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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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