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 Respost 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 ~ Composer, arranger Naser Cheshmazar passed away in Tehran, Iran ~ Revered Iranian songwriter. Drew from classical musical, blues, folk, jazz, popular music and show tunes ~ Azar was born in 1950
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, 2012 ~ Morton Lippman, commonly known as pianist, conductor, director Mort Lindsey, passed away in Malibu, California, USA ~ Member of the Playboys, alongside guitarist Johnny Smith and organist Arlo Hults. Film composer. Musical director for Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Pat Boone, and Jack Narz ~ Lindsey was born in 1923
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 ~ Clement Seymour Dodd, commonly known as producer Coxsone Dodd, passed away ~ Worked with Roland Alphonse, Don Drummond, the Skatalites, Bob Marley, Toots & the Maytals, the Gaylads, Burning Spear, Ras Michael, Delroy Wilson, Horace Andy, Sound Dimension, Sugar Minott, and others ~ Dodd was born in 1932
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, 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
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, Susannah McCorkle, and others. 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 worked with Muddy Waters, Nick Gravenites, Elvin Bishop, Michael Bloomfield, John Mayall, and others ~ 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, Randy Weston, and others ~ 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, 1984 ~ Diana Mary Fluck, commonly known as actress, singer Diana Dors, passed away in Windsor, UK ~ First launched as a blonde bombshell in the style of Marilyn Monroe, known for her roles in risqué comedies and as a model. Known for songs such as I Feel So Mmm, April Heart and So Little Time ~ Fluck was born in 1931
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 Sound 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 othes
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, Roisin Murphy, Jamiroquai, Giorgio Moroder, and others
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, George Lewis, and others ~ 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, commonly known as dance band bandleader Geraldo, passed away in Vevey, Switzerland ~ One of the most popular dance band leaders of the 1930s and 1940s employing sidemen such as Johnny Dankworth, Benny Green, Bill Le Sage, Ronnie Scott, Stan Tracey, and others ~ 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, Sadistik, and others
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, 1972 ~ Stoner rock guitarist, drummer Will Mecum, full name William Mecum, born in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA ~ Co-founding and sole constant member of Karma To Burn. Also worked with Treasure Cat, Admiral, the Sons Of Alpha Centauri, and with Year Long Disaster ~ Mecum passed away in 2021
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, Jack DeJohnette, and others
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, Cyril Mokalesh, and others
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 aslo 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, 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, Susan Tedeschi, and others
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, Tore Brunborg, and others
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 numerous 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, Whisper My Name, and others
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 ~ Violinist, pianist, conductor, composer George Enescu passed away in Paris, France ~ Child prodigy. Regarded as one of the all-time greatest Romanian musicians. Known for works such as Poema Romana, Romanian Rhapsodies, and the opera Oedipe ~ Enescu was born in 1881
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, Dilana, and others
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), Clay Walker, and others
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 Rains Begin 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, Neil Young, and others
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 ~ Smooth rock bassist, singer Bruce Day born ~ Bassist, singer of Pablo Cruise from 1971, taking over for Bud Cockrell, through 1981. Present on the albums Worlds Away and Part Of The Game ~ Day passed away in 1999
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, Jay McShann, and others ~ 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, Tandoori Cassette, and others
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, Luther Vandross, and others
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 ~ 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's I'm Every Woman, Stephanie Mills, Teddy Pendergrass, and others. 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 as 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
May 4, 1940 ~ Ronald Bullis, commonly known as drummer Ronnie Bond, born in Andover, UK ~ Original drummer of the Troggs known for With A Girl Like You, I Can't Control Myself, Love Is All Around and Wild Thing. As a solo artist scored a couple of modest UK hits including It's Written On Your Body and Don't Be A Dummy ~ 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, Miles Davis, and others
May 4, 1938 ~ R&B singer Tyrone Davis born in Greenville, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Can I Change My Mind, Turn Back The Hands Of Time, and Turning Point ~ Davis passed away in 2005
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, Misirlou, and others ~ Monsour passed away in 2019
May 4, 1937 ~ Samba, marchinha, pagode singer, guitarist, mandolinist, songwriter Noel Rosa, full name Noel de Medeiros Rosa, passed away ~ Colossal figure in Brazilian music, responsible for updating samba to include urban, witty language and making the genre a vehicle for social commentary ~ Rosa was born in 1910
May 4, 1935 ~ Jazz pianist Don Friedman, full name Donald Ernest Friedman, was born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Dexter Gordon, Chet Baker, Buddy DeFranco, Ornette Coleman, Eric Dolphy, Jimmy Giuffre, Booker Little, Attila Zoller, Bobby Hackett, Herbie Mann, Chuck Israels, Pepper Adams, Jimmy Knepper, George Mraz, Lee Konitz, Ron Carter, Omar Hakim, Gary Smulyan, Lewis Nash, Buddy Collette, John Handy, Joe Henderson, Elvin Jones, Don Lanphere, Charles Lloyd, Dave Pike, Clark Terry, and others ~ Friedman passed away in 2016
May 4, 1935 ~ Blues guitarist James Madison born in Osceola, Arkansas, USA ~ Influenced by Little Walter. Best known as member of Muddy Waters's backing unit from 1963, replacing Pat Hare, through 1973 ~ Madison passed away in 2008
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 ~ Worked with Lionel Hampton, Charles Mingus, Reggie Workman, Leo Wright, Richard Wyands, Oliver Nelson, Grant Green, Lou Donaldson, Yusef Lateef, Gigi Gryce, Duke Jordan, Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Sam Rivers, Clark Terry, Mose Allison, Jaki Byard, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Booker Ervin, Red Garland, Slide Hampton, Noah Howard, Duke Jordan, Les McCann, Charles McPherson, Carmen McRae, Hilton Ruiz, and others ~ Williams passed away in 1985
May 4, 1930 ~ Producer, arranger, songwriter Bobby Martin born in Lockland, Ohio, USA ~ Philly soul producer, worked with Billy Paul, the O'Jays, the Three Degrees, MFSB, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Lou Rawls, and others ~ Martin passed away in 2013
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, Django Reinhardt, and numerous others. 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 The Birth Of The Cool album. Has collaborated with Arne Domnerus, James Moody, Zoot Sims, Clifford Brown, Archie Shepp, Stan Getz, Quincy Jones, and others ~ 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, Dinah Washington, and others ~ 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, Joe Newman, and others ~ 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 ~ Warren Akwei, commonly known as singer, drummer, producer, songwriter Guy Warren, born in Accra, Ghana ~ Credited as the inventor of Afro-jazz. Dubbed “the Divine Drummer”. Member of the Tempos. Influenced Fela Kuti ~ Akwei passed away in 2008
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, 1922 ~ Walter Fleming, commonly known as jazz pianist, bandleader King Fleming, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Johnny Alston, Addison Farmer, King Oliver, Oliver Coleman, the Dozier Boys, Lorez Alexandria, John Neely, Muhal Richard Abrams, and others ~ Fleming passed away in 2014
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 Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, and others. 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