March 16, 1988 ~ Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo, commonly known as alternative R&B, neo soul, hip-hop, pop singer, songwriter Jhené Aiko, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Sang backup for R&B group B2K. A planned 2003 solo debut album would be shelved, with Aiko eventually asking to be released from the label after which she continued her education. Returned to the music scene in the early 2010s with a number of mixtapes, singles and collaborations notably as vocalist on Big Sean's 2013 Beware single. Would release her full-length Souled Out solo debut album in 2014. Has collaborated with Twenty 88, Childish Gambino, Mila J, Omarion, Schoolboy Q, Ty Dolla $ign, and others
March 16, 1984 ~ Drummer, DJ Jamie Westland born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands ~ Founding member, drummer of Di-rect, known for hits such as Inside My Head, She, Als Je Iets Kan Doen, Hungry For Love, Cool Without You and A Good Thing, all of which reached top 10 in the Netherlands
March 16, 1983 ~ Singer, songwriter, music video director, graphic designer Yoann Lemoine, also known as Woodkid, born in Tassin-la-Demi-Lune, France ~ As a music video director known for videos such as Katy Perry's Teenage Dream, Taylor Swift's Back To December, Lana Del Rey's Born To Die, and Harry Styles's Sign Of The Times. Lemoine als records as a chamber pop musician, his The Golden Age debut album released in 2013
March 16, 1978 ~ Nicholas Carter, commonly known as rapper Murs, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Formed the trio the 3 Melancholy Gypsys. The group would team up with Mystik Journeymen to form the collective the Living Legends. Formed the hip-hop duo Felt with Slug. Has also worked with Melrose, the Invincibles, Whole Wheat Bread, and with the White Mandingos. Has recorded well over a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with F'Real released in 1997
March 16, 1977 ~ Singer, drummer, keyboardist, bassist, guitarist, producer, songwriter Richard Swift born in California, USA ~ In-demand collaborator, producer for artists such as the Shins, Damien Jurado, David Bazan, Foxygen, Jessie Baylin, Nathaniel Rateliff, Lucius, Lonnie Holley, the Mynabirds, Wake Owl, Laetitia Sadier, Gardens & Villa, Cayucas, Guster, the Arcs, the Black Keys, and others ~ Swift passed away in 2018
March 16, 1972 ~ Andrew Dunlop, commonly known as Andy Dunlop, born in Lenzie, UK ~ Lead guitarist of Scottish indie pop-rockers Travis. Keeps his right hand fingernails long to use instead of guitar picks. Also plays banjo, piano and accordion. Wrote or co-wrote You Don't Know What I'm Like, Quite Free, Big Chair, and Parallel Lines. Guested on Magne Furuholmen's Past Perfect Future Tense album, the former A-ha keyboardist's solo debut
March 16, 1970 ~ Rock, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Joakim Berg, full name Herbert Joakim Berg, born in Eskilstuna, Sweden ~ Lead singer of Kent, known for a string of acclaimed and commercially successful albums since the 1990s. The band is best known for songs such as Kram Sa Nara Far Ingen Ga, Om Du Var Har, Musik Non Stop, Dom Andra, Max 500, Nalens Oga, Columbus, Tontama and Gamla Ullevi, all of which reached top 10 in the band's native Sweden
March 16, 1967 ~ Indie folk, indie rock, lo fi guitarist, pianist, singer John Darnielle born in Bloomington, Indiana, USA ~ Sole constant member of the Mountain Goats, recording about two dozen albums since the mid-1990s. As a songwriter praised for his literary lyrics, dubbed “America's best non-hip-hop lyricist” by The New Yorker. The band earned a cult following, initially known for a lo-fi approach venturing into a more polished studio sound by the early 2000s. Darnielle has also collaborated with Aesop Rock, John Vanderslice, the Extra Lens, the Bloody Hawaiians, and others
March 16, 1967 ~ Mandolinist, singer, songwriter Ronnie McCoury born in in York County, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Son of Del McCoury, with whom he also worked as a member of the Traveling McCourys and of the Del McCoury Band. Rleased his solo debut album, Heartbreak Town, in 2000. Also collaborated with Tony Trischka, Lynn Morris, Dolly Parton, David Olney, Jeff Foxworthy, Steve Earle, Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, Charlie Daniels, Dierks Bentley, Patty Loveless, Michael Martin Murphey, Sara Watkins, Willie Nelson, Peter Rowan, Leftover Salmon, Rodney Crowell, Loretta Lynn, Jake Bugg, and others
March 16, 1964 ~ Hans Peter Geerdes, commonly known as techno, dance singer, guitarist HP Baxxter, born in Leer, West Germany ~ Lead singer of techno band Scooter, known for a string of European hits starting in the early 1990s. Songs such as Hyper Hyper, Move Your Ass, Ramp (The Logical Song), Nessaja, and Weekend would all reach top 10 across the continent
March 16, 1964 ~ Patricia Jean Griffin, commonly known as folk, folk rock, country folk, alternative country singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Patty Griffin born in Old Town, Maine, USA ~ Revered by peers. Had her songs covered by artists such as Emmylou Harris, Kelly Clarkson, Rory Block, Sugarland, and others. Actively recording since the mid-1990s, starting with 1996's Living With Ghosts, slowly building a dedicated fanbase and achieving commercial success since the mid-2000s
March 16, 1963 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, hardcore punk drummer Jimmy Degrasso born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Drummed with Mama's Boys and Lita Ford prior to stints with Y&T and notably Megadeth. Has sessioned and toured with the likes of White Lion, Fiona, Suicidal Tendencies, MD 45, Alice Cooper, David Lee Roth, Ministry, Dokken, RATT and Black Star Riders
March 16, 1959 ~ William Jonathan Drayton Jr, commonly known as rapper Flavor Flav, born in Roosevelt, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of rap group Public Enemy, known for quintessential rap albums such as 1988's It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back and 1990's Fear Of A Black Planet
March 16, 1959 ~ Bassist, composer John Lindberg born in Royal Oak, Michigan, USA ~ Recorded over two albums as a leader. Co-founding member of String Trio Of New York alongside violinist Billy Bang and guitarist James Emery, mostly active in the 1980s. In-demand sideman, appearing on recordings by Anthony Braxton, the Human Arts Ensemble, Susie Ibarra, Kevin Norton, Wadada Leo Smith, Bauhaus Quartet, and others
March 16, 1959 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Stan Thorn born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA ~ Co-founding member of country outfit Shenandoah, remaining with the band from 1984 through 1995. Present on Billboard Country charttoppers such as The Church On Cumberland Road, Two Dozen Roses, Next To You Next To Me and If Bubba Can Dance I Can Too
March 16, 1956 ~ Classical bassist, double bassist Robert Black, full name Robert Alan Black, born in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ Co-founding member of contemporary classical sextet the Bang On A Can All-Stars, formed in 1992. Studied under Gary Karr. Served on the board of the International Society Of Bassists for about a decade. Has worked with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, the Ciompi String Quartet, the Miami String Quartet, Elliott Carter, John Cage, and Paquito d'Rivera. Well-known for his 2019 The Not-Doings Of An Insomniac (Bass Partita And Poetry) album, a work commissioned from and produced by Philip Glass ~ Black passed away in 2023
March 16, 1954 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion bassist Brian Torff born in Hinsdale, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Mark O'Connor, Dave Grusin, Regina Carter, Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, Union, Milt Hinton, Mary Lou Williams, Marian McPartland, Stéphane Grappelli, Erroll Garner, Oliver Nelson, George Shearing, George Shearing, Sonny Stitt, and others
March 16, 1954 ~ James Michael Aloysius, commonly known as singer, actor, songwriter Jimmy Nail, born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK ~ As a singer best known for Crocodile Shoes, Love Don't Live Here Anymore, and his biggest hit Ain't No Doubt. Had artists such as Gary Moore, David Gilmour, Elliott Randall, George Harrison and Mark Knopfler guest on his albums
March 16, 1954 ~ Rock, folk rock, hard rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Nancy Wilson, full name Nancy Lamoreux Wilson, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Member of Heart, fronted by her older sister Ann Wilson. Sings lead on These Dreams, the band's first Billboard Hot 100 charttopper. Active since the 1970s the band has sold over 30 million records and is known for songs such as Magic Man, Barracuda, Straight On, Tell It Like It Is, What About Love, Never, Nothin' At All, Alone, Who Will You Run To, All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You, and Stranded
March 16, 1953 ~ Contemporary Christian keyboardist, singer Bryan Duncan born in Riverside, California, USA ~ First gained attention as lead singer of the Sweet Comfort Band. Would subsequently pursue a solo career, recording well over a dozen solo albums. Best known for Christian hits such as Traces Of Heaven, Things Are Gonna Change, Don't Look Away, When It Comes To Love and A Heart Like Mine
March 16, 1953 ~ Free jazz pianist, vibraphonist Paul Plimley, full name Paul Horace Plimley, born in Vancouver, Canada ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with bassist Lisle Ellis. Considered one of the finest interpreters of Ornette Coleman on the piano, an instrument usually seen as antithetical to Coleman's music. Has collaborated with Joe McPhee, Barry Guy, Trichy Sankaran, Henry Kaiser, Mei Han, and others ~ Plimley passed away in 2022
March 16, 1951 ~ Ray Benson Seifert, commonly known as country, Western swing singer, guitarist, songwriter Ray Benson born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Co-founding member, frontman of Asleep At The Wheel. Also known as a producer for artists such as Dale Watson, Suzy Bogguss, Carolyn Wonderland, Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Brad Paisley, Pam Tillis, Trace Adkins, Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, and others
March 16, 1950 ~ Bassist, keyboardist Matt Irving born in Glasgow, UK ~ Bassist for Manfred Mann's Earth Band from 1981 to 1986. Key member of Los Pacaminos. Also worked with Lords Of The New Church, Squeeze, Chris Rea, Paul Young, Roger Waters, and shared lead vocals with John Waite on the Babys song Time On My Hands ~ Irving passed away in 2015
March 16, 1949 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Elliott Murphy, full name Elliot James Murphy, born in Rockville, New York, USA ~ Member of the Rapscallions. As a solo artist critically acclaimed for his 1973 Aquashow solo debut album and has recorded prolifically since. Subsequent albums would feature guest appearances from artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Mick Taylor, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, Sonny Landreth, David Johanson, Violent Femmes, Cindy Bullens and others
March 16, 1949 ~ Rock violinist Jerry Goodman born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of the Flock. First gained widespread attention appearing on John McLaughlin's 1971 My Goal's Beyond album and subsequently with McLaughlin's the Mahavishnu Orchestra through 1973. As a solo artist known for a number of 1970s, 1980s albums, collaborating with Mahavishnu bandmate keyboardist Jan Hammer. Scored the soundtrack to the 1985 film The Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life In The Universe. Has also worked with Lenny White, Chuck Mangione, Hall & Oates, Don Grusin, Tommy Emmanuel, Dixie Dregs, and Richard Marx
March 16, 1948 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Eugenio Bennato born in Naples, Italy ~ Brother of rock singer Edoardo Bennato. Co-founded Nuova Compagnia Di Canto Popolare. Co-founded Musicanova. As a solo artist has over a dozen albums to his name, starting with the eponymous Eugenio Bennato released in 1983
March 16, 1948 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Michael Bruce, full name Michael Owen Bruce, born in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ Rose to fame as member of Alice Cooper's backing unit from 1966 through 1974, co-wrote songs such as Halo Of FLies and No More Mr Nice Guy and present on classic Cooper albums such as Killer, School's Out and Billion Dollar Babies
March 16, 1946 ~ Classical, folk harmonica player Sigmund Groven born in Norway ~ Internationally recognised as leading classical harmonica player. Some two dozen albums to his own name. Has collobarated with Terje Rypdal, James Moody, Ketil Bjørnstad, Siegfried Steinkogler, the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, and others
March 16, 1943 ~ Keyboardist David Briggs, full name David Paul Briggs, born in Killen, Alabama, USA ~ Revered session musician, member of the Nashville Cats. Played his first professional session at age 14 and has gone on to work with artists such as Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, Joan Baez, Nancy Sinatra, BB King, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Tony Joe White, George Harrison, Todd Rundgren, Roy Orbison, the Monkees, JJ Cale, Kris Kristofferson, Dan Fogelberg, Ronnie Hawkins, Jimmy Buffett, Leon Russell, John Prine, Bob Seger, Emmylou Harris, Joe Cocker, Glen Campbell, Sammy Kershaw, Shania Twain, Dan Penn, Kenny Chesney, and others
March 16, 1943 ~ Rock, blues-rock guitarist Roger Dean, full name David Roger Bryan Dean, born in Middlesex, UK ~ Briefly a member of John Mayall's backing unit the Bluesbreakers, present on the 1965 John Mayall Plays John Mayall album. Also worked with the Nu Notes, Spike Island, the Bluejays, PP Arnold, Jonathan King, and others ~ Dean passed away in 2008
March 16, 1942 ~ Ronald Clyde Crosby, commonly known as country, outlaw country singer, guitarist, songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker, born in Oneonta, New York, USA ~ Best known for penning Mr Bojangles, covered by numerous artists including the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, JJ Cale, King Curtis, Bobbie Gentry, Whitney Houston, Harry Nilsson, Johnny Paycheck, Bob Dylan, and Nina Simone. Other well known songs include Jaded Lover, The Pickup Truck Song, and Trashy Women ~ Crosby passed away in 2020
March 16, 1940 ~ Edith Kay Strother, commonly known as singer Edith Bell, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Formed the sibling duo the Bell Sisters with her older sister Cynthia Bell, adopting their mother's maiden name as stage names. The duo would be discovered in 1951 performing Bermuda, written by Cynthia, on a local Los Angeles TV show. Music publisher Joe Happy Goday would take an interest in the sibling act and had them record the track. The single would reach top 10 on the pop charts the following year, and eventually sell a million copies. The sisters would have two more hits, Wheel Of Fortune which scratched the top 10, and Piece A'Puddin' which reached top 20
March 16, 1936 ~ Frederick Neil, commonly known as folk, folk-pop singer, songwriter Fred Neil, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for penning and first recording Everybody's Talkin', notably covered by Harry Nilsson. Though Neil never became a household name he was revered by peers and is seen as a pioneer of the folk-rock movement, influencing artists such as Tim Buckley, Stephen Stills, David Crosby, Tim Hardin, John Sebastian, Gram Parsons, Paul Kantner, and others ~ Neil passed away in 2001
March 16, 1934 ~ Singer Ray C Walker born in Centreville, Mississippi, USA ~ Member of the Jordanaires, a vocal group best known for backing artists such as Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves and notably Elvis Presley, backing the latter on hits such as Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I, A Big Hunk O' Love, Are You Lonesome Tonight, Can't Help Falling In Love, Crying In The Chapel, and others
March 16, 1933 ~ Mezzo-soprano Teresa Berganza, full name Teresa Berganza Vargas, born in Madrid, Spain ~ Admired for her technical virtuosity and beguiling stage presence. Key singer in Gioachino Rossini renaissance, noted for roles in Cinderella, The Italian Girl In Algiers, and notably as Rosina in The Barber Of Seville, the latter a signature role for Berganza. Has worked with renowned companies such as La Scala, the Royal Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera, the Paris Opera, the Opera Bastille, and others ~ Berganza passed away in 2022
March 16, 1930 ~ Pianist Tommy Flanagan, full name Thomas Lee Flanagan, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Art Tatum, Teddy Wilson, Nat King Cole, Bud Powell. Well known as accompaniest to Ella Fitzgerald, first working with the singer in the mid-1950s and later serving as her steady pianist and music director for about a decade starting in the late 1960s. Sideman on a number of quintessential 1950s, 1960s albums, perhaps most notably Saxophone Colossus (Sonny Rollins), Critics Choice (Pepper Adams), Flute Souffle (Herbie Mann), Giant Steps (John Coltrane), and In A Mellow Tone (Coleman Hawkins). As a leader made his mark from the 1970s onwards with acclaimed albums such as The Tokyo Recital, Alone Too Long, and Thelonica ~ Flanagan passed away in 2001
March 16, 1927 ~ Rueben Braff, commonly known as swing, dixieland, jazz trumpeter, cornetist Ruby Braff born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with George Barnes, Ellis Larkins, Buck Clayton, Pee Wee Russell, John Pizzarelli, Larry Adler, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Scott Hamilton, Woody Herman, Milt Hinton, Dick Hyman, Ralph Sutton, George Wein, and others ~ Braff passed away in 2003
March 16, 1926 ~ Mezzo-soprano, dramatic soprano opera, concert, lieder singer Christa Ludwig born in Berlin, Germany ~ Daughter of baritone, tenor singer Anton Ludwig and mezzo-soprano Eugenie Besalla-Ludwig. Married to bass-baritone Walter Berry from 1957 to 1970. Enjoyed a career spanning over four decades starting in the late 1940s. Known for her performances of opera, lieder, religious works including oratorio, masses and passions. Closely associated with the Vienna State Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. Has also worked with the Oper Frankfurt, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Royal Opera House, and others ~ Ludwig passed away in 2021
March 16, 1922 ~ Jazz pianist John Young, full name John Merritt Young, born ~ Recorded a number of 1950s, 1960s albums as a leader backed by drummer Eldridge Freeman and bassist Leroy Jackson. Regular sideman of saxophonist Eddie Johnson. Appears on the 1959 T-Bone Walker album T-Bone Blues. Has also worked with Dexter Gordon, Big Joe Turner, Von Freeman, Lorez Alexandria, Gene Ammons, Bobby Bryant, George Freeman, Al Grey, Sonny Stitt, and others ~ Young passed away in 2008
March 16, 1917 ~ Classical flutist, pianist, conductor Albert Tipton born ~ Student of William Kincaid. Principal flutist with the National Symphony Orchestra. Toured with Leopold Stokowski. Tipton has also worked with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the St Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and regularly performed with his wife pianist Mary Norris ~ Tipton passed away in 1997
March 16, 1915 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Sammy Gallop born in Duluth, Minnesota, USA ~ Known for his big band and swing songs of the 1940s and 1950s. Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Elmer's Tune, recorded by the likes of the Andrews Sisters, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Ella Fitzgerald, and others. Others who recorded songs co-written by Gallop include Stan Kenton, Billie Holiday (No Good Man), Guy Lombardo, Jerry Gray, Nat King Cole, and Jack Teagarden ~ Gallop passed away in 1971
March 16, 1909 ~ Donald MacRae Wilhoite Jr, commonly known as vaudevillian, songwriter Don Raye, born ~ Best known for penning or co-penning a number of the Andrews Sisters' songs including Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar, The House Of Blue Lights, Just For A Thrill and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Other artists who recorded his songs include Will Bradley, Louis Jordan, Jimmie Lunceford, Bing Crosby, Woody Herman, Freddie Slack, Sarah Vaughan, Gene Krupa, and others ~ Raye passed away in 1985
March 16, 1909 ~ Abraham John Bond Jr, commonly known as blues, country blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Son Bonds, born in Brownsville, Tennessee, USA ~ Closely associated with Sleepy John Estes and Hammie Nixon. Best known for his 1934 recording Back And Side Blues, which reportedly served as the basis for Sonny Boy Williamson I's Good Morning Little Schoolgirl. Other well known Bond songs include A Hard Pill To Swallow and Come Back Home ~ Bond passed away in 1947
March 16, 1902 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxohonist, guitarist, songwriter Leon Roppolo, full name Leon Joseph Roppolo, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Major influence on Benny Goodman. Best known as a member of the New Orleans Rhytm Kings, regarded as one of the top jazz bands of the 1920s. Co-wrote Farewell Blues, covered by King Oliver, Cab Calloway, Django Reinhardt, and Count Basie. Co-wrote Tin Roof Blues, covered by Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet, and others ~ Roppolo passed away in 1943
March 16, 1901 ~ Piedmont blues, country blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Alec Seward, full name Alexander T Seward, born in Charles City Council, Virginia, USA ~ Worked with Brownie McGhee, Sonny Terry, Louis Hayes, Leadbelly, Woody Guthrie. As a solo artist best known for Some People Say and Creepin' Blues, the latter with notable harmonica accompaniment by Larry Johnson ~ Seward passed away in 1972