May 28, 2020 ~ Alto saxophonist, arranger, composer Lennie Niehaus passed away in Redlands, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Stan Kenton. Also known as a film composer and arranger, oft in collaboration with Jerry Fielding. Arranged for Kenton as well as for artists including the King Sisters, Mel Tormé, Dean Martin, and for Carol Burnett ~ Niehaus was born in 1929
May 28, 2019 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer Ralph Murphy passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as a producer working with artists such as Billy Fury (Beyond A Shadow Of A Doubt), the Casuals (Touched), April Wine, Mashmakhan, Shooter, Chris Bartley, Rock Garden, and Jeannie C Riley (Good Enough To Be Your Wife). As a songwriter Murphy had his songs recorded by artists such as Ronnie Milsap, Randy Travis, Ray Price, Don Williams, Kathy Mattea, Little Texas, Shania Twain, and Brotherhood Of Man ~ Murphy was born ca.1943
May 28, 2018 ~ Singer, actress Maria Dolores Pradera passed away ~ Recognised as one of the most admired voices in Spain and Latin America. Started as an actress in the 1950s. Focused on her music career since the 1960s, specializing in bolero, ballad, ronda, folk and other traditional idioms ~ Pradera was born in 1924
May 28, 2018 ~ Giuseppe Caruso, commonly known as composer, conductor, arranger Pippo Caruso, passed away in Fara-in-Sabina, Italy ~ Best known as conductor, bandleader for several TV shows, starting with Canzonissima in the early-1970s, aired on RAI 1. Also wrote A Ruota Libera for Mita Medici, L'Amore È for Lorella Cuccarini & Alessandra Martines, and composed for films including Kill Johnny Ringo and Maladolescenza ~ Caruso was born in 1935
May 28, 2015 ~ Trombonist, pianist, arranger, songwriter Johnny Keating passed away in London, UK ~ Got his start working as a trombonist for Ted Heath, two years in becoming Heath's primary arranger. Wrote a number of soundtracks, perhaps most notably Hotel. The film's theme song This Hotel would be first recorded by Percy Faith and would be covered by Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson, Carmen McRae, and Stan Kenton. As a performer perhaps best known for Theme From Z-Cars, the theme of the BBC TV drama series Z-Cars, would be adopted by Everton Football Club as their club anthem ~ Keating was born in 1927
May 28, 2012 ~ Judith Anne Manes, commonly known as soprano singer Judith Nelson, passed away in Albany, California, USA ~ Especially known for her performances of baroque music at the beginning of the early music revival of the 1970s and 1980s. Member of the Five Centuries Ensemble. Co-founding member of the Concerto Vocale. Co-founding member of the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. Also known for operatic roles in L'Incoronazione Di Poppea and Messiah ~ Nelson was born in 1939
May 28, 2012 ~ The 43rd edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ Day 3 of 3. Sunny and tropical warm, this year's edition would draw some 79,000 visitors in total. Included on today's, Monday the 28th's bill would be Gers Pardoel, Seasick Steve, the Specials, Mumford & Sons, Bruce Springsteen, the Rival Sons, Blood Red Shoes, Herbert Grönemeyer, the Hives, James Morrison, Serena Pryne & the Mandevilles, Jonathan Jeremiah, Miike Snow, Chef Special, and Paul Kalkbrenner
May 28, 2010 ~ The 41st edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. Sunny and warm with occasional rain, this year's edition would draw a total of some 72,000 visitors. Included on today's, Friday the 28th's bill would include Epica, Kasabian, Motörhead, Rammstein, the Opposites, the Temper Trap, Paolo Nutini, Sungrazer, Black Box Revelation, and Gossip
May 28, 2008 ~ Jerald Edward Kolbrak, commonly known as rock, country guitarist Jerry Cole, passed away in Corona, California, USA ~ In-demand session musician, often uncredited, throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Has appeared on songs such as Mr Tambourine Man and I Knew I'd Want You by the Byrds, These Boots Are Made For Walkin' by Nancy Sinatra, and Kicks by Paul Revere & the Raiders. Appeared on the Beach Boys 1966 landmark album Pet Sounds. Co-founded Happy Tiger Records with Ray Ruff in 1969, best known for signing a post-Van Morrison Them. Cole also played on the band's 1969 eponymous Them album. Other collaborations included Lee Hazlewood, Roger McGuinn, Roger Miller, Gary Usher, and TG Sheppard ~ Kolbrak was born in 1939
May 28, 2007 ~ The 38th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 3 of 3. Mostly dry with some rain, this year's edition drew some 62,500 visitors in total. Included on today's, Monday the 28th's bill would include the Fratellis, Wolfmother, the Scissor Sisters, Arctic Monkeys, Linkin Park, the Smashing Pumpkins, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Stone Sour, the Dave Matthews Band, Korn, and Evanescence
May 28, 2001 ~ Keyboardist, singer Tony Ashton, full name Edward Anthony Ashton, passed away in London, UK ~ Rooted in soul, jazz, blues. Formed Ashton Gardner & Dyke with drummer Roy Dyke and bassist Kim Gardner, known for the 1971 UK top 10 hit Resurrection Shuffle. Briefly a member of the Family, notably present on the band's last album It's Only A Movie released in 1973. Ashton has also worked with Jon Lord, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice ~ Ashton was born in 1946
May 28, 2000 ~ Alternative rock duo the White Stripes make their American TV debut, performing on Backstage Pass aired on Detroit public television ~ The duo, consisting of Jack White and Meg White, perform on the TV series Backstage Pass, playing the songs Apple Blossom and You're Pretty Good Looking. Using a low-fidelity approach to writing and drawing from a wide array of influences including garage rock and blues the duo would go on to become one of the most celebrated acts of the 2000s, praised for songs such as Seven Nation Army, The Hardest Button To Button, Blue Orchid and Icky Thump
May 28, 1996 ~ James George Hunter, commonly known as jazz pianist, singer Jimmy Rowles, passed away in Burbank, California, USA ~ Recorded prolifically as a leader or co-leader since the mid-1950s, especially noted for the early-1970s albums Some Other Spring and The Special Magic Of Jimmy Rowles. As a composer best known for The Peacocks, first recorded by Rowles and Stan Getz on their 1975 collaborative album it would go on to become a standard covered by over an estimated 200 artists. Rowles also served as accompanist of singers such as Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Carmen McRae, the latter once describing Rowles as “the guy every girl singer in her right mind would like to work with”. Over the course of his lenghty career, Rowles has guested on numerous recordings including by Benny Goodman, Harry Sweets Edison, Gerry Mulligan, Barney Kessel, Woody Herman, Red Norvo, Herbie Harper, Ray Brown, Benny Carter, Gene Krupa, Anita O'Day, Sammy Davis Jr, June Christy, Tony Bennett, Wayne Shorter, the 5th Dimension, the Monkees, Mundell Lowe, Buddy DeFranco, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Lee Konitz, and Pepper Adams ~ Hunter was born in 1918
May 28, 1995 ~ Alternative metal outfit System Of A Down play their first ever concert, performing at the Roxy Theatre, Los Angeles, California ~ The band would play their first ever concert, debuting songs such as Sugar and PLUCK that would be included on their eponymous System Of A Down debut album released three years later
May 28, 1993 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Duncan Browne, full name Duncan John Browne, passed away ~ Signed by Andrew Loog Oldham and debuted in 1968 with the album Give Me Take You. Best known for songs such as Journey and The Wild Places, the latter remaining a radio staple to this day. Member of Metro. Co-wrote Criminal World, which David Bowie included on his Let's Dance album released in 1983 ~ Browne was born in 1947
May 28, 1988 ~ Aerosmith-singer Steven Tyler marries Teresa Barrick in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma ~ Tyler marries clothing designer Barrick. It would be Tyler's second marriage. The couple would have two children, daughter Chelsea and son Taj, before separating in 2005 citing personal problems. The divorce would be finalized the following year
May 28, 1988 ~ Melvin James Oliver, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, singer, bandleader, arranger, composer Sy Oliver passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with Ella Fitzgerald, conducting and arranging on many of her records during the Decca Records years. Also worked with Zack Whyte, the Chocolate Beau Brummels, Alphonso Trent, Jimmie Lunceford, Tommy Dorsey, Jo Stafford, the Sentimentalists, Jimmie Lunceford, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Caterina Valente, and others ~ Oliver was born in 1910
May 28, 1985 ~ Singer, songwriter Colbie Caillat, full name Colbie Marie Caillat, born in Malibu, California, USA ~ Released her full-length Coco debut album in 2007, which included the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Bubbly. Also known for duetting with Jason Mraz on the 2008 Grammy Award-winning Lucky single
May 28, 1985 ~ Pop rock singer, bassist Sting releases If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, lead single off his The Dream Of The Blue Turtles solo debut album ~ Sting's first solo hit following the de facto disbandement of the Police would be a major hit, peaking at No.3 Billboard Hot 100, and the first of a series working with saxophonist Branford Marsalis and other jazz-oriented musicians. The song reflected the singer's fear of committment, building upon the theme in Every Breath You Take. As he would later explain: “This song was as much a hymn to my newfound freedom as it was an antidote to the brooding issues of control and surveillance that haunted Every Breath You Take. Perhaps the highest compliment you can pay to a partner is ‘I don't own you, you're free’. If you were to try to possess them in the obvious way, you could never appreciate them in the way that really counts. There are too many prisons in the world already”
May 28, 1984 ~ Pop, synth-pop, new wave, blue-eyed soul group Spandau Ballet release Only When You Leave, lead single off their Parade album ~ At the time of its release, the single would be warmly received by critics, who praised Tony Hadley's “crooner” lead vocals and the track's crisp yet succulent production. Retrospectively, The Guardian would qualify the song as typical of the band's move into “slick, chart-friendly shoulder-heaving soul.” The single would be a top 10 hit in several countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and the band's native UK. In the USA, it would be their last single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No.34
May 28, 1981 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, flutist Adam Green born in Mount Kisco, New York, USA ~ Formed the duo the Moldy Peaches with singer Kimya Dawson, best known for Anyone Else But You used in the soundtrack of Juno. Has recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Garfield released in 2002
May 28, 1981 ~ Hip hop act Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, opening for British punk rock band the Clash, were booed off the stage as the crowd did not appreciate their act ~ With their first modest hit, Freedom, just under their belt and their massive The Message breakthrough hit still a year away, the band was booked as opening act for British punk rock outfit the Clash at Bonds International Casino, New York. The audience clearly did not appreciate the hip hop act and assaulted them with various projectiles and booed the act off the stage
May 28, 1981 ~ Mary Elfrieda Scruggs, commonly known as jazz singer, pianist, songwriter Mary Lou Williams, passed away in Durham, North Carolina, USA ~ Child prodigy. Taught herself to play piano at age 3. Played in public from age 7 onwards. Played professionally since age 15. Reportedly wrote or arranged hundreds of compositions. Drew from spirituals, gospel, ragtime, blues, jazz. Dubbed “the First Lady of the Jazz Keyboard” and one of the first women to be successful in jazz. Mentor to Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Tadd Dameron, Bud Powell, Dizzy Gillespie ~ Scruggs was born in 1910
May 28, 1981 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Victoria Legrand, full name Victoria Garance Alixe Legrand, born in Paris, France ~ Cites artists as diverse as the Cure, the Cocteau Twins, Gene Clark and Neil Young as influences. Lead vocalist, keyboardist of the dream pop duo Beach House with guitarist, keyboardist Alex Scally, known for songs such a Used To Be, and Zebra
May 28, 1980 ~ David Roberto Hellman, commonly known as hard rock, glam metal singer, guitarist Dave Lepard, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Co-founding member, frontman of Crashdiet, present on hit singles such as Riot In Everyone, Breakin' The Chainz, Knokk 'Em Down and It's A Miracle. After his suicide the band continued initially as a trio, later joined by singer H Olliver Twisted ~ Hellman passed away in 2006
May 28, 1980 ~ Pop singer, pianist, songwriter Markus Feehily, full name Markus Patrick Feehily, born in Sligo, Ireland ~ Member of Irish boy band Westlife, alongside Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Brian McFadden, known for songs such as Swear It Again, Flying Without Wings, Fool Again, What Makes A Man, Queen Of My Heart, Hey Whatever, You Raise Me Up and Amazing, all of which reached top 10 in both the band's native Ireland and the UK. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Fire in 2015
May 28, 1978 ~ Actor, singer, guitarist David Cassidy guest stars on today's episode of the police TV series Police Story aired on NBC ~ Best known as member of the popular 1970s musical sitcom the Partridge Family, Cassidy guest stars on today's episode of Police Story titled A Chance To Live. Cassidy portrays Dan Shay, recruited to operate undercover for the narcotics unit at a high school. His performance is received so well he is given his own show, David Cassidy (Man Undercover), which would fail miserably
May 28, 1978 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Enrico Simonetti passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Father of keyboardist, film composer Claudio Simonetti. Active since the early-1950s, playing jazz clubs in his native Italy with Piero Piccioni and Bruno Martino. Emigrated to Brazil in 1953, finding employ as a musician and TV presenter for the popular The Simonetti Show. Returned to Italy by the mid-1960s, where he joined RAI network working as a TV and radio host. Simonetti has also composed over half a dozen soundtracks, including for Macumba Love, Special Killers, Il Magnate and Per Amore Di Cesarina ~ Simonetti was born in 1924
May 28, 1977 ~ Singer Javiera Muñoz, full name Javiera Margarita Odija Ubal Muñoz, born in Motala, Sweden ~ Has recorded two albums, Javiera released in 2001 and True Love released three years later. Best known for the songs Varje Timma (Var Minut) and No Hay Nada Más. Muñoz passed away at age 40 after a decade long struggle with anorexia nervosa ~ Muñoz passed away in 2018
May 28, 1977 ~ Heavy metal, black metal singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Trond Brathem born in Hønesfoss, Norway ~ Primarily known as co-founding member, lead singer, guitarist of black metal group Urgehall, with whom he recorded seven albums. Closely associated with Lars Fredrik Frøislie, his regular collaborator in an array of side projects and bands. Well known credits include Kvist, Beastcraft, In Lingua Mortua, Angst Skvadron, and Endezzma ~ Bråthen passed away in 2012
May 28, 1974 ~ Lyricist, songwriter Dorothy Fields passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-wrote over 400 songs, mostly for Broadway and Hollywood musicals, many of which have become jazz standards. Well known songs include A Fine Romance (Guy Lombardo, Billie Holiday), On The Sunny Side Of The Street (Harry Richman, Chick Webb, Lionel Hampton), Pick Yourself Up (Fred Astaire, Anita O'Day, Frank Sinatra), I'm In The Mood For Love (Jack Little, Frances Langford, Sarah Vaughan), You Couldn't Be Cuter (Irene Dunne, Freddy Martin, Tommy Dorsey), and Big Spender (Helen Gallagher, Peggy Lee, Shirley Bassey) ~ Fields was born in 1904
May 28, 1973 ~ Conductor, composer Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt passed away ~ Worked the opera houses from 1923 through 1945. Listed by the Nazi regime on the list of elite artists, despite his avoiding joining the Nazi party and having a Jewish wife whom he sent to England with their two sons in 1936. Best known for founding the NDR Radiophilharmonie, also serving as its musical conductor and chief conductor from 1945 to 1971 ~ Schmidt-Isserstedt was born in 1900
May 28, 1968 ~ Keyboardist, singer Cathy Rogers born in Lancashire, UK ~ Member of indie pop outfit Heavenly, first appearing on the band's Le Jardin De Heavenly sophomore album released in 1992. Following the death of drummer Mathew Fletcher, the four remaining members would record one more album, Sounds From The Gulf Stream released in 1999, under the moniker Marine Research before disbanding. Rogers has since focused on her career as a TV producer and presenter, best known for Junkyard Wars
May 28, 1968 ~ Pop, dance-pop, disco singer, songwriter, actress Kylie Minogue, Kylie Ann Minogue, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Dubbed “the Princess of Pop” by the European press. First gained attention as an actress on the soap opera Neighbours. Rose to prominence as a singer in the late-1980s through a series of Stock Aitken & Waterman-produced albums, her singles regularly reaching top 10 in Australia, the UK and continental Europe. Well known songs include I Should Be So Lucky, the Little Eva-cover The Loco-motion, the Jason Donovan-duet Especially For You, Give Me Just A Little More Time, Spinning Around, Can't Get You Out Of My Head, Slow and All The Lovers
May 28, 1967 ~ Dr Cobie Walsh, commonly known as banjoist, bandleader Dock Walsh, passed away ~ Dubbed “the Banjo King of Carolinas” and best known for founding and fronting old time string band the Carolina Tar Heels, active from the late-1920s through the early-1930s. Walsh was one of the first to use a three-finger playing style ~ Walsh was born in 1901
May 28, 1967 ~ Singer, songwriter Tania Evans born in Edmonton, UK ~ Joined Eurodance outfit Culture Beat in 1993, replacing Lana Earl. Immediately scored with the band's biggest hit Mr Vain. Also present on songs such as Got To Get It, Anything, World In Your Hands, Inside Out, Crying In The Rain (which she co-wrote), Walk The Same Line, Take Me Away. Stayed with the band through 1997, replaced by Kim Sanders
May 28, 1964 ~ Country singer, songwriter Phil Vassar, full name Phillip George Vassar Jr, born in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA ~ In-demand songwriter from the late-1990s onwards. Artists who recorded songs written or co-written by Vassar include Blackhawk, Jo Dee Messina (I'm Alright), Neal McCoy, Tim McGraw (My Next Thirty Years), Kenny Chesney, Mindy McCready, Collin Raye (Little Red Rodeo), Diamond Rio, Marshall Dyllon, Alan Jackson (Right On The Money), Jennifer Day, and others. As a singer released his eponymous Phil Vassar debut album in 2000 co-produced with Byron Gallimore, which included the country hits Carlene and Just Another Day In Paradise. Has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial succes since
May 28, 1963 ~ Drummer Gavin Harrison, full name Gavin Richard Harrison, born in Harrow, UK ~ Best known as a member of Porcupine Tree from 2002 through 2010, rejoining in the early-2020s, member of King Crimson from 2014 through 2021, and member of the Pineapple Thief since 2016. Active since the late-1970s Harrison has also appeared on albums by Zerra 1, Dizrhythmia (Dizrhythmia), Sam Brown (Stop), BJ Cole, Lene Lovich, Camouflage, Incognito, Kevin Ayers, Mick Karn, Franco Battiato (L'Imboscata), Tom Robinson, Iggy Pop (Nights Of The Iguana), and Renaissance. As a solo artist Harrison has recorded about half a dozen albums, starting with Sanity And Gravity released in 2003
May 28, 1962 ~ Singer, songwriter Andy White born in Belfast, Northern Ireland ~ Released his full-length Rave On Andy White in 1986 and has released over a dozen albums since. In-demand collaborator, has worked with Peter Gabriel, Sinéad O'Connor, Stephen Fearing, and perhaps most notably with the Hothouse Flowers-singer Liam O Maonlai and Split Enz-singer Tim Finn on the 1995 collaborative album Altitude released under the group moniker ALT, an acronym of the trio's first names
May 28, 1962 ~ Singer, actor Brandon Cruz, full name Brandon Edwin Cruz, born in Bakersfield, California, USA ~ Best known as a child actor, noted for his role as Eddie Corbett in the TV series The Courtship Of Eddie's Father which aired from 1969 through 1972. Turned to punk rock by the late-1970s, serving as lead singer for Dr Know. Has also worked with a reincarnation of the Dead Kennedys, singing with the band briefly during the early-2000s
May 28, 1962 ~ Pianist, organist Jesse Crawford passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Popular 1920s theater organist for silent films. Switched to Hammond organ in the 1930. As a recording artist known for songs such as Rose Marie, Valencia, Russian Lullabye, At Dawning, Roses Of Picardy, Vienna Violins, Louisiana Nocturn', Harlem Holiday, and Hawaiian Honeymoon ~ Crawford was born in 1895
May 28, 1961 ~ Guitarist, singer Roland Gift, full name Roland Lee Gift, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Lead singer, frontman of the Fine Young Cannibals, known for songs such as Johnny Come Home, Suspicious Minds, Ever Fallen In Love and the Billboard Hot 100 charttoppers She Drives Me Crazy and Good Thing. Has also acted on stage and in films. Released his eponymous Roland Gift solo debut album in 2002
May 28, 1960 ~ Christopher Dignam, commonly known as rock singer, songwriter Christy Dignam, born ~ Lead singer for Aslan, enjoying popularity right from the start in their native Ireland with songs such as This Is, Pretty Thing, and Please Don't Stop before departing the band due to ongoing struggles with substance abuse. The band would briefly work with a new lead singer, Eamon Doyle, before disbanding altogether. The original line-up reunited in the early-1990s, and would record over half a dozen commercially successful albums well into the 2010s. Dignam would release his sole solo album, The Man Who Stayed Alive, in 2021 ~ Dignam passed away in 2023
May 28, 1960 ~ Electro-samba singer, songwriter Isabelle Antena born ~ Bossa nova and samba-influence nu jazz and electropop singer. Founder and eponym of 1980s Belgian synth-pop trio Antena. Also fronted 1990s outfit the Powega Sisters, with whom she recorded three albums. Antena has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, and is specifically noted for her 1987 Hoping For Love album
May 28, 1959 ~ Stephen John Harrington, commonly known as singer, songwriter Steve Strange, was born in Newbridge, UK ~ Helped usher in the New Romantic genre. Fronted new wave group Visage, teaming up with Rusty Egan, Midge Ure, Billy Currie, Barry Adamson, John McGeoch and Dave Formula, best known for their 1980 single Fade To Grey. Had previously formed punk rock band the Moors Murderers which also included future the Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde, future the Psychedelic Furs drummer Vince Ely and future the Clash drummer Topper Headon. The band drew ire from the public for naming themselves after the notorious Moors Murders in which five children were killed between 1963 and 1965 ~ Strange passed away in 2015
May 28, 1956 ~ Gerald Calvin Douglas, commonly known as guitarist, steel-guitarist, dobroist Jerry Douglas, born in Warren, Ohio, USA ~ Widely regarded as one of the premier dobroists in contemporary acoustic music. Well-known as a member of Alison Krauss's backing unit Union Station and member of the Earls Of Leicester. In-demand sideman and collaborator, having appeared on over an estimated 1,500 albums including recordings by Tony Rice, JD Crowe, Béla Fleck (Crossing The Tracks), George Jones, Emmylou Harris (Roses In The Snow), Peter Rowan, the Bluegrass Cardinals, Reba McEntire, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Dan Fogelberg, Steve Wariner, Randy Travis (Storms Of Life), the Country Gentlemen, Kathy Mattea, Steve Earle (Copperhead Road), Leon Redbone, Leo Kottke, Robert Earl Keen, Dolly Parton, Paul Simon, Garth Brooks (Ropin' The Wind), the Chieftains, Clint Black, Amy Grant, Edie Brickell, and Del McCoury
May 28, 1955 ~ Rock keyboardist, violinist Eddie Jobson born in Billingham, UK ~ Noted for his virtuosity on synthesizers in several progressive rock bands including Curved Air, UK, Roxy Music, Jethro Tull. Also closely associated with Frank Zappa, touring and appearing on records such as Studio Tan and Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar. In-demand session musician and collaborator for artists including Bryan Ferry, Roger Glover (The Butterfly Ball And The Grasshopper's Feast), John Entwistle, King Crimson, Bill Bruford, and others
May 28, 1954 ~ Free jazz drummer, bandleader Whit Dickey born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with Matthew Shipp and David S Ware. As a composer influenced by Thelonious Monk, as evidenced on songs such as Criss Cross and Off Minor of his 1998 Transonic debut album. Has collaborated with Mat Maneri, Roy Campbell Jr, Daniel Carter, Joe Morris, and Ivo Perelman
May 28, 1953 ~ Arthur Morgan Lindsay, commonly known as no wave, noise, avant-garde, jazz-pop guitarist, singer Arto Lindsay born in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Co-founded no wave outfit DNA. Guested on early-1980s albums by the Lounge Lizards, Kip Hanrahan, John Zorn, and the Golden Palominos. Formed the Ambitious Lovers with Peter Scherer, drawing from pop, samba, and bossa nova. Served as producer for artists such as Caetano Veloso, Tom Zé, Gal Costa, and Marisa Monte. Has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, especially noted for Noon Chill released in 1998
May 28, 1952 ~ Jean de Dieu Makies, commonly known as soukous, rumba singer Madilu System, born in Leopoldville, Belgian Congo ~ Active since the late-1960s, playing in a number of bands with Papa Noel and Sam Mangwana prior to rising to international fame as a member of TPOK Jazz. Joined the latter in 1980 and was notably present on songs such as Mamou (Tu Vois) and the band's biggest hit Mario. Following the band's disbandement Makiese has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Sans Commentaire released in 1993 ~ Makiese passed away in 2007
May 28, 1951 ~ Jazz, pop, classical composer, arranger, producer, guitarist Richard Niles born in Hollywood, California, USA ~ Son of singer, guitarist Tony Romano. Musical director for Cat Stevens. Conducted for Ronnie Spector, Twiggy, Kate Bush, Denny Laine. As staff arranger for Hansa Records discovered Sarah Brightman and arranged her first hit, I Lost My Heart To A Starship Trooper. Arranged Grace Jones' Slave To The Rhythm album. Has written, arranged, produced, conducted for Anita Baker, Cilla Black, Ray Charles, Randy Crawford, Paul McCartney, the Pet Shop Boys, Tears For Fears, Swing Out Sister, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, ABC, Was (Not Was), Cliff Richard, Ronan Keating, Wet Wet Wet, and others
May 28, 1950 ~ Derrick Burnett, commonly known as reggae singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist Watty Burnett, born in Port Antonio, Jamaica ~ Formed the duo the Soul Twins with Jimmy Nelson. Best known for his association with producer Lee Scratch Perry, serving as session vocalist and instrumentalist, as a member of the Congos, and recording a number of mid- to late-1970s Perry-produced singles as a solo artist including Rise And Shine, Open The Gate, and Rainy Night In Portland, the latter an adaptation of the Brook Benton-classic Rainy Night In Georgia
May 28, 1945 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter John Fogerty, full name John Cameron Fogerty, born in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Rose to prominence as frontman, lead singer, primary songwriter of Creedence Clearwater Revival, known for songs such as Suzie Q, Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising, Green River, Fortunate Son, Who'll Stop The Rain, Lookin' Out My Backdoor, Have You Ever Seen The Rain, and others. After the band disbanded would go on to a successful solo career, starting with his The Blue Ridge Rangers album released in 1973
May 28, 1944 ~ William McCord, singer, guitarist, songwriter, commonly known as Billy Vera, born in Riverside, California, USA ~ Fronted Billy Vera & the Beaters, best known for At This Moment. Upon its initial 1981 release it would stall in the high 70s, but after the song would be included on the NBC sitcom Family Ties a re-release would eventually top the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987
May 28, 1944 ~ Singer, songwriter Gary Stewart born in Jenkins, Kentucky, USA ~ Dubbed “the King of Honky-tonk” by Time Magazine. Known for a string of 1970s hits including She's Acting Single (I'm Drinking Doubles), Drinking Thing, and Your Place Or Mine. Has also written songs recorded by other singers such as for Billy Walker (She Goes Walking Through My Mind, Traces Of A Woman), Cal Smith (You Can't Housebreak A Tomcat), and Nat Stuckey (Sweet Thang And Cisco). Has also briefly played in Charley Pride's backing unit the Pridesmen ~ Stewart passed away in 2003
May 28, 1944 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Gladys Knight, full name Gladys Maria Knight, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Rose to fame in the 1960s with her backing unit the Pips, which consisted of her brother Bubba Knight and cousins William Guest and Edward Patten. Best known for her Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits Midnight Train To Georgia and the collaborative single That's What Friends Are For with Dionne Warwick, Elton John & Stevie Wonder. Other well known songs include Every Beat Of My Heart, Letter Full Of Tears, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, If I Were Your Woman, Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye) and Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me
May 28, 1943 ~ Leonore Vonderlieth, commonly known as singer Vaughn De Leath, passed away in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Popular radio performer during the 1920s. One of the very first to record Are You Lonesome Tonight in 1927, a song popularized by Elvis Presley decades later. Other well known songs include Oliver Twist and Ukelele Lady ~ Vonderlieth was born in 1894
May 28, 1941 ~ José Fernando Arbex Miró, commonly known as drummer, singer Fernando Arbex, born in Madrid, Spain ~ Co-founding member of Los Brincos. The band is sometimes referred to as Spain's equivalent to the Beatles for their popularity and is known for songs such as Flamenco, Sola, Tú Me Dijiste Adiós, Mejor, and Un Sorbito De Champán. Following the band's disbandement by the end of the 1960s Arbex formed the progressive rock trio Alacrán, the Latin disco and rock outfit Barrabás, known for the 1970s singles Woman and Wild Safari, and served as producer for artists such as José Feliciano, Harry Belafonte, Nana Moskouri, Miguel Bosé, and the Middle Of The Road ~ Arbex passed away in 2003
May 28, 1940 ~ Saxophonist, composer Hans Dulfer born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Widely regarded as the premier Dutch saxophonist. Father of saxophonist Candy Dulfer. Largely self-taught. Influenced by Coleman Hawkins. Active since the late-1950s. Has worked with Boy Edgar, John McLaughlin, Willem Breuker, Jan Akkerman, Herman Brood, Saskia Laroo, and others
May 28, 1940 ~ Percussionist, composer John Bergamo born ~ Known for co-founding two all-percussion ensembles, namely the Repercussion Unit in the mid-1970s and the Hands On'Semble in the late-1990s. Has also collaborated with Frank Zappa, Nexus, Dave Liebman, Lou Harrison, Mickey Hart, Emil Richards, Gunther Schuller, John McLaughlin, Steve Gadd, and others ~ Bergamo passed away in 2013
May 28, 1939 ~ Organist, saxophonist Wojciech Karolak, full name Wojciech Krzysztof Karolak, born in Warsaw, Poland ~ Refers to himself as “an American jazz and rhythm & blue musician, born by mistake in Middle Europe.” Member of the Jazz Believers, which also included Krzysztof Komeda. Acclaimed for his virtue on the Hammond organ and as a film composer. Has worked with Andrzej Trzaskowksi, Michal Urbaniak, Tomasz Szukalski, Red Mitchell, Jaroslaw Smietana, Leszek Cichonski, and others
May 28, 1931 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Eric von Schmidt born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA ~ Considered one of the premier guitarists in the late-1950s, early-1960s folk boom. Best known for his composition Joshua Gone Barbados. Has worked with Richard Fariña and Bob Dylan. Had a parallel career as a painter, ilustrated children's books and created album covers for Joan Baez, John Renbourn, the Blue Velvet Band, and Reverend Gary Davis ~ Von Schmidt passed away in 2007
May 28, 1930 ~ Blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Son House records Walking Blues in Grafton, Wisconsin, USA ~ Self-penned. Though the recording at the time remained unissued it would be part of House's repertoire and gain notoriety among fellow bluesmen and followers. The song would be covered or adapted by numerous artists, notably by Robert Johnson in 1936 which would become the best known version
May 28, 1929 ~ Albert Austin Burges, commonly known as rockabilly, country guitarist. singer Sonny Burgess, born in Newport, Arkansas, USA ~ Member of the Pacers, known for the 1956 single We Wanna Boogie b/w Red Headed Woman. Both songs written by Burgess and considered rock & roll classics. Also a member of the Rocky Road Ramblers ~ Burgess passed away in 2017
May 28, 1928 ~ Jazz saxophonist Arno Marsh born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Father of drummer Randy Marsh. Worked with Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Charlie Barnet, Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich, Harry James, and Nancy Wilson ~ Marsh passed away in 2019
May 28, 1928 ~ Songwriter Dorothy LaBostrie born in Rayland, Kentucky, USA ~ Best known for co-writing Tutti Frutti for Little Richard. LaBostrie later claimed she had written the song entirely herself, dismissing Richard's claim he was the sole author. Also co-wrote Rich Woman, first recorded by Li'l Millet in 1955, later notably covered by Canned Heat, and co-wrote Irma Thomas signature song Don't Mess With My Man ~ LaBostrie passed away in 2007
May 28, 1926 ~ Bebop, cool jazz pianist Russ Freeman, full name Russell Donald Freeman, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Classically trained. Worked with Art Pepper, Shorty Rogers, Chet Baker, Shelly Manne, Art Pepper, Clifford Brown, Zoot Sims, André Previn, Maynard Ferguson, Jimmy Giuffre, Irene Kral, Jack Montrose, and Pete Rugolo ~ Freeman passed away in 2002
May 28, 1923 ~ Contemporary classical composer György Ligeti, full name György Sandór Ligeti, born in Transylvania, Romania ~ Regarded as one of the most important avant-garde composers of the latter half of the 20th century. Perhaps best known for his orchestral composition Atmospères and the “anti-anti-opera” Le Grand Macabre. Though he has not directly composed any film scores, excerpts of his music haven been adapted for use in films perhaps most notably in the Stanley Kubrick-film 2001 A Space Odyssey which includes excerpts from Atmospères, Lux Aeterna, Requiem, and Aventures ~ Ligeti passed away in 2006
May 28, 1917 ~ John Henry Creach, commonly known as violinist Papa John Creach, born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Sideman to Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Stuff Smith, Charlie Christian, Big Joe Turner, T-Bone Walker, Nat King Cole, and Roy Milton. Rediscovered in the mid-1960s, after which he would frequently collaborate with rock, psychedelic rock acts of the day, perhaps most notably the Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna ~ Creach passed away in 1994
May 28, 1912 ~ Jazz guitarist, bandleader, songwriter Dave Barbour, full name David Michael Harbour, born in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Married to singer Peggy Lee, with whom he also worked, from 1943 to 1951. Also worked with Adrian Rollini, Wingy Manone, Dick Stabile, Red Norvo, Teddy Wilson, Billie Holiday, Artie Shaw, Lennie Hayton, Charlie Barnet, Raymond Scott, Glenn Miller, Lou Holden, Woody Herman, André Previn, Benny Goodman, and others ~ Barbour passed away in 1965
May 28, 1912 ~ Composer, singer Tom Scott born in Campbelltown, Kentucky, USA ~ Billed as “the American Troubadour” and accompanying himself on guitar would enjoy popularity from the early-1940s on as a folk singer. Best remembered though for writing classical music, most of them drawing from American folk. Well-known pieces include Ballad Of The Harp Weaver, Colloquoy For Strings, Johnny Appleseed, and Symphony No.1. His From The Sacred Harp would be premiered by the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Leopold Stokowski. Scott had also composed art songs, the 1956 opera The Fisherman, and several film and TV scores ~ Scott passed away in 1961
May 28, 1911 ~ Arthur Reismond Herfurt, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Skeets Herfurt, born in Cincinnati, USA ~ Active since the mid-1930s. Has worked with Smith Ballew, the Dorsey Brothers, Ray Noble, Alvino Rey, Benny Goodman, Earle Spencer, Billy May, Louis Armstrong, Georgie Auld, Jack Teagarden, Stan Kenton, Glen Gray, Ray Anthony, Joe Fingers Carr, Ray Conniff, the Four Freshmen, Pete Rugolo, and others ~ Herfurt passed away in 1992
May 28, 1910 ~ Aaron Thibeaux Walker, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, bandleader T-Bone Walker, born in Linden, Texas, USA ~ Pioneer and innovator of jump blues and electric blues. Quintessential to development of early rock & roll. Known best for his signature tune They Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday's Just As Bad), written and first recorded by Walker in 1947, later covered by a wide array of artists from all genres. Rock & roll icon Chuck Berry cites Walker as one of his two main influences, the other being Louis Jordan ~ Walker passed away in 1975
May 28, 1909 ~ Jerome Philip Herst, commonly known as lawyer, songwriter Jerry Herst, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for writing So Rare with Jack Sharpe. The song was first published in 1937 and would be a late-career hit for Jimmy Dorsey just months before his death in 1957. Others who have recorded the song include Carl Ravell, Gus Arnheim, Ella Fitzgerald, King Curtis, Chet Atkins. Herst has also collaborated with Felton Kaufmann, Richard O'Kreamer, and wrote or co-wrote a number of instrumental works and musicals. Herst practiced law from the mid-1930 through the mid-1940s ~ Herst passed away in 1990
May 28, 1903 ~ Composer, conductor Walter Goehr born in Berlin, Germany ~ Married to pianist Laelia Goehr, the couple's son was composer Alexander Goehr. Studied with Arnold Schoenberg. Of Jewish descent forced to seek employment outside Germany. Staff conductor for EMI. Conducted the London Philharmonic Orchestra for the 1937 premiere recording of Georges Bizet's Symphony In C. Conducted the BBC Theatre Orchestra for the premiere performance of the radio play The Dark Tower with music by Benjamin Britten. As a composer known for the 1931 opera Malpopita, which would not be performed live until 2004 ~ Goehr passed away in 1960
May 28, 1898 ~ Tuba player, bandleader Andy Kirk, full name Andrew Dewey Kirk, born in Newport, Kentucky, USA ~ Best known as leader of the Clouds Of Joy taking over for Terrence Holder in 1929. The band would also include pianist Mary Lou Williams and is best known for songs such as I Won't Tell A Soul (I Love You) featuring vocalist Pha Terrell, Take It & Git and Hey Lawdy Mama ~ Kirk passed away in 1992
May 28, 1787 ~ Composer, violinist Leopold Mozart, full name Johann Georg Leopold Mozart, passed away in Salzburg, Germany ~ Best known as father and teacher of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and as author, his violin textbook Versuch Einer Gründlichen Violinschule published in 1756. Sacrificed his own career to promote his son's yet several works, notably Toy Symphony, remain popular ~ Mozart was born in 1719