March 19, 1987 ~ Thana Alexa Pavelic, commonly known as jazz, jazz fusion, ethno soul singer, arranger, songwriter Thana Alexa, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Debuted as a leader with the Ode To Heroes in 2015. Has worked with Gene Ess, Matija Dedic, Chase Baird, Christos Rafalides, and with her husband Antonio Sánchez
March 19, 1978 ~ Lenka Kripac, mononymously known as indie pop singer, actress Lenka, born in Bega, Australia ~ Daughter of jazz trumpeter Jiri Kripac. Recorded over half a dozen albums, starting with the eponymous Lenka album in 2008. Her debut album included her best known song, The Show which would later be used in numerous advertisements and in the 2011 film Moneyball
March 19, 1973 ~ Drummer Brant Bjork born in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Important figure in stoner rock. Best known as co-founding member, drummer of stoner rock band Kyuss, remaining with the band through 1994. Present on the band's first three albums, Wretch, Blues For The Red Sun, and Welcome To The Sky. Bjork has also worked with Fu Manchu, Mondo Generator, Vista Chino, and the stoner rock power trio Stöner. Has also recorded over a dozen solo albums, starting with Jalamanta released in 1999
March 19, 1973 ~ Bernard James Freeman, commonly known as rapper Bun B, born in Port Arthur, Texas, USA ~ Formed the hip-hop duo UGK with Pimp C, known best as collaborators on Jay-Z's 2000 Billboard top 20 hit Big Pimpin'. The duo has also worked with Three 6 Mafia, TI, Master P, Too $hort, OutKast, Ludacris, E-40, Dizzee Rascal, Big Boi, and A$AP Rocky
March 19, 1965 ~ James Gordon Shapiro, commonly known as rock, alternative rock guitarist, drummer, bassist, singer Jim Shapiro, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Brother of singer, guitarist Nina Gordon. Original drummer of Veruca Salt, present on the band's first two albums, 1994's American Thighs and 1997's Eight Arms To Hold You, and rejoining in 2013. Founded and fronted Ultraswiss. Also worked with the Hushdrops
March 19, 1964 ~ Singer, guitarist Olli Lindholm born in Pori, Finland ~ Lead singer, co-founding and sole constant member of Yö, with whom he recorded about two dozen albums starting in the early-1980s. The band is known for songs such as Joutsenlaulu, Likaiset Legendat, Ihmisen Poika, Rakkaus O Lumivalkoinen, Sarkynyt Enkeli, and Tia Maria. Lindolm has also recorded a number of albums as a solo artist, starting with Voima, released in 2000 ~ Lindholm passed away in 2019
March 19, 1959 ~ Keyboardist, percussionist, conductor Anthony Marinelli born in Burbank, California, USA ~ Has worked on over an estimated 100 soundtracks for film and TV, notably the 1993 My Forgotten Man feature film. In-demand session musician, present on albums by Michael Jackson (Thriller), Lionel Richie, Supertramp (Brother Where You Bound), Kenny Loggins, Giorgio Moroder, and Dianne Reeves
March 19, 1959 ~ New wave, ska, pop rock singer, songwriter Terry Hall, full name Terrence Edward Hall, born in Coventry, UK ~ Lead singer of the Coventry Automatics, renamed to the Specials in 1979. The band is known for songs such as Message To You Rudy, Too Much Too Young, Do Nothing, Stereotype, Rat Race, and their best known the UK No.1 hit Ghost Town. Subsequently formed the Fun Boy Three with bandmates Lynval Golding and Neville Staple, the trio known for The Lunatics Have Taken Over The Asylum and the Bananarama collaboration It Ain't What You Do (It's The The Way That You Do It). Hall has also worked with Colourfield, Terry Blair & Anouchka, formed the duo Vegas with Dave Stewart, and recorded as a solo artist ~ Hall passed away in 2022
March 19, 1959 ~ Roots reggae singer Wayne Wade born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Known for a number of mid-1970s hits, mostly working with producer Yabby You. Released his Black Is Our Colour in 1976. Well known songs inlude Happy Go Lucky Girl, On The Beach, After You and Natty Contractor. Has also worked with Dillinger, Joe Gibbs, Linval Thompson, and others
March 19, 1958 ~ Jazz singer, conductor Anne Marie Giørtz born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Married to guitarist Eivind Sarset. Sister of pianist Ole Henrik Giørtz. Leader and sidewoman. Has worked with Ab Und Zu, Bazar, Trio de Janeiro, Claudio Latini, and EIM
March 19, 1957 ~ Classical, jazz, new age pianist, flutist Øystein Sevåg born in Bærum, Norway ~ Released his Close Your Eyes And See debut album in 1989 and has recorded steadily since drawing from classical, jazz, new age and electronica. Has worked with Lakki Patey, the London Philharmonia Orchestra, Benedicte Torget, Peter Wettre, Bendik Hofseth, Paolo Vinaccia, Audun Erlien, Eivind Sarset, and others
March 19, 1955 ~ Drummer, percussionist Derek Longmuir born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Founding member of the Bay City Rollers, which also included his brother bassist Alan Longmuir, known for 1970s UK top 10 hits such Keep On Dancing, Remember (Sha-la-la}, Shang-a-lang, Summerlove Sensation, All Of Me Loves All Of You, Bye Bye Baby, Give A Little Love, Love Me Like I Love You, Money Honey and I Only Want To Be With You
March 19, 1955 ~ Giuseppe Daniele, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Pino Daniele, born in Naples, Italy ~ Once dubbed his music “tarumbo” indicating a mix of tarantello, blues and rumba. Prolific guitarist known for his wide influences and social commentary. Best known for his debut, 1977 Terra Mia and his 1980 album Nero A Metà, the latter being noted by critics as the rebirth of Neapolitan song. Opened for Bob Marley. Befriended Eric Clapton. Had his songs covered by artists as diverse as Sarah Jane Morris, Randy Crawford (It's Raining (Quanno Chiove)), Patricia Marx, Marisa Monte, and Issac Delgado. Collaborated with James Senese, Enzo Avitabile, Tullio de Piscopo, Tony Esposito, Alphonso Johnson, Wayne Shorter, Richie Havens, Pat Metheny, Joe Bonamassa, and others ~ Daniele passed away in 2015
March 19, 1954 ~ Guitarist Jamie West-Oram born in Barnsley, UK ~ Member of the Fixx, joining the band in 1980 as replacement for Tony McGrail. The band is known for songs such as Stand Or Fall, Saved By Zero, One Thing Leads To Another, Are We Ourselves, Secret Separation, and Driven Out. Alongside bandmate Cy Curnin West-Oram also notably guested on Tina Turner's 1984 Private Dancer comeback album, featured on the tracks I Might Have Been Queen and Better Be Good To Me
March 19, 1954 ~ Conductor, music director Robert Hart Baker born ~ Renowned conductor. Has worked with the Saint Louis Philharmonic, the Asheville Lyric Opera, the York Symphony Orchestra, the Connecticut Philharmonic Orchestra, the New York Youth Symphony, the Harrisburg Choral Society, the Zurich Symphony Orchestra, the Regina Symphony Orchestra, and others
March 19, 1953 ~ Bassist Billy Sheehan born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ First gained attention as a member of Talas, earning local popularity in Buffalo spreading into northeast US and Canada, for whom he also wrote Shy Boy and Addicted To That Rush. Sheehan would later re-record the former with David Lee Roth, the latter with Mr Big. Has also worked with Niacin, Greg Howe, Richie Kotzen, Winery Dogs, Michael Kocáb, Sons Of Apollo, and record as a solo artist
March 19, 1953 ~ Jazz pianist Michele Rosewoman born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Worked with Quintessence, Baikida Carroll, Julius Hemphill, Julian Priester, Oliver Lake, Billy Bang, Freddie Waits, Rufus Reid, Billy Hart, Reggie Workman, Celia Cruz, Chocolate Armenteros, Paquito d'Rivera, Greg Osby, Andy Laster, and others
March 19, 1953 ~ New wave, post-punk guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer Ricky Wilson, full name Ricky Helton Wilson, born in Athens, Georgia, USA ~ Co-founding member of the B52's, which also included his sister Cindy Wilson, with whom he recorded four albums until his death at age 32 of AIDS-related complications. Notable songs featuring Wilson include Rock Lobster, Planet Claire, Private Idaho, Whammy Kiss, and Summer Of Love. Wilson had kept his illness private as he did not want anyone to worry about him. Upon his death in 1985, the band had just completed their Bouncing Off The Satellites album. Devastated by Wilson's death, the band did only little promotional work and no touring to promote the album. No substitute was sought for Wilson, with bandmate Keith Strickland replicating Wilson's riffs in live performances of their earlier material. Outside of the B52's, Wilson has only appeared on one album, playing guitar on the track Breakin' In My Heart off Tom Verlaine's eponymous Tom Verlaine solo debut album issued in 1979 ~ Wilson passed away in 1985
March 19, 1952 ~ Rock guitarist, bassist Albritton McClain born ~ Best known as a member of power pop unit Donnie Iris & the Cruisers. Present on all of the band's 1980s albums including the acclaimed King Cool, considered a commercial and critical peak for Iris, spawning the modest hits Love Is Like A Rock and My Girl
March 19, 1952 ~ Violinist Jorja Fleezanis, full name Jorja Kay Fleezanis, born ~ Best known as concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra from 1989 through 2009. At the time of her appointment only the second female in the USA to hold such a title. Premiered John Adams' Violin Concerto in 1994, with then-music director Edo de Waart leading the orchestra. Married to classical music critic and author Michael Steinberg ~ Fleezanis passed away in 2022
March 19, 1950 ~ Trombonist Curtis Fowlkes born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founded the Jazz Passengers with saxophonist Roy Nathanson, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums starting with Implement Yourself released in 1990. Member of the Lounge Lizards. Has also worked with Charlie Haden, Don Byron, Bill Frisell, Glen Hansard, Charlie Hunter, Marc Ribot, Horace Andy, Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Levon Helm, Freedy Johnston, Bobby Previte, Lou Reed, John Zorn, and others
March 19, 1946 ~ Guitarist, producer Paul Atkinson, full name Paul Ashley Warren Atkinson, born in Cuffley, UK ~ Co-founding member of pop rock band the Zombies, known for the late-1960s hits She's Not There, Tell Her No and Time Of The Season. Following the band's disbandement, Atkinson would go to become an A&R executive and producer working with artists such as Elton John, ABBA, Bruce Hornsby, Mr Mister, and Judas Priest ~ Atkinson passed away in 2004
March 19, 1946 ~ R&B, soul, funk singer Ruth Pointer, full name Ruth Esther Pointer, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Member of siblin outfit the Pointer Sisters, known for songs such as Yes We Can Can, Fairytale, How Long (Betcha Got A Chick On The Side), Fire, He's So Shy, Slow Hand, Automatic, Jump (For My Love), I'm So Excited, Automatic and Neutron Dance
March 19, 1944 ~ Keyboardist Tom Constanten born in Long Branch, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known for his stint with the Grateful Dead from 1968 through 1970, appearing on the albums Anthem Of The Sun, Aoxomoxoa, and Live/Dead. Member of Dose Hermanos. Over the years has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, notably 2002's 88 Keys To Tomorrow, and collaborated with the likes of the Incredible String Band, Henry Kaiser, Robin Petrie, Jorma Kaukonen, the Zen Tricksters, and others
March 19, 1942 ~ Folk, country, outlaw country singer, guitarist, songwriter Richard Dobson, full name Richard James Joseph Dobson II, born in Tyler, Texas, USA ~ One of the most literate country songwriters to come out of Texas, akin to Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. Called “the Ernest Hemingway of Country music” by Nanci Griffith who covered his The Ballad Of Robin Wintersmith. About two dozen albums to his name, starting with In Texas Last December released in 1977. Perhaps best known for penning Baby Ride Easy, recorded by Dobson in 1977 and covered by several artists, including as a duet by Del Reeves & Billie Jo Spears, by Carlene Carter & Dave Edmunds, and by Johnny Cash & June Carter ~ Dobson passed away in 2017
March 19, 1940 ~ Jazz, dixieland trumpeter Keith Smith, full name Keith John Smith, born in Isleworth, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the mid-1950s, mostly in traditional jazz and dixieland revival bands. As a leader perhaps best known for founding and leading Hefty Jazz for over a decade starting in 1975, which at times included George Chisholm, Mick Pyne, Peanuts Hucko, Nat Pierce, Johnny Mince, Barrett Deems. Has also worked with Norrie Cox, the New Teao Brass Band, Pops Foster, Jimmy Archey, Alvin Alcorn, and others ~ Smith passed away in 2008
March 19, 1940 ~ Pop singer, actor Michael Cox, full name Michael James Cox, born in Liverpool, UK ~ As a singer best known for his Joe Meek-produced single Angela Jones, a 1960 UK top 10 hit. Would later venture into acting, eventually settling down in New Zealand using both his full name and the alias Michael James
March 19, 1939 ~ Jazz pianist Mike Longo, full name Michael Josef Longo, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his work with Dizzy Gillespie. Also worked with Cannonball Adderley, Paul Chambers, Adam Rafferty, Ben Brown, Ray Mosca, Lee Konitz, and others
March 19, 1937 ~ Clarence Henry II, commonly known as R&B singer Clarence Frogman Henry born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Started learning piano as a child, with Fats Domino and Professor Longhair as main influences. Known for his trademark croak, earning him the nickname “frogman”. Scored several late-1950s, early-1960s R&B hits, notably Ain't Got No Home, You Always Hurt The One You Love and perhaps his best known (I Don't Know Why I Love You) But I Do, the latter reaching top 10 on both the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts ~ Henry passed away in 2024
March 19, 1936 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer Amancio d'Silva born in Bombay, India ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with with Joe Harriott, Stan Tracey, Don Rendell, Ian Carr, and Guy Warren ~ D'Silva passed away in 1996
March 19, 1928 ~ Clarence Otto Pauling, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Clarence Paul, born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA ~ Co-founding member of doo-wop outfit the 5 Royales. Best known as a songwriter and producer, closely associated with Motown. Served as mentor and main producer to Stevie Wonder during Wonder's teenage years. Writing credits include Hitch Hike (Marvin Gaye), Fingertips (Wonder), You've Been In Love Too Long (Martha & the Vandellas), Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead (the Marvelettes), Just A Little Understanding (the Contours), and Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do (Wonder, Aretha Franklin) ~ Pauling passed away in 1995
March 19, 1928 ~ Folk revival guitarist, banjoist, fiddler Tom Paley, full name Allan Thomas Paley, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Influential on Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead. Best known for his work with the New Lost City Ramblers during the 1950s and 1960s. Following his departure from the band in the early-1960s founded the Old Reliable String Band with Roy Berkeley and Artie Rose before relocating to Europe ~ Paley passed away in 2017
March 19, 1926 ~ William Randall Henderson, commonly known as jazz singer, actor Bill Henderson, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Ramsey Lewis, Horace Silver, Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Smith, Count Basie, Yusef Lateef, Eddie Harris, Booker Little, Wynton Kelly, Eddie Higgins, Tommy Flanagan, Joe Diorio, Ray Brown, Ed Thigpen, Joyce Collins, Jerry Coleman, Pete Christlieb, Joey Baron, Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson, Charlie Haden, Mike Melvoin, Chico Hamilton, Dave Mackay, and Tom Azarello ~ Henderson passed away in 2016
March 19, 1921 ~ Jazz bassist Harry Babasin, full name Yervant Harry Babasin Jr, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Leader and sideman, nicknamed “the Bear”. Worked with Herb Ellis, Charlie Fisk, Jimmy Joy, Bob Strong, Billie Rogers, Gene Krupa, Charlie Barnet, Boyd Raeburn, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Frank Devol, Jerry Gray, Roy Harte, Bud Shank, Dodo Marmarosa, Oscar Pettiford, John Banister, and others ~ Babasin passed away in 1988
March 19, 1921 ~ Irene Amburgey, commonly known as country, gospel singer, guitarist, songwriter Martha Carson, born ~ At times referred to as “the Rockin' Queen of Happy Spirituals” enjoying popularity in the 1950s with gospel-country tunes such as Satisfied, Journey To The Sky, and Saints And Chariot. Cited by Elvis Presley as in influence on his gospel singing ~ Amburgey passed away in 2004
March 19, 1917 ~ Dillon Russell, commonly known as jazz double bassist Curley Russell, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Though largely forgotten today, Russell was an important figure in the early years of bebop, appearing on several key recordings. Nicknamed “Curley” for his curly hair. Hardly a soloist, but a fine accompanist able to keep up with the rapid tempoes. Russell has worked with Don Redman, Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Tadd Dameron, George Wallington, Al Cohn (Cohn's Tones), Bud Powell, Stan Getz, Buddy DeFranco, Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk (We See), Dexter Gordon, Horace Silver, Coleman Hawkins, Miles Davis, Johnny Griffin (A Blowin' Session), and Sonny Stitt. Parker's composition Donna Lee is named for Russell's daughter. In the latter half of the 1950s, Russell drifted away from jazz into R&B, retiring from music altogether by the end of the decade ~ Russell passed away in 1986
March 19, 1914 ~ James Joseph Bennett, commonly known as blues shouter, saxophonist Buster Bennett, born in Pensacola, Florida, USA ~ Worked with Lester Melrose, Big Bill Broonzy, Yas Yas Girl, Monkey Joe, Washboard Sam, Jimmie Gordon, Sammy Price, Arrington Thornton, Duke Groner, Wild Bill Davis, Israel Crosby, Pee Wee Jackson, and Tom Archia ~ Bennett passed away in 1980
March 19, 1894 ~ Loretta Mary Aiken, comedienne, singer, commonly known as Moms Mabley, born in Brevard, North Carolina, USA ~ Although as a black woman her wages were meager, Mabley was one of the most successful entertainers of the Chitlin Circuit, a collection of venues throughout the Midwest that billed African American entertainers during the era of racial segregation. Came out as a lesbian in the early-1920s, making her one of the first openly gay comedians. Later on in her career music would become a regular part of her act, and she scored a Billboard Hot 100 top 40 in 1969 with Abraham Martin & John, originally a top 10 for Dion the previous year. The feat would make Mabley, then age 75, the oldest living singer to score a US top 40 hit. Mabley would continue to perform until shortly before her death at age 81 ~ Aiken passed away in 1975
March 19, 1873 ~ Pianist, organist, composer, conductor Max Reger, full name Johann Baptist Josepg Maximilian Reger, born in Brand, German Empire ~ Initially primarily a composer of Lieder, chamber music and choral music, later turning to orchestral compositions such as Variations And Fugue On A Theme By Mozart, Gesang Der Verklärten, and Hebbel Requiem ~ Reger passed away in 1916