June 8, 2022 ~ Conductor David Lloyd-Jones, full name David Matthias Lloyd-Jones, passed away ~ Specialized in British and Russian music, including translating Russian operas. Best known as co-founder of the Opera North, serving as its director and conductor from 1978 through 1990. Has also worked with the Royal Opera House, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Opera Company, the Welsh National Opera, the Scottish Opera, and others ~ Lloyd-Jones was born in 1934
June 8, 2021 ~ Philip Anastasi, commonly known as pop, soul singer, actor Dean Parrish, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for a number of moderately successful mid-1960s singles, notably Tell Her, Determination, Bricks Broken Bottles And Sticks and most likely his best-known I'm On My Way. The latter single would be rediscovered by English DJ Russ Winstanley who would regularly play it during sets at the Wigan Casino. Its popularity would lead to a UK rerelease reaching the top 40 in 1975 and continued intrest among Northern Soul aficionados. Parrish himself would remain unaware of the renewed interest until 2000 ~ Anastasi was born in 1942
June 8, 2020 ~ Patricia Eva Pointer, commonly known as singer Bonnie Pointer passed away ~ Co-founding member of sibling outfit the Pointer Sisters. Co-wrote Fairytale, a 1974 Billboard top 20 hit for the band, with Anita Pointer. Left the band in 1977 to pursue a solo career. Scored a top 20 hit with 1978's Heaven Must Have Sent You ~ Pointer was born in 1950
June 8, 2019 ~ The 50th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. Included on today's, Saturday the 8th's bill would be SYML, Mt Atlas, Bazart, Grace Carter, the Golden Earring, Yungblud, George Ezra, Badflower, Cage The Elephant, Davina Michelle, Soham De, Anouk, Hippo Campus, Jacob Banks, Halestorm, Jamiroquai, Jacin Trill & Leafs, Elbow, San Holo, and Mumford & Sons
June 8, 2018 ~ Guitarist, singer Danny Kirwan passed away in London, UK ~ Member of Fleetwood Mac from 1968 through 1972. Also known as a solo artist starting with his 1975 Second Chapter album, and an in-demand collaborator having worked with Otis Spann, Chris Youlden, Tramp and appeared on former Fleetwood Mac-bandmates Jeremy Spencer and Christine McVie's solo albums ~ Kirwan was born in 1950
June 8, 2018 ~ Singer, guitarist, actor Gino Santercole passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Best known for his breakthrough hit Questo Vecchio Pazzo Mondo, a cover of Eve Of Destruction ~ Santercole was born in 1940
June 8, 2018 ~ Guitarist Neil Jones passed away ~ Member of Amen Corner, known for string of late 1960s UK hits including Gin House Blues, Bend Me Shape Me, High In The Sky and perhaps their best-known If Paradise Is Half As Nice, the latter topping the English charts in 1969 ~ Jones was born in 1949
June 8, 2018 ~ Singer Stefan Weber passed away ~ Co-founding member and lead singer of Drahiwaberi known for their sole national hit Lonely which peaked at No.4 on the Austrian singles chart ~ Weber was born in 1946
June 8, 2018 ~ Ervin Bruce, commonly known as fiddler, guitarist Vin Bruce, passed away ~ One of the first Cajun musicians to appear on Louisiana Hayride and Grand Ole Opry ~ Bruce was born in 1932
June 8, 2016 ~ Conductor, orchestra leader Terje Fjærn, full name Terje Egil Tolå Fjærn, passed away in Oslo, Norway ~ Married to singer Gro Anita Schønn, with whom he also worked, from 1950 until her death in 2001 . Has also collaborated with Stein Ingebrigtsen, Inger Lise Rypdal, Einar Schanke, and others ~ Fjærn was born in 1942
June 8, 2015 ~ Drummer Archie Alleyne passed away ~ Worked with Billie Holiday, Lester Young, Stan Getz, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Oliver Jones, Cy McLean, Brian Browne, and others ~ Alleyne was born in 1933
June 8, 2015 ~ John Franklin Grimsley, commonly known as director, composer Jack Grimsley, passed away in Australia ~ Best known as musical director and composer at Network Ten for nearly two decades, starting in 1966 ~ Grimsley was born in 1925
June 8, 2014 ~ The 45th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 2 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, Sunday the 8th's bill includes Chef Special, the Kooks, Ed Sheeran, the Editors, the Arctic Monkeys, the North Mississippi Allstars, Limp Bizkit, Rudimental, Paolo Nutini, Robert Plant, Taymir, Portugal The Man, twenty one pilots, the Boxer Rebellion, John Newman, Nina Nesbitt, the Intergalactic Lovers, Brother & Bones, FS Green & MC Fit, and Flexican & MS Sef
June 8, 2011 ~ Brass player Alan Rubin passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Trumpet, flugelhorn, piccolo trumpet. Worked with the Saturday Night Live Band, the Blues Brothers, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Frank Zappa, Blood Sweat & Tears, Gil Evans, Eumir Deodato, Sting, Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Frankie Valli, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, BB King, Miles Davis, Yoko Ono, Peggy Lee, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, Dr John, Randy Weston, Hank Crawford, Johnny Hammond, Hubert Laws, Odonel Levy, Don Sebesky, Gato Barbieri, Ron Carter, Dr Lonnie Smith, Patti Austin, Herbie Mann, Jimmy McGriff, Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy McGriff, Fred Lipsius, Jimmy Buffett, and others ~ Rubin was born in 1943
June 8, 2010 ~ Robin Peter Smith, singer, songwriter, commonly known as Crispian St Peters, passed away ~ Known for his mid-1960s recordings You Were On My Mind and The Pied Piper. Member of Beat Formula Three. Member of Peter & the Wolves ~ Smith was born in 1939
June 8, 2010 ~ Hard rock drummer Walt Woodward III passed away ~ Perhaps best known as member of Scream, joining the band in 1989 replacing Scott Travis. Had previously worked with Americade and Shark Island ~ Woodward was born in 1959
June 8, 2008 ~ Singer, songwriter Saban Bajramovic passed away in Nis, Serbia ~ Dubbed “the King of Romani music” with some 20 albums to his name over a career spanning four decades ~ Bajramovic was born in 1936
June 8, 2007 ~ R&B, jazz singer, pianist Nellie Lutcher, full name Nellie Rose Lutcher, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Earl Hines, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole. Sister of saxophonist Joe Lutcher. Named as an influence by Nina Simone. Worked with Ma Rainey, and with Clarence Hart. Known for songs such as The One I Love Belongs To Someone Else, Hurry On Down, He's A Real Gone Guy, Fine Brown Frame, Birth Of The Blues, and I Want To Be Near You ~ Lutcher was born in 1912
June 8, 2004 ~ Guitarist, luthier Dan Armstrong, full name Dan Kent Armstrong, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as an instrument builder, his line of guitars, basses and amplifiers used by artists such as Randy Jo Hobbs, Keith Richards, Randy California, Lou Reed, Steve Miller, Greg Ginn, Dave Grohl, Geezer Butler, Paul McCartney, Phil Lynott, Randy Rhoads, Ronnie Wood, King Buzzo, Joe Perry, Ronnie Lane, George Kooymans, Rich Robinson, Josh Homme, Jack Bruce, John Frusciante, and others. Once romantically involved with singer Carly Simon, who wrote the song Dan My Fling of her 1971 eponymous Carly Simon debut album about him ~ Armstrong was born in 1934
June 8, 2003 ~ The 34th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 2 of 3. Mostly sunny and warm, except for today's rain, this year's edition would draw a crow of some 47,500 visitors in total. Included on today's, Sunday the 8th's bill would be Anouk, Massive Attack, Peter Pan Speedrock, Flogging Molly, Lifehouse, the Dandy Warhols, the Counting Crows, Silkstone, Ozark Henry, the Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, and Zuco 103
June 8, 2002 ~ Jazz drummer, vibraphonist Ray Alexander passed away in New Hyde Park, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Peggy Lee (Beauty & The Beat), and with Martin Denny (Quiet Village). Has also worked with Claude Thornhill, Bobby Byrne, the Dorsey Brothers, Stan Getz, Mel Tormé, Chubby Jackson, Charlie Barnet, Anita O'Day, Mel Lewis, and others ~ Alexander was born in 1925
June 8, 1992 ~ The 23rd edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Thunder and rain, some 55,300 visitors show up for this edition's bill which includes Lou Reed, the Cult, Pearl Jam, David Byrne, Soundgarden, the Family Stand, Rowwen Hèze, PJ Harvey, Buffalo Tom, and Hallo Venray
June 8, 1992 ~ Terje Nielsen, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Teddy Nelson, passed away in Ålborg, Denmark ~ Best known for his singles Diggy Liggy Lo, Bonde Ifrå Hamlagrø, Skilsmisseferd I Hardanger, internationally best known for his collaborations with country-pop singer Skeeter Davis ~ Nielsen was born in 1939
June 8, 1991 ~ Actress, blues, jazz singer Bertice Reading passed away in London, UK ~ First gained attention portraying blues singer Bessie Smith in the 1955 all-black revue The Jazz Train with performances in Paris en London. Earned a Tony Award for her role as nurse in the 1957 Broadway production of Requiem For A Nun ~ Reading was born in 1933
June 8, 1987 ~ The 18th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Baarlo, the Netherlands ~ A chilly and wet day, some 32,000 visitors show up for this edition's bill which includes Lou Reed, Echo & the Bunnymen, the Communards, Hüsker Dü, In Tua Nua, Chris Isaak, Iggy Pop, Lone Justice, and Fatal Flowers
June 8, 1987 ~ Lawrence Horton, commonly known as R&B, jazz, funk, rock drummer Yogi Horton, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ In-demand touring and session musician. First appeared on Dave Baby Cortez' 1972 Soul Vibration album. Has also worked with Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, John Lennon, Ashford & Simpson, David Byrne, Debbie Harry, Hall & Oates, Diana Ross, Kenny G, the B52's, Jean Michel Jarre, Lonnie Liston Smith, Gloria Gaynor, George Benson, Ben E King, Stephanie Mills, and others ~ Horton was born in 1953
June 8, 1981 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Alex Band, full name Alexander Max Band, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Pearl Jam, Bon Jovi, Live, Train, and U2. Frontman of the Calling, known for Adrienne, Our Lives and perhaps their best-known the 2001 hit Wherever You Will Go. Featured vocalist on Carlos Santana's Why Don't You & I. Has also collaborated with Yasmin Lucas and with Gabriela Spanic
June 8, 1981 ~ The 12th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ Cloudy with occassional drizzle, some 50,000 visitors show up for this edition's bill which includes Ian Dury & the Blockheads, UB40, Madness, Fischer-Z, U2, the Michael Schenker Group, and the New Adventures
June 8, 1980 ~ Pop singer, actress Sita Vermeulen, full name Sita Maria Vermeulen, born in the Netherlands ~ First gained attention in 2001 becoming a member of K-otic through the talent contest reality show Starmaker, scoring hits with Damn I Think I Love You and I Was Made To Love You. Released her Happy solo debut album in 2002 which spawned the Dutch charttoppers Happy and Lopen Op Het Water, the latter a duet with Marco Borsato
June 8, 1978 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Sturgill Simpson, full name John Sturgill Simpson, born in Jackson, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of country, rock outfit Sunday Valley. Released his solo debut album, High Top Mountain, in 2013. Cites Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Keith Whitley, and Marty Robbins as influences. Has worked with Dave Cobb, Hargus Pig Robbins, Robby Turner, Margo Price, Chuck Bartels, Bobby Emmett, Miles Miller, Kevin Black, Laur Joamets, and others
June 8, 1977 ~ Jazz saxophonist Frøy Aagre born in Tønsberg, Norway ~ Influenced by Dave Liebman and Wayne Shorter. Released her Katalyze debut album in 2004 backed by Andreas Uivo, Freddy Wike and Roger Williamsen
June 8, 1977 ~ Singer, rapper, songwriter Kanye West, full name Kanye Omari West, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Influential in development of early 2000s mainstream hip-hop. Acclaimed for his 2004 The College Dropout album. Suffering from bipolar disorder would taint his legacy in later years with bouts of mental instability and his devout support of Donald J Trump
June 8, 1973 ~ Edward Brian Hayes, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, flutist, vibraphonist Tubby Hayes, passed away in London, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Ronnie Scott, Jimmy Deuchar, the Jazz Couriers, Kenny Baker, Bert Ambrose, Kurt Edelhagen, Paul Gonsalves, Dave Brubeck, Johnny Dankworth, James Moody, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Jack Costanzo, Victor Feldman, Dizzy Reece, Stan Tracey, and others ~ Hayes was born in 1935
June 8, 1972 ~ Singer Jimmy Rushing, full name James Andrew Rushing, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Blues shouter dubbed “Mr Five by Five” for his physique. Best known for his association with Count Basie, singing with Basie's orchestra from 1935 through 1948. Has also worked with Walter Page, Bennie Moten, Jelly Roll Morton, Billy King, Duke Ellington, Humphrey Lyttelton, and others ~ Rushing was born in 1901
June 8, 1971 ~ Heavy metal bassist Chris Estes, full name Christopher Douglas Estes, born ~ Best known as member of King Diamond from 1994 through 1999, first appearing on the 1995 Spider's Lullabye album
June 8, 1971 ~ Rock guitarist, bassist, singer Gijs Jolink, full name Gijs Jan Pieter Lovink, born in Enschede, the Netherlands ~ Co-founded Jovink & de Voederbietels. Also worked with Motorband. Co-founder of the annually held Zwarte Cross Festival
June 8, 1970 ~ Jorge Mario da Silva, commonly known as samba, rock, soul, funk singer, songwriter, actor Seu Jorge, born in Belford Roso, Brazil ~ Influenced by Stevie Wonder. Praised by artists such as Beck and David Bowie. Actively recording since the early 2000s, praised for his 2005 Cru album
June 8, 1968 ~ Admirl Amos Easton, commonly known as Piedmont blues singer, guitarist Bumble Bee Slim, passed away ~ Influenced by pianist Leroy Carr and guitarist Scrapper Blackwell. Worked with Big Bill Broonzy, Peetie Wheatstraw, Tampa Red, Memphis Minnie, Washboard Sam, and others ~ Easton was born in 1905
June 8, 1968 ~ Accordionist, fiddler Sharon Shannon born in Ruan, Ireland ~ As a solo artist best known for her 1991 eponymous Sharon Shannon debut album, which became the best-selling album of traditional Irish music in her native Ireland. Member of the Waterboys in the late 1980s and early 1990s, present on the band's Room To Roam album. Has also collaborated with Jackson Browne, Dónal Lunny, Moya Brennan, Kirsty Maccoll, Sinéad O'Connor, John Prine, and others
June 8, 1968 ~ Jazz drummer Willie Jones III born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Black Note, Horace Silver, Roy Hargrove, Hank Jones, Cedar Walton, Arturo Sandoval, Milt Jackson, Eric Reed, Wynton Marsalis, Kei Akagi, Peter Beets, Houston Person, Jesse van Ruller, Harold Mabern, Peter Zak, Ryan Kisor, and others
June 8, 1965 ~ Pop keyboardist Neil Mitchell born in Helensburg, UK ~ Member of Wet Wet Wet, known for UK top 10 hits such as Angel Eyes (Home And Away), With A Little Help From My Friends, Goodnight Girl and Love Is All Around
June 8, 1964 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Alton Delmore passed away ~ Formed the duo the Delmore Brothers with his brother Rabon Delmore. The duo is known for songs such as Freight Train Boogie, Brown's Ferry Blues, Donna (Lay Down My Old Guitar), Fifteen Miles From Birmingham and perhaps their best known Blues Stay Away From Me. Artists who covered their songs include Johnny Burnette, Gene Vincent, the Louvin Brothers, Les Paul, Doc Watson, the Everly Brothers, and others ~ Delmore was born in 1908
June 8, 1964 ~ Saxophonist Fabrizio Cassol born in Ougree, Belgium ~ Member of Trio Bravo alongside Michel Massot and Michel Debrullo. Also worked with Stephane Galland, Michel Hatzigeorgiou, Frederic Rzewski, Garrett List, William Shelter, Jacques Pelzer, Toots Thielemans, David Linx, Henri Pousseur, Kris Defoort, KD's Basement Party, the Nasa Na Band, Grande Formation, Aka Moon, and others
June 8, 1963 ~ Jazz, smooth jazz guitarist Ken Navarro born in Lafayette, Indiana, USA ~ Over two dozen albums to his name. Worked with Dave Koz, Neil Carter, Doc Severinsen, Streetwize, Dave Weckl, John Patitucci, Chad Wackerman, Brandon Fields, Eric Marienthal, and others. Best known for songs such Ruby Lane, When We Dance, Juliet and You Are Everything
June 8, 1962 ~ Nicholas James Bates, commonly known as new wave, pop keyboardist Nick Rhodes born in Mosely, UK ~ Co-founding member of Duran Duran, known for songs such as Girls On Film, Hungry Like The Wolf, Save A Prayer, Is There Something I Should Know, The Reflex, A View To A Kill and Ordinary World
June 8, 1961 ~ Katerina Garbi, commonly known as laiko, dance-pop singer, actress Katy Garbi, born in Athens, Greece ~ Has recorded well over a dozen albums starting with 1989's Prova. Best known for the albums Arhizo Polemo released in 1996 and Evalthisles the next year, both among Greece's best-selling albums of the decade. Internationally best known for representing Greece in the 1993 Eurovision Songfestival with the song Ellada Hora Tou Fotos, reaching 9th place.
June 8, 1958 ~ Singer, actress Tané M McClure born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as an actress appearing in well over two dozen films. Member of Latin jazz ensemble Sweet Honesty. As a singer known for the 1982 Holdin' On charting hit. Married to the Babys and Journey-keyboardist Jonathan Cain from 1979 to 1984
June 8, 1956 ~ Huford Brown, commonly known as reggae DJ U-Brown, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Influenced by U-Roy, Big Youth, Dennis Alcapon, Prince Jazzbo. Best known for his 1976 breakthrough single Starsky & Hutch and 1982's Tu Shen Peng. Has worked with Bunny Lee, Ranking Joe, Trinity, Jah Warrior, and others
June 8, 1955 ~ Keyboardist, singer James Jonathan Sylvers born ~ Member of popular 1970s sibling R&B outfit the Sylvers, known for songs such as Fools Paradise, Fever and Hot Line
June 8, 1955 ~ Singer, percussionist, songwriter Jon King, full name Jonathan Michael King, born in London, UK ~ Co-founding member of post-punk outfit Gang Of Four remaining with the band through 1980 and rejoining in later years. Notably present on the band's pivotal 1979 Entertainment debut album
June 8, 1954 ~ Hardcore punk, punk rock, punk jazz, heavy metal singer, guitarist, songwriter Greg Ginn, full name Gregory Regis Ginn, born in Tucson, Arizona, USA ~ Best known as frontman of pivotal quintessential hardcore punk outfit Black Flag from 1976 through 1986. Since the band's disbandement has worked with October Faction, Gone, Confront James, Mojack, the Minutemen, Lawndale, Limey LBC, Ten East, and others
June 8, 1951 ~ Gaynor Hopkins, commonly known as singer Bonnie Tyler, born in Swansea, UK ~ First gained attention with her 1977 The World Starts Tonight debut album, which spawned the singles Lost In France and More Than A Lover. To American audiences best known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits It's A Heartache in 1977 and Total Eclipse Of The Heart in 1980
June 8, 1951 ~ Olga Jackowska, commonly known as singer, songwriter Kora, born in Blizow, Poland ~ Lead singer of rock outfit Maanam. Passed away from ovarian cancer at age 67 ~ Jackowska passed away in 2018
June 8, 1951 ~ Guitarist, singer Tony Rice, full name David Anthony Rice, born in Danville, Virginia, USA ~ Leading acoustic guitarist in bluegrass, progressive bluegrass, newgrass, acoustic jazz. Brother of Wyatt Rice, Ron Rice, Larry Rice. Has worked with JD Crowe & the New South, David Grisman, Jerry Garcia, the Tony Rice Unit, Ricky Skaggs, Béla Fleck, Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen, Peter Rowan, the Bluegrass Album Band, and others ~ Rice passed away in 2020
June 8, 1949 ~ Guitarist Jimmy King born in Madison, Wisconsin, USA ~ Member of the Bar-kays. The band served as Stax/Volt studio group yet has also released several singles of their own, notably the 1967 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Soul Finger, but is best known as studio and touring band for Otis Redding. Several members, including King, perished in the plane crash that killed Redding while on tour ~ King passed away in 1967
June 8, 1947 ~ Singer, percussionist Annie Haslam born ~ Lead singer of progressive rock band Renaissance from 1971 through 1987 and rejoining in later years, known for songs such as Carpet Of The Sun, Mother Russia, Ashes Are Burning and the 1978 UK top 10 hit Northern Lights. Has also released a number of solo albums, starting with 1977's Annie In Wonderland, and collaborated with Steve Howe, John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Magenta, Jann Klose, and others
June 8, 1947 ~ Actress, pop, folk rock, jazz-rock singer Julie Driscoll born in London, UK ~ As a singer best known for a number of 1960s recordings, notably her renditions of This Wheel's On Fire, Season Of The Witch and I'm A Believer. Member of Steampacket alongside Long John Baldry and Rod Stewart. Has also regularly worked with jazz pianist Keith Tippett, whom she married in 1970
June 8, 1946 ~ Blues harpist, singer, songwriter James Harman, full name James Gary Harman, born in Anniston, Alabama, USA ~ Active since the early 1960s. Was backed by artists such as Phil Alvin, Bill Bateman and Gene Taylor of future the Blasters fame and Kid Ramos of future the Fabulous Thunderbirds fame. Best known for Everybody's Rockin' At The Zoo Bar and Kiss Of Fire, of which the latter would be used in The Accused soundtrack,
June 8, 1946 ~ Guitarist Johan Slager born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as co-founding member, guitarist of prog-rock band Kayak, along with Ton Scherpenzeel, Pim Koopman, and Max Werner. Stayed with the band from its inception in 1972 to 1982. Has also worked with Circus Custers, Bolland & Bolland, Earth & Fire, Ekseption, Edward Reekers, Michel van Dijk, and others
June 8, 1946 ~ Keyboardist John Sharkey born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of Syndicate Of Sound, known for their single Little Girl which would reach the Billboard top 10 in 1966. The band would record a number of other singles, notably Rumors and Brown Paper Bag, but would be unable to replicate the success of Little Girl
June 8, 1945 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Steven Fromholz, full name Steven John Fromholz, born in Temple, Texas, USA ~ Co-founded Frummox with Dan McCrimmon. Collaborated with Stephen Stills and Rick Roberts. Wrote and first recorded I'd Have To Be Crazy, notably covered by Willie Nelson. Other artists who recorded his songs include Hoyt Axton, John Denver (Yellow Cat), Jerry Jeff Walker, Lyle Lovett (Bears), Rusty Wier, and Sturgill Simpson ~ Fromholz passed away in 2014
June 8, 1944 ~ Guitarist Babik Reinhardt born in Paris, France ~ Son of revered gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. Worked with George Arvanitis, Christian Escoudé, Boulou Ferre, Larry Coryell, Didier Lockwood, and others ~ Reinhardt passed away in 2001
June 8, 1944 ~ William Royce Scaggs, commonly known as blue eyed soul, rock, jazz rock, soft rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Boz Scaggs born in Canton, Ohio, USA ~ Member of the Steve Miller Band, present on the band's first two albums Children Of The Future and Sailor. As a solo artist best known for his 1976 Silk Degrees album, which included the hit singles It's Over, What Can I Say, The Lido Shuffle and Lowdown, the latter a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit
June 8, 1944 ~ Don Louis Agrati, commonly known as actor, singer, songwriter Don Grady, born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Best known as an actor, notably as one of the Mickey Mouse Mouseketeers and as Robbie Douglas on the My Three Sons TV series. As a singer known for his 1971 Homegrown album and for his association with Yellow Balloon ~ Grady passed away in 2012
June 8, 1942 ~ Charles Negron II, commonly known as pop rock, soft rock, blue-eyed soul singer Chuck Negron, born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of Three Dog Night, serving as one of the band's three main vocalists. Sang lead on One, Easy To Be Hard, Joy To The World, Pieces Of April, An Old Fashioned Love Song and The Show Must Go On
June 8, 1941 ~ Clarence Eugene Haskins, commonly known as R&B, funk guitarist, drummer, singer Fuzzy Haskins, born in Elkins, West Virginia, USA ~ Closely associated with George Clinton, working with the iconic funk frontman from the early doo-wop days with the Parliaments through the 1960s, 1970s ensembles Parliament and Funkadelic. Co-wrote the latter's I Got A Thing You Got A Thing Everybody's Got A Thing, I Wanna Know If It's Good To You, and Good To Your Earhole. Haskins parted ways with Clinton in 1977 over financial and management disputes. Haskins and fellow Clinton alumni Calvin Simon and Grady Thomas caused confusion when they released the 1981 Connections And Disconnections album using the moniker Funkadelic. Haskins also recorded two albums as a solo artist, Whole Nother Thang in 1976 and Radio Active in 1978 ~ Haskins passed away in 2023
June 8, 1941 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer, songwriter Jesse Bolian born ~ Member of the Artistics, best known for their 1966 I'm Gonna Miss You hit single which reached top 10 on the Billboard R&B charts. Other charting singles included This Heart Of Mine and I Need You ~ Bolian passed away in 1994
June 8, 1940 ~ Singer, actress Nancy Sinatra, full name Nancy Sandra Sinatra, born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Daughter of singer Frank Sinatra, with whom she worked on the 1967 Somethin' Stupid duet. Best known for her 1965 hit These Boots Are Made For Walkin'. Acclaimed for a string of 1960s albums working with producer, songwriter Lee Hazlewood. Well-known recordings include How Does That Grab You Darlin', Sugar Town, Jackson and Lady Bird
June 8, 1939 ~ Trombonist Bill Watrous born in Middletown, Connecticut, USA ~ Worked with Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Quincy Jones, Johnny Richards, Kai Winding, fusion band Ten Wheel Drive, Eumir Deodato, Kenny Burrell, Paul Desmond, Odonel Levy, Milton Nascimento, Jimmy Witherspoon, Red Rodney, Arturo Sandoval, and others ~ Watrous passed away in 2018
June 8, 1937 ~ Toni Dunlap, commonly known as singer, dancer Toni Harper, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Child singer known for her 1946 recording Candy Store Blues, which reached Platinum status. Would record a handful of album as an adult, starting with 1956's Toni backed by Oscar Peterson, and retire from music at age 29
June 8, 1936 ~ James Williams Ercolani, commonly known as actor, singer James Daren, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as television and film actor. Starred in the 1959 film Gidget for which he sang several songs including the main theme. The film was a hit, as was the soundtrack, and Darren would score a string of pop hits in the early 1960s, notably Goodbye Cruel World and Het Royal Majesty
June 8, 1936 ~ Dessie Mae Williams, commonly known as blues, jazz singer Odessa Harris, born in West Helena, Arkansas, USA ~ Toured with BB King, who gave Harris her stage name. As a solo artist known for a handful of underpromoted early-1960s singles including Rocking Good Way, Nothing In The World, and Since I Fell For You. Also worked with Robert Nighthawk, Sonny Freeman, Marcus Belgrave, and others. ~ Williams passed away in 2007
June 8, 1929 ~ Jazz drummer Kenny Clare born in Leytonstone, UK ~ Worked with Oscar Rabin, Jack Parnell, Johnny Dankworth, Ted Heath, Ronnie Stephenson, the Sounds Orchestral, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Cleo Laine, Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, Carmen McRae, Stan Getz, and others ~ Clare passed away in 1985
June 8, 1919 ~ Jazz composer, bandleader Erwin Lehn born in Grunstadt, Germany ~ Best known for founding the Sudfunk Dance Orchestra also known as the SWR Big Band in 1951, directing it until 1992 ~ Lehn passed away in 2010
June 8, 1916 ~ Jazz trumpeter Freddie Webster born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Dizzy Gillespie is reportedly to have characterised Webster as having “the best sound on trumpet since the trumpet was invented” and Miles Davis cites Webster as an early influence. Webster worked with Benny Carter, Cab Calloway, Earl Hines, Jimmie Lunceford, Billy Eckstine, Sarah Vaughan, and others. Sonny Rollins's song Strode Rode, from the 1956 LP Saxophone Colossus, is reference to the Strode Hotel in Chicago where Webster died, suspectedly of a heroin overdose ~ Webster passed away in 1947
June 8, 1911 ~ Tango singer, composer, impresario Edmundo Rivero, full name Leonel Edmundo Rivero, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Worked with Humberto Canaro, Horacio Salgán, Anibal Troilo, Roberto Grela, and others ~ Rivero passed away in 1986
June 8, 1907 ~ Wilhelmina Madison Goodson, commonly known as jazz singer, pianist Billie Pierce, born in Marianna, Florida, USA ~ Married to De De Pierce, with whom she also worked. Influenced by Ma Rainey, Ida Cox, Bessie Smith from an early age, although her orthodox Baptist parents disapproved of anything other than hymns. Has worked with AJ Piron, Alphonse Picou, Emile Barnes, George Lewis, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and others ~ Goodson passed away in 1974
June 8, 1810 ~ Composer Robert Schumann born in Zwickau, Kingdom of Saxony ~ Widely regarded as one of the leading composers of the Romantic era. Initially composed primarily for piano, moving on to Lieder and orchestral works later in his career. Best known for works such as Carneval, Kreislerlana and Fantasie In C ~ Schumann passed away in 1856