May 30, 2022 ~ Sound engineer Dave Smith passed away ~ Dubbed “the father of MIDI” for his pivotal role in the development of MIDI, a standard interface protocol for electronic instruments and pro audio equipment. Graduated from UC Berkeley with degrees in Computer Science and Electronic Engineering. Founded the Sequential Circuits company in the mid-1970s, the company quickly becoming one of the most successful synthesizer manufacturers. Best remembered for designing the Prophet 5, the first commercial polyphonic and microprocessor-controlled synthesizer ~ Smith was born ca.1950
May 30, 2022 ~ Joseph Paul Florio, commonly known as songwriter, producer Paul Vance, passed away ~ Prolific songwriter with over an estimated 300 songs to his credit, often teaming up with Lee Pockriss. Among their best known are Perry Como's 1957 hit Catch A Falling Star and Brian Hyland's Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini, the latter a 1960 Billboard Hot 100 charttopper. The duo would be sued by songwriters Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and George Shadow Morton for their spoof song and Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit The Leader Of The Laundromat recorded under the moniker the Detergents, which parodied the Shangri-Las' The Leader Of The Pack. The case would be settled out of court ~ Florio was born in 1929
May 30, 2020 ~ Coloratura soprano Maddy Mesplé, full name Madeleine Mesplé, passed away in Toulouse, France ~ Considered the leading colaratura soprano of her day in France, enjoying popularity for over three decades starting in the early-1950s. Known for roles in productions of works such as Lakmé, The Tales Of Hoffmann, Mignon, Roméo Et Juliette, and Hamlet ~ Mesplé was born in 1931
May 30, 2019 ~ Dickran Gobalian, commonly known as singer, guitarist Leon Redbone, passed away in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Jazz, blues, roots singer with over a dozen album to his name starting with 1975's On The Track. Preferred material from the Tin Pan Alley-era, circa 1890 to 1910. Upon a chance meeting in 1972 Redbone impressed Bob Dylan, the latter mentioning him in a Rolling Stone interview leading the magazine to do a profile on Redbone ~ Gobalian was born in 1949
May 30, 2018 ~ Double bassist, singer Major Short passed away ~ Member of vocal trio Somethin' Smith & the Redheads, active during the 1950s and 1960s. The trio also included guitarist, banjoist Robert H Robinson and pianist Saul Striks, and are best known for their 1955 hit It's A Sin To Tell A Lie. Lesser hits included Heartaches, Ace In The Hole, and You Always Hurt The One You Love ~ Short was born in 1924
May 30, 2014 ~ Contralto singer Gerda Schriever passed away in Leipzig, Germany ~ Best known as a member of the Thomanerchor for over two decades starting in the mid-1950s. Also noted as a member of the Leipziger Bachsolisten from 1968 through 1972 and for her association with Dresdner Kreuzchor. Married to pianist Hans-Joachim Drechsel, with whom she had three children ~ Schriever was born in 1928
May 30, 2012 ~ Jazz, blues guitarist Pete Cosey, full name Peter Palus Cosey, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his 1973-1975 stint playing with Miles Davis, including on the albums Get Up With It, Agharte, Pangaea, and Fark Magus. Prior Cosey worked as an in-demand session musician backing artists such as Etta James, Fontella Bass (including on the single Rescue Me), Rotary Connection, Howlin' Wolf, and Muddy Waters. Member of the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians. Member of the Pharaohs, which would later evolve into Earth Wind & Fire. Cosey's talent and technique has been likened to Jimi Hendrix yet Cosey would maintain a low profile throughout his career and not record any solo albums ~ Cosey was born in 1943
May 30, 2011 ~ George John Tozzi, commonly known as opera singer Giorgio Tozzi, passed away in Bloomington, Indiana, USA ~ Closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera. Also performed in Broadway musicals, dubbed singing parts for film, guest starred on several TV shows including The Odd Couple, Kojak and Knight Rider, and wrote the 1997 The Golem Of The Golden West novel ~ Tozzi was born in 1923
May 30, 2010 ~ Ollie Creggett, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, drummer Ali Ollie Woodson passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Joined the Temptations in 1984 replacing Dennis Wilson as the lead singer. Except for a year-long hiatus Woodson remained with the band through 1996. Had also worked with Aretha Franklin, Jean Carn, and with Bill Pinkney ~ Woodson was born in 1951
May 30, 2010 ~ The 41st edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 3 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, Sunday the 30th's bill would be the Maccabees, Danko Jones, Skunk Anansie, Triggerfinger, the Pixies, the Prodigy, Jon Allen, Kate Nash, Slash, Mika, P!nk, DeWolff, General Fiasco, Yeasayer, Florence + the Machine, and Gogol Bordello
May 30, 2009 ~ The 40th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. Dry and warm, this year's edition would draw a total of some 90,000 visitors. Included on today's, Saturday the 30th's bill would include Chris Cornell, the Killers, Bruce Springsteen, the Kings Of The Day, Me First & the Gimme Gimme's, Elbow, the Noisettes, Just Jack, and Dr Lektroluv
May 30, 2008 ~ Big band bandleader, clarinetist, saxophonist Nat Temple, full name Nathan Temple, passed away in Woking, UK ~ Modeled his playing after Benny Goodman. Rose to fame as a member of Harry Roy's orchestra during the 1930s, including on the 1933 hit Tiger Rag. Following a stint in the British Army during World War II, Temple founded his own orchestra with whom he notably launched the career of vocalist Frankie Vaughan, and backed famed American composer Hoagy Carmichael on his British tour. Temple would quickly become a regular presence on the BBC, providing musical entertainment for various comedy shows, and continued to lead various configurations of his group well into the 1990s. Over the course of his lengthy career Temple has worked with artists such as Benny Lee, Julie Andrews, Eartha Kitt, Petula Clark, and Mel Tormé ~ Temple was born in 1913
May 30, 2008 ~ The 39th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. To mixed weather this year's edition would draw a total of some 94,000 visitors. Included on today's, Friday the 30th's bill would be Flogging Molly, Incubus, Metallica, SAT2D, Animal Alpha, Alter Bridge, From First To Last, Jonathan Davis, and Porcupine Tree
May 30, 2005 ~ Indie rock band Arctic Monkeys release their debut single, featuring the songs Fake Tales Of San Francisco and From The Ritz To The Rubble ~ Titled Five Minutes With Arctic Monkeys, the band's debut single was issued in a limited edition. Both songs would be re-recorded for the band's Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not debut album released the following year. With only 1500 CDs and 1500 vinyl copies of the single released, it has become a sought after collector's item. The band would go on to become one of the most highly acclaimed and commercially successful British indie rock bands to emerge in the 2000s
May 30, 2004 ~ The 35th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ Day 2 of 3. Sunny and warm with occasional rain this year's edition would draw a total of some 36,000 visitors. Included on today's, Sunday the 30th's bill would be Seeed, Less Than Jake, the Rasmus, the Pixies, Tiësto, the Kaizers Orchestra, T Raumschmiere, the Audio Bullys, Dave Clarke, and After Forever
May 30, 2003 ~ Michael Peter Hayes, commonly known as producer, label executive Mickie Most, passed away in London, UK ~ Produced singles such as the Animals' debut single Baby Let Me Take You Home, Brenda Lee's Is It True and What'd I Say, Donovan's Sunshine Superman and Mellow Yellow, Lulu's To Sir With Love, the Seekers' The Days Of My Life an Nancy Sinatra's The Highway Song. Worked with Jeff Beck on the albums Truth and Beck-ola. Continued into the 1970s producing acts such as Alexis Korner's CCS, Smokie, Hot Chocolate, Julie Felix, Suzi Quatro (Can The Can, Devil Gate Drive), Mud (Tiger Feet), and others. Discovered Kim Wilde singing background vocals for her father and Most immediateley scored with Kids In America, launching Kim's career. Most's son Calvin Hayes is a member of pop group Johnny Hates Jazz, also signed to Most's RAK Records. Other acts that Most worked with throughtout the years include Terry Reid, the She Trinity, New World, Duncan Browne, Cozy Powell, Tam White, and Chris Spedding ~ Hayes was born in 1938
May 30, 1998 ~ The 29th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 1 of 3. Mostly a sunny and warm weekend this year's edition would draw some 51,500 visitors. Included on today's, Saturday the 30th's bill would be Itchy Bitchy, Girls Against Boys, Primus, Supersub, Ozric Tentacles, and Zion Train
May 30, 1996 ~ Bassist John Kahn passed away in Mill Valley, California, USA ~ In-demand session musician from the mid-1960s onwards. Has worked with Mike Bloomfield, Nick Gravenites, John Lee Hooker, Tom Fogerty, Al Kooper, Jackie DeShannon, Otis Rush, Brewer & Shipley including on the 1971 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit One Toke Over The Line, and with once-girlfriend Maria Muldaur. Perhaps best known as regulator collaborator of Jerry Garcia in the bands the Jerry Garcia Band, Old & In The Way, Legion Of Mary, and Reconstruction ~ Kahn was born in 1947
May 30, 1995 ~ Antonio González Flores, commonly known as rock, pop, flamenco singer, guitarist, pianist, actor Antonio Flores, passed away in Madrid, Spain ~ Brother of singers Lolita Flores and Rosario Flores. Best known for Cosas Mias, his fourth and final album released in 1995. His previous albums had been commercially unsuccessful yet in hindsight Flores would posthumously be acclaimed as one of Spain's most influential artists ~ Flores was born in 1961
May 30, 1993 ~ Herman Poole Blount, commonly known as jazz bandleader, pianist, poet Sun Ra, passed away in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Led the musical collective the Arkestra from the 1950s until his death in the early-1990s, drawing from a wide variety of jazz subgenres including ragtime, swing, bebop, free jazz, avant-garde and jazz fusion. Pioneered the use of electric keyboards and synthesizers. Blount has adamantly claimed to have had encounters with extra-terrestrials and have visited Saturn, a theme regularly adressed in his music ~ Blount was born in 1914
May 30, 1989 ~ Jamel Phillips, commonly known as rapper A$AP Twelvyy, born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Member of hip hop group A$AP Mob. Released his full-length 12 debut album in 2017. Has collaborated with the likes of the Flatbush Zombies, Smoke DZA, Harry Fraud, and Statik Selektah
May 30, 1988 ~ Country, progressive country singer Rodney Crowell releases his Diamonds & Dirt album ~ Recorded entirely in Nashville, Tennessee, Diamonds & Dirt was Crowell's first album aimed squarely at country audiences and by far his commercially most successful. Five singles were lifted off the album, It's Such A Small World which featured his then-wife Rosanne Cash, I Couldn't Leave You If I Tried, She's Crazy For Leaving, After All This Time, and the Buck Owens-cover Above And Beyond, all of which would reach the top position on the Billboard Country charts. The album itself would reach top 10 on the Billboard Country album charts, peaking at No.8, his highest charting album as a solo artist, and be critically warm received, with No Depression stating the songs were “played by a band that, in its day, rivaled the Desert Rose Band and Dwight Yoakam's backing unit as the tightest pseudo-honky-tonkers in country music”
May 30, 1986 ~ Henry Mobley, commonly known as jazz, hard bop, soul jazz saxophonist Hank Mobley, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ As a longtime associate of Horace Silver, starting on the 1955 Horace Silver & the Jazz Messengers landmark album, Mobley was considered pivotal to the development of hard bop. Praised for his laid-back, subtle tone and regarded by some critics as one of the most underrated jazz saxophonists, his sound less agressive than John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins yet neither as soft as Stan Getz and Lester Young. Mobley recorded over two dozen albums as a leader, including the acclaimed Hank Mobley Quintet and Soul Station, the latter featuring Art Blakey, Wynton Kelly, and Paul Chambers, and has appeared on albums by Stan Getz, Kenny Dorham (Afro-Cuban), Dizzy Gillespie, Doug Watkins, Lee Morgan, Kenny Burrell, Art Farmer (Farmer's Market), Jackie McLean (4 5 And 6), Kenny Drew, Curtis Fuller, Johnny Griffin (A Blowin' Session), Max Roach, Freddie Hubbard, Donald Byrd (Byrd In Flight), Elvin Jones, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock (My Point Of View), Freddie Roach, Grant Green (I Want To Hold Your Hand), Milt Jackson, and Tete Montoliu ~ Mobley was born in 1930
May 30, 1984 ~ Indie pop, indie folk-pop singer, pianist, clavinetist, organist, songwriter Brooke Waggoner born ~ Self-released her Heal For The Honey debut album in 2008 and has recorded consistently since. Had her songs used on TV series such as Pretty Little Liars, Grey's Anatomy, and Army Wives. Guested on the White Stripes-guitarist Jack White's Blunderbuss solo debut album. Has also guested on recordings by Kyle Andrews, Mat Kearney, Sleeping At Last, Buddy Miller, Beck, and Cody Jinks
May 30, 1982 ~ Gary McCann, commonly known as dubstep producer, DJ Caspa, born in London, UK ~ Has DJ'd at premier festivals including Glastonbury, Global Gathering, Stereosonic, and Lollapalooza. Released his full-length Everybody's Talking Nobody's Listening debut album in 2009
May 30, 1982 ~ Songwriter Leon René passed away ~ Known for writing or co-writing songs such as Gloria (Bob Hayward), I Lost My Sugar In Salt Lake City (Johnny Mercer), Rockin' Robin (Bobby Day), When It's Sleepy Time Down South (Louis Armstrong), Dig That Crazy Santa Claus (Oscar McLollie), Gee Whiz (Bob & Earl), and I Sold My Heart To The Junkman (the Basin Street Boys) ~ René was born in 1902
May 30, 1981 ~ Freak folk, psychedelic folk singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Devendra Banhart, full name Devendra Obi Banhart, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Released his full-length The Charles C Leary in 2002. Influenced by Kurt Cobain, Simon Diaz, Mick Jagger, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Axl Rose, Caetano Veloso. Has collaborated with Jana Hunter, Adán Jodorowsky, Natalia Lafourcade, Stray Dogg, Akira Kosemura
May 30, 1980 ~ Bassist Carl Radle passed away in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ In-demand touring and session bassist, mostly associated with a number of influential 1960s, 1970s artists notably Delaney & Bonnie and Eric Clapton, present on over half a dozen of the latter's albums including 461 Ocean Boulevard, Slowhand and on Clapton's Derek & the Dominos' Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs. Backed Joe Cocker on the 1970 Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour. Played George Harrison's 1971 The Concert For Bangladesh charity concert, released as a double LP the next year. Has also worked with Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson, Dave Mason, JJ Cale, and Leon Russell ~ Radle was born in 1942
May 30, 1980 ~ Alternative rock bassist Hilary Woods born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Member of alternative rock outfit JJ72 from 1996 through 2003, present on both the band's albums JJ72 and I To Sky. Following the band's disbandement Woods semi-retired from music to spend time raising her family, resurfacing as a solo artist a decade later starting with The River Cry
May 30, 1980 ~ Reminisce Smith, commonly known as rapper Remy Ma born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Discovered by Big Pun. First gained attention as member of Terror Squad, known for their 2004 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Lean Back. Debuted as a solo artist with the There's Something About Remy (Based On A True Story) album in 2006. Known for songs such as Feels So Good featuring Ne-Yo and All The Way Up featuring Fat Joe, French Montana & Infrared
May 30, 1979 ~ Rock singer Brett Anderson, full name Brett Elizabeth Anderson, born in Bloomington, Indiana, USA ~ Lead singer for all-female rock outfit the Donnas, influenced by the Ramones, Joan Jett, Girlschool, AC/DC, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and Kiss. The band drew a cult following from their 1997 eponymous The Donnas debut album onwards, achieving mainstream succes by the early-2000s. Best known for the singles Take It Off and Fall Behind Me
May 30, 1978 ~ Keinan Abdi Warsame, commonly known as rapper, singer K'naan, born in Mogadishu, Somalia ~ Internationally best known for Wavin' Flag, chosen as Coca-Cola's promotional anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa. Also known for 2012's Is Anybody Out There featuring Nelly Furtado, a top 20 hit in Furtado's native Canada
May 30, 1978 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer, arranger Randy Napoleon born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Freddy Cole, Benny Green, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Michael Bublé, Monty Alexander, Bill Charlap, Michael Dease, René Marie, Rodney Whitaker, Josh Brown, Justin Ray, Jared Gold, Hilary Gardner, Etienne Charles, Melisa Morgan, and others
May 30, 1977 ~ Paul Emil Breitenfeld, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Paul Desmond, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Quintessential cool jazz saxophonist. Best known for his longtime association with Dave Brubeck, including writing the Dave Brubeck Quartet's biggest hit Take Five of their 1959 Time Out album. Also appeared on albums by Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Jackie & Roy (Time & Love), Don Sebesky (Giant Box), Jim Hall, Art Garfunkel (Watermark), and Chet Baker ~ Desmond was born in 1924
May 30, 1977 ~ The 8th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ A cloudy day, some 45,000 visitors show up for this edition's bill which includes the Kinks, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Nils Lofgren, the Racing Cars, the Golden Earring, the Bothy Band, and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
May 30, 1974 ~ Lamont Coleman, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Big L, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Emerged in the 1990s, known for his freestyling ability and use of wordplay. Influenced and impressed artists such as Nas. Released his full-length Lifestyles Ov Da Poor And Dangerous in 1995. Has collaborated with Children Of The Corn, Lord Finesse, Fat Joe, Buckwild, and Jay-Z ~ Coleman passed away in 1999
May 30, 1974 ~ Thomas DeCarlo Callaway, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Cee Lo Green, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Formed the duo Gnarls Barkley with Danger Mouse, known for the 2006 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Crazy. Also well known for his association with Dungeon Family and Goodie Mob. Has recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Cee-Lo Green And His Perfect Imperfections released in 2002. Scored a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit with F-ck You of his 2010 The Lady Killer album. Has also collaborated with the likes of Trick Daddy, Field Mob, Kelis, Nas, Estelle, and TI
May 30, 1974 ~ Indie rock, indie pop, experimental, funk, R&B singer, keyboardist, bassist, drummer, songwriter Kevin Barnes born in Athens, Georgia, USA ~ Frontman and sole constant member of Of Montreal, with whom he recorded well over a dozen albums starting with Cherry Peel released in 1997
May 30, 1971 ~ Singer Idina Menzel born in Queens, New York, USA ~ First gained attention in Broadway musicals such as Wicked and Rent, the latter earning her a Tony nomination. Became a household name with the Oscar and Grammy-winning song Let It Go from the Disney, Frozen soundtrack
May 30, 1971 ~ Alternative rock, post-grunge bassist Patrick Dahlheimer, full name Patrick Michael Dahlheimer, born in York, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Co-founding member of Live, present on all of the band's albums. During the band's hiatus formed the Gracious Few with Chad Taylor, Chad Gracey, Kevin Martin and Sean Hennesy
May 30, 1971 ~ Gospel singer Sammie Okposo born ~ Active as a soundtrack producer in his native Nigeria since the early-1990s. Debuted as a singer with the album Unconditional Love released in 2000, spawning the hit Welu-Welu. Has collaborated with Marvellous Odiete and Jonathan Nelson ~ Okposo passed away in 2022
May 30, 1967 ~ Gregory O Mays, commonly known as rapper Greg Nice, born ~ Formed the duo Nice & Smooth with Smooth B, aided by DJ Teddy Tedd and best known for a number of 1990s underground rap songs notably Funky For You, Hip-Hop Junkies, Sometimes I Rhyme Slow and Old To The New
May 30, 1967 ~ Rock, pop drummer Ian Mussington born ~ Best known for his work with Soul Asylum, sessioning with the band from 1998 through 2001. Has also worked with Stress, Wyclef Jean, Lenny Kravitz, Misty Oldland, 12 Rounds, and others
May 30, 1967 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Tim Burgess, full name Timothy Allan Burgess, born in Salford, UK ~ Lead singer for the Electric Crayons, known for their sole Hip Shake Junkie single. Lead singer for alternative rock outfit the Charlatans, known for UK top 10 hits such as The Only One I Know, One To Another, North Country Boy, and How High. Forms the Chavs with Carl Barât and Jamie Reynolds. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album I Believe released in 2003. Guested on Saint Etienne's 1993 I Was Born On Christmas Day recording. Guested on the Chemical Brothers' Life Is Sweet and The Boxer
May 30, 1966 ~ Indie rock singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist Stephen Malkmus born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Lead singer, guitarist, primary songwriter for indie rock outfit Pavement, generally regarded as the most influential alternative underground band of the 1990s and especially acclaimed for their 1992 Slanted And Enchanted debut album and its 1994 follow-up Crooked Rain Crooked Rain. Malkmus has also recorded as a solo artist, and collaborated with Ectoslavia, Silver Jews, and the Crust Brothers
May 30, 1966 ~ Thelma Combe, commonly known as bandleader, bassist Thelma Terru passed away in Michigan, USA ~ Active from the 1920s onwards. The first female instrumentalist to lead a notable jazz orchestra. Led Thelma & the Playboys, featuring a young Gene Krupa on drums ~ Combes was born in 1901
May 30, 1965 ~ Indie pop, alternative rock singer Briana Corrigan born ~ Female lead singer of the Beautiful South from 1988 through 1992, replaced by Jacquie Abbott. Appeared on the band's first three albums and the hit single A Little Time. Released her debut solo album, When My Arms Wrap You Round, in 1996
May 30, 1965 ~ Rhythm & blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Rick Holmstrom born in Fairbanks, Alaska, USA ~ Worked with Smokey Wilson, Junior Watson, Johnny Dyer, Rod Piazza, the Mighty Flyers, John Medeski, DJ Logic, Mavis Staples, and others
May 30, 1964 ~ Guitarist Tom Morello, full name Thomas Baptist Morello, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of Rage Against The Machine, with whom he recorded four albums through 2000. The band is best known for their 1992 debut single Killing In The Name which did not chart in the USA but reached the No.1 spot in the UK. Following the band's breakup by the turn of the century bandmates Tim Commerford, Brad Wilk, and Morello teamed up with Soundgarden-lead singer Chris Cornell to form the Audioslave, and recorded three albums through the mid-2000s. Morello has also worked with Run-DMC, Primus, Perry Farrell, Atari Teenage Riot, Street Sweeper Social Club, Robbie Robertson, Shooter Jennings, Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty, and Prophets Of Rage, and released solo work under the moniker the Nightwatchmen
May 30, 1964 ~ Multi-instrumentalist, composer Troy Donockley born in Workington, UK ~ Best known as member of symphonic metal band Nightwish. Has also worked with Barbara Dickson, the Bad Shepherds, Iona, Dave Bainbridge, Maddy Prior, Midge Ure, You Slosh, Auri, the Enid, Kathryn Tickell, Mostly Autumn, Roy Harper, Mermaid Kiss, Magenta, Johanna Kurkela, Mike Dawes, Ayreon, Tuomas Holopainen, Gandalf's Fist, Kamelot, Steve Hackett, Apocalyptica, and others
May 30, 1964 ~ Christina Claire Ciminella, commonly known as country, country pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Wynonna Judd born in Ashland, Kentucky, USA ~ First rose to prominence as half of the mother-daughter duo the Judds, the other half being Naomi Judd, known for 1980s hits such as Mama He's Crazy, Why Not Me, Girl Night Out, Grandpa Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days, Turn It Loose and Let Me Tell You About Love. Ventured out on her own after Naomi retired from music for health reasons. Released her Wynonna debut album in 1992 and has gone on to a successful solo career, choosing at times a more rock-influenced path yet also venturing into soul, gospel and show tunes for good measure. Well known songs include I Saw The Light, Rock Bottom, To Be Loved By You, What The World Need, and others. Has collaborated with Clint Black (A Bad Goodbye), Michael English, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Huey Lewis, and Sam & Dave's Sam Moore
May 30, 1962 ~ Geir Jensen, commonly known as producer, electronic musician Biosphere, born in Norway ~ Influenced by New Order, Depeche Mode, Wire, and Brian Eno. Member of critically acclaimed synth trio Bel Canto, alongside Nils Johansen and Anneli Drecker, appearing on the albums White-Out Conditions and Birds Of Passage. Went solo in 1990 and has been recording ambient and ambient house under the moniker Biosphere ever since
May 30, 1962 ~ Guitarist Joey Tafolla born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Son of guitarist Noah Tafolla and singer Rosie Hamlin, both members of Rosie & the Originals. Joey was briefly a member of heavy metal group Jag Panzer before turning out a solo record, Out Of The Sun, in 1987. Has also worked with Graham Bonnet, Ken Tamplin, Milan Polak, and others
May 30, 1960 ~ Vocal harmony quartet the Four Voices record Sealed With A Kiss ~ Penned by Peter Udell and Gary Geld. Though the Four Voices version failed to make much of an impact on the charts, several others would make the song a hit, notably Brian Hyland reaching top 10 Billboard Hot 100 in 1962, both Gary Lewis & the Playboys and Bobby Vinton top 20 in 1968, and Australian singer Jason Donovan topping the UK charts with his 1989 cover
May 30, 1960 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Stephen Duffy, also known as Stephen Tin Tin Duffy, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Early member of Duran Duran, departing the band before their rise to fame in the early-1980s. As a solo artist perhaps best known for the 1985 UK top 10 hit Kiss Me. Founded and fronted the Lilac Time, which also included his brother Nick Duffy, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums. The band was especially acclaimed for their first three albums, The Lilac Time, Paradise Circus, and & Love For All. Duffy has also co-written songs with Steven Page, notably Alcohol and Call And Answer both included on Page's band Barenaked Ladies's hit album Stunt, and co-wrote Robbie Williams's UK No.1 hit Radio
May 30, 1959 ~ Saxophonist Pietro Tonolo born in Mirano, Italy ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Franco D'Andrea, Luigi Bonafede, Larry Nocella, Massimo Urbani, Rita Marcotulli, Enrico Rava, Gil Evans, Steve Lacy, Lew Soloff, Ray Anderson, Paul Motian, Kenny Clarke, Roswell Rudd, Sal Nistico, Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, John Surman, Steve Swallow, Gil Goldstein, Barry Altschul, Joe Chambers, Henri Texler, Aldo Romano, Kenny Wheeler, Eliot Zigmund, Tony Oxley, Guido Manusardi, Luca Flores, Giovanni Tommaso, Mario Raja, Marcello Tonolo, Francesco Maciante, the Ex-Novo Ensemble, and others
May 30, 1958 ~ J-pop, city pop, dance-pop, pop rock guitarist, producer, songwriter Hideo Saito born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Best known for his association with pop singer Chisato Moritaka from 1987 through 1995, writing over 60 songs and producing most of her work starting with Moritaka's New Season debut album
May 30, 1958 ~ Pop singer, pianist, songwriter Marie Fredriksson, full name Gun-Marie Fredriksson, born in Ossjo, Sweden ~ Formed Roxette with Per Gessle, known for a string of late-1980s, early-1990s hits including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits The Look, Listen To Your Heart, Dangerous, It Must Have Been Love, Joyride, and Fading Like A Flower (Every Time You Leave). Previously sang with bands such as Strul and with the short-lived MaMas Barn. Has also recorded a number of solo albums, starting with Het Vind released in 1984 ~ Fredriksson passed away in 2019
May 30, 1958 ~ Oluwashina Akanbi Peters, commonly known as guitarist, pianist, singer Shina Peters, born in Nigeria ~ Fronted Olushina & the Twelve Fantastic Brothers. Also worked with Ebenezer Obey, Prince Adekunle, and with Segun Adewale. Known for songs such as Ijo Shina, OLuwa Yo Pese, Omo Bo, and Give Our Women Chance
May 30, 1955 ~ Nichola Bowen Headon, commonly known as drummer Topper Headon, born in Bromley, UK ~ Member of punk, punk rock, punk-pop outfit the Clash from 1977 through his dismissal in 1982, fired for his substance abuse and succeeded by Pete Howard. Present on all of the band's albums except for their final Cut The Crap album released in 1985. Owns his nickname of Topper for his resemblance to Mickey the Monkey of the Topper comic
May 30, 1953 ~ Arthur Wilson, commonly known as actor, singer Dooley Wilson, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as an actor, remembered for portraying Sam in the 1942 Casablanca feature film portraying its theme song As Time Goes By. Active as a drummer and singer, leading his own band in the 1920s touring nightclubs in London and Paris. Took up acting by the 1930s ~ Wilson was born in 1886
May 30, 1952 ~ Classical concert pianist Alexander Toradze, full name Alexander Davidovich Toradze, born in Tblisi, Georgian SSR ~ Best known for his classical Russian repertoire. Has worked with renowned orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, the Marlinsky Theatre Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Toradze passed away in 2022
May 30, 1952 ~ Virtuoso pianist, conductor, composer Zoltan Kocsis born in Budapest, Hungary ~ Considered an expert on the works of Béla Bartók, whose entire works he recorded. Also included in his oeuvre are works by Claude Debussy, noted for his early-1990s recording of Images, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Johann Sebastian Bach. A celebrated soloist the world over, Kocsis has performed with the Berlin Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Staatskapelle Dresden. Kocsis is also known for co-founding the Budapest Festival Orchestra with Iván Fischer ~ Kocsis passed away in 2016
May 30, 1951 ~ Pop, folk pop, pop rock singer Zdravko Colic born in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia ~ Dubbed “the Tom Jones of the Balkans” and best known for Ti Si Mi U Krvi, considered one of the all-time most endearing Yugoslavian pop ballads. Colic was a member of Ambasadori, and briefly of progressive rock band Korni Grupa, before venturing out on his own by the early-1970s. Colic has recorded over a dozen solo albums since, and is especially acclaimed for his emotionally expressive tenor voice and showmanship, earning critical acclaim and a devoted following throughout Southeastern Europe. Well known songs include Sinoc Nisi Bila Tu, Gori Vatra, Ona Spava, Vagabund, Jedna Zima Sa Kristinom, and Jastreb
May 30, 1950 ~ Roger John Barrett, commonly known as singer, guitarist, banjoist, fiddler, keyboardist Wild Willy Barrett, born in Aylesbury, UK ~ Masters a variety of genres, including folk, blues, psychedelia, pop, and punk rock. Known for his virtuoso fiddle playing and his onstage wit. As a solo artist especially acclaimed for his 1979 Call Of The Wild debut album. Closely associated with John Otway, both as the duo Otway & Barrett and guesting on several of Otway's albums. Has also worked with Amon Düül II, Keith Hudson, the Flys, and Martin Darvill
May 30, 1947 ~ Singer Georg von Trapp, full name Georg Ludwig Ritter von Trapp, passed away in Stowe, Vermont, USA ~ Patriarch of the Trapp Family Singers, whose life story, published in Maria von Trapp's 1949 memoir, would serve as the basis for the musical The Sound Of Music penned by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II ~ Von Trapp was born in 1880
May 30, 1946 ~ Producer, songwriter Eddy Ouwens born in Rotterdam ~ Co-wrote Teach-In's Ding-a-dong, 1975 Eurovision Songfestival winner, with Dick Bakker and Will Luikinga. Also worked with acts such as Bolland & Bolland, the Shoes and Harmony. As a recording artist, under the moniker Danny Mirror he released a tribute single I Remember Elvis Presley (The King Is Dead following Elvis Presley's death in 1977. It would reach the British top 10 and spents several weeks topping the Dutch charts
May 30, 1945 ~ Folk singer Cathy Conn born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Formed the short-lived duo Friend & Lover with then-husband Jim Post, best known for their 1968 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Reach Out Of The Darkness. A follow-up single, If Love Is In Your Heart, would stall in the 80s on the same chart but as they were unable to repeat their earlier succes the couple and band broke up by the early-1970s
May 30, 1945 ~ Singer Gladys Horton, full name Gladys Catherine Horton, born in Gainesville, Florida, USA ~ Founder, lead singer of the Marvelettes, known for songs such as Playboy, Strange I Know, As Long As I Know He's Mine, Too Many Fish In The Sea, Don't Mess With Bill, The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game, and My Baby Must Be A Magician, all of which reached top 10 Billboard R&B. Their biggest hit, Please Mr Postman released in 1961, would be the first Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit for the Motown label ~ Horton passed away in 2011
May 30, 1944 ~ Beat guitarist, singer Lenny Davidson, full name Leonard Arthur Davidson, born in Enfield, UK ~ Member of the Dave Clark Five from 1961 through its disbandement in 1970. The band would sell over 100 million records and in their heyday be the Beatles biggest competitor. Davidson co-wrote songs such as Catch Us If You Can, Crying Over You, When. Sang lead on Everybody Knows, a UK top 10 hit in 1967
May 30, 1942 ~ Rock, blues rock guitarist, harmonica player Jim Murray born ~ Original member of psychedelic blues rock band Quicksilver Messenger Service, leaving the band in late 1967 shortly before they recorded their eponymous Quicksilver Messenger Service debut album. In the early-1970s, Murray would briefly team up again with his former bandmate John Cipollina in Copperhead, and thereafter regularly sit in with them live ~ Murray passed away in 2013
May 30, 1935 ~ Trumpeter, hornist Harry Beckett, full name Harold Winston Beckett, born in St Michael, Barbados ~ Leader and sideman. Notably worked with Charles Mingus in the 1962 All Night Long film. Closely associated with bassist Graham Collier. Would go on to become a key figure in the British free jazz scene, working with acts such as Nucleus, Brotherhood Of Breath, the Dedication Orchestra, the London Jazz Composers Orchestra, John Surman, Django Bates, Ronnie Scott, Charlie Watts, Stan Tracey, and Elton Dean ~ Beckett passed away in 2010
May 30, 1933 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Michael Garrick born ~ A graduate of English literature and a versatile pianist, Garrick is perhaps best known as a pioneer in mixing jazz with poetry recitations and for the use of jazz in large-scale choral works. Musical director of Poetry & Jazz In Concert, highlighting the literary works of several British poets. Well known for a series of jazz-choral works, starting with Jazz Praises for sextet and choir first performed in 1967. Garrick has recorded prolifically as a leader since the 1950s, has held several teaching positions including at the Royal Academy of Music and the Trinity College of Music, and has recorded about half a dozen albums with Don Rendell & Ian Carr ~ Garrick passed away in 2011
May 30, 1931 ~ Maria Victoria Ledesma Cuevas, commonly known as actress, singer Rosa de Castilla, born in Encamacion de Diaz, Mexico ~ One of the leading ladies of the golden age of Mexican cinema, appearing in over four dozen films starting in the early-1950s. Sang ranchera songs in most of her films. As a recording artist perhaps best known for The Sounds Of Old Mexico album released in 1956, featuring backing from Antonio Aguilar, Luis Pérez Meza, and Rosita Quintana ~ Ledesma Cuevas passed away in 2022
May 30, 1930 ~ Singer, guitarist, actor Uno Loop born in Tallinn, Estonia ~ Active since the 1950s. Member of Sinilind, jazz group Metronoom, the Estonian Radio Male Quartet. Active as a solo singer since the 1960s, performing light pop, jazz, estrada music. Known for solo hits such as Loke Preerias and Mis Varvi On Armastus, and Heidy Tamme-duets such as Uued Laulud and Na-na-na ~ Loop passed away in 2021
May 30, 1927 ~ Singer Elly Stone born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Barbra Streisand's understudy for the 1962 I Can Get It For You Wholesale Broadway musical. Best known as an interpreter of Jacques Brel, notably in the revue Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well And Living In Paris in 1968, on Broadway in 1972, and in the 1975 film version ~ Stone passed away in 2020
May 30, 1927 ~ Ellsworth McGranahan Keane, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, poet Shake Keane, born in Kingstown, West Indies ~ Rose to fame as a member of Joe Harriott's quintet, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Free Form and Southern Horizons. Keane and Harriott also frequently worked with pianist Michael Garrick in the Poetry & Jazz In Concert road show. Keane has also recorded several albums as a leader, usually a lighter shade of jazz, starting with In My Condition released in 1961, was a key member of Kurt Edelhagen's radio orchestra, and has worked with the Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band, the latter of which has been generally acknowledged as the pre-eminent European jazz ensemble of the 1960s. In the early-1970s Keane returned to his native St Vincent to take up a government position as director of culture. In 1975, Keane returned to teaching as his main profession, while continuing to write poetry ~ Keane passed away in 1997
May 30, 1926 ~ Fiddler Johnny Gimble, full name John Paul Gimble, born in Tyler, Texas, USA ~ Considered one of country's greatest fiddlers. Member of Bob Wills's backing unit the Texas Playboys. Also sessioned, toured and collaborated with Conway Twitty, Connie Smith, Marty Robbins (I'll Go On ALine), Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Lefty Frizzell, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Chet Atkins, Vince Gill, Tanya Tucker, Dale Watson, his granddaughter Emily Gibson, and others ~ Gimble passed away in 2015
May 30, 1926 ~ Trumpeter Tony Terran born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Member of highly revered collective of first call session musicians the Wrecking Crew. Has backed artists such as the Jackson 5, the Mamas & the Papas, the Beach Boys, the Beatles, the Bee Gees, Ray Charles, Chicago, Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Bob Dylan, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Elvis Presley, Eartha Kitt, Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Madonna, Dean Martin, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Diana Ross, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, the Baja Marimba Band, the Tijuana Brass, the Carpenters, and Tom Waits. Also known for his many recordings for TV series, I Love Lucy, The Brady Bunch, Star Trek, The Love Boat, and films such as An Officer And A Gentleman, Close Encounters Of The Third Kind and The Exorcist ~ Terran passed away in 2017
May 30, 1924 ~ Percussionist Armando Peraza born in Havana, Cuba ~ Worked with Santana, Alberto Ruiz, Machito, Charlie Parker, Buddy Rich, Slim Gaillard, Pérez Prado, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Mingus, Dexter Gordon, Tony Martinez, Dave Brubeck, Cal Tjader, George Shearing, Al McKibbon, Peggy Lee, Mongo Santamaria, Francisco Aguabella, Shelly Manne, Stan Kenton, Chick Corea, Sadao Watanabe, Johnny Pacheco, Harvey Mandel, José Areas, Mingo Lewis, Raul Rekow, Orestes Vilato, John Santos, Rebeca Mauleon, and Michael Shrieve ~ Peraza passed away in 2014
May 30, 1921 ~ Alan Jacycock, commonly known as pianist Alan Clare, born ~ Self-taught pianist. Has been playing professionally since age 15. Worked with Carlo Krahmer, Sid Phillips, Sid Milward, Stéphane Grappelli and others. Best known as leader of Alan Clare Trio teaming up with bassist Lennie Bush and drummer Tony Crombie from the mid-1950s into the 1960s ~ Clare passed away in 1993
May 30, 1919 ~ Jazz saxophonist Joe McQueen, full name Joe Leandrew McQueen, born in Ponder, Texas, USA ~ Toured with various bands throughout the USA. While passing through Ogden, Utah, the leader of the band he was in took off with the money. McQueen and his wife decided to stick around in Ogden and he had been performing locally ever since, including backing visiting musicians such as Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, Lester Young, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, and others ~ McQueen passed away in 2019
May 30, 1914 ~ Robert J Sherwood Jr, commonly known as guitarist, trumpeter, bandleader, radio host Bobby Sherwood, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Replaced Eddie Lang as the guitarist for Bing Crosby in 1933 and remained with Crosby till the early-1940s. Worked as a bandleader for Judy Garland at Decca Records. Had his own big band that included Dave Pell and Kitty Kallen at Capitol Records ~ Sherwood passed away in 1981
May 30, 1909 ~ Bandleader, clarinetist Benny Goodman, full name Benjamin David Goodman, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Jimmie Noone, Johnny Dodds, Leon Roppolo. Helped jazz into the mainstream. Noted for his The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert, considered a landmark performance in the history of jazz. Trailblazing bandleader, leading one of the first racially integrated jazz groups. Catalyst for swing and bebop, explorer of classical music. Known for recordings such as He's Not Worth Your Tears, Ain't Cha Glad, I Ain't Lazy I'm Just Dreamin' featuring Jack Teagarden, Ol' Pappy featuring Mildred Bailey, Riffin' The Scotch featuring Billie Holiday, Moonglow, Take My Word, and Bugle Call Rag. Also noted for employing numerous future stars early on in their career, perhaps most notably guitar virtuoso Charlie Christian ~ Goodman passed away in 1986
May 30, 1903 ~ Songwriter, pianist Alex Kramer born in Montreal, Canada ~ Vocal coach to Joan Whitney, whom he eventually married. As a husband-wife songwriting team they would become known for penning a number of hits, notably the 1947 Jimmy Dorsey-hit High On A Windy Hill. Other successes would include Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens for Louis Jordan, Deep As The River for Harry Belafonte and Love Somebody for Buddy Clark and Doris Day ~ Kramer passed away in 1998
May 30, 1902 ~ Lincoln Theodore Monroe Andrew Perry, commonly known as vaudevillian, comedian, actor Stepin Fetchit, born in Key West, Florida, USA ~ First African-American to have a serious film career, enjoying popularity from the 1930s onwards. Perry's film career nearly stopped in the early-1950s as black Americans began to see his regular character as an embarrassing and harmful stereotype. Co-wrote May What He Lived For Live with Berry Gordy Jr and Esther Gordy Edwards, recorded by Liz Lands, intended to honor the memory of the then-recently assassinated President John F Kennedy ~ Perry passed away in 1985
May 30, 1901 ~ Jazz, dixieland saxophonist, composer Frankie Trumbauer, full name Orie Frank Trumbauer, born in Carbondale, Illinois, USA ~ Leading jazz saxophonist of the 1920s and 1930s. Known for songs such as Krazy Kat, Red Hot, Plantation Moods and Trumbology. Closely associated with Bix Beiderbecke and Eddie Lang, recording under the group moniker Tram Bix & Lang including the landmark recordings Singin' The Blues in 1927 and the first hit recording of the Hoagy Carmichael-penned Georgia On My Mind in 1931 ~ Trumbauer passed away in 1956
May 30, 1896 ~ Jacob Schmidt, commonly known as audeville singer, pianist Whispering Jack Smith, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Popular 1920s, 1930s vaudeville and radio singer known for his intimate, understated, smooth delivery, hence the “whispering” moniker. Well-known songs include Manhattan and Me & My Shadow ~ Smith passed away in 1950
May 30, 1891 ~ Benjamin Anzelwitz, commonly known as bandleader, violinist, songwriter Ben Bernie, born in Bayonne, New Jersey, USA ~ One of the first generation of stars, alongside Paul Whiteman, Ted Lewis, Al Jolson. Started in vaudeville. First to record Sweet Georgia Brown which he co-wrote with Maceo Pinkard and Kenneth Casey, the song would become a jazz standard ~ Bernie passed away in 1943