March 25, 2024 ~ Christopher Thomas Allen, commonly known as new wave, synth-pop bassist Chris Cross, passed away ~ Member of Ultravox from 1974 through 1987, rejoining in 2008. The band enjoyed popularity in Europe especially during the 1980s, racking up about a dozen hits of which Vienna, All Stood Still and Dancing With Tears In My Eyes all reached top 10 in the band's native UK. Upon hearing of his death, bandmate Midge Ure described Cross as “the glue that held the band together, (and) the logic in the madness and the madness in our lives” ~ Allen was born in 1952
March 25, 2024 ~ Pop, soul singer, producer Humphrey Campbell passed away ~ Represented the Netherlands at the 1992 Eurovision Songfestival with the song Wijs Me De Weg, reaching 9th place. One of the backup singers was Ruth Jacott who would represent the Netherlands the next year, with Campbell as backup singer. Subsequently the two would form a longtime romantic relationship. Campbell has also served as producer, notably working with Jacott, Timeless, and Fluitsma & Van Tijn, and formed the close harmony sibling outfit CC Campbell with his brothers Charles Campbell and Carlo Campbell ~ Campbell was born in 1958
March 25, 2023 ~ Classical, film composer Christopher Gunning passed away in Hertfordshire, UK ~ To pop and rock audiences perhaps best known for the distinctive string arrangement on Colin Blunstone's 1972 hit Say You Don't Mind, and for the arrangements on several of singer Lynsey de Paul's singles including Won't Somebody Dance With Me and My Man And Me. However, Gunning is primarily a composer for orchestra, Gunning also serving as conductor with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for several of his symphonies, and a prolific TV and film composer including for nearly all of the Agatha Christie's Poirot TV films, the mystery series Rosemary & Thyme, and well over a dozen feature films including notably Under Suspicion, Firelight, and the Edith Piaf biopic La Vie En Rose, the latter of which earned Gunning a BAFTA Award ~ Gunning was born in 1944
March 25, 2023 ~ Composer, producer Nick Lloyd Webber, full name Nicholas Lloyd Webber, passed away in Basingstoke, UK ~ Son of musical composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. Best known for scoring the BBC drama Love Lies & Records. Other well known compositions include a theatrical and symphonic production of The Little Prince based on the book of the same name by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and the 2017 musical Fat Friends The Musical ~ Webber was born in 1979
March 25, 2022 ~ Ambient, avant-garde, electronic turntablist, bassist, composer Philip Jeck passed away ~ Has been experimenting with electronics and turntablism since the 1980s, early on in his career focusing mostly on his work with dance and theatre companies including notably collaborating with Laurie Booth. As a recording artist known for a number of 1990s, 2000s albums including Surf, Stoke and especially acclaimed for his 2008 Sand album. Over the years Jeck has worked with the likes of Jah Wobble, Jaki Liebezeit, David Sylvian, Gavin Bryars, and Faith Coloccia ~ Jeck was born ca.1952
March 25, 2022 ~ Alternative rock, punk rock, post-grunge drummer Taylor Hawkins, full name Oliver Taylor Hawkins passed away in Bogota, Colombia ~ Influenced by Phil Collins, Stewart Copeland, Stephen Perkins, Jim Gordon, and Neil Peart. Rose to fame as drummer of the Foo Fighters, with whom he recorded eight albums including the acclaimed The Colour And The Shape, There Is Nothing Left To Lose, and Wasting Light. Hawkins has also recorded three albums with his own band, Taylor Hawkins & the Coattail Riders, starting with the eponymous Taylor Hawkins & the Coattail Riders released in 2006, served as touring drummer for Sass Jordan and Alanis Morissette, and recorded with Birds Of Satan, Perry Farrell, Cat Power (You Are Free), Eric Avery, and Coheed & Cambria. Hawkins passed away at age 50 while scheduled to perform with the Foo Fighters later that night. The band later performed two tribute concerts in his honor, featuring an extensive list of guest musicians including John Paul Jones, Alex Lifeson, Paul McCartney, Lars Ulrich, Queen, Rush, Miley Cyrus, Joan Jett, and Alanis Morissette ~ Hawkins was born in 1972
March 25, 2021 ~ Rock bassist, music journalist Aleksandr Lipnitsky, full name Aleksandr Davidovich Lipnitsky, passed away in Moscow Oblast, Russia ~ Member of Soviet alternative rock group Zvuki Mu, which he co-founded in 1983 with lead singer Pyotr Mamonov and Aleksey Bortniychuk. The band is known for their absurdist lyrics and explosive on-stage presence. Lipnitsky remained with the band until 1990. Also known as a music journalist, specialized in jazz, and radio and TV host ~ Lipnitsky was born in 1952
March 25, 2021 ~ Double bassist, conductor, composer Paul W Whear, full name Paul William Whear, passed away ~ Composed for orchestras, bands, choir, vocal music, chamber music and organ. Whear had his works performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Cleveland Philharmonic, the Rochester Civic Orchestra, and the US Navy Band ~ Whear was born in 1925
March 25, 2019 ~ Jazz double bassist Lisle Atkinson, full name Lisle Arthur Atkinson, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Learned to play the violin as a child, switching to bass in his early teens. First gained attention backing Nina Simone through the mid-1960s, following his graduation fromr the Manhattan School of Music, New York. Present on several of Simone's best known albums including the 1964 live album Nina Simone In Concert and Pastel Blues issued the next year. Subsequently worked with Betty Carter through the mid-1970s, including on At The Village Vanguard. Atkinson is also well known for leading the Neo Bass Ensemble, formed in 1983 and noted for simultaneously featuring five bassists in its line-up. An in-demand session bassist throughout his career, Atkinson has appeared on albums by Walt Dickerson, Mary Lou Williams, Frank Strozier (Remember Me), Howard McGhee (Here Comes Freddy), Junior Cook, Horace Parlan, Richard Wyands (Then Here And Now), Roni Ben-Hur, Andrew Cyrille, Norman Simmons, Benny Carter (More Cookin'), Jeanne Lee (Natural Affinities), Hilton Ruiz, and Joshua Breakstone ~ Atkinson was born in 1940
March 25, 2018 ~ Erik Sven Fernström, commonly known as rockabilly, rock singer, actor Jerry Williams, passed away in Taby, Sweden ~ Lead singer for 1960s outfit the Violents, known best for their Darling Nelly Grey hit single. Worked with Roadwork throughout the 1970s. As a solo artist, Williams is best known for Did I Tell You, a No.1 hit in his native Sweden in 1989 ~ Fernström was born in 1942
March 25, 2013 ~ Singer Ariana Grande releases The Way featuring Mac Miller, lead single off her Yours Truly debut album ~ Up to this point, Grande was known as an actress noted for her role on the Nickolodeon TV series Victorious. She had also issued a non-album single, Put Your Hearts Up, in 2011, a release she would later regret. The Way, however, would be her breakout single as a pop singer and widely anticipated the single would reach No.9 Billboard Hot 100, the first top 10 hit both for Grande and Mac Miller. The song was initially intended for Jordin Sparks, who co-wrote the song for her own album, yet as it remained sitting on the shelf for over a year, Grande took a stab it. Sparks would later comment how pleased she was with Grande's rendition: “I'm just so grateful somebody who can sing and actually interpret the lyrics is singing this.” Grande would score a dozen more Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits through the end of the decade
March 25, 2013 ~ Country singer Tim McGraw releases Highway Don't Care, a collaborative single with Taylor Swift lifted off McGraw's Two Lanes Of Freedom album ~ Issued as a collaborative single by Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw featuring Keith Urban on guitar. The song tells of a male narrator, McGraw, separated from his lover who is driving, while a song comes on the car radio, the lines sung by Swift. The highway doesn't care where she's going, but the narrator does. The song would win numerous accolades, including three American Country Awards, two CMA Awards, two BMI Awards, and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Duo or Group Performance. The single would reach No.4 Billboard Country, No.22 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. In an interview with Billboard, McGraw spoke of his song and Swift's contribution: “Taylor sang her ass off on that thing. This was also one of the first songs I found for this album, and I knew instantly I wanted Taylor on it. The great thing about Highway Don't Care is the perspective it's told from, her voice is the song coming through the radio”
March 25, 2009 ~ Country, soft rock singer, guitarist Dan Seals, full name Danny Wayland Seals, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Brother of Jim Seals. First gained attention as half of the 1970's duo England Dan & John Ford Coley with John Ford Coley, known for songs such as Simone, I'd Really Love To See You Tonight, Nights Are Forever Without You and Love Is The Answer. As a solo artist known for country hits such as Meet Me In Montana with Marie Osmond, Everything That Glitters Is Not Gold, Bop, You Still Move Me, I Will Be There, Three Time Loser, One Friend, Addicted, Big Wheels In The Moonlight, Love On Arrival, and Good Times ~ Seals was born in 1948
March 25, 2009 ~ Percussionist Manny Oquendo passed away ~ Worked with Eddie Palmieri, Carlos Valero, Luis del Campo, Juan El Boy Torres, Chano Pozo, Jose Budet, Juanito Sanabria, Marcelino Guerra, Jose Curbelo, Pupi Campo, Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Vicentico Valldes, Conjunto Liber, Andy González, Eddie Palmieri, and Paul Quinichette ~ Oquendo was born in 1931
March 25, 2009 ~ Juan Alberto Ficicchia, commonly known a jazz drummer Tito Alberti, passed away ~ Father of Soda Stereo-drummer Charly Alberti. Best known for founding Jazz Casino, fusing Caribbean steel drums with Latin jazz. Has also worked with Xavier Cugat, and Dámaso Pérez Prado ~ Ficicchia was born in 1923
March 25, 2008 ~ Singer, arranger Gene Puerling, full name Eugene Thomas Puerling, passed away ~ Founded and led both the Hi-Lo's and the Singers Unlimited. Known for his innovative use of harmony vocals, influencing numerous artists including Take 6, the King's Singers, the Manhattan Transfer, Chanticleer, GLAD, the Free Design and the Beach Boys-singer Brian Wilson ~ Puerling was born in 1929
March 25, 2006 ~ Maria de Los Angeles de las Heraz Ortiz, commonly known as mariachi, canción melodica singer, actress Rocio Dúrcal, passed away in Torrelodones, Spain ~ Awarded a 2005 Latin Grammy Award, a lifetime achievement award for her contributions to the genre. Known for recordings such as La Guirnalda, Como Tu Mujer, Vestida De Banco, El Destino and Infiel. Worked with Juan Gabriel, Marco Antonio Solís, Luis Sanz, Silvetti, and others ~ De las Heras was born in 1944
March 25, 2004 ~ Radio DJ, nightclub DJ, producer, remixer Tom Wilson passed away ~ Closely associated with the Scottish dance music scene. Best known for his radio show Steppin' Out, aired on Radio Forth for over a dozen years starting in 1985. Nightclub DJ. Record producer, remixer, worked with artists such as N-Trance, the Time Frequency, Ice MC, Scooter, and DJ Dado ~ Wilson was born in 1951
March 25, 2001 ~ Delme Jones, commonly known as operatic baritone Delme Bryn-Jones, passed away ~ Originally a coal miner, abandoned his work as well as a prospect of a potential rugby career to study music. Debuted in 1959 with the Sadler's Wells Theatre in 1959. Would go on to work with the New Opera Company, the Welsh National Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and others ~ Jones was born in 1934
March 25, 1997 ~ Country singer, songwriter Stan Coster passed away in Manilla, Australia ~ Father of country singer Tracy Coster. Key figure in Australian country, Wrote or co-wrote dozens of songs recorded by Slim Dusty, including By A Fire Of Gidgee Coal, The Bushman's Song, and The Wobbly Boot Hotel. Others who recorded his songs include Buddy Williams, Joy McKean, John Williamson, and Gordon Parsons ~ Coster was born in 1930
March 25, 1992 ~ Drummer Phillip Wilson passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as founding member of the Art Ensemble Of Chicago and as member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Formed jazz-rock band Full Moon with fellow Butterfield Band member Buzz Feiten, known for their 1972 eponymous Full Moon which is now considered one of the finest early jazz fusion works. Has also jammed with Jimi Hendrix and collaborated with artist such as the Last Poets, Fontella Bass, Olu Dara, Hamiet Bluiett, Julius Hemphill, Sam Lazar, Roscoe Mitchell, David Murray, Anthony Braxton, Carla Bley, Lester Bowie, Bill Laswell, and others. Murdered at age 50. The killer, Marvin Slater, was caught and eventually sentenced to 33 years after attention from the America's Most Wanted TV show ~ Wilson was born in 1941
March 25, 1991 ~ Pianist Eileen Joyce, full name Eileen Alannah Joyce, passed away in Redhill, UK ~ Popular in the 1930s and 1940s and at her peak compared in popular esteem to Gracie Fields and Vera Lynn. Drew comparisons to Clara Schumann, Sophie Menter and Teresa Carreño ~ Joyce was born in 1908
March 25, 1991 ~ Royal G Bryant, commonly known as jazz tenor, alto saxophonist Rusty Bryant, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Known for his 1952 recording All Nite Long. Worked with Tiny Grimes, Stomp Gordon, Hank Marr, Nancy Wilson, Richard Groove Holmes, Boogaloo Joe Jones, Johnny Hammond Smith, Charles Kynard, Sonny Phillips, and others ~ Bryant was born in 1929
March 25, 1991 ~ Alexander Balos Williams, commonly known as trombonist Sandy Williams, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his work with Chick Webb and with Ella Fitzgerald. Also played with Claude Hopkins, Horace Henderson, Fletcher Henderson, Cootie Williams, Sidney Bechet, Duke Ellington, Art Hodes, Roy Eldridge, and others ~ Williams was born in 1906
March 25, 1989 ~ Singer, actress, songwriter Aly Michalka, full name Alyson Renae Michalka, born in Torrance, California, USA ~ Half of sibling duo Aly & AJ, the other half being AJ Michalka
March 25, 1988 ~ Sean Michael Leonard Anderson, commonly known as rapper Big Sean, born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Discovered by Kanye West. Released his full-length Finally Famous solo debut album in 2011. Featured on hits such as West's Mercy, Lil' Wayne's My Homies Still and Justin Bieber's As Long As You Love Me. As a solo artist known for the Billboard top 10 hits Dance (A$$) featuring Nicki Minaj and Bounce Back. Has also worked with Twenty 88, Royce da 5'9", Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, Ariana Grande, Eminem, Metro Boomin', and Ty Dolla $ign
March 25, 1987 ~ Country singer, songwriter Meghan Patrick born in Bowman Ville, Canada ~ Cites Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris and Aretha Franklin as influences. Has collaborated with Rodney Clawson, Gord Bamford, Chantal Kreviazuk, Marty Dodson, Patricia Conroy, and others. Releases her full-length debut album, Grace & Grit, in 2016. Best known for songs such as Still Loving You featuring Joe Nichols, Country Music Made Me Do It, Walls Come Down and Wild As Me, all of which reached top 10 on the Canadian country charts
March 25, 1985 ~ In its eighth week on the charts, One More Night by Phil Collins hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ In this soft rock ballad, a formula that worked well for Phil Collins, the singer pleads with a lover to give him “one more night” to prove his devotion. The song would reach top 10 in several countries, including the No.1 spot in Canada and America. Collins later stated the song just came to him: “I had a tempo in mind. I was thinking of one of the Jacksons' songs actually when I strung a chorus on it. The line ‘one more night’ just fit what I was playing. The rest of the song was written very quickly”
March 25, 1982 ~ Pop singer, songwriter David Bustamante, full name David Bustamante Hoyos, born in San Vicente De La Barquera, Spain ~ First gained attention in 2001 as contestant on the talent contest Operación Triunfo, reaching third place. Has since recorded to commercial succes, selling over 2 million records with 9 of his albums reaching top of the charts in his native Spain. Well known songs include Además De Ti, El Aire Que Me Das, Perdó;name with Luis Fonsi, Gitanas, Cobarde, and Feliz
March 25, 1981 ~ Synth-pop singer, guitarist Cato Sundberg born in Drammen, Norway ~ Member of Donkeyboy, known for their 2009 Caught In A Life debut album and its 2012 follow-up Silver Moon. Two of the debut album's singles, Ambitions and Sometimes, would top the singles charts in the band's native Norway
March 25, 1980 ~ Alternative rock organist Daniel Haglund born in Falun, Sweden ~ Co-founded Butler at age 15. The band would be renamed to Mando Jao, and later still to Mando Diao as the band felt that would offer a better English pronunciation. Present on the band's 2002 Bring 'Em In debut, an album warmly received by critics for its blend of garage rock revival and Brit-pop inspired melodies with touches of mod, soul, and R&B. Haglund departed the band in 2004 to work as a music and German teacher. Shortly thereafter the band would record and release their breakthrough album. Since 2008 Haglund has played intermittently with the band
March 25, 1980 ~ Pianist, conductor, teacher Walter Susskind, full name Jan Walter Susskind, passed away in Berkeley, California, USA ~ While in Amsterdam for a piano recital, Germany invaded his native Czechoslovakia. On advise from his mother he decided not to return home, but flee to the UK. Susskind would go on to become a sought-after conductor, working with renowned orchestras in his adopted homeland the UK, Australia, the USA, and Canada, where he founded the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in 1960. Although Susskind, a naturalised Brit, spent considerable periods of time outside of Britain, he said he would never dream of giving up his British citizenship. Susskind's mother would be interned by the Nazis, but survived the war ~ Susskind was born in 1913
March 25, 1979 ~ Drummer Franco Manzecchi passed away in Konstanz. West Germany ~ Italian-born drummer who through a series of stops ended up in France by the late-1950s, where he became a valued sticksman on the Paris jazz scene playing with various local ensembles and visiting jazz artists. Following heart surgery, he largely retired from music by the mid-1970s. Manzecchi has appeared on recordings by Chet Baker, André Hodeir, Eraldo Volonté, Eric Dolphy (Naima), and Clark Terry ~ Manzecchi was born in 1931
March 25, 1979 ~ Michael Martinez, commonly known as hip-hop, alternative hip-hop rapper, producer Onry Ozzborn, born in Farmington, New Mexico, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of several alternative hip-hop groups including Grayskull, Dark Time Sunshine, and Oldominion. Over half a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, particularly acclaimed for Alone released in 2001. In-demand collaborator for the likes of Dim Mak, Snafu, Rudy & the Rhetoric, Grand Tapestry, and Aesop Rock
March 25, 1979 ~ Sultan Banks, commonly known as hip-hop producer, rapper Traxamillion, born ~ First gained attention producing Super Hyphy, a moderate 2005 hit on the hyphy circuit for Keak da Sneak. Banks has released about half a dozen mixtapes and albums, notably The Slapp Addict album in 2006, and has produced tracks for Mistah FAB, Brooke Hogan (About Us), MC Lars, Drew Deezy, and Clyde Carson. Banks passed away at age 42 of cancer, while in hospice care at his aunt's home ~ Banks passed away in 2022
March 25, 1979 ~ Rock band Van Halen kick off their World Vacation Tour at the Selland Arena, Fresno, California ~ With their 1978 debut album having sold over a million copies within its first year, the band embark on their first full headlining tour. Critics would praise them for their well choreographed and “irresistibly entertaining” show. The band play a little over a 100 dates across North America, Europe, and Japan in support of their Van Halen II sophomore album, to conclude the tour in early October at the Forum, a venue in Inglewood, California, where brothers Alex van Halen and Eddie Van Halen lived
March 25, 1976 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Chris Murphy, full name Christopher Bryce Murphy, born in Australia ~ Gained widespread attention in 2006 as contestant on the talent show Australian Idol, reaching 4th place. Would release a full-length eponymous Chris Murphy album the following year. Fronted Murphy's Lore since 1993, known for the albums People In Grass Houses, Best Laid Plans and The Universe Conspires. The band has opened for acts such as Jimmy Barnes and Daryl Braithwaite
March 25, 1975 ~ Singer Melanie Blatt, full name Melanie Ruth Blatt, born in London, UK ~ Rose to fame as member of girl group All Saints, known for hits such as Never Ever, Bootie Call, Pure Shores and Black Coffee. As a solo artist scored a UK top 20 hit with Do Me Wrong in 2003. Has also collaborated with Artful Dodger, Outsidaz, and others
March 25, 1975 ~ Bassist, songwriter, producer, author Tony Grey, full name Antony Phillip Grey, born in Newcastle, UK ~ Worked with Hiromi, John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Reeves Gabrels, Kelly Buchanan, Naveen Kumar, Tomoyasu Hotei, Gavin Degraw, Dennis Chambers, Bill Evans, Zack Alford, Zakir Hussain, Grégoire Maret, Gary Husband, Mino Cinélu, Brian Blade, Mike Stern, Karsh Kale, Wayne Krantz, Dave Holland, Mark Giuliana, Kenwood Dennard, David Fluczynki, Fabrizio Soti, Raymond Angry, Gene Lake, Chris Dave, Faiguni, Reb Beach, Deantoni Parks, Lionel Loueke, Oli Rockberger, and others
March 25, 1974 ~ Alternative rock, electronica, trip hop, reggae fusion singer, guitarist Finley Quaye born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Son of vaudeville pianist Cab Kaye. Half-brother of guitarist Caleb Quaye. Debuted in 1997 with the album Maverick A Strike. It spawned the hits Sunday Shining, It's Great When We're Together and Even After All, the latter reaching the UK top 10. Has collaborated with A Guy Called Gerald, William Orbit (Dice), Timo Maas, Cathy Claret, Ava Leigh, Christopher Chaplin, and others
March 25, 1972 ~ Singer Vicky Leandros wins the 17th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Edinburgh, UK with her performance of Après Toi ~ Representing Luxembourg, Leandros wins with the song Après Toi written by Leo Leandros, Klaus Munro and Yves Dessca. Runner-ups were the UK's the New Seekers with Beg Steal Or Borrow in second place, and Germany's Mary Roos with Nur Die Liebe Lässt Uns Leben in third
March 25, 1971 ~ Alternative metal, alternative rock bassist Michael McKeegan, full name Michael Robert McKeegan, born in Lame, Northern Ireland ~ Best known as co-founding member of Therapy, and along with Andy Cairns the only original member still with the band. Has also worked with Evil Priest, the Sons Of Massey and the Gemils
March 25, 1969 ~ Bandleader Billy Cotton, full name William Edward Cotton, passed away in London, UK ~ Popular bandleader from the 1920s onwards and one of the few to remain popular after the British dance band era and well into the 1950s. Known for songs such as Somebody Stole My Gal. Also appeared in a number of films starting in the 1930s ~ Cotton was born in 1899
March 25, 1969 ~ House, dance, dance-pop singer, songwriter Cathy Dennis born in Norwich, UK ~ Rose to fame as singer with D-Mob, notably present on the 1989 single C'mon And Get My Love which is considered an underground dance classic. Released her solo debut album Move To This in 1990. Known for songs such as Just Another Dream, Touch Me All Night Long and Too Many Wails. Would go on to become an in-demand songwriter. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Bumper To Bumper for the Spice Girls, Before Your Love for Kelly Clarkson, and I Kissed A Girl for Katy Perry
March 25, 1967 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones kick off their European tour at the Idrottens Hus, Helsingborg, Sweden ~ The band plays a little over two dozen shows across nine countries through mid-April, in support of the Between The Buttons album and particularly the singles Let's Spend The Night Together and Ruby Tuesday. The tour would also mark one of the first times a Western rock act played behind the Iron Curtain as they do two shows in Warsaw. Visitors were told to behave or they would be removed from the venue, however, a riot broke out. Soviet officials were not pleased and it would be a long while before the Stones would return to Eastern Europe
March 25, 1967 ~ Flamenco guitarist, composer Vicente Amigo, full name Vicente Amigo Girol, born in Guadalcanal, Spain ~ Closely associated with Manolo Sanlúcar. Accompanied singers such as El Pele, Camarón de la Isla, and Luis de Córdoba. Served as producer for Remedios Amaya and José Mercé. As a solo artist best known for his 2000 Ciudad De Las Ideas album. Has also collaborated with Miguel Bosé, Pedro Aznar, Nacho Cano, Josh Groban, Alberto Iglesias, Alejandro Sanz, Sting, and Potito
March 25, 1966 ~ Blues, rock, jazz guitarist, singer Jeff Healey, full name Norman Jeffrey Healey, was born in Toronto, Canada ~ Took up the guitar at age 3. Known for his unique lap-held style of playing. Recorded about a dozen albums, starting in the late-1980s. Especially acclaimed for the albums Adventures In Jazzland and Mess Of Blues. Well known songs include I Think I Love You Too Much, How Long Can A Man Be Strong, and Lost In Your Eyes. The single Angel Eyes off his See The Light debut album would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Healey passed away in 2008
March 25, 1964 ~ Roger Buzz Osborne, commonly known as sludge metal, grunge, alternative metal singer, guitarist, songwriter King Buzzo, born in Montesano, Washington, USA ~ Considered an icon of the alt-metal genre. Influential on guitarists such as Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl, Kim Thayil, Brent Hinds, and Hank Williams III. Key member of the Melvins, which he co-founded in 1983 with Matt Lukin and Mike Dillard. The band is especially acclaimed for the early-1990s albums Melvins and its follow-up Houdini. Osborne has also worked with the Fantomas and Venomous Concept
March 25, 1963 ~ Alternative country, roots rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Robbie Fulks born in York, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Over a dozen albums to his name starting with Country Love Songs released in 1996, praised for his flatpicking guitar technique, his near encyclopaedial knowledge of country and pop, and for his literate songwriting
March 25, 1962 ~ Classical, world, new age composer, pianist Kirill Pokrovsky, full name Kirill Vladimirovich Pokrovsky, born in Moscow, Russia ~ Keyboardist for heavy metal acts Aria and Master before venturing out on his own. Known for his BRUGGE solo album. Best known as a composer for video games, notably writing the score to the Divinity series of video games ~ Pokrovsky passed away in 2015
March 25, 1960 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, rock drummer Chad Wackerman born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Worked with Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth, Banned From Utopia, Bill Watrous, Steve Vai, Andy Summers, Ed Mann, Albert Lee, and Colin Hay. Has released a number of solo albums, starting with Forty Reasons in 1991
March 25, 1960 ~ Pop, post-punk guitarist Steve Norman born in Islington, UK ~ Co-founding member of Spandau Ballet, known for a string of 1980s UK top 20 hits including Musclebound, Lifeline, True, Gold and Only When You Leave. Norman remained with the band through its entire existence, initially as a guitarist and later also as bassist and saxophonist
March 25, 1959 ~ Jazz, pop drummer Per Hillestad born in Øvre Årdal, Norway ~ Founded supergroup Lava in 1977, known best for their 1984 Fire album. Has guested on albums by Ketil Bjørnstad, Øystein Sunde, Jonas Fjeld, Sissel Kyrkjebø, Hanne Krogh, A-ha (East Of The Sun West Of The Moon), Morten Harket, Animal Farm, Kristin Sevaldsen, and others
March 25, 1958 ~ Trombonist, bandleader Tom Brown passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Played with Papa Jack Laine and Frank Christian before leading bands of his own by the 1910s. Brown bragged to lead the first white band to play “Jass,” a similar claim as Nick LaRocca of the competing the Original Dixieland Jazz Band has adamantly made. Later Brown would also serve under bandleaders such as Bert Kelly and Harry Yerkes ~ Brown was born in 1888
March 25, 1955 ~ Conductor, violinist, keyboardist, songwriter, arranger Lucio Fabbri born in Crema, Italy ~ Worked in progressive rock with acts such as Il Pacco, Piazza Delle Erbe. Sessioned for artists such as Roberto Vecchioni, Claudio Rocchi, Eugenio Finardi. Works primarily as a arranger and conductor from the 1980s onwards, working with artists such as Matia Bazar, Paul Young, Umberto Tozzi, Mika, Gianni Morandi, Enzo Jannacci, Premiata Forneria Marconi, Marco Mengoni, Massimo Ranieri, Chiara Galiazzo, Nik Kershaw, Howard Jones, Captain Sensible, and others
March 25, 1954 ~ Bassist, keyboardist, musical director Nathan Watts, full name Nathan Lamar Watts, born ~ Best known for his longtime association with Stevie Wonder, starting on Wonder's 1976 masterpiece album Songs In The Key Of Life. Co-wrote Free, recorded by Deniece Williams for her This Is Niecy debut album. Has also guested on albums by Vernon Bunch, Sérgio Mendes, Carrie Lucas, the Jacksons (Destiny), Lenny Williams, Cheryl Lynn, the Dramatics, José Feliciano, La Toya Jackson, Teena Marie, the Pointer Sisters (Black & White), Syreeta Wright, and Billy Preston
March 25, 1951 ~ Jazz, bebop drummer Big Sid Catlett passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ One of the most versatile drummers of his generation. Influenced by Zutty Singleton, Baby Dodds, Jimmy Bertrand. Worked with Benny Carter, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, Fletcher Henderson, Don Redman, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Ruth Brown ~ Catlett was born in 1910
March 25, 1949 ~ Robert Alan Ezrin, commonly known as producer Bob Ezrin born in Toronto, Canada ~ Revered rock, hard rock, arena rock producer. Has worked with Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Peter Gabriel, Phish, the Deftones, and Thirty Seconds To Mars
March 25, 1949 ~ Guitarist Neil Jones born in Llanbradach, UK ~ Member of Amen Corner, known for string of late-1960s UK hits including Gin House Blues, Bend Me Shape Me, High In The Sky and perhaps their best known If Paradise Is Half As Nice, the latter topping the English charts in 1969 ~ Jones passed away in 2018
March 25, 1948 ~ Producer, singer, guitarist, songwriter Michael Stanley born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Enjoyed regional popularity during the 1970s and 1980s with his brand of heartland rock. Nationally best known for the single He Can't Love You, which reached the Billboard top 40 in 1980 ~ Stanley passed away in 2021
March 25, 1947 ~ Rock, new wave, pub rock guitarist, keyboardist, saxophonist, singer Brinsley Schwarz, full name Brinsley Ernest Pieter Schwarz, born in Woodbridge, UK ~ Guitarist and eponym of pub rock outfit Brinsley Schwarz. Following the band's disbandement in 1974 has worked with Ducks Deluxe, guested on Dr Feelgood's Down By The Jetty, and notably worked with the Rumour backing Graham Parker
March 25, 1947 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Duncan Browne, full name Duncan John Browne, born ~ Signed by Andrew Loog Oldham and debuted in 1968 with the album Give Me Take You. Best known for songs such as Journey and The Wild Places, the latter remaining a radio staple to this day. Member of Metro. Co-wrote Criminal World, which David Bowie included on his Let's Dance album released in 1983 ~ Browne passed away in 1993
March 25, 1947 ~ Reginald Kenneth Dwight, commonly known as singer, songwriter Elton John born in Pinner, UK ~ One of all-time best-selling artists, with sales exceeding 300 million records. Acclaimed for a number of 1970s albums, notably Honky Château, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy. Known best for songs such as Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long Long Time), Crocodile Rock, Daniel, Bennie And The Jets, Island Girl, Don't Go Breaking My Heart with Kiki Dee, I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues, I'm Still Standing, Nikita, Candle In The Wind, Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me and Can You Feel The Love Tonight
March 25, 1944 ~ Beat bassist Megan Davies, full name Megan Kelso Davies born ~ Member of the Applejacks, known for a number of mid-1960s singles including Like Dreamers Do penned by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Three Little Words and the UK top 10 hit Tell Me When. The band was also the first to record I Go To Sleep written by the Kinks singer Ray Davies, later notably covered by Cher on her 1965 All I Really Want To Do solo debut album, Peggy Lee, the Pretenders, Graham Bonnet, and Soulwax
March 25, 1943 ~ Drummer Kevin Kelley, full name Kevin Daniel Kelley, born in Los Angeles County, California, USA ~ Member of Rising Sons, joining the band in 1965 as replacement for original drummer Ed Cassidy. The band is known for including both Ry Cooder and Taj Mahal and broke up soon after their 1966 Candy Man single. Briefly a member of the Byrds, present on the pivotal country rock album The Sweethearts Of The Rodeo. Following his departure in 1968 has been a member of Fever Tree and Gas Food & Lodging, and sessioned for the like of John Fahey, Phil Ochs, Jerry Jeff Walker, Judee Sill, and Michael Cohen ~ Kelley passed away in 2002
March 25, 1942 ~ Singer Aretha Franklin born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Undisputed Queen of Soul. Had no less than eighty-eight singles hit the US singles charts starting in 1955 including hits such as RESPECT, Chain Of Fools, Think, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You, I Say A Little Prayer, Rock Steady, Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do), Chain Of Fools, Day Dreaming, and Who's Zoomin' Who ~ Franklin passed away in 2018
March 25, 1940 ~ Pop singer Anita Bryant, full name Anita Jane Bryant, born in Barnsdale, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best known for her single Paper Roses, a Billboard top 10 hit in 1960
March 25, 1940 ~ Anna Maria Mazzini, commonly known as pop, blues, jazz, R&B, bossa nova singer Mina, was born in Busto Arsizio, Italy ~ One of the most popular pop Italian pop singers in the 1960s and 1970s. Praised for her three-octave vocal range and vocal agility, dubbed “the Queen of Screamers”. Internationally best known for the ballad This World We Love In, which hit the low end of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961. At times banned from Italian radio and TV for her emancipated, liberated, loose rock & roll image
March 25, 1938 ~ Singer, songwriter Hoyt Axton born in Duncan, Oklahoma, USA ~ Son of noted songwriter Mae Boren Axton who co-wrote Heartbreak Hotel. Hoyt performed and recorded as a singer but is best known as a songwriter responsible for songs made famous by others such as Joy To The World and Never Been To Spain by Three Dog Night, The Pusher from Easy Rider by Steppenwolf, Greenback Dollar by the Kingston Trio, and The No No Song by Ringo Starr. Other artists who have recorded Hoyt's work include Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie, BJ Thomas, John Denver, Waylon Jennings, Jonathan Edwards, Anne Murray, and others ~ Axton passed away in 1999
March 25, 1936 ~ Singer Edythe Wright, backed by Tommy Dorsey and orchestra, records Robins And Roses ~ Written by Joe Burke and Edgar Leslie. Recorded by several artists, the biggest hit being Bing Crosby's version which peaked at No.2. Other 1936 versions would be recorded by Orville Knapp, and by Dorsey's brother Jimmy Dorsey with Kay Weber
March 25, 1936 ~ Jazz double bassist Larry Gales, full name Lawrence Bernard Gales, born ~ Renowned sideman. Occassional leader. Worked with JC Heard, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Johnny Griffin, Herbie Mann, Junior Mance, Joe Williams, Erroll Garner, Willie Bobo, Red Rodney, Harry Sweets Edison, Benny Carter, Blue Mitchell, Clark Terry, Kenny Burrell, Buddy Tate, Bennie Green, Sonny Stitt, Mary Lou Williams, Jimmy Smith, Sonny Criss, Big Joe Turner, Eddie Henderson, Johnny Lytle, Junior Mance, Charlie Rouse, and others ~ Gales passed away in 1995
March 25, 1934 ~ Singer, songwriter Johnny Burnette, full name John Joseph Burnette, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Father of 1980s rockabilly singer Rocky Burnette. Formed and fronted the Johnny Burnette Trio, which also included his brothers Dorsey Burnette and Paul Burlison, known for a number of pivotal rock & roll releases including 1956's Train Kept A-Rollin'. Pursued a solo career in the early 1960 reaching the top 20 with a number of smooth pop songs and ballads, perhaps most notably Dreamin', You're Sixteen and Little Boy Sad, before an early death in a boating accident ~ Burnette passed away in 1964
March 25, 1933 ~ Blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Clarence Edwards born in Lindsay, Louisiana, USA ~ Would gain recognition later in life, playing the blues festival circuit in the late-1980s. Best known for songs such as Lonesome Bedroom Blues and I Want Somebody ~ Edwards passed away in 1993
March 25, 1933 ~ Charles William Harris, commonly known as rock & roll, pop singer Wee Willie Harris, born in Bermondsey, UK ~ Enjoyed popularity in his native UK during the 1950s and early-1960s, despite none of his singles reaching the charts. Dubbed “Britain's wild man of rock & roll” for his flamboyant appearance and stage presence. Became a popular performer on TV shows, though many in the media would express concern for the BBC promoting teenage decadence. Best known for his 1957 self-penned Rockin' At The 2 I's debut single. Harris would resurface in the 1970s as a nostalgia act after being referenced by Ian Dury in the song Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3. Harris would later record the album Twenty Reasons To Be Cheerful ~ Harris passed away in 2023
March 25, 1931 ~ Pianist, harpsichordist, producer Erik Smith, full name Erik George Sebastian Smith, born in Rostock, Germany ~ Son of conductor Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt. Of Jewish descent fled Germany in 1936 with his mother and brother to be raised in the UK. Producer for Decca Records and Phillips. Formed the London Wind Soloists and the Vienna Mozart Ensemble. Produced over 90 opera recordings. Best known for the complete recordings of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, some 180 CDs known as The Complete Mozart Edition released in the early-1990s ~ Smith passed away in 2004
March 25, 1931 ~ Jazz, bebop, post-bop, avant-garde drummer, bandleader, composer Paul Motian, full name Stephen Paul Motian, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Advanced improviser who challenged post-bop. Rose to prominence from the late-1950s onward backing Bill Evans including on the highly acclaimed Sunday At The Village Vanguard album. Also closely associated with Keith Jarrett, playing with the latter for about a decade starting in 1967. As a leader known for albums such as Dance, Psalm, and The Story Of Maryam. In-demand sideman, present on albums by George Russell, Lee Konitz, Mose Allison (I Love The Life I Live), Bob Brookmeyer, Paul Bley, Don Cherry (Relativity Suite), Charlie Haden (Closeness Duets), and Chick Corea ~ Motian passed away in 2011
March 25, 1931 ~ Music manager, songwriter, producer Ted White, full name Theodore Richard White, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Manager and first husband of pivotal R&B singer Aretha Franklin, with whom he has one son. The couple were married from 1961 through 1969. Co-wrote several of Franklin's best known, notably Dr Feelgood, Think and Sweet Sweet Baby Since You've Been Gone ~ White passed away in 2020
March 25, 1931 ~ Producer Tom Wilson, full name Thomas Blanchard Wilson Jr, born ~ Founded Transition Records, known for several quintessential mid-1950s jazz releases including Cecil Taylor's Jazz Advance and Sun Ra's Jazz By Sun Ra. As staff producer at Columbia Records especially noted for producing three key Bob Dylan albums, namely The Times They Are A-Changin', Another Side Of Bob Dylan and Bringing It All Back Home. Produced Simon & Garfunkel's 1964 Wednesday Morning 3AM debut album. Has also worked with the likes of the Mothers Of Invention, the Velvet Underground, Eddie Harris, Eric Burdon, the Blues Project, and others ~ Wilson passed away in 1978
March 25, 1930 ~ Classical pianist, teacher, author Russell Sherman born in New York, New York, USA ~ Debuted at the Town Hall, New York, at age 15. Would go on to become an in-demand soloist, working with renowned orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Artist-in-residence and longtime teacher at the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston. As an author known for his collection of short essays on piano playing related concerns, titled Piano Pieces published in 1996 ~ Sherman passed away in 2023
March 25, 1929 ~ Jazz pianist Cecil Taylor, full name Cecil Percival Taylor, born in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Classically trained. Pioneered free jazz. Notably influenced by Béla Bartók and Karlheinz Stockhausen. Possibly over a 100 albums as a leader or co-leader. Known for landmark albums such as Looking Ahead, Love For Sale, and Unit Structures. Has collaborated with the likes of Steve Lacy (The Straight Horn Of Steve Lacy), Buell Neidlinger, the Jazz Composers Orchestra, Max Roach, Mal Waldron (Update), and Evan Parker ~ Taylor passed away in 2018
March 25, 1926 ~ Conductor, orchestrator, film composer Riz Ortolani, full name Riziero Ortolani, born in Pesaro, Italy ~ With a career spanning five decades starting in the mid-1950s has scored over 200 films and TV shows. Best known for co-writing Ti Guardero Nel Cuore for the 1962 documentary film Mondo Cane. It would win the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Theme. It has become a pop standard recorded either as an instrumental theme or with Italian or English lyrics, retitled More, by well over 300 artists including Kai Winding, Byron Lee, the Ventures, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Ricky Nelson, the Supremes, Roy Orbison, Booker T & the MG's, Tom Jones, and Judy Garland ~ Ortolani passed away in 2014
March 25, 1925 ~ Singer, voice actor Elmer Dresslar Jr born ~ Best known as a voice actor, mostly in jingles and commercials. As a solo singer known for the singles Chain Gang and These Hands. Member of the Singers Unlimited ~ Dresslar passed away in 2005
March 25, 1925 ~ Morris Joseph Lazar, commonly known as traditional pop, swing, big band singer, actor Freddie Stewart, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for appearing in the fim series The Teen Agers from 1946 through 1948. Wrote the song Do I Know What I'm Doing for the 1943 She's For Me musical comedy film. Briefly sang with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra ~ Lazar passed away in 2000
March 25, 1923 ~ Bonnie Buckingham, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Bonnie Guitar, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ As a recording artist, Buckingham is best known for her 1957 country-pop hit Dark Moon, one of the first songs by a female country artist to cross over to the pop charts where it reached No.6. However, she is best known for her work behind the scenes, including notably as co-founder of Dolton Records and as such incremental in launching the careers of acts such as the Fleetwoods and the Ventures, and later on as co-owner of Jerden Records ~ Buckingham passed away in 2019
March 25, 1906 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Jean Sablon born in Nogent-sur-Marne, France ~ One of the first French singers to embrace jazz. The first singer to record with famed guitarist Django Reinhardt. Enjoying an international career in film, stage and music he was often referred to as a French version of Bing Crosby or Frank Sinatra. Known for songs such as Vous Qui Passez Sans Me Voir, In The Still Of The Night, Love Walked In, and Les Feuilles Mortes ~ Sablon passed away in 1994
March 25, 1904 ~ Kermit H Johnson, commonly known as boogie-woogie, jazz pianist Pete Johnson, born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Helped make boogie-woogie popular in the late-1930s. Played with Big Joe Turner (including on Roll 'Em Pete, generally seen as one of the first rock & roll records), Meade Lux Lewis, Albert Ammons, JC Higginbotham, JC Heard, Chuck Berry, and Big Maybelle. Johnson also wrote and recorded Rocket '88 Boogie, the inspiration for Ike Turner's Rocket '88 two years later in 1951 ~ Johnson passed away in 1967
March 25, 1902 ~ Clarinetist Albert Burbank born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Student of Lorenzo Tio. Worked with Kid Milton, Paul Barbarin, Kid Ory, Herb Morand, Kid Clayton, Percy Humphrey, and Jimmy Archey ~ Burbank passed away in 1976
March 25, 1867 ~ Conductor Arturo Toscanini born in Parma, Italy ~ One of the most beloved musicians of the late 19th century, early 20th century. Household name in America, known for popularizing operatic and symphonic repertoire. Worked with La Scala, the New York Philharmonic, and the NBC Symphony Orchestra ~ Toscanini passed away in 1957