Gil Melle, the Metronome All-Stars, Oscar Pettiford, Lew Tabackin, and others ~ Farlow passed away in 1998
June 7, 1917 ~ Dino Paul Crocetti, commonly known as singer, actor, comedian Dean Martin, born in Steubenville, Ohio, USA ~ Nicknamed “the King of Cool” for his charisma and self-assurance. Broke through as half of the comedy duo Martin & Lewis with comedian Jerry Lewis. Member of the Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Appeared in over 80 films and TV productions including as host of his own variety program, The Dean Martin Show. As a singer revered for his relaxed, smooth crooning voice, scoring hits such as Memories Are Made Of This, That's Amore, Everybody Loves Somebody, You're Noboby Till Somebody Loves You, Sway, Ain't That A Kick In The Head and Volare ~ Crocetti passed away in 1995
June 7, 1912 ~ Jacques Mikael der Mikaelia, commonly known as music-hall conductor Jacques Hélian, born in Paris, France ~ Internationally best known for his late 1940s recordings of C'Est Si Bon and Maître Pierre. Would remain popular in Europe, especially his native France throughout the mid-1950s. Has recorded with Maurice Chevalier, Andre Paquinet, Ernie Royal, Don Byas, Kenny Clarke, Sonny Grey, and others ~ Hélian passed away in 1986
June 7, 1911 ~ Singer, songwriter Roy Crain Sr born in San Augustine, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Soul Stirrers, widely considered a pivotal gospel group and influential on secular artists in R&B, doo-wop and soul ~ Cain passed away in 1996
June 7, 1910 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Gene Porter born in Pocahontas, Mississippi, USA ~ Worked with Papa Celestin, Billy King, Clarence Desdunes, Tab Smith, John Robichaux, Sidney Desvigne, the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, Don Redman, Jimmie Lunceford, Fats Waller, Benny Carter, Dinah Washington, Charles Mingus, Lloyd Glenn, Walter Fuller, and others ~ Porter passed away in 1993
June 7, 1902 ~ Edward Emerson, commonly known as trombonist Ed Cuffee, born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Active since the late 1920s. Played with Clarence Williams, Bingie Madison, mcKinney's Cotton Pickers, Fletcher Henderson, Leon Abbey, Count Basie, Chris Columbus, Bunk Johnson ~ Cuffee passed away in 1959
June 7, 1902 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Prince Robinson born in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA ~ Worked with the Blue Rhythm Orchestra, June Clark, Duke Ellington, Billy Fowler, Fletcher Henderson, Lionel Howard, Clara Smith, Elmer Snowden, Leon Abbey, mcKinney's Cotton Pickers, Lil' Armstrong, Willie Bryant, Blanche Calloway, Roy Eldridge, Teddy Wilson, Billie Holiday, Lucky Millinder, Benny Morton, Claude Hopkins, Red Allen, Freddie Washington, and others ~ Robinson passed away in 1960
June 7, 1900 ~ Glenn Gray Knoblauch, commonly known as saxophonist, bandleader Glen Gray, born in Roanoke, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for leading the Casa Loma Orchestra, popular through the 1950s. At times the orchestra included sidemen such as Herb Ellis, Bobby Hackett and Red Nichols ~ Knoblauch passed away in 1963