This Day In Music: May 28
May 27 ~ Birthdays/All ~ May 29
 
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, 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, 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, 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 ~ 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, 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, 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, Bob Dylan, and others. Had a parallel career as a painter, ilustrated children's books and created album covers for Joan Baez, John Renbourn, the Blue Velvet Band, Reverend Gary Davis, and others ~ Von Schmidt passed away in 2007
 
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 ~ 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, Pete Rugolo, and others ~ 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 singer, guitarist 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 for his signature tune They Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday's Just As Bad), covered by a wide array of artists from all genres. Chuck Berry cites him as one of the 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