May 4, 2023 ~ Indie rock, indie folk, lo-fi guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Rob Laakso passed away ~ Closely associated with Kurt Vile, appearing on over half a dozen of Vile's albums since the late-2000s including the acclaimed Wakin' On A Pretty Daze album released in 2013. Laakso has also worked with the Wicked Farleys, the Swirlies, Mice Parade, and Diamond Nights ~ Laakso was born ca.1979
May 4, 2022 ~ Howard Kusten, commonly known as punk rock, heavy metal bassist Howie Pyro, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Founding member of the Blessed, D-Generation, and PCP Highway. Member of Danzig from 2000 through 2003, first appearing on the 2002 I Luciferi album ~ Kusten was born in 1960
May 4, 2020 ~ Drummer, lyricist, author Aldir Blanc, full nme Aldir Blanc Mendes, passed way in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Former psychiatrist would eventually quit medical practice to focus on music. Best known for his association with singer, songwriter João Bosco. Others who have recorded his songs include Elis Regina, Guinga, Milton Nascimento, and notably Nana Caymmi who recorded his Resposta Ao Tempo ~ Mendes was born in 1946
May 4, 2019 ~ James Barney Cobb Jr, commonly known as guitarist JR Cobb, passed away in Covington, Georgia, USA ~ Member of Classics IV, for whom he co-wrote Spooky, Stormy, and Traces. Member of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, for whom he co-wrote Champagne Jam and Do It Or Die. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Cobb include Sandy Posey (I Take It Back), the Tams (Be Young Be Foolish Be Happy), and Wynonna Judd (Rock Bottom). Cobb has also toured with country supergroup the Highwaymen, which consisted of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson ~ Cobb was born in 1944
May 4, 2018 ~ Avraham Reichstadt, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter Abi Ofarim, passed away in Munich, Germany ~ Half of husband-wife duo Esther & Abi Ofarim, known for 1960s hits such as Noch Einem Tanz, Cinderella Rockafella and Morning Of My Life, the latter written by the Bee Gees ~ Ofarim was born in 1937
May 4, 2018 ~ Bassist Tony Kinman passed away ~ Cowpunk pioneer. Member of seminal California political punk outfit the Dils, which also included his brother Tony Kinman. Following the band's disbandement in the early-1980s the brothers would found cowpunk outfit Rank & File, with whom they recorded three albums starting with Sundown released in 1982. Though the band made little impact at the time they would in hindsight be considered as pioneers in the cowpunk genre, merging punk energy with country influences. The band also included a then-unknown Alejandro Escovedo ~ Kinman was born ca.1955
May 4, 2012 ~ Rapper Adam Yauch, also known as MCA, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Founding member of pivotal hip-hop group the Beastie Boys, known best for their 1987 Billboard top 10 single (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party). The band was responsible for making hip-hop a valid genre for white artists and drew from originally white genres including rock and punk ~ Yauch was born in 1964
May 4, 2012 ~ Singer José Salvador Peréz, also known as Tinoco, passed away ~ Formed the sertanejo sibling duo Tonico & Tinoco with Tonico. The duo enjoyed a career spanning six decades, recorded over 1,400 songs, sold over 50 million albums despite never performing outside their native Brazil. Well known songs include Chici Mineiro, Canta Moçada, Arraste Pe Na Tuia, Moreninha Linda, Estrada Da Vida, and No Mouão Da Porteira ~ Peréz was born in 1920
May 4, 2010 ~ Singer, acress Brita Borg, full name Brita Kerstin Gunvor Borg, passed away in Borgholm, Sweden ~ Internationally perhaps best known for representing her native Sweden at the 1959 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 9th place with Augustin ~ Borg was born in 1926
May 4, 2004 ~ Pianist, harpsichordist, producer Erik Smith, full name Erik George Sebastian Smith, passed away ~ Son of conductor Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt. Of Jewish descent fled Germany in 1936 with his mother and brother to be raised in the UK. Producer for Decca Records and Phillips. Formed the London Wind Soloists and the Vienna Mozart Ensemble. Produced over 90 opera recordings. Best known for the complete recordings of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, some 180 CDs known as The Complete Mozart Edition released in the early-1990s ~ Smith was born in 1931
May 4, 1998 ~ Singers Brandy and Monica release their collaborative The Boy Is Mine single ~ In The Boy Is Mine, the singers fight over the same man. Reportedly Brandy and Monica were inspired by both the Jerry Springer Show, where love triangles were a common theme, and by The Girl Is Mine, a hit duet by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney off of Jackson's Thriller album. The Boy Is Mine would be a major hit, and reach top 10 in well over a dozen countries including the No.1 spot in Canada, the Netherlands, and America, reaching the top position on the Billboard Hot 100 in its second week on the charts. Aditionally, the single would earn three Grammy Award nominations, winning both singers their first prize for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. Prior to recording their duet, the two singers had never met. As Monica later explained: “I had never even seen her before because I listen to a lot of gospel music. From the time she was (first) released and I was (first) released, instantly people compared us and I never understood it. It's like they chose the two of us out of the bunch to put at odds. They never did it with me and Aaliyah, or Brandy and Aaliyah. It was always Brandy and Monica. That's why we took the song and brought humor to a situation that people tried to make serious”
May 4, 1994 ~ Racheal Lynn Woodward, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter RaeLynn born in Baytown, Texas, USA ~ First gained attention as contestant on talent show The Voice in 2012. Even though she did not make the finals Woodward was signed shortly after the show to Republic Nashville label. Has written songs with Natalie Hemby, Jon Randall, John Wiggins. Backed Blake Shelton on the 2013 single Boys Round Here. Released a number of singles, notably 2014's God Made Girls, prior to her full-length WildHorse debut album in 2017
May 4, 1992 ~ Denis Alexandrovich Shaforostov, commonly known as metalcore, hard rock, rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Denis Stoff, born in Khartsyz, Ukraine ~ Co-founded metalcore band Make Me Famous in 2010. Member of Down & Dirty from 2012 through 2015. Perhaps best known as lead singer for Asking Alexandria for about a year and a half replacing Danny Worsnop, present on the 2016 The Black album. Has also recorded as a solo artist, and worked with Drag Me Out, Crown The Empire, and Conquer Divide
May 4, 1992 ~ Percussionist, dancer, singer Dudu Ndlovu, full name Dudu Mntowaziwayo Ndlovu, passed away ~ Member of Juluka. Member of Savuka. Fatally shot at age 34 while walking home. The following year Johnny Clegg and Savuka recorded their Heat Dust & Dreams album, the track The Crossing (Osiyeza) dedicated to Ndlovu ~ Ndlovu was born in 1957
May 4, 1991 ~ Singer Carola wins the 36th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Rome, Italy ~ Representing Sweden, Carola wins with the song Fångad Av En Stormvind written by Stephan Berg. Runner-ups would be France's Amina with C'Est Le Dernier Qui A Parlé Qui A Raison in second place, and Israel's Duo Datz with Kan in third
May 4, 1990 ~ Jazz guitarist, songwriter Emily Remler passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Influenced by both pop and rock guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Winter, and jazz guitarists including Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, Herb Ellis, Pat Martino and Joe Pass. Worked in bands such as 4play, Little Queenie and the Percolators before embarking on a solo recording starting with 1981's critically acclaimed Firefly. Has since worked with Larry Coryell, Astrud Gilberto, Bob Moses, Ray Brown, David Benoit, and Susannah McCorkle. Remler was married to Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander from 1981 to 1984. Remler died at age 32, barring the scars of an on-and-off drug addiction and a rock & roll life on the road ~ Remler was born in 1957
May 4, 1987 ~ Blues harpist, singer Paul Butterfield, full name Paul Vaughn Butterfield, passed away in North Hollywood, California, USA ~ Best known for being one of the first white musicians to achieve commercial success with hard-edged, raw Chicago blues, notably with the 1960s the Paul Butterfield Blues Band albums The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and its follow-up East-West. Butterfield has also performed or recorded with Muddy Waters, Nick Gravenites, Elvin Bishop, Michael Bloomfield, and John Mayall ~ Butterfield was born in 1942
May 4, 1987 ~ Hard bop, post-bop bassist Wilbur Little passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Worked with the Griffin Brothers, Sir Charles Thompson, JJ Johnson, Tommy Flanagan, Buck Hill, Freddie Hubbard, Duke Jordan, Lee Konitz, Junior Mance, Horace Parlan, Archie Shepp, and Randy Weston ~ Little was born in 1928
May 4, 1985 ~ Anatoliy Vladimirovich Fedorov, commonly known as singer Anthony Fedorov, born in Yalta, Ukranian SSR ~ Lead singer of 7th Heaven. Rose to fame as contestant on the 4th season of talent contest show American Idol in 2005, reaching 4th place
May 4, 1985 ~ Pop group the Bobbysocks win the 30th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Representing Norway pop group the Bobbysocks win with the song La Det Swinge written by Rolf Løvland
May 4, 1985 ~ Jamie Adenuga, commonly known as grime MC, producer, DJ, songwriter Jme, born in Hackney, UK ~ Co-founder of the Boy Better Know label. Member of the Meridian Crew. Member of Roll Deep which also included his brother Skepta. As a solo artist known for singles such as Over Me, Sidetracked featuring Wiley, and 96 Fuckries
May 4, 1981 ~ Singer, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Dallon Weekes, full name Dallon James Weekes, born in Verona, Missouri, USA ~ Best known as lead vocalist of Panic At The Disco from 2009 to 2017. Also worked with the Brobecks, I Don't Know How But They Found Me and has released a number of solo recordings, sometimes collaborating with Brendon Urie, Ian Crawford and Tyler Joseph
May 4, 1979 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Dylan records Gotta Serve Somebody at Muscle Shoals Studios, Sheffield, Alabama ~ Written by Dylan. Produced by Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett. Recorded for his 1979 Slow Train Coming album. Released as a single, b/w Trouble In Mind, it would reach top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. As Dylan's first release during his “Christian phase” it was met with mixed reception, John Lennon going so far as to respond with the song Serve Yourself lashing out at Dylan
May 4, 1979 ~ James Lance Bass, commonly known as pop, R&B singer, pianist, actor Lance Bass, born in Laurel, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known as member of NSYNC, joining the band in 1995 as replacement for Jason Galasso. Following the completion of the band's 2001 PopOdyssey tour Lance relocated to Russia in pursuit of a seat on the Soyuz space capsule. Although certified by both NASA and the Russian Space Program Lance never got to go to space on account of his financial backers dropping out. Bass came out as gay in 2006 and has since also been known as a gay rights activist
May 4, 1978 ~ Operatic bass singer Matthew Rose born in Seaford, UK ~ Has worked with the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Sympony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and others
May 4, 1977 ~ Eugenio Sanchez Jr, commonly known as electronic, house producer, DJ, remixer, label executive, A&R agent Junior Sanchez, born in Belleville, New Jersey, USA ~ Executive and A&R agent for Rufftrax, his own Cube Recordings, and various other labels. Has collaborated with Azealia Banks, Katy Perry, Armand van Helden, Green Velvet, Mya, Good Charlotte, Daft Punk, Madonna, Shakira, Ariana Grande, Róisín Murphy, Jamiroquai, and Giorgio Moroder
May 4, 1976 ~ Anza Ohyama, mononymously known as rock, pop, heavy metal singer, actress Anza, born in Cape Town, South Africa ~ Has appeared in about a dozen separate productions of the musical Sailor Moon. Member of Moon Lips, a girl group comprised of actresses from the musical. Lead singer for heavy metal outfit Head Phones President. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the Sakurakko Club, Momo, and Vitamin Q
May 4, 1976 ~ Nathan Robinson, commonly known as jazz trombonist Jim Robinson, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for his signature song Ice Cream. Mentor to Frank Demond and to Big Bill Bissonnette. Worked with Sam Morgan, Bunk Johnson, and George Lewis ~ Robinson was born in 1892
May 4, 1975 ~ Alternative rock, alternative metal, nu metal, electronica drummer, keyboardist, singer, producer, DJ Ontronik Khachaturian, also known as Andy Khachturian, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Original drummer System Of A Down, replaced by John Dolmayan in 1997 prior to the band's rise to fame. Founder, lead singer of al-progressive rock band Mt Helium from 1999 through 2002. Also worked with KillMatriarch, VoKee, and recorded as a solo artist
May 4, 1974 ~ Gerald Walcan Bright, mononymously known as dance band bandleader Geraldo, passed away in Vevey, Switzerland ~ One of the most popular dance bandleaders of the 1930s and 1940s employing sidemen such as Johnny Dankworth, Benny Green, Bill Le Sage, Ronnie Scott, and Stan Tracey ~ Bright was born in 1904
May 4, 1973 ~ Chris Palko, commonly known as hip-hop, rap rock rapper Cage, born in Würzburg, West Germany ~ Founding member of hip-hop supergroup the Weathermen. Forms the duo Leak Bros with rapper Tame One. Forms the duo the Nighthawks with Camu Tao. As a solo artist active since the late-1990s, releasing his full-length Movies For The Blind solo debut album in 2002. Has also guested on recordings by Aesop Rock, El-P, Handsome Boy Modeling School, Kid Cudi, and Sadistik
May 4, 1972 ~ Contemporary Christian singer, guitarist, songwriter Chris Tomlin, full name Christopher Dwayne Tomlin, born in Grand Saline, Texas, USA ~ One of the most popular contemporary Christian music singer, known for songs such as How Great Is Our God, Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies) and his rendition of Good Good Father. His 2013 Burning Lights would top the all-genre Hot 200 albums chart in its first week, only the 4th CCM album to achieve this feat
May 4, 1972 ~ Michael Ryan Pritchard, commonly known as Mike Dirnt, born in Rodeo, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of punk rock outfit Green Day, known for spearheading the 1990s punk rock revival and acclaimed for albums such as Dookie and American Idiot, the latter their first album to top the Hot 200 and later reworked into the first Broadway punk rock opera
May 4, 1972 ~ Pop, rock singer, songwriter Patti Rothberg, full name Patricia Lynne Rothberg, born in New York, New York, New York, USA ~ Released her Between The 1 And The 9 debut album in 1996, spawning the modest Billboard hit Inside. Has opened for artists such as the Wallflowers, Chris Isaak, Garbage, Midnight Oil and Paul Westerberg
May 4, 1971 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer Rudresh Mahanthappa born in Trieste, Italy ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Vijay Iyer, Bunky Green, Craig Taborn, Francois Moutin, Dan Weiss, Rez Abbasi, Ronan Guilfoyle, Chandler Sardjoe, Mark Dresser, Gerry Hemingway, Steve Lehman, the Oversize Quartet, Clark Terry, Amir Elsaffa, Andrs Morgensen, Jason Robinson, Danilo Pérez, and Jack DeJohnette
May 4, 1970 ~ Jazz pianist Giovanni Mirabassi born in Perugia, Italy ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Chet Baker, Steve Grossman, Pierre Stephane Michel, Flavio Boltro, Daniele Mericarelli, Louis Moulin, Andrzej Jagodzinski, Glenn Ferris, Gildas Bocle, Claude Nougaro, Agnes Bihi, Serge Lama, Jeanne Cherhal, Serge Gainsbourg, Patrick Artero, Gianluci Renzi, Leon Parker, and Cyril Mokalesh
May 4, 1969 ~ Bassist Art Edwards, full name Arthur Eugene Edwards III, born in Moline, Illinois, USA ~ Co-founding member of alternative rock band the Refreshments, which also included Roger Clyne and known best for Banditos of their 1996 Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy album. Also a novelist, debuting in 2003 with Stuck Outside Of Phoenix which was later made into a feature film for which Edwards also wrote the screenplay
May 4, 1968 ~ In its sixth week on the charts, The Unknown Soldier by the Doors peaks at No.39 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Issued as the lead single off their Waiting For The Sun sophomore album. Contrary to many songs of the era, The Unknown Soldier was specifically not about the Vietnam war, which was going on at the time, the band aiming for a timeless appeal rather than a time capsule. Reportedly, it took the band well over a 100 takes to record a version they were happy with. Due to the controversial subject, the single received little airplay. Its follow-up single, the lighter Hello I Love You off the same album, would do better and reached the top of the American charts
May 4, 1966 ~ Singer, songwriter Anders Osborne born in Uddevalla, Sweden ~ Influenced by Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Lowell George, Robert Johnson. Recording as a solo artist since the late-1980s. Known for songs such as Favorite Son and Pleasing You. Wrote Watch The Wind Blow By, recorded by Tim McGraw. Has collaborated, written, performed and recorded with artists such as Keb' Mo, Tab Benoit, Mike Zitto, Johnny Sansone, the Stanton Moore Trio, Toots & the Maytals, Luther Dickinson, the Voice Of The Wetlands All-Stars, Billy Luso, Derek Trucks, and Susan Tedeschi
May 4, 1964 ~ Heavy metal, thrash metal singer, guitarist, songwriter Gary Holt, full name Gary Wayne Holt, born in San Pablo, California, USA ~ Influenced by Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi, Matthias Jabs, Ted Nugent. Guitarist, primary songwriter for thrash metal act Exodus. Joined Slayer in 2011, initially as a temporary replacement for the illness stricken Jeff Hanneman, becoming a permanent member in 2013
May 4, 1964 ~ Jazz percussionist, composer Terje Isungset born in Hol, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with Ictus, Night & Day, Supply, Kenneth Sivertsen, Arve Henriksen, Stian Westerhuis, Mats Ellertsen, Karl Seglem, and Tore Brunborg
May 4, 1963 ~ Maria Evangelina Leonel Gandolfo, commonly known as post-punk, alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Vange Leonel, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Known for her soulful, bluesy vocals, inspired by Billie Holiday and Janis Joplin. Rose to fame as member of post-punk outfit Nau, known for their eponymous 1987 Nau album. Has recorded as a solo artist, starting with Vange released in 1991 which included her best known song Noite Preta. Leonel came out as a lesbian in the mid-1990s and has since been a vocal advocate for the gay cause and women's rights. Leonel is also known as an author ~ Leonel passed away in 2014
May 4, 1963 ~ Vincent Charles Pusateri, commonly known as hard rock, glam metal bassist, singer Vinnie Chas, born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Served in several bands with a then-unknown Jerry Cantrell, his childhood friend of later Alice In Chains fame, prior to joining glam metal outfit Pretty Boy Floyd. The band is perhaps best known for Rock And Roll (Is Gonna Set The Night On Fire) and I Wanna Be With You, both taken of their 1989 Leather Boyz With Electric Toyz debut album ~ Pusateri passed away in 2010
May 4, 1962 ~ Rock bassist Erik van Biesen born in Dendermonde, Belgium ~ Best known as member of pivotal rock group Gorki. Has also worked with the Paranoiacs, Revenge 88, Captain X, Freddy Devadder, de Bende van Meende and his own Biezen
May 4, 1961 ~ Gospel singer, producer, songwriter Donald Lawrence born in Gastonia, North Carolina, USA ~ Has worked as vocal coach to En Vogue, musical director for Stephanie Mills, songwriter for the Clark Sisters, and in a variety of roles collaborated with Peabo Bryson, Kirk Franklin, Karen Clark Sheard, Donnie McClurkin, Mary J Blige, and others
May 4, 1961 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, singer Jay Aston born in Porthcawl, UK ~ Member of pop group Bucks Fizz from 1981 through 1985 including on their 1981 Eurovision Songfestival-winner Making Your Mind Up, The Land Of Make Believe, My Camera Never Lies and When We Were Young, singing lead on the latter
May 4, 1960 ~ Singer Beata Kozidrak born in Lublin, Poland ~ Singer, songwriter, main lyricist of Polish rock band Bajm, which she co-founded with her brother the late Jaroslaw Kozidrak
May 4, 1959 ~ Randy Bruce Traywick, commonly known as country, gospel singer, guitarist, songwriter Randy Travis born in Marshville, North Carolina, USA ~ Active since the late-1970s. Retired from music in 2013 for health reasons. Pivotal figure in country music, major force in the neotraditionalist movement. Some 20 albums to his name. Known for songs such as On The Other Hand, Forever And Ever Amen, Honky Tonk Moon, Deeper Than The Holler, Is It Still Over, It's Just A Matter Of Time, The Hard Rock Bottom Of Your Heart, Point Of Light, If I Didn't Have You, and Whisper My Name
May 4, 1956 ~ Rockabily, rock & roll singer Gene Vincent records Be-bop-a-lula at Bradley Film & Recording Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Under the supervision of producer Ken Nelson, Vincent and his backing unit the Blue Caps record Be-bop-a-lula as well as Race With The Devil, Woman Love and I Sure Miss You.
May 4, 1956 ~ Soul, retro-soul, R&B, funk singer Sharon Jones, full name Sharon Lafaye Jones, born in Augusta, Georgia, USA ~ Influenced by Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Ike & Tina Turner, Marva Whitney, Michael Jackson, Erykah Badu and Beyoncé. Sang in church choirs and as a session backing singer, working with the likes of Norma Jean Bell, They Might Be Giants, Lucky Peterson, Booker T Jones, Steve Cropper, and Rufus Wainwright. As a solo artist broke through relatively late in life fronting the acclaimed retro-soul, funk outfit Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings known for backing Amy Winehouse. The band has recorded over half a dozen critically acclaimed albums with the band, starting with Dap Dippin' With Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings released in 2002 ~ Jones passed away in 2016
May 4, 1955 ~ Robert Alan Deal, commonly known as heavy metal, hard rock, guitarist, singer, songwriter Mick Mars, born in Terre Haute, Indiana, USA ~ Co-founding member of Mötley Crüe, known for Billboard top 20 hits such as Smokin' In The Boys Room, Girls Girls Girls, Dr Feelgood, Without You and Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away). Has guested on recordings by Hinder, Papa Roach, and Dilana
May 4, 1955 ~ Rock, country, pop singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter, producer Robert Ellis Orrall born in Winthrop, Massachusetts, USA ~ As a solo artist known for songs such as Boom It Was Over and A Little Bit Of Her Love in the 1990s and the Carlene Carter-duet I Couldn't Say No in 1983. Best known as songwriter penning or co-penning over 250 songs songs. Artists who have recorded his songs include Reba McEntire, Shenandoah (Next To You Next To Me), Martina McBride, Taylor Swift (I'm Only Me When I'm With You), Lindsay Lohan, Clay Walker, Ilse de Lange (I'm Not So Tough), Ashton Shepherd, Michael Peterson (From Here To Eternity), and Clay Walker
May 4, 1954 ~ Country singer, guitarist, trumpeter, songwriter Don King, full name Donald Alan King, born in Fremont, Nebraska, USA ~ Recorded successfully from the mid-1970s until his retirement in the early-1980s. Well-known songs include I've Got You To Come Home To, She's The Girl Of My Dreams, You Were Worth Waiting For, Here Comes That Feeling Again, and The Closer You Get. Following his retirement King's touring band would decide to stay together as Sawyer Brown, and surpass King's success in terms of chart hits and sales
May 4, 1954 ~ Pia Alfreda Schipani, commonly known as actress, singer Pia Zadora, born in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA ~ Active as a child actress since the mid-1960s. Would turn to a career in music in the 1980s. Known for songs such as The Clapping Song and notably the Jermaine Jackson-duet When The Rain Begins To Fall from the soundtrack of Voyage Of The Rock Aliens. The latter single would be a modest hit in America but reach top 10 across Europe, including No.1 in Germany and the Netherlands
May 4, 1953 ~ Luis Mauricio Pragana dos Santos, commonly known as pop rock, funk rock, electro rock, progressive rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Lulu Santos, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Member of progressive rock band Vimana. Active as a solo singer since the early-1980s with well over 2 dozen albums to his name. Best known for songs such as Tesouros De Juventude, De Repente California, Tempos Modernos, Adivinha O Que and perhaps his best known Como Uma Onda
May 4, 1953 ~ Soul, gospel singer, pianist Oleta Adams, full name Oleta Angela Adams, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Discovered by Roland Orzabal who invited her to appear on Tears For Fears' next album, 1989's The Seeds Of Love. She duetted with Orzabal on the hit single Woman In Chains and the attention enabled Adams to release a debut album, Circle Of One, which garnered critical acclaim and commercial succes
May 4, 1952 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Bob Sheppard born in Trenton, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Billy Childs, Chick Corea, Freddie Hubbard, Steely Dan, Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, Scott Henderson, Lyle Mays, Peter Erskine, John Beasley, Bob Mintzer, Joni Mitchell, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Lew Tabackin, Chris Botti, Bill Cunliffe, Frank Macchia, Dan Siegel, Robbie Williams, Karrin Allyson, Ernestine Anderson, Kenny Barron, Jeff Beal, Walter Becker, Michael Bolton, Bob Curnow, Denise Donatelli, George Duke, Sheena Easton, Kurt Elling, Gordon Brisker, Molly Johnson, Herbie Hancock, Rickie Lee Jones, the Manhattan Transfer, Bette Midler, Dianne Reeves, Lee Ritenour, Barry Manilow, Andy Laverne, Chris Walden, and Neil Young
May 4, 1952 ~ Singer Jacob Miller born in Mandeville, Jamaica ~ Fronted reggae outfit Inner Circle until his death in a car crash in 1980. Present on recordings such as You Make Me Feel Brand New and Everything Is Good. The band would initially split up following Miller's death but reform in later years and achieve top 10 success in UK and across Europe in the mid-1990s ~ Miller passed away in 1980
May 4, 1952 ~ Singer Monica Mancini born in Northridge, California, USA ~ Daughter of composer Henry Mancini. Listened more to the Beatles than to her father's music. Released an eponymous debut album, Monica Mancini, in 1998. Has worked with Plácido Domingo, Quincy Jones, and with Michael Jackson
May 4, 1951 ~ Harold West, commonly known as jazz, R&B drummer Doc West, passed away in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Active since the late-1930s. Worked with Tiny Parham, Erskine Tate, Roy Eldridge, Chick Webb, Hot Lips Page, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Tiny Grimes, Don Byas, Oscar Pettiford, Slam Stewart, Leo Watson, Wardell Gray, Billie Holiday, Erroll Garner, Big Joe Turner, and Jay McShann ~ West was born in 1915
May 4, 1951 ~ Singer Jackie Jackson born in Gary, Indiana, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Jackson 5, singing co-lead on songs such as I Want You Back, ABC, and Enjoy Yourself. Remained with the band through the name-change to the Jacksons, co-writing their perhaps best known hit Can You Feel It and singing lead on songs such as Wait and Torture
May 4, 1950 ~ Hard rock, folk rock singer, guitarist Chris Bradford, full name Christopher Michael Bradford, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Formed Bardot with Ray McRiner and Laurie Andrew, a trio critically compared to Crosby Stills & Nash and the Eagles and known for the 1978 Rockin' In Rhythm album. Fronted the Heroes, known for their sole Border Raiders album released in 1980. Bradford has also written or co-written songs for Kit Hain, Kiki Dee, Dr Feelgood, Lene Lovich, Greg Lake, and notably for the Sweet's Andy Scott including Krugerrands, Invisible, and Let Her Dance
May 4, 1950 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Darryl Hunt, full name Darryl Gatwick Hunt, born in Hampshire, UK ~ Best known as bassist of the Pogues, joining in 1986 as replacement for Cait O'Riordan and remaining with the band through 1996. Wrote the track Love You Till The End of the 1996 Pogue Mahone album ~ Hunt passed away in 2022
May 4, 1949 ~ Country singer, songwriter Stella Parton, full name Stella Mae Parton, born in Sevlerville, Tennessee, USA ~ Sister of singers Randy Parton and Dolly Parton. Best known for her 1975 hit I Want To Hold You In My Dreams. Other well known songs include Danger Of A Stranger and Standard Lie Number One
May 4, 1949 ~ Alistair Macdonald Cleminson, commonly known as hard rock, blues rock, glam rock guitarist, singer Zal Cleminson born in Glasgow, UK ~ Best known as a member of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, backing Alex Harvey from 1972 through 1978. Has also worked with Nazareth, Tear Gas, the Bo-Weavels, the Zal Band, Elkie Brooks, Midge Ure, Bonnie Tyler, and Tandoori Cassette
May 4, 1948 ~ Singer, songwriter, label executive Tim Dubois, full name James Timothy Dubois, born in Grove, Oklahoma, USA ~ Label executive associated with Arista Records and Universal South Records. As a songwriter best known for co-penning Love In The First Degree, a smash hit for Alabama in 1981
May 4, 1945 ~ Jazz, pop, rock guitarist Georg Wadenius born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Lead guitarist of Blood Sweat & Tears from 1972 through 1975. Subsequently worked extensively as session and touring musician with a host of artists including Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Dr John, David Sanborn, James Brown, Paul Simon, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, Donald Fagen, Michael Franks, and Luther Vandross
May 4, 1944 ~ Country singer Red Foley records Smoke On The Water ~ Written by Earl Nun and Zeke Clements. Released the following June featuring There's A Star Shining Bright In A Window Tonight. The song would also be notably recorded by Bob Wills the next year
May 4, 1942 ~ Pop, R&B singer, songwriter Nickolas Ashford born in Fairfield, South Carolina, USA ~ Formed the husband-wife songwriter, producer and recording duo Ashford & Simpson with Valerie Simpson. The duo had teamed up with Jo Armstead, writing a number of hits for the Scepter/Wand label in the mid-1960s including for Ronnie Milsap, Maxine Brown (One Step At A Time), the Shirelles, Chuck Jackson, Ray Charles (Let's Go Get Stoned). Joined Motown in 1966 as a songwriting duo, for whom they penned classics such as Ain't No Mountain High Enough for Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell and Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand for Diana Ross. In later years the duo would also write for other labels, notably Chaka Khan (I'm Every Woman), Stephanie Mills, and Teddy Pendergrass. As recording artists the duo is best known for Solid, a top 20 Billboard hit, a top 10 hit across Europe in 1984 ~ Ashford passed away in 2011
May 4, 1941 ~ Violinist, singer David LaFlamme born in New Britain, Connecticut, USA ~ Worked with the Orkustra and Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks. Best known for founding and fronting It's A Beautiful Day, which also included his wife Linda LaFlamme. The band is best known for White Bird of their eponymous 1969 It's A Beautiful Day debut album. After the group disbanded in 1972 LaFlamme has recorded as a solo artist ~ LaFlamme passed away in 2023
May 4, 1940 ~ Ronald Bullis, commonly known as drummer Ronnie Bond, born in Andover, UK ~ Original drummer for the Troggs, remaining with the band through 1968. The band has been critically described as the progenitors of punk, influential on Iggy Pop and the Ramones. Bond is present on all of the band's best known including the UK top 10 hits Wild Thing, With A Girl Like You, I Can't Control Myself, Any Way That You Want Me, and Love Is All Around ~ Bullis passed away in 1992
May 4, 1939 ~ Saxophonist Charles Owens born in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ In-demand sideman. Has recorded a handful of albums as a leader, notably 1978's Two Quartets. Has worked with Buddy Rich, Mongo Santamaria, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Bobby Bryant, Paul Humphrey, Diana Ross, John Mayall, Frank Zappa, Lorez Alexandria, Patrice Rushen, Gerald Wilson, James Newton, Horace Tapscott, Mercer Ellington, Buddy Childers, and Miles Davis
May 4, 1937 ~ Richard Anthony Monsour, commonly known as guitarist Dick Dale born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Dubbed “the King of the Surf Guitar”, known for songs such as Let's Go Tripping, Jungle Fever, Surf Beat, Secret Surfing Spot, Pipeline, and Misirlou ~ Monsour passed away in 2019
May 4, 1937 ~ Bassist, cellist Ron Carter born in Ferndale, Michigan, USA ~ One of the all-time most gifted and influential jazz bassists. Over 50 albums as leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for albums such as Uptown Conversation, Alone Together with Jim Hall, Piccolo, and Telephone. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Miles Davis (Round About Midnight), Benny Carter, Sonny Stitt, Stan Getz, Don Ellis (How Time Passes), Coleman Hawkins, Eric Dolphy (Out There), Yusef Lateef, Randy Weston, Booker Little, Wes Montgomery, Sam Jones, Jaki Byard, Milt Jackson, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams (Life Time), Jack McDuff, Kenny Burrell,Charles Lloyd, Wayne Shorter, Stanley Turrentine, Shirley Scott (On A Clear Day), Oliver Nelson, Sam Rivers, the CTI All-Stars, and VSOP
May 4, 1935 ~ Jazz pianist Don Friedman, full name Donald Ernest Friedman, was born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ First appeared on the West Coast scene in 1956, playing with the likes of Dexter Gordon, Shorty Rogers, Buddy DeFranco, and the then-unknown Ornette Coleman. Friedman would relocate to New York, where he became an in-demand pianist, both as a leader and a sideman working with artists such as Pepper Adams, Booker Little, Jimmy Giuffre, Atilla Zoller, Chuck Wayne, and Clark Terry. Friedman remained active until his death at age 81, recording some 50 albums as a leader starting with the acclaimed A Day In The City (Jazz Variations On A Theme) released in 1961, though despite earning critical acclaim he never became a household name ~ Friedman passed away in 2016
May 4, 1931 ~ Gennady Nikolayevich Anosov, commonly known as conductor Gennnady Rozhdestvensky, born in Moscow, Russia ~ Son of conductor Nikolai Anosov and soprano Natalya Rozhdestvesnkaya. Closely associated with the Bolshoi Theatre, starting at age 20 conducting Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. Would go on to conduct works such as Edison Denisov's Les Soleil Des Incas, Benjamin Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Dmitri Shostakovich's Fourth Symphony. Has worked with renowned orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra ~ Rozhdestvensky passed away in 2018
May 4, 1931 ~ Jazz trumpeter Richard Williams, full name Richard Gene Williams, born in Galveston, Texas, USA ~ Closely associated with Charles Mingus, including performing with Mingus at the 1959 Newport Jazz festival and appearing on albums such as Mingus Ah Uhm and The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady. Other notable collaborations include Leo Wright, Booker Ervin, Gigi Gryce (Sayin' Somethin'), Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Randy Weston (Uhuru Afrika), Yusef Lateef, Freddie Hubbard, Red Garland, Jimmy Smith, Archie Shepp, Ruth Brown, Mose Allison, Aretha Franklin (Soul '69), Thad Jones, Charles Earland, Charles Tolliver, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk ~ Williams passed away in 1985
May 4, 1930 ~ Trumpeter, singer Louis Armstrong records Dinah in New York, New York ~ Written by Harry Akst, Sam M Lewis and Joe Young. Previously recorded by Ethel Waters, the Revelers, Ukulele Ike, and by Fletcher Henderson, all of whom took their respective versions to the charts in 1926. The song would also be recorded by Josephine Baker, the Boswell Sisters, Cab Calloway, Bing Crosby and the Mills Brothers, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Fats Waller, and Django Reinhardt. One singer, Fannye Rose Shore, even became so identified with the song that DJ Martin Block called her Dinah Shore, which then stuck as her stage name
May 4, 1928 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, pianist Lars Gullin, full name Lars Gunnar Victor Gullin, born in Sanda, Sweden ~ Father of saxophonist Peter Gullin and conductor Gabriella Gullin. Leader and sideman. Aspired to become a classical pianist but settled on jazz sax after hearing Gerry Mulligan on Miles Davis's Birth Of The Cool album. Has collaborated with Arne Domnérus, James Moody, Zoot Sims, Clifford Brown, Archie Shepp, Stan Getz, and Quincy Jones ~ Gullin passed away in 1976
May 4, 1928 ~ Jazz, jazz rock, jazz fusion trumpeter, bandleader Maynard Ferguson, full name Walter Maynard Ferguson, born in Verdun, Canada ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Boyd Raeburn, Jimmy Dorsey, Charlie Barnet, Doc Severinsen, Ray Wetzel, Pérez Prado, Dusko Gojkovic, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Harry Belafonte, Buddy Bregman, Russ Garcia, Stan Kenton, Shorty Rogers, Pete Rugolo, Georgie Auld, Louie Bellson, Wayne Bergeron, Clifford Brown, the Fania All-Stars, Red Grammer, Vido Musso, Tito Puente, and Dinah Washington ~ Ferguson passed away in 2006
May 4, 1926 ~ Percival Payne, commonly known as jazz drummer Sonny Payne, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Son of Wild Bill Davis-drummer Chris Columbus. Closely associated with Harry James and Count Basie, remaining with the latter's the Count Basie Orchestra for about a decade starting in 1954. Has also worked with Paul Bascomb, Hot Lips Page, Earl Bostic, Tiny Grimes, Lucille Dixon, Erskine Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, Al Grey, and Joe Newman ~ Payne passed away in 1979
May 4, 1923 ~ Drummer Ed Cassidy born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Cassidy toured prolifically with show bands, dixieland, C&W bands in the late-1940s. Worked mainly jazz in the 1950s teaming up with greats such as Art Pepper, Cannonball Adderley, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Lee Konitz, and with Gerry Mulligan. Formed Rising Sons in 1964 with Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder. Then went on to found the Red Rooster, featuring his stepson Randy California, Jay Ferguson and Mark Andes. With the addition of John Locke they became Spirit in 1967. Cassidy would be the sole constant member throughout all line-ups over the next 30 years untill the band eventually split up following California's death ~ Cassidy passed away in 2012
May 4, 1923 ~ Bandleader Isham Jones records Who's Sorry Now at Brunswick Studios, New York, New York ~ Written by Ted Snyder, Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby. A major hit for Jones in 1923, with other versions recorded by Irving Kaufman, Marion Harris and Bob Thompson. It would be recorded by numerous others over the years, perhaps best known as Connie Francis' 1958 breakout hit
May 4, 1905 ~ Clarence Albert Poindexter, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Al Dexter, born in Jacksonville, Texas, USA ~ Best known for Pistol Packin' Mama, co-written by Dexter and a hit in 1944. It would later be covered by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, and the Andrews Sisters. Other well known Dexter songs include So Long Pal, I'm Losing My Mind Over You and Too Late To Worry ~ Dexter passed away in 1984
May 4, 1886 ~ Pianist, songwriter Shelton Brooks born in Amherstburg, Canada ~ Ragtime, vaudeville composer known for songs such Some Of These Days (Sophie Tucker, Fletcher Henderson, Louis Armstrong), Darktown Strutters Ball (the Six Brown Brothers, Ted Lewis, the Pickens Sisters), and Trombone Cholly (Bessie Smith, Ronnie Gilbert) ~ Brooks passed away in 1975