May 25, 2023 ~ Jean-Louis Bergheaud, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Jean-Louis Murat, passed away ~ Actively recording since the early 1980s. First gained attention in 1988 with the single Si Je Devais Manquer De Toi. Also well-known for his album Cheyenne Autumn, released the following year. Broke through with his 1991 single Regrets, a duet with Mylène Farmer which reached No.3 in France. Has recorded steadily since. Also known as an actor ~ Bergheaud was born in 1952
May 25, 2023 ~ Country singer, songwriter Joy McKean, full name Mildred Geraldine Joy McKean, passed away ~ Dubbed “the Queen of Australian Country” and considered one of the country's leading songwriters and bush balladeers. Married to Slim Dusty, also serving as his manager, songwriter, and musical partner for some five decades. Well-known Dusty songs written by McKean include The Lights On The Hill, Indian Pacific, and Walk A Country Mile. Sister of Heather McKean, with whom she also performed under the moniker the McKean Sisters ~ McKean was born in 1930
May 25, 2022 ~ Jazz saxophonist Jean-Louis Chautemps passed away ~ Initially studied medicine and law, yet chose a career in music. Got his first break working with pianist, bandleader Jef Gilson in 1950. Would go on to back stalwarts of French jazz such as Henri Renaud and Albert Nicholas. Has also worked with Claude Bolling, Sidney Bechet, Django Reinhardt, Chet Baker, Zoot Sims, Lester Young, Albert Ayler, Roy Eldridge, Philly Joe Jones, Lester Bowie, Martial Solal, and others. To pop audiences perhaps best known for appearing on Elton John's Honky Cat of the 1972 Honky Château album ~ Chautemps was born in 1931
May 25, 2018 ~ Pieter William Kee, commonly known as organist, composer Piet Kee, passed away in Haarlem, the Netherlands ~ Best known as teacher at Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam, Netherlands, for over thirty years, as long-time organist at St Bavo Church, Haarlem and as a composer for pieces such as Haarlem Concerto ~ Kee was born in 1927
May 25, 2014 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Tommy Blom, full name Tommy Albert Blom, passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Co-founding member of Tages, remaining with the band through 1968. Present on most of the band's best known including Tell Me You're Mine, I Should Be Glad, Don't Turn Your Back, The One For You, In My Dreams, Every Raindrop Means A Lot, I'm Going Out, Treat Her Like A Lady, all of which reached top 10 in the band's native Sweden ~ Blom was born in 1947
May 25, 2013 ~ Bassist, upright bassist Marshall Lytle, full name Marhall Edward Lytle, passed away in New Port Richey, Florida, USA ~ Best known as member of Bill Haley & his Comets, backing Bill Haley on quintessential 1950s rock & roll hits such as Crazy Man Crazy, Shake Rattle & Roll and Rock Around The Clock ~ Lytle was born in 1933
May 25, 2011 ~ Country singer Scotty McCreery wins American Idol ~ Two teen country singers, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, face off in the finale of the 10th season of talent show American Idol aired on Fox. McCreery wins, Alaina in 2nd place
May 25, 2006 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer Barney Wilen, full name Barney Jean Wilen, passed away in Paris, France ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Miles Davis (Ascenseur Pour L'Echafaud), Kenny Clarke, Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey's the Jazz Messengers, Bud Powell, Chet Baker, Jay Cameron, Franco Cerri, Gil Cuppini, Leo Ferré, George Gruntz, Lars Gullin, Roy Haynes, Sacha Distel, Marie Möör, Stevie Nicks, Jacques Pelzer, François Tusques, René Urtreger, and others ~ Wilen was born in 1937
May 25, 2006 ~ Desmond Dacres, commonly known as ska, rocksteady, reggae singer, songwriter Desmond Dekker, passed away in London, UK ~ Fronted Desmond Dekker & the Aces. Known for 1969's Israelites, one of the first international reggae hits, as well as for later successes such as 007 Shanty Town, It Mek and You Can Get It If You Really Want ~ Dacres was born in 1941
May 25, 2005 ~ Songwriter Ben Peters, full name Ben James Peters, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ As a recording artist known for his sole charting single San Francisco Is A Lonely Town. Revered as a songwriter, writing or co-writing numerous hits for a host of artists, mostly in the country idiom, including Eddy Arnold, Lynn Anderson, Duane Dee and Freddy Fender (both recorded Before The Next Teardrop Falls), Johnny Rodriguez, Kenny Rogers (Daytime Friends), Charlie Rich, John Conlee, the Bellamy Brothers, Roy Drusky, Brenda Lee, Jerry Lee Lewis (Before), Boris Gardiner (I Wanna Wake Up With You), Val Doonican, David Frizzell, Charley Pride (Kiss An Angel Good Morning), and numerous others ~ Peters was born in 1933
May 25, 2005 ~ Country, country-pop singer Carrie Underwood wins American Idol ~ Country, country-pop singer Underwood wins the 4th season of talent show American Idol aired on Fox. Pop-rock singer Bo Bice would reach the 2nd place
May 25, 2005 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Domenic Troiano, full name Domenic Michele Antonio Troiano, passed away ~ Member of Mandala. Member of Bush. Joined the James Gang in 1972 replacing Joe Walsh. Member of the Guess Who, present on the albums Flavours and Power In The Music. Has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for his 1979 song We All Need Love ~ Troiano was born in 1946
May 25, 2005 ~ Singer Garth Brooks proposes to singer Trisha Yearwood live on-stage ~ During a performance at the Crystal Palace, Bakersfield, California, Brooks proposes to Yearwood in front of a crowd of 7,000. The couple would marry the following December. Previously Brooks had been married to his college sweetheart, with whom he has three children
May 25, 2005 ~ Power pop guitarist, keyboardist, bassist Mike Mahaffey, full name Michael Darren Mahaffey, passed away ~ Member of southern rock outfit Blackfish. Subsequently founded power pop band Self with his brother Matt Mahaffey ~ Mahaffey was born in 1967
May 25, 2004 ~ Siblings the Bee Gees are made Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace, London ~ The remaining siblings Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb are honored at Buckingham Palace, made Commander of the Order of the British Empire, or CBE, by Prince Charles. Adam Gibb, son of Maurice Gibb who had died the previous year, accepts the award on his father's behalf. The siblings have recorded over two dozen albums, selling over a 100 million copies
May 25, 2004 ~ Trombonist, trumpeter, saxophonist John RT Davies, full name John Ross Twiston Davies, passed away ~ As a musician has played with Ken Colyer in the Crane River Jazz Band during the 1950s and with the jazz revival band the Temperance Seven during the 1960s, including on the latter's You're Driving Me Crazy 1961 hit single. Best known though as a sound enigeer, specialized in restoring classic jazz records. Founded his own Ristic label, reissuing early jazz recordings ~ Davies was born in 1927
May 25, 2003 ~ Guitarist, sound engineer Jeremy Ward passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as sound technician for the Mars Volta. Also worked with dub outfit De-Facto and At The Drive-in. Died of a heroin overdose a month before the release of 2003s De-loused In The Comatorium, a wake-up call for Volta members Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez Lopez to quit using heroin ~ Ward was born in 1976
May 25, 2001 ~ Bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Brian Pendleton passed away in Maidstone, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Pretty Things, remaining with the band through 1966. Present on the band's first two album's, The Pretty Things and its follow-up Get The Picture. Noted for his slide guitar playing and Rosalyn, the band's 1964 debut single ~ Pendleton was born in 1944
May 25, 1996 ~ Ska punk, reggae, alternative rock, punk rock singer, guitarist Bradley Nowell, full name Bradley James Nowell, passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Best known as lead singer, guitarist of ska punk outfit Sublime. Also worked with Hogan's Heroes, Gwen Stefani, and with Long Beach Dub All-Stars ~ Nowell was born in 1968
May 25, 1996 ~ Rock singer, guitarist Eric Clapton returns to his London townhouse to find the top floor on fire ~ Upon returning home Clapton found the top floor ablaze. Presumably after pausing for a moment or two to make sure the authorities are notified Clapton rushed in to rescue his precious guitar collection. When the firemen arrive they find the guitarist running in and out. The house would be gutted with about $3 million in damage. Clapton would comment to reporters: “The first thing I did was grab my guitars. None of them was damaged.”
May 25, 1996 ~ The 27th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. A rainy weekend, this year's edition would draw some 59,000 visitors in total. Included on today's, Saturday the 25th's bill would be the Undeclinables, the Brotherhood Foundation, CIV, de Osdorp Posse, Dog Eat Dog, Lionrock, Ocean Colour Scene, and the Fun Lovin' Criminals
May 25, 1995 ~ Richard William Curless, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Dick Curless, passed away in Togus, Maine, USA ~ Best known for his single A Tombstone Every Mile, which reached the top 10 of Billboard's country chart in 1965. Other well known songs include Six Times A Day (The Trains Came Down), Big Wheel Cannonball and Hard Hard Traveling Man ~ Curless was born in 1932
May 25, 1994 ~ Guitarist Eric Gale passed away in Baja, California, USA ~ Not to be confused with blues-rock guitarist Eric Gales aka Raw Dawg. Majored in chemistry but pursued a career in music. Starting as a session musician in the 1960s Gale reportedly appears on some 500 albums. Has worked with artists such as Maxine Brown, the Drifters, Jesse Belvin, Mose Allison, Aretha Franklin, Bob James, Paul Simon (One Trick Pony, Hearts And Bones), Lena Horne, Quincy Jones, Bob Marley, Nina Simone, Peter Tosh, Grover Washington Jr, Herbie Mann, Esther Phillips, Joe Cocker, Carly Simon, Van Morrison (TB Sheets), Al Jarreau, Dave Grusin, Lee Scratch Perry, Paul Douglas, Billy Joel, Ashford & Simpson, Patti Austin, George Benson, Hank Crawford, Roberta Flack (including on the quintessential 1972 Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway album), Freddie Hubbard, Billy Joel (on 52nd Street and Innocent Man), Al Kooper, Yusef Lateef, Jerome Richardson, Diana Ross (The Boss, Why Do Fools Fall In Love), Lalo Schifrin, Shirley Scott, Stanley Turrentine, Michael Franks, Michael Jackson (Bad), Herbie Hancock, Chico Hamilton, Red Holloway, Kenny Loggins, and numerous others. Has also been releasing solo albums to critical acclaim since the early 1970s ~ Gale was born in 1938
May 25, 1994 ~ Warren Harding Sharrock, commonly known as free jazz, punk jazz guitarist Sonny Sharrock, passed away in Ossining, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Pharoah Sanders, Herbie Mann, Miles Davis, Material, Last Exit, Peter Brötzmann, Roy Ayers, Ginger Baker, Don Cherry, Byard Lancaster, Material, Wayne Shorter, Marzette Watts, and others ~ Sharrock was born in 1940
May 25, 1990 ~ Producer, songwriter Gary Usher, full name Gary Lee Usher, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his 1960s work with a number of mostly Californian rock & roll and surf acts including with fictitious groups consisting of session musicians such as the Super Stocks and the Kickstands. Notable production credits include songs such as Go Little Honda (the Hondells), Hit City '65 (the Surfaris), My World Fell Down (Sagittarius). Songs written or co-written by Usher include 409, Lonely Sea and In My Room (the Beach Boys), Beach Party (Frankie Avalon), Mag Wheels (Dick Dale), Comin' On Too Strong (Wayne Newton), and Don't Give In To Him (Gary Puckett & the Union Gap) ~ Usher was born in 1938
May 25, 1987 ~ Panagiotis Peter Anastasopoulos, commonly known as rapper Mad Clip, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Of Greek descent found fame in Greece with songs such as Dealer, MAMA, Kotera and Sinthikes. Has collaborated with Eleni Foureira, Josephine, and others. Passed away age 34 after a traffic collision ~ Anastasopoulos passed away in 2021
May 25, 1986 ~ Pop, electropop, dance-pop singer Neon Hitch born in Nottinghamshire, UK ~ Released a number of EPs prior to her 2016 Anarchy debut album. Co-wrote Ke$ha's 2010 single Blah Blah Blah, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. Featured vocalist on Gym Class Heroes' 2011's Ass Back Home single, which reached the UK top 20
May 25, 1984 ~ Marion Elise Ravn, commonly known as singer, songwriter Marion Raven, born ~ Half of pop duo M2M, the other half being Marit Larsen. Released solo debut, Here I Am, in 2005. Has written for Pixie Lott, Maria Arredondo, Lindsay Lohan, and Tanita Kolsas. Worked with producers such as Max Martin and Rami and musician such as Chantal Kreviazuk, Raine Maida, Meat Loaf, and others
May 25, 1983 ~ Songwriter Churchil Kohlman passed away in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Wrote hundreds of songs but best remembered for penning Cry, a major hit for Johnnie Ray in 1951 and covered by numerous others ~ Kohlman was born in 1906
May 25, 1983 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Paul Quinichette passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Shorty Sherock, Ernie Fields, Jay McShann, Johnny Otis, Louis Jordan, Count Basie, Dinah Washington, Benny Goodman, Nat Pierce, John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, Gene Ammons, Bob Brookmeyer, Sarah Vaughan, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Mal Waldron, Webster Young, and others ~ Quinichette was born in 1916
May 25, 1981 ~ Singer, bassist, pianist, songwriter Roy Brown, full name Roy James Brown, passed away in San Fernando, California, USA ~ Influential on the early development of rock & roll and R&B. As a singer influential on BB King, Bobby Blue Bland, Elvis Presley, Jackie Wilson, Little Richard, and others. One of the first to incorporate gospel-styled singing into R&B. Best known for the classic Good Rocking Tonight, covered by a wide array of artists including Wynonie Harris, Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Ricky Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Pat Boone, James Brown, the Doors, Montrose, and others. ~ Brown was born in 1925
May 25, 1978 ~ Jazz pianist Michael Wollny born in Schweinfurt, West Germany ~ Worked with Hubert Winter, Heinz Sauer, Eva Kruse, Hans Peter Salentin, Nils Landgren, the Staatstheater Nurnberg, the Nationaltheater Mannheim, Tim Lefebvre, Marius Neset, Andreas Schaerer, Emile Parisien, Vincent Peirani, and others
May 25, 1978 ~ Rock, post-grunge singer, guitarist Todd Whitener born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Joined Dead Reckoning in 1995, upon Whitener's entry in the band they would rename themselves Days Of The New. The following year their eponymous Days Of The New debut album would go platinum and the band would be booked as opening act for Metallica. By the turn of the century Whitener would form Tantric, known best for their 2009 Mind Control album
May 25, 1976 ~ Rock, alternative country, country rock singer, guitarist, mandolinist, songwriter Cody Canada, full name Cody Jay Canada, born in Pampa, Texas, USA ~ Frontman of rockers Cross Canadian Ragweed, spearheading the rise of the red dirt rise in Oklahoma and Texas. Active since the mid-1990s the band has recorded about half a dozen studio albums through their disbandement in 2010 and is especially acclaimed for the 2004 album Soul Gravy. Canada has since fronted the Departed, best known for their 2011 This Is Indian Land debut album
May 25, 1976 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Paul Dempsey, full name Paul Anthony Dempsey, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of Something For Kate, best known for song such as Monsters, Déjà Vu and Cigarettes And Suitcases. As a solo artist released his Everything Is True solo debut album in 2009
May 25, 1976 ~ Alternative rock, alternative metal, nu metal singer Sandra Nasic born in Göttingen, West Germany ~ Best known as lead singer of Guano Apes. Has also released solo material and guested on recordings by Apocalyptica and DJ Tomekk
May 25, 1975 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Hayden Chisholm born in Otahuhu, New Zealand ~ Worked with Marcus Schmickler, Nils Wolgram, John Taylor, Felix Pan, Adrian Brendel, Burnt Friedman, Jochen Rückert, Antonis Anissegos, Jaki Liebezeit, Claudio Bohorquez, Mauricio Kagei, Rebecca Horn, David Sylvian, Sebastian Gramms, Nine Horses, Dejan Terzic, John Goldsby, Thorsten Wollmann, Dan Sperber, Juergen Friedrich, Nautilus, Wour Gooris, Tilo Weber, and others
May 25, 1974 ~ Pop, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter James Reid born in Christchurch, New Zealand ~ Co-founding member, frontman of the Feelers, one of the best-selling New Zealand pop, rock acts. Starting in the late-1990s songs such as Space Cadet, Venus, Pull The Strings, Astronaut, and One World have all reached the top 10 in their native New Zealand
May 25, 1974 ~ Petter Alexis Askergren, mononymously known as rapper Petter, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Kickstarted the Swedish hip-hop boom with his debut album 1998's Mitt Sjatte Sinne and its follow-up 1999's Bananrepubliken, both of which reached Platinum status. Reached the Swedish top 10 with singles such as Vinden Har Vant, Saker En Ting, Sa Klart, Det Gar Bra Nu and Logiskt
May 25, 1973 ~ Delmar Drew Arnaud, commonly known as rapper, songwriter, producer Daz Dillinger, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Helped bring West coast rap and gangsta rap to the mainstream. Formed the production duo Tha Dogg Pound with rapper Kurupt. co-produced on several pivotal albums including Dr Dre's 1992 The Chronic, Snoop Dogg's 1993 Doggystyle, Tupac Shakur's 1996 All Eyez On Me. As a solo artist has been releasing album since the late 1990s
May 25, 1971 ~ Mary Pollock, commonly known as pianist, organist, songwriter Muriel Pollock, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Married to pianist, singer, songwriter Will Donaldson from 1933 until his death in 1954. Pollock composed and performed for Broadway shows, radio programs and children's plays. Well known credits include 1920s stage productions such as Ups-A-Daisy in which she duetted on piano with Constance Mering, Pleasure Bound, and Shoot The Works. As a recording artist mostly active from the late 1920s through the mid-1930 ~ Pollock was born in 1895
May 25, 1969 ~ Guitarist Glen Drover born in Ottawa, Canada ~ Best known as guitarist for King Diamond from 1998 through 2000, notably present on the House Of God, and lead guitarist for Megadeth from 2004 through 2008, the latter of which also included his brother drummer Shanw Drover. Drover has subsequently worked with Metalusion, Testament, Queensryche, and Walls Of Blood. The siblings also formed the nucleus of Eidolon, who released over half a dozen albums starting with their Zero Hour debut album
May 25, 1965 ~ Singer Simon Fowler, full name Simon Geoffrey Fowler, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Lead singer of pop, rock band Ocean Colour Scene, known for a string of mid-1990s UK hits including You've Got It Bad, The Day We Caught The Train, Circle, Hundred Mile High City, Traveller's Tune and Better Day. Fowler had previously fronted the short-lived band the Fanatics. Has also guested on recordings by Paul Weller, Alison Moyet, the Fine Young Cannibals and Kate Rusby and fronts the side project Merrymouth
May 25, 1960 ~ Hard bop, post-bop trumpeter Wallace Roney born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Studied with Clark Terry and Dizzy Gillespie. Also the only trumpeter personally mentored by Miles Davis. Leader and sideman. Made his recording debut at age 15. Has collaborated with Bill Hardman, Valery Ponomarev, Woody Shaw, Johnny Coles, Freddie Hubbard, Cedar Walton, Tony Williams, Art Blakey, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Geri Allen, Kenny Barron, Cindy Blackman, Joey DeFrancesco, Vincent Herring, James Spaulding, and others
May 25, 1958 ~ John William Weller, commonly known as singer, songwriter Paul Weller born in Woking, UK ~ Despite widespread critical acclaim Weller has remained a national, rather than international, star and even though he has been described by some as “the Godfather of Britpop” had trouble landing a record deal at the height of Britpop surge during the 1990s. Rose to fame as frontman of new wave, mod revival outfit the Jam, with whom he recorded half a dozen albums from 1977 through 1982. The band would score the UK No.1 hits Going Underground, Start, perhaps their best known Town Called Malice, and Beat Surrender. Enjoyed success with jazz-influenced blue-eyed soul band the Style Council during the 1980s before embarking on a solo career in the early 1990s with over a dozen albums to his name, including the acclaimed Wild Wood and Stanley Road
May 25, 1956 ~ Lincoln Barrington Minott, commonly known as reggae, dancehall, lovers rock singer, producer Sugar Minott, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Started as a member of the African Brothers, alongside Tony Tuff and Derrick Howard. After the group disbanded in 1974 Minott would pursue a successful solo career. Credited for pioneering dancehall, a genre that would dominate the 1980s. Known for songs such as Hard Time Pressure, Not For Sale, In A Dis Ya Time and perhaps his biggest hit Good Thing Going. Has worked with renowned producers such a Mikey Dread, Sly & Robbie, Prince Jammy, and Donovan Germain ~ Minott passed away in 2010
May 25, 1956 ~ Austin Lyons, commonly known as calypso, soca singer, songwriter Superblue, born in Point Fortin, Trinidad & Tobago ~ Credited as pioneer of the “jump and wave” style typical to soca. Known for songs such as Soca Baptist, Clear De Road, Barbara and Fantastic Friday
May 25, 1955 ~ Rock, progressive rock, experimental jazz keyboardist, singer John Grimaldi born in St Albans, UK ~ Focused on jazz, jazz-infused rock for most of his career yet has also worked other genres. Has played with acts such as Motiffe, Flux, Argent (Circus, Counterpoints), Cheap Flights, Adrian Stamford, the Casual Athletes, and others ~ Grimaldi passed away in 1983
May 25, 1955 ~ Jazz saxophonist Wardell Gray passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Tenor saxophonist who straddled swing and bebop periods and played with the likes of Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Dexter Gordon, Louie Bellson, and Frank Morgan ~ Gray passed away in 1921
May 25, 1953 ~ Country guitarist, singer Rich Alves born in Pleasonton, California, USA ~ Lead guitarist of the Pirates Of The Mississippi, known for songs such as Honky Tonk Blues, Feed Jake, Til I'm Holding You Again and Too Much
May 25, 1952 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Zoraida Santiago born in Santurce, Puerto Rico ~ First gained attention in the late 1970s, joining Roy Brown in the ensemble Aires Bucaneros, writing or co-writing songs such as Prisa Loco, De La Tierra En Que Naci, and Canciones Para Vieques Appeared on the albums Aires Bucaneros and Casi Alba. Has subsequently recorded as a solo artist, noted for her 1982 Tiene Que Ser La Luna recording, worked in theatrical productions, and composed and recorded the soundtrack for the TV film Luisa Capetillo (Pasion De Justicia)
May 25, 1950 ~ Rock, progressive violinist, tambourinist, singer Robby Steinhardt, full name Robert Eugene Steinhardt, born in Mississippi, USA ~ Co-lead singer of Kansas from 1973 to 1982, rejoining in 1997. Present on the band's best-known including Carry On Wayward Son, Point Of Know Return and Dust In The Wind. Also worked with Steinhardt-Moon and with the Stormbringer Band ~ Steinhardt passed away in 2021
May 25, 1949 ~ R&B, soul, funk singer Clarence Burke Jr born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Five Stairsteps, known for You Waited Too Long, Something's Missing and perhaps their best known the 1970 Billboard top 10 hit O-o-h Child ~ Burke passed away in 2013
May 25, 1949 ~ Singer, songwriter, dancer, actor Colonel Abrams born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Guitarist, keyboardist of Heavy Impact. As a solo artist best known for a string of mid-1980s hits including Music Is The Answer, Leave The Message Behind The Door, Trapped, Truth, I'm Not Gonna Let You, and Over & Over ~ Abrams passed away in 2016
May 25, 1949 ~ Organist, composer Iver Kleive born in Skien, Norway ~ Infused traditional church music with elements from other idioms including blues, jazz and traditional folk. Has collaborated with with Øystein Sunde, Ole Paus, Egil Hovland, Knut Reiersrud, Sigmund Groven, Terje Rypdal, Aage Kvalbein, and others
May 25, 1948 ~ Hard rock, glam metal, soft rock singer Klaus Meine born in Hannover, Germany ~ Frontman, lead singer of the Scorpions and along with guitarist Rudolf Schenker the only other member to appear on every album. The band is best known for their 1974 single Still Loving You and 1991's Wind Of Change, the latter reaching the top 10 of the American Billboard Hot 100
May 25, 1947 ~ Singer, songwriter Mitch Margo born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Member of the Tokens. Margo was also successful as a producer working for artists such as the Chiffons, the Happenings, and Tony Orlando & Dawn ~ Margo passed away in 2017
May 25, 1945 ~ Gustavio Antonio Falco, commonly known as singer, guitarist Tav Falco born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Fronted the psychedelic rock & roll band the Panther Burns, known for blending blues, country, roots genres with rock, alternative music and punk
May 25, 1944 ~ Singer Pepi Lemer born in Illfracombe, UK ~ Member of late-1970s fusion band Turning Point, known for their 1977 Creatures Of The Night and the 1978 Silent Promise albums
May 25, 1944 ~ Singer, songwriter Pierre Bachelet born in Paris, France ~ Known for songs such as Les Corons, Elle Est D'Ailleurs, Ecris Moi, Marionnettiste, En Lan, Vingt Ans, and others ~ Bachelet passed away in 2005
May 25, 1943 ~ Mirriam Johnson, commonly known as country, outlaw country singer, pianist, songwriter Jessi Colter, born in Phoenix ~ One of the few female artists to emerge from the outlaw country movement. After meeting Waylon Jennings, whom she later married, decided to pursue a career in music and debuted in 1970 with the album A Country Star Is Born, produced by Jennings and Chet Atkins. Widely known for her 1975 hit single I'm Not Lisa, which crossed over to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Has collaborated extensively with Jennings, notably on the Elvis Presley cover Suspicious Minds
May 25, 1943 ~ Actress, singer Leslie Uggams, full name Leslie Marian Uggams, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for her role as Kizzy Reynold in the 1977 Roots TV miniseries. Previously acclaimed for portraying the lead role of Georgina in the 1967 Broadway musical Hallelujah Baby earning her a Theatre World Award as well as a Tony Award. Has also recorded as a singer since the late 1950s
May 25, 1942 ~ Drummer Brian Davison born in Leicester, UK ~ Member of the Mark Leeman Five from 1963 until its disbandement in 1966. Best known for his association with pioneering progressive rock outfit the Nice from 1968 through 1969, present on the band's acclaimed 1969 eponymous Nice album. The band is also noted for launching the career of Keith Emerson. Davison has also worked with PP Arnold, Rod Stewart, Every Which Way, Refugee, Gong, and others ~ Davison passed away in 2008
May 25, 1941 ~ Rock & roll, garage rock, beat guitarist, singer Arthur Sharp born in Woking, UK ~ Member of the Nashville Teens from 1962 through 1972, best known for the 1964 UK top 10 hits Google Eye and Tobacco Road, the latter also reaching top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band is also noted for backing Jerry Lee Lewis in Hamburg, captured on the Live At The Star Club album which is considered by many to be one of the all-time best live albums
May 25, 1941 ~ Singer, songwriter Billy Young born in Dangerfield, Texas, USA ~ Discovered and produced by Otis Redding. Best known for his 1965 single Sloopy, though he recorded well into to the 1980s
May 25, 1940 ~ Singer Peppino Gagliardi born in Naples, Italy ~ Enjoyed popularity in his native Italy especially during the 1970s. Well-known songs include T'Amo Et T'Amerò, Settembre, Come Le Viole, and Come Un Ragazzino. His Che Vuole Questa Musica Stasera would become one of his internationally best known, frequently used in soundtracks including the 1974 original film Scent Of A Woman ~ Gagliardi passed away in 2023
May 25, 1939 ~ Actress, singer Dixie Carter, full name Dixie Vriginia Carter, born in McLemoresville, Tennessee, USA ~ Made her stage debut in a 1960 production of Carousel, her Broadway debut in the 1974 musical Sextet. Best known for her roles on TV, notably the sitcom Designing Women, the drame series Family Law and as guest actress on Desperate Housewives, receiving a 2007 Emmy Award for the latter ~ Carter passed away in 2010
May 25, 1939 ~ Jazz, experimental trombonist Phil Ranelin born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Long remained underappreciated. Co-founded the avant-garde jazz ensemble the Tribe with Wendell Harrison. Sessioned for Motown including on Stevie Wonder recordings. Has also worked with Freddie Hubbard, Freddie Redd and appears on the Red Hot Chili Peppers eponymous the Red Hot Chili Peppers 1984 debut album
May 25, 1938 ~ John Leon Joseph Mooney, commonly known as rockabilly guitarist, singer Johnny Powers, born in East Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. Best known for his 1957 recording Long Blond Hair ~ Mooney passed away in 2023
May 25, 1936 ~ Soul, R&B, disco singer Donnie Elbert born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Active from the mid-1950s throught the late 1970s. Member of 1950s doo-wop outfit the Vibraharps, known for songs such as Walk Beside Me. Debuted as a solo artist in 1957 with What Can I Do, which reached top 20 on the R&B charts. Best known for his 1971 single Where Did Our Love Go ~ Elbert passed away in 1989
May 25, 1936 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Gary Foster, full name Norman Gary Foster, born in Leavenworth, Kansas, USA ~ Influenced by Stan Getz, Lester Young, Charlie Parker. Worked with Carol Burnett, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Mel Tormé, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Frank Sinatra, Pat Williams, John Williams, Natalie Cole, Jerry Fielding, Cal Tjader, Marty Paich, Michael Bublé, Louie Bellson, Mike Barone, Clare Fischer, Marty Paich, Ed Shaughnessy, Rosemary Clooney, Shelly Manne, Sammy Nestico, Poncho Sanchez, Cal Tjader, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and others
May 25, 1936 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter, novelist, author Tom T Hall born in Olive Hill, Kentucky, USA ~ As a songwriter best known for penning Harper Valley PTA, originally recorded by Margie Singleton but a smash crossover hit for Jeannie C Riley who took it to the top of both Billboard Country and the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1968. Hall is praised as one of country's most literate songwriters, lovingly dubbed “the Storyteller” and has actually written a number of novels and short stories. As a singer has some 3 dozen albums to his name starting in the late 1960s. Especially known for songs such as The Ballad Of Forty Dollars, A Week In A County Jail, The Year Clayton Delaney Died, Old Dogs Children & Watermelon Wine, Ravishing Ruby and Faster Horses (The Cowboy And The Poet) ~ Hall passed away in 2021
May 25, 1932 ~ Saxophonist Piet Noordijk born in the Netherlands ~ Worked with the Skymasters, the Ramblers, Malando, het Metropole Orkest ~ Noordijk passed away in 2011
May 25, 1929 ~ Belle Miriam Silverman, commonly known as opera singer Beverly Sills, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Popular from the 1950s through the 1970s. Sang a wide repertoire but best known for signature roles in Gaetano Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor portraying the title role and La Fille Du Regiment portraying Maria. After retiring from singing in 1980 became the general manager of the New York City Opera ~ Sills passed away in 2007
May 25, 1926 ~ West Coast jazz trombonist Milt Bernhart born in Valparaiso, Indiana, USA ~ Worked with Stan Kenton, Frank Sinatra (including the solo on I've Got You Under My Skin), Benny Goodman, Chet Baker, Elmer Bernstein, Bing Crosby, Buddy Bregman, Sammy Davis Jr, Maynard Ferguson, Junior Mance, Johnny Mandel, Henri René, Pete Rugolo, Lalo Schifrin, the Three Sounds, and others ~ Bernhart passed away in 2004
May 25, 1925 ~ Classical pianist, composer Aldo Clementi born in Catania, Italy ~ Known for works such as Cantata, Episodi, and Sette Scene Da Collage. His music has been performed by ensembles such as Trio Accanto, Quatuor Bozzini, and the Ives Ensemble. Clementi is also known for teaching music theory at the University of Bolgona from 1971 through 1992 ~ Clementi passed away in 2011
May 25, 1924 ~ Avant-garde jazz saxophonist Marshall Allen, full name Marshall Belford Allen, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Plays sax, flute, oboe, piccolo. Closely associated with Sun Ra, with whom he worked from 1958 until Ra's death in 1994. Also worked with Art Simmons, James Moody, Paul Bley, Babatunde Olatunji, John Gilmore, Henry Grimes, Terry Adams, Trey Anastasio, Surrender To The Air, Medeski Martin & Wood, Dave Soldier, and others
May 25, 1921 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Hal David, full name Harold Lane David, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as songwriting partner of Burt Bacharach on songs such as Do You Know The Way To San Jose, Don't Make Me Over and Walk On By (Dionne Warwick), What's New Pussycat (Tom Jones), (They Long To Be) Close To You (the Carpenters), One Less Bell To Answer (originally by Keely Smith, later a huge hit for the 5th Dimension), and The Look Of Love (Dusty Springfield). Also collaborated with other songwriters, Albert Hammond, Sherman Edwards, Paul Hampton, co-writing songs such as To All The Girls I've Loved Before (Willie Nelson & Julio Iglesias), Broken-hearted Melody (Sarah Vaughan), and Sea Of Heartbreak (Don Gibson) ~ David passed away in 2012
May 25, 1921 ~ Singer Kitty Kallen born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for her mid-1950s hit Little Things Mean A Lot. Worked with Jan Savitt, Bobby Sherwood, Jimmy Dorsey, Bob Eberly, Harry James Orchestra, Jack Teagarden, Richard Hayes, Georgie Shaw, and others ~ Kallen passed away in 2016
May 25, 1917 ~ Clarinetist, saxophonist Jimmy Hamilton born in Dillon, South Carolina, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Over half a dozen albums as a leader, especially noted for the Swing Low Sweet Clarinet album released in 1960. Best known as a longtime associate of Duke Ellington, replacing Barney Bigard in Duke's orchestra in 1943 and remaining with Ellington for over two decades appearing on over 40 albums including pivotal albums such as Ellington At Newport, Such Sweet Thunder, Black Brown & Beige, and Afro-Bossa. Hamilton has also worked with Lucky Millinder, Jimmy Mundy, Bill Doggett, Teddy Wilson, Eddie Heywood, Yank Porter, and the Clarinet Summit ~ Hamilton passed away in 1994
May 25, 1915 ~ Jump blues guitarist, singer Gene Phillips, full name Eugene Floyd Phillips, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Known for songs such as Big Fat Mama, Big Legs, Fatso, and Punking Head Woman. Worked with Dewey Jackson, Jimmy Powell, Floyd Smith, Lorenzo Flennoy, the Ink Spots, the Mills Brothers, Lucky Thompson, Marshal Royal, Charles Mingus, Jake Porter, Al Wichard, Maxwell Davis, Jack McVea, Bumps Myers, Willard McDaniel, Lloyd Glenn, Bill Street, Art Edwards, and others ~ Phillips passed away in 1990
May 25, 1913 ~ Singer, actress Ginny Simms, full name Virginia Ellen Simms, born in San Antone, Texas, USA ~ As a singer most active from the mid-1930 through the mid-1940s, performing with big bands and with the likes of Dinah Shore, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, and Jo Stafford. As an actress appeared in some dozen movies from the late 1930 through 1951, when she retired ~ Simms passed away in 1994
May 25, 1912 ~ Blues, boogie-woogie singer, pianist, songwriter James Crutchfield born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA ~ Dubbed “the King of the Barrelhouse Blues” with a career spanning seven decades. Known best for songs such as I Believe You Need A Shot and My Baby Cooks My Breakfast ~ Crutchfield passed away in 2001
May 25, 1910 ~ Elmer Terrell, commonly known as Pha Terrell, born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Discovered by Andy Kirk who hired Terrell as a vocalist for his group the Clouds Of Joy. Terrell stayed with Kirk from 1936 to 1941, including on songs such as Until The Real Thing Comes Along and I Won't Tell A Soul (I Love You) ~ Terrell passed away in 1945
May 25, 1907 ~ Jazz banjoist, guitarist, singer George Guesnon born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Papa Celestin, Willie Pajeaud, Sam Morgan, Little Brother Montgomery, the Rabbit's Foot Company, Trixie Smith, Jelly Roll Morton, George Lewis, Kid Thomas Valentine, and others ~ Guesnon passed away in 1968
May 25, 1900 ~ Abraham Himmelbrand, commonly known as percussionist, xylophonist Teddy Brown, born ~ Worked with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Julius Lenzberg, Earl Fuller, and others ~ Himmelbrand passed away in 1946
May 25, 1893 ~ Country guitarist, singer Ernest Stoneman, full name Ernest Van Stoneman, born in Monarat, Virginia, USA ~ Early influential country singer, active since the mid-1920s. Resurfaced in the 1960s with the family outfit the Stonemans, known best for Tupelo County Jail, The Five Little Johnson Girls, Back To Nashville Tennessee and Christopher Robin ~ Stoneman passed away in 1968
May 25, 1878 ~ Luther Robinson, commonly known as tap dancer, actor, singer Bill Robinson, was born in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Has performed in minstrel shows, vaudeville, Broadway, and films. Perhaps best known for a series of 1930s films alongside Shirley Temple and for his role in the Broadway black revue Blackbirds Of 1928. Despite being the highest-paid African-American entertainer during the first half of the 20th century Robinson passed away penniless ~ Robinson passed away in 1949
May 25, 1877 ~ Vaudeville, traditional pop singer Billy Murray, full name William Thomas Murray, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ One of the most popular singers of the early 20th century. Dubbed “the Denver Nightingale” with a strong tenor voice and sometimes comical delivery. Known for songs such as You're A Grand Old Rag, Shine On Harvest Moon with Ada Jones, Stumbling and Tessie. Has also collaborated with Aileen Stanley, the Haydn Quartet, the American Quartet, Elsie Baker, and others ~ Murray passed away in 1954