May 13, 1996 ~ Tate Sequoya Farris, commonly known as singer, rapper, producer Yung Baby Tate, born in Decatur, Georgia, USA ~ Daughter of singer, producer David Ryan Harris and soul singer Dionne Farriss. Released her Girls debut album in 2019. Hass collaborated with Flwr Chyld, Miracle Whip, Ashnikko (Stupid), and La Lana
May 13, 1988 ~ Folk rock, indie rock bassist Wylie Gelber born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of post-punk band Simon Dawes. Following the band's disbandement following the departure of Blake Mills in 2007 the remaining members would form indie folk rock outfit Dawes, drawing equally from the Band and Crosby Stills & Nash. Gelber has recorded over half a dozen albums with the band, including the critically acclaimed All Your Favorite Bands album released in 2015. The band is perhaps known for songs such as Things Happen, When The Tequila Runs Out, and Who Do You Think You're Talking To. Gelber also runs Gelber & Sons, a Los Angeles-based guitar building company
May 13, 1986 ~ Singer, songwriter, violinist, pianist Alexander Rybak born in Minsk, Belarus ~ Early on in his career enjoyed popularity in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe as a teen idol. Has represented his native Norway twice at the Eurovision Songfestival, winning in 2009 with Fairytale and reaching 15th place in 2018 with That's How You Write A Song. After two successful pop albums, his Fairytales debut album and its No Boundaries follow-up, Rybak switched to children's music, classical and classical crossover
May 13, 1981 ~ Kevin Woods, commonly known as rapper Chevy Woods, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for his association with Wiz Khalifa. As a solo artist known for the songs 30 Deep (2014) and All Said And Done (2015). Collaborated with Taylor Gang, Boaz, Juicy J, French Montana, Mac Miller, Big Sean, Cardo, Key Wane, Sonny Digital, Soulja Boy, Schoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Mob, BoB, Joey Badass, Ty Dolla $ign, Pro-Era, Trinidad James, 808 Mafia, and others
May 13, 1979 ~ Bassist Mickey Madden born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Member of Kara's Flowers. Founding member, bassist of Maroon 5 known for hits such as This Love, Makes Me Wonder, Moves Like Jagger featuring Christina Aguilera, One More Night, Animals, Sugar, Don't Wanna Know featuring Kendrick Lamar, Girls Like You featuring Cardi B and Memories, all of which reached Billboard top 5
May 13, 1977 ~ Country pop singer, guitarist Ilse de Lange, full name Ilse Annouska de Lange, born in Almelo, the Netherlands ~ Internationally perhaps best known as half of the Common Linnets, reaching 2nd place in the 2014 Eurovision Songfestival representing the Netherlands with Calm After The Storm. As a solo artist active since the 1990s. Well known songs include I'm Not So Tough, Before You Let Me Go, The Great Escape, So Incredible and Blue Bittersweet
May 13, 1976 ~ Blues, blues rock, soul blues guitarist, singer Ana Popovic born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia ~ Released her Jim Gaines-produced Hush solo debut album in 2001, featuring renowned guitarist Bernard Allison, and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Guests on subsequent recordings would include Joe Bonamassa, Robert Randolph, Cody Dickinson, and Bernard Pretty Purdie
May 13, 1976 ~ Joaquin Garza, commonly known as rock, post punk, hard rock drummer Josh Garza born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Cites Led Zeppelin's John Bonham as influence. Original member of noise pop band Comet. Member of Captain Audio. Co-founded rock outfit Secret Machines, known best for Sad And Lonely of their 2004 Now Here Is Nowhere debut album. Co-founded EFG in 2011 with guitarist, singer Imaad Wasif
May 13, 1975 ~ Jazz harmonica player Grégoire Maret born in Geneva, Switzerland ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with Andy Milne, Romain Collin, Bill Frisell, Jimmy Scott, Jacky Terrasson, David Sanborn, Leon Parker, Jeff Tain-Watts, Meshell Ndegeocello, Cassandra Wilson, Bebel Gilberto, George Benson, Marcus Miller, Pat Metheny, Lionel Loueke, Kurt Elling, Terri Lyne Carrington, and others
May 13, 1975 ~ Jochen Rückert, commonly known as jazz drummer Jochen Rueckert, born in Cologne, West Germany ~ Brother of pianist Thomas Rückert. Naturalized American citizen residing in New York since 1997. As a leader released his Introduction debut album in 1998, backed by Hayden Chisholm, Ben Monder, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Chris Potter, Matt Penman and Johannes Weidenmüller. In-demand sideman, appearing on over 100 albums by the likes of Marc Copland, Melissa Aldana, John Abercrombie, Ignaz Dinne, Pat Metheny, Kenny Werner, Till Brönner, Joachim Kühn, John McNeil, Seamus Blake, Guillermo Klein, and others
May 13, 1973 ~ Jazz, crossover jazz, pop pianist Eric Lewis born in Camden, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known for his jazzrock instrumental interpretations of pop and rock songs from artists as diverse as Evanescence, the Rolling Stones (Paint It Black), the Killers, Coldplay, the Knife, Radiohead, Nirvana, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Michael Jackson, the Doors, and the Foo Fighters. Worked with Wynton Marsalis, Cassandra Wilson, Elvin Jones, Jon Hendricks, Roy Hargrove, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Sting, the Roots, Natalie Cole, Esperanza Spalding, Josh Groban, and others
May 13, 1971 ~ Omar Credle, commonly known as rapper OC, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Cites Kool G Rap, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and Slick Rick as main influences. Member of Ditc. Also associated with underground hip hop acts such as Crooklyn Dodgrs, Luv NY, and Perestroika. Has recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Word (Life) released in 1994
May 13, 1971 ~ Jazz bassist, bandleader, composer Omer Avital born in Givatayim, Israel ~ Worked with Roy Haynes, Jimmy Cobb, Nat Adderley, Walter Bishop Jr, Al Foster, Kenny Garrett, Steve Grossman, Jimmy Lovelace, Rashied Ali, Jason Lindner, Myron Walden, Mark Turner, Gregory Tardy, Joel Frahm, Charles Owens, Grant Stewart, Jay Collins, Jimmy Greene, Ali Jackson, Joe Strasser, Daniel Freedman, Joshua Levitt, Marion Browden, Avishai Cohen, Claudia Ancuna, and others
May 13, 1969 ~ Emo, alternative rock, indie rock guitarist, bassist, singer Dan Hoerner born in Spokane, Washington, USA ~ Decided to become a musician after visiting a Fugazi concert. Co-founding member, lead guitarist of Sunny Day Real Estate which also included Nate Mendel who would later go on to join the Foo Fighters. Hoerner also guested on Dashboard Confessional's 2001 So Impossible EP
May 13, 1968 ~ Parrish Smith, commonly known as rapper PMD, born in Brentwood, New York, USA ~ Member of EPMD alongside Erick Sermon. Member of the Hit Squad. Released his Shade Business solo debut album in 1994. Has also collaborated with DJ Honda, the Snowgoons, LL Cool J, and others
May 13, 1967 ~ Charles Michael Schuldiner, commonly known as heavy metal, hard rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Chuck Schuldiner, born in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Sometimes referred to as “the Godfather of Death Metal”. Best known as guitarist, lead singer of metal outfit Death from the band's inception in 1983 until his death in 2001 ~ Schuldiner passed away in 2001
May 13, 1967 ~ Singer Melanie Thornton, full name Melanie Janene Thornton. born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Germany-based singer best known as lead singer of 1990s Eurodance duo la Bouche, alongside rapper Lane McCray, working with producer Frank Farian who also masterminded bands such as Boney M and Milli Vanilli. Thornton started a solo career in late 2000, starting with the single Love How You Love Me. She released her sole solo album, Ready To Fly, the next year. Thornton died in a plane crash while touring to promote the album and in particular the holiday-themed single Wonderful Dreams (Holidays Are Coming). The single has since repeatedly hit the German charts around the Holiday season, aided by Coca-Cola using the track for its TV commercials ~ Thornton passed away in 2001
May 13, 1966 ~ Singer, producer Alison Goldfrapp, full name Alison Margaret Elizabeth Goldfrapp, born in London, UK ~ Guested on Orbital's Snivilisation album. Also worked with Dreadzone and with Tricky before teaming up with Will Gregory to form the duo Goldfrapp, debuting in 2000 with the Felt Mountain album
May 13, 1966 ~ Singer, guitarist Darius Rucker, full name Darius Carlos Rucker, born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Lead guitarist of Hootie & the Blowfish known for becoming an “overnight success” in 1994 with the release of their Cracked Rear View debut album spawning the Billboard top 10 singles Hold My Hand, Let Her Cry and Only Wanna Be With You. The band had been together and touring excessively since 1986. Rucker is also known as a solo artist, having released both R&B and country recordings, starting with his 2002 Back To Then solo debut album
May 13, 1965 ~ Singer Lari White born in Dunedin, Florida, USA ~ Country singer known for songs such as That's My Baby, That's How You Know When You're In Love, and Now I Know. Had her debut album produced by Rodney Crowell. Duetted with Travis Tritt on Helping Me Get Over You. Produced or co-produced artists such as Billy Dean and Toby Keith. Co-wrote Sarah Buxton's Space ~ White passed away in 2018
May 13, 1965 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Peter Zak born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by McCoy Tyner and Cedar Walton. Worked with Eric Alexander, Peter Bernstein, Joe Farnsworth, Ryan Kisor, Al Foster, Willie Jones III, Quincy Davis, Walt Weiskopf, Peter Washington, Jay Anderson, Billy Drummond, and others
May 13, 1964 ~ Singer, percussionist Lorraine McIntosh born in Glasgow, UK ~ Founding and longtime member of Deacon Blue, known for the UK top 10 hits such as Real Gone Kid and I'll Never Fall In Love Again. Married to bandmate, lead singer Ricky Ross. McIntosh is also known as an actress, with roles in the soap opera River City and a number of films
May 13, 1962 ~ Electronica, rock keyboardist, singer Yngve Sætre, full name Yngve Leiduiv Sætre, born in Ørsta, Norway ~ Lead singer of Barbie Bones, known for the acclaimed yet commercially unsuccessful early-1990s albums Brake For Nobody and Death In The Rocking Horse Factory. Sætre would ggo on to become an in-demand producer, working with acts such as the DumDum Boys, the Kaizers Orchestra, Ephemera, Vidar Vang, and Christine Sandtorv
May 13, 1960 ~ Andrea Cosima Carle, commonly known as pop singer Maggie Mae, born in Karlsruhe, West Germany ~ Debuted in 1974 with the single Ich Hab' Spass Am Leben. Also well known for her cover of Millie Small's My Boy Lollypop released the following year. Dubbed “the Mad Hen” for her young age and funky appearance. Retired from music by the 1980s ~ Carle passed away in 2021
May 13, 1958 ~ Gospel singer Duranice Pace, full name Duranice Ann Pace, born ~ Member of sibling gospel outfit the Anointed Pace Sisters, started singing in their father's church and recording professionally since the late-1980s. The group is best known for their 1992 U-Know album ~ Pace passed away in 2021
May 13, 1958 ~ Soukous, rumba, mutuashi singer, dancer Tshala Muana, full name Elisabeth Tshala Muana Muidikay, born in Elisabethville, Belgian Congo ~ Started her career as a dancer in the band Tsheke Tsheke Love before turning to singing. Dubbed “the Queen of Mutuashi” with well over a dozen albums to her name. Known for songs such as Karibu Yangu and Ingratitude. The latter song would lead to her arrest in November 2020, the song interpreted as veiled criticism of the behavior of President Felix Tshisekedi toward his former mentor and predecessor Joseph Kabila ~ Muidikay passed away in 2022
May 13, 1957 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Martin Brammer born in Seaham, UK ~ Lead singer of pop-rock trio Kane Gang. As a songwriter had his work recorded by artists such as Tina Turner (Open Arms), James Morrison (The Pieces Don't Fit Anymore, I Won't Let You Go), Marco Mengoni, Josh Kumra, James Bay, Olly Murs, Nolwenn Leroy, Julian Velard, Melanie C, Urszula, Mr Hudson, Jack McManus (Bang On The Piano), Beverley Knight (Trade It Up), Rachel Stevens, Nick Carter, the Lighthouse Family (Raincloud), Roland Gift, Sheena Easton, Mark Owen, Reigan Derry, Foxes, James Bay (Clocks Go Forward), Stevie McCrorie, Opus III, Rachel Stevens, Ronan Keating, Bobby Bazini, the Shires, and others
May 13, 1956 ~ Rock guitarist David Hollestelle born in Hilversum, the Netherlands ~ Son of baritone singer David Hollestelle, brother of bassist Jan Hollestelle and guitarist Hans Hollestelle. Best known for his association with Herman Brood, serving as a member of the Wild Romance from 1981 through 2001. Has also worked with Scratch, Bruno Basta, Manuela Kemp, the Tendermen, Circus, and others
May 13, 1954 ~ Sean Patrick Michael Sherrard, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Johnny Logan, born in Frankston, Australia ~ Won the Eurovision Songfestival twice, both times representing Ireland. In 1984 with What's Another Year written by Shay Healy. In 1987 with the self-penned Hold Me Now. Logan also wrote Linda Martin's Why Me, Ireland's winning 1992 entry
May 13, 1951 ~ Drummer Geoff Cox, also known as Coxy, born in St Kilda, Australia ~ Best known for his associations with Brian Cadd, Cycle, the Bootleg Family Band, and Avalanche. Substituted for Derek Pellicci in a 1978 tour with the Little River Band. Later on in his career would become a TV presenter, best known for hosting the travel program Coxy's Big Break
May 13, 1951 ~ Glam rock, art pop drummer, guitarist Paul Thompson born in Jarrow, UK ~ Best known as drummer of Roxy Music from 1971 to 1980 and present on the band's first six albums. Has also worked with the Angelic Upstarts, Concrete Blonde, Lindisfarne, and others
May 13, 1950 ~ Guitarist, singer Danny Kirwan born in London, UK ~ Member of Fleetwood Mac from 1968 through 1972. Also known as a solo artist starting with his 1975 Second Chapter album, and an in-demand collaborator having worked with Otis Spann, Chris Youlden, Tramp and appeared on former Fleetwood Mac-bandmates Jeremy Spencer and Christine McVie's solo albums ~ Kirwan passed away in 2018
May 13, 1950 ~ Stevland Hardaway Judkin, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Stevie Wonder, born in Saginaw, Michigan, USA ~ One of the most important musicians of the second half of the 20th century. Child prodigy signed with Motown at age 11. Especially acclaimed for a string of 1970s albums including Music Of My Mind, Talking Book and his masterpiece Songs In The Key Of Life. Well known songs such as Fingertips (Pt.2), I Was Made To Love Her, For Once In My Life, Superstition, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, I Wish, Sir Duke, and I Just Called To Say I Love You
May 13, 1947 ~ Bassist Pete Overend Watts was born in Yardley, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member and bassist for early-1970s rock band Mott The Hoople, known for their association with David Bowie and songs such as Rock & Roll Queen, All The Young Dudes, and Roll Away The Stone ~ Watts passed away in 2017
May 13, 1947 ~ Robert Noakes, commonly known as folk, country singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Rab Noakes, born in St Andrews, UK ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Do You See The Lights released in 1970. Guested on Can I Have My Money Back, Gerry Rafferty's solo debut album released in 1971. Frequent collaborator of Fraser Speirs. Has also worked with the Varaflames, which also included Pick Withers ~ Noakes passed away in 2022
May 13, 1945 ~ Lars Nils Berghagen, commonly known as pop, schlager singer, guitarist Lasse Berghagen, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Married to singer, actress Lill Babs during the 1960s, with whom he has a daughter singer, actress Malin Berghagen. Known for songs such as Teddybjörnen Fredriksson, En Enkel Sång Om Frihet, Hålligang I Skogen, and Du Som Vandrar Genom Livet. Internationally known for representing Sweden at the 1975 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 8th place with Jennie Jennie ~ Berghagen passed away in 2023
May 13, 1945 ~ Saxophonist, flutist, hornist Lou Marini, full name Louis William Marini Jr and also known as Blue Lou Marini, born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Perhaps best known for his association with the Blues Brothers, including appearing in both That Girl Belongs To Yesterday] film and its sequel Blues Brothers 2000. Given his nickname “Blue Lou” by Dan Akroyd. Member of Blood Sweat & Tears from 1972 through 1974. In-demand touring and session musician, appearing on albums by BJ Thomas, Lou Reed, Patti Austin, Frank Zappa (Zappa In New York), Cindy Bullens, Aerosmith (Night In The Ruts), Michael Franks, Levon Helm, Robben Ford (Inside Story), the Brecker Brothers, Deodato, Manu Dibango, Meat Loaf, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Carly Simon, the J Geils Band (Freeze Frame), Jimmy Buffett, Cornell Dupree, Donald Fagen, Laura Nyro, Milton Nascimento, and Steely Dan
May 13, 1942 ~ Singer Mary Wells born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ One of the first Motown superstars making hits for the label until she left the company in 1964, at the peak of her popularity. Known for songs such as The One Who Really Loves You, The Laughing Boy, Two Lovers, Operator, You Beat Me To The Punch, and My Guy ~ Wells passed away in 1992
May 13, 1941 ~ Rock & roll singer, guitarist Joe Brown, full name Joseph Roger Brown, born in Swarby, UK ~ A musician's musician actively performing since the 1950s. Best known for a number of 1960s recordings including Picture Of You, It Only Took A Minute and That's What Love Will Do. Married to the Breakaways singer Vicki Brown until her death in 1991. Singer Sam Brown is their daughter, producer Pete Brown their son
May 13, 1941 ~ Jazz drummer John von Ohlen born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Led several ensembles, both big and small, including the Blue Wisp Big Band. Also worked with Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Billy Maxted, Steve Allee, and others ~ Von Ohlen passed away in 2018
May 13, 1941 ~ Richard Steve Valenzuela, commonly known as singer Ritchie Valens, born in Pacoima, California, USA ~ Rock & roll pioneer and forefather of Chicano rock. Known best for two quintessential 1950s songs, La Bamba and Donna. Died only eight months into his recording career in the same plane crash that killed singers Buddy Holly and JP Richardson ~ Valenzuela passed away in 1959
May 13, 1938 ~ Jazz, big band pianist Ross Tompkins born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ First gained attention in the 1960s, backing Kai Winding on about half a dozen albums. Tompkins would go on to record about a dozen albums as a leader, co-leader or solo artist, and is especially noted for the 1977 live album Live At Concord. Also closely associated with Doc Severinsen, serving in the Tonight Show Band for some two decades starting in 1971, and with Louie Bellson from the mid-1970s through the 1990s. Other notable associations include Herb Ellis, Zoot Sims (Hawthorne Nights), Howard Roberts (The Real Howard Roberts), Lorraine Feather, Snooky Young, Red Norvo, Peanuts Hucko, Bill Watrous (I'll Play For You), Dick Cary, Spike Robinson, Tommy Newsom, Dick Hafer (Prez Impressions), Jake Hanna, and Plas Johnson ~ Tompkins passed away in 2006
May 13, 1938 ~ Elio Cesari, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter, actor Tony Renis, born in Milan, Italy ~ Perhaps best known for the original Quando Quando Quando in 1962, written by Renis and Alberto Testa. The song would become a classic covered by numerous artists, at times with changed lyrics, including by Pat Boone, Connie Francis, Ennio Morricone, Xavier Cugat, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Mantovani. Renis and Testa also co-wrote Grande Grande Grande, originally recorded by singer Mina in 1971 and covered by the likes of Shirley Bassey (Never Never Never), Conny Vandenbos (Waarom Waarom Waarom), and Julio Iglesias. Renis is also noted for his soundtrack for the 1973 spaghetti western Brothers Blue and for launching the career of child star Nikka Costa in the 1980s
May 13, 1935 ~ Alessandro Carmelo Randazzo, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter, arranger Teddy Randazzo born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of the Three Chuckles. As a solo singer, Randazzo charted with Little Serenade, The Way Of A Clown, and Big Wide World. However, Randazzo would become best known as a songwriter, songs written or co-written by Randazzo recorded by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Little Anthony & the Imperials (Goin' Out Of My Head), the Royalettes (It's Going To Take A Miracle), Steve Lawrence (Pretty Blue Eyes), and the Manhattans ~ Randazzo passed away in 2003
May 13, 1929 ~ Abelim Maria da Cunha, commonly known as actress, singer Angela Maria, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Considered the most popular Brazilian singer of the 1950s ~ Da Cunha passed away in 2018
May 13, 1929 ~ Producer, label executive Creed Taylor, full name Creed Bane Taylor V, born in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA ~ In-house producer and executive at various labels including Bethlehem, ABC-Paramount, Verve, and A&M Records. Signed John Coltrane to Impulse. Helpful in bringing bossa nova to the USA in the 1960s, signing artists such as Antônio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto, Airto Moreira. Founded CTI Records, one of the most successful jazz labels of the 1970s. Has worked with artists such as Oscar Pettiford, Ruby Braff, Charles Mingus, Herbie Mann, Stan Getz, Wes Montgomery, Cal Tjader, Freddie Hubbard, Chet Baker, Milt Jackson, Nina Simone, Eumir Deodato, Herbie Hancock, Chroma, and Fuse One ~ Taylor passed away in 2022
May 13, 1923 ~ William McKinley Garland Jr, commonly known as pianist Red Garland, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his association with Miles Davis, backing Davis in the 1950s as a pivotal member of the Miles Davis Quintet. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Paul Chambers, Art Taylor, John Coltrane, Donald Byrd, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Blue Mitchell, Philly Joe Jones, Arnett Cobb, Curtis Fuller, Jackie McLean, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, Art Pepper, and others ~ Garland passed away in 1984
May 13, 1916 ~ Country guitarist, singer Jack Anglin born in Williamson County, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit Anglin Brothers, active through the late-1930s. Would rise to fame as half of the duo Johnny & Jack, alongside Johnnie Wright, becoming permanent residents of the Grand Ole Opry in 1952. The duo is best known for singles such as Poison Love, Oh Baby Mine I Get So Lonely, and Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight ~ Anglin passed away in 1963
May 13, 1914 ~ Dixieland, swing, jazz bassist Bob Haggart, full name Robert Sherwood Haggart, born in New York, New York, USA ~ First gained attention in the mid-1930 working with Bob Crosby, including co-writing songs such as Big Noise From Winnetka and What's New. Would go on to work with Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald. Co-founded the Lawson-Haggart Band with Yank Lawson, the pair also subsequently co-leading the World's Greatest Jazz Band through 1978 ~ Haggart passed away in 1998
May 13, 1914 ~ Louis Charles Robinson, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, fiddler LC Robinson, born in Brenham, Texas, USA ~ Rumored to be mentored by Blind Willie Johnson and introduced to the steel guitar by Leon McAuliffe. Brother of blues harpist AC Robinson, with whom he also worked. Noted for the 1968 album Oakland Blues which also featured Lafayette Thomas and Dave Alexander, and for the 1971 follow-up Ups And Downs ~ Robinson passed away in 1976
May 13, 1912 ~ Ian Ernest Gilmore Green, commonly known as jazz pianist, bandleader, arranger, composer Gil Evans, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Helped develop cool jazz, modal jazz, free jazz. Closely associated with Miles Davis, arranging the pivotal Davis albums Miles Ahead, Porgy & Bess and Sketches Of Spain. Has also worked with Kenny Burrell, Claude Thornhill, Glen Hall, Astrud Gilberto, Kimiko Kasai, Masabumi Kikuchi, Lee Konitz, Lucy Reed, Ray Russell, James Senese, Lew Soloff, and others ~ Green passed away in 1988
May 13, 1909 ~ Conductor, arranger, composer Ken Darby, full name Kenneth Lorin Darby, born in Hebron, Nebraska, USA ~ Sang the vocal parts for the Munchkinland mayor in the 1939 Wizard Of Oz. Led the Ken Darby Singers, backng Bing Crosby on the 1942 classic recording of White Christmas. Composer and production supervisor for Walt Disney Studios including for the 1946 animated film Song Of The South. Vocal coach for Marilyn Monroe for the films Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and There's No Business Like Show Business. Wrote the lyrics of Elvis Presley's 1956 hit Love Me Tender. Awarded Academy Awards for his work on the scores of the 1959 film Porgy & Bess and the 1967 film Camelot ~ Darby passed away in 1992
May 13, 1842 ~ Composer Arthur Sullivan, full name Arthur Seymour Sullivan, born in Lambeth, UK ~ Wrote operas, orchestral and choral works, ballets. Best known for co-penning a number of operas with dramatist WS Gilbert, notably HMS Pinatore, The Pirates Of Penzance, and The Mikado, the duo paving the way for the musical theater of the 20th century ~ Sullivan passed away in 1900