June 8, 2024 ~ Francis Rodney Zambon, commonly known as singer, songwriter Mark James, passed away ~ Though a formidable singer in his own right, achieving some success especially in the late-1960s, James is best known for writing or co-writing several songs made into hits by others. Wrote Hooked On A Feeling, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for his childhood friend BJ Thomas. Wrote and first recorded Suspicious Minds, best known as recorded by Elvis Presley in 1969. Presley recorded several more of his songs including It's Only Love, Raised On Rock, and Moody Blue. His greatest claim to fame, however, was Always On My Mind, co-written with Johnny Christopher and Wayne Carson. The song was first recorded by Brenda Lee in 1972, and became a hit about a decade later when Willie Nelson covered the track. The Nelson hit would earn the songwriting team a Grammy Award, and the song has become a standard, recorded by over an estimated 400 artists. Other songs written or co-written by James would be recorded by Merrilee Rush, the Box Tops, Lou Rawls, Mac Davis (One Hell Of A Woman), and Roy Drusky ~ Zambon was born in 1940
June 8, 2023 ~ Georg Peter Brandt, commonly known as singer, actor Peter Belli, passed away ~ Active since the late-1950s. Considered Denmark's first rock star. Opened for both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones with his 1960s rock unit Les Rivals. Has recorded well over three dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with the eponymous Peter Belli album released in 1967. Well-known songs include Bliv Væk Fra Vort Kvarter, Ingen Regning, and Er Det SÃ¥dan ~ Brandt was born in 1943
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, and the Scottish Opera ~ Lloyd-Jones was born in 1934
June 8, 2022 ~ Jazz percussionist, drummer Wolfgang Reisinger passed away ~ Jazz percussionist also active in free improvisation and classical music. Perhaps best known as member of the Vienna Art Orchestra, present on acclaimed albums such as A Notion In Perpetual Motion, The Minimalism Of Erik Satie, and Tango From Obango. Reisinger can also be heard on recordings by Jean-Paul Céléa, Franz Hautringer, Steve Lacy, Harry Sokal, and David Liebman ~ Reisinger was born in 1955
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 re-release 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, 2020 ~ Country, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter James Hand, also known as James Slim Hand, passed away in Waco, Texas, USA ~ Actively performing since his late teens, playing honky-tonks and roadhouses across Texas rising to regional fame, yet would not release a solo album until well into his 40s. Recorded about half a dozen albums, especially acclaimed for The Truth Will Set You Free and its follow-up Shadow On The Ground released respectively in 2006 and 2009. Hand played a fictional version of himself in the independent film Thank You A Lot released in 2014 ~ Hand was born in 1952
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 ~ 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, 2015 ~ Archibald Alexander Alleyne, commonly known as jazz drummer Archie Alleyne, passed away ~ House drummer at the Town Tavern jazz club in Toronto, Canada. Has accompanied jazz greats such as Billie Holiday, Lester Young, Stan Getz, Coleman Hawkins, and Ben Webster. Following a serious traffic accident, Alleyne mostly retired from music by the late-1960s, to return to music in the 1980s working with fellow Canadians such as Oliver Jones and Cy McLean. In his later years, Alleyne was known for mentoring young talent in his hard-bop unit Kollage. Longtime collaborator Brian Browne praised Alleyne for his time keeping, once commenting: “Archie's got a special snap to his time. He's got a unique, interesting, personal time feel.” ~ Alleyne was born in 1933
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, 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 Smith, 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, and Jimmy Buffett ~ Rubin was born in 1943
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, and John Frusciante. 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, and Mel Lewis ~ Alexander was born in 1925
June 8, 1998 ~ Jazz violinist Harry Lookofsky passed away ~ Worked in both classical music, noted specifically for his tenure with the NBC Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Arturo Toscanini, and in jazz, regarded as one of bebop's earliest and most accomplished violinists. Critically especially acclaimed for his 1959 Stringsville album, bridging the gap between classical and jazz. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Coleman Hawkins, Lena Horne (Stormy Weather), Chris Connor, Ray Charles (The Genius of Ray Charles), Blue Mitchell, Freddie Hubbard, Sarah Vaughan, Wes Montgomery (Bumpin'), Blood Sweat & Tears (Child Is Father To The Man), Antônio Carlos Jobim, Roberta Flack (Chapter Two), Hank Crawford, Bette Midler (The Divine Miss M), and Grover Washington Jr. To pop audiences Lookofsky is also known for co-producing Walk Away Renee, a 1968 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for his son Michael Brown's band the Left Banke ~ Lookofsky was born in 1913
June 8, 1993 ~ Foster MacKenzie III, commonly known as singer, guitarist Root Boy Slim, passed away in Orlando, Florida, USA ~ Best known for founding and fronting the Sex Change Band, with whom he enjoyed a dedicated fan base in the Washington DC and adjacent Maryland area. The band is best known for their Gary Katz-produced Root Boy Slim & The Sex Change Band With The Rootettes debut album, which included their best known song Boogie Till You Puke. Following his graduation MacKenzie once climbed over the White House fence. The United States Secret service apprehended him and he told officers he was looking for the center of the universe. The incident, brought on by a psychotic break, would lead to a stay at a mental hospital and a diagnosis of schizophrenia, for which he would be medicated the rest of his life ~ MacKenzie was born in 1944
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 IfrÃ¥ 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, 1989 ~ Electropop, dream pop singer, songwriter Anna Lotterud born in Gjøvik, Norway ~ Broke through in 2014 with her Sway debut single, recorded under the moniker Anna of the North. The single would prompt a remix by the Chainsmokers and a tour slot with Kygo. The act was originally a duo with producer Brady Daniell-Smith, Lotterud would keep the moniker after the duo split after their 2014 Lovers debut album. Lotterud has recorded consistently since
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, and Stephanie Mills ~ 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 ~ Heavy metal bassist Pär Sundström born in Falun, Sweden ~ Co-founded Sabaton with lead singer Joakim Brodén in 1999. The band has recorded over a dozen albums and established themselves as a major force in power metal. Best known for their 2010 Coat Of Arms album. Sundström and Brodén are the last two remaining original members of the band
June 8, 1981 ~ The 12th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ Cloudy with occasional 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, 1979 ~ Blues, rock, southern rock, jazz guitarist Derek Trucks born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Child prodigy, giving his first paid public performance at age nine. Frontman and eponym of Derek Trucks Band, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums most notably the acclaimed mid-2000s albums Live At The Georgia Theatre and Songlines. Forms the Tedeschi-Trucks Band with his wife blues, blues rock singer, guitarist Susan Tedeschi. Trucks has also appeared on albums by Eric Clapton, Tinsley Ellis, Bruce Hampton, Junior Wells, Gregg Allman, Jazz Is Dead, Gov't Mule, the Allman Brothers Band, and Béla Fleck
June 8, 1979 ~ Violinist, singer Jenny Scheinman born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Established herself as a valued violinist in avant-garde jazz and roots-oriented music. Over half a dozen albums to her name as a solo artist, especially noted for her 2005 12 Songs album. Closely associated with Bill Frisell, appearing on well over half a dozen of Frisell's albums. Has also appeared on recordings by Scott Amendola, Norah Jones (Come Away With Me), Pharaoh's Daughter, Carla Bozulich, Christian McBride, Lucinda Williams (West), Ani DiFranco, Bruce Cockburn, Robbie Fulks, and Todd Sickafoose
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, and Laur Joamets
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 West would taint his legacy in later years with bouts of mental instability, flirting with conspiracy theories, controversial political statements including some bordering on anti-semitism, his devout support of Donald J Trump, a presidental run in the 2020 elections, and a seemingly never-ending public feud with his ex-wife
June 8, 1974 ~ Country singer Tanya Tucker releases The Man That Turned My Mama On, lifted off her Would You Lay With Me (In A Field Of Stone) album ~ Written by Ed Bruce, produced by Billy Sherrill. The narrator tells of her wish that she could have known more about her father, a traveling salesman who met her mother and quickly married. Unlike other songs where the father is absent, in The Man That Turned My Mama On the father died of illness when she was five. Tucker's single reached No.4 Billboard Country, the seventh consecutive top 10 hit on the country charts since her Delta Dawn debut single. In 1978, Tucker would yet again score a top 10 hit with a Bruce song, namely Texas (When I Die) written by Ed Bruce, Patsy Bruce and Bobby Borchers
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, and Stan Tracey ~ 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, and Humphrey Lyttelton ~ Rushing was born in 1901
June 8, 1970 ~ Jazz, free jazz, pop, rock drummer David King born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Member of Happy Apple, known best for the albums Body Popping Moon Walking Top Rocking and Please Refrain From Fronting released respectively in 1999 and 2001. Member of Bad Plus, especially acclaimed for their 2003 These Are The Vistas album. King has also collaborated with Garrison Starr, 12 Rods, Robert Skoro, Craig Taborn, the Meat Beat Manifesto, Jamie Cullum, and Steve Strongman
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 ~ Pop singer Galit Burg, full name Galit Shira Burg, born ~ Internationally perhaps best known for forming the duo Gili & Galit with Gili Netanel. The duo, featuring a then 12-year-old Netanel, represented their native Israel at the 1989 Eurovision Songfestival, where they would reach twelfth place with Derekh Hamelekh. Burg passed away age 54 in a car accident ~ Burg passed away in 2022
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, and John Prine
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, and Ryan Kisor
June 8, 1965 ~ Keyboardist, organist John Medeski born ~ Fixture on the New York jazz scene, best known as a member of trio Medeski Martin & Wood, with whom he recorded well over a dozen albums, and with the addition of guitarist John Scofield the quartet Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood. As a solo artist noted for his 1994 Lunar Crush album, drawing from funk, hip hop, jazz, and rock. In-demand collaborator and sideman, present on albums by the Either/Orchestra, David Byrne, John Zorn (Duras Duchamp), the Klezmatics, Blues Traveler (Straight On Till Morning), John Lurie, Iggy Pop, Sean Lennon, Cibo Matto, Morphine, DJ Logic (The Anomaly), Gov't Mule, Club D'Elf, the Baby Loves Jazz Band, and Marian McPartland
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, and the Everly Brothers ~ 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, and Aka Moon
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, and Eric Marienthal. 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, 1960 ~ Pop, blue-eyed soul singer, guitarist, bassist, pianist Mick Hucknall, full name Michael James Hucknall, born in Manchester, UK ~ Lead singer, songwriter for soul-influenced pop unit Simply Red with whom he recorded about a dozen albums, starting with Picture Book in 1985, and has sold over an estimated 50 million records. The band has enjoyed popularity especially in Europe, racking up a string of hits through the early-2000s. The band's original Holding Back The Years and the Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes-cover If You Don't Know Me By Now would both also top the American Billboard Hot 100. Hucknall had recorded the former with his previous band, the Frantic Elevators, to little success. Hucknall has sporadically recorded as a solo artist, starting with the Bobby Blue Bland-tribute album Tribute To Bobby released in 2008
June 8, 1958 ~ Michael Lee Curran, commonly known as singer, guitarist Jakko M Jakszyk born in Highgate, UK ~ Spent the better part of his career as a session musician and band member contributing to varying UK rock, progressive rock, and art rock bands, before gaining widespread recognition as lead singer, guitarist in a 2010s reboot of King Crimson, a band he had always been a fan of. As a solo artist has recorded about half a dozen albums starting in the 1990s, noted for his 2006 The Bruised Romantic Glee Club album. Notable collaborations include 64 Spoons, the Lodge, Dizrhythmia, Tom Robinson, Level 42, and 21st Century Schizoid Band
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 solo 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, and Jah Warrior
June 8, 1956 ~ Jazz, classical pianist, composer Uri Caine born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Has recorded over a dozen mostly classical albums. Perhaps best known for his 1997 Wagner E Venezia tribute album, consisting of jazz renditions of Gustav Mahler compositions which drew both admiration and ire. Has also reworked music composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Richard Wagner, Robert Schumann, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Caine served as composer-in-residence if the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra from 2005 through 2009. Outside of classical music notably known for collaborating with Questlove and Christian McBride in the Philadelphia Experiment, acclaimed for their sole 2000 eponymous The Philadelphia Experiment album merging jazz, funk, hip hop and jazz fusion
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, and Ten East
June 8, 1952 ~ Pop rock bassist Mike Chunn, full name Jonathan Michael Chunn, born in Auckland, New Zealand ~ Member of Split Enz from 1973 through 1977, present on the albums Mental Notes, Second Thoughts, and Dizrythmia. The latter would spawn the band's first hit, My Mistake which reached top 20 in Australia and top 30 in New Zealand. Chunn has also worked with the Citizen Band, including on the acclaimed 1979 Just Drove Through Town album
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 ~ 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, and the Bluegrass Album Band ~ 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, 1948 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Mats RÃ¥dberg born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name, enjoying popularity in his native Sweden especially noted during the 1970s and 1980s. Worked with Elisabeth Andreassen on the 1980 collaborative album I'm The Singer You're The Song album. Collaborated with country band Rankarna, notably on the 1983 song Peta In En Pinne I Brasan, a translation of Shel Silverstein's Put Another Log On The Fire ~ Rådberg passed away in 2020
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, and Jann Klose
June 8, 1947 ~ Singer, composer Joan La Barbara, full name Joan Linda La Barbara, born ~ Influential figure in experimental music and considered a vocal virtuoso, known for her explorations of non-convential vocal techniques including trills, whispers, cries, sighs, inhaled tones, and multiphonics. Has recorded works by composers such as John Cage, Morton Feldman, Philip Glass, Alvin Lucier, and her husband Morton Subotnick. Well over half a dozen albums to her name, especially acclaimed for Sound Paintings and Shamansong released respectively in 1990 and 1998
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, and Michel van Dijk ~ Slager passed away in 2025
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 ~ Jean-Jacques Reinhardt, commonly known as guitarist Babik Reinhardt, born in Paris, France ~ Son of revered gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. Coming of age in a different era than his father, his influences branched beyond gypsy jazz and included guitarists such as Wes Montgomery and Jimmy Raney. Recorded over half a dozen albums since the late-1960s. Has collaborated with the likes of Georges Arvanitas, Romane, Larry Coryell, and Didier Lockwood ~ 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, and Arturo Sandoval ~ Watrous passed away in 2018
June 8, 1938 ~ Tubist, conductor Roger Bobo born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Tuba virtuoso active since the mid-1950s, well known for his stints with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and especially the Los Angeles Philharmonic, serving with the latter for over 20 years starting in the mid-1960s. Resident conductor of the Topanga Philharmonic Orchestra. As an author Bobo is known for writing Mastering The Tuba, considered a quintessential tutorial, published in 1996. Bobo is also the subject of the John Updike-poem Recital, first published in the June 1961 issue of The New Yorker ~ Bobo passed away in 2023
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 Darren, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Helped usher in the California surf culture, specifically portraying the co-lead role in the 1959 film Gidget opposite Sandra Dee. The film was a hit, as was the soundtrack with several songs including the main theme performed by Darren. Darren would enjoy a brief spell as teen idol through the early-1960s, notably scoring the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Goodbye Cruel World and Her Royal Majesty. Darren would go on to focus on his acting career, star in two Gidget sequels, and land roles in several TV series before venturing into directing ~ Ercolani passed away in 2024
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, and Marcus Belgrave ~ Williams passed away in 2007
June 8, 1929 ~ Jazz drummer Kenny Clare, full name Kenneth Cloudsley Clare, born in Leytonstone, UK ~ Following a stint in the Army, Clare would get his professional start in music in 1947 playing with Oscar Rabin. Clare would subsequently work with Jack Parnell, Johnny Dankworth, Dudley Moore, Ted Heath, and the Sounds Orchestral. Perhaps best known for his association with the Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band, initially filling in for Kenny Clarke when Clarke was unavailable and later filling a more permanent position including on albums such as All Smiles and Fellini 712. Over the course of his career, Clare has also accompanied singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Cleo Laine. After his death, singer Tony Bennett held a tribute concert as a tribute to Clare, who was a fan of Bennett ~ Clare passed away in 1985
June 8, 1926 ~ Music critic, author David Cairns, full name David Adam Cairns, born in Loughton, UK ~ Champion of and authority on the works of French composer Hector Berlioz. Classical programme coordinator for Philips Records from 1967 through 1972. Translated Berlioz's autobiography Mémoires. Authored a highly praised two-volume biography of Berlioz, consisting of Berlioz (The Making Of An Artist 1803-1832) published in 1989 and its follow-up Berlioz (Servitude And Greatness 1832-1869) published in 2000. Served as music critic and arts editor for a wide array of magazines and newspapers including Sunday Times, The Spectator, Evening Standard, Financial Times, and New Statesman
June 8, 1916 ~ Western swing, polka bandleader, singer Adolph Hofner, full name Adolph John Hofner, born in Moulton, Texas, USA ~ Helped shape what would later become known as Western swing, drawing from jazz, swing, country, rockabilly, and polka. Sang lead vocals on the Tom Dickey's Show Boys Floyd Tillman-cover It Makes No Difference Now. Fronted Adolph Hofner & his Texans, later renamed Dolph Hofner & his San Antonians, known for songs such as Alamo Rag, Cotton-Eyed Joe, and Jessie Polka ~ Hofner passed away in 2000
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, and Sarah Vaughan. 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, 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, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band ~ Goodson passed away in 1974
June 8, 1671 ~ Composer, violinist Tomaso Albinoni, full name Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni, born in Venice, Italy ~ While famous in his day as an opera composer, he is best remembered for his instrumental music, most notably Adagio In G Minor. The composition is attributed to Albinoni but was largely written by 20th century musicologist, composer, and cataloger of the works of Albinoni. Besides operas Albinoni also composer concertos, sonatas, and sinfonias. Unlike his peers Albonini has never sought a post at either a church or noble court, having come from a wealthy family he could afford to compose music independently ~ Albinoni passed away in 1751