May 7, 2024 ~ Piedmont blues harpist Phil Wiggins passed away ~ First teamed up with the elder guitarist John Cephas in the mid-1970s, both playing in singer, pianist Big Chief Ellis' backing unit. Following Ellis' death in 1977, the pair decided to continue as a duo despite their 24-year age difference. Showing strong influences from Blind Boy Fuller, Gary Davis, and Sonny Terry, the duo would become a popular festival act, earning acclaim among blues aficionados for keeping the Piedmont blues alive. Cephas & Wiggins recorded well into the 2000s, and are noted most for the late-1980s albums Dog Days Of August and Walking Blues ~ Wiggins was born in 1954
May 7, 2024 ~ Engineer, producer Steve Albini passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Hugely influential and in-demand engineer and producer, having worked on over an estimated 1,000 albums since the 1980s. In his mid-teens a schoolmate introduced him to the music of the Ramones, and Albini credits his music career to hearing their first album. Albini has produced and engineered albums for artists such as Urge Overkill, the Pixies (Surfer Rosa), the Jesus Lizard, the Breeders, the Volcano Suns, Jon Spencer, PJ Harvey (Rid Of Me), Pigface, Nirvana (In Utero), Brise-Glace, Palace, Bush, Veruca Salt, the Bollweevils, Robbie Fulks, Mogwai, Leftöver Crack, the Sadies, and Jarvis Cocker. Although primarily known as a producer and engineer, Albini has also played guitar, bass, and drums in several bands, including Big Black, Rapeman, Flour, and Shellac ~ Albini was born in 1962
May 7, 2023 ~ Operatic mezzo-soprano Grace Bumbry, full name Grace Ann Melzia Bumbry, passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Leading mezzo-soprano, soprano. Paved the way for later African-American opera singers. Closely associated with the Basel Opera. Has also performed with the Paris Opera, the Royal Opera House, the Vienna State Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and sang at Ronald Reagan's 1981 Presidential inauguration ~ Bumbry was born in 1937
May 7, 2022 ~ Country, countrypolitan, pop singer, pianist Mickey Gilley, full name Mickey Leroy Gilley, passed away in Branson, Missouri, USA ~ Known for songs such as A Room Full Of Roses, Don't The Girls Get Prettier At Closing Time and a countryfied cover of the Ben E King-classic Stand By Me used in the 1980 Urban Cowboy soundtrack ~ Gilley was born in 1936
May 7, 2017 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader, producer Dave Pell passed away ~ Played in the big bands of Tony Pastor, Bob Astor, Bobby Sherwood, and Les Brown. Moved on to leading his own ensembles in the early-1950s, employing sidemen such as Pepper Adams, Benny Carter, Mel Lewis, Red Mitchell, Marty Paich, and Art Pepper, Pell continued to work as a sideman for Shorty Rogers, Pete Rugolo, Benny Goodman, and Gene Krupa. He also produced for the Tops, Uni, and Librty labels throughout the 1960s, most notably producing Gary Lewis & the Playboys as well as the T-Bones (No Matter What Shape Your Stomach's In) ~ Pell was born in 1925
May 7, 2016 ~ John Dukes Schroeder, commonly known as punk rock, alternative rock, post-hardcore singer John Stabb, passed away in Rockville, Maryland, USA ~ Best known as co-founding and sole constant member of hardcore punk band Government Issue active from 1980 through 1989. The band emerged from DC's hardcore scene but would differ from other hardcore acts by adding elements of heavy metal, new wave, gothic and psychedelic rock. Stabb has also recorded as a solo artist and worked with acts such as Betty Blue, the Factory Incident, the Pseudo Heroes, and History Repeated ~ Schroeder was born in 1961
May 7, 2012 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Ernest Warren passed away ~ Member of the Spaniels, known for 1950s hits such as Baby It's You and Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight, the latter later remaining popular to this day featured in several films including American Graffiti ~ Warren was born in 1933
May 7, 2011 ~ Bolero singer Johnny Albino passed away in Queens, New York, USA ~ Lead singer of the Trio San Juan. Joined Los Panchos in 1958, replacing Julito Rodríguez, and remaining with the band until 1968. Would continue to work with numerous groups, appearing on over an estimated 300 albums ~ Albino was born in 1919
May 7, 2010 ~ Drummer, percussionist Francisco Aguabella passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader. In-demand sideman. Member of Latin rock outfit Malo during the 1970s. First gained attention in the USA backing Peggy Lee from the early-1950s through 1960. Has also backed artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Frank Sinatra, Cachao, Lalo Schifrin, Nancy Wilson, Bebo Valdes, Carlos Santana, Louie Bellson, Paul Simon, and others. ~ Aguabella was born in 1925
May 7, 2001 ~ Jazz, big band arranger, pianist Edwin Finckel passed away in Madison, Wisconsin, USA ~ Best remembered for co-writing Where Is The One with Alec Wilder, recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1949 and again for his 1957 Where Are You album. The song has also been recorded by Dick Haymes, Tommy Dorsey, Patti Page, Bobby Darin, Rita Pavone, and Bob Dylan ~ Finckel was born in 1917
May 7, 2000 ~ R&B, soul, pop singer Eden Alene, sometimes mononymously referred to as Eden, born in Jerusalem, Israel ~ Winner of the 2019 season of Hakokhav Habda (Rising Star) talent contest. Represented Israel at the 2020 Eurovision Songfestival, her Set Me Free reaching 5th place
May 7, 1998 ~ Louisa Dupont, commonly known as jazz, blues singer Blue Lu Barker, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Popular during the 1930s and 1940s. Married to guitarist Danny Barker, with whom she also worked. Known for songs such as Don't You Feel My Leg, Georgia Grind, Look What Baby's Got For You, and her biggest hit A Little Bird Told Me, which hit top 10 in 1948 ~ Dupont was born in 1913
May 7, 1998 ~ Country, country pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Eddie Rabbitt, full name Edward Thomas Rabbitt, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Pivotal figure in 1970s and 1980s country, easing country music into a smoother territory with crossover hits creating the template for the urban cowboy era. Wrote or co-wrote Inherit The Wind, Kentucky Rain, and Kentucky Rain, all recorded by Elvis Presley at the turn of the 1970s. As a solo artist, Rabbitt recorded well over a dozen albums, and he is especially acclaimed for the early-1980s albums Horizon and Step By Step. Rabbitt has scored over a dozen Billboard Country charttoppers, including Drivin' My Life Away, I Love A Rainy Night, Step By Step, and the Crystal Gayle-duet You And I which all crossed over to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, where they reached top 10 ~ Rabbitt was born in 1941
May 7, 1995 ~ Jazz drummer, singer, bandleader Ray McKinley passed away in Largo, Florida, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Vocalist and co-writer on Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar, a 1940 hit recorded with Will Bradley's orchestra. As a leader known for first recording You Came A Long Way (From St Louis) in 1948, later covered by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, Peggy Lee, and Perry Como. Has also worked with the Dorsey Brothers, Smith Ballew, Jerry Gray, Sam Butera, and Freddie Slack ~ McKinley was born in 1910
May 7, 1991 ~ Arthur Lee Stevenson, commonly known as blues drummer, singer Kansas City Red, passed away ~ Pivotal in development of urban blues. Worked with David Honeyboy Edwards, Robert Nighthawk, Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, Johnny Shines, Earl Hooker, Blind John Davis, Johnny Man Young, Robert Lockwood Junior, Eddie Taylor, Floyd Jones, Elmore James, Easy Baby, Jimmy Reed, and others ~ Stevenson was born in 1926
May 7, 1990 ~ Singer, actress Elizete Cardoso passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Discovered at age 16 by Jacob do Bandolim. Over 40 albums to her name. Best known for her 1958 Cancao Do Amor Demais album, generally regarded as the first bossa nova album. Also especially remembered for Manha De Carnaval of the 1959 Orfeu Negro soundtrack ~ Cardoso was born in 1920
May 7, 1990 ~ Oliver Lee Rodgers, commonly known as electric blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Sonny Rodgers, passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Influenced by BB King, Robert Nighthawk, Muddy Waters. On-and-off active as a backing musician since the late-1950s, working with the likes of Forest City Joe, Joe Hill Louis, Joe Willie Wilkins, Eddie Boyd, Lazy Bill Lucas, Willie Cobbs, and others. As a solo artist best known for his 1990 single Cadillac Baby, awarded a WC Handy Award. Would release his acclaimed They Call Me The Cat Daddy debut album the same year, only to have his promising solo career cut short by his death of heart failure at age 50 ~ Rodgers was born in 1939
May 7, 1989 ~ James Devlin, mononymously known as hip-hop, grime rapper, songwriter Devlin, born in London, UK ~ Member of grim collective the OT Crew. Member of the Movement. Released his Bud Sweat & Beers solo debut album in 2010. Scored the UK top 10 hits Watchtower featuring Ed Sheeran and Rewind featuring Diane Birch
May 7, 1985 ~ José Alvaro Osorio Balvin, commonly known as reggaeton, urbano, hip-hop singer J Balvin, born in Medelin, Colombia ~ Dubbed “the Prince of Reggaeton” and one of the best-selling Latin artists. Broke through in 2014 with Ginza and 6 AM and hass recorded to commercial succes since drawing from a variety of genres including pop, rock, reggae, electronica, house, trap, rap and hip-hop. Has collaborated with a host of artists including Ozuna, Alejandro Sanz, Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Black Eyed Peas, Dua Lipa, and Major Lazer
May 7, 1977 ~ Singer Marie Myriam wins the 22nd edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in London, UK ~ Representing France, Myriam wins with the song L'Oiseau Et L'Enfant written by Jean-Paul Cara and Joe Gracy. Runner-ups would be Lynsey de Paul and Michael Moran dueting for the UK with Rock Bottom in second place, and Ireland's siblings act the Swarbriggs with It's Nice To Be In Love Again in third place
May 7, 1976 ~ Electronica, EBM keyboardist Sebastian Komor born in Zabrze, Poland ~ Best known for his association with Icon Of Coil, present on about half a dozen of the band's albums including the acclaimed Serenity Is The Devil album released in 2000, and his association with Zombie Girl. Has also recorded as a solo artist, using a variety of monikers including Squarehead, Moonitor, Komor Kommando and Melt, and known best for his The Voyage album series starting in 2011
May 7, 1973 ~ Producer, songwriter Kristian Lundin born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Has written or co-written songs for the likes of NSYNC (Tearin' Up My Heart), E-Type, Céline Dion, Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys (Larger Than Life), One Direction (Kiss You), R5, and others
May 7, 1971 ~ Singer, songwriter Eagle Eye Cherry, full name Eagle-Eye Lanoo Herry, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Son of jazz trumpeter Don Cherry. Half-brother of singer Neneh Cherry. Debuted as a solo artist with the 1997 album Desireless which spawned the global hit Save Tonight. Also known for songs such as Falling In Love Again, Are You Still Having Fun, Long Way Around, Feels So Right, and Don't Give Up. Co-wrote and sang on Santana's Wishing It Was from the 1999 album The Supernatural
May 7, 1970 ~ Even Johansen, commonly known as folk, pop, electronic singer, guitarist, songwriter Magnet, born in Bergen, Norway ~ Co-founding member of rock outfits Libido and Chocolate Overdose. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Quiet And Still released in 2000. Acclaimed for his 2003 On Your Side sophomore album. The album included the Bob Dylan-cover Lay Lady Lay performed as a duet with Irish singer Gemma Hayes. The track would later be used for the Mr & Mrs Smith action comedy starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
May 7, 1970 ~ Ronald Ward Jr, commonly known as alternative metal, post-grunge singer, guitarist, keyboardist Scooter Ward, born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member, lead singer, occasional guitarist for Cold, acclaimed especially for their first three albums starting with their eponymous 1998 Cold debut album. Ward has also guested on recordings by Tony Iommi, Reveille, Sierra Swan, and Breaking Benjamin
May 7, 1969 ~ Pop rock sibling outfit the Bee Gees record Don't Forget To Remember at IBC Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Barry Gibb and Maurice Gibb, the former also singing the lead vocals. Produced by Robert Stigwood and the band. Included on the album Cucumber Castle. Released as a single, b/w The Lord, in August 1969
May 7, 1968 ~ Jan Engelaar, commonly known as DJ, producer DJ Jean born in Veenendaal, the Netherlands ~ Known for a string of 2000s hits, reaching the higher echelons of the Dutch charts. Well known songs include The Launch, Love Come Home, Every Single Day and Feel It
May 7, 1968 ~ Nora Louise Kuzma, commonly known as singer, actress, model Traci Lords, born in Steubensville, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as a former pornstar, working as a minor with a fake ID. She left the porn industry two days after her 18th birthday. Pursued a model as an actress for film and TV, writer and producer. Debuted in 1995 with the album 1,000 Fires which despite critical acclaim sold poorly. The single Control would become a minor hit
May 7, 1966 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones release Paint It Black in the USA. lifted off their Aftermath album ~ Originating from improvisational melodies by Brian Jones on the sitar, the raga rock song Paint It Black shows Indian, Middle Eastern and Eastern European influences. In America the song was released as a single off their Aftermath album and would reach No.1 Billboard Hot 100, making it their third No.1 hit after I Can't Get No Satisfaction and Get Off Of My Cloud. Brian Jones had a lot of input into this song, but was left off the songwriting credits. Jones had been a key element of the band's sound, notably playing lead guitar on Get Off Of My Cloud and recorder on Ruby Tuesday, but he was usually left off the songwriting credits as, according to Keith Richards, he never presented the band a finished song. His sitar line on Paint It Black may have been his biggest contribution to the band though. Jones was fired from the band in 1969 and drowned in his swimming pool less than a month later
May 7, 1963 ~ Jazz, funk bassist Dwayne Dolphin born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Acclaimed for his 1993 Portrait Of Adrian album. In-demand sideman working with a host of jazz, R&B and funk artists including Geri Allen, Arthur Blythe, Pee Wee Ellis, Stanley Turrentine, Fred Wesley, and Wynton Marsalis
May 7, 1961 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock guitarist Phil Campbell, full name Philip Anthony Campbell, born in Pontypridd, UK ~ Influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page, Jan Akkerman. Founded Persian Risk in 1979, and appeared on the band's Calling For You and Ridin' High singles. Best known as member of Motörhead from 1984, replacing Brian Robertson, until its disbandement in 2015 after the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister. The band is considered to have been extremely influential in re-energising heavy metal and a precursor to the new wave of British heavy metal. Campbell founded Phil Campbell & the Bastard Sons in 2016, which actually includes his sons Todd Campbell, Dane Campbell and Tyla Campbell. Released his Old Lions Still Roar solo debut album in 2019
May 7, 1958 ~ Wayne Stevens, commonly known as bassist Bones Hillman, born ~ Member of Midnight Oil, joining the band in 1987 as replacement for Peter Gifford and remaining until his death. Has also worked with Swingers, Anne McCue, Elizabeth Cook, Sheryl Crow, and Matthew Good ~ Stevens passed away in 2020
May 7, 1958 ~ Rock & roll, country, country pop singer Conway Twitty records It's Only Make Believe at Bradley Film & Recording Studios, Nashville, USA ~ Written by Twitty and drummer Jack Nance. Produced by Jim Vienneau. Initially released as the flip side of Twitty's July 1958 single I'll Try, it would become one of his best known. Over the course of his career Twitty recorded the song several times, including as a duet with Loretta Lynn in 1970. Covered by a number of artists including British singer Billy Fury in 1964 and American singer Glen Campbell in 1970, both of whom scored a top 10 hit it with it in their respective homelands
May 7, 1958 ~ Bassist, composer Michael Formanek born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Veteran bassist served as sideman to Art Pepper, Tony Malaby, Uri Caine, Franco Ambrosetti, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, and Dave Liebman. Closely associated with saxophonist Tim Berne. As a leader has recorded well over a dozen albums, and especially praised for Wide Open Spaces released in 1990
May 7, 1957 ~ Country songwriter, guitarist Hayden Nicholas born in Texas, USA ~ Member of Revolver. Best known as frequent songwriting partner of Clint Black, helpful in Black's early succes and breakthrough co-writing songs such as Nobody's Home which helped Black land a record deal and A Better Man and Killin' Time
May 7, 1956 ~ Anne Jennifer Beckingham, commonly known as keyboardist, songwriter, conductor Anne Dudley born ~ Worked in classical and pop. Composed for film including arranging for the film version of Les Miserables and winning an Academy Award for the 1997 The Full Monty film. Core member of synth-pop band Art Of Noise since tis inception in 1983
May 7, 1955 ~ Pianist Axel Zwingenberger born in Hamburg, Germany ~ Classically trained pianist switched to boogie-woogie after hearing recordings by Pete Johnson, Albert Ammons, Meade Lux Lewis. Active since the mid-1970s both as a solo artist and in-demand collaborator. Has worked with Ray Bryant, Champion Jack Dupree, Lloyd Glenn, Lionel Hampton, Jay McShann, Joe Newman, Sammy Price, Big Joe Turner, Sippie Wallace, and Vince Weber. Member of supergroup the ABCD Of Boogie-Woogie alongside pianist Ben Waters, bassist Dave Green and the Rolling Stones-drummer Charlie Watts
May 7, 1953 ~ Country songwriter John Jarrard born in Gainesville, Georgia, USA ~ Had his songs recorded by artists such as Alabama, George Strait (Blue Clear Sky), Don Williams (Nobody But You), John Anderson, John Berry, Blackhawk, Diamond Rio, the Forester Sisters, James House, Tracy Lawrence (Is That A Tear), Neal McCoy, the Pirates Of The Mississippi, Charley Pride (Shouldn't It Be Easier Than This), Collin Raye, John Schneider, Pam Tillis, Rick Trevino, and others ~ Jarrard passed away in 2001
May 7, 1951 ~ Rock, blues rock, hard rock guitarist, singer Bernie Marsden, full name Bernard John Marsden, born in Buckingham, UK ~ Member of Whitesnake from 1978 through 1982, for whom he co-wrote several of the band's best known including Fool For Your Loving, Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues, She's A Woman, Lovehunter, Trouble, Child Of Babylon, Rough And Ready, and Here I Go Again. Marsden has also worked with UFO, Cozy Powell, Babe Ruth, Paice Ashton Lord, Alaska, and the Company Of Snakes, and recorded over a dozen solo albums ~ Marsden passed away in 2023
May 7, 1950 ~ Blues, vaudeville singer, dancer Bertha Hill passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for her association with Louis Armstrong on a number of mid-1920 recordings including Pratt City Blues, Low Land Blues, Kid Man Blues, Georgia Man and Trouble In Mind. Also worked with Ethel Waters, Lonnie Johnson, Scrapper Blackwell, Leroy Carr, Lovie Austin, and Art Hodes ~ Hill was born in 1905
May 7, 1950 ~ Charles Lempriere Prince, commonly known as drummer Prairie Prince, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Co-founding member of Journey though left the band in 1974 before any recordings were made. Rose to prominence as member of the Tubes in the 1970s. Produced the band's best known album, Outside Inside which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit She's A Beauty. Member of Jefferson Starship from 1992 through 2008. Closely associated with Chris Isaak, touring with Isaak and appearing on the albums Silvertone, Chris Isaak and Heart Shaped World. In-demand session drummer, present on albums by Todd Rundgren, Brian Eno, David Byrne, Tom Waits,m Dick Dale, Glenn Frey, Richard Marx, John Fogerty, Phil Lesh, and others
May 7, 1949 ~ James Barry Keefer, commonly known as pop singer Keith, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for 98.6, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit in 1967. Its title refers to the normal human body temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. Keith recorded a number of subsequent recordings but would be unable to achieve another top 10 hit
May 7, 1948 ~ Bassist, guitarist, songwriter Alan Spenner, full name Alan Henry Spenner, born in Dalston, UK ~ Worked with Wynder K Frog, Spooky Tooth, ABC, David Coverdale, David Soul, Joe Cocker (including backing Cocker at the 1969 the Woodstock Music and Art Fair concert), Kenny Loggins, Lynda Carter, Peter Frampton, Ted Nugent, Mick Taylor, China Crisis, Murray Head, Kokomo, and Roxy Music ~ Spenner passed away in 1991
May 7, 1948 ~ Vincent Clifford, commonly known as singer Billy Thunderkloud, born ~ Fronted Billy Thunderkloud & the Chieftones, known best for the 1975 singles What Time Of Day and its follow-up Pledging My Love both charting reasonably well on the Billboard Country charts ~ Clifford passed away in 2018
May 7, 1948 ~ Country rock guitarist, mandolinist, banjoist Kerryn Tolhurst, full name Kerryn William Tolhurst, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Co-founded and fronted country rock outfit the Dingoes, best known for Way Out West debut single released in 1973. Co-founded short-lived 1980s outfit the Rattling Sabres, known for the original hit All Fired Up notably covered by Pat Benatar whose version would reach top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart
May 7, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Lluis Llach, full name Lluis Llach i Grande, born in Girona, Spain ~ One of the main representatives of nova cançó. Best known for L'Estaca, an unofficial anthem of the Catalan Independence Movement
May 7, 1948 ~ Keyboardist, singer Pete Wingfield, full name William Peter Wingfield, born in Liphook, UK ~ As a solo artist considered a one-hit wonder, his Eighteen With A Bullet single reaching top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975. The song would later be used for the soundtrack to the 1998 Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels comedy crime film. Music journalist for Melody Maker. Produced Dexys Midnight Runners' 1980 Searching For The Young Soul Rebels debut album. Wrote Making A Good Thing Better for Olivia Newton-John, Eyes In The Back Of My Head for Patti Labelle, and Tribute (Right On) for the Pasadenas. As a keyboardist has worked with the Olympic Runners, Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, Keef Hartley, Colin Blunstone, Bryn Haworth, Alan Parsons, and others
May 7, 1948 ~ Percussionist Ramesh Shotham born in Madras, South India ~ Influenced by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin. A live performance by Ravi Shankar would set Shotham on a journey discovering his own musical roots, Indian music. Has recorded a handful of solo albums, and guested on recordings by Embryo (Turn Peace), Rabih Abou Khalil, Aziza Mustafa Zadeh, Charlie Mariano (Nassim, Nicolas Simion, and others
May 7, 1947 ~ Conductor Emmanuel Krivine born in Grenoble, France ~ Well known for his longtime associations with the Orchestre Philharmonique De Radio France, the Orchestre National De Lyon, and the Orchestre Français des Jeunes. In 2004 Krivine founded the orchestra the Chambre Phiolharmonique
May 7, 1947 ~ Jazz saxophonist Joe Ford born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with McCoy Tyner, Sam Jones, Lester Bowie, Idris Muhammad, Chico O'Farrill, Avery Sharpe, Malachi Thompson, Steve Berrios, Charles Fambrough, Kenny Kirkland, Jeff Tain-Watts, and others
May 7, 1946 ~ Singer, songwriter Bill Danoff, full name William Thomas Danoff, born in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of the Starland Vocal Band, which also included his then-wife singer and frequent songwriting partner Taffy Nivert. The band scored a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit in 1976 with the Danoff-penned Afternoon Delight. Danoff has also written or co-written for others, notably Boulder To Birmingham for Emmylou Harris and a number of well known songs for John Denver including Friends With You, I Guess He'd Rather Be In Colorado, Please Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas), and Take Me Home Country Roads. The latter would become a signature song for Denver and be covered by over 300 artists
May 7, 1946 ~ Gerard Nolan, commonly known as rock, punk rock guitarist Jerry Nolan, born in Williamsburg, New York, USA ~ Joined the New York Dolls in 1972, replacing the late Billy Murcia. Nolan would remain with the band through 1975, leaving with Johnny Thunders to co-found the Heartbreakers. The band is considered pivotal to the development of punk rock and known especially for their sole LAMF studio album released in 1977. Nolan has also worked with the Idols, Sid Vicious, the London Cowboys, and recorded as a solo artist ~ Nolan passed away in 1992
May 7, 1946 ~ Guitarist Ray Monette born ~ Started as a session musician for Motown. Co-founded Abstract Reality, known for their Love Burns Like A Fire single. Guested on Stoney & Meatloaf, a 1971 collaborative album by a then-unknown Meat Loaf and singer Shaun Ryder, for which Monette also co-wrote the tracks She Waits By The Window, Kiss Me Again, Lady Be Mine and Jessica White. Also collaborated with Dennis Coffey, played the guitar solo on Funkadelic's I Got A Thing You Got A Thing Everybody's Got A Thing. Perhaps best known as guitarist and singer for Rare Earth from 1971 through 2004, notably present on one of the band's most cherished singles I Just Want To Celebrate
May 7, 1946 ~ Thelma Jackson, commonly known as R&B, soul, disco singer, actress Thelma Houston, born in Leland, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for her 1976 single Don't Leave Me This Way, originally recorded by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes two years earlier. Houston's version would top the Billboard Hot 100 and become a disco classic popular to this day. Houston had previously recorded Do You Know Where You're Going To but the single was pulled and given to Diana Ross as the theme song for the movie Mahogany. Houston would record well into the 2010s, enjoying moderate succes on the R&B and Dance charts from time to time, as well as act in a variety of supporting roles in film and TV productions
May 7, 1945 ~ Christopher Andrew Moore, commonly known as singer, songwriter Christy Moore, born in Prosperous, Ireland ~ Hailed as one of Ireland's all-time greatest singers. Co-founded seminal folk outfit Planxty, credited with spearheading Celtic folk revival in the early-1970s. Also co-founded and fronted 1980s outfit Moving Hearts, merging traditional Irish folk with contemporary rock influences. As a solo artist Moore is especially acclaimed for his 1975 eponymous Christy Moore and his 1984 Ride On albums
May 7, 1945 ~ Balladeer, troubadour, singer, guitarist, songwriter Ewert Ljusberg, full name Karl Ewert Alvar Ljusberg, born in Hede, Sweden ~ Actively recording since the early-1970s. Appeared in a Swedish production of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. As a recording artist has collaborated with artists such as Bengt Sandh, Bernt Johansson, São Tomé, his brother Arne Ljusberg, and others. Assigned president of the Republic Of Jamtland, a humorous, fictitious nation, in 1989 ~ Ljusberg passed away in 2021
May 7, 1943 ~ Country, outlaw country singer, songwriter Terry Allen born in Wichita, Kansas, USA ~ Admired by peers. Critically acclaimed, especially for the 1970s albums Juarez and Lubbock (On Everything). Had his songs covered by Guy Clark, Little Feat, David Byrne, Doug Sahm, Bobby Bare (Amarillo Highway), Ricky Nelson, Lucinda Williams, and others
May 7, 1943 ~ Guitarist, producer Tom Newman, full name Thomas Dennis Newman, born in Perivale, UK ~ Member of late-1960s outfit July, known for their sole eponymous July album. Recorded over a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Fine Old Tom released in 1975. Co-founded Manor Studio, Oxford for the nascent Virgin Records. Best known for producing the seminal Mike Oldfield album Tubular Bells. Has also served as producer for Hatfield & the North, Sally Oldfield, Doll By Doll, and Clodagh Simonds
May 7, 1942 ~ Andres Montañez Rodriguez, salsa, bolero singer, songwriter Andy Montañez, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ Rose to fame in the early-1960s as member of salsa ensemble El Gran Combo, known for songs such as Hiojas Blancas, El Barbero Loco and Vagabundo. Montañez left the band in 1977 and has recorded as a solo artist since
May 7, 1942 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Felix Weingartner, full name Paul Felix Weingartner, passed away in Winterthur, Switzerland ~ One of the last pupils of Franz Liszt. Succeeded Gustav Mahler as director of the Vienna Hofoper, a post Weingartner held from 1907 to 1910. First conductor to make commercial recording of all nine Ludwig van Beethoven symphonies, and after Leopold Stokowski the second to record all four Johannes Brahms symphonies. Premiered Georges Bizet's long-lost Symphony In C in 1935 ~ Weingartner was born in 1863
May 7, 1942 ~ Ska, rocksteady, reggae singer, songwriter Justin Hinds born in Steertown, Jamaica ~ Most popular artist on Duke Reid's Treasure Isle Records label during the mid-1960s, best known for his 1963 hit Carry Go Bring Home. The song would later be notably covered by British ska band the Selecter on their 1980 Too Much Pressure album ~ Hinds passed away in 2005
May 7, 1942 ~ Lawrencine May Collins, commonly known as country, rockabilly, rock singer, guitarist Lorrie Collins born near Sapulpa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Girlfriend of singer and teen idol Ricky Nelson during the late-1950s, both on the TV show The Adventures Of Ozzie And Harriet and in real life. Sister of Larry Collins, with whom she performed through the 1960s under the moniker the Collins Kids and best known for their signature song Just Because ~ Collins passed away in 2018
May 7, 1939 ~ Johnny Mastrangelo, commonly known as doo-wop, R&B singer Johnny Maestro, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Original lead singer of the Crests, one one the first interracial groups and known for songs such as 16 Candles, The Angels Listened In, Trouble In Paradise. Maestro departed the band in 1960 to pursue a solo career, scoring moderate hits throughout the remainder of the decade. Would go on to front Brooklyn Bridge from 1968 onwards, notably known for the 1969 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Worst That Could Happen ~ Mastrangelo passed away in 2010
May 7, 1938 ~ William Henry Jackson, commonly known as blues guitarist, banjoist, singer Papa Charlie Jackson, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Perhaps best known for accompanying some of the most famous classic blues singers including Ida Cox, Hattie McDaniel and notably Ma Rainey. Has also recoirded with Big Bill Broonzy and Blind Blake, the latter a longtime idol of his. As a solo artist known for a number of 1920s recordings, notably Airy Man Blues, Papa's Lawdy Lawdy Blues, Shave 'Em Dry and Salty Dog Blues ~ Jackson was born in 1887
May 7, 1931 ~ Songwriter Jerry Chesnut born in Harlan County, Kentucky, USA ~ Revered songwriter known for songs such as A Good Year For The Roses (Alan Jackson, George Jones, Elvis Costello). T-R-O-U-B-L-E (Elvis Presley, Travis Tritt), A Dime At A Time (Del Reeves), Another Place Another Time (Jerry Lee Lewis), It's Four In The Morning (Faron Young), Holding On To Nothing (Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton), Miles And Miles From Nowhere (Arthur Alexander), They Don't Make 'Em Like My Daddy (Loretta Lynn), Weakness In A Man (Waylon Jennings, Roy Drusky), and others ~ Chesnut passed away in 2018
May 7, 1931 ~ Theresa Veronica Breuer, commonly known as singer Teresa Brewer, born in Toledo, Ohio, USA ~ One of the most prolific singers of the 1950s. Known for songs such as Music Music Music, Till I Waltz Again With You, Ricochet Rock-o-Shay, Baby Baby Baby, and Jilted. Reemerged in the 1980s as a jazz singer, especially known for a string of tribute albums ~ Brewer passed away in 2007
May 7, 1926 ~ Arthur Lee Stevenson, commonly known as blues drummer, singer Kansas City Red, born in Drew, Mississippi, USA ~ Pivotal in development of urban blues. Worked with David Honeyboy Edwards, Robert Nighthawk, Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, Johnny Shines, Earl Hooker, Blind John Davis, Johnny Man Young, Robert Lockwood Junior, Eddie Taylor, Floyd Jones, Elmore James, Easy Baby, Jimmy Reed, and others ~ Stevenson passed away in 1991
May 7, 1923 ~ Singer, songwriter Jim Lowe, full name James Elisworth Lowe, born in Springfield, Missouri, USA ~ Best known for his 1956 hit The Green Door and for writing Gambler's Guitar, a million-seller for Rusty Draper. Also a radio host and personality, considered an export on popular music of the 1940s and 1950s ~ Lowe passed away in 2016
May 7, 1922 ~ Actor, bandleader, saxophonist, clarinetist, arranger Lew Anderson, full name Lewis Burr Anderson, born in Kirkman, Iowa, USA ~ To TV fans best known as the third actor to portray Clarabell the Cow on the TV show Howdy Doody from 1954 to 1960. Also known as accomplished jazz saxophonist and bandleader working with artists such as Bob Millikan, Chuck Winfield, Eddie Bert, Frank Strozier, Dave Weckl, John Fedchock, Greg Gisbert, Milt Hinton, Bobby Rosengarden, and others ~ Anderson passed away in 2006
May 7, 1919 ~ Walter Ferguson Byfield, commonly known as calypso singer, songwriter Walter Ferguson, born in Guabito, Panama ~ Revered calypso songwriter enjoying a career spanning seven decades. Self-taught on several instruments, including dulzaina, harmonica, ukelele, guitar, and clarinet. Wrote an estimated 200 songs, including A Sailing Boat, Cabin In The Wata, Callaloo, and Carnaval Day ~ Byfield passed away in 2023
May 7, 1914 ~ Songwriter, film composer John Elliott born in Gowanda, New York, USA ~ Reportedly wrote or co-wrote over 600 songs for motion pictures, most notably for Roy Rogers and Dale Evans films. Co-wrote with Sonny Burke, Harold Spina (Dinah Shore's It's So Nice To Have A Man Around The House), and with Lew Quadling (Bing Crosby's Sam's Song), and others ~ Elliott passed away in 1972
May 7, 1910 ~ Jazz, swing guitarist, singer Teddy Bunn, full name Theodore Leroy Bunn, born in Freeport, New York, USA ~ Generally regarded as one of the best acoustic guitarists of the 1930s active throughout the early-1970s. Played solely by ear, having never learned to read notes. Best known as a member of Spirits Of Rhythm led by Leo Watson. Has also worked with Red Allen, Fats Pichon, Duke Ellington, the Six Jolly Jesters, the Washboard Rhythm Kings, the Ramblers, Victoria Spivey, Lizzie Miles, Spencer Williams, Sidney Bechet, Hadda Brooks, Johnny Dodds, JC Higginbotham, Lionel Hampton, Jimmie Noone, Louis Jordan, and others ~ Bunn passed away in 1978
May 7, 1905 ~ Jazz violinist, conductor, musical director, composer Georgie Stoll, full name George Martin Stoll, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Best known for his work during the Golden Age of musicals from the 1940s through the 1960s, joining Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1937. Musical director, conductor for musical films such as Honolulu, Ice Follies Of 1939 and Babes In Arms. Has worked with the likes of Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and others. Also involved in some of the later Elvis Presley films, notably Viva Las Vegas and Spinout ~ Stoll passed away in 1985
May 7, 1904 ~ Jazz trombonist Floyd O'Brien born ~ Started in the 1920 playing with Earl Fuller, Floyd Town, Charles Pierce, Thelma Terru, Husk O'Hare. The 1930s saw him teaming up with artists such as Mal Hallett, Joe Venuti, Smith Ballew, Mike Durso, Phil Harris, and with Gene Krupa. During the 1940s O'Brien played with Eddie Miller, Bunk Johnson, Shorty Sherock, Jack Teagarden, Wingy Manone, Fats Waller, Mezz Mezzrow, George Wettling, Charles Lavere. After 1948 he returned to Bud Freeman, with whom he had played as early as 1928, as well as play with Art Hodes, and with Danny Alvin, Albert Nicholas, and others ~ O'Brien passed away in 1968
May 7, 1900 ~ Soprano singer Natalya Rozhdestvesnkaya, full name Natalya Petrovna Rozhdestvenskaya, born ~ Long-time soloist for the Russian All-Union Radio radio station starting in the late-1920s, performing concert performances of operas, often conducted by her husband Nikolai Anosov. The couple's son is conductor Gennnady Rozhdestvensky ~ Rozhdestvenskaya passed away in 1997
May 7, 1896 ~ Victor Cohen, commonly known as jazz drummer Vic Berton, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Playing professionally since age 16. Has worked with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, John Philip Sousa, Art Kahn, Paul Beise, Bix Beiderbecke, Roger Wolfe Kahn, Donald Voorhees, Red Nichols, Paul Whiteman, Abe Lyman, and others ~ Cohen passed away in 1951
May 7, 1850 ~ Conductor Anton Seidl born in Pest, Austria ~ Acclaimed interpreter of Richard Wagner. Closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic ~ Seidl passed away in 1898
May 7, 1833 ~ Romantic pianist, conductor, composer Johannes Brahms born in Hamburg, Germany ~ Influential composer considered on of “the Three B's” alongside Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven. Composed for orchestra, chamber ensembles, organ, voice and choirs. Adhered to tradition while also introducing innovations ~ Brahms passed away in 1897