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, 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, 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, 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, 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 ~ 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 ~ 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, 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, 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 ~ 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