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, Alice Cooper, and others ~ 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 the Berlin Philharmonic, and others ~ Levine was born in 1943
March 9, 2019 ~ Saxophonist George Benson passed away ~ Not to be confused with singer, guitarist George Benson. Leader and sideman. Sessioned with Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Earl Van Dyke, Eddie Russ, JC Heard, Sammy Price, Wendell Harrison, BB Queen, Bess Bonnier, Dennis Tini, Brad Felt, and others ~ Benson was born in 1929
March 9, 2017 ~ Singer, poet, olympic fencer Barbara Helsingius passed away in Espoo, Finland ~ As a singer debuted in 1966 with the album Barbara, a collection of American folk songs translated to Finnish. Later she would record own compositions and sing in both English and in her native tongue ~ Helsengius was born in 1937
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, Mario Millo and others 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 ~ Singer Karen Carroll dies ~ Worked with Carey Bell, Professor Eddie Lusk, Lurrie Bell, Rudy Rotta, Otis Grand, Angela Brown, Billy Branch, Melvin Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Lonnie Brooks, Alvin Lee, Byther Smith, Sugar Blue, and others. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Had My Fun in 1995 and has recorded steadily since ~ Carroll was born in 1958
March 9, 2016 ~ Bassist Leon Francioli passed away ~ Founded Sunnymoon with Werner Ludi, Stephan Wittwer and Freddy Studer. Also worked with Beb Guerin, Pierre Favre, George Gruntz, Michel Portal, Jerry CHardonnens, Albert Mangelsdorff, Jean Francois Bovard, Francois Lindemann, Alex Theus, Joe McPhee, Mario Schiano, Daniel Bourquin, and others ~ Francioli was born in 1946
March 9, 2016 ~ Juvenal de Holanda Vasconcelos, commonly known as drummer, percussionist, singer Nana Vasconcelos, passed away in Perbambuco, Brazil ~ Acclaimed leader with over a dozen albums to his name, starting with El Incredible Nana Con Agustin Pereyra Lucena released in 1971. In-demand collaborator and sideman, gracing recordings by the likes of Pat Metheny, Don Cherry, Björk, Jan Garbarek, Gato Barbieri, Milton Nascimento, the Ambitious Lovers, Codona, Egberto Gismonti, Arto Lindsay, Herb Alpert, Laurie Anderson, Luiz Bonfá, Vinicius Cantuaria, Chico Freeman, BB King, Chaka Khan, Marisa Monte, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and others ~ 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, Johnny Duncan, and others ~ 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, the Rome Opera, and others ~ 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 ~ Charles Lopez, commonly known as guitarist, singer, painter Rust Epique, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Joined rap metal band Crazy Town in 1999. Co-founded Pre Thing, known for their sole album, 22nd Century Lifestyle, in 2004 ~ Lopez was born in 1968
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, Betty Smith, and others ~ Lee was born in 1934
March 9, 1998 ~ Jazz guitarist Malcolm Mitchell passed away in Bognor Regis, UK ~ Formed a jazz trio with pianist Johnnie Pearson and bassist Teddy Broughton. Backed musicians such as Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael and singer Maxine Sullivan ~ Mitchell was born in 1926
March 9, 1997 ~ Christopher George Latore Wallace, commonly known as rapper 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, 1993 ~ Jazz singer, bandleader Bob Crosby, full name George Robert Crosby, passed away in La Jolla, California, USA ~ Brother of singer Bing Crosby. Best known for leading the Bob-cats and for his CBS TV variety show The Bob Crosby TV Show ~ Crosby was born in 1913
March 9, 1993 ~ Min Yoon Gi, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Suga, born in Daegu, South Korea ~ Member of South Korean boyband BTS
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 ~ Jazz double bassist Monty Budwig passed away in Eagle Rock, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Carmen McRae, Barney Kessel, Woody Herman, Red Norvo, Shelly Manne, Vince Guaraldi, Benny Goodman, Steve Allen, Judy Garland, Gary Burton, Frank Butler, Conte Candoli, Betty Carter, June Christy, Rosemary Clooney, Sonny Criss, Jimmy Knepper, Charles McPherson, Art Pepper, Zoot Sims, Cal Tjader, Sarah Vaughan, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and others ~ Budwig was born in 1926
March 9, 1991 ~ Dominique Marquis Cole, commonly known as rapper, DJ Domo Genesis, born in Inglewood, California, USA ~ Member of collective Odd Future. Released his full-length Genesis solo album in 2016. Has collaborated with Anderson Paak, Wiz Khalifa, Schoolboy Q, Vince Staples, the Alchemist, Earl Sweatshirt, Curren$y, and others
March 9, 1990 ~ Keenon Dequan Ray Jackson, commonly known as rapper YG, born in Compton, California, USA ~ Best known for My Nigga featuring Jeezy & Rich Homie Quan, a Billboard top 20 hit in 2013. Would release his full-length debut album, My Krazy Life, in 2014.
March 9, 1989 ~ Kim Tae-yeon, mononymously known as K-pop singer Taeyeon born in Jeonju, South Korea ~ Best known as member of girl group Girls' Generation. Released her solo debut album, My Voice, in 2017
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, Bone Thugs 'n Harmony, and others
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, Guitar Slim, and others ~ Blackwell was born in 1918
March 9, 1985 ~ Jermaine Scott Sinclair, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Wretch 32, born in Tottenham, UK ~ Worked with the Combination Chain Gng, the Movement, Example, Etta Bond, Ed Sheeran, Wizzy Wow, Shakka, Josh Kumra, and others
March 9, 1984 ~ Priscilla Natalie Hartranft, commonly known as singer, guitarist, pianist, banjois, songwriter Priscilla Ahn, born in Fort Stewart, Georgia, USA ~ Debuted in 2008 with the album A Good Day and has recorded steadily to critical acclaim since
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, 1983 ~ Christopher Francis Ries, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Young Chris, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Formed the rap duo Young Gunz with Neef Buck, known for their 2003 single Can't Stop Won't Stop
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, Omega Crosby and others
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 ~ Ross was born in 1909
March 9, 1974 ~ Harris Womack, commonly known as R&B, gospel, soul 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, 1972 ~ Folk, indie pop, alt country, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Josh Rouse born in Oshkosh, Nebraska, USA ~ Critically acclaimed for his 1998 Dressed Up Like Nebraska album. Would go on to work with Kurt Wagner and open for artists such as Mark Eitzel, Aimee Mann and Vic Chesnutt
March 9, 1971 ~ Corey Miller, commonly known as rapper, actor, songwriter C-Murder, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of rap group TRU. Released his full-length Life Or Death, in 1998. Currently serving a life sentence for murder, Miller maintains his innocence to this day
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, 1971 ~ Heavy metal, progressive metal singer, guitarist, keyboardist, remixer Johan Edlund born in Södertälje, Sweden ~ Fronted bands such as Tiamat and Lucyfire. Guested with progressive metal outfit Ayreon. Has remixed tracks for Rammstein and London After Midnight
March 9, 1971 ~ Indie pop, indie rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, percussionist Robert Schneider born in Cape Town, South Africa ~ Member of the Apples In Stereo. Member of Major Organ & the Adding Machine. Has also worked with Ulysses, Thee American Revolution, the Orchestre Fantastique, Sound Of Ceres, and others
March 9, 1970 ~ James Wesley Prosser, commonly known as country singer, guitarist James Wesley born in Mound Valley, Kansas, USA ~ Known for a handful of early 2010s singles, most notably Real and its follow-up Didn't I
March 9, 1970 ~ Pop drummer, percussionist, singer Robert Mosuse born in Borgerhout, Belgium ~ Member of the Radios, known for songs such as I'm Into Folk, Gimme Love and She Goes Nana. One third of the Big M's, alongside Paul Michiels and Hervé Martens. Also worked with Plane Vanilla ~ Mosuse passed away in 2000
March 9, 1970 ~ Rock drummer, 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, the Sex Pistols. Founding member of crossover thrash outfit Excel. Lead guitarist of the Infectious Grooves. Founded power trio My Head. Bassist for indie rock band Eels
March 9, 1969 ~ Linda Viera Caballero, commonly known as salsa, house, latin pop singer, songwriter La India, born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, USA ~ Married to Louie Vega. Briefly a member of Latin freestyle group TKA, leaving the band in 1986. Debuted as a solo artist in 1992 with the Liego La India Via Eddie Palmieri salsa album, produced by Eddie Palmieri.
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, 1968 ~ Rock, alternative rock bassist, keyboardist, singer Robert Sledge born ~ Worked with Toxic Popsicle and Lexx Luthor prior to co-founding Ben Folds Five with Ben Folds and Darren Jessee, best known to mainstream audiences for their Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit of their 1997 Whatever And Ever Amen sophomore album. Has subsequently worked with International Orange
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, 1965 ~ Clarinetist, saxophonist Tommy Douglas passed away ~ Best known for his associations with Jelly Roll Morton and Bennie Moten. Has also worked with Charlie Parker, Jo Jones, Captain Woolmack's Band, and with Clarence Love ~ Douglas was born in 1911
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, Scott Joplin, and others. ~ 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, Robert Schumann, and others ~ Blet passed away in 2022
March 9, 1958 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter David Wilcox, full name David Patrick Wilcox, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Critically compared to James Taylor, Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell. Released his Nightshift debut album in 1987 and has recorded consistently since
March 9, 1958 ~ Jazz singer Laurie Antonioli born in Marin County, California, USA ~ Mentored by Mark Murphy and Joe Henderson. Closely associated with saxophonist Pony Poindexter. Released her Soul Eyes debut album in 1985, accompanied by pianist George Cables, and has recorded sporadically since
March 9, 1958 ~ Singer, multi-instrumentalist Martin Fry born in Manchester, UK ~ Co-founder, lead singer of ABC, known for hits such as 1980s hits such as Poison Arrow, The Look Of Love, All Of My Heart and When Smokey Sings
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 ~ 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, 1957 ~ Saxophonist Thomas Chapin born in Manchester, Connecticut, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Chico Hamilton, Machine Gun, Mario Pavone, Ray Drummond, Anthony Braxton, Tom Harrell, Sonny Sharrock, John Zorn, Marty Ehrlich, Ned Rothenberg, Axel Zwingenberger, and others ~ Chapin passed away in 1998
March 9, 1956 ~ Singer, songwriter Paul Demer born in Gatineau, Canada ~ Best known for writing Notre Place which became an anthem of the Franco-Ontarian community ~ Demers passed away in 2016
March 9, 1954 ~ Singer Charmaine Sylvers born ~ Member of popular 1970s sibling R&B outfit the Sylvers, known for songs such as Fools Paradise, Fever and Hot Line
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 ~ 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
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
March 9, 1949 ~ Composer, poet Chris Mann born in Australia ~ Closely associated with John Cage and Kenneth Gaburo. Has also collaborated with Thomas Buckner, David Dunn, Annea Lockwood, Larry Polanski, Robert Rauschenberg, and others ~ Mann passed away in 2018
March 9, 1949 ~ Rock, hard rock, glam rock, soft rock bassist Jim McGinlay born in Lennoxtown, UK ~ Along with his brother Kevin McGinlay founded Scottish hard rock outfit Salvation, which also included future Ultravox-frontman Midge Ure. Has also worked with the Strollers, Friendly Persuasion, Slik, Revival, and others
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, Crushed Butler, and others
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, Merle Travis, and others
March 9, 1947 ~ Abdelmajid Guemguem, commonly known as percussionist Guem, born in Batna, French Algeria ~ About two dozen albums to his name, starting with Percussions Africaines released in 1973 ~ Guemguem passed away in 2021
March 9, 1947 ~ Opera director, conductor Ryszard Peryt born in Zielona, Poland ~ Best known as director and conductor. Also wrote the libretto for Zygmunt Krauze's Balthazar ~ Peryt passed away in 2019
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, Joe Cocker, and others
March 9, 1946 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Steve Ashley, full name Steve Frank Ashley, born in London, UK ~ Best known for his acclaimed debut album, Stroll On, released in 1974
March 9, 1945 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Conard Hunley, full name Conrad Logan Hunley, born in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for songs such as Week-end Friend, You've Still Got A Place In My Heart, I've Been Waiting For You All Of My Life, You Lay A Whole Lot Of Love On Me and What's New With You
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, Amon Düül, and others ~ 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, Bryan Ferry, and others
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, 1944 ~ Guitarist, producer, songwriter Roland Chambers born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Original member of MFSB, best known for their 1972 recording of TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia). The tune, penned by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff would be hugely influential in shaping the Philly sound of the 1970s and be used as the theme for the Soul Train TV musical show ~ Chambers passed away in 2002
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 ~ Member of the Standells. Best known as member of the Walker Brothers, known for 1960s hits such as Make It Easy On Yourself and The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore
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, 1942 ~ Singer Mark Lindsay born in Eugene, Oregon, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of Paul Revere & the Raiders and besides Paul Revere the only other constant member of the band
March 9, 1940 ~ Gary Hirsh, commonly known as rock drummer Chicken Hirsh, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as member of Country Joe & the Fish from 1966, replacing John Francis Gunning, through 1969. Would subsequently work with Blackburn & Snow and with the Cleanliness & Godliness Skiffle Band ~ Hirsh passed away in 2021
March 9, 1940 ~ Singer, film composer, songwriter Jean-Jacques Debout born in Paris, France ~ Has written for artists such as Johnny Hallyday, Sylvia Vartan, Dalida, and for his wife singer, actress Chantal Goya
March 9, 1940 ~ Schlager, tango singer Reijo Talpale, full name Reijo Toivo Taipale, born in Miehikkala, Finland ~ Over two dozen albums to his name starting with 1966 Reijo. Has also released a number of collaborative albums with Elno Grön ~ Taipale passed away in 2019
March 9, 1939 ~ Singer Ernie Hare, full name Thomas Ernest Hare, passed away ~ Best known as radio star on The Happiness Boys along with Billy Jones ~ Hare was born in 1883
March 9, 1938 ~ Barbro Margareta Svennson, commonly known as singer, actress Lill Babs born in Jarvso, Sweden ~ Represented Sweden in the 1961 Eurovision Songfestival with April April, reaching 14th place ~ Svensson passed away in 2018
March 9, 1938 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Marzette Watts born in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Worked with Jiuni Boot, Henry Grimes, JC Moses, Cecil Taylor, Don Cherry, Archie Shepp, Clifford Thornton, and others ~ Watts passed away in 1998
March 9, 1938 ~ Percussionist Roy Brooks born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Dropped out of college to tour with Yusef Lateef. Also worked with Barry Harris, Beans Bowles, Horace Silver (including on the landmark 1965 album Song For My Father), Sonny Stitt, Lee Morgan, Dexter Gordon, Chet Baker, Junior Cook, Blue Mitchell, Charles McPherson, Pharoah Sanders, Wes Montgomery, Dollar Brand, Jackie McLean, James Moody, Charles Mingus, Milt Jackson, Cecil McBee, Woody Shaw, the Artistic Truth, Kenny Cox, Harold McKinney, Wendell Harrison, Red Garland, M'Boom, Max Roach, Sonny Red, Hilton Ruiz, Abdullah Ibrahim, Buddy Tate, John Wright, and others ~ 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 ~ Music journalist, critic, author Gerald Larner born ~ Music critic for the Guardian and the Times. Authored a 1996 biography of composer Maurice Ravel ~ Larner passed away in 2018
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, Pat Metheny, and others ~ Coleman passed away in 2015
March 9, 1930 ~ Victor Ash, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Vic Ash, born in East London, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Tubby Hayes, Kenny Baker, Vic Lewis, Hoagy Carmichael, Cab Calloway, Maxine Sullivan, Frank Sinatra, and others ~ Ash passed away in 2014
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, to whom she was married from 1953 to 1961, 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 known for I Wish You Love and You're Breaking My Heart ~ Keely passed away in 2017
March 9, 1927 ~ 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, 1926 ~ Composer, viola player Milan Krizek born in Lisov, Czechoslovakia ~ Composed orchestral music, chamber music and vocal and choral pieces rooted in neoclassicism ~ Krízek passed away in 2018
March 9, 1925 ~ Singer Tamara Nizhnikova, full name Tamara Nikolaevna Nizhnikova born in Samara, Russia ~ Best known for her long-time association with the National Opera & Ballet Of Belarus ~ Nizhnikova passed away in 2018
March 9, 1914 ~ 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 ~ Orchestral, opera, choral 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 tenor saxophonist Herschel 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, Teddy Wilson, and others. 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, María Luisa Landín, and others ~ Flores passed away in 1979
March 9, 1865 ~ Howard Munkittrick, commonly known as conductor, composer Howard Talbot, born in Yonkers, New York, USA ~ Best known for composing the music to a number of musical comedies, notably Chinese Honeymoon, The Arcadians and The Boy ~ Munkittrick passed away in 1928