March 28, 2023 ~ Singer, producer, actor, songwriter Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away in Tokyo, Japan ~ Considered a pioneer of electronic music, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Yellow Magic Orchestra, along with bandmates Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi. As a solo artist especially acclaimed for his 1978 A Thousand Knives solo debut album and its follow-up B-2 Unit released in 1980, the latter cited as a major influence on electro and hip-hop. Also known for composing several soundtracks, including co-writing the score for the 1987 The Last Emperor film with David Byrne and Cong Su earning the trio an Academy Award ~ Sakamoto was born in 1952
March 28, 2020 ~ Lulu Grace Johnson, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Jan Howard, passed away in Gallatin, Tennessee, USA ~ Actively recording since the late 1950s, regularly reaching the higher echelons of the country charts with songs such as The One You Slip Around With, Evil On Your Mind, Bad Seed, Count Your Blessings Woman and Love Is Like A Spinning Wheel. Also known for a number of duets with Wynn Stewart such as The Wrong Company, and with Bill Anderson such as For Loving You and If It's All The Same To You ~ Johnson was born in 1929
March 28, 2019 ~ Singer Bill Isles dies ~ Original member of the O'Jays, known for songs such as Back Stabbers, Love Train, I Love Music (Part 1), and others ~ Isles was born in 1941
March 28, 2019 ~ Television and film composer Maury Laws passed away in Appleton, Wisconsin, USA ~ Best known as music director for Videocraft International for about two decades starting in 1964. Conducted and scored music for animated feature films such as The Hobbit, The Flight Of The Dragons and The Wacky World Of Mother Goose ~ Laws was born in 1923
March 28, 2018 ~ Alternative rock, metal bassist, guitarist, singer Caleb Scofield, full name Caleb Mark Scofield, passed away in Bedford, New Hampshire, USA ~ Best known as bassist for Cave In, joining the band in 1998 shortly before the release of the band's Until Your Heart Stops debut album. Scofield remained with the band until his death in 2018. Has also worked with Zozobra, co-founded by Scofield in 2006, and with sludge band Old Man Gloom ~ Scofield was born in 1978
March 28, 2013 ~ Guitarist Hugh McCracken, full name Hugh Carmine McCracken, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of Mike Mainieri's experimental jazz-rock unit White Elephant from 1969 through 1972. In-demand session musician, notably present on Van Morrison's Brown-Eyed Girl, Eric Carmen's All By Myself, and on Steely Dan's Hey Nineteen. Has also worked with Donald Fagen, Jimmy Rushing, Billy Joel, Roberta Flack, BB King, Fuse One, BB King, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, the Monkees, Bob Dylan, Carly Simon, Loudon Wainwright III, Aretha Franklin, Hall & Oates, Hank Crawford, Jerry Jemmott, Insect Trust, Andy Gibb, and others ~ McCracken was born in 1942
March 28, 2012 ~ Banjoist Earl Scruggs, full name Earl Eugene Scruggs, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as half of Flatt & Scruggs, the other half being Lester Flatt, known for songs such as Foggy Mountain Breakdown and The Ballad Of Jed Clampett. Also worked with Bill Monroe, the Blue Grass Boys, the Earl Scruggs Revue, Linda Ronstadt, Arlo Guthrie, Tracy Nelson, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and others ~ Scruggs was born in 1924
March 28, 2012 ~ Blues harpist, guitarist, singer Jerry McCain passed away in Gadsden, Alabama, USA ~ Influenced Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Known for songs such as The Jig's Up, My Next Door Neighbor, She's Tough and Steady. Worked with his brother Walter McCain, Christopher Lee, Jimmy Vaughan, and with Johnnie Johnson ~ McCain was born in 1930
March 28, 2012 ~ Owen Joseph Igoe, commonly known as jazz drummer, educator Sonny Igoe, passed away ~ Active from the mid-1950 through the late 1980s. Worked with Buddy Stewart, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Frances Wayne, Neal Hefti, Rita Moss, Charlie Ventura, Tony Bennett, Billy Maxted, Chuck Wayne, Don Elliott, Joe Wilder, Phil Napoleon, Sammy Spear, Pee Wee Erwin, Dick Meldonian, Billy Dodd, and others ~ Igoe was born in 1923
March 28, 2009 ~ Composer, conductor Maurice Jarre, full name Maurice Alexis Jarre, passed away in Malibu, California, USA ~ Although he composed prolifically for orchestra best known as a film composer, winning Academy Awards for Lawrence Of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago and A Passage To India ~ Jarre was born in 1924
March 28, 2007 ~ Pop, rock singer Gus Pleines passed away ~ Best known for fronting the Bintangs from 1966 forward, replacing Wil Nimitz, including on the band's biggest hits Riding On The L&N and Traveling In The USA ~ Pleines was born in 1948
March 28, 2006 ~ Charles Alias, commonly known as drummer, percussionist Don Alias, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Noted for his marching band-inspired drums on Miles Runs The Voodoo Down of Miles Davis' pivotal Bitches Brew album. Also present on albums by Jeremy Steig, Elvin Jones, the Weather Report, Jaco Pastorius (Jaco Pastorius), Chick Corea, Blood Sweat & Tears, Charlie Mariano, Joni Mitchell, the Brecker Brothers, Airto Moreira, John Scofield (Loud Jazz), David Sanborn, Carla Bley (Fleur Carnivore), Roberta Flack, Kenny Kirkland, Marc Cohn (Marc Cohn), and Al Jarreau ~ Alias was born in 1939
March 28, 2003 ~ Farrell Haliday Draper, commonly known as country, country-pop, pop singer Rusty Draper passed away in Bellevue, Washington, USA ~ Popular 1950s singer known for songs such as No Help Wanted, Gambler's Guitar, Seventeen, The Shifting Whispering Sands, Are You Satisfied and Freight Train ~ Draper was born in 1925
March 28, 2001 ~ Jeanette Salvant, commonly known as classical, jazz pianist Jeanette Kimball, passed away in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Enjoyed a career spanning seven decades starting in her teens. Has worked with Papa Celestin, once-husband Narvin Kimball, Buddy Charles, Herb Leary, Sidney Desvigne, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Clive Wilson, Frank Fields, Freddie Kohlmann, Alvin Alcorn, Paul Barbarin, Punch Miller, Johnny St Cyr, and others ~ Salvant was born in 1906
March 28, 2001 ~ Morris Koffman, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer Moe Koffman, passed away in Orangeville, Canada ~ Worked with Sonny Dunham, Jimmy Dorsey, Dizzy Gillespie, Peter Appleyard, Rob McConnell, Maynard Ferguson, and others. Known for his 1957 album Cool And Hot Sax Album, his 1957 US pop hit Swinging Shepherd Blues, his compositions Curried Soul and Koff Drops, and for a number of 1970s albums covering works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Vivaldi ~ Koffman was born in 1928
March 28, 1999 ~ Raymond Rogers, commonly known as rapper, MC Freaky Tah, passed away in Queens, New York, USA ~ Member of hip-hop group Lost Boyz, alongside Mr Cheeks, DJ Spigg Nice, and Pretty Lou ~ Rogers was born in 1971
March 28, 1999 ~ Singer, songwriter, revue performer, theater director Jens Book-Jenssen, full name Jens Peter Book Jennsen, passed away ~ Recorded prolifically in the 1930s and 1940s with some 400 recordings to his name including Lysene Tennes Der Hjemme, En Litten Gyllen Ring, De Lyse Netters Melodi. Toured extensively throughout the 1970s ~ Book-Jenssen was born in 1910
March 28, 1990 ~ Pop, classical crossover singer Mary-Jess Leaverland, also mononymously known as Mary-Jess, born in Gloucester, UK ~ Won the Min Xing Fan Tian (I Want To Sing To The Stars) talent contest, a Chinese version of the X-Factor, in 2009. Would release her Shine debut album in 2011
March 28, 1987 ~ Maria Augusta Kutschera, commonly known as singer Maria von Trapp, passed away in Morrisville, Vermont, USA ~ Stepmother and matriarch of the Trapp Family Singers. Wrote The Story Of The Trapp Family, published in 1949. The book would inspire the 1956 German film The Trapp Family which in turn inspired the 1959 Broadway musical The Sound Of Music by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II and its 1965 film version starring Julie Andrews ~ Kutschera was born in 1905
March 28, 1986 ~ Jerrell C Jones, commonly known as rapper J Kwon, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Known for his 2004 hit single Tipsy which made the top 10 in America, Australia and the UK
March 28, 1986 ~ Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, commonly known as singer, songwriter Lady Gaga, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Rose to fame in 2007 following the release of her debut album Fame, spawning the hist Just Dance featuring Colby O'Donis and Poker Face. Has recorded steadily since to commercial succes, drawing from electro-pop, techno, dance-pop, pop and rock. Known for song such as Paparazzi, Bad Romance, Born This Way, Applause, Million Reasons, Rain On Me featuring Ariana Grande
March 28, 1986 ~ Kenneth Edward Bailey, commonly known as rapper Young Scooter, born in Walterboro, South Carolina, USA ~ Worked with Gucci Mane, Future, Waka Flocka Flame, Chief Keef, Yung Ralph, Mike Will Made It, Shawty Lo, Migos, Casino, Frenchie, Fredo Santana, Chevy Woods, Ralo, Juice WRLD, Lil' Keed, and others.
March 28, 1985 ~ Mykel Antoinea Gray, commonly known as actress, TV personality, singer, songwriter Miss Mykie, born in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ Originally pursued a career as a singer, songwriter and has opened for Tyrese Gibson, Slim Thug and Sean Paul. Best-known as host of BET's music show 106 & Park which aired in 2012
March 28, 1980 ~ Singer, actor Dick Haymes, full name Richard Benjamin Haymes, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ One of the most popular male vocalists of the 1940s. Brother of songwriter Bob Haymes. Worked with Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, Jeanne Crain, Dana Andrew, Vivian Blaine, Helen Forrest, Judy Garland, the Andrews Sisters, Nelson Riddle, Bing Crosby, Gordon Jenkins, Cy Coleman, Johnny Kay, and others ~ Haymes was born in 1918
March 28, 1979 ~ Memphis blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Joe Willie Wilkins passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Influenced Robert Nighthawk, David Honeyboy Edwards, Jimmy Rogers, Little Milton, BB King, and Albert King. Worked with Sonny Boy Williamson II, Willie Love, Elmore James, Memphis Slim, Houston Stackhouse, Howlin' Wolf, Arthur Crudup, Roosevelt Sykes, Big Walter Horton, Little Walter, Mose Vinson, Joe Hill Louis, Floyd Jones, and others ~ Wilkins was born ca.1921
March 28, 1978 ~ Eurodance singer, actress Lina Hedlund, full name Lina Marie Hedlund, born in Bolinäs, Sweden ~ Joined Eurodance outfit Alcazar in 2007
March 28, 1978 ~ Harold Johnson, commonly known as jazz trumpeter Money Johnson, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Active since the mid-1930s. Perhaps best known for backing Nat Towles. Worked with artists such as Charlie Christian, Henry Bridges, Horace Henderson, Count Basie, Cootie Williams, Lucky Millinder, Bull Moose Jackson throughout the 1940s, Louis Jordan, Lucky Thompson, Sy Oliver, Buddy Johnson, Cozy Cole, Mercer Ellington, Esther Phillips and Panama Francis throughout the 1950s. Member of the house band at the famed the Apollo Theatre in the 1960. Toured the USSR with Earl Hines in 1966. Would continue to record and perform until his death of a heart attack in 1978 ~ Johnson was born in 1918
March 28, 1975 ~ Jazz pianist Orrin Evans born in Trenton, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Noted as a member of Bad Plus. Has collaborated with Bobby Watson, Ralph Peterson, Duane Eubanks, Leonar Zenzalai-Helm, Avishai Cohen, Rodney Whitaker, and others
March 28, 1974 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Arthur Crudup, full name Arthur William Crudup, passed away in Nassawadox, Virginia, USA ~ Best known for writing and first recording That's All Right, My Baby Left Me and So Glad You're Mine, all later recorded by Elvis Presley ~ Crudup was born in 1905
March 28, 1973 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Matt Nathanson, full name Matthew Adam Nathanson, born in Lexington, Massachusetts, USA ~ Actively recording since his 1993 Please debut album. Best known for his 2008 single Come On Get Higher, later notably covered by country duo Sugarland
March 28, 1972 ~ Ledisi Anibade Young, mononymously known as R&B, neo soul, gospel, jazz singer, songwriter, actress Ledisi, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Frontwoman and eponym of of 1990s group Anibade gaining some exposure in the late 1990s. Would gain serious attention re-releasing earlier recordings under her solo moniker with the 2000 Soulsinger (The Revival) album and has recorded steadily since. Best known for singles such as Alright, In The Morning, Goin' Thru Changes, Higher Than This, Pieces Of Me, Stay Together featuring Jaheim, Like This and Anything For You
March 28, 1971 ~ Terrance Kelly, commonly known as rapper Mr Cheeks, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Best known as a member of hip-hop group Lost Boyz, alongside Freaky Tah, Spigg Nice and Pretty Lou. Debuted as a solo artist in 2001 with the full-length John P Kelly album, which included the Billboard top 20 hit Lights Camera Action
March 28, 1969 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Rodney Atkins, full name Rodney Allan Atkins, born in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA ~ Active since the late 1990s but did not release an album until his 2003 Honesty which spawned the hit Honesty (Write Me A List). His 2006 sophomore album would land him two more hits If You're Going Through Hell and Watching You, both reaching the top of Billboard's country chart. Has recorded steadily since to commercial succes
March 28, 1968 ~ Jonathan Henry Lee, commonly known as rock drummer Jon Lee, born in Newport, UK ~ Best known as original drummer of Feeder. Previously a member of the Darling Buds. Died by suicide, four separate suicide notes would be found. His funeral was attended by thousands. Other than cancelling a high profile gig, headlininig at Reading Leeds Festival, the band decided to not break up. Skunk Anansie drummer Mark Richardson helped out on recordings in progress and booked live dates, becoming an official member by 2005 ~ Lee passed away in 2002
March 28, 1966 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion singer, keyboardist, songwriter Indra Lesmana born in Jakarta, Indonesia ~ Son of jazz guitarist Jack Lesmana and singer Mien Lesmana. Father of actress, singer Eva Celia. Leader and sideman. Active since the early 1980s. Has worked with James Morrison, Dale Barlow, Steve Hunter, Tony Buck, Sandy Evans, Vinnie Colaiuta, Charlie Haden, Jimmy Haslip, Albert Tootie Heath, Michael Landau, Airto Moreira, Bobby Shew, and others
March 28, 1966 ~ Avery Howard, commonly known as jazz trumpeter Kid Howard, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with the Eureka Brass Band, the Allens Brass Band, the Tuxedo Brass Band, George Lewis, the Original Zenith Brass Band, Louis Nelson, and others ~ Howard was born in 1908
March 28, 1965 ~ Singer, guitarist Steve Turner born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Important but somewhat overlooked figure influential in early grunge. Member of the Ducky Boys and original guitarist of Green River, both bands also included future Pearl Jam-guitarist Stone Gossard. Turner was also a co-founding member of Mudhoney, best known for their 1992 single Suck You Dry which nearly hit the Billboard top 20
March 28, 1963 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock singer, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Matt Wilson, full name Matthew Robert Wilson, born in Hennepin County, Minnesota, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member, frontman of Trip Shakespeare, active from the mid-1980s through the early 1990s. Released his Burnt White And Blue solo debut album in 1998, drummed for Polara, and served as producer for the likes of Steel Shank, the Wonsers, and Velma
March 28, 1963 ~ Punk-pop, indie pop singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Simon Holmes, full name Simon Carter Holmes, born in Mordialloc, Australia ~ Singer, lead guitarist for indie rock bands the Hummingbirds from the mid-1980s through the early 2000s, known for their 1989 LoveBUZZ debut album, and Her Name In Lights during the early 2000s ~ Holmes passed away in 2017
March 28, 1961 ~ Carol Valère, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter Carol Arnauld, born ~ Considered a one-hit wonder for C'Est Pas Facile taken of her 1986 eponymous Carol Arnauld debut album. The song tells of her struggle with her brother's death, killed by a reckless driver. The single would reach top 10 in her native France ~ Valère passed away in 2022
March 28, 1958 ~ Country, pop, schlager singer Elisabeth Andreassen, full name Elisabeth Gunilla Andreassen, born in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Internationally best known for several appearances at the Eurovision Songfestival. As a member of Chips represented Sweden, reaching 8th place in 1982 with the song Dag Efter Dag. As a member of the Bobbysocks won for Norway in 1985 with the song La Det Swinge. Duetted with Jan Werner Danielsen on Duett, again for Norway, in 1994 reaching 6th place. As a solo artist reached 2nd place in 1996, representing Norway with the song I Evighet
March 28, 1958 ~ Producer, artist manager Gary Smith born ~ Active since the mid-1980s. First gained attention producing early recordings by the Pixies, including their 1987 Come On Pilgrim EP. Other notable credits include Throwing Muses, Tanya Donelly, the Blake Babies, the Connells, Juliana Hatfield, Scrawl, 10,000 Maniacs, and Billy Bragg ~ Smith passed away in 2023
March 28, 1958 ~ William Christopher Handy, commonly known as cornet player, songwriter WC Handy, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Self-proclaimed “Father of the Blues”. Helped popularize Blues. Regarded as one of the monst influential songwriters. Best known for penning songs such as St Louis Blues (Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Count Basie, Guy Lombardo), and Beale Street Blues (Earl Fuller, Marion Harris, Jack Teagarden) ~ handy was born in 1873
March 28, 1957 ~ Bassist, composer Gary Willis born ~ Co-founded jazz fusion band Tribal Tech with guitarist Scott Henderson. Also worked with artists such as Wayne Shorter, Dennis Chambers, Allan Holdsworth, Kirk Covington, Llibert Fortuny, and others
March 28, 1957 ~ R&B singer Oran Juice Jones born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his single The Rain of his 1986 Juice debut album
March 28, 1955 ~ Singer, actress Reba McEntire born in McAlester, Oklahoma, USA ~ Discovered by Red Steagall. Debuted in 1977 with the eponymous Reba McEntire and has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial succes since, especially successful during the 1980s and 1990s. Unlike contemporaries controlled many aspects of her career, serving as a role model to future female country singers. Known for songs such as All Over Again, How Blue, Somebody Should Leave, Whoever's In New England, What Am I Gonna Do About You, One Promise Too Late, and others
March 28, 1954 ~ Folk, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Bill Bourne, full name William Sigurd Bourne, born in Red Deer, Canada ~ Member of the Tannahill Weavers. Member of roots trio Tri-Continental alongside Lester Quitzau and Madagascar Slim. As a solo artist perhaps best known for his 2002 Voodoo King album. Has also collaborated with Alan Macleod, Shannon Johnson, Eivør, Jasmine Ohlhauser, Tippy Agogo, and others ~ Bourne passed away in 2022
March 28, 1954 ~ Pianist Donald Ray Brown born in Hernando, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for his brief association with Art Blakey, serving in Blakey's backing unit the Jazz Messengers in the 1980s and present on the albums Killer Joe, Keystone 3 and Feeling Good. As a producer produced over half a dozen Kenny Garrett albums. Recorded over a dozen albums as a leader starting with 1987's Early Bird. Served as sideman to numerous artists. Has worked with Bill Mobley, Jeff Tain-Watts, Charnett Moffett, Gary Bartz, Louis Hayes, Don Braden, Harold Mabern, Essiet Essiet, Lionel Loueke, Donald Byrd, Wallace Roney, and others
March 28, 1952 ~ Harold Holiday, commonly known as Texas blues pianist, singer, songwriter Black Boy Shine, passed away in Sugar Land, Texas, USA ~ Drew from dance music, ragtime, boogie-woogie, blues. Remembered by blues aficionados for a number of 1930s recordings, notably Hobo Blues and Ice Pick And Pistol Woman Blues. Formed the duo Moonshine with the more famous blues pianist Moon Mullican. Has also worked with Bernice Edwards, JT Smith, Robert Shaw and others ~ Holiday was born ca.1908
March 28, 1950 ~ Folk, folk-rock, rock singer, songwriter, poet Claude Lolli born ~ Active since the early 1970s, mostly focusing on political and social issues. Known for songs such as Aspettando Godot, Michel, Quando La Morte Avrà and Quanto Amore. Also known as poet and novelist, publishing his first novel, Antipatici Antipode, in 1997 ~ Lolli passed away in 2018
March 28, 1950 ~ Country singer Hank Snow records I'm Moving On at Brown Radio Productions, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Self-penned. Produced by Steve Sholes. Released the following May, b/w With This Ring I Thee Wed, it would be a Billboard Country No.1 for Snow and become one of his best known. Over the years it would be recognized as a classic, covered by numerous artist inlcuding Ray Charles, Don Gibson, Emmylou Harris, and others
March 28, 1948 ~ Progressive rock keyboardist John Evans born in Blackpool, UK ~ Member of Jethro Tull from 1970 through 1980, including on the band's most acclaimed early 1970s albums Aqualung and its follow-up Thick As Brick
March 28, 1948 ~ Pianist, producer, songwriter Milan Williams born in Okolona, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known as founding member of R&B outfit the Commodores. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Machine Gun, Bump, Rapid Fire, Better Never Than Forever, Mary Mary, Wonderland, You Don't Know That I Know, Let's Get Started and one of the band's biggest hits Brick House ~ Williams passed away in 2006
March 28, 1947 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion bassist Paul Jackson born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Herbie Hancock, present on albums such as Head Hunters, Thrust and Flood. Has also appeared on albums by Albert Heath, Azteca (Azteca), Stanley Turrentine, Eddie Henderson, Santana, Stomu Yamashta (Go Too), Charles Earland, Sonny Rollins, and Pete Escovedo ~ Jackson passed away in 2021
March 28, 1945 ~ Bassist Chuck Portz born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Original member of the Turtles, present on the band's 1965 It Ain't Me Babe debut album and its 1966 You Baby follow-up. Appeared on the early hits It Ain't Me Babe, Let Me Be and You Baby
March 28, 1943 ~ Operatic tenor Ben Davies passed away ~ Closely associated with the Carl Rosa Opera Company. Starred in numerous operas and operettes including Michael William Balfe's Bohemian Girl, Arthur Goring Thomas's Esmeralda, Alfred Cellier's Dorothy, Charles Gounod's Faust, and others ~ Davies was born in 1858
March 28, 1943 ~ Composer, pianist, conductor Sergei Rachmaninoff, full name Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Considered one of the premier pianists of his generation. As a composer one of the last great representatives of Russian classical Romanticism ~ Rachmaninoff was born in 1873
March 28, 1941 ~ Film, TV composer, hornist, pianist, bassist Alf Clausen, full name Alf Heiberg Clausen, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Best known as orchestrator and composer for many episodes of the cartoon series The Simpsons. Has also scored numerous other TV series and films including The Naked Gun and Ferris Bueller's Day Off
March 28, 1941 ~ Guitarist, harmonica player Charlie McCoy, full name Charles Ray McCoy, born in Oak Hill, West Virginia, USA ~ As a solo artist known for songs such as Cherry Berry Wine, i Really Don't Want To Know, and Today I Started Loving You Again. Renowned session musician Worked with Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Chet Atkins, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Area Code 615, Barefoot Jerry, the Agendas, Johnny Paycheck, Charlie Justice, John Ferguson, Stonewall Jackson, Wayne Moss, Perry Como, Joan Baez, the Steve Miller Band, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Kris Kristofferson, Paul Simon, Ringo Starr, Gene Summer, Ween, the Million Dollar Band, Nancy Sinatra, Gordon Lightfoot, Al Kooper, Willie Nelson, JJ Cale, Ronnie Hawkins, Leon Russell, Bob Seger, Olivia Newton-John, Dan Fogelberg, Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell, and others
March 28, 1939 ~ Eugene Bunten, commonly known as bassist Lonnie Londin, born ~ Member of the Headliners, the first white act to be signed by Motown ~ Bunten passed away in 2020
March 28, 1937 ~ Country mandolinist Dean Webb, full name Roy Dean Webb, born in Independence, Missouri, USA ~ Original member of the Dillards, considered pioneers of country-rock and progressive bluegrass and a profound influence on artists such as the Byrds and the Eagles. Webb has also guested on albums by Linda Ronstadt, Severin Browne, Jim Ringer, Herb Pedersen, and others ~ Webb passed away in 2018
March 28, 1936 ~ Southern gospel, CCM singer, songwriter Bill Gaither, full name William James Gaither, born in Alexandria, Indiana, USA ~ Influential gospel singer known for fronting the Bill Gaither Trio and the Gaither Vocal Band. Prolific songwriter, often in partnership with his wife, singer Gloria Gaither. Had his songs covered by numerous artists including David Crowder, the Cathedrals Quartet, the Heritage Singers, the Statler Brothers, Elvis Presley. Mentor and father figure to many, advancing the careers of Mark Lowry, Michael W Smith, Sandi Patty, Amy Grant, Cynthia Clawson, and others
March 28, 1936 ~ Singer Kay Weber, backed by Jimmy Dorsey and orchestra record 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 Tommy Dorsey with Edythe Wright
March 28, 1933 ~ Vicente Massana, commonly known as jazz pianist Tete Montoliu, born in Spain ~ Leader and sideman. Played wth Lionel Hampton, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Kenny Dorham, Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster, Lucky Thompson, Anthony Braxton, Nuria Feliu, Eddie Harris, Charlie Mariano, Jordi Sabatés, Archie Shepp, and others ~ Massana passed away in 1997
March 28, 1932 ~ Jazz singer Germaine Bazzle born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Alvin Tyler, Peter Badie, Victor Goine, George French, Ellis Marsalis Jr, Emile Vinnette, Larry Siebert, David Torkanowsky, Lee Dorsey, Charles Brown, Dianne Reeves, and others
March 28, 1930 ~ Trombonist, bandleader Bill Hughes born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Count Basie Orchestra starting in the mid-1950s. Served as its bandleader from 2003 to 2010 ~ Hughes passed away in 2018
March 28, 1930 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist, arranger, composer Eric Dixon born ~ Worked with Paul Gonsalves, Mal Waldron, Oliver Nelson, Quincy Jones, Jack McDuff, Joe Williams, Bennie Green, Frank Foster, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Count Basie, Etta Jones, and others ~ Dixon passed away in 1989
March 28, 1930 ~ Contemporary, avant-garde, electronic composer Robert Ashley, full name Robert Reynolds Ashley, born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA ~ Best known for his television operas and theatrical works, often incorporating electronics. Best known for his 1983 TV opera Perfect Lives, reissued on DVD in 2005. Has worked consistently with Joan La Barbara, Thomas Buckner, and Jacqueline Humbert ~ Reynolds passed away in 2014
March 28, 1926 ~ Cecil Bradshaw, commonly known as bandleader, trumpeter, promoter Sonny Bradshaw, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Known as “the Dean of Jamaican music” with a career spanning six decades. Worked with Eric Dean, the Jamaican Big Band, Joe Harriott, Dizzy Reece, Ernest Ranglin, Little G McNair, Dwight Pinkney, Monty Alexander, Sarah Vaughan, Johnny Mathis, Lou Rawls, Johnnie Ray, Brook Benton, Sam Cooke, and others ~ Bradshaw passed away in 2009
March 28, 1923 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Bob Haymes, full name Robert William Haymes, born in White Plains, New York, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for writing That's All with Alan Brandt, first recorded by Nat King Cole and covered by numerous artists including Bobby Darin, Billy Eckstine, Sam Cooke, Connie Francis, Judy Garland, Ricky Nelson, Mel Tormé, Sarah Vaughan, and others ~ Haymes passed away 1989
March 28, 1923 ~ Jazz bassist Ike Isaacs born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Not to be confused with guitarist Ike Isaacs. Played trumpet as a child before switching to bass. Active since the late-1940s. Worked with Tiny Grimes, Earl Bostic, Paul Quinichette, Bennie Green, Lambert Hendricks & Ross, Count Basie, Gloria Lynne, Erroll Garner, Ray Bryant, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Harry Sweets Edison, Bennie Green, Al Grey, and others. He also accompanied Carmen McRae, whom he later married ~ Isaacs passed away in 1981
March 28, 1923 ~ Trumpeter, composer Thad Jones born in Pontiac, Michigan, USA ~ Brother of pianist Hank Jones and of drummer Elvin Jones, both of whom he worked with in the Jones Boys. Also worked with Count Basie, Thelonious Monk, Mel Lewis, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Horace Parlan, Sahib Shihab, Tim Hagans, Bent Jædig, Pepper Adams, Manny Albam, Louis Armstrong, Bob Brookmeyer, Kenny Burrell, Al Cohn, Lou Donaldson, Kenny Drew, Curtis Fuller, Dexter Gordon, Milt Jackson, JJ Johnson, Yusef Lateef, Oliver Nelson, Houston Person, Paul Quinichette, McCoy Tyner, Frank Wess, Ben Webster, and others ~ Jones passed away in 1986
March 28, 1920 ~ Classical violist, violinist Karen Tuttle born in Lewiston, Idaho, USA ~ Member of the Galimir Quartet, the Gotham Quartet, the Schneider Quartet. Also worked with Pablo Casals ~ Tuttle passed away in 2010
March 28, 1917 ~ Jazz trumpeter, bandleader Randy Brooks born ~ Toured with Rudy Vallée at age 11. Went on to work with Claude Thornhill, Bob Allen, Bernie Cummins, Art Jarrett, Les Brown, Stan Getz, and others. Recorded as a leader in the mid to late 1940s including songs such as Tenderly, Harlem Nocturne and The Man With The Horn ~ Brooks passed away in 1967
March 28, 1915 ~ Songwriter Jay Livingston, full name Jacob Harold Levison, born in McDonald, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Songwriting partner of lyricist Ray Evans. Known for songs such as Buttons And Bows (Evelyn Knight, Dinah Shore, Bob Hope, Ray Conniff Singers), Mona Lisa (Frank Culley, Nat King Cole, Santo & Johnny, Duane Eddy), and Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be Will Be) (Doris Day, Ivo Robic, Connie Francis, the Shirelles) ~ Livingston passed away in 2001
March 28, 1907 ~ Herbert Hall, commonly known as jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Herb Hall, born ~ Son of clarinetist Edward Hall. Brother of bandleader, clarinetist Edmond Hall. Herbert Worked with the Niles Jazz Band, Kid Augustin Victor, Sidney Desvigne, Don Albert, Herman Autrey, Doc Cheatham, Sammy Price, Wild Bill Davison, Benny Morton, Sonny Drootin, Eddie Gibbs, Buzzy Drootin, Don Ewell, and others ~ Hall passed away in 1996
March 28, 1902 ~ Composer Jaromír Vejvoda born in Zbraslav, Czechoslovakia ~ Perhaps best known for composing The Beer Barrel Polka based on a traditional tune. It would later be translated to English and be covered by numerous artist including the Andrews Sisters, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Bobby Vinton, Billie Holiday and notably Joe Patek ~ Vejvoda passed away in 1988
March 28, 1902 ~ Violinist, bandleader Maurice Winnick born in Manchester, UK ~ Worked with Ted Heath, Bill Shakespeare, Don Barrigp, Al Bowlly, Dorothy Carless, and others ~ Winnick passed away in 1962
March 28, 1898 ~ Conductor Anton Seidl passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Acclaimed interpreter of Richard Wagner. Closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic ~ Seidl was born in 1850
March 28, 1890 ~ Violinist, bandleader Paul Whiteman, full name Paul Samuel Whiteman, born in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ Hugely popular dance bandleader during the 1920s and early 1930s. Known for recordings such as Whispering, Valencia, Three O'Clock In The Morning, In A Little Spanish Town and The Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers ~ Whiteman passed away in 1967