May 2, 2025 ~ Conductor, oboist Victor Aviat passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ Served as principal oboist with the Zurich Opera House, the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, the Budapest Festival Orchestra, and the Orchestra Mozart. As a conductor, Aviat is perhaps best known for conducting Jacques Offenbach's operetta Le Roi Carotte with the Opéra de Lyon which won Aviat an International Opera Award for Best Rediscovered Work in 2016. Aviat has also led the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in the late 2010s, and has composed several works, most notably Sur le Danube. Aviat passed away from a brain tumour at age 42 ~ Aviat was born in 1982
May 2, 2024 ~ Jazz guitarist John Pisano passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ First gained attention in the mid 1950s, taking over for Jim Hall in Chico Hamilton's quartet. Would go on to become an in-demand session musician, and occasional leader, co-leader including forming the duo Pisano & Ruff with Willie Ruff. Other notable associations include Joe Pass, backing Peggy Lee for about a decade, and playing with Herb Alpert's renowned unit the Tijuana Brass. Pisano has also appeared on albums by the likes of Tony Bennett (The Beat Of My Heart), Ken Nordine, Sam Cooke (Ain't That Good News), Bill Perkins, Sérgio Mendes (Equinox), Pete Jolly, Ben Sidran, Dan Hicks (It Happened One Bite), the Manhattan Transfer, Nino Tempo, and Barbra Streisand. In the 1990s Pisano has performed with his wife singer Jeanne Pisano in a group called the Flying Pisanos ~ Pisano was born in 1931
May 2, 2022 ~ Folk, folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter María José Cantilo passed away in El Bolsón, Argentina ~ Emerged in the mid-1980s, releasing her eponymous María José Cantilo debut album in 1984, to become one of the defining voices in Argentine rock of the 1980s. Has collaborated with the likes of David Lebón, Leon Gieco, Osvaldo Fattorusso, Daniel Colombres, Oscar Moro, and with her older brother Miguel Cantilo. In 1990 Cantilo would become a Playboy model gracing the cover of the May issue of the magazine's Argentina edition ~ Cantilo was born in 1953
May 2, 2020 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger Richie Cole passed away in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Active from the late 1960s onwards. Worked with Buddy Rich, Doc Severinsen, Eddie Jefferson, Nancy Wilson, Tom Waits, the Manhattan Transfer, Hank Crawford, Freddie Hubbard, Eric Kloss, Bobby Enriquez, Phil Woods, Sonny Stitt, Art Pepper, Boots Randolph, Oliver Nelson, Anita O'Day, Red Rodney, and Janine Santana ~ Cole was born in 1948
May 2, 2019 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter John Starling passed away in Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA ~ Released two solo albums, 1980's Long Time Gone and 1982's Waiting On A Southern Train. Member of the Seldom Scene. Member of the Ready Section. Worked with Mike Auldridge, Ben Eldridge, Carl Jackson, Carolina Star, Emmylou Harris, Lowell George, Buddy Emmons, Claire Lynch, the Nash Ramblers, Dolly Parton, and Linda Ronstadt ~ Starling was born in 1940
May 2, 2019 ~ Harpist, composer Juan Vicente Torrealba passed away in Caracas, Venezuela ~ Formed Los Torrealberos with his brother Arturo Torrealba and son Santana Torrealba. Also recorded as a solo artist, with over 100 albums to his name. Best known for songs such as Sinfonia En El Palmar, Mujer Guayanesa, Barquisimeto, La Fillo Zaina and Solito Con The Stars ~ Torrealba was born in 1917
May 2, 2018 ~ Salvator Cucchiara, commonly known as singer Tony Cucchiara, passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Best known for songs such as Annalisa and Vola Cuore Mio. Half of folk duo Tony & Nelly, the other half being his wife Nelly Fioramonti. Also known as playwriter with several musicals to his name, starting with 1970's Cassandra 2000 ~ Cucchiara was born in 1937
May 2, 2016 ~ Jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist Alan Elsdon passed away ~ Worked with Cy Laurie, Graham Stewart, Terry Lightfoot, Kid Ory, Red Allen, Edmond Hall, Albert Nicholas, Wingy Manone, Howlin' Wolf, and Keith Nichols ~ Elsdon was born in 1934
May 2, 2013 ~ Heavy metal guitarist, singer Jeff Hanneman, full name Jeffrey John Hanneman, passed away in Henet, California, USA ~ Influenced by Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, Minor Threat and the Dead Kennedys. Hanneman would rise to fame as co-lead guitarist of Slayer, the band considered one of “the Big Four” of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax. Hanneman has recorded about a dozen albums with the band since its inception in the early 1980s, and wrote songs for every Slayer album until his death at age 49 of liver failure ~ Hanneman was born in 1964
May 2, 2011 ~ Bassist Ernest Mothle passed away in Pretoria, South Africa ~ Member of Jabula, a group of exiled South African musicians living in England, known for a number of 1970s, 1980s albums. In addition to their own work the group has also notably worked with Mike Oldfield on the albums Ommadawn, Incantations and Amarok ~ Mothle was born in 1941
May 2, 2004 ~ Rockabilly singer, guitarist, songwriter Curtis Gordon passed away in Moultrie, Georgia, USA ~ Reportedly, after winning a radio talent show Gordon dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music, only to have his parents make him return to school. However, he would moonlight with his band Pee Wee Mills & the Twilight Cowboys. Later, Gordon toured the Southeast with a Western swing band, and at age 21 would be signed as a solo artist by RCA Records producer Steve Sholes, who would later sign Elvis Presley. Heavily influenced by Ernest Tubb, Bob Wills, and Jimmie Rodgers, at the time Gordon's style merging country, Western swing and rockabilly may have been a little too much rock & roll for country lovers and a little too much country for rock & roll audiences. Unfortunately, Gordon may have never achieved the recognition he deserved, as his records charted poorly, if at all, yet he is fondly remembered by rockabilly aficionados as one of the most endearing artists of the 1950s, songs such as Rompin' And Stompin', Caffeine And Nicotine, Play The Music Louder, and Baby Please Come Home considered lost gems of the era. Financially, Gordon did manage to stay aflout though, touring with the Grand Ole Opry, opening for the likes of Ernest Tubb and Hank Snow, and later owning and operating a popular club in Mobile, Alabama, where he would continue to perform and enjoyed a solid regional following. Singer George Jones would record I've Aged Twenty Years In Five, written by Gordon and Bobby Parrish, for his 1980 I Am What I Am album, at the time regarded a comeback album for Jones and retrospectively acknowledged as one of the all-time greatest country albums. Gordon himself also briefly resurfaced in the 1980s, following a resurgence in rockabilly ~ Gordon was born in 1928
May 2, 2003 ~ Bernard Weissman, commonly known as orchestra leader, songwriter George Wyle, passed away in Tarzana, California, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote over 400 songs. Regularly backed Doris Day including on classic recordings such as Bewildered, Quicksilver and I Said My Pajamas (And Put On My Prayers). Perhaps best remembered for co-penning the Holiday classic It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year with Edward Pola, first recorded by Andy Williams in 1963 and covered by well over 250 artists. Wyle also co-wrote The Ballad Of Gilligan's Island with Sherwood Schwartz, used as the theme song for the popular TV-series Gilligan's Island ~ Weissman was born in 1916
May 2, 2000 ~ Barbara Ann Martin, commonly known as country, country pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Bobbi Martin passed away in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Known for songs such as Don't Forget I Still Love You, I Can't Stop Thinking Of You, For The Love Of Him, and Something Tells Me (Something's Gonna Happen Tonight) ~ Martin was born in 1943
May 2, 2000 ~ Shirley Enid Avery, commonly known as jazz singer, pianist Teri Thornton, passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Quickly rose to fame at the turn of the 1960s only to fade into obscurity after a few albums and resurface to critical acclaim over three decades later. Brought up in a musical household, her mother hosting a weekly radio show, Thornton gravitated towards music early on. By the late 1950s, she was singing in clubs, with occassional sidegigs singing jingles for ads. In the early 1960s, she landed a record deal with Riverside and issued the highly acclaimed Devil May Care album, aided by a stellar cast of backing musicians including Clark Terry, Seldon Powell, Freddie Green, Wynton Kelly, and Jimmy Cobb. The album made her a critics darling and earned her peer admiration. Cannonball Adderley has been known to call her “the greatest voice since Ella Fitzgerald”. Over the next few years, Thornton would make regular TV appearances, including teaming up with Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald on the Today Show, headlined at the Birdland Jazz Club, sang Somewhere In The Night the theme song for the Naked City drama series, and recorded a few more albums. Despite critical acclaim, her records sold poorly and eventually she was dropped by her label. Thornton would fade into obscurity, performing from time to time accompanying herself on the piano, yet made her living in a series of day jobs from driving a cab to working as a booking agent. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, with the help of a newly-found manager Thornton resurfaced in the late 1990s. In 1998, she won a singing competition held by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, beating Jane Monheit, Tierney Sutton and Roberta Gambarini, and released her well-received I'll Be Easy To Find album the following year. It would be her last, as she was diagnosed with cancer later the same year. Thornton passed away at age 65, only shortly after making one of the most remarkable comebacks in jazz history ~ Avery was born in 1934
May 2, 1998 ~ Hideto Matsumoto, commonly known as alternative rock singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Hide, passed away in Tokyo, Japan ~ Member of Saver Tiger, known for songs such as Dead Angle and Emergency Express. Rose to fame as member of X joining the band in 1987, a band credited with pioneering visual kei. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Celebration, Joker and Scars. After the band disbanded in 1997 Matsumoto would focus on his solo career and co-found the international supergroup Zilch. By the time of his death by suicide at age 33 Matsumoto was considered an icon, representative of rebellion against a conformist society, and his death marked as the end of an era ~ Matsumoto was born in 1964
May 2, 1994 ~ Country singer Garth Brooks releases One Night A Day, lifted off his In Pieces album ~ Left by his lover, Garth Brooks tries to get through each night, one night a day, talking to himself, listening to the radio, and calling up friends in the middle of the night to let them know he's OK. One Night A Day, written by Gary Burr and Pete Wasner, is noted for its unique jazz stylings and as Billboard remarked for its “slick, un-country singing style for this broken-hearted lament”. The saxophone is played by noted session musician Jim Horn who had previously worked with Roy Orbison, the Beach Boys, the Carpenters, Frank Sinatra, Ike & Tina Turner, Herbie Hancock, and Elton John. One Night A Day reached No.7 Billboard Country
May 2, 1989 ~ Claude August Benjamin, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Bennie Benjamin, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Revered pop songwriter. Collaborated with composers such as Sol Marcus, and George David Weiss. Well known songs written or co-written by Benjamin include I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire (Harlan Leonard, Betty Carter, Frankie Laine), Oh What It Seemed To Be (Frank Sinatra, Frankie Carle, Willie Nelson), When The Lights Go On Again (Vaughn Monroe, Gene Autry, Vera Lynn), Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Nina Simone, the Animals, Elvis Costello), and Wheel Of Fortune (Kay Starr, Eddie Wilcox, Dinah Washington) ~ Benjamin was born in 1907
May 2, 1989 ~ Singer, songwriter Graham Alexander born in Camden, New Jersey, USA ~ As a solo artist recording since the early-2010s, best known for Biggest Fan taken of his eponymous Eric Person debut album. Also known for his roles in the Broadway shows Rain (A Tribute To The Beatles) and Let It Be
May 2, 1987 ~ Indie rock singer, guitarist, pianist Justin Young, full name Justin James Hayward-Young, born in Southampton, UK ~ Co-founding member, lead singer for the Vaccines, active since the early-2010s and known best for songs such as Post Break-Up Sex, If You Wanna, No Hope, and Teenage Icon. Young has previously worked with alt-country group the Eldora Parade and punk band the Fashion Police Brutality. Has also recorded as a solo artist, going by the monniker Jay Jay Pistolet, formed the side project the Halloweens, and served as producer for Alfie Templeman
May 2, 1986 ~ Jazz drummer Wallace Bishop passed away in Hilversum, the Netherlands ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Art Sims, Jelly Roll Morton, Bernie Young, Hughie Swift, Richard M Jones, Tommy Dorsey, Erskine Tate, Earl Hines, Jimmie Noone, Coleman Hawkins, Don Redman, Phil Moore, Walter Foots Thomas, John Kirby, Sy Oliver, Sammy Price, Billy Kyle, Buck Clayton, Bill Coleman, Don Byas, Ben Webster, Kid Ory, Milt Buckner, Buddy Tate, and T-Bone Walker ~ Bishop was born in 1906
May 2, 1986 ~ Classical pianist Yeol Eum Son born in Wonju, South Korea ~ First gained serious attention as a soloist at age 18, performing the Franz Liszt Piano Concerto No.1 with the New York Philharmonic conducted by Lorin Maazel on their Asia tour. Would go on to work with renowned orchestras such as the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, the NDR Radiophilharmonie, the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, and the Hague Philharmonic
May 2, 1985 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader, arranger Larry Clinton passed away in Tucson, Arizona, USA ~ Early on, while in his twenties, a popular arranger for dance orchestras including those led by Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Glen Gray, Louis Armstrong, and Bunny Berigan. As a bandleader recorded hits for the Victor Label label ranging from pop tunes and instrumentals penned by Clinton to swing adaptions of classical compositions (notably his 1938 hit My Reverie, an adaptation of Claude Debussy's Reverie with added pop lyrics sung by Bea Wain). Clinton served in the US Air Force during World War II as a pilot and resumed his career after the war, mostly leading studio bands up to the early 1960s ~ Clinton was born in 1909
May 2, 1984 ~ Singer, actor, orchestra leader Smith Ballew passed away in Longview, Texas, USA ~ One of the most recognizable voices on hundreds of dance bands and jazz records starting in the late 1920. Became one of the earliest singing cowboys though a series of musical Westerns for Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox, continuing in supporting roles until the 1950s ~ Ballew was born in 1902
May 2, 1981 ~ In its 12th week on the charts, Morning Train (9 To 5) by Sheena Easton hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Sheena Easton had previously released one single, Modern Girl, which failed to make much of an impact. However, after exposure on the BBC documentary The Big Time (Pop Singer) both singles simultaneously made the UK top 10. Initially, there was some confusion as her debut single Modern Girl praised the independent woman while its follow-up Morning Train (9 To 5) told of a woman meekly sitting at home waiting for her man to return after a day's work, the latter drawing criticism from feminists. In America, Morning Train (9 To 5) would be released in early 1981 as Easton's debut single. It would become her first and only Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit. Easton would continue to record to commercial success throughout the late 1980s, scoring over half a dozen American top 10 hits
May 2, 1980 ~ Singer, keyboardist, flutist Peter Gabriel releases No Self Control, lifted off his Peter Gabriel 3 album ~ Much of the parent album, in particular No Self Control, was influenced by minimalist composer Steve Reich's Music For 18 Musicians album released in 1978. Former Genesis bandmate Phil Collins played drums on No Self Control, while Kate Bush can be heard on backing vocals. Peter Gabriel, who would later experiment with a wide array of musical influences ranging from electronic to world music, has called No Self Control one of his breakthrough tracks, musically. The single reached No.33 in the singer's native UK
May 2, 1977 ~ Singer, songwriter Katie Noonan, full name Katie Anne Noonan, born in Brisbane, Australia ~ Co-founded pop rock outfit George with her brother Tyrone Noonan, the sibling sharing lead vocals. The band is best known for the singles Special Ones, Run, and Breathe In Now, all taken of their 1998 Polyserena debut album. Noonan also founded the jazz trio Elixer, critically acclaimed for their 2011 First Seed Ripening sophomore album. Collaborated with her mother opera singer Maggie Noonan on the 2004 Two Of A Kind album, consisting of jazz and opera duets. Noonan has also recorded as a solo artist, and collaborated with a wide array of artists including Paul Grabowsky, Karin Schaupp, and the Brodsky Quartet
May 2, 1976 ~ Pop rock sibling outfit the Bee Gees record Rest Your Love On Me at Le Studio, Quebec, Canada ~ Written by Barry Gibb, who also sang lead vocals. Produced by the band with Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson. First released as the B-side to Too Much Heaven in November 1978. Noted folkie Stephen Stills guests on bass guitar. Barry Gibb would later record the song as a duet with Olivia Newton-John for his 1980 After Dark album
May 2, 1975 ~ Soft rock trio Hamilton Joe Frank & Reynolds release Fallin' In Love, lifted off the album of the same name ~ Up until this point the trio were considered a one-hit-wonder, as their debut single Don't Pull Your Love had reached No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100 yet follow-up singles failed to reach top 40. Fallin' In Love, however, would reach the top of the charts, making it their second and final Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. The song had been written by the band's lead singer Dan Hamilton with his wife Ann Hamilton, the latter later recalling how her husband had trouble coming up with the lyrics for several songs for their upcoming album: “I submitted my ideas for Fallin' In Love, Winners And Losers and Love Is. Danny loved the lyrics and I had my first hit record, Fallin' In Love.” At the time the band had recently signed with Playboy Records, who insisted they keep their original band name even though Tommy Reynolds had been replaced Alan Dennison
May 2, 1973 ~ June Marvel Cowen, commonly known as actress, big band singer June Hutton, passed away in Encino, California, USA ~ Sister of singer Ina Ray Hutton. Married to arranger Axel Stordahl. Joined the Pied Pipers in 1944 replacing Jo Stafford, remaining with the band for six years including on the hit single Dream. Has also worked with the Winston Trio, the Quintones, the Sande Williams Band, the Stardusters, and Gordon Macrae ~ Cowen was born in 1919
May 2, 1972 ~ Alexander Wilke Steinhof, commonly known as experimental electronic musician, DJ Alec Empire, born in Berlin, West Germany ~ Co-founded Atari Teenage Riot with Hanin Elias and Carl Crack, the trio later joined by Nic Endo. The band merged left-wing, anarchist and anti-fascist views with punk lyrics and a techno sound, often succeeding 200 bpm. From their Hetzjagd Auf Nazis (Hunt Down Nazis) onward, the Berlin outfit have regularly caused controversy for their outspoken politics. The band were signed to Phonogram, yet bailed out of their contract and used their advance to found their own Digital Hardcore Recordings label. Atari Teenage Riot has toured with the likes of the Wu-Tang Clan, Rage Against The Machine, Nine Inch Nails, and Ministry, and would become one of the first new-school European techno acts to achieve success in America, their early singles picked up by alternative radio and MTV, followed by the compilation album Burn Berlin Burn in 1997. Following the death of Carl Crack at the turn of the century, the band disbanded with three studio albums under their belt. In addition to his work with Atari Teenage Riot, Empire has recorded as a solo artist, drawing from ambient, ragga-jungle, and twisted lounge music. Empire is also known as an in-demand remixer for the likes of Rammstein, Chris Vrenna, Primal Scream, Björk, Thurston Moore, Mogwai, and Einstürzende Neubauten. Atari Teenage Riot would reform in the 2010s, initially with vocalist CX KiDTRONiK and later with Rowdy Superstar substituting for the late Carl Crack
May 2, 1972 ~ Singer Bruce Springsteen auditions for Columbia Records, the planned 15-minute session for label executive John Hammond Sr running two hours ~ The then-unknown Bruce Springsteen auditioned for Columbia Records, with the planned 15 minutes running well over time. Springsteen would record a 14-track demo the following day, and officially sign with the label some five weeks later. The singer released his Greetings From Asbury Park NJ debut album in 1973 and remained with the same label throughout his career, selling over 150 million records worldwide
May 2, 1972 ~ Jazz, R&B, rock & roll bassist, bandleader, arranger, songwriter Doles Dickens passed away in New Jersey, USA ~ Active from the 1930 through the 1960s. Worked with Eddie Durham, Buster Smith, Eddie South, the Five Red Caps, Piano Red, Wilbert Harrison, Varetta Dillard, Jimmy Witherspoon, Mahalia Jackson, Bill Haley, and Lavern Baker ~ Dickens was born in 1916
May 2, 1969 ~ Folk rock group the Byrds release their Lay Lady Lay single, penned and first recorded by Bob Dylan ~ The band decided to cover the song after Bob Dylan played the band his newly released Nashville Skyline album at Roger McGuinn's house. Without the band's consent producer Bob Johnston overdubbed a female choir on to the recording, and the band only became aware of this after its release. The group was so upset with Johnston for tampering with the song behind their backs, that they never again worked with him. Despite warm reception with critics feeling the choir actually added value to the recording, the single would fail to reach the Billboard Hot 100. Earlier, the Byrds had done much better with another Dylan song, their 1965 Mr Tambourine Man sophomore single, released only shortly after Bob Dylan's original, had reached No.1 Billboard Hot 100
May 2, 1967 ~ Alternative rock, electronica singer, guitarist, keyboardist George Vjestica born in Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK ~ Fronts Bandante. Appears on KT Tunstall's Eye To The Telescope debut album. Worked with Groove Armada, present on the albums Soundboy Rock and Black Light. Regularly backed Nick Cave, including on the albums Push The Sky Away and Skeleton Tree
May 2, 1965 ~ Cellist Matthew Barley born near Sheffield, UK ~ Worked with orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Netherlands Radio Symphony Orchestra, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and conductors including Marin Alsop, Thomas Dausgaard, Tan Dun, Charles Hazlewood, Markus Stenz, Yan Pascal Tortelier, and Ilan Volkov. Notable collaborations outside the classical world include Avi Avital, Manu Delago, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Jon Lord, Talvin Singh, Sultan Khan, Nitin Sawhney, Django Bates, Julian Joseph, and Nikki Yeoh
May 2, 1963 ~ Indie rock, alternative rock, pop punk singer, guitarist Bill Priddle born ~ Co-founding member, guitarist, co-lead singer for Treble Charger, with whom he recorded five albums before departing the band in 2003. Recorded as a solo artist, releasing his The Priddle Concern album in 2008 under the group moniker the Priddle Concern. Has also worked with Broken Social Scene and with Don Vail
May 2, 1963 ~ Jazz saxophonist Eric Person born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader. Closely associated with drummer Chico Hamilton during the 1980s and 1990s. Has also worked with Ronald Shannon Jackson, Chris Joris, John Esposito, the World Saxophone Quartet, Vernon Reid, Ofra Haza, Ben Harper, and Bootsy Collins
May 2, 1963 ~ R&B girl group Martha & the Vandellas record A Love Like Yours (Don't Come Knocking Everyday) at Hitsville USA, Detroit, Michigan ~ Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland Jr, the former two also serving as producers. Included on the 1965 Come & Get These Memories album, subsequently featured as the B-side of their major hit single Heat Wave. Though not a hit on its own, A Love Like Yours (Don't Come Knocking Everyday) would become a sixties classic, and be covered by over a dozen artists including Kim Weston, Ike & Tina Turner, Dusty Springfield, and Juice Newton
May 2, 1962 ~ Alain Johannes Mociulski, commonly known as guitarist, bassist, singer, producer Alain Johannes, born in Santiago, Chile ~ Somewhat of an unsung guitar hero of the California rock scene, little known to the general public but an influential and in-demand sideman, collaborator and producer for a wide array of well known acts. Johannes musical intrest began at a young age, influenced by the Beatles and his uncle Peter. In a 2020 interview with Guitar World, Johannes revealed how his uncle introduced him to the guitar: “When he showed up he would bring his instruments, and then when I was around four, I asked him to show me some chords and I started to pick out some tunes by ear.” In his teens, Johannes formed Chain Reaction, later renamed to What Is This, which also included Hillel Slovak and Flea who would later form the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In 1987 Johannes would form Walk The Moon with his wife Natasha Shneider, known for their sole eponymous album, and with the addition of future Pearl Jam drummer Jack Irons the couple formed alternative rock trio Eleven three years later. Johannes is also closely associated with Josh Homme, producing the 2000 Rated R album for Homme's rock group the Queens Of The Stone Age, subsequently guesting on several of the band's albums and briefly serving as a full member in the mid 2000s, including on the acclaimed 2005 Lullabies To Paralyze album. Johannes and Homme would continue to team up, perhaps most notably by the end of the decade with Johannes serving as a touring member for Homme's Them Crooked Vultures. Johannes has produced or co-produced albums by Chris Cornell (Euphoria Morning), Live (V), Steadman, UNKLE, Mark Lanegan, Wires On Fire, Carole Pope, Spinnerette, Natalie Imbruglia (Come To Life), Black Box Revelation, Jimmy Eat World, K's Choice (The Phantom Cowboy), Edith Crash, and Des Rocs, and has guested on albums by Sun 60, Melissa Ferrick, Jason Falkner (Presents Author Unknown), the Eagles Of Death Metal, Jack Irons, Silverchair (Young Modern), Puscifer, Doug Pinnick, Nosfell, Kelly Clarkson (All I Ever Wanted), Brody Dalle, Duke Garwood (Heavy Love), PJ Harvey, and Mondo Generator
May 2, 1958 ~ Brenda Shannon Greene, mononymously known as freestyle, dance-pop, post-disco singer Shannon, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Best known for her 1983 Let The Music Play single, an international hit reaching top 20 across the globe including the UK and the Netherlands, top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Subsequent singles including Give Me Tonight, My Heart's Divided and Do You Wanna Get Away would chart well on the American dance charts
May 2, 1956 ~ Rock bassist, singer, songwriter Doug Howard, full name Douglas Joseph Howard, born in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Got his start in music backing girl group the Crystals. Member of Touch, known for the singles Call Me When The Spirit Moves You and Don't You Know What Love Is of their eponymous 1979 Touch. Briefly a member of Todd Rundgren's Utopia. Has also worked with the Edgar Winter Group, replacing the band's original bassist Dan Hartman
May 2, 1955 ~ Punk rock, new wave, post-punk, synth-pop keyboardist, guitarist, singer, songwriter Jo Callis born in Glasgow, UK ~ Member of the Rezillos, for whom he wrote Top Of The Pops. Member of Shake. Member of short-lived Boots For Dancing. Joined Human League in 1981, first appearing on the Dare album released later the same year
May 2, 1955 ~ Rock bassist Ken Sinnaeve, full name Kenneth Sinnaeve, born in Regina, Canada ~ Co-founding member of Streetheart, known best for their 1979 disco-hybrid the Rolling Stones-cover Under My Thumb. Lesser known songs include the Them-cover Here Comes The Night and What Kind Of Love Is This. Following the band's disbandement in the mid-1980s Sinnaeve appeared on Strange Advance's 2WO sophomore album. Member of Loverboy since 2001, replacing the late Scott Smith
May 2, 1954 ~ R&B, soul, jazz, dance-pop singer, songwriter Angela Bofill, full name Angela Tomasa Bofill, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ One of the first Latina singers to achieve success in the R&B and jazz markets. Over the course of her career Bofill released about a dozen albums, starting with Angie in 1978, spawning the modest hit This Time I'll Be Sweeter. Bofill's rendition, the song previously recorded by Martha Reeves, Linda Lewis, Marlena Shaw, and Roberta Flack, would become the definitive version, and a signature song for Bofill. Over the next decade, Bofill scored about half a dozen Billboard R&B top 20 singles. Bofill has also sung backing vocals for the likes of Dave Valentin, David Amram, Stacy Lattisaw, Patti Austin, and Narada Michael Walden. The latter has also produced Bofill's two most mainstream albums, Teaser and Too Tough. Although never a household name in her native America, Bofill amassed a large following in Asia, and remained an in-demand live performer through the 2000s often billed alongside jazz artists untill a series of medical misfortunates forced her to slow down ~ Bofill passed away in 2024
May 2, 1953 ~ Jazz guitarist James Chirillo, full name James Louis Chirillo, born in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Marilyn Maye, Vic Damone, Joey Heatherton, Lorna Luft, Roger Williams, the Jazz Knights, Tiny Grimes, Benny Goodman, Buck Clayton, Claude Williams, Bob Wilber, Benny Carter, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis, Gunther Schuller, the One O'Clock Lab Band, Kenny Davern, Keith Ingham, Houston Person, Doug Lawrence, Barbara Lea, Joe Lovano, Marcus Roberts, Joe Ascione, Dick Sudhalter, Scott Robinson, Bob Mintzer, Joe Wilder, John Cocuzzi, and Pablo Villegas
May 2, 1951 ~ Rock, blues rock, progressive rock, progressive folk bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer John Glascock born in Islington, UK ~ Member of Carmen from 1972 through 1975, including on the acclaimed Fandangos In Space album. Member of Jethro Tull from 1976 until his death in 1979. Praised as “the best bass player in rock” by Ritchie Blackmore. Has also worked with the Gods, Head Machine, Toe Fat, Chicken Shack, Maddy Prior, and Richard Digance ~ Glascock passed away in 1979
May 2, 1950 ~ Louis Andrew Grammatico, commonly known as rock singer, songwriter Lou Gramm born in Rochester, New York, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of Foreigner from 1977 through 1990, including on hits such as Feels Like The First Time, Cold As Ice and I Want To Know What Love Is. As a solo artist scored Billboard top 10 hits with 1987's Midnight Blue and Just Between You And Me two years later. Has also worked with Black Sheep, Shadow King, and with Liberty & Justice
May 2, 1949 ~ Gerald Thomas Moores, commonly known as singer, guitarist, keyboardist GT Moore, born in Reading, UK ~ Active since the early 1970s as a solo artist, frontman and as a collaborator. Co-founded Heron with Roy Apps and Tony Pook. Has had his compositions covered by Joan Baez and by Airto Moreira. Has collaborated with Jimmy Cliff, Lee Scratch Perry, Malcolm Mortimore, Thin Lizzy, and Johnny Nash
May 2, 1948 ~ Drummer Bill Ward, full name William Thomas Ward, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Influenced by Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, as well as R&B, pop and rock drummers such as Bernard Pretty Purdie, Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, Ringo Starr, and Jim Capaldi. Best known as co-founding member of Black Sabbath. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Ward One (Along The Way) released in 1990
May 2, 1946 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Joel Forrester born in Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Perhaps best known for writing and performing Fresh Air Theme with the Microscopic Septet, used as the theme song to the NPR radio show of the same name. In addition to leading the Septet, at times a sextet, Forrester has guested on albums by Michael Callen, Michael Hearst, and Phillip Johnston
May 2, 1946 ~ Lesley Sue Goldstein, commonly known as singer, songwriter Lesley Gore, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Discovered by Quincy Jones. Broke through with It's My Party at age 16. Also known for songs such as Judy's Turn To Cry, She's A Fool, You Don't Own Me, Maybe I Know, and California Night ~ Goldstein passed away in 2015
May 2, 1945 ~ John Raymond Goadsby, commonly known as keyboardist Goldy McJohn, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Classically trained pianist. Pioneered the use of the electronic organ in rock. Best known as original member of Steppenwolf remaining with the group from its inception in 1967 through 1975 and present on the band's best known including Born To Be Wild. Previously a member of the Mynah Birds which at the time also included Rick James and Bruce Palmer ~ Goadsby passed away in 2017
May 2, 1945 ~ Alexander Minto Hughes, commonly known as reggae, ska singer Judge Dread, born in Kent, UK ~ Influenced Ian Dury and Buster Bloodvessel. Known for his sexual innuendo and double entendres, reportedly has more songs banned by the BBC than any other artist. Second only to Bob Marley in terms of reggae sales during the 1970s. Known for songs such as Big Six, Big Seven and Je T'Aime Moi Non Plus ~ Hughes passed away in 1998
May 2, 1945 ~ R&B singer Randy Cain, full name Herbert Randal Cain III, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Delfonics, including on the 1970 Grammy-winning Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. Cain left the group in 1971 to be succeeded by Major Harris ~ Cain passed away in 2009
May 2, 1944 ~ Rock drummer Bob Henrit, full name Robert John Henrit, born in Broxbourne, UK ~ Co-founding and constant member of Argent, known best for the early 1970s UK top 20 hits Hold Your Head Up and God Gave Rock & Roll To You, the former also reaching top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. In-demand session musician, notably present on Dave Davies's 1980s Glamour and Chosen People albums. Has also worked with Unit 4+2, the Roulettes, Charlie, Ian Matthews, and with latter day incarnations of the Kinks replacing Mick Avory in 1984
May 2, 1944 ~ Drummer, percussionist John Ware born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ In-demand session drummer known for his associations with the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, the Corvettes, Linda Ronstadt, the Stone Poneys, the First National Band, Emmylou Harris, Jesse Ed Davis, Hoyt Axton, Kaleidoscope, Karla Bonoff, Jackie DeShannon, Michael Nesmith, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, George Jones, Larry Groce, Ricky Skaggs, and Janie Fricke
May 2, 1941 ~ Jazz pianist Connie Crothers born in Palo Alto, California, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Studied under Lennie Tristano and founded the Lennie Jazz Foundation in his honour. Has worked with artists such as Max Roach, Richard Cabris, Cameron Brown, Roger Mancuso, Lenny Popkin, Bob Casanova, Jessica Jones, and Pauline Oliveros ~ Crothers passed away in 2016
May 2, 1941 ~ Edouard Louise, commonly known as organist, singer Eddy Louiss, born in Paris, France ~ Member of Double Six in the early 1960s. Closely associated with Claude Nougaro, with whom he worked for about a dozen years starting in the mid 1960s. Internationally perhaps best known for guesting on Stan Getz's acclaimed 1971 Dynasty album. Other notable associations include Jean-Luc Ponty, Michel Legrand (The Young Girls Of Rochefort), Gong, André Condouant, Stéphane Grappelli, Quincy Jones, Daniel Humair, Albert Mangelsdorff (Room 1220), Toots Thielemans, and Jane Birkin ~ Louiss passed away in 2015
May 2, 1936 ~ Arnold George Dorsey, commonly known as traditional pop, schlager, easy listening singer Engelbert Humperdinck, born in Madras, British India ~ Regarded as one of the finest middle-of-the-road balladeers, selling over 140 million records over the course of his career. Draws from schlagers, traditional pop and easy listening enjoying his biggest successes in the 1960s and 1970s. Best known for songs such as Release Me, The Last Waltz, After The Lovin' and This Moment In Time
May 2, 1934 ~ Singer, songwriter, author Olle Adolphson born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Alongside Birger Sjöberg, Evert Taube, and Cornelis Vreeswijk considered one of the greatest Swedish songwriters of the 20th century. Known for songs such as Gustaf Lindströms Visa, Okända Djur, Mitt Eget Land, Det Gåtfulla Folker, and Trubbel ~ Adolphson passed away in 2004
May 2, 1933 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Ernest Warren born ~ Member of the Spaniels, known for 1950s hits such as Baby It's You and Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight, the latter later remaining popular to this day featured in several films including American Graffiti ~ Warren passed away in 2012
May 2, 1933 ~ Pianist, conductor, arranger Valentín Trujillo, full name Valentin Trujillo Sanchez, born in Santiago, Chile ~ Teaching himself to play piano at age 4, Trujillo would go on to become one of Chile's most well known and beloved pianists. Closely associated with a number of radio and TV shows, most notably serving as arranger, conductor and pianist on the popular TV show Sabado Gigante for well over a decade starting in the early 1960s. Influenced by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and especially George Gershwin. Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Un Piano Con Alma in 1958. Over the course of his career, Trujillo has worked with visiting international artists such as Nat King Cole, Sara Montiel, Bill Haley, Domenico Modugno, and Elis Regina, as well as with some of the best known Chilean artists including Cecilia, Los Huasos Quincheros, Arturo Gatica, and Vicente Bianchi. Although purists dismissed Trujillo's style, claiming Trujillo wasted his talents on popular music, the pianist himself has stated: “I have no doubt that I've been more useful to popular music than I could have been as a regular pianist of classical music. Popular music is great music. They talk about ‘minor art’ with a pejorative tone. It's a kind of classism, of pretentiousness”
May 2, 1931 ~ Richard Arnold Holmes, commonly known as jazz, hard bop, soul jazz organist Richard Groove Holmes, born in Camden, New Jersey, USA ~ Praised for his swinging style, supplemented by a harmonic and melodic edge. Recorded prolifically as leader or co-leader since the early 1960s, especially noted for the albums After Hours and Soul Message. To mainstream audiences best known for his 1965 crossover hit Misty, originally penned and first recorded by Erroll Garner. An in-demand sideman and collaborator, Holmes has appeared on albums by Houston Person, Bumble Bee Slim, Les McCann, Gene Ammons (Groovin' With Jug), Gerald Wilson, Lou Rawls (Black And Blue), Earl Bostic, Jimmy Witherspoon, Eric Kloss (Love And All That Jazz), Dakota Staton, Elvin Jones, Jimmy McGriff, Willis Jackson, and Ry Cooder (Crossroads). Holmes passed away at age 60 of a heart attack after a battle with prostate cancer, shortly after performing his last concerts in a wheelchair at the Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago, Illinois ~ Holmes passed away in 1991
May 2, 1929 ~ Fred Lincoln Wray Jr, commonly known as guitarist, songwriter Link Wray, born in Dunn, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known for the 1958 instrumental hit Rumble, one of the earliest songs using distorted feedback later commonly used in punk and hard rock ~ Wray passed away in 2005
May 2, 1927 ~ Cellist Anna Shuttleworth born in Bournemouth, UK ~ Acclaimed soloist and chamber cellist. Co-founding member of the Vivien Hind String Quartet. Affectionately referred to as “the Swellest Cellist” by composer Ralph Vaughan Williams ~ Shuttleworth passed away in 2021
May 2, 1924 ~ Actor, folk singer, guitarist Theodore Bikel, full name Theodore Meir Bikel, born in Vienna, Austria ~ Co-founded the Newport Folk Festival. Has recorded over 30 albums as a folk singer, guitarist starting in the mid 1950s. As an actor known for roles in Moulin Rouge, My Fair Lady, The Defiant Ones, earning an Academy Award-nomination for his role in the latter. As a musical actor best known for his role as Captain Von Trapp in the original Broadway production of The Sound Of Music ~ Bikel passed away in 2015
May 2, 1922 ~ Singer Ada Jones, full name Ada Jane Jones, passed away in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA ~ Lacking the ability to read music or play an instrument Jones learned songs by ear. Among the first female singers to be recorded. Sang ballads, ragtime, vaudeville and comedy. Known for songs such as Sweet Marie, The Volunteer Organist, The Yama Yama Man and especially for a number of hit duets with Billy Murray including Blue Feather, Shine On Harvest Moon, Some Sunday Morning and Cuddle Up A Little Closer ~ Jones was born in 1873
May 2, 1922 ~ Singer, actor Serge Reggiani born in Reggio Emilia, Italy ~ Best known as an actor performing in some 80 films and various stage plays since the mid 1940s. Member of the French Resistance during World War II. Ventured out into music by the mid 1960s aided by singer, actor Yves Montand to become one of the most acclaimed chanson singers known for songs such as Les Loups Sont Entres Dans Paris and Sarah ~ Reggiani passed away in 2004
May 2, 1915 ~ Songwriter, singer Doris Fisher born in New York, New York, USA ~ Daughter of Fred Fisher, sister of Dan Fisher and Marvin Fisher, all respected songwriters. Doris wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by the Ink Spots (Whispering Grass, Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall), Louis Prima (Angelina (The Waitress At The Pizzeria)), Billie Holiday (That Ole Devil Called Love), Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, Pearl Bailey, the Mills Brothers, Ella Fitzgerald, and Moon Mullican (You Always Hurt The One You Love), Slim Gaillard (Tutti Frutti), Stan Kenton, Ella Mae Morse, and Pearl Bailey ~ Fisher passed away in 2003
May 2, 1915 ~ Alexander Van Vliet Feldman, commonly known as bandleader, arranger, composer Van Alexander, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-wrote A-Tisket A-Tasket with Ella Fitzgerald, a 1938 hit for the latter based on a 19th century nursery rhyme, later covered by numerous artists including Teddy Wilson, the Platters, and Bing Crosby. Alexander has led his own band into the 1940s, conducted orchestras for the likes of Kay Starr, Dolores Gray, and Dakota Staton, and authored First Arrangement which is considered a textbook on composing and arranging for film as well as his autobiography From Harlem To Hollywood. Alexander is perhaps best known for his work for TV and film, working as an arranger and composer for shows such as Bewitched, I Dream Of Jeannie, and The Dean Martin Show, and scoring numerous soundtracks including The Atomic Kid, Baby Face Nelson, and the cult classic Strait-Jacket. Alexander served as a mentor to Johnny Mandel, who at Alexander's 100th birthday bash commented: “He threw me in the water and yelled ‘swim’. If it wasn't for Van, I don't know what I'd be doing” ~ Feldman passed away in 2015
May 2, 1914 ~ Double bassist Frank Fields, full name Frank Nomer Fields, born in Plaquemine, Louisiana, USA ~ Closely associated with Dave Bartholomew and Cosimo Matassa, becoming a first-call session musician for many New Orleans based acts including Fats Domino (The Fat Man), Professor Longhair, Little Richard (Tutti Frutti), Smiley Lewis, Shirley & Lee, Lloyd Price, Huey Piano Smith, and Ray Charles ~ Fields passed away in 2005
May 2, 1905 ~ Composer Alan Rawsthorne born in Haslingden, UK ~ Initially steered away from musical ambitions, Rawsthorne eventually defied his parents and became a professional musician after abortive starts at careers in dentistry and architecture. Regarding the former, Rawsthorne would later comment: “I gave that up, thank God, before getting near anyone's mouth”. Following his musical studies, Rawsthorne would get his start in music in the early 1930s, working as a pianist and teacher in Devon, the UK, before breaking through by the end of the decade with a performance of his own composition Theme And Variations For Two Violins. Rawsthorne would go on to become an acknowledged composer, praised for his distinctive style, writing chamber music, choral works, sonatas, concertos for piano, oboe, and violin, symphonies, and from the mid 1940s onwards notably a number of soundtracks ~ Rawsthorne passed away in 1971
May 2, 1897 ~ Songwriter J Fred Coots, full name John Frederick Coots, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Wrote over 700 songs, over a dozen Broadway shows. Best known for co-penning Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town with Haven Gillespie. The song, first recorded by banjoist Harry Reser, would become a Holiday classic recorded by over 200 artists including Bing Crosby, the Crystals, Mariah Carey, Chris Isaak, the Temptations, and Bruce Springsteen ~ Coots passed away in 1985
May 2, 1895 ~ Lyricist Lorenz Hart, full name Lorenz Milton Hart, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Frequent songwriting collaborator of Richard Rodgers, with whom Hart wrote over two dozen Broadway musicals including Babes In Arms, The Boys From Syracuse, Pal Joey and On Your Toes. Songs co-written by Hart include Bewitched Bothered And Bewildered (Vivienne Segal, the Platters, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra) Glad To Be Unhappy (Doris Carson, Lena Horne, Buddy Rich), It Never Entered My Mind (Shirley Ross, Lee Wiley, Julie London), My Funny Valentine (Mitzi Green, Sarah Vaughan, Marvin Gaye), You Are Too Beautiful (Al Jolson, Bobby Troup, Arthur Prysock), Ten Cents A Dance (Ruth Etting, Doris Day, Shirley Horn), Mimi (Maurice Chevalier, the Lane Brothers) ~ Hart passed away in 1943
May 2, 1864 ~ Jacob Liebmann Beer, commonly known as opera composer Giacomo Meyerbeer, passed away in Paris, France ~ Linked Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Richard Wagner. Merged the German orchestra style with Italian vocal tradition. Known for operas such as Robert Le Diable and Il Crociato In Egitto ~ Beer was born in 1791
May 2, 1660 ~ Baroque composer Alessandro Scarlatti, full name Pietro Alessandro Gaspare Scarlatti, born in Palermo, Italy ~ Widely regarded as one of the most important composers of late Baroque, with over 100 operas, 600 cantates to his name. Considered a key figure in what was to become known as the Neopolitan school of opera, Scarlatti's catalogue forms a link between early Baroque Italian vocal styles of the 17th century and the classical school of the 18th century. Pioneered the use of the Italian overture in three movements, allegro, adagio, allegro, which would form the foundation of the classical symphony. Scarlatti was also noted for his novel use of woodwind and horns. But above all, the composer is known for his thematic development and chromatic harmony, influencing later composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Schubert. Well known works include Il Mitridate Eupatore, La Principessa Fedele, Scipione Nelle Spagna, and Il Tigrane. Although Scarlatti was most acclaimed for his operas and less for his sacred works, the mass Saint Cecilia Mass has been regarded as innovative, a style of sacred music later further developed by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven. Two of Scarlatti's sons, Domenico Scarlatti and Pietro Filippo Scarlatti, would also become composers ~ Scarlatti passed away in 1725