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, which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits Just Dance and Poker Face. Germanotta has recorded steadily since to commercial succes, selling over 150 million records, drawing from electro-pop, techno, dance-pop, pop and rock. Songs such as Paparazzi, Bad Romance, Born This Way, The Edge Of Glory, Applause, Shallow, and Rain On Me have all reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. An in-demand collaborator, she has recorded with contemporaries such as Colby O'Donis, Beyoncé, and Ariana Grande, as well as with jazz singer Tony Bennett, recording the duet albums Cheek To Cheek and Love For Sale with the latter
March 28, 1975 ~ Singer Barbra Streisand goes backstage at his concert at The Hilton, Las Vegas, to offer Elvis Presley the male lead role in her upcoming A Star Is Born film ~ Being offered the male lead role opposite Streisand in the female lead, Presley is interested. Yet on the advice of his manager, he demands top billing and too much money, so singer Kris Kristofferson is chosen for the role instead. The film, a remake of the 1937 original, would star Streisand as an unknown singer and Kristofferson as an established rock and roll star who fall in love, only to find her career ascending while his goes into decline. A Star Is Born became a box-office hit, grossing over $80 million in America on a $6 million budget, and earned an Academy Award for its love theme Evergreen sung by Streisand
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, 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, 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, 1957 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter, producer Mark Spiro born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ As a solo artist, Spiro has released a little over half a dozen albums, starting with In Stereo in 1986. Though a gifted singer in his own right, Spiro is perhaps best known as a songwriter, notably co-writing Cheap Trick's Mighty Wings with Harold Faltermeyer for the Top Gun soundtrack. Songs written or co-written by Spiro have been recorded by the likes of Audrey Landers, Laura Branigan (Foolish Lullaby), Anne Murray, David Hasselhoff, Bad English (Straight To Your Heart), Julian Lennon, and Robin Zander ~ Spiro passed away in 2024
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, and Tippy Agogo ~ 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, 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, 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 ~ Progressive rock guitarist, sitarist Ken E Henson, full name Kenneth Edward Henson, born in Durban, South Africa ~ Co-founded progressive rock outfits Freedom's Children in the mid-1960s, only recording sporadically. Best known for co-founding the Abstract Truth, with whom he released three albums from 1969 through 1971. Following the band's disbandement Henson would form the duo Finch & Henson with Brian Finch, with whom toured extensively throughout the early 1980s. They would continue to perform until his death at age 60 ~ Henson passed away in 2007
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, 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, 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 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, and Cynthia Clawson
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, 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, the 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