March 31, 2024 ~ Saxophonist, keyboardist, producer, songwriter Casey Benjamin passed away ~ Best known as original member of Robert Glasper Experiment, including on the Grammy Award-winning Black Radio album released in 2012. An in-demand sideman in jazz, R&B, and hip hop, Benjamin has also worked extensively with DJ Logic, formed the duo HEAVY with singer Nicky Guiland, and has appeared on albums by the likes of Pucci Amanda Jhones, Arto Lindsay (Prize), Lynette Washington, Stefon Harris (Evolution), DJ Spinna, Howard Britz, Derrick Hodge (Live Today), Kris Bowers (Heroes And Misfits), A Tribe Called Quest, Solange (A Seat At The Table), and Philip Bailey ~ Benjamin was born in 1978
March 31, 2022 ~ R&B singer Fred Johnson passed away ~ Member of the Marcels, notably present on the band's debut single Blue Moon which would sell over a million copies and chart the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Though the band would continue to record, and score an ocassional US top 10 hit such as Heartaches, they would be unable to replicate the succes of their debut single ~ Johnson was born ca.1942
March 31, 2022 ~ Classical pianist Joseph Kalichstein passed away ~ Concerto, recital, chamber music pianist. Has collaborated with conductors such as André Previn, Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulez, Zubin Mehta, Leonard Slatkin. Closely associated with violinist Jaime Laredo and Sharon Robinson, the trio having performed at the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter, having recorded works of Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms and Maurice Ravel, and having works written especially for them by the likes of Richard Danielpour, John Corigliano and Daron Hagen ~ Kalichstein was born in 1946
March 31, 2021 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Anzor Erkomaishvili passed away in Tbilisi, Georgia ~ Best known for researching and preserving Georgian folk music. Long-time music director of the Rustavi Ensemble, starting in 1968 ~ Erkomaishvili was born in 1940
March 31, 2021 ~ Concert, opera soprano Jane Manning, full name Jane Marian Manning, passed away ~ Mentored by Susan Bradshaw. Married to composer Anthony Payne, with whom she also founded Jane's Minstrels known for performing works by Henry Purcell, Edward Elgar, Percy Grainger, and Arnold Schoenberg, notably the latter's Pierrot Lunaire. Manning had several pieces written especially for her including Judith Weir's King Harald's Saga, Richard Rodney Bennett's Spells, and Matthew King's The Snow Queen ~ Manning was born in 1938
March 31, 2019 ~ Britt Elisabet Lindroth, commonly known as singer, actress Britt Damberg, passed away ~ Broke through with Nya Fagelsangen which entered the Swedish national selection for the 1959 Eurovision Songfestival but placed third. Has been recording for most of the 1960s. Retired from the music business in the 1970s to pursue a career as a preschool teacher ~ Lindroth was born in 1937
March 31, 2018 ~ Guitarist, singer Steve Lalor passed away in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Daily Flash, known for their blend of folk, jazz and rock setting them apart from the usual garage bands of the era making them a major force in the Seattle underground scene by the mid-1960s. The band is best known for their 1967 single French Girl ~ Lalor was born in 1944
March 31, 2016 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Giorgio Calabrese passed away ~ Many of the songs he co-write have become Italian pop classics. As a translator considered a key figure in the popularization of bossa nova and French chanson in his native Italy. Perhaps best known for co-penning Arrivederci for Umberto Bindi, and E Se Domani popularized by Gene Pitney. Others who recorded songs co-written or adapted by Calabrese include Charles Aznavour, Adriano Celentano, Mina, Nana Moskouri, Caterina Valente, and Andrea Bocelli ~ Calabrese was born in 1929
March 31, 2016 ~ Jon Terryl Plumeri, commonly known as bassist, pianist, flutist, composer Terry Plumeri, passed away in Dunnellon, Florida, USA ~ Worked with John Abercrombie, Cannonball Adderley, Herbie Hancock, Woody Herman, Quincy Jones, Yusef Lateef, Les McCann, Wayne Shorter, Frank Sinatra, Ralph Towner, Joe Williams, Roberta Flack, and the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra. Also a film composer with over 50 films to his name ~ Plumeri was born in 1944
March 31, 2014 ~ DJ, producer Frankie Knuckles passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Known as “the Godfather of House Music”, pivotal in development of house music in the 1980s. Closely associated with Larry Levan. Reigned as club DJ in Chicago's the Warehouse through late-1982 when Knuckles opened his own club. As a recording artist, producer best known for his collaborations with Jamie Principle, especially Your Love and Baby Wants To Ride. Co-produced the Pet Shop Boys' I Want A Dog from their 1988 Introspective album. Also worked with Chip E, David Morales, Lisa Michaelis, Marshall Jefferson, Loose Ends, Adeva, Nicki Richards, and others ~ Knuckles was born in 1955
March 31, 2006 ~ John Lenwood McLean, commonly known as saxophonist Jackie McLean, passed away in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Son of guitarist John McLean Sr. Received informal training from Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, and Charlie Parker. While still in high school, McLean played with Kenny Drew, Sonny Rollins, and Andy Kirk Jr. One of the few bop players to venture into free jazz, McLean has recorded prolifically from the mid-1950s through the late-1960s, and is especially noted for the albums New Soil, Capuchin Swing, and Jackie's Bag. McLean has also been acknowledged for his gift for spotting young talent, employing sidemen such as Tina Brooks, Charles Tolliver, Ray Draper, Jack DeJohnette and Lenny White early on in their career ~ McLean was born in 1931
March 31, 1997 ~ Jazz double bassist Eddie Jones passed away in West Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Best known for his association with Count Basie, joining the Count Basie Orchestra in 1953 and backing Basie in several ensembles through 1962. Has also worked with Dorothy Ashby, Bob Brookmeyer, Kenny Clarke, Jimmy Cleveland, Al Grey, Coleman Hawkins, Milt Jackson, Joe Newman, Paul Quinichette, Buddy Tate, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, and with the Jones Boys, the latter a one-off put together by Quincy Jones of musicians named Jones but all unrelated ~ Jones was born in 1929
March 31, 1993 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Mitchell Parish passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Well-regarded Tin Pan Alley lyricist who collaborated with composers such as Hoagy Carmichael, Al Goodman, Loften Mitchell, and others. Among his best known songs are Stardust (Art Tatum, Louis Prima, Louis Armstrong, Willie Nelson), Sweet Lorraine (Teddy Wilson, Nat King Cole), Deep Purple (where Deep Purple got their band name from, the song being a favorite of Ritchie Blackmore's grandmother), Stars Fell On Alabama (Al Bowlly, Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, Jimmy Buffett, Billie Holiday, Doris Day, Mel Tormé, Renee Olstead, Vera Lynn, Harry Connick Jr), and the Holiday classic Sleigh Ride (the Andrews Sisters, the Ronettes, Ella Fitzgerald, the Carpenters, Air Supply) ~ Parish was born in 1900
March 31, 1991 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist John Carter, full name John Wallace Carter, passed away in Inglewood, California, USA ~ Early on in his career Carter backed artists such as Bobby Bradford, Hampton Hawes, and Harold Land. Recorded over a dozen albums as a leader, co-leader or solo artist. Especially acclaimed for Roots And Folklores (Episodes In The Development Of American Folk Music), a suite of albums heralded as some of the best 1980s jazz releases. Also well known for his work with the Clarinet Summit ~ Carter was born in 1929
March 31, 1990 ~ K-pop rapper, singer Bang Yong-guk born in Seoul, South Korea ~ Member of South Korean boy band BAP, enjoying popularity in Japan and South Korea with songs such as 1004 (Angel), Warrior, No Mercy, and Excuse Me. Yong-guk departed the group in 2018, a year before its disbandement, and released his The Colors Of Love debut album in 2023
March 31, 1986 ~ Gospel, R&B, soul singer, songwriter O'Kelly Isley passed away in Alpine, New Jersey, USA ~ Oldest brother and founding member of the Isley Brothers, known for hits such as Shout, This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You), It's Your Thing, I Turned You On, Keep On Doin', Love The One You're With, Pop That Thang, That Lady (Part 1), Between The Sheets, Choosey Lover, and others ~ Isley was born in 1937
March 31, 1985 ~ Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr, commonly known as rapper Jay Rock, born in Watts, California, USA ~ Member of hip-hop supergroup Black Hippy alongside Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul. As a solo artist released his full-length Follow Me Home in 2011. Best known for his 2018 single King's Dead feat Lamar, Future & James Blake. Has also worked with Lil' Wayne, will.i.am, Rich the Kid, Jeremih, Snoop Dogg, and others
March 31, 1984 ~ Singer, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Jack Antonoff born in Bergenfield, New Jersey, USA ~ Lead singer of the Bleachers. Guitarist and drummer of .fun. Previously a member of Steel Train. Also a revered songwriter and producer, worked with Taylor Swift, Lorde, St Vincent, Lana Del Rey, Kevin Abstract, Carly Rae Jepsen, the Dixie Chicks, Troye Sivan, and others
March 31, 1983 ~ Noah James Shebib, commonly known as hip-hop, R&B producer, songwriter 40, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Member of Nite City. In-demand producer, best known for his association with Drake. Has also worked with Lil' Wayne, Alicia Keys, Action Bronson, Jamie Foxx, the Weeknd, PartyNextDoor, DJ Khaled, and A$AP Rocky
March 31, 1983 ~ Emilie Jeanne-Sopie Welti, commonly known as electro folk singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Sophie Hunger, born in Bern, Switzerland ~ Lead singer of indie rock group Fisher from 2004 through 2007. Composes and sings in English, French, German and Italian. Home-recorded her 2006 solo debut album Sketches On Sea in a few days. Has recorded to critical acclaim and a devoted international fanbase since
March 31, 1981 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Ryan Bingham born in Hobbs, New Mexico, USA ~ Discovered by the Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford. Earned critical acclaim, especially for his first two albums, 2007's Mescalito, and 2009's Roadhouse Sun. Worked with Dead Horses, Matthew Papa Smith, Elijah Ford, Jeb Venable, Justin Stanley, Jim Scott, John Bazz, and others
March 31, 1980 ~ R&B, pop, funk singer Támar Davis, full name Ashley Támar Davis, born ~ Member of Girl's Tyme, departing the group before the name change to Destiny's Child. Toured with Prince in 2006. Contestant on the 2010 edition of the talent show The Voice aired on NBC, eliminated during the live playoffs. Following her succes on the show released her Milk & Honey debut album later the same year. Has recorded sporadically since
March 31, 1979 ~ Jazz pianist, bandleader, arranger, composer Mel Henke passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Worked with Mitch Todd, Frank Snyder, Stephen Leonard, and others. Also known as a jingle writer, notably the Ajax cleanser “stronger than dirt” and Chevrolet's “see the USA in your Chevrolet” jingles ~ Henke was born in 1915
March 31, 1979 ~ Vocal group Milk & Honey win the 24th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Jerusalem, Israel ~ Representing Israel vocal group Milk & Honey win with the song Hallelujah written by Kobi Oshrat and Shimrit Orr. Runner-ups were Spain's Betty Missiego with the song Su Canción in 2nd place, and France's Anne-Marie David with Je Suis L'Enfant Soleil in 3rd
March 31, 1979 ~ Jazz singer Sasha Dobson born in Santa Cruz, California, USA ~ Daugher of pianist Smith Dobson and singer Gail Dobson. Released her full-length Modern Romance debut album in 2006. Has opened for and backed Norah Jones. Also known as a member Puss 'n Boots alongside Jones and Catherine Popper
March 31, 1978 ~ Harpist, songwriter Edmar Castaneda born in Bogota, Colombia ~ Worked with David Silliman, Marshall Gilkes, Sam Sadigursky, Paquito d'Rivera, Simon Diaz, Lila Downs, Giovanni Hidalgo, Joe Locker, Wynton Marsalis, John Patitucci, Janis Siegel, John Scofield, Samuel Torres, Hiromi, the United Nations Ochestra, the Candy Butchers, Yerba Buena, Martha Topferova, Arturo Romay, Andrea Tierra, and others
March 31, 1978 ~ Gypsy jazz guitarist Paulus Schäfer born in Nuenen, the Netherlands ~ Considered one of the most talented Dutch gypsy jazz guitarists. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Stochelo Rosenberg, Jimmy Rosenberg, Fapy Lafertin, Tim Kliphuis, Dominique Paats, Biréli Lagrène, Andreas Oberg, and others
March 31, 1976 ~ Carlos Rico Walker, commonly known as rapper Shawty Lo, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Member of D4L, known for song such as Bet You Can't Do It Like Me and Laffy Taffy. As a solo artist best known for his 2007 debut album Units In The City and the hit singles Dey Know, Dunn Dunn, and Foolish. Collaborated with Ludacris, Jeezy, Plies, Lil' Wayne, DJ Khaled, Birdman, Rick Ross, Jim Jones, Trey Songz, Lil' Wayne, Gucci Mane, The-Dream, and others ~ Walker passed away in 2016
March 31, 1970 ~ Flutist, pianist, drummer Damian Draghici born in Bucharest, Romania ~ In-demand collaborator in pop, jazz and world music. Leader of Damian & Brothers. Worked with the London Symphony Orchestra, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Abraham Laboriel, Neil Stubenhaus, John JR Robinson, Ramón Stagnora, Luis Conte, Oscar Castro Neves, and others
March 31, 1968 ~ Wesley Williams, commonly known as rapper Maestro, born ~ One of the early Canadian rappers and the first to achieve mainstream success. Maestro released his debut LP Symphony In Effect in 1989 and became the first rapper to hit the Canadian Top 40 the next year with Let Your Backbone Slide. Maestro attempted to hit the US market since the early-1990s but to no avail. He continues to record to this day and has also established himself as an actor, including a role as a security guard in the 50 Cent bio pic Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
March 31, 1968 ~ Enos William McDonald, commonly known as country, honky-tonk, rockabilly singer, guitarist, songwriter Skeets McDonald, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity during the 1950s and 1960s. Honky-tonker bridged the gap between country and rock & roll. Perhaps best known for Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes, a Billboard Country charttopper in 1952. Subsequent hits include This Old Heart, Call Me Mr Brown and Mabel ~ McDonald was born in 1915
March 31, 1967 ~ Jazz percussionist, xylophonist, vibraponist Ivar Kolve born in Voss, Norway ~ Brother of saxophonist Kåre Kolve. Known as a solo artist and an in-demand collaborator who has worked with artists such as Maria João, Stale Storløkken, Eivind Sarset, Sébastien Dubé, Stein Inge Brækhus, Jarle Vespestad, and others
March 31, 1963 ~ Jazz bassist Geir Rognø, full name Geir Aimar Rognø, born in Bergen, Norway ~ Perhaps best known as member of Hot Cargo alongside Ole Thomsen. Has also worked with Jan Eggum, Dag Arnesen, Mads Eriksen, Jahn Teigen, the Little Big Band, and others
March 31, 1963 ~ Pianist, songwriter Harry Akst passed away in Hollywood, California, USA ~ Started in vaudeville, accompanying artists such as Nora Bayes, Frank Faye, Al Jolson. Would go on to become a respected songwriter for Broadway and Hollywood. Best remembered for co-authoring Dinah with Sam M Lewis and Joe Young, originally recorded by Ethel Waters in 1925 it would also become a hit for the Boswell Sisters, Bing Crosby and the Mills Brothers, the Revelers, and for Fletcher Henderson ~ Akst was born in 1894
March 31, 1962 ~ Bluegrass guitarist, dobroist Phil Leadbetter born in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of JD Crowe & the New South from 1990 through 2001. Subsequently co-founding member of Wildfire, Grasstowne, and of Flashback. Has also worked with Vern Gosdin, the Whites, Dale Ann Bradley. Three solo albums to his name, 1999's Philibuster, 2005's Slide Effects and 2014's The Next Move ~ Leadbetter passed away in 2021
March 31, 1961 ~ Jazz saxophonist Mark Lockheart born in Lymington, UK ~ Worked with Loose Tubes, the Perfect Houseplants, Huw Warren, the Orlando Consort, Polar Bear, the In Deep Quintet, Liam Noble, Jasper Høiby, Seb Rochford, Tom Herbert, Margrit Hasler, James Alssopp, Finn Peters, Malija, Radiohead, Prefab Sprout, Stereolab, Django Bates, June Tabor, Jah Wobble, High Llamas, John Parricelli, Colin Towns, Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, and others
March 31, 1960 ~ Theodore Joseph Horowitz, commonly known as guitarist, singer Popa Chubby, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ High-energy performer rooted in old-school blues, electric blues, blues-rock, carrying the torch with a touch of rock and punk thrown in for good measure. Influenced by Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, Jimi Hendrix. Emerged in the 1990s New York blues scene and especially noted for albums such as 1995's Booty And The Beast, 1999's Brooklyn Basement Blues and 2000's How'd A White Boy Get The Blues
March 31, 1959 ~ Punk rock, pop rock bassist Ali McMordie, full name Alistair Jardine McMordle, born in Ireland ~ Co-founding member of Stiff Little Fingers, remaining with the band through its entire existence from 1977 through 1983. Subsequently worked with Friction Groove, Sinéad O'Connor, and Dan Donnelly
March 31, 1958 ~ Rock, alternative metal, post-punk drummer, singer Paul Ferguson, full name Matthew Paul Ferguson, born ~ Best known as co-founding member of Killing Joke remaining with the band through 1987. Has subsequently worked with Warrior Soul, Murder Inc, Crush, Pigface, Pink Parts, and others. Released his full-length solo debut album, Virtual Control, in 2021
March 31, 1956 ~ Jazz, funk singer Charmaine Neville born ~ Daughter of the Neville Brothers-singer Charles Neville. Released her solo debut It's About Time in 1992. Has worked with her father's band on the 1981 Fiyo On The Bayou album. Also guested on recordings by Andrei Codrescu, Marva Wright, Nils Lofgren, Joe Sample, Mitch Woods, and others
March 31, 1955 ~ Hard rock guitarist Angus Young, full name Angus McKinnon Young, born in Glasgow, UK ~ One of hard rock's most recognisable artists due to his energetic performances including his own version of the Chuck Berry-inspired duckwalk and his trademark school boy uniform outfit. Co-founding member of the Malcolm Hook Roll Band and subsequently of AC/DC, both of which also included his brother rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young
March 31, 1952 ~ Ralf Hendrik Lindholm, commonly known as guitarist Dave Lindholm, born in Helsinki, Finland ~ Sings in Finnish and English. Fronted the rock outfits Ferris and the Rock & Roll Band. As a solo artist best known for his 1978 Vanha Ja Uusi Romanssi album
March 31, 1950 ~ Folk pianist, accordionist, harmonica player Chris Parkinson born ~ Co-founded House Band, remaining with the group from 1984 through 2001. Forms the accordion duo the Sultans Of Squeeze with John Kirkpatrick. Has also worked with Ralph McTell, Steve Phillips, Billy Connolly, Band Of Hope, and others
March 31, 1950 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Yitzhak Klepter born in Haifa, Israel ~ Earned the nickname “Churchill” after giving a presentation in elementary school about the life of Winston Churchill. Would name his first band, formed at age 15, the Churchills. Best known as member of Kaveret in the mid-1970s. The band is widely considered a breakthrough band in Israeli pop and rock history. Internationally they are known for representing Israel in the 1974 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 7th place with the song Natati La Khayay. Subsequently an English-language version, She Looked Me In The Eye, would be released ~ Klepter passed away in 2022
March 31, 1948 ~ Guitarist Mick Ralphs born in Hereford, UK ~ Co-founding member of Mott The Hoople. Co-founding member of Bad Company, for whom he wrote or co-wrote a number of the band's best known including the hit Can't Get Enough. Has also worked with Ian Hunter & the Rant Band, Doc Thomas Group, Luther Grosvenor, David Gilmour, the Shakedown Sound, and others
March 31, 1947 ~ Rock & roll, R&B, pop drummer John Poulos born ~ Co-founding member of the Buckinghams, known for a string of mid to late-1960s singles including Don't You Care, Mercy Mercy Mercy, Hey Baby (They're Playing Our Song) and perhaps their best known Kind Of A Drag. The latter would top the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967 ~ Poulos passed away in 1980
March 31, 1946 ~ Guitarist, percussionist, singer Al Nichol born ~ Original member of the Turtles, known for a string of mid- to late-1960s recordings including the Billboard top 10 hits Happy Together, She'd Rather Be With Me and Elenore
March 31, 1945 ~ Folk singer Heather Wood, full name Arielle Heather Wood, born in Attercliffe, UK ~ Member of the Young Tradition alongside Peter Bellamy and Royston Wood, no relation. The trio recorded three albums through the late-1960s, The Young Tradition, So Cheerfully Round, and Galleries, and unlike other British folk outfits of the era are known for their traditional material and stripped down sound. The group would split in 1969 over artistic differences, with Bellamy wanting to pursue pure traditional music. Heather and Royston continued to work together, the duo especially known for their aptly titled 1977 No Relation album ~ Wood passed away in 2024
March 31, 1944 ~ Soul, gospel singer Alfons Wielingen born in Paramaribo, Suriname ~ Rooted in church choirs from an early age. Influenced by American soul singers such as Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson. Member of Dutch-Surinam group the Ebony and subsequently the Needles, touring Europa with the latter. Member of the Stanvaste Singer. Co-founded the Resurrection Singers
March 31, 1944 ~ Jean-Jacques Pascal, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter Pascal Danel, born in Paris, France ~ When injuries from a fall ended his career as a tightrope walker, Pascal turned to songwriting. After a handful of moderate hits, Pascal would break through with La Plage Aux Romantiques in 1965, which reached No.1 in his native France, followed by Kilimandjaro the following year. The latter would be an international hit, recorded by Pascal in about half a dozen languages and remains popular to this day, regarded as one of the most endearing French standards of the era. Pascal went on to record over a dozen albums through the 1980s. Well known songs include Comme Une Enfant, Mamina, Je Suis Un Avonturier, Le Petit Prince N'Est Pas Mort, and Rotterdam. Pascal's son, Jean-Pierre Danel, would follow in his father's footsteps and become a professional guitarist and singer ~ Pascal passed away in 2024
March 31, 1944 ~ Rodney Bainbridge, commonly known as singer Rod Allen born in Leicester, UK ~ Fronted harmony beat group the Fortunes from its inception in 1961 until his death, scoring hits with songs such as You've Got Your Troubles, Here It Comes Again, Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again, Storm In A Teacup, and others. Following Allen's death the band would employ singer Eddie Mooney, formerly of the Dakotas, as their new lead vocalist ~ Allen passed away in 2008
March 31, 1943 ~ Singer, songwriter Al Goodman born in Jackson, Mississippi, USA ~ Landed a job with record producer Sylvia Robinson's All Platinum Records studio. Robinson discovered Goodman's voice while he was singing to himself and teamed him up with Billy Brown and John Morgan forming a revamped line-up of the Moments. They would go on to make records such as All I Have and Sexy Mama. Also worked with Vipers, Carvettes, and was one third of Ray Goodman & Brown ~ Goodman passed away in 2010
March 31, 1942 ~ Guitarist, mandolinist Hugh McCracken, full name Hugh Carmine McCracken, born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known for his guitar parts on Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl, Eric Carmen's All By Myself, and Steely Dan's Hey Nineteen. Member of Mike Mainieri's experimental jazz-rock unit White Elephant. Member of Insect Trust. Member of Fuse One. An in-demand session musician from the 1960s onward, McCracken has appeared on numerous albums by the Left Banke, the Monkees (Pisces Aquarius Capricorn & Jones Ltd), Jimmy Rushing, Gordon Lightfoot (Did She Mention My Name), Janis Ian, Aretha Franklin (Spirit In The Dark), Gene McDaniels, Bert Sommer, John Lennon (Imagine), Roberta Flack, Barbra Streisand, Pure Prairie League, James Brown, Donny Hathaway (Extension Of A Man), Danny O'Keefe (Breezy Stories), Hall & Oates, Bob James, Paul Simon, Nancy Wilson, Henry Gross (Release), Randy Crawford, Ashford & Simpson, Billy Joel (The Stranger), David Ruffin, Nils Lofgren, Carole Bayer Sager, Garland Jeffreys, Dr John (City Lights), Loudon Wainwright III, Foreigner, Donald Fagen (The Nightfly), Michael Franks, Carly Simon, and Shawn Colvin ~ McCracken passed away in 2013
March 31, 1940 ~ Violinist Achille Rivarde, full name Serge Achille Rivarde, passed away in London, UK ~ Principal violinist with the Orchestra Lamoureux from 1885 through 1891. Premiered Eduoard Lalo's Symphonie Espagnole in the UK in 1895. Professor at the Royal College Of Music in London from 1899 through 1936. Authored The Violin And Its Technique As A Means To The Interpretation Of Music ~ Rivarde was born in 1865
March 31, 1940 ~ Operatic tenor, conductor John Stewart, full name John Harger Stewart, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Debuted in the mid-1960s with the Santa Fe Opera. Closely associated with the New York City Opera, and the Frankfurt Opera. Has also worked with the Metropolitan Opera, the Washington National Opera, the Deutsche Oper Berlin, the Grand Theatre de Geneve, the Philadelphia Lyric Opera, the Houston Grand Opera, and the San Diego Opera
March 31, 1935 ~ Trumpeter, singer, songwriter, label executive Herb Alpert born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founded A&M Records with partner Jerry Moss. As a solo artist known for hits such as This Guy's In Love With You and Rise. Closely associated with the Tijuana Brass, which also featured guitarist John Pisano, pianist Lou Pagani, drummer Nick Ceroli, bassist Pat Senatore, trumpeter Tonni Kalash, and trombonist Bob Edmondson. As a songwriter had his work recorded by Gato Barbieri (Behind The Rain), Sam Butera (Bim Bam), Jan & Dean (Baby Talk), and by Sam Cooke (Wonderful World)
March 31, 1935 ~ Actor, singer Richard Chamberlain, full name George Richard Chamberlain, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Became a teen idol for playing the title role in 1960s TV series Dr Kildare. Scored a Billboard top 10 hit in 1962 with the shows Theme From Dr Kildare (Three Stars Will Shine Tonight) and would record on occasion throughout the 1970s. Would focus however on his acting career in TV and stage, including musical theatre
March 31, 1934 ~ Singer, songwriter John D Loudermilk born in Durham, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known as a songwriter whose songs have been recorded by George Hamilton IV (A Rose And A Baby Ruth, Abilene), Eddie Cochran (Sitting In The Balcony), Boots Randolph, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and the Willis Brothers (Big Daddy's Alabama Bound), Connie Francis (He's My Dreamboat), Jerry Lee Lewis, Anne Murray, Sammy Davis Jr, Glen Campbell, Linda Ronstadt, Roy Orbison, Gram Parsons and Vern Gosdin (Break My Mind), Johnny Tillotson and Ernest Ashworth (Talk Back Trembling Lips), Brenda Lee (Weep No More My Baby), Sue Thompson (Norman. Paper Tiger, Sad Movies Make Me Cry), Skeeter Davis, Sandy Posey and Tracey Ullman (Sun Glasses), Marvin Rainwater, Don Fardon and Paul Revere & the Raiders (The Lament Of The Cherokee Indian Reservation), the Everly Brothers (Ebony Eyes), the Nashville Teens, the Blues Magoos, the Jefferson Airplane and Rare Earth (Tobacco Road), the Casinos and Eddy Arnold (Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye), Mose Allison (You Call It Jogging (I Call It Running Around)), and others ~ Loudermilk passed away in 2016
March 31, 1934 ~ Singer, actress Shirley Jones, full name Shirley Mae Jones, born in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Starred in a number of 1950s, 1960s musicals including Carousel, The Music Man, and others. Best known as the widowed mother of five in situation-comedy TV show the Partridge Family
March 31, 1933 ~ Singer, bassist Anita Carter born in Maces Spring, Virginia, USA ~ Daughter of Mother Maybelle Carter. Member of sibling act the Carter Sisters alongside Helen Carter and June Carter. As a solo artist Anita scored hits with Down The Trail Of Aching Tears with Hank Snow, Blue Bird Island, and I Got You with Waylon Jennings. Recorded the first version of Love's Ring Of Fire in 1962, later made famous by Johnny Cash who added horns and recorded it as Ring Of Fire ~ Carter passed away in 1999
March 31, 1929 ~ Singer, arranger Gene Puerling, full name Eugene Thomas Puerling, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Founded and led both the Hi-Lo's and the Singers Unlimited. Known for his innovative use of harmony vocals, influencing numerous artists including Take 6, the King's Singers, the Manhattan Transfer, Chanticleer, GLAD, the Free Design and the Beach Boys-singer Brian Wilson ~ Puerling passed away in 2008
March 31, 1928 ~ Jazz clarinetist Archie Semple, full name Archibald Stuart Nisbet Semple, born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Influenced by Edmond Hall and Pee Wee Russell. Worked with his brother John Semple, Mick Mulligan, Freddy Randall, Roy Crimmins, and Alex Welsh ~ Semple passed away in 1974
March 31, 1928 ~ William Orville Frizzell, commonly known as singer, songwriter Lefty Frizzell, born in Corsicana, Texas, USA ~ Iconic country singer. Hugely popular during the 1950s. Closely associated with Hank Williams. Smoothed out the rough edges of honky-tonk with a softer vocal phrasing without losing the genre's attitude. Influential on George Jones, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, the Everly Brothers, Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard, and John Fogerty. Best known for songs such as If You've Got The Money (I've Got The Time), I Want To Be With You Always, Always Late With Your Kisses, Saginaw Michigan, and Give Me More More More (Of Your Kisses) ~ Frizzell passed away in 1975
March 31, 1926 ~ Country fiddler Tommy Jackson, full name Thomas Lee Jackson Jr, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ In-demand session musician from the 1940s through the 1970s. Reportedly played on more country records than any other musician. Worked with Red Foley, Jerry Byrd, extensively with Hank Williams including on pivotal recordings such as Lovesick Blues, Webb Pierce, Faron Young, Ray Price, George Jones, Bill Monroe, and others ~ Jackson passed away in 1979
March 31, 1921 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Lowell Fulson born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Pivotal 1940s, 1950s West Coast blues singer, guitarist. Known for songs such as Three O'Clock Blues, Every Day I Have The Blues, Blue Shadows, Lonesome Christmas, Reconsider Baby (covered by Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton, and by Joe Bonamassa), Tramp (covered as a duet version by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas), and Sinner's Prayer ~ Fulson passed away in 1999
March 31, 1913 ~ Actor, singer, fiddler Art Davis born in Paradise, Texas, USA ~ Accomplished fiddler by age 7. Not to be confused with the jazz bassist Art Davis. Played with Milton Brown, the Light Crust Doughboys, Bill Boyd, backed Gene Autry in movies and on tours. His last film appearance was in the 1949 film Cowboy's Holiday. Davis continued to perform into the 1980s ~ Davis passed away in 1987
March 31, 1911 ~ Swing jazz guitarist Freddie Green, full name Frederick William Green, born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Best known for his longtime association with Count Basie, backing Basie from 1937 until his death five decades later. Green recorded two albums as a leader or co-leader, Mr Rhythm in 1955 and Rhythm Willie with Herb Ellis in 1975. Green has also regularly guested on albums by Sarah Vaughan, Buck Clayton, Joe Newman, Al Cohn, Paul Quinichette, and Harry Sweets Edison. Green, a superb accompanist, has been quoted as saying: “You should never hear the guitar by itself. It should be part of the drums so it sounds like the drummer is playing chords, like the snare is in A or the hi-hat in D-minor” ~ Green passed away in 1987
March 31, 1908 ~ Kenneth Norville, commonly known as vibraphonist, composer Red Norvo, born in Beardstown, Illinois, USA ~ One of jazz's early vibraphonists. Leader and sideman. Worked with the Collegians, Paul Whiteman, Benny Goodman, Charlie Barnet, Woody Herman, his wife Mildred Bailey, Billie Holiday, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Tal Farlow, Jimmy Raney, Charles Mingus, Red Mitchell, and others ~ Norvo passed away in 1999
March 31, 1907 ~ Son cubano, guaracha, bolero trumpeter, bandleader, songwriter Félix Chappottín, full name Félix Chappottín Lage, born in Havana, Cuba ~ Considered the founder of the modern Cuban trumpet style due to his innovative approach. Noted for his association with the Sexteto Habanero, Arsenío Rodriguez, and specifically the Conjunto Chappotin, leading the latter ensemble from the 1950s until his death some three decades later ~ Chappottín passed away in 1983
March 31, 1895 ~ Elizabeth Mary Landreaux, commonly known as blues singer Lizzie Miles, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Joe Oliver, Kid Ory, Bunk Johnson, AJ Piron, Manuel Manetta, Freddie Keppard, Charlie Elgar, Herb Morand, Jelly Roll Morton, Paul Barbarin, Bob Scobey, Joe Darensbourg, Freddie Kohlmann, and others. Half-sister of blues singer Edna Hicks ~ Landreaux passed away in 1963