June 7, 2020 ~ Frank Bass, commonly known as blues singer Frank Bey, passed away in Glenolden, Pennsylvania, USA ~ As a child was a member of gospel outfit Rising Sons, touring with his brother and two cousins around the South until the band dissolved when he was in his early teens. Worked as a performer through the mid-1970s before retiring from music to pursue other interests. Bey would return to music some two decades later, releasing his Steppin' Out solo debut album in 1998. Well known for a series of collaborative albums with Anthony Paule in the 2010s including the acclaimed You Don't Know Nothing album released in 2013 ~ Bass was born in 1946
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, and Robert Wyatt ~ 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, and Ernie Watts ~ 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, 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, 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, and Nat King Cole. 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, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band ~ Humphrey was born in 1900
June 7, 1993 ~ George Ezra Barnett, commonly known as pop singer, guitarist, songwriter George Ezra, born in Hertford, UK ~ Rose to fame in the early-2010s, his Budapest sophomore single reaching the top 10 across Europe and Australia. Would release his full-length Wanted On Voyage debut album later the same year and has recorded sparsely since, though to critical acclaim and commercial success. Well-known songs include Blame It On Me, Paradise, Shotgun, and Green Green Gras
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, and Willie Colón ~ 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, and T-Wayne
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 ~ As a leader acclaimed for a number of early-1960s albums, perhaps most notably Two Note Samba. Toured extensively with Lionel Hampton during the late-1950s. Backed Charles Mingus at Monterey, recorded on the 1964 Mingus At Monterey album. To pop audiences known for his contributions to recordings by the Turtles, the Righteous Brothers, and the Beach Boys, including on the latter's Good Vibrations. Founded and led the heavily influenced by African music ensemble Mombassa during the 1970s. Other notable associations include Nancy Wilson, Oliver Nelson, the Monkees, and Michael Nesmith ~ Blackburn was born in 1922
June 7, 1989 ~ Jeremy Tynes Irving, commonly known as rapper, producer Jeremiah Jae, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Son of jazz, R&B, gospel pianist Robert Irving III. Gained attention from the late-2000s onward with hip hop unit Young Black Preachers, and with a series of solo mix-tapes. Would release his full-length Raw Money debut album in 2012. Has since worked with L'Orange, the Black Jungle Squad, and Jonwayne, and served as producer for the likes of Gonjasufi, Flying Lotus, and Busdriver
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, 1988 ~ Pop, blue-eyed soul singer Robert Palmer releases Simply Irresistible, lead single off his Heavy Nova album ~ Helped by heavy rotation of the accompanying video clip, showing Palmer surrounded by beautiful woman with heavy make-up, Simply Irresistible would become Palmer's third Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit, following Addicted To Love and I Didn't Mean To Turn You On both taken off his 1985 hit album Riptide. The single peaked at No.2, held off the top spot by Guns 'n Roses' Sweet Child O' Mine, and earned Palmer a Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance at the 31st Annual Grammy Awards ceremony
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, 1981 ~ Singer Bruce Springsteen plays the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK, to be joined by the Who's Pete Townshend for the encore ~ While on the European leg of his The River Tour, Springsteen plays the first of two consecutive nights at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, and is joined by the Who co-lead singer, guitarist Pete Townshend for the encores. Springsteen had not performed in Europe since 1975, when he had just played four European concerts. The European leg of The River Tour, over thirty dates across ten countries, would be a success. Springsteen has been hugely popular on the continent ever since
June 7, 1977 ~ Glam rock, hard rock, pop rock outfit Queen release Long Away, lifted off their A Day At The Races album ~ Issued as a the album's third single in North America and New Zealand only. Described by The Washington Post as “an affectionate recreation of the mid-1960s sound of the Beatles and the Byrds, (and) one of the best songs on the album”. Written by guitarist Brian May, who also sings lead vocals, making it the only Queen-single released during Freddie Mercury's lifetime not to be sung by Mercury. May later reflected: “If I'm honest, I think I would like to be remembered for a few of the songs, none of which were really hits, but some of which had a lot of emotion in them: White Queen and Let Us Cling Together and Long Away off the A Day At The Races album. And We Will Rock You.”
June 7, 1976 ~ Folk rock, alternative country, indie rock singer, songwriter Eric D Johnson, full name Eric Donald Johnson, born ~ Best known as frontman and sole constant member of Fruit Bats, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Spelled In Bones album released in 2005. Member of the Shins from 2007 through 2011, present on the albums Wincing The Night Away and Port Of Morrow. Johnson has also collaborated with Califone, Sally Timms, Matt Berry, Nina Persson, Anna Ternheim, and Bonny Light Horseman
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, and Kool G Rap
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, 1976 ~ New York magazine runs a cover story called Tribal Rites Of The New Saturday Night, describing the disco-fueled nightclub scene. The article gives the Bee Gees manager Robert Stigwood the idea for Saturday Night Fever ~ Both the film featuring John Travolta and the accompanying soundtrack album would be smash hits, the album at the time breaking the record for all-time best-selling album. Saturday Night Fever would epitomize the disco phenomenon, top the charts in over a dozen countries including the Netherlands, America, and the UK, and spawn four Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits, How Deep Is Your Love, Stayin' Alive and Night Fever by the Bee Gees, and If I Can't Have You by Yvonne Elliman
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, and Harry James. 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, and Yank Lawson ~ 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, and Marvin Charles
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, 1966 ~ Drummer Eric Kretz born in San Jose, California, USA ~ Member of alternative rock, grunge outfit the Stone Temple Pilots, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums starting with Core released in 1992. The band is best known for songs such as Vasoline, Interstate Love Song, Big Bang Baby, Trippin' On A Hole In A Paper Heart, Sour Girl, and Days Of The Week
June 7, 1964 ~ Anderson Meade Lewis, commonly known as boogie-woogie pianist Meade Lux Lewis, passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Trained on the violin as a child, switching to piano at age 16. Along with artists such as Pete Johnson, Albert Ammons, and Jimmy Yancey highly revered for a high-energy hybrid boogie-woogie that would eventually lead to rock & roll. Probably best known for penning Honky Tonk Train, his recording debut in 1927. Over the years the song would be covered by over an estimated hundred artists including Bob Crosby, Frankie Trumbauer, Keith Emerson, and Axel Zwingenberger. Lewis would later be mentioned in Kurt Vonnegut's novel Cat's Cradle, Ross Macdonald's novel The Moving Target, and in Keith Richards's autobiography Life ~ Lewis was born in 1905
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, and Sign O' The Times ~ 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, and Jimmy Nail
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, and Mary J Blige
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, and Alex Riel
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, and Phil Spector ~ 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 ~ Noted for his slide and finger-picking technique and use of electronic manipulation. Though never rising above cult status, Ptacek is considered influential during brief recording career, praised by artists such as Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons. Co-founded alt-country outfit Giant Sand with Howe Gelb in the late-1970s, drawing from swing, country, rock, and beatnik lyricism. As a solo artist best known for the albums DYO released in 1995 and Live At The Performance Center released posthumously in 2000. The latter was recorded in June 1997, about half a year before his death at age 46 of cancer ~ Ptacek passed away in 1997
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, and Jay Dee Daugherty
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, Naná Vasconcelos, Glen Moore, Jan Hammer, Albert Mangelsdorff, Leszek Zadlo, and Joachim Kühn. Died of cancer at age 32 ~ Seifert passed away in 1979
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, and Arlo Guthrie ~ LeBlanc passed away in 1973
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, 1942 ~ 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, 1941 ~ Violinist, conductor, music director Jaime Laredo born in Cochabamba, Bolivia ~ Married to pianist Ruth Laredo. Professor at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Ohio. Closely associated with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra. Has conducted numerous renowned orchestras over the course of his lengthy career starting in the early-1960s, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Syracus Symphony Orchestra
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, and Sex Bomb
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 saxophonist Bubba Brooks. Known by his nickname “Tina”, a variation of his childhood moniker “Teeny”. Enjoyed a short-lived yet impressive career during the heyday of hard bop mostly from the late-1950s through the early-1960s, appearing on key albums by Jimmy Smith (Cool Blues), Kenny Burrell, Jackie McLean (Jackie's Bag), Freddie Hubbard, and Freddie Redd. Brooks recorded a handful of albums as a leader, perhaps most notably the criminally underrated True Blue released in 1960 ~ Brooks passed away in 1974
June 7, 1931 ~ Delloreese Patricia Early, commonly known as jazz, gospel singer Della Reese, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Rooted in gospel, Reese sang in her church choir from a young age to be discovered in her mid-teens by Mahalia Jackson, who invited Reese to join her touring choir. After five years with Jackson, Reese formed her own gospel group, the Meditation Singers, with whom she performed until her mother's death and father's illness forced her to take on several odd jobs to pay the bills. Encouraged, however, by her pastor, Reese would return to music, recording some two dozen albums starting in the mid-1950s. An energetic live performer, Reese is especially acclaimed for the live albums Della Reese On Stage and Della Reese Live released respectively in 1962 and 1966. Reese is well known for songs such as Ain't That Reminds Me, Don't You Know, Someday You'll Want Me To Want You, And Now, The Most Beautiful Words, and After Loving You ~ Early passed away in 2017
June 7, 1928 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Anthony Ortega, full name Anthony Robert Ortega, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Talented improviser. Got his start in the mid-1940s with Earle Spencer. As a leader acclaimed for Jazz For Young Moderns and A Man And His Horns. Toured with Lionel Hampton, including in Europe. As sideman, Ortega has appeared on albums by Clifford Brown, Gigi Gryce, Johnny Hartman (Songs From The Heart), Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Maynard Ferguson, Art Farmer, Gerald Wilson, Harper's Bizarre, Elvis Presley (The '68 Comeback Special), and Ella Fitzgerald ~ Ortega passed away in 2022
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, 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, 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, and Sonny Grey ~ Hélian passed away in 1986
June 7, 1910 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Gene Porter born in Pocahontas, Mississippi, USA ~ Started on cornet but switched to saxophonist and clarinetist when his instrument was stolen. Fixture on the New Orleans jazz scene from the 1930s onwards, starting in ensembles led by Papa Celestin, Joe Robichaux, Sidney Desvigne, and the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra. Porter would go on to back artists such as Jimmie Lunceford, Benny Carter, Dinah Washington (Dinah Washington Sings The Blues), Charles Mingus, Lloyd Glenn, and extensively with Walter Fuller. After relocating to California, Porter led his own ensemble playing the Bronze Room, La Mesa from the mid-1960s onwards ~ Porter passed away in 1993
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, and Freddie Washington ~ Robinson passed away in 1960