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, 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, 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 ~ 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, 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, 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, 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, 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