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, 2021 ~ Saron Mootihagodi, commonly known as hip-hop, dance, pop, house singer, rapper, songwriter Sasa Klaas, passed away in Xumabee Game Ranch, Botswana ~ Best known for her Mma Mongato hit single ~ Motihagodi was born in 1993
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, 2019 ~ Pianist, composer Jacques Loussier passed away ~ Pianist and composer, founder and frontman of the Jacques Loussier Trio who have played over 3,000 concerts, sold over 7 million recordings. His style is known as third stream, fusing jazz and classical with an emphasis on improvisation ~ Louissier was born in 1934
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 ~ Music agent Chip Hooper passed away ~ Represented Phish and the Dave Matthews Band ~ Hooper was born in 1962
March 5, 2016 ~ James David Henderson, commonly known as Southern rock, country rock guitarist Jimmy Soybean Henderson, passed away ~ Member of Black Oak Arkansas, joining the band in 1975 as replacement for Harvey Burley Jett and first appearing on the band's Ain't Life Grand album ~ Henderson was born in 1954
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, 2013 ~ Jazz organist Melvin Rhyne passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his association with Wes Montgomery. Also worked with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, BB King, T-Bone Walker, Rob Dixon, Herb Ellis, Mark Ladley, and others ~ Rhyne was born in 1936
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 3rd 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, 1999 ~ Kim Ye-rim, commonly known as singer, songwriter Yeri, born in Seoul, South Korea ~ Best known as member of K-pop girl group Red Velvet
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, Robert Calvert, and others ~ 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, 1985 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Eyolf Dale born in Skien, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with André Roligheten, the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, Rob Waring, Pitsj, Hildegunn Øiseth, Hayden Powell, Jazzbanditt, Kristoffer Kompen, Daniel Herskedal, and others
March 5, 1983 ~ Jazz trumpeter Bob Shoffner passed awayf ~ 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, Franz Jackson, and others ~ Shoffner was born in 1900
March 5, 1982 ~ Singer, fiddler, songwriter Amanda Shires born in Lubbock, Texas, USA ~ Formed Highwomen, teaming up with Brandi Carlisle, 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, Blackberry Smoke, and others
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 the movie Blues Brothers ~ Belushi was born in 1949
March 5, 1982 ~ Indie rock bassist, keyboardist, singer Russell Leetch, full name Russell Jonathan Leetch, born in Solihull, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Editors, active since the mid-2000s and known for UK top 20 hits such as Blood, Munich and Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors
March 5, 1981 ~ Theodore Dudley Saunders, commonly known as jazz drummer, 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, Vittorio de Sica (Parlami D'Amore Mariu), and others ~ 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, 1969 ~ Claude Mbarali, commonly known as rapper MC Solaar, born in Dakar, Senegal ~ Considered by some as the most influential French rapper. Best known for songs such as Caroline, Solaar Pleure and Hasta La Vista. Has worked with the Urban Species, Guru, Missy Elliott, 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 ~ Jerome Woods, commonly known as singer Rome, born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA ~ Smooth R&B singer best known for the modest 1997 hit I Belong To You (Every Time I See Your Face)
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
March 5, 1964 ~ Rock singer, songwriter Bertrand Cantat born in Pau, France ~ Best known as frontman of rock band Noir Désir. Convicted and sentenced for the murder of actress Marie Trintignant, imprisoned from 2003 to 2007 and returning to the band after his release
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 ~ Lloyd Estel Copas, commonly known as singer, songwriter, bandleader Cowboy Copas passed away in Camden, Tennessee, USA ~ Died in the same plane crash that killed Patsy Cline ~ Copas was born in 1913
March 5, 1963 ~ Virgini Patterson Hensley, commonly known as singer Patsy Cline passed away in Camden, Tennessee, USA ~ Country superstar with crossover appeal. Viewed as icon on the level of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Helped pave the way for women headliners. Known for songs such as Walking After Midnight, I Fall To Pieces, She's Got You, Crazy, and Sweet Dreams. ~ Cline was born 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, 1958 ~ Jazz, classical bassist, pianist, composer Ronan Guilfoyle born in Ireland ~ Worked with Joe Lovano, Kenny Werner, Dave Liebman, Brad Mehldau, Larry Coryell, Rudresh Mahanthappa, and others
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, 1957 ~ Post-punk, alternative rock singer, songwriter Mark Smith, full name Mark Edward Smith, born in Broughton, UK ~ Lead singer, sole constant member of the Fall, known for songs such as Totally Wired and Hit The North
March 5, 1956 ~ R&B, soul singer, keyboardist, songwriter Bobby DeBarge, full name Robert Louis DeBarge, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Co-founding member of Switch, known for their 1978 eponymous Switch sophomore album, co-produced by Jermaine Jackson, spawning the hit There'll Never Be. Co-produced his siblings' 1981 The DeBarges debut album, later joining DeBarge as an official member. Released a sole solo album, It's Not Over, just prior to his death of AIDS complications ~ 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, 1955 ~ Upright bassist Penn Jillette, full name Penn Fraser Jillette, born in Greenfield, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as magician and half of Penn & Teller. Also known as a bassist, notably collaborated with Pigface on The Horse You Rode In On
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, 1953 ~ Composer, pianist, conductor Sergei Prokofiev, full name Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev, passed away in Moscow, Russia ~ Regarded as one of the major composers of the 20th century known for works such as The Love For Three Oranges, Lieutenant Kijé, Romeo And Juliet and perhaps his best-known Peter And The Wolf ~ Prokofiev was born in 1891
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, Robbie Williams, and others
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, 1947 ~ Samuel Hodges, commonly known as child actor, singer Eddie Hodges born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA ~ As a singer best known for his 1961 single I'm Gonna Knock On Your Door, a cover of the Isley Brothers
March 5, 1946 ~ Marie Claude Jourdain, commonly known as dancer, singer Lova Moor, born in Greve-sur-Mignon, France ~ Known for a string of moderate 1980s, 1990s hits including Je M'En Balance, Dance Encore, My Life and perhaps her best-known Et Je Danse
March 5, 1946 ~ Actor, singer Murray Head, full name Murray Seafield St George Head, born in London, UK ~ As a singer best known for Superstar and One Night In Bangkok
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
March 5, 1937 ~ Jazz, vocal jazz singer Carol Sloane born in Providence, Rhode Island, USA ~ Singing professionally since her mid-teens. Worked with the Elgarts. Filled in for Annie Ross in Lambert Hendricks & Ross. Released her solo debut, Live At 30th Street, in 1962 and has recorded to mixed success since ~ Sloane passed away in 2023
March 5, 1933 ~ Robert Higginbotham, commonly known as R&B singer, pianist, songwriter 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. The song would later also be recorded by Johnny Rivers, Elvis Presley, José Feliciano, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Boots Randolph, the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, and numerous others ~ Higginbotham passed away n 1982
March 5, 1931 ~ Hornist Barry Tuckwell, full name Barry Emmanuel Tuckwell, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Considered one of the world's leading horn players
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. Worked with Lucky Millinder, Louis Jordan, Wynonie Harris, Illinois Jacquet, James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, Mary Lou Williams, Bill Doggett, and others ~ 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, Randy Weston, and others ~ Little passed away in 1987
March 5, 1927 ~ Clarinetist, saxophonist, bandleader George Probert, full name George Arthur Probert Jr, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Has worked with Bob Scobey, Kid Ory, Firehouse 5+2, George Bruns, Big Bill Bissonnete's International Jazz Band, and others ~ Probert passed away in 2015
March 5, 1924 ~ Jazz trumpeter Dave Burns born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Savoy Sultans, James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Al Grey, Willie Bobo, Art Taylor, Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin, Leo Parker, Milt Jackson, Al Grey, Dave Pike, Mal Waldron, and others ~ Burns passed away in 2009
March 5, 1920 ~ Big band singer Harry Prime, full names Harry Charles Prime, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Popular big band singer from the late-1940s. Recorded nearly 100 songs during the 1940s and 1950s. Worked with Randy Brooks, Tommy Dorsey, Jack Fina, Ralph Flanagan, and others ~ Prime passed away in 2017
March 5, 1918 ~ William McLane, commonly known as jazz double bassist Bill Pemberton, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Frankie Newton, Herman Chittison, Mercer Ellington, Eddie Barefield, Billy Kyle, Art Tatum, Rex Stewart, Earl Hines, Buck Clayton, Ruby Braff, Max Kaminsky, Vic Dickenson, Benny Carter, Panama Francis, Bill Coleman, Doc Cheatham, and others ~ McLane 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 numerous 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, Bunny Berigan, and others. Has also held executive positions at Majestic Records, Camden Records, RCA-Victor and other labels ~ Selvin passed away in 1980
March 5, 1887 ~ Composer, conductor, cellist, pianist, guitarist Heitor Villa-Lobos born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Important figure in 20th-century Brazilian music. Wrote over 2000 orchestral, chamber, instrumental and vocal works ~ Villa-Lobos passed away in 1959
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