March 5, 2023 ~ Blues rock, boogie rock, southern rock guitarist Gary Rossington, full name Gary Robert Rossington, passed away ~ Last surviving original member of quintessential southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Especially noted for his lead guitar work on Tuesday's Gone and slide guitar on Free Bird. Also co-founded the Rossington-Collins Band with bandmate guitarist Allen Collins ~ Rossington was born in 1951
March 5, 2023 ~ Conductor Kenneth Montgomery passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Conductor and music director for renowned companies including the Sadler's Wells Opera, the Bournemouth Sinfonietta, the Opera Northern Ireland, and the Ulster Opera. Outside of the UK best known for his association with the Netherlands Radio Symphony, serving as its principal conductor from 1985 through 1989, and as director of opera studies at the Royal Conservatory the Hague since 1991 ~ Montgomery was born in 1943
March 5, 2022 ~ Renán Patricio Sánchez Gajardo, commonly known as pop, pop rock singer, balladeer Patricio Renán, passed away in Santiago, Chile ~ Emerged in the mid-1960s, soon recognized as on one of the Nueva Ola stars. Has recorded close to a dozen albums over the course of his career. Best known for songs such as Por Amor, Son Recuerdos and Soy Culpable ~ Sánchez was born in 1945
March 5, 2021 ~ Producer, singer, guitarist, songwriter Michael Stanley passed away ~ Enjoyed regional popularity during the 1970s and 1980s with his brand of heartland rock. Nationally best known for the single He Can't Love You, which reached the Billboard top 40 in 1980 ~ Stanley was born in 1948
March 5, 2019 ~ Composer Doru Popovici, full name Ionel Doru Popovici, passed away ~ Revered contemporary classical composer known for three distinct phases in his career; pot-impressionism, dodecaphonic and post-byzantine. Known for works such as Wires Quartet, Prometheus, Homage To Tuculescu, The Byzantine Hymns and The Wedding ~ Popovici was born in 1932
March 5, 2017 ~ Operatic bass singer Kurt Moll passed away in Cologne, Germany ~ Acclaimed for his restrained basso profondo voice. Closely associated with the Cologne Opera. Has also worked with the Mainz Opera, the Wuppertal Opera, the Hamburg State Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and others ~ Moll was born in 1938
March 5, 2016 ~ Conductor, cellist Nikolaus Harnoncourt, full name Johann Nikolaus Harnoncourt, passed away in St Georgen Im Attergau, Austria ~ Founded the Concentus Musicus Wien. Also worked with the Vienna Symphony, La Scala, Gustav Leonhardt, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, the Vienna Philharmonic, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and others. Married to violinist Alice Harnoncourt ~ Harnoncourt was born in 1929
March 5, 2015 ~ Folk guitarist, singer Jim McCann passed away ~ Active since the mid-1960s. Member of the Ludlow Trio, known for their 1966 hit The Sea Around Us. After the band disbanded the following year McCann would mostly work as a solo performer, yet is best known to the general public for his stint with the Dubliners remaining with the band from 1974 through 1979 ~ McCann was born in 1944
March 5, 2005 ~ Conductor, violinist Sergiu Comissiona passed away in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ Founded the Ramat Gan Orchestra. Also worked with the Haifa Symphony, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Symphony, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the New York City Opera, and others ~ Comissiona was born in 1928
March 5, 2004 ~ Julio Collazo, commonly known as percussionist Julito Collazo, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Katherine Dunham, Chano Pozo, Mongo Santamaria, Armando Peraza, Francisco Aguabella, Carlos Vidal Bolado, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Silvestre Mendez, Dizzy Gillespie, Machito, and others ~ Collazo was born ca.1925
March 5, 2004 ~ Pop, jazz singer Priscilla Paris passed away in Paris, France ~ One third of sibling outfit the Paris Sisters, alongside her older sisters Albeth Paris and Sherrell Paris. Sang lead on I Love How You Love Me. Also recorded a number of solo records, starting with Priscilla Sings Herself released in 1967 ~ Paris was born in 1945
March 5, 2000 ~ Country singer, songwriter Gabby Barrett born in Munhall, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Reached third place in the 16th season of American Idol, aired on ABC in 2018. Best known for her single I Hope, which reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 and topped Billboard's country chart in 2019. Released her full-length debut album, Goldmine, in 2020
March 5, 1997 ~ Ralph Basso Jr, commonly known as jazz, R&B talent scout, A&R executive, producer, songwriter Ralph Bass, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Considered a pioneer in bring African-American music into the mainstream. Worked for labels such as Black & White Records, Savoy Records, King Records, Fedral Records and Chess Records. Incremental in the careers of Lena Horne, Roosevelt Sykes, Jack McVea, T-Bone Walker, Johnny Otis, Clara Ward, the Platters, the Dominoes, Etta James, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Earl Bostic, and others ~ Basso was born in 1911
March 5, 1996 ~ Herbert Hall, commonly known as jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Herb Hall, passed away ~ Son of clarinetist Edward Hall. Brother of bandleader, clarinetist Edmond Hall. Herbert Worked with the Niles Jazz Band, Kid Augustin Victor, Sidney Desvigne, Don Albert, Herman Autrey, Doc Cheatham, Sammy Price, Wild Bill Davison, Benny Morton, Sonny Drootin, Eddie Gibbs, Buzzy Drootin, Don Ewell, and others ~ Hall was born in 1907
March 5, 1995 ~ Victor Anthony Stanshall, commonly known as inger, trumpeter, trombonist, guitarist, mandoliinist, banjoist, keyboardist, flutist, perucssionist, songwriter Vivian Stanshall, passed away in London, UK ~ Member of the Bonzo Dog Band. Released his Men Opening Umbrellas Ahead solo debut album in 1974. Has had artists such as Eric Clapton, Keith Moon and John Entwistle guest on his solo recordings. Has also collaborated with Grimms, Mike Oldfield (Tubular Bells), Jim Capaldi, Ronnie Wood, Graham Bond, and Robert Calvert ~ Stanshall was born in 1943
March 5, 1994 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Joe Daley passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Hal Russell, Russell Thorne, Richard Corpolongo, Bobby Lewis, Bobby Roberts, Hal Russell, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr, Ella Fitzgerald, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Paul Wertico, Rusty Jones, and others ~ Daley was born in 1918
March 5, 1994 ~ Faye Leighton Jepson, commonly known as swing bandleader, singer Leighton Noble, passed away ~ Enjoyed popularity during the Swing era. Sang with the orchestras of Hal Grayson, George Hamilton, Everett Hoagland, George Olsen and perhaps most notably Orville Knapp in the mid-1930s, eventually forming his own orchestra in 1937 ~ Jepson was born in 1912
March 5, 1990 ~ Robert Frederickson, commonly known as singer Bob Regan, born in Rolia, Canada ~ Formed the country duo the Canadian Sweethearts along with his wife Lucille Starr, known for mid-1960s recordings such as Stand Upon The Mountain, Lookin' Back To See and Don't Knock On My Door ~ Frederickson was born in 1931
March 5, 1983 ~ Jazz trumpeter Bob Shoffner passed away ~ Worked with Charlie Creath, Tommy Parker, John H Wickliffe, Everett Robbins, Mae Brady, Honore Dutrey, King Oliver, Dave Peyton, Lottie Hightower, Lovie Austin, Jimmy O'Bryant, Ida Cox, Luis Russell, Charles Elgar, Erskine Tate, Jerome Carrington, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, Frankie Jaxon, Fess Williams, Fletcher Henderson, Hot Lips Page, Richard M Jones, and Franz Jackson ~ Shoffner was born in 1900
March 5, 1983 ~ In its thirteenth week on the charts, If Hollywood Don't Need You by Don Williams hits No.1 Billboard Country ~ Written by Bob McDill, a regular collaborator who had previously penned several songs for Williams including Amanda, It Must Be Love, and I Want You Back Again, the song has the narrator singing to a former lover who, apparently, had left him to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. In his usual gentle and understated manner, Williams only wishes her the best with barely a hint of heartbreak. Should things not work out in Hollywood, she is welcome to come back to him. The song includes a reference to actor Burt Reynolds: “Oh, and if you see Burt Reynolds would you shake his hand for me. And tell ol' Burt I've seen all his movies. Well, I hope you make the big time, I hope your dreams come true. But if Hollywood don't need you, honey, I still do”
March 5, 1982 ~ Singer, fiddler, songwriter Amanda Shires born in Lubbock, Texas, USA ~ Formed Highwomen, teaming up with Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, and Natalie Hemby. Also worked with Thrift Store Cowboys, Jason Isbell, Rod Picott, Devotchka, Chris Isaak, Todd Snider, Justin Townes Earle, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, John Prine, Neal Casal, Shovels & Rope, Cory Branan, American Aquarium, Tommy Emmanuel, and Blackberry Smoke
March 5, 1982 ~ Actor, comedian, singer John Belushi, full name John Adams Belushi, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Actor and comedian emerged from the satirical Saturday Night Live TV show. Best known as half of the Blues Brothers, portraying the role of Joliet Jake Blues in That Girl Belongs To Yesterday] film released in 1980 ~ Belushi was born in 1949
March 5, 1981 ~ Theodore Dudley Saunders, commonly known as jazz, R&B drummer, vibraphonist, bandleader Red Saunders, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Stomp King, Ira Coffey, Curtis Mosby, Tiny Parham, Albert Ammons, Delbert Bright, Leon Washington, Porter Kilbert, Sonny Cohn, Ike Perkins, Riley Hampton, Joe Williams, Mac Easton, Johnny Pate, Sun Ra, T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, Sugar Chile Robinson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Willie Mabon, Little Brother Montgomery, Lavern Baker, Dolores Hawkins, Guy Warren, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Woody Herman, Art Hodes, and others ~ Saunders was born in 1912
March 5, 1981 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Yip Harburg, full name Edgar Yipsel Harburg, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Frequent collaborator of composers such as Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke, Jerome Kern, Jule Styne and Burton Lane. Perhaps best known for co-writing all of the songs of The Wizard Of Oz including Over The Rainbow, performed by Judy Garland in the original 1939 film ~ Harburg was born in 1896
March 5, 1978 ~ Composer, songwriter Cesare Andrea Bixio passed away in Rome, Italy ~ One of the most popular Italian songwriter of the 1930s through the 1950s. Artists who recorded his songs include Tito Schipa, Beniamino Gigli (Mamma), Carlo Buti, Oscar Carboni (La Mia Canzone Al Vento), Giuseppe di Stefano, Luciano Pavarotti, and Vittorio de Sica (Parlami D'Amore Mariu) ~ Bixio was born in 1896
March 5, 1972 ~ Rock, britpop, pop Adam Zindani born in Birmingham, UK ~ Member of the Stereophonics since 2007, for whom he wrote the songs You're My Star and My Own Worst Enemy. Lead singer, rhythm guitarist of Birmingham-based band Casino.
March 5, 1971 ~ Edward Lee Knight, commonly known as rapper Big Ed, born in Richmond, California, USA ~ Member of rap group TRU, appearing on the albums Who's Da Killer, Understanding The Criminal Mind and True. Guested on numerous albums throughout the 1990s including Master P's 99 Ways To Die, Silkk The Shocker's The Shocker and Unlady Like. As a solo artist best known for his 1998 The Assassin debut album ~ Knight passed away in 2001
March 5, 1970 ~ Rock, alternative rock, experimental rock guitarist John Frusciante born in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Greg Ginn, Pat Smear, Joe Strummer, Public Image Ltd, the Smiths, Magazine, Siouxsie & the Banshees. Best known as member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, playing with the band since 1988 with a few hiatusses. First appeared on the band's 1989 Mother's Milk replacing the late Hillel Slovak. About a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with Niandra Lades And Usually Just A T-Shirt released in 1994. Has also released a number of acid house albums, going by the moniker Trickfinger. Has collaborated with Ataxia, Josh Klinghoffer, Omar Rodríguez-López, Kimono Kult, Speed Dealer Moms, and others
March 5, 1968 ~ Arthur Hazel, commonly known as jazz drummer Monk Hazel, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Active since the late-1910s. Also plays brass, occasionally, especially cornet. Has played with Emmett Hardy, Stalebread Lacombe, Albert Brunies, Tony Parenti, Johnny Wiggs, Gene Austin, Joe Caprano, Lloyd Danton, Sharkey Bonano, George Girard, Mike Lala, Santo Pecora. Has done some recordings as a leader employing sidemen such as Pete Fountain and Al Hirt ~ Hazel was born in 1903
March 5, 1968 ~ Label executive Syd Nathan passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Founded King Records. Discovered James Brown. Artists signed to King or its subsidiaries would include Bull Moose Jackson, Lucky Millinder, Tiny Bradshaw, Earl Bostic, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Wynonie Harris, the Dominoes, Little Willie John, Bill Doggett, Hank Ballard, the Delmore Brothers, the Stanley Brothers, Moon Mullican, Cowboy Copas, Grandpa Jones, and others ~ Nathan was born in 1904
March 5, 1966 ~ Singer, songwriter Udo Jürgens wins the 11th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Luxembourg, Luxembourg ~ Representing Austria, Jürgens wins with the song Merci Chérie co-written with Thomas Hörbiger. Sweden, represented by Lill Lindfors & Svante Thuresson with Nygammal Vals, reached second place, while Norway's entry, Åse Kleveland singing Intent Er Nytt Under Solen, ended in third place
March 5, 1965 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones kick off their British tour at the Regal Theater, London, UK ~ The band plays a little over two dozen shows through mid-March, starting with two shows at the Regal Theater. The set list includes Down The Road Apiece, Time Is On My Side, Little Red Rooster, and Everybody Needs Somebody To Love. Parts of the Liverpool and Manchester shows were used for their 1965 Got Live If You Want It live EP
March 5, 1964 ~ Singer Melissa Bell born ~ Best known as member of Soul II Soul, notably on Wish. Fronted her own band Soul Explosion. Sang backup for Liza Minnelli, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder. Also worked with Bobby E & the Midi City Crew, the Bingoboys, Potential Bad Boy, and with Dazz ~ Bell passed away in 2017
March 5, 1964 ~ Power pop, punk pop, pop rock guitarist Ruth Morris, full name Ruth Mary Morris, born in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA ~ Through her pop guitar style helped define the sound of Magnapop. Co-wrote the band's Open The Door and the minor hit Slowly Slowly
March 5, 1963 ~ British pop, rock group the Beatles record From Me To You at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Produced by George Martin. Released the following month in the UK, b/w Thank You Girl, it would be the band's official first UK No.1 on what was to become the official OCC charts. The title was inspired by the letters section of the New Musical Express, titled “From you to us”, which McCartney was reading while on tour with the band
March 5, 1963 ~ Singers Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins, and Patsy Cline pass away in a plane crash ~ Returning to Nashville the Piper Comanche piloted by Patsy Cline's manager Randy Hughes flew into severe weather and crashed in a forest near Camden, Tennessee. There were no survivors. Fans around the world mourned the loss. The location of the crash in the still-remote forest is noted by a stone marker ~ Cowboy Copas was born in 1913, Hawkins in 1922, Cline in 1932
March 5, 1962 ~ Twin brothers Charlie Reid and Craig Reid born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Best known as the core duo in 1980s pop-rock band the Proclaimers, drawing from roots rock, alternative rock and folk rock and scoring hits with Letter From America and I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
March 5, 1960 ~ Rock, post-punk producer, engineer Nick Launay born in London, UK ~ In-demand producer. Worked with artists such as Public Image Ltd, Gang Of Four, Killing Joke, the Birthday Party, Blue October, the Slits, Kate Bush, Talking Heads, David Byrne, INXS, Midnight Oil, Lou Reed, Anna Calvi, Supergrass, Silverchair, Nick Cave, IDLES, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arcade Fire, and others
March 5, 1958 ~ Singer Andy Gibb, full name Andrew Roy Gibb, born in Manchester, UK ~ Younger brother of the Bee Gees' Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb. Known for a string of 1970s, 1980s singles including I Just Want To Be Your Everything, (Love Is) Thicker Than Water, Shadow Dancing, Everlasting Love, Our Love (Don't Throw It All Away) and Desire. Had his career cut short due to an untimely death caused by years of substance abuse ~ Gibb passed away in 1988
March 5, 1957 ~ Joey Poole, commonly known as punk rock drummer Joey Image, born ~ Member of the Misfits from 1978 through late 1979, present on singles such as Horror Business and Night Of The Living Dead. Has also worked with the Whorelords, Human Buffett, the Mary Tyler Whores, the Bell Ringers, the Evil Doers, the Hooples, Jersey Trash, the Hollywood 77s, the Undead, and others ~ Poole passed away in 2020
March 5, 1956 ~ R&B, soul singer, keyboardist, songwriter Bobby DeBarge, full name Robert Louis DeBarge Jr, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Lead singer for Switch, known best for their 1978 eponymous Switch sophomore album which spawned the Billboard R&B top 10 hit There'll Never Be. Other well known songs include Best Beat In Town, I Call Your Name, and Love Over And Over Again. Co-produced DeBarge's 1981 The DeBarges debut album, joining the family outfit as a full member in 1987 for their fifth and final album Bad Boys. In later years DeBarge would struggle with personal problems, including substance abuse, seriously hindering his career. Passed away at age 39 of AIDS-related complications shortly after releasing It's Not Over, his sole solo album ~ DeBarge passed away in 1995
March 5, 1956 ~ Mary Christine Brockert, commonly known as singer Teena Marie, born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Protégé of Rick James. Impressed Motown boss Berry Gordy Jr but failed to hit the charts until James took her under his wing and produced Teena's debut album, 1979's Wild & Peaceful. Immediately a favorite of black radiostations. Surprised the Soul Train audience upon her first appearance, everyone having assumed she was black, not white. Known for songs such as I'm A Sucker For Your Love, Square Biz, Lovergirl and Ooo La La. Godmother to Nona Gaye, Marvin Gaye's daughter, as well as to Maya Rudolph, daughter of singer Minnie Riperton and songwriter Richard Rudolph ~ Brockert passed away in 2010
March 5, 1953 ~ Percussionist, producer Preston Heyman born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Known best for his close association with Kate Bush and as a member of the Tom Robinson Band. Has sessioned and/or produced for numerous artists including Terence Trent d'Arby, Tin Tin Out, Massive Attack, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Mike Oldfield, Empire, Gonzalez, Jakob Magnusson, Brand X, Atomic Rooster, Bryan Ferry, Rocky Sharpe & the Replays, Ken Lockie, Randy California, Monsoon, Toyah, Bill Nelson, Impulse, Wall Street Crash, Mike Oldfield, Sheila Chandra, Colourfield, Jimmy Page, Heaven 17, When In Rome, Indochine, Tina Turner, Del Amitri, Heidi Berry, Tasmin Archer, Love City Groove, Ian McNabb, Asia, Jai, Emma Bunton, DJ-EZ, Whitney Houston, Sting, the Waterboys, the Pretenders, Anastacia, Faith Hill, Simply Red, King Brillo, the Wolfmen, Aigul Babayeva, Namgyal Lhamo, Sinéad O'Connor, the Parsley Sound, No Mad Karma, and others
March 5, 1952 ~ Keyboardist Alan Clark born in Durham, UK ~ Best known as member of the Dire Straits from 1980 through 1995, notably present on the band's acclaimed 1982 Love Over Gold album. Guested on Bob Dylan's Infidels and its follow-up Empire Burlesque album. Musical director for Tina Turner, including on the Private Dancer hit single. Has also worked with Jon Anderson, Rory Block, Phil Collins, Geordie, George Harrison, Billy Joel, Elton John, Lindisfarne, Prefab Sprout, Lou Reed, Seal, Rod Stewart, Van Morrison, and Robbie Williams
March 5, 1952 ~ R&B singer, percussionist Howard Huntsberry, full name Howard Stafford Huntsberry, born in Pacoima, California, USA ~ Fronted Klique, known for their 1983 Stop Dogging Me Around Billboard R&B top 10 hit. Huntsberry portrayed the role of Jackie Wilson in the 1987 La Bamba film. Released his With Love solo album in 1988, spawning the single Sleepless Weekend
March 5, 1952 ~ Joseph Eldridge, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Joe Eldridge, passed away in 1952 ~ Brother of trumpeter Roy Eldridge, with whom he also worked. Has also played with the Elite Serenaders, Speed Webb, Cecil Scott, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, Blanche Calloway, Buddy Johnson, Zutty Singleton, Hot Lips Page, and others ~ Eldridge was born ca.1908
March 5, 1951 ~ Keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, film composer Michael Gore born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Brother of singer, songwriter Lesley Gore. Best known for co-writing Fame with Dean Pitchford, sung by Irene Cara and Academy Award-winning theme song of the musical drama film Fame. Also composed for films such as Terms Of Endearment, Pretty In Pink, and others
March 5, 1948 ~ Edmond Montague Grant, commonly known as reggae, reggae-pop singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer Eddy Grant, born in Plaisance, Guyana ~ Founding member of the Equals, one of Britain's first racially integrated pop acts and known for songs such as I Get So Excited and Baby Come Back. As a solo artist best known for a number of late-1970s and 1980s hits including Living On The Frontline, Do You Feel My Love, Can't Get Enough Of You, Electric Avenue, Gimme Hope Jo'anna, and others
March 5, 1948 ~ Elaine Jill Bickerstaff, commonly known as singer, actress Elaine Page, born in Barnet, UK ~ Musical theater singer, actress known for roles in a West End production of Hair, the role of Eva Perón in the first production Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita, and Grizabella in Cats. Reached the UK singles top 10 with Memory in 1981 and with I Know Him So Well, a duet with Barbara Dickson from the musical Chess, in 1985
March 5, 1948 ~ Rock, pop rock singer Jacques Kloes born in Heemskerk, the Netherlands ~ Thriving force behind the Dizzy Man's Band, remaining with the band through 1978, known for songs such as The Show, The Opera, Rio, Matter Of Facts and Tickatoo, the latter an adaptation of Creedence Clearwater Revival's Down On The Corner. As a solo artist Kloes would have some moderate succes, notably the 1979 hit You Make It Alright with Patricia Paay, Once Or Twice and Fantastische Vrouw, before retiring from music in the 1990s ~ Kloes passed away in 2015
March 5, 1946 ~ Multin-instrumentalist Richard Bell born in Toronto, Canada ~ Best known as member of Janis Joplin's backing band the Full Tilt Boogie Band. Also worked with the Mid-Knights, Ronnie Hawkins, Burrito Deluxe, the Blue Aeroplanes, Crowbar, Paul Butterfield, Karen Dalton, John Sebastian, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Bruce Cockburn, Judy Collins, the Fridge Magnets, the Cowboy Junkies, Bob Dylan, Michael Kaeshammer, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Walsh, Pyro, Jim Weider, the Convertibles, the Band, Colin Linden, Kathleen Edwards, and others ~ bell passed away in 2007
March 5, 1945 ~ Chicago blues singer, guitarist, songwriter John Primer born in Camden, Mississippi, USA ~ Taught the slide guitar by Sammy Lawhorn. Worked with Willie Dixon's the Chicago Blues All-Stars, Muddy Waters, Magic Slim's backing unit the Teardrops, Shawn Holt, Billy Branch, Bonnie Lee, Matthew Skoller, Larry McCray, Bob Corritore, and others. Debuted as a solo artist with the album The Real Deal in 1995
March 5, 1943 ~ Singer, songwriter Lucio Battisti born in Italy ~ Important figure in Italian music with close to 20 albums to his name. Regularly reached the higher echelons of the Italian charts in the late-1960s and early-1970s. Best known for songs such as Mi Ritorni In Mente, Anna, Pensieri E Parole, Il Mio Canto Libero, Ancora Tu, and Una Donna Per Amico ~ Battisti passed away in 1998
March 5, 1942 ~ Jazz bassist Dave Green born in Edgware, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Fingers, Lol Coxhill, Bruce Turner, Michael Garrick, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Sonny Rollins, David Newton, Didier Lockwood, Spike Robinson, the Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, Gerard Presencer, Peter King, Brian Lemon, the ABCD Of Boogie-Woogie, Buddy Tate, Jimmy Knepper, Spike Robinson, Stan Tracey, Ken Peplowski, Acker Bilk, Tony Coe, Scott Hamilton, Bob Wilber, Ruby Braff, John Temperley, John Bunch, Dick Morrisey, and others
March 5, 1938 ~ Rockabilly, rock & roll, country singer, guitarist, songwriter Hayden Thompson born in Booneville, Mississippi, USA ~ Founded the Southern Melody Boys, known for I Feel The Blues Coming On. Member of the Dixie Jazzlanders. As a solo artist perhaps best known for his 1967 single $16.88 which landed him a record deal. Retired from music in the 1970s to re-emerge in the 1980s working the rockabilly revival circuit
March 5, 1938 ~ Rock & roll, country, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Paul Evans born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for a number of 1950s, 1960s hits, including with Paul Evans & the Curls, such as Midnight Special, Happy Go Lucky Me and Seven Little Girls Sitting In The Backseat, the latter a Billboard top 10 hit in 1959 and later notably covered by the Avons. As a songwriter, Evans is perhaps best known for co-writing Roses Are Red (My Love), a 1962 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit for Bobby Vinton. Others who recorded songs co-written by Evans include Cliff Richard, Homer & Jethro, Pat Boone, Elvis Presley, Helen Shapiro, Johnny Tillotson, and Donna Loren
March 5, 1933 ~ Robert Higginbotham, commonly known as R&B singer, pianist Tommy Tucker, born in Springfield, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as author and original recording artist of the 1964 Herb Abramson-produced hit Hi-heel Sneakers, now widely considered a classic. Over the years, the song would be recorded by over 150 artists including Johnny Rivers, Elvis Presley, José Feliciano, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Boots Randolph, the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, and notably as an instrumental by Jeff Beck & Jed Leiber for the soundtrack to the 1992 Frankie's House Australian TV mini-series. At the time of its release, Tucker's Hi-heel Sneakers barely missed the American top 10, peaking at No.11 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Tucker continued to record and perform for a few more years, but despite quality material and backing from noted musicians including Louisiana Red, Willie Dixon, and a young Donny Hathaway, he would be unable to repeat the earlier success of Hi-heel Sneakers. Tucker retired from music altogether by the late-1960s, and has since worked as a real estate agent and freelance journalist ~ Higginbotham passed away in 1982
March 5, 1929 ~ Blues guitarist, singer JB Lenoir born in Monticello, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by Blind Lemon Jefferson, Arthur Crudup, Lightnin' Hopkins. Known for songs such as Korea Blues, Let's Roll, Mojo and Mama Talk To Your Daughter. Worked with Sonny Boy Williamson II, Elmore James, Memphis Minnie, Big Maceo Merriweather, Muddy Waters, Sunnyland Slim, Leroy Foster, JT Brown, Willie Dixon, Fred Below, and others ~ Lenoir passed away in 1967
March 5, 1928 ~ Jazz pianist Lou Levy, full name Louis A Levy, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Georgie Auld, Sarah Vaughan, Chubby Jackson, Boyd Raeburn, Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey, Flip Phillips, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, June Christy, Anita O'Day, Pinky Winters, Dizzy Gillespie, Shorty Rogers, Stan Getz, Terry Gibbs, Benny Goodman, Supersax, Manny Albam, Tony Bennett, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Pete Christlieb, Bob Cooper, Coleman Hawkins, Quincy Jones, Charles McPherson, Lennie Niehaus, Sonny Stitt, Supersax, Bennie Wallace, and others ~ Levy passed away in 2001
March 5, 1928 ~ Numa Smith Moore, commonly known as jazz, R&B saxophonist Pee Wee Moore, born in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA ~ Not to be confused with Sol Moore, who at times would also go by Pee Wee. Switched his major from pre-med to music after his first semester in college. Played with Lucky Millinder, Louis Jordan, and Wynonie Harris early on in his career. Would go on to work with Illinois Jacquet, James Moody, and notably Dizzy Gillespie, including on the At Newport album recorded in 1957. Other notable associations include Mary Lou Williams and Bill Doggett. Moore would semi-retire from music by the 1970s, focusing on recovering from his alcohol condition and caring for his mother while earning his living as a handyman. However, Moore would continue to perform locally ~ Moore passed away in 2009
March 5, 1928 ~ Hard bop, post-bop bassist Wilbur Little born in Parmele, North Carolina, USA ~ Worked with the Griffin Brothers, Sir Charles Thompson, JJ Johnson, Tommy Flanagan, Buck Hill, Freddie Hubbard, Duke Jordan, Lee Konitz, Junior Mance, Horace Parlan, Archie Shepp, and Randy Weston ~ Little passed away in 1987
March 5, 1918 ~ Jazz bassist, double bassist Bill Pemberton, full name William McLane Pemberton, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Pemberton played violin as a child before switching to bass at age 18, and has worked steadily as a valued accompaniest for over 40 years, rarely soloing himself. First gained attention as member of Frankie Newton's ensemble in the early to mid-1940s, subsequently backing musicians such as Herman Chittison, Mercer Ellington, Eddie Barefield, and Billy Kyle through the end of the decade. In later years worked with George Wein, Little Willie John (Fever), Johnny Mathis, Ivory Joe Hunter, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Earl Hines, Vic Dickenson (Gentleman Of The Trombone), Sammy Price, Panama Francis, Bill Coleman, and Doc Cheatham (The Fabulous) ~ Pemberton passed away in 1984
March 5, 1915 ~ Singer, comedian, songwriter George Honey Boy Evans passed away in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Best known for co-writing In The Good Old Summertime with Ren Shields. The song would be a hit in 1902 for both William Redmond and JW Myers. In later years it would be covered by Uncle Dave Macon, the Andrews Sisters, Chet Atkins, the Osmond Brothers, and others ~ Evans was born in 1870
March 5, 1898 ~ Bandleader, fiddler, A&R executive, producer Ben Selvin, full name Benjamin Bernard Selvin, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Known as “the Dean of Recorded Music”. As a bandleader best known for leading the Novelty Orchestra, reportedly selling six million copies of his 1919 version of Dardanella though this claim has been disputed as nonsensical by Selvin himself. A&R director and producer for Columbia Records from the mid-1920s onward, working with artists such as Mannie Klein, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang, and Bunny Berigan. Selvin has also held executive positions at Majestic Records, Camden Records, and RCA-Victor ~ Selvin passed away in 1980
March 5, 1778 ~ Composer Thomas Arne, full name Thomas Augustine Arne, passed away in London, UK ~ Leading British theater composer of the 18th century. Perhaps best remembered for his patriotic song Rule Britannia and A-Hunting We Will Go, the latter taken from his 1777 The Beggar's Opera ballad opera ~ Arne was born in 1710