May 10, 2023 ~ Stuart Leslie James Slater, commonly known as Merseybeat, pop, rock singer Stu James, passed away ~ Lead singer of the Mojo's, known best for their 1963 UK top 10 hit Everything's Al'right. The follow-up singles Why Not Tonight and Seven Daffodils would also reach the top 30. The band would release several other singles and a sole eponymous EP, The Mojo's, before disbanding in 1968 ~ James was born in 1945
May 10, 2020 ~ Bessie Regina Norris, commonly known as soul, R&B singer Betty Wright, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Member of the Echoes of Joy. Sang background for Latimore, Bill Wyman, Gwen McCrae, Beverly Johnson, Stevie Wonder, Rachel Sweet, and Peter Tosh. Rose to fame in the 1970s as a solo artist known for hits such as Clean Up Woman, Where is The Love, Tonight's The Night and Dance With Me ~ Norris was born in 1953
May 10, 2018 ~ Body of indie rock, indie folk singer, guitarist Scott Hutchison discovered by police near South Queensferry, UK ~ Founding member, frontman, primary songwriter for Frightened Rabbit, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. The band, which includes his brother Grant Hutchison on drums, is known for their sparse arrangements and Hutchison's plaintive singing. They are especially acclaimed for their The Midnight Organ Fight album released in 2008. Following a social media post, stating: “Be so good to everyone you love. It's not a given. I'm so annoyed that it's not. I didn't live by that standard and it kills me. Please, hug your loved ones,” and a second post “I'm away now. Thanks”, Hutchinson would go missing. His body would be discovered the next day by police ~ Hutchinson was born in 1981
May 10, 2014 ~ Composer, arranger André Popp, full name André Charles Jean Popp, passed away in Puteaux, France ~ Best known for his association with Juliette Gréco, orchestrating a number of Gréco's 1950s and 1960s albums, and for co-penning a number of Eurovision Songfestival entries, namely Jacqueline Boyer's 1960 winning Tom Pillibi, Rachel's 1964 Le Chant De Mallory and Vicky Leandros's 1967 L'Amour Est Blue (Love Is Blue). The latter would notably be covered in an instrumental version by Paul Mauriat who took it to the top of the Billboard charts the following year ~ Popp was born in 1924
May 10, 2014 ~ Singer Conchita Wurst wins the 59th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Representing Austria, Wurst wins with the song Rise Like A Phoenix written by Charlie Mason, Joey Patulka, Ali Zuckowski and Julian Maas. Runner-ups would be the Common Linnets representing the Netherlands with Calm After The Storm in second place, and Sweden's Sanna Nielsen with Undo in third place
May 10, 2011 ~ Producer, arranger, label executive John Carter, full name John S Carter Jr, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ First gained attention in the mid-1960s co-writing That Acapulco Gold for the Rainy Daze and subsequently Incense And Peppermints for Strawberry Alarm Clock, the latter reaching No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967. Would go on to work for Atlantic Records and Capitol Records as an A&R executive. Helpful in advancing the careers of Bob Seger, specifically with the album Night Moves, and the Steve Miller Band. Signed artists such as Sammy Hagar, Bob Welch, and the Motels. Best known for relaunching the career of Tina Turner signing and guiding Turner through the recording of Private Dancer. The album would go on to sell over 20 million copies and bring Turner back to superstar status ~ Carter was born in 1945
May 10, 2008 ~ Ayse Leyla Ceyrekgil, commonly known as operatic soprano Leyla Gencer, passed away in Milan, Italy ~ Bel canto soprano active mostly in the 1950s through the 1980s in Italy. Especially known for her roles in operas composed by Gaetano Donizetti. Has worked with the Teatro Di San Carlo, La Scala, the Royal Opera House, the San Francisco Opera, and others ~ Ceyrekgil was born in 1928
May 10, 2006 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger John Hicks passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Started in blues, moved on to jazz. Influenced by pianists Fats Waller and Thelonious Monk. Has backed artists such as Art Blakey, Betty Carter, Woody Herman, Charles Tolliver, Lester Bowie, Arthur Blythe, David Murray, Pharoah Sanders, David Fathead Newman, Della Reese, Joe Farrell, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Jimmy Witherspoon, Kenny Dorham, Jimmy Witherspoon, Joe Henderson, Eric Alexander, Paquito d'Rivera, Sonny Fortune, Chico Freeman, and others ~ Hicks was born in 1941
May 10, 2005 ~ David Wayne Carnell, commonly known as hard rock, heavy metal singer, songwriter David Wayne, passed away in Tacoma, Washington, USA ~ Influenced by Judas Priest lead singer Rob Halford. Lead singer for speed metal, thrash metal outfit the Metal Church from 1982 through 1988, best known for their eponymous 1984 Metal Church debut album. Also formed and fronted Reverend, especially acclaimed for their 1991 Play God album ~ Carnell was born in 1958
May 10, 1999 ~ Singer, author, poet, cartoonist, playwright, songwriter Shel Silverstein, full name Sheldon Allan Silverstein, passed away in Key West, Florida, USA ~ To music audiences best known for writing or co-writing a number of quintessential pop, rock, country songs including Dr Hook's The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan and The Cover Of The Rolling Stone, Johnny Cash's 25 Minutes To Go, Loretta Lynn's One's On The Way and Hey Loretta, and Tompall Glaser's Put Another Log On The Fire ~ Silverstein was born in 1930
May 10, 1992 ~ William Kalubi, commonly known as hip-hop, trap, R&B rapper, singer, songwriter Damso, born in Kinshasa, Zaire ~ Belgium-based, enjoys popularity especially in France, singles such as Ipséité, Smog, and Morose all reaching the No.1 spot in France. Drew strong criticism because of misogynist and sexist content of his songs in 2018 when commissioned by the Belgian Football Associotian to record an anthem for the national team in that year's FIFA World Cup, the collaboration eventually ended by “mutual agreement”
May 10, 1989 ~ Trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer, bandleader Woody Shaw passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Louis Armstrong and Harry James. Played with Willie Bobo, Chick Corea, Joe Farrell, Eric Dolphy, Bud Powell, Kenny Clarke, Johnny Griffin, Dexter Gordon, Art Taylor, John Bodwin, René Urtreger, Jacques Thollot, Jef Gilson, Larry Young, Billy Brooks, Horace Silver, Jackie McLean, Booker Ervin, Andrew Hill, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson, Max Roach, Bennie Maupin, Ron Carter, George Cables, Gary Bartz, Clint Houston, Lenny White, Anthony Braxton, Arthur Blythe, Muhal Richard Abrams, Art Blakey, McCoy Tyner, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Mulgrew Miller, Larry Willis, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Steve Turre ~ Shaw was born in 1944
May 10, 1988 ~ Singer, guitarist Ciarán Bourke passed away in Dublin, Ireland ~ Co-founded folk band the Dubliners in 1962. Sang lead on songs such as Peggy Lettermore and Preab San Ol. Collapsed on stage in 1974 after a brain haemorrhage. A second haemorrhage would leave him paralysed on his left side ~ Bourke was born in 1935
May 10, 1985 ~ Singer Ashley Poole born in Blythe, California, USA ~ Original member of teen girl group Dream, alongside Holly Blake-Arnstein, Melissa Schuman and Diana Ortiz, known for the singles He Loves U Not and This Is Me
May 10, 1984 ~ Jazz drummer Jean Louis Viale passed away in Paris, France ~ Worked with Sacha Distel, René Urtreger, Jimmy Gourley, Bobby Jaspar, Henri Renaud, Clifford Brown, Frank Foster, Stan Getz, Stéphane Grappelli, Gigi Gryce, Thelonious Monk, Jimmy Raney, Django Reinhardt, Zoot Sims, Martial Solal, René Thomas, George Wallington, Barney Wilen, Lester Young, Raymond Fol, Johnny Griffin, Roger Guerin, Ivan Jullien, Jim Hall, Barney Kessel, Benny Bailey, Jack Diéval, Slide Hampton, and others ~ Viale was born in 1933
May 10, 1981 ~ Thomas Timothy Vernon-Kell, commonly known as alternative rock, dance-punk, pop, indietronica Tom Vek, born in Hounslow, UK ~ Has recorded about half a dozen albums, starting with his We Have Sound debut album released in 2005. Perhaps best known for I Ain't Saying Goodbyes, performed by Vek in a guest appearance on the teen drama series The OC
May 10, 1979 ~ Piedmont blues singer, guitarist, violinist, bassist Carl Martin passed away in Pontiac, Michigan, USA ~ Member of early blues, old-time bands the Four Keys, the Tennessee Chocolate Drops, and the Wandering Troubadours. Accompaniest for the likes of Bumble Bee Slim and Tampa Red. As a solo artist known for songs such as Crow Jane and Old Time Blues. Also especially noted for backing Freddie Spruell on the 1935 recording of Let's Go Riding. Honored by singer, songwriter Steve Goodman in the tribute song You Better Get It While You Can (The Ballad Of Carl Martin) ~ Martin was born in 1906
May 10, 1978 ~ Myles MacInnes, commonly known as electronic, house, nu-disco, trip hop producer, DJ Mylo, born in Broadford, UK ~ Released his Destroy Rock & Roll debut album in 2004. It would reach top 30 on the album charts in his native UK. Best known for his single Doctor Pressure released the following year, a UK top 10 hit mashing up his own Drop The Pressure and the Miami Sound Machine's 1984 hit Dr Beat
May 10, 1978 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones release Miss You, lead single off their Some Girls album ~ While most of their songs were driven by the rhythm guitar of Keith Richards, Miss You featured a prominent bass line which along with horns and drums gave the song a disco vibe. It alienated some of their older fans, yet the single would be success and reached top 10 in several countries including the No.1 spot in Canada and America. The bass line came mostly from Billy Preston, who accompanied the band on their 1976 tour. Bassist Bill Wyman would later explain: “We'd cut a rough demo a year or so earlier after a recording session. I'd already gone home, and Billy picked up my old bass when they started running through that song. He started doing that bit because it seemed to be the style of his left hand. So when we finally came to do the tune, the boys said, Why don't you work around Billy's idea? So I listened to it once and heard that basic run and took it from there. It took some changing and polishing, but the basic idea was Billy's”
May 10, 1977 ~ Bassist Inge Johansson born in Skellefteå, Sweden ~ Co-founding member of Totalt Jävla Mörker. Co-founding member of the International Noise Conspiracy, remaining with the band from its inception in 1998 through 2009. Has also worked with Knugen Faller, the Most, Alonzo & Fas 3, Cansei de Ser Sexy, and notably with Against Me from 2013 through 2018
May 10, 1977 ~ Bassist Jesse Vest born in Jeffersonville, Indiana, USA ~ Co-founding member of Days Of The New, present on the band's eponymous 1997 Days Of The New debut album. Co-founding member of Tantric, present on the band's Tantric and its After We Go follow-up. Subsequently founded the Louisville Crashers
May 10, 1972 ~ Pop singer Bobby Vinton releases his Sealed With A Kiss single ~ Written by Peter Udell and Gary Geld. First recorded by vocal group the Four Voices in 1960, who failed to make the song a hit. The song would become well known after Brian Hyland's rendition became a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit in 1962. A 1968 cover by Gary Lewis & the Playboys would reach top 20. Vinton's early-1970s rendition would stand out for its modern sound, arranged by Vinton, and including a bongo in the track's intro. It would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100 and rejuvenate Vinton's career. Later Vinton's rendition would be used for the soundtrack of the horror film All The Boys Love Mandy Lane, released in 2007
May 10, 1970 ~ Rapper Craig Mack, full name Craig Jamieson Mack, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Known for his 1994 hit Flava In Ya Ear, especially in the remix version which reached Billboard Hot 100 top 10. It would be the first hit for Bad Boy Entertainment, the breakout appearance of the Notorious BIG, and one of the first solo appearances by Busta Rhymes. Mack would be unable to replicate Flava's succes and eventually disappear from public view to resurface in 2012, having joined a church characterized by some as an end of times prophecy cult ~ Mack passed away in 2018
May 10, 1969 ~ Christophe Le Friant, commonly known as producer, DJ, remixer Bob Sinclar, born in Bois-Colombe, France ~ Actively DJing since the 1980s using a variety of monikers, settling on Sinclar by the late-1990s. Popularised French house music and known for heavily sampling disco strings. Would gain international recognition by the 2000s. Well known releases include Love Generation featuring Gary Pine, Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now), and The Lala Song
May 10, 1969 ~ Drummer, songwriter Gregory Slay, full name Gregory Scott Slay, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Formed Loppybogymi with bassist James Orr and Tim Ramenofsky in 1988, the trio earning a regional cult following with their merger of jazz-influenced funk and heavy metal. Slay departed the band after the release of their 1993 TUP album. Also well known as co-founding and constant member of alternative rock band Remy Zero. The band first gained attention opening for Radiohead on the American leg of the The Bends tour. Commercially best known for their 1998 Villa Elaine sophomore album and for Save Me of their third and final album Golden Hum. Slay has also worked with Sleepwell, Isidore, and Horsethief Beats. Also noted for recording A Perfect Lie with Remy bandmates Jeffrey Cain and Cedric Lemoyne under the moniker the Engine Room, the track would be used as the theme song for the TV drama Nip/Tuck and earn them an Emmy Award nomination ~ Slay passed away in 2010
May 10, 1968 ~ Country singer, keyboardist, bassist, songwriter Jeff Wood born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ Wrote Cowboy Love, a 1996 Billboard Country top 10 hit for John Michael Montgomery. Others who recorded his songs include Neal McCoy, BJ Thomas, and Phil Vassar. As a singer debuted with the Between The Earth And The Stars in 1997, which featured Vince Gill on mandolin and guitar
May 10, 1966 ~ Jazz organist, keyboardist, composer Sigbjørn Apeland born in Svelo, Norway ~ Worked with Nils Okland, Reidun Horvei, Ingeleiv Kvammen, Olav Kvammen, Åsne Valland Nordii, Marylands, Agnes Buen Garnås, Bjørn Kjellemyr, Einar Mj&oslassh;lsnes, Per Jorgensen, Berit Opheim, Hordaland, Synnøve S Bjørset, Knut Hamre, Hildegun Riise, Benedicte Maurseth, and others
May 10, 1965 ~ Jazz trumpeter Philip Harper born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Brother of drummer Winard Harper, with whom he also worked in the Harper Brothers alongside Justin Robinson, Stephen Scott and Michael Bowie. Has also worked with the Jazz Messengers, Cecil Brooks III, Etta Jones, Houston Person, and others
May 10, 1963 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones record Come On at Olympic Studios, London, UK ~ A cover of an old Chuck Berry-song, Come On would be the band's first professionally recorded single, the session helmed by producer Andrew Loog Oldham, and issued as the band's UK debut single the following June, paired with another cover, Willie Dixon's I Want To Be Loved, on the flip side. The single would reach No.21 on the British charts. About a decade later, lead singer Mick Jagger would look back on their first hit single: “I don't think Come On was very good, in fact it was shit. God knows how it ever got in the charts, it was such a hype. In fact we disliked it so much we didn't do it on any of our gigs”
May 10, 1963 ~ Guitarist Serge Teyssot-Gay born in St Etienne, France ~ Best known as guitarist of rock band Noir Désir through 2010. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with Zone Libre, Interzone, Joëlle Léandre, Kintsugi, Lydie Salvayre, and others
May 10, 1961 ~ Drummer Danny Carey, full name Daniel Edwin Carey, born in Lawrence, Kansas, USA ~ Influenced by jazz drummers such as Billy Cobham, Buddy Rich, and Lenny White, as well as by rock, progressive rock drummers such as Rush's Neil Peart, Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, and Primus's Barriemore Barlow. Drummer for alternative metal, post-metal outfit Tool, known for songs such as Sober, Schism, Fear Inoculum, and Pneuma. In-demand collaborator, has worked with Carole King, Pigmy Love Circus, Zaum, Green Jelly, Pigface, Skinny Puppy, Adrian Belew, and others
May 10, 1960 ~ Paul David Hewson, commonly known as rock singer Bono, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Lead singer, frontman, primary songwriter of U2, known for a host of hits since the early-1980s including New Year's Day, Pride (In The Name Of Love), Desire, Mysterious Ways, One, and Discothèque. Has collaborated with numerous artists including Gavin Friday, Roy Orbison, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Robbie Robertson, and the Royal Shakespeare Company
May 10, 1958 ~ Jazz trumpeter Claude Deppa born in Cape Town, South Africa ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with Brotherhood Of Breath, Carla Bley, the Grand Union Orchestra. Co-founding member of the Jazz Warriors. Also worked with Art Blakey, Miriam Makeba, Louis Moholo, Evan Parker, Courtney Pine, Andy Sheppard, the African Jazz Explosion, Clare Hirst, and others
May 10, 1958 ~ Vladimir Divljan, commonly known as art rock, rock, punk rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer Vlada Divljan, born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia ~ Best known for fronting Idoli, especially acclaimed for their 1982 Odbrana I Posiednji Dani generally counted among the all-time greatest Yugoslavian rock albums. Divljan has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Tajni Zivot AP Sandarova released in 1988
May 10, 1957 ~ Singer Carleen Anderson, full name Carleen Cassandra Anderson, born in USA ~ Member of the Young Disciples. Member of Brand New Heavies. Worked with Paul Weller, Bryan Ferry, Galliano, Guru, Courtney Pine, Incognito, Lewis Taylor, Hope Collective, and Jocelyn Brown. As a solo artist released her debut EP, Dusky Sappho, in 1993. A full-length album, True Spirit, would follow the next year
May 10, 1957 ~ John Simon Ritchie, commonly known as bassist, singer Sid Vicious, born in Lewisham, UK ~ Despite an early death at age 21 remains an icon of punk subculture, serving as bassist for short-lived yet pivotal punk band the Sex Pistols known for their sole Never Mind The Bollocks (Here's The Sex Pistols) album released in 1977. Prior to his tenure with the Pistols Ritchie has worked with the Flowers Of Romance which also included Keith Levene and Viv Albertine ~ Ritchie passed away in 1979
May 10, 1956 ~ Bassist, singer, composer Bakithi Kumalo born in Alexandra, South Africa ~ To pop, rock audiences best known for his fretless bass on Paul Simon's 1986 Graceland landmark album, in particular on the track You Can Call Me Al. Has also released several solo records and is an in-demand session musician for artists such as Joan Baez, Herbie Hancock, Randy Brecker, and Grover Washington Jr
May 10, 1954 ~ Pianist, bandleader, composer Carroll Gibbons, full name Carroll Richard Gibbons, passed away in London, UK ~ American-born bandleader rose to fame during the British dance band era. Co-led the Savoy Orpheans. Led the New Mayfair Orchestra. Briefly returned to the USA to work as a film composer for MGM in the early-1930s. As a composer best known for A Garden In The Rain, Bubbling Over, Moonbeam Dance and On The Air ~ Gibbons was born in 1903
May 10, 1954 ~ Jazz guitarist Lorne Lofsky born in Toronto, Canada ~ Played rock at school dances but settled on jazz after hearing the Miles Davis-album Kind Of Blue. Closely associated with Oscar Peterson, backing Peterson on tour and record and having Peterson produce his 1980 It Could Happen To You debut album. Has also worked with the Brass Connection, Kirk MacDonald, Duncan Hopkins, Kenny Wheeler, Rob McConnell, Joey DeFrancesco, Ed Bickert, Ruby Braff, Rosemary Clooney, Tal Farlow, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Hartman, Clark Terry, and others
May 10, 1953 ~ Jazz saxophonist Alex Foster, full name Paul Alexander Foster, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Active since the early-1970s. Perhaps best known as a member of Saturday Night Live house band. Present on recordings by Jack DeJohnette, Jimmy Owens, Kirk Lightsey, and Michael Wolff. To pop and rock audiences best known for guesting on albums by Lou Reed, Linda Clifford, Paul Simon (Graceland), Michael Bolton, Rickie Lee Jones, and Katy Perry
May 10, 1952 ~ Pop rock bassist Bob Glaub born ~ In-demand session bassist, active since the early-1970s. Has appeared on albums by Jesse Ed Davis, Arlo Guthrie, Dave Mason, Rod Stewart (Atlantic Crossing), Jackson Browne (The Pretender), Carly Simon, Leo Sayer, Warren Zevon, Steve Harley, Dusty Springfield, Jennifer Warnes, Donna Summer (Bad Girls), Cher, Bonnie Raitt, Gordon Lightfoot, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks (Bella Donna), Karla Bonoff, Jimmy Buffett, Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan (Empire Burlesque), Journey, Don Henley (The End Of Innocence), Ringo Starr, Neil Diamond, Rodney Crowell, Bob Seger, John Fogerty (Blue Moon Swamp), Susanna Hoffs, and LeAnn Rimes
May 10, 1952 ~ Country, dansband, pop, schlager singer, accordionist Kikki Danielsson born in Osby, Sweden ~ Member of Nickies. Member of Wizex. Internationally perhaps best known for representing her native Sweden twice at the Eurovision Songfestival, in 1982 as a member of Chips reaching 8th place with Dag Efter Dag, and again in 1985 as a solo artist reaching third place with Bra Vibrationer. Married to Kjell Roos from 1984 through 1999, her musical partner in the dansband Roosarna
May 10, 1952 ~ Lee John Collinson, commonly known as rock, pub rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Lee Brilleaux born in Durban, South Africa ~ Helped found Stiff Records in 1976 with a loan of £500. Co-founded Dr Feelgood with Wilko Johnson in 1971, known best for their 1979 UK top 10 hit Milk And Alcohol, serving as the band's lead singer, occasional guitarist and sole constant member, his last performance just months before his death ~ Collinson passed away in 1994
May 10, 1952 ~ Lowell Fillmore Dunbar, commonly known as drummer Sly Dunbar, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Cites the Skatalites-drummer Lloyd Knibb, Stax/Volt stalwart Al Jackson Jr, and Bob Marley-drummer Carlton Barrett as influences. Best known for his longtime association with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, the duo sessioning together on numerous Jamaican recordings since the early-1970s. By 1980 they would found their own Taxi Records label, releasing their own music as well as pivotal records by the likes of Black Uhuru, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Ini Kamoze, Beenie Man, and Red Dragon. As the 1980s progressed Sly & Robbie would also become an in-demand duo for numerous American and British artists apperaring on recordings by Joan Armatrading, Grace Jones (Nightclubbing), Joe Cocker (Sheffield Steel), Carly Simon, Gwen Guthrie, Nona Hendryx, Bob Dylan (Empire Burlesque), Mick Jagger, Yoko Ono, and Simply Red
May 10, 1951 ~ Progressive rock keyboardist, organist Alan Park born in Glasgow, UK ~ Member of Beggar's Opera, known best for their 1970 Act One debut album. Has also worked as musical director for Cliff Richard
May 10, 1951 ~ Fitzroy Simpson, commonly known as reggae, roots reggae singer Bunny Simpson, born ~ Formed reggae harmony group the Mighty Diamonds with Judge Ferguson and Tabby Shaw, best known for their 1976 The Right Time debut album. Originally recorded Pass The Kouchie in 1981, notably covered by pop-reggae outfit Musical Youth as Pass The Dutchie ~ Simpson passed away in 2022
May 10, 1951 ~ Saxophonist, singer Greg Piccolo born in Westerly, Rhode Island, USA ~ Co-founding member of Roomful Of Blues, serving as saxophonist and following Duke Robillard's departure by the end of the 1970s the de facto leader of the band. Wrote a number of songs, notably on the 1984 Dressed Up To Get Messed Up album including The Last Time. Piccolo released two solo acid jazz solo albums in the 1990s, Heavy Juice and Acid Blue, and guested on albums by John Mooney, the Fabulous Thunderbirds (Butt-rockin'), Lou Ann Barton, Big Joe Turner, JB Hutto, Ronnie Earl (Smokin'), Hubert Sumlin, Tinsley Ellis, Pat Benatar, Michelle Willson (So Emotional), Colin James, and Jimmie Vaughan
May 10, 1951 ~ Composer John Burke, full name John Joseph Burke, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Mainly composed for chamber enembles. Best known for works such as Six Regions For Piano, Spectre For Tenor Instruments and perhaps his best known Firewind published in 1980. The latter would notably be recorded by Bruce Mather and Pierrete LePage ~ Burke passed away in 2020
May 10, 1951 ~ Classical, experimental, jazz, world music harpist Susan Allen born in Monovia, California, USA ~ Revered harpist, best known for her use of the electric harp premiering works by contemporary composers such as Ruth Lomon, Elizabeth Walton Vercoe, Roger Bourland, Hayg Boyadjian and William Thomas McKinley. Has collaborated with Harold Budd, Adam Rudolph, Yusef Lateef, Mark Abel, and others ~ Allen passed away in 2015
May 10, 1950 ~ Keith Blake, commonly known as roots reggae singer Prince Alla, born in St Elizabeth, Jamaica ~ Active since the 1960s. Member of shortlived late-1960s band the Leaders alongside Milton Henry and Roy Palmer. As a solo artist known for early-1970s songs such as Woo Oh Oh and Born A Fighter, and especially known for a string of mid-1970s records now regarded as roots classics including Sun Is Shining, Bucket Bottom, and Lot's Wife and Tone
May 10, 1949 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Nolan Porter, full name Nolan Frederick Porter, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Married to Candy Zappa, sister of Frank Zappa. Recorded two albums in the early-1970s, initially to little success but in time appreciated by British Northern soul aficionados. Best known for songs such as Keep On Keeping On and If I Could Only Be Sure, the latter notably covered by father of Britpop Paul Weller on his 2004 Studio 150 album ~ Porter passed away in 2021
May 10, 1948 ~ Classical violinist Ani Kavafian born in Istanbul, Turkey ~ Sister of violinist Ida Kavafian, with whom she regularly collaborated. Closely associated with the Chamber Music Society Of Lincoln Center. Has also worked with the New York Philharmonic, the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra. Professor at Yale University since 2006. In-demand visiting professor around the country
May 10, 1947 ~ Leroy Brand, commonly known as jazz trumpeter Ahmed Abdullah, born ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for backing Sun Ra. Has also worked with artists such as Arthur Blythe, Billy Bang, Dennis González, Charles Brackeen, Chico Freeman, Malachi Favors, Charles Moffett, Carlos Ward, and Alex Blake
May 10, 1947 ~ John Arden Ferguson, commonly known as rock, pop rock, soft rock singer, keyboardist, percussionist Jay Ferguson, born in Burbank, California, USA ~ Lead singer of 1960s, 1970s outfit Spirit, present on the band's 1968 I Got A Line On You Billboard Hot 100 top 30 hit. After departing the band in 1971 Ferguson co-founded Jo Jo Gunne, best known for the single Run Run Run taken of the band's eponymous Jo Jo Gunne debut album. Ferguson has also recorded as a solo artist. Later on in his career has composed for film and TV, notably writing the theme to the NBC TV series The Office
May 10, 1946 ~ Guitarist, bassist, singer Dave Mason, full name David Thomas Mason, born in Worcester, UK ~ Rose to fame as member of rock outfit Traffic, present on the albums Mr Fantasy and its follow-up Traffic. Also notably played with Jimi Hendrix, including 12-string acoustic guitar on the Bob Dylan-cover All Along The Watchtower and backing vocals on Crosstown Traffic. Present on the Rolling Stones album Beggars' Banquet. Present on George Harrison's All Things Must Pass album. Other collaborations include Cass Elliott, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, David Crosby, Fleetwood Mac, Leon Russell, Deep Feeling, and others. As a solo artist known for the moderate 1970 Only You Know And I Know hit, the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit We Just Disagree, and the Michael Jackson-duet Save Me of his 1980 Old Crest On A New Wave
May 10, 1946 ~ Donovan Phillips Leitch, mononymously known as folk, folk pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Donovan, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Draws from folk, jazz, pop, rock. Somewhat unjustly characterized as England's answer to Bob Dylan. Known for songs such as Catch The Wind, Colours, Universal Soldier, Sunshine Superman, Mellow Yellow and Jennifer Juniper
May 10, 1946 ~ Singer, bassist, guitarist, songwriter Graham Gouldman, full name Graham Keith Gouldman, born in Broughton, UK ~ In-demand songwriter, writing or co-writing songs such as For Your Love (the Yardbirds), Bus Stop (the Hollies), and No Milk Today (Herman's Hermits). Sole constant member of art rock band 10cc, known for songs such as Rubber Bullets, The Wall Street Shuffle, I'm Not In Love, Good Mornihng Judge, and perhaps their best known Dreadlock Holiday. Formed Wax with singer Andrew Gold. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with The Graham Gouldman Thing released in 1968
May 10, 1945 ~ Rock critic, author, songwriter Richard Meltzer born in New York, New York, USA ~ Credited by some with inventing “rock criticism” but certainly one of the first rock historians. Authored The Aesthetics Of Rock, which evolved out of his studies in philosophy. Would go on to write as a rock critic for magazines such as Rolling Stone, Village Voice, and Creem. Regular songwriter and promoter for Soft White Belly and its successor the Blue Öyster Cult, for whom he co-wrote numerous songs including Burnin' For You of their Fire Of Unknown Origin
May 10, 1944 ~ John Richard Lomax, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Jackie Lomax, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Member of several bands including Dee & the Dynamites, the Undertakers, Heavy Jelly, and Badger. Best known for his association with George Harrison, who produced several of Lomax's late-1960s recordings notably Sour Milk Sea and the subsequent Is This What You Want debut album released in 1969. Despite warm critical reception and backing from Harrison, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and an all-star session cast including Larry Knechtel, Nicky Hopkins and Hal Blaine, both the single and album would fail to chart on either side of the Atlantic ~ Lomax passed away in 2013
May 10, 1942 ~ Post-minimalist composer Ingram Marshall, full name Ingram Douglass Marshall, born in Mount Vernon, New York, USA ~ Though Marshall himself described his music as expressivist counted among post-minimalist composers. Influenced by 1960s minimalist composers such as Steve Reich, Terry Riley and John Adams, as well as world music, portraying a fondness for the gamelan. Composed chamber music, orchestral and choral works. Well known compositions include Fragility Cycles and Voce Resonae, the latter written for the Kronos Quartet ~ Marshall passed away in 2022
May 10, 1940 ~ Singer, songwriter Arthur Alexander born in Florence, Alabama, USA ~ Best known for Anna Go To Him, later covered by the Beatles ~ Alexander passed away in 1993
May 10, 1940 ~ Blues singer Tampa Red records It Hurts Me Too and Don't You Lie To Me in Chicago, Illinois ~ Both songs penned and first recorded by Tampa Red. Both would become blues classics covered numerous times. Don't You Lie To Me would be covered by Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Albert King, BB King, Gary Moore, and by Supertramp. It Hurts Me Too would be covered by Sticks McGhee, Big Bill Broonzy, Elmore James adding lyrics and becoming the best known version, and by Junior Wells
May 10, 1939 ~ Talvin Wayne Cochran, commonly known as soul singer Wayne Cochran, born in Thomaston, Georgia, USA ~ Having befriended Otis Redding Cochran played bass guitar on Redding's early recording of Shout Bamalama and its B-side Fat Girl. Cochran was dubbed the “White Knight of Soul” and is perhaps best known for the 1961 hit Last Kiss ~ Cochran passed 2017
May 10, 1938 ~ R&B, soul singer Henry Fambrough, full name Henry Lee Fambrough, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Last surviving original member of the Spinners, at times known as the Detroit Spinners or the Motown Spinners to avoid confusion with other groups. The group had been recording since the early-1960s, and enjoyed popularity especially during the 1970s. Well known songs include It's A Shame, I'll Be Around, Could It Be I'm Falling In Love, Ghetto Child, the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Then Came You with Dionne Warwick, The Rubberband Man, and Working My Way Back To You. The band would be inducted in the 2023 class of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, acknowledging them as “one of the most beloved R&B vocal groups in the world, (who) came to define the Philadelphia sound despite their Motor City origins.” ~ Fambrough passed away in 2024
May 10, 1937 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Mike Melvoin born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA ~ Closely associated with Bill Henderson, Herb Ellis, Plas Johnson. Has worked on about half a dozen of Lalo Schifrin's soundtracks, including Music From Music Impossible and Bullit. Also present on albums by Nancy Wilson, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), Oliver Nelson, Mason Williams, Peggy Lee, the Ventures, Cal Tjader, the Partridge Family, Tavares (Check It Out), Quincy Jones, Edwin Starr (Hell Up In Harlem), Tom Waits (The Heart Of Saturday Night), Thelma Houston, Ahmad Jamal, Natalie Cole, and Michael Bublé ~ Melvoin passed away in 2012
May 10, 1935 ~ Vibraphonist, percussionist Julius Wechter born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as member of Herb Alpert's backing unit the Tijuana Brass and leader of its spin-off group the Baja Marimba Band. Wrote Alpert's Spanish Flea, covered by numerous artists including Floyd Cramer, Toots Thielemans, Cyril Stapleton, Liberace, and Xavier Cugat. In-demand session musician for the likes of the Monkees, Sonny & Cher, Phil Spector and perhaps most notably the Beach Boys, noted for his climactic timpana on Do You Wanna Dance and distinctive vibraphone on Let's Go Away For Awhile ~ Wechter passed away in 1999
May 10, 1935 ~ Lawrence Eugene Williams, commonly known as R&B, rock & roll singer, pianist, singer Larry Williams, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for his tenure with Specialty Records during the late-1950s, recording several mostly self-penned classics including Bony Moronie, Short Fat Fannie, Slow Down, Dizzy Miss Lizzy, Bad Boy, and She Said Yeah. Artists who have covered his songs include the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and John Lennon ~ Williams passed away in 1980
May 10, 1934 ~ Jazz drummer Joe Nay born in Berlin, Germany ~ Studied guitar at the Berlin Conservatory, Berlin, Germany. Best known as a drummer though, active since the early-1960s. Formed the house band at the noted Berlin jazz club the Blue Note, where he accompanied visiting American jazz musicians such as Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Don Byas, Dexter Gordon, and Johnny Griffin. Nay was also closely associated with Michael Naura, the Northern Lights, and Message. Regarded as one of Germany's prime jazz drummers, Nay has also appeared on albums by Jan Huydts, Carmell Jones, Tete Montoliu (Body & Soul), Dusko Gojkovic, Kristian Schultze, Volker Kriegel, Barbara Dennerlein (Bebab), Dick Heckstall-Smith, and Wilton Gaynair (Alpharian). Nay passed away at age 55 following a traffic accident. Nay's son is Sebastian Nay, who is also a professional jazz drummer ~ Nay passed away in 1990
May 10, 1929 ~ Jazz drummer Mel Lewis born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Active since the 1950s. Well known for co-leading the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra with Thad Jones. In-demand sideman, worked with Stan Kenton, Herbie Mann, Pepper Adams, Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Sonny Stitt, Bob Brookmeyer, Benny Carter, Kenny Burrell, Manny Albam, Eric Dolphy, and Jimmy Knepper ~ Lewis passed away in 1990
May 10, 1919 ~ Conductor, pianist Peter Maag, full name Ernst Peter Johannes Maag, born in St Gallen, Switzerland ~ Principal conductor with the Dusseldorf Opera from 1952 through 1955. Would go on to work with orchestras such as the Bonn City Theater, the Royal Opera House, the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Volksoper, the Metropolitan Opera, the RAI Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande, and others ~ Maag passed away in 2001
May 10, 1914 ~ Thomas Thomas, commonly known as operatic tenor Richard Lewis, born in Manchester, UK ~ Well known for his leading tenor roles in several late-1950s, early-1960s recordings of WS Gilbert & Arthur Sullivan comic operas. Has also recorded works composed by George Frideric Handel, Claudio Monteverdi, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johannes Brahms, Benjamin Britten, and Edward Elgar ~ Thomas passed away in 1990
May 10, 1909 ~ Maybelle Addington, commonly known as guitarist, auto-harpist, singer Mother Maybelle Carter, born in Nickelsville, Virginia, USA ~ Member of the Carter Family, one of the most beloved and influential family outfits in country music. Helped establish the guitar as a lead instrument in country music. Member of the Carter Sisters. Married to manager Ezra Carter, with whom she had three daughters Helen Carter, Anita Carter and June Carter ~ Carter passed away in 1978
May 10, 1905 ~ Rebetiko singer, bouzouki player, songwriter Markós Vamvakaris born in Ano Syros, Greece ~ Dubbed “the Patriarch of Rebetko” for his significance to the genre. Closely associated with Yiorgos Batis, Anestis Delias, and Stratos Pagioumtzis. Known for songs such as Frankosyriani, Alaniaris, Ta Matia Sou T'Arapika, Psilia Tin Htizis, and Sklirokardhi ~ Vamvakaris passed away in 1972
May 10, 1894 ~ Composer, conductor Dimitri Tiomkin, full name Dmitri Zinovievich Tiomkin, born in Kremenchuk, Russian Empire ~ Classically trained in St Petersburg, Tiomkin moved to Berlin and subsequently to the USA after the Russian Revolution, establishing himself as an in-demand film composer. Enjoyed a particular productive spell during the 1950s, at one time ranked as the highest paid film composer and writing close to one score per month, and receiving Academy Awards for Best Original Score for the Westerns High Noon, The High And Mighty, and The Old Man And The Sea ~ Tiomkin passed away in 1979
May 10, 1888 ~ Composer, conductor, songwriter Max Steiner, full name Maximilian Raoul Steiner, born in Vienna, Austria ~ Referred to as “the Father of Film music”, being one of the first to write extensively for film having composed over 300 film scores. Won Academy Awards for the scores of 1935's The Informer, 1942's Now Voyager and 1944's Since You Went Away. Other well known soundtracks written or co-written by Steiner include King Kong and Casablanca ~ Steiner passed away in 1971