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, songwriter 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, 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 ~ 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 ~ 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 the 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, Bob Dylan, and others
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 ~ Bassist, singer Mike Wedgwood born in Derby, UK ~ Worked with Overlanders, Arthur's Mother, Curved Air, Sonja Kristina, Kiki Dee, Elton John, Caravan, Gordon Haskell, the Skriver Bjarnesen Blues Band, Stan Urban, and others
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, We Didn't Start The Fire, and others
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, Ann Rabson, and others
May 9, 1948 ~ R&B, gospel, soul singer DJ Rogers, full name DeWayne Julius Rogers, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for 1970s singles as Say You Love Me and Love Brought Me Back, the latter reaching top 20 on the Billboard R&B charts ~ Rogers passed away in 2020
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 ~ Singer, songwriter Clint Holmes born in Bournemouth, UK ~ Best known for Playground In My Mind, an international hit in 1973
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 ~ Singer, guitarist Don Dannemann born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Member of shortlived pop, rock outfit Cyrkle, known for the 1966 hits Red Rubber Ball written by Paul Simon and Bruce Woodley and Turn Down Day
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 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, 1943 ~ Bassist, singer Bruce Milner born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Member of Every Mothers Son, best known for their 1967 single Come On Down To My Boat which reached top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100
May 9, 1942 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Bobby Lewis born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, USA ~ Best known for How Long Has It Been, a Billboard Country top 10 hit in 1966
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 ~ Co-founding member of Freddie & the Dreamers, known for hits such as If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody, I'm Telling You Now, You Were Made For Me and I Understand. The band would be grouped as part of the Merseybeat sound, generally associated with Liverpool, yet came from Manchester
May 9, 1940 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Dick Morrisey, full name Richard Edwin Morrissey, born in Surrey, UK ~ Worked with the Delta City Jazzmen, the Original Climax Jazz Band, Gus Gailbraith, the Jazz Couriers, Ted Heath, Stan Robinson, Al Gay, Paul Carroll, Ian Carr, Kenny Wheeler, Alexis Korner, Brian Auger, John Critchinson, John Burch, Max Middleton, Steve Ferrone, Danny Cummings, Tubby Hayes, Bill Le Sage, Roy Budd, Michael Garrick, Spike Robinson, Charlie Watts, Jack Bruce, Colin Hodgkinson, Zoot Money, Charly Antolini, Annie Ross, Dusty Springfield, Paul McCartney, Orange Juice, and others ~ Morrisey passed away in 2000
May 9, 1940 ~ Pianist, keyboardist John 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. Has also worked with Luther Grosvenor, Claire Hamill, the Sutherland Brothers, and Illusion
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 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Happy Traum, full name Harry Peter Traum, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Brownie McGhee. Brother of Artie Traum, with whom he also worked. Member of the Woodstock Mountain Revue. Has also worked with Bob Dylan, John Sebastian, Jerry Jeff Walker, Tom Pacheco, Pete Seeger, Rory Block, Maria Muldaur, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, and others
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, 1930 ~ Billy Joe Grant, commonly known as singer Bill Grant, born in Hugo, Oklahoma, USA ~ Half of famed bluegrass duo alongside Delia Bell
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
May 9, 1831 ~ Operatic baritone singer Karl Hill born in Idstein im Taunus, Germany ~ Best known for his roles in Richard Wagner operas, including the role of Alberich in the 1876 premiere of Der Ring Des Nibelungen ~ Hill passed away in 1893