This Day In Music: May 3
May 2 ~ Birthdays/All ~ May 4
 
May 3, 1997 ~ Singer Sidney Royel Selby III, commonly known as Desiigner, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known for his Panda debut single, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2015. Would release his full-length New English debut album the following year
 
May 3, 1989 ~ Folk, pop, R&B singer, pianist, guitarist, cellist, songwriter Mary Lambert, full name Mary Danielle Lambert, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Described as a mix of Adele, Tori Amos and James Blake. To pop audiences known as featured vocalist on the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 2012 LGBTQ rights single Same Love, drawing upon her experiences as a lesbian growing in a strict Christian upbringing. Released her full-length Heart On My Sleeve debut album in 2014
 
May 3, 1987 ~ Indie rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Michael Kiwanuka, full name Michael Samuel Kiwanuka, born in London, UK ~ Released his 2012 Home Again solo debut album to critical acclaim and commercial success. His first three albums, including 2016's Love & Hate and 2019's Kiwanuka, would all reach top 10 of the UK albums charts
 
May 3, 1981 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Alexander Hawkins born in Oxford, UK ~ Worked with the Convergence Quartet, Taylor Ho Bynum, Harris Eisenstadt, Dominic Lash, Decoy, Peter Evans, Louis Moholo, Orphy Robinson, Otto Fischer, Joe McPhee, Steve Noble, Dylan Bates, Tom Skinner, Neil Charles, Laura Jurd, Francois Houle, Nick Malcolm, Mulatu Astatke, and Rob Mazurek
May 3, 1981 ~ Joshua Michael Tillman, commonly known as indie rock, indie folk, folk rock singer, guitarist, pianist, percussionist, producer, songwriter Father John Misty born in Rockville, Maryland, USA ~ Active as a solo artist since the early 2000s using both the J Tillman and Father John Misty monnikers. Has collaborated with a host of artists as a collaborator, producer, touring or session musician including the Fleet Foxes, Saxon Shore, Har Mar Superstar, Damien Jurado, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Kid Cudi, Post Malone, and others
May 3, 1981 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal singer Trevor Strnad born ~ Until his death shortly after his 41st birthday, Strnad served as lead singer for extreme metal outfit the Black Dahlia Murder recording over a dozen albums with the band including the acclaimed Ritual released in 2011. The band was named for the unsolved 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, often referred to as the Black Dahlia. Although no official cause of death had been given for Strnad, the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was provided at the end of the band's statement. Brian Eschbach, the only other constant member since the band's inception in 2001, would take over Strnad's duties as lead vocalist ~ Strnad passed away in 2022
 
May 3, 1979 ~ Pop, soul singer Danny Foster born in Hackney, UK ~ Selected as member of Hear'say in the 2001 TV talent show Popstars alongside Myleene Klass, Kym Marsh, Suzanne Shaw and Noel Sullivan. The band would score a handful of UK top 10 singles, notably Pure & Simple and The Way To Your Love both reaching the No.1 spot
 
May 3, 1978 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, film composer Ben Lovett born in Georgia, USA ~ Film composer, known for scoring films such as The Signal, Black Rock, and I Trapped The Devil. As a singer, guitarist released a number of solo albums and collaborated with Hot Water Music's Chris Wollard and indie rock outfit Heavens
May 3, 1978 ~ Jazz alto saxophonist, composer Darius Jones born in Virginia Beach, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Matthew Shipp, the Grass Roots, Little Women, Mike Pride, Gerald Cleaver, the Eric Revis Quartet, the Adam Lane Trio, William Hooker, Sabir Mateen, William Parker, Federico Ughi, and others
May 3, 1978 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger Eli Degibri born in Jaffra, Israel ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Kurt Rosenwinkel, Aaron Goldberg, Ben Street, Jeff Ballard, Kevin Hays, Al Foster, Gary Versace, Obed Calvaire, Ron Carter, Brad Mehldau, Herbie Hancock, and others
May 3, 1978 ~ Indie rock, post-punk, art pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Paul Banks born in Clacton-on-Sea, UK ~ Co-founding member, frontman of Interpol, acclaimed since their eponymous 2002 Interpol EP and frequently compared to Joy Division. Has also recorded as a solo artist, notably the 2009 album Julian Plenti Is Skyscraper using the moniker Julian Plenti
 
May 3, 1977 ~ Country singer, guitarist, banjoist, pianist, songwriter Eric Church, full name Kenneth Eric Church, born in Granite Falls, North Carolina, USA ~ Debuted in 2006 with the Sinners Like Me, spawning the Billboard Country top 20 hits How 'Bout You, Two Pink Lines and Guys Like Me. Other well known songs include Love Your Love The Most, Hell On The Heart, Drink In My Hand, Springsteen, Give Me Back My Hometown, Record Year, Some Of It, Hell Of A View, and others
 
May 3, 1972 ~ Alternative metal, nu metal, rap metal, post-grunge singer, guitarist Josey Scott, full name Joseph Scott Sappington, born ~ Lead singer for metal outfit Saliva, active since the mid-1990s. Co-wrote and performed the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 single Hero with Nickelback-singer Chad Kroeger for the soundtrack to the 2002 superhero film Spider-Man. Scott has also collaborated with Lil Wyte, Three 6 Mafia, and the X-Ecutioners
 
May 3, 1971 ~ Label founder, executive Damon Dash, full name Damon Anthony Dash, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for co-founding the Roc-a-fella Records label with Jay-Z and Kareem Burke. Dash was romantically involved with singer Aaliyah from 2000 until her death in a plane crash the following year
May 3, 1971 ~ Country, country rock, rock & roll singer, guitarist, bassist, banjoist John Hopkins, full name John Driskell Hopkins, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Zac Brown Band, known for songs such as Toes, Goodbye In Her Eyes and Heavy Is The Head all of which co-written by Hopkins
 
May 3, 1970 ~ Dennis Bouman, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Def Rhymz, born in Paramaribo, Suriname ~ Enjoyed popularity especially in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Has recorded the albums De Goeiste, De Allergoeiste, and Hoorgasme. Best known for Doekoe and Schudden, both of which topped the charts in the Netherlands. Has also notably collaborated with the Postmen on the Doe Maar-cover De Bom, a Dutch top 10 hit at the turn of the century ~ Bouman passed away in 2024
May 3, 1970 ~ Soul jazz keyboardist, organist Robert Walter, full name Robert Shaun Walter VI, born ~ Founding member of the Greyboy Allstars. Also worked with Fred Wesley, Gary Bartz, Skerik, Melvin Sparks, Andy Bey, Reuben Wilson, Harvey Mason, Alec Ounsworth, Anders Osborne, Red Holloway, Chuck Rainey, Phil Upchurch, Mike Clark, Johnny Vidacovich, Mike Gordon, Steve Kimock, 20th Congress, Cochemea Gastelum, Chris Stillwell, Stanton Moore, Dan Prothero, James Singleton, Tim Green, Creedle, Karl Denson, Mike Gordon, Gary Jules, Susan Tedeschi, and others
 
May 3, 1967 ~ Gospel singer, guitarist, organist, songwriter Shawn McLemore, full name Shawn Lamont McLemore, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his 1997 Wait On Him debut album which charted on the Billboard Gospel charts. McLemore would continue to record through the 2010s but failed to reach the same level of succes ~ McLemore passed away in 2021
 
May 3, 1965 ~ Drummer, producer Magnus Öström born in Skultuna, Sweden ~ First gained attention working with Esbjörn Svensson in the early 1990s. Has also worked with Bobo Stenson, Lennart Åberg, Palle Danielsson, Nils Landgren, Benny Golson, Mulgrew Miller, Stefon Harris, Nils Landgren, Nicolai Dunger, and others. Has also released a number of solo records, starting with Thread Of Life in 2011
 
May 3, 1962 ~ Singer, comedian, songwriter Maarten van Roozendaal born in Heiloo, the Netherlands ~ Mainly performed his own songs, yet also a fine interpreter of Cornelis Vreeswijk. Collaborated with Paul de Munnik, Egon Kracht, Wouter Planteijdt, Marcel de Groot, Willem Ennes, Kim Soepnel, and others ~ Van Roozendaal passed away in 2013
 
May 3, 1961 ~ Singer, songwriter Paul Field, full name Paul James Field, born ~ Lead singer for pop group the Cockroaches, which also included brothers John Field and Anthony Field, known best for She's The One of their 1987 eponymous The Cockroaches debut album. Formed the Field Brothers with brother John in the 2010, recording originals as well as some old Cockroaches songs as country songs including Some Kind Of Girl, Rely On Me and Permanently Single. Released his Love Songs For Lonely People solo debut album in 2021, featuring guests such as Kasey Chambers and Jimmy Barnes. Field also served as managing director for children's music group the Wiggles for over two decades starting in 1996
 
May 3, 1960 ~ Rock, folk, jazz bassist, singer Alan Thomson born in Glasgow, UK ~ Member of the Arthur Trout Band. Best known for his association with John Martyn, touring with Martyn until his death in 2009. Has worked with Strangeways, Jacqui McShee, Geezer Butler, John Jorgenson, Amos Garrett, Brent Mason, Denny Laine, Rick Wakeman, and Pentangle
May 3, 1960 ~ Singer, guitarist Peter Howarth born in Blackpool, UK ~ Lead singer of the Hollies since 2004. Has previously worked as session and touring musician with artists including Cliff Richard and the Who, portrayed Roy Orbison in the Only The Lonely and co-wrote the West End musical Robin Prince Of Sherwood with 10cc-guitarist Rick Fenn
 
May 3, 1959 ~ Keyboardist Dave Ball born in Blackpool, UK ~ Formed the synth-pop duo Soft Cell with Marc Almond, known for a string of early 1980s hits including the UK top 10 hits Tainted Love, Bedsitter, Say Hello Wave Goodbye, Torch, and What. After the duo disbanded in 1984, Ball has recorded as a solo artist, served as producer for Vicious Pink, Rose McDowall, Kylie Minogue, Gavin Friday, and Anni Hogan, and as remixer for the likes of David Bowie, Vanessa-Mae, and Erasure
 
May 3, 1953 ~ Rock bassist, guitarist, pianist, singer Bruce Hall, full name Bruce William Hall, born in Champaign, Illinois, USA ~ Member of REO Speedwagon, joining the band in 1977 as replacement for Gregg Philbin and first appearing on the You Can Tune A Piano But You Can't Tuna Fish album. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Back On The Road Again, Let's Be-Bop, Someone Tonight, Hey Wait A Minute, Thru The Window and Accidents Can Happen
May 3, 1953 ~ Indie rock, punk rock drummer, keyboardist, singer Gary Young born in Mamaroneck, New York, USA ~ Original drummer of Pavement, present on the band's 1992's Slanted And Enchanted debut album and its follow-up Watery Domestic EP later the same year before being fired from the band in 1993. Young subsequently released a number of solo albums, starting with 1994's Hospital under the group moniker Gary Young's Hospital ~ Young passed away in 2023
 
May 3, 1952 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Henning Sommerro born in Surnadal, Norway ~ Wrote music for over 140 theater and film productions. Has worked with Erik Bye, Sigmund Groven, Geirr Lystrup, Halvdan Sivertsen, Arve Tellefsen, Palle Mikkelborg, Åge Aleksandersen, Arne Domnérus, Aly Bain, and others
May 3, 1952 ~ Singer, songwriter Keiji Haino born in Chiba, Japan ~ Eclectic singer drawing from rock, improvisation, noise music, psychedelica, minimalism, drone music and other idioms. Actively recording since the late 1970s both as a solo artist and with acts such as Fushitsusha, Vajra, Vajra, Black Stage, the Purple Trap, Knead, Sanhedroin, Lost Aaraaf, and others
 
May 3, 1951 ~ Christopher Charles Geppert, commonly known as pop rock, soft rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Christopher Cross, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his Sailing sophomore single and Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) the following year. Both would top the Billboard Hot 100, the latter was used on the Arthur soundtrack and won him an Academy Award for Best Original Song shared with co-composers Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager and Peter Allen
May 3, 1951 ~ Greg Taylor, commonly known as blues, rock & roll, pop harmonica player, keyboardist, singer Greg Fingers Taylor, born in Wichita, Kansas, USA ~ Best known for his association with Jimmy Buffett, being a member of Buffett's backing unit the Coral Reefer Band. Also worked with Larry Raspberry, Kim Wilson, Doug Deming, and others
 
May 3, 1950 ~ Jazz pianist Dag Arnesen, full name Dag Syver Arnesen, born in Bergen, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the early 1980s with over a dozen albums to his name. Has worked with Søyr, the Bergen Big Band, Thorgeir Stubø, Knut Riisnæs, Kjell Karlsen, Terje Gewelt, Palle Mikkelborg, and others
May 3, 1950 ~ Folk, folk pop singer, guitarist, Mary Hopkin born in Pontardawe, UK ~ Best known for her 1968 UK No.1 single Those Were The Days. Represented England in the 1970 Eurovision Songfestival with Knock Knock Who's There reaching 2nd place behind Ireland's Dana with All Kinds Of Everythin'. Married to producer Tony Visconti from 1971 to 1981
 
May 3, 1949 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz, classical saxophonist Larry Ochs born in New York, New York, USA ~ Briefly studied trumpet before switching to saxophone. About a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, over two dozen albums with his the Rova Saxophone Quartet including the acclaimed Electric Rags II released in 1990. Formed Kihnoua with singer Dohee Lee and drummer Scott Amendola, known for their 2010 Unauthorized Caprices album. Has also worked with Glenn Spearman, Maybe Monday, Dave Rempis, and others
 
May 3, 1947 ~ Donald Hanson Marvin Kerr Richards Jr, commonly known as reggae guitarist, singer Junior Marvin born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known for his association with Bob Marley through his membership of the Wailers, notably present on the 1977 Bob Marley & The Wailers album. Has also worked with Hanson, Gass, the Keef Hartley Band, Toots & the Maytals, and with Steve Winwood
 
May 3, 1945 ~ Pop drummer Dick Allix born in Gravesend, UK ~ Co-founding member of Vanity Fare, known for a handful of late 1960s singles. I Live For The Sun, Early In The Morning, and Hitchin' A Ride, all lifted off their The Sun The Wind And Other Things debut album, would all reach top 20 in the band's native UK. Allix departed the band in 1970, and would later become known among sports fans as a sports promoter, manager, and co-founder of the Professional Darts Corporation ~ Allix passed away in 2024
 
May 3, 1944 ~ Singer Yves Simon born in Choiseul, France ~ Gained attention during the 1970s with albums such as Les Gauloises Bleues, Au Pays Des Merveilles De Juliet, and Respirer Chanter. Retired from performing by the late 1970s, yet would continue to record to critical and commercial acclaim. Also known as a novelist with over two dozen books to his name
 
May 3, 1939 ~ Electric blues lap steel guitarist, singer Freddie Roulette, full name Frederick Martin Roulette, born in Evanston, Illinois, USA ~ Member of Daphne Blue. Also worked with Earl Hooker, Charlie Musselwhite, Henry Kaiser, Harvey Mandel, Pinetop Perkins, Carey Bell, Andrew Odom, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Don Sugarcane Harris, Will Bernard, the Holmes Brothers, David Lindley, and others ~ Roulette passed away in 2022
May 3, 1939 ~ Jazz percussionist Ralf Hubner born in Berlin, Germany ~ Worked with Benny Bailey, Nathan Davis, the Jazz Ensemble des Hessischen Rundfunks, Albert Mangelsdorff, the Frankfurt Jazz Ensemble, Joki Freund, Volker Krieger, Itaru Oki, Michel Pilz, Manfred Schoof, Eberhard Weber, Christof Lauer, and others
 
May 3, 1938 ~ Jerrold Samuels, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Napoleon XIV, born in New York, New York, USA ~ One-hit wonder known for the 1966 novelty hit They're Coming To Take Me Away (Ha Haa), the single would be an an instant success reaching top 10 in several countries including the UK, Canada and America. Previously Samuels had co-written As If I Didn't Know, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for Adam Wade in 1961, and The Shelter Of Your Arms for Sammy Davis Jr which would reach top 20 in 1964 ~ Samuels passed away in 2023
 
May 3, 1934 ~ Francesco Stephen Castelluccio, commonly known as singer Frankie Valli, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as frontman of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons since 1960, scoring hits such as Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like A Man, Dawn Go Away, Rag Doll, Let's Hang On, Working My Way Back To You, and others
May 3, 1934 ~ Giuseppe Mustacchi, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Georges Moustaki, born in Alexandria, Egypt ~ Revered songwriter, wrote an estimated 300 songs. Artists who have recorded his work include some of France's most popular singers including Edith Piaf (Milord), Françoise Hardy, Yves Montand, Serge Reggiani (Sarah), Brigitte Fontaine, Herbert Pagani, France Gall, Cindy Daniel, Juliette Gréco, Barbara (La Langue Dame Brune), Pia Colombo, Tino Rossi, and others ~ Mustacchi passed away in 2013
 
May 3, 1933 ~ R&B, soul, funk singer James Brown born in Barnwell, South Carolina, USA ~ Known as “the Godfather of Soul”. Pivotal to developement of funk, soul, hip-hop. First gained attention as lead singer of Famous Flames in the late-1950s with songs such as Please Please Please and Try My. Also known for classics such as Papa's Got A Brand New Bag (Part 1), I Got You I Feel Good, It's A Man's Man's Man's World, Cold Sweat, Say It Loud I'm Black And I'm Proud (Part 1), Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine Part 1, Hot Pants and numerous others. Beloved bandleader, collaborator, mentor to many including Bobby Byrd, Lynn Collins, Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, Clyde Stubblefield, Bootsy Collins, Marva Whitney, and others ~ Brown passed away in 2006
 
May 3, 1930 ~ Jazz trombonist Bob Havens born in Quincy, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his association with Lawrence Welk, backing Welk on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1960 to 1982. Has also worked with Ralph Flanagan, George Girard, Al Hirt, Bob Crosby, Peanuts Hucko, the Great Pacific Jazz Band, and others
 
May 3, 1929 ~ Denise Jeanna Briault, commonly known as singer, actress Denise Lor, was born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as a an actress appearing on the Garry Moore Show, Seven At Eleven, and musical comedies such as Gypsy and Annie. As a singer scored a hit with If I Gave My Heart To You in 1954 ~ Briault passed away in 2015
 
May 3, 1926 ~ Jazz trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, full name James Milton Cleveland, born in Wartrace, Tennessee, USA ~ One of the finest trombonists to emerge from the 1950s. As a leader best known for his 1959 Rhythm Crazy album. As a sideman appeared on albums by Clifford Brown, Lionel Hampton, Quincy Jones, Art Farmer, Manny Albam (Jazz Workshop), Betty Carter, Cannonball Adderley, Oscar Pettiford, Art Blakey, Dinah Washington, Maynard Ferguson, Miles Davis (Miles Ahead), Benny Golson, Milt Jackson (Plenty Plenty Soul), Melba Liston, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich (Richcraft), Ray Charles (Genius+Soul=Jazz), Randy Weston, Blue Mitchell, Jimmy Smith, Shirley Scott (For Members Only), Wes Montgomery, the Drifters, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Barbara Lewis, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin (Soul '69), Quincy Jones (Walking In Space), and James Brown ~ Cleveland passed away in 2008
May 3, 1926 ~ Jazz bassist Jymie Merritt born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked in jazz, R&B, blues and rock & roll. Active since the early 1950s, starting with Bull Moose Jackson and BB King. Perhaps best known for his stint with Art Blakey from 1957 through 1962, forming the core of Blakey's ensemble the Jazz Messengers alongside Benny Golson and Bobby Timmons including on the acclaimed Moanin' album. Also present on albums by the likes of Curtis Fuller, Wayne Shorter, Max Roach, Wild Bill Davis, Jimmy Smith (Stay Loose), and Lee Morgan. Merritt's son Mike Merritt is also a bassist, playing jazz and blues ~ Merritt passed away in 2020
 
May 3, 1924 ~ Neville Williams, commonly known as pop singer, actor Gary Miller, born in Blackpool, UK ~ Enjoyed popularity from the mid-1950s through the early 1960s. Best known for his sole UK top 10 hit, Robin Hood, used as the theme to the TV series The Adventures Of Robin Hood. Other charting singles included The Yellow Rose Of Texas, Garden Of Eden, and The Story Of My Life ~ Williams passed away in 1968
 
May 3, 1921 ~ José Refugio Sánchez Saldaña, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor Cuco Sánchez, born in Altamira, Mexico ~ One of Mexico's most popular singers, songwriters known for songs such as Anillo De Compromiso, Anoche Estuve Llorando, Siempre Hace Frio, No Soy Monedito De Oro, Canno Santo and Gritenme Piedras Del Campo. Had his songs recorded by Pedro Infante, La Panchita, Veronica Loyo, Flor Silvestre, Antonio Aguilar, Dora María, Vikki Carr, Linda Ronstadt, and others ~ Sánchez passed away in 2000
May 3, 1921 ~ Joseph Urick, commonly known as traditional pop singer Joe Ames, born in Malden, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of family outfit the Ames Brothers, known for a number of 1950s hits including Rag Mop, Sentimental Me, Can Anyone Explain (No No No), Undecided, The Man With The Banjo, The Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane and Tammy ~ Urick passed away in 2007
 
May 3, 1920 ~ Pianist John Lewis, full name John Aaron Lewis, was born in LaGrange, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Count Basie, Art Tatum, Hank Jones, Oscar Peterson. Best known as co-founding member, musical director of the Modern Jazz Quartet, acclaimed for albums such as Fontessa, Third Stream Music and Lonely Woman. Accompanied Charlie Parker on pivotal recordings such as Parker's Mood and Blues For Alice. Backed Miles Davis on Birth Of The Cool album. Also present on albums by the likes of Zoot Sims, Dizzy Gillespie (In Paris), Clifford Brown, Illinois Jacquet, Benny Golson, Sonny Rollins, Gil Evans (Pacific Standard Time), Charlie Byrd, Les McCann, Sonny Stitt (Stitt Plays Bird), Joe Pass, Ramsey Lewis, and Buddy Rich ~ Lewis passed away in 2001
 
May 3, 1919 ~ Singer, songwriter Pete Seeger born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of the Almanac Singers. Member of pivotal folk outfit the Weavers, known for The Hammer Song and for their 1950 hit recording Goodnight Irene. As a solo artist Seeger would become one of the premier folk singers and prolific songwriters of the 1960s, perhaps best known for penning and first recording Where Have All The Flowers Gone which would be covered by well over 150 artists including Bobby Darin, Eddy Arnold, Johnny Rivers, Harry Belafonte, Joan Baez, and Earth Wind & Fire ~ Seeger passed away in 2014
 
May 3, 1911 ~ Trumpeter Yank Lawson born in Trenton, Missouri, USA ~ Closely associated with Bob Haggart, with whom he worked in the Lawson-Haggart Band in the 1950s and in the World's Greatest Jazz Band from the late 1960s through the late 1970s. Lawson has also worked with Ben Pollack, Bob Crosby, Benny Goodman, and Tommy Dorsey ~ Lawson passed away in 1995
 
May 3, 1903 ~ Harry Lillis Crosby Jr, commonly known as singer, actor, songwriter Bing Crosby, born in Tacoma, Washington, USA ~ Popular from the 1930s well through the 1950s. Over 70 films, over 1,600 songs. Influential on wide array of artists from Frank Sinatra to John Lennon. Noted for his vocal phrasing. Worked with the Rhythm Boys, Bix Beiderbecke, Jack Teagarden, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Eddie Lang, Hoagy Carmichael, Gus Arnheim. Known for songs such as I Found A Million Dollar Baby In A Five And Ten Cent Store, At Your Command, White Christmas, Swinging On A Star, Pistol Packin' Mama, Don't Fence Me In, and I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance ~ Crosby passed away in 1977