March 4, 2025 ~ Jazz, post-bop, jazz-funk singer, vibraphonist, keyboardist Roy Ayers, full name Roy Edward Ayers Jr, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Firmly rooted in bebop, Ayers would become one of the premier vibraphonists to emerge from the 1960s. Initially working as a sidemen with artists such as Curtis Amy, Jack Wilson, Gerald Wilson, Teddy Edwards, Chico Hamilton, Hampton Hawes, Phineas Newborn Jr, and notably with Herbie Mann, Ayers ventured out on his own by the early 1970s and would become especially acclaimed for a series of albums over the next decade, pioneering acid-jazz and jazz-funk, notably Vibrations and Music Of Many Colours with Fela Kuti. Best known for composing and performing the soundtrack to the 1973 blaxploitation film Coffy and for singles such as Running Away, Freaky Deaky, and perhaps his best known Everybody Loves The Sunshine, the latter later notably covered by Cibo Matto, d'Angelo, and N'Dambi. In later years, at some point generally acknowledged as “the Godfather of Neo-Soul”, Ayers would become an in-demand collaborator for the likes of Rick James, Whitney Houston, DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, Coolio, Mary J Blige (Share My World), Eric Benét, Ronny Jordan, Erykah Badu (Mama's Gun), Jill Scott (Who Is Jill Scott), Gerald Levert, Talib Kweli, and Alicia Keys ~ Ayers was born in 1940
March 4, 2024 ~ Harris Lloyd Seaton, commonly known as ska, rocksteady, reggae singer, songwriter Bibby Seaton or BB Seaton passed away in London, UK ~ Formed the duo Winston & Bibby with Delano Stewart, the pair later expanding into the Gaylads. The vocal group would become one of the premier rocksteady groups in Jamaica, reigning for about a decade starting in the early-1960s. The group had several hits of their own, including My Jamaican Girl, Don't Say No, and There's A Fire, and served as backing unit for the likes of Ken Parker, Ken Boothe, and Delroy Wilson. Seaton has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for songs such Accept My Apology and Thin Line Between Love And Hate, worked with groups such as the Astronauts, Conscious Minds, and the Messengers, and has written songs recorded by Boothe, Wilson, and the Melodians ~ Seaton was born in 1944
March 4, 2023 ~ Bassist Michael Rhodes passed away ~ In-demand touring and session musician from the early-1980s forward, present on albums by Stevie Nicks (Bella Donna), JJ Cale (Shades), Dolly Parton, Keith Whitley, Michael Martin Murphey, John Jarvis, Crystal Gayle, Hank Williams Jr, Rodney Crowell (Diamonds & Dirt), Marie Osmond, Rosanne Cash (King's Record Shop), Reba McEntire (Reba), Kenny Rogers, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Delbert McClinton, Steve Winwood, Etta James, Kelly Willis, Alan Jackson (Don't Rock The Jukebox), Vince Gill (Pocket Full Of Gold), Bob Seger, Jason Ringenberg, Faith Hill, Tammy Wynette, Mark Knopfler, Clint Black (Nothin' But The Taillights), Allison Moorer, the Dixie Chicks, Green On Red, Lee Ann Womack (Something Worth Leaving Behind), Aaron Neville, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Sheryl Crow, Gretchen Wilson, George Strait, India Arie, Darius Rucker, Tommy Emmanuel (Little By Little), Buddy Guy, Joss Stone, and Joe Bonamassa ~ Rhodes was born in 1953
March 4, 2023 ~ Singer, songwriter Robert Haimer, also known as Artie Barnes, passed away ~ Formed the duo Barnes & Barnes with actor, singer, multi-instrumentalist, childhood friend Bill Mumy. The duo adopted the personae of Art & Artie Barnes, twin brothers existing in alternate dimensions, and is best known for their 1978 novelty recording Fish Heads ~ Haimer was born in 1954
March 4, 2023 ~ Glenn Michael Lockett, commonly known as producer, sound engineer SPOT, passed away in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA ~ In-house producer and engineer for influential punk label SST Records. Engineered, mixed, produced most of SST's pivotal acts from 1979 until leaving the label in 1986. Has worked with acts such as Black Flag, the Descendents, the Minutemen, Meat Puppets, Hüsker Dü (Everything Falls Apart), the Misfits, Saint Vitus, and the Crucifucks ~ Lockett was born in 1951
March 4, 2022 ~ James L Hinson Jr, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Jimbeau Hinson, passed away ~ Best known as a songwriter, his songs recorded by the likes of David Lee Murphy, Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea, Brenda Lee (Broken Trust), John Conlee, Reba McEntire (Red Roses Won't Work Now), Lynn Anderson, Steve Earle (Hillbilly Highway), Carol Channing and perhaps most notably the Oak Ridge Boys, the latter taking Fancy Free written by Hinson and Roy August to the top of the Billboard Country charts in 1981 ~ Hinson was born in 1952
March 4, 2017 ~ Fitzroy Edwards, commonly known as singer Edi Fitzroy, passed away in May Pen, Jamaica ~ First gained attention with the 1978 single Miss Molly Colly, which reached the Jamaican top 10. Soon after Fitzroy toured the UK with Mikey Dread, opening for the Clash. Went on to collaborate with noted producers such as Lloyd Norris, and Trevor Elliot (who produced Check For You Once, the singer's debut album). Fitzroy would continue to record steadily, including hits such as Princess Black and The Gun. Fitzroy would keep his day job, accountancy, until the mid-1990s before focusing solely on his music career ~ Edwards was born in 1955
March 4, 2017 ~ Singer, songwriter Valerie Carter passed away in St Petersburg, Florida, USA ~ Present as a member of Howdy Moon for their eponymous 1974 album Howdy Moon. Went solo with 1977's Just A Stones Throw Away which featured appearances from Maurice White, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, and Deniece Williams. Carter also wrote or co-wrote sngs such as Cook With Honey (Judy Collins), Deceiver (the Brothers Johnson), Turn It Into Something Good (Earth Wind & Fire). In-demand backup singer appearing on albums by Little Feat, James Taylor (Gorilla, In The Pocket), Jorge Calderon, Hoyt Axton, Nicolette Larson, Christopher Cross, Randy Newman, Eric Carmen, Jimmy Webb, Don Henley (The End Of Innocence), Diana Ross, Aaron Neville, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett (The Road To Ensanada), Freebo, Neil Diamond, and Julie Miller ~ Carter was born in 1953
March 4, 2011 ~ John Preston Courville, commonly known as singer Johnny Preston, passed away in Beaumont, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his 1960 hit Running Bear, written by the Big Bopper and featuring backing vocals by George Jones. Other Preston hits would include The Cradle Of Love and I'm Starting To Go Steady ~ Courville was born in 1939
March 4, 2009 ~ Piedmont blues guitarist John Cephas passed away ~ First teamed up with the younger blues harpist Phil Wiggins in the mid-1970s, both playing in singer, pianist Big Chief Ellis' backing unit. Following Ellis' death in 1977, the pair decided to continue as a duo despite their 24-year age difference. Showing strong influences from Blind Boy Fuller, Gary Davis, and Sonny Terry, the duo would become a popular festival act, earning acclaim among blues aficionados for keeping the Piedmont blues alive. Cephas & Wiggins recorded well into the 2000s, and are noted most for the late-1980s albums Dog Days Of August and Walking Blues ~ Cephas was born in 1930
March 4, 2008 ~ Rock, blues, folk guitarist Jimmy Faulkner passed away in Dublin, Ireland ~ Active since the 1960s. Member of the Jangle Dangle Band. Member of the Freak Show. Member of the Fleadh Cowboys. Has also worked with the Floating Dublin Blues Band, Christy Moore, Dónal Lunny, Mary Coughlan, Paul Brady, and Luka Bloom ~ Faulkner was born in 1950
March 4, 2007 ~ Jazz, R&B drummer Bill English passed away ~ Worked with Sonny Thompson, Amos Milburn, Julien Dash, Bennie Green, Erskine Hawkins, Earl Hines, the Prestige Blues Swingers, Gene Ammons, Quincy Jones, Joe Newman, Stanley Turrentine, Kenny Burrell, Eddie Jefferson, and Eric Dixon ~ English was born in 1925
March 4, 2005 ~ Jazz guitarist, singer Tony Romano passed away in Santa Ana, California, USA ~ In-demand backing musician on radio programs and in Hollywood films from the 1930s through the 1950s. Perhaps best known for his association with Bob Hope and Frances Langford on USO tours in World War II, Korean and Vietnam wars. Has also served as arranger for Johnny Mercer and Bing Crosby. As a solo artist known for Stars Fell On Alabama, a hit for Romano in 1956 ~ Romano was born in 1915
March 4, 2004 ~ Singer, songwriter Claude Nougaro passed away in Paris, France ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Marcel Amont (Le Balayeur Du Roi), Philippe Clay (La Sentinelle), Edith Piaf (Mephisto). Debuted as a solo singer in the early-1960s, immediately rising to fame with songs such as Une Petite Fille and Cécile Ma Fille. Would continue to record to critical acclaim and commercial success well into the 1990s ~ Nougaro was born in 1929
March 4, 2004 ~ Alternative rock, post-punk, new wave, gothic rock guitarist, keyboardist, saxophonist John McGeoch, full name John Alexander McGeoch, passed away in Launceston, UK ~ Regarded by some as one of the most influential post-punk guitarists, cited as a primary influence by guitarists such as the Smiths' Johnny Marr, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Jane's Addiction's Dave Navarro, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers' John Frusciante. Best known for his associations with Magazine, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Visage and Public Image Ltd ~ McGeoch was born in 1955
March 4, 1997 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Raymond Edwards passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Bass singer for doo-wop outfit the Silhouettes, known best for their 1957 hit Get A Job. Originally issued as the B-side to I Am Lonely, the A-side re-release sold a million copies and became the group's only hit, reaching the No.1 spot on both the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. Later, the doo-wop revival group Sha Na Na derived their band name from the lyrics of Get A Job, they also covered the song for the 1978 Grease musical film ~ Edwards was born in 1922
March 4, 1996 ~ Mutiat Yewande Isola, commonly known as Christian hip-hop rapper Wande, born in Nigeria ~ Independently released a number of singles during the 2010s leading up to signing with Reach, making her the first female to be signed to the Christian hip hop label. Released her Exit debut EP in 2020. Has guested on recordings by D-Flow, Joey Vantes, V Rose, TobyMac, and 116 Clique
March 4, 1993 ~ Jazz, blues pianist Art Hodes, full name Arthur W Hodes, passed away in Harvey, Illinois, USA ~ By some considered the greatest white jazz, blues pianist of his day. Honed his skills in Chicago's thriving 1920s jazz scene, making his recording debut in 1928 with Wingy Manone. Spent most of the 1930 in obscurity before relocating to New York by the end of the decade, where he became an in-demand collaborator backing artists such as Joe Marsala and Mezz Mezzrow, prior to forming his own ensemble. Recorded well over a dozen albums as a leader, noted specifically for the mid-1950s albums Art Hodes Hot Five and Chicago Rhythm Kings. Hodes has also guested on recordings by Sidney Bechet, Tony Parenti (Tony Parenti And His New Orleanians), Albert Nicholas (All-Star Stompers), Edmond Hall, Barney Bigard (Bucket's Got A Hole In It), Max Kaminsky, and Kenny Davern ~ Hodes was born in 1904
March 4, 1993 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Tomislav Ivcic passed away in Zagreb, Croatia ~ Rose to national fame during the 1970s. Merged pop music with regional folklore. Has recorded about two dozen albums and is best known for songs such as Neman Za Kavu, Veceras Je Nasa Festa which would become an unofficial anthem of the Dalmatia region, and Stop The War In Croatia. Ran as candidate for the HDZ party in the 1993 elections and won a seat in the Croatian Parliament. A few weeks before he was supposed to take office he would die in a car accident at age 40 ~ Ivcic was born in 1953
March 4, 1991 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones release Highwire, lead single off the band's Flashpoint live album ~ One of the rare political songs by the band, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in response to the fall-out from the Persian Gulf War. Bassist Bill Wyman is present on the recording, but absent in the accompanying video, fueling speculations he had left the band. Highwire would be the last single release with Wyman, his departure confirmed some two years later. Of the lyrics, Richards stated: “This is not about the war. It's about how you build up some shaky dictator. You can't build them up, 'cause then you've got to slam them down.”
March 4, 1979 ~ Michael Thomas McCarthy, commonly known as progressive rock, pop singer Mike Patto, passed away ~ First gained attention as lead singer, frontman of Bo Street Runners. Would subsequently work with Timebox, his own band Patto, and Dick & the Firemen. Joined Spooky Tooth in 1974, present on the band's last album The Mirror. Following Spooky's disbandement later the same year co-founded Boxer with guitarist Ollie Halsall ~ McCarthy was born in 1942
March 4, 1979 ~ Jazz, blues guitarist, composer Stein Urheim born in Bergen, Norway ~ Closely associated with singer Mari Kvien Brunvoll, having released a number of critically acclaimed duet albums starting with 2011's Daydream Community. Has also recorded as a solo artist and has collaborated with Steady Steele, Bearfarm, and Solar Plexus
March 4, 1978 ~ In its eighteenth week on the charts, (Love Is) Thicker Than Water by Andy Gibb hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Second in a string of three consecutive Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits lifted off his first two albums. Like its predecessor I Just Want To Be Your Everything, (Love Is) Thicker Than Water was written by Gibb's more famous older brother Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, and featured Joe Walsh of the Eagles on guitar. The third single of the bunch, Shadow Dancing, would be the biggest hit of the three, holding the American top spot for seven consecutive weeks, and Gibb's final No.1. Gibb scored several more hits through the early-1980s before fading from view. For most of the 1980s, Gibb struggled with depression before passing away of myocarditis, aggravated by years of substance abuse, at age 30 in 1988. At the time of his death, Gibb was just getting his life back together and working on new material for what was intended to be his comeback album
March 4, 1978 ~ Jazz, dixieland, swing clarinetist, bandleader, songwriter Joe Marsala, full name Joseph Francis Marsala, passed away in Santa Barbara, California, USA ~ Considered an excellent clarinetist, Marsala got his start in music in the late-1920s freelancing for the likes of Wingy Manone and Ben Pollack, before venturing out on his own. Marsala led several groups through the late-1940s, notably being one of the first to employ then-future superstar drummer Buddy Rich. Others who have passed through the ranks of his ensembles include his wife Adele Girard, as well as Red Allen, Eddie Condon, Joe Bushkin, Dave Tough, Shelly Manne, Max Kaminsky, and his younger brother trumpeter Marty Marsala. By the end of the 1940s, Marsala retired from performing to focus on a career as a songwriter and music publisher. Marsala wrote Don't Cry Joe (Let Her Go Let Her Go Let Her Go), best known as recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1949, and co-wrote And So To Sleep Again with Sunny Skylar, recorded by Patti Page in 1951 ~ Marsala was born in 1907
March 4, 1977 ~ Rock, indie rock drummer Jeremiah Green, full name Jeremiah Martin Green, born in Oahu, Hawaii, USA ~ Founding member of indie rock outfit Modest Mouse, active with the band since 1993 with a brief hiatus in 2003 and 2004. Has previously worked with Satisfact, Red Stars Theory, Peeved. Later collaborations include Vells and Psychic Emperor ~ Green passed away in 2022
March 4, 1977 ~ Indie rock, punk rock, emo, post-rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Mike Kinsella born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as lead singer, guitarist of emo band American Football. Drummed for Cap'n Jazz, which he co-founded with his brother singer Tim Kinsella. Has also worked with Joan Of Arc, Kyle Fischer, Rainer Maria, the Love Of Everything, Crissi Cochrane, and has recorded over a dozen albums as a solo artist going by the moniker Owen
March 4, 1977 ~ Glam rock, hard rock, pop rock outfit Queen release Tie Your Mother Down, lifted off their A Day At The Races album ~ Though at the time of its release, Tie Your Mother Down disappointingly peaked just outside of the top 30 in their native UK, outside the top 40 on the American Billboard Hot 100, this solid, straightforward rocker has become a concert favorite, played on every tour since its release. Guitarist Brian May first came up with the riff on a Spanish guitar while singing “tie your mother down”, a line he considered a joke. Freddie Mercury, however, convinced him to keep it. May would later comment: “Sometimes you get a little riff, and you just put some words with it, and then you don't even think about what they mean. Now I'm remember thinking, now this isn't a good enough title for this song, but everyone said: ‘Well actually, it sounds okay, ’ and so we kind of lyrically built it around that. That's the truth, folks”
March 4, 1975 ~ Ryan Corrigan, commonly known as rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Hawksley Workman, born in Huntsville, Canada ~ Released his solo debut album, For Him And The Girls, in 1999 and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Known for his blend of cabaret pop and glam rock. Close to a dozen albums to his name. Drew comparisons to Tom Waits, Rheostatics, Harry Nilsson. Also known as producer working with artists such as John Southworth, the Cash Brothers, Tegan & Sara, Sarah Slean, Serena Ryder, Jeremy Fisher, and Carleton Stone
March 4, 1975 ~ Jazz double bassist, drummer, composer Mats Eilertsen born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Worked with the Maria Kannegaard Trio, Ola Kvemberg, Nils Okland, Eldbjørg Raknes, the Anders Aarum Trio, Eirik Hegdal, Sverre Gjørvad, the Nymark Collective, SKRUK, the Jazzmob, the Dingobats, the Hakon Kornstad Trio, Food, Iain Ballamy, the Jacob Young Band, Solveig Slettahjell, the Håvard Wilk Trio, and the Jazzcode
March 4, 1973 ~ Linus Dotson, commonly known as pop punk, alternative rock, power pop singer, guitarist, drummer, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Linus of Hollywood, born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Recorded as a solo artist, starting with Your Favorite Record released in 1999. Member of Size 14, Jannus, Palmdale, Nerf Herder. Has also collaborated with Margo Guryan, Paul Gilbert, Tim Burgess, Mis-Teeq, the Charlatans, the Darling Thieves, MC Lars, and Bowling For Soup
March 4, 1972 ~ Pop, indie pop singer Alison Wheeler born ~ Best known as member of the Beautiful South from 2003 until the band's initial disbandement in 2007, present on the albums Gaze, Golddiggas Headnoddders And Pholk Songs, and Superbi. Wheeler was jokingly dubbed Allison “Lady” Wheeler by her bandmates who felt that her demeanour and education at the Trinity College, Cambridge, was in contract to the band's trademark working-class Northern image. Wheeler has also worked with Virginia, Topers, and Action Amanda, recorded as a solo artist, and with a reformed incarnation of the Beautiful South
March 4, 1972 ~ Martha Ivelisse Pesante Rodriguez, commonly known as reggaeton singer, rapper, songwriter, actress Ivy Queen, born in Anasco, Puerto Rico ~ First gained attention as a member of loose collective the Noise. Debuted as a solo artist in 1996 with the album En Mi Imperio. Best known for songs such as Quiero Bailar, Cuentale, Te He Querido Te He Llorado and Dime. Has collaborated with Domingo Quiñones, Dark Latin Groove, George Lamond, Nina Sky, Pitbull, Cosculluela, María José, and Bad Bunny
March 4, 1971 ~ Singer, songwriter Jason Sellers born in Gilmer, Texas, USA ~ Married to singer Lee Ann Womack from 1991 to 1997. Backed Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, and Billy Joe Royal. As a solo artist best known for songs such as I'm Your Man, Matter Of Time and This Small Divide, the latter a duet with Martina McBride. Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Lonestar, Kenny Chesney, Montgomery Gentry (Some People Change), Pam Tillis, Wade Hayes, Aaron Lines (You Can't Hide Beautiful), Mark Chesnutt, Sarah Johns (The One In The Middle, He Hates Me), Phil Stacey, Keith Anderson, Reba McEntire (Strange), Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson (I Won't Let Go), Rascal Flatts, Thompson Square, Joe Nichols (Sunny And 75), Kristy Lee Cook, and Randy Houser
March 4, 1967 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist Evan Dando, full name Evan Griffith Dando, born in Essex, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as the Lemonheads frontman with a brief pause after a row with bandmate Ben Deily. Also performs and records as a solo artist and has collaborated with Nic Dalton, Tom Morgan, Juliana Hatfield, the Blake Babies, and MC5
March 4, 1966 ~ Maxwell Dixon, commonly known as MC, rapper Grand Puba, born in New Rochelle, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of pivotal hip-hop groups Masters Of Ceremony and Brand Nubian, departing from the latter after their 1990 One For All debut album to rejoin by the end of the decade. Released his Reel To Reel solo debut album in 1992. Has guested on recordings by Handsome Boy Modeling School, Beanie Sigel, Missy Elliott, and Ugly Duckling
March 4, 1965 ~ Austin Dafora Horton, commonly known as drummer, singer, songwriter, choreographer Asadate Dafora, passed away in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Credited with the development of dance-drame, integrating narrative and song into dance performance. Broke through with his 1934 production of Kykunkor, its success so overwhelming the show had to move to a larger venue ~ Horton was born in 1890
March 4, 1965 ~ Alternative, post-rock guitarist, pianist, film composer John Murphy born in Liverpool, UK ~ Active since the 1980s, initially as a musician working with the likes of the Lotus Eaters, Thomas Lang, Claudia Brücken. Would go on to become an in-demand film composer, well known soundtracks including films such as Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, Miami Vice and Kick-Ass
March 4, 1963 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock bassist Jason Newsted, full name Jason Curtis Newsted, born in Battle Creek, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as member of Metallica from 1986 through 2001. Has also worked with Flotsam & Jetsam, Echobrain, Ozzy Osbourne, Voivod, and fronted his own band Newsted from 2012 to 2014
March 4, 1955 ~ Rowland Charles Gould, commonly known as guitarist, bassist, saxophonist, singer Boon Gould born in Shanklin, UK ~ Best known as lead guitarist and co-founding member of Level 42. Medical reasons caused Boon to depart the band in 1988, having played on all the band's albums up to and including the 1987 album Running In The Family. Brother of drummer and bandmate Phil Gould ~ Gould passed away in 2019
March 4, 1955 ~ Jazz double bassist Michael Bisio born in Troy, New York, USA ~ Leader or co-leader on well over a dozen albums, starting with In Seattle released in 1987. In-demand sideman. Film composer, notably writing the score for Strings and Beat Angel. Closely associated with Matthew Shipp. Also a frequent collaborator of Joe McPhee
March 4, 1954 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Ricky Ford born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Sideman and leader. Worked with Gunther Schuller, Mercer Ellington, Charles Mingus, Dannie Richmond, Lionel Hampton, the Mingus Dynasty, Abdullah Ibrahim, Mal Waldron, Yusef Lateef, Sonny Stitt, McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard, Amina Claudine Myers, Sathima Bea Benjamin, and Steve Lacy
March 4, 1953 ~ Bachata, Latin pop, dance pop, club-dance accordionist, songwriter, producer Emilio Estefan, full name Emilia Estefan Gomez, born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba ~ Rose to fame as member of the Miami Sound Machine backing his wife singer Gloria Estefan. As a producer and songwriter known for his work with Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Jon Secada, Thalia and Marc Anthony
March 4, 1953 ~ Pop, lo-fi, indie pop singer, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, mandolinist, songwriter, poet, author, columnist Martin Newell born in Essex, UK ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1993 The Greatest Living Englishman album produced by XTC's Andy Partridge. Also worked with Cleaners From Venus, the Brotherhood Of Lizards, and Gypp
March 4, 1951 ~ Pop, rock singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Chris Rea, full name Christopher Anton Rea, born in Middlebrough, UK ~ Active since the 1970s. Regularly hits the charts starting in the early-1980s, mostly in the UK and continental Europe. Known in the US for his 1978 single Fool If You Think It's Over, a Billboard top 20 hit, and for the Christmas classic Driving Home For Christmas. Other well known songs include I Can Hear Your Heartbeat, Josephine, On The Beach, Looking For The Summer, and If You Were Me, the latter a duet with Elton John
March 4, 1950 ~ Guitarist Billy Gibbons, full name William Frederick Gibbons, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Founding member of rock, blues-rock outfit ZZ Top, known for songs such as La Grange, Tush, Gimme All Your Lovin', Legs, Sleeping Bag, and Rough Boy. Previously fronted psychedelic rock band Moving Sidewalks, known for their sole Flash album released in 1968 and noted for opening for opening for Jimi Hendrix on his first American tour. Gibbons has also guested on recordings by Revolting Cocks, Vivian Campbell, the Queens Of The Stone Age, BB King, Nickelback, Hank Williams III, Les Paul, Kid Rock, Ronnie Dunn, and Gov't Mule
March 4, 1948 ~ Bassist Chris Squire, full name Christopher Russell Edward Squire, born in Kingsbury, UK ~ Best known as founding member and sole bassist of Yes for 47 years, retiring from the band shortly before his death. Previously a member of the Selfs. Influenced by John Entwistle, Jack Bruce, Larry Graham, and by Bill Wyman ~ Squire passed away in 2015
March 4, 1948 ~ Keyboardist, songwriter, producer Michael Moran born in Leeds, UK ~ First gained attention co-writing Rock Bottom with Lynsey de Paul, the latter performing the song at the 1977 Eurovision Songfestival representing England and reaching 2nd place
March 4, 1947 ~ Classical, jazz, world music saxophonist Jan Garbarek born in Mysen, Norway ~ Father of singer, songwriter Anja Garbarek. Leader and sideman. Worked with Keith Jarrett, Ralph Towner, Trilok Gurtu, Zakir Hussain, Eleni Karaindrou, Manu Katché, Karin Krog, Art Lande, Gary Peacock, George Russell, Eberhard Weber, Charlie Haden, Kenny Wheeler, and Miroslav Vitous
March 4, 1944 ~ Singer, songwriter Bobby Womack, full name Robert Dwayne Womack, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Sang lead in sibling group the Valentinos, known for It's All Over Now, later covered by the Rolling Stones. Backed Sam Cooke on guitar. As a solo artist best known for songs such as That's The Way I Feel About You, Woman's Gotta Have It, Across 110th Street, If You Think You're Lonely Now, and I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much. Worked with Joe Tex, the Box Tops, Aretha Franklin, Gábor Szabó, Sly & the Family Stone, Janis Joplin, Ronnie Wood, Wilton Felder, Patrick Moten, Patti LaBelle (notably the duet hit Love Has Finally Come At Last), Ronald Isley, the Manhattans, June Yamagishi, Allen Toussaint, Diane Schuur, Shirley Brown, Andrew Love, Wayne Jackson, Jeanie Tracy, Todd Rundgren, Blur's Damon Albarn (co-produced Womack's 2012 album The Bravest Man In The Universe), Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, Rod Stewart, Van Morrison, and Rudimental ~ Womack passed away in 2014
March 4, 1942 ~ Keyboardist David Matthews born in Sonora, Kentucky, USA ~ Leads the Manhattan Jazz Quintet. Arranger and bandleader for James Brown starting in the early-1970s. Staff arranger for CTI Records. Has worked with artists such as George Benson, Grover Washington Jr, Hank Crawford, Patti Austin, Ron Carter, Art Farmer, Grant Green, Bonnie Raitt, Yusef Lateef, Blue Mitchell, Idris Muhammad, Nina Simone, and Fuse One
March 4, 1942 ~ Glroia Lee Sickal, commonly known as southern gospel singer, songwriter Gloria Gaither, born in Battle Creek, Michigan, USA ~ Married to Southern gospel icon Bill Gaither, with whom she also sang in the Bill Gaither Trio starting in 1964 and notably as lyricist, songwriting partner. The pair have written over an estimated 600 songs recorded by the likes of David Crowder, the Cathedrals Quartet, the Imperials, the Heritage Singers, the Statler Brothers and Elvis Presley
March 4, 1941 ~ Jazz, new-age cellist, composer David Darling born in Elkhart, Indiana, USA ~ Over a dozen albums to his name, drawing from classical, jazz, Brazilian, African, and Indian music. Darling is also known as a film composer, notably scoring the soundtracks to Child's Play, Heat, and Notre Musique, and as an in-demand collaborator, having worked with artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Paul Winter, Ralph Towner, Spyro Gyra, Ketil Bjørnstad, Terje Rypdal, and Pierre Favre ~ Darling passed away in 2021
March 4, 1937 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer Barney Wilen, full name Barney Jean Wilen, born in Nice, France ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Miles Davis (Ascenseur Pour L'Echafaud), Kenny Clarke, Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey's the Jazz Messengers, Bud Powell, Chet Baker, Jay Cameron, Franco Cerri, Gil Cuppini, Leo Ferré, George Gruntz, Lars Gullin, Roy Haynes, Sacha Distel, Marie Möör, Stevie Nicks, Jacques Pelzer, François Tusques, and René Urtreger ~ Wilen passed away in 2006
March 4, 1934 ~ Singer, actress Barbara McNair, full name Barbara Jean McNair, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Jazz, nightclub singer best known for her 1958 debut single Till There Was You. Toured with Nat King Cole. Starred in early-1960s Broadway shows, notably I'm With You. Would focus on acting in films and TV from the 1970s onwards ~ McNair passed away in 2007
March 4, 1934 ~ Laila Sinikka Soppi, commonly known as singer Laila Halme, born ~ Represented her native Finland at the 1963 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching tied thirteenth place with the song Muistojeni Laulu (The Song Of My Memories). The other contestant reaching thirteenth place was Annie Palmen, who represented the Netherlands with Een Speeldoos ~ Soppi passed away in 2021
March 4, 1933 ~ Johanna Rafalowicz, commonly known as jazz singer Ann Burton, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Alongside Rita Reys and Greetje Kauffeld considered one of the premier postwar Dutch jazz singers. Best known for her 1967 Blue Burton album. Over the course of her career, Burton has worked with Johnny Millston, Ted Powder, Pia Beck, Gijs Hendriks, Masahiko Sato, Ken McCarthy, Grady Tate, and Buster Williams ~ Rafalowicz passed away in 1989
March 4, 1932 ~ Zenzile Miriam Makeba, commonly known as singer, activist Miriam Makeba, born in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Dubbed “Mama Africa” and considered an icon of African jazz, also well known as a fierce activist. Actively performing since the mid-1950s with acts such as the Cuban Brothers, Manhattan Brothers, and the all-female unit the Skylarks. A role in the 1959 Come Back Africa anti-apartheids film would gain her enough exposure to set her off on an international career. Has recorded well over a dozen albums, starting in the early-1960s. Shared a Grammy Award with mentor Harry Belafonte for the 1965 collaborative An Evening With Belafonte And Makeba album. Also especially noted for her 1967 Pata Pata album. Its Billboard Hot 100 top 20 title track, written by Makeba and Jerry Ragovoy, became a signature song and would be covered by over 50 artists ~ Makeba passed away in 2008
March 4, 1930 ~ Neoclassical, experimental composer Robert William Witt born in Youngstown, Ohio, USA ~ Married to colorature soprano singer Eva Mondrut. Mentored by Vincent Persichetti. Well known for integrating old themes into new works. Best known for the works Divertimento For Three Woodwinds, Te Deum For Chorus And Brass Quintet and Sonatina No.1 ~ Witt passed away in 1967
March 4, 1929 ~ Conductor, violinist Bernard Haitink, full name Bernard Johan Herman Haitink, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Internationally acclaimed conductor. Worked with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Opera House, the Staatskapelle Dresden, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra ~ Haitink passed away in 2021
March 4, 1929 ~ Jacqueline Nash, commonly known as singer, actress Gale Sherwood, born ~ Performed with Nelson Eddy from 1953 until his death in 1967. Starred in a number of musical productions for stage, notably a 1967 production of Show Boat with the Los Angeles Light Civic Opera, and for screen including They Shall Have Music, Let's Make Music and the 1955 TV operetta The Desert Song ~ Nash passed away in 2017
March 4, 1926 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist, arranger Don Rendell born in Plymouth, UK ~ Son of Percy Rendell who was musical director for the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. Leader and sideman. Rendell worked with artists such as George Evans, Oscar Rabin, Johnny Dankworth, Billie Holiday, Tony Crombie, Ted Heath, Stan Kenton, Tony Kinsey, Woody Herman, Ian Carr, Barbara Thompson, Michael Garrick, Brian Priestley, Neil Ardley, Kenny Graham, Richard Hewson, Jutta Hipp, Cyril Stapleton, Stan Tracey, Guy Warren, and Amancio d'Silva ~ Rendell passed away in 2015
March 4, 1925 ~ Composer, conductor Paul Mauriat born in Marseille, France ~ Closely associated with French icons Charles Aznavour and Maurice Chevalier. Composed with collaborators such as Andre Pascal, Frank Pourcel, Jacques Plante, Raymond Lefèvre. Internationally best known for songs such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Love In Every Room, and for his late-1960s American No.1 hit record Love Is Blue (l'Amour Est Bleu), originally by André Popp ~ Mauriat passed away in 2006
March 4, 1921 ~ Composer, electronic pioneer Halim El-Dabh, full name Halim Abdul Messieh El-Dabh, born in Cairo, Egypt ~ Early pioneer of electronic music, experimenting with sound manipulation, or musique concrete, as early as the 1940s incorporating everyday sounds, reverberation, echo chambers and voltage controls in works such as The Expression Of Zaar ~ El-Dabh passed away in 2017
March 4, 1878 ~ Songwriter, pianist Egbert Van Alstyne, full name Egbert Anson Van Alstyne, born in Marengo, Illinois, USA ~ Co-wrote songs such Pretty Baby (the Emerson Military Band, Morton Harvey, Sammy Kaye), Memories (John Barnes Wells, the Southerners, Gene Austin), Beautiful Love (Victor Young, Anita O'Day, Shirley Horn), and Drifting And Dreaming (George Olsen, Jack Denny, the Chordettes) ~ Van Alstyne passed away in 1951
March 4, 1678 ~ Composer, violinist, priest Antonio Vivaldi, full name Antonio Lucio Vivaldi, born in Venice, Italy ~ Baroque composer influential on Johann Sebastian Bach. Virtuoso violinist. Composed over 40 operas. Also known for his concertos and choral works. Perhaps best remembered for his violin concertos, most notably The Four Seasons ~ Vivaldi passed away in 1741