March 27, 2023 ~ Peggy Stoutmeyer, commonly known as blues, R&B, gospel singer Peggy Scott-Adams, passed away ~ Toured with Ben E King as a teenager. Recorded a number of duet singles with Jo Jo Benson during the late-1960s, notably Lovers Holiday, Pickin' Wild Berries and Soulshake. Reemerged nearly three decades later, brought back to the studio by singer and producer Jimmy Lewis, leading to a full-length critically acclaimed Help Yourself debut album in 1996. Has recorded a little over half a dozen blues, R&B and gospel albums since ~ Stoutmeyer was born in 1948
March 27, 2017 ~ Jazz saxophonist Arthur Blythe, full name Arthur Murray Blythe, passed away in Lancaster, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Chico Hamilton, Gil Evans, Lester Bowie, Jack DeJohnette, McCoy Tyner, Steve Reid, the Leaders, Synthesis, Santi Debriano, Joey Baron, Jack DeJohnette, Chico Freeman, the Music Revelation Ensemble, the World Saxophone Quartet, and Interface ~ Blythe was born in 1940
March 27, 2017 ~ Curtis Clemens, commonly known as singer Clem Curtis, passed away in Olney, UK ~ Singer, founding member of the Foundations, known for songs such as Baby Now That I've Found You, Build Me Up Buttercup, Back On My Feet Again, and Any Old Time (You're Lonely & Sad) ~ Curtis was born in 1940
March 27, 2013 ~ Gospel, country, rock & roll singer Gordon Stoker passed away in Brentwood, Tennessee, USA ~ Longtime member of the Jordanaires, a vocal group credited most with bringing black spirituals to white audiences. The group is also known for touring with Mahalia Jackson, one of the first interracial gospel pairings, as a backing vocal group for Elvis Presley on classic recordings such as (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear, (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care, King Creole, I Got Stung, GI Blues, and Return To Sender, and for backing Patsy Cline on all of her Decca Records-sessions including Crazy, I Fall To Pieces, Walkin' After Midnight and She's Got You ~ Stoker was born in 1924
March 27, 2010 ~ Bandleader Peter Herbolzheimer, full name Peter Alexandru Herbolzheimer, passed away in Cologne, Germany ~ Founded and led the Rhythm Combination And Brass big band which accompanied artists such as Esther Phillips, Stan Getz, Nat Adderley, Gerry Mulligan, Toots Thielemans, Clark Terry, and Albert Mangelsdorff. Served as musical director of Germany's youth orchestra, the Bundes Jazz Orchester, from 1987 to 2006 ~ Herbolzheimer was born in 1935
March 27, 2006 ~ Rock, hard rock, blues, country, R&B bassist, guitarist, singer, songwriter Peter Wells, full name Peter William Wells, passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Co-founding member, bassist for Buffalo, a band considered influential in the development of Australia's heavy metal, pub rock and psychedelic rock movements. When the band folded in 1976, Wells formed Rose Tattoo, with whom he recorded three albums. The band is perhaps best known for their Bad Boy For Love hit single taken of their 1978 Rose Tattoo debut album. Wells also recorded as a solo artist and with Blues Hangover ~ Wells was born in 1946
March 27, 2002 ~ Actor, comedian, singer, composer Dudley Moore, full name Dudley Stuart John Moore, passed away in Plainsfield, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as leading figure in the UK's late-1960s satire boom and an in-demand comedy actor, notably in 1981's Arthur earning him an Academy Award nomination. Also an accomplished pianist, often with a satirical or comic twist and noted for the mid-1960s singles Goodbye-ee and The Ballad Of Spotty Muldoon both in collaboration with Peter Cook ~ Moore was born in 1935
March 27, 2000 ~ Singer, songwriter Ian Dury, full name Ian Robins Dury, passed away in London, UK ~ Emerged among wave of punk, punk-pop, early new wave though none of the era's idioms fitted him. Known for his wordplay and lyrical prowess including complex rhyming akin to rap. Debuted in 1977 with the New Boots & Panties album. Known for Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, the Gene Vincent-tribute Sweet Gene Vincent and perhaps his best known Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick ~ Dury was born in 1942
March 27, 1997 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer, songwriter Aaron Collins passed away ~ Member of the Jacks, known for 1955's Why Don't You Write Me. Member of the Cadets, known for the 1956 hit Stranded In The Jungle. Member of the Flares, known for Foot Stomping released in 1961. As a solo artist released a sole solo album, 1957's Calypso USA, which included the singles Pretty Evey and Rum Jamaica Rum ~ Collins was born in 1930
March 27, 1993 ~ Clifford Laconia Jordan, commonly known as tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Blues-infused be-bop saxophonist. Well over two dozen albums to his name as a leader, starting in the mid-1950s. Especially acclaimed for Blowing In From Chicago released in 1957 and In The World released in 1969. Along with Eric Dolphy backed Charles Mingus on his 1964 European tour. As a sideman Jordan appears on albums by Johnny Griffin (A Blowin' Session), Sonny Clark, Lee Morgan, JJ Johnson, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Pony Poindexter (Pony's Express), Charles McPherson, Joe Zawinul, Cedar Walton (The Electic Boogaloo Song), Hugh Lawson, Dizzy Reece (Manhattan Project), Mal Waldron, and Carmen McRae ~ Jordan was born in 1931
March 27, 1990 ~ Kimbra Lee Johnson, mononymously known as pop singer Kimbra, born in Hamilton, New Zealand ~ Influenced by Prince, Björk, Jeff Buckley. Debuted in 2011 with the album Vows, spawning the hits Settle Down, Cameo Lover, Two Way Street. Internationally perhaps best known as featured vocalist on Gotye's 2012 global monster-hit Somebody That I Used To Know. Has also worked with John Legend, Nelly Furtado, Jacob Collier, and others
March 27, 1988 ~ Jessica Ellen Cornish, commonly known as pop, dance-pop, EDM, R&B, hip-hop singer, songwriter Jessie J, born in London, UK ~ Released her full-length debut album, Who You Are, in 2011 and has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial succes since. Known for songs such as Do It Like A Dude, Price Tag featuring BoB, Domino, It's My Party and Bang Bang featuring Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj
March 27, 1987 ~ Pop rock group U2 play a rooftop concert in Los Angeles to film their video for Where The Streets Have No Name, leading to surprised looks among some delighted onlookers, while other were upset because they were stopping traffic ~ The band play an impromptu mini-concert on the roof of the Republic Liquor Store on the corner of 7th and Main Street in Los Angeles, California. The band play Where The Streets Have No Name four times, film recordings of the performance to be used for their music video to accompany the single's release. The band also play People Get Ready, In God's Country, Sunday Bloody Sunday, and Pride (In The Name Of Love). The single Where The Streets Have No Name would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100, while the video earned the band a Grammy Award for Best Performance Music Video. When asked whether the video concept was similar to the famous 1969 Apple Records rooftop concert by the Beatles, used in the movie Let It Be, Bono stated: “We've ripped off the Beatles many times before”
March 27, 1984 ~ Singer, songwriter Laura Critchley born ~ Opened for the Sugababes and Boyzone. Duetted with Ronan Keating. Touring backing singer for Tom Jones. Released her Sometimes I debut album in 2007 to critical acclaim, which included the moderate indie hit Today's Another Day
March 27, 1983 ~ Swing double bassist Hank Wayland, full name Hank Frederic Gregson Wayland, passed away in California, USA ~ Fixture of the 1930s New York swing scene, playing in ensembles led by Benny Goodman, Red Norvo, Artie Shaw, Bunny Berigan, and Larry Clinton. After relocating to California by the mid-1940s, Wayland became a session musician for the likes of Eddie Miller and Wingy Manone active through the 1950s ~ Wayland was born in 1906
March 27, 1982 ~ Pac-Man Fever by Buckner & Garcia peaks at No.9 Billboard Hot 100, making the song the only one about a classic video game to reach the American top 10 ~ The title song of their Pac-Man Fever album, an album consisting entirely of songs about arcade video games, each song using sound effects from their respective corresponding game. The single would sell over a million copies, and be the only song about a video game to reach top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. The follow-up single, Do The Donkey Kong lifted off the same album, would fail to reach the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No.103
March 27, 1976 ~ Psychedelic, ambient, electronic, experimental producer Adam Forkner born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Has been recording solo project since the early-2000s, going by the monikers VVRSSNN, White Rainbow and Airboy Express. Has also worked with World, Yume Bitsu, Surface Of Eceon, the Dirty Projectors, and Atlas Sound
March 27, 1976 ~ Pianist, conductor, arranger, songwriter Leon Carr passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by the likes of Harry James, Pearl Bailey (Hug Me A Hug Kiss Me A Kiss), Teresa Brewer, the Blossoms, the Cinderellas, Patti Page (Two Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Three Miles), Craig Alden, Brook Benton (Hotel Happiness), the Tymes, Ruby & the Romantics (Hey There Lonely Boy), Bobby Vinton, Bonnie Guitar, Tom Jones (The Young New Mexican Puppeteer), and Eydie Gormé ~ Carr was born in 1910
March 27, 1976 ~ Jazz, R&B saxophonist, songwriter Tia Fuller born in Aurora, Colorado, USA ~ Member of Beyoncé's all-female touring band in 2006. As a jazz leader debuted in 2005 with the album Pillar Of Strength and has recorded steadily since. Has worked with Esperanza Spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Sean Jones, Roy Haynes, Jon Batiste, Joe Budden, Nancy Wilson, and others
March 27, 1975 ~ Composer, conductor Arthur Bliss, full name Arthur Edward Drummond Bliss, passed away in London, UK ~ Influenced by Maurice Ravel, Igor Stravinsky, Les Six. Enjoyed popularity especially during the interbellum between World War I and II. Perhaps best known for his symphony A Colour Symphony, premiered in 1922 ~ Bliss was born in 1891
March 27, 1975 ~ Stacy Ann Ferguson, commonly known as singer Fergie born in Hacienda Heights, California, USA ~ Member of Wild Orchid. Rose to fame after joining Black Eyed Peas in 2001, which also marked a transgession for the band moving from alternative to a more radio-friendly, mainstream appeal and massive global success. Present on hits such as Let's Get It Started, Don't Phunk With My Heart, My Humps, I Gotta Feeling, Imma Be and Just Can't Get Enough. As a solo artist released her full-length album The Dutchess in 2006, spawning the Billboard top 10 hits London Bridge, Fergalicious featuring will.i.am, Glamorous featuring Ludacris and Big Girls Don't Cry
March 27, 1975 ~ Torch singer, songwriter, actress Gertrude Niesen passed away in Hollywood, California, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity in the 1930s and 1940s performing in musicals and films. Best remembered for recording the first version of Smoke Gets In Your Eyes in 1933, penned by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach and later covered by numerous artists including the Platters whose version topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958 ~ Niesen was born in 1911
March 27, 1974 ~ Bluegrass, country fiddler, mandolinist Aubrey Haynie born in Tampa, Florida, USA ~ Member of the Time Jumpers. Influenced by Chubby Wise. As a solo artist known for a handful of albums containing mostly self-penned songs, starting with Doin' My Time, released in 1997
March 27, 1972 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Eddie Taylor Jr born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Son of guitarist, singer Eddie Taylor and singer Vera Taylor, stepbrother of Larry Taylor, brother of singer Demetria Taylor. Initially tried his hand at rapping but quickly turned to blues. Debuted in 1998 with the album Looking For Trouble, a tribute to his late father, also featuring his mother on backing vocals. Worked with Johnny B Moore, Little Arthur Duncan, Willie Kent, Hubert Sumlin, Buddy Guy, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, and others ~ Taylor passed away in 2019
March 27, 1972 ~ Joseph Gustaf Bonano, commonly known as jazz, dixieland trumpeter, singer, bandleader Sharkey Bonano, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Chink Martin, the Wolverines, Jimmy Durante, Jean Goldkette, Louis Prima, the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Santo Pecora, and Thurman Teague ~ Bonano was born in 1904
March 27, 1970 ~ Singer Mariah Carey born in Huntington, New York, USA ~ Debuted in 1990 with the eponymous Mariah Carey and would go on to become one of the best-selling female artists of the 1990s. Carey's first five singles all reached the top of the American charts. Has sold over 200 millions worldwide. Cites influences as diverse as Billie Holiday, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Al Green, Minnie Riperton, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, the Clark Sisters, Shirley Caesar, Edwin Hawkins, Sugarhill Gang, Eric B & Rakim, the Wu-Tang Clan, and Mobb Deep. Known for songs such as Vision Of Love, Hero, Without You, All I Want For Christmas Is You, Fantasy, Always Be My Baby, and Heartbreaker. Praised for her vocal range, managed to stay relevant beyond the 1990s by incorporating elements of hip-hop, pop and rock and by seeking out new producers. Worked with Ric Wake, Narada Michael Walden, Rhett Lawrence, Walter Afanasieff, Luther Vandross (Endless Love), Robert Clivilles, David Cole, Boyz II Men (One Sweet Day), Sean Combs, Q-Tip, Missy Elliott, Jean-Calude Oliver, Whitney Houston (When You Believe), Jay-Z, DJ Clue, the Neptunes, Kanye West, Jermaine Dupri, Johnta Austin, Bryan-Michael Cox, Randy Jackson, Tony Bennett, Justin Bieber, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, R Kelly, David Morales, Loris Holland, Stevie J, James Fauntleroy II, Hit-Boy, The-Dream, Da Brat, Rodney Jerkins, and others
March 27, 1969 ~ James Campbell, commonly known as rapper, producer Freddie Foxxx, born in Long Island, New York, USA ~ First gained attention in the 1980s as a member of Supreme Force, noted for the 1986 recording You Gotta Come Out Fresh. Missed a meeting with producer Eric B, who was looking for a musical partner. Eric B would end up teaming up with MC Rakim, forming the quintessential hip-hop duo Eric B & Rakim. Foxx would go on to release his solo debut album, Freddie Foxxx Is Here, in 1989 and collaborate with Boogie Down Productions, Gang Starr, Queen Latifah, DJ Premier, Peter Rock, the Alchemist, KRS One, Statik Selektah, and others
March 27, 1967 ~ Flutist William Kincaid passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Principal flute of the Philadelphia Orchestra for four decades. Respected teacher. Students included Julius Baker, Joseph Mariano, Frances Blaisdell, Ann Cherry, Paul Lusting Dunkel, Doriot Anthony Dwyer, Katherine Hoover, John C Krell, George Ellers Morey, Claire Pollin, Elaine Shaffer, Felix Skowronek, John Solum, and Albert Tipton ~ Kincaid was born in 1895
March 27, 1966 ~ Jazz trumpeter Russell Smith, full name Russell Taylor Smith, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Fletcher Henderson, backing Henderson intermittently from the mid-1920s through the early-1940s. Also worked with Joe Jordan, Horace Henderson, Benny Carter, Claude Hopkins, Cab Calloway, Noble Sissle, and others ~ Smith was born in 1890
March 27, 1965 ~ Jazz singer Stacey Kent born in South Orange, New Jersey, USA ~ Sings in English and French. Married to saxophonist Jim Tomlinson. Started her career opening for established acts in Ronnie Scott's famed London jazz club in the mid-1990s. Released her debut album Close Your Eyes in 1995 and has recorded steadily since, enjoying popularity especially in France
March 27, 1964 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, percussionist, songwriter Clark Datchler, full name Clark Wynford Datchler, born in Sutton, UK ~ Lead singer of Johnny Hates Jazz, known for a string of late-1980s British top 20 hits, all of their debut album Turn Back The Clock, including I Don't Want To Be A Hero, Turn Back The Clock, Heart Of Gold and perhaps their best known Shattered Dreams, the latter also reaching the Billboard top 10. Datchler left the band in 1988 to pursue a solo career and would release his solo debut, Raindance, in 1990, backed by renowned musicians bassist Nathan East, drummer John JR Robinson and percussionist Paulinho Da Costa. Datchler would continue to record, often focusing on environmental themes, and rejoined Johnny Hates Jazz in 2009
March 27, 1964 ~ Mary McKloskey, commonly known as singer Mary Kiani, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Member of dance outfit the Time Frequency, present on songs such as New Emotion, Ultimate High, and the 1993 UK top 10 hit Real Love. Following her stint with the group has also released a number of recordings as a solo artist, her most successful being her 1995 Long Hard Funky Dreams debut album spawning the UK top 20 hits When I Call Your Name and Let The Music Play
March 27, 1963 ~ Singer Bobby Vinton records Blue Velvet at Columbia Recording Studios, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Bernie Wayne and Lee Morris. Produced by Bob Morgan. Originally recorded by Tony Bennett in 1951, subsequently by Bill Farrell, Arthur Prysock, and by the Clovers. Vinton's single however, released in late 1963 paired with Is There A Place Where I Can Go on the flip side, would top the Billboard Hot 100 and become the best known version
March 27, 1963 ~ Carlos Alberto Ficicchia, commonly known as rock, post-punk, alternative rock drummer, percussionist Charly Alberti, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Son of jazz drummer Tito Alberti. Formed pioneering Latin rock band Soda Stereo with Gustavo Cerati and Zeta Bosio. Influenced by the Beatles, the Police, the Cure, Television, Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Pink Floyd and Queen, the band would become the best-selling rock band in Argentina with some 25 million records sold. Well known songs include Zoom, Cuando Pase El Temblor, En La Ciudad De La Furia, Persiana America and De Musica Ligera
March 27, 1963 ~ Smooth jazz, rock saxophonist Dave Koz, full name David Stephen Koz, born in Tarzana, California, USA ~ Served as rock touring and session musician before turning to smooth jazz. Worked with Bobby Caldwell, Jeff Lorber and Richard Marx during the 1980s. Released his eponymous debut album, Dave Koz, in 1990 and has recorded as a solo artist to critical acclaim since
March 27, 1962 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Girls Girls Girls at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California ~ Written and produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Recorded by the Coasters the previous year it would be only a modest hit, barely making it to the Billboard Hot 100. Presley would record it as the title track for his 1962 Girls Girls Girls film and album. Presley recorded Because Of Love during the same session. In 1987, hard rock outfit Mötley Crüe would record a cover of Girls Girls Girls, which reached Billboard Hot 100 top 20
March 27, 1960 ~ Singer Brenda Lee records I Want To Be Wanted ~ Written by Kim Gannon, Pino Spotti, Alberto Testa. Produced by Owen Bradley. Released the following July, paired with Just A Little on the flip side, it would top the Billboard Hot 100 in October
March 27, 1960 ~ Singer, guitarist Guy Swinnen born in Kaggevinne, Belgium ~ Frontman of the Scabs, considered one of the premier rock acts in Belgium during the 1980s and early-1990s. The band is known for songs such as Hard Times, Don't You Know, Nothing On MY Radio, She's Jivin' and The Party's Over. Has subsequently recorded as a solo artist, noted for his 2005 Swinnen album
March 27, 1960 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, pop bassist Victor Bailey born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Known for his signature scat-bass solos. Member of Steps Ahead, present on the albums Magnetic and Vibe. Member of the Weather Report from 1982 through 1986. As a leader recorded about half a dozen albums, starting with Bottoms Up released in 1989. Has also worked with Dennis Chambers, Omar Hakim, Metro, Joe Zawinul, and others ~ Bailey passed away in 2016
March 27, 1959 ~ Keyboardist, singer, songwriter Andrew Farris born in Cottesloe, Australia ~ Co-founding member and along with Michael Hutchence main songwriter of INXS, known for hits such as Original Sin, What You Need, Need You Tonight, Devil Inside, New Sensation, Suicide Blonde and Heaven Sent
March 27, 1959 ~ Guitarist Kid Congo Powers born in La Puenta, California, USA ~ Member of the Gun Club, the Cramps and notably Nick Cave's backing unit the Bad Seeds including on the acclaimed 1988 Tender Prey album. Has also recorded as a solo artist and worked with the Divine Horsemen, Angels Of Light, Die Haut, Knoxville Girls, Congo Norvell, and others
March 27, 1957 ~ Singer, songwriter Billy Mackenzie, full name William MacArthur MacKenzie, born in Dundee, UK ~ Best known as co-founder, lead singer of new wave outfit the Associates. Also worked with Paul Haig, Yello, the British Electric Foundation, Apollo 440, BEF, Stephen Emmer, Annie Lennox, and Barry Adamson ~ Mackenzie passed away in 1997
March 27, 1957 ~ The song Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be Will Be), sung by Doris Day, from the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Man Who Knew Too Much wins the Academy Award for Best Original Song ~ Written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. First introduced by Day in the 1956 The Man Who Knew Too Much mystery thriller, in which Day also played the female lead role opposite James Stewart. Contrary to popular perception, the phrase “que sera sera” is not Spanish in origin and is ungrammatical in that language. Composer Livingston had seen the Italian phrase “che sarà sarà” on a headstone in the 1954 film The Barefoot Contessa and remembered it as he though it would make a good song title. Livingston and Evans would give it a Spanish spelling, albeit incorrect grammar, because there are so many Spanish-speaking people in the world. Sung by Day, it would become her signature song, a No.2 hit on the American charts, and a No.1 in the UK. Over the years, the song would be covered by over an estimated 250 artists
March 27, 1956 ~ Paul Wickens, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, guitarist, producer Wix Wickens, born in Brentwood, UK ~ Closely associated with Paul McCartney, serving as musical director and keyboardist for numerous McCartney tours since the late-1980s. Produced Tasmin Archer's UK No.1 hit Sleeping Satellite taken of her 1992 Great Expectations debut album. In-demand session musician, appearing on albums by Kevin Coyne, John Foxx, The The, Nik Kershaw (The Riddle), Tim Finn, the Pretenders (Get Close), Boy George, Prefab Sprout, Paul Carrack (One Good Reason), and Jim Diamond
March 27, 1955 ~ Neil Joseph Stephen Fraser, commonly known as dub producer, remixer, engineer the Mad Professor, born in Georgetown, Guyana ~ Leading producer in dub music revival, helpful in transitioning the genre into the digital age. Has worked with Lee Scratch Perry, Sly & Robbie, Pato Banton, Jah Shaka, Horace Andy. Has transgressed outside the traditional reggae circles working with the likes of Sade, Massive Attack, the Orb, Grace Jones, and others
March 27, 1954 ~ Jazz drummer Paolo Vinaccia born in Camerino, Italy ~ Leader and sideman. Contributed to over 100 albums. Worked with Terje Rypdal, Bendik Hofseth, Jan Eggum, Knut Reiersrud, Gisle Corvik, Ole Amund Gjersvik, Jonas Fjeld, Palle Mikkelborg, Mike Mainieri, Jon Christensen, David Darling, Arild Andersen, Maj Britt Andersen, Anne Grete Preus, Øystein Sevåg, Bugge Wesseltoft, Alf Craner, Haakon Graf, Helge Iberg, David Lindley, Nils Petter Molvær, Lynni Treekrem, and others ~ Vinaccia passed away in 2019
March 27, 1953 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, rock guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Influential in the city pop genre of the 1970s and 1980s. Active since the early-1970s. Member of progressive rock outfit Flied Egg, and subsequently of rock band the Sadistic Mika Band. Released his Seychelles solo debut album in 1976 and has recorded extensively since. Well known for songs such as Bu Blue Lagoon and Penguin Dancer, the latter notably sampled by Grimes on her 2015 Butterfly song
March 27, 1953 ~ Guitarist Wally Stocker, full name Walter Frederick Stocker, born in London, UK ~ Best known as lead guitarist of the Babys, known for their US top 20 hits Isn't It Time and Everytime I Think Of You. Has also worked with Rod Stewart, Air Supply, Humble Pie, Jimmy Barnes, Zoomer, and others
March 27, 1950 ~ Operatic mezzo-soprano, soprano singer Maria Ewing, full name Maria Louise Ewing, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Well known for her role as Rosina in The Barber Of Seville, a role she reprised several times including with the Houston Grand Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. Also noted for playing Mercedes in Carmen with the San Francisco Opera. Has also worked with the Geneva Opera, the Houston Opera, the Los Angeles Opera, and others ~ Ewing passed away in 2022
March 27, 1950 ~ Keyboardist Tony Banks born in East Heathley, UK ~ Co-founding member of Genesis remaining with the band through 2000. Has released several solo albums starting with 1979's A Curious Feeling, in both rock and classical music inspired by composers such as Gustav Mahler, Dmitri Shostakovich and Erik Satie. Also known for composing a number of soundtracks
March 27, 1949 ~ Funk, rock singer, guitarist, producer Bruce Nazarian born ~ First-call session musician. Worked with George Clinton, Don Was, Earl Van Dyke, Richard Pistol Allen, Uriel Jones, Robert White, the Austin Moro Big Band, the 8th Day, Brownsville Station, the A-Band, Randy Jacobs, Midway, Millie Scott, Nighthawk, and Jimmy Lifton ~ Nazarian passed away in 2015
March 27, 1947 ~ Rock, rock & roll keyboardist, bassist, guitarist, singer Andy Bown, full name Andrew Steven Brown, born in Beckenham, UK ~ Member of the Herd through 1969, known for the UK top 20 hits From The Underworld, Paradise Lost, and I Don't Want Our Loving To Die. Member of short-lived psychedelic rock outfit Judas Jump, known for their sole Scorch released in 1970. Best known as member of Status Quo, joining the band in 1976 and first appearing on Blue For You playing piano on the tracks Mad About The Boy and Ease Your Mind
March 27, 1944 ~ Juan Fernando Silvetti Adorno, commonly known as producer, arranger, pianist Silvetti, born in Quilmes, Argentina ~ Internationally best known for Spring Rain, an instrumental disco hit in 1977. In-demand producer and arranger. Worked with numerous artists including José José, Plácido Domingo, Luis Miguel, Paul Anka, Engelbert Humperdinck, Vikki Carr, Ana Cristina, Rocio Dúrcal, Jerry Rivera, Los Kjarkas, Daniela Romo, Armando Manzanero, Daniel Barenboim, Los Nocheros, Ricardo Montaner, Paloma San Basilio, Nazareno Andorno, Vic Damone, and others ~ Silvetti passed away in 2003
March 27, 1943 ~ Paul Koulaksezian, commonly known as composer Paul Koulak, born in Saint Chamond, France ~ Best known for his work for various TV broadcasts and game shows, notably Fort Boyard. To pop audiences known for writing Souviens-toi De Moi for singer Marie-France Dufour and Sans Toi for Martine Clémenceau, the latter France's entry for the 1973 Eurovision Songfestival which reached 15th place ~ Koulaksezian passed away in 2021
March 27, 1941 ~ Walter Sigler, commonly known as singer, instrumentalist, producer, songwriter Bunny Sigler, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Helped develop the “Philly sound” of the early-1970s. Member of South Shore Comission. Worked extensively with producers and songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. As a solo artist known for, among others, Lovey Dovey and Shake Shake Shake (Shake Your Booty). As a songwriter and producer Sigler also worked with the O'Jays (co-wrote Sunshine and When The World Is At Peace), the Whispers, Ecstasy Passion & Pain, Carl Carlton, Jackie Moore, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the Roots, Billy Paul, Lou Rawls, Patti Labelle, Stephanie Mills, and Curtis Mayfield ~ Sigler passed away in 2017
March 27, 1940 ~ Rocksteady, ska, reggae singer Derrick Morgan born in Clarendon, Jamaica ~ Popular during the 1960s and 1970s, best known for songs such as Tougher Than Tough, Do The Beng Beng, Fat Man, Don't Call Me Daddy, Don't You Know, Conquering Ruler and Seven Letters. The latter, a Bunny Lee-produced cover of the Ben E King song, is ofted cited as the very first true reggae single. Has collaborated with singers such as Desmond Dekker, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and Millicent Todd, and worked with producers such as Coxsone Dodd, Duke Reid and Leslie Kong
March 27, 1940 ~ Rockabily, rock & roll, country singer, guitarist Janis Martin, full name Janis Darlene Martin, born in Sutherlin, Virginia, USA ~ One of the few women in male-dominated rock & roll, at times dubbed “the female Elvis Presley” for her dance moves similar to Presley's. Rose to fame while still in her mid-teens, her 1956 Will You Willyum single, b/w the self-penned Drugstore Rock & Roll, selling some 750,000 copies. Other well known songs include My Boy Elvis, Let's Elope Baby, the Roy Orbison cover Ooby Dooby, and Love Me To Pieces ~ Martin passed away in 2007
March 27, 1937 ~ TV composer, pianist Alan Hawkshaw, full name William Alan Hawkshaw, born in Leeds, UK ~ Best known as a composer of theme tunes, notably for the children's TV show Grange Hill and the TV game show Countdown. Scored a 1979 Billboard Dance No.1 hit with Here Comes That Sound Again with his disco group Love De-luxe. Has also worked as a session musician and collaborator, including with Emile Ford, the Shadows, Olivia Newton-John, Serge Gainsbourg, Cliff Richard, and Donna Summer ~ Hawkshaw passed away in 2021
March 27, 1932 ~ Herman Parker Jr, commonly known as singer, songwriter Junior Parker, born in Coahoma County, Mississippi, USA ~ Known for songs such as Next Time You See Me, Driving Wheel, Annie Get Your Yo-Yo, Sweet Home Chicago, and The Things That I Used To Do. Worked with the Blue Flames, Pat Hare, Bobby Blue Bland, Johnny Ace, the Blues Consolidated Revue, and Ike Turner ~ Parker passed away in 1971
March 27, 1931 ~ Songwriter John Marascalco born in Grenada, Mississippi, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote several songs pivotal to the development of rock & roll, including Wouldn't You Know for Billy Lee Riley, Be My Guest for Fats Domino, Rock 'n Roll Dance for Lloyd Price, If You Want My Love for Gene Vincent, Good Golly Miss Molly, Ready Teddy and Rip It Up for Little Richard, Other artists who recorded his songs include Jesse Belvin, Buddy Holly, Wanda Jackson, Billy Crash Craddock, Elvis Presley, the Everly Brothers, the Zombies, Harry Nilsson, and Los Lobos
March 27, 1927 ~ Jazz saxophonist Bill Barron, full name William Barron Jr, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Praised as an adventurous saxophonist by peers and critics. First gained attention in the late-1950s working with Cecil Taylor, appearing on the Love For Sale album. Closely associated with Philly Joe Jones and Ted Curson. Barron would spent much of his career as an educator, with positions at the City College of New York, New York, and the Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut. His day job made it financially possible to not have to rely on gigs and record sales, and record non-commercial music. Barron has recorded about a dozen albums since the early-1960s, all of which featured his younger brother pianist Kenny Barron, and is noted especially for Hot Line released in 1962. Barron has also recorded with Charles Mingus, Dexter Gordon (Revelation), and Ted Heath ~ Barron passed away in 1989
March 27, 1927 ~ Morris Meyer Ostrofsky, commonly known as producer, label executive Mo Ostin, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Got his start in the music business in the 1950s at Verve. Hired by Frank Sinatra in 1960 to run Sinatra's Reprise Records. Best known for his longtime association with Warner Bros, and considered one of a select few who helped shape modern pop and rock music. Inducted in the the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2003. Over the course of his career, Ostin has signed and worked with acts such as the Kinks, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, REM, Randy Newman, and Prince ~ Ostrofsky passed away in 2022
March 27, 1926 ~ R&B singer Frankie Ervin, full name Frank Miller Ervin, born in Blythe, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Johnny Moore including on the 1953 single Dragnet Blues, and with the Shields including on the 1958 single You Cheated. Also recorded with various other groups and as a solo artist from the early-1950s through the early-1960s, albeit it to lesser chart success ~ Ervin passed away in 2009
March 27, 1924 ~ Singer, pianist Sarah Vaughan born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Quintessential jazz singer. Started with Earl Hines after winning a contest at Apollo Theater Amateur Night. Has recorded with Billy Eckstine, Dizzy Gillespie, Georgie Auld, before going solo by the mid-1940s. Vaughan's singing has often been compared to that of opera singers, the New York Times characterizing Vaughan in her obituary as a “singer who brought an operatic splendor to her performances of popular standards and jazz” ~ Vaughan passed away in 1990
March 27, 1920 ~ Conductor Richard Hayman, full name Richard Warren Joseph Hayman, born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known for his longtime association with the Boston Pops Orchestra. In the classical world, Hayman has also worked with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the St Louis Symphony, and the Grand Rapids Symphony. In pop music, Hayman has arranged for the likes of Barbra Streisand, Bob Hope, Liza Minnelli, and Olivia Newton-John ~ Hayman passed away in 2014
March 27, 1914 ~ Roy Landman, commonly known as singer Snooky Lanson, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as a singing star on the NBC series Your Hit Parade, hired by bandleader Ray Noble. Had previously worked with Francis Craig's dance band. Also known as a singer in several radio orchestras, including for shows such as Appointment With Music, Saturday Showcase and Sunday Night Serenade ~ Landman passed away in 1990
March 27, 1909 ~ Saxophonist Ben Webster, full name Benjamin Francis Webster, born in Kansas City, Kansas, USA ~ Influenced by Johnny Hodges. Spent the 1930s working with artists such as Blanche Calloway, Bennie Moten, Cab Calloway, Fletcher Henderson, and notably starting in 1940 Duke Ellington. Known for his instantly recognisable warm sound, Webster was considered one of the most influential and important swing tenor saxophonists, alongside Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. As a leader or co-leader, Webster has recorded prolifically, and is noted especially for the albums Ballads, Soulville, See You At The Fair, and For The Guv'nor (Tribute To Duke Ellington). Following his rise to fame as a leader, Webster continued to regularly appear as a sideman including on quintessential jazz albums such as Woody Herman's Songs For Hip Lovers, Billie Holiday's Body And Soul, Songs For Distingué Lovers, and All Or Nothing At All, Oliver Nelson's More Blues And The Abstract Truth, and Barney Kessel's Let's Cook. Webster used the same saxophone from 1938 until his death over three decades later. He left instructions that the horn was never to be played again. It is on display in the Institute Of Jazz Studies, Newark, New Jersey ~ Webster passed away in 1973
March 27, 1906 ~ Charles Ellsworth Russell, commonly known as jazz, bebop, dixieland, post-bop, free jazz, saxophonist, clarinetist Pee Wee Russell born in Maplewood, Missouri, USA ~ Leader and sideman. As a composer known for songs such as Pee Wee's Blues, Oh No, Stuyvesant Blues, Midnight Blue, and Missy. Worked with Frankie Trumbauer, Bix Beiderbecke, Jean Goldkette, Louis Prima, Bobby Hackett, Eddie Condon, Art Hodes, Muggsy Spanier, Marshall Brown, Ruby Braff, Buck Clayton, Thelonious Monk, and Al Sears ~ Russell passed away in 1969
March 27, 1905 ~ Blues singer, pianist, songwriter Leroy Carr born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for his laid-back style. Early influence on T-Bone Walker, Amos Milburn, Jimmy Witherspoon, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles. Enjoyed a good run of well-charting songs, starting with his 1928 debut single How Long How Long Blues, until his death at age 30. Other well known songs include Blues Before Sunrise, Midnight Hour Blues and Hurry Down Sunshine. Had his songs covered by Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy, Moon Mullican, Champion Jack Dupree, Long John Baldry, Memphis Slim, Eric Clapton, and others ~ Carr passed away in 1935
March 27, 1904 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, bandleader Hal Kemp, full name James Hal Kemp, born in Marion, Alabama, USA ~ Active since the late-1920s. Best known for songs such as Shuffle Of To Buffalo, There's A Small Hotel, Got A Date With Angel, Lamplight, You're The Top, Where Or When, and others. Worked with Skinnay Ennis, Bunny Berigan, John Scott Trotter, Art Jarrett. Kemp passed away two days after a car crash. His orchestra would continue to perform for a while but disbanded in the early-1940s ~ Kemp passed away in 1940
March 27, 1899 ~ Lyricist, playwright, poet Bixio Cherubini born in Leonessa, Italy ~ Active since the late-1920s. Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Mamma with frequent collaborator Cesare Andrea Bixio, first recorded by Beniamino Gigli in 1940 and covered by numerous artists including Connie Francis, Toni Arden, and Sergio Franchi. His songs have also been recorded by the likes of Ines Talamo (Cuore Vagabondo), Gigi Beccaria, Bruno Pallesi, Claudio Villa (Il Torrente), Carla Boni, Claudio Villa, and Narciso Parigi ~ Cherubini passed away in 1987
March 27, 1851 ~ Composer, pianist Vincent d'Indy, full name Paul Marie Théodore Vincent d'Indy, born in Paris, France ~ Inspired to take up composition by Hector Berlioz. Particularly influential as a composer, co-founded the Schola Cantorom de Paris and also taught at the Paris Conservatoire. His students included Albert Roussel, Arthur Honegger, Erik Satie, and Cole Porter. As a composer known best for Symphony On A French Mountain and Istar, though most of his work has fallen out of grace perphaps partly due to his over time growing more extremist anti-liberal and anti-semitic views ~ d'Indy passed away in 1931