May 18, 2022 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter 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, Todd Snider, and others ~ 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
May 18, 2018 ~ Richard Blaine Williams, commonly known as actor, singer Dick Williams, passed away in Burbank, California, USA ~ Brother of singer Andy Williams ~ Williams was born in 1925
May 18, 2018 ~ Pianist Jack Reilly, full name Jack Aloysius Reilly passed away in Toms River, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with John Laporta, Warren Covington, George Russell, Lennie Tristano, Jerry Wald, Sheila Jordan, Jack Six, Joe Cocuzzo, and others ~ Reilly was born in 1932
May 18, 2018 ~ Jazz singer, guitarist, bandleader Philip Tabane passed away in Pretoria, South Africa ~ Best known for lead the group Malombo. Heavily influenced by traditional Sepedi chants and rhythms ~ Tabane was born in 1934
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, 2017 ~ Paul Blake, commonly known as dancehall, reggae, lovers rock singer Frankie Paul, passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Born blind dubbed “the Jamaican Stevie Wonder” ~ Blake was born in 1965
May 18, 2016 ~ Singer, actress Yumi Ito passed away ~ Formed the pop duo the Peanuts with identical twin Yumi Ito, enjoying popularity from the late 1950s until disbanding in 1975. The duo 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. Well-known songs include 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 Malmo, Sweden ~ Representing Denmark singer De Forest wins with the song Only Teardrops written by Lise Cabble, Julia Fabrin Jakobsen and Thomas Stengaard
May 18, 2012 ~ Albert Dietrich Fischer, commonly known as baritone singer, conductor Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ Acclaimed as a Lieder singer, especially the works of Franz Schubert ~ Fischer was born in 1925
May 18, 2012 ~ 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. Has also worked with Deadstar, Reggaebites, Stephen Cummings, Tess McKenna, Rebecca Barnard, and others ~ Jones was born in 1963
May 18, 2007 ~ Jazz double bassist Herbie Lewis passed away ~ Worked with Cannonball Adderley, Stanley Turrentine, Bobby Hutcherson, Freddie Hubbard, Harold Land, Jackie McLean, Archie Shepp, McCoy Tyner, Art Farmer, Les McCann, Jackie McLean, McCoy Tyner, the Crusaders, Chico Freeman, Dodo Greene, Andrew Hill, Dave Pike, Sonny Red, Clifford Scott, Mal Waldron, Cedar Walton, and others ~ Lewis was born in 1941
May 18, 2005 ~ 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, Neil Young, and others ~ 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, 2000 ~ Julians Rosalbe Maria Theresa Mostosi, commonly known as dance band, jazz singer Julie Dawn, passed away ~ Worked with Harry Roy, Eric Winstone, Harry Leader, Eddie Mordue, Carroll Gibbons, the Savoy Orpheans, Geraldo, Lew Stone, and others ~ Mostosi was born in 1920
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, and others. Also played to melodica on Primal Scream's 1997 Star single ~ Swaby was born in 1954
May 18, 1999 ~ Jazz trumpeter Freddy Randall, full name Frederick James Randall, passed away in Devon, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the St Louis Four, Freddy Mirfield, Johnny Dankworth, Dave Shepherd, Sidney Bechet, Bud Freeman, Wild Bill Davison, Pee Wee Russell, Bill Coleman, Teddy Wilson, and others ~ Randall was born in 1921
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
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, 1990 ~ Eilert Ove Thelin, commonly known as trombonist Eje Thelin, passed away ~ Admired by peers for his technique and rhythmic intensity. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Don Cherry, the Clarinet Summit, Benny Golson, Krzysztof Komeda, Kenny Wheeler, Jimmy Witherspoon, and others ~ Thelin was born in 1938
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, 1986 ~ John William Sublett, commonly known as vaudevillian, actor, dancer John W Bubbles, passed away in Baldwin Hills, California, USA ~ Known as “the Father of Rhythm Tap” and half of the duo Buck & Bubbles alongside Buck Washington, reportedly becoming the first black artists to appear on TV anywhere in the world with their 1936 performance at the Alexandra Palace aired by the BBC ~ Sublett was born in 1902
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, 1983 ~ Gospel, Christian singer, songwriter Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff, full name Cindy Lerae Cruse-Ratcliff, born in Odessa, Texas, USA ~ At age 9 became the youngest licensed ASCAP songwriter. Has since written for over 100 albums, including her own
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. Has since repeatedly reached the higher echelons of the country charts with singles such as 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, 1974 ~ Indie pop singer Tracyanne Campbell born in Glasgow, UK ~ Lead singer of indie pop band Camera Obscura, best known for their 2009 My Maudlin Career album
May 18, 1974 ~ Trombonist, vibraphonist Tyree Glenn passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Tommy Myles, Charlie Echols, Eddie Barefield, Eddie Mallory, Benny Carter, Cab Calloway, Don Redman, Duke Ellington, Howard Biggs, Louis Armstrong, and others ~ Glenn was born in 1912
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, 1969 ~ Martha Marrero, commonly known as singer, actress, songwriter Martika, born in Whitler, California, USA ~ Best known for her 1989 single Toy Soldiers, taken of her eponymous Martika debut album. As an actress known for her role on the Kids Incorporated children's show
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, London ~ 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 ~ Guitarist Dean Pleasants born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Best known as lead guitarist for Suicidal Tendencies, joining the band in 1996 as replacement for Rocky George. Also worked with bandmate Mike Muir's funk metal side project the Infectious Grooves
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 Saarbrucken, 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, 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, 1955 ~ Hi-NRG, disco DJ Nicky Siano born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Resident DJ at famed Studio 54, New York
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, Angela Strehli, and others
May 18, 1949 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Jim McNeely born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. First gained attention working with Thad Jones and Mel Lewis during the late 1970s. Has also worked with Stan Getz, Phil Woods, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the DR Big Band, Ted Curson, and others
May 18, 1948 ~ Singer, arranger Joe Bonsall born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Tenor singer of country, gospel group the Oak Ridge Boys since 1973, present on the band's best-known including Elvira, Bobbie Sue and American Made. Also known as an author, having released several children's books and GI Joe & Lillie, a biographical portrait of his parents' lives during and after World War II
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, Céline Dion, and others
May 18, 1942 ~ Guitarist, dobroist, singer Rodney Dillard born in Salem, Missouri, USA ~ Co-founding member of bluegrass band the Dillards, one of the first bluegrass groups to have electrified their sound and considered a major influence on folk rock, country rock and progressive bluegrass
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 afficionados 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, Ramond 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 The 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 piano, inspired by Jimmy Smith switched to organ. Worked with Jimmy Gourley, Kenny Clarke, René Thomas, Philip Catherine, Shirley Bunnie Foy, Franco Manzecchi, Gerald Badini, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Johnny Griffin, Brew Moore, Jack Sels, Leo Wright, and others ~ Bennett was born in 1997
May 18, 1924 ~ Producer, engineer, label executive Ron Tudor, full name Ronald Stewart Tudor, born in Toora, Australia ~ Founded Fable Records in 1969, serving as its CEO through the 1980s ~ Tudor passed away in 2020
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 (The 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, the Birdlanders, and others ~ 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, 1909 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Isaac Albéniz, full name Isaac Manuel Francisco Albéniz y Pascual, passed away in Cambo Les Bains, France ~ Considered one of the premier composers of the Post-Romantic era influential on contemporaries. Heavily drew from Spanish folk music ~ Albéniz was born in 1860
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, 1894 ~ Jazz pianist Lou Hooper, full name Louis Stanley Hooper, born in North Buxton, Canada ~ Worked with Elmer Snowden, Bob Fuller, Martha Copeland, Rosa Henderson, Lizzie Miles, Monette Moore, Ethel Waters, and others ~ Hooper passed away in 1977
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