March 13, 2024 ~ Pop drummer Dick Allix passed away ~ Co-founding member of Vanity Fare, known for a handful of late-1960s singles. I Live For The Sun, Early In The Morning, and Hitchin' A Ride, all lifted off their The Sun The Wind And Other Things debut album, would all reach top 20 in the band's native UK. Allix departed the band in 1970, and would later become known among sports fans as a sports promoter, manager, and co-founder of the Professional Darts Corporation ~ Allix was born in 1945
March 13, 2024 ~ Gypsy jazz, swing, jazz fusion guitarist Sylvain Luc passed away ~ Praised for his fingerstyle playing technique. About a dozen albums to his name as a leader or solo artist since the early-1990s, especially noted for the 2002 album Trio Sud featuring regular collaborators bassist Jean-Marc Jafet and drummer André Ceccarelli, and Solo Ambre released in 2005. An in-demand sideman, Luc has guested on albums by Patrick Bruel, Françoise Hardy, Charles Aznavour, Lokua Kanza, Biréli Lagrène, Didier Lockwood, Richard Bona, Vincent Peirani, and Juan Carmona ~ Luc was born in 1965
March 13, 2023 ~ Jose Henrique Campos Pereira, commonly known as punk, punk rock bassist Canisso, passed away in Santana de Parnaiba, Brazil ~ Best known as member of Raimundos from its inception in 1987 through 2002, rejoining in 2007. The punk rock outfit is hugely influenced by American rockers the Ramones and would go on to become one of the most influential rock bands in Brazil, especially popular during the 1990s and acclaimed for their 1996 Lavô Tá Novo album. Has also briefly worked with Rodox during the early-2000s, and founded Rockfellas with Paul di'Anno ~ Campos was born in 1965
March 13, 2023 ~ Drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, organist Jim Gordon, full name James Beck Gordon, passed away in Vacaville, California, USA ~ In-demand session drummer. Best known for his work with Eric Clapton in the 1970s supergroup Derek & the Dominos, including reportedly contributing the piano coda for Layla. Has also appeared on albums by Nancy Sinatra (Boots), Buffalo Springfield, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), Ike & Tina Turner, Harry Nilsson, Mason Williams, Bread, Merle Haggard, George Harrison (All Things Must Pass), John Lennon (Imagine), John Lee Hooker, Dr John, Carly Simon (No Secrets), Elvin Bishop, Seals & Crofts (Summer Breeze), Linda Ronstadt, Albert Hammond, Steely Dan (Pretzel Logic), Tom Waits, Thelma Houston, the Carpenters, Nils Lofgren (Cry Tough), Jackson Browne (The Pretender), Tom Petty, Captain & Tennille, and Lowell George. Has released a sole solo album, Plays Heavy, in 1971. In 1983, in a psychotic episode associated with undiagnosed schizophrenia Gordon murdered his mother, he would be sentenced to 16 years to life and remained incarcerated until his death ~ Gordon was born in 1945
March 13, 2023 ~ World music, soul jazz guitarist, DJ, turntablist, producer Simon Emmerson passed away ~ 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 was born in 1956
March 13, 2022 ~ Mary Ann McDevitt, commonly known as jazz, dance band, pop singer Mary Lee, passed away in Glasgow, UK ~ Performed locally from a young age, including doing impressions of popular stars of the day such as Gracie Fields and Maurice Chevalier. At age 13, McDevitt lied about her age and entered into a competition for a singing spot with dance band leader Roy Fox, one of the most popular ensembles of the 1930s. She was asked to join the band, but as the minimum age was 14 her father responded she was not available until her next birthday. After turning 14, McDevitt joined the band where she would become known as Little Mary Lee. Notable recordings include Mickey's Son And Daughter, Truckin', If I Had Rhythm In My Nursery Rhyme, Let's Call The Whole Thing Off, and This Year's Kisses. Due to her young age, the rest of the band were told not to swear in front of her or tell “unsavoury” stories. McDevitt would go on to work with a wide array of musical acts, notably with Bert Ambrose during World War II, and later work mostly in variety shows ~ McDevitt was born in 1921
March 13, 2020 ~ Hubertus Richenel Baars, mononymously known as singer Richenel, passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as a disco singer, later ventured into dance, lounge and jazz. Member of disco outfit Luxor. As a solo artist, Richenel debuted in 1984 with the single Statue Of Desire, which failed to chart. His sophomore single, 1985's L'Esclave Endormi, became a UK hit. It drew the attention of producer, songwriting duo Fluitsma & Van Tijn with whom he scored several Dutch top 40 hits such as Temptation, Don't Save Your Love and his biggest hit Dance Around The World. The latter would reach No.9 in the Netherlands as well as chart well in Italy, Germany, and across Scandinavia. Other notable recordings include Secret Wish, which was later covered by the SOS Band, Are You Just Using Me written by George Michael, and Oasis and Fascination, the latter two of which became hits on the French dance charts and in New York's underground club scene ~ Baars was born in 1957
March 13, 2019 ~ Soul, funk, R&B singer Michael Wycoff passed away ~ Sang backup on Stevie Wonder's landmark album Songs In The Key Of Life released in 1976. As a solo artist scored a handful of moderate early-1980s hits on the Billboard R&B charts, his best known being Tell Me Love taken of his third and final album On The Line released in 1983. Also known for the Evelyn Champagne King-duet Can We Be Friends. Although his albums were critically acclaimed sales remained low. Wycoff would struggle with alcohol and drugs addiction, eventually ending up homeless, but found his way back through his faith and ultimately became a Minister of Music working with several Los Angeles area churches ~ Wycoff was born in 1956
March 13, 2018 ~ Pop, pop rock singer Claudia Fontaine passed away ~ Formed the 1980s pop group Afrodiziak, initially a duo with Caron Wheeler and later joined by Naomi Thompson. The group is best known as backing choir on recordings by Elvis Costello, the Jam (Beat Surrender), Madness, Neneh Cherry, Heaven 17, and the Hothouse Flowers. Fontaine is also noted for singing lead on the Beatmasters's 1989 Warm Love hit single, and as touring member for Pink Floyd, Robbie Williams, Joe Cocker ~ Fontaine was born in 1960
March 13, 2015 ~ Christopher David Allen, commonly known as psychedelic rock, space rock, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Daevid Allen passed away in Australia ~ Co-founded Soft Machine. Co-founded Gong. Released his solo debut album, Banana Moon, in 1971, featuring guests such as Robert Wyatt, Gilli Smith, Gary Wright, Pip Pyle and Maggie Bell. Has recorded prolifically since, over 50 albums to his name as solo artist or collaborator ~ Allen was born in 1938
March 13, 2014 ~ Jazz drummer Al Harewood passed away ~ Worked with JJ Johnson, Kai Winding, Art Farmer, Gigi Gryce, David Amram, Betty Carter, Curtis Fuller, Benny Golson, Lou Donaldson, Horace Parlan, Ike Quebec, Dexter Gordon, Grant Green, Stanley Turrentine, Benny Carter, Booker Ervin, Benny Golson, Betty Carter, Dodo Greene, Bobby Hutcherson, Dick Katz, Horace Parlan, Dizzy Reece, Buddy Tate, and Al Grey ~ Harewood was born in 1923
March 13, 2013 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock drummer Clive Burr, full name Clive Ronald Burr, passed away in London, UK ~ Member of Samson. Best known as drummer for Iron Maiden from 1979 through 1982, replaced by Nicko McBrain. Present on the band's first three albums, namely Iron Maiden, Killers and the band's breakthrough album The Number Of The Beast. Co-wrote Gangland of the latter album. Following his departure from the band Burr has played with Trust, Alcatrazz, supergroup Gogmagog, and Dee Snider. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Burr retired from music in the late-1990s ~ Burr was born in 1957
March 13, 2008 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Martin Fierro passed away in Marin County, California, USA ~ Best known for his work with Doug Sahm, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Jerry Garcia (Hooteroll), Legion Of Mary, and with Zero. Has also collaborated with Mother Earth, James Cotton, the String Cheese Incident, and the Dark Star Orchestra ~ Fierro was born in 1942
March 13, 2003 ~ Pop singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer Ian Samwell, full name Ian Ralph Samwell, passed away in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Penned Cliff Richard's Move It debut single. Co-wrote the Small Faces' 1965 Whatcha Gonna Do About It hit. Also notably remembered for producing America's A Horse With No Name hit single. Has also worked with artists such as Joe Brown, Elkie Brooks, Kenny Lynch, Dusty Springfield, Sounds Incorporated, Georgie Fame, the Grateful Dead, Frank Zappa, and Joni Mitchell ~ Samwell was born in 1937
March 13, 2003 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Roberto Murolo passed away in Naples, Italy ~ Member of the Midas Quartet from 1939 through 1946. As a solo artist known for his focus on Neapolitan songs and acclaimed for his Napoletana Antologia (Cronologica Della Canzone Parenopea) album series consisting of Neapolitan song dating back to the 12th century ~ Murolo was born in 1912
March 13, 1998 ~ Rock, R&B keyboardist, organist, singer Dave Lewis, full name David Eugene Lewis, passed away in San Diego, California, USA ~ Gained local popularity with his the Dave Lewis Combo, opening for artists such as Sugar Pie DeSanto, Sugar Chile Robinson, Nellie Lutcher, Wild Bill Davis and for Bill Haley. Key figure on the Pacific Northwest 1950s, 1960s R&B scene. Best known for his early-1960s singles David's Mood Part 2 and Little Green Thing ~ Lewis was born ca.1938
March 13, 1998 ~ Hip-hop, trap rapper, singer, songwriter Jack Harlow, full name Jackman Thomas Harlow, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Co-founding member of Private Garden collective. Released his full-length That's What They All Say solo debut album in 2020 which included his Billboard top 10 hit What's Poppin'
March 13, 1998 ~ Alexander Minto Hughes, commonly known as reggae, ska singer Judge Dread, passed away in Canterbury, UK ~ Influenced Ian Dury and Buster Bloodvessel. Known for his sexual innuendo and double entendres, reportedly has more songs banned by the BBC than any other artist. Second only to Bob Marley in terms of reggae sales during the 1970s. Known for songs such as Big Six, Big Seven and Je T'Aime Moi Non Plus ~ Hughes was born in 1945
March 13, 1994 ~ Jazz guitarist, singer Danny Barker, full name Daniel Moses Barker, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Cab Calloway, Lucky Millinder, Benny Carter, Jelly Roll Morton, Baby Dodds, James P Johnson, the Dukes Of Dixieland, Sidney Bechet, Mezz Mezzrow, Fess Williams, Billy Fowler, Albert Nicholas, Bunk Johnson, Charlie Parker, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Paul Barbarin, Vic Dickenson, and Billie Holiday ~ Barker was born in 1909
March 13, 1991 ~ James Dugald McPartland, commonly known as jazz, dixieland cornetist Jimmy McPartland passed away in Port Washington, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Married to pianist Marian McPartland. Replaced Bix Beiderbecke in the Wolverines. Worked with Ben Pollack, Russ Columbo, Harry Reser, George Wein, Eddie Condon, Art Hodes, Gene Krupa, Benny Goodman, Jack Teagarden, and Tommy Dorsey ~ McPartland was born in 1907
March 13, 1987 ~ Singer Bryan Adams releases Heat Of The Night, lifted off his Into The Fire album ~ Partly inspired by the film noir classic The Third Man starring Orson Welles, as well as by a trip Adams and Jim Vallance, the song's two songwriters, took to Berlin before the Wall came down. Issued as the lead single off Into The Fire, the singer's fifth studio album, it would reach top 10 both in Canada, where it peaked at No.7, and on the American Billboard Hot 100, where it reached No.6
March 13, 1987 ~ Jazz saxophonist, pianist, percussionist, singer Harald Lassen born in Kristiansand, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Eponym and frontman of LASSEN. Has worked with noted jazz musicians Arild Andersen and Jon Christensen early on in his career. Formed the duo Duplex with Christian Meaas Svendsen. Other notable collaborations include Pixel, Mopti, Bugge Wesseltoft, Morten Qvenild, Emilie Stoesen Christensen, Bram de Looze, Anja Lauvdal, Rob Waring, and Ray Phiri
March 13, 1985 ~ Jazz singer Annette Hanshaw, full name Catherine Annette Hanshaw, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Among the most popular stars of the late-1920s through the 1930s. Recorded some 250 songs. Sold over four millions records by the mid-1930s. Known for songs such as 1929's Big City Blues and 1930's Body & Soul. Worked with the Original Memphis Five, Willard Robison, Sam Lanin, Lou Gold, Rudy Vallée, Red Nichols, Miff Mole, Phil Napoleon, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang, Adrian Rollini, Vic Berton, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Jack Teagarden, and Glen Gray ~ Hanshaw was born in 1901
March 13, 1985 ~ Abraham Shadrinsky, commonly known as producer, label owner Bob Shad, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Produced artists such as Lightnin' Hopkins, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Smokey Hogg, Peppermint Harris, Curley Weaver, Sarah Vaughan, Maynard Ferguson, Clifford Brown, Max Roach, Billy Eckstine, Dinah Washington, Patti Page, Vic Damone, the Platters, Big Bill Broonzy, Shelly Manne, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Haynes, Blue Mitchell, Buddy Terry, Pete Yellon, Big Brother & the Holding Company (1967's Big Brother & the Holding Company), and Ted Nugent ~ Shadrinsky was born in 1920
March 13, 1981 ~ Jazz pianist, saxophonist, composer Ivo Neame born in UK ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his associations with Phronesis, Marius Neset, the Kairos 4tet. Has also worked with David Binney, Kenny Wheeler, Hermeto Pascoal, Kaz Simmons, Josh Arcoleo, Andre Canniere, Julian Argüelles, and the London's Loop Collective
March 13, 1980 ~ Pianist, composer Alberto Pizzo born in Naples, Italy ~ Debuted in 2012 with the Funambulist album. Has worked with Mino Cinélu, Toquinho, Renzo Arbore, David Knopfler, Luis Bacalov, Stefano Bollani, and Rita Marcotulli
March 13, 1975 ~ Glennon Ricketts Jr, ommonly known as neo soul singer, songwriter Glenn Lewis, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Son of Crack Of Dawn-singer Glen Ricks. Cites Stevie Wonder as major influence. Known for songs such as Thing To Do, Bout Your Love, Stick To Your Vision, Don't You Forget It, and It's Not Fair
March 13, 1972 ~ Singer, fiddler, violinist Arve Moen Bergset born in Sandnessjoen, Norway ~ Member of folk group Bukkene Bruse. Also known as classical violinist, having worked with the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, and the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra
March 13, 1972 ~ Lonnie Rashid Lynn, commonly known as rapper, MC Common, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of loose collective Native Tongues. Member of the Soulquarians. Debuted as a solo artist with the 1992 Can I Borrow A Dollar. Known for songs such as Soul By The Pound, Reminding Me Of Sef featuring Chantay Savage, One-Nine-Nine-Nine featuring Sadat X, Glory featuring John Legend. Has also collaborated with Big Sean, Bilal, Daniel Caesar, De La Soul, Mary J Blige, Erykah Badu (Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip-Hop)), Melanie Durrant, Joss Stone, and Colbie Caillat
March 13, 1972 ~ Willie Knighton Jr, commonly known as rapper, singer Khujo, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Forms the hip-hop group Goodie Mob with Cee Lo Green, Big Gipp and T-Mo, and the duo the Lumberjacks with the latter. Also closely associated with OutKast, appearing on all the band's albums. Has also worked with Dungeon Family, with Willie Isz, and released a number of solo recordings, starting with the album The Man Not The Dawg released in 2002
March 13, 1969 ~ Pianist Stephen Scott born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Betty Carter, Kenny Barron, Terence Blanchard, Ron Carter, Lou Donaldson, Benny Golson, Craig Handy, Roy Hargrove, Joe Henderson, Jon Hendricks, Bobby Hutcherson, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Sonny Rollins, Bobby Watson, and Christian McBride
March 13, 1968 ~ Pop, rock band the Beach Boys record Friends ~ Written by Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Al Jardine. Title track of the band's 1968 Friends album. Also issued as a single, b/w Little Bird, in April 1968. The single would stall in the low 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the first since 1964's The Man With All The Toys not to reach top 40
March 13, 1963 ~ Rodolfo Paez Avalos, commonly known as rock & roll singer, pianist, songwriter Fito Paez, born in Rosario, Argentina ~ Member of El Banquete. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Del '63, released in 1984 with backing from Daniel Wirtz, Fabia Gallardo, Tweety González, and Paul Dourge. Has recorded steadily since to critical acclaim and collaborated with Luis Alberto Spinetta, Charly García, Joaquin Sabina, and Paulinho Moska
March 13, 1963 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, drummer Todd Huth, full name Todd Richard Huth, born in San Leandro, California, USA ~ Best known as early member of Primus remaining with the band through 1989, replaced by Larry Lalonde. Reunited with his former bandmates Les Claypool and Jay Lane in 1994, forming the band Sausage
March 13, 1960 ~ Bassist Adam Clayton, full name Adam Charles Clayton, born in Chinnor, UK ~ Bassist and longtime member of U2, known for songs such as Gloria, Pride (In The Name Of Love), I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Desire, One, Discothèque, The Sweetest Thing, Beautiful Day, and Vertigo
March 13, 1960 ~ Luciano Ligabue, commony known as singer, songwriter, director, writer Ligabue, born in Correggio, Italy ~ First gained attention in 1988 when Pierangelo Bertoli recorded his Sogni Di Rock 'n Roll. As a singer released his full-length eponymous Ligabue debut album in 1990 and has recorded steadily to commercial success and critical acclaim since. Well known songs include Certe Notti, Una Vita Da Mediano, Questa E La Mia Vita, Niente Paura, Un Colpo All'anima and Il Sale Della Terra
March 13, 1960 ~ Guitarist Quique Sinesi born in Argentina ~ Has recorded over a dozen albums, especially noted for 2005's Tango Para Charlie and Buenos Aires Report released two years later. Sinesi has collaborated with the likes of Joe Lovano, Dino Saluzzi, Pablo Ziegler, Enrico Rava, and Charlie Mariano
March 13, 1959 ~ Alternative rock, punk rock, rock bassist Greg Norton, full name Gregory James Norton, born in Rock Island, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as bassist of Hüsker Dü. Following the band's disbandement founded the Grey Area. Has also worked with the Gang Font and Porcupine
March 13, 1959 ~ Electric blues guitarist, singer Melvin Taylor born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Pinetop Perkins and the Legendary Blues Band before going solo, starting with 1982's Blues On The Run album. Has recorded steadily since and has opened for artists such as BB King, Buddy Guy and Santana
March 13, 1954 ~ Jazz guitarist Simon James born in York, UK ~ Co-founding member of Acoustic Alchemy, remaining with the band through 1985. Would subsequently perform as solo artist and collaborate with Nick Webb, and Maria Ewing. Formed Kymaera in 1998
March 13, 1951 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Geoff Eales born in Aberbargoed, UK ~ Worked with the National Youth Orchestra Of Wales, Major Holley, Jimmy McPartland, Buddy Tate, Earl Warren, Joe Loss, the BBC Big Band, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Andy Williams, Shirley Bassey, José Carreras, Kiri te Kanawa, Jerry Goldsmith, Henry Mancini, Elmer Bernstein, Robert Farnon, Adelaide Hall, and Michael Ball
March 13, 1951 ~ Pop singer, songwriter, actor Izhar Cohen born in Tel Aviv, Israel ~ Internationally best known for teaming up with vocal group the Alphabeta to win the 1978 Eurovision Songfestival with A-ba Ni-bi. The song was written by Ehud Manor and Nurit Hirsh
March 13, 1951 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Michael Jefry Stevens born in New York, New York ~ Co-led the revered post-bop outfit the Fonda-Stevens Group with bassist Joe Fonda. Has composed over 350 songs and worked with a host of renowned jazz artists including Dave Liebman, Oliver Lake, Dave Douglas, Leo Smith, Matt Wilson, Han Bennink, Mark Feldman, Pheeroan Aklaff, Gerry Hemingway, the Brooklyn Jazz Composers Orchestra, JEff Raheb, and others
March 13, 1947 ~ Blues singer, guitarist Dave Kelly, full name David William Kelly, born ~ Brother of singer Jo-Ann Kelly, with whom he has also worked. Influenced by Mississippi Fred McDowell. Has collaborated with Tramp and with the Blues Band, and recorded as a solo artist
March 13, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist, banjoist, mandolinist, songwriter Tom Chapin born in New York, New York, USA ~ Son of drummer Jim Chapin, brother of singer Harry Chapin. Over two dozen albums to his name starting in the mid-1970s. Perhaps best known for Happy Birthday of his 1989 Moonboat album, its melody taken form Love Unspoken of the Franz Lehár-opera The Merry Widow
March 13, 1942 ~ Producer, A&R agent, label executive Marshall Chess born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Son of Chess Records co-founder Leonard Chess. Worked a variety of jobs at his father label including producer, co-founding Rotary Connection, and eventually heading the label as President
March 13, 1942 ~ John Paul Larkin, commonly known as singer Scatman John, born in El Monte, California, USA ~ Best known for his 1990s hits Ski-ba-bop Ba-dop-bop and Scatman's World mixing scat singing and dance music. Suffered from a severe stutter from childhood forward. Recipient of the American Speech Language Hearing Associatios Annie Glenn Award for outstanding service to the stuttering community. Inducted in the National Stuttering Association Hall Of Fame ~ Larkin passed away in 1999
March 13, 1940 ~ Canzett Maria Staton, commonly known as singer Candi Staton, born in Hanceville, Alabama, USA ~ Known for the 1970 Tammy Wynette-cover Stand By Your Man, the 1976 disco hit Young Hearts Run Free and as featured vocalist on the Source's You Got The Love, the latter a smash hit across Europe in 1986
March 13, 1940 ~ Saxophonist Charles Brackeen born in Oklahoma, USA ~ Studied violin and piano before switching to saxophone. Sideman and leader. Has played with Don Cherry, Leroy Jenkins, Paul Motian, Ahmed Abdullah, Dennis González, and Ronald Shannon Jackson ~ Brackeen passed away in 2021
March 13, 1939 ~ Pop singer, pianist, songwriter Neil Sedaka born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Briefly a member of the Tokens. Best known as a solo artist and songwriter having penned or co-penned over 500 songs, often teaming up with Howard Greenfield and Phil Cody. Well known songs include Oh Carol, Calender Girl, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do and Laughter In The Rain. Artists who have recorded his songs include Connie Francis (Stupid Cupid), Bobby Darin, Lavern Baker, Clyde McPhatter, the Monkees, Lesley Gore, Eydie Gormé, Jimmy Clanton, Peggy Lee, Captain & Tennille (Love Will Keep Us Together), Cher, Lovelace Watkins, Johnny Mathis, Carole King, Little Eva, Petula Clark, the Carpenters (Solitaire), Tom Jones, and Elvis Presley
March 13, 1938 ~ R&B singer Erma Franklin, full name Erma Vernice Franklin, born in Shelby, Mississippi, USA ~ Elder sister of singer Aretha Franklin. Best known for recording the original version of Piece Of My Heart in 1967, which reached top 10 Billboard R&B and earned Franklin a Grammy Award nomination. However, the song would become best known as covered by Big Brother & the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin the following year. Franklin's original remained her sole charting single ~ Franklin passed away in 2002
March 13, 1938 ~ Bandleader, drummer, composer Julian Bahula, full name Sebothane Julian Bahula, born in Eersterust, South Africa ~ One of several South African expatriates fleeing the Apartheids regime, finding success in Europe in the 1970s. Best known for founding and leading Jabula, with whom he recorded five albums through the early-1980s. The group is also known for guesting on the Mike Oldfield-albums Ommadawn, Incantations and Amarok. In 2012 South African president Jacob Zuma presented Bahula with the Order of Ikhamanga for exceptional achievements in the field of music ~ Bahula passed away in 2023
March 13, 1938 ~ Operatic soprano Roberta Knie born in Cordell, Oklahoma, USA ~ Worked with the Graz Opera, the Opernhaus Zurich, the Opera National De Lyon, the Dallas Opera, the San Francisco Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Bavarian State Opera, the Welsh National Opera, the Opera De Montreal, and the Teatro Colón ~ Knie passed away in 2017
March 13, 1936 ~ Singer Clarence Bassett born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Member of doo-wop outfit Shep & the Limelites, known for their 1961 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Daddy's Home. The songs would become to be seen as one of all-time best doo-wop songs, covered by PJ Proby, Frank Zappa, Jermaine Jackson, Toots & the Maytals, the Carpenters, Junior English, and Cliff Richard. Bassett has also worked with the Five Sharps and the Flamingos ~ Bassett passed away in 2005
March 13, 1935 ~ Marjorie Hendrix, commonly known as R&B singer Margie Hendrix, born in Register, Georgia, USA ~ Member of the Cookies. Left in the late-1950s to form the backup vocal section, Raelettes, for Ray Charles with whom she also had a brief affair resulting in the birth of a son in 1959. Hendricks can be heard on many classic Charles tracks including Tell The Truth, The Night Time Is The Right Time, What I'd Say (Part I & II), Sticks & Stones, Hit The Road Jack, Unchain My Heart, I Can't Stop Loving You, Bye Bye Love, and You Are My Sunshine. Charles fired Hendrix in 1964 due to alcohol and drug abuse ~ Hendrix passed away in 1973
March 13, 1933 ~ Songwriter Mike Stoller born in New York, New York, USA ~ Frequent collaborator of Jerry Leiber. The pair is known for penning pivotal R&B, rock & roll hits for artists such as Little Willie Littlefield (Kansas City), Big Mama Thornton (Hound Dog), the Robins, Ruth Brown, the Coasters (Young Blood, Yakety Yak), Elvis Presley (Love Me, Jailhouse Rock, King Creole), the Drifters, Ben E King (Stand By Me), Damita Jo, and Chuck Jackson
March 13, 1930 ~ Richard Allen Mitchell, commonly known as jazz, jazz fusion trumpeter Blue Mitchell born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Horace Silver, Junior Cook, Gene Taylor, Roy Brooks, Ray Charles, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Louie Bellson, Bill Holman, Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Lou Donaldson, Grant Green, Philly Joe Jones, Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley, Johnny Griffin, Al Cohn, and Dexter Gordon ~ Mitchell was born in 1979
March 13, 1929 ~ Lulu Grace Johnson, commonly known as country singer Jan Howard, born in Missouri, USA ~ Actively recording since the late-1950s, regularly reaching the higher echelons of the country charts with songs such as The One You Slip Around With, Evil On Your Mind, Bad Seed, Count Your Blessings Woman and Love Is Like A Spinning Wheel. Howard is also remembered for a number of duets, perhaps most notably with Wynn Stewart on The Wrong Company, and with Bill Anderson on For Loving You and If It's All The Same To You ~ Johnson passed away in 2020
March 13, 1929 ~ Mezzo-soprano Rosalind Elias born in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA ~ Praised for her dramatic voice and stage presence that spanned six decades. Best known for her association with the Metropolitan Opera, noted for portraying the role of Erika in Samuel Barber's Vanessa in 1958. Elias has also performed with the Scottish Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Opera De Monte Carlo, the Los Angeles Opera, and the New York City Opera ~ Elias passed away in 2020
March 13, 1925 ~ Jazz, swing, jazz fusion, avant-garde jazz drummer Roy Haynes, full name Roy Owen Haynes, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ One of the most recorded drummers in jazz with a career spanning eight decades starting in the early-1940s. Has recorded as a leader or co-leader since the mid-1950s, especially acclaimed for Out Of The Afternoon released in 1962. Also noted for the collaborative album We Three with Phineas Newborn Jr and Paul Chambers released four years earlier. In-demand sideman, present on albums by the likes of Lester Young, Charlie Parker, JJ Johnson, Bud Powell, Cal Tjader, Sarah Vaughan (At Mister Kelly's), Sonny Rollins (The Sound Of Sonny), Thelonious Monk, Art Farmer, Booker Little (Booker Little), Etta Jones, Ray Charles (Genius+Soul=Jazz), Oliver Nelson, Eric Dolphy, Eddie Lockjaw Davis (Trane Whistle), Rahsaan Roland Kirk, John Coltrane (Impressions), Gary Burton, Jack DeJohnette, Sonny Stitt, and Chick Corea ~ Haynes passed away in 2024
March 13, 1924 ~ Richard Aaron Katz, commonly known as pianist, arranger Dick Katz, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Best known as a versatile sideman and producer, though has on occasion recorded as a leader. Has produced albums such as Helen Merrill's The Feeling Is Mutual, James Moody's The Blues And Other Colors, and Lee Konitz's Spirits. As a pianist present on albums by Al Cohn, JJ Johnson (Nuf Said), Carmen McRae, Manny Albam, Sonny Rollins, Ray Charles, Thelonious Monk (Criss-Cross), and Jack DeJohnette ~ Katz passed away in 2009
March 13, 1919 ~ Songwriter, arranger, producer, label executive Dave Cavanaugh born in St Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ Started his career as a saxophonist sessioning for Eddie Miller, Bobby Sherwood, Benny Carter, Woody Herman, Sammy Davis Jr, Ella Mae Morse, and Peggy Lee. Became Capitol Records Director of A&R in the early-1950s signing artists such as Dakota Staton, Donna Hightower, Nancy Wilson, Plas Johnson, and Sandler & Young. Cavanaugh continued to become one of the label's main producers, working with Nat King Cole, Stan Kenton, Kay Starr, Billy May, and Frank Sinatra. Cavanaugh would eventually rise to the position of President of the label in the 1970s and continue to work until his death at age 62 ~ Cavanaugh passed away in 1981
March 13, 1918 ~ Singer Al Jolson records Rock-a-bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody ~ Written by Jean Schwartz, Sam M Lewis and Joe Young for the Broadway musical Sinbad in which Jolson premiered the song. Jolson's studio version would make it to the No.1 spot the same year. Covered by a host of artists, including Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Sonny Rollins, Brenda Lee, Aretha Franklin, and Cher
March 13, 1913 ~ Otis Verries Hicks, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Lightnin' Slim, born in Good Pine, Louisiana, USA ~ Lesser-known of the 1950s bluesmen, yet critically held on par with the likes of peers Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf and Sonny Boy Williamson II. Known for songs such as Farming Blues, It's Mighty Crazy, and Bad Luck Blues ~ Hicks passed away in 1974
March 13, 1909 ~ R&B, blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Saunders King, full name Saunders Samuel King, born in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, USA ~ Sang with the Southern Harmony Four. Switched to blues by the early-1940s, releasing the self-penned SK Blues in 1942 which would become a nationwide hit and one of the first recordings prominently featuring the electric guitar. Other well known songs include Empty Bedroom Blues and Stay Gone Blues ~ King passed away in 2000
March 13, 1901 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Andrew Morgan born in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Young Morgan Band. Also worked with the Imperial Band, Kid Howard, Kid Rena, Kid Thomas Valentine, Alphonse Picou, Herb Morand, Kid Clayton, the Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Percy Humphrey, Sweet Emma Barrett, Alvin Alcorn, the Onward Brass Band, the Eureka Brass Band, and Captain John Handy ~ Morgan passed away in 1972
March 13, 1894 ~ Blues singer Clara Smith born in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, USA ~ Dubbed “the Queen of the Moaners”. Known for songs such as Troublesome Blues, the risqué Whip It To A Jelly and a number of duets with Bessie Smith, no relation, notably My Man Blues and Far Away Blues. Has also worked with Fletcher Henderson, Louis Armstrong, and with Don Redman ~ Smith passed away in 1935
March 13, 1860 ~ Composer, pianist Hugo Wolf, full name Hugo Philipp Jacob Wolf, born in Windischgratz, Slovenia ~ Child prodigy. Wrote hundreds of lieder, also composed three operas, choral, orchestral and chamber music. Influenced mainly by Richard Wagner, Wolf's song Zur Ruh Zur Ruh said to be an elegy for Wagner. Best known for his 1887 instrumental work Italian Serenade, originally intended for string quartet and later transcribed to orchestra ~ Wolf passed away in 1903