March 10, 2024 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Eric Carmen, full name Eric Howard Carmen, passed away ~ Rose to fame as frontman and primary songwriter of power pop unit the Raspberries, known best for Go All The Way, I Wanna Be With You, and Overnight Sensation (Hit Record). Following the band's disbandement in the mid-1970s, Carmen embarked on a solo career, scoring several soft rock hits through the late-1980s including Never Gonna Fall In Love Again, Change Of Heart, Hungry Eyes, and Make Me Lose Control. Carmen's best known, the 1975 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit All By Myself, would be covered by over 150 artists including Carmen McRae, Stanley Turrentine, Hank Williams Jr, Brotherhood Of Man, Shirley Bassey, Sheryl Crow, and Céline Dion. Carmen also wrote Hey Deanie, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for Shaun Cassidy, and co-wrote Almost Paradise, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for Ann Wilson & Mike Reno lifted off the Footloose soundtrack ~ Carmen was born in 1949
March 10, 2024 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer Karl Wallinger, full name Karl Edmond De Vere Wallinger, passed away ~ Revered songwriter drawing from British heritage such as the Beatles as well as from Americans such as Bob Dylan. Key member of the Waterboys from 1983 through 1985, present on the albums A Pagan Place and the highly acclaimed This Is The Sea. Following his departure from the band Wallinger recorded as World Party, basically Wallinger's one-man-band at times employing session musicians where needed, known for Ship Of Fools, Way Down Now, Is It Like Today and She's The One, the latter later covered by over a dozen artists including Robbie Williams. Wallinger was also especially helpful in advancing Sinéad O'Connor's career, prominently involved in O'Connor's early demos that landed the then-unknown singer a record deal with Ensign Records ~ Wallinger was born in 1957
March 10, 2024 ~ Thomas Michael Stevens, commonly known as pop rock bassist TM Stevens or occasionally as Shaka Zulu, passed away ~ Recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, perhaps most noted for Shocka Zooloo released in 2002. Member of Space Cadets, known for their eponymous Space Cadets album released in 1981. In-demand session and touring musician from the late-1970s onwards, present on albums by Narada Michael Walden, Stacy Lattisaw, David Sancious, Grandmaster Flash, Gregory Abbott (Shake You Down), the Pretenders (Get Close), Bob Geldof, Joe Cocker, Nona Hendryx, Cyndi Lauper, Tina Turner (Simply The Best), Curtis Stigers, Whitney Houston (The Bodyguard), Steve Vai, and Billy Joel ~ Stevens was born in 1951
March 10, 2023 ~ Lindel Beresford English, commonly known as reggae singer Junior English, passed away ~ Released a handful of mid-1960s singles in Jamaica before relocating to the UK. Member of the Magnets, and subsequently the Nighthawks, appearing on the latter's 1969 Man It's Reggae album. Restarted his solo career, releasing his The Dynamic Junior English album in 1974, and scoring hits through the 1980s. Well-known songs include Daniel, Never Lose Never Win, Love & Key, and Natural High ~ English was born ca.1951
March 10, 2023 ~ Jerrold Samuels, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Napoleon XIV, passed away ~ One-hit wonder known for the 1966 novelty hit They're Coming To Take Me Away (Ha Haa), the single would be an an instant success reaching top 10 in several countries including the UK, Canada and America. Previously Samuels had co-written As If I Didn't Know, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for Adam Wade in 1961, and The Shelter Of Your Arms for Sammy Davis Jr which would reach top 20 in 1964 ~ Samuels was born in 1938
March 10, 2023 ~ José Abelardo Gutiérrez Alanya, commonly known as cumbia, chicha, parody singer Tongo, passed away ~ Active since the 1980s as a cumbia singer. Would rise to fame in the 2000s on the surprise succes of La Pituca, featuring purposely goofy English. Its succes would mark a shift for Gutiérrez, going on to score a string of hits with intentionally comedic cover versions of well known pop rock songs originally by Justin Bieber, PSY, System Of A Down, the Beatles (Lady Bi), Eminem, Michael Jackson (Bili Yin), and the Eagles ~ Gutiérrez was born in 1957
March 10, 2022 ~ Annerose Boeck, commonly known as concert pianist Annerose Schmidt, passed away ~ Noted for recording all of the Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart piano concertos with Kurt Masur and the Dresden Philharmonic. Her repertoire also included Ludwig van Beethoven, Béla Bartók, Frédéric Chopin, Maurice Ravel, and the entire piano works of Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms ~ Boeck was born in 1936
March 10, 2022 ~ Country pianist, singer Bobbie Nelson, full name Bobbie Lee Nelson, passed away in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Married to singer, comedian Bud Fletcher, with whom she also worked, until the mid-1950s after which the band dissolved. Best known as member of her brother Willie Nelson's backing unit on tour and record, including on pivotal albums such as Shotgun Willie, Red Headed Stranger and The Willie Nelson Family. Released her first solo album, Audiobiography, in 2008 at age 76 mainly consisting of ragtime standards alongside her brother's Crazy reimagined as a lounge number ~ Nelson was born in 1931
March 10, 2022 ~ Jazz pianist, bassist, percussionist, songwriter Jessica Williams, full name Jessica Jennifer Williams, passed away ~ Influenced by Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Over three dozen albums to her name, starting in the late-1970s. Especially acclaimed for albums such as And Then There's This, Arrival, and In The Pocket. Collaborated with the likes of Richie Cole, Buck Hill, Mickey Fields, Eddie Harris, Stan Getz, Bobby Hutcherson, Charlie Haden ~ Williams was born in 1948
March 10, 2021 ~ Jazz pianist Janós Gonda passed away ~ Leader and sideman active since the early-1960s. Known for a series of Modern Jazz albums throughout the end of the decade. Led the Gonda Sextet in the 1970s, which also included Gábor Balázs and best known for the composition Shaman Song. Also branched out into other musical forms including composing soundtracks, notably 1966's Father, dance compositions and symphonic jazz works such as Australian Concerto ~ Gonda was born in 1932
March 10, 2021 ~ Composer Lyudmila Lyadova, full name Lyudmila Aleskeevna Lyadova, passed away in Moscow, Russia ~ Daughter of violinist Alexei Lyadov and singer Julia Lyadova. Sang with her mother starting in World War II as entertainment for the Russian troops, continuing to perform as a duo through the early-1950s. Has since worked as a composer, often collaborating with lyricist, poets such as Sergey Mikhalkov, Yevgeny Yevtusenko, Vladimir Petrov. Known for works such as Spanish Dance, Volga Suite, Concert Polka, The Great Battle and The Tale Of Eremu Daniel And Evil Forces ~ Lyadova was born in 1925
March 10, 2020 ~ Keiji Otsuka, commonly known as jazz drummer George Otsuka, passed away in Tokyo, Japan ~ First began playing professionally with Sadao Watanabe in the late-1950s. Member of the Four Drums, alongside Roy Haynes, Jack DeJohnette, and Mel Lewis. Formed the trio We 3 with Hiroyuki Takamoto and Hideaki Kanazawa. During the 1970s and 1980s, Otsuka worked as touring musician for the Japanese legs of tours by international artists including Elvin Jones, Kenny Kirkland, John Scofield, Naná Vasconcelos, Miroslav Vitous, and Reggie Workman ~ Otsuka was born in 1937
March 10, 2016 ~ Drummer, percussionist Daniel Buess passed away ~ Worked with the Ensemble Phoenix Bazel, Cortex, How2, Noisezone, Zbignieuw Karkowski, Alex Buess, Harry Bedair, Kasper T Toeplitz, John Duncan, Jurg Henneberger, Michael Wertmuller, Phill Niblock, Zev, Julio Estrada, Antoine Chessex, Christoph Bosch, Volker Heyn, Thomas Lauck, Tim Hodgkinson, Marco Papiri, Iancu Dumitrescu, Ana Maria Avram, Jerome Noetinger, Cadlah, and others ~ Buess was born in 1976
March 10, 2016 ~ Jazz, blues singer Ernestine Anderson passed away in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Compared to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holiday. Worked with Robert Bumps Blackwell, Lionel Hampton, Gigi Gryce, Rolf Ericson, Quincy Jones, Ray Brown, the Concord All-Stars, George Shearing, and others ~ Anderson was born in 1928
March 10, 2016 ~ Myrtle Audrey Arinsburg, commonly known as singer Gogi Grant, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for her 1956 hit Wayward Wind. Also known for songs such as Suddenly There's A Valley, Strange Are The Ways Of Love, and others ~ Arinsburg was born in 1924
March 10, 2010 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Micky Jones passed away in Swansea, 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 was born in 1946
March 10, 2005 ~ Jacqueline Neal, commonly known as blues singer Jackie Neal, passed away in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA ~ Daughter of blues guitarist Raful Neal, sister of blues guitarist Kenny Neal. Jackie recorded four albums during her career, starting with The Blues Won't Let You Go released in 1995, before her untimely death at age 37, shot and killed by an ex-boyfriend. She is best known for songs such as Right Thang Wrong Man, The Way We Roll, and Down In The Club ~ Neal was born in 1967
March 10, 2004 ~ Singer, songwriter, author Olle Adolphson passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Alongside Birger Sjöberg, Evert Taube, and Cornelis Vreeswijk considered one of the greatest Swedish songwriter of the 20th century. Known for songs such as Gustaf Lindströms Visa, Okända Djur, Mitt Eget Land, Det Gåtfulla Folker, and Trubbel ~ Adolphson was born in 1934
March 10, 2003 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Jimmy Bilsbury, full name James Robert Bilsbury, passed away in Bonn, Germany ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing the Boney M hit Belfast with Drafi Deutscher and Joe Menke. Member of the Magic Lanterns. Co-founding member of the Les Humphries Singers, present on the band's 1976 Eurovision Songfestival entry Sing Sang Song, generally considered one of the all-time worst Eurovision songs ~ Bilsbury was born in 1942
March 10, 2002 ~ Jazz, hard bop, soul jazz organist, pianist Shirley Scott passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Married to Stanley Turrentine from 1960 to 1971, with whom she also worked. Also closely associated with Eddie Lockjaw Davis, notably on the late-1950s hit In The Kitchen. Has collaborated with Lem Winchester, Oliver Nelson, Kenny Burrell, Gary McFarland, Buddy Tate, Clark Terry, King Curtis, Hank Crawford, Mildred Anderson, Jimmy Forrest, Al Grey, Joe Newman, Jimmy Rushing, and others ~ Scott was born in 1934
March 10, 1993 ~ Deasy Browning, commonly known as R&B pianist, singer, songwriter Camille Howard, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of Roy Milton's R&B outfit the Solid Senders, notably present on 1940s hits such as RM Blues and Thrill Me. Enjoyed a parallel solo career, often with Milton backing her, enjoying her first solo hit in 1948 with the self-penned X-Temporaneous Boogie. Would enjoy about a dozen more hits through the early-1950s, including You Don't Love Me, Fiesta In Old Mexico, and Money Blues (If You Ain't Got No Money I Ain't Got No Use For You). With chart success diminishing in the face of the growth of rock & roll, Howard retired from music by the mid-1950s ~ Howard was born in 1914
March 10, 1992 ~ Rock, funk rock outfit the Red Hot Chili Peppers release Under The Bridge, lifted off their Blood Sugar Sex Magik breakout album ~ The song evolved from a personal poem lead singer Anthony Kiedis had written about his days as a heroin addict. Though reluctant at first, at the insistence of producer Rick Rubin Kiedis wrote Under The Bridge, an atypical song for the band. It would become their first Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit, peaking at No.2, and remains one of the band's best known. Rubin would later recall: “My thinking was that the Peppers were not limited to being a funk band with rapping. And I remember Anthony was embarrassed to show the song to the other guys in the band. But he sang it to John Frusciante and John came up with his part. Then he played it for Flea and Flea came up with his part. And it ended up being a really good song, even though they didn't realize how good it was until people starting responding to it”
March 10, 1988 ~ Singer Andy Gibb, full name Andrew Roy Gibb, passed away in Oxford, UK ~ Younger brother of the Bee Gees' Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb. Known for a string of 1970s, 1980s singles including I Just Want To Be Your Everything, (Love Is) Thicker Than Water, Shadow Dancing, Everlasting Love, Our Love (Don't Throw It All Away) and Desire. Had his career cut short due to an untimely death caused by years of substance abuse ~ Gibb was born in 1958
March 10, 1987 ~ Hornist, tuba player Allan Jaffe passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Took over management of the New Orleans Preservation Hall in 1961, which has since become an institute of standing and invaluable to the preservation of traditional New Orleans jazz ~ Jaffe was born in 1935
March 10, 1983 ~ Country, country-pop singer Carrie Underwood, full name Carrie Marie Underwood, born in Checotah, Oklahoma, USA ~ Rose to fame winning the 4th season of American Idol in 2005. Known for songs such as Inside Your Heaven, Jesus Take The Wheel, Before He Cheats, Wasted, So Small, All-American Girl, Just A Dream, Cowboy Casanova, Good Girl, Something In The Water, and Dirty Laundry
March 10, 1982 ~ Classical, crossover classical, easy listening, operatic pop singer Jonathan Ansell, full name Jonathan Mark Ansell, born in Bognor Regis, UK ~ Influenced by Luciano Pavarotti and the Three Tenors. Joined the West Sussex Boys Choir at age 8, extensively touring internationally, remaining with the ensemble for 8 years. Best known as co-founding member of the pop-opera boy band G4, shooting to fame after reaching 2nd place on the ITV talent show The X-Factor in 2004. Their subsequent eponymous G4 would reach the top of the British album charts. Ansell has been performing as a solo artist since 2007, his Tenor At The Movies released in 2008
March 10, 1978 ~ Alternative rock, alternative metal, post-grunge singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Benjamin Burnley, full name Benjamin Jackson Burnley IV, born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA ~ Frontman, primary songwriter, sole constant member of Breaking Benjamin, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums starting with Saturate released in 2002. The band is best known for Breath of their 2006 Phobia album and I Will Not Bow of its Dear Agony follow-up album released in 2009. Burnley is noted for his cryptic, angst-ridden lyrics and has disctinctive vocal style incorporating growls and screams
March 10, 1978 ~ Pop, blue-eyed soul singer Robert Palmer releases Every Kinda People, lead single off his Double Fun album ~ Written by Free-bassist Andy Fraser, with some minor changes by Palmer to make the song less political and more about human connection, it would be Palmer's first big hit, peaking at No.16 Billboard Hot 100. The singer would later remark he had gotten lots of comments from religious organizations who told him it's very positive, Palmer adding: “I suppose it is”
March 10, 1977 ~ Singer, songwriter Robin Thicke, full name Robin Charles Thicke, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Known for songs such as Lost Without U, Magic, Sex Therapy and Blurred Lines featuring TI and Pharrell Williams. In-demand collaborator, has worked with Nicki Minaj, 3T, Christina Aguilera, Jessie J, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Flo Rida, Brandy, Kid Cudi, Mary J Blige, and others
March 10, 1977 ~ Jazz, pop, rock drummer Torstein Lofthus born in Oystese, Norway ~ One of the most in-demand touring and session drummers in Norway. Member of the Shining, Elephant9, D'Sound. Notable collaborations include Marit Larsen, Silje Nergaard, Maria Mena, Mathias Eick, Jarle Bernhoft, Anna Lotterud, Chrome Hill, Taylor Swift, and Odd Nordstoga
March 10, 1976 ~ Ane Kvien Brunvoll, commonly known as folk pop, art pop singer, guitarist, pianist Ane Brun born in Molde, Norway ~ Released her Spending Time With Morgan debut album in 2003. Perhaps best known for her 2005 single Lift Me, a collaborative effort with Madrugada which reached the top of the charts in Brun's native Norway
March 10, 1975 ~ Hard rock, alternative rock, alternative metal, rap metal, rap rock guitarist Jerry Horton, full name Jerry Allan Horton, born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Co-founded rock band Papa Roach, known for early-2000s alternative rock hits such as Last Resort, She Loves Me Not, Getting Away With Murder and Scars, the latter a Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit of their 2004 Getting Away With Murder album
March 10, 1974 ~ Pop, folk-rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, clarinetist Keren Ann, full name Keren Ann Zeidel, born in Ceasarea, Israel ~ Released her full-length debut album, La Biographie De Luka Philipsen, in 2000 and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Has her songs covered by Henri Salvador, Jane Birkin, Françoise Hardy, Rosa Passos, Jacky Terasson, Emmanuelle Seigner, Benjamin Biolay, Anna Calvi, and others
March 10, 1972 ~ Timothy Zachary Mosley, commonly known as producer, songwriter, singer, rapper Timbaland, born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ First gained attention in the mid- to late-1990s, working as producer on albums by Ginuwine (Ginuwine The Bachelor), Aaliyah (One In A Million) and Missy Elliott (Supa Dupa Fly). As a rapper noted for his frequent collaborations with Magoo. As a producer would go on to work with numerous R&B and hip-hop artists. Has also worked with Bubba Sparxxx, Danja, DeVante Swing, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake (Cry Me A River), Keri Hilson, Nelly Furtado, Swing Mob, Ludacris, Madonna, OneRepublic, Brandy, Björk, and others
March 10, 1971 ~ Hard rock, funk metal, blues rock bassist Dan Maines born in Maryland, USA ~ Co-founding and constant member of Clutch, with whom he recorded about a dozen albums since its inception in the early-1990s. The band has developed a devoted following with their distinctive style influenced by Led Zeppelin and Faith No More, blending elements of funk and metal, and is especially acclaimed for their eponymous Clutch album released in 1995. Maines has also worked with the instrumental blues jam side project the Bakerton Group, known for the 2007 eponymous The Bakerton Group album and its 2009 El Rojo follow-up
March 10, 1969 ~ Hardcore punk, post-hardcore, alternative rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Walter Schreifels born in New York, New York, USA ~ Active since the late-1980s in the New York hardcore scene, notably with the Youth Of Today and Gorilla Biscuits. Co-founding member of Moondog, which would evolve into metal-influenced post-hardcore outfit Quicksand. Has also worked with Rival Schools, Walking Concert, the Vanishing Life, and the Dead Heavens. Served as producer for the likes of Hot Water Music, Sinch, and Title Fight. Released his An Open Letter To The Scene solo album in 2010
March 10, 1966 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Dylan records I Want You ~ Self-penned. Produced by Bob Johnston. The last song recorded for the 1966 Blonde On Blonde album. Issued as a single in June, featuring a live version of Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues on the B-side recorded at the Odeon Theatre, Liverpool, UK
March 10, 1966 ~ Pop singer Bobby Vinton records Just As Much As Ever ~ Written by Charles Singleton and Larry Coleman. Produced by Billy Sherrill, paired with Another Memory on the B-side, it would be a Billboard Hot 100 top 30 hit for Vinton. The song had been previously recorded by Bob Beckham in 1959 and by Nat King Cole a year later, the latter reaching UK top 20
March 10, 1966 ~ Drummer Dave Krusen, full name David Karl Krusen, born in Tacoma, Washington, USA ~ Original drummer of Pearl Jam, present on the band's Ten debut album. Left the band in 1991, succeeded by Matt Chamberlain. Krusen has also worked with Hovercraft, Diamond Star Halo, Candlebox, Unified Theory, Hung White Ponies, and others
March 10, 1966 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Edie Brickell born in Oak Cliff, Texas, USA ~ Married to Paul Simon since 1992. Best known for her 1988 album Shooting Rubberbands At The Stars, backed by the New Bohemians. The album included the top 10 hit What I Am. Founding member and lead singer of the Gaddabouts, teaming up with Steve Gadd, Andy Fairweather Low, and Pino Palladino. Brickell also worked with Steve Martin, Sleep Canyon Rangers, Heacy Circles, Rob Wasserman, and Chris Botti
March 10, 1965 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader Herb Alpert records A Taste Of Honey at A&M Studios, Hollywood, California ~ Originally written by Bobby Scott and Ric Marlow as a recurring theme for the 1960 Broadway version of the 1958 British play of the same name. The best known instrumental version, however, is Alpert's, recorded for the Whipped Cream & Other Delights album and released as a single. The single would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100 and receive four Grammy Awards, the same as the original version. The track has been covered numerous times, both as an instrumental by Acker Bilk, Paul Desmond, and the Ventures, and as a vocal version by the Beatles, Barbra Streisand, Julie London, and Sarah Vaughan
March 10, 1964 ~ Singer, rapper, songwriter Neneh Cherry, full name Neneh Mariann Karlsson, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Stepdaughter of iconic jazz all-hatter Don Cherry. Half-sister of singer Eagle Eye Cherry. Worked with the Slits and Rip Rig & Panic. As a solo artist best known for Buffalo Stance, Manchild and Seven Seconds, the latter a collaboration with Youssou n'Dour
March 10, 1963 ~ Bandleader, pianist Irving Aaronson passed away in Hollywood, California, USA ~ Aaronson's band included musicians such as Phil Saxe, Joe Gillespie, Artie Shaw, Gene Krupa, Tony Pastor, and others, some of whom would later become noted bandleaders in their own right. Aaronson's most popular song, The Loveliest Night Of The Year, was not recorded with his own band but adapted for Mario Lanza and featured in Lanza's 1950 movie Mario Lanza Great Caruso ~ Aaronson was born in 1895
March 10, 1963 ~ Bassist Jeff Ament born in Havre, Montana, USA ~ Cites the Who, the Beatles, the Ramones, the Clash and Led Zeppelin as influences. Member of pivotal grunge pioneers Green River and Mother Love Bone. Would go on to found Pearl Jam with Stone Gossard, Mike McCready and Eddie Vedder. Wrote or co-wrote some of the band's best known, notably Jeremy and Nothingman. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Tone released in 2008
March 10, 1963 ~ Lewis Lessinsky, commonly known as Broadway writer, producer Lew Leslie, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Rose to fame with a number of 1920s shows at the Cotton Club and a series of Broadway-revues, notably Blackbirds Of 1928 starring Adelaide Hall, Bill Robinson, Tim Moore and Aida Ward ~ Lessinky was born ca.1890
March 10, 1962 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Gary Clark born in Dundee, UK ~ Best known as frontman of Danny Wilson. Also a member of King L and of Transister. As a producer and songwriter has collaborated with Lauren Christy, Natalie Imbruglia, Ferras, the Clique Girlz, McFly, Demi Lovato, Delta Goodrem, Alex Hepburn, Kim Cesarion, Lloyd Cole, Liz Phair, Skunk Anansie lead singer Skin, Melanie C, Emma Bunton, Cathy Dennis, Ashley Parker Angel, Nick Carter, Skye Edwards, Julia Fordham, Shannon Noll, Mark Owen, Eddi Reader, the Veronicas, David McAlmont, Lawson, the Wanted, Gin Wigmore, Reece Mastin, and others
March 10, 1962 ~ Guitarist, bassist, singer Peter Momtchiloff born ~ Best known as co-founding member of twee pop bands Talulah Gosh, Heavenly, and its later incarnation Marine Research. Joined indie pop outfit the Would-Be-Goods in 1999. Has previously worked with a number of acts since the late-1970s, including Big Figure, Ron & his Beat Busters, the Communist Alliance, and the Shovel Robinson King Biscuit Country Blue Band
March 10, 1958 ~ José Antonio Torresola Ruiz, commonly known as salsa singer Frankie Ruiz, born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Leading figure in salsa romántica, enjoying popularity in the 1980s and early-1990s. Member of the Orquesta La Solución, including on the hits La Rueda and Chiquito Corazoncito. Member of La Dictadora, La Moderna Vibración, and the Primirisima Orquesta, before venturing out on his own. Released his Solista Pero No Solo debut album in 1985, which spawned the hits Tu Con El and La Cura. Ruiz would record about a dozen albums until succumbing to a fast-paced lifestyle, dying at age 40. Especially acclaimed for the albums Mas Grande Qua Nunca released in 1989 and Mi Libertad released in 1992 ~ Torresola passed away in 1998
March 10, 1957 ~ Drummer, percussionist Graham Broad born in Hammersmith, UK ~ In-demand collaborator. Worked with Roger Waters, Tina Turner, the Beach Boys, Procol Harum, Jeff Beck, Tom Cochrane, Van Morrison, Bryan Adams, Bill Wyman, Tony Banks, George Michael, Bucks Fizz, Dollar, Five Star, ABC, and others
March 10, 1957 ~ Jazz, blues, pop, jazz fusion drummer, percussionist, flutist Mino Cinélu born in St Cloud, France ~ Leader and sideman. Primarily focused on jazz, yet drawing from a wide array of influences including rock, salsa, fado, flamenco, world music. Well known for his associations with Gong (Gazeuse), Pat Metheny, Miles Davis (We Want Miles), the Weather Report. Has also worked with the likes of Jef Gilson, Moravagine, Wayne Shorter, Kenny Barron, Cassandra Wilson, Sting (Nothing Like The Sun), Buckshot LeFonque, Bill Frisell, Kate Bush, and others
March 10, 1955 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Gary Louris born in Toledo, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member, principal songwriter of the Jayhawks, credited with the band's move from folk-country to pop after the departure of Mark Olson. Has also recorded as a solo artist and worked with Safety Last, Golden Smog and with Au Pair
March 10, 1955 ~ Bluegrass fiddler, mandolinist Rickie Simpkins born in Montgomery County, Virginia, USA ~ Worked with the McPeak Brothers, the Upland Express, Heights Of Grass, the Virginia Squires, the Lonesome River Band, David Parmley, the Continental Divide, Tony Rice, the Isaacs, the Seldom Scene, Wyatt Rice, Dan Tyminski, Ronnie Bowman, Randy Kohrs, his brother Ronnie Simpins, Wendy Newcomer, Ernie Thacker, Bill Emerson, the Rice Brothers, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lou Reid, Jim Eanes, Mike Auldridge, Kim Person, Scott Vestal, Zoe Speaks, Charlie Sizemore, Exit 13, Nils Lofgren, Randy Thompson, Candlewyck, Donna Hughes, Tony Trischka, Dave Sharp, Millpond Moon, John McCutcheon, the Porchlight Trio, and others
March 10, 1954 ~ Guadalupe Contrera Ramos, commonly known as singer, actress Lupita D'Alessio, born in Tijuana, Mexico ~ Actress for film, telenovelas and stage, including a stage production of La Novicia Rebelde, a translation of the classic The Sound Of Music. As a singer has recorded about two dozen albums. Dubbed “la Leona Dormida (the Sleeping Lioness)” for one of her songs. Other well known songs include Como Tu, A Mi, and Mudanzas
March 10, 1950 ~ Jazz saxophonist Jim Hartog, full name James Paul Hartog, born in San Mateo, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Tom Varner, Jaki Byard, the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet, Karl Berger, Bobby Watson, Carmen Lundy, Keshavan Maslak, the East Down Septet, the Mingus Big Band, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Terell Stafford, Steve Johns, Essiet Essiet, Pete McCann, and others
March 10, 1947 ~ Conductor Andrew Parrott born ~ Founded the Taverner Choir, which also included his wife soprano singer Emma Kirkby. Has also notably worked with the Musica Reservata, and the London Mozart Players, and authored or co-authored articles and books on Johann Sebastian Bach, Claudio Monteverdi, and Henry Purcell
March 10, 1947 ~ Guitarist, bouzouki player, keyboardist Dónal Lunny born in Tullamore, Ireland ~ Key figure in Irish traditional folk. Helped popularize the bouzouki as a viable instrument. Has worked with acts such as Emmet Spiceland, Andy Irvine, Planxty, the Bothy Band, Moving Hearts, Coolfin, Mozaik, Usher's Island, and others. In-demand producer and session musician, appearing on records by Christy Moore, Kate Bush, Shaun Davey, Mary Black, Paul Brady, Elvis Costello, the Indigo Girls, Clannad, Baaba Maal, and Sinéad O'Connor
March 10, 1944 ~ Vibraphonist, marimba player David Friedman born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, Wayne Shorter, Joe Chambers, Hubert Laws, Horace Silver, Horace Arnold, Horace Arnold, Dave Samuels, Double Image, Daniel Humair, Chet Baker, Tim Buckley, Jazzanova, Yoko Ono, Beth Orton, Horace Arnold, Chet Baker, Blood Sweat & Tears, George Benson, Jane Ira Bloom, the Brecker Brothers, Cy Coleman, Hank Crawford, the Four Tops, Bob Franke, Aretha Franklin, Janis Ian, Billy Joel, Kid Creole & the Coconuts, Earl Klugh, Luther Vandross, Charlie Mariano, Ralph MacDonald, Henry Gaffney, Micatone, Bob Moses, Don Sebesky, Wayne Shorter, Grace Slick, Keith Sykes, Stanley Turrentine, Frankie Valli, Grover Washington Jr, Kenny Wheeler, and others
March 10, 1944 ~ Charlotte Jean Butler, commonly known as pop singer Lotta Hedlund, born ~ First gained attention as a backing singer for the Hep Stars, one of the most popular acts in Sweden during the 1960s. The band is known for including Benny Anderson of later ABBA fame. Would marry the band's lead singer Svenne Hedlund, with whom she would also form the musical duo Svenne & Lotta, considered a cult act and best known for their 1975 Bang En Boomerang international hit single
March 10, 1943 ~ Richard Joel Rosenblatt, commonly known as songwriter, producer Ritchie Cordell born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Wrote and produced several songs for Tommy James & the Shondells, including the hits I Think We're Alone Now and Mony Mony. Also co-produced Joan Jett's smash hit I Love Rock 'n Roll and the Ramones 1983 Subterranean Jungle album. Funny thing, in 1987 a cover of one of Rosenblatt's Shondells hits, Tiffany's I Think We're Alone Now, replaced another, namely Billy Idol's Mony Mony, at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 ~ Rosenblatt passed away in 2004
March 10, 1943 ~ Teófilo Augusto de Barros Neto, commonly known as jazz violist, songwriter Théo de Barros, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Co-founded the Trio Novo with Heraldo do Monte and Airto Moreira, a group created initially to accompany singer Geraldo Vandré. With the addition of flutist Hermeto Pascoal the influential group would be renamed the Quarteto Novo and release their sole eponymous The Quarteto Novo album in 1967. The group would serve as a launching pad for its members, its most famous member being Moreira. De Barros wrote Menino Das Laranjas for Vandré. Co-wrote Disparada with Vandré, first recorded by Jair Rodrigues. Both songs have become classics and have been covered numerous times ~ De Barros passed away in 2023
March 10, 1940 ~ Pop, surf singer Dean Torrence, full name Dean Ormsby Torrence, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Formed the surf duo Jan & Dean with Jan Berry, known for 1960s top 10 hits such as Baby Talk, Surf City, Drag City, Dead Man's Curve and The Little Old Lady From Pasadena
March 10, 1940 ~ Jazz drummer Louis Moholo, full name Louis Tebogo Moholo, born in Cape Town, South Africa ~ Leader and sideman. Virtuoso drummer, especially acclaimed for his 1978 album Spirits Rejoice and the collaborative effort Irène Schweizer & Louis Moholo with Irène Schweizer released in 1986. Co-founding member of the Blue Notes. Also well known for his association with acts such as Brotherhood Of Breath, and Assagai. Has collaborated with the likes of Dudu Pukwana, Peter Brötzmann, the Dedication Orchestra, Roswell Rudd, Keith Tippett, Tristan Honsinger, the New York Art Quartet, Foxes Fox, and others
March 10, 1938 ~ Conductor Alexander Alexeev, full name Alexander Vasilievich Alexeev, born in Belkovo, Russia ~ Once offered the post of chief conductor with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra but forced to decline as he was not a member of the Communist Party and not allowed to travel outside the Soviet Union. Has worked with orchestras such as Ulyanovsk State Symphony Orchestra, the Bolshoi Theatre, the Kharkov Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Moscow Radio Orchestra ~ Alexeev passed away in 2020
March 10, 1938 ~ David Alexander Elam, commonly known as blues,jazz pianist, singer Dave Alexander born in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA ~ As a solo artist known best for a handful of early-1970s albums, including The Rattler and The Dirt On The Ground. Alexander would re-emerge in the 1990s, by now having changed his moniker to Omar Sharriff, and record several more. The self-taught pianist had actually been active since the late-1950s, and had backed artists such as Big Mama Thornton, Jimmy Witherspoon, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, and Albert Collins. Alexander was also known as an articulate writer, and contributed several articles to Living Blues magazine. Alexander passed away at age 73 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound ~ Elam passed away in 2012
March 10, 1937 ~ Jazz, classical pianist, composer Alfred Janson born in Oslo, Norway ~ Known for works such as November for piano, the ballet Mot Solen and Sonnet Number 76 for choir and solo voice. Janson's work may sometimes be politically themed and he is one of the few Norwegian composers who has had a demonstration held against a performance of one of his works, Interlude For Orchestra Og Accordeon which was written as a salute to Arne Treholt, a convicted Russian spy ~ Janson passed away in 2019
March 10, 1933 ~ Lawyer, agent, TV producer Frank Konigsberg born ~ To pop and rock audiences perhaps best known for producing the 1977 Merrie Old Christmas TV special starring Bing Crosby. It would feature a duet with David Bowie, Crosby singing the traditional The Little Drummer Boy, Bowie countering with Peace On Earth. Bowie would release it a a single, the flip side featuring Fantastic Voyage ~ Konigsberg passed away in 2016
March 10, 1933 ~ Country music radio DJ, TV host Ralph Emery, full name Walter Ralph Emery, born in McEwen, Tennessee, USA ~ First gained attention as late-night DJ on Nashville's WSM radio station, a mecca for country music. Best known for hosting the nationally syndicated TV shows Pop Goes The Country from 1974 to 1980 and Nashville Now from 1983 to 1993. Remembered by Mickey Newbury in The Night You Wrote That Song of his 1979 The Sailor album. Emery occasionally released music of his own, notably the 1961 single Hello Fool which reached top 10 on the Billboard Country charts ~ Emery passed away in 2022
March 10, 1929 ~ Producer, label executive Huey P Meaux, full name Huey Purvis Meaux, born in Wright, Louisiana, USA ~ Has worked with artists such as Sir Douglas Quintet (She's About A Mover), Freddy Fender (Before The Next Teardrop Falls, Wasted Days And Wasted Nights), Barbara Lynn (You'll Lose A Good Thing), Sunny & the Sunliners (Talk To Me), and Gene Summer (Big Blue Diamonds) ~ Meaux passed away in 2011
March 10, 1923 ~ Jazz pianist Don Abney, full name John Donald Abney, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Worked with Wilbur de Paris, Bill Harris, Kai Winding, Chuck Wayne, Sy Oliver, Louie Bellson, Louis Armstrong, Benny Carter, Oscar Pettiford, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, Eartha Kitt, Pearl Bailey, Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Bellson, Benny Carter, Harry Sweets Edison, Oscar Pettiford, Al Sears, Carol Sloane, and others ~ Abney passed away in 2000
March 10, 1920 ~ Writer, poet, singer, actor Boris Vian born in Ville Davray, France ~ Important influence on French jazz. Critic for several French jazz-reviews. Wrote extensively about both French and American jazz. As a singer best known for his 1954 anti-war song Deserteur. Also a revered novelist and poet remaining popular to this day ~ Vian passed away in 1959
March 10, 1919 ~ Marion Thornburg, commonly known as singer, actress Marion Hutton, born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA ~ Sister of actress, singer Betty Hutton. Discovered by Glenn Miller, staying with the Glenn Miller Orchestra from 1938 to 1942, present on recordings such as Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead, That's Sabotage, The Rhumba Jumps, Say Si Si and I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo ~ Thornburg passed away in 1987
March 10, 1903 ~ Cornetist, pianist, composer Bix Beiderbecke born in Davenport, Iowa, USA ~ One of the most influential jazz soloists of the 1920s. Member of the Wolverines. One third of Tram Bix & Lang. Known for his contributions to songs such as Singing The Blues (the Original Dixieland Jazz Band) and I'm Coming Virginia (Will Marion Cook). Has also worked with Jean Goldkette's orchestra, Frankie Trumbauer, and Paul Whiteman ~ Bix passed away in 1931
March 10, 1896 ~ Jazz, pop pianist, songwriter Peter De Rose born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for penning Deep Purple as a piano instrumental, first recorded by Paul Whiteman in 1934. Lyrics would later be added by Mitchell Parish. The song would be recorded by well over 200 artists including Guy Lombardo, Art Tatum, Duke Ellington, Billy Ward & the Dominoes, Toots Thielemans, and others. The band Deep Purple had named themselves after the song, a favorite tune of Ritchie Blackmore's grandmother. Other artists who recorded songs written or co-written by De Rose include Fletcher Henderson, Ted Lewis (Have You Ever Been Lonely), Billie Holiday, Vaughn Monroe, Louis Prima (Buona Sera (Good Night)), and Bing Crosby ~ De Rose passed away in 1953
March 10, 1892 ~ Composer Arthur Honegger, full name Oscar-Arthur Honegger, born in Le Havre, France ~ Member of Les Six, a name give to six composers living and working in Montparnasse. Probably best known for Antigone, an opera in three acts premiered in 1927. Honegger also composed orchestral music, oratorios, ballets, and chamber music ~ Honegger passed away in 1955
March 10, 1870 ~ Singer, comedian, songwriter George Honey Boy Evans born in Pontlottyn, UK ~ Best known for co-writing In The Good Old Summertime with Ren Shields. The song would be a hit in 1902 for both William Redmond and JW Myers. In later years it would be covered by Uncle Dave Macon, the Andrews Sisters, Chet Atkins, the Osmond Brothers, and others ~ Evans passed away in 1915
March 10, 1832 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Muzio Clementi, full name Muzio Filippo Vincenzo Francesco Saverio Clementi, passed away in Evesham, UK ~ Influenced by Domenico Scarlatti, Joseph Haydn, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ignazio Cirri. Dubbed “the Father of the Piano” best known for his piano sonatas, especially Sonatinis Op.36, which would serve as a model for both contemporary and later composers ~ Clementi was born in 1752