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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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 ~ 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 ~ 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