May 15, 1995 ~ Jasmine Lucilla Elizabeth Jennifer van den Bogaerde, commonly known as singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter Birdy, born in Lymington, UK ~ Stunned audiences by winning the talent show Open Mic UK in 2008, at age 12. Would go on to release her debut single, a cover of Bon Iver's Skinny Love, and her subsequent ful-length eponymous Birdy solo debut album in late 2011. The album would reach top 10 across the globe including No.1 positions in Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands. Has recorded consistently to critical acclaim and a growing fanbase
May 15, 1991 ~ Experimental, electronic, folk singer, songwriter Derek Piotr born in Lublin, Poland ~ Actively recording since the early 2010s with close to a dozen albums to his name. Especially acclaimed for his 2018 Grunt album, collaborating with Kevin Drumm. By the end of the decade would begin researching Appalachian folk music, resulting in the 2021 Making And Then Unmaking album
May 15, 1987 ~ indie rock singer, drummer, guitarist, bassist, saxophonist, keyboardist Eric Slick born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as drummer of Dr Dog since 2010. Released his Palisades solo debut album in 2017 to critical acclaim. Has also worked with Adrian Belew, Nels Cline, Daniel Rossen, R Stevie Moore, Cass McCombs, Ween, Rushton Kelly and appears on Taylor Swift's 2021 track You All Over Me
May 15, 1982 ~ Pop, dance, house singer, songwriter, actress Jessica Sutta, full name Jessica Lynn Sutta, born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Best known as member of girl group the Pussycat Dolls, present on the band's 2005 PCD and 2008 Doll Domination albums. As a solo singer known for dance hits such as 2011's Show Me, 2013's Lights Out and 2016's Distortion, the latter also included on her 2017 full-length I Say Yes solo debut album
May 15, 1981 ~ Actress, singer Jamie-Lynn Sigler born in Jericho, New York, USA ~ Actress best known for her role as Meadow Soprano in the HBO series The Sopranos. As a singer released the pop album Here To Heaven, which flopped. Later Sigler would comment she was “embarrassed” by the album and regretted releasing it.
May 15, 1980 ~ Vula Malinga, mononymously known as dance singer, songwriter Vula, born ~ Started singing in the church choir, becoming co-lead singer of the London Community Gospel Choir. Rose to fame featured on the 2005 Basement Jaxx single Oh My Gosh and has been singing with the group ever since. Has also worked with Dizzee Rascal, Oliver Heldens & Riton (Turn Me On), Pete Tong, Charlie Stacey, and others
May 15, 1973 ~ Fiddler John McCusker born in Glasgow, UK ~ Best known as member of the Battlefield Band from 1990 through 2001, joining the band as replacement for Brian McNeill. Also worked with folk singer Kate Rusby, recorded several solo albums starting with 1995's eponymous John McCusker, and produced recordings for Cathie Ryan, Roddy Woomble, Kris Drever, Eddi Reader, and others
May 15, 1971 ~ Drummer, percussionist Erland Dahlen born in Ulefoss, Norway ~ Worked with Het, Boschamaz, Kiruna, Piston Ltd, Madrugada, Kaada, Odd Nordstoga, Hanne Hukkelberg, Marit Larsen, Xploding Plastix, Bjørn Eidsvåg, Ragnar Sor Olsen, Eivind Sarset, Batagraf, Stian Westerhuis, Nils Petter Molvær, Anneli Drecker, and others
May 15, 1971 ~ Todd Schofield, commonly known as guitarist Todd Youth born in Rockaway, New Jersey, USA ~ Active since the mid-1980s in predominantly punk and metal bands including notably Warzone, Murphy's Law (Back With A Bang), D-Generation, Chrome Locust, Son Of Sam, Danzig (I Luciferi), the Chelsea Smiles, Cheap Trick (The Latest), and Bloodclot ~ Schofield passed away in 2018
May 15, 1971 ~ Folk singer Tommy Fleming born in Aclare, Ireland ~ Spent much of the 1990s working with Phil Coulter and De Dannan before establishing himself as a solo artist of repute. Has recorded over a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Different Sides To Life in 1996. Known for his forceful bel canto tenor, Fleming is credited with bringing traditional Irish music to pop audiences
May 15, 1970 ~ Attrell Stephen Cordes Jr, commonly known as rapper, singer, producer Prince Be, born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founding member and lead singer of hip-hop group PM Dawn, known for blending rap with singing, and incorporating ethereal beats, mysticism and crypto-Christian imagery. Debuted in 1989 with the album Of The Heart Of The Soul And Of The Cros ~ Cordes passed away in 2016
May 15, 1963 ~ Actress, singer Kristen Vigard born in St Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ First to play the title role in Annie in its pre- Broadway tryout though deemed not “tough enough” by the show's producer for the street-smart character of Annie. Actress for TV and film, notably on the soap operas Guiding Light and One Life To Live. Surfaced in the late 1980s alternative rock scene, singing backup for Fishbone and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, including on the albums Mother's Milk and One Hit Minute. Released her eponymous Kristen Vigard debut album in 1988 to critical acclaim, drawing comparisons to Paul Simon
May 15, 1953 ~ Progressive rock, world, ambient, new-age, pop, experimental, minimalist guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Mike Oldfield, full name Michael Gordon Oldfield, born in Reading, UK ~ Best known for his 1973 Tubular Bells debut album, propelling him to instant fame. Oldfield played all instruments on the album. The title track Tubular Bells would reach Billboard Hot 100 top 10 after its opening would be used in The Excorcist. Brother of Sally Oldfield, with whom he has worked repeatedly including under the moniker Sallyangle. Has also worked with Kevin Ayers, Robert Wyatt, Pejje Phojola, Maggie Reilly (Moonlight Shadow), Bonnie Tyler, and others
May 15, 1952 ~ Power pop, singer, drummer, bassist, guitarist, songwriter Phil Seymour born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Revered by power pop aficionados, especially for hi solo work. Formed the duo Oister with Dwight Twilley, known for their 1975 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit I'm On Fire. Member of the Textones. Sang backup on Tom Petty's American Girl and Breakdown ~ Seymour passed away in 1993
May 15, 1951 ~ Rock, pop rock, progressive rock singer, songwriter Dennis Frederiksen, full name Dennis Hardy Frederiksen, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Briefly lead singer for Toto, appearing on the 1984 Isolation album which spawned the hit Stranger In Town. For the album Frederiksen co-wrote Angel Don't Cry, Isolation, Mr Friendly and Change Of Heart. Has also sung lead for Trillion, Angel, and Leroux. Sang backup on Survivor's Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Eye Of The Tiger and the top 20 follow-up American Heartbeat ~ Frederiksen passed away in 2014
May 15, 1951 ~ Proto-punk, rock, garage rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Jonathan Richman born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as founder and frontman of pivotal proto-punk outfit the Modern Lovers, acclaimed for their 1976 Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers album which included the hit singles Roadrunner (Once) and Egyptian Reggae. The band was initially active from 1970 through 1974 but the full-length debut album would not be released until 1976
May 15, 1948 ~ Pioneering producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Brian Eno born in Woodbridge, UK ~ Pioneered ambient, electronic and experimental music. Member of Roxy Music from 1971 through 1973 and present on the Roxy Music and Music For Your Pleasure albums. As a solo artist acclaimed for a number of mid-1970s albums, notably 1974's Here Come The Warm Jets. In-demand collaborator and producer including on David Bowie's “Berlin trilogy” albums of Low, Heroes and Lodgers. Has also worked with Robert Fripp, John Cale, Talking Heads, Ultravox, Devo, Daniel Lanois, Laurie Anderson, Grace Jones, U2, Damon Albarn, and others
May 15, 1947 ~ Pop, soft rock singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Graham Goble, full name Graeham George Goble, born in Adelaide, Australia ~ Co-founding member of the Little River Band remaining with the band through 1992, for whom he wrote or co-wrote songs such as Reminiscing, Lady, Take It Easy On Me, The Other Guy, and The Night Owls. Produced John Farnham's 1980 Uncovered album. Has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Broken Voices released in 1990
May 15, 1946 ~ Folk, traditional folk fiddler, violist Aly Bain born in Lerwick, UK ~ Considered a Scottish icon. Best known as co-founding member of Scottish-Irish folk group the Boys Of The Lough, with whom he played for over 30 years. In-demand collaborator, noted especially for a series of Transatlantic Sessions albums, working with a host of artists including Jerry Douglas and Jay Ungar. Has also worked with the likes of Phil Cunningham, Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, James Taylor, Martha Wainwright, John Martyn, Iris DeMent, Dónal Lunny, Joan Osborne, and Allison Moorer
May 15, 1945 ~ Reggae singer Denroy Morgan born in Jamaica ~ First gained attention as member of New York-based 1970s reggae outfit the Black Eagles. Would go on to a successful solo career from the 1980s onwards, perhaps best known for his reggae, dance hit I'll Do Anything For You of his 1981 album of the same name. Would become the first reggae artist to be signed to RCA Records, resulting in the 1984 album Make My Day. Several of Morgan's offspring would also become professional musicians, notably his sons Gramps Morgan and Laza Morgan ~ Morgan passed away in 2022
May 15, 1943 ~ Pop, R&B producer, songwriter Freddie Perren, full name Frederick James Perren, born in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of revered Motown production, songwriting team the Corporation. Moved from Motown soul to disco in the 1970s. Co-wrote and produced songs such as Fever for the Sylvers, I Will Survive for Gloria Gaynor, and Shake Your Groove Thing for Peaches & Herb. Also worked with artists such as the Jackson 5, the Miracles, Tavares, New Edition, and others ~ Perren passed away in 2004
May 15, 1940 ~ Singer Jackie Shane born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Contributor to the Toronto sound. Best known for her 1962 recording Any Other Way. Faded out of spotlight in the early 1970s. Turned down an offer to join Sly & the Family Stone. Long labeled a drag queen and ambiguous about her own identity Shane came out as a transgender woman in a 2017 interview ~ Shane passed away in 2019
May 15, 1940 ~ Guitarist, arranger, composer Oscar Castro Neves, full name Carlos Oscar de Castro Nves, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Toured with Stan Getz and with Sérgio Mendes. Member of the Paul Winter Consort. Also worked with Billy Eckstine, Yo-Yo Ma, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, João Gilberto, Eliane Elias, Lee Ritenour, Airto Moreira, Toots Thielemans, John Klemmer, Carol Weisman, Diane Schuur, Luiz Bonfá, João Donato, Manfredo Fest, Al Jarreau, Joe Pass, Ella Fitzgerald, the Manhattan Transfer, David Benoit, Terence Blanchard, Rosemary Clooney, Don Grusin, Gerald Wilson, and others
May 15, 1938 ~ Blues singer, guitarist Larry Johnson, full name Larry Alonzo Johnson, born in Wrightsville, Georgia, USA ~ Worked with Big Joe Williams, Alec Seward, Reverend Gary Davis. Debuted as a solo artist in 1962 with the eponymous Larry Johnson album. Recorded a number of low-key albums throughout the 1980s before finding acclaim and becoming an in-demand concert performer in the 1990s, especially in Europe, with albums such as Railroad Man and Blues For Harlem ~ Johnson passed away in 2016
May 15, 1937 ~ Jazz singer Karin Krog born in Oslo, Norway ~ Active since the mid-1950s. Started with Kjell Karlsen. Continued on to work with musicians such as Vigleik Storaas, Jacob Young, Terje Rypdal, Arild Andersen, Jan Garbarek, Dexter Gordon, Kenny Drew, Don Ellis, Steve Kuhn, Archie Shepp, Paul Bley, John Surman, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Red Mitchell, Bengt Hallberg, Tore Johansen, and others
May 15, 1937 ~ Singer, guitarist Trini López, full name Trinidad López III, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Discovered by Frank Sinatra, who would become a life-long friend. Best known for songs such as The Lemon Tree, I'm Comin' Home Cindy, Sally Was A Good Old Girl and perhaps his best-known If I Had A Hammer, the latter topping the charts in some 35 countries in 1963 ~ López passed away in 2020
May 15, 1928 ~ Walter Gold, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer, label executive Wally Gold born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Founding member of the Four Esquires, known for the late 1950s hits Love Me Forever and Hideaway. Co-wrote Elvis Presley's It's Now Or Never and Good Luck Charm. Others who recorded his songs include Gene Vincent, Lesley Gore (It's My Party), Duane Eddy, Gene Pitney, Nat King Cole, and others. Produced Barbra Streisand's 1969 What About Today album. Discovered and produced Kansas ~ Gold passed away in 1998
May 15, 1922 ~ Jazz, classical hornist James Buffington, full name James Lawrence Buffington, born in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, USA ~ One of the few French horn players in jazz. Has recorded occasionally as a leader but best known as an in-demand sideman active since the 1950s. Well-known for his association with Miles Davis, notably present on the albums Miles Ahead and Sketches Of Spain, and with Gil Evans. Has also appeared on albums by the likes of Chet Baker, Coleman Hawkins, Manny Albam (The Drum Suite), Art Farmer, John Coltrane (Africa/Brass), Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Jimmy Smith, Stan Getz, Stanley Turrentine (Look Of Love), Moondog, Freddie Hubbard, Houston Person, George Benson (White Rabbit), Hank Crawford, Janis Ian (Between The Lines), Sister Sledge, Meco, Joe Farrell, and Wes Montgomery ~ Buffington passed away in 1981
May 15, 1918 ~ Country, gospel, pop singer, guitarist Eddy Arnold, full name Richard Edward Arnold, born in Henderson, Tennessee, USA ~ Nashville sound innovator. Sold over 85 million records. Scored 147 singles on Billboard's country charts. Known for songs such as To My Sorrow, Cuddle Buggin' Baby, I Wanna Play House With You, I Really Don't Want To Know, The Cattle Call, A Little Heartache, What's He Doing In My World, Make The World Go Away, Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, and others ~ Arnold passed away in 2008
May 15, 1912 ~ Composer, music critic, author Arthur Berger, full name Arthur Victor Berger, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founded the academic music journal Perspectives Of New Music, a journal focusing on music theory and analysis. As a composer influenced by Igor Stravinsky, Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern. Best known for neoclassical works such as Serenade Concertante and Three Pieces For Strings ~ Berger passed away in 2003
May 15, 1901 ~ Jazz clarinetist, bandleader Edmond Hall born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman Best known for his 1941 recording Profoundly Blue, considered a jazz classic. Worked with Billie Holiday, Red Allen, Sid Catlett, Ida Cox, Wild Bill Davison, Roy Eldridge, Bud Freeman, Hot Lips Page, Zutty Singleton, Art Tatum, Jack Teagarden, Big Joe Turner, Teddy Wilson, Louis Armstrong, Baby Dodds, Eddie Condon, and others ~ Hall passed away in 1967
May 15, 1870 ~ Ragtime era singer, comedian Eddie Morton, full name Edward Farren Morton, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked for the Philadelphia PD before pursuing a full-time career as a performer, earning him the nickname “the Singing Cop”. Known for songs such as That's Gratitude, Just A Friend Of The Family, You Ain't Talking To Me and Oceana Roll ~ Morton passed away in 1938