March 18, 2024 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Jimmy Hastings, full name James Brian Gordon Hastings, passed away ~ Prominent figure in the Canterbury scene, most closely associated with Caravan with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed In The Land Of Grey And Pink and For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night. Hastings has also notably appeared on albums by Soft Machine, Trapeze (You Are The Music (We're Just The Band)), Murray Head, Bryan Ferry, Chris Squire (Fish Out Of Water), Hatfield & the North, and National Health. To younger audiences perhaps best known for guesting on the 2001 Radiohead album Amnesiac along with other members of Humphrey Lyttelton's eight-piece jazz band ~ Hastings was born in 1938
March 18, 2022 ~ Orin Glenn Troutman, commonly known as rockabilly, pop singer Glen Glenn, passed away ~ Formed the duo the Missouri Mountain Boys with guitarist Gary Lambert. Ventured into a solo career by the mid-1950s, releasing his Everybody's Movin debut single in 1958. Drafted soon after its release, Troutman was unable to do any promotion, effectively stalling his career. Resurfaced in the 1970s after Ace Records issued a compilation of his rockabilly recordings ~ Glenn was born in 1934
March 18, 2021 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion bassist Paul Jackson passed away in Japan ~ Best known for his association with Herbie Hancock, present on albums such as Head Hunters, Thrust and Flood. Has also appeared on albums by Albert Heath, Azteca (Azteca), Stanley Turrentine, Eddie Henderson, Santana, Stomu Yamashta (Go Too), Charles Earland, Sonny Rollins, and Pete Escovedo ~ Jackson was born in 1947
March 18, 2018 ~ Reggae producer Lloyd Daley passed away in Florida, USA ~ Worked with Jackie Mittoo (The Dark Of The Sun), the Scorchers, Little Roy, the Abyssinians, the Ethiopians (Owe Me No Pay Me), Dennis Brown (Things In Life, Don't Do It), the Wailing Souls, Alton Ellis (Lord Deliver Us), John Holt, the Paragons, U-Roy (Sound Of The Wise, Scandal), and others ~ Daley was born in 1939
March 18, 2017 ~ Charles Edward Anderson Berry, commonly known as rock & roll, R&B guitarist, singer Chuck Berry, passed away near Wentzville, Missouri, USA ~ Influenced by Muddy Waters and T-Bone Walker. A pioneering rock & roll guitarist, Berry was one of the first to take blues and R&B from its black roots to cross the color gap and appeal to white audiences, and was noted for his rollinking guitar riffs and signature duck walk, a crouching movement across the stage while playing his guitar. Berry would become hugely influential, notably on artists such as the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys, and the Beatles, with a series of hits starting with Maybellene in 1955. Other well known songs, many considered pivotal to the development of rock & roll, and subsequently rock, include Roll Over Beethoven, Rock & Roll Music, Nadine, You Never Can Tell, Sweet Little Sixteen, and Johnny B Goode. Berry was among the very first to be inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1986, the Hall stating: “While no individual can be said to have invented rock and roll, Berry comes the closest of any single figure to being the one who put all the essential pieces together” ~ Berry was born in 1926
March 18, 2016 ~ Reubern David Egan, commonly known as pianist, singer, songwriter David Egan passed away ~ As a songwriter had his songs recorded by the likes of Irma Thomas (Theys Honey Do's), Etta James (Please No More), Johnny Adams (Even Now), Jimmy Witherspoon (Wake Up Call), Solomon Burke (Fading Footsteps), Percy Sledge (First You Cry), Tab Benoit (Good To You Baby), and others ~ Egan was born in 1954
March 18, 2014 ~ Drummer, percussionist Joe Lala, Joseph Antony Lala, passed away in Tampa, Florida, USA ~ Co-founded Blues Image in 1966, best known for the hit Ride Captain Ride of their 1970 Open sophomore album. Sessioned for numerous pop and rock acts including the Byrds, Crosby Stills & Nash, Manassas, the Bee Gees (You Should Be Dancing), Joe Walsh, Andy Gibb, Dionne Warwick, Dan Fogelberg, Bill Wyman, Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart, Whitney Houston, and others ~ Lala was born in 1947
March 18, 2011 ~ Terrence Harris, commonly known as bassist Jet Harris, passed away in Winchester, UK ~ Member of the Shadows from 1958 through 1962 and notably present on songs such as Savage as used in the Cliff Richard-film The Young Ones. Following his departure from the band would score moderate hits as a solo artist (Besamo Mucho, Theme From The Man With The Golden Arm), handful of UK top 10 hits with Tony Meehan (Diamonds, Scarlet O'Hara), and briefly play with Jeff Beck before disappearing from the public view ~ Harris was born in 1939
March 18, 2009 ~ Edwin Joseph Bocage, commonly known as pianist, singer, Eddie Bo, passed away in Picayne, Mississippi, USA ~ New Orleans R&B veteran schooled in jazz, known for his blues, soul and funk recordings. Has released more records than anyone else in New Orleans, not counting Fats Domino. Member of the Hoodoo Kings. Formed the the Spider Bocage Orchestra, known for backing artists such as Big Joe Turner, Earl King, Guitar Slim, Johnny Adams, Lloyd Price, Ruth Brown, Smiley Lewis, and the Platters. Debuted as a recording artist in 1955 with the single Baby. Bocage's 1956 single I'm Wise was later covered by Little Richard as Slippin' & Slidin'. His 1957 My Dearest Darling would become a national hit Etta James. Also worked as a producer for Irma Thomas, Chris Kenner, Art Neville, Chuck Carbo, Mary Jane Hooper, Robert Parker, and the Explosions. Bocage never broke through nationally, safe for his 1969 single Hook & Sling (Parts 1 & 2) reaching No.73 on the Billboard Hot 100, but was held in the highest regard in Louisiana ~ Bocage was born in 1930
March 18, 2009 ~ Kent Henry Plischke, commonly known as guitarist Kent Henry, passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Uncredited on Blues Image's Open sophomore album, noted for his guitar solo on the hit Ride Captain Ride. Worked with Steppenwolf, present on the 1971 For Ladies album and on the band's farewell tour. Has also worked with Genesis, Charity, Screaming Lord Sutch, and John Kay ~ Plischke was born in 1948
March 18, 2004 ~ Jazz trumpeter Wallace Davenport, full name Wallace Foster Davenport, passed away ~ One of the few traditional jazz trumpeters of the 1930s to remain relevant for decades, branching out into swing, bop, gospel, and R&B over a career spanning eight decades. Started in the Young Tuxedo Brass Band at age 13, going on to tour and record with Papa Celestin, Roy Brown, Lionel Hampton, Mezz Mezzrow, Count Basie, Ray Charles (The Genius Sings The Blues), Lloyd Price, Phil Upchurch (Feeling Blue), Junior Wells, George Wein, Panama Francis, and Larry Darnell ~ Davenport was born in 1925
March 18, 1997 ~ Rock band Aerosmith release their Taste Of India promotional single ~ Released as a promotional single off the band's Nine Lives album. Written by Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Glen Ballard, produced by Kevin Shirley. The song contains elements of Indian music throughout, along with driving guitar riffs in a dual guitar set-up with both Perry and Brad Whitford handling Stratocasters. The band has stated they got the idea for this song by walking past a restaurant named “Taste of India”
March 18, 1991 ~ Singer Lenny Kravitz releases Always On The Run, lead single off his Mama Said sophomore album ~ The single did not chart in the USA, peaked outside the top 40 in the UK, yet would become Kravitz's first top 10 hit in the Netherlands. Guitarist Slash had written the music for the song, originally intending to use it for his band Guns 'n Roses. However, as drummer Steven Adler had difficulty playing the song, he saved the draft for this eventual collaboration with Kravitz. Later, Kravitz recalled: “Slash had me get a gallon of vodka and a bag of ice and we went into the studio and bang, there it was. The two of us wrote and cut the tune. I played drums, he played guitar. Then I played my guitar, bass and did vocals. I brought the horn players in and it was done. Then he got on a plane the next morning and went to LA. It was a wild day.”
March 18, 1988 ~ David Baird, commonly known as jazz, rock, electronic saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, songwriter Chase Baird, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Michael Brecker. Released his debut album, Crosscurrent. Has worked with Antonio Sánchez, Christopher Tordini, Venture, Brad Mehldau, Nir Felder, Dan Chmielinski, Mike Stern, Aaron Parks, Thana Alexa, Gene Perla, Dan Tepfer, Victor Wooten, Keith Carlock, Chaka Khan, Matthew Morrison, Jakob Dylan, Diana DeGarmo, Chloë Agnew, Morgan James, and others
March 18, 1983 ~ Post-hardcore, emo, indie rock, pop punk, pop rock singer, keyboardist, singer Bradley Bell, full name Clinton Bradley David Bell, born in Davison, Michigan, USA ~ Lead singer of Still No Sign. Keyboardist for pop punk group Cinematic Sunrise, post-hardcore band Chiodos, and experimental rock outfit the Sound Of Animals Fighting
March 18, 1980 ~ Pop singer, actress Chantelle Barry born in Perth, Australia ~ Early member of Australian girl group Bardot, fired before any recordings were released and replaced by Tiffani Wood. Barry is best known as an actress, appearing in small roles in several independent films and TV series such as Water Rats, General Hospital, How I Met Your Mother, and NCIS. Barry has released a number of solo albums to moderate success in her adopted homeland the USA, starting with Simple Things released in 2009
March 18, 1979 ~ Singer, guitarist Adam Levine born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of Kara's Flowers. Founding member, lead singer of Maroon 5 known for hits such as This Love, Makes Me Wonder, Moves Like Jagger featuring Christina Aguilera, One More Night, Animals, Sugar, Don't Wanna Know featuring Kendrick Lamar, Girls Like You featuring Cardi B and Memories, all of which reached Billboard top 5
March 18, 1978 ~ In its seventh week on the charts, Night Fever by the Bee Gees hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ When Night Fever hit No.1 the Bee Gees scored their fifth and final Billboard Hot 100 charttopper with a song used for the soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever. The single would hold the top spot for eight consecutive weeks, the longest run for a No.1 that year, to finally be bumped off the top spot by another song the siblings had writtten for the same soundtrack, namely If I Can't Have You performed by Yvonne Elliman
March 18, 1976 ~ Lucious Brinson Johnson, commonly known as blues, electric blues guitarist, singer Luther Snake Boy Johnson, passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of gospel group the Milwaukee Supreme Angels before gravitating towards blues. Backed Elmore James, John Lee Hooker, Otis Spann and Muddy Waters throughout the 1960s. Half a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with Come On Home released in 1968, an album fondly remembered by blues aficionados for featuring several backing musicians closely associated with Muddy Waters ~ Johnson was born in 1934
March 18, 1974 ~ Jazz, progressive jazz, pop, rock pianist Brian Haas, full name Brian Roy Haas, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best known as co-founding and constant member of Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, with whom he recorded well over a dozen albums since the mid-1990s including the acclaimed Welcome Home, Walking With Giants, and Slow Breath Silent Mind
March 18, 1974 ~ Twin brothers Evan Lowenstein and Jaron Lowenstein born in Tucker, Georgia, USA ~ The sibling duo recorded one live album and three studio albums, starting in the mid-1990s, under the moniker Evan & Jaron. They are best known for Crazy For This Girl, a Billboard Hot 100 No.15 hit lifted off their eponymous Evan And Jaron sophomore album. The brothers would be unable to repeat their earlier success, and have pursued interests outside the music industry after being dropped by their label in 2004
March 18, 1974 ~ Bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Stuart Zender born in Sheffield, UK ~ Member of Jamiroquai from 1993 through 1998, leaving the band during the recording of Synkronized due to conflicts with frontman Jay Kay. Present on hit songs such as Space Cowboy, Light Years, Virtual Insanity and Cosmic Girl
March 18, 1972 ~ Garage rock, punk rock singer, guitarist, drummer Greg Cartwright, also known as Greg Oblivian, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for fronting Reigning Sound, acclaimed for their 2002 Time Bomb High School album. Also well known as founding member of several 1990s garage bands including the Compulsive Gamblers, and the Oblivians. Has also worked with the Parting Gifts, the Detroit Cobras, '68 Comeback, the Deadly Snakes, and others
March 18, 1972 ~ Hard rock, grunge, post-grunge singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist Travis Bracht, full name Travis John Bracht, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Formed Peace And Silence, with whom he recorded the 1993 Fathom That album. Best known as a member of post-grunge outfit the Second Coming, with whom he recorded the albums LOV Evil, Second Coming, and 13. Bracht has also worked with Soulbender, Post Modern Heroes, and Bruiser Brody. Bracht released his The Last Funeral solo debut album in 2020
March 18, 1971 ~ Swing, big band bandleader, drummer George Olsen, full name George Edward Olsen Sr, passed away ~ One of Victor Recording Company most popular bandleaders through the 1930s. Married to singer, actress Ethel Shutta from 1926 to 1939 with whom he has two children. Noted for leading the orchestra for the 1928 Broadway musical Whoopee as well as its 1930 movie version. Orchestra leader for The Jack Benny Program radio show ~ Olsen was born in 1893
March 18, 1971 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, punk rock, hip-hop singer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist Morgan Nicholls, full name Morgan Daniel Nicholls, born in London, UK ~ Member of the Senseless Things from 1989 through 1995. Released his sole solo album, Organized, in 2000. Has also worked with Vent 414, Gorillaz, Muse, and with Circle 60
March 18, 1970 ~ Dana Elaine Owens, commonly known as rapper, songwriter, actress Queen Latifah, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Described as a “feminist” rapper, empowering women in general and especially in the male-dominated hip-hop scene. Hip-hop's Aretha, hugely influential on soul, neo-soul, hip-hop, R&B artists such as Eve, Lil' Kim, the Fugees, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, and Foxxy Brown. Debuted in 1989 with the critically acclaimed All Hail The Queen album. Known for songs such as Ladies First, UNITY and Paper. Worked with Native Tongues, De La Soul, Erykah Badu, Living Colour, Monifah, David Bowie, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones, Salt-n-Pepa, Shabba Ranks, Naughty By Nature, and Sly & Robbie. Prolific and much-awarded film and TV actress
March 18, 1969 ~ Folk melodeon player Andy Cutting born in Harrow, UK ~ Plays traditional folk songs and originals, drawing from English and French traditions. Worked with Blowzabella, first appearing on the 1990 Vanilla album. Would frequently collaborate with bandmate Nigel Eaton thereafter. Has also worked with Chris Wood, Karen Tweed, Sting, Fernhill, June Tabor, Chumbawamba, John McCusker, Kate Rushby, Leveret, and Ella Edmondson
March 18, 1967 ~ Andres Titus, commonly known as rapper Dres, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Formed the alternative hip-hop duo Black Sheep with Mista Lawnge. Released his full-length Sure Shot Redemption solo debut album in 1999. Has collaborated with De La Soul, Chi-Ali, Handsome Boy Modeling School, Twista, and others
March 18, 1966 ~ Alternative metal, grunge, hard rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Jerry Cantrell, full name Jerry Fulton Cantrell Jr, born in Tacoma, Washington, USA ~ Founding member, guitarist, primary songwriter of Alice In Chains, known for songs such as No Excuses, Heaven Beside You and Check My Brain. Took over lead vocal duties after the death of Layne Staley in 2002. Has also released a number of solo albums, starting with 1998's Boggy Depot, and has collaborated with Heart, Ozzy Osbourne, Circus Of Power, Gov't Mule, Pearl Jam, the Cult, the Stone Temple Pilots, Glenn Hughes, Duff McKagan, the Deftones, and others
March 18, 1964 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Courtney Pine born in London, UK ~ Acclaimed for his 1986 Journey To The Urge Within debut album. Has incorporated newer influences into his playing, including drum and bass and garage. Has worked with the Grand Union Orchestra, the Jazz Warriors, Mica Paris, Trevor Jones, Harry Beckett, and others
March 18, 1964 ~ Rozalla Miller, mononymously known as eurodance singer Rozalla, born in Ndola, Northern Rhodesia ~ Known best for a number of early-1990s dance hiots, namely Faith In The Power Of Love, Are You Ready To Fly and her best known Everybody's Free To Feel Good
March 18, 1963 ~ Glam metal, hard rock bassist, guitarist, cellist, keyboardist, singer Jeff LaBar, full name Jeffrey Philip LaBar, born in Darby, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as member of glam metal band Cinderella since 1985, taking over from original guitarist Michael Schermick. Has also worked with Naked Beggars, Freakshow, Cheap Thrills and released his solo debut album, One For The Road, in 2014
March 18, 1962 ~ Singer Isabelle Aubret wins the 7th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Luxembourg, Luxembourg ~ Representing France Aubret wins with the song Un Premier Amour written by Claude Henri Vic and Rolande Valade
March 18, 1962 ~ Folk rock, Americana singer, guitarist, songwriter James McMurtry born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Debuted in 1989 with the album Too Long In The Wasteland, produced by John Mellencamp, and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Known for songs such as Painting By Numbers, Choctaw Bingo and We Can't Make It Here
March 18, 1961 ~ Alternative rock, post-hardcore, hardcore punk singer, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Grant Hart, full name Grantzberg Vernon Hart, born in South Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ Drummer, co-founding member of punk rock band Hüsker Dü. As a songwriter credited with helping expand the subject matter of punk through songs such as Standing By The Sea, Diane, and Books About UFOs. After the band disbanded in 1987 Hart released his solo debut album Intolerance album before forming the trio Nova Mob, with whom he recorded the albums Last Days Of Pompeii and Nova Mob. Hart returned to recording as a solo artist in 1999 ~ Hart passed away in 2017
March 18, 1961 ~ Singer Jean-Claude Pascal wins the 6th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Cannes, France ~ Representing Luxembourg Pascal wins with the song Nous Les Amoureux written by Jacques Datin and Maurice Vidalin
March 18, 1960 ~ Alternative rock, post-punk singer, keyboardist, songwriter Anita Lane, full name Anita Louise Lane, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Best known for her stints as a member of Nick Cave's backing units the Bad Seeds and the Birthday Party. Cave and Lane were romantically involved from 1977 through 1983. Lane has co-written several of Cave's songs, notably From Her To Eternity, and Cave in turn has co-written several of Lane's solo songs. She has released two solo albums, 1993's Dirty Pearl and 2001's Sex O'Clock ~ Lane passed away in 2021
March 18, 1960 ~ Siblings the Everly Brothers record Cathy's Clown ~ Written by Don Everly. Produced by Wesley Rose. Released as a single, b/w Always It's You, the following month it would top the Billboard R&B and Billboard Hot 100 charts, as well as reach No.1 in the UK
March 18, 1959 ~ Irene Cara Escalera, commonly known as R&B, pop, disco singer, actress Irene Cara, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for singing, co-writing the 1984 Flashdance (What A Feeling) from the film Flashdance, earning her a Grammy Award and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Also acted in the 1980 film Fame, for which she also sang Out Here On My Own and the title track Fame, the latter a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit ~ Escalera passed away in 2022
March 18, 1959 ~ Jazz vibraphonist, composer Joe Locke, full name Joseph Paul Locke, born in Palo Alto, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with artists such as Grover Washington Jr, Kenny Barron, Dianne Reeves, Eddie Daniels, Jerry González, Rod Stewart, the Beastie Boys, Eddie Palmieri, Eddie Henderson, Hiram Bullock, Bob Berg, Ron Carter, Jimmy Scott, Geoffrey Keezer, the Mingus Big Band, Randy Brecker, Frank Kimbrough, Tim Riles, the New Sound Quartet, Russell Malone, Eddie Higgins, Billy Childs, Idris Muhammad, Cameron Brown, Freddy Cole, Dena DeRose, Wayne Escoffery, David Finck, Jim Rotondi, George Cables, Tony Lakatos, Mark Soskin, Chick Corea, Paul Bollenback, Gerard Presencer, Mark Sherman, Hadley Caliman, Dominick Farinacci, Ryan Cohan, and others
March 18, 1957 ~ Composer Gheorghi Arnaoudov born in Sofia, Bulgaria ~ Internationally acclaimed. Influenced by Alexander Scriabin, Olivier Messiaen, Edgard Varèse, Krzysztof Penderecki, Arvo Pärt, Anton Webern, Morton Feldman. Rooted in minimal music and known for composing for stage, orchestra, chamber music, film music and piano
March 18, 1956 ~ Robert Charles Kaufhold, commonly known as horror punk, hardcore punk singer, bassist, guitarist Bobby Steele, born in Teaneck, New Jersey, USA ~ Guitarist, sole original member of punk band the Undead. Member of the Misfits from 1978 through 1980, succeeded by Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein, and present on the singles Horror Business and Night Of The Living Dead. Married to Diana Viar, bandmate in RIP
March 18, 1954 ~ Jazz saxophonist Harry Sokal born in Vienna, Austria ~ Worked with the Vienna Art Orchestra, Depart, Jojo Mayer, Heiri Kanzig, Art Blakey, Wolfert Brederode, Dave Holland, Terje Rypdal, Daniel Humair, Michel Portal, Mike Richmond, Mino Cinélu, Friedrich Gulda, Idris Muhammad, Joe Zawinul, Gene Jackson, Andy McKee, Art Farmer, Wolfgang Puschnig, Falco, Timeless, and others
March 18, 1952 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, punk rock guitarist Bernie Tormé, full name Bernard Joseph Tormey, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore. Best known as member of Gillan, fronted by Deep Purple's Ian Gillan, present on the albums Mr Universe, Glory Road and Future Shock. Has also worked with Atomic Rooster, Desperado, René Berg, GMT, Ozzy Osbourne, Quatermass, and Gary Barden's Silver ~ Tormey passed away in 2019
March 18, 1952 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Laura Smith born in London, Canada ~ Best known for her 1995 single Shade Of Your Love and for her rendition of the traditional folk song My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean, retitled simply to My Bonnie. Smith also recorded a version of the latter with the Chieftains, who included the track on their 1998 Fire In The Kitchen compilation album ~ Smith passed away in 2020
March 18, 1951 ~ Guitarist Bill Frisell, full name William Richard Frisell, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Closely associated with both John Zorn and Paul Motian. Got his big break when Pat Metheny was unable to make a session date and suggested him to Motian. Frisell would become an in-house guitarist for ECM Records, working on several notable early-1980s albums. He would release his In-Line solo debut album in 1983 and has been recording to critical acclaim and admiration from peers since. Has since recorded well over three dozen albums as a solo artist or co-leader, and guested on numerous albums as a sideman. Notable collaborations include Naked City, Ron Carter, Elvin Jones, 858 Quartet, Tim Berne, Vernon Reid, Elvis Costello (Deep Dead Blue), Floratone, Jim Hall, Lee Konitz, Mathilde Santing, Julius Hemphill, Bobby Previte, Ryuichi Sakamoto, John Scofield, Ginger Baker, David Sylvian, Cuong Vu, Loudon Wainwright III, and Lucinda Williams
March 18, 1951 ~ Pop, rock, Latin, R&B, jazz engineer, mixer, producer Humberto Gatica born in Chile ~ Active since the mid-1970s. Closely associated with producer David Foster. In one capacity or another has worked on albums such as Chicago's 17, Michael Jackson's Bad, Céline Dion's Falling Into You, La Ley's Uno, Andrea Bocelli's Amore, and Michael Bublé's It's Time. Has also worked with Alice Cooper, Kenny Rogers, Janet Jackson, Lionel Richie, Tina Turner, Michael McDonald, USA For Africa, Richard Marx, Ray Charles, Julio Iglesias, Eros Ramazzotti, Barbra Streisand, the Bee Gees, Bette Midler, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, LeAnn Rimes, Josh Groban, and others
March 18, 1950 ~ Carlos Daniel Ayala, commonly known as guitarist Carlos Guitarlos, born ~ Best known as lead guitarist for early-1980s rock, R&B band Top Jimmy & the Rhythm Pigs. Emerging from the Los Angeles punk roots scene the band would develop a cult following before crumbling as a result of internal volatility, fueled in large part by Ayala. The band counted Tom Waits among its fans, resulting in Ayala guesting on Waits's 1983 Swordfishtrombones
March 18, 1950 ~ Drummer John Hartman born in Falls Church, Virginia, USA ~ Original drummer, co-founding member of the Doobie Brothers. The band would add a second drummer, Michael Hossack, to the line-up in 1971 and keep the dual-drummer formation until Hartman's final departure from the band in 2016. Hartman was present on Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits such as Listen To The Music, Long Train Runnin', China Grove, Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me), Takin' It To The Street and Minute By Minute. 1974's Black Water and 1979's What A Fool Believes would both reach No.1 ~ Hartman passed away in 2021
March 18, 1949 ~ Singer Martine Clémenceau born ~ Known for songs such as A Jour L'Amour, France's 1973 Eurovision Songfestival entry Sans Toi which reached 15th place, and perhaps most notably known for writing and first recording Solitaire in 1982. The latter would be covered by Laura Branigan two years later, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top 10
March 18, 1947 ~ Barrie James Wilson, commonly known as baroque pop, rock, progressive rock drummer BJ Wilson, born in Edmonton, UK ~ Member of the Paramounts, known for their 1963 single Poison Ivy. Declined an offer by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant to join Led Zeppelin. Best known as longtime drummer for Procol Harum, joining the band in 1967 right after the succes of their A Whiter Shade Of Pale debut single and present on all subsequent recordings through 1977 ~ Wilson passed away in 1990
March 18, 1946 ~ Country, folk singer, songwriter Merle Travis records No Vacancy at Radio Recorders, Los Angeles, California ~ Written by Travis and Cliffie Stone. Reportedly, No Vacancy got Travis his first major solo recording contract. Stone brought the idea, a tale of a World War II veteran returning to find nowhere to live, to Travis who recorded it. Lee Gillette would be enamored and sign Travis to Capitol Records. The single, b/w Cincinnati Lou, would reach top 5 Billboard Country
March 18, 1945 ~ Roberto Satti, commonly known as pop singer, actor Bobby Solo, born in Rome, Italy ~ Disqualified from the 1964 edition of the Sanremo Music Festival for lip-syncing due to suffering from laryngitis, yet his entry of Una Lacrima Sul Viso would become a hit and actually the first record to sell over a million copies in Italy. Other well known songs include Se Piangi Se Ridi which was picked as Italy's 1965 Eurovision Songfestival entry reaching 5th place, and his 1969 No.1 hit Zingara
March 18, 1945 ~ Charles Edward Weiss, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actor Chuck E Weiss, born in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ Played blues, beat poetry, rock & roll. got his start in music as touring drummer for Lightnin' Hopkins. To mainstream audiences perhaps best known as the subject of Rickie Lee Jones' 1979 Chuck E's In Love hit single. Released his eponymous Chuck E Weiss debut album in 1981. Had Tony Gilkyson and Tom Waits guest on his 1999 Extremely Cool album, with Waits also signing on as co-producer ~ Weiss passed away in 2021
March 18, 1945 ~ Singer, songwriter, keyboardist, artist manager Eric Woolfson born in Charing Cross, UK ~ Best known for his close association with Alan Parsons, practically being co-creator and only other key member of the Alan Parsons Project. Previously worked as a songwriter for artists including Marianne Faithfull, Frank Ifield, Joe Dassin, the Tremeloes, Marmalade, Dave Berry, Peter Noone, and others. Turned to music management, his first two signings Carl Douglas and Parsons ~ Woolfson passed away in 2009
March 18, 1943 ~ Songwriter Dennis Linde born in Abilene, Texas, USA ~ Songwriter best known for penning Elvis Presley's 1972 hit Burning Love. Others who have recorded his songs include Roy Drusky (Long Long Texas Road), Roger Miller, Gary Morris, the Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, Don Williams (Walkin' A Broken Heart), Eddy Raven, Mark Chesnutt, Aaron Tippin, Garth Brooks (Callin' Baton Rouge), Delbert McClinton (Love Rustler), Blackhawk, Joe Diffie (John Deere Green), the Judds, BJ Thomas, the Dixie Chicks (Goodbye Earl), the Everly Brothers, Chris LeDoux, Shenandoah, Ricky Van Shelton, Joy Lynn White, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jo-El Sonnier, Sherrié Austin, Confederate Railroad, and others ~ Linde passed away in 2006
March 18, 1943 ~ Soul singer Lowrell Simon born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of the Vondells. Member of Lost Generation. Wrote Dance Master for Willie Henderson. Wrote All About The Paper for Loleatta Holloway. As a solo artist best known for Mellow Mellow Right, a modest hit in 1979 and sampled by numerous artists including Massive Attack, Imagination and Common ~ Simon passed away in 2018
March 18, 1942 ~ Singer Al Dexter records Rosalita at CBS Columbia Square Studio, California, USA ~ Self-penned. Backed by Frank Marvin, Johnny Bond, Dick Reinhart. Released in March 1943 as the flip side of Pistol Packin' Mama. During the same session Dexter also recorded So Long Pal and Too Late To Worry
March 18, 1942 ~ Folk rock, psychedelic rock, rock, blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Mike Wilhelm, full name Michael Ray Wilhelm, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Mentored by iconic blues singer, guitarist Brownie McGhee. Once cited by the Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia as his favorite guitarist. Co-founding member of the short-lived yet influential group the Charlatans, a band widely credited for starting the Haight-Ashbury psychedelic scene. Following the band's disbandement Wilhelm formed the trio Loose Gravel and subsequently spent over half a decade as lead guitarist for the Flamin' Groovies, including on the albums Flamin' Groovies Now and Jumpin' In The Night. Wilhelm has also recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Wilhelm released in 1976 ~ Wilhelm passed away in 2019
March 18, 1941 ~ Country singer Margie Bowes, full name Margie Marie Bowes, born in Roxboro, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known for her 1959 country hit Poor Old Heartsick Me. Other well known songs include My Love And Little Me and Little Miss Belong To No One. Briefly married to Doyle Wilburn of the Wilburn Brothers ~ Bowes passed away in 2020
March 18, 1941 ~ R&B, soul singer, songwriter Wilson Pickett born in Prattville, Alabama, USA ~ R&B, soul with a grittier edge than most of his contemporaries. Nicknamed “the Wicked Pickett”. Started out as a member of gospel, vocal groups such as the Violinaires and notably the Falcons, teaming up with Eddie Floyd and Mack Rice, one of the key bands that laid the groundwork for later development of soul music. Sang lead on I Found A Love, which he co-wrote. Embarked on a solo career by the early-1960s. His third single, 1965's In The Midnight Hour, sold a million copies. Also known for tracks such as 634-5789 (Soulsville USA), Mustang Sally, Funky Broadway, and others. Pickett wrote or co-wrote the majority of his recordings ~ Pickett passed away in 2006
March 18, 1938 ~ Country singer, guitarist Charley Pride, full name Charley Frank Pride, born in Sledge, Mississippi, USA ~ One of only three African-American artists who made it to the the Grand Ole Opry, the other two being DeFord Bailey and Darius Rucker. Actively recording since the mid-1960s. Known best for country hits such as The Easy Part's Over, All I Have To Offer You Is Me, I'm So Afraid Of Losing You Again, Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone, Wonder Could I Live There Anymore, I Can't Believe That You've Stopped Loving Me, I'm Just Me, It's Gonna Take A Little Bit Longer, She's Too Good To Be True, A Shoulder To Cry On, Hope You're Feelin' Me Like I'm Feelin' You, I'll Be Leaving Alone, Where Do I Put Her Memory, You're My Jamaica, Mountain Of Love, and Night Games ~ Pride passed naway in 2020
March 18, 1938 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Kenny Lynch born in London, UK ~ In his day one of the few black pop singers in British pop. Known for the early-1960s top 10 hits Up On The Roof and You Can Never Stop Me Loving You. Also noted for being the first to record a cover of the Beatles, namely Misery. Also wrote or co-wrote songs for Linda Thorson, the Small Faces (Sha-la-la-la-lee), Cilla Black (Love's Just A Broken Heart), and others ~ Lynch passed away in 2019
March 18, 1935 ~ Ska, rocksteady, reggae percussionist Noel Simms, full name Noel Bartholomew Simms, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Half of the duo Bunny & Scully, the other half being Arthur Bunny Robinson. Also worked with Coxsone Dodd, Prince Buster, the Aggrovators, the Upsetters, the Revolutionaries, Roots Radics, Big Youth, Peter Tosh, Dillinger, the Heptones, Justin Hinds, Johnny Moore, Jimmy Cliff, and others ~ Simms passed away in 2017
March 18, 1932 ~ John Chancellor Olcott, commonly known as singer, actor, songwriter Chauncey Olcott, passed away in Monte Carlo, Monaco ~ Sang in minstrel shows and Broadway shows. As a lyricist and composer especially known for Irish musicals such as Sweet Iniscare, Garrett O'Magh and The Old Limerick Town. Olcott retired from music in 1925 for health reasons ~ Olcott was born in 1858
March 18, 1927 ~ Guitarist, singer Big Daddy Kinsey born in Pleasant Grove, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known as patriarch of two family outfits, namely Big Daddy Kinsey & his Fabulous Sons from the 1950s through the early-1970s and Big Daddy Kinsey & the Kinsey Report started in the mid-1980s ~ Kinsey passed away in 2001
March 18, 1927 ~ Musical composer John Kander, full name John Harold Kander, born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Best known for his work in the musical theater, including on the acclaimed musicals Cabaret and Chicago. The duo also wrote New York New York, first recorded by their protégé Liza Minnelli and popularized by Frank Sinatra
March 18, 1925 ~ Instrumentalist, composer Alessandro Alessandroni born in Rome, Italy ~ Best known for his longtime association with Ennio Morricone. Alessandroni's twangy guitar riff is central to the main theme of The Good The Bad & The Ugly. Other than performing on Morricone's film scores Allesandroni is also a noted film composer in his own right scoring films since the late-1960s ~ Allesandroni passed away in 2017
March 18, 1924 ~ Percussionist Jose Mangual Sr born in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico ~ Father of José Mangual Jr and Luis Mangual, both renowned salsa singer. In-demand sideman during the 1940s and 1950s, credited with setting a standard for bongo playing. Has worked with the likes of Tito Puente, Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Machito, Ray Charles (The Genius of Ray Charles), Tito Puente, Miles Davis (Sketches Of Spain), Herbie Mann, Sarah Vaughan, and Cal Tjader ~ Mangual passed away in 1998
March 18, 1919 ~ Michèline Care, commmonly known as singer, chansonierre Michèle Arnaud, born in Toulon, France ~ Represented Luxembourg in the 1st edition of the Eurovision Songfestival in 1956, performing the songs Ne Crois Pas and Les Amants De Minuit. Arnaud would reach the 2nd place, losing out to Lys Assia's Refrain, the contestant for Switzerland ~ Caré passed away in 1998
March 18, 1918 ~ Edward Shulman, commonly known as swing saxophonist, clarinetist, trumpeter Eddie Shu, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Tadd Dameron, George Shearing, Johnny Bothwell, Buddy Rich, Les Elgart, Lionel Hampton, Charlie Barnet, Chubby Jackson, Gene Krupa, Jackie Paris, Bobby Byrne, Mel Powell, Louis Armstrong, Joe Bonner, and others ~ Shulman passed away in 1986
March 18, 1893 ~ Swing, big band bandleader, drummer George Olsen, full name George Edward Olsen Sr, born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ One of Victor Recording Company most popular bandleaders through the 1930s. Married to singer, actress Ethel Shutta from 1926 to 1939 with whom he has two children. Noted for leading the orchestra for the 1928 Broadway musical Whoopee as well as its 1930 movie version. Orchestra leader for The Jack Benny Program radio show ~ Olsen passed away in 1971
March 18, 1893 ~ Jazz, dixieland pianist, bandleader Jean Goldkette, full name John Jean Goldkette, born in Valenciennes, France ~ Led the Victor Recording Orchestra during the mid- to late-1920s, which at times included Bix Beiderbecke, Hoagy Carmichael, Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey, Eddie Lang, Chauncey Morehouse, Don Murray, Spiegle Willcox, and others ~ Goldkette passed away in 1962
March 18, 1884 ~ Pianist, songwriter, actor Joe Burke, full name Joseph Aloysius Burke, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-penning Tiptoe Through The Tulips With Me and Painting The Clouds With Sunshine, both major hits for Nick Lucas and the former covered by over 100 artists. Others who have recorded his songs include Edythe Wright, Ben Selvin, Gene Austin (Carolina Moon), Guy Lombardo (It Looks Like Rain In Cherry Blossom), Dean Martin, Billie Holiday (Getting Some Fun Out Of Life), Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Jim Reeves, Ray Charles, Fats Waller, Perry Como (Rambling Rose), Fats Waller, Rudy Vallée, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, Chet Atkins, and Tiny Tim ~ Burke passed away in 1950
March 18, 1879 ~ Contralto singer Emma Carus born ~ Vaudeville, Broadway performer. First gained attention in the cast of the original 1907 Ziegfeld Follies revue. Drew comparisons to Sophie Tucker, Fay Templeton and Eva Tanguay. Helped popularize Alexander's Ragtime Band, songwriter Irving Berlin's first major hit ~ Carus passed away in 1927