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, Eric Clapton, and others ~ Hawkins was born in 1945
May 20, 2019 ~ Mira Koigen, commonly known as opera singer Mira Zakai, passed away ~ Contralto associated with the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra, the Israeli Opera, the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Koigen was born in 1942
May 20, 2015 ~ James Robert Bleden, commonly known as band leader, conductor, arranger, saxophonist Bob Belden, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Recording as a leader since the early 1990s, best known for his 2011 Grammy Award-winning Black Dahlia album. Has also worked with Tim Hagans, McCoy Tyner (conducting The Turning Point), Paquito d'Rivera, Nicholas Payton, and others ~ Belden was born in 1956
May 20, 2014 ~ Soul singer Josh Kaufman wins NBC's The Voice ~ Kaufman wins the 6th season of NBC's talent show The Voice, runner-up would be singer Jake Worthington
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, punk rockers X (producing their first four albums), trumpeter Piotr Bal, Beat Generation poet Michael McClure, Darryl Read, and others ~ 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, Bross Townsend, and others ~ Smith was born in 1925
May 20, 2012 ~ Singer, songwriter 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 ~ Kris Allen wins the 8th season of American Idol aired on Fox. Runner-up would be singer, songwriter Adam Lambert
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 song 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
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 ~ Flautist 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 flautist 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, Sigbjørn Bernhoft Osa, and others. 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 13th 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 1)), Gene Ammons, James Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Hodges, Illinois Jacquet, Freddie King, Houston Person, Yusef Lateef, and others ~ 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, 1990 ~ Tevin Irvin Plaate, commonly known as producer, rapper Spanker, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Known for his associations with SFB, Bokoesam, Cho, Hef, and others. Released his Ontbijten Met Champagne solo debut album in 2018
May 20, 1987 ~ Pop, jazz singer, songwriter Ingrid Helena Havik born in Ålesund, Norway ~ Best known as lead singer of Highasakite. Previoulsy a member of Your Headlights Are On. Also guested on A-ha's MTV Unpluggd (Summer Solstice) album
May 20, 1986 ~ Jazz trombonist Clyde Bernhardt passed away ~ Worked with Bill Eady, Tillie Vennie, Odie Cromwell, Charlie Grear, Richard Cheatham, the Whitman Sisters, Honey Brown, the Henry P McClanes Society Orchestra, King Oliver, Alex Hill, the Alabamians, Billy Fowler, Ira Coffey, Vernon Andrade, Edgar Hayes, Jay McShann, Cecil Scott, Luis Russell, Leonard Feather, Pete Johnson, Wynonie Harris, Claude Hopkins, Paul Bascomb, Dud Bascomb, Joe Garland, Doc Cheatham, Charlie Holmes, Happy Caldwell, Tommy Benford, Miss Rhapsody, the Harlem Blues & Jazz Band, Barry Martyn, the Legends Of Jazz, and others ~ Bernhardt was born in 1905
May 20, 1985 ~ Blues singer, guitarist Johnny Fuller passed away in Oakland, California, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Crying Won't Make Me Stay, All Night Long, You Got Me Whistling, Johnny Ace's Last Letter, and his best known song Haunted House, the latter later covered by Gene Simmons ~ Fuller was born in 1929
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 Notorious BIG
May 20, 1982 ~ Guitarist Cody Votolato born in Texas, USA ~ Best known as member of post-hardcore band the Blood Brothers. Has also worked with Cold Cave, Head Wound City, Jaguar Love, Waxwing, and others
May 20, 1982 ~ William Howard Montgomery, commonly known as jazz bassist Monk Montgomery passed away in Las Vegas, North Carolina, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Jimmy Blanton, Ray Brown, Charles Mingus. Pioneered use of electric bass guitar. Active since the early-1950s. Brother of guitarist Wes Montgomery and vibraphonist Buddy Montgomery, with whom he recorded as part of the Montgomery Brothers. Has played with artists such as Art Farmer, Lionel Hampton, the Jazz Crusaders, Cal Tjader, Lovelace Watkins, Benny Carter, George Russell, Muhal Richard Abrams, Kenny Burrell, Jerry Coker, Johnny Griffin, Eddie Harris, Hampton Hawes, Hugh Masekela, and others ~ Montgomery was born in 1921
May 20, 1981 ~ Drummer, songwriter Josephine Forsman born in Robertsfor, Sweden ~ Co-founded Sahara Hotnights. Member of Casablanca. Has worked with Robyn, Orup, Per Gessle, Clyde Stubblefield, Tommy Ramone, Michelle Phillips, and others
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 flipside, 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 Thansaqa Shabalala and guitarist Maqhinga Radebe, known for the albums Ubuhie Bakho and Vuma
May 20, 1969 ~ Jazz bassist Ralph Peña passed away in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Worked with Charlie Barnet, Stan Getz, Barney Kessel, Billy May, Jack Montrose, Vido Musso, Art Pepper, Duane Tatro, Cal Tjader, Shorty Rogers, Ben Webster, Frank Sinatra, George Shearing, Joe Pass, Bud Shank, Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Jimmy Giuffre 3, and others ~ Pena was born in 1927
May 20, 1968 ~ Rock, pop rock organist Manuel Fernández Aparicio passed away ~ Co-founding member of Los Bravos, known for their 1966 Black Is Black hit. It would reach top 10 across the globe, including a No.1 spot in the band's native Spain and top 5 in both the UK and the USA. Fernández would commit suicide at age 24 after the death of his fiancée in a car accident ~ Fernández was born in 1943
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, 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, Harvie S, and others
May 20, 1964 ~ Singer Rudy Lewis passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Lead singer of the Drifters from 1960, replacing Ben E King, to his death in 1964. Featured on hits such as Please Stay, Some Kind Of Wonderful, Up On The Roof and On Broadway ~ Lewis was born in 1936
May 20, 1963 ~ Guitarist Brian Nash, full name Brian Philip Nash, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Member of Frankie Goes To Hollywood, known for 1980s hits such as Relax, Two Tribes, The Power Of Love, Welcome To The Pleasuredome and Rage Hard
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 banjoist, singer Cynthia Sayer born in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA ~ Worked with Woody Allen, Milt Hinton, Dick Hyman, Bucky Pizzarelli, George Segal, Dick Wellstood, the New York Philharmonic, Peter Ecklund, Tony Trischka, Terry Waldo, and others
May 20, 1962 ~ Jazz drummer, bandleader, occasional trumpeter Ralph Peterson Jr born in Pleasantville, New Jersey, USA ~ Four of Peterson's uncles and his grandfather were drummers. Ralph himself starter at age 3. He applied to college to study drums but failed the exam. He enrolled as trumpeter instead, graduating in 1984. Worked with Art Blakey, Donald Harrison, Walter Davis Jr, Tom Harrell, Out Of The Blue, Branford Marsalis, Craig Harris, James Spaulding, Roy Hargrove, Jon Faddis, Dewey Redman, Mark Helias, Wynton Marsalis, Jack Walrath, Craig Handy, Charles Lloyd, Kip Hanrahan, Bheki Mseleku, Courtney Pine, Steve Coleman, George Colligan, Stanley Cowell, Mark Shim, Betty Carter, and others. Has recorded as a leader since the late 1980s, heading the quintet Volition, with Terence Blanchard, Steve Wilson, Geri Allen and Phil Bowler ~ Peterson passed away in 2021
May 20, 1962 ~ Punk, punk rock, hardcore punk guitarist Ron Emory born in Lynwood, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of punk rock outfit TSOL. Released his solo debut album, Walk That Walk, in 2010 and has replaced Mike Ness, who was temporarily incapacitated due to a wrist injury, on Social Distortion's 2006 tour
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, Trip Shakespeare, and others
May 20, 1960 ~ Violinist, violist, accordionist, flutist, songwriter Øyvind Staveland born ~ Co-founding member of Vamp. Co-wrote the majority of the band's best-known including Tir N'A Noir, Harry, Sitte A Tenke, Månemannen and Kim Du Nå Va
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, Yelena Eckemoff, and others
May 20, 1959 ~ Daniel Rozoum, commonly known as new wave, alternative rock, pop singer Daniel Darc, born in Paris, France ~ Member of Taxi Girl, known for songs such as Mannequin, Cherchez Le Garçon, Paris and Aussi Belle Qu'une Balle ~ Rozoum passed away in 2013
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 Zitto, 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, Alpha Blondy, and others ~ Downie passed away in 2022
May 20, 1955 ~ Keyboardist, saxophonist, singer, songwriter Steve George born in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ Co-founding member, songwriter of Mr Mister with his childhood friend and Pages-bandmate singer Richard Page. In-demand collaborator, songwriter, session musician for artists including Al Jarreau, Patti Labelle, Meat Loaf, the Pointer Sisters, Barry Manilow, Kenny Loggins, Toto, and others
May 20, 1954 ~ James David Henderson, commonly known as Southern rock, country rock guitarist Jimmy Soybean Henderson, born ~ Member of Black Oak Arkansas, joining the band in 1975 as replacement for Harvey Burley Jett and first appearing on the band's Ain't Life Grand album ~ Henderson passed away in 2016
May 20, 1952 ~ Drummer Warren Cann, full name Warren Reginald Cann born in Victoria, Canada ~ Member of synth-pop, new wave band Ultravox from 1974 through its initial disbandement in 1986, best known for 1980s UK top 10 hits such as Vienna, All Stood Still and Dancing With Tears In My Eyes
May 20, 1950 ~ Jazz drummer Victor Lewis born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with John Abercrombie, George Adams, Don Alias, Franco Ambrosetti, Kenny Barron, Gary Bartz, Andy Bley, Carla Bley, Paul Bley, Anthony Braxton, George Cables, James Carter, Marc Copland, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Art Farmer, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, Steve Grossman, Mark Helias, Bobby Hutcherson, Jonny King, Oliver Lake, Hubert Laws, Dave Liebman, Abbey Lincoln, Carmen Lundy, Helen Merrill, Ralph Moore, David Murray, Judy Niemack, Charlie Rouse, Woody Shaw, David Sanborn, Lew Soloff, John Stubblefield, Charles Sullivan, Steve Swallow, Harvie Swarts, Lew Tabackin, Charles Tolliver, Steve Turre, Tom Varner, Randy Weston, Jack Walrath, Larry Willis, and others
May 20, 1949 ~ Singer Dave Thomas born in Catharinas, Canada ~ Half of the comedy musical duo Bob & Doug McKenzie, the other half being Rick Moranis, appearing on the SCTV comedy sketch TV show. The duo recorded two albums, 1981's The Great White North and 1983's Strange Brew, the latter a soundtrack of the film of the same name
May 20, 1948 ~ Jazz pianist, saxophonist, composer Roger Frampton born in Portsmouth, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Helped shape Australian jazz. Worked with Don Rendel, Bill Le Sage, Joe Harriott, Teletopa, AZ Music, the Jazz Co/op, the Ten Part Invention, the Engine Room, and others ~ Frampton passed away in 2000
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, songwriter 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 Come, You Can Leave Your Hat On, Unchain My Heart, and others. 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, Al Jarreau, and others ~ 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.”
May 20, 1941 ~ Guitarist Roy Crewdson born in Manchester, UK ~ Co-founding member of Freddie & the Dreamers, known for hits such as If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody, I'm Telling You Now, You Were Made For Me and I Understand
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, 1940 ~ Poet, songwriter, singer William Hawkins born in Ottawa, Canada ~ Member of the Children. Best known for co-writing Gnostic Serenade, originally recorded by 3's A Crowd ~ Hawkins passed away in 2016
May 20, 1936 ~ Jazz bagpipes player Rufus Harley born in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA ~ Worked with Laurie Anderson, Herbie Mann, Sonny Rollins, the Roots (Do You Want More), Sonny Stitt, and others ~ Harley passed away in 2006
May 20, 1935 ~ Timoteo Saluzzi, commonly known as bandoneon player, composer Dino Saluzzi born in Campo Santo, Argentina ~ Leader and sideman. Actively recording since the early 1970s. Worked with Mariano Mores, Charlie Haden, Tomasz Stańko, Charlie Mariano, Palle Danielsson, Al di Meola, Enrico Rava, Anthony Cox, David Friedman, George Gruntz, Thierry Lang, Rickie Lee Jones, Maria João, Tomasz Stańko, and others
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, Joanie Sommers and others ~ 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, Buster Bailey, and others. Died of tuberculosis aged 29 ~ Miley was born in 1903
May 20, 1931 ~ Jazz trumpeter Louis Smith, full name Edward Louis Smith, born ~ Worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Thad Jones, Billy Mitchell, Sonny Stitt, Count Basie, Al McKibbon, Cannonball Adderley, Percy Heath, Philly Joe Jones, Lou Donaldson, Donald Byrd, Kenny Dorham, Zoot Sims, Kenny Burrell, Horace Silver, his cousin trumpeter Booker Little, and with others ~ Smith passed away in 2016
May 20, 1931 ~ Jazz accordionist Tommy Gumina born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Amplifier builder. Co-founded Polytone Records with Joe Pass. As a musician worked with Harry James, Buddy DeFranco, Willie Smith, Art Pepper ~ Gumina passed away in 2013
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, the Melody Four, and others, 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 family outfit the Ames Brothers, known for a number of 1950s hits including Rag Mop, Sentimental Me, Can Anyone Explain (No No No), Undecided, The Man With The Banjo, The Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane and Tammy ~ Urick passed away in 1978
May 20, 1921 ~ Jazz trombonist, bandleader Jimmy Henderson born in Wichita Falls, Texas, USA ~ First trombonist with the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra by age 13. Would go on to work with Hal McIntyre, Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey, Elmer Bernstein, Frank Capp, Mel Henke, BB King, Lawrence Welk and others. Led the Glenn Miller Orchestra in the 1970s before retiring in 1980 ~ Henderson passed away in 1998
May 20, 1920 ~ Pianist, writer, human rights campaigner Hephzibah Menuhin born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Sister of renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin and pianist Yaltah Menuhin. Played the Australian premier of Béla Bartók's Second Piano Concerto ~ Menuhin passed away in 1981
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 arranger 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, Tanya Tucker, and others ~ 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, Alexander's Ragtime Band, and others ~ 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, the NBC Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Galimir passed away in 1999
May 20, 1901 ~ Jazz, boogie-woogie pianist, composer Jimmy Blythe, full name James Louis Blythe, born in South Keene, Kentucky, USA ~ Influenced Pinetop Smith and Albert Ammons. Best known for his 1924 recording Chicago Stomp, arguably the first boogie-woogie recording. Worked with Jimmy O'Bryant, Johnny Dodds, Ma Rainey, Jimmy Bertrand, Buddy Barton, Charlie Clark, Trixie Smith, and others ~ Blythe passed away in 1931
May 20, 1896 ~ Clara Josephine Wieck, commonly known as pianist, composer Clara Schumann, passed away in Frankfurt, Germany ~ One of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era ~ Wieck was born in 1819