May 9, 2024 ~ Dennis Tomich, commonly known as garage rock, proto-punk drummer Dennis Thompson or Dennis Machine Gun Thompson, passed away in Taylor, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Elvin Jones, Keith Moon, and Mitch Mitchell. Last surviving member of pioneering proto-punk outfit MC5, one of the rawest and most outspoken bands in American rock. They are especially acclaimed for their 1969 Kick Out The Jams debut album. Thompson's fast and hard drumming, earning him the nickname “Machine Gun”, was an essential element of the band's sound, and proved influential on punk and metal. The MC5 had been nominated for inclusion in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame six times, and was set to be inducted at a ceremony in October 2024. Upon Thompson's death at age 75, his son Chris McNulty told Detroit News: “He was a true, free-spirited rock and roller up until the very last day” ~ Tomich was born in 1948
May 9, 2023 ~ Operatic bass Günter Wewel passed away in Arnsberg, Germany ~ Most closely associated with the Oper Dortmund, serving with the company for the majority of his career. Has also guested with a wide array of renowned orchestras including the Bavarian State Opera, the Hamburg State Opera, the Cologne Opera, and the Budapest National Opera. Also well known as a TV host, presenting the ARD musical entertainment show Kein Schöner Land from 1989 through 2007 ~ Wewel was born in 1934
May 9, 2023 ~ Rock keyboardist, singer Jon Povey passed away ~ Best known as a member of the Pretty Things, joining the band in 1967 along with guitarist Wally Waller. Present on albums such as Emotions and SF Sorrow, the latter regarded as one of the first rock operas. Previously the pair of Povey and Waller had played with Bern Elliott & the Fenmen, known for their 1963 UK top 20 hit Money and its follow-up New Orleans ~ Povey was born ca.1943
May 9, 2021 ~ Rock guitarist Chris Newman, full name Christopher Lynn Newman, passed away ~ Enjoyed regional popularity in the Northwest. Known for his intense blues and psychedelic-influenced guitar leads and near-operatic powerhouse vocals. Cited as an influence by numerous grunge artists, especially for his work with his best known band Napalm Beach, considered early innovators of the grunge sound. Other bands led by Newman include Snow Bud, the Flower People, Boo Frog, and the Chris Newman Deluxe Combo ~ Newman was born in 1953
May 9, 2020 ~ Richard Wayne Penniman, commonly known as singer, pianist, songwriter Little Richard, passed away in Tullahoma, Tennessee, USA ~ Laid the foundation of rock & roll. Hugely influential on R&B. Known for songs such as Tutti Frutti, Long Tall Sally, Lucille, Good Golly Miss Molly, Baby Face and others ~ Penniman was born in 1932
May 9, 2019 ~ Anna Maria Catharina Elisabeth Torlau, commonly known as pianist Ans Torlau, passed away in Vught, the Netherlands ~ Married to violinist Herman Krebbers, with whom she also worked ~ Torlau was born in 1925
May 9, 2019 ~ Composer Arif Malikov passed away ~ Azerbaijani composer who shot to fame in 1961 with his composition for ballet Legend Of Love Ballet. Has also composed other ballets, symphonies, symphony poems, for films and for plays ~ Malikov was born in 1933
May 9, 2019 ~ Singer, guitarist Malcolm Black passed away ~ Singer, guitarist of Netherworld Dancing Toys. Studied law. Worked as a music consultant representing artists such as Straitjacket Fits, the Chills, the Verlaines, and others. Went on to head A&R for Sony Music New Zealand where he worked with Che Fu, Dave Dobbyn, and Bic Runga. Left Sony in 2009 to work in artist management including for Crowded House and Neil Finn ~ Black was born ca.1961
May 9, 2019 ~ Percussionist, bongo player Preston Epps, full name Preston Eugene Epps, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Considered a one-hit wonder, scoring a 1959 Billboard Hot 100 No.14 hit with Bongo Rock. Epps has learned to play the bongos and other percussion instruments while stationed in Okinawa, Japan, during the Korean war. Following the single's success, Epps issued his Bongo Bongo Bongo the following year, which reached top 40 Billboard Hot 200. Several more bongo-themed singles were released, including Bongo Shuffle, Bongo Boogie, and Bongo Rocket, but none would equal the success of his sole hit Bongo Rock. Despite failing to reach the charts again, Epps continued to perform in Southern California. In 1969, Epps would make a small appearance playing a bongo player in the crime-drama film Girl In Gold Boots, credited as “that Bongo Rock man” ~ Epps was born in 1930
May 9, 2017 ~ Harry Samuel Paris, commonly known as singer, actor Michael Parks, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as an actor, star of the Then Came Bronson TV series, acclaimed for his role of Adam in the 1966 film The Bible (In The Beginning}. As a singer admired by peers and enjoys a cult following. Best known for the 1969 Closing The Gap debut album and its follow-up 1970's Long Lonesome Highway, it's [title-track Long Lonesome Highway reaching the Billboard top 20 ~ Parks was born in 1940
May 9, 2017 ~ Roberto Concina, commonly known as DJ, producer Robert Miles, passed away in Ibiza, Spain ~ Best known for his 1995 breakthrough single Children, bringing ambient house into the mainstream. Miles would go on to release five albums, the latest being Thirteen in 2011 ~ Concina was born in 1969
May 9, 2016 ~ Singer Luther Simmons Jr passed away ~ Original member of R&B, soul outfit Main Ingredient, remaining with the band through the mid-1970s, reuniting in later years. Present on the band's best known including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Everybody Plays The Fool and Just Don't Want To Be Lonely. Songs such as [title-main-ingredient-im-so-proud], Black Seeds Keep On Growing, [title-main-ingredient-youve-got-to-take-it-if-you-want-it], and [title-main-ingredient-happiness-is-just-around-the-bend] also did well on the Billboard R&B charts ~ Simmons was born in 1942
May 9, 2015 ~ Fiddler Johnny Gimble, full name John Paul Gimble, passed away in Dripping Springs, Texas, USA ~ Considered one of country's greatest fiddlers. Member of Bob Wills's backing unit the Texas Playboys. Also sessioned, toured and collaborated with Conway Twitty, Connie Smith, Marty Robbins (I'll Go On ALine), Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Lefty Frizzell, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Chet Atkins, Vince Gill, Tanya Tucker, Dale Watson, his granddaughter Emily Gibson, and others ~ Gimble was born in 1926
May 9, 2014 ~ Jazz pianist Frank Strazzeri passed away in Rochester, New York, USA ~ Active since the early-1950s, backing visiting musicians such as Roy Eldridge and Billie Holiday while still living in his native Rochester. Relocated to New Orleans by the mid-1950s, where he played Dixieland with Sharkey Bonano and Al Hirt prior to venturing into bebop with the likes of Charlie Ventura and Woody Herman. Relocating once again, this time to Los Angeles, Strazzeri became an in-demand session musician from the early-1960s onward, appearing on albums by Curtis Amy, Herb Ellis, Carmell Jones, and Roy Haynes. Strazzeri has recorded over a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, and is especially acclaimed for Wood Winds West released in 1992. To pop rock audiences Strazzeri is best known for touring with Elvis Presley in the early-1970s, including for several Madison Square Garden dates and the 1973 Aloha From Hawaii worldwide telecast ~ Strazzeri was born in 1930
May 9, 2014 ~ Joseph Benjamin Wilder, commonly known as trumpeter Joe Wilder, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Benny Carter. Active since the early-1940s, backing the likes of Les Hite, Lionel Hampton, Jimmie Lunceford, Lucky Millinder, and Sam Donahue early on in his career. Recorded three albums as a leader in the 1950s, notably Softly With A Feeling, and several more from the 1980s onward. An in-demand sideman, Wilder has appeared on albums by Count Basie, Al Cohn, Marlene Verplanck (I Think Of You With Every Breath I Take), Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Hank Jones, Herbie Mann, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Marilyn Moore, Mary Ann McCall, Bobby Short, George Russell (New York NY), Billie Holiday, Jackie Paris, Ray Charles (Genius+Soul=Jazz), Oscar Brown Jr, Oliver Nelson, Pee Wee Russell (Spirit Of '67), Charles Mingus (Let My Children Hear Music), Ray Bryant, Leon Redbone (On The Track), Yusef Lateef (The Doctor Is In & Out), and Johnny Hartman ~ Wilder was born in 1922
May 9, 2010 ~ Singer, dancer, actress Lena Horne, full name Lena Mary Calhoun Horne, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Joined the chorus of The Cotton Club at age 16, starting a career in music, stage, film and TV that spanned over 6 decades. As a singer best known for songs such as One For My Baby And One More For The Road, Deed I Do and Love Me Or Leave Me. Announced her retirement from music in 1980 only to come back the next year with her one-woman show The Lady And Her Music which ran 300 performances on Broadway. Horne would continue to record and sporadically perform well into the 1990s ~ Horne was born in 1917
May 9, 2009 ~ Gospel singer, songwriter Eugene Smith passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced gospel singers such as Alex Bradford and reverend James Cleveland. Sang with the Roberta Martin Singers from its inception in until the group's disbandement after Roberta Martin's death in 1969. Sang lead on numerous of the group's songs including He's All I Need, Satisfied, I'm Too Close, Shine On Me, Marching To Zion, It's Gonna Rain, Come Lord Jesus, and Standing On The Promises ~ Smith was born in 1921
May 9, 2009 ~ Multi-instrumentalist Stephen Bruton, full name Turner Stephen Bruton, passed away ~ Worked with artists such as Kris Kristofferson, NRBQ, T-Bone Burnett, Bonnie Raitt, Gene Clark, Rita Coolidge, Christine McVie, Elvis Costello, Delbert McClinton, Sonny Landreth, Carly Simon and others. Has produced albums for Alejandro Escovedo, Marcia Ball, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Hal Ketchum, Storyville, Chris Smither, Ray Wylie Hubbard and others ~ Bruton was born in 1948
May 9, 2009 ~ Singer Travis Edmonson passed away in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Considered a folk music pioneer, influential on later artists including notably the Kingston Trio. Member of folk quartet the Gateway Singers. Following his departure from the quartet in 1958 formed the duo Bud & Travis with Bud Dashiell, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums through the mid-1960s. Edmonson has also recorded as a solo artist ~ Edmonson was born in 1932
May 9, 1998 ~ Alice Jeanne Leppert, commonly known as actress, singer Alice Faye, passed away in Rancho Mirage, California, USA ~ Popular 20th Century Fox 1930s, 1940s musical actress singer, known for her roles in On The Avenue, Alexander's Ragtime Band and perhaps most notably Hello Frisco Hello in which she introduced the Academy Award-winning You'll Never Know ~ Leppert was born in 1915
May 9, 1998 ~ Singer Dana International wins the 43rd edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Birmingham, UK ~ Representing Israel, Dana International wins with the song Diva written by Svika Pick and Yoav Ginai. Runner-ups would be the UK's Imaani with Where Are You in second place, and Malta's Chiara with The One That I Love in third
May 9, 1998 ~ Roots rock, blues harpist, singer Lester Butler passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Fronted the Red Devils, known for their sole 1992 King King produced by Rick Rubin. The band has also recorded a number of songs with the Rolling Stones-frontman Mick Jagger the same year, most of which were never released. The song Checkin' Up On My Baby would be included on the 2007 Jagger compilation The Very Best Of Mick Jagger. Butler has also fronted 13, known for their sole eponymous 13 album released in 1997 ~ Butler was born in 1959
May 9, 1995 ~ James Elbert Raney, commonly known as jazz guitarist Jimmy Raney, passed away in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Best known for his early-1950s work with Red Norvo, replacing Tal Farlow in the Red Norvo Trio, and for backing Stan Getz during the same period. At home in various jazz idioms including cool jazz, bebop, post bop and hard bop. Has also worked with Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Buddy DeFranco, Al Haig, Bob Brookmeyer, and others. Suffered from Ménière's disease which eventually led to near deafness in both ears. This did not stop him from playing however, hailed by the New York Times in his obituary as “one of the most gifted and influential postwar jazz guitarists” ~ Raney was born in 1927
May 9, 1992 ~ Singer Linda Martin wins the 37th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Malmö, Sweden ~ Representing Ireland, Martin wins with the song Why Me. Runner-ups would be the UK's Michael Ball with One Step Out Of Time in second place, and Malta's Mary Spiteri with Little Child in third. Martin's Why Me was penned by Johnny Logan who had twice previously won the contest as a singer, in 1980 with What's Another Year and in 1987 with Hold Me Now
May 9, 1989 ~ Country singer, guitarist Keith Whitley, full name Jackie Keith Whitley, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Recorded only two albums before his untimely death of alcohol poisoning at age 34 yet was held in the highest regard by peers, critics and a devoted fanbase. Master storyteller. Known for songs such as Miami My Amy, Ten Feet Away, Don't Close Your Eyes, When You Say Nothing At All, I'm No Stranger To The Rain, I Wonder Do You Think Of Me, It Ain't Nothin' and the Earl Thomas Conley-duet Brotherly Love. Artists who recorded songs written by Whitley included Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury, John Conlee, Joe Nichols, Vern Gosdin (Would These Arms Be In The Way), Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Rhonda Vincent, Alison Krauss, Travis Tritt, Kenny Chesney, Gene Watson, and others ~ Whitley was born in 1954
May 9, 1987 ~ Singer Johnny Logan wins the 32nd edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Brussels, Belgium ~ Representing Ireland, Logan wins with the song Hold Me Now, a self-penned composition. It would be the 2nd win for the Irishman, already having won with What's Another Year in 1980. In the 1987 contest, runner-ups would be Germany's Wind with Lass Die Sonne In Dein Herz in second place, and Italy's Umberto Tozzi & Raf with Gente Di Mare in third place
May 9, 1980 ~ Flutist Erik Bosgraaf born in Drachten, the Netherlands ~ Plays a wide array of classical genres, ranging from medieval to contemporaraty classical and experimental music. Internationally renowned. Founded the trio Cordevento with Izhar Elias and Alessandro Pianu. Has also worked with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Holland Symfonia, the POW Ensemble, and others
May 9, 1979 ~ Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier, commonly known as rock, hard rock, alternative rock, alternative metal singer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassst, drummer Andrew WK, born in Stanford, California, USA ~ Spent most of the 1990s playing in a number of Detroit-based punk rock, heavy metal, and grindcore bands. By the end of the decade would work in a variety of day jobs, while recording solo material. Would release his well-received solo debut EP, Girls Own Juice, in 2000 and has recorded to critical acclaim since with about half a dozen full-length albums to his name. Has contributed songs for a number of soundtracks and served as producer and mixer for the likes of Wolf Eyes, To Live And Shave In LA, and Baby Dee
May 9, 1979 ~ Alternative pop, pop rock singer, songwriter Matt Morris, full name Matthew Burton Morris, born ~ Has released a handful of solo recordings, starting with the album UnSpoken in 2003 yet is best known as an in-demand songwriter. Artists who have recorded songs written or co-written by Morris include Christina Aguilera (Underappreciated), Kelly Clarkson, Justin Timberlake, Reba McEntire (The Only Promise That Remains), Mary J Blige (Need Someone), Cher, Kimbra, Sarah McLachlan, Nikki Yanofsky, Rachel Platten, Joy Williams, Francesco Yates, Selena Gomez (Me & My Girls), and others
May 9, 1979 ~ Singer, bassist, guitarist, percussionist, songwriter Pierre Bouvier, full name Pierre Charles Bouvier, born in Montreal, Canada ~ Founded punk rock outfit Reset in his early teens, with whom he recorded the albums No Worries and No Limits. Co-founding member, lead singer, bassist for Simple Plan. The band released their No Pads No Helmets Just Balls debut album in 2002 and has recorded consistently to commercial success both in their native Canada and abroad since. Well known songs include I'd Do Anything featuring Mark Hoppus, Perfect, Welcome To My Life, Crazy, and Summer Paradise
May 9, 1975 ~ Tamia Marilyn Washington, mononymously known as hip-hop soul, R&B, gospel, pop singer, songwriter Tamia born in Windsor, Canada ~ First gained attention in 1994 appearing on Quincy Jones's Q's Jook Joint, notably present on the songs You Put A Move On My Heart and Slow Jams. Would release her eponymous Tamia solo debut album in 1998 and regularly hit the higher echelons of the Billboard R&B charts throughout the early-2000s. Known for songs such as Missing You with Brandy, Gladys Knight & Chaka Khan of the Set It Off soundtrack, Imagination featuring Jermaine Dupri, So Into You and Stranger In My House, the latter also reaching the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 top 10 in 2001
May 9, 1975 ~ Punk rock, indie rock drummer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Trevor MacGregor born ~ Best known as drummer for Treble Charger, joining the band in 1997, replacing original drummer Morris Palter. MacGregor appeared on the band's two highest charting albums, namely Wide Awake Bored and their final album Detox both reaching top 10 on the album charts in their native Canada. MacGregor has also worked extensively as a session drummer, perhaps most notably on skate punk outfit SNFU's 2004 In The Meantime And In-Between Time album
May 9, 1972 ~ Pop rock guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Johan Lindström born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Co-founding member of Tonbruket, with whom he recorded about half a dozen acclaimed albums starting with 2010's Dan Berglund's Tonbruket. Collaborated with Rebecka Törnqvist on the 2017 Home Secretary collaborative album. Fronts the Johan Lindström Septett. Has served as producer for the likes of Sofie Livebrandt, Edda Magnason, Freddie Wadling, Anders Widmark, and Pugh Rogefeldt
May 9, 1971 ~ Britpop, alternative rock bassist, turntablist Paul McGuigan, full name Paul Francis McGuigan also known as Guigsy, born in Manchester, UK ~ Co-founding member of Oasis, present on the band's first three albums Definitely Maybe, (What's The Story) Morning Glory and Be Here Now. Departed the band in 1999 to be replaced by Andy Bell. McGuigan is also known as an avid sports fan, especially soccer, renowned for his near-encyclopaedic knowledge of soccer and cricket, and while still in the band co-authored the Robin Friday biography The Greatest Footballer You Never Saw (The Robin Friday Story)
May 9, 1970 ~ Dennis David Coles, commonly known as hip hop rapper, producer, songwriter Ghostface Killah, born in Staten Island, New York, USA ~ Member of rap, hip hop collective the Wu-Tang Clan, known for their dark funk and martial arts imagery and critically acclaimed for a number of 1990s and early-2000s albums especially their 1993 Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) debut album and the album The W released in 2000. The band would also serve as launching pad for most members, who have all gone on to critically and commercially successful parallel solo careers. Coles has released about a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Ironman which spawned the UK top 20 hit All That I Got Is You featuring Mary J Blige, has regularly guested on bandmates' solo outings, and has ventured into acting
May 9, 1969 ~ Marie-Claire Cremers, commonly known as Eurodance, house, R&B, pop rock singer, songwriter Amber, born in Ubbergen, the Netherlands ~ Active from the mid-1990s through the mid-2000s. Best known for singles such as This Is Your Night, If You Could Read My Mind, and Sexual (La-da-di)
May 9, 1969 ~ Bassist, guitarist, singer Peter Wilkinson, full name Leslie Peter Wilkinson, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Influenced by new wave acts such as the Stranglers and Siouxsie & the Banshees as well as jazz. Joined the Shack in 1990, first appearing on the Waterpistol album which initially was not released as the master tapes were lost and the label folded resulting in the band disbanding. Rejoined a reformed incarnation in 2005. Has played with the Cast from 1992 through 2001 and again from 2010 through 2014. Formed and fronts Aviator, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums starting with Huxley Pig Part 1 released in 2002. Has also worked with Ian McCulloch, Echo & the Bunnymen (Siberia), the Baltic Fleet, David Boone, and Michael Blyth
May 9, 1968 ~ Jazz guitarist, arranger, composer Anthony Wilson born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of bandleader Gerald Wilson. Cites Duke Ellington, Wes Montgomery, Ry Cooder and T-Bone Walker as influences. Nominated for a Grammy Award with his first album, the eponymous Anthony Wilson album released in 1997, and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Closely associated with Diana Krall. Has also worked with Mose Allison, Herb Alpert, Chris Botti, Michael Bublé, Pete Christlieb, Randy Crawford, Bobby Hutcherson, Al Jarreau, Gladys Knight, Willie Nelson, Diane Schuur, Curtis Stigers, and Melody Gardot
May 9, 1968 ~ Alto saxophonist Benjamin Herman born in London, UK ~ Best known as leader of the New Cool Collective. Has worked with artists such as Jan Akkerman, Candy Dulfer, Wouter Hamel, Trijntje Oosterhuis, Jesse van Ruller, Typhoon, the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, Misha Mengelberg, Pete Philly, Perquisite, Hans Teeuwen, C-Mon & Kypski, Chef Special, Dr John, Michel Camilo, Paul Weller, Han Bennink, Maarten van der Grinten, Bart van Lier, and Stan Tracey
May 9, 1966 ~ Michael Hampton, commonly known as electro DJ, rapper, producer DJ Magic Mike born ~ Cousin of producer, turntablist DJ Scratch. Best known for his 1989 DJ Magic Mike & The Royal Posse debut album, which would make him the first platinum selling recording artist from Orlanda, Florida. Has recorded consistenly since and is considered one of the pioneers of Miami bass
May 9, 1963 ~ Jazz trumpeter, cornetist, composer Ron Miles, full name Ronald Glen Miles, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Bill Frisell, Brian Blade, Jason Moran, Wayne Horvitz Gravitas Quartet, Ginger Baker, Ben Goldberg, Joe Henry, Rich Lamb, Jason Steele, Whirlpool, Joshua Redman, and others ~ Miles passed away in 2022
May 9, 1962 ~ David Callcott, commonlu known as alternative dance, alternative rock, synth-pop, new wave singer, songwriter David Gahan born in Epping, UK ~ Lead singer of Depeche Mode, known for songs such as Just Can't Get Enough, People Are People, Strangelove, Personal Jesus and Enjoy The Silence
May 9, 1962 ~ Jazz saxophonist Jon Klette born in Norway ~ Fronted the Jazzmob, known for the albums Truth and Pathfinder. Also worked with Paal Nilssen-Love, Ingebrigt Håker Flatan, Vidar Johansen, Bugge Wesseltoft, Per Zanussi, Sjur Miljeteig, Kjetil Moster, and others ~ Klette passed away in 2016
May 9, 1962 ~ Singer, songwriter Paul Heaton, full name Paul David Heaton, born in Bromborough, UK ~ Fronted the Housemartins, known for songs such as Happy Hour and Caravan Of Love. Co-founded the Beautiful South, best known for A Little Time
May 9, 1961 ~ Delta blues singer, guitarist Tommy McClennan passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Known for recordings such as Bottle It Up And Go, New Highway 51, Shake 'Em On Down, Whiskey Head Woman, My Baby's Gone, Cross Cut Saw Blues. The latter two would be carried forward to younger generations covered by respectively Moon Mullican and Albert King ~ McClennan was born in 1905
May 9, 1959 ~ Drummer Dennis Chambers born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Took up drumming at age four and was gigging in Baltimore-area nightclubs by age six. Influenced by Clyde Stubblefield, Al Jackson Jr, Steve Gadd, Jack DeJohnette, Buddy Rich, and Elvin Jones. Member of George Clinton's pivotal funk outfits Parliament and Funkadelic from 1978 through 1985. In-house drummer for Sugar Hill Records during the early-1980s. Has toured with Carlos Santana. In-demand session drummer appearing on albums by Don Blackman, John Scofield, the Brecker Brothers, Barbara Dennerlein, Tom Coster, John McLaughlin, Steely Dan, Niacin, CAB, Maceo Parker, and Victor Wooten
May 9, 1958 ~ Earl John Daley, commonly known as reggae, pop singer Earl Sixteen, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ When he dropped out of school to pursue a career in music, his mother threw him out of the family home. Influenced by American soul and Jamaican artists such as Dennis Brown. Until the late-1970s, early-1980s worked with a number of local groups and recorded a number of solo singles before focusing mainly on a solo career, releasing his full-length Reggae Sounds solo debut album in 1981. Known for his association with singer Roy Cousins. Has worked with producers such as Lee Scratch Perry, Linval Thompson, Augustus Pablo, and Coxsone Dodd. In Europe, and especially the UK, best known as co-lead singer for electronica, reggae outfit Dreadzone since the mid-1990s. Has also worked with Leftfield, Spacemonkeyz, and Damon Albarn's Gorillaz project
May 9, 1958 ~ Oseloke Augustine Onwubaya, commonly known as reggae singer Ras Kimono, born in Ekeleke Elemelu, Nigeria ~ Member of the Jastix. Shot to immediate stardom with his 1989 solo debut album Under Pressure spawning continental hits Under Pressure, Natty Get Jail and Rhumba Style ~ Onwubaya passed away in 2018
May 9, 1957 ~ Opera singer Ezio Pinza, full name Ezio Fortunato Pinza, passed away in Stamford, Connecticut, USA ~ Closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera, appearing in over 750 performances of some 50 operas. Unjustly arrested by the FBI in 1942 and detained for three months with hundreds of other Italian-Americans on suspicion of supporting the Axis. After his tenure with the Met embarked on a second career in Broadway musicals, perhaps most notably in South Pacific portraying the role of the painter Emile de Becque ~ Pinza was born in 1892
May 9, 1957 ~ Punk, punk rock drummer Jim Reilly, full name James G Reilly, born ~ Best known as member of punk rock outfit Stiff Little Fingers from 1979 through 1981, present on the albums Nobody's Heroes, Go For It, and Hanx. Other associations include the Alternative Soldiers, the Dead Handsomes, and XSLF
May 9, 1956 ~ Rock & roll pianist, singer Little Richard records Ready Teddy at J&M Music Shop, New Orleans, Louisiana ~ Written by John Marascalco and Robert Bumps Blackwell, the latter also serving as producer. An original for Richard it features Richard on lead vocal and piano backed by Lee Allen and Alvin Tyler on saxophones, Edgar Blanchard guitar, Frank Fields bass, and Earl Palmer drums. Released the following June as B-side to Rip It Up and included on Richard's 1957 Here's Little Richard debut album. It has since been covered by Buddy Holly, Carl Perkins, and Gene Vincent. The song received its largest ever audience in September 1956 as Elvis Presley sang it during his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show to an estimated 60 million viewers
May 9, 1956 ~ Jazz, folk guitarist, songwriter Richard Chapman born in Pembury, UK ~ Draws from classical music, traditional folk and world music. Was involved as a consulltant to auction house Christie's in the 1994 Charlie Parker sale and the 1999 Eric Clapton sale
May 9, 1955 ~ Lieder, opera, oratorio, pop, rock mezzo-soprano singer Anne Sofie von Otter born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Recorded prolifically since the late-1980s with over four dozen albums to her name ranging from classical to lieder and from folk to rock covers. First gained attention as a member of the Basel Opera, making her opera debut as Alcina in Joseph Haydn's Orlando Paladino. Would go on to work with renowned companies including the Royal Opera House, La Scala, and the Metropolitan Opera. Collaborated with Elvis Costello on For The Stars (Anne Sofie Van Otter Meets Elvis Costello), the album containing renditions of pop and rock songs originally by the Beach Boys, the Beatles, and ABBA. Also especially noted for her 2007 Terezin (Music From Theresienstadt) album, performing songs written by prisoners of the Theresienstadt ghetto camp prior to their deportation to Auschwitz
May 9, 1955 ~ Drummer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer Charley Drayton, full name Charles Leslie Drayton, born in New York, New York, USA ~ In-demand session and touring drummer. Member of Divinyls, present on the albums Divinyls and Underworld. Married to the band's frontwoman Chrissy Amphlett from 1999 until her death in 2013. Notably contributed percussion to the Rolling Stones album Dirty Work, leading Keith Richards to invite him to join his side project the X-Pensive Winos. Produced Fiona Apple's 2012 The Idler Wheel album. Has also worked with the B52's (Cosmic Thing), the Cult, Paul Simon, Cold Chisel, Johnny Hallyday, Little Steven, and Bob Dylan
May 9, 1953 ~ John Victor Edwards, commonly known as rock bassist, violinist, guitarist John Rhino Edwards, born in Chiswick, UK ~ Best known as member of Status Quo, joining the band in 1986 as replacement for Alan Lancaster. Had previously worked in Judie Tzuke's backing unit, where he was given the nickname “Rhino”, reportedly for being clumsy. Has also worked with Peter Green, the Climax Blues Band, and with Dexys Midnight Runners on their 1985 Don't Stand Me Down album
May 9, 1950 ~ Keyboardist Allen Ravenstine born in Ohio, USA ~ Inspired by his mother's love of Sergei Rachmaninoff and his father's interest in jazz. Best known as member of Pere Ubu starting in the mid-1970s. The influential art punk band is especially acclaimed for their mid- to late-1970s albums Dubg Housing, Modern Dance and New Picnic Time. Ravenstine would remain with the band through the late-1980s, his last appearance on 1989's Cloudland, before retiring from music altogether. As of the early-1990s Ravenstine works as a commercial pilot
May 9, 1950 ~ Thomas John Peterson, commonly known as rock bassist Tom Petersson born in Rockford, Illinois, USA ~ Co-founding member of Cheap Trick, remaining with the band through 1980 and rejoining in 1987. Present on the band's acclaimed 1979 Cheap Trick At Budokan live album which yielded the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit I Want You To Want Me (Live)
May 9, 1949 ~ Pianist, singer, songwriter Billy Joel born in New York, New York, USA ~ Over a dozen albums to his name. One of the all-time best-selling artists with over 150 million records sold since the early-1970s. Dubbed “the Piano Man” after his first major hit. Became a household name with the 1977 The Stranger album, which included the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 songs Just The Way You Are, Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) and She's Always A Woman. Subsequent well known songs include My Life, It's Still Rock & Roll To Me, Tell Her About It, and We Didn't Start The Fire
May 9, 1949 ~ Blues guitarist Bob Margolin born in Brookline, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known for his association with Muddy Waters during the 1970s, featured on the albums The Unk In Funk and Muddy Waters Woodstock Album, as well as with Waters and the Band guesting on the latter's farewell concert captured on The Last Waltz. Margolin has released solo albums and worked with Freeborne, Big Joe Duskin, Pinetop Perkins, the Nighthawks, John Brim, and Ann Rabson
May 9, 1948 ~ Progressive rock, punk rock, psychedelic rock drummer, guitarist, sitarist, singer Richard Hudson, full name Richard William Stafford Hudson, born in Tottenham, UK ~ Active since the late-1960s, starting with Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera appearing on the albums Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera and Ride A Hustler's Dream. Joined the Strawbs along with bandmate John Ford in 1970, the pair remaining with the band through the mid-1970s and present on the band's most acclaimed Grave New World and Bursting At The Seams. Formed the duo Hudson Ford with Ford, recording four albums through 1977. Has subsequently also worked with the Monks, High Society, and Good Old Boys
May 9, 1946 ~ Schlager singer, songwriter Drafi Deutscher, full name Drafi Franz Richard Deutscher, born in Charlottenburg, Germany ~ Known for a string of 1960s hits, notably Shake Hands, Keep Smiling and Cinderella Baby. Internationally perhaps best known for co-writing Boney M's disco hit Belfast with Jimmy Bilsbury and Joe Menke ~ Deutscher passed away in 2006
May 9, 1945 ~ Actor, author, painter, trumpeter Hans Dagelet born in Deventer, the Netherlands ~ Best known as an actor, notably in De Lift, All Stars and Ik Ga Naar Tahiti. Married to alt-violist Esther Apituley. As a trumpeter known for his association with Spinvis and Vijf Slag
May 9, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist, producer Steve Katz born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of Blood Sweat & Tears, remaining with the band through 1973. Would go on to become an in-demand producer, notably working with Lou Reed on the 1974 albums Sally Can't Dance and Rock 'n Roll Animal. Has also produced Elliott Murphy's Night Lights and Horslips's Short Stories Tall Tales
May 9, 1944 ~ Rock, country rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Richie Furay, full name Paul Richard Furay, born in Yellow Springs, Ohio, USA ~ Member of the Au Go Go Singer, the house band of the famous the Café Au Go Go in New York. Co-founding and constant member of Buffalo Springfield. The band is best known for their 1967 For What It's Worth Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit, written by band member Stephen Stills. The song would become one of the era's best known, often regarded as an anti-war song but was actually inspired by protests against a curfew resulting in riots. Co-founding member of Poco, for whom Furay wrote his best known including Pickin' Up The Pieces, Good Feelin' To Know and Kind Woman, the latter dedicated to his wife Nancy. After departing the band in 1974 formed country rock supergroup the Souther Hillman Furay Band with JD Souther and Chris Hillman. Furay has subsequently recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, yet with disappointing sales retired from music by the early-1980s and became a senior pastor in Broomfield, Colorado. Furay has since reunited with his old bandmates on occasion
May 9, 1942 ~ Composer, arranger, conductor Bruce Rowland born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Best known as a film composer, notably credits including the soundtracks to films such as The Man From Snowy River and its sequel The Man From Snowy River II, the TV movie Tidal Wave (No Escape), and the animated feature film The Mysterious Geographic Explorations Of Jasper Morello. Conducted the orchestra for the opening ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympics held in Sydney, Australia, performing a special Olympics version of the main theme of The Man From Snowy River Suite
May 9, 1942 ~ Pop, rock singer Tommy Roe, full name Thomas David Roe, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Archetypical 1960s bubblegum pop singer known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Sheila, Everybody, Sweet Pea, Hooray For Hazel, Dizzy and Jam Up & Jelly Tight
May 9, 1941 ~ Pop, doo-wop singer Danny Rapp, full name Daniel Earl Rapp, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Lead singer for Danny & the Juniors, known best for their 1958 hit At The Hop. The song was based on their earlier song Do The Bop, and would become a worldwide hit after Dick Clark's suggestion to rewrite and retitle it. The group would have two follow-up hits with Rock & Roll Is Here To Stay and Twistin' USA before hitting a dry spell. In the 1970s the group capitalized on the nostalgia movement, touring and rerecording some of their biggest hits. By the late-1970s the group broke up in two separate groups, both using the Danny & the Juniors moniker. Rapp would pass away at age 41 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound ~ Rapp passed away in 1983
May 9, 1941 ~ Bassist Peter Birrell born in Manchester, UK ~ Co-founding member of Freddie & the Dreamers. Though the band came from Manchester, they would be grouped as part of the burgeoning Merseybeat sound, a genre generally associated with the Liverpool area. They enjoyed popularity especially during the first half of the 1960s, scoring a string of UK top 20 hits, including notably If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody, You Were Made For Me, and I Understand. Their best known, I'm Tellin' You Now, would also reach the top position on the American Billboard Hot 100
May 9, 1940 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Dick Morrisey, full name Richard Edwin Morrissey, born in Surrey, UK ~ First gained attention in the early-1960s as a member of the Delta City Jazzmen while still only in his mid-teens. Has recorded well over a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, starting with It's Morrisey at age 21. Co-founded If, regarded the premier British jazz-rock band, with Dave Quincy and Terry Smith, with whom he recorded a little over half a dozen albums during the early-1970s. Also closely associated with guitarist Jim Mullen. An in-demand collaborator, Morrisey has played with Ted Heath, Johnny Dankworth, Georgie Fame, Charlie Watts, Geoff Whitehorn, the Average White Band, Peter Gabriel, Craig Nuttycombe, Duncan Browne, Roy Harper, Orange Juice (Rip It Up), Gary Numan, Paul McCartney, Brian Auger, Paul Carrack (Groove Approved), and Barclay James Harvest. Upon Morrisey's death at age 60, The Times described him as “the most brilliant British saxophonist to emerge in the wake of Tubby Hayes, (…) his advocacy of jazz-rock fusion successfully brought jazz to a rock audience and rock to a jazz audience” ~ Morrisey passed away in 2000
May 9, 1940 ~ Pianist, keyboardist John Hawken, full name John Christopher Hawken, born in London, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Nashville Teens, known for their 1964 recording of Tobacco Road and its follow-up Google Eye both of which would reach top 10 in their native UK. Member of Renaissance, with whom he recorded the albums Renaissance and Illusion at the turn of the 1970s. Member of the Strawbs during the mid-1970s, present on the albums Hero And Heroine and Ghosts. Hawken has also worked with Luther Grosvenor, Claire Hamill, the Sutherland Brothers, and Illusion ~ Hawken passed away in 2024
May 9, 1939 ~ Pianist, composer Bruce Mather born ~ Married to pianist Pierrete LePage, with whom he regulary collaborated in piano duets. Composed orchestral, chamber, vocal and piano works. Considered one of the premier composers of microtonal music, especially noted for the works Musique Pour Champigny and Yquem. Has taught at renowned institutions such as the University of Toronto, the University of Montreal, and the Paris Conservatoire, his students including the likes of John Burke, Jacques Desjardins, José Evangelista. Closely associated with Société de Musique Contemporaine du Qeébec, serving as its director for over a dozen years starting in the mid-1960s
May 9, 1939 ~ Experimental musical instrument inventor, singer, painter, sculptor Constance Demby, full name Constance Mary Demby, born in Oakland, California ~ Considered a pioneer in new age music. Plays piano, keyboards, dulcimer, koto, harpeleck, tamboura, and numerous self-invented sheet metal sound scultpures combining her work as a musician and a sculptor. Over a dozen album to her name. Best known for her 1986 Novus Magnificat album ~ Demby passed away in 2021
May 9, 1938 ~ Harry Peter Traum, commonly known as folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Happy Traum, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Traum began playing guitar and banjo in his teens, including taking lessons from noted blues musician Brownie McGhee. Though Traum never became a household name like his contemporaries Pete Seeger, Phil Ochs, and longtime friend and collaborator Bob Dylan, Traum is considered a key figure on the Greenwich Village scene pivotal to the development of folk and one of the most gifted musicians to keep the genre alive past its heyday. Reportedly, Traum with his early-1960s group the New World Singers was the first to release a version of Bob Dylan's Don't Think Twice It's Allright. Traum also regularly recorded with his brother guitarist Artie Traum, the siblings perhaps best remembered for their highly acclaimed 1970 Happy & Artie Traum album. Over the course of his lengthy career, Traum has recorded as a solo artist starting with Relax Your Mind released in 1975, played with several groups, notably the Woodstock Mountain Revue, and served as contributing writer for magazines such as Rolling Stone, Acoustic Guitar, and Guitar Player ~ Traum passed away in 2024
May 9, 1936 ~ Jazz pianist, conductor Kenny Clayton born in Edmonton, UK ~ Served as musical director and arranger for the likes of Dick Haymes, Cilla Black, Charles Aznavour, Sacha Distel, Roger Whittaker, and especially Petula Clark working with Clark from the early-1960s through the 2000s. Composed soundtracks for films such as The Ragman's Daughter, The Savage Hunt and Night Train To Murder and directed and arranged for theatrical productions including The Sound Of Music, No Strings and Privates On Parade ~ Clayton passed away in 2022
May 9, 1935 ~ Copla singer, songwriter Dolores Abril, full name Dolores Caballero Abril, born in Hellin, Spain ~ Married to Juanito Valderrama, with whom she also worked, from 1981 until his death in 2004. As a solo artist especially known for a number of 1960s recordings, notably Al Primer Derrote, Tu Te Casate, Gloria A Chicuelo Il and Que Bonita Esta La Reina ~ Abril passed away in 2020
May 9, 1935 ~ Noie Floyd Edwards, commonly known as guitarist, bassist Nokie Edwards, born in Lahoma, Oklahoma, USA ~ Member of surf band the Ventures from 1960 through 1968 and again from 1972 through 1985. initially as bassist and later, in the classic line-up as guitarist. Has also worked as a solo artist, including releasing the underrated 1971 Nokie, played lead guitar on Lefty Frizzell's final recordings, collaborated with artists such as AdVenture, Art Greenhaw and the Light Crust Doughboys, and had a minor career as an actor including briefly appearing on the Western TV series Deadwood ~ Edwards passed away in 2018
May 9, 1933 ~ Composer Arif Malikov born ~ Azerbaijani composer who shot to fame in 1961 with his composition for ballet Legend Of Love Ballet. Has also composed other ballets, symphonies, symphony poems, for films and for plays ~ Malikov passed away in 2019
May 9, 1931 ~ Jorge Scibona, commonly known as classical guitarist, composer Jorge Morel, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Actively recording and performing from the late-1950s until his death in 2021. Best known for his composition Suite Del Sur, dedicated to his wife Olga, premiered as soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Admired by peers from both the classical and jazz worlds including Pepe Romero, David Starobin, Carlos Barbosa-Lima, Ricardo Iznaola, and Chet Atkins with whom he would establish a lifelong friendship and mutual admiration, many of whom have performed or recorded his compositions ~ Scibona passed away in 2021
May 9, 1926 ~ Aaron Corthen, commonly known as blues saxophonist AC Reed, born in Wardell, Missouri, USA ~ Worked with Earl Hooker, Willie Mabon, Dennis Binder, Lillian Offitt, Ricky Allen, Junior Wells, Son Seals, and Albert Collins. Best known for backing Buddy Guy from 1967 through 1977. His 1987 album, I'm In The Wrong Business, featured cameos by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Bonnie Raitt ~ Corthen passed away in 2004
May 9, 1920 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter, publisher Jerry Byrd, full name Gerald Lester Byrd, born in Lima, Ohio, USA ~ Taught steel guitar lessons to Jimmie Vaughan and Jerry Garcia. One of the first in the music business to sign Dolly Parton. Sought-after collaborator, session musician. Worked with Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Red Foley, Jack McDuff, Don Patterson, and others. Has been releasing solo records since the early-1950s. Member of the Country All-Stars ~ Byrd passed away in 2005
May 9, 1914 ~ Clarence Eugene Snow, commonly known as country, honky-tonk singer, guitarist, songwriter Hank Snow, born in Brooklyn, Canada ~ Recorded some 140 albums, charting over 80 singles on the Billboard Country charts from the 1950s through the 1980s. Best known for self-penned songs such I'm Moving On, Golden Rocket, Rhumba Boogie, as well as covers such as I Don't Hurt Anymore, Let Me Go Lover, I've Been Everywhere, Hello Love ~ Snow passed away in 1999