This Day In Music: March 24
March 23 ~ Birthdays/All ~ March 25
 
March 24, 2024 ~ Dennis Bouman, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Def Rhymz, passed away in Utrecht, the Netherlands ~ Enjoyed popularity especially in the late-1990s and early-2000s. Has recorded the albums De Goeiste, De Allergoeiste, and Hoorgasme. Best known for Doekoe and Schudden, both of which topped the charts in the Netherlands. Has also notably collaborated with the Postmen on the Doe Maar-cover De Bom, a Dutch top 10 hit at the turn of the century ~ Bouman was born in 1970
March 24, 2024 ~ R&B, funk singer Vincent Bonham passed away ~ Co-founding member of Raydio, with whom he recorded four albums during the late-1970s and early-1980s. The band is best known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Jack And Jill, You Can't Change That, and A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do), and launched the career of lead singer Ray Parker Jr. Following the band's disbandement, Bonham has produced his bandmate Jerry Knight's Perfect Fit solo album, and served as backing musician for Prince, Chaka Khan, and Evelyn Champagne King ~ Bonham was born ca.1957
 
March 24, 2022 ~ Classical, TV, film composer John McLeod passed away in Edinburgh, UK ~ Had numerous of his works premiered by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Others who performed his compositions include the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Hallé Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Well known works include Out Of The Silence, Percussion Concerto, Symphonies Of Stone And Water and Viola Concerto ~ McLeod was born in 1934
 
March 24, 2021 ~ Rock, country, country rock drummer, songwriter Don Heffington passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of Lone Justice, best known for the singles Ways To Be Wicked and Shelter. Member of bluegrass outfit Watkins Family Hour. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with acts such as Lowell George, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, Victoria Williams, the Wallflowers, the Jayhawks, Joanna Newsom, and others ~ Heffington was born in 1950
 
March 24, 2020 ~ Drummer Bill Rieflin, full name William Frederick Rieflin, passed away ~ Industrial rock, industrial metal drummer rose to fame in the 1990s. Worked with Ministry, Revolting Cocks, Lard, KMFDM, Pigface, Swans, Chris Connelly, Nine Inch Nails, REM, Slow Music, the Humans, Minus 5, Robert Fripp, Acid Horse, Blackouts, Sweet '75, and King Crimson ~ Rieflin was born in 1960
 
March 24, 2019 ~ Son cubano, Afro-Cuban jazz saxophonist Issa Cissoko passed away ~ Best known as member of the internationally acclaimed the Orchestra Baobab, joining the band in 1972. As a songwriter infused the band's oeuvre with reggea and ska influences. In-demand collaborator for a host of other artists, perhaps most notably Youssou n'Dour ~ Cissokho was born ca.1946
March 24, 2019 ~ Joseph Alia Incagnoli Jr, commonly known as producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Joe Harvard, passed away in Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA ~ As a producer helped lay the foundation for bands such as the Pixies, the Lemonheads, Dinosaur Jr, Buffalo Tom, and Throwing Muses ~ Incagnoli was born in 1959
 
March 24, 2017 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Avo Uvezian passed away in Orlando, Florida, USA ~ Claims to have written the music for Frank Sinatra's Strangers In The Night eventhough the song is credited to Bert Kaempfert ~ Uvezian was born in 1926
March 24, 2017 ~ Washboardist Pete Shotton passed away in Knutsford, UK ~ Member of the Quarrymen, precursor of the Beatles. Became a lifelong friend of John Lennon. Became a successful businessman in the restaurant and retail industries, known for founding the Fatty Arbuckle's chain of restaurants ~ Shotton was born in 1941
 
March 24, 2016 ~ Roger Marcel Cicero Ciceu, commonly known as jazz and pop singer Roger Cicero, passed away in Hamburg, Germany ~ Son of jazz pianist Eugen Cicero, with whom he also worked. Opened for Helen Vita at age 11. Debuted on TV aged 16 teaming up with the RIAS Tanzorkester under the direction of Horst Jankowski. Also worked with de Jazzkantine, Soulounge, and Julia Hülsmann. Represented Germany at 2007's edition of Eurovision Songfestival, ranking 19th with the song Frauen Regiern Die Welt ~ Ciceu was born in 1970
 
March 24, 2013 ~ Dennis Lusier, commonly known as songwriter, producer Deke Richards, passed away in Bellingham, Washington, USA ~ Closely associated with Motown label, member of songwriting collective the Clan, member of producer, songwriter team the Corporation. Wrote and produced for artists such as Bobby Darin, Martha & the Vandellas, the Blackberries, Stacie Johnson, Diana Ross, the Supremes, Sherlie Matthews, the 5th Dimension, and others ~ Lussier was born in 1944
 
March 24, 2010 ~ Johnny Mastrangelo, commonly known as doo-wop, R&B singer Johnny Maestro, passed away in Cape Coral, Florida, USA ~ Original lead singer of the Crests, one one the first interracial groups and known for songs such as 16 Candles, The Angels Listened In, Trouble In Paradise. Maestro departed the band in 1960 to pursue a solo career, scoring moderate hits throughout the remainder of the decade. Would go on to front Brooklyn Bridge from 1968 onwards, notably known for the 1969 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Worst That Could Happen ~ Mastrangelo was born in 1939
 
March 24, 2009 ~ Drummer Uriel Jones passed away in Dearborn, Michigan, USA ~ Member of Motown house band the Funk Brothers, initially hired as a fill-in for Benny Benjamin eventually taking on bigger role through the early-1970s. Appears on records such as the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell duet Ain't No Mountain High Enough, the Temptations hits Cloud Nine and Ain't Too Proud To Beg, the Miracles' I Second That Emotion, and Stevie Wonder's For Once In My Life ~ Jones was born in 1934
 
March 24, 2008 ~ Guitarist Chalmers Alford, full name Chalmers Edward Alford, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Gospel guitar player from the 1960s through the 1980s including with the Mighty Clouds Of Joy. From the 1990s onwards productive in the neo-soul genre. Has worked with d'Angelo, Tony Toni Toné, the Soultronics, Questlove, James Poyser, Pino Palladino, Anthony Hamilton, Joss Stone, John Mayer, Mary J Blige, Raphael Saadiq, Roy Hargrove, the Roots, Vikter Duplaix, Evelyn Turrentine Agee, Norman Brown, the Bee Gees, Tupac Shakur, Al Green, and the Canton Spirituals ~ Alford was born in 1955
 
March 24, 2006 ~ Alvis Edgar Owens Jr, commonly known as singer, songwriter Buck Owens, passed away in Bakersfield, California, USA ~ Pioneered the Bakersfield sound, most evidently in songs such as The Streets Of Bakerfield. Also known for songs such as Above And Beyond, Foolin' Around, Under The Influence Of Love, Act Naturally, and I've Got A Tiger By The Tail. Hugely influential on future generations, most notably Dwight Yoakam, and the Derailers. Had his songs covered by Johnny Rivers (Under Your Spell Again), Emmylou Harris (Together Again), the Beatles (Act Naturally), and Cake (Excuse Me I Think I've Got A Heartache) ~ Owens was born in 1929
 
March 24, 2003 ~ Saxophonist Don Raffell passed away in Sherman Oaks, California, USA ~ Closely associated with arranger, conductor Nelson Riddle. Also worked with Benny Goodman, Sonny Burke, Johnny Burke, Charlie Barnet, Louis Armstrong, Ray Conniff, Mel Tormé, Skitch Henderson, Les Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, Peggy Lee, Johnny Mathis, Rosemary Clooney, Keely Smith, Nancy Wilson, Sammy Davis Jr, Anita O'Day, the Platters, Gerald Wilson, and others ~ Raffell was born in 1919
 
March 24, 2000 ~ Jazz trombonist Al Grey passed away ~ Best remembered for his work with Count Basie's orchestra. Also worked with Benny Carter, Jimmie Lunceford, Lucky Millinder, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Lorez Alexandria, Ray Bryant, Arnett Cobb, John Hicks, Johnny Hodges, Melba Liston, Jimmy McGriff, Jay McShann, Joe Newman, Oscar Pettiford, Pony Poindexter, Paul Quinichette, Clark Terry, and Randy Weston ~ Grey was born in 1925
 
March 24, 1999 ~ Joseph Young Jr, commonly known as blues guitarist Mighty Joe Young, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Especially acclaimed for a handful of mid-1970s albums including Chicken Heads (1974) and the eponymous Mighty Joe Young (1976). Worked with Billy Boy Arnold, Otis Rush, Magic Sam, Jimmy Rogers, Willie Dixon, Tyrone Davis, and Jimmy Dawkins ~ Young was born in 1927
 
March 24, 1997 ~ Singer Harold Melvin passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Eponym and founding member of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, known for songs such as If You Don't Know Me By Now, I Miss You and The Love I Lost. Contrary to common belief the de facto lead singer was not Melvin but from 1970 forward Teddy Pendergrass ~ Melvin was born in 1939
March 24, 1997 ~ Mosnif Bakkali, mononymously known as Nederhop, pop singer, rapper, producer Monsif, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Influenced by Justin Bieber and Usher. Released his Mee Met Me debut single in 2010. Co-produced the acclaimed New Wave 2015 eponymous New Wave album. Has also served as producer for artists such as Boef, Josylvio, SMBG, Lijpe, Nathalie Blue, Hydro, and others
 
March 24, 1991 ~ Pekka Johannes Järvinen, commonly known as rock guitarist Albert Järvinen, passed away in London, UK ~ Chose his stage name in honor of blues guitarist Albert King. Best known as guitarist of rock outfit the Hurriganes, with whom he recorded two albums in the early-1970s and two more after rejoining the band at the end of the decade. During his hiatus from the band, Järvinen released his solo debut album Ride On and worked with Dave Lindholm. Reportedly, singer Elvis Costello also sought to employ Järvinen for his backing unit, but Järvinen declined. Following his second dismissal from the Hurriganes in 1981, Järvinen was briefly a member of the Sleepy Sleepers before forming the short-lived the Quips with Sleepers bandmate drummer Harri Lemola. Järvinen recorded two more solo albums, Braindamage (Or Still Alive) which included a guest performance from his big hero Albert King, and Mirror Tower, before passing away at age 40 of a heart attack while touring the UK ~ Järvinen was born in 1950
 
March 24, 1989 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Arnett Cobb, full name Arnett Cleophus Cobb, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Known as the “Wild Man of the Tenor Sax” because of his uninhibited stomping style ~ Cobb was born in 1918
 
March 24, 1982 ~ Maude Elsie Aileen Muggeridge, commonly known as singer Aileen Stanley, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ One of the most popular singers of the 1920s. Started in vaudeville with her older brother Stanley Muggeridge. Known for songs such as My Mammy, Sweet Indiana Home, When My Sugar Walks Down The Street, Carolina In The Morning, and Singin' The Blues ~ Muggeridge was born in 1893
 
March 24, 1980 ~ Sinéad Ni Chuinn, commonly known as pop rock singer Sinéad Quinn, born in Irvinestown, Northern Ireland ~ Contestant on the 2002 edition of the talent contest Fame Academy aired on the BBC, where she reached 2nd place. Would release her Ready To Run debut album the following year, which spawned the UK top 20 hits I Can't Break Down and What You Need Is
 
March 24, 1979 ~ Hard rock, alternative rock, post-grunge, grunge guitarist, singer Adam Latiff born in Orlando, Florida, USA ~ Best known as member of Puddle Of Mudd. Member of Devereux. Touring member of Eve To Adam. Latiff also served as lead singer of Nirvana-tribute band Heart-Shaped Box as well as of Vanilla Women
March 24, 1979 ~ In its seventh week on the charts, Tragedy by the Bee Gees hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, and Maurice Gibb wrote Tragedy this song in an afternoon off from making the Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band movie. They wrote Too Much Heaven and Shadow Dancing on the same day, the former another American No.1 hit for the trio, the latter a No.1 hit for their brother Andy Gibb. Tragedy is perhaps one of their most memorable from their disco days. The large boom heard on the song is Barry Gibb, who also sings lead, cupping his hands over a microphone while making an explosive noise with his mouth, emulating a thunderclap sound
March 24, 1979 ~ Shamar Gardner, commonly known as rapper Vordul Mega, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Forms the underground hip hop duo Cannibal Ox with Vast Aire. Member of the Atoms Family. Released his The Revolution Of Yung Havoks solo debut album in 2004. Has guested on recordings by Billy Woods, C-Ray Walz, and Mighty Joseph
 
March 24, 1977 ~ Songwriter, singer Natalie Hemby born ~ Member of Highwomen, alongside Amanda Shires, Brandi Carlile, and Maren Morris. As a songwriter co-penned songs recorded by Lee Ann Womack, the Eli Young Band, Miranda Lambert (Only Prettier), Sunny Sweeney (Uninvited), Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood (Play On), Kelly Clarkson (Good Goes The Bye), Sheryl Crow (Stay At Home Mother), Toby Keith (Drinks After Work), Brett Eldredge, Lady Antebellum (Downtown), Keith Urban, Little Big Town (Tornado), Amy Grant, Blake Shelton, Halestorm (What Sober Could Not Say), Jana Kramer, Kacey Musgraves (Velvet Elvis), Nelly Furtado (Tap Dancing), and Lucie Silvas
 
March 24, 1971 ~ Alternative rock, electronica singer, producer, songwriter JS Clayden, full name Jonathan Seth Clayden, born ~ Lead singer of Pitchshifter, co-founded in 1989 with his brother bassist Mark D Clayden. Closely associated with Dave Jerden, Jello Biafra. Has remixed for the Stereophonics, Prong, Clawfinger, and Pigface
 
March 24, 1970 ~ Vincent Lamont Mason Jr, comonly known as singer, rapper Pasemaster Mase, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known as one third of De La Soul alongside Posdnuos and Trugoy the Dove. The trio played a key role in the birth of jazz rap and alternative hip-hop, their 1989 3 Feet High & Rising debut album considered a landmark album and a hip-hop masterpiece
March 24, 1970 ~ Violinist Sharon Corr born in Dundalk, Ireland ~ Best known as co-founding member of sibling outfit the Corrs, alongside Jim Corr, Caroline Corr, and Andrea Corr. Debuted as a solo artist in 2009 with the single It's Not A Dream, followed by a full-length album, Dream Of You, soon after. Has collaborated with Bryn Terfel, Alex Ubago, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Damien Leith
 
March 24, 1965 ~ Pop, jazz, jazz fusion bassist Patrick Scales born in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, West Germany ~ Best known as a member of Klaus Doldinger's band Passport, joining the band in 1994. Also recorded as a solo artist and is an in-demand collaborator working with artists such as Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, Chuck Loeb, Randy Brecker, Terri Lyne Carrington, Johnny Griffin, Benny Bailey, Bob Mintzer, Claudio Roditi, Roy Ayers, Peter O'Mara, and others
 
March 24, 1964 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Patterson Hood, full name Patterson David Hood, born in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, USA ~ Best known for co-founding the Drive-by Truckers with longtime musicial buddy Mike Cooley in 1996. Also formed Downtown 13, which included a number of Truckers bandmates as well as Widespread Panic's John Bell and Todd Nance and REM's Mike Mills. Released a number of solo albums, starting with 2004's Killers & Stars. Son of longtime the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section bassist David Hood
 
March 24, 1963 ~ Jazz, free jazz trumpeter, composer Dave Douglas born in Montclair, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman active since the 1980s. Notable ensembles include the Dave Douglas Quintet, Sound Prints, Present Joys, High Risk, and Engage. Co-founded the Festival of New Trumpet Music, consisting of concerts and workshops over a two week period held annualy in New York since 2003. Has collaborated with the likes of Don Byron, Tim Berne, Marty Ehrlich, Uri Caine, John Zorn, Cuong Vu, New & Used, Orange Then Blue, Anthony Braxton, Suzanne Vega, Sheryl Crow, Myra Melford, Joe Lovano, and others
March 24, 1963 ~ Trumpeter, producer, songwriter Eric Vloeimans born in Huizen, the Netherlands ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Mercer Ellington, Frank Foster, Marc Johnson, Joey Baron, John Taylor, Kinan Azmeh, Michiel Borstlap, Lars Danielsson, Jimmy Haslip, Joe LaBarbera, Nguyn Le, Ernst Reijseger, Bugge Wesseltoft, Kyteman, Michel Banabila, Florian Weber, Juan Pablo Dobal, and others
 
March 24, 1962 ~ Jazz, dixieland pianist, bandleader Jean Goldkette, full name John Jean Goldkette, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ 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, and Spiegle Willcox ~ Goldkette was born in 1893
March 24, 1962 ~ Irene Louise Rosnes, commonly known as jazz pianist, arranger, songwriter Renee Rosnes, born in Regina, Canada ~ Leader and sidewoman. Classically trained. Close to two dozen albums to her name as leader or co-leader. First gained attention in the mid-1980s, backing tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson. Would go on to work with Wayne Shorter, JJ Johnson, and notably James Moody, working with the latter for about two decades until his death in 2010. Co-founded the SF Jazz Collective. Other notable credits include the Drummonds, Ron Carter, Jon Faddis, Renée Fleming, Marian McPartland, Gerald Wilson, and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen
 
March 24, 1961 ~ Jazz pianist, singer Freddy Johnson passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity especially in the 1930s playing mostly swing style. Previously Johnson had served as Florence Mills' accompanist in the mid-1920s before seeking out collaborations with the likes of Elmer Snowden, Billy Fowler, Henri Saparo, Noble Sissle, and Sam Wooding. Johnson spent a significant portion of his career touring and recording in Europe, including notably recording with the Quintette du Hot Club and performing with Coleman Hawkins in the Netherlands. While residing in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Johnson would be arrested in 1941 by the Nazis, who banned black music, and be interned till near the end of the war when he was repatriated to America. After the war, Johnson would most notably work with Garvin Bushell, before focusing primarily on his work as a piano and vocal coach ~ Johnson was born in 1904
March 24, 1961 ~ Punk rock, hardcore punk, alternative rock, indie rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Kevin Seconds born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Lead singer, co-founding member and along with his baby brother Steve Youth sole constant member of influential outfit 7 Seconds, arguably the first band to describe themselves as hardcore punk. The band would be active from 1979 through 2018. Also enjoyed a lengthy parallel solo career and has collaborated with the likes of the Alkaline Trio's Matt Skiba and Lay It On The Line's Mike Scott
 
March 24, 1960 ~ Gabriele Susanne Kerner, commonly known as pop singer Nena, born in Hagen, West Germany ~ One of the most successful exponents of the Neue Deutsche Welle in the 1980s. Known for hits such as Nur Getraumt, 99 Luftballons and Irgendwie Irgendwo Irgendwann
 
March 24, 1957 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Carson Robison, full name Carson Jay Robison, passed away in Poughkeepsie, New York, USA ~ Though largely forgotten, Robison played an important role in the early development of country music, especially noted for his years with pianist Frank Luther scoring hits from the late-1920s through the early-1930s. Robison also performed and recorded as a solo artist, and is reportedly one of the first country artists to tour UK from the early-1930s onward. Robison's 1942 reworking of the standard Turkey In The Straw, with new lyrics relating to World War II, would be one of the major hits of the year. In his native America, Robison is perhaps most known for his 1948 recording of Life Gets Tee-jus Don't It. Robison is also specifically noted for accompanying Vernon Dalhart, including notably on the landmark recordings The Wreck Of The Old '97 and The Prisoner's Song ~ Robison was born in 1890
 
March 24, 1955 ~ Progressive rock guitarist Mark Hewins born ~ Active since the early-1970s. Closely associated with many Canterbury scene musicians. Released his solo debut album, The Electric Guitar, in 1987. Has worked with Phil Collins, John Martyn, Richard Sinclair, Soft Heap, Gong, Caravan Of Dreams, Dennis González, Andrew Cyrille, Tritonik, Fred Frith, Dudu Pukwana, and others
 
March 24, 1954 ~ Jazz cellist, singer Hank Roberts born in Terre Haute, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Emerged from the 1980s New York jazz scene, merging rock, jazz, avant-garde, folk and classical influences. Closely associated with Bill Frisell and Tim Berne. Has also worked with the Arcado String Trio, Miniature, Alex Cline, Marilyn Crispell, Edmar Casteñeda, Buffalo Collision, Donald Rubinstein, and others
March 24, 1954 ~ Jazz bassist Steve Laspina, full name Steven Frank Laspina, born in Wichita Falls, Texas, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Bunky Green, Larry Novak, Joe Daly, Chet Baker, Marian McPartland, Mel Lewis, Stan Getz, Jim Hall, Andy Laverne, Benny Carter, Toots Thielemans, Joe Williams, Dave Liebman, Richie Beirach, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Pat Martino, Tommy Flanagan, Marc Copland, Billy Drewes, Jim McNeely, Dave Ballou, Fred Hersch, Bem Moeder, Nick Brignola, John Tchicai, Marlene Verplanck, and others
March 24, 1954 ~ Singer Wanda Jackson records You Can't Have My Love in Hollywood, California ~ Written by Billy Gray, Chuck Harding, Marty Roberts and Mark Thompson. Produced by Tom Mack. Released as single, with Lovin' Country Style on the flip side, the following May. The single would reach the top 10 of Billboard's country chart. At the time Jackson was just 17 years old
 
March 24, 1952 ~ Protopunk, hard rock, synth-pop singer, guitarist, bassist Ian North born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of glam, power pop outfit Milk 'n Cookies, known for their 1974 eponymous Milk 'n Cookies album which initially failed to make an impact, strained by a record company unsure of how to market this band, but which later became a cult classic ~ North passed away in 2021
 
March 24, 1951 ~ Douglas Campbell Thomson, commonly known as bassist Dougie Thomson, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Member of the Alan Bown Set. Joined Supertramp in 1972, initially as a temporary stand-in and becoming an official full-time member the following year remaining until the band's hiatus in 1988. Present on the band's best known including UK top 20 hits such as Dreamer, The Logical Song and Breakfast In America
 
March 24, 1949 ~ Pub rock, power pop, pop rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Nick Lowe, full name Nicholas Drain Lowe, born in Walton-on-Thames, UK ~ Member of Brinsley Schwarz, Rockpile and of supergroup Little Village. As a solo artist known best for Cruel To Be Kind and the UK top 10 hit I Love The Sound Of Breaking Glass. Produced Elvis Costello's first five albums and wrote What's So Funny 'Bout Peace Love & Understanding. Produced New Rose for the Damned, considered the first British punk single. Produced Stop Your Sobbing, the Pretenders debut single. Also worked with Graham Parker, Dr Feelgood, Johnny Cash, Carlene Carter, Paul Carrack, John Hiatt, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, the Men They Couldn't Hang, and others
 
March 24, 1948 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Frode Gjerstad born in Stavanger, Norway ~ Has worked with artists such as Paal Nilssen-Love, Borah Bergman, Peter Brötzmann, Evan Parker, Derek Bailey, Bjørn Kjellemyr, Terje Isungset, William Parker, Sabir Mateen, John Stevens, Johnny Dyani, Kent Carter, Lasse Marhaug, Nils-Henrik Asheim, Fred Lonberg Holm, Luis Conte, and others
March 24, 1948 ~ Blues harpist, singer Lee Oskar born in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Founding and key member of 1970s funk-rock outfit War, lending the band its bluesy harp sound until his departure in 1993 and present on pivotal albums such as The World Is A Ghetto, Deliver The World and Why Can't We Be Friends
 
March 24, 1947 ~ Singer, guitarist Craig Nuttycombe born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Half of folk rock, soft rock duo Lambert & Nuttycombe, the other half being Denis Lambert, best known for their 1970 At Home. The duo enjoyed some succes on the West Coast but seemingly always stayed on the verge of breakthrough succes. Has also worked with the East Side Kids
March 24, 1947 ~ Drummer Mike Kellie, full name Michael Alexander Kellie, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Member of VIP's, Spooky Tooth, and the Only Ones, including on the latter's Another Girl Another Planet which though not a hit was once described by AllMusic as “arguably, the greatest rock single ever recorded”. An in-demand drummer throughout his career, Kellie has appeared on albums by Traffic (The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys) Joe Cocker, Andy Leigh, Andy Roberts, Luther Grosvenor, Steve Gibbons, Three Man Army, Peter Frampton (Wind Of Change), Jerry Lee Lewis, Splinter, the Who (Tommy), and Paul Kossoff. Kellie released his sole solo album, Music From The Hidden, in 2014 ~ Kellie passed away in 2017
March 24, 1947 ~ Singer, songwriter Patti Dahlstrom born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Released four albums in the 1970s, starting with the eponymous Patti Dahlstrom album in 1972. Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Anne Murray, Helen Reddy (Emotion), Thelma Houston, Michael Johnson, Captain & Tennille (Feels More Like Dancing), Johnny Rivers (Over The Line), the Riders In The Sky, Cilla Black (Running Out Of World), and others
March 24, 1947 ~ Jazz oboist, clarinetist, saxophonist Paul McCandles born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Founding member of Oregon. Worked with the Flecktones, the Paul Winter Consort, Al Jarreau, Barre Phillips, Theo Jörgensmann, Leftover Salmon, Art Lande, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, Pierluigi Balducci, Suzanne Ciani, Alex de Grassi, David Friesen, Tony Furtado, Steven Halpern, Mark Isham, Peter Kater, Jaco Pastorius, Fred Simon, Michael Manring, Will Ackerman, Carla Bley, Cyrus Faryar, Kevin Kern, Todd Phillips, Vasant Rai, Wynton Marsalis, Taliesin Orchestra, Eberhard Weber, Victor Wooten, Ralph Towner, Kit Walker, and others
 
March 24, 1946 ~ Krautrock, proto-punk, art rock, post-punk drummer, guitarist, keyboardist, singer Klaus Dinger born in Scherfede, Germany ~ Appeared on Kraftwerk's 1970 eponymous Kraftwerk debut album, playing on the track Von Himmel Hoch. Best known as co-founding member of pioneering krautrock band Neu, the group actually being named by Dinger, known for the albums Neu, Neu 2, and Neu 75. Though they initially had little commercial success the band would in retrospect be credited as quintessential to the development of krautrock and prove influential on later genres such as electronica and punk. Following the band's initial disbandement in 1975 Dinger has played with La Düsseldorf, and recorded as a solo artist ~ Dinger passed away in 2008
 
March 24, 1942 ~ Saxophonist Don Wise, full name Donald Grover Wise, born in Westerly, Rhode Island, USA ~ Recorded a handful of albums as a leader, noted particularly for Swingin' Up A Storm released in 2005. Best known for his association with Delbert McClinton, backing the singer for over two decades including on albums such as One Of The Fortunate Few, Room To Breathe, and Cost Of Living. Other notable associations include Jodi Benson, Bugs Henderson, Kevin McKendree, the Delta Riders, Todd Sharp, Teresa James, and Rob Roy Parnell ~ Wise passed away in 2024
 
March 24, 1941 ~ Songwriter, producer Michael Masser, full name Michael William Masser, born in Rancho Mirage, California, USA ~ Best known for writing or co-writing songs such as Touch Me In The Morning, Last Time I Saw Him and Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To) (Diana Ross), Didn't We Almost Have It All and The Greatest Love Of All (Whitney Houston), In Your Eyes (George Benson), Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You (Glenn Medeiros), Hold Me (Teddy Pendergrass), Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson), Miss You Like Crazy (Natalie Cole), and others ~ Masser passed away in 2015
 
March 24, 1938 ~ Pianist, composer, arranger, bandleader Steve Kuhn born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Studied with Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry, Gary McFarland. Performed and recorded with Stan Getz, Art Farmer, Oliver Nelson, Gary McFarland, Ron Carter, Scott LaFaro, Harvie S, Sheila Jordan, Billy Drummond, David Finck, Miroslav Vitous, Steve Swallow, Ron Carter, Al Foster, Jack DeJohnette, Joey Baron, Pee Wee Russell, and others
 
March 24, 1936 ~ Donald James Randolph, commonly known as R&B, rock & roll, soul, pop singer, songwriter Don Covay, born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, USA ~ Songwriter whose songs have been recorded by Chubby Checker, the Rolling Stones (Mercy Mercy), Booker T Jones, Steve Cropper, Etta James, Otis Redding, Little Richard (I Don't Known What You Got But It's Got Me), Gene Vincent, Wanda Jackson, Solomon Burke (I'm Hanging Up My Heart For You), Connie Francis, Steppenwolf, Bobby Womack, Gladys Knight (Letter Full Of Tears), Wilson Pickett, the Small Faces, Grant Green, Aretha Franklin (Chain Of Fools), and Peter Wolf ~ Covay passed away in 2015
 
March 24, 1935 ~ Bassist Carol Kaye born in Everett, Washington, USA ~ In-demand session bassist. Member of the Wrecking Crew. Appears on an estimated 10,000 recordings over the course of 5 decades. Worked with Ritchie Valens (La Bamba), Phil Spector, Quincy Jones, Lalo Schifrin, Sam Cooke, the Crystals (Then He Kissed Me), the Righteous Brothers (You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'), Frank Zappa, Frank Sinatra, Simon & Garfunkel, Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Monkees, Sonny & Cher, Nancy Sinatra (These Boots Are Made For Walkin'), the Beach Boys, Barbra Streisand (The Way We Were), and Frank Black
 
March 24, 1932 ~ Jazz pianist, singer, songwriter Dave Mackay, full name David Owen Mackay, born in Syracuse, New York, USA ~ Fixture on the southern California jazz scene, grounded in bop and hard bop. Well over half a dozen albums as a leader. In-demand sideman, present on recordings by Don Ellis, Warne Marsh, Bill Henderson, Michael Parks, Emil Richards, Chet Baker, and Lori Bell ~ McKay passed away in 2020
 
March 24, 1930 ~ Cristóbal Halffter Jiménez-Encina, commonly known as classical coomposer Cristóbal Halffter, born in Madrid, Spain ~ Married to pianist Maria Manuela Caro. Regarded as the most important of a group of composer dubbed the Generación del 51. Best known for a number of works during the 1960s and 1970s touching on human rights, most notably the 1968 choral composition Yes Speak Out Yes. Other well known pieces include his 1954 neoclassical Piano Concerto and the 2000 opera Don Quijote ~ Jiménez passed away in 2021
 
March 24, 1924 ~ Jazz trumpeter Dave Burns, full name David Phillip Burns, born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, USA ~ Recorded occasionally as a leader, noted most for his 1964 Warming Up album. Active since the early-1940s, Burns has worked with artists such as the Savoy Sultans, Dizzy Gillespie (In Paris), Art Blakey, Duke Ellington, George Wallington, James Moody (Hi-Fi Party), Art Taylor (AT's Delight), Milt Jackson, Al Grey (Having A Ball), Willie Bobo, Lou Donaldson, Dave Pike (Manhattan Latin), Mal Waldron, Solomon Burke (King Solomon), and Eddie Jefferson ~ Burns passed away in 2009
 
March 24, 1922 ~ Bandleader, guitarist, producer, songwriter, arranger Dave Appell born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Arranged for Jimmie Lunceford, Benny Carter, Earl Hines. Led the house band for Cameo/Parkway, backing artists such as Charlie Gracie, John Zacherle, Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, the Dovells, Dee Dee Sharp, the Orlons, also serving as producer on a number of these recordings such as Checker's Let's Twist Again. Enjoyed succes in the early-1970s co-producing several hits for Tony Orlando & Dawn including Knock Three Times and Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree ~ Appell passed away in 2014
March 24, 1922 ~ Clarence Beeks, commonly known as jazz singer King Pleasure, born in Oakdale, Tennessee, USA ~ Early vocalese singer, putting vocals to previously instrumental songs. Cited by Van Morrison as an influence. Known for recordings such as Moody's Mood For Love, Red Top, I'm Gone, and Jumping With Symphony Sid. Worked with Matthew Gee, Teddy Edwards, Harold Land, Gerald Wiggins, Earl Palmer, Lem Davis, Ray Abrams, Cecil Payne, Leonard Gaskin, Blossom Dearie, Peck Morrison, Herbie Lovelle, Kenny Clarke, JJ Johnson, Lucky Thompson, Danny Bank, Paul Chambers, Jon Hendricks, Quincy Jones, Kai Winding, and Eddie Jefferson ~ Beeks passed away in 1982
 
March 24, 1895 ~ Dance bandleader, violinist Paul Specht born in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Popular bandleader in the UK during the dance band era. Employed sidemen such as Hank D'Amico, Russ Morgan, Sylvester Ahola, Charlie Spivak, Joe Tarto and Chauncey Morehouse early on in their career ~ Specht passed away in 1954