May 6, 1992 ~ Byun Baek-hyun, commonly known as K-pop singer, songwriter, actor Baekhyun, born in Wonmi-gu, South Korea ~ Member of boy band EXO, known for a string of 2010 hits in their native South Korea including the No.1 hits December 2014 (The Winter's Tale), Love Me Right, Monster, and Ko Ko Bop. Following the band's disbandement Baek-hyun has recorded as a solo artist, notably the 2019 City Lights EP which ranked as the best-selling album of the 2010s by any South Korean solo artist, fronted supergroup SuperM, and ventured into acting
May 6, 1989 ~ Bobby Bazinet, commonly known as folk, soul singer, guitarist, songwriter Bobby Bazini, born in Mont Laurier, Canada ~ Released his Better In Time debut album in 2009. Best known for his 2014 follow-up, Where I Belong, which was produced by Larry Klein, featured musicians such as Booker T Jones and Jack Ashford and would top the Canadian album charts
May 6, 1989 ~ Indie pop, indie rock singer, guitarist Nanna Bryndis Hilmarsdottir born in Garour, Iceland ~ Lead vocalist, guitarist of indie folk band Of Monsters And Men, known best for their 2011 My Head Is An Animal debut album which reached No.1 positions in Australia, Ireland, their native Iceland and top 10 on the Billboard Hot 200
May 6, 1989 ~ Jesse Hughes, commonly known as DJ, producer Vanic, born in New Westminster, Canada ~ First gained attention guesting on Machineheart's 2014 track Circles. As a solo artist known for songs such as Samurai, Too Soon, and Staring At The Sun. Has released his full-length Here & Now debut album in 2021
May 6, 1987 ~ Actress, singer, dancer Adrienne Warren born in Virginia, USA ~ Made her Broadway debut in 2012 in the musical Bring It On. Would go on to feature in Shuffle Along Or The Making Of The Musical Sensation Of 1921 And All That Followed and notably in the role of Tina Turner in the biographical musical Tina. The latter, performed in London's West End in 2018 and subsequently on Broadway, earned Warren a Tony Award in 2020
May 6, 1987 ~ Roberty Rihmeek Williams, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Meek Mill, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Formed the short-lived rap group the Bloodhoundz. Debuted as a solo artist in 2012 with his Dreams And Nightmares, which included the moderate hit single Amen featuring Drake. The single would cause a local upstir, Philadelphia pastor Rev. Jomo K Johnson calling for its boycott on account of the perceived blasphemic content, Mill adamantly claiming he had no such intent. Mill would continue to record consistently, notably the 2019 Billboard top 10 single Going Bad, and collaborate with artists such as NORE, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Mariah Carey, Kid Ink, DJ Khaled, Gucci Mane, and others
May 6, 1986 ~ Singer Cindy Daniel born in Montreal, Canada ~ Debuted in 2002 with the La Petit Indienne album. Played Elvira in the French Canadian production of Don Juan the following year. Acclaimed as an interpreter of compositions by Johnny Hallyday, Jean-Jacques Goldman, Georges Moustaki, and Louis Côté
May 6, 1986 ~ Kristin Nicole Ritchie, commonly known as nerdcore rapper MC Router, born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Self-proclaimed “First Lady of Nerdcore” co-founded the group 1337 g33k b34t with T-Byte. Following the band's disbandement in 2006 has recorded as a solo artist and briefly worked under the moniker Krisje in the Netherlands before converting to Islam and retiring from music altogether to work as a translator
May 6, 1981 ~ Singer, songwriter Andrew Allen born ~ Actively recording since the late-2000s. Best known for I Wanna Be Your Christmas and Loving You Tonight, both of which reached top 10 in his native Canada. The latter would land him a record deal with Epic and would be used in the soundtrack of the 2011 action thriller Abduction. Allen has also co-written songs for others including Meghan Trainor, Carly Rae Jepsen, Kaskade (Last Chance), Matt Simons, Conrad Sewell, and Daniel Skye
May 6, 1978 ~ Singer, keyboardist, percussionist Nick Littlemore, full name Nicholas George Littlemore, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Formed electronic outfit Pnau with childhood friend Peter Mayes, active since the late-1990s and best known for the mid-2010s singles Chameleon and Go Bang which would both reach top 10 in Australia. Co-wrote Sleepy Jackson's Tell The Girls That I'm Not Here of their 2003 Lovers debut album. Formed dance-punk band Teenager in 2004. Founded Empire Of The Sun, best known for their 2008 Walking On A Dream debut single. Has served as producer for the likes of David Bridie, Van She, Darren Emerson, the Lost Valentinos, Groove Armada, and Mika
May 6, 1977 ~ Indie rock, post-punk bassistm singer Archis Tiku born in Bombay, India ~ Co-founding member of indie rock outfit Maxïmo Park, serving as its lead singer through 2003 and bassist through 2014. Tiku is present on the band's first five albums, which included UK top 20 hits such as Apply Some Pressure, Graffiti, Going Missing, Our Velocity, and Books From Boxes
May 6, 1974 ~ Pop singer Alana Davis born in New York, New York, USA ~ Daughter of jazz pianist Walter Davis Jr. Debuted in 1997 with her Blame It On Me album, spawning the modest radio hit 32 Flavors written and originally recorded by Ani DiFranco. Had her sophomore effort, 2001's Fortune Cookies, produced by the Neptunes
May 6, 1971 ~ Alternative rock, punk rock, post-grunge, hard rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Chris Shiflett, full name Christopher Aubrey Shiflett, born in Santa Barbara, California, USA ~ Brother of punk rock bassist Scott Shiflett. Joined the Foo Fighters in 1999, shortly after the release of the album There Is Nothing Left To Lose. Member of No Use For A Name from 1995 through 1999. Member of Me First & the Gimme Gimme's from 1995 through 2019. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with West Coast Town released in 2017, and guested on recordings by Ten Foot Pole, the Swingin' Utters, Viva Death, and Jesse Malin
May 6, 1971 ~ Dream pop, electronica singer Sarah Blackwood born in Halifax, UK ~ Joined Dubstar, initially a duo, in 1993, and has recorded the albums Disgraceful, Goodbye, Make It Better, and One. Joined Technique in 2002, which would evolve into Client the following year
May 6, 1971 ~ Trumpeter, singer, composer, producer Till Brönner born in Viersen, West Germany ~ Worked with Ray Brown, Jeff Hamilton, Carla Bruni, Madeleine Peyroux, Luciana Souza, Kurt Elling, Melody Gardot, Sérgio Mendes, Milton Nascimento, Monty Alexander, Tony Bennett, Dave Brubeck, Natalie Cole, Klaus Doldinger, Al Foster, Johnny Griffin, Chaka Khan, Joachim Kühn, Nils Landgren, James Moody, Aki Takase, Take 6, Ernie Watts, George Benson, Jeff Goldblum, and others
May 6, 1969 ~ Philip Krokidis, commonly known as DJ, producer Phil K, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Alongside other Melbourne acts such as NuBreed and Andy Page one of the most prominent to emerge from the Aussie Breaks music scene. Member of the Operators, the Hi-fi Bugs and Lostep. Released his Sound Not Scene solo debut album in 2000 ~ Krokidis passed away in 2020
May 6, 1968 ~ Singer Laetitia Sadier born in Vincennes, France ~ Best known as co-founding and constant member of Stereolab, considered one of the most influential avant-pop acts since the early-1990s largely due to Sadier's mesmerizing vocals. The band has recorded over a dozen albums and is especially acclaimed for their 1996 Emperor Tomato Ketchup released in 1996. Sadier has also worked with the side project Monade, recorded as a solo artist starting with The Trip, and is an in-demand collaborator
May 6, 1967 ~ Guitarist Mark Bryan born in Silver Springss, Maryland, USA ~ Lead guitarist of Hootie & the Blowfish, which he co-founded with Darius Rucker, known for becoming an “overnight success” in 1994 with the release of their Cracked Rear View debut album spawning the Billboard top 10 singles Hold My Hand, Let Her Cry and Only Wanna Be With You. The band had been together and touring excessively since 1986
May 6, 1967 ~ Michael Berrin, commonly known as rapper MC Serch, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Rose to fame in the Golden Age of hip hop as member of 3rd Bass, one of the first interracial hip hop acts and best known for Pop Goes The Weasel of their 1991 Derelicts Of Dialect sophomore album. Has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for the singles Here It Comes and Back To The Grill of his Return Of The Product debut album. Served as executive producer for Nas' 1994 Illmatic debut album, widely considered the all-time best hip hop album
May 6, 1965 ~ Folk, world music singer Grace Nono born in Butuan, Philippines ~ Regarded as one of the premier female singers in the Philippines. Has performed from age three onwards. Sang in several outfits ranging from jazz to punk, yet most acclaimed as a solo artist drawing from traditional Philippino music, by the 1990s earning her a stature as the voice of alternative music. Has toured well over a dozen countries throughout Asia, Europe and America. Especially acclaimed for the album Opo released in 1995
May 6, 1962 ~ Ian Peter Cullimore, commonly known as indie rock, pop guitarist, journalist Stan Cullimore, born ~ Best known as guitarist of the Housemartins from 1983 through 1988, present on the band's best known Caravan Of Love which reached top 10 across Europe in 1986 including the No.1 spot in the UK
May 6, 1961 ~ Eurodance, eurodisco singer Patty Ryan born in Wuppertal, West Germany ~ Best known for You're My Love You're My Life of her Love Is The Name Of The Game debut album released in 1987. Other well known songs include Stay With Me Tonight, I Don't Want To Lose You Tonight, and Ohne Zweifel ~ Ryan passed away in 2023
May 6, 1960 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter John Flansburgh, full name John Conant Flansburgh, born in Lincoln, Massachusetts, USA ~ Married to singer, playwright Robin Goldwasser, with whom he occasionally performs. Best known for forming the alternative rock unit They Might Be Giants with John Linnell, known for their infectious melodies and witty songwriting. The pair has been credited as vital to DIY music scene emerging from Brooklyn, New York by the mid-1980s. The band has recorded over two dozen albums, including several children's albums, since their eponymous 1986 They Might Be Giants debut album. Well known songs include Ana Ng, the UK top 20 hit Birdhouse In Your Soul, Twisting, The Statue Got Me High, Snail Shell, and Doctor Evil which was used for the soundtrack of the comedy film Austin Powers (The Spy Who Shagged Me)
May 6, 1960 ~ Keyboardist, percussionist Larry Steinbachek born in London, UK ~ Formed 1980s pop, synth-pop trio Bronski Beat with Jimmy Somerville and Steve Bronski. All members of the band were openly gay and with their songs often reflecting on gay-related issues they would become an icon of the gay community. Songs such as Smalltown Boy, Why and Hit That Perfect Beat would reach the UK top 10. Following his departure from the band Steinbachek would work as composer and theatre director ~ Steinbachek passed away in 2016
May 6, 1958 ~ Maria Dolores González Flores, commonly known as actress, singer Lolita Flores, born in Madrid, Spain ~ Daughter of flamenco guitarist El Pescaílla and singer Lola Flores. Sister of singers Antonio Flores and Rosario Flores. Rose to fame with her 1975 Amor Amor album and would continue to achieve succes in Latin America and her native Spain both as a singer and actress. Songs such as Sarandona, Lo Voy A Dividir and Si La Vida Son Dos Dias have become staples of Spanish radio
May 6, 1957 ~ Malcolm Welbourne, commonly known as funk, blues, swamp, soul, reggae singer, guitarist, producer Papa Mali, born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA ~ As a young teen mentored by John Campbell. Left home at 17 to play juke joints and back blues and soul singers. Given his nickname by Burning Spear. Formed the Killer Bees in 1980. As a solo artist especially acclaimed for his 2000 Thunder Chicken debut album. Formed the 7 Walkers in the late-2000s, which also included the Grateful Dead-drummer Bill Kreutzmann and the Meters-bassist George Porter Jr
May 6, 1952 ~ Benedictus Albertus Annegarn, commonly known as chanson singer, guitarist, songwriter Dick Annegarn born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Especially popular in France and Belgium. Performs mainly self-penned songs in French. Recorded a handful of English-language classics such as The House Of The Rising Sun and Love Me Tender. Recorded only one song in Dutch, namely De Tuinman of his 1985 Frères album. Best known for Bruxelles, which became an anthem of consolation for the victims of the 2016 Brussels attacks
May 6, 1952 ~ Pop rock singer, songwriter Graham Brazier, full name Graham Philip Brazier, born in Auckland. New Zealand ~ Claimed to have been offered the spot of lead singer in the Doors following the death of Jim Morrison, though this has been disputed as “somewhat exaggerated” by the band's biographer and former manager Danny Sugerman. Rose to prominence with the band Hello Sailor. The band is known best for their 1977 eponymous Hello Sailor, spawning the singles Gutter Black and Blue Lady which would both reach top 20 in the band's native New Zealand. Following the band's disbandement after two albums Brazier formed the Legionnaires and recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Inside Out released in 1981 ~ Brazier passed away in 2015
May 6, 1951 ~ David William Logan Johnstone, commonly known as rock, folk guitarist, singer Davey Johnstone born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Member of Magna Carta, present on the albums Seasons and Songs From Wasties Orchard. Closely associated with Elton John, starting on the acclaimed 1972 Honky Château album. Also worked with Joan Armatrading, John Jorgenson, Stevie Nicks, Eric Carmen, BB King, Shaun Cassidy, Kim Wilde, Rod Stewart, Yvonne Elliman, and others
May 6, 1950 ~ Funk, pop rock drummer Robbie McIntosh, full name Robert Broderick James McIntosh, born in Dundee, UK ~ Founding member of funk, R&B, pop outfit the Average White Band, with whom he recorded two albums prior to his untimely death at age 24 of an accidental heroin overdose. McIntosh was present on the band's biggest hit, Pick Up The Pieces, their sole Billboard Hot 100 No.1. Prior to his tenure with the Average White Band, McIntosh had worked with the Senate, Mal & the Primitives, and Brian Auger's jazz fusion unit the Oblivion Express. McIntosh also guested on Herbie Mann's London Underground album, released in 1973 ~ McIntosh passed away in 1974
May 6, 1948 ~ Henri-Alain Langolff, commonly known as guitarist Franck Langolff, born in Fes, Morocco ~ Internationally perhaps best known for co-writing Joe Le Taxi with Etienne Roda-Gil. The song would be an international hit for Vanessa Paradis in 1987, reaching top 10 across Europe including Ireland and the UK and top the French charts for 11 weeks. It would propel Paradis, then aged 14, to stardom ~ Langolff passed away in 2006
May 6, 1948 ~ Folk, country, soft rock singer Mary MacGregor born in St Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ Best known for her Torn Between Two Lovers, a 1976 Billboard No.1 hit. McGregor later admitted she hated the song, partly because she had little sympathy for the song's narrator pleading with her husband to stay with her despite having an affair but chiefly because the single's succes strained her own marriage, being away from home all the time and eventually leading to a divorce. MacGregor would subsequently score a handful of minor hits, notably Good Friends from the 1979 Meatballs film, but would be unable to repeat the succes of Torn
May 6, 1945 ~ Rock, rock & roll, heartland rock, roots rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Seger, full name Robert Clark Seger, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Quintessential roots rock rocker active since the late-1960s. Has long enjoyed a devoted fan bas. Became a household name by the mid-1970s on the strength of hits such as Night Moves, Mainstreet and perhaps his best known Still The Same, all staples of rock radio since. Other well known songs include Hollywood Nights, We've Got Tonite, Old Time Rock & Roll, Against The Wind, Shame On The Moon and Shakedown
May 6, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Jimmie Dale Gilmore born in Amarillo, Texas, USA ~ Highly admired by peers. Influenced by Hank Williams, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, the Beatles, Bob Dylan. Member of the Flatlanders, alongside Joe Ely and Butch Hancock, known for their pivotal early-1970s recordings re-released in 1990 as More A Legend Than A Band and generally regarded as one of the most influential works in alternative country
May 6, 1944 ~ Drummer Bill Legend born in Essex, UK ~ Member of T.Rex during their most productive period, remaining with the band from 1971 through 1973. Notably present on the band's best known album, 1971's Electric Warrior considered today a landmark album of glam rock
May 6, 1943 ~ Psychedlic folk, psychedelic rock, jazz rock, new age organist, pianist, flutist Mike Ratledge, full name Michael Roland Ratledge, born in Maidstone, UK ~ Important figure in the Canterbury scene. Founding member of Soft Machine and last original member to leave the group, doing so in 1976. Present on the band's first eight albums, 1975's Bundles being the last to feature Ratledge. Has also worked with Wilde Flowers, Kevin Ayers, Syd Barrett, Elton Dean, David Bedford, Karl Jenkins, and others
May 6, 1942 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Colin Earl born in Hampton Court, UK ~ Original member of Mungo Jerry. Present on the band's first three albums, 1970's Mungo Jerry and 1971's Electronically Tested and You Don't Have To Be In The Army and the UK top 10 singles In The Summertime, Baby Jump and Lady Rose
May 6, 1942 ~ Jazz bassist David Friesen born in Tacoma, Washington, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with John Handy, Marian McPartland, Joe Henderson, Billy Harper, John Stowell, Ted Curson, Ricky Ford, Duke Jordan, Mal Waldron, Paul Horn, Chick Corea, Michael Brecker, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, Kenny Garrett, Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Drew, and others
May 6, 1939 ~ Blues guitarist, singer Eddie C Campbell born in Duncan, Mississippi, USA ~ Became a fixture on the Chicago blues scene, backing the likes of Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Little Johnny Taylor, and Jimmy Reed. Member of the Willie Dixon-assembled unit the Chicago Blues All-Stars. Would find popularity especially in Europe as a solo artist, particularly acclaimed for his 1977 King Of The Jungle debut album. Has recorded over another half dozen albums since, warmly welcomed by blues aficionados, until a stroke and a heart attack while on tour in Germany in 2013 left him partly paralyzed and forced him to retire from music ~ Campbell passed away in 2018
May 6, 1936 ~ Singer Herbie Cox, full name Herbert Alexander Cox, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of the Cleftones, known for doo-wop, vocal R&B classics such as Little Girl Of Mine, Can't We Be Sweethearts, Gee and perhaps their best known Heart And Soul, the latter a Billboard top 20 hit in 1961. The band's songs have frequently been used since in films including Goodfellas, American Graffiti and A Bronx Tale ~ Cox passed away in 2019
May 6, 1933 ~ R&B singer Oliver Morgan born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for his 1964 single Who Shot The La La which tells of the mysterious circumstances of singer Prince La La's death, reportedly of a drug overdose the previous year at age 27. Morgan would not have another national hit, and settled on performing locally in the New Orleans area to enthusiastic crowds. Morgan recorded his sole album, I'm Home, as late as 1998 ~ Morgan passed away in 2007
May 6, 1930 ~ Singer Leon Hughes born ~ Original member of the Lamplighters during the early-1950s. Member of the Hollywood Flames. Best known as original member of the Coasters, remaining with the group through 1958 and present on songs such as Down In Mexico, Searchin', and Young Blood. Also notably worked with Bobby Nunn as the Dukes, known for the late-1950s singles Looking For You and I Love You
May 6, 1927 ~ Betty Jane Phillips, commonly known as singer Betty Jane Baker, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Sang backup for Elvis Presley (Can't Help Falling In Love, A Little Less Conversation), Frank Sinatra (That's Life), Bobby Darin (Dream Lover), the Righteous Brothers (You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'), Sam Cooke (You Send Me), Lloyd Price (Stagger Lee), and the Anita Kerr Singers. Married to actor Mickey Rooney from 1944 to 1949, with whom she has two children. Married to composer Buddy Baker from 1950 to 1957. Married to jazz guitarist Barney Kessel from 1961 to 1980 ~ Phillips passed away in 2002
May 6, 1924 ~ Denys Justin Wright, commonly known as jazz guitarist, pianist Denny Wright, born in Bromley, UK ~ Worked with Kenny Graham, Carl Barriteau, Phil Green, Stéphane Grappelli, Lonnie Donegan, Johnny Duncan, Digby Fairweather, Ella Fitzgerald, Ken Snakehips Johnson, Billy Eckstine, Fapy Lafertin, Russ Conway, Biréli Lagrène, Humphrey Lyttelton, Nigel Kennedy, George Shearing, and others ~ Wright passed away in 1992
May 6, 1917 ~ Kalman Cohen, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Kal Mann, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Lyricist, often teaming up with composers such as Bernie Lowe and Dave Appell. Co-writer of several well-remembered songs from the rock & roll era including Elvis Presley's Teddy Bear, Charlie Gracie's Fabulous and Butterfly, Bobby Rydell's The Cha Cha Cha and Wild One, and Let's Twist Again and Limbo Rock recorded by Chubby Checker ~ Mann passed away in 2001
May 6, 1899 ~ Bandleader Billy Cotton, full name William Edward Cotton, born in London, UK ~ Popular bandleader from the 1920s onwards and one of the few to remain popular after the British dance band era and well into the 1950s. Known for songs such as Somebody Stole My Gal. Also appeared in a number of films starting in the 1930s ~ Cotton passed away in 1969
May 6, 1851 ~ Louis Armand Aristide Bruand, commonly known as cabaret singer, comedian, songwriter Aristide Bruant, born in Courtenay, France ~ Credited as pioneer of the chanson réliste genre. Nightclub owner, known for insulting his upper-class audience clubbing in Montmartre. Well known songs include Nini Peau D'Chien, Le Chat Noir and Les Mômes De La Cloche, many of his songs considered part of the French cultural canon ~ Bruand passed away in 1925