March 9, 2024 ~ Classical trumpeter, cornetist Guy Touvron passed away ~ Accomplished soloist. Renowned interpreter of baroque composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Tomaso Albinoni, and Giuseppe Torelli, and contemporary classical music. Premiered trumpet concerts written by Ivan Jevtic, Jacques Loussier, and François Rauber. Principal trumpeter for the Orchestre National De Lyon and the French Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. Formed the Guy Touvron Brass Ensemble by the early-1970s ~ Touvron was born in 1950
March 9, 2024 ~ Americana, folk, alternative country singer, guitarist, songwriter Malcolm Holcombe, full name Malcolm Brank Holcombe, passed away ~ Over a dozen albums to his name, including the criminally overlooked A Hundred Lies released in 1996. Known for his moody poetry, country blues guitar, and distintive rumbling baritone voice. Though Holcombe has never achieved mainstream success, he was revered by peers and critics, drawing comparison to the likes of John Prine and Tom Waits. Holcombe enjoyed a cult following, artists such as Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, and Iris DeMent among his fans, and has opened for Merle Haggard and Wilco. Upon hearing of his death, revered singer, songwriter Mary Gauthier commented: “He was a genius. A channel. A giver. A master, a maestro, one of my greatest teachers, saintly in spirit, and truly touched by God and the angels” ~ Holcombe was born in 1955
March 9, 2023 ~ Jazz fusion keyboardist Robin Lumley passed away ~ Co-founded jazz-rock unit Brand X with guitarist John Goodsall and drummer Phil Collins, remaining with the band from 1974 through 1983 with a small hiatus around 1978 to focus on his career as a producer. The band is best known for their 1977 Moroccan Roll sophomore album which would reach top 40 in their native UK. Lumley has also served as producer for Rod Argent, Bill Bruford, Orleans, and as session musician for Curved Air, Gary Boyle, Ellen Shipley, Exile ~ Lumley was born ca.1948
March 9, 2022 ~ Guitarist, producer, songwriter Richard Podolor, full name Richard Allen Podolor, passed away ~ Has worked prolifically as a session musician since the 1950s with artists such as Bonnie Guitar (Dark Moon), and was a member of 1950s band the Pets which also included drummer Earl Palmer, saxophonist Plas Johnson and guitarist René Hall. Best known though for his association with Three Dog Night, producing Mama Told Me (Not To Come) and Joy To The World and most of their subsequent albums. Produced two albums for Steppenwolf, engineering all their early hits including Born To Be Wild. Has also produced albums for Iron Butterfly, the Dillards, Chris Hillman, Black Oak Arkansas, and Alice Cooper ~ Podolor passed away in 1936
March 9, 2021 ~ Conductor, pianist James Levine, full name James Lawrence Levine, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known as music director of the Metropolitan Opera from 1976 through 2016. Has also worked with the Munich Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the Berlin Philharmonic ~ Levine was born in 1943
March 9, 2021 ~ Jazz double bassist Len Skeat passed away ~ Worked with Mel Tormé, Ben Webster, Billy Eckstine, Lionel Hampton, Scott Hamilton, Helen Merrill, Lou Rawls, Harry Sweets Edison, Denny Wright, Digby Fairweather, Spike Robinson, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Stéphane Grappelli, Dick Morrisey, Bill Watrous, Randy Sandke, Eddie Thompson, and Charly Antolini ~ Skeat was born in 1937
March 9, 2020 ~ Americana, folk, blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Eric Taylor passed away in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Acclaimed storyteller. After relocating to Texas, the Georgia native would find a following on the 1970s Houston folk, country scene alongside contemporaries such as Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. Influential on artists such as Nanci Griffith, to whom he was married from 1976 through 1982, and Lyle Lovett, both of whom recorded his songs. Lovett would also guest on Taylor's eponymous Eric Taylor 1995 sophomore album, which along with its predecessor Shameless Love released over a decade earlier would be ranked among his best work. Taylor recorded throughout the 2010s, toured extensively throughout America and Europe, building a cult following, and has worked as a teacher, giving songwriting workshops ~ Taylor was born in 1949
March 9, 2016 ~ Jonathan James English, commonly known as singer, songwriter Jon English, passed away in Newcastle, Australia ~ Worked with Zenith, Sebastian Hardie, Marcia Hines, and Mario Millo, and starred in several musicals including the Australian version of Jesus Christ Superstar. As a solo artist best known for Australian top 20 hits such as Turn The Page, The Hollywood Seven, Words Are Not Enough, Six Ribbons and Hot Town. Outside Australia best known for the album The Calm Before The Storm released in 1980 ~ English was born in 1949
March 9, 2016 ~ Bassist Leon Francioli passed away ~ Founded Sunnymoon with Werner Ludi, Stephan Wittwer and Fredy Studer. Also worked with Beb Guérin, Pierre Favre, George Gruntz, Michel Portal, Jerry Chardonnens, Albert Mangelsdorff, Jean Francois Bovard, Francois Lindemann, Alex Theus, Joe McPhee, Mario Schiano, and Daniel Bourquin ~ Francioli was born in 1946
March 9, 2016 ~ Juvenal de Holanda Vasconcelos, commonly known as percussionist, singer Naná Vasconcelos, passed away in Perbambuco, Brazil ~ One of the premier Brazilian percussionists, pivotal in changing the direction of Brazilian jazz in the post-bossa nova era. About two dozen albums as a leader, especially acclaimed for Saudades released in 1979. Formed the world fusion trio Codona with Don Cherry and Collin Walcott, with whom he released three albums at the turn of the 1980s. An in-demand collaborator for a wide array of Latin and international jazz artists, as well as occasionally backing pop and rock artists, Vasconcelos has appeared on albums by Luiz Bonfá, Os Mutantes, Gato Barbieri (Fenix), Milton Nascimento (Milagre Dos Peixes), Herb Alpert, Jon Hassell, Joachim Kühn, Sérgio Mendes, Terumasa Hino, BB King, Chaka Khan, Jan Garbarek, Pat Metheny, Bob Moses, Michael Franks, Pino Daniele, Talking Heads (Little Creatures), Ginger Baker (Horses & Trees), Paul Simon, Teena Marie, David Sanborn, John Zorn, Brian Eno, Aztec Camera (Dreamland), Arto Lindsay, Egberto Gismonti, and Caetano Veloso ~ Vasconcelos was born in 1944
March 9, 2016 ~ Singer, songwriter Ray Griff passed away ~ Wrote or co-wrote an estimated 2,500 songs. Artists who have recorded his work include Faron Young, Jerry Lee Lewis (Who's Gonna Play This Old Piano), Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, George Hamilton IV (Canadian Pacific), Johnny Horton, Bob Luman, Gene Watson, and Johnny Duncan ~ Griff was born in 1940
March 9, 2014 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal singer Michael Jagosz, full name Michael Theodore Jagosz, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Ronnie James Dio, Ian Gillan, Rob Halford. Original lead singer, co-founding member of the LA Guns, present on the band's 1985 Collector's Edition No.1 debut EP. After the band folded in 1985 Jagosz has worked with Abattoir, Eden, and with Stoneheart ~ Jagosz was born in 1965
March 9, 2012 ~ Harry Fisher Henderson, commonly known as blues rock, electric blues singer, guitarist Bugs Henderson, passed away in Jefferson, Texas, USA ~ Recorded well over a dozen albums as a solo artist or with the Bugs Henderson Group or his backing unit the Shuffle Kings. Critically acclaimed for the mid-1990s albums Daredevils Of The Red Guitar and its follow-up That's The Truth. In 2012 a Benefit Bugs concert would be held to aid Henderson suffering from liver cancer. The 11-hour event included artists such as Ray Wylie Hubbard, Smokin' Joe Kubek, and Bnois King. Henderson would die four days after the benefit concert ~ Henderson was born in 1943
March 9, 2007 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Brad Delp, full name Bradley Edward Delp, passed away in Atkinson, New Hampshire, USA ~ Lead singer of Boston. Delp wrote or co-wrote a substantial amount of the band's material such as Smokin' and Let Me Take You Home Tonight of the band's eponymous 1975 Boston debut album, as well as Party, Used To Bad News, Cool The Engines and Can'tcha Say You Believe In Me/Still In Love of later albums. In 1991 Delp co-founded RTZ with bandmate guitarist Barry Goudreau and be involved in several other side projects including Orion The Hunter ~ Delp was born in 1951
March 9, 2006 ~ Opera singer, actress, TV personality Anna Moffo passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Nicknamed “La Bellissima” for her beauty. One of the leading lyric-coloratura sopranos of her generation. Worked with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Royal Opera House, and the Rome Opera ~ Moffo was born in 1932
March 9, 2005 ~ Singer, songwriter Chris LeDoux passed away in Casper, Wyoming, USA ~ Rodeo champion, rodeo Hall of Famer singing rodeo songs. Some three dozen albums to his name, most of them self-released. Shot to national promince being mentioned in Garth Brooks' Much Too Young To Feel This Damn Old. LeDoux would later duet with Brooks on What Are You Gonna Do With A Cowboy. As a solo artist LeDoux is best known for songs such as Cadillac Ranch, Ten Seconds In The Saddle, Stampede, and for Bang A Drum, the latter with Jon Bon Jovi ~ LeDoux was born in 1948
March 9, 2004 ~ Jazz, big band singer Ruby Wright passed away in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Not to ber confused with her namesake country singer Ruby Wright. Mostly unknown in her native America, Wright was best known for a number of UK hits during the 1950s including Bimbo, Three Stars, and Let's Light The Christmas Tree. Wright was married to bandleader Barney Rapp, in whose orchestra she also sang ~ Wright was born in 1914
March 9, 2004 ~ Jazz pianist Tony Lee, full name Anthony Leedham Lee, passed away ~ Worked with Tommy Whittle, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, Barney Kessel, Sonny Stitt, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Terry Smith, Tubby Hayes, Dick Morrisey, Phil Seamen, Eddie Gomez, Tony Archer, Jack Parnell, Kenny Baker, Don Lusher, and Betty Smith ~ Lee was born in 1934
March 9, 1998 ~ Country singer Tim McGraw releases One Of These Days, lifted off his Everywhere album ~ The song tells of the narrator's regrets of mistakes in high school such as bullying a schoolmate, the hurt he has caused people later resulting in a deep loathing of himself. Written by Marcus Hummon, who first recorded the song for his 1995 album All In Good Time, with Monty Powell, and Kip Raines. Powell would later recall on how the song became to be, him and Raines over at Hummon's house working on a rudimentary draft: “We wound up writing and writing, and we sort of got stuck on how to bring it home. It was one of those moments of inspiration that came to me when we were sitting there and I went, “Guys, one of these days, I'm gonna love me. Me!’ As soon as that happened the rest of it just fell out.” A few years later McGraw would cover the song, and take the single to No.2 Billboard Country, making it his fourth consecutive top 10 hit off Everywhere
March 9, 1997 ~ Christopher George Latore Wallace, commonly known as rapper the Notorious BIG, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Considered one of the most important and influential rappers of all-time. Best known for songs such as Juicy and Big Poppa. Married to R&B singer Faith Evans ~ Wallace was born in 1972
March 9, 1996 ~ Nathan Birnbaum, commonly known as vaudevillian, comedian, singer George Burns passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Formed the comedy duo Burns & Allen with his wife Gracie Allen, performing from the 1920s through the 1950s on radio, TV and film. Enjoyed a sudden career revival at age 79, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1975 film The Sunshine Boys ~ Burns was born in 1896
March 9, 1996 ~ Symphony conductor James Guthrie, full name James Kelley Guthrie, passed away ~ Founded the San Bernardino Community Orchestra at age 15, the orchestra would later evolve into the San Bernardino Symphony. Known for conducting the first performance of the Hollywood Grand Opera Association in 1936, earning him critical acclaim. Also closely associated with the Riverside Symphony Orchestra. Established the Guthrie Music Rental Library in 1974 with the aim to rent out scores and sheet music at affordable prices to schools, colleges and orchestras in order to encourage music performance ~ Guthrie was born in 1914
March 9, 1992 ~ Singer, actress María Eugenia Suárez, full name Maria Eugenia Suárez Riveiro, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Former child actress, debuting in 2003 at age 11 in the TV series Rincón De Luz. To music audiences best known for her role of Jazmin Romero on the TV series Casi Angeles from 2007 through 2010, which also spawned the musical group the Teen Angels. Suárez exited the band in 2011
March 9, 1992 ~ Monte Rex Budwig, commonly known as jazz double bassist Monty Budwig, passed away in Eagle Rock, California, USA ~ In-demand sideman and collaborator, especially associated with Barney Kessel, Shelly Manne, and Vince Guaraldi. Budwig has also appeared on albums by Lennie Niehaus, Stan Getz, Woody Herman, Tal Farlow, Art Pepper, Frank Rosolino (Frank Rosolino Quintet), June Christy, Henry Mancini (The Music From Peter Gunn), Zoot Sims (Choice), Benny Goodman, Thelonious Monk (At The Blackhawk), Junior Mance, Sonny Criss (Rockin' In Rhythm), Jimmy Rowles, Mundell Lowe, Soprano Summit, Herb Ellis, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Al Cohn, and Lew Tabackin. Budwig recorded one album as a leader, the highly acclaimed Dig released in 1978 ~ Budwig was born in 1926
March 9, 1987 ~ Shad Gregory Moss, commonly known as rapper Bow Wow, born in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, USA ~ Discovered by Snoop Dogg. Released his debut album, 2000's Beware Of Dog, at age 13. Known for songs such as Bounce With Me featuring Xscape, Let's Get Down featuring Birdman, Let Me Hold You featuring Omarion, and Like You featuring Ciara. Has also collaborated with Jermaine Dupri, Johnta Austin, Lil' Wayne, and Bone Thugs 'n Harmony
March 9, 1986 ~ Hip-hop outfit Run-DMC record their cover of Aerosmith's Walk This Way ~ Originally by Aerosmith. Written by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, who also guest on the record. Produced by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. Released as a single the following July. Included on the Raising Hell album
March 9, 1985 ~ Robert Alexander Blackwell, commonly known as producer, songwriter Robert Bumps Blackwell, passed away in Whittier, California, USA ~ Pivotal to early rock & roll, R&B. Closely associated with Little Richard, working on songs such as Tutti Frutti, Long Tall Sally, Good Golly Miss Molly, Ready Teddy and Rip It Up. Also worked with Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Ernestine Anderson, Lloyd Price, Sam Cooke, Herb Alpert, Larry Williams, and Guitar Slim ~ Blackwell was born in 1918
March 9, 1984 ~ Priscilla Natalie Hartranft, commonly known as singer, guitarist, pianist, banjoist, songwriter Priscilla Ahn, born in Fort Stewart, Georgia, USA ~ Modern indie folk singer with over half a dozen albums to her name, starting with her acclaimed 2008 A Good Day debut produced by Joey Waronker. Several of Ahn's songs have been used in films, notably Dream in the romantic comedy Bride Wars, and Find My Way Back Home in the drama film My Sister's Keeper. Ahn has toured with Willie Nelson, Amos Lee, Ray LaMontagne, Devotchka, and Joshua Radin, and guested on recordings by Jason Karaban, Cary Brothers, Ben Arnold, TV On The Radio, and Hollow Coves
March 9, 1983 ~ Latin pop singer, pianist, songwriter, actress Maite Perroni, full name Maite Perroni Beorlegui, born in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Rose to prominence in the mid-2000s as member of RBD, a band associated with the telenovela Rebelde, and one of the best-selling Latin groups of all-time with over 15 million records sold over a 5-year existence. After the band disbanded in 2009 Perroni would continue to work as an actress and a solo singer, releasing her full-length Eclipse De Luna solo debut album in 2013
March 9, 1980 ~ Howard Bailey Jr, commonly known as rapper, singer, producer Chingy, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Debuted in 2003 with the full-length album Jackpot, which would sell 2 million copies. Best known for songs such as Right Thurr, Holidae In featuring Ludacris and Snoop Dogg, and Pullin' Me Back featuring Tyrese. Has guested on recordings by Busta Rhymes, J Kwon, DJ Quik, Mack 10, T-Pain, and Omega Crosby
March 9, 1979 ~ Singer Kate Bush releases Wow, lifted off her Lionheart sophomore album ~ Wow finds the singer portraying a movie star, the song telling of various aspects of show business in general. The singer would later explain, specifically referencing the music industry: “people say that the music business is about ripoffs, the rat race, competition, strain, people trying to cut you down, and so on, and though that's all there, there's also the magic.” When writing the song, the singer had tried to emulate the spacey sound of Pink Floyd. The single would reach top 20 both in Ireland and her native UK
March 9, 1975 ~ Bernice Maude Gant, commonly known as singer, actress Shirley Ross, passed away in Menlo Park, California, USA ~ Appeared in over two dozen feature films. Best known for duetting with Bing Crosby on Blue Hawaii in the Waikiki Wedding, and with Bob Hope on Thanks For The Memory in The Big Broadcast Of 1938 ~ Gant was born in 1909
March 9, 1974 ~ In its eighteenth week on the charts, Rock On by David Essex peaks at No.5 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Essex had recorded, to little success, throughout the 1960s, yet would become more in-demand as an actor. Landing a role in the 1973 film That'll Be The Day, which also featured Ringo Starr and Keith Moon, he asked the film's producer if he could write the closing song for the film. Essex came up with Rock On, a song that summons the rebellious nature of his character amid the backdrop of rock & roll. The song would not be used in the film. However, it did land him a record deal with CBS, and became an international hit, reaching top 10 in Australia, America, Canada, and his native UK. The song would be his sole American hit, yet he would score over half a dozen more top 10 hits at home including the No.1 hit Hold Me Close in 1975. In America, another musician turned actor Michael Damian would later notably cover Rock On, surpassing the original as it topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989
March 9, 1974 ~ Harris Womack, commonly known as gospel, R&B, soul, doo-wop singer, bassist Harry Womack, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Valentinos, known for launching the careers of Bobby Womack and Cecil Womack and for recording the original versions of Lookin' For A Love and It's All Over Now. The former would be notably covered by the J Geils Band, the latter by the Rolling Stones ~ Womack was born in 1945
March 9, 1971 ~ Diego Antonio Caccia, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter, actor Diego Torres, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Son of singer, actress Lolita Torres. Active since the late-1980s. Member of La Marca. Released his eponymous Diego Torres solo debut album in 1992, which reached triple Platinum status in his native Argentina. Would go on to score hits throughout the 2010s, well known songs including Penélope, Sé Que Ya No Volveras, Cantar Hasta Morir, Déjame Estar and Guapa
March 9, 1970 ~ Rock percussionist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter Shannon Leto born in Bossier City, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for co-founding Thirty Seconds To Mars, which also included his baby brother Jared Leto. The band reached international mainstream succes with their 2005 A Beautiful Lie sophomore album and has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial succes since. Leto has also worked on several side projects, notably collaborating with Antoine Becks and as a member of short-lived supergroup the Wondergirls which also included Scott Weiland, Martyn Lenoble and Troy van Leeuwen
March 9, 1969 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor Adam Siegel born in California, USA ~ Influenced by Kiss, Black Sabbath, the Sweet, Jimmy Page, and the Sex Pistols. Founding member of crossover thrash outfit Excel, with whom he recorded three studio albums starting with 1987's Split Image. Lead guitarist for metal supergroup the Infectious Grooves, which initially started as a side project for Suicidal Tendencies lead singer Mike Muir. Founded power trio My Head. Played bass for indie rock outfit Eels, appearing on albums such as Souljacker and Electro-Shock Blues Show
March 9, 1968 ~ Keyboardist, bassist Andy Barker born ~ Member of 808 State, notably present on the 1988 Quadrastate EP. Would go on to record a small number of songs under the monikers Atlas and Benaco ~ Barker passed away in 2021
March 9, 1966 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Dylan records Most Likely You Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine at Columbia Music Row Studios, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Self-penned. Produced by Bob Johnston. Included on the 1966 Blonde On Blonde album. Dylan is backed on the track by some of Nashville's finest session musicians including Jerry Kennedy, Joe South, Wayne Moss and Robbie Robertson guitars, Hargus Pig Robbins piano, Bill Aikins organ, Henry Strzelecki bass and Charlie McCoy trumpet. The song would be released twice as a single, once in 1974 making it a concert favorite at the time as well, and once in 2007 as reworked and remixed by Mark Ronson for the compilation album Dylan
March 9, 1962 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Peter Wishart born ~ Briefly a member of Big Country during the early-1980s, alongside his brother bassist Alan Wishart. Best known as a longtime member of Runrig, remaining with the band from 1986 through 2001. Politician for the Scottish SNP, first elected to the House of Commons in 2001
March 9, 1961 ~ Ragtime, dixieland clarinetist, bandleader, composer Wilbur Sweatman, full name Wilbur Coleman Sweatman, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Became the youngest bandleader in 1901 by leading the the Forepaugh & Sells Circus Band band. Trailblazer in the racial integration of musical groups. Has worked with the PG Lowery Band, WC Handy, the Mahara Minstrels, and Scott Joplin ~ Sweatman was born in 1882
March 9, 1960 ~ Violinist, conductor Florence Malgoire born in Dugny, France ~ Considered a specialist of the ancient violin. In-demand solo violinist, known for her associations with baroque ensembles such as La Chapelle Royale, Les Talens Lyriques, and Les Arts Florissants. Founded Les Dominos, an ensemble specializing in 17th and 18th century music. Co-founded chamber music ensemble Les Nièces De Rameau. Has conducted works by Jean-Philippe Rameau, Jean-Féry Rebel, George Frideric Handel, Marc-Antoine Charpentier, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ~ Malgoire passed away in 2023
March 9, 1959 ~ Classical pianist, composer Stéphane Blet born in Paris, France ~ Disciple of Byron Janis. Assistant of Vladimir Horowitz. Noted interpreter of Franz Liszt. Prolific composer, having written over 300 works for piano, violin, orchestra, and voice. Authored over a dozen books on Frédéric Chopin, Erik Satie, and Robert Schumann ~ Blet passed away in 2022
March 9, 1958 ~ Synth-pop, new wave, pop rock singer, keyboardist Martin Fry, full name Martin David Fry, born in Manchester, UK ~ Lead singer for ABC. Fry first met Mark White and Stephen Singleton while working as an editor for the fanzine Modern Drugs, interviewing the pair. The pair invited Fry to join their band Vice Versa, which they then renamed ABC. They recorded half a dozen albums, starting with their 1982 The Lexicon Of Love debut album which reached No.1 in their native UK. Through the end of the decade the band would reach the UK top 20 with songs such as Poison Arrow, The Look Of Love, All Of My Heart, and When Smokey Sings, before disbanding in 1991. Fry would later resurrect the band name, Fry remaining as the only original member
March 9, 1958 ~ J-pop, pop, disco singer Mitsuyo Nemoto, also known as Mie, born ~ Formed the duo Pink Lady with childhood friend Keiko Masuda. The duo would enjoy popularity in their native Japan during the second half of the 1970s, scoring hits such as SOS, Nagisa No Sindbad, Wanted (Shimei Tehao), Southpaw, Monster, and Chameleon Army. Their 1979 single Kiss In The Dark would also reach top 40 on the American Billboard Hot 100
March 9, 1957 ~ Rock, pop rock guitarist, singer Chris Thompson, full name Christopher Hamlet Thompson, born in Ashford, UK ~ Best known for his association with Manfred Mann, notably singing lead on Manfred Mann's Earth Band's classic hit Blinded By The Light. Founded Night, known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit If You Remember Me. Co-wrote and sang backing vocals on No Stoppin' Us Now of the Doobie Brothers album One Step Closer. Co-wrote John Farnham's 1986 hit You're The Voice. Has also recorded as a solo artist, notably The Challenge (Face It) which was used as the theme song for the 1989 Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Thompson has also worked with Elton John, Trevor Rabin, Jennifer Warnes, John Parr, Robbie Nevil, Mike Oldfield, Alan Parsons, the SAS Band, and Sarah Brightman
March 9, 1957 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz saxophonist, keyboardist Martin Archer born in Sheffield, UK ~ Active since his teens. Member of Bass Tone Trap in the early-1980s. Subsequently founded Hornweb in 1983. After the band disbanded in the early-1990s temporarily gave up the saxophone, focusing on keyboard-driven electronic music instead. Well over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist. Has collaborated with Chris Bywater, John Jasnoch, and co-leads the improvisational singing group the Juxtavoices, aptly described by critics as an “antichoir”
March 9, 1954 ~ Drummer, guitarist, singer, songwriter Steve Prestwich, full name Steven William Prestwich, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member of Adelaide-based rock, pub rock band Cold Chisel, for whom he wrote When The War Is Over and Forever Now. Briefly a member of the Little River Band during the 1980s ~ Prestwich passed away in 2011
March 9, 1951 ~ Zakir Hussain Allarakha Qurashi, commonly known as tabla player Zakir Hussain, born in Bombay, India ~ Considered a classical hero in his native India and an ambassador for world music beyond. To western audiences perhaps best known for his association with John McLaughlin, including in the acclaimed group Shakti. Also especially noted for his contributions to Shankar's 1980 Who's To Know album, and for the 1988 collaborative album Tabla Duet with his father Alla Rakha. Other notable collaborations inckude Mickey Hart, George Harrison (Living In The Material World), John Handy, Earth Wind & Fire (Powerlight), Narada Michael Walden, Airto Moreira, and Neal Schon ~ Qurashi passed away in 2024
March 9, 1950 ~ Rock, jazz, jazz fusion drummer Gary Smith, full name Robert Gary Smith, born in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ Briefly a member of jazz-rock unit Chase during the early 1970, present on the band's Ennea album. Co-founding member of Survivor, for whom he co-wrote Rebel Girl and Rockin' Into The Night. The band's producer passed on the latter, and handed it to 38 Special who recorded it in 1980. Smith left he band in 1981 to focus on his session work
March 9, 1950 ~ Ivanilton de Souza Lima, commonly known as pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Michael Sullivan, born in Recife, Brazil ~ One of the most prolific and successful songwriters to come out of Brazil, both as a solo artist and as a songwriter with over an estimated 2,000 songs to his credit recorded by a wide array of Brazilian, Hispanic, and international artists. As a singer rose to fame with his 1976 song My Life, its accompanying EP selling over a million copies. Songs written or co-written by Sullivan, often teaming up with Paulo Massadas and Miguel Plopschi, have been recorded by José Augusto (Por Causa De Vocé), Tim Maia, Roupa Nova, Gal Costa (Um Dia De Domingo), Sandra de Sá, Fafá de Belém, Leandro & Leonardo (Talismã), Dayana, and Ana Gabriel
March 9, 1950 ~ Rock, hard rock, folk rock drummer, guitarist, singer Milic Vukasinovic born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia ~ Considered a rock & roll pioneer of Sarajevo. Co-founding member of hard rock outfit Vatreni Poljubac. Also noted as a member of seminal rock bands Bijelo Dugme and Indexi. Has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Potrazi Me released in 1984
March 9, 1949 ~ Trevor James Ireson, commonly known as rock guitarist, bassist, singer Trevor Burton, born in Aston, UK ~ First gained serious attention as member of the Move, remaining with the band from 1966 through 1969 and present on some of the band's best known including Night Of Fear, I Can Hear The Grass Grow, Flowers In The Rain, The Fire Brigade, Wild Tiger Woman and Blackberry Way. Would go on to work with Steve Winwood, Steve Gibbons, Balls, and Crushed Butler
March 9, 1948 ~ R&B, soul singer Jeffrey Osborne, full name Jeffrey Linton Osborne, born in Providence, Rhode Island, USA ~ Drummer, lead singer of LTD through 1980, known for songs such as Love Ballad, We Both Deserve Each Other's Love, Where Did We Go Wrong, Holding On When Love Is Gone and perhaps their best known (Every Time I Turn Around Back) In Love Again, the latter a Billboard top 10 hit in 1977. Osborne released his eponymous Jeffrey Osborne solo debut allbum 1982. Co-wrote All At Once with Michael Masser, a hit for Whitney Houston. Duetted with Dionne Warwick on Love Power
March 9, 1948 ~ Guitarist, harmonica player Jimmie Fadden born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Alongside Jeff Hanna the only other constant member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, working with the band since its inception in 1966. The band is best known for their 1972 Will The Circle Be Unbroken album featuring a host of guests including Mother Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, Roy Acuff, and Merle Travis
March 9, 1946 ~ Guitarist, bassist, singer Jim Cregan born in Yeovil, UK ~ Worked with Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel including on the hit Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me). Backed Rod Stewart co-writing Passion and Tonight I'm Yours (Don't Hurt Me). Best known for his associations with the Falcons, Julie Driscoll, the Blossom Toes, Farm Dogs, Stud, the Family, Linda Lewis, London Quireboys, Glass Tiger, Katie Melua, Bernie Taupin, Janis Ian, Kathleen Keane, Peabo Bryson, Cat Stevens, WG Snuffy Walden, Gaelic Storm, and Joe Cocker
March 9, 1945 ~ Karin Witkiewicz, commonly known as schlager, pop singer Katja Ebstein, born in Girlachsdorf, Germany ~ Internationally best known for representing her native Germany three times at the Eurovision Songfestival, in 1970 with Wunder Gibt Es Immer Wieder, in 1971 with Diese Welt and finally with Theater in 1980, the latter reaching 2nd place
March 9, 1945 ~ Laura Lee Newton, commonly known as soul, gospel singer, songwriter Laura Lee, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of gospel outfit the Meditation Singers from 1956 replacing Della Reese through 1965, a group founded by her mother Ernestine Rundless. As a solo artist known for songs such as To Win Your Heart, Dirty Man, Up Tight Good Man and As Long As I Got You
March 9, 1945 ~ Singer, songwriter Robert Calvert born in Pretoria, South Africa ~ Best known as lead singer, on and off member of space rock group Hawkwind, co-wrote the band biggest hit Silver Machine. Has also worked with Hawklords, the Sonic Assassins, Steve Peregrin Took, Jim Capaldi, Steve Pond, Vivian Stanshall, and Amon Düül ~ Calvert passed away in 1988
March 9, 1945 ~ Guitarist Robin Trower, full name Robin Leonard Trower, born in London, UK ~ First gained attention as member of Procol Harum from 1967 through 1971. As a solo artist acclaimed for a string of 1970s albums, notably 1973's Twice Removed From Yesterday and 1974's Bridge Of Sighs. Notably collaborated with Cream-bassist Jack Bruce in the early-1980s. Has also worked with Liqourice John Death, the Paramounts, James Dewar, and Bryan Ferry
March 9, 1944 ~ Richard Alfred Newell, commonly known as blues harpist, guitarist, singer King Biscuit Boy, born in Hamilton, Canada ~ Once dubbed “the Canadian Paul Butterfield.” Member of the Barons and the Mid-Knights during the 1960s. Backed Ronnie Hawkins at the turn of the 1970s. Formed Crowbar, present on the band's 1970 King Biscuit & Crowbar debut album. Has since recorded as a solo artist, noted for his eponymous 1974 King Biscuit Boy album produced by New Orleans-stalwart Allen Toussaint ~ Newell passed away in 2003
March 9, 1943 ~ Orchestral, chamber music composer David Matthews born in London, UK ~ Brother of composer Colin Matthews. Helpful in the resurgence of Gustav Mahler in the early-1960s. Closely associated with Benjamin Britten. Noted for his song-cycle The Golden Kingdom. Has primarily composed orchestral and chamber music, yet also wrote symphonies, choral pieces, and works for piano, strings, and clarinet, orchestrated for film, and published a number of articles and books
March 9, 1942 ~ Gary Leeds, commonly known as drummer, singer Gary Walker, born in Glendale, California, USA ~ Active since the early-1960s, notably working with the Standells, and with PJ Proby. Best known as member of the Walker Brothers, taking the stage name Gary Walker. The trio also included John Walker and Scott Walker, none of them actual siblings or even related, are best known for a series of 1960s recordings, enjoying popularity especially in the UK. Well-known songs include Make It Easy On Yourself and The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore, both of which topped the UK charts. Walker has also recorded as a solo artist, and with his backing unit Gary Walker & the Rain, the latter including Joey Molland who would later rise to fame as a member of Badfinger. In 2009, Gary and the Walker Brothers-bandmate John Walker published their joint autobiography The Walker Brothers (No Regrets, Our Story), named after the band's 1975 No Regrets album
March 9, 1942 ~ Lawyer, band manager Jim Beach, full name Henry James Beach, born in Gloucester, UK ~ Best known as longtime manager for rock band Queen, its individual members, and comedy group Monty Python. Nicknamed “Miami” by Freddie Mercury, a play on his surname. Beach's son Ol Beach has played keyboards with rock unit the Wire Daisies, and fronts the band Yellowire
March 9, 1942 ~ Bassist John Cale born in Garnant, UK ~ Rose to prominence as co-founding member of pivotal 1960s group the Velvet Underground, remaining with the band through 1968. Would go on to become a highly acclaimed ecletic musician drawing from rock, classical, avant-garde and electronic music. Best known for his 1973 album Paris 1919 and his 1982 album Music For A New Society. Also known as a producer, working with both the Stooges and Patti Smith on their respective debut albums
March 9, 1940 ~ Gary Hirsh, commonly known as rock drummer Gary Chicken Hirsh, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Got his nickname “Chicken” as a young child for not daring to go on a slide. Best known as member of Country Joe & the Fish from 1966, replacing John Francis Gunning, through 1969. Present on the band's best known including the highly acclaimed albums Electric Music For The Mind And Body and Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die. Though primarily a percussionist, Hirsh sang lead vocals on the tracks Susan and Away Bounce My Bubbles, both written solely by Hirsh. Following his tenure with the band Hirsh has worked with Blackburn & Snow, the Cleanliness & Godliness Skiffle Band, and Touchstone. Later on in his career, Hirsh has worked as a painter, and jazz drummer. Hirsh's drumsticks are on display at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio ~ Hirsh passed away in 2021
March 9, 1938 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Marzette Watts born in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Only enjoyed a brief career as a recording artist, delivering a handful of acclaimed albums from the late-1960s through the early-1970s, usually backed by an all-star cast. Especially noted for the album Marzette Watts & Company, featuring Byard Lancaster, Clifford Thornton, Henry Grimes, and Sonny Sharrock. Also well known as a sound engineer and a gifted painter ~ Watts passed away in 1998
March 9, 1938 ~ Jazz percussionist Roy Brooks born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ One of the premier drummers to emerge from bop. As a leader especially acclaimed for the early-1970s albums The Free Slave and Ethnic Expressions. An in-demand sideman, Brooks has appeared on albums by Sonny Red, Blue Mitchell, Shirley Scott (Hip Soul), Buddy Tate (Groovin' With Buddy Tate), Stanley Turrentine, Horace Silver (Song For My Father), Chet Baker, Yusef Lateef, Sonny Stitt, Dexter Gordon, James Moody, Red Rodney, Don Cherry, and Max Roach ~ Brooks passed away in 2005
March 9, 1937 ~ Opera composer Azio Corghi born in Cine, Italy ~ Composed mostly operas and chamber music, the former often based on literature. Well known works include Gargantua, Blimunda, and Divara (Aqua E Sangue) ~ Corghi passed away in 2022
March 9, 1936 ~ Country, countrypolitan, pop singer, pianist Mickey Gilley, full name Mickey Leroy Gilley, born in Natchez, Mississippi, USA ~ Known for songs such as A Room Full Of Roses, Don't The Girls Get Prettier At Closing Time and a countryfied cover of the Ben E King-classic Stand By Me used in the 1980 Urban Cowboy soundtrack ~ Gilley passed away in 2022
March 9, 1933 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Lloyd Price born in Kenner, Louisiana, USA ~ Known best for his 1952 recording of Lawdy Miss Clawdy, arranged by Dave Bartholomew and backed by Fats Domino on piano. Other well known songs include Just Because, Stagger Lee, I'm Gonna Get Married and Personality, the latter earning him the nickname “Mr Personality” ~ Price passed away in 2021
March 9, 1930 ~ Saxophonist, composer Ornette Coleman born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Free jazz pioneer, a genre he actually named. Saxophonist, violinist, trumpeter. Best known for his 1959 landmark album The Shape Of Jazz To Come. Father of jazz drummer Denardo Coleman. Worked with Pee Wee Crayton, Don Cherry, Billy Higgins, Walter Norris, Don Payne, Paul Bley, Charlie Haden, Scott LaFaro, Jimmy Garrison, Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Elvin Jones, Dewey Redman, Ed Blackwell, David Izenzon, Charles Moffett, Albert Ayler, Yoko Ono, Jerry Garcia, and Pat Metheny ~ Coleman passed away in 2015
March 9, 1928 ~ Dorothy Jacqueline Keely, commonly known as jazz, traditional pop singer Keely Smith, born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Best known for her work with Louis Prima, including on hits such as I've Got You Under My Skin, Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen and That Old Black Magic. As a solo artist, she is known for songs such as I Wish You Love and You're Breaking My Heart. Smith was married to Prima from 1953 until 1961, with whom she had two children. While still married to Prima, Keely had an affair with Frank Sinatra. Smith's second marriage was to record producer Jimmy Bowen, with whom she was married from 1965 until 1969 ~ Keely passed away in 2017
March 9, 1927 ~ Modernist composer, pianist John Beckwith born in Victoria, Canada ~ Wrote over 160 compositions for orchestral, chamber and choral genres. Also known for arranging traditional Canadian folk songs, expecially the songbooks Four Love Songs and Five Songs. Authored well over a dozen books on several musical topics, the last published just three months before his death ~ Beckwith passed away in 2022
March 9, 1927 ~ Werner Ferdinande, commonly known as singer Will Ferdy, born in Ghent, Belgium ~ Icon of the gay community, known for being the first Flemish artist to come out. Known for songs such as Belijdenis, Ziede Gij Me Gere, De Stervende, Het Schrijverke and perhaps his best known Christine ~ Ferdinande passed away in 2022
March 9, 1914 ~ Classical violinist Paul Winter born in New York, New York, USA ~ Virtuoso violinist best known for his association with the NBC Symphony Orchestra serving under Arturo Toscanini. When he joined in 1937, at its inception, he was the youngest member of the orchestra. Also known for co-founding the American String Quartet with violinist Max Hollander, viola player Carlton Cooley and cellist Carl Stern in 1939 ~ Winter passed away in 1992
March 9, 1910 ~ Composer Samuel Barber, full name Samuel Osmond Barber II, born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA ~ One of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century, known for orchestral, operatic, choral works. Best known for his 1936 Adagio For Strings, which remains a favorite with orchestras to this day. Also known for the 1957 opera Vanessa and for his 1962 Concerto For Piano And Orchestra, both of which would earn him a Pullitzer Prize ~ Barber passed away in 1981
March 9, 1909 ~ Jazz, big band, swing saxophonist Herschel Evans, also known as Herschel Tex Evans, born in Denton, Texas, USA ~ Influenced Illinois Jacquet and Arnett Cobb. Started in territory bands in the 1920s. Best known for his association with Count Basie, a member of the Count Basie Orchestra from the mid-1930s until his death at the end of the decade. Liked to engage in saxophone battles with bandmate Lester Young. Also worked with Troy Floyd, Terrence Holder, Mamie Smith, the Durham Brothers, Lionel Hampton, Buck Clayton, Bennie Moten, Harry James, and Teddy Wilson. Evans collapsed on-stage, was rushed to the hospital and died a few days later at the age of 29 ~ Evans passed away in 1939
March 9, 1894 ~ Composer Pedro Flores, full name Pedro Juan Flores Cordóva, born in Naguabo, Puerto Rico ~ One of Puerto Rico's most beloved composers of ballads and boleros. Member of Trio Borinquen in the de 1920s, alongside Rafael Hernández Marín. Would form his own trio by the end of the decade. Best known for songs such as Obsesion, Amor Perdido, Baja Un Palmar, Borrach No Vale, Sin Bandera, Despedida, Perdon. Songs written by Flores would be recorded by Benny Moré, Los Panchos, Celia Cruz, and María Luisa Landín ~ Flores passed away in 1979