May 31, 2024 ~ Drummer, singer Carel Copier passed away ~ Co-founding member of Doe Maar, appearing on the band's eponymous Doe Maar debut album and its follow-up Skunk. Copier sang lead on Verdomme Ik Doe Het Wel Alleen, Nix Voor Jou, and Te Laat, the latter two of which Copier co-wrote. In 1981, shortly before their rise to fame, Copier departed the band, to be succeeded by René van Collem. The band would go on to become one of the most successful in Dutch pop history. Following his departure from the band, Copier would focus on his career as a painter ~ Copier was born in 1952
May 31, 2022 ~ Post-minimalist composer Ingram Marshall, full name Ingram Douglass Marshall, passed away ~ Though Marshall himself described his music as expressivist counted among post-minimalist composers. Influenced by 1960s minimalist composers such as Steve Reich, Terry Riley and John Adams, as well as world music, portraying a fondness for the gamelan. Composed chamber music, orchestral and choral works. Well known compositions include Fragility Cycles and Voce Resonae, the latter written for the Kronos Quartet ~ Marshall was born in 1942
May 31, 2022 ~ Blues, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Kelly Joe Phelps passed away in Iowa, USA ~ Draws from Delta blues, jazz, folk, gospel, Americana. Influenced by Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Mississippi Fred McDowell. Acclaimed for his slide guitar technique. Debuted with the critically acclaimed Lead Me On album in 1995. Has collaborated with Paul Curreri, Jay Farrar (Sebastopol), Rory Block, Linda Tillery, Tim O'Brien, Greg Brown, Tony Furtado, Louise Taylor, Townes Van Zandt (The Highway Kind), and others ~ Phelps was born in 1959
May 31, 2017 ~ Jazz guitarist Bern Nix passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Ornette Coleman for over a decade, starting in the mid-1970s. Other than with Coleman's Prime Time group Nix also worked with Jayne Cortez, John Zorn, Elliott Sharp, Jemeel Moondoc, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Kip Hanrahan, Lenore von Steiin, and recorded a number of albums as a leader, notably Tangerine released in 2015 ~ Nix was born in 1947
May 31, 2016 ~ Singer, radio, TV personality Corry Brokken, full name Cornelia Maria Brokken, passed away in Laren, the Netherlands ~ Debuted in 1952 with the song I Apoligize. Internationally best known for winning the 1958 Eurovision Songfestival with Net Als Toen. Brokken also represented the Netherlands in the 1957 edition with Voorgoed Voorbij and in the 1959 edition with Heel De Wereld. Following her musical career, Brokken would go on to become a well known radio and TV presenter, study law, and later still become a lawyer and eventually a judge ~ Brokken was born in 1932
May 31, 2010 ~ Tango singer, bandoneonist, songwriter Rubén Juárez, full name Jorge Rubén Juárez, passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Perhaps best known for his recording of Para Vos (Canilla). Has collaborared with the likes of Charly García, Pedro Aznar, Leopoldo Federico, Litto Nebbia, and Raúl Luzzi ~ Juárez was born in 1947
May 31, 2009 ~ Singer Jay Sean releases Down featuring Lil' Wayne, lifted off his All Or Nothing album ~ Issued as the second single off his first album for the American Cash Money Records label, the track featured a guest appearance by Lil' Wayne singing the second verse. Down would become Sean's first single to chart on the American all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart, and actually made Sean the first British male urban artist to have an American No.1 hit when it bumped I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas off the top spot. Sean had penned the song during a late night recording session in the Hit Factory Studio, Miami, after feeling somewhat “down” by all the trouble in the world. As he later told Billboard: “The news was on, everything was depressing and we were like, Look at this man, everything's so down in the dumps. Why don't we write a song to take everyone's mind away from being down? Wayne heard it, fell in love and dropped a verse on it”
May 31, 2009 ~ The 40th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 2 of 3. Dry and warm, this year's edition would draw a total of some 90,000 visitors. Included on today's, Sunday the 31st's bill would be Milow, Volbeat, Madness, Krezip, Placebo, de Staat, Rowwen Hèze, Maria Mena, James Morrison, Keane, You Me At Six, Kyteman, the Rifles, the White Lies, and Pendulum
May 31, 2008 ~ The 39th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 2 of 3. To mixed weather this year's edition would draw a total of some 94,000 visitors. Included on today's, Saturday the 31st's bill would include Moke, KT Tunstall, the Editors, Kaiser Chiefs, the Foo Fighters, Air Traffic, Bad Religion, the Eagles Of Death Metal, the Stereophonics, the Verve, Blood Red Shoes, Voicst, Amy MacDonald, Justice, and Groove Armada
May 31, 2006 ~ Songwriter Lulu Mae Hardaway passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Mother of R&B singer, pianist Stevie Wonder and co-writer of a number of her son's best known including I Was Made To Love Her, Signed Sealed Delivered (I'm Yours), You Met Your Match, and I Don't Know Why I Love You ~ Hardaway was born in 1930
May 31, 2004 ~ Songwriter, screenwriter Etienne Roda-Gil passed away in Paris, France ~ Best known as regular songwriting partner of Julien Clerc, co-penning a significant amount of Clerc's songs from the late-1960s forward including La Cavalerie, Ce N'Est Rien, Dance S'Y, and one of his best known This Melody. Others who have recorded songs co-written by Roda-Gil include Barbara, Claude François, Riccardo Cocciante, Vanessa Paradis (Joe Le Taxi), and Johnny Hallyday ~ Roda-Gil was born in 1941
May 31, 2004 ~ The 35th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ Day 3 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, Monday the 31st's bill would be Wealthy Beggar, the Sugababes, Black Eyed Peas, NERD, Lenny Kravitz, Muse, the Datsuns, Franz Ferdinand, Jet, the Roots, Moloko, Novastar, the Thrills, Goldfrapp, Ojos de Brujo, and Starsailor
May 31, 2000 ~ Guitarist Joe Puma passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with Joe Roland, Cy Coleman, Louie Bellson, Artie Shaw, Eddie Bert, Herbie Mann, Mat Mathews, Chris Connor, Paul Quinichette, Lee Konitz, Dick Hyman, Morgana King, Bobby Hackett, Gary Burton, the New York Jazz Ensemble, Carmen McRae, Chuck Wayne, and others ~ Puma was born in 1927
May 31, 2000 ~ Doo-wop, gospel, R&B, singer Johnnie Taylor, full name Johnnie Harrison Taylor, passed away in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Earned the nickname “the Philosopher of Soul” after moving to Stax/Volt in the mid-1960s. Probably best remembered for Disco Lady off his 1976 Eargasm album. Disco Lady would become the first Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit with the word “disco” in the title. Taylor had been active since the 1950s, notably as a member of gospel outfit the Highway QC's including on Somewhere To Lay My Head, and as a member of the Soul Stirrers, replacing Sam Cooke in the latter. As a solo artist, Taylor would enjoy popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, well known songs include Who's Making Love, Take Care Of Your Homework, Testify (I Wanna), I Believe In You (You Believe In Me), Cheaper To Keep Her, We're Getting Careless With Our Love, and Love Is Better In The AM (Part 1) ~ Taylor was born in 1934
May 31, 1998 ~ The 29th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 2 of 3. Mostly a sunny and warm weekend with some rain today, Sunday, this year's edition would draw some 51,500 visitors. Included on today's, Sunday the 31st's bill would be Caesar, the Posies, the Dandy Warhols, Skik, Van Dik Hout, Bentley Rhythm Ace, Moby, Tricky, and Reprazent
May 31, 1996 ~ Normani Kordei Hamilton, mononymously known as singer Normani born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Member of girl group Fifth Harmony, known for songs such as Worth It featuring Kid Ink and Work From Home featuring Ty Dolla $ign. As a solo artist known for 2018's Love Lies with Khalid and 2019's Dancing With A Stranger with Sam Smith, both of which reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 10
May 31, 1993 ~ The 24th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Cloudy, dry, windy, some 64,300 visitors show up for this edition's bill whick includes the Black Crowes, Lenny Kravitz, Living Colour, Claw Boys Claw, Rage Against The Machine, Bettie Serveert, Thelonious Monster, and the Red Devils
May 31, 1991 ~ Hip-hop, hip house, pop rap rapper, singer, songwriter Azealia Banks, full name Azealia Amanda Banks, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Released her debut single 212 featuring Lazy Jay in 2012. It would go viral and reach top 20 in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. A full-length debut album, Broke With Expensive Taste, would follow in 2014
May 31, 1990 ~ Arthur London, commonly known as singer, actor Art Lund, passed away in Utah, USA ~ Early on in his career, Lund sang with big bands led by Benny Goodman and Harry James. As a solo artist known for songs such as Mam'selle, Slow Boat To China, What I'll Do, You Call Everybody Darlin', and Peg O' My Heart. Lund also notably played several leading roles in Broadway shows including The Most Happy Fella and Destry Rides Again ~ London was born in 1915
May 31, 1986 ~ Juaquin James Malphur, commonly known as rapper, actor Waka Flocka Flame, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Broke through to mainstream with his 2009 singles O Let's Do It, Hard In Da Paint and No Hands featuring Roscoe Dash and Wale, all taken of his Flockaveli debut album and the latter reaching top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Has since collaborated with Gucci Mane, Drake, Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj, Good Charlotte, NORE, the Cataracs, will.i.am, Wiz Khalifa, and others
May 31, 1983 ~ John Alexander Crawford, commonly known as hip hop, R&B producer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer JonFX, born ~ Co-produced Arms Around You, a 2018 top 30 hit on both sides of the Atlantic for XXXTentacion who had died earlier the same year and Lil' Pump. Other artists co-produced by Crawford include dancehall, reggae and hip-hop artists such as Shabba Ranks, I Wayne, Vybz Kartel, Gyptian, and Akon
May 31, 1982 ~ The thirteenth edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ Sunny and hot, some 30,000 visitors show up for this edition's bill which includes ZZ Top, Mink DeVille, Y&T, the Au Pairs, Kid Creole & the Coconuts, and Doe Maar
May 31, 1980 ~ Drummer Andrew Hurley, full name Andrew John Hurley, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Member of alternative rock, pop punk band Fall Out Boy since 2003. The band is best known for the hit singles Sugar We're Goin' Down and Dance Dance of their 2005 From Under The Cork Tree sophomore album. Hurley also co-founded heavy metal supergroup the Damned Things with bandmate guitarist Joe Trohman, and worked with hardcore punk outfit Enabler
May 31, 1980 ~ Joseph Francis Burke, commonly known as arranger, composer, producer, bandleader Sonny Burke passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Formed and led the Duke Ambassadors in 1937. Worked as arranger for Charlie Spivak, and for Jimmy Dorsey. Co-wrote a number of songs now regarded as standards, such as Black Coffee, and Midnight Sun. A&R for several major labels, including Decca Records. Produced Frank Sinatra's My Way as well as Petula Clark's This Is My Song. As bandleader accompanied singers such as Dinah Shore, Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, the Mills Brothers, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Tormé ~ Burke was born in 1914
May 31, 1978 ~ Anti-folk, indie rock singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Anna Ternheim born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Writing and performing since her early teens. Released her full-length Somebody Outside debut album in 2004. Best known for songs such as To Be Gone, My Secret, Girl Laying Down and Today Is A Good Day
May 31, 1977 ~ Alternative rock, post-hardcore drummer Chris Pennie born ~ Best known as member of progressive rock band Coheed & Cambria and co-founder of mathcore outfit the Dillinger Escape Plan. Has also worked with Return To Earth, Idiot Pilot, the Armed, Joseph A Peragine, Greg Puciato, and others
May 31, 1977 ~ Danny Polfliet, commonly known as pop-rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Danny Vera, born in Middelburg, the Netherlands ~ First gained attention in the late-1990s as frontman of Till Dawn. Released his For The Light In Your Eyes solo debut album in 2003. Had Chris Isaak guest on his 2005 Hold On A While album. Had James Burton guest on his 2013 Distant Rumble album. Best known for Rollercoaster, a hit in the Netherlands in 2019
May 31, 1973 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, banjoist, bassist, keyboardist Adam Gardner, full name Adam Seth Gardner, born in New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer for alternative rock outfit Guster, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums since the mid-1990s including the acclaimed Keep It Together released in 2003. Member of side project the LeeVees with Dave Schneider of the Zambonis, known for their 2005 Hanukkah Rocks album. Gardner and his wife also founded the non-profit company Reverb, helping bands and concert organizers reduce their carbon footprint
May 31, 1972 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion bassist, singer, songwriter Christian McBride born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Appears on over 300 recordings as a sideman. Worked with Freddie Hubbard, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, the Five Piece Band, Pat Metheny, Roy Haynes, Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis, Joshua Redman, Sting, Paul McCartney, Céline Dion, Isaac Hayes, the Roots, Queen Latifah, Renée Fleming, Carly Simon, Bruce Hornsby, James Brown, and others
May 31, 1972 ~ Industrial, techno singer Hanin Elias born in Wittlich, West Germany ~ Member of Atari Teenage Riot, known for fusing left-wing, anarchist and anti-fascist views with punk vocals and a techno sound. Elias has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the Parfum EP released in 1992, and guested on recordings by Pigface
May 31, 1971 ~ The 2nd edition of Pinkpop takes place in Geleen, the Netherlands ~ Sunny and hot, some 16,000 visitors show up for this edition's bill which includes Fleetwood Mac, Hardin & York, Shocking Blue, Focus, Forest, CCC Inc, Supersister, and Brainbox
May 31, 1968 ~ Film composer, pianist, conductor Giovanni Fusco passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Brother of composer Tarcisio Fusco. Married to pianist Adriana Dante, their daughter being the acclaimed operatic soprano Cecilia Fusco. Has composed numerous film scores, notably Cronacio Di Un Amore, Mon Amour, L'Avventura and La Guerre Est Finie ~ Fusco was born in 1906
May 31, 1967 ~ Jazz pianist, songwriter Billy Strayhorn, full name William Thomas Strayhorn, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with Duke Ellington. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Take The A-Train, Chelsea Bridge, A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing and Lush Life ~ Strayhorn was born in 1915
May 31, 1967 ~ Jazz bassist, composer Eric Revis born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Rose to prominence in the 1990s backing singer Betty Carter. Has since worked with Branford Marsalis, JD Allen, Orrin Evans, Russell Gunnn, Ralph Peterson Jr, Avishai Cohen, Winard Harper, Delfeayao Marsalis, Raul Midón, Jeff Tain-Watts, and others. Recording as a leader since the mid-2000s
May 31, 1966 ~ Mark Denis Lizotte, commonly known as rock, blues singer, guitarist Diesel, born in Fall River, Massachusetts, USA ~ Over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Johnny Diesel & the Injectors released in 1989 which spawned the Australian top 10 hits Don't Need Love, Soul Revival, Cry In Shame. Subsequent hits include Please Send Me Someone To Love, Come To Me, All Come Together. Has frequently guested on albums by his brother-in-law Jimmy Barnes
May 31, 1965 ~ Willie Perry Jr, commonly known as DJ, hype man DJ Casper, also referred to as Mr C The Slide Man, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Earned the moniker “Casper”, as in the fictional character Casper the Friendly Ghost from the animated cartoon series of the same name, for regularly appearing on stage in all-white attire. Best known for his 2004 single Cha Cha Slide, which became a hit in Chicago. The song would gain wider attention after Perry appeared as a DJ in an episode of Orange Is The New Black, with prisoners and guards line dancing to the song ~ Perry passed away in 2023
May 31, 1965 ~ Pop, rock drummer Steve White, full name Steven Douglas White, born in London, UK ~ Closely associated with Paul Weller, appearing on numerous of Weller's solo albums notably on Wild Wood and Stanley Road as well as on all albums by the Style Council. Has also worked with the Players, Jon Lord, Chad Smith, the Trio Valore, and the Family Silver
May 31, 1964 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Carl Petter Opsahl born in Oslo, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Caledonia Jazzband, the All-Star Brass Band, Soulfood, Christian Frank, Bjorn Olufsen, Willert Krohn Hansen, Chateau Neuf Spelemannslag, Tord Gustavsen, Asmund Reistad, Jon Christensen, and Zotora
May 31, 1964 ~ Rapper Darryl McDaniels, also known as DMC, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Pioneered hip-hop culture. Co-founded hugely influential hip-hop group Run-DMC with Joseph Simmons and Jam Master Jay, known for It's Like That, My Adidas, You Be Illin', Down With The King and the Aerosmith-cover Walk This Way, the latter one of the first hip-hop songs to incorporate elements of rock
May 31, 1963 ~ Singer, actor, producer Hugh Dillon born in Kingston, Canada ~ Lead singer of punk-infused outfit the Headstones best known for Cubically Contained which reached the Canadian top 20 in 1997. After the band disbanded in 2003 Dillon formed the indie rock band the Hugh Dillon Redemption Choir, drawing from country, pop, punk and new wave
May 31, 1963 ~ Hardcore punk guitarist John Berry born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founded the Beastie Boys with Adam Yauch and Kate Schellenbach. Came up with the band's name. Berry departed the band in 1982, prior to their rise to fame, and would be succeedeed by Adam Horovitz ~ Berry passed away in 2016
May 31, 1962 ~ Pop, rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist, percussionist, songwriter Corey Hart, full name Corey Mitchell Hart, born in Montreal, Canada ~ Best known for the mid-1980s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Sunglasses At Night and Never Surrender. Has continued to record consistently since, the singles It Ain't Enough, Everything In My Heart, In Your Soul, A Little Love, Black Cloud Rain, and Another December all reaching top 10 in his native Canada
May 31, 1956 ~ Progressive rock, rock, jazz fusion keyboardist, singer John Young born in Liverpool, UK ~ Toured with Asia. Member of short-lived outfit the Law alongside Paul Rodgers and Kenney Jones. Closely associated with Bonnie Tyler, backing Tyler on tour since the mid-1990s. Toured with the Strawbs in the early-2010s. Co-founding member of Lifesigns, with whom he recorded several albums starting with the eponymous Lifesigns debut album released in 2013
May 31, 1955 ~ Composer, pianist, author Bruce Adolphe born ~ Had his compositions performed by the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell, the Beaux Arts Trio, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and the Washington National Opera, the latter notably premiering the one-act opera Let Freedom Sing (The Story Of Marian Anderson) in 2009. Adolphe has also authored several books on music and performs a weekly “Piano Puzzler” on Performance Today, the most listened-to classical music program in the United States
May 31, 1955 ~ William Thomas Emmanuel, commonly known as guitar, singer, songwriter Tommy Emmanuel, born in Muswellbrook, Australia ~ Guitar virtuoso admired by peers, critics and fans for his eclectic stylistic range, fingerpicking technique, ernergetic stage presence and overall virtuosity. Actively recording since the 1970s. Has collaborated with Bill Wyman, Arthur Blanch, Daryl Braithwaite, Rodney Crowell, Doyle Dykes, John Farnham, Al Perkins, Joscho Stephan, Marty Stuart, Chet Atkins, and others
May 31, 1954 ~ Pop, R&B, disco singer Vicki Sue Robinson born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Best known for her 1976 disco hit Turn The Beat Around. Had previously worked as a stage actress, singer debuting on Broadway performing in the original 1970 production of Hair at age 16. Also played in the 1973 cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. Sang backup on Todd Rundgren's acclaimed 1972 Something/Anything album. Robinson would spend most of the 1980s recording as a solo artist, jingle singer, and as a session backing vocalist, notably on Irene Cara's 1980 hit Fame, as well as with artists such as Michael Bolton and Cher ~ Robinson passed away in 2000
May 31, 1953 ~ Pop singer Bunny Walters, full name Bunny Te Kokiri Miha Waahi Walters, born in Katikati, New Zealand ~ Scored a number of hits in New Zealand during the 1970s, often covers of international hits. Well known releases include Just Out Of Reach, Brandy, Take The Money And Run, Home Isn't Home Anymore, and Quando Quando ~ Walters passed away in 2016
May 31, 1952 ~ Drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, songwriter, arranger, producer Jim Vallance, full name James Douglas Vallance, born in Chilliwack, Canada ~ Original drummer for rock outfit Prism, present on the band's eponymous Prism album released in 1977. Best known for his association with Bryan Adams, co-writing a significant amount of the singer's songs including Cuts Like A Knife, The Best Was Yet To Come, Heaven, Summer Of '69, and It's Only Love, the latter recorded as a duet with Tina Turner. Others who recorded songs co-written by Vallance include Toronto, Kiss, Ted Nugent, 38 Special, Neil Diamond, Anne Murray, Glass Tiger, Aerosmith (Rag Doll), Joe Cocker (When The Night Comes), Ozzy Osbourne, and Taylor Hicks
May 31, 1951 ~ Singer Tony Bennett records Cold Cold Heart at Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York, New York ~ Written and first recorded by country singer Hank Williams, who released the song earlier the same year. Due to the popularity of Bennett's pop version, both Williams and country music would gain exposure among a wider audience. Bennett's pop rendition, featuring a light orchestral arrangement by Percy Faith, would be one of only three Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits for Bennett, the others being Because Of You earlier the same year and Rags To Riches in 1953
May 31, 1950 ~ Rock bassist, singer Chris Bailey, full name Christopher Mark Bailey, born in Keith, Australia ~ Member of progressive blues rock band Headband from 1971 through 1974, pub rockers the Angels from 1976 through 1982, and Gana Gajang from 1984 through 2013. Bailey has also worked with Gotham City, PM, the Inivisible Men, Wendy Saddington, the Famous Nobodies, and Rat Tat Tat ~ Bailey passed away in 2013
May 31, 1949 ~ Guitarist Jeff Cotton, full name Jeffrey Ralph Cotton, born in Porterville, California ~ Best known as member of Captain Beefheart's backing unit the Magic Band, joining in 1967 as a replacement for Ry Cooder and leaving the band in 1970 after an altercation with drummer Jeff Bruschell. Also worked with Blues In A Bottle, Merrell Fankhauser, MU, and others
May 31, 1948 ~ Drummer John Bonham, full name John Henry Bonham, born in Redditch, UK ~ One of the most important drummers in rock history. Influenced by Max Roach, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich. Member of Led Zeppelin from its inception until his death at 32. Legendary live performer, known for his energetic, lengthy drum solos. Has also worked on Zep side projects and an in-demand guest for other artists. Appears on recordings by the Band Of Joy, the Family Dogg, Screaming Lord Sutch, Lulu, Jimmy Stevens, Roy Wood, and Harry Nilsson ~ Bonham passed away in 1980
May 31, 1948 ~ Producer Martin Hannett, full name James Martin Hannett, born in Manchester, UK ~ Director, staff producer at Factory Records. Has worked with artists such as Joy Division, Durutti Column, Magazine, John Cooper Clarke, New Order, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, the Happy Mondays, the Invisible Girls, and others ~ Hannett passed away in 1991
May 31, 1948 ~ Paulo Roberto Da Costa, commonly known as percussionist Paulinho Da Costa born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for Happy People released in 1979. Best known as an in-demand sideman, present on albums such as Earth Wind & Fire's All 'n All and Powerlight, Quincy Jones' The Dude, Michael Jackson's Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad, and Madonna's True Blue. Has also worked with Milton Nascimento, Dizzy Gillespie, Milt Jackson, Tavares, Deniece Williams (This Is Niecy), Freddie Hubbard, Rod Stewart (Blondes Have More Fun), Dolly Parton, Yvonne Elliman (Night Flight), Joe Sample, Kenny Loggins, the Brothers Johnson, Twennynine, Patti Austin (Every Home Should Have One), LTD, and Bobby Womack (The Poet)
May 31, 1947 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophinist Greg Abate born in Fall River, Massachusetts, USA ~ Backed Ray Charles in the early-1970s. Formed the short-lived Channel One, known for their sole album Without Boundaries released in 1981. Has also worked with Sax Oddysey, Duke Bellair, Jerome Richardson, Red Rodney and released well over a dozen solo albums
May 31, 1947 ~ William Campbell Jr, commonly known as singer Junior Campbell born in Glasgow, UK ~ Founding member, lead guitarist, pianist, singer of Marmalade. Co-wrote some of the band's best known including I See The Rain, Rainbow and Reflections Of My Life, the latter selling over 2 million copies. As a solo artist known for the early-1970s UK top 20 hits Hallelujah Freedom and Sweet Illusion. Would go on to compose for film and TV
May 31, 1947 ~ Label founder, executive, producer Larry Harris, full name Larry Alan Harris, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Got his start in music working for Buddah. Would go on to co-found Casablanca Records in 1973. The first act they signed was rock outfit Kiss. Other notable acts on the label included Donna Summer, Parliament, Cher and the Village People ~ Harris passed away in 2017
May 31, 1945 ~ Bobby Allen Hodge, commonly known as singer, guitarist Catfish Hodge, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Formed and fronted 1960s outfit the Catfish Band, active in the Detroit scene opening for the likes of Bob Seger, Black Sabbath, and Ted Nugent. As a solo artist released the Soap Opera's in 1975, which featured backing from Dr John, Sneaky Pete Kleinow, and Bonnie Raitt. Member of 1980s blues outfit the Bluesbusters, with whom he recorded the albums This Time and Accept No Substitute
May 31, 1945 ~ Conductor Yaacov Bergman born ~ Married to pianist Joan Behrens-Bergman. Well known for his associations with the Walla Walla Symphony, and the Portland Chamber Orchestra. Has also worked with the Colorado Springs Symphony, the New York Heritage Chamber Orchestra, the Osaka Symphonica, and the Israel Chamber Orchestra ~ Bergman passed away in 2023
May 31, 1943 ~ Singer, songwriter Wayne Carson, full name Wayne Carson Head, born in Denver, Colorado, USA ~ Best known as a songwriter who wrote or co-wrote several classics originally recorded by BJ Thomas (Always On My Mind) and perhaps most notably the Box Tops (The Letter, Neon Rainbow, and Soul Deep). Others who have recorded his songs include Brenda Lee, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, the Beach Boys, Dionne Warwick, Mel Tillis, Petula Clark, Clarence Carter, Gary US Bonds, Willie Nelson, Tina Turner, Conway Twitty, Johnny Paycheck, Gary Stewart, Moe Bandy, Glen Campbell, Shelby Lynne, April Fools, Waylon Jennings, Claude King, and others ~ Carson passed away in 2015
May 31, 1940 ~ August Meyers, commonly known as rock, country-rock, garage rock organist Augie Meyers, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding and key member of Sir Douglas Quintet with Doug Sahm. Meyers' organ was a pivotal element of the band's sound, especially notable on tracks such as She's About A Mover, Mendocino, and Nuevo Laredo. Co-founded supergroup the Texas Tornados, which also included Sahm, Flaco Jiménez, and Freddy Fender. Has also guested on albums such as Willie Nelson's Shotgun Willie and Bob Dylan's Time Out Of Mind
May 31, 1938 ~ Donald Eugene Lytle, commonly known as singer, songwriter Johnny Paycheck born in Greenfield, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for Take This Job And Shove It, a smash hit in 1977. Also known for Slide Of Of Your Satin Sheets, I'm The Only Hell Mama Ever Raised, Colorado Kool-aid, Me & The IRS and Friend Lover Wife. Wrote Apartment No.9, the first major hit for Tammy Wynette. Sang backup for George Jones. Also worked with Ray Price, Faron Young, Roger Miller, Skeets McDonald,and others ~ Lytle passed away in 2003
May 31, 1938 ~ Singer, guitarist Peter Yarrow born in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Formed the folk trio Peter Paul & Mary with Noel Paul Stookey and Mary Travers. Co-wrote Puff The Magic Dragon, one of the band's biggest hits. Has released a number of solo albums, starting with 1972's Peter, but would be unable to reach the same level of succes as with the trio
May 31, 1937 ~ Jazz drummer Louis Hayes born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Philly Joe Jones. Mentored by Jo Jones. Replaced Art Taylor in Horace Silver's quintet in 1956. Joined Cannonball Adderley in 1959. Succeeded Ed Thigpen in Oscar Peterson's trio in 1965. Worked with Yusef Lateef, Curtis Fuller, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, Kenny Barron, James Spaulding, John Coltrane, Kenny Burrell, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Timmons, Hank Mobley, Booker Little, Tommy Flanagan, Cecil Taylor, McCoy Tyner, Pepper Adams, Gene Ammons, Al Cohn, Richard Davis, Kenny Drew, Grant Green, John Hicks, Johnny Hodges, JJ Johnson, Jackie McLean, Wes Montgomery, Ray Brown, Gary Bartz, and others. Released his eponymous debut as a leader in 1960 and continues to record to this day
May 31, 1935 ~ Albert Heath, commonly known as hard bop drummer Albert Tootie Heath, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Brother of saxophonist Jimmy Heath and double bassist Percy Heath with whom he formed the Heath Brothers. First recorded with John Coltrane in 1957, featuring in Coltrane's first session as a leader (Coltrane). As a leader, Heath is best known for the early-1970s albums Kawaida and Kwanza. As sideman, Heath has appeared on albums by Red Garland (Groovy), Billy Taylor, Nina Simone, Cannonball Adderley, Art Farmer (Art), Sonny Red, JJ Johnson, Wes Montgomery (The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery), Gene Ammons, Walter Benton, Blue Mitchell (A Sure Thing), Charlie Mariano, McCoy Tyner, Charles McPherson (Be-Bop Revisited), Ben Webster, Tete Montoliu, and Herbie Hancock ~ Heath passed away in 2024
May 31, 1927 ~ James Wesley Holloway, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Red Holloway, born in Helena, Arkansas, USA ~ Played with artists such as Billie Holiday, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Willie Dixon, Junior Parker, Lloyd Price, Ben Webster, Jimmy Rushing, Arthur Prysock, Dakota Staton, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Wardell Gray, Sonny Rollins, Red Rodney, Lester Young, Joe Williams, Redd Foxx, BB King, Bobby Blue Bland, Aretha Franklin, Sonny Stitt, Memphis Slim, Lionel Hampton, Gene Ammons, Freddy Cole, Joe Dukes, Atle Hammer, Etta James, Wade Marcus, John Mayall, Jack McDuff, Clark Terry, Horace Silver, and others ~ Holloway passed away in 2012
May 31, 1926 ~ Heinz Lewy, commonly known as engineer, producer Henry Lewy, born in Magdeburg, Germany ~ Best known for his association with singer Joni Mitchell, engineering and producing albums such as Blue, Court And Spark, and Hejira. Other notable credits include Stephen Bishop, Neil Young (Harvest), Joan Baez, Leonard Cohen, Minnie Riperton (Minnie), Joan Armatrading, and Van Morrison ~ Lewy passed away in 2006
May 31, 1925 ~ Vaudevillian, songwriter Charles B Lawlor, also known as Chas B Lawlor, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Emigrated to America in the late 1860s. Perhaps best remembered for penning The Sidewalks Of New York with James W Blake. The song would become an unofficial anthem of New York, first recorded by Dan Quinn in 1895 and covered by numerous artists including Vernon Dalhart, Kai Winding, Nat King Cole, and Mel Tormé. The song would also be notably used as theme song in the campaign of presidential candidate Alfred E Smith in 1928 ~ Lawlor was born in 1852
May 31, 1924 ~ Yvette Montagnon, commonly known as classical guitarist, composer Ida Presti, born in Suresnes, France ~ Child prodigy. Would go on to become a highly acclaimed classical guitarist, perhaps best known for premiering Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto De Aranjuez broadcast on French radio in 1948. Following her marriage to classical guitarist Alexandre Lagoya in 1951, she would abandon her solo career and work with Lagoye as a duo ~ Montagnon passed away in 1967
May 31, 1908 ~ Dominic Felix Amici, commonly known as actor, comedian, vaudevillian Don Ameche, born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA ~ Major radio star during the early-1930s, followed by a career in Hollywood appearing in comedies, dramas and musicals, totalling some 40 films, as well as roles in Broadway productions and for TV. To younger audiences best known as the villain Mortimer Duke in 1983's Trading Places and for his role as Art Selwyn in 1985's Cocoon, the latter earning him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor ~ Amici passed away in 1993
May 31, 1901 ~ Conductor, composer Alfredo Antonini born in Milan, Italy ~ Student of Arturo Toscanini. Worked with the Pan-American Orchestra, the Columbia Concert Orchestra, Nestor Mesta Cháyres, Terig Tucci, Juan Arvizu, Elas Miranda, the New York Philharmonic, Eileen Farrell, Robert Merrill, and the CBS Orchestra ~ Antonini passed away in 1983