May 16, 2023 ~ Ska, reggae trumpeter, saxophonist Lester Sterling passed away ~ Brother of keyboardist Keith Sterling. Co-founding member of seminal ska outfit the Skatalites, remaining with the band through its initial disbandement in 1965 and involved in several its later reunions. The band is known for a number of early to mid-1960s recordings, notably Guns Of Navarone, and was an in-demand studio band for a wide array of Jamaican artists including Bob Marley. Following the band's disbandement Sterling has recorded as a solo artist, worked with Byron Lee's unit the Dragonaires, and with the Third World All-Stars ~ Sterling was born in 1936
May 16, 2023 ~ Country engineer, producer Richard Landis passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Early on in his career, Landis recorded as a solo artist to limited success, known for his sole 1972 Natural Causes album, yet would grow to become one of the most respected producers in country music. Closely associated with Juice Newton, including producing her breakthrough 1981 album Juice which spawned the hits Angel Of The Morning, Queen Of Hearts, and the Billboard Country No.1 The Sweetest Thing I've Ever Known. Other notable associations include Peter Allen, Red Rider, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the Seldom Scene, Van Stephenson, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, Eddie Rabbitt, Lorrie Morgan, Doug Supernaw, the Oak Ridge Boys, Neil Diamond, Vince Gill, and Tom Cochrane ~ Landis was born in 1946
May 16, 2016 ~ Candice Caleb, commonly known as blues, jazz singer, songwriter Candye Kane passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Adult film star turned eclectic blues, jazz singer emerging from the 1980s punk rock scene after dropping out of an opera conservatory program. Influenced by Big Maybelle, Ruth Brown, Big Mama Thornton, Etta James, Bessie Smith. Self-released her Burlesque Swing debut album in 1991 and has recorded to a devoted fanbase until the time of her death. Known for songs such as The Toughest Girl Alive, Who Do You Love, 200 Pounds Of Fun, For Your Love, Please Tell Me A Lie, You Need A Great Big Woman and The Lord Was A Woman ~ Caleb was born in 1961
May 16, 2015 ~ Free jazz drummer, percussionist Jerome Cooper passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Active since the late-1960s. In addition to drums Cooper played balafon, chirimia and various electronic instruments referring to himself as a “multi-dimensional drummer.” Has worked with artists such as Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Steve Lacy, Lou Bennett, the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, Alan Silva, Noah Howard, Revolutionary Ensemble, Sam Rivers, George Adams, Karl Berger, Andrew Hill, Anthony Braxton, Cecil Taylor, and others ~ Cooper was born in 1946
May 16, 2013 ~ R&B singer Candice Glover wins American Idol ~ R&B singer Candice Glover wins the 12th season of talent show American Idol aired on Fox, beating singer Kree Harrison in the finals. Glover is the first winner to have auditioned three times, having also tried out for the 9th season, when Simon Cowell said he could not see her being anything more than a lounge singer, and the 11th season. Her audition for the 12th season, however, would earn her a standing ovation for her rendition of Duffy's Syrup & Honey. Following her success on the show, Glover released her sole album, Music Speaks, in 2014, which would reach top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 200 album charts
May 16, 2012 ~ Bandleader, composer Chuck Brown, full name Charles Louis Brown, passed away in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Known as “the Godfather of Go-Go”. Local celebrity in Washington DC. Elsewhere known for hits such as We Need Some Money and Bustin' Loose. Influential on the Soul Rebels Brass Band, Big G & the Backyard Band, the Junk Yard Band, Rare Essence, Experience Unlimited, Little Benny & the Master, and Trouble Funk ~ Brown was born in 1936
May 16, 2012 ~ Banjoist Doug Dillard passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Pioneering country-rock banjoist. Influenced by Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, Don Reno. Founding member of the Ozark Mountain Boys. Member of the Dixie Ramblers, the Dillards, the Folkswingers. Toured Europe as member of the Byrds. Especially praised as a key member of Dillard & Clark, which played an important role in popularizing country rock, and included Gene Clark, Bernie Leadon, Mike Clark, and Byron Berline as band members ~ Dillard was born in 1927
May 16, 2010 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Hank Jones, full name Henry Jones Jr, passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Brother of trumpeter Thad Jones and drummer Elvin Jones. Influenced by Earl Hines, Fats Waller, Teddy Wilson, and Art Tatum. Over 60 albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for the mid-1950s albums Bluebird and Urbanity. Accompanied Marilyn Monroe on piano as she sang Happy Birthday Mr President to then President John F Kennedy. Frequent collaborator, sideman to Milt Jackson, JJ Johnson, Oliver Nelson, and Sonny Stitt ~ Jones was born in 1918
May 16, 2010 ~ Ronald James Padavona, commonly known as heavy metal, hard rock singer, songwriter Ronnie James Dio, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Founded Elf. Lead singer of Rainbow, with whom he recorded three albums. Replaced Ozzy Osbourne as lead singer in Black Sabbath, present on the albums Heaven & Hell, Mob Rules and Dehumanizer. Founder, frontman, eponym of Dio. Founded Heaven & Hell with Tony Iommi ~ Padavona was born in 1942
May 16, 2009 ~ Singer, songwriter Alexander Rybak wins the 54th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Moscow, Russia ~ Representing Norway, singer Rybak wins with the song Fairytale, a self-penned composition. Runner-ups would be Turkey's Hadise with Dum Tek Tek in 2nd place, and Bosnia & Herzegovina's Grupa Regina with Bistra Voda in 3rd
May 16, 2005 ~ The 36th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 3 of 3. A sunny and warm weekend, this year's edition would draw a total of some 20,000 visitors. Included on today's, Monday the 16th's bill would be the Presidents of the United States, Beth Hart, Novastar, the Golden Earring, Kane, Faithless, Wir Sind Helden, Di-rect, Cake, Apocalyptica, Saybia, Triggerfinger, Thirteen Senses, Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party, and Gabriel Ríos
May 16, 2002 ~ Bassist, singer James Dewar passed away in Paisley, UK ~ Influenced by Ray Charles and Otis Redding. Best known as bassist for Stone The Crows and as lead singer and bassist for the Robin Trower Band. Has recorded one solo album, Stumbledown Romancer which notably featured organist Matthew Fisher, recorded in the 1970s but not released until 1998 ~ Dewar was born in 1942
May 16, 1995 ~ Maria Dolores Flores Ruiz, commonly known as copla, flamenco, pasodoble singer, actress Lola Flores, passed away in Madrid, Spain ~ Married to flameco guitarist El Pescaílla. The couple's children Lolita Flores, Rosario Flores and Antonio Flores have all achieved fame as singers. Over two dozen albums to her name as a singer, including a number with her husband. Appeared in some three dozen films as an actress ~ Flores was born in 1923
May 16, 1993 ~ Marvin Earl Johnson, commonly known as R&B singer, pianist, songwriter Marv Johnson, passed away in Columbia, South Carolina, USA ~ Notable for recording Come To Me, the very first release on Tamla in 1959, the label which later became Motown. Also known for You Got What It Takes and I Love The Way You Love, both reaching the top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Johnson would remain with Motown well through the 1970s, working in sales and promotion, as well as write songs for Tyrone Davis, Johnnie Taylor and notably Give Your Baby A Standing Ovation, a 1973 R&B hit for the Dells ~ Johnson was born in 1938
May 16, 1992 ~ Singer, songwriter Kirstin Maldonado, full name Kirstin Taylor Maldonado, born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Rose to fame as member of a capella pop group Pentatonix, known for songs such as 2013's Little Drummer Boy and 2014's Mary Did You Know. As a solo artist released her LOVE debut EP in 2017 under the moniker Kirstin ™, the ™ standing for “Taylor Maldonado”
May 16, 1990 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Eduardo Matteo passed away in Montevideo, Uruguay ~ Modernised Uruguyan music drawing from beat, jazz, bossa nova and local rhythms. Cited by Jorge Drexler as a major influence. Has his compositions recorded by Pedro Aznar, Hugo Fattoruso, Fernando Cabrera, Leon Gieco, Sandra Mihanovich, Milton Nascimento, Jaime Roos, and others ~ Mateo was born in 1940
May 16, 1990 ~ Singer, pianist, percussionist, dancer, actor, comedian Sammy Davis Jr, full name Samuel George Davis Jr, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Active since age three, performing in vaudeville shows with his father Sammy Davis Sr and the Will Mastin Trio. Starred in the 1956 Broadway production Mr Wonderful. Member of the Rat Pack, known among others for the 1960 film Oceans 11. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Hey There, Something's Gotta Give, Love Me Or Leave Me, What Kind Of Fool Am I, Me And My Shadow with Frank Sinatra, I've Gotta Be Me, and perhaps his best known The Candy Man, the latter topping the American charts in 1972 ~ Davis was born in 1925
May 16, 1989 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Shakka, full name Shakka Philips, born in UK ~ Broke through with his major label debut EP The Lost Boys, featuring the hit Say Nada, in 2015. Collaborated with artists such as Wretch 32, Frisco, Jme, Mr Vegas, Aluna George, Shown 'n Prove, Ghetts, Wiley, and others
May 16, 1981 ~ The Muppet Show episode featuring guest drummer Buddy Rich airs in the USA ~ Rich would later look back: “The thing that's good about it is: I felt like a Muppet myself, I was like a kid, playing with those guys, because that's how they made me feel. Singing the song was a knockout to me: the silly karate thing with Miss Piggy was beautiful, I thought; the playing on the walls, chairs and everything was a great idea of theirs. Then, of course, the battle at the end with Animal, to play opposite Ronnie Verrell - one of my all-time favourite drummers, along with Kenny Clare - was a total gas to me. That one week will go down as one of the most positive weeks in my career. I loved it, and I thank them.”
May 16, 1981 ~ Pianist, organist, bandleader, arranger Ernie Freeman, full name Ernest Aaron Freeman, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Active since the 1940s, initially in jazz and later branching out into R&B and pop. Session musician on numerous 1950s R&B and rock & roll records, including on the Platters's The Great Pretender. Member of the Ernie Fields Orchestra, which became the house band for Rendezvous Records in 1958. Musical director of Reprise Records. Arranged virtually every recording for Snuff Garrett at Liberty Records. Conducted string arrangements for Simon & Garfunkel's acclaimed Bridge Over Troubled Waters album. Over the course of his career has worked, in one capacity or another, with Woody Herman, Dinah Washington, Earl Bostic, Plas Johnson, Earl Palmer, Duane Eddy, Bobby Byrd, Frank Sinatra, Connie Francis, Petula Clark, Julie London, Bobby Vee, Johnny Burnette, Gene McDaniels, Timi Yuro, Johnny Otis, Jimmy Witherspoon, Charlie Barnet, and others ~ Freeman was born in 1922
May 16, 1979 ~ Raymond Eustis Montrell, commonly known as R&B guitarist Roy Montrell, passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ In-demand session musician, perhaps most notably for Little Richard (Lucille) and for Fats Domino. First recorded and co-wrote Everytime I Hear That Mellow Saxophone, later covered by numerous artists including the Stray Cats ~ Montrell was born in 1928
May 16, 1978 ~ Hans Wilhelm Steinberg, commonly known as conductor, violinist, pianist William Steinberg, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Violinist with the Cologne Opera Orchestra fired for using his own bowings, but quickly rehired as an assistant. Music director for the Frankfurt Opera, notably conducting the world premiere of Arnold Schoenberg's Von Heute Auf Morgen in 1930. Of Jewish descent Steinberg would be relieved from his post in 1933, the Nazi brownshirts literally storming in and lifting the baton out of his hand. Relocated to British Mandate of Palestine, current day Israel, by 1936, and to America two years later, finding employ as Arturo Toscanini's assistant for the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Best known for his tenure with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, serving as its music director from 1952 through 1976. Has also guest conducted most major US orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, as well as a wide array of foreign orchestras ~ Steinberg was born in 1899
May 16, 1977 ~ Singer, songwriter Emiliana Torrini born in Iceland ~ Best known for the single Jungle Drum and for Gollum's Song, the latter from the soundtrack to Lord Of The Rings (The Two Towers). Also a member of Gusgugs. Has collaborated with Spoon and with Kid Koala
May 16, 1976 ~ Christian singer, songwriter, pastor, author Ana Paula Valadão, full name Ana Paula Machado Valadão Bessa, born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil ~ Leads worship band Diante Do Trono, one of the most popular contemporairy praise bands with well over two dozen ablums since the late 1990s and record sales exceeding 15 million copies
May 16, 1975 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Tony Kakko, full name Toni Kristian Kakko, born in Kemi, Finland ~ Lead singer, primary songwriter and alongside drummer Tommy Portimo the only other constant member of power metal unit Sonata Arctica. Kakko has recorded over half a dozen albums with the band, including the acclaimed Reckoning Night album released in 2005. Kakko has also worked with the Northern Kings, and guested on albums by Nightwish, Apocalyptica, Stratovarius, Tuomas Holopainen, and Lordi
May 16, 1974 ~ Indie rock, alternative rock bassist, songwriter, author Johanna Fateman, full name Johanna Rachel Fateman, born ~ Started as a writer and producer for several zines. It was through one of her zines that she met future bandmate Kathleen Hanna, who was impressed and inspired by her writing. The two kept in touch and would later form the Troublemakers. The duo would later team up with Sadie Benning and form Le Tigre in 1998. Fateman has since also recorded as a solo artist, worked with MEN, and co-wrote and produced the Christina Aguilera song My Girls
May 16, 1974 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer, TV personality Laura Pausini born in Faenza, Italy ~ Rose to fame in 1993 with her La Sollitudine debut single which reached topped 10 across Europe including No.1 spots in the Netherlands, Belgium and her native Italy. Her full-length eponymous Laura Pausini debut album followed later the same year,. Has recorded consistently since. Well known songs include Strani Amore, Un'emergenza D'Amore, Tra Te E Il Mare, E Ritorno Da Te, Resta In Ascolto, Lo Canto, Invece No, Benveneto, Limpido, and others
May 16, 1974 ~ Indie rock, alt country, emo producer, guitarist, mandolinist, banjoist, engineer Mike Mogis, full name Michael Riley Mogis, born in North Platte, Nebraska, USA ~ Co-founded Presto Recording Studios with his brother AJ Mogis. Member of Bright Eyes, Lullaby For The Working Class, We'd Rather Be Flying, and of supergroup the Monsters Of Folk. In-demand producer, engineer, collaborator for artists such as the Faint, Rilo Kiley, Cursive, Hood Life, Jenny Lewis, Tilly & the Wall, Elizabeth & the Catapult
May 16, 1971 ~ Singer, guitarist Rick Trevino born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Member of Los Super Seven alongside Freddy Fender, Flaco Jiménez and Ruben Ramos. As a solo artist known for songs such as Just Enough Rope (Bastante Cordon), She Can't Say I Didn't Cry, Running Out Of Reasons To Run, and I Only Get This Way With You
May 16, 1971 ~ Guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Simon Katz, full name Simon Laurence Katz, born in Nottingham, UK ~ Best known as a member of Jamiroquai from 1995 to 2000, present on the acclaimed albums Travelling Without Moving and Synkronized. Also worked with Damon Albarn's group Gorillaz, Ms Dynamite, Sia, Gemma Fox, the Mad Professor, the Platinum Pied Pipers, and others
May 16, 1969 ~ Anthony Banks, commonly known as producer, rapper Ant Banks, born in Oakland, California, USA ~ As a solo recording artist has released a number on albums in the mid-1990s, notably The Big Badass in 1994. As a producer, collaborative musician active since the last 1980s working with artists such as Too $hort, E-40, the Dangerous Crew, B-Legit, Snoop Dogg, NWA, Ice Cube, Ice-T, Dr Dre, Coolio, and Mack 10
May 16, 1969 ~ Singer, guitarist Roger Miller records Me & Bobby McGee ~ Written by Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster. Best known to rock audiences in Janis Joplin's version, recorded for inclusion on Pearl just a few death days before her death and the second posthumously released single in Billboard history to top the charts, the first being Otis Redding's (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay. Miller's version was actually the original version, though. Other artists who recorded this song around the same time included Kenny Rogers on the 1969 Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town album, Gordon Lightfoot reaching No.13 on the Canadian pop singles chart in 1970, the Statler Brothers on their 1970 Bed Of Rose's album and Kristofferson himself on his 1970 Kristofferson album. The song would become mostly associated with Joplin though, giving her her sole albeit posthumously No.1 Billboard hit in 1971
May 16, 1968 ~ R&B, new jack swing singer, rapper, songwriter Ralph Tresvant born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Lead singer of new jack swing outfit New Edition, the band name being a reference to the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons, and known for hits such as Cool It Now, If It Isn't Love and I'm Still In Love With You. Debuted as a solo artist with the eponymous Ralph Tresvant in 1990. Would team up in 2008 with former Edition bandmates Bobby Brown and Johnny Gill performing under the moniker the Heads Of State
May 16, 1966 ~ R&B, pop, soul singer, songwriter, dancer, actress Janet Jackson, full name Janet Damita Jo Jackson, born in Gary, Indiana, USA ~ The most successful Jackson sibling to pursue a career without the aid of the family's patriarch Joe Jackson. Has sold over 100 million records. Became a pop icon in the 1980s with albums such as Control and Rhythm Nation 1814. Worked extensively with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on. Known for Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as What Have You Done For Me Lately, Nasty, When I Think Of You, Let's Wait Awhile, Miss You Much, Come Back To Me, Black Cat, Love Will Never Do (Without You), That's The Way Love Goes, Any Time Any Place and All For You. Has collaborated with Herb Alpert, the Jacksons, Luther Vandross, Shaggy, Busta Rhymes, Blackstreet, Beenie Man, Q-Tip, and others
May 16, 1965 ~ The musical The Roar Of The Greasepaint (The Smell Of The Crowd), written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, opens on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre, New York, New York ~ Hoping to match the success of their previous musical, Stop The World (I Want To Get Off), the pair of Newley and Bricusse wrote The Roar Of The Greasepaint (The Smell Of The Crowd). The show opened in Nottingham in August 1964 and subsequently toured the UK, but failed to reach the West End as interest was minimal. American theatre producer David Merrick, however, caught the show in Liverpool, and brought the show to America, expecting to get his investment back as costs could be kept low. After a lengthy American tour, and aided by the success of Tony Bennett's hit rendition of Who Can I Turn To, the most famous song from the show, the production would reach Broadway where it ran for some 230 performances. Merrick had made his money back before the tour was completed
May 16, 1965 ~ Bassist Krist Novoselic, full name Krist Anthony Novoselic, born in Compton, California, USA ~ Co-founding and constant member of Nirvana, regarded as the most successful and influential grunge band of the 1990s known for songs such as Smells Like Teen Spirit, Come As You Are, In Bloom, All Apologies, and Heart-Shaped Box. The band would disband in 1994 following the suicide of frontman Kurt Cobain. Novoselic would form Sweet '75 in 1995 and Eyes Adrift in 2002, recording one album with each
May 16, 1964 ~ Rock, alternative rock, classical violinist, mandolinist Boyd Tinsley, full name Boyd Calvin Tinsley, born in Charlottesville, California, USA ~ Member of the Dave Matthews Band from 1992 through 2018 providing a key element especially in their early sound and notably present on the band's best known albums including Under The Table And Dreaming, Crash and Before These Crowded Streets
May 16, 1963 ~ Nikki Anne Burnham, commonly known as jazz pianist, composer Nikki Iles, born in Dunstable, UK ~ Leader and sidewoman. Married to trumpeter Richard Iles, with whom she also worked in the Emanon ensemble. Member of the Bedfordshire Youth Jazz Orchestra. Has also worked with Tina May, Anthony Kerr, Duncan Hopkins, Rufus Reid, Norma Winstone, Anthony Braxton, Ingrid Laubrock, Sylvan Richardson, Martin Speake, Stan Sulzmann, and others
May 16, 1962 ~ Robert Crafton III, commonly known as keyboardist, rapper Bob Chilly B Crafton, born ~ Member of old-school hip-hop act Newcleus, which initially failed to make a serious dent in the charts but over time would be regarded as one of the early quintessential hip-hop acts acclaimed especially for their 1984 Jam On Revenge debut album. Well known songs include Where's The Beat, Computer Age and Jam On It ~ Crafton passed away in 2010
May 16, 1960 ~ Kevin Smith, commonly known as DJ, MC, singer, producer Lovebug Starski, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Considered a hip hop pioneer and one of the first to rap over beats. First gained attention in the late-1970s as resident DJ at the New York club Disco Fever. Smith claims to have coined the term “hip hop”, words that came to him while improvising lines performing at a private party for a friend: “I picked up the mic and just started saying ‘a hip hop, hip hop, de hibby hibby hibby hibby hop’.” As a recording artist, initially going by the moniker Little Starsky, Smith is best known for a number of late-1970s to mid-1980s singles starting with his debut single Positive Life, which was later notably sampled by MARRS in Pump Up The Volume, and subsequent releases such as Gangster Rock, You Gotta Believe, Do The Right Thing, and Amityville (The House On The Hill). Smith passed away at age 57 of a heart attack while moving speakers out of storage into his apartment, just hours after his last DJ gig ~ Smith passed away in 2018
May 16, 1959 ~ Conductor Andrew Litton born in New York, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, serving as its principal conductor from 1988 through 1994, and subsequently with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, serving as its musical director from 1994 through 2006
May 16, 1958 ~ Ubaldo Rodriguez Santos, commonly known as salsa singer Lalo Rodríguez, born in Carolina, Puerto Rico ~ Over half a dozen albums to his name. Best known for his 1988 hit Ven Devórame Otra Vez. Has previously worked with Eddie Palmieri, including on the Grammy Award-winning The Sun Of Latin Music album. Has also worked with Eddie Santiago, José Alberto El Canario, Frankie Ruiz, and others ~ Rodríguez passed away in 2022
May 16, 1956 ~ Rock, alternative rock guitarist, keyboardist, singer Jim Moginie born in Sydney, Australia ~ Founding member, leading songwriter of Midnight Oil. Also worked with Silverchair, Sarah Blasko, the End Of Fashion, Neil Murray, Kasey Chambers, Neil Finn, and others
May 16, 1953 ~ Jean Reinhardt, commonly known as gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt passed away in Samois-sur-Seine, France ~ Icon of Gypsy jazz. Regarded as one of the most important jazz guitarists in history. Founded the Quintette du Hot Club with violinist Stéphane Grappelli. Recorded with Coleman Hawkins and Benny Carter. Toured with Duke Ellington. As a composer revered for songs such as Minor Swing, Daphne, Djangology, Swing '42 and Nuages ~ Reinhardt was born in 1910
May 16, 1953 ~ Singer, bassist Richard Page born in Keokuk, Iowa, USA ~ Lead singer, bassist of Mr Mister, known for the 1980s hits Broken Wings and Kyrie. In-demand session musician and songwriter. Artists who recorded songs written or co-written by Page include Kenny Loggins, Madonna (I'll Remember), Josh Groban, Céline Dion, Chaka Khan, Donna Summer, Dionne Warwick, the Pointer Sisters, Meat Loaf, Patti Labelle, Hall & Oates, Al Jarreau, Leona Lewis, and others. Has also released a number of solo albums, starting with Shelter Me in 1996
May 16, 1952 ~ William Henry Somers, commonly known as big band bandleader Debroy Somers, passed away in London, UK ~ Popular from the 1920s through the 1940s. Noted for conducting the first British performance of George Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue in 1925, featuring the Savoy Orpheans with Gershwin himself on the piano ~ Somers was born in 1890
May 16, 1951 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Alberto Camerini born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Member of Il Pacco. Member of L'Enorme Maria. Session guitarist for the likes of Patty Pravo, Stormy Six, Fausto Leali, Eugenio Finardi. As a solo artist released his Cenerentola E Il Pane Quotidiano debut album in 1976. Best known for a number 1980s synth-pop hits, notably Rock 'n Roll Robot and Tanz Bambolina
May 16, 1951 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Claudio Baglioni born in Rome, Italy ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name since the early-1970s. First gained serious attention with the album Questo Piccolo Grande Amore released in 1972, its Questo Piccolo Grande Amore title track often named as one of the most enduring Italian pop songs of all time. Collaborated with Vangelis on the 1974 E Tu album. Especially well known for the 1980s albums Bagliono Strada Facendo and La Vita E Adesso, the latter selling over 4 million copies
May 16, 1951 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Fane Flaws, full name Fane Michael Flaws, born ~ Member of bands such as Blerta, the Spats, the Crocodiles, co-writing the 1980 New Zealand top 20 hit Tears for the latter. Contributed to the soundtracks of the 1989 animated black comedy Meet The Feebles and the 1992 comedy horror Braindead. Co-authored the 1998 children's book The Underwater Melon Man And Other Unreasonable Rhymes, which was complemented by a CD the following year and a DVD in 2011 with contributions from renowned musicians such as Chris Knox, Jenny Morris, Neil Finn, Tim Finn, and Renée Geyer ~ Flaws passed away in 2021
May 16, 1950 ~ Composer, conductor David Friedman, full name David Allen Friedman, born ~ Composed for TV, film, stage. Best known as conductor for several Disney animated feature films including Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas. Musical director of Broadway musicals including Sarava and Song & Dance. As a composer had his songs recorded by Diana Ross, Barry Manilow, Petula Clark, Alison Krauss, Laura Branigan, Leslie Uggams, and others
May 16, 1948 ~ Ambient, jazz, acoustic fingerstyle guitarist Adrian Legg born in London, UK ~ Called “impossible to categorize”, acclaimed for his fingerstyle picking and held in the highest regard by peers including Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Actively recording since the mid-1970s. Noted for his 1990 Guitars And Other Cathedrals album
May 16, 1948 ~ Thomas Neal Cartnell, commonly known as rock, heartland rock, roots rock, rock & roll saxophonist Alto Reed, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as longtime associate of Bob Seger and member of Silver Bullet Band, notably present on songs such as Turn The Page and Old Time Rock & Roll. Has also worked with Foghat, Grand Funk Railroad, Little Feat, Otis Rush, Jamie Oldaker, Dave Mason, Spencer Davis, Tico Torres, and George Thorogood ~ Cartmell passed away in 2020
May 16, 1947 ~ Drummer Darrell Sweet, full name Darrell Anthony Sweet, born in Bournemouth, UK ~ Co-founding member of hard rock, metal outfit Nazareth, known for songs such as Broken Down Angel, This Flight Tonight and perhaps their best known Love Hurts. Sweet died of a heart attack aged 51 while on tour and would eventually be replaced by bandmate Pete Agnew's son Lee Agnew ~ Sweet passed away in 1999
May 16, 1946 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist Robert Fripp born in Dorset, UK ~ Guitarist, co-founding member of King Crimson, known best for their 1969 masterpiece and debut album In The Court Of The Crimson King which is often hailed as one of the most important albums in progressive rock. In-demand collaborater, the number of albums he contributed to estimated as high as over 700. Has worked with David Bowie, Blondie, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads, David Sylvian, and others
May 16, 1945 ~ Harmonica player, songwriter Bob Young, full name Robert Keith Young, born in Basingstoke, UK ~ Best known as unofficial fifth member of Status Quo. Crew member started writing songs for the band as early as 1963 and occasion played harmonica on recordings, such as on The Price Of Love. Co-wrote songs such as Caroline, Paper Plane and Down Down
May 16, 1945 ~ Bassist Michael Moore born in Glen Este, Ohio, USA ~ Worked with Cal Collins, Woody Evans, Woody Herman, Marian McPartland, Freddie Hubbard, Jim Hall, Jimmy Raney, Bill Evans, Benny Goodman, Jake Hanna, Warren Vaché Jr, Herb Ellis, Zoot Sims, Ruby Braff, George Barnes, Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, Gene Bertoncini, Kenny Barron, Michal Urbaniak, Dave Brubeck, and others
May 16, 1945 ~ Pop, glam rock songwriter, producer Nicky Chinn, full name Nicholas Barry Chinn, born in London, UK ~ Frequent collaborator of Mike Chapman. Together the pair produced and wrote a substantial of era-defining hits throughout the 1970s and early-1980s for artists such as the Sweet (The Ballroom Blitz), Suzi Quatro (Devil Gate Drive, Stumblin' In), Mud (Dyna-mite, Tiger Feet), the Arrows (Touch Too Much), Racey (Lay Your Love On Me), Smokie (I'll Meet You At Midnight, Living Next Door To Alice), Exile (Kiss You All Over), Tina Turner (Better Be Good To Me), Huey Lewis & the News (Heart And Soul), Toni Basil (Mickey), and others
May 16, 1944 ~ Drummer, percussionist Billy Cobham, full name William Emanuel Cobham Jr, born in Colón, Panama ~ Quintessential fusion drummer. Influential beyond jazz, praised by rock drummers such as King Crimson's Bill Bruford, Phil Collins and Tool's Danny Carey. Rose to fame backing Miles Davis in the late-1960s and 1970s, including on albums such as Bitches Brew and Live/Evil, and as a member of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Well over two dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for Spectrum released in 1973. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Stanley Turrentine, George Benson (Giblet Gravy), Horace Silver (Serenade To A Soul Sister), Hubert Laws, Ron Carter (Uptown Conversation), Dreams, Freddie Hubbard (Red Clay), Roy Ayers (He's Coming), Dr Lonnie Smith, Mose Allison, Grover Washington Jr (All The King's Horses), Roberta Flack, Milt Jackson (Sunflower), Carly Simon, Roy Buchanan (A Street Called Straight), the Brothers Johnson (Look Out For No.1), and Pete Escovedo
May 16, 1939 ~ Pianist, songwriter, arranger, producer Antonio Coggio born in Savona, Italy ~ Perhaps best known for co-penning several of Claudio Baglioni's best known including Questo Piccolo Grande Amore, E Tu, Amore Bello and Poster. Early on in his career accompanied Gino Paoli including on the 1965 Paoli Dal Vivo Allo Studio D album. Would go on to serve as producer for artists such as Mia Martini, Ivano Fossati, Patty Pravo, and Stefano Rosso ~ Coggio passed away in 2021
May 16, 1932 ~ Edward Joseph Bertoiatus, commonly known as trombonist Eddie Bert, born in Yonkers, New York, USA ~ An in-demand soloist, Bert enjoyed a lengthy career mostly going unnoticed by all but his fellow musicians despite a handful of albums as a leader, specifically Encore released in 1955. Bert joined Sam Donahue's ensemble in his late teens, to go on to work with Red Norvo, Charlie Barnet, Woody Herman, Herbie Fields, Stan Kenton, Benny Goodman, Les Elgart, and Coleman Hawkins. Later on in his career, Bert would back the likes of Charles Mingus (Mingus At The Bohemia), Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Chubby Jackson, Boyd Raeburn, Lionel Hampton, Sal Salvador, Perry Como (Saturday Night With Mr C), Cannonball Adderley, Buddy Rich (Richcraft), Urbie Green, Manny Albam, Thad Jones, Dakota Staton, Bob James, Janis Ian (Between The Lines), Carly Simon, and Marlena Shaw ~ Bert passed away in 2012
May 16, 1932 ~ Isaac Holt, commonly known as jazz, soul drummer Redd Holt, born in Rosedale, Mississippi, USA ~ Perhaps best known for his association with Ramsey Lewis, including on the acclaimed The In-Crowd album which earned the trio a 1965 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Performance. In 1966 bassist Eldee Young and Holt would split from Lewis and form the Young-Holt Trio. The group would score a modest hit with Wack Wack but find their greatest success after renaming themselves to Young-Holt Unlimited, reaching Billboard Hot 100 top 10 with their instrumental single Soulful Strut. The band has been sampled hundreds of times, most often in the hip hop genre ~ Holt passed away in 2023
May 16, 1931 ~ Composer Donald Martino, full name Donald James Martino, born in Plainfield, New Jersey, USA ~ Composed orchestral works, chamber music, concertos, works for solo instruments, and vocal works. Perhaps best known for Notturno, published in 1974, which would earn him a Pullitzer Prize. Commissioned by pianist Easley Blackwood Jr to write the sonata Pianississimo, explicitly requesting that it would be one of the most difficult pieces ever written. Blackwood would never perform the piece in a live setting ~ Martino passed away in 2005
May 16, 1930 ~ Classical, jazz pianist, composer Friedrich Gulda born in Vienna, Austria ~ Revered interpreter of the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. Other than for his accomplishments in the classical world, Gulda is also known to jazz audiences, specifically for his work with the likes of Cecil Taylor, Barre Phillips, Ursula Anders, John Surman, Albert Mangelsdorff, Stu Martin, and Fritz Pauer ~ Gulda passed away in 2000
May 16, 1929 ~ Lillie Mae Jones, commonly known as jazz, post-bop singer Betty Carter, born in Flint, Michigan, USA ~ Debuted as a solo artist with the well-received album Out There in 1958. Became a household name after duetting with Ray Charles releasing the 1960 collaborative album Ray Charles & Betty Carter which spawned the hit Baby It's Cold Outside. Had previously worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Lionel Hampton, Charles Mingus, Wes Montgomery, King Pleasure, and Ray Bryant. Carter would go on to record numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums often employing and mentoring young talent early on in their career such as John Hicks, Curtis Lundy, Mulgrew Miller, Cyrus Chestnut, Dave Holland, Stephen Scott, Kenny Washington, Benny Green, and Tarik Shah ~ Carter passed away in 1998
May 16, 1926 ~ Bassoonist, conductor Mordechai Rechtman born in Barmen, Germany ~ Best known as principal bassoon with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra from 1946 through 1991, with whom he notably played the Israeli national anthem Hatikvah at the signing ceremony of the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948. Founded the Israel Woodwind Quintet and the Philharmonic Woodwind Ensemble, also serving as the latter's music director and conductor ~ Rechtman passed away in 2023
May 16, 1919 ~ Wladziu Valentino Liberace, mononymously known as pianist Liberace born in West Allis, Wisconsin, USA ~ Child prodigy. Known for his outrageous showmanship, sporting a flamboyant presence and lifestyle both on and off stage. At the height of his fame the highest-paid entertainer in the world. Played pop standards, classical and classical crossover ~ Liberace passed away in 1987
May 16, 1916 ~ Wilbur Odell Bascomb, commonly known as trumpeter Dud Bascomb, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Best known for his association with Erskine Hawkins. Has also worked with Duke Ellington, Lou Donaldson, Buddy Tate, James Brown (including on the 1969 Say It Loud I'm Black And I'm Proud album), Freddie McCoy, and others ~ Bascomb passed away in 1972
May 16, 1915 ~ Carlos Guillermo Cascales, commonly known as saxophonist, bandleader Chuck Cabot, born in Querétaro, Mexico ~ Brother of jazz, big band arranger Johnny Richards. As a bandleader enjoyed popularity during the 1940s and 1950s, known for songs such as Psychopathic Sally From The San Fernando Valley, Part-Time Sweetheart, In San Francisco (Long Ago), and Come Into My Arms. Co-founded the Hollywood International Talents talent agency. From the early-1960s until shortly before his death worked as booker, concert promoter, noted for organizing the Rolling Stones first West Coast concert tour ~ Cascales passed away in 2007
May 16, 1913 ~ Woodrow Charles Herman, commonly known as big band, swing, cool jazz bandleader, saxophonist, clarinetist, singer Woody Herman, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Rose to prominence as bandleader in the 1930s. Known for songs such as At The Woodchopper's Ball, Blues In The Night, Laura, Blue Flame, Sabre Dance and Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me. Employed sidemen such as Pete Candoli, Chuck Wayne, Ralph Burns, Zoot Sims, Serge Chaloff, Al Cohn, Gene Ammons, Oscar Pettiford, Shelly Manne, Michael Moore, and Sal Nistico ~ Herman passed away in 1987