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, Joe Bonamassa, and numerous others ~ 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, St Vitus, and the Crucifucks ~ Lockett was born in 1951
March 4, 2022 ~ Choral conductor Iwan Edwards passed away in Lachine, Canada ~ Best known for founding the acclaimed St Lawrence Choir in 1972, serving as its director for over three decades until retiring from music ~ Edwards was born in 1937
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 ca.1952
March 4, 2020 ~ Singer Barbara Martin, full name Barbara Diane Martin, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Original member of the Supremes, alongside Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson, present on the band's early singles and the album Meet The Supremes. Left the band in spring of 1962 ~ Martin was born in 1943
March 4, 2019 ~ Singer Keith Flint passed away in North End, UK ~ Singer, dancer, motorcycle racer. Founding member and frontman of the Prodigy, known for late 1990s hits Firestarter and Breathe. Also fronted his own band Flint. Owner of a motorcycle team competing in the British Supersport Championship ~ Flint was born in 1969
March 4, 2018 ~ Pop, rock drummer Hans Cleuver, full name Hans Robert Cleuver, passed away ~ Married to singer Bojoura. Their daughter Emilie Cleuver is also a drummer. Has worked with Focus, Thijs van Leer, Martijn Dresden, Ramses Shaffy, the Bintangs, Patricia Paay, Jan Akkerman, and others ~ Cleuver was born in 1947
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 The Innocence), Diana Ross, Aaron Neville, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett (The Road To Ensanada), Freebo, Neil Diamond, Julie Miller, and others ~ Carter was born in 1953
March 4, 2016 ~ Trentavious Zamon White Sr, commonly known as rapper Bankroll Fresh, passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for his 2015 single Walked IN ~ White was born in 1987
March 4, 2016 ~ Joey Marie Martin, commonly known as singer, songwriter Joey Feek passed away in Alexandria, Indiana, USA ~ Half of country, bluegrass duo Joey & Rory, the other half being her husband Rory Feek, known for songs such as 2008's Cheater Cheater and 2012's When I'm Gone ~ Martin was born in 1975
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, 2010 ~ Alfredo Jose da Silva, commonly known as pianist Johnny Alf passed away in Santo Andre, Brazil ~ Dubbed the “Father of the Bossa Nova” ~ Da Silva was born in 1929
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, Luka Bloom, and others ~ Faulkner was born in 1950
March 4, 2007 ~ Rock, blues-rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Tadeusz Nalepa passed away in Warsaw, Poland ~ Co-founded Blackout with Stan Borys. Founded Breakout ~ Nalepa was born in 1943
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 guitarist known for his associations with Magazine, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Visage and Public Image Ltd. 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 ~ McGeoch was born in 1955
March 4, 2001 ~ Singer Glenn Hughes, full name Glenn Michael Hughes, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Member, original “leatherman” of disco outfit the Village People from 1977 to 1996 ~ Hughes was born in 1950
March 4, 1997 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Raymond Edwards passed away ~ 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 would go on to sell a million copies and be the group's only hit ~ Edwards was born in 1922
March 4, 1995 ~ George Alexander Aberle, commonly known as singer, songwriter Eden Ahbez, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for writing Nature Boy, a 1948 No.1 hit for Nat King Cole ~ Aberle was born in 1908
March 4, 1993 ~ Jazz pianist Art Hodes, full name Arthur W Hodes, passed away in Harvey, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Sidney Bechet, Joe Marsala, Mezz Mezzrow, Louis Armstrong, Wingy Manone, Gene Krupa, Muggsy Spanier, Albert Nicholas, Wild Bill Davison, and Vic Dickenson ~ Hodes was born in 1904
March 4, 1989 ~ Lloyd Grimes, commonly known as jazz guitarist Tiny Grimes, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Cats & Fiddle, Art Tatum, Billie Holiday, Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, Pepper Adams, Roy Eldridge, Earl Hines, JC Higginbotham, Charlie Shavers, Kenny Burrell, and others ~ Grimes was born in 1916
March 4, 1986 ~ Pianist, singer, occasional drummer Richard Manuel, full name Richard George Manuel, passed away in Winter Park, Florida, USA ~ Member of the Band, known for songs such as The Weight, Up On Cripple Creek, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, The Shape I'm In, and others ~ Manuel was born in 1943
March 4, 1983 ~ Cate Timothy, commonly known as folk, indie rock, baroque pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Cate Le Bon, born in Penboyr, UK ~ Released her full-length solo debut album, Me Oh My, in 2009 and has recorded to a devoted fanbase since. Has worked with Gruff Rhys, Neon Neon, Kevin Morby, Josh Klinghoffer, DRINKS, and others
March 4, 1980 ~ Albert Anite Dominique, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, bandleader Don Albert, passed away in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Worked with Alphonso Trent, Troy Floyd, Alvin Alcorn, Louis Cottrell Jr, Herb Hall, Buddy Tate, and others ~ Dominique was born in 1908
March 4, 1979 ~ John Paul Lawler, commonly known as alternative rock, garage rock, post-punk guitarist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter Jon Fratelli, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Member of the Fratellis from 2005 through 2009, rejoined in 2012. Played with the Codeine Velvet Club and recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Psycho Jukebox released in 2011
March 4, 1979 ~ Michael Thomas McCarthy, commonly known as 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, Solar Plexus, and others
March 4, 1978 ~ Jazz, dixieland, swing clarinetist, bandleader, songwriter Joe Marsala, full name Joseph Francis Marsala, passed away in Santa Barbara, California, USA ~ Brother of trumpeter Marty Marsala. Married to jazz harpist Adele Girard. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Ben Pollack, Wingy Manone, Buddy Rich, Shelly Manne, Dave Tough, Eddie Condon, Joe Bushkin, Max Kaminsky, and others. Turned to music publishing and songwriting by the late-1940s, wrote or co-wrote songs such as Don't Cry Joe (Let Her Go Let Her Go Let Her Go) (Frank Sinatra) and And So To Sleep Again (Sunny Skylar) ~ Marsala was born in 1907
March 4, 1977 ~ Jazz drummer Dan Weiss born ~ Debuted as a leader in 2004 with the album Tintal Drumset Solo and has recorded consistently since. As a sideman has worked with Lee Konitz, Kenny Werner, David Binney, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Miles Okazaki, Rez Abbasi, Tineke Postma, and others
March 4, 1977 ~ Jazz, funk, jazz fusion drummer Jason Marsalis born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Son of jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr. Leader and sideman. Worked with Los Hombres Calientes, Marcus Roberts, John Ellis, Michael White, Shannon Powell, Norbert Susemihl, Stephen Riley, and others
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 ~ Rachel Alexandra Mercaldo, commonly known as dance-pop, hi-NRG singer Rockell, born in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ Best known for a number of late 1990s dance, house, dance-pop hits, namely When I'm Gone, the Collage-duet Can't We Try and perhaps her best-known In A Dream
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, Carleton Stone, and others
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, the Jazzcode, and others
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, Bowling For Soup, and others
March 4, 1973 ~ Violinist Scotty Stoneman passed away ~ Dubbed the Jimi Hendrix of the violin by Peter Rowan. Dubbed the Charlie Parker of bluegrass by Jerry Garcia ~ Stoneman was born in 1932
March 4, 1972 ~ Pop, indie pop singer Alison Wheeler born ~ Best known as member of the Beautiful South from 2003 until the band's disbandement in 2007. Also worked with Virginia, Topers, and with Action Amanda
March 4, 1972 ~ Richard Terfry, commonly known as rapper, producer, DJ Buck 65, born in Mount Uniacke, Canada ~ Influenced by MC Shan, Gitche Manitou, Kool Keith. Worked with Bike For Three, Sebutones, Haltown Project, 1200 Hobos, Len, Hip Club Groove, Anticon, and others
March 4, 1972 ~ Laika, pop singer Giorgos Mazonakis born in Athens, Greece ~ Actively recording since the early 1990s. Best known for songs such as Summer In Greece, Terma, De Goustaro, Agapo Sieni and Ena Thavma
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, Bad Bunny, and others
March 4, 1971 ~ Drummer Fergal Lawler born ~ Influenced by the Cure, Joy Division, Echo & the Bunnymen, the Clash. Co-founding member of the Cranberries, known for 1990s songs such as Linger, Zombie and Salvation. Also worked with the Low Network, Walter Mitty, the Last Days Of Death Country, and others
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, Randy Houser, and others
March 4, 1968 ~ Actress, singer, model Patsy Kensit born in London, UK ~ Lead singer of Eighth Wonder from 1983 through 1989, known for songs such as Stay With Me, Will You Remember and I'm Not Scared
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, MC5, and others
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, Ugly Duckling, and others.
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, 1964 ~ Singer, songwriter Karen Knowles born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Best known as a member of the Seekers, joining the band in 1990
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, 1960 ~ Leonard Warenoff, commonly known as operatic baritone Leonard Warren passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leading baritone of his day, especially acclaimed for his roles in operas of Giuseppe Verdi. Closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera ~ Warren was born in 1911
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, Steve Lacy, and others.
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, Gypp, and others
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, 1948 ~ Michael Barratt, commonly known as pop, rock & roll singer Shakin' Stevens, born in Ely, UK ~ Known for a string of 1980s hits, including the UK No.1 hits This Ole House, Green Door, Oh Julie and Merry Christmas Everyone
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, Miroslav Vitous, and others
March 4, 1945 ~ Electronic, pop singer Dieter Meier born in Zurich, Switzerland ~ To pop audiences best known as half of Yello, the other half being Boris Blank, known for songs such as I Love You, Oh Yeah, The Rhythm Divine, The Race and Rubberbandman
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, Rudimental, and others ~ Womack passed away in 2014
March 4, 1943 ~ Singer, clarinetist, keyboardist, actor, songwriter Lucio Dalla born in Bologna, Italy ~ Perhaps best remembered for penning Caruso, a tribute to opera tenor Enrico Caruso ~ Dalla passed away in 2012
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, Fuse One, and others
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, big band trumpeter, flugelhornist Bobby Shew born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA ~ Worked with Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Louie Bellson, Maynard Ferguson, Chuck Findley, Carl Fontana, Carmen McRae, Gerald Wilson, and others
March 4, 1941 ~ Jazz, new-age cellist, composer David Darling born in Elkhart, Indiana, USA ~ Over a dozen albums to his name. Draws from classical, jazz, Brazilian, African, Indian music. Film composer, wrote or co-wrote scores for Child's Play, Heat, Notre Musique. Also an in-demand collaborator, worked with Bobby McFerrin, Paul Winter, Ralph Towner, Spyro Gyra, Ketil Bjørnstad, Terje Rypdal, Pierre Favre, and others ~ Darling passed away in 2021
March 4, 1939 ~ Blues guitarist Johnny Jenkins born in Bibb County, Georgia, USA ~ Helped launch the career of Otis Redding. Influenced Jimi Hendrix ~ Jenkins passed away in 2006
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 ~ Bluegrass, country singer, mandolinist, dobroist, guitarist John Duffey, full name John Humbird Duffey Jr, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Co-founded two of the most influential bluegrass groups, the Country Gentlemen in the late 1950s and the Seldom Scene in the early 1970s ~ Duffey passed away in 1996
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. 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 ~ Guitarist, composer Efren Echeverria born in Lima, Paraguay ~ Best known for composition such as Nuguasu Kokoro, Vaguai Kara, Itaver, Guata Veruti, Taita Jose, Belenpe Guare, Vaka Ray Chapelo, and others ~ Ecchevería passed away in 2018
March 4, 1932 ~ Zenzile Miram 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, 1928 ~ Operatic bass singer Joshua Hecht born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with the Baltimore Civic Opera, the New York City Opera, the San Francisco Cosmopolitan Opera, the Fort Worth Opera, the Seattle Opera, the Frankfurt Opera, and others ~ Hecht passed away in 2019
March 4, 1927 ~ Jazz bass trumpeter Cy Touff, full name Cyril James Touff, bon in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Woody Herman, Sandy Mosse, Richie Kamuca, the Pieces Of Eight, and others ~ Touff passed away in 2003
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, Amancio d'Silva, and others ~ 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, 1910 ~ Opera director, vocal coach, stage manager John Simon White born in Vienna, Austria ~ Best known as managing director of the New York City Opera from 1970 to 1980 ~ White passed away in 2001
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