May 18, 2024 ~ Country, country pop singer, guitarist Frank Ifield, full name Francis Edward Ifield, passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Scored a string of early-1960s hits including I Remember You, Lovesick Blues, Wayward Wind, I'm Confessin' That I Love You, and Please, all of which reached top 30 in his native UK. Ifield, known for frequently incorporating yodeling, has recorded some two dozen albums over his career, enjoying popularity throughout the mid-1980s in both the UK and Australia. In 1986, Ifield contracted pneumonia, which resulted in removal of part of a lung and damage to his vocal cords, seriously pausing his career as he recovered ~ Ifield was born in 1937
May 18, 2024 ~ Blues singer, guitarist, songwriter John Koerner, also known as Spider John Koerner, passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Closely associated with Dave Ray and Tony Glover, the trio recording and performing in various configurations, in solo turns and duets, but rarely as a trio. Ray suggested that it would be more accurate to refer to them not as Koerner Ray & Gloever, but rather Koerner and/or Ray and/or Glover. However, as a trio they did notably perform at the Newport Folk Festival in 1964, captured on the Newport Folk Festival 1964 (Evening Concerts III) album. In later years they would occasionally perform together, until Ray's death in the early-2000s. Koerner is also known for his 1965 Spider Blues album, and for teaming up with Willie Murphy for the 1969 collaborative Running Jumping Standing Still album. Koerner is considered an early influence on Bob Dylan, of whom Koerner has been quoted as saying: “We were all goofy, you know. We were thinkers and drinkers and artists and players, and Dylan was one of us. He was another guy.” ~ Koerner was born in 1938
May 18, 2024 ~ Hard rock, nu metal, post-grunge drummer Jon Wysocki passed away ~ Co-founding member of Staind, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums since the mid-1990s. Present on most of the band's best known, including the Billboard Hot 200 No.1 albums Break The Cycle, 14 Shades Of Grey, and Chapter V. Wysocki departed the band in 2011 over artistic differences, at the time stating he was frustrated with the direction of the band and how this “was not the Staind we started out being”, to be succeeded by Sal Giancarelli. Following Wysocki's death, the band issued a statement saying: “The 17 years (with Jon) were some of the best memories of our times together. From practice in Ludlow, Massachusetts, to touring around the world, Jon was integral to who we were as a band” ~ Wysocki was born ca.1971
May 18, 2024 ~ Nils Paul Danielsson, commonly known as jazz, free jazz double bassist Palle Danielsson, passed away ~ Studied violin as a child before switching to bass. Danielsson has been playing professionally since his mid-teens, becoming a fixture on the Scandinavian jazz scene backing artists such as Jan Garbarek and Bobo Stenson and visiting American jazz musicians such as Bill Evans, George Russell, and Ben Webster. Danielsson is perhaps best known for his tenure with Keith Jarrett in the latter half of the 1970s, including on the acclaimed albums Belonging and My Song. Danielsson has recorded sporadically as a leader or co-leader, including on the 1992 collaborative album Togetherness with his sister Monica Dominique, and has appeared on albums by Steve Kuhn (Watch What Happens), Karin Krog, Cornelis Vreeswijk, Barre Phillips, Lee Konitz (Altissimo), Albert Mangelsdorff, Enrico Rava (The Pilgrim And The Stars), Collin Walcott (Grazing Dreams), Michel Petrucciani, Christof Lauer, and Peter Erskine ~ Danielsson was born in 1946
May 18, 2022 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, banjoist Bob Neuwirth passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Underground cult hero. Influential on close friend and associate of Bob Dylan, with whom he also played including in the 1967 tour documentary Don't Look Back. Assembled Dylan's backing band for the 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue tour. Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Mercedes Benz with Michael McClure and Janis Joplin, the latter first recording the song as the B-side to Cry Baby released in 1971. Recorded five albums through the late-1990s, starting with his eponymous Bob Neuwirth debut in 1974. Collaborated with John Cale on the 1994 collaborative Last Day On Earth album. Songs written or co-written by Neuwirth have been recorded by Kristofferson, Peter Case, T-Bone Burnett, Robert Earl Keen, and Todd Snider ~ Neuwirth was born in 1939
May 18, 2022 ~ Free jazz pianist, vibraphonist Paul Plimley, full name Paul Horace Plimley, passed away in Vancouver, Canada ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with bassist Lisle Ellis. Considered one of the finest interpreters of Ornette Coleman on the piano, an instrument usually seen as antithetical to Coleman's music. Has collaborated with Joe McPhee, Barry Guy, Trichy Sankaran, Henry Kaiser, Mei Han, and others ~ Plimley was born in 1953
May 18, 2022 ~ Actor, TV personality, singer, songwriter Wim Rijken passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as an actor for TV, film, theater. As a singer debuted in 1988 with the single Wie Weet Wat Liefde Is duetting with Conny Vandenbos and later rerecorded as a duet with Marga Bult. As a solo artist known for songs such as Voor Mij Is Er Maar Eén, Jij Bent Mijn Zomer and Zo Zijn We Samen ~ Rijken was born in 1958
May 18, 2019 ~ Singer, pianist Duncan Laurence wins the 64th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Tel Aviv, Israel ~ Representing the Netherlands, Laurence wins with the song Arcade co-written by Laurence with Joel Sjoo and Wouter Hardy. Italy's Mahmood reached 2nd place with Soldi, Russia's Sergey Lazarev ended in 3rd place with Scream
May 18, 2018 ~ Jazz, classical pianist Jack Reilly, full name Jack Aloysius Reilly, passed away in Toms River, New Jersey, USA ~ A musician's musician, higly admired by peers but never earning much public recognition. About a dozen albums to his name, particularly noted for November and Masks. Has collaborated with the likes of John LaPorta, Lennie Tristano, George Russell, Carol Lian, and Bill Charlap ~ Reilly was born in 1932
May 18, 2017 ~ Christopher John Boyle, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Chris Cornell, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Pivotal figure in 1990s grunge. Best known as singer, guitarist for Soundgarden and for Audioslave. Fronted Temple Of The Dog. Has also worked with Center For Disease Control Boys, Screaming Trees, Alice In Chains, Alice Cooper, Slash, and others ~ Boyle was born in 1964
May 18, 2016 ~ Singer, actress Yumi Ito passed away ~ Formed the pop duo the Peanuts with identical twin Emi Ito, enjoying popularity from the late-1950s until disbanding in 1975. The siblings started out singing Japanese covers of standards and international hits yet over time would add more originals to their repertoire, working with songwriters such as Koichi Sugiyama and Rei Nakanishi. The duo are best known for songs such as Kawaii Hana, Koi No Vacance, Souvenirs From Tokyo, Bye Bye Yokohama, and Furimukanaide ~ Ito was born in 1941
May 18, 2014 ~ Genaro Louis Vitaliano, commonly known as singer Jerry Vale, passed away in Palm Desert, California, USA ~ Best known for charting the pop charts mostly with covers of romantic ballads, You Don't Know, Have You Looked Into Your Heart, as well as a number of classic Italian-American songs such as Amore Scusami, O Sole Mio, Volare, and Al-di-la ~ Vitaliano was born in 1932
May 18, 2013 ~ Singer Emmelie de Forest wins the 58th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Malmö, Sweden ~ Representing Denmark singer De Forest wins with the song Only Teardrops written by Lise Cabble, Julia Fabrin Jakobsen and Thomas Stengaard. Runner-ups were Azerbaijan's Farid Mammadov in 2nd place with Hold Me and Ukraine's Zlata Ognevich with Gravity in 3rd
May 18, 2012 ~ Singer Bruce Springsteen kicks off his Wrecking Ball World Tour at the Phillips Arena, Atlanta ~ Playing to a crowd of close to 15,000 visitors, Springsteen kicks off the tour in support of the Wrecking Ball album in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 130 dates across over two dozen countries the tour would run through September 21st the following year, concluding at the the Parque Dos Atletas, Rio de Janeiro. It would be the first tour without saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who had passed away the previous year
May 18, 2012 ~ Pop rock drummer Peter Jones, full name Peter Robert Jones, passed away in Melbourne, Australia ~ Latter-day member of Crowded House, replacing founding member Paul Hester in 1994 and remaining until the band's initial disbandement in 1996. Jones was present for the band's initial farewell tour, documented on the Farewell To The World album, but did not return when the band reformed about a decade later. Jones has also worked with Deadstar, Reggaebites, Stephen Cummings, Tess McKenna, and with Rebecca Barnard. Following his musical career, Jones has also worked as a drum instructor and classroom teacher. Jones passed away age 49 of brain cancer ~ Jones was born in 1963
May 18, 2010 ~ Garage rock, punk blues, indie rock duo the Black Keys release Brothers, their 6th studio album ~ The band's previous album, 2008's Attack & Release, earned the duo their first major success reaching top 20 Billboard Hot 200 and top 40 in the UK, but Brothers would be their critical and commercial breakthrough reaching top 10 in about half a dozen countries including Canada and the USA. The album's lead single, Tighten Up produced by Danger Mouse, would receive a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Song, losing out to Neil Young's Angry World, and received the Award for Best Rock Performace by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The album itself received a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album, beating Arcade Fire, Band Of Horses, Broken Bells, and Vampire Weekend
May 18, 2007 ~ Jazz double bassist Herbie Lewis, full name Herbert Prince Lewis, passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Among the top bassists of the bop era, closely associated with McCoy Tyner, Les McCann, and Jackie McLean. Lewis has also appeared on albums by Harold Land, Shirley Scott (Hip Soul), Richard Groove Holmes, Stanley Turrentine (That's Where It's At), Gerald Wilson, Bobby Hutcherson, Sam Rivers, Freddie Hubbard, the Jazz Crusaders, Cedar Walton, Tete Montoliu (Lunch In LA), Sonny Stitt, Sonny Simmons, and Eddie Harris ~ Lewis was born in 1941
May 18, 2005 ~ Country banjoist, guitarist Bobby Thompson passed away ~ In-demand session musician, mostly active from the 1960s through the 1980s. Member of Area Code 615, alongside Weldon Myrick and Charlie McCoy. Has appeared on albums by the likes of the Monkees, Charley Pride, Dottie West, Willie Nelson (Yesterday's Wine), the Everly Brothers, Donna Fargo, Johnny Cash, Ferlin Husky, Waylon Jennings (The Ramblin' Man), the Pointer Sisters, the Statler Brothers, Ronnie Milsap, Jimmy Buffett, Eddie Rabbitt, Dolly Parton (Jolene), Mickey Newbury, the Oak Ridge Boys, Jerry Lee Lewis (When Two Worlds Collide), Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, and Neil Young ~ Thompson was born in 1937
May 18, 2004 ~ Modal jazz, avant-garde, hard bop, post-bop drummer Elvin Jones passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Brother of pianist Hank Jones and trumpeter Thad Jones. Considered one of the premier jazz drummers of the post-bop era, bridging the gap between hard bop and avant-garde. Influential on rock drummers such as Jimi Hendrix-drummer Mitch Mitchell, Cream's Ginger Baker, the Doors' John Densmore, and Sleater-Kinney's Janet Weiss. As a leader especially acclaimed for the late-1960s albums The Ultimate Elvin Jones and Poly-Currents. As a sideman has backed artists such as Miles Davis, Charles Mingus (Pithecanthropus Erectus), Sonny Rollins, Tommy Flanagan, Gil Evans, Lee Konitz, McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter (Night Dreamer), Grant Green (Talkin' About), John Coltrane (A Love Supreme), Bob Brookmeyer, Freddie Hubbard (Blue Spirits), Jaki Byard, Ornette Coleman, and Chico Freeman (Beyond The Rain) ~ Jones was born in 1927
May 18, 2002 ~ The 33rd edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. A sunny weekend, this year's edition would draw a crowd of in total some 63,000 visitors. Included on today's, Saturday the 18th's bill would be Heather Nova, Live, POD, Bush, Supergroover, After Forever, and Groove Armada
May 18, 1999 ~ Horace Swaby, commonly known as roots reggae, dub producer, pianist, keyboardist Augustus Pablo passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Popularised the use of the melodica in reggae. Best known for his 1976 King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown, a landmark album in dub music. Has worked with Mikey Chung, Clive Chin (Java), Lee Scratch Perry, Fred Locks, Dillinger, I-Roy, the Impact All-Stars, Paul Blackman, the Heptones, Bob Marley, Delroy Wilson, Junior Delgado, Horace Andy. Also played to melodica on Primal Scream's 1997 Star single ~ Swaby was born in 1954
May 18, 1997 ~ The 28th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 2 of 3. Mostly sunny and warm, some rain today, this year's edition would draw a crowd of in total 49,200 visitors. Included on today's, Sunday the 18th's bill would be Limp Bizkit, Placebo, the Descendents, Rammstein, de Osdorp Posse, Beth Orton, DJ L-Dopa, Lamb, Lady Aïda, Faithless, DJ Hyper, and System 7
May 18, 1996 ~ Singer Eimar Quinn wins the 41st edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Oslo, Norway ~ Representing Ireland, Quinn wins with the song The Voice written by Brendan Graham. Runner-ups would be Elisabeth Andreassen representing Norway with I Evighet in 2nd place, and One More Time representing Sweden with Den Vilda in 3rd
May 18, 1993 ~ Kyle Thomas Harvey, mononymously known as rapper, singer, songwriter, actor Kyle, born in Ventura, California, USA ~ Best known for his 2018 breakout single iSpy featuring Lil' Yachty, which reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 10. Has collaborated with Kehlani, G-Eazy, Chance the Rapper, Ty Dolla $ign, and others
May 18, 1986 ~ Composer, arranger, pianist, saxophonist Charles Albertine passed away ~ Best known as composer, arranger for the Elgarts, Sammy Kaye, the Three Suns and as composer of Bandstand Boogie, the theme for TV dance show American Bandstand. Other artists who recorded Albertine's songs include Chet Atkins, Bud Powell, Barry Manilow, and Lawrence Welk ~ Albertine was born in 1929
May 18, 1985 ~ Christian pop singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Francesca Battistelli born in New York, New York, USA ~ Over half a dozen albums to her name, starting with Just A Breath released in 2004. Known for songs such as I'm Letting Go, Free To Be Me, He Knows My Name, Write Your Story, Holy Spirit, and The Breakup Song. Married to NewSong-drummer Matt Goodwin since 2009
May 18, 1984 ~ Jazz, swing, hard bop trumpeter Ray Copeland passed away ~ Father of jazz drummer Keith Copeland. Worked with Thelonious Monk, Specs Powell, Randy Weston, Jimmy Witherspoon, Ernie Wilkins, Lionel Hampton, Oscar Pettiford, Cat Anderson, Betty Carter, Bob Brookmeyer, Betty Carter, Art Farmer, Booker Ervin, Archie Shepp, and others ~ Copeland was born in 1926
May 18, 1980 ~ Singer Ian Curtis, full name Ian Kevin Curtis, passed away in Macclesfield, UK ~ Lead singer, primary songwriter of post-punk band Joy Division, who recorded the quintessential albums Unknown Pleasures and Closer. Best known for their 1980 Love Will Tear Us Apart hit single. Despite recording only two albums before Ian's suicide at age 23 the band would prove to be hugely influential on bands such as U2, the Cure, Interpol, Bloc Party, the Editors, and others. The band was on the verge of an American breakthrough but would disband shortly after Curtis' death, the remaining members continuing as New Order ~ Curtis was born in 1956
May 18, 1979 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter David Nail, full name David Brent Nail, born in Kennet, Missouri, USA ~ Recorded a full-length eponymous David Nail debut album for Mercury Records in the early-2000s. A lead single, Memphis, would become a moderate hit on the Billboard Country charts but the album would remain unreleased. Five years later Nail signed with MCA Nashville and released his I'm About To Come Alive album. Has since repeatedly reached the higher echelons of the country charts, noted most for the singles Red Light, Let It Rain feat Sarah Buxton and Whatever She's Got
May 18, 1979 ~ Pop, rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Melissa McClelland born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Described as “reminiscent of a female Tom Waits” and influenced primarily by blues and Americana. Married to guitarist, singer Luke Doucet, with whom she also recorded under the moniker Whitehorse. Debuted as a solo artist with the independently released eponymous Melissa McClelland album in 2001. Has worked with Ladybird Sideshow, Jesse Cook, Blue Rodeo, Peter Katz, and others
May 18, 1975 ~ Bandoneonist, bandleader, composer Anibal Troilo, full name Anibal Carmelo Troilo, passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Popular bandleader during the golden age of tango, a period from the early-1940s through the mid-1950s. Best known for his instrumentals though he has also recorded with vocalists such as Roberto Goyneche, Edmundo Rivero and Francisco Fiorentino. Noted for employing Astor Piazzolla in his orchestra from 1939 through 1944 ~ Troilo was born in 1914
May 18, 1975 ~ Folk rock, acoustic pop singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Jack Johnson, full name Jack Hody Johnson, born in Oahu, Hawaii, USA ~ Debuted in 2001 with the Brushfire Fairytales album and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Known for songs such as Flake, Sitting Waiting Wishing, Upside Down, If I Had Eyes, You And Your Heart, I Got You, and Don't Let Me Down with Milky Chance
May 18, 1975 ~ Composer, conductor Leroy Anderson passed away in Woodbury, Connecticut, USA ~ Known for his light orchestral pieces, many of which premiered by the Boston Pops Orchestra. Described by renowned conductor, film composer John Williams as “one of the great American masters of light orchestral music.” ~ Anderson was born in 1908
May 18, 1971 ~ Eurodance, dance-pop singer Annika Kjærgaard, full name Annika Eva Ingegerd Kjærgaard, born in Hässleholm, Sweden ~ Member of Alcazar, best known for their 2000 hit Crying At The Discotheque
May 18, 1970 ~ Rock, hard rock, alternative rock, alternative metal guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer Billy Howerdel born ~ Recorded as a solo artist under his give name as well as under the moniker Ashes Divide. Best known as founding member of A Perfect Circle, which also included Tool's Maynard James Keenan, known for their platinum Mer De Noms debut album released in 2000
May 18, 1970 ~ The 1st edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ The weather is sunny and some 10,000 visitors show up for this edition's bill which includes Keef Hartley, the Golden Earring, the George Baker Selection, Dream, Opus, the Livin' Blues and the Mr Albert Show
May 18, 1969 ~ Actress, singer Helena Noguerra born in Brussels, Belgium ~ Married to singer, actor Philippe Katerine from 1999 to 2008. Sister of singer Lio, with whom she also collaborated. Has worked extensively as an actress since the late-1980s. As a singer released her Projet Bikini debut album in 19. Known for songs such as Lunette Noires and Rivière Des Anges. Toured with Nouvelle Vague in 2010. Has also worked with artists such as Olivier Libaux, Serge Rezvani, André Manaoukian, François Morel, Natalie Dessay, Arielle Dombasle, and others
May 18, 1967 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist Josh Clayton-Felt born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Co-founded alternative rock outfit School Of Fish with Michael Ward, best known for 3 Strange Days of their eponymous School Of Fish debut album released in 1991. Following the band's disbandement has recorded as a solo artist, starting with Inarticulate Nature Boy released in 1996 ~ Clayton-Felt passed away in 2000
May 18, 1967 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock keyboardist Martin Duffy, full name Martin Bernard Duffy, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Member of indie rockers Felt. Guested on Primal Scream's first two albums, Sonic Flower Groove and Primal Scream, prior to joining the band fulltime in 1989. Worked with the Charlatans, replacing the late Rob Collins on tour and on the band's Tellin' Stories album released in 1997. Member of supergroup the Chavs alongside Tim Burgess and Carl Barât. Has also appeared on recordings by Heidi Berry, Beth Orton, Paul Weller, and the Chemical Brothers. Released his sole solo album, Assorted Promenades, in 2014 ~ Duffy passed away in 2022
May 18, 1966 ~ British pop group the Hollies record Bus Stop at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Written by future 10cc-member Graham Gouldman. Produced by Ron Richards. One of the band's best remembered, remaining a radio staple to this day. Served as the title track of the band's fourth album. Released as a single the following June, b/w Don't Run And Hide, it would become the band's first American top 10 hit
May 18, 1965 ~ Industrial rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Christopher Hall, full name Robert Christopher Hall, born in Illinois, USA ~ Formed Stabbing Westward with keyboardist Walter Flakus in 1985 while still in college. The band would tour relentlessly in support of their 1993 Ungod debut album building a modest but steady fanbase and break into the mainstream with their Wither Blister Burn & Peel sophomore album released in 1996, which would reach gold status. Hall founded the Dreaming after Westward's initial disbandement in 2002. Westward would reunite in the 2020s, releasing the album Chasing Ghosts to critical acclaim in 2022
May 18, 1965 ~ Power metal, heavy metal drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg born in Hamburg, West Germany ~ Best known as co-founding member of Helloween, fired from the band in 1993. Noted for his high-energy drumming and for his cheerful attitude earning him the nickname “Mr Smile”. Has also worked with Gentry and Iron Fist ~ Schwichtenberg passed away in 1995
May 18, 1962 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Huw Warren born in Swansea, UK ~ Co-founded the Perfect Houseplants teaming up with Mark Lockheart, Dudley Phillips and Martin France. Also worked with Andrew Manze, Pamela Thorby, the Orlando Consort, the Creative Jazz Orchestra, LPO Renga, Lieuwen Steffan, June Tabor, Iain Ballamy, Mark Feldman, Maria Pia de Vito, Peter Herbert, Joanna MacGregor, Theo Bleckmann, Pamela Thorby, Erik Truffaz, Gabriele Mirabassi, Ralph Towner, Ra Ramamani, Kenny Wheeler, Loose Tubes, Steve Argüelles, Julian Argüelles, Billy Jenkins, John Parricelli, John Ethridge, Christine Tobin, Tim Garland, Scott Stroman, Antonio Forcione, Brian Abrahams, Billy Bragg, Elvis Costello, Eddi Reader, Echobelly, Christine Collier, the Audio Bullys, and others
May 18, 1962 ~ Sandra Ann Lauer, commonly known as pop singer Sandra Cretu, born in Saarbrücken, West Germany ~ Best known for a string of 1980s and 1990s singles, using the moniker Sandra, produced by then-husband Michael Cretu, most notably I'll Never Be Maria Magdalena. Also worked with Michael as vocalist with the highly successful Enigma project. Previous to her solo career member of disco outfit Arabesque
May 18, 1960 ~ Singer Tyka Nelson, full name Tyka Evene Nelson, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Daughter of jazz pianist John L Nelson and singer Mattie Della Shaw, and the only full sibling of Prince. Nelson has released four albums starting with Royal Blue released in 1988, which included her best known song Marc Anthony's Tune. Nelson wrote the song as at the time she had a crush on singer Marc Anthony, the single would reach top 40 Billboard R&B ~ Nelson passed away in 2024
May 18, 1958 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, actress, producer, songwriter Toyah Willcox, full name Toyah Ann Willcox, born in King's Heath, UK ~ Eponym and frontwoman of Toyah, known for songs such as I Want To Be Free and Thunder In The Mountains. Embarked on a solo career in the mid-1980s though as a solo singer would never reach the same level of success. Did work though with respected names such as with Robert Fripp in the short-lived early-1990s band Sunday All Over The World and with REM drummer Bill Rieflin in the Humans, formed in 2007. Also known as an actress for theatre, TV and film
May 18, 1954 ~ Conductor, cellist, composer, arranger Jaques Morelenbaum born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Son of conductor Henrique Morelenbaum and piano teacher Sarah Morelenbaum, brother of clarinetist Lucia Morelenbaum and conductor Eduardo Morelenbaum. Member of A Barca Do Sol. Member of the Quarteto Jobim Morelenbaum alongside Paulo Jobim, Daniel Jobim and his wife singer Paula Morelenbaum. As an arranger worked with Antônio Carlos Jobim, Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Ivan Lins, Madredeus, David Byrne, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and others
May 18, 1954 ~ Eric Goulden, commonly known as rock, new wave, punk rock singer, songwriter Wreckless Eric, born in Newhaven, UK ~ Best known for his 1977 single Whole Wide World featuring Nick Lowe on bass and guitar and Steve Goulding on drums. The song would be underappreciated at the time, never even making it to the charts, but in hindsight be acclaimed by critics as one of the best punk songs of all-time
May 18, 1953 ~ Singer Feliciano Tavares Jr born ~ Member of sibling R&B, disco outfit Tavares, known best for She's Gone, It Only Takes A Minute, Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel, Don't Take Away The Music and More Than A Woman, the latter notably featured on 1977 Saturday Night Fever soundtrack
May 18, 1953 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter John Schumann born in Adelaide, Australia ~ Lead singer of folk band Redgum, best known for their 1983 I Was Only 19 (A Walk In The Green Light) hit single. The single told of psychological and medical trauma sustained serving in the Australian forces during the Vietnam war, its proceed would help Veterans during the 1983 Royal Commission into the effect of Agent Orange employed during the war. Schumann was also known for his involvement in politics. Served as chief of staff for then-leader of the Australian Democrats Meg Lees. Ran for office himself in the 1998 federal election, narrowly losing to Alexander Downer
May 18, 1952 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter George Strait, full name George Harvey Strait, born in Poleet, Texas, USA ~ One of the most influential country musicians known for his neotraditionalist style, bringing back country music to its root and away from the poppy sound of the 1970s. Scored over 40 Billboard Country charttoppers since breaking through in the early-1980s. Known for songs such as Fool Hearted Memory, You Look So Good In Love, Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind, The Chair, Ocean Front Property, All My Ex's Live In Texas, Baby Blue, Love Without End Amen, I Cross My Heart, Check Yes Or No, Carrying Your Love With Me, Write This Down, She'll Leave You With A Smile, River Of Love, and others
May 18, 1951 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Andy Santana born in San Jose, California, USA ~ Worked with Bukka White, Joe Louis Walker, the Gospel Hummingbirds, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Dixon, Jimmy Rogers, Luther Tucker, Billy Boy Arnold, Dave Myers, Carey Bell, William Clarke, Lou Ann Barton, Jimmy Thackery, Coco Montoya, Tommy Castro, Chris Cain, Nappy Brown, Junior Watson, and Angela Strehli
May 18, 1948 ~ Country, gospel singer Joe Bonsall, full name Joseph Sloan Bonsall Jr, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Bonsall first gained attention in the late-1960s as a member of gospel group the Keystone Quartet, alongside Richard Sterban. Through the gospel world, Sterban and Bonsall met up with William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys. When the band found themselves in need of a bass and tenor singer, they enlisted the pair. Looking back on joining the band, Bonsall later commented the Oak Ridge Boys were “the most innovative quartet in gospel music, they performed gospel with a rock approach, had a full band, wore bell-bottom pants and grew their hair long, things unheard of at the time”. Bonsall remained with the band until his death some five decades later, retiring from performing in early 2024 for medical reasons. The band enjoyed popularity especially from the late-1970s through the early-1990s, with over half a dozen of their albums reaching top 10 Billboard Country. Well known songs include Trying To Love Two Women, Elvira, (I'm Settin') Fancy Free, Bobbie Sue, I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes, Touch A Hand (Make A Friend), and It Takes A Little Rain (To Make Love Grow). Bonsall is also known as an author with close to a dozen books to his name, including his I See Myself memoir released the year before his death ~ Bonsall passed away in 2024
May 18, 1946 ~ Art punk, experimental guitarist Bruce Gilbert, full name Bruce Clifford Gilbert born in Watford, UK ~ Co-founding member of Wire. The band is considered the pivotal late-1970s art punk unit, especially acclaimed for their first three albums Pink Flag, Chairs Missing and 154. During the band's hiatuses has formed a series of bands, often collaborating with bandmate bassist Graham Lewis, including Cupol, Dome and Duet Emmo. The duo also produced The The's 1980 Black & White/Controversial Subject debut single. Gilbert has recorded as a solo artist, starting with To Speak released in 1993, collaborated with a wide array of artists, and has DJ'd at London techno clubs going by the moniker DJ Beekeeper
May 18, 1944 ~ Singer, songwriter Albert Hammond, full name Albert Louis Hammond, born in London, UK ~ Father of the Strokes-frontman Albert Hammond Jr. Member of the Magic Lanterns, member of the Family Dogg. As a singer known for his 1972 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 It Never Rains In Southern California. In-demand songwriter. Songs written or co-written by Hammond have been recorded by the Troggs, Cliff Richard, the Hondells, Joe Dolan, Blue Mink, the Fortunes, the Carpenters, Leo Sayer (Easy To Love), Julio Iglesias, Janis Ian, Joe Cocker (Don't You Love Me Anymore), Air Supply, Chicago (I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love), Whitney Houston (One Moment In Time), Eddie Money, Tina Turner, Tom Jones, Diana Ross, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Céline Dion
May 18, 1941 ~ Doris Curry, commonly known as soul, southern soul, R&B, gospel singer Doris Duke, born in Sandersville, Georgia, USA ~ Married to doo-wop singer Gus Willingham. In-demand session and backing singer, notably present on Nina Simone's A Very Rare Evening live album. Released her Running Away From Loneliness debut single in 1966 under her married name Doris Willingham. Best known among aficionados for her 1969 I'm A Loser, spawning the Billboard R&B top 10 hit To The Other Woman (I'm The Other Woman). The album has over time become to be regarded as one of the finest deep soul records of all time ~ Curry passed away in 2019
May 18, 1941 ~ John Baslington Lyde, commonly known as guitarist Lobby Loyde, born in Longreach, Australia ~ First gained attention in the 1960s as a member of the Purple Hearts, known for their 1966 single Early In The Morning, and subsequently of Wild Cherries, known for the hit single That's Life. Would go on to become a leading figure in the 1970s Australian pub rock scene, notably as a member of Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs. Has also recorded as a solo artist, and collaborated with the likes of Coloured Balls, and briefly with Rose Tattoo ~ Loyde passed away in 2007
May 18, 1939 ~ Larry Wayne Stevens, commonly known as producer, songwriter Gary S Paxton, born in Coffeyville, Kansas, USA ~ First gained attention as the “Flip” in the duo Skip & Flip, the other being Clyde Battin, scoring the hits It Was I and Cherry Pie before splitting up. Would go on to work with the Association, Paul Revere & the Raiders, the Four Freshmen and with Tommy Roe. Perhaps best remembered for producing two unexpected hits, namely Alley Oop for the Hollywood Argyles in 1960 and Monster Mash for Bobby Pickett in 1962 ~ Stevens passed away in 2016
May 18, 1938 ~ Bandleader Francois Guin born in Contres, France ~ Worked with Marc Laferriere, Raymond Fonseque, Christian Chevalier, Jacques Denjean, Jacques Hélian, Danlei Janin, Duke Ellington, Luis Fuentes, Michel Legrand, Gerry Mulligan, Bill Coleman, Claude Bolling, the Four Bones, les Petits Francais, Moustache, Georges Brassens, and others
May 18, 1934 ~ Percussionist Jack Ashford born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as a member of Motown house band the Funk Brothers. Played on numerous recordings including the Miracles' Ooh Baby Baby, Martha & the Vandellas' Nowhere To Run, the Supremes' You Can't Hurry Love, Marvin Gaye's I Heard It Through The Grapevine, and Thelma Houston's Don't Leave Me This Way
May 18, 1933 ~ Fred Smith, commonly known as R&B songwriter, producer Fred Sledge Smith, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing several hits for the Olympics including Hully Gully later notably covered by the Hollywood Argyles, Chubby Checker, and the Beach Boys. Smith also co-produced Bob & Earl's 1963 original recording of Harlem Shuffle, widely considered one of the most enduring early-1960s R&B recordings ~ Smith passed away in 2005
May 18, 1933 ~ Jazz pianist, conductor, arranger Larry Novak, full name Lawrence R Novak, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Father of drummer Gary Novak. Worked with Cleveland Eaton, Pearl Bailey, Mel Tormé, Frank Sinatra, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Carmen McRae, Dizzy Gillespie, Louie Bellson, Herb Ellis, Butch Miles, Rufus Reid, Ray Brown, Carl Fontana, Kenny Burrell, Chick Corea, Al Hirt, Charlie Shavers, Barney Kessel, Scott LaFaro, Sonny Stitt, Terry Gibbs, Buddy DeFranco, Phil Woods, Scott Hamilton, and others ~ Novak passed away in 2020
May 18, 1930 ~ Cool jazz trombonist, bass trumpeter, singer Mike Zwerin was born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Perhaps best known for his association with Miles Davis, present on Davis's Birth Of The Cool sessions. Has also worked with Maynard Ferguson, Claude Thornhill, Archie Shepp, George Gruntz, Alexis Korner, Alan Silva, Sugar Blue, and others ~ Zwerin passed away in 2010
May 18, 1926 ~ Jazz organist Lou Bennett born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Started on be-bop piano, but was inspired to switch to organ after hearing Jimmy Smith. Recorded prolifically as a leader during the 1960s. Has guested on albums by the likes of René Thomas, Leo Wright, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Johnny Griffin, and King Curtis ~ Bennett was born in 1997
May 18, 1922 ~ Jazz trombonist Kai Winding, full name Kai Chresten Winding, born in Aarhus, Denmark ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his association with trombonist JJ Johnson. Has also worked with Benny Goodman, Stan Kenton, Miles Davis (Birth Of The Cool), Kenny Burrell, Albert Mangelsdorff, Quincy Jones, King Pleasure, Pete Rugolo, Zoot Sims, Sarah Vaughan, Charlie Parker, Tony Bennett, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Astrud Gilberto, Chuck Mangione, and the Birdlanders ~ Winding passed away in 1983
May 18, 1912 ~ Pierino Ronald Como, commonly known as easy listening, vocal pop singer, actor Perry Como, born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Recorded since the early-1940s, remaining popular well into the 1960s. Best known for songs such as I'm Gonna Love That Gal, Till The End Of Time, Prisoner Of Love, Chi Baba Chi Baba (My Bambino Go To Sleep), Some Enchanted Evening, If (They Made Me A King), Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes, Hot Diggity (Dog Ziggity Boom), Round And Round, Catch A Falling Star and It's Impossible ~ Como passed away in 2001
May 18, 1911 ~ Joseph Vernon Turner Jr, commonly known as blues shouter Big Joe Turner, born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Important to development of R&B and rock & roll. Best known for Shake Rattle & Roll, a hit in 1954. Other well known songs include Roll 'Em Pete, Cherry Red, I Want A Little Girl, Wee Baby Blues, SK Blues, Corrine Corrina, and Midnight Special ~ Turner passed away in 1985
May 18, 1911 ~ Composer, conductor Gustav Mahler passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ One of the leading composers, conductors of the Romantic era. Served as a bridge between the 19th century tradition and 20th century modernism. Of Jewish descent, his music would be banned throughout much of Europe during the Nazi era. Rediscovered by new generations after the war ~ Mahler was born in 1860
May 18, 1907 ~ Classical pianist Clifford Curzon, full name Clifford Michael Curzon, was born in Islington, UK ~ Studied and taught at the Royal Academy of Music, London. Married to harpsichordist Lucille Wallace, with whom he adopted the two sons of soprano Maria Cebotari after she and her husband died. In-demand soloist, known for premiering works by Germaine Tailleferre, John Ireland, Alan Rawsthorne, and Lennox Berkeley. Recorded prolifically since the late-1930s, though highly self-critical Curzon would veto many of his recordings, some of which would be released after his death ~ Curzon passed away in 1982
May 18, 1905 ~ Composer Erich Zeisl born in Vienna, Austria ~ Of Jewish descent fled Austria in the 1930s, first to Paris and eventually to America. Best known for his work in Hollywood, scoring the music for films such as The Postman Always Rings Twice and Abbott And Costello Meet The Invisible Man. Has also written chamber music, ballets, operas, concertos, and orchestral music ~ Zeisl passed away in 1959
May 18, 1892 ~ Opera singer Ezio Pinza, full name Ezio Fortunato Pinza, born in Rome, Italy ~ Closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera, appearing in over 750 performances of some 50 operas. Unjustly arrested by the FBI in 1942 and detained for three months with hundreds of other Italian-Americans on suspicion of supporting the Axis. After his tenure with the Met embarked on a second career in Broadway musicals, perhaps most notably in South Pacific portraying the role of the painter Emile de Becque ~ Oinza passed away in 1957