March 6, 2025 ~ Brian Robertson, commonly known as punk rock bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer Brian James, passed away ~ Member of proto-punk bands London SS and the Subterraneans and glam rock outfit Bastard. Best known as member of the Damned and primary songwriter for their first two albums, Damned Damned Damned and Music For Pleasure, before departing the band in 1977. Subsequently co-founded Lords Of The New Church with Stiv Bators, remaining with the band through its disbandement in 1989. James has also recorded as a solo artist, noted most for the singles Ain't That A Shame and Why Why Why, both of which featured the Police drummer Stewart Copeland ~ Robertson was born in 1955
March 6, 2022 ~ Alternative rock, grunge, post-grunge guitarist Mike Cross passed away ~ Co-founded Loudhouse, known for their sole For Crying Out Loud album released in 1991. After the departure of lead singer Kenny Mugwump the band would be renamed to Sponge. They are best known for songs such as Plowed, Molly (16 Candles Down The Drain), and Wax Ecstatic (To Sell Angelina) ~ Cross was born ca.1965
March 6, 2022 ~ Guitarist Pau Riba, full name Pau Riba i Romeva, passed away in Tiana, Spain ~ Has recorded extensively since the late-1960s, starting in counterculture scene. Especially influential for his early work, fusing folk with psychedelia. Has collaborated with the likes of Maria Del Mar Bonet, Grup de Folk, Jaume Sisa, and Pascal Comelade. Also a well-published author, having written poems, novels, and essays ~ Riba was born in 1948
March 6, 2021 ~ Singer, actress Carmel Quinn passed away in Leonia, New Jersey, USA ~ Active in her native Ireland since her teens, most noted for working with Johnny Devlin. After relocating to America, Quinn first gained attention on Arthur Godfrey's Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts radio show in 1955. Would become a regular on Godfrey's programs through the early 1970. Also starred in numerous musical roadshows including productions of Wildcat and The Sound Of Music. Best known for her 1955 recording of Whistling Gypsy ~ Quinn was born in 1925
March 6, 2020 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz pianist McCoy Tyner, full name Alfred McCoy Tyner, passed away in Bergenfield, New Jersey, USA ~ One of the most celebrated and influential jazz pianists of his generation, credited with redefining the sound of modern jazz piano. Closely associated with John Coltrane, backing Coltrane from the early-1960s until Coltrane's death in 1967 including on pivotal albums such as Live At The Village Vanguard, Ballads, Live At Birdland, Crescent, and A Love Supreme. Over 60 albums to his name as a leader or co-leader, remaining relevant across the decades with acclaimed albums such as Live At Newport and Tender Moments in the 1960s, Sahara and Enlightenment in the 1970s, Dimensions and Double Trios in the 1980s, and The Turning Point and Infinity in the 1990s ~ Tyner was born in 1938
March 6, 2019 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Charlie Panigoniak passed away in Rankin Inlet, Canada ~ Inuk musician known for his relections on northern life. Discovered by producer Doug Ward in the early-1970s. Awarded the the Order Of Nunavut in 2012, naming him ambassador for the Inuk people for his cultural contributions to the territory and its people ~ Panagoniak was born in 1946
March 6, 2019 ~ Pianist, bandleader James Dapogny passed away in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA ~ As a musicologist, Dapogny is best known for writing extensively about Jelly Roll Morton. As a musician best known for founding and leading the Chicago Jazz Band which backed Sippie Wallace and the Chenille Sisters and included members such as Jon Erik Kellso, Mike Karoub, Russ Whitman, and Kim Cusack ~ Dapogny was born in 1940
March 6, 2017 ~ Conductor, teacher, musicologist Alberto Zedda passed away in Pesaro, Italy ~ Conductor specialized in 19th-century Italian repertoire, including opera, symphonic and chamber music. Regarded an authority on Gioachino Rossini, and founder and direct of the Accademia Rossiniana, Pesaro, Italy ~ Zedda was born in 1928
March 6, 2017 ~ Richard Adam Ziegler, commonly known as singer, songwriter Ritchie Adams, passed away ~ Lead singer of Fireflies, present on You Were Mine and I Can't Say Goodbye. Would go on to become a successful songwriter, writing or co-writing songs such as Tossin' & Turnin' (Bobby Lewis), Happy Summer Days (Ronnie Dove), The Tra La La Song (One Banana Two Banana) (Banana Splits), After The Lovin' (Engelbert Humperdinck), and The Next Hundred Years (Al Martino) ~ Ziegler was born in 1938
March 6, 2014 ~ R&B, funk, soul guitarist, singer Charles Love, full name Charles Dee Love Jr, passed away in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Constant member of R&B, funk outfit Bloodstone. The band has recorded about a dozen albums, starting with their eponymous Bloodstone in 1972 which spawned their only Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Natural High. Songs such as Never Let You Go, Outside Woman, and We Go A Long Way Back would reach top 10 Billboard R&B ~ Love was born in 1945
March 6, 2013 ~ Graham Anthony Barnes, commonly known as guitarist, singer Alvin Lee, passed away in Estepona, Spain ~ Praised for his signature lightning-fast guitar licks, and best known as original lead singer, guitarist of pivotal British blues rock outfit Ten Years After, with whom he recorded close to a dozen albums through the early-1980s including the highly acclaimed Cricklewood Green released in 1970. Alvin Lee has also recorded over a dozen albums as a solo artist, notably teamed up with Christian rock singer Mylon LeFevre for the collaborative 1973 Road To Freedom album, and has guested on albums by Jerry Lee Lewis, Splinter, George Harrison (Dark Horse), Bo Diddley, Roy Harper, the Outfield, and Chris Farlowe ~ Barnes was born in 1944
March 6, 2012 ~ Songwriter, film composer Robert B Sherman passed away ~ Formed one of the most productive stage and film composer duos in history with his brother Richard M Sherman. Notable credits include films such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Happiest Millionaire, Charlotte's Web and The Aristocats. The brothers were awarded two Academy Awards for their work on the 1964 Mary Poppins musical fantasy film, one for the entire soundtrack and one for Best Original Song for Chim Chim Cher-ee sung by Dick Van Dyke & Julie Andrews ~ Sherman was born in 1925
March 6, 2010 ~ Lo-fi, indie rock, alt-country, folk, southern gothic singer, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, percussion, producer, songwriter Mark Linkous, full name Frederick Mark Linkous, passed away in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA ~ Fronted Sparklehorse. Also worked with Tom Waits, PJ Harvey, Daniel Johnston, Radiohead, Frank Black, Julian Casablancas, Danger Mouse, the Dancing Hoods, and Sage Francis ~ Linkous was born in 1962
March 6, 2008 ~ Gloria Adele Shain, commonly known as songwriter Gloria Shayne Baker, passed away in Stamford, Connecticut, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Do You Hear What I Hear with her then-husband Noël Regney, first recorded by Harry Simeone Chorale. Written as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis the song would sell a quarter million copies during the Holiday season in 1962. Do You Hear What I Hear would be covered by over an estimated 500 artists of artists, notably a 1963 hit for Bing Crosby, and later covered by artists such as Pat Boone, Perry Como, and Mahalia Jackson. Other songs written or co-written by Baker have been recorded by James Darren, Bobby Vinton (Rain Rain Go Away), Wynona Carr, Lesley Gore, Ginny Arnell, and Wilma Burgess ~ Baker was born in 1923
March 6, 2006 ~ Ali Ibrahim Touré, commonly known as world music singer, guitarist Ali Farka Touré, passed away in Bamako, Mali ~ One of the internationally most acclaimed African musicians, merging traditional Malian music with American blues. Actively recording and touring since the mid-1970s with close to two dozen albums to his name. Has collaborated with Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder (Talking Timbuktu), Corey Harris and Toumani Diabaté ~ Fouré was born in 1939
March 6, 2006 ~ Rock, blues, country, jazz bassist Tom Robb, full name Thomas James Robb, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Noted for his bass playing on the 1978 Billboard Hot 100 No.5 hit I Love The Nightlife by Alicia Bridges. An in-demand session musician throughout his career, Robb has appeared on albums by Mylon LeFevre, Pyramid, Johnny Nash, Melissa Manchester, Dionne Warwick, Bettye LaVette (Tell Me A Lie), Deborah Allen, Tammy Wynette (Higher Ground), Marie Osmond, Vern Gosdin, Ricky Van Shelton, John Jarvis, Eddie Rabbitt, Holly Dunn, the Winans, and Crystal Gayle. Robb is also known as a member of the Marshall Tucker Band during the mid-1980s ~ Robb was born in 1948
March 6, 2001 ~ R&B group Destiny's Child release Survivor, lead single off the album of the same name ~ Beyoncé was inspired to write the song as she stumbled across a comment that compared Destiny's Child to the TV series Survivor in which contestants vote eachother off an island as three members had already left the band. The singer would take the negative comment and turned it into something positive, or as she later explained: “ Survivor is basically about surviving different situations. Everyone in this world that I know, they've survived something, and I know the song is definitely inspirational. It really makes you feel strong and it really makes you feel like you can survive anything.” Survivor would be a major commercial success, reaching top 10 in well over a dozen countries. In their native America it peaked at No.2 Billboard Hot 100, making it the group's sixth American top 10 hit, and earned the group a Grammy Award
March 6, 2000 ~ Jazz drummer Ole Jacob Hansen passed away ~ Worked with Tore Sandnaes, Mikkel Flagstad, Bjorn Jacobsen, Arlid Wikstron, Kjell Karlsen, Bernt Rosengren, Idrees Sulieman, Eric Dolphy, Donald Byrd, Ditlef Eckhoff, Paul Weeden, Terje Bjørklund, Adonis, Thorgeir Stubø, Lee Konitz, Doug Raney, Laila Dalseth, Jan Erik Vold, Harald Gunhus, Knut Riisnæs, Totti Bergh, and Einar Iversen ~ Hansen was born in 1940
March 6, 1995 ~ Ska, rocksteady, ska singer Delroy Wilson, full name Delroy George Wilson, passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Released his first single, the Coxsone Dodd-produced Emy Lou, at age 13. Would go on to score several hits including Dancing Mood, Rain From The Skies, This Old Heart Of Mine and It Hurts working with a host of Jamaica's topnotch producers such as Bunny Lee, Joe Gibbs and Gussie Clarke ~ Wilson was born in 1948
March 6, 1995 ~ Power metal, heavy metal drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg passed away ~ Best known as co-founding member of Helloween, fired from the band in 1993. Noted for his high-energy drumming and for his cheerful attitude earning him the nickname “Mr Smile”. Has also worked with Gentry and Iron Fist ~ Schwichtenberg was born in 1965
March 6, 1994 ~ Maria Amalia Mercouri, commonly known as actress, singer, activist, politician Melina Mercouri, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ As a singer best known for Hartino To Fengaraki from the Greek production of A Streetcar Named Desire, Athenes Ma Ville, and Melinaki. At the time of the coup d'ét in Greece, she was abroad and had her Greek citizenship revoked for leading the protest against the dictatorial regime. After the regime's fall in 1974 returned to Greece and co-founding the centre-left political party PASOK. Later Mercouri would serve as Minister for Culture, the first woman to do so ~ Mercouri was born in 1920
March 6, 1991 ~ Lexus Arnel Lewis, commonly known as producer, songwriter Lex Luger, born in Suffolk, Virginia, USA ~ Influenced by Dr Dre, Shawty Redd, Drumma Boy, Jazze Pha, and the Heatmakers. Co-founded production team 808 Mafia with Southside. Also half of Low Pros, the other half being A-Trak. Collaborated with Waka Flocka Flame, Kanye West, Rick Ross, MC Hammer, Ace Hood, Soulja Boy, Chingy, Sean Garrett, Fabolous, Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Wale, Juicy J, Snoop Dogg, and 2 Chainz
March 6, 1991 ~ Tyler Gregory Okonma, commonly known as rapper, singer, producer, songwriter, actor Tyler the Creator, born in Ladera Heights, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of music collective Odd Future. Initially gained attention with his horrorcore-influenced sound and violent lyrics, over time moving more towards a friendlier alternative hip hop style. Has recorded as a solo artist since the late-2000s, a full-length Goblin debut album released in 2011. Perhaps best known for the late-2010s, early-2020s singles Earfquake featuring Playboi Carti, and WusYaName featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again & Ty Dolla $ign
March 6, 1984 ~ Organist, composer Pierre Cochereau, full name Pierre Eugène Charles Cochereau, passed away in Lyon, France ~ Best known as organist of the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris from 1955 until his death nearly three decades later. Regarded as one of the greatest organists and improvisers of his day. After his death the Conservatory of Nice would be renamed in his honour ~ Cochereau was born in 1924
March 6, 1983 ~ Jazz trombonist Kai Winding, full name Kai Chresten Winding, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his association with trombonist JJ Johnson. Has also worked with Benny Goodman, Stan Kenton, Miles Davis (Birth Of The Cool), Kenny Burrell, Albert Mangelsdorff, Quincy Jones, King Pleasure, Pete Rugolo, Zoot Sims, Sarah Vaughan, Charlie Parker, Tony Bennett, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Astrud Gilberto, Chuck Mangione, and the Birdlanders ~ Winding was born in 1922
March 6, 1982 ~ In its eleventh week on the charts, Through The Years by Kenny Rogers peaks at No.13 Billboard Hot 100 ~ One of the most famous songs about marital fidelity, Through The Years written by Steve Dorff and Marty Panzer was first offered to Barry Manilow, Mac Davis, and Glen Campbell, who all passed on it, before Lionel Richie brought it to the attention of Kenny Rogers. Co-writer Dorff would later recall: “Richie had heard the song and loved it and played it for his people and that's how it happened. I got a phone call from Gene Page, that great arranger, who called me and said, ‘Congratulations! We just cut your song with Kenny Rogers, and it sounds amazing’”
March 6, 1978 ~ Rock, indie rock pianist, organist, arranger, film composer Nate Walcott, full name Nathaniel Clifford Walcott, born in Albany, New York, USA ~ Member of Bright Eyes. Touring keyboardist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2016 through 2019. Film composer, notably for the 2014 The Fault In Our Stars feature film. In-demand collaborator, has worked with the Mystic Valley Band, James Mercer, Danger Mouse, Mystic, Rilo Kiley, She & Him, U2, Beck, Jason Mraz, Maroon 5, and the Shins
March 6, 1977 ~ Warren Anderson Mathis, commonly known as rapper Bubba Sparxxx, born in LaGrange, Georgia, USA ~ Known for songs such as Deliverance and Ugly, both featuring Timbaland, and Ms New Booty featuring Ying Yang Twins and Mr Collipark, the latter a Billboard top 10 hit in 2006. Has also worked with Petey Pablo, Danny Boone, Jadakiss, Justin Timberlake (Right For Me), Big Boi, the Lacs, and Shane Dollar
March 6, 1975 ~ Folk, country, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Jim Sullivan, full name James Anthony Sullivan, disappeared, never to be seen again ~ Appeared as an extra in the cult film Easy Rider. Drawing critical comparison to Richie Havens, Gram Parsons, and Nick Drake, the enigmatic Sullivan has recorded two albums, 1969's UFO and 1972's eponymous Jim Sullivan, before disappearing in Mexico, never to be seen again. Over time, Sullivan has attracted a cult following, because of the rarity and obscurity of his albums as well as the mystery of his disappearance, which has remained a source for speculation since with claims of murder, suicide, and even alien abduction ~ Sullivan was born in 1940
March 6, 1974 ~ Indie rock, art rock, progressive rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist Guy Garvey, full name Guy Edward John Garvey, born in Bury, UK ~ Best known as lead singer, guitarist for Elbow, a band active since the early-2000s scoring UK hits such as Asleep In The Back, Fallen Angel, Grounds For Divorce and One Day Like This. Produced I Am Kloot's 2001 Natural History debut album
March 6, 1972 ~ Paul Lannoy, commonly known as DJ, rapper, radio personality Troubleman, born ~ Has worked with Kick The Bass, Rhyme Cut Core, 't Hof Van Commerce. Resident DJ at several Gent nightclubs including Culture Club and Decandance. Co-hosts the hiphop radio show Bounce on Studio Brussel
March 6, 1967 ~ Constance Elaine Womack, commonly known as actress, singer Connie Britton, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as an actress for film and TV. Portrayed the role of country singer Rayna James in the ABC/ CMT musical drama series Nashville from 2012 to 2018. Reached the Billboard Country top 40 with the duets No One Will Ever Love You with Charles Esten and Wrong Song with Hayden Panettiere, both taken from the Nashville series
March 6, 1967 ~ Singer, actor Nelson Eddy, full name Nelson Ackerman Eddy, passed away in Miami Beach, Florida, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity during the 1930s and 1940s, performing in concert, opera, radio, TV, and appearing in well over a dozen films. Has made close to 300 recordings, including duets with Risë Stevens, Nadine Connor, Doretta Morrow, Eleanor Steber, and Jo Stafford. Well known for songs such as Song Of The Mounties, Indian Love Call, Rose Marie, Lover Come Back To Me, Wanting You, I'll See You Again, and Spring Is Here ~ Eddy was born in 1901
March 6, 1967 ~ Folk, folk-pop, pop rock singer, actor, TV personality Thomas Acda born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Rose to fame as half of Acda & De Munnik, the other half being Paul de Munnik, known for songs such as Niet Of Nooit Geweest, Ren Lenny Ren, 't Is Stil (Aan De Overkant), Als Het Vuur Gedoofd Is, Het Regent Zonnestralen and Mooi Liedje
March 6, 1966 ~ William Reese Owsley III, mononymously known as power pop, rock, bluegrass singer, guitarist Owsley, born in Anniston, Alabama, USA ~ Influenced by Kiss, Todd Rundgren, Chet Atkins, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Johnson. Founded the Semantics with Millard Powers, a power pop outfit that also included Jody Spence and Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey. Critically acclaimed for a handful of solo albums starting with the eponymous Owsley album in 1999. Served as touring guitarist with Amy Grant and Shania Twain. Has also worked with Vince Gill, Michael W Smith, Chris Rodriguez, DC Talk, the Neville Brothers, Wynonna Judd, Faith Hill, Michael McDonald, Charlotte Church, Natalie Grant, James Ingram, Rodney Crowell, the Katinas, Graham Colton, and Kenny Loggins ~ Owsley passed away in 2010
March 6, 1964 ~ Punk, hardcore punk bassist Marco Mathieu born in Turin, Italy ~ Member of Negazione, along with Raw Power and Wretched considered one of the premier hardcore punk bands in Italy during the 1980s and early-1990s. Mathieu had been in a coma since 2017 after suffering a stroke ~ Mathieu passed away in 2021
March 6, 1964 ~ Donald Ralph Ewing, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Skip Ewing born in Redlands, California, USA ~ Best known for a string of late-1980s country top 10 hits including I Don't Have Far To Fall, Burnin' A Hole In My Heart and It's You Again. Also wrote the Kenny Rogers-songs Listen To The Rain and If I Were A Painting, both of the 1990 Love Is Strange album
March 6, 1962 ~ Punk rock guitarist, songwriter Frank Navetta born in Manhattan Beach, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Descendents. Notably present on the band's debut single Ride The Wild which Navetta wrote, the 1981 EP Fat EP and their debut LP Milo Goes To College the next year, before departing the band to move to Oregon and become a fisherman. Navetta wrote or co-wrote some of the bands best known songs such as Mr Bass, Statue Of Liberty, My Dad Sucks, and Rockstar. Navetta rejoined the Descendents for their 1996 album Everything Sucks, and reportedly was working on new songs with his former bandmates at the time of his death ~ Navetta passed away in 2008
March 6, 1959 ~ R&B outfit the Drifters record There Goes My Baby ~ Written by Ben E King, Lover Patterson, George Treadwell. Produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. King's debut single as lead singer of the group, it would be released the following April featuring Oh My Love on the flip side. It would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100 and top the Billboard R&B charts
March 6, 1958 ~ Siblings the Everly Brothers record All I Have To Do Is Dream at RCA Studios, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Boudleaux Bryant. Released as a single in April 1958 the single would top all regular Billboard charts simultaneously. Featured on the flip side would be Claudette, Roy Orbison's first major songwriting succes. Actually, the single's succes would prompt Orbison to terminate his contract with Sun Records and sign with the Everly's publisher Acuff/Rose Music
March 6, 1958 ~ Country guitarist Redd Volkaert born in Vancouver, Canada ~ Considered among the top Telecaster guitarists in Western swing and honky tonk. Best known for his association with Merle Haggard. Has sessioned for Johnny Paycheck, George Jones, Ray Price, Clinton Gregory, Dale Watson, and Lacy J Dalton. Has also recorded as a solo artist, especially acclaimed for the albums No Stranger To A Tele and Reddhead
March 6, 1957 ~ Actor, singer Bill Johnson passed away in Flemington, New Jersey, USA ~ Made his Broadway debut at age 8 in the play Shipwrecked in 1924. Vaudeville performer through the 1930. Appeared in a handful of films, notably 1939's Mr & Mrs Jesse Crawford At Home singing the songs The Very Thought Of You and I Love You Truly ~ Johnson was born in 1916
March 6, 1954 ~ Kimmie Ray Willingham, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter, actress Kimmie Rhodes, born in Wichita Falls, Texas, USA ~ Actively recording since the early-1980s. Protegé of Willie Nelson. Duetted with Waylon Jennings, Townes Van Zandt, Emmylou Harris, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Benmont Tench, and Delbert McClinton. Has also worked with Joe Ely, Cowboy Jack Clement, Gillian Welch, and Johnny Goudie
March 6, 1952 ~ Pianist Marielle Labèque born in Bayonne, France ~ Half of the Labèque Sisters, an internationally acclaimed piano duo with her sister Katia Labèque, best known for their 1980- recording of George Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue. Also played traditional classical repertoire, jazz, ragtime, flamenco, pop, and experimental rock
March 6, 1951 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Milan Hlavsa, also known as Milan Mejla Hlavsa, born in Prague, Czechoslovakia ~ Influenced by the Velvet Underground and Frank Zappa. Co-founding member and primary songwriter for the Plastic People Of The Universe, a band that notably served as inspiration for the anti-establishment movement Charter 77. Two years after its inception the band would be stripped of their professional license to perform, effectively outlawing them, and most of its members would be arrested and tried. These arrests and trials helped convice Vaclav Havel to take action against the communist government, leading to the foundation of Charter 77 which aimed to persuade the government to follow the UN Declaration of Human Rights and the Helsinki Accords. Following their release from prison the band would perform discreetly. In 1988 all restrictions against the band would be lifted ~ Hlavsa passed away in 2001
March 6, 1951 ~ Blues, blues-rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Walter Trout born in Ocean City, New Jersey, USA ~ Backed musicians such as John Lee Hooker, Percy Mayfield, Big Mama Thornton, and Joe Tex. Lead guitarist for Canned Heat from 1981 through 1984. Member of John Mayall's blues outfit the Bluesbreakers from 1984 through 1989. Over a dozen albums to his name as solo artist, at times backed by the Walter Trout Band or the Free Radicals, starting with the acclaimed 1989 Life In The Jungle album
March 6, 1948 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Peter McCann born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Stark & McBrien, Jennifer Warnes (Right Time Of The Night), Buck Owens, Julio Iglesias, Kenny Rogers, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Crystal Gayle, Millie Jackson, Earl Thomas Conley, Janie Fricke (She's Single Again), Louise Mandrell, Pake McEntire, KT Oslin, Mickey Gilley, and Bailey & the Boys
March 6, 1947 ~ Drummer Eric Gravatt, full name Eric Kamay Gravatt, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Member of the Weather Report from 1972 through 1974, appearing on the albums I Sing The Body Electric, Live In Tokyo and Sweetnighter. Also worked with Byard Lancaster, Lloyd McNeill, Julian Priester, Eddie Henderson, Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, and Tony Hymas
March 6, 1946 ~ Guitarist David Gilmour, full name David Jon Gilmour, born in Cambridgeshire, UK ~ Best known as longtime member of Pink Floyd, present on pivotal albums such as The Dark Side Of The Moon, Wish You Were Here and The Wall. Would take over leadership of the group after Roger Waters' departure in 1985. Discovered Kate Bush and produced her 1978 The Kick Inside debut album. Also worked with artists such as Paul McCartney, Arcadia, Berlin, John Martyn, Grace Jones, Elton John, Eric Clapton, BB King, Seal, Tom Jones, Kirsty Maccoll, the Who, Pete Townshend, Supertramp, Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, Alan Parsons, Peter Cetera, and Bryan Ferry
March 6, 1944 ~ Claire Mary Teresa Rawstron, commonly known as mezzo-soprano, soprano singer Kiri te Kanawa, born in Gisborne, New Zealand ~ Sang opera, traditional pop, recitals, musical theatre. Worked with the Santa Fe Opera, the Opera National De Lyon, the Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Vienna State Opera, La Scala, the San Francisco Opera, and the Houston Grand Opera
March 6, 1944 ~ Singer Mary Wilson born in Greenville, Mississippi, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Supremes and staying on until 1977, Wilson was the last original member to leave the group after Barbara Martin in 1962, Florence Ballard in 1967, and Diana Ross in 1970. Wilson sang lead on songs such as Baby Don't Go, Come And Get These Memories, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, A Heart Like Mine, and Early Morning Love, and with the exception of Love Child and Someday We'll Be Together sang backup on all of the group's Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits. Despite issuing only two solo albums a dozen years apart, the eponymous Mary Wilson in 1979 and Walk The Line in 1992, as a solo performer Wilson never attained the same acclaim as former bandmate Diana Ross, yet she would remain a popular concert singer, especially known for her Las Vegas shows. As a member of the Supremes, Wilson was inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1988 ~ Wilson passed away in 2021
March 6, 1942 ~ Jazz trumpeter Charles Tolliver born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Leader and sideman. First gained attention backing Jackie McLean in the mid-1960s. Recorded as a leader since the late-1960s. Has worked with Roy Ayers, Gary Bartz, Booker Ervin, Louis Hayes, Andrew Hill, Oliver Nelson, Max Roach, Horace Silver, McCoy Tyner, and Gerald Wilson
March 6, 1942 ~ Jazz, bossa nova singer Flora Purim born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Dubbed “the Queen of Brazilian Jazz” in her native Brazil. Well over two dozen albums to her name since the early-1960s, acclaimed for a string of mid-1970s albums including 500 Miles High and Encounter. Internationally best known as a co-founding member of Chick Corea's pioneering jazz-fusion unit Return To Forever, which also included her husband drummer Airto Moreira. Guested on albums by the likes of Hermeto Pascoal, Duke Pearson, Santana (Welcome), George Duke, Joe Sample, Michael Franks, Azymuth (Flame), and Ivo Perelman
March 6, 1941 ~ Singer, keyboardist Don Lewis born ~ Best known for creating an instrument called the LEO, short for Live Electronic Orchestra, which integrated multiple instruments under a single controller and predated the MIDI controller by ten years. As a musician has collaborated with artists such as Quincy Jones, Sérgio Mendes, and Michael Jackson. Opened for the Beach Boys on their 1974 tour ~ Lewis passed away in 2022
March 6, 1941 ~ Free jazz, avant-garde jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Peter Brötzmann born in Remscheid, Germany ~ Leading figure in European free jazz, active since the late-1960s. Over 50 albums to his name as a leader. Closely associated with Han Bennink, including in the ensemble the ICP Orchestra. Other collaborations include Cecil Taylor, Keiji Haino, Willem Breuker, Bill Laswell, Mats Gustafsson, Ken Vandermark, Joe McPhee, Paal Nilssen-Love, Steve Swell, Fred Van Hove, the Globe Unity Orchestra, Ginger Baker, Don Cherry, Misha Mengelberg, and Evan Parker ~ Brötzmann passed away in 2023
March 6, 1940 ~ Rockabilly singer, guitarist Billy Adams, full name Willie Murray Adams, born in Redbush, Kentucky, USA ~ Influenced by Elvis Presley. Founded and fronted the Rock-a-teers at age 14. Known for songs such as You Heard Me Knocking, True Love Will Come Your Way, You Gotta Have A Duck Tail and perhaps his best known, the 1957 recording of Rock Pretty Mama which wwould become considered a seminal rockabilly classic by critics. Re-emerged in the early-2000s, the critically acclaimed Legacy album bringing him back in the spotlight ~ Adams passed away in 2019
March 6, 1939 ~ Jazz saxophonist, bandleader Bob Bertles born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Considered a veteran of the Australian jazz scene, with a career spanning nearly seven decades. Perhaps best known for his 1996 Rhythm Of The Heart album. Bertles had been active as a session musician, in pop and rock, was a member of British jazz outfit Nucleus including on albums such as Under The Sun, Snake Hips Etcetera, Alleycat, and Direct Hits, and has regularly collaborated with the Ten Part Invention. Bertles was married to theatre performer Nancye Hayes, whom he met while working on an Australian production of the stage musical Chicago ~ Bertles passed away in 2024
March 6, 1939 ~ Rogelia Medina Romero, commonly known as salsa, guaracha, son, guajira singer Canelita Medina, born ~ Mother of singer Trina Medina. Influenced by Celia Cruz. Considered one of the supreme voices in son montuno, with some two dozen albums to her name over a career spanning five decades. Well known songs include Quiéreme, Canto A La Guaira, and Triumphant Night ~ Medina passed away in 2023
March 6, 1939 ~ Jerry Naylor Jackson, commonly known as country, rock & roll singer, guitarist Jerry Naylor, born in Chalk Mountains, Texas, USA ~ Lead singer of post- Buddy Holly rock & roll band the Crickets from 1961 through 1964, present on the 1961 UK top 10 hit Don't Ever Change. As a solo artist best known for his 1974 Billboard Country top 40 hit Is This All There Is To A Honky Tonk ~ Jackson passed away in 2019
March 6, 1937 ~ Steel guitarist, producer Ben Keith born in Fort Riley, Kansas, USA ~ Best known for his work with Neil Young, starting on 1971 LP Harvest, continues to back Young on tour and record since. Keith also worked as a session musician and producer with artists such as Terry Reid, Todd Rundgren, Lonnie Mack, the Band, Blue, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Paul Butterfield, JJ Cale, Linda Ronstadt, Warren Zevon, Ian & Sylvia, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Anne Murray, Ringo Starr, and with Jewel, producing her debut album Pieces Of You in 1995 ~ Keith passed away in 2010
March 6, 1937 ~ Composer, conductor Paul Méfano born in Basra, Iraq ~ Founded contemporary classical ensemble the Ensemble 2e2m in 1972, with which he he has premiered more than 500 works by young composers such as Stéphane de Gérando, Thierry Blondeau, Michael Finnissy, Bruce Mather, and Claude Lefebvre, as well as older composers including Morton Feldman and John Cage ~ Méfano passed away in 2020
March 6, 1934 ~ Jazz, R&B trumpeter, bassist Paul Brown born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Perhaps best known for founding the Monday Night Jazz Series in 1967. Held annualy in Hartford, Connecticut, it is recognized as the oldest and longest-runing free festival for jazz in the United States. As a musician started out on trumpet, later switching to bass. Has collaborated with a wide array of artists from jazz and R&B including Mickey Fields, Lloyd Price, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lavern Baker, Clyde McPhatter, the Platters, Fats Domino, George Benson (George Benson Cookbook), and Bobby Hebb ~ Brown passed away in 2016
March 6, 1934 ~ Joe Cecil Simpson, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, banjoist, fiddler, mandolinist, keyboardist, songwriter Red Simpson, born in Highley, Arizona, USA ~ Known for his trucking themed songs, notably Roll Truck Roll, Highway Patrol, and Diesel Smoke (Dangerous Curves) during the 1960s. His I'm A Truck released in 1971 reached Billboard Country top 10. Also known as a songwriter, his songs recorded by Merle Haggard, Bobby Durham, and especially Buck Owens, the latter recording over a dozen songs penned by Simpson including Close Up The Honky Tonks ~ Simpson passed away in 2016
March 6, 1930 ~ Conductor, violinist Lorin Maazel, full name Lorin Varencove Maazel, born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France ~ Child prodigy praised for his perfect pitch. Has his first conducting lesson at age seven, debuting at age 8 conducting the University of Idaho Orchestra. Would go on to serve as music director for the Cleveland Orchestra, the Orchestre National de France, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic ~ Maazel passed away in 2014
March 6, 1927 ~ Banjoist Doug Dillard born in Salem, Missouri, USA ~ Pioneering country-rock banjoist. Influenced by Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, Don Reno. Founding member of the Ozark Mountain Boys. Member of the Dixie Ramblers, the Dillards, the Folkswingers. Toured Europe as member of the Byrds. Especially praised as a key member of Dillard & Clark, which played an important role in popularizing country rock, and included Gene Clark, Bernie Leadon, Mike Clark, and Byron Berline as band members ~ Dillard passed away in 2012
March 6, 1925 ~ Opal Jean Amburgey, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Jean Chapel, born in Neon, Kentucky, USA ~ Also known under the moniker Mattie O'Neil. Member of sibling outfit the Sunshine Sister Band. Married to singer Salty Holmes from 1947 until 1956, the duo working together under the moniker Mattie & Salty. As a solo singer recorded a number of rockabilly singles in the mid-1950s, notably Welcome To The Club. Following her divorce from Holmes she would focus on songwriting, her songs recorded by artists such as Eddy Arnold (Lonely Again), Dean Martin (Lay Some Happiness On Me), and Jerry Wallace (To Get To You) ~ Amburgey passed away in 1995
March 6, 1919 ~ Bernard Weitzner, commonly known as songwriter Bernie Wayne, born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing Blue Velvet with Lee Morris, first recorded by Tony Bennett in 1951 and covered by numerous artists including Arthur Prysock, the Moonglows, Bobby Vinton, Johnny Tillotson, Brenda Lee, and Don Cherry. Others who recorded his songs include Dinah Shore (Laughing On The Outside), the Orioles, the Fontane Sisters, the Crew Cuts, Nelson Riddle, Johnny Cymbal (Dum Dum Dee Dum), and Nat King Cole ~ Weitzner passed away in 1993
March 6, 1918 ~ Trumpeter Howard McGhee born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ One of the first bebop trumpeter. Influenced Fats Navarro. Leader and sideman. Worked with Lionel Hampton, Andy Kirk, Count Basie, Charlie Barnet, Charlie Parker, Milt Jackson, Illinois Jacquet, Horace Parlan, Kenny Clarke, Benny Bailey, Billy Eckstine, Johnny Hartman, Coleman Hawkins, Chubby Jackson, James Moody, André Previn, Mel Tormé, Wardell Gray, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Gerry Mulligan, Eddie Jefferson, Sonny Criss, Slim Gaillard, Gene Ammons, Woody Herman, and Wynonie Harris ~ McGhee passed away in 1987
March 6, 1914 ~ Gospel, R&B singer, radio DJ, concert promoter Thurman Ruth born in Newberry County, South Carolina, USA ~ Professionalized gospel, including having gospel singers perform at “sinful” venues to reach a new audience, and teach them to abide by theatrical rules. Forefather of R&B. Co-founded gospel quartet the Selah Jubilee Singers, best known for their pivotal 1941 recording of Just A Closer Walk With Thee. Left the group in 1949 to pursue a more secular musical path. Original member of vocal group the Larks, known for early-1950s songs such as When I Leave These Prison Walls, Eyesight To The Blind and Little Side Car ~ Ruth passed away in 2002
March 6, 1913 ~ Georgina Armour Allan, commonly known as actress, singer Ella Logan, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Made her recording debut in 1930 at age 17 as featured vocalist with Jack Hylton's orchestra on Moanin' Low and Can't We Be Friends. Would relocate to America by the mid-1930s, landing Broadway roles starting with 1934's Calling All Stars, feature in several Hollywood films, and perform in nightclubs. In the 1950s Logan's career would be hampered by the FBI, suspected of having communist ties. There was never any evidence found of these allegations ~ Allan passed away in 1969
March 6, 1910 ~ Bandleader, composer, singer, double bassist Arthur Osterwal born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ First appeared in his brother's, Seymour Osterwall, orchestra. Formed his own ensemble in 1944 ~ Osterwall passed away in 1990
March 6, 1910 ~ Floyd Holmes, commonly known as country guitarist, harmonica player Salty Holmes, born in Glasgow, Kentucky, USA ~ Virtuoso on the harmonica, specializing in the style known as “talking harp” which imitated the human voice. Formed the Kentucky Ramblers in 1930, who changed their name to the Prairie Ramblers. The band is best known for their featured vocalist Patsy Montana, whom they also backed on songs such as I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart. Through a friendship with Gene Autry Holmes also appeared in several Western movies, including Arizona Days and Saddle Leather Law. Holmes was married to singer Jean Chapel from 1947 through 1956, the couple also regulars on the Grand Ole Opry as Mattie & Salty ~ Holmes passed away in 1970
March 6, 1909 ~ Songwriter, music promoter Dave Clark born in Jackson, Tennessee, USA ~ Promoter for major African-American record labels from the late-1930s onwards, including for Decca Records, Duke/Peacock, Chess Records, Aladdin, Apollo, United, and Stax. As a songwriter perhaps best remembered for co-writing Why I Sing The Blues, recorded by BB King ~ Clark passed away in 1995
March 6, 1905 ~ Bandleader Bob Wills, full name James Robert Wills, born in Kosse, Texas, USA ~ Founded and led the Texas Playboys. Considered the co-founder of Western Swing, merging country, dance and jazz. Seen as “the King of Western Swing” although Spade Cooley also claimed the moniker. Known for recordings such as Steel Guitar Rag, New San Antonio Rose, Smoke On The Water, Stars And Stripes On Iwo Jima, New Spanish Two Step, Ida Red Likes The Boogie, and Faded Love ~ Wills passed away in 1975