March 12, 2023 ~ Rock, punk rock guitarist Dix Denney passed away ~ Co-founding and along with brother singer John Denney the only other constant member of punk rock outfit the Weirdos. Member of Thelonious Monster, known for their 1992 A Beautiful Mess major label debut album which included the modest hit Body And Soul. The band was named after jazz pianist Thelonious Monk ~ Denney was born ca.1958
March 12, 2022 ~ Guitarist Barry Bailey passed away ~ Founding member of Southern rock outfit the Atlanta Rhythm Section, remaining with the band from 1972 until leaving in 2006 to care for his ailing wife. The band is known for songs such as So Into You, I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight, Imaginary Lover, Do It Or Die and Spooky, all of which reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 ~ Bailey was born in 1948
March 12, 2022 ~ Peter Mooney, commonly known as folk singer, songwriter Pete St John, passed away in Dublin, Ireland ~ Best known for penning The Fields Of Athenry, first recorded by Danny Doyle in 1979 and notably covered by Paddy Reilly. Other songs penned by Mooney include Rare Ould Times and The Ferryman, both originally recorded by the Dublin City Ramblers and covered by a number of artists, the former by Flogging Molly and Ciarán Sheehan, the latter by Johnny McEvoy and the Dubliners ~ Mooney was born in 1932
March 12, 2022 ~ R&B, soul, pop singer, TV, radio personality Traci Braxton, full name Traci Renee Braxton, passed away ~ Member of sibling outfit the Braxtons, alongside Towanda Braxton, Trina Braxton, Toni Braxton and Tamar Braxton, known for their 1990 single Good Life which although unsuccessful spawned oldest sister Toni's career. As a solo artist best known for the Last Call single of her 2014 Crash & Burn solo debut album ~ Braxton was born in 1971
March 12, 2021 ~ Blues guitarist, singer Dion Payton passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ In-demand touring and session musician. Has worked with the Violinaires, Millie Jackson, Albert King, OV Wright. Played rhythm guitar and co-arranged Lonnie Brooks's Hot Shot album, released in 1983 ~ Payton was born in 1950
March 12, 2020 ~ Jazz, swing clarinetist, saxophonist, flutist Don Burrows, full name Donald Vernon Burrows, passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Closely associated with James Morrison. Also worked with George Golla, Ed Gaston, Alan Turnbull, Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson, Tony Bennett, Stéphane Grappelli, Cleo Laine, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Kevin Hunt, and others ~ Burrows was born in 1928
March 12, 2019 ~ Singer, songwriter John Kilzer, full name John Turner Kilzer, passed away ~ Known for the late-1980s album Memory In The Making which peaked at No.110 on the Billboard Hot 200. Its follow-up, 1991's Busman's Holiday, would fail to chart ~ Kilzer was born in 1957
March 12, 2018 ~ Gonzalo Quintana III, commonly known as rock, punk drummer Charlie Quintana, passed away in Cancun, Mexico ~ Best known as co-founding member of Plugz. Drummer for punk rockers Social Distortion from 2000 through 2009. Appears on Mike Ness's 1999 Under The Influences album. Has also worked with the Cruzados, the Havalinas, Izzy Stradlin & the Ju Ju Hounds, Jimmy & the Mustangs, Joan Osborne, Cracker, Bob Dylan, Mark Curry, Agent Orange, and the Circle Jerks ~ Quintana was born in 1962
March 12, 2018 ~ Rapper Craig Mack, full name Craig Jamieson Mack, passed away in Walterboro, South Carolina, USA ~ Known for his 1994 hit Flava In Ya Ear, especially in the remix version which reached Billboard Hot 100 top 10. It would be the first hit for Bad Boy Entertainment, the breakout appearance of the Notorious BIG, and one of the first solo appearances by Busta Rhymes. Mack would be unable to replicate Flava's succes and eventually disappear from public view to resurface in 2012, having joined a church characterized by some as an end of times prophecy cult ~ Mack was born in 1970
March 12, 2018 ~ Noie Floyd Edwards, commonly known as guitarist, bassist Nokie Edwards, passed away in Yuma, Arizona, USA ~ Member of surf band the Ventures from 1960 through 1968 and again from 1972 through 1985. initially as bassist and later, in the classic line-up as guitarist. Has also worked as a solo artist, including releasing the underrated 1971 Nokie, played lead guitar on Lefty Frizzell's final recordings, collaborated with artists such as AdVenture, Art Greenhaw and the Light Crust Doughboys, and had a minor career as an actor including briefly appearing on the Western TV series Deadwood ~ Edwards was born in 1935
March 12, 2016 ~ Drummer, singer Tommy Brown passed away ~ Enjoyed his greatest succes in the early-1950s when teaming up with the Griffin Brothers for a number of recordings, in particular Tra La La and Weeping And Crying. The Griffins had previously backed, on tour and on record, artists such as Amos Milburn, Paul Williams, Margie Day and others. Brown also worked with Bill Doggett and Big Walter Horton ~ Brown was born in 1931
March 12, 2015 ~ Pop singer, songwriter, actor Erol Büyükburç passed away in Istanbul, Turkey ~ Well known for the early-1960s self-penned Little Lucy, considered a milestone in Turkish pop music. Until then most pop songs would be covers of popular Western songs. Büyükburç would continue to record well into the 1970s, but is perhaps better known as an actor appearing in some two dozen films ~ Büyükburç was born in 1936
March 12, 2011 ~ Jazz drummer Joe Morello, full name Joseph Albert Morello, passed away in Irvington, New Jersey, USA ~ Declined invitations from both Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, favoring a temporary two-month tour with Dave Brubeck. Two months turned into a decade. Present on most of the Dave Brubeck Quartet's best known including songs such as Take Five and Blue Rondo A La Turk. Morello had previously played with Marian McPartland, Urbie Green (Blues And Other Shades Of Green), Tal Farlow, Sal Salvador, Chuck Wayne, and Helen Merrill. Following his stint with Brubeck became an in-demand bandleader and teacher, his students including Danny Gottlieb, Max Weinberg, Rich Gallison, Gary Feldman, Tony Woo, Jerry Granelli, and Tico Torres ~ Morello was born in 1928
March 12, 2010 ~ Lesley Cox, commonly known as singer, songwriter Lesley Duncan, passed away in Isle of Mull, UK ~ Considered one of Britain's first female singer-songwriters. Active since the early-1960s. Known for songs such as Everything Changes, Sing Children Sng, and Love Song. Sang backup for Dusty Springfield and Pink Floyd. Sang lead on the Alan Parsons Project's If I Could Change Your Mind ~ Cox was born in 1943
March 12, 2002 ~ John David Percy Keen, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Speedy Keen, passed away ~ Best known as member of Thunderclap Newman, for whom he wrote the band's UK No.1 hit Something In The Air of their sole Hollywood Dream album released in 1970. The band was formed by label executive, producer Kit Lambert and Pete Townshend specifically to showcase the talents of Keen, Jimmy McCulloch and Andy Newman. Previously Keen shared a flat with and served as driver for Townshend. Keen had also written Armenia City In The Sky for Townshend's band the Who, the song included on their 1967 The Who Sell Out. Keen would go on to record two albums as a solo artist, Previous Convictions and Y' Know Wot I Mean, and work as a session musician ~ Keen was born in 1945
March 12, 1998 ~ Charles Coleridge Richards, commonly known as jazz pianist Red Richards, passed away in Scarsdale, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Tab Smith, Bob Wilber, Sidney Bechet, Mezz Mezzrow, Buck Clayton, Frank Sinatra, Muggsy Spanier, Saints & Sinners, Eddie Condon, Panama Francis, the Savoy Sultans, Buster Bailey, Eddie Durham, Fletcher Henderson, Marian McPartland, Pee Wee Russell, Maxine Sullivan, Dinah Washington, George Wettling, Jimmy Witherspoon, and others ~ Richards was born in 1912
March 12, 1994 ~ Brandon Smith, commonly known as hip-hop, trap, R&B singer, rapper, songwriter B Smyth, born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA ~ Gained attention posting his cover of popular songs on Youtube, including the Rihanna cover Stay and the Miguel cover Quickie. After landing a record contract with Motown in 2012 released his debut single Leggo featuring 2 Chainz, followed by his The Florida Files debut EP the following year. Smith died from pulmonary fibrosis at age 28 ~ Smith passed away in 2022
March 12, 1993 ~ Singer Alex Taylor, full name Alexander Robert Taylor, passed away ~ Brother of more famous singer, songwriter James Taylor. Known best for his 1971 With Friends And Neighbors album with backing from his brother James, Willie Bridges, King Curtis, Ronnie Cuber, and Paul Hornsby. James's song Sweet Baby James is about Alex's son James ~ Taylor was born in 1947
March 12, 1991 ~ Joseph Marley, commonly known as reggae singer Jo Mersa Marley, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Son of reggae singer Stephen Marley. Co-wrote and sang on his father's Revelation Party. Released his Comfortable debut EP in 2014, leading up to a full length album Eternal in 2021 featuring guests such as Busy Signal, Kabaka Pyramid, and Melii. Best known for his 2019 recording Burn It Down. Marley also guested on the 2015 Grammy Award-winning Strictly Roots album by Morgan Heritage ~ Marley passed away in 2022
March 12, 1990 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Harry South passed away ~ Worked with Joe Harriott, Dizzy Reece, Tony Crombie, Tubby Hayes, Les Condon, Joe Temperley, Sammy Walker, Lennie Dawes, Ashley Kozak, Dick Morrisey, Phil Seamen, Keith Christie, Ronnie Scott, Ian Carr, Georgie Fame, Humphrey Lyttelton, Buddy Rich, Sarah Vaughan, Jimmy Witherspoon, Annie Ross, Vic Ash, Jimmy Deuchar, Sonny Stitt, Jimmy Witherspoon, and others ~ South was born in 1929
March 12, 1987 ~ J-pop, dance pop singer, actor Hiroomi Tosaka born in Hamura, Japan ~ Member of the Sandaime J Soul Brothers, known for songs such as Best Friend's Girl, On Your Mark (Hikari No Kesiki), and Love Song. Tosaka enjoys a parallel solo career, releasing his Wasted Love debut single in 2017, and is also known as an actor, notably in the 2014 Hot Road
March 12, 1986 ~ Guitarist, singer Danny Jones born in Bolton, UK ~ Member, co-lead guitarist of McFly, known for songs such as 5 Colours In Her Hair, Obviously, All About You, You've Got A Friend, I'll Be OK, Don't Stop Me Now, Star Girl and Baby's Coming Back, all of which topped the British charts
March 12, 1986 ~ Singer David Walker passed away ~ Original member of traditional gospel group the Mighty Clouds Of Joy, alongside Johnny Martin, Ermant Franklin Jr, Elmo Franklin, Richard Wallace, Leon Polk and Joe Ligon. Also recorded secular music under the moniker Bunker Hill, of which 1962's Hide & Go Seek featuring guitarist Link Wray became a novelty hit. Despite hiding his identity he was found out and asked to leave the Clouds ~ Walker was born in 1941
March 12, 1984 ~ Synth-pop, new wave, alternative rock outfit Depeche Mode release People Are People, lead single off their Some Great Reward album ~ The band's first single to chart on the American Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at No.13. The band members see different meanings in the song, Martin Gore stating it is about racism, while Alan Wilder added it could also be about war. Regardless, it was one of the first major hits for the band. As lead singer David Gahan would later tell Entertainment Weekly: “This was the first song of ours that made a dent, really, into popular radio. We were using all these tape loops to create rhythms and the technology was quite advanced, but it wasn't anything like it is today, the things that you can do. We used to go into studios, and the first thing we'd do, we'd ask where the kitchen was, literally for pots and pans and things that we could throw down the stairs, and record the rhythms they would make crashing around, and then make it into loops”
March 12, 1979 ~ Indie rock, post-punk revival singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Pete Doherty born in Hexham, UK ~ Co-leader of the Libertines, which he co-founded with Carl Barât in 1997. Initially the band would earn critical acclaim and a cult following yet gain notoriety mostly for its internal conflicts and Doherty's heavy drug use. Eventually they did reach some mainstream success by the mid-2000s with singles such as Time For Heroes, Don't Look Back Into The Sun, Can't Stand Me Now, and What Became Of The Likely Lads, the latter two both reaching UK top 10. Subsequently Doherty founded and fronted Babyshambles, known for the UK top 10 hits Killamangiro, Fuck Forever, Albion, and Delivery. Doherty released his Grace/Wastelands solo debut album in 2009
March 12, 1978 ~ Alternative rock, progressive rock singer, guitarist Claudio Sanchez, full name Claudio Paul Sanchez III, born in Suffern, New York, USA ~ Lead singer, guitarist for Coheed & Cambria, known for a string of acclaimed albums starting with The Second Stage Turbine Blade released in 2002. Has also worked with Shabütle, Fire Deuce, and the Prize Fighter Inferno. Sanchez is also known as a novelist and comic book author
March 12, 1978 ~ Rock, folk rock, punk rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Dave Hause born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, the Clash, Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, Social Distortion, the Ramones, Pearl Jam. Best known for fronting the Mermaid, drawing from heartland rock, folk rock, and punk rock. Also noted as a member of several punk and hardcore outfits, including the Loved Ones and the Falcon.
March 12, 1977 ~ In its fourteenth week on the charts, Night Moves by Bob Seger peaks at No.4 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Inspired after seeing the coming-of-age comedy drama film American Graffiti, Seger figured he too had a story to tell and crafted this partly autobiographical song about two young lovers losing their virginity. Seger knew he had a hit after he recorded it, it would be his first Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit, and as a record executive told him he would be singing it for the rest of his career. Seger actually took six months to write the song, having trouble with the tempo changes. After hearing Bruce Springsteen's Jungleland he realized he could connect the song with two distinct bridges. The girl in the song would eventually marry somebody else and break Seger's heart
March 12, 1976 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Hurt at Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee ~ Written by Jimmie Crane and Al Jacobs, originally recorded by Roy Hamilton in 1954. Known best as a signature tune for Timi Yuro, who recorded the song in 1961, and a concert favorite of Elvis. The latter would record the song as a studio version for his 1976 From Elvis Presley Boulevard Memphis Tennessee album. Featured as the B-side to For The Heart released in March 1976
March 12, 1975 ~ Singer, actress Kéllé Bryan born in Plaistow, UK ~ Member of R&B girl group the Eternal, known for mid to late-1990s recordings such as Oh Baby I, Power Of A Woman, Don't You Love Me, I Wanna Be The Only One featuring CeCe Winans, Angel Of Mine, and perhaps their best known Stay, the latter reaching the Billboard top 20 in 1993
March 12, 1971 ~ Classical, concert pianist Steven Osborne, full name Steven George McNeil Osborne, born in UK ~ Actively recording since the late-1990s. Especially acclaimed for his interpretations of works by Alexander Mackenzie, Donald Tovey, and Nikolai Kapustin. Regular performer at the BBC Proms. Has worked with orchestras such as the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and conductors such as Alan Gilbert, Ludovic Morlot, Vladimir Jurowski, and Jukka-Pekka Saraste
March 12, 1969 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, Britpop guitarist, singer, songwriter Graham Coxon, full name Graham Leslie Coxon, born in Rinteln, West Germany ~ Founding member of Blur, known for UK top 10 hits such as There's No Other Way, Girls & Boys, Parklife, Country House, The Universal, Charmless Man, Beetlebum, Song 2, Tender and Out Of Time
March 12, 1967 ~ Experimental rock, post-rock, space rock bassist, drummer Beth Liebling, also known as Sadie 7, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Co-founded the critically acclaimed Hovercraft in 1993 with Ryan Shinn, eventually building a cult following. The duo had previously worked together in Space Helmet. Liebling married longtime boyfriend Eddie Vedder in 1994, the couple divorded in 2000
March 12, 1965 ~ Trumpeter, musical director Peter Knight born in Orbost, Australia ~ Artistic director of the Australian Art Orchestra. Founding member of Way Out West, the 5+2 Brass Ensemble, and Clocked Out. Also well known as a solo artist, especially acclaimed fot his 2011 Fish Boast Of Fishing album
March 12, 1963 ~ Rock, alternative rock, punk rock, experimental rock singer, saxophonist, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Kazik Staszewski, full name Kazimierz Piotr Staszewski, born in Warsaw, Poland ~ Frontman, co-founding member of Kult, with whom he has recorded well over a dozen albums since the early-1980s. The band is rooted in punk, yet draws from rock, ska, reggae, and jazz, and are known for provocative lyrics critical of the communist state and the Catholic church. After the fall of Russia, and the end of its reign over Eastern Europe, the band has turned their criticism towards pseudo-democratist leaders, the clergy, and corporations. Staszewski has also enjoyed a parallel solo career, recording about a dozen albums starting in the early-1990s
March 12, 1961 ~ Jazz, classical saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, composer Daniel Schnyder born in Zurich, Switzerland ~ Learned to play cello before switching to saxophone. Plays both classical chamber music and avant-garde jazz, with well over a dozen albums to his name since the late-1980s. Especially acclaimed for 1989's Decoding The Message and 1997's Tarantula. Notably guested on Franco Ambrosetti's Music For Symphony And Jazz Band album, released in 1991
March 12, 1961 ~ Singer, guitarist Kevin Kinney born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Best known as lead singer, guitarist of Drivin' 'n Cryin', co-founded with bassist Tim Nielsen and drummer Paul Lenz. Also worked with Warren Haynes, John Popper, Star, the Golden Palominos, and others
March 12, 1960 ~ Christopher Joel Lennon, commonly known as percussionist, singer Kipp Lennon, born in Venice, California, USA ~ Founding member, co-lead singer of folk-rock, folk-pop outfit Venice. Also worked with the Pine Mountain Logs, David Crosby, and others
March 12, 1960 ~ Carey Folk McNeilly Jr, commonly known as alternative rock, post-punk, noise rock drummer, bassist Mac McNeilly, born ~ Known for his powerful, solid, hard-hitting drumming. Drummer for the Jesus Lizard, first appearing on the 1990 Head album, the band having previously used a drum machine. Has also worked with Reelfoot, 86, Mouse, Come, and as bassist with Phantom 309
March 12, 1960 ~ Singer Maki Nomiya born in Onbetsu, Japan ~ Released her solo debut album, No Kokoro, in 1981. Subsequently served as lead vocalist for new wave band Portable Rock for the remainder of the decade. Lead singer of the Pizzicato Five since 1991. When the group disbanded in 2001 resumed her solo career, recording about a dozen albums since
March 12, 1960 ~ Alternative rock guitarist, keyboardist Steve Marker born in Mamaroneck, New York, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of Garbage, known for songs such as Stupid Girl, Why Do You Love Me, Blood For Poppies and Empty
March 12, 1958 ~ Singer André Claveau wins the third edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Hilversum, the Netherlands ~ Representing France Claveau wins with the song Dors Mon Amour written by Hubert Giraud and Pierre Delanoë
March 12, 1957 ~ Singer Marlon Jackson, full name Marlon David Jackson, born in Gary, Indiana, USA ~ Member of the Jackson 5, renamed in the mid-1970s to the Jacksons after changing labels. Marlon remained with the band through 1985 and appears on most of the band's best known including late-1960s, early-1970s Billboard Hot 100 top hits such as I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save, I'll Be There, Mama's Pearl, and Never Can Say Goodbye. Released a sole solo album, Baby Tonight, in 1987 which spawned the Billboard R&B top 10 hit Don't Go
March 12, 1956 ~ World music, soul jazz guitarist, DJ, turntablist, producer Simon Emmerson born in London, UK ~ Founded the Afrobeat, world music group Afro Celt Sound System, known for merging electronic music with traditional Gaelic and West African influences. The band is perhaps best known for their 1999 Volume 2 (Release) sophomore album. A shortened version of the album's Release title track would be used for the supernatural horror film Stigmata released the same year. Emmerson also served as a producer for the likes of Manu Dibango and Baaba Maal, notably producing the latter's acclaimed 1994 Firin' In Fouta album ~ Emmerson passed away in 2023
March 12, 1956 ~ Bassist, songwriter Steve Harris born in Leytonstone, UK ~ Co-founding and sole constant member of Iron Maiden. Regarded as one of metal's greatest bass players, notable for his recognisable bass playing as evidenced on songs such as Run To The Hills and The Trooper. Released his solo debut album, British Lion, in 2012. Father of Lauren Harris, who opened for her father's band on the 2006 and 2008 tours. Father of guitarist George Harris, who did the same with his band the Raven Age in 2016
March 12, 1955 ~ Saxophonist Charlie Parker passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Pivotal be-bop pioneer. Helped change the image of a jazz musician from entertainer to intellectual. Best known for songs such as Yardbird Suite and Ornithology. Influenced by Count Basie, Bennie Moten, Buster Smith. Worked with Jay McShann (who gave Parker his nickname, Yardbird, usually shortened to Bird), Earl Hines, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Christian, Kenny Clarke, William Fleet, Miles Davis, Curley Russell, and Max Roach. Charlie Watts, drummer for the Rolling Stones, wrote the children's book Ode To A High Flying Bird as a tribute to Parker ~ Parker was born in 1920
March 12, 1955 ~ Singer, songwriter Thione Seck, full name Thione Ballago Seck, born in Dakar, Senegal ~ Member of the Orchestra Baobab from 1974 through 1979. Founded and fronted Raam Daan, which would become one of the most popular mbalax acts in Senegal rivaled only by Youssou n'Dour. Has also recorded as a solo artist. ~ Seck passed away in 2021
March 12, 1954 ~ Singer Abednego Mazibuko born in Ladysmith, South Africa ~ Member of vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo since 1974
March 12, 1953 ~ Hans Jürgen Fritz, commonly known as keyboardist Jurgen Fritz, born in Koln, West Germany ~ Original member of progressive rock, krautrock band Triumvirat. Has also played with Eric Burdon, disco group Bad Boys Blue and composed the score to the 1989 sci-fi film Hard To Be A God
March 12, 1953 ~ Pop singer Sue Chaloner born in London, UK ~ First gained attention in an early-1970s touring production of the musical Hair, which also visited the Netherlands after which the British-born Chaloner decided to stay in Amsterdam. Formed the pop duo Spooky & Sue with Iwan Groeneveld, scoring several 1970s hits in the Netherlands including the top 10 hits Swinging On A Star, You Talk Too Much, and I've Got The Need. As a solo artist, Chaloner is perhaps best known for the minor hit Don't Try To Change Me, the theme song to the Dutch film Mama Is Boos. Chaloner was married to keyboardist Hans Jansen of Spin ~ Chaloner passed away in 2024
March 12, 1952 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Randy Stonehill, full name Randall Evan Stonehill, born in Stockton, California, USA ~ Pioneer of contemporary Christian music. Draws heavily from folk-rock, yet also from idioms such as new wave, pop, pop rock, roots rock and children's music. Debuted in 1971 with the album Born Twice, financed by Pat Boone
March 12, 1951 ~ Violinist, pianist Harold Bauer, full name Harold Victor Bauer, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Child prodigy mentored by Adolf Pollitzer. Studied piano under Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Premiered Frederick Delius's Violin Sonata In B Major with Achille Rivarde in 1893. As a pianist premiered Johannes Brahms's Piano Concerto No.1 In D Minor with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1900, and Claude Debussy's Children's Corner in 1908 ~ Bauer was born in 1873
March 12, 1951 ~ Bassist, guitarist Jack Green born in Glasgow, UK ~ Briefly played with T.Rex in 1973 and 1974. Subsequently worked with the Pretty Things through 1976, appearing on the albums Silk Torpedo and Savage Eye. Was a member of Rainbow for three weeks in 1978. Released his solo debut album, Humanesque, in 1980 which spawned the Australian hit This Is Japan
March 12, 1949 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Bill Payne born in Waco, Texas, USA ~ Member of Little Feat, which he co-founded with Lowell George, known for songs such as Rock & Roll Doctor, Let It Roll, One Clear Moment and Texas Twister. Has also worked with JJ Cale, the Doobie Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Bryan Adams, Bob Seger, Toto, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, and Stevie Nicks
March 12, 1949 ~ Rock drummer, percussionist, singer Mike Gibbins, full name Michael George Gibbins, born in Swansea, UK ~ Original member of Iveys, which evolved into Badfinger. Gibbins remained with the band until its initial disbandement in 1975 and is present on the band's best known including Come And Get It, No Matter What and Day After Day all of which reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. After the band dissolved Gibbins would work as a session musician, notably on Bonnie Tyler's It's A Heartache, briefly rejoined a Badfinger reincarnation, and recorded as a solo artist starting with the album A Place In Time released in 1998 ~ Gibbins passed away in 2005
March 12, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter James Taylor born in Belmont, Massachusetts, USA ~ Quintessential 1970s singer, songwriter. One of all-time best-selling artists with over 100 million records sold. Best known for originals such as Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, Fire And Rain and Sweet Baby James. Taylor's songs would be covered by numerous artists including the Everly Brothers, the Carpenters, Bobby Womack, the Isley Brothers, Harry Belafonte, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, Chet Atkins, and Jimmy Buffett
March 12, 1947 ~ Ruby Stackhouse, commonly known as R&B, deep soul, soul blues singer Ruby Andrews born in Hollendale, Mississippi, USA ~ Known for a number of 1960s, 1970s songs including Casanova (Your Playing Days Are Over), You Made A Believer Out Of Me and Everybody Saw You
March 12, 1946 ~ Singer, songwriter Andrew Rose, full name Andrew Colin Campbell Rose, born ~ Formed the harmony duo Twice As Much with Dave Skinner. They are known for their 1966 rendition of Sittin' On A Fence, penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
March 12, 1946 ~ Singer, actress Liza Minnelli born in Hollywood, California, USA ~ Daughter of director Vincent Minnelli and singer Judy Garland. Known for her stage presence and powerful alto voice. Starred in musicals and stage shows such as Best Foot Forward, Flora The Red Menace, The Act, winning Tony Awards for the last two. Known for songs such as New York New York, Cabaret and Maybe This Time
March 12, 1945 ~ Singer, songwriter George Jackson, full name George Henry Jackson, born in Indianola, Mississippi, USA ~ Member of the Ovations, including on their best known song It's Wonderful To Be In Love. Recorded well over a dozen northern soul singles as a solo artist, with some success. Best known as a songwriter for other artists. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Too Weak To Fight (Clarence Carter), I'd Rather Be An Old Man's Sweetheart Than A Young Man's Fool (Candi Staton), Down Home Blues (ZZ Hill), One Bad Apple (the Osmonds), Old Time Rock & Roll (Bob Seger), and The Only Way Is Up (Otis Clay). Other artists who have recorded his songs include the Staple Singers, Johnnie Taylor, Bobby Blue Bland, Latimore, and Denise Lasalle ~ Jackson passed away in 2013
March 12, 1941 ~ Rock, country, rockybilly singer, pianist, songwriter, producer Earl Poole Ball born ~ Best known for touring and recording with Johnny Cash from 1977 through 1997. Also played with Buck Owens, Gram Parsons, Carl Perkins, Merle Haggard, Freddie Hart, Marty Stuart, Phil Ochs, Michael Nesmith, the Fraternity Of Man (including on Don't Bogart That Joint), Marty Robbins, Wynn Stewart, the Flying Burrito Brothers, the Byrds, and others. Wrote Glen Campbell's Try A Little Kindness and Waylon Jennings' The Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line
March 12, 1940 ~ Singer Al Jarreau born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Studied psychology. Sang nightclubs from the late-1960s onwards. Appeared on Saturday Night Live on Valentine's Day 1976. His debut album, We Got By, followed shortly thereafter and catapulted him to international fame. Over the years Jarreau has won seven Grammys and was nominated a dozen times more. Dubbed the “Acrobat of Skat” for his unique vocal technique, showcased on songs such as Roof Garden. Jarreau has performed with artists such as Joe Sample, Chick Corea, Gregor Praecht, Miles Davis, George Duke, David Sanborn, Rick Braun, and George Benson ~ Jarreau passed away in 2017
March 12, 1938 ~ Lewis Calvin DeWitt Jr, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Lew DeWitt, born in Roanoke County, Virginia, USA ~ Founding member of the Statler Brothers, with whom he recorded some two dozen albums including the highly acclaimed Bed Of Rose's, Holy Bible (Old Testament), Holy Bible (New Testament), and Short Stories. DeWitt wrote or co-wrote several of the band's best known including Flowers On The Wall, Things, Since Then, Thank You World and The Movies. DeWitt left the band in 1982 for medical reasons, succeeded by Jimmy Fortune. After his departure from the band, DeWitt has issued two solo albums, Here To Stay and On My Own, the latter spawning the minor hit You'll Never Know ~ DeWitt passed away in 1990
March 12, 1938 ~ Rock, country drummer Ronnie Tutt, full name Ronald Ellis Tutt, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ In-demand session and touring drummer. Best known as member of Elvis Presley's backing band the TCB Band from 1969 until Presley's death in 1977. Also appeared on Billy Joel's 1973 breakthrough album Piano Man and it's 1974 follow-up album Streetlife Serenade. Toured with several of Jerry Garcia's side projects, including the Jerry Garcia Band and Legion Of Mary. Has also worked with Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Neil Diamond, the Carpenters, Roy Orbison, Silverado, and others ~ Tutt passed away in 2021
March 12, 1935 ~ Jazz pianist Hugh Lawson born ~ Influenced by Bud Powell, Hampton Hawes, and Bill Evans. Leader and sideman. Best known for his association with Yusef Lateef. Also worked with Harry Sweets Edison, Roy Brooks, Stanley Cowell, Harold Mabern, Charles Mingus, Charlie Rouse, George Adams, Kenny Burrell, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, and Doug Watkins ~ Lawson passed away in 1997
March 12, 1928 ~ Pianist, composer, arranger, conductor Aldemaro Romero born in Valencia, Venezuela ~ Worked with Dean Martin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Stan Kenton, René Touzent, Machito, Tito Puente, the London Symphony Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Romero passed away in 2007
March 12, 1928 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader Philip Jones born in Bath, UK ~ Led the Philip Jones Ensemble, one of the first brass ensembles founded in 1951. Also worked with the Royal Philharmonic, the BBC Sympony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth, Ifor James, Ray Premru, John Fletcher, and others ~ Jones passed away in 2000
March 12, 1926 ~ Gospel singer Delois Barrett Campbell born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Started her career while still in high school, joining the renowned the Roberta Martin Singers as lead singer, remaining with the group from the 1940s through the early-1960s and present on key recordings such as Only A Look. Also known as a member of sibling outfit the Barrett Sisters. Singer Roberta Martin guesting on the siblings 1963 Jesus Loves Me debut album ~ Barrett passed away in 2011
March 12, 1924 ~ Etienne Stephen Jean Gustave Combe, commonly known as jazz drummer Stuff Combe, born in Bern, Switzerland ~ Worked with Philippe Brun, Eddie Brunner, Ernest Hollerhagen, Hazy Osterwald, Paul Kuhn, Fats Sadi, Kurt Edelhagen, Lucky Thompson, Francy Boland, Benny Bailey, the Groupe Instrumental Romand, and others ~ Combe passed away in 1986
March 12, 1921 ~ Singer, actor Gordon Macrae, full name Albert Gordon Macrae born in East Orange, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known for appearing in the film versions of Oklahoma and Carousel, both musicals composed by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Has also worked with Harry James, Jo Stafford, Archie Bleyer, Doris Day, and others on stage including Broadway and in radio and TV shows ~ MacRae passed away in 1984
March 12, 1917 ~ Lejzor Szmuel Czyz, commonly known as producer, label executive Leonard Chess born in Motal, Poland ~ Co-founded Chess Records with his brother Phil Chess. The label, once described by music critic Cub Koda as “America's greatest blues label”, would become pivotal to the development of blues, electric blues and rock & roll with landmark recordings by Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Gene Ammons, Jimmy Rogers, Rufus Thomas, Doctor Ross, Little Walter, Bo Diddley, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry, Etta James, Fontella Bass, Koko Taylor, and Little Milton. One of the Chicago-based label's studios was immortalized in the Rolling Stones-instrumental 2120 South Michigan Avenue recorded for their 1964 Five By Five EP ~ Czyz passed away in 1969
March 12, 1904 ~ Jazz pianist, singer Freddy Johnson born in New York, New York, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity especially in the 1930s playing mostly swing style. Previously Johnson had served as Florence Mills' accompanist in the mid-1920s before seeking out collaborations with the likes of Elmer Snowden, Billy Fowler, Henri Saparo, Noble Sissle, and Sam Wooding. Johnson spent a significant portion of his career touring and recording in Europe, including notably recording with the Quintette du Hot Club and performing with Coleman Hawkins in the Netherlands. While residing in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Johnson would be arrested in 1941 by the Nazis, who banned black music, and be interned till near the end of the war when he was repatriated to America. After the war, Johnson would most notably work with Garvin Bushell, before focusing primarily on his work as a piano and vocal coach ~ Johnson passed away in 1961
March 12, 1896 ~ Blues harpist, guitarist, percussionist, singer Jesse Fuller born in Jonesboro, Georgia, USA ~ Worked in a variety of day jobs prior to first recording in the late-1950s. As a busker developed himself as a one-man band including playing the harmonica mounted on a neck brace. Influenced artists such as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, the Grateful Dead, Hot Tuna, Janis Joplin, and Richie Havens. Best known for San Francisco Bay Blues ~ Fuller passed away in 1976
March 12, 1890 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, author Evert Taube, full name Axel Evert Taube, born in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Considered Sweden's premier troubadour carrying the torch of the Swedish ballad tradition in the 20th century. Known for songs such as Calle Schewens Vals, Brevet Från Lillan, Änglamark, Sjösala Vals and Så Långe Skutan Kan Gå. Artists such as Roger Whittaker, Sven-Bertil Taube, Martin Best and Emily Melcher have recorded English versions of his songs ~ Taube passed away in 1976
March 12, 1888 ~ Conductor Hans Knappertsbusch born in Elberfeld, Germany ~ Best known for his performances of works composed by Richard Wagner, Anton Bruckner and Richard Strauss. Worked with the Bavarian State Opera until his dismissal by the nazis in 1936. Other notable associations include the London Philharmonic, the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra, the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra, and the Suisse Romande Orchestra ~ Knappertsbusch passed away in 1965
March 12, 1710 ~ Composer Thomas Arne, full name Thomas Augustine Arne, born in London, UK ~ Leading British theater composer of the 18th century. Perhaps best remembered for his patriotic song Rule Britannia and A-Hunting We Will Go, the latter taken from his 1777 The Beggar's Opera ballad opera ~ Arne passed in 1778