May 20, 2021 ~ Soul, rock drummer Roger Hawkins passed away in Sheffield, Alabama, USA ~ Member of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Present on classic recordings such as Percy Sledge's When A Man Loves A Woman, Aretha Franklin's RESPECT, Wilson Pickett's Land Of 1,000 Dances. Has also worked with the Staple Singers, Johnnie Taylor, Cat Stevens, Duane Allman, Joe Cocker, Paul Simon, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, Bobby Blue Bland, Boz Scaggs, Albert King, Traffic, Willie Nelson, and Eric Clapton ~ Hawkins was born in 1945
May 20, 2015 ~ James Robert Belden, commonly known as bandleader, conductor, arranger, saxophonist Bob Belden, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for arranging the music of Giacomo Puccini, Prince, the Beatles, and Sting, turning the works into jazz. Also acclaimed for his 2011 Grammy Award-winning Black Dahlia album consisting of original music. Has also served as conductor for the likes of McCoy Tyner (The Turning Point), and Paquito d'Rivera ~ Belden was born in 1956
May 20, 2013 ~ Raymond Daniel Manczarek Jr, commonly known as keyboardist Ray Manzarek, passed away in Rosenheim, Germany ~ Co-founding member of the Doors, staying with the band from its inception in 1965 till shortly after lead singer Jim Morrison's death in 1973. Co-founding member of the short-lived Nite City in the late-1970s. Performed and recorded with Doors-bandmate Robby Krieger under the moniker Manzarek-Krieger from 2001 until his death in 2013. Also worked as a contributing collaborator and as a producer with artists such as Iggy Pop, Echo & the Bunnymen, trumpeter Piotr Bal, Beat Generation poet Michael McClure, Darryl Read, and notably with punk rockers X, producing the latter's first four albums ~ Manczarek was born in 1939
May 20, 2012 ~ Blues, jazz singer Carrie Smith, full name Carrie Louise Smith, passed away in Inglewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with the New York Jazz Repertory Company, Tyree Glenn, Yank Lawson, the World's Greatest Jazz Band, Doc Cheatham, Buddy Tate, Hank Jones, Wycliffe Gordon, Winard Harper, Clark Terry, and Bross Townsend ~ Smith was born in 1925
May 20, 2012 ~ Singer Robin Gibb passed away in London, UK ~ Member of the Bee Gees, with his twin brother Maurice Gibb and older brother Barry Gibb. Also worked with the band's predecessor the Rattlesnakes. As a solo artist debuted in 1969 with the single Saved By The Bell and would release several solo albums throughout the years. Co-produced soul singer Jimmy Ruffin's 1980 Sunrise album. Duetted with Marcy Levy. Co-wrote most of Barbra Streisand's Guilty album with brother Barry. Involved in several foundations and charities including 2005's One World Project which recorded Grief Never Grows Old to aid the Asian tsunami victims ~ Gibb was born in 1949
May 20, 2009 ~ Singer, songwriter Kris Allen wins American Idol ~ Allen wins the 8th season of American Idol aired on Fox, beating runner-up Adam Lambert. Prior to his success on the show, Allen had released a sole album, 2007's Brand New Shoes which failed to chart. His eponymous Kris Allen album released after his win, however, would peak just outside the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 200 album charts. Allen would release several more albums, albeit it to lesser success, and eventually runner-up Lambert would become more famous
May 20, 2007 ~ Songwriter Ben Weisman, full name Benjamin Weisman, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Probably best known for co-penning over 50 songs for Elvis Presley, usually partnering up with either Aaron Schroeder or Fred Wise. Well known Presley songs include Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do, Crawfish, Pocketful Of Rainbows, I Slipped I Stumbled I Fell, Follow That Dream and Change Of Habit. Others who have recorded his songs include Guy Mitchell, Nat King Cole, Patti Page, Carl Smith, Sarah Vaughan, Dusty Springfield, Barbra Streisand, Evie Sands, and Shirley Bassey ~ Weisman was born in 1921
May 20, 2006 ~ Hard rock, metal outfit Lordi wins the 51st of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Athens, Greece ~ Representing Finland, metal outfit Lordi wins with the song Hard Rock Hallelujah written by the band's frontman and lead singer Tomi Putaansuu. Runner-ups would be Hari Mata Hari representing Bosnia & Herzegovina reaching 2nd place with Lejla, and Russia's Dima Bilan reaching 3rd place with Never Let You Go
May 20, 2003 ~ Maurice Hughes, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist Joe Guitar Hughes, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by Clarence Gatemouth Brown and Johnny Guitar Watson. Member of the Dukes Of Rhythm in the 1950s alongside close friend Johnny Copeland. Backed Little Richard and Bobby Blue Bland during the 1960s. As a solo artist earned acclaim during the 1980s especially in Europe, at times touring intensely and signed to the Dutch Double Trouble Records label. Noted for the albums Texas Guitar Master and If You Want To See The Blues ~ Hughes was born in 1937
May 20, 2002 ~ The 33rd edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 3 of 3. A sunny weekend, this year's edition would draw a crowd of in total some 63,000 visitors. Included on today's, Monday the 20th's bill would be Arid, Jewel, Kane, Muse, Lenny Kravitz, Rammstein, Millionaire, Morgan Heritage, Macy Gray, System Of A Down, Daryl-Ann, the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Beef, Starsailor, and Sergent Garcia
May 20, 2001 ~ Jazz, swing, blues, folk singer, pianist, songwriter Renato Carosone passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Revered as a canzone napoletana performer. One of only two artists, the other being Domenico Modugno, to enjoy considerable succes in America without translating his songs to English. Known for songs such as O Sarracino, Caravan Petrol, Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano, Maruzella and Pigliate Na Pastiglia ~ Carosone was born in 1920
May 20, 2000 ~ Flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal passed away in Paris, France ~ Returned the flute as a classical solo instrument. With his flair and presence Rampal paved the way for flutist superstars such as James Galway and Emmanuel Pahud ~ Rampal was born in 1922
May 20, 2000 ~ Rock singer Scott Weiland, frontman of the Stone Temple Pilots, marries model Mary Forsberg ~ Recently divorced from his first wife the Stone Temple Pilots-frontman marries for the second and final time, this time with a low-key wedding reception taking place at a Los Angeles restaurant. Celebrity guests include his bandmates and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The couple would have two children and divorce in 2007. Weiland passed away in 2015
May 20, 1998 ~ The funeral of singer Frank Sinatra takes place in Beverly Hills, California ~ Sinatra's funeral takes places in Beverly Hills, which draws 400 invited guests and a slew of onlookers. Among the celebrities paying their respect are Tony Bennett, Angie Dickinson, last surviving the Rat Pack-member Joey Bishop, Liza Minnelli, Jack Nicholson, and Tom Selleck
May 20, 1998 ~ Jazz, swing guitarist Robert Normann, full name Robert Uno Normann, born in Borge, Norway ~ Influenced by Teddy Wilson and Chu Berry. Also plays accordion, banjo and saxophone. Considered a pioneer on the jazz guitar. Worked with Freddy Valier, String Swing, Gunnar Due, Pete Brown, Alf Prøysen, and Sigbjørn Bernhoft Osa. Turned down offers from Benny Goodman and Barney Kessel ~ Normann was born in 1916
May 20, 1995 ~ Singer, drummer Don Henley marries model Sharon Summerall in Malibu, California ~ Henley marries his first and only wife Sharon Summerall. Performers at the wedding would include Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Billy Joel, John Fogerty, Sheryl Crow, Tony Bennett, and the Eagles-bandmate Glenn Frey. Henley would later write Everything Is Different Now from the album Inside Job for Sharon
May 20, 1993 ~ Blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Clarence Edwards passed away in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA ~ Would gain recognition later in life, playing the blues festival circuit in the late-1980s. Best known for songs such as Lonesome Bedroom Blues and I Want Somebody ~ Edwards was born in 1933
May 20, 1993 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Matt Terry, full name Matthew James Terry, born in Broomely, UK ~ Winner of the thirteenth edition of The X-Factor in 2016. Would subsequently release his debut single When Christmas Comes Around, reaching the UK top 10. A full-length debut album, Trouble, would follow the next year
May 20, 1991 ~ Soul jazz, blues guitarist Billy Butler, full name William Butler Jr, passed away in Teaneck, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known for his association with Bill Doggett, including writing and performing on the 1956 hit Honky Tonk. Butler also worked with Al Casey, King Curtis, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Wild Bill Davison, Tommy Flanagan, Panama Francis, Benny Goodman, Johnny Hodges, Floyd Candy Johnson, David Fathead Newman, Houston Person, Sammy Price, Jimmy Smith, Norris Turney, Dinah Washington, Joey Dee & the Starliters (The Peppermint Twist (Part I)), Gene Ammons, James Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Hodges, Illinois Jacquet, Freddie King, Houston Person, and Yusef Lateef ~ Butler was born in 1924
May 20, 1991 ~ The 22nd edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Sunny and warm, some 53,500 visitors show up for this edition's bill which includes the Happy Mondays, Lenny Kravitz, Living Colour, Joe Jackson, An Emotional Fish, Luka Bloom, Primus, de Tröckener Kecks, Walter Trout, and the Tragically Hip
May 20, 1986 ~ Jazz trombonist Clyde Bernhardt passed away in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Influenced by Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. Bernhardt had a lengthy career, starting in the early-1920s working with the likes of Tillie Vennie, Richard Cheatham, and the Whitman Sisters. Would go on to work with the likes of the Alabamians, Billy Fowler, Vernon Andrade, Jay McShann, Cecil Scott, Luis Russell, and Claude Hopkins, before leading his own ensembles, making his most significant recordings from the mid-1940s through the 195s0s. In the 1970s, interest in Bernhardt resurged, leading the Harlem Blues & Jazz Band, a veteran band with whom he recorded close to a dozen albums with sidemen such as Doc Cheatham, Happy Caldwell and Miss Rhapsody ~ Bernhardt was born in 1905
May 20, 1985 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Jon Pardi, full name Jonathan Ryan Pardi, born in Dixon, California, USA ~ Opened for Dierks Bentley in 2010. Released his full-length Write You A Song debut album in 2012, its single Up All Night reaching top 10 on the Billboard Country charts. Subsequent hit would include Head Over Boots, Dirt On My Boots, Heartache On The Dance Floor, Night Shift, Heartache Medication and Ain't Alway The Cowboyss
May 20, 1984 ~ Singer, actress Naturi Naughton, full name Naturi Cora Maria Naughton, born in East Orange, New Jersey, USA ~ Formed R&B group 3LW alongside Adrienne Bailon and Kiely Williams, known for singles such as No More Baby (I'ma Do Right), Playas Gon' Play and I Do (Wanna Get Close To You) featuring P Diddy and Loon. Also known as an actress, notably portraying the role of Lil' Kim in Notorious, a bio-pic about the life of rapper the Notorious BIG
May 20, 1983 ~ New wave, post-punk, pop rock band the Police release Every Breath You Take, lead single off their Synchronicity album ~ The band's fifth UK No.1 hit, and their sole Billboard Hot 100 charttopper. Nominated for three and winning two Grammy Awards including Song of the Year. Following the band's disbandement in the mid-1980s, the song became a staple of Sting's solo concerts. Though generally perceived as a love song, Sting had intended it quite differently, describing a possessive lover watching someone's every move. He would later comment: “I think the song is very, very sinister and ugly and people have actually misinterpreted it as being a gentle little love song, when it's quite the opposite. Hence so”
May 20, 1982 ~ William Howard Montgomery, commonly known as jazz bassist, double bassist Monk Montgomery, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Influenced by Jimmy Blanton, Ray Brown, and Charles Mingus. Pioneered the use of electric bass guitar, taking up the instrument in the early-1950s. As a leader, Montgomery recorded with the Mastersounds, notably The King And I released in 1957, and a few albums under his own name, noted most for Reality released in 1974. As a sideman, Montgomery is present on albums by Lionel Hampton, Art Farmer (The Art Farmer Septet), Jon Hendricks, Hampton Hawes (The Green Leaves Of Summer), Jack Wilson, Eddie Harris (Silver Cycles), the Jazz Crusaders, and Kenny Burrell. Montgomery has also recorded with his younger brothers guitarist Wes Montgomery and vibraphonist Buddy Montgomery, including over half a dozen albums under the common moniker the Montgomery Brothers ~ Montgomery was born in 1921
May 20, 1981 ~ Pop, dance-pop singer Sean Conlon, full name Sean Kieran Conlon, born in Leeds, UK ~ Member of boy band 5ive, known for a string of UK top 10 hits including Slam Dunk Da Funk, When The Lights Go Out, Got The Feelin', Everybody Get Up, Until The Time Is Through and Keep On Movin'. The band was formed by the same management team that was behind the Spice Girls. Conlon would be the first to leave, splitting from the band in 2001 six months before they would disband
May 20, 1977 ~ Blues singer, guitarist, pianist Lafayette Thomas, full name Lafayette Jerl Thomas, passed away in Brisbane, California, USA ~ Rooted in church choir and introduced to blues guitar by his uncle, blues singer Jesse Thomas. Active since the late-1940s, backing artists such as Jimmy McCracklin, Sammy Price, Memphis Slim, Little Brother Montgomery, and recording from time to time as a solo artist. Especially noted for appearing on the 1968 LC Robinson-album Oakland Blues alongside Robinson and Dave Alexander ~ Thomas was born in 1928
May 20, 1974 ~ Singer Brenda Lee records Big Four Poster Bed at Bradleys Barn, Mt Juliet, Tennessee ~ Written by Shel Silverstein. Released the following June, paired with Castles In The Sand on the flip side, it would reach top 5 of the country charts in both the USA and Canada
May 20, 1973 ~ Singer, actress Elsa Lunghini born in Paris, France ~ Daughter of actor, photographer, songwriter George Lunghini. Debuted with the 1986 single T'En Va Pas of the La Femme De Ma Vie soundtrack. It would reach the top position on the French charts, making the then-13 year old Lunghini the youngest person to achieve this feat. A full-length debut album, Ela, followed in 1988 and spawned the hits Quelque Chose Dans Mon Coeur, Jour De Neige, Jamais Nous, A La Meme Heure Dans Deux Ans and Un Roman D'Amitié, the latter a duet with Glenn Medeiros and all reaching the top 10 in France. Lunghini has recorded consistenly since and ventured into a parallel acting career in film and TV
May 20, 1972 ~ Europop, nu-disco Andreas Lundstedt, full name Björn Helge Andreas Lundstedt, born in Uppsala, Sweden ~ Co-founding member of Alcazar, best known for their 2000 hit Crying At The Discotheque
May 20, 1972 ~ Trevor George Smith Jr, commonly known as rapper, MC Busta Rhymes born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Given his nickname by Public Enemy's Chuck D after NFL wide receiver George Buster Rhymes. Original member of Leaders Of The New School, noted for their guest appearance on A Tribe Called Quest's Scenario. Has recorded close to a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with The Coming released in 1996 which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Woo-hah (Got You All In Check). Subsequent hits would include Dangerous, Turn It Up (Remix), What's It Gonna Be featuring Janet Jackson, and I Know What You Want featuring Mariah Carey
May 20, 1972 ~ Singer Sibongiseni Shabalala, full name Sibongiseni Lucas Shabalala, born in Ladysmith, South Africa ~ Member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo since 1993, a popular ensemble led by his father Joseph Shabalala. Has also formed the crossover band Shabalala Rhythm in 1998 with his brother Thamsanqa Shabalala and guitarist Maqhinga Radebe, known for the albums Ubuhie Bakho and Vuma
May 20, 1968 ~ Guitarist, singer, the Who-frontman Pete Townshend marries Karen Astley ~ Townshend marries Karen Astley, daughter of composer Edwin Astley. The two had met at Ealing Art College in London and would have three children before separating in the 1990s, finalizing their divorce in 2009
May 20, 1967 ~ In its fifth week on the charts, Groovin' by the Young Rascals hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 for the first of four non-consecutive weeks ~ Reportedly Smokey Robinson was inspired by the title to write Cruisin', a hit for Robinson in 1979, initially using the hook “I love it when we're grooving together, ” later changing it to “cruising together” as he thought it was more intimate. The 1967 single by the Rascals was written by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati after they realized they could see their girlfriends only on Sunday afternoons. As Cavaliere would later explain: “I met this young girl and I just fell head over heels in love. I was so gone that this joyous, wonderful emotion came into the music. Groovin' was part of that experience. If you look at the story line, it's very simple: we're groovin' on a Sunday afternoon because Friday and Saturdays are when musicians work. The simplicity of it is that Sundays you could be with your loved one”
May 20, 1966 ~ Jazz guitarist Sheryl Bailey born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Vince Loving, George Colligan, Glenn Cashman, Chris Battistone, Dave Ephross, Jon Seligman, Lenny Robinson, Chris Berger, Ashley Turner, Sunny Jain, Gary Versace, Ian Froman, the Three Rivers Jazz Orchesra, Jim Guerra, Eric Defae, Rick Matt, Jim Germann, Steve Hawk, Joe Herndon, Steve McKnight, James Moore, Ralph Guzzi, Reggie Watkins, Clayton Dewalt, Ross Garin, Christopher Carson, Paul Thompson, David Glover, Ron Oswanski, and Harvie S
May 20, 1963 ~ Rock, pop singer, keyboardist, songwriter Darian Sahanaja born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Wondermints, acclaimed for their 1995 eponymous The Wondermints debut album. Also well known for sequencing and arranging the fragments of the unfinished the Beach Boys Smile into a completed work. Served as music consultant on the 2014 Brian Wilson biopic Love & Mercy
May 20, 1962 ~ Jazz drummer Ralph Peterson Jr born in Pleasantville, New Jersey, USA ~ Started drumming at age 3, later also taking up the trumpet inspired by his father's record collection, specifically players such as Dizzy Gillespie and Clifford Brown. Early on in his career, Peterson sat in with Art Blakey and toured with the likes of Jon Faddis, Stanley Turrentine, and Dianne Reeves. Peterson would go on to record some two dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, starting in the late-1980s, and is specifically acclaimed for the albums Ralph Peterson Presents The Fo'tet and Ornettology. As a sideman, Peterson has regularly recorded with David Murray, Uri Caine, Orrin Evans, and Wayne Escoffery ~ Peterson passed away in 2021
May 20, 1961 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, pianist, songwriter Dan Wilson born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Member of Semisonic. Acclaimed solo artist. In-demand songwriter and collaborator. Worked with P!nk, Adele, Taylor Swift, Phantogram, John Legend, the Dixie Chicks, Chris Stapleton, and Trip Shakespeare
May 20, 1960 ~ Saxophonist Tore Brunborg born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Has worked with Bugge Wesseltoft, Havard Wilk, Audun Kleive, Anders Jormin, Diederik Wissels, Arild Andersen, Pat Metheny, Per Jorgensen, Geir Lysne, Mikhail Alperin, Bjørn Alterhaug, Jan Gunnar Hoff, Jarle Vespestad, Jon Christensen, Jon Balke, Nils Petter Molvær, Vigleik Storaas, Bo Stief, Billy Cobham, Masqualero, Manu Katché, and Yelena Eckemoff
May 20, 1959 ~ Singer, guitarist, tambourinist, songwriter Susan Cowsill born in Canton, Ohio, USA ~ Youngest member of family outfit the Cowsills from 1967 through 1971, first appearing on the band's 1968 We Can Fly sophomore album. Backing singer for the likes of Dwight Twilley, the Smithereens, Carlene Carter, Mike Zito, Hootie & the Blowfish. Member of the Continental Drifters, with whom she recorded four albums from the early-1990s through 2002. Formed the duo the Psycho Sisters with Drifters bandmate Vicki Peterson. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Just Believe It released in 2005
May 20, 1958 ~ Singer, songwriter, pianist, actress Ann Hampton Callaway born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ As a songwriter her songs her have been recorded by artists such as Barbra Streisand (At The Same Time), Karrin Allyson, Liz Callaway, Barbara Carroll, Blossom Dearie, Harvey Fierstien, Carole King, Patti LuPone, Amanda McBroom, Donna McKechnie, Liza Minnelli, Peter Nero, and Lillias White
May 20, 1958 ~ Punk rock, new wave guitarist, singer, songwriter, actress Jane Wiedlin, full name Jane Marie Genevieve Wiedlin, born in Oconomowoc, Michigan, USA ~ Member of all-female punk rock, punk-pop band the Go-Go's, known for Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits such as We Got The Beat, Vacation and Head Over Heels. Co-wrote the band's Our Lips Are Sealed with the Fun Boy Three's Terry Hall, with whom she had what she described as a “short but dramatic romance.” Wiedlin is also known as an animal rights activist and actress with roles in the 1985 black comedy film Clue, 1986's Star Trek IV (The Voyage Home), 1987's Sleeping Beauty and perhaps most notably portraying Joan Of Arc in 1989's Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
May 20, 1956 ~ Reggae keyboardist Tyrone Downie born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known for his association with Bob Marley, joining the Wailers in the mid-1970s and first appearing on the 1976 Rastaman Vibration album. Has also worked with the Impact All-Stars, the Abyssinians, Beenie Man, Black Uhuru, Buju Banton, Peter Tosh, Tom Tom Club, Burning Spear, Steel Pulse, and Alpha Blondy ~ Downie passed away in 2022
May 20, 1955 ~ Keyboardist, singer, songwriter Steve George, full name Steven Park George, born in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ Formed the nucleus of Pages with childhood friend Richard Page, with whom he recorded three albums. Though the band had little commercial success, several of their songs have been covered, including notably by Kenny Loggins who recorded Who's Right Who's Wrong, featuring backing vocals from Page and Michael Jackson, America who recorded I Do Believe In You, and Herb Alpert who recorded I Get It From You. Following the band's disbandement, Page and George sessioned for the likes of Al Jarreau, Donna Summer, REO Speedwagon, and the Pointer Sisters, before forming Mr Mister. With the latter band, they would score the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits Broken Wings and Kyrie, both lifted off their 1985 Welcome To The Real World sophomore album
May 20, 1950 ~ Jazz, bop, hard-bop, post-bop drummer Victor Lewis born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Studied cello and piano, including classical training, before taking up drums. Raised in a musical family, Lewis has been playing professionally since his mid-teens, establishing himself as an in-demand hard swinging bop-oriented drummer by the 1980s. Recorded as leader or co-leader since the mid-1980s, noted most perhaps for his 1992 album Know It Today Know It Tomorrow. Closely associated with Stan Getz, Carla Bley, and George Cables, recording over half a dozen albums with each. Also particularly known for co-leading Horizon with Bobby Watson, best known for the 1990 Post-Motown Bop album. An in-demand sideman and collaborator, Lewis has also appeared on albums by David Sanborn, Webster Lewis, Eddie Harris, Kip Hanrahan (Coup De Tête), Harvie Swartz (Urban Earth), Tom Varner (Jazz French Horn), Carmen Lundy, Gordon Brisker, Kenny Barron (What If), Jimmy Gourley, John Stubblefield (Bushman Song), Mark Helias, Janis Siegel, JJ Johnson (Quintergy), John Hicks, Bobby Hutcherson (Cruisin' The Bird), Art Farmer, PJ Perry, Lew Tabackin, Terumasa Hino (Bluestruck), Ralph Moore, Charles Mingus, Gary Bartz, David Murray (MX), Bud Shank, Dave Stryker, Steve Hobbs, JJ Johnson, Antonio Hart (For Cannonball & Woody), Earl Klugh, Barry Finnerty, Charnett Moffett (Planet Home), Larry Willis, Charles McPherson, and Klaus Doldinger
May 20, 1946 ~ Cherilyn Sarkisian, commonly known as singer, actress Cher, born in El Centro, California, USA ~ Rose to fame as half of Sonny & Cher, the other half being singer and then-husband Sonny Bono, known for 1960s hits such as The Beat Goes On and I Got You Babe. Went on to become a solo singer with hits such as Gypsys Tramps & Thieves, Half-Breed and Dark Lady in the 1970s through I Found Someone, If I Could Turn Back Time and Love And Understanding in the 1990s
May 20, 1945 ~ Sertanejo, folk rock singer, guitarist Renato Teixeira, full name Renato Teixeira de Oliveira, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Maranhão e Renato Teixeira released in 1969. Frequent collaborator of Sergio Reis, notably the 2015 Amizade Sincera II collaborative album, and Almir Sater. Wrote Romaria, a hit song for Elis Regina of her 1977 eponymous Elis Regina debut album and covered by numerous artists
May 20, 1944 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist Boudewijn de Groot, full name Frank Boudewijn de Groot, born in Jakarta, Indonesia ~ Pivotal Dutch singer, songwriter with a career spanning 5 decades. Slightly mischaracterised as “the Dutch Bob Dylan” on the basis of his 1966 protest song Welterusten Mijnheer De President. Well known songs include Noordzee, Een Meisje Van 16, Het Land Van Maas En Waal, Testament, Jimmy, Tante Julia, Een Wonderkind Van 50 and Avond
May 20, 1944 ~ John Robert Cocker, commonly known as singer Joe Cocker, born in Sheffield, UK ~ Known for songs such as With A Little Help From My Friends, The Letter, You Are So Beautiful, When The Night Comes, You Can Leave Your Hat On, and Unchain My Heart. Critically acclaimed, especially for his debut album, 1970's Mad Dogs & Englishmen. In-demand collaborator, worked with Leon Russell, Delaney & Bonnie, Silverhead, John Lee Hooker, Bo Diddley, the Crusaders, Jennifer Warnes (the 1982 hit duet Up Where We Belong), Jimmy Barnes, BB King, Eros Ramazzotti, Tim Hinkley, Otis Thompson, and Al Jarreau ~ Cocker passed away in 2014
May 20, 1944 ~ Vincenzo Cacioppo, commonly known as pianist, violinist, bandleader, songwriter Vincent Rose, passed away in Rockville Centre, New York, USA ~ Popular 1920s, 1930s bandleader. Wrote over 200 songs including Paul Whiteman's Linger Awhile, Kay Kyser's The Umbrella Man, and perhaps most notably Blueberry Hill, the latter first recorded in 1940 by Swing And Sway with Sammy Kaye but best known as a 1956 hit and signature song for Fats Domino ~ Cacioppo was born in 1880
May 20, 1942 ~ Trumpeter, hornist Dan Jacobs, full name Dan Wright Jacobs, born in Bellaire, Michigan, USA ~ Has performed in over 500 shows of a touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar. In-demand session musician, has worked with the likes of John Pizzarelli, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, Billy Dean, Mel Tormé, Linda Ronstadt, Gladys Knight, the Four Tops, and Al Green
May 20, 1942 ~ Pop singer Jill Jackson born in McCarney, Texas, USA ~ Formed the duo Paul & Paula, the other half being Ray Hildebrand, best known for their 1963 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Hey Paula. Given their stagename by label executive Shelby Singleton, arguing that it wouldn't make much sense for “Ray & Jill“ to sing “Hey hey Paul, hey hey Paula.” The duo's follow-up single Young Lovers would also reach top 10. The duo parted ways in 1965, but remained close friends and would regularly rejoin performing for special events
May 20, 1940 ~ Pianist, arranger, conductor, producer Charles Blackwell, full name Charles Vincent Blackwell, born in Leytonstone, UK ~ Closely associated with producer Joe Meek, under whose guidance Blackwell became one of the most prolific studio arrangers and producers of the 1960s and 1970s. Notable credits include serving in one capacity or another on hit songs such as Johnny Remember Me by John Leyton, What's New Pussycat and I'll Never Fall In Love Again by Tom Jones, and Release Me and A Man Without Love by Engelbert Humperdinck. Blackwell also regularly arranged and conducted studio recordings for francophone artists including Art Sullivan, Michel Polnareff, and Françoise Hardy (Je Veux Qu'il Revienne). In 2005, Blackwell was commissioned by the European Council to orchestrate and conduct a new recording of Anthem Of Europe, adapted from Ludwig van Beethoven's Ode To Joy, with a 70-man orchestra which is played at every sitting of the European Parliament ~ Blackwell passed away in 2024
May 20, 1940 ~ Frederick Earl Long, commonly known as R&B, soul singer Shorty Long, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ First to record Devil With The Blue Dress On in 1964, which never charted but would be a hit for Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels two years later. Would reach the charts with later releases such as Function At The Junction, It's A Crying Shame, Chantilly Lace and perhaps his best known Here Comes The Judge, the latter a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit in 1968. Long played a variety of instruments, including piano, drums and trumpet, and was the only Motown artist other than Smokey Robinson allowed to produce his own recordings ~ Long passed away in 1969
May 20, 1932 ~ Jazz, big band, pop pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger Bob Florence, full name Robert Chase Florence, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Child prodigy. Gave his first recital at age 7. Worked in bands led by Les Brown, Louie Bellson, and Harry James. Worked as arranger, conductor, bandleader for artists such as Count Basie, Sérgio Mendes, Joe Pass, Bud Shank. Sideman with Julie Andrews, Sue Raney, and Joanie Sommers ~ Florence passed away in 2008
May 20, 1932 ~ James Wesley Miley, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, cornetist Bubber Miley passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Active since the early-1920s, startied playing small clubs and boats as a member of the Carolina Five. Would go on to work with Mamie Smith, King Oliver and perhaps most notably Duke Ellington from 1923 through 1929 including on early hits by the Duke Ellington Orchestra such as Black And Tan Fantasy, East St Louis Toodle-oo and Creole Love Call. Post Ellington worked with Noble Sissle, Jelly Roll Morton, Hoagy Carmichael, Zutty Singleton, Leo Reisman, and Buster Bailey. Miley passed away of tuberculosis at age 29 ~ Miley was born in 1903
May 20, 1926 ~ Trombonist, singer Bill Pearce was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA ~ First gained serious attention working with evangelist Percy Crawford. Following a stint in the Army during World War II returned to college before turning to music yet again, working as a soloist and collaborating with the likes of Kurt Kaiser and the Melody Four, performing well into the 1990s ~ Pearce passed away in 2010
May 20, 1925 ~ Vic Urick, commonly known as traditional pop singer Vic Ames, born in Malden, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of the Ames Brothers, consisting of four Urick brothers, their actual family name, raised on classical and operatic music. The sibling act would first perform as the Amory Brothers, and later shorten the name to the Ames Brothers. Active since the mid-1940s, the vocal group shot to national fame in 1949 following a performance on the musical radio quiz Sing It Again aired on CBS Radio, quickly becoming an in-demand nightclub act. The singles Rag Mop, Sentimental Me, and You You You all reached the top of the charts. They recorded well over a dozen albums through the early-1960s, at times backed by the orchestras of Hugo Winterhalter, Joe Reisman, and Sid Ramin, before disbanding ~ Urick passed away in 1978
May 20, 1915 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader, musical director, arranger Bill McElhiney, full name William Krohmer McElhiney, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ One of the most prominent arrangers in Nashville during the 1960s and 1970s. Notable credits include arrangements on Brenda Lee's I'm Sorry, and the signature trumpet parts on Johnny Cash's Ring Of Fire. Has also worked with artists such as Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Marty Robbins, Dolly Parton, Jim Reeves, Joni James, Connie Francis, Johnny Tillotson, and Tanya Tucker ~ McElhiney passed away in 2002
May 20, 1911 ~ Singer Helvetia Boswell born ~ One third of close harmony trio the Boswell Sisters, alongside siblings Martha Boswell and Connee Boswell, known for 1930s hits such as I Found A Million Dollar Baby In A Five An Ten Cent Store, Rock & Roll, The Object Of My Affection, Dinah, and Alexander's Ragtime Band ~ Boswell passed away in 1988
May 20, 1910 ~ Violinist Felix Galimir born in Vienna, Austria ~ Founded the Galimir Quartet in 1927 with his sisters, known for recording Alban Berg's Lyric Suite and Maurice Ravel's String Quartet. Would go on to work with the Vienna Philharmonic, the Palestine Symphony Orchestra, and the NBC Symphony Orchestra ~ Galimir passed away in 1999
May 20, 1901 ~ Jazz, boogie-woogie pianist, songwriter Jimmy Blythe, full name James Louis Blythe, born in South Keene, Kentucky, USA ~ Best known for his 1924 recording Chicago Stomp, arguably the first boogie-woogie recording. Other well known songs include Mecca Flat Blues, East Coast Trot, Oriental Man, and Brown Skin Mama. Despite a relatively short career, cut short by his untimely death at age 30 of meningitis, Blythe has recorded with a host of artists including Alexander Robinson, Johnny Dodds, Lonnie Johnson, the State Street Ramblers, Buddy Barton, Charlie Clark, Ma Rainey, Trixie Smith, and proved influential especially on Pinetop Smith and Albert Ammons ~ Blythe passed away in 1931