May 14, 1994 ~ Jazz, bebop singer Veronica Swift born in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA ~ Daughter of pianist Hod O'Brien and singer Stephanie Nakasian. Released her Veronica's House Of Jazz debut albums at age 9, her sophomore It's Great To Be Alive album at age 13. Well known for her work with pianists Emmet Cohen and Benny Green
May 14, 1993 ~ Singer, actress Miranda Cosgrove born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Made her film debut as child actress in 2003's The School Of Rock, portraying the class band manager Summer Hathaway. Would go on to feature in TV series and make her musical debut singing on a number of tracks on the iCarly soundtrack album, notably Leave It All To Me. Released a full-length Sparks Fly solo debut album in 2010, spawning the modest hit Kissin' U
May 14, 1990 ~ Cedric Steinmyller, commonly known as deep house, tropical house DJ, producer Klingande, born in Croix, France ~ Originally a duo, comprised of childhood friends Steinmyller and Edgar Catry, known best for their 2013 single Jubel which reached top 10 across Europe including in the UK, the Netherlands, and the duo's native France. Catry would leave by 2014, and Steinmyller would continue as a solo artist keeping the common moniker. The name Klingande comes from the Swedish verb “klinga” which mean “to chime” or “to sound”. Besides a love for the Swedish language, which according to Steinmyller sounds sung when just spoken, the tropical house DJ is also influenced by Swedish artists such as Avicii and Swedish House Mafia
May 14, 1986 ~ Amy Louise Billings, commonly known as indie pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Amy Shark, born in Gold Coast, Australia ~ Best known for the singles Adore and I Said Hi, both reaching top 10 in her native Australia. Released her full-length It's A Happy City debut album in 2012, then going by the moniker Amy Cushway. Has recorded steadily since to mixed succes, at times artists such the Chainsmokers, Ed Sheeran, Diplo, and Billy Corgan guesting on her albums
May 14, 1985 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Dustin Lynch, full name Dustin Charles Lynch, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Debuted in 2012 with the eponymous Dustin Lynch album, which included his Billboard Country top 10 Cowboys And Angels debut single co-penned with Josh Leo and Tim Nichols, and has charted consistently since. Subsequent hits included Where It's At, Hell Of A Night, Mind Reader, Seein' Red, Small Town Boy, Good Girl and Ridin' Roads
May 14, 1984 ~ Oliver Stanley Murs, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter Olly Murs born in Witham, UK ~ First gained attention as runner-up in the sixth season of talent show The X-Factor in 2009. Released his Please Don't Let Me Go debut single the following year, reaching the UK No.1 spot. Other well known songs include Thinking Of Me, Heart Skips A Beat featuring Rizzle Kicks, Dance With Me Tonight, Troublemaker featuring Flo Rida, Dear Darlin', Wrapped Up featuring Travie McCoy, and Up featuring Demi Lovato
May 14, 1983 ~ Anahi Giovanni Puente Portilla, mononymously known as pop singer, actress Anahi, born in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Started as a child actress and ocassional singer, appearing in several telenovelas. Would rise to international fame in the early-2000s starring in Rebelde and its spin-off pop group RBD, known for songs such as Solo Quedate En Silencio, Ser O Parecer, and Inalcanzable. Following the band's success Anahi re-released her earlier solo recordings as well as new material. As a singer best known for her 2009 Mi Delirio album
May 14, 1979 ~ Blues rock, garage rock, indie rock guitarist Dan Auerbach born in Akron, Ohio, USA ~ Guitarist, singer of acclaimed rock outfit the Black Keys, with whom he has recorded about a dozen albums starting with The Big Come Up released in 2002. Has also released a number of solo records, his Keep It Hid solo debut album released in 2009, and has produced for artists such as Cage The Elephant, Dr John, Lana Del Rey, Ray LaMontagne, and Cee Lo Green
May 14, 1976 ~ Bassist, guitarist, drummer, keyboardist, saxophonist Hunter Burgan, full name Hunter Lawrence Burgan, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as bassist of AFI, present on the album Shut Your Mouth And Open Your Eyes. Has also worked with the Force, Dan & Hunter, Hunter Revenge, Badical Turbo Radness, the Frisk, Tegan & Sara, and with Matt Skiba & the Sekrets
May 14, 1976 ~ Actress, singer Martine McCutcheon, full name Martine Kimberley Sherrie McCutcheon, born in Hackney, UK ~ Acted from an early age, initially appearing in commercials as a child and making her TV debut in the drama series Bluebirds in 1989. Enjoyed some minor succes as singer in pop group Milan before rising to fame through roles in the soap opera Eastenders and the romantic comedy Love Actually. As a singer released her You Me & Us solo debut album in 1999, spawning the UK top 10 hits Perfect Moment, I've Got You and Talking In Your Sleep/Love Me
May 14, 1974 ~ Singer, pianist, whistler, ukelele player Andrea Corr, full name Andrea Jane Corr, born in Dundalk, Ireland ~ Lead singer of sibling band the Corrs, known for Irish top 10 hits Runaway, Only When I Sleep, Dreams and Breathless. Has also released a number of solo recordings, her best known song being Shame On You of her 2007 Ten Feet High solo debut album
May 14, 1973 ~ Jazz, big band, swing singer Clare Teal born in Kildwick, UK ~ Active since the mid-1990s. First gained attention with the critically acclaimed and commercially successful album Don't Talk in 2004. Sings originals, standards and jazz covers of pop songs, notably California Dreaming originally a hit for the Mamas & the Papas
May 14, 1970 ~ Anthony Gomes Kay, commonly known as blues, blues-rock guitarist, singer Anthony Gomes, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Has recorded about a dozen albums since the late-1990s, drawing from a wide array of blues and rock idioms infused with a solid dose of R&B. Best known for his 1998 Blues In Technicolor sophomore album
May 14, 1969 ~ Singer Danny Wood, full name Daniel William Wood, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of boy band New Kids On The Block, known for a string of hits from the mid-1980s into the early-1990s including the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 I'll Be Loving You (Forever), Hangin' Tough, and Step By Step. Wood would also serve as the band's choreographer. To a lesser succes Wood has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with D-Fuse (Room Full Of Smoke) released in 1999
May 14, 1969 ~ Keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, singer, songwriter, producer Greg Kurstin, full name Gregory Allen Kurstin, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of Geggy Tah, known best for their 2001 single Whoever You Are of their 1996 Sacred Cow sophomore album. In-demand touring and session musician working with Beck, Ben Harper, Jon Hassell, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Released his solo debut album Action Figure Party under the moniker Action Figure Party. Formed the duo the Bird & the Bee with Inara George, releasing four albums since 2007. Best known as songwriter and producer for the likes of Peaches, All Saints, P!nk, the Flaming Lips, Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, Sia, Paloma Faith, Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, and others. Notable credits include producing Lily Allen's 2009 It's Not Me It's You album, producing and co-writing Kelly Clarkson's Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You), and working on several of Adele's best known including co-writing Hello of her 2015 25 album and Easy On Me of her 2021 30 album
May 14, 1966 ~ Heavy metal, alternative metal, grunge bassist Mike Inez, full name Michael Allen Inez, born in San Fernando, California, USA ~ Best known as member of Alice In Chains, joining the band in 1993 as replacement for original bassist Mike Starr. First appeared on the 1995 eponymous Alice In Chains album, the band's thrid studio album. Present on songs such as Heaven Beside You, Over Now, Get Born Again, Check My Brain, Your Decision, Hollow, Stone, and Voices. Inez has also worked with Ozzy Osbourne, Slash's Snakepit, Jerry Cantrell, Spys4Darwin, and Black Label Society
May 14, 1964 ~ Bagpiper, whistler, songwriter Gordon Duncan born in Turriff, UK ~ Son of bothy singer Jock Duncan. Influential piper best known for his associations with the Tannahill Weavers, Wolfstone, Ceolbeg, and Dougie MacLean. Recorded three solo albums, starting with Just For Seumas released in 1994, and composed over a 100 songs, including Andy Renwick's Ferret ~ Duncan passed away in 2005
May 14, 1963 ~ John Thomas Cooper Jr, commonly known as reed player, composer, arranger Jack Cooper, born ~ Worked with pop, jazz and classical artists including Aaron Neville, Marc Secara, Jiggs Whigham, the Berlin Jazz Orchestra, Lenny Pickett, Joyce Cobb, Bernie Dresel, Donald Brown, the Young Voices Brandenburg, Jimi Tunnell, the Shirelles, the Temptations, Christian McBride, the Westchester Jazz Orchestra, Dallas Winds, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Bob Curnow, Jennifer Holliday, Lady Rizzo, the O'Jays, the Spinners, Kenny Rogers, Macy Gray, the Manhattan Transfer, Glen Campbell, the Four Tops, Mitch Ryder, Jason Alexander, Brian McKnight, Larry Elgart, Mulgrew Miller, James Moody, Benny Powell, Rufus Reid, Molly Ringwald, Smokey Robinson, David Sánchez, Roseanna Vitro, and others
May 14, 1962 ~ Hard rock, alternative rock, post-punk, rock singer Ian Astbury, full name Ian Robert Astbury, born in Heswall, UK ~ Co-founding member, lead vocalist of rock band the Cult, known for quintessential 1980s songs such She Sells Sanctuary, Lil' Devil and Fire Woman. Has also worked with the Holy Barbarians, Debbie Harry, Circus Of Power, Tony Iommi, Slash, Nine Inch Nails, Zilch, and others
May 14, 1960 ~ Jazz bassist, composer Alec Dankworth, full name Alexander William Tamba Dankworth, born in London, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Tommy Chase, the BBC Big Band, Clark Tracey, Nigel Kennedy, Dick Morrisey, Spike Robinson, Jean Toussaint, Michael Garrick, Tommy Smith, Julian Joseph, Andy Hamilton, Dave Brubeck, Abdullah Ibrahim, Mose Allison, Clark Terry, Mel Tormé, Anita O'Day, Peter John King, Alan Barnes, David Jean Baptiste, Van Morrison, Martin Taylor, Ginger Baker, and Pee Wee Ellis
May 14, 1960 ~ Singer Shelley Preston born in Hillingdon, UK ~ Member of Bucks Fizz from 1985, replacing Jay Aston, through 1990. Present on the UK top 10 single New Beginning (Mamba Seyra). Would go on to sing backup for artists such as Jason Donovan, INXS, Brian May, Michael Bolton, Alexander O'Neal, Luther Vandross, Westlife, Alison Moyet, Tom Jones, Belinda Carlisle, and others
May 14, 1959 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader, composer Virginia Mayhew born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Has worked with wided array of pop, rock and jazz artists including Earl Hines, Cab Calloway, Frank Zappa, James Brown, Norman Simmons, Al Grey, Junior Mance, Chico O'Farrill, Marlena Shaw, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Kenny Barron, Leon Parker, Ingrid Jensen, Claudio Roditi, Nnenna Freelon, Marian McPartland, and others
May 14, 1956 ~ Jazz guitarist Bruce Forman born in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader and sideman actively recording since the early-1980s. Worked with Richie Cole, Ray Brown, George Cables, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson, Woody Shaw, Lorez Alexandria, Chuck Deardorf, Dan Hicks, Roger Kellaway, Jimmy Knepper, Geoff Muldaur, Charlie Shoemake, and other
May 14, 1952 ~ New wave, rock, art pop, worldbeat singer, gutiarist, keyboardist, songwriter David Byrne born in Dumberton, UK ~ Co-founding member, lead singer, guitarist, primary songwriter of pivotal new wave, art pop group Talking Heads, one of the most acclaimed bands of the 1980s and known for songs such as Psycho Killer, Burning Down The House, Slippery People, Road To Nowhere, And She Was, and Once In A Lifetime. Also known as a solo artist, in-demand collaborator, filmer, photographer and founder of the Luaka Bop record label, focusing on world music from artists such as Os Mutantes, Lose de Abajo, Zap Mama, Tom Zé, King Chango, and others
May 14, 1951 ~ Smooth jazz, jazz fusion saxophonist Jay Beckenstein born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of Spyro Gyra. Guested on a number of Dream Theater's albums, perhaps most notably playing the sax solo on Another Day of the 1992 Images And Words album. Has also worked with Bob James, Jason Miles, Orleans, David Broza, Basia, Chuck Loeb, and others
May 14, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist Derek Leckenby born in Leeds, UK ~ Best known as member of Herman's Hermits, remaining with the band from its inception in 1964 until his death three decades later. Noted for playing the signature riff on Silhouettes, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit in 1965 ~ Leckenby passed away in 1994
May 14, 1944 ~ Blue-eyed soul guitarist, bassist, singer Gene Cornish born in Ottawa, Canada ~ Co-founding member of the Young Rascals, later renamed to the Rascals, remaining with the band through 1971. Co-wrote Do You Feel It and You Don't Know. The band is best known for their Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits Good Lovin', Groovin' and People Got To Be Free
May 14, 1943 ~ Banjoist, guitarist Clive Palmer, full name Clive Harold Palmer, born in Edmonton, UK ~ Best known as founding member of the Incredible String Band, teaming up with Robin Williamson, later joined by Mike Heron. Also worked with the Famous Jug Band, Wizz Jones, Stockroom 5, Tim Welland, John Bidwell, the Temple Creatures, Chrissie Quayle, the Clives Original Band, and others ~ Palmer passed away in 2015
May 14, 1943 ~ John Symon Asher Bruce, commonly known as bassist, singer Jack Bruce, born in Bishopbriggs, UK ~ Considered one of the all-time most important and influential UK bassists. Member of the Graham Bond Organisation. Member of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Best known for founding the pivotal 1960s supergroup Cream with Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton, co-writing a vast amount of the band's songs including The Sunshine Of Your Love, White Room and I Feel Free. After the band disbanded released his Songs For A Tailor solo debut album in 1969, which would be a global smash hit. Has since recorded to critical acclaim as a solo artist, as a member of blues-rock outfit West Bruce & Laing, and served as touring bassist and studio collaborator for a wide array of artists including Michael Mantler, Charlie Mariano, John McLaughlin, Bernie Marsden, Rocket 88, Soft Machine, Mose Allison, the Golden Palominos, Kip Hanrahan, and Dick Heckstall-Smith ~ Bruce passed away in 2014
May 14, 1943 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Winston Riley born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ One of the most productive and successful Jamaican reggae producers. Founded the Techniques in 1962. As a producer worked with Hortense Ellis, Johnny Osbourne, Ansel Collins, General Echo, Sister Nancy, Buju Banton, Cutty Ranks, the Lone Ranger, Frankie Paul, and others ~ Riley passed away in 2012
May 14, 1939 ~ Gary Wayne Schelton, commonly known as singer Troy Shondell, born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA ~ Wrote his first song at age 14. Recorded a handful of singles under the moniker Gary Shelton, including the rockabilly standard Kissing At The Drive-In. Briefly gained widespread attention in the early-1960s after he changed his stage name to Shondell with songs such as This Time and Tears From An Angel. The band Tommy James & the Shondells named themselves after Troy ~ Schelton passed away in 2016
May 14, 1938 ~ Jack Davies, commonly known as actor, singer Mike Preston, born in Hackney, UK ~ Enjoyed some succes as a singer in the UK in the late-1950s through early-1960s, Mr Blue and Marry Me both reaching top 20, before relocating to Australia to find employ as a nightclub singer, actor and TV host. Notable credits include roles in series such as The A-Team, Airwolf, and Highlander, and in films such as Mad Max 2 and Metalstorm (The Destruction Of Jared-Syn)
May 14, 1937 ~ Guitarist Vic Flick, full name Victor Harold Flick, born in Worcester Park, UK ~ In-demand studio guitarist since the 1950s, getting his start in music with the John Barry Seven. Best known for playing the guitar riff on Monty Norman's James Bond Theme, recorded for the 1962 Doctor No James Bond soundtrack. Over the course of his career, Flick has worked with numerous mostly British acts. Present on songs such as I Only Want To Be With You by Dusty Springfield, The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore by the Walker Brothers, No Milk Today by Herman's Hermits, and Puppet On A String by Sandie Shaw. Other notable associations include Petula Clark, Peter & Gordon, the Bee Gees, Hardin & York, Serge Gainsbourg, Hank Marvin, and Paul McCartney. However, Flick remains best known for his work on several James Bond soundtracks through the 1980s. As to his most famous recording, the original James Bond theme for the first film in the franchise, Flick has said: “It had an edge to it, sort of a dynamic sound. I overplayed it. Leaned into those thick low strings with the very hard plectrum, played it slightly ahead of the beat, and it came out exciting, almost ‘attacking’, which fit the James Bond image” ~ Flick passed away in 2024
May 14, 1936 ~ Walden Robert Cassotto, commonly known as singer Bobby Darin, born in East Harlem, New York, USA ~ Well aware that his poor health would not allow him to live a long life, Darin set out to become an established legend by age 25, and he succeeded, recording some two dozen albums over the course of his brief career, passing away at age 37. Considered one of the most versatile vocalists of his generation, scoring about a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits ranging from the novelty Splish Splash, his 1958 breakout hit, to what may have been the definitive version of Mack The Knife, originally written by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill for the 1928 the Threepenny Opera, and the classic Beyond The Sea. At times, Darin would be considered a teen idol or rock & roll singer, at other times he was seen as a younger version of Frank Sinatra. In the late 1980s, singer, guitarist Neil Young would remark: “I used to be pissed off at Darin because he changed styles so much. Now I look at him and I think he was a fucking genius” ~ Cassotto passed away in 1973
May 14, 1936 ~ Charles Anthony Graci, commonly known as rock, R&B singer, guitarist Charlie Gracie, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Drew from country, rockabilly, rock & roll, R&B, jump blues. Best known for a number of mid- to late-1950s songs including Boogie Woogie Blues, All Over Town, Butterfly and Fabulous ~ Graci passed away in 2022
May 14, 1934 ~ Electric blues, Texas blues, jazz blues tenor saxophonist Grady Gaines born in Waskom, Texas, USA ~ Brother of guitarist, singer Roy Gaines. Perhaps best known for working with Little Richard in the 1950s including on Keep A Knockin' (But You Can't Come In) and Ooh My Soul. Has also backed Dee Clark, Little Willie John, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Joe Tex. Recorded a handful of solo albums starting with Full Gain released in 1988 ~ Gaines passed away in 2021
May 14, 1934 ~ Vibraphonist, percussionist Warren Smith born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Co-founded the Composer's Workshop Ensemble in 1961. Co-founded Max Roach's percussion ensemble M'Boom in 1970. Accompanied artists such as Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Nat King Cole, Sam Rivers, Wadada Leo Smith, Nancy Wilson, Quincy Jones, Anthony Braxton, and Carmen McRae. Appeared on Van Morrison's 1968 Astral Weeks album, worked with Broadway orchestras well into the 1990s, and performed with a number of classical ensembles
May 14, 1933 ~ Jazz trumpeter, trombonist Stu Williamson born ~ Younger brother of pianist Claude Williamson. Leader and sideman. Worked with Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Billy May, Charlie Barnet, Shelly Manne, Pepper Adams, Terry Gibbs, Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, Elmo Hope, Jack Montrose, Zoot Sims, Lennie Niehaus, Shorty Rogers, Pete Rugolo, Howard Rumsey, Duane Tatro, Bud Shank, and others ~ Williamson passed away in 1991
May 14, 1931 ~ Experimental composer Alvin Lucier, full name Alvin Augustus Lucier Jr, born in Nashua, New Hampshire, USA ~ Explores the physical properties of sound itself, resonance of spaces, and transmission of sound through physical media. Best known for North American Time Capsule, I Am Sitting In A Room and Music On A Long Thin Wire. Member of the collective the Sonic Arts Union, which also included Robert Ashley, David Behrman, Gordon Mumma ~ Lucier passed away in 2021
May 14, 1928 ~ Will J Jones, commonly known as R&B singer Will Dub Jones born in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of the Cadets, present on the band's biggest hit Stranded In The Jungle. Along with Cornell Gunter joined the Coasters in 1958, notably present on the classics Yakety Yak and Charlie Brown. Other notable credits include singing bass or backing vocals on 1950s singles such as Richard Berry's Jelly Roll, the Crescendos' Sweet Dreams, and Jesse Belvin's My Satellite ~ Jones passed away in 2000
May 14, 1916 ~ Lloyd Vernon Martin, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, arranger, orchestrator Skip Martin, born in Robinson, Illinois, USA ~ For most of the 1940s, Martin served as arranger, and sometimes reedist, for some of the most popular swing bands of the era, working with Count Basie, Charlie Barnet, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller. During the 1950s, Martin worked in Hollywood, co-orchestrating or co-arranging for musical films such as Singing In The Rain, Kiss Me Kate, Funny Face, and Guys And Dolls. Notably served as sole orchestrator for 1954's A Star Is Born, Judy Garland's comeback vehicle. Recorded several albums as a leader or co-leader, notably Scheherajazz released in 1959. Martin has also worked with the likes of Les Brown, Tony Martin, the Pied Pipers, the Andrews Sisters, Cole Porter, Frank Sinatra, and Solomon Burke ~ Martin passed away in 1976
May 14, 1912 ~ Tango violinist, bandleader, composer Alfredo Gobbi born in Paris, France ~ Acclaimed violinist and bandleader enjoying popularity during the golden age of tango. As a composer known for works such as Perro Fiel, Desvelo and Mi Paloma De Punta. Has worked with Juan Maglio Pacho, Roberto Firpo, Manuel Buzón, Anselmo Aieta, Osvaldo Pugliese, and Vicente Greco ~ Gobbi passed away in 1965
May 14, 1898 ~ Arthur James Singleton, commonly known as jazz drummer Zutty Singleton, born in Bunkie, Louisiana, USA ~ Got his nickname, a Creole word for “cute”, in his infancy. Has worked with Papa Celestin, Fate Marable, Charlie Creath, Doc Cook, Dave Peyton, Jimmie Noone, Louis Armstrong, Bubber Miley, Tommy Ladnier, Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, Otto Hardwick, Slim Gaillard, Wingy Manone, Eddie Condon, Nappy Lamare, Art Hodes, Max Kaminsky, and others. Retired from music in 1970 after suffering a stroke ~ Singleton passed away in 1975
May 14, 1897 ~ Clarinetist, saxophonist Sidney Bechet, full name Sidney Joseph Bechet, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ One of the first major soloists in jazz, active since the mid-1920s and enjoying popularity by the 1940s. Worked with Freddie Keppard, the Olympia Orchestra, Bunk Johnson, King Oliver, Will Marion Cook, Tommy Ladnier, Willie The Lion Smith, and others ~ Bechet passed away in 1959
May 14, 1885 ~ Orchestral conductor, composer Otto Klemperer, full name Otto Nossan Klemperer, born in Breslau, German Empire ~ Regarded as one of the premier conductors of his day. Of Jewish descent fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s. Has Worked with the Strasbourg Opera, the Cologne Opera, the Kroll Opera and the Los Angeles Philharmonic ~ Klemperer passed away in 1973