May 21, 2023 ~ Edmund Dantes Urick, commonly known as traditional pop singer, actor Ed Ames, passed away in Los Angeles, California, 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. Ames is also well-known as an actor, noted for portraying Mingo in the TV series Daniel Boone ~ Ames was born in 1927
May 21, 2022 ~ Actress, opera singer Yam Bing-yee passed away ~ First performed as a singer in her early teens. Would go on to star in over an estimated 150 films, often playing co-lead roles in Cantonese opera films. Has also starred in stage productions, including notably the Hong Kong premiere of The Flower Princess with the Sin Fung Ming Opera Company in 1957 ~ Bing-yee was born in 1931
May 21, 2021 ~ Francesco Battiato, commonly known as singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter, film maker Franco Battiato, passed away in Milo, Italy ~ One of Italy's most beloved singer-songwriters drawing from a wide array of idioms including beat, new wave, progressive pop, new age, experimental, free jazz, psychedelica. Internationally perhaps best known for teaming up with singer Alice, representing Italy in the 1984 Eurovision Songfestival with the song I Treni Di Tozeur reaching 5th place despite being tapped as winner by the bookmakers ~ Battiato was born in 1945
May 21, 2019 ~ Singer Maelyn Jarmon wins NBC's The Voice ~ Jarmon wins the 16th season of NBC's talent show The Voice, runner-up would be Gyth Rigdon
May 21, 2018 ~ Actress, singer, dancer Allyn Ann McLerie passed away in North Bend, Washington , USA ~ Enjoyed popularity during the Golden Age of musicals, including on Broadway and in numerous films. Would also venture into character acting guesting in TV shows ranging from Bonanza to St Elsewhere ~ McLerie was born in 1926
May 21, 2018 ~ The Hootie & the Blowfish debut album Cracked Rear View is certified 21x Platinum by the RIAA ~ Released in 1994 as their debut album Cracked Rear View would eventually sell over 21 million copies, overtaking Guns 'n Roses' Appetite For Destruction as the all-time best-selling debut album of any artist in America. At the time of its original release three of the album's singles, Hold My Hand, Let Her Cry and Only Wanna Be With You, would all reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100
May 21, 2018 ~ Indie pop, folk pop singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Maddie Poppe wins American Idol ~ Singer Poppe wins the 16th season of talent show American Idol aired on ABC. Runner-up would be singer, songwriter Caleb Lee Hutchison. Poppe had previously released her Songs From The Basement debut album in 2016. Following the show's success she released Whirlwind in 2019, spawning the minor hits Made You Miss and Not Losing You
May 21, 2017 ~ R&B singer Curtis Womack passed away in Bluefield, West Virginia, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Valentinos, known for songs such as Lookin' For A Love, It's All Over Now and I Found A True Love. Their songs would be covered by the Rolling Stones, the J Geils Band, Wilson Pickett, Solomon Burke, and others ~ Womack was born in 1942
May 21, 2015 ~ Bassist, songwriter Louis Johnson passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Member of the Brothers Johnson, known for 1970s hits such as I'll Be Good To You, Strawberry Letter 23 and Stomp. In-demand session musician, notably present on songs such as Michael Jackson's Don't Stop Till You Get Enough and Billie Jean, Michael McDonald's I Keep Forgetting Every Time You're Near, and George Benson's Give Me The Night. Also appeared on albums by Billy Preston, Bobby Womack, Grover Washington Jr (Feels So Good), Bill Withers, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, the Pointer Sisters, the Crusaders, Patti Austin (Every Home Should Have One), the Passage, Lee Ritenour, Donna Summer, James Ingram, Peabo Bryson, the Jacksons (Victory), Aretha Franklin (Who's Zoomin' Who), the Isley Brothers, George Duke, and Brian McKnight ~ Johnson was born in 1955
May 21, 2014 ~ Singer Caleb Johnson wins American Idol ~ Singer Caleb Johnson wins the 13th season of talent show American Idol aired on Fox. Runner-up would be singer Jena Irene. Prior to his appearance on the talent show had fronted Elijah Hooker, known for their sole eponymous Elijah Hooker released in 2013. Following his success on Idol released his Testify solo debut album, scoring a minor hit with As Long As You Love Me. Johnson formed Caleb Johnson & the Ramblin' Saints in 2019
May 21, 2013 ~ Robert Lamar Thompson, commonly known as composer, arranger, bandleader Bob Thompson, passed away in Los Angeles, USA, USA ~ Popular bandleader from the 1950s through the 1980s. Leading figure in exotica and space age pop. Has worked with artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Mae West, Julie London, Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, Duane Eddy, Judy Garland, Phil Ochs, and others ~ Thompson was born in 1924
May 21, 2013 ~ Composer, arranger, conductor, trombonist Frank Comstock passed away in Huntington Beach, California, USA ~ Revered arranger best remembered for his work with dance bands (Sonny Dunham, Benny Carter, Les Brown), Hollywood (Warner Brothers) and numerous TV variety shows and series. ~ Comstock was born in 1922
May 21, 2013 ~ Composer, conductor Rainer Böhm passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ Musical director at the Berliner Ensemble. Well-known as a composer for film and TV with some two dozen soundtracks to his name including Hostess, Verflucht Und Geliebt, and Mein Vater Ist Ein Dieb ~ Böhm was born in 1952
May 21, 2013 ~ Hard rock, glam rock, progressive rock bassist Trevor Bolder passed away in Cottingham, UK ~ Member of the Spiders From Mars, David Bowie's early 1970s backing unit present on albums such as Hunky Dory, The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars and Aladdin Sane. Longtime member of Uriah Heep, first appearing on the 1977 Firefly album and present on most of the band's albums until his death in 2013. Has also worked with the Cybernauts, Mick Ronson, Ken Hensley, and Wishbone Ash ~ Bolder was born in 1950
May 21, 2010 ~ Guitarist Jane Wiedlin of all-female rock outfit the Go-Go's injures her knees falling 20 feet down a cliff on a hiking trip ~ While hiking near San Francisco the Go-Go's-guitarist injures her knees falling down a cliff. She would require surgery and up to a year of recovery time, forcing the band to cancel their upcoming Farewell Tour. After 2010 the idea of a “farewell” tour seemed to have been abandoned as they would tour several times in the following years. In 2023 Belinda Carlisle announced the group had disbanded
May 21, 2009 ~ Double bassist, bassist Uli Trepte passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ Played avantgarde, free jazz in the mid-1960s, working with the likes of Yusef Lateef, Gato Barbieri, Barney Wilen, John McLaughlin, Mal Waldron, and notably with Irene Schweizer. Switched to bass guitar in the late 1960s, forming krautrock outfit Guru Guru with drummer Mani Neumeier in 1968. Formed his own unit Spacebox in 1975, with whom he worked through the early 1980s. Recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Real Time Music released in 1996 ~ Trepte was born in 1941
May 21, 2008 ~ Rock singer David Cook wins American Idol ~ Visibly to his own surprise Cook wins the 7th season of talent show American Idol aired on Fox with 56% of the public's vote, leaving singer David Archuleta in 2nd place. Following his win Cook's singles The Time Of My Life and Light On would both reach top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100
May 21, 2008 ~ Music manager Lou Pearlman sentenced to 25 years in prison ~ Pearlman, manager of O-Town, LFO (Lyte Funky Ones), Take 5, Innosense, NSYNC and notably the Backstreet Boys, the latter the all-time best-selling boy band, plead guilty to conspiracy, money laundering and using false statements in a bankruptcy proceeding. Pearlman would leave over $300 million in debt in one of the largest and longest-running Ponzi schemes in US history. Sentenced to 25 years in prison Pearlman was offered the opportunity to reduce his prison time by one month for every million dollars he helped a bankruptcy trustee recover. He died in prison in 2016
May 21, 2006 ~ Country, rock & roll singer, guitarist, songwriter Billy Walker, full name William Marvin Walker, passed away in Fort Deposit, Alabama, USA ~ Nicknamed “the Tall Texan” best known for Charlie's Shoes, a hit in 1962. Walker is also known for first recording Bear With Me A Little Longer, later notably covered by Eddy Arnold ~ Walker was born in 1929
May 21, 2006 ~ Dancer, choreographer Katherine Dunham, full name Katherine Mary Dunham, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Dubbed “the Matriarch and Queen Mother of Black Dance” ~ Dunham was born in 1909
May 21, 2005 ~ Lucille Poole, commonly known as jazz, blues singer Billie Poole, passed away ~ Worked with Art Simmons, Clark Terry, Elek Bacsik, Michel Gaudry, Kenny Clarke, Jimmy Jones, Junior Mance, Kenny Burrell, Bob Cranshaw, Mickey Roker, Memphis Slim, Betty Gadling, and others ~ Poole was born in 1929
May 21, 2005 ~ Singer Helena Paparizou wins the 50th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Kiev, Ukraine ~ Representing Greece Paparizou wins with the song My Number One written by Christos Dantis and Natalia Germanou
May 21, 2004 ~ Singer, guitarist Robert Quine, full name Robert Wolfe Quinne, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Draws from a wide range of influences, including jazz, rock and blues. In-demand collaborator, most noted for his associations with the Dim Stars and Richard Hell & the Voidoids. Has also worked with Brian Eno, Lou Reed (The Blue Mask), John Zorn, Ikue Mori, Marc Ribot, Marianne Faithfull, Matthew Sweet, Tom Waits, and others ~ Quine was born in 1942
May 21, 2003 ~ R&B, gospel, pop singer Ruben Studdard wins American Idol ~ R&B, gospel, pop singer Ruben Studdard wins the 2nd season of talent show American Idol aired on Fox. Runner-up would be singer Clay Aiken, losing by a tiny margin
May 21, 2000 ~ Benjamin Drootin, commonly known as jazz drummer Buzzy Drootin, passed away in Englewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with Jess Stacy, Lee Wiley, Doc Cheatham, Vic Dickenson, Bobby Hackett, Claude Hopkins, Jimmy McPartland, Pee Wee Russell, Arvell Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Jack Teagarden, Ruby Braff, Anita O'Day, Wild Bill Davison, Eddie Condon, Serge Chaloff, Sidney Bechet, George Wein, and others ~ Drootin was born in 1920
May 21, 1994 ~ Singer Durelle Alexander passed away ~ Child performer throughout the 1920s. Went on to sing with several big bands on radio programs and tours. Worked with Paul Whiteman, Eddy Duchin, Smith Ballew, Archie Bleyer, and others ~ Alexander was born in 1918
May 21, 1993 ~ Rowan Tyler Jones, commonly known as deep house, tech house, dubstep producer, remixer Route 94, born in Richmond, UK ~ Best known for his 2014 single My Love featuring Jess Glynne, which would reach top 10 across Europe including the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany and the No.1 spot in the UK
May 21, 1992 ~ Singer, actress Bette Midler is the last guest on Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show aired on NBC ~ Midler is the last guest on Carson's show, which ran for three decades starting in 1962. She serenades him with the jazz standard One For My Baby (And One More For The Road). Carson would do one more show, the following day, without guests
May 21, 1990 ~ Tyrone Walker, commonly known as rapper A$AP TyY, born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Member of hip hop collective A$AP Mob. As a solo artist active since the mid-2010s, releasing a number of mixtapes and notably the single Chamber Lock featuring A$AP Yams
May 21, 1990 ~ Publisher, label exective Morris Levy passed away in Ghent, New York, USA ~ Founder of Roulette Records and the Birdland jazz club. Described as “one of the record industry's most controversial and flamboyant players” and “a notorious crook who swindled artists out of their own royalties”. Convicted of extortion in 1990, died two months before he was scheduled to report to prison ~ Levy was born in 1927
May 21, 1988 ~ Jazz bassist Harry Babasin, full name Yervant Harry Babasin Jr, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman, nicknamed “the Bear”. Worked with Herb Ellis, Charlie Fisk, Jimmy Joy, Bob Strong, Billie Rogers, Gene Krupa, Charlie Barnet, Boyd Raeburn, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Frank Devol, Jerry Gray, Roy Harte, Bud Shank, Dodo Marmarosa, Oscar Pettiford, John Banister, and others ~ Babasin was born in 1921
May 21, 1985 ~ Kane Brett Robinson, commonly known as grime rapper, songwriter Kano, born in London, UK ~ One of the pioneers of grime music. Member of the Nasty Crew. As a solo artist best known for his 2007 hit This Is The Girl featuring Craig David of his London Town sophomore album. Has also worked with Ghetts, Damon Albarn, Tinchy Stryder, Wiley, and others
May 21, 1985 ~ Singer Marco Carta born in Cagliari, Italy ~ First gained attention in 2007 winning the Amici Di Maria De Filippe talent show. Released his full-length debut album Ti Recontrero the following year, which included the modest hit Per Sempre
May 21, 1985 ~ Singer Mutya Buena, full name Rosa Isabel Mutya Buena, born in London, UK ~ Original member of the Sugababes, remaining with the band through 2005 and succeeded by Amelie Berrabah. Present on some of the band's best-known including Overload, Freak Like Me, Hole In The Head and Push The Button. In 2012 the original trio of Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhán Donaghy reunited for the one-off single Flatline released under the moniker Mutya Keisha Siobhan
May 21, 1983 ~ Singer, guitarist, DJ, songwriter Robert Harvey, full name Robert Michael Nelson Harvey, born ~ Formed the Music with Adam Nutter, Stuart Coleman and Phil Jordan. The band released their eponymous The Music in 2002, which included the Take The Long Road And Walk It UK top 20 single, and recorded two more succesful albums through the remainder of the decade. Harvey notably guested on the Streets's 2011 Computers And Blues album. Harvey also co-produced or co-wrote songs for Clean Bandit (Real Love), Rudimental, Steve Angello, Felix Jaehn, Joel Corry, Digital Farm Animals, Ella Henderson, and David Guetta
May 21, 1983 ~ The rock trio ZZ Top release their video for Gimme All Your Lovin' ~ The Texan rock outfit release the video for Gimme All Your Lovin', the lead single of their 1983 Eliminator album. The video marked the first appearance of Billy Gibbons' 1933 Ford hot rod. The car would be featured in three more of the band's videos and used for the album's cover. Gibbons would have another car built just like it to bring on tour
May 21, 1981 ~ Reggae singer Bob Marley is buried with state honors in St Ann's, Jamaica ~ Diagnosed with a type of malignant melanoma as early as 1977 Marley at the time rejected his doctors' advice to have his toe amputated, citing his religious beliefs. Following a European tour in 1980 Marley played two shows at Madison Square Garden, New York. After collapsing while jogging in Central Park it was found that the cancer had spread to his brain, lungs, and liver. Marley would seek alternative treatment but die eight months later, May 11th 1981. He was given a state funeral in Jamaica that combined elements of Ethiopian Orthodoxy and Rastafari tradition, buried in a chapel near his birthplace. Jamaican Prime Minister Edward Seaga delivered the final funeral eulogy to Marley
May 21, 1981 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist Seja Vogel born in Kassel, West Germany ~ Influenced by the Cars, Devo, Kraftwerk. Member of Sekiden alongside guitarist, singer Simon Graydon and her brother drummer Mirko Vogel, known for the albums Junior Fiction and Sound Instincts. Touring member for Regurgitator, also appearing on the band's 2007 Love And Paranoia album. Vogel has also backed artists such as Sarah Blasko, Goldfrapp, Warpaint, and released her We Have Secrets But Nobody Cares solo debut album in 2010
May 21, 1980 ~ Wouter André de Backer, commonly known as producer Gotye, born in Bruges, Belgium ~ Shot to fame with his 2011 international hit Somebody That I Used To Know featuring Kimbra, reaching top 10 across the globe including the No.1 position on the Billboard Hot 100
May 21, 1979 ~ Richard Allen Mitchell, commonly known as jazz, jazz fusion trumpeter Blue Mitchell, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Horace Silver, Junior Cook, Gene Taylor, Roy Brooks, Ray Charles, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Louie Bellson, Bill Holman, Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Lou Donaldson, Grant Green, Philly Joe Jones, Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley, Johnny Griffin, Al Cohn, Dexter Gordon, and others ~ Mitchell was born in 1930
May 21, 1979 ~ Pop singer Elton John kicks off his USSR tour, becoming the first Western pop rock artist to play in the Soviet Union ~ As part of his A Single Man tour singer Elton John plays the first of eight concerts across two cities, Leningrad and Moscow, becoming the first Western pop rock star to tour the Soviet Union. John believed he was granted the opportunity to play in the USSR simply because he asked. As a result of the tour the Soviet authorities permitted the state-owned Melodiya record company to issue John's album A Single Man the following June, making it the first Western pop album officially released in the USSR
May 21, 1975 ~ Pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Marit Bergman, full name Liv-Marit Bergman, born in Ratvik, Sweden ~ Member of 1990s band Candysuck. Rose to fame with her 2002 3:00 AM Serenades solo debut album and has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial succes since. Drew comparisons to noted producer Phil Spector for her grand arrangements
May 21, 1974 ~ Drummer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Adriano Cintra born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Guitarist, singer for power rock trio Thee Butcher's Orchestra. Member of I Love Miami. Engineered Tom Zé's 1998 Com Defeito De Fabricação. Best known perhaps as co-founding member, drummer, bassist, guitarist, singer for Cansei de Ser Sexy, remaining with the band from 2003 through 2011 and appearing on most of the band's best known including the hit single Music Is My Hot Hot Sex
May 21, 1974 ~ Kejuan Waliek Muchita, commonly known as MC, rapper, producer Havoc, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Half of hip-hop duo Mobb Deep, the other half being rapper, producer Prodigy, known as main progenitors of hardcore East Coast hip-hop and one of the most successful rap duos in history. Well known songs include Shook Ones (Part II), Survival Of The Fittest and Hell On Earth (Front Lines). Havoc released his full-length The Kush solo debut album in 2007
May 21, 1973 ~ Singer, trumpeter, bandleader, actor Vaughn Monroe, full name Vaughn Milton Monroe, passed away in Stuart, Florida, USA ~ Popular 1940s, 1950s bandleader. At one time or another employed then-unknown sidemen such as Bucky Pizzarelli, Red Nichols, Ray Conniff and Don Costa. Best known for his signature tune Racing With The Moon, which would eventually sell over a million copies. Other well known recordings include In The Still Of The Night, There I've Said It Again, Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow, Ballerina, Someday You'll Want Me To, Sound Off and In The Middle Of The House ~ Monroe was born in 1911
May 21, 1972 ~ Christopher George Latore Wallace, commonly known as rapper Notorious BIG, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Considered one of the most important and influential rappers of all-time. Best known for songs such as Juicy and Big Poppa. Married to R&B singer Faith Evans ~ Wallace passed away in 1997
May 21, 1969 ~ Blues, electric blues guitarist, singer Dave Thompson, full name David Lonzo Thompson, was born in Jackson, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for songs such as She Didn't Say Goodbye and I Got The Blues ~ Thompson passed away in 2010
May 21, 1965 ~ Tango violinist, bandleader, composer Alfredo Gobbi passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Acclaimed violinist and bandleader enjoying popularity during the golden age of tango. As a composer known for works such as Perro Fiel, Desvelo and Mi Paloma De Punta. Has worked with Juan Maglio Pacho, Roberto Firpo, Manuel Buzón, Anselmo Aieta, Osvaldo Pugliese, Vicente Greco, and others ~ Gobbi was born in 1912
May 21, 1965 ~ Flamenco singer Antonio Carmona, full name Antonio Carmona Amaya, born in Granada, Spain ~ Member of revered flamenco-fusion outfit Ketama, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums until its disbandement in 2004. The band is criticized by purists while praised by others for bringing the genre to a wider audience by fusing traditional flamenco with salsa, reggae, funk, jazz, and other idioms. Best known for the 1987 album La Pipa De Kif, which brought the band their international breakthrough, and for 2002's Dame La Mano, which incorporated elements from hip-hop and house. The band is also especially acclaimed for Songhai and Songhai 2, two collaborative albums with Malinese kora player Toumani Diabaté released respectively in 1988 and 1994
May 21, 1964 ~ Singer, pianist, guitarist Rachelle Ferrell born in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Sang backup for Lou Rawls, Vanessa Williams, Patti Labelle, and for George Duke. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Something Else in 1990. Worked with Tyrone Brown, Eddie Green, Doug Nally, Terence Blanchard, Gil Goldstein, Michel Petrucciani, Kenny Davis, Stanley Clarke, Wayne Shorter, Pete Levin, and others
May 21, 1961 ~ Singer Brenda Lee records Dum Dum ~ Written by Jackie DeShannon and Sharon Sheeley. Produced by Owen Bradley. Released as a single the following June, paired with Eventually on the B-side, it would reach the Billboard top 10
May 21, 1955 ~ Singer Chuck Berry records Maybellene at Universal Recording Studios, Chicago, Illinois ~ Self-penned. Produced by Leonard Chess and Phil Chess. Arguably one of the very first rock & roll songs, most definitely one that defined both the era and the genre. Berry on guitar and vocals, backed by Johnnie Johnson on piano, Willie Dixon on bass, Jerome Green on maracas, and Ebby Hardy on drums. During the same session Berry recorded Wee Wee Hours, which would serve as the single's B-side
May 21, 1955 ~ Paul Reginald Nelson, commonly known as punk, new wave, rock guitarist, keyboardist, singer Paul Hyde, born in Yorkshire, UK ~ Formed late 1970s punk, ska and reggae-influenced outfit the Payolas with Bob Rock, known best for their 1982 No Stranger To Danger single. Co-wrote and performed on the 1985 the Northern Lights charity single Tears Are Not Enough. Hyde has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Turtle Island released in 1989
May 21, 1955 ~ Drummer, guitarist, songwriter Stan Lynch, full name Stanley Joseph Lynch, born in Gainesville, Florida, USA ~ Best known as member of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, backing Petty from 1976 until leaving the band in 1994. In-demand session musician for artists including Jackson Browne, T-Bone Burnett, Belinda Carlisle, Bob Dylan, the Eagles, the Eurythmics, Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Freedy Johnston, Jim Lauderdale, the Mavericks, John Mellencamp, Roger McGuinn, Stevie Nicks, Rank & File, Toto, Warren Zevon, and others
May 21, 1954 ~ Guitarist Marc Ribot born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Eclectic and acclaimed. In-demand collaborator. Noted for his collaborations with Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, John Zorn. Actively recording as a solo artist since the early 1990s. Has worked with Bar Kokhba, Electric Masada, the Jazz Passengers, the Lounge Lizards, the Young Philadelphians, Noël Akchoté, Trey Anastasio, Laurie Anderson, the Ambitious Lovers, Cyro Baptista, Alain Bashung, the Black Keys, T-Bone Burnett, Vinicio Capossela, Shemekia Copeland, Beth Orton, Norah Jones, Mory Kanté, David Linx, Maria McKee, and others
May 21, 1953 ~ R&B, soul, funk singer Carl Carlton born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Best known for his singles Drop By My Place, Smokin' Room, Everlasting Love and She's A Bad Mama Jama (She's Built She's Stacked)
May 21, 1952 ~ Singer, songwriter Magnus Lindberg, full name Erik Magnus Lindberg, born ~ Member of Landslaget. Member of supergroup Grymlings, formed by Göran Lagerberg in 1990, best known for their eponymous 1990 Grymlings debut album. Also recorded as a solo artist ~ Lindberg passed away in 2019
May 21, 1951 ~ Cellist, singer, composer Arthur Russell, full name Charles Arthur Russell Jr, born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, USA ~ Eclectic musician known best for his work in New York's avant-garde and disco scenes. Collaborated with Steve Reich, Philip Glass, Peter Gordon, Talking Heads-singer David Byrne, Walter Gibbons, Larry Levan and Nicky Siano ~ Russell passed away in 1992
May 21, 1951 ~ Jose Maria Nunes Correa, commonly known as pop singer Zezinho Correa, born in Carauari, Brazil ~ Rose to prominence as member of Carrapicho, known for their Tic Tic Tac hit single ~ Correa passed away in 2021
May 21, 1949 ~ Arnold Charles Ernest Hintjens, commonly known as singer, songwriter Arno, born in Ostend, Belgium ~ Known for his raspy voice. Rose to fame in the 1980s as frontman of TC Matic, one of the most important Belgian rock bands known for songs such as Oh La La La, Qua Pasa and Putain Putain. Debuted as a solo artist with the eponymous Arno album in 1986. Especially acclaimed for his Idiots Savant album, released in 1993. Sang the Dutch version of Randy Newman's You've Got A Friend In Me, retitled Je Bent Een Vriend Van Mij, for a Dutch-language version of Pixar's 1995 Toy Story animated film ~ Hintjens passed away in 2022
May 21, 1948 ~ Gerald Hugh Sayer, commonly known as pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Leo Sayer born in Shoreham-by-Sea, UK ~ Member of late 1960s outfit the Terraplane Blues Band. Formed Patches with frequent collaborator Dave Courtney. As a solo artist enjoyed a string of 1970s, 1980s hits, his first seven singles all reaching the UK top 10, his 1977 You Make Me Feel Like Dancing and When I Need You the following year both also topping the Billboard Hot 100. Co-wrote Roger Daltrey's Giving It All Away and One Man Band as well as Cliff Richard's Dreamin'
May 21, 1946 ~ Accordionist, keyboardist, arranger, songwriter Roland Romanelli born in Algiers, Algeria ~ Sessioned with artists such as Barbara, Rusty Egan, and Charles Aznavour. Co-founding member of Space. Has also recorded sporadically as a solo artist
May 21, 1944 ~ Marcia Blank, commonly known as pop singer Marcie Blane, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known for her 1962 surprise hit, Bobby's Girl. Initially only recorded as a favor to a friend it would become a million-seller reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The follow-up single, What Does A Girl Do, would be her only other charting single and stall in the low 80s
May 21, 1943 ~ Rock, blues rock, folk rock, skiffle guitarist Hilton Valentine, full name Hilton Stewart Paterson Valentine, born in North Shields, UK ~ Original guitarist of the Animals, noted for his electric guitar intro on the band's 1964 signature song The House Of The Rising Sun. After the band disbanded in 1966 Valentine has recorded solo albums, joined in several Animals reunions and collaborated with former bandmates ~ Valentine passed away in 2021
May 21, 1943 ~ Singer Mike Ramsden, full name Michael John Ramsden, born in Totnes, UK ~ Member of vocal folk group Silkie, known for their 1965 single You've Got To Hide Your Love Away, originally by the Beatles, which cracked the American top 10. John Lennon produced the single, Paul McCartney played guitar and George Harrison tambourine
May 21, 1943 ~ Vincent Rodney Cheesman, commonly known as organist, pianist Vincent Crane born in Reading, UK ~ Perhaps best known for his association with Arthur Brown, including co-writing the 1968 hit Fire which reached top 10 across the globe including No.1 positions in the UK and Canada. The song was co-produced by the Who guitarist, singer Pete Townshend. Crane also co-founded Atomic Rooster, known for the songs Tomorrow Night and Devil's Answer. Has also worked with the Vincent Crane Combo, Rory Gallagher, Peter Green, Klaus Schulze, Dexys Midnight Runners, Katmandu, and others ~ Cheesman passed away in 1989
May 21, 1941 ~ R&B, soul singer Ronald Isley born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Lead singer, founding member of sibling outfit the Isley Brothers, known for songs such as Twist & Shout, This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You), It's Your Thing, That Lady (Part 1), and others. Ronald has also released a number of solo albums, starting with 2003's Here I Am with Burt Bacharach, and guested on recordings by R Kelly, Keith Sweat, Warren G, Patti Labelle, and others
May 21, 1940 ~ Anthony Esmond Sheridan McGinnity, commonly known as singer Tony Sheridan, was born in Norwich, UK ~ Known for his early 1960s singles My Bonnie and Ain't She Sweet, both of which featured the Beatles, then relatively unknown, as Sheridan's backing band ~ McGinnity passed away in 2013
May 21, 1938 ~ Henry Lee Williams, commonly known as blues singer Lee Shot Williams, born in USA ~ Worked with Little Smokey Smothers and Magic Sam. As a solo artist best known for the hits I'll Take The Risk and She Made A Freak Out Of Me ~ Williams passed away in 2011
May 21, 1935 ~ Jazz clarinettist, bandleader Terry Lightfoot born in Middlesex, UK ~ Leading jazz musician in British dixieland and traditional jazz revival. Best known for recordings such as Tue Love, King Kong, and Tavern In The Town ~ Lightfoot passed away in 2013
May 21, 1934 ~ Robert Northern, commonly known as jazz hornist Brother Ah, born in North Carolina, USA ~ Worked with Donald Byrd, John Coltrane, Gil Evans, Sun Ra, McCoy Tyner, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, the Jazz Composers Orchestra, Don Cherry, Thelonious Monk, Freddie Hubbard, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Eric Dolphy, Charlie Haden, John Lewis, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Charlie Haden, Andrew Hill, Milt Jackson, JJ Johnson, Quincy Jones, Jack McDuff, Gary McFarland, Lalo Schifrin, Cal Tjader, Julius Watkins, and others
May 21, 1933 ~ Classical trumpeter, composer Maurice André born in Ales, France ~ Appeared on over 300 recordings. Rose to international prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with a series of baroque works on piccolo trumpet, also performin transciptions of works for oboe, flute, voice and string instruments. One of André's students, Guy Touvron, wrote the biography Maurice André (A Trumpet For Fame), published in 2003 ~ André passed away in 2012
May 21, 1930 ~ Jazz double bassist Tommy Bryant born ~ Brother of pianist Ray Bryant and singer, drummer Len Bryant. Worked with Billy Krechmer, Elmer Snowden, Jo Jones, Charlie Shavers, Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie, Barney Wilen, Benny Golson, Big Joe Turner, Coleman Hawkins, Mahalia Jackson, and others ~ Bryant passed away in 1982
May 21, 1929 ~ Jazz drummer Larance Marable born ~ Worked with Dexter Gordon, Charlie Parker, Zoot Sims, Curtis Amy, Ruth Cameron, Chet Baker, Kenny Drew, Teddy Edwards, Victor Feldman, Jimmy Giuffre, Charlie Haden, Richard Groove Holmes, Milt Jackson, Frank Morgan, Robert Stewart, Sonny Stitt, and with Carl Perkins on the 1956 Dootone release Introducing Carl Perkins ~ Marable passed away in 2012
May 21, 1927 ~ Composer, arranger, conductor, saxophonist Bill Holman born in Olive, California, USA ~ A career spanning over six decades multi- Grammy winning Holman worked primarily in jazz and pop, starting with Charlie Barnet's orchestra in 1950.
May 21, 1926 ~ Jazz singer Janet Thurlow, full name Janet Lorraine Thurlow, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ First gained attention as a “song stylist” in the late 1940s with renowned New Orleans producer, songwriter Robert Bumps Blackwell's band, a group that also included the then-unknown Quincy Jones and Ray Charles. Invited by Lionel Hampton in 1950 to join his orchestra as a singer, making her recording debut on the 1951 I Can't Believe You're In Love With Me which reportedly made her the first white singer to front an all-Black big band. By 1953 Thurlow started her solo career, performing through the mid-1960s. Thurlow was also featured on the 1953 Charles Mingus recording Eclipse, a song about interracial romance. Thurlow herself married African-American trombonist Jimmy Cleveland earlier the same year ~ Thurlow passed away in 2022
May 21, 1921 ~ Félix Rafael Herrea Altuna, commonly known as danzón, mamba, bolero violinist, bandleader Félix Reina, passed away in Havana, Cuba ~ As a composer best known for Si Te Contara, covered by numerous artists. Worked with Antonio Diaz, the Arcano y Sus Maravillas, the Orquesta America, the Fajardo y Sus Estrellas, and others ~ Reina passed away in 1998
May 21, 1921 ~ Label executive Henry Glover, full name Henry Bernard Glover, born in Hot Springs, Kansas, USA ~ Gained eminence in the late-1940s to become one of the music industry's most successful black executives. Producer, arranger, songwriter, engineer, trumpeter, talen scout, A&R executive. Closely associated with the King label, playing a pivotal role in its development. Also worked for Roulette and RCO Productions labels. Worked with a host of artists from country, R&B, pop, rock and jazz, including the Delmore Brothers (co-wrote Blues Stay Away From Me), Ronnie Hawkins, Cowboy Copas, Moon Mullican, Grandpa Jones, the York Brothers, Bull Moose Jackson, Tiny Bradshaw, Bill Doggett, Wynonie Harris, Hank Ballard & the Midnighters, Little Willie John, James Brown, Swallows, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Sonny Stitt, Ronnie Hawkins, Joey Dee & the Starliters (including co-writing their No.1 hit The Peppermint Twist (Part 1)), Larry Dale, Titus Turner, Paul Butterfield, Garth Hudson, and others ~ Glover passed away in 1991
May 21, 1920 ~ Swing, jazz tubist Bill Barber, full name John William Barber, born in Hornell, New York, USA ~ Worked with the Kansas City Philharmonic and various ballet and theatre orchestras prior to a stint in the US Army, playing in Patton's 7th army band during World War II. Would spent the 1950s throughout the mid-1960s playing jazz. Best known for his association with Miles Davis, appearing on albums such as The Birth Of The Cool, Porgy & Bess, and Sketches Of Spain. Other notable credits include Urbie Green, Bob Brookmeyer, Slide Hampton, John Coltrane (Africa/Brass), and Gil Evans. Barber would semi-retire from music to work as an elementary school teacher, yet continued to record from time to time ~ Barber passed away in 2007
May 21, 1916 ~ Owen Patrick Eugene McNulty, commonly known as singer, comedian, radio and TV personality Dennis Day, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his radio sitcom A Day In The Life Of Dennis Day, running on NBC from 1946 through 1951. The show revolved around a fictional character, Dennis Day, open and close with a song by Day and feature one in the middle ~ McNulty passed away in 1988
May 21, 1904 ~ Thomas Wright Waller, commonly known as pianist, singer, songwriter Fats Waller, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Innovative stride pianist quintessential to development of modern jazz. Reportedly once kidnapped to play at gangster Al Capone's birthday party. Fronted Fats Waller's Rhythm. Wrote over 400 songs, many with lyricist Andy Razaff, including Ain't Misbehaving and Honeysuckle Rose ~ Waller passed away in 1943
May 21, 1901 ~ Bandleader, pianist Horace Heidt born in Alameda, California, USA ~ Popular bandleader during the 1930s and 1940s touring the vaudeville circuit and a regular appearance on radio and TV. Known for hits such as Gone With The Wind, Sweet Someone, The Man With The Mandolin, I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire and Deep In The Heart Of Texas ~ Heidt passed away in 1986
May 21, 1890 ~ Broadway composer Harry Tierney, full name Harry Austin Tierney, born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, USA ~ One of the most successful Broadway composers of his day, known for long-running hits such as 1919's Irene, 1923's Kid Boots and 1927's Rio Rita ~ Tierney passed away in 1965