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, 2021 ~ Singer, actress Carmel Quinn passed away in Leonia, New Jersey, USA ~ Active in her native Ireland since her teens, working with Johnny Devlin and others. After relocating to America 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, 2021 ~ Renée Dumazart, commonly known as colorature soprano Renée Doria, passed away ~ One of leading lyric colorature sopranos of her day. Has worked with the Gaite-Lyrique, the Opera-Comique, the Paris Opera, and others ~ Dumazert was born in 1921
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, Kim Cusack, and others ~ Dapogny was born in 1940
March 6, 2017 ~ Conductor Alberto Zedda passed away in Pesaro, Italy ~ Conductor specialized in 19th-century Italian repertoire, including opera, symphonic and chamber music ~ 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, 2013 ~ Graham Anthony Barnes, commonly known as guitarist, singer Alvin Lee, passed away in Esteponia, Spain ~ Best known as original lead singer, guitarist of Ten Years After. Worked with George Harrison, Steve Winwood, Ronnie Wood, Mick Fleetwood, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, Steve Gould, Mick Taylor, and others ~ Barnes was born in 1944
March 6, 2013 ~ Alexandre Magno Abrão, commonly known as singer, songwriter, poet Chorão, passed away in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Lead singer, founding and sole constant member of alternative rock outfit Charlie Brown Jr ~ Abrão was born in 1970
March 6, 2012 ~ Songwriter, film composer Robert B Sherman born ~ 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, Sage Francis, and others ~ 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. It would covered by hundreds of artists, notably a hit for Bing Crosby the following year. Over the years it would be covered by artists such as Pat Boone, Perry Como, Mahalia Jackson, and others ~ 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 ~ Soul singer, songwriter King Floyd passed away in Jackson, California, California, USA ~ Best known for Groove Me, a Billboard top 10 hit in 1970. Floyd continued to record throughout the 1970s but would be unable to replicate its success ~ Floyd was born in 1945
March 6, 2003 ~ Jazz pianist Linton Garner passed away in Vancouver, Canada ~ Worked with his baby brother Erroll Garner, with Fletcher Henderson, Billy Eckstine, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Nat King Cole, Carmen McRae, Della Reese, and others ~ Garner was born in 1915
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, Einar Iversen, and others ~ 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 Lewus, 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, 2 Chainz, and others
March 6, 1989 ~ Dancer, singer, actor Takanori Iwata born in Nagoye, Japan ~ Member of J-Pop acts the Sandaime J Soul Brothers and Exile. Also known as an actor for film and TV
March 6, 1987 ~ Indie pop, indie rock guitarist, singer Ragnar Porhallsson born in Garoabær, Iceland ~ Member of Of Monsters And Men, known best for their 2011 My Head Is An Animal debut album
March 6, 1986 ~ Virginia Blackmore, commonly known as singer, songwriter Ginny Blackmore, born in Auckland, New Zealand ~ Best known for Bones, SFM and Holding You, the latter featuring Stan Walker
March 6, 1984 ~ Jentina Rose Reed, mononymously known as rapper, singer, songwriter, model Jentina, born in Woking, UK ~ Known for songs such as Bad Ass Strippa, French Kisses and Mysterious
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 trumpeter Howard McFarlane, full name Howard Osmond McFarlane, passed away in London, UK ~ Worked with Alex Hyde's the Romance Of Rhythm Orchestra, Bernard Etté, Dajos Béla, the BBC Dance Orchestra, and others ~ McFarlane was born in 1894
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 (The 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, the Birdlanders, and others ~ Winding was born in 1922
March 6, 1980 ~ Saxophonist Bobby Jones passed away in Munich, West Germany ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the late 1940s. Has worked with Ray McKinley, Hal McIntyre, Boots Randolph, Glenn Miller, Woody Herman, Jack Teagarden, Charles Mingus, Jimmy Raney, and others ~ Jones was born in 1928
March 6, 1979 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader, songwriter, producer, A&R executive Joe Scott, full name Joseph Wade Scott, passed away in Culver City, California, USA ~ Best known for his work at Don Robey's Duke and Peacock labels, notably with artists such as Johnny Ace, Big Mama Thornton, Bobby Blue Bland, Junior Parker, Larry Davis, and others ~ Scott was born in 1924
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, the Shins, and others
March 6, 1978 ~ Karl Amni Wailoo, commonly known as rapper, singer, producer Saukrates, born in Toronto, Canada ~ As a solo artist earned a Juno Award with his very first track, till Caught Up, in 1994. Produced for Nas, and Andreema Mill. Worked with Redman, Nelly Furtado, Method Man, K-OS, and others
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, Shane Dollar, and others
March 6, 1977 ~ Jazz, experimental, heavy metal singer, songwriter Kirsti Huke born in Melhus, Norway ~ Worked with 3rd & Mortal, Goat To The Head, Egil Kapstad, Erlend Skornsvill, Tore Brunborg, Ola Kvernberg, Vigleik Storaas, Havard Wilk, Håkon Mjåset Johansen, Erik Nylander, Steinar Raknes, and others
March 6, 1975 ~ Folk, country, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Jim Sullivan disappeared, never to be seen again ~ Appeared as an extra in the cult film Easy Rider. Released two albums, 1969's UFO and 1972's eponymous Jim Sullivan, before disappearing in Mexico, never to be seen again. Over time has attracted a cult following, partly because of his albums' rarity and obscurity. Sullivan's disappearance at age 34 remains a mystery and source for speculation, some claiming he was murdered, committed suicide, and even some saying he was abducted by aliens ~ Sullivan was born in 1940
March 6, 1974 ~ Dwight Equan Grant, commonly known as rapper Beanie Sigel born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Debuted with the critically acclaimed The Truth album in 2000. Has worked with with State Property, Jay-Z, Freeway, Scarface, Kanye West, and others
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, 1973 ~ Punk rock bassist Johan Blomqvist born in Nassjo, Sweden ~ Member of the Backyard Babies since 1987. Also guested with rock band Kent
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, 1971 ~ Jazz, classical pianist, composer Patrick Bebelaar, full name Patrick Josef Bebelaar, born in Trier, Germany ~ Worked with Michel Godard, Herbert Joos, Joe Forida, Vikash Maharaj, Vincent Klink, Günter Sommer, and others
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, 1967 ~ Teacher, violinist, composer Zoltan Kodaly passed away in Budapest, Hungary ~ Well known internationally as creator of the Kodaly method, a set of principles for music education used to this day. Mentored a young Béla Bartók, the two becoming lifelong friends and champions of eachothers music ~ Kodaly was born in 1882
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, Kenny Loggins, and others ~ Owsley passed away in 2010
March 6, 1964 ~ Stephen Bier, commonly known as keyboardist, songwriter Madonna Wayne Gacy, born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA ~ Best known as keyboardist for Marilyn Manson, joining in 1989 as replacement for Zsa Zsa Speck and remaining with the band through the mid-2000s
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, 1964 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Zang Tianshuo born in Beijing, China ~ Member of 1980s rock outfit 1989 alongside childhood friends Qin Yong, Qin Qi and Li Li. Has also recorded as a solo artist, noted especially for his 1995 My Last Ten Years solo debut album. Passed away at age 54 of liver cancer ~ Tianshuo passed away in 2018
March 6, 1962 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Frank Navetta born in Manhattan Beach, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Descendents. Remained with the band through their debut single Ride The Wild which Navetta wrote, the 1981 EP Fat EP and their debut LP Milo Goes To College the next year. Rejoined the Descendents on the 1996 album Everything Sucks the next year. Navetta wrote or co-wrote some of the bands best known songs such as Mr Bas, Statue Of Liberty, My Dad Sucks, and Rockstar ~ Navetta passed away in 2008
March 6, 1961 ~ George Hoy Booth, commonly known as actor, comedian, singer, ukelele player, songwriter George Formby, passed away ~ Enjoyed popularity as a music hall performer from the 1920s onwards. Worked extensively for the ENSA during World War II, entertaining British troops ~ Booth was born in 1904
March 6, 1960 ~ Singer, songwriter Buren Bayaer born ~ Best known for his rendition of Lucky Treasures, originally sung in Mongolian and translated to Mandarin Chinese it became a hit for Bayaer in the mid-1990s ~ Bayaer passed away in 2018
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 flipside. 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 flipside 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 ~ Heavy metal, power metal bassist, songwriter Joey DeMaio born in Auburn, New York, USA ~ Best known as founding member, bassist, primary songwriter of Manowar
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, Delbert McClinton, and others. Has also worked with Joe Ely, Cowboy Jack Clement, Gillian Welch, Johnny Goudie, and others
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 ~ 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, Joe Tex, and others. 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, 1950 ~ Classical pianist, organist, harpsichordist, hornist David McSkimming born ~ Member of the State Opera Of South Australia from 1976 through 1989. Has also worked with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, the Adelaide Chamber Orchestra, the Orchestra Victoria, the Opera Factory Zurich, the Opera Australia, and others ~ McSkimming passed away in 2016
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, Bailey & the Boys, and others
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, Tony Hymas, and others
March 6, 1947 ~ Pauline Matthews, commonly known as pop, blue-eyed soul singer Kiki Dee, born in Bradford, UK ~ Best known for I've Got The Music In Me, a hit in 1974, and for Don't Go Breaking My Heart, her 1976 duet with Elton John
March 6, 1947 ~ Jazz violinist Michel Warlop, full name Michael Maurice Armand Warlop, born ~ Child prodigy. Best known for his association with bandleader Raymond Legrand. Also worked with Jazz Dixit, Septuor A Cordes, Jimmy Rena, and others ~ Warlop was born in 1911
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, Bryan Ferry, and others
March 6, 1945 ~ Drummer Hugh Grundy, full name Hugh Birch Grundy, born in Winchester, UK ~ Best known as drummer of rock outfit the Zombies. Following the disbandement of the band Grundy would work as A&R executive for Columbia Records
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, the Houston Grand Opera, and others
March 6, 1944 ~ Singer Mary Wilson born in Greenville, Mississippi, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Supremes and the last original member to leave the group, staying on through 1977. 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 ~ 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, Gerald Wilson, and others
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, 1942 ~ Jazz alto saxophonist Robin Kenyatta born in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, USA ~ Played with Bill Dixon, Roswell Rudd, Sonny Stitt, Archie Shepp, Buddy Miles, Dizzy Gillespie, BB King, Dr John, George Benson, Ted Curson, Andrew Hill, Sam Rivers, and others ~ Kenyatta passed away in 2004
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 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger, producer Palle Mikkelborg born in Denmark ~ Worked with Gil Evans, George Russell, Gary Peacock, Jan Garbarek, Miles Davis, Dexter Gordon, Terje Rypdal, Dino Saluzzi, Edward Vesala, Thomas Clausen, and others
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 and a member of 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, Evan Parker, and others
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 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 ~ 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, 1938 ~ Singer, guitarist Lovelace Watkins, full name Lovelace Allen Watkins, born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA ~ Nicknamed “the Black Frank Sinatra” ~ Watkins passed away in 1995
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 saxophonist Billy Root born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Active since the earl 1950s. Worked with Roy Eldridge, Hal McIntyre, Red Rodney, Bennie Green, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Clifford Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Hank Mobley, Lee Morgan, Curtis Fuller, Al Grey, Dakota Staton, and others
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), Bobby Hebb, and others ~ 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, 1933 ~ Dorothy Ann Collins, commonly known as folk pianist, organist Dolly Collins, born in Hastins, UK ~ Sister of Shirley Collins, with whom she also worked including on the Sweet Primeroses album. Has also worked with the Incredible String Band, Iain Matthews and Peter Bellamy. Mostly retired from music by the early 1970s ~ Collins passed away in 1995
March 6, 1932 ~ Composer, conductor John Philip Sousa passed away in Reading, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Late Romantic era composer best known for his military marches including The Stars And Stripes Forever, Semper Fidelis, The Liberty Bell, and The Washington Post ~ Sousa was born in 1854
March 6, 1930 ~ Conductor, violinist, composer 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, the New York Philharmonic, and others ~ 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, 1923 ~ Hard bop, post bop, soul jazz, jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery, full name John Leslie Montgomery, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Christian. Leader and sideman. Worked with Lionel Hampton, Charles Mingus, Milt Buckner, Fats Navarro, Eddie Higgins, Walter Perkins, Leroy Vinnegar, Quincy Jones, Cannonball Adderley, and others ~ Montgomery passed away in 1968
March 6, 1922 ~ Flutist Doriot Anthony Dwyer born in Streato, Illinois, USA ~ One of the first women to be awarded principal chair for a major US orchestra, Dwyere was the principal flute for the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1952 to 1990. Dwyer also played with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic
March 6, 1921 ~ Conductor Pierre-Michel Le Conte born in Rouen, France ~ Best known for his work with several French radio and TV orchestras, notably as director of the Orchestre Philharmonique De Radio France from 1960 through 1973 ~ Le Conte passed away in 2000
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, Wynonie Harris, and others ~ 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, Stax, and others. 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, 1906 ~ Leslie George Hutchinson, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, bandleader Jiver Hutchinson, born in Jamaica ~ Father of singer Elaine Delmar. Worked with Bertie King, Happy Blake, Leslie Thompson, Ken Snakehips Johnson, Mary Lou Williams, and others ~ Hutchinson passed away in 1959
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, Faded Love, and others ~ Wills passed away in 1975