November 12, 2024 ~ Jazz, swing, jazz fusion, avant-garde jazz drummer Roy Haynes, full name Roy Owen Haynes, passed away in Nassau County, New York, USA ~ One of the most recorded drummers in jazz with a career spanning eight decades starting in the early-1940s. Has recorded as a leader or co-leader since the mid-1950s, especially acclaimed for Out Of The Afternoon released in 1962. Also noted for the collaborative album We Three with Phineas Newborn Jr and Paul Chambers released four years earlier. In-demand sideman, present on albums by the likes of Lester Young, Charlie Parker, JJ Johnson, Bud Powell, Cal Tjader, Sarah Vaughan (At Mister Kelly's), Sonny Rollins (The Sound Of Sonny), Thelonious Monk, Art Farmer, Booker Little (Booker Little), Etta Jones, Ray Charles (Genius+Soul=Jazz), Oliver Nelson, Eric Dolphy, Eddie Lockjaw Davis (Trane Whistle), Rahsaan Roland Kirk, John Coltrane (Impressions), Gary Burton, Jack DeJohnette, Sonny Stitt, and Chick Corea ~ Haynes was born in 1925
November 12, 2018 ~ Worship, contemporary Christian music pianist, arranger, composer Kurt Kaiser, full name Kurt Frederic Kaiser, passed away in Waco, Texas, USA ~ For over five decades, Kaiser influenced modern day church music and helped usher in a new era in American Christian music. Has recorded well over a dozen albums since the late-1950s, noted especially for Psalms Hymns & Spirituals released in 1994, has led numerous workshops, served as A&R director, and has arranged and produced for the likes of George Beverly Shea, Jerome Hines, Burl Ives, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ethel Waters, Ken Medema, and Kathleen Battle ~ Kaiser was born in 1934
November 12, 2016 ~ Lawyer, agent, TV producer Frank Konigsberg passed away ~ To pop and rock audiences perhaps best known for producing the 1977 Merrie Old Christmas TV special starring Bing Crosby. It would feature a duet with David Bowie, Crosby singing the traditional The Little Drummer Boy, Bowie countering with Peace On Earth. Bowie would release it a a single, the flip side featuring Fantastic Voyage ~ Konigsberg was born in 1933
November 12, 2016 ~ Poet, singer, screenwriter Jacques Werup passed away ~ Best known as a poet and author, publishing his first novel Returbiljett Polen in 1971. As a musician and songwriter closely associated with singer, guitarist Michael Saxell, co-writing songs for their own projects as well as others including collaborations with Lill Lindfors, Mats Ronander and Benneth Fagerlund ~ Werup was born in 1945
November 12, 2012 ~ Jazz drummer Bob French passed away ~ While not widely known outside New Orleans, French is nonetheless considered a key figure in the city's rich musical history. Organized an R&B band while in high school, which included Art Neville, Charles Neville, and Kidd Jordan. Recorded with the likes of Earl King, Snooks Eaglin, and Fats Domino during the 1960s. Led the the Tuxedo Jazz Band, previously led by his father banjoist Papa French, from 1977 until his death at age 74 ~ French was born in 1937
November 12, 2011 ~ Singer, drummer, songwriter Doyle Bramhall passed away in Alpine, Texas, USA ~ Father of singer, guitarist Doyle Bramhall II. Member of the Chessmen who once opened for Jimi Hendrix. Formed Texas Storm with Jimmie Vaughan. Formed the Nightcrawlers, teaming up with Jimmie's younger brother Stevie Ray Vaughan and Marc Benno. As a solo artist especially noted for his 1994 Bird Nest On The Ground debut album, his gravelly voice critically compared to Bob Seger ~ Bramhall was born in 1949
November 12, 2008 ~ John Graham Mitchell, commonly known as drummer Mitch Mitchell, passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Best known for his association with Jimi Hendrix, chosen over Aynsley Dunbar by way of a toin coss at his audition. Backed Hendrix at the famed Monterey Pop Music Festival in 1967 and at the 1969 the Woodstock Music and Art Fair. Appeared on the albums Are You Experienced, Axis (Bold As Love), and Electric Ladyland ~ Mitchell was born in 1946
November 12, 2005 ~ In its ninth week on the charts, We Be Burnin' by Sean Paul peaks at No.6 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Paul's third Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit, preceded by the No.7 hit Gimme The Light and the charttopping Get Busy, We Be Burnin' advocates the use of marijuana while cautioning the listener to stay away from more dangerous and destructive substances such as cocaine. A radio-friendly version of the song has also been released, titled We Be Burnin' (Recognize It), which changed all drug-related references to ones concerning women. High Times, a monthly magazine reporting on all things marijuana-related, named We Be Burnin' the Best Pot Song of 2005
November 12, 2003 ~ Anthony Terrence Thompson, commonly known as drummer Tony Thompson, passed away in Encino, California, USA ~ Cited by Dave Grohl as an inspiration. Drummed with Labelle and briefly with soul, disco outfit Ecstasy Passion & Pain before rising to fame as member of Chic, a band known for quintessential disco hits such as Dance Dance Dance (Yowsah Yowsah Yowsah), Le Freak, I Want Your Love, and Good Times. Member of supergroup Power Station, noted for their 1985 eponymous The Power Station album. Thompson can also be heard on albums by Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, Debbie Harry, David Bowie (Let's Dance), Madonna (Like A Virgin), Mick Jagger, Jody Watley, and Rod Stewart (Out Of Order) ~ Thompson was born in 1954
November 12, 2001 ~ Albert Marcuse, commonly known as songwriter, actor Albert Hague, passed away in Marina Del Rey, California, USA ~ Known for co-writing Broadway musicals such as Plain & Fancy, Redhead, Cafe Crown, and The Fig Leaves Are Falling. Hague also composed the music for the TV musical cartoon How The Grinch Stole Christmas. As an actor Hague is perhaps best known for portraying the role of Benjamin Shorofsky, the music teacher, in the TV series Fame and the film of the same name ~ Marcuse was born in 1920
November 12, 2000 ~ Conductor, violinist Frank Pourcel, full name Franck Marius Louis Pourcel, passed away in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France ~ Recorded some 250 albums, over 3000 songs and conducted numerous famous orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Orchestra, and the Lamoureux Orchestra. To pop audiences best known for his 1956 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Only You, a cover of the Platters-classic. Co-wrote and first recorded the instumental Chariot, which would notably be covered by Little Peggy March with English lyrics added and retitled to I Will Follow Him ~ Pourcel was born in 1913
November 12, 1998 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, post-bop pianist, keyboardist Kenny Kirkland, full name Kenneth David Kirkland, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Classically trained. First gained attention in the mid-1970s, touring with fusion violinist Michal Urbaniak. Subssequently worked with bassist Miroslav Vitous, including on the albums First Meeting and Miroslav Vitous Group, and with trumpeter Terumasa Hino, before teaming up with Wynton Marsalis, with whom he would regularly collaborate. Present on some of Wynton's best known albums, including the acclaimed Black Codes (From The Underground). To pop audiences, Kirkland is perhaps best known as a member of the Blue Turtles, a pop-jazz group assembled by the Police-singer Sting for his first two solo albums, the 1985 The Dream Of The Blue Turtles and its follow-up Bring On The Night. Other notable associations include Rodney Jones, John Scofield, Chico Freeman, Elvin Jones, Carla Bley, Dizzy Gillespie, Franco Ambrosetti, Branford Marsalis, and Hiram Bullock. Kirkland recorded one album as a leader, the warmly received eponymous Kenny Kirkland released in 1991 ~ Kirkland was born in 1955
November 12, 1997 ~ Blues-rock, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Rainer Ptacek, full name Rainer Jaromir Ptacek, passed away in Tucson, Arizona, USA ~ Noted for his slide and finger-picking technique and use of electronic manipulation. Though never rising above cult status, Ptacek is considered influential during brief recording career, praised by artists such as Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons. Co-founded alt-country outfit Giant Sand with Howe Gelb in the late-1970s, drawing from swing, country, rock, and beatnik lyricism. As a solo artist best known for the albums DYO released in 1995 and Live At The Performance Center released posthumously in 2000. The latter was recorded in June 1997, about half a year before his death at age 46 of cancer ~ Ptacek was born in 1951
November 12, 1995 ~ Michelle Davina Hoogendoorn, commonly known as singer Davina Michelle, born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known for her 2018 Duurt Te Lang single, a No.1 hit in her native Netherlands. Other well known songs include Skyward, Hoe Het Danst featuring Marco Borsato and Armin Van Buuren, Beat Me, and 17 Miljoen Mensen with Snelle, the latter an updated cover of the Fluitsma & Van Tijn classic 15 Miljoen Mensen
November 12, 1990 ~ Guitarist Ron Wood injured in a traffic accident ~ Wood's wife Jo was driving the couple's BMW when they crashed their car some 50 miles outside of London. Wood escaped unscathed and got out to direct traffic, but was struck by an oncoming vehicle. The impact broke both his legs. Wood would tell People magazine: “The doctors have prescribed a pint of Guinness a day, so that can't be bad”
November 12, 1988 ~ In its thirteenth week on the charts, Wild Wild West by the Escape Club hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ When this song reached the top of the American Billboard Hot 100, the Escape Club earned the distinction of being the only British band ever to have scored a No.1 hit in America while never having charted at all in their native England. Over the next few years the group would appear on the American charts twice more, Shake For The Sheik reached No.28, and I'll Be There reached No.8
November 12, 1988 ~ Singer Helvetia Boswell passed away ~ One third of close harmony trio the Boswell Sisters, alongside siblings Martha Boswell and Connee Boswell, known for 1930s hits such as I Found A Million Dollar Baby In A Five An Ten Cent Store, Rock & Roll, The Object Of My Affection, Dinah, Alexander's Ragtime Band, and others ~ Boswell was born in 1911
November 12, 1987 ~ Singer, songwriter, poet, actor Cornelis Vreeswijk passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Emigrated to Sweden at age 12. Regarded as one of Sweden's most influential troubadours. Played Pontius Pilate in the Swedish version of Jesus Christ Superstar. Influenced by Josh White, Georges Brassens, Leadbelly. Known for songs such as Angbatsblus (Steam Boat Blues), Jubelvia For Fiffiga Nanette (Joyful Song For Clever Nanette), Polaren Par My Buddy Par, and Blues For Fatumeh. Renowned interpreter of the songs of Michael Bellman, Evert Taube, and of Lars Forssell. In the Netherlands best known for a handful of Dutch songs, especially 1972's Veronica, picked up by pirate radio station Veronica, and 1966's De Nozem & De Non (The Greaser & The Nun. The latter initially made little impact, yet has since become a classic ~ Vreeswijk was born in 1937
November 12, 1987 ~ Jazz drummer, singer Jamison Ross born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Fluid percussionist and gospel-influenced singer, known for his associations with the likes of Dr John, James Southwell, Carmen Lundy, Jon Cleary, Snarky Puppy, the Soul Rebels, and Tank & the Bangas. Released his Jamison acclaimed solo debut album in 2015, drawing from gospel, post-bop, and R&B
November 12, 1985 ~ William Wells, commonly known as jazz trombonist Dicky Wells, passed away in New York, New York, New York ~ Brother of trombonist Henry Wells. Worked steadily behind the likes of Cecil Scott, Spike Hughes, Fletcher Henderson, and Benny Carter before rising to fame playing with Count Basie. About half a dozen albums as a leader, noted for Goin' To Kansas City released in 1960. Has also worked with Jimmy Rushing, Jelly Roll Morton (Mr Jelly Roll), Buddy Tate, Buck Clayton, Booty Wood, Nancy Harrow, James Brown (Live At The Apollo), and Jimmy Rushing ~ Wells was born in 1907
November 12, 1985 ~ Pop, rock singer, songwriter Yoko Yazawa born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Daughter of singer Eikichi Yazawa. Member of the Generous, known best for their eponymous The Generous album released in 2010. Yazawa released her eponymous Yoko Yazawa solo debut album the same year, has worked with Joe Inoue, and is a member of Piggy Banks
November 12, 1984 ~ Singer Madonna releases her Like A Virgin sophomore album, her first to reach No.1 Billboard Hot 200 ~ It was her sophomore album, co-produced with Nile Rodgers, that made her an icon of 1980s pop. It reached the No.1 spot in over half a dozen countries including the USA, the UK, and the Netherlands, and spawned five Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits. Regarding the album's two biggest hits, Like A Virgin and Material Girl, both considered pivotal to her career, Madonna later remarked: “I liked them both because they were ironic and provocative at the same time but also unlike me. I am not a materialistic person, and I certainly wasn't a virgin, and, by the way, how can you be ‘like a virgin’? I liked the play on words, I thought they were clever. They're so geeky, they're cool.”
November 12, 1983 ~ James Preston McDonald, commonly known as jazz trombonist Preston Jackson, passed away in Blytheville, Arkansas, USA ~ Mentored by Roy Palmer and Honore Dutrey. Fixture on the 1920s Chicago jazz scene, backing artists such as Tig Chambers, Al Simone, Eli Rice, Art Simms, Bernie Young, and Richard M Jones. Would go on to play with Erskine Tate, Louis Armstrong, Frankie Jaxon, Jimmie Noone, Roy Eldridge, and Johnny Dodds ~ McDonald was born in 1902
November 12, 1979 ~ The Muppet Show episode featuring guest operatic soprano Beverly Sills airs in the USA ~ In the show, Sills is slated to lead an opera titled Pigoletto, leading to many of the Muppet cast's pigs to audition for a role, including Miss Piggy who desires a lead part. Sills and Gonzo also practiced hanging spoons on their noses backstage, much to Sam the Eagle's horror. Sills would reunite with Miss Piggy four years later co-hosting Gala Of Stars 1983 aired on PBS, where they discussed opera singing
November 12, 1976 ~ Judith Holfelder-von-der-Tann, commonly known as alternative rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Judith Holofernes, born in Berlin, West Germany ~ Best known as lead singer of Wir Sind Helden, rising to fame with their 2002 debut single Guten Tag. Known for their playful use of words and social criticism, the band would release four critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums from the early-2000s through 2010 before disbanding
November 12, 1976 ~ Glam rock, hard rock, pop rock outfit Queen release Somebody To Love, lead single off A Day At The Races ~ Featuring complex harmonies and guitar solos, the song shows similarities to their 1975 monster hit Bohemian Rhapsody. However, for Somebody To Love Freddie Mercury opted to mimick a gospel choir instead of an English choir, layering the voices of Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor to sound like a 100-voice gospel choir. The lyrics, especially combined with the gospel influence, create a song about faith, desperation, and soul-searching, dealing with feelings of desperation and isolation, and the role and existence of God. The single reached top 10 in over half a dozen countries, including the No.2 spot at home, and has received wide critical acclaim, Bass Player magazine stating the song demonstrated that “Queen could swing as hard as it could rock, by channeling the spirit of gospel music”
November 12, 1976 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Tevin Campbell, full name Tevin Jermod Campbell, born in Waxahachie, Texas, USA ~ Sang lead on Quincy Jones's Tomorrow from the Back On The Block. Debuted in 1991 with the album TEVIN, which went platinum and spawned the hit Tell Me What You Want Me To Do. His 1993 sophomore album, I'm Ready, would go double-platinum and contain the hits I'm Ready and the Kenneth Babyface Edmonds-penned Can We Talk
November 12, 1976 ~ Classical composer Walter Piston, full name Walter Hamon Piston Jr, passed away in Belmont, Massachusetts, USA ~ Got his start in music playing piano and violin in dance bands and orchestras throughout the 1910, notably serving under Georges Longy. Following a stint in the US Army during World War I, studied music at Harvard, graduating summa cum laude and teaching at the same university from 1926 until his retirement in 1960. As a classical composer wrote for ballet, orchestral music, chamber music, choral music, and various instruments. Known for works such as Three Pieces For Flute Clarinet & Bassoon, Symphony No.1 and The Incredible Flutist ~ Piston was born in 1894
November 12, 1970 ~ Singer, songwriter, activist Sarah Harmer born in Burlington, Canada ~ Member of Saddletramps. Fronted Weeping Tile. Guested on recordings by Blue Rodeo, Great Big Sea, Rheostatics, Bruce Cockburn, Luther Wright & the Wrongs, Loomer, the Skydiggers, Weakerthans, Neko Case, the Great Lake Swimmers, the Tragically Hip, Bob Wiseman, and others
November 12, 1968 ~ Doom metal, heavy metal singer Aaron Stainthorpe born ~ Constant member, lead singer of My Dying Bride, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums since the early-1990s. The band is considered one of the UK's finest doom metal outfits and is especially acclaimed for their The Light At The End Of The World album released in 1999
November 12, 1968 ~ Disco, house, free jazz trumpeter, guitarist James Duncan born in Toronto, Canada ~ Has released a number of solo dance recordings since the 1990s. In-demand session player, notable credits including appearing on Metro Area's 2002 eponymous Metro Area debut album, and on indie rockers Rapture's House Of Jealous Lovers 12" single. Has also worked with the Silent League, Jon DeRosa, Glenn Branca, Rhys Chatham, and others
November 12, 1968 ~ Punk rock, riot grrrl, indie rock, electroclash singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer Kathleen Hanna born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Considered a feminist icon in rock and pioneer of the riot grrrl movement. First gained attention in the early-1990s as lead singer for Bikini Kill, acclaimed for their 1993 Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah debut album and its 1994 follow-up Pussy Whipped. Also worked with Le Tigre and the Julie Ruin
November 12, 1966 ~ Siblings the Everly Brothers record It's All Over at RCA-Victor Studios, Hollywood, California ~ Written by Don Everly. Produced by Dick Glasser. Released the following month as a single in the US and the Netherlands only, b/w I Used To Love You, it would fail to chart. Two years later, a cover by Cliff Richard made the UK top 10
November 12, 1966 ~ In its ninth week on the charts, Poor Side Of Town by Johnny Rivers hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Up to this point, Rivers had regularly scored hits with more upbeat, energetic songs, yet he was looking to expand his repertoire. Poor Side Of Town marked a stylistic change, venturing into orchestral pop, a move initially frowned upon by label executives. Rivers would recall: “Al Bennett and those guys were going, ‘Man. don't start coming out with ballads. You're gonna kill your career. You got a good thing going with this funky trio rock sound, stay with that’.” However, Poor Side Of Town, written by Rivers and Lou Adler, with strings arranged by Marty Paich who had previously worked with Mel Tormé and Ray Charles, would become his biggest hit yet, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for one week. Its parent album, appropriately titled Changes for the new direction, also did well, peaking at No.33 Billboard Hot 200, making it his first album to crack the top 40
November 12, 1965 ~ Pop singer Bobby Vinton releases his Satin Pillows single ~ Written by Sonny James and Robert Tubert. Produced by Bob Morgan. Taken off Vinton's Bobby Vinton Sings Satin Pillows And Careless album, the single would reach top 30 in his native USA, top 10 in Canada
November 12, 1964 ~ New jack swing, R&B, gospel bassist, pianist, songwriter, producer Bernard Belle born ~ Considered a pioneer of new jack swing. Regular collaborator of Teddy Riley. Best known for his work as a songwriter for the likes of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. Well known songs written or co-written by Belle include Guy's Let's Chill Long Gone, Hi-Five's I Like The Way (The Kissing Game), Jackson's Remember The Time, and Bobby Brown's Two Can Play That Game. Starting in the mid-1990s Belle would dedicate his life to Christ and become one of the most sought after producers, collaborators in the Gospel genre, working with acts such as Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin and the Winans ~ Belle passed away in 2022
November 12, 1964 ~ James Victor Chesnutt, commonly known as folk rock, indie folk, roots rock, alternative country singer, guitarist, songwriter Vic Chesnutt, born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Debuted in 1990 with his Little album, produced by REM-frontman Michael Stipe. Broke through after the release of 1996's Sweet Relief II (Gravity Of The Situation), a charity album by various alternative artists, including REM, Madonna, the Smashing Pumpkins and Soul Asylum, covering Chesnutt's songs. Chesnutt has recorded well over a dozen albums as a solo artist, and two collaborating with Widespread Panic under the common moniker Brute. Chesnutt has also collaborated with Bob Mould, Lambchop, Elf Power, Bill Frisell, and Guy Picciotto ~ Chesnutt passed away in 2009
November 12, 1962 ~ Laura Elisse Salenger, commonly known as punk rock, post-punk guitarist, singer Brix Smith, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as lead guitarist and major songwriter for post-punk outfit the Fall from 1983 through 1989 and again from 1994 through 1996. Present on the band's best known, including the acclaimed This Nation's Saving Grace album. Fronted side project Adult Net which included the Smiths guitarist Craig Gannon, The The bassist James Eller and Blondie drummer Clem Burke
November 12, 1961 ~ Jazz, rock, rockabilly drummer Bernie Dresel, full name Bernard John Dresel Jr, born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Perhaps best known for his associations with Brian Setzer, working for over a century with Setzer's big band the Brian Setzer Orchestra including on the albums The Brian Setzer Orchestra and Guitar Slinger, and with Gordon Goodwill, recording over half a dozen albums with Goodwill's group the Big Phat Band since its inception in 2000. An in-demand session drummer, Dresel has als recorded recorded extensively for TV series and appears on albums by Porcupine, David Byrne, Gloria Loring, Van Dyke Parks, José Feliciano, Gerry Mulligan, LeAnn Rimes, Sylvia Vartan, Robben Ford, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Robbie Williams, and released a number of solo albums, starting with Live 'n Bernin' in 2016
November 12, 1961 ~ Classical violinist Michaela Paetsch, full name Michaela Modjeska Paetsch, born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA ~ Best known for being the first American female to record all 24 Niccolò Paganini Caprices for solo violin. Had her first violin lesson at age 3. Has been performing publicly since her early teens, notably soloing with the Pueblo Symphony and the Colorado Springs Symphony Orchestra. Paetsch would go on to become an in-demand soloist and recorded prolifically from the late-1980s onward ~ Paetsch passed away in 2023
November 12, 1959 ~ Roots rock, blues harpist, singer Lester Butler born in Virginia, 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 passed away in 1998
November 12, 1957 ~ Chris Julian Irwin, commonly known as film producer, music producer Chris Julian, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Co-founded Calliope Productions, a New York recording studio and production company active through the mid-1990s which became the center of the Native Tongues hip-hop collective. Julian has worked with artists such as De La Soul, Biz Markie, Naughty By Nature, Deee-lite, A Tribe Called Quest, 3rd Bass and PM Dawn. Has also collaborated with artists outside hip-hop such as Don Was, Manny Marroquin, Jimmy Webb, Art Garfunkel, Chaka Khan, David Bowie, Vanessa Williams, David Crosby, and others
November 12, 1955 ~ Isaac Willis, commonly known as rock guitarist, singer Ike Willis, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Best known for backing Frank Zappa on tour and record from 1978 through 1988, notably present on albums such as Joe's Garage Acts I II & III, Tinsel Town Rebellion, You Are What You Is and The Man From Utopia. Also worked with the Zappa tribute band Zappa Plays Zappa led by Dweezil Zappa
November 12, 1955 ~ Pop, rock singer, guitarist Leslie McKeown, full name Leslie Richard McKeown, born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Best known as lead singer of the Bay City Rollers from late 1973, replacing Gordon Clark, through 1978. Present on hits such as Bye Bye Baby, Give A Little Love, Love Me Like I Love You and I Only Want To Be With You. After the band disbanded in 1978 has recorded over half a dozen solo albums, starting with All Washed Up released in 1979 ~ McKeown passed away in 2021
November 12, 1955 ~ James Walton Aldridge Jr, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer Walt Waldridge, born in Florence, Alabama, USA ~ Member of the Shooters. Best known as a Nashville songwriter with dozen of hits to his name. Artists who recorded songs written or co-written by Aldridge include Ronnie Milsap (There's No Gettin' Over Me), Barbara Mandrell, Earl Thomas Conley (Holding Her And Loving You), Travis Tritt, Heartland, Pam Tillis (Better Off Blue), and Conway Twitty (She's Got A Single Thing In Mind)
November 12, 1954 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Olivier Hutman born in Boulogne-Billancourt, France ~ Founded Moravagine with Denis Barbier and Mino Cinélu. Member of jazz-rock ensemble Chute Libre. Has also worked with Christian Escoudé, Marc Berteaux, Pepper Adams, Art Farmer, Harry Sweets Edison, James Moody, Toots Thielemans, Didier Lockwood, Eddy Louiss, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Frank Wess, Clifford Jordan, Henri Salvador, Yves Montand, Charles Aznavour, Camille Bertault, and others
November 12, 1953 ~ Drummer, singer Calum Macdonald born in Lochmaddy, UK ~ Drummer for Scottish Celtic rock band Runrig from 1973 through 2018, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums. Coming from a traditional folk background and over time venturing towards a more pop oriented folk rock sound, the band has enjoyed popularity especially in their native UK during the late-1980s and 1990s. As of the late-1990s, following Canadian singer Bruce Guthro's entry into the band, they have also built a following in Canada. The band is especially acclaimed for their Once In A Lifetime album, released in 1988. Calum and his bandmate and brother bassist Rory Macdonald have been the only two constant members of the band and wrote the bulk of their songs
November 12, 1953 ~ Vasilis Kesoglidis, commonly known as folk, laika singer Vasilis Karras, born in Kokkinochori, Greece ~ Started performing in 1969, at age 16, at a local club, quickly becoming a regional favorite due to his distinctive raspy voice. Would continue to perform thoughout Northern Greece throughout the 1970s building a steady reputation. Released his Alismonites Ores debut album in 1980 recording steadily over the next few years. Shot to national fame in the early-1990s. Known best for the 1990s albums Tilefonise Mou and Epistrefo. Has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Greek music including Michalis Rakintzis, Zafeiris Melas, Phoebus, Despina Vandi, and Tolis Voskopoulos ~ Kesoglidis passed away in 2023
November 12, 1951 ~ The musical Paint Your Wagon, written by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, opens at the Shubert Theatre, New York ~ The musical had a try-out in Philadelphia the previous September before its Broadway opening at the Shubert Theatre, where it would run for 289 performances. Popular songs from the show include Wand'rin Star, I Talk To The Trees, and They Call The Wind Maria. A West End production would open in 1953, which ran for 477 performances. The musical would be made into a musical film in 1969 with a highly revised plot and some new songs added composed by Alan Jay Lerner and André Previn
November 12, 1950 ~ Jazz trombonist, composer James E Pugh, full name James Edward Pugh, born in Camden, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with Woody Herman from 1972 through 1976, including on albums such as Thundering Herd, and briefly with Chick Corea before focusing on his work as a session musician in jazz and pop. Has released about a dozen albums as a leader, starting with Crystal Eyes released in 1981. As a session trombonist, Pugh is present on albums by Yusef Lateef, Harry Connick Jr, James Taylor, Joe Lovano, Steely Dan (Two Against Nature), Carla Bley, Wayne Shorter, and John Scofield
November 12, 1949 ~ Thomas Wisse, commonly known as punk rock, post punk, rock singer, keyboardist, percussionist Damon Edge, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of post-punk outfit Chrome, which earned a cult following in the UK and Germany with their amalgation of punk, psychedelia, and early industrial music. The band is best known for the albums Alien Soundtracks and Half Machine Lip Moves released respectively in 1977 and 1979. Following Edge's death at age 45 guitarist Helios Creed has revived the band. Damon has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Alliance released in 1985 ~ Wisse passed away in 1995
November 12, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Neil Young born in Toronto, Canada ~ Member of the Squires. Member of the Mynah Birds, which also included Rick James. Member of Buffalo Springfield, known best for the pivotal 1960s hit For What It's Worth. Teamed up with Crosby Stills & Nash, noted for their 1970 Déjà Vu album. Released his eponymous Neil Young solo debut album in 1968 and has recorded extensively since. Especially acclaimed for the albums Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, After The Gold Rush, On The Beach, Tonight's The Night, Rust Never Sleeps, Freedom and Weld
November 12, 1943 ~ Pop, bubblegum pop, country singer, guitarist Brian Hyland born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Best known for his 1960 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini debut single, which helped define the bubblegum pop of the early-1960s prior to the emergence of the Beatles. Hyland would continue to record into the mid-1970s but was unable to repeat the massive success of his debut single. The singles Sealed With A Kiss and the Curtis Mayfield-penned Gypsy Woman, released respectively in 1962 and 1970, would both reach top 10 though
November 12, 1943 ~ Singer, songwriter Errol Brown, full name Lester Errol Brown, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known as Hot Chocolate frontman, known for 1980s recordings such as Emma, You Sexy Thing, So You Win Again, No Doubt About It, and It Started With A Kiss. Left the band in 1985. As a solo artist known for songs such as Personal Touch, Body Rocking and This Time It's Forever ~ Brown passed away in 2015
November 12, 1943 ~ Guitarist Thorgeir Stubø born in Narvik, Norway ~ Regarded by some of the best Norwegian guitarist of all time. Father of jazz guitarist Håvard Stubø and jazz singer Kjersti Stubø, grandfather of electronic musician Mathias Stubø. Has backed artists such as Jan Garbarek, Knut Riisnæs, Svein Christiansen, and Arild Andersen. As a leader best known for his 1986 Rhythm'a'ning album, recorded live in Tromsø ~ Stubø passed away in 1986
November 12, 1942 ~ Singer Arthur Tavares ~ Member of sibling R&B, disco outfit Tavares, known best for She's Gone, It Only Takes A Minute, Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel, Don't Take Away The Music and More Than A Woman, the latter notably featured on 1977 Saturday Night Fever soundtrack
November 12, 1942 ~ Organist Booker T Jones, full name Booker Taliaferro Jones Jr, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Leader of Stax/Volt house band Booker T & the MG's, appearing on numerous of the label's releases. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Otis Redding's I Love You More Than Words Can Say and Albert King's Born Under A Bad Sign. Produced albums such as Bill Withers' 1971 Just As I Am debut, sister-in-law Rita Coolidge's 1978 Love Me Again and Willie Nelson's Stardust. Has also worked with Rosanne Cash, Rod Stewart, LeAnn Rimes, Natalie Cole, Linda Ronstadt, John Lee Hooker, Elton John, Neil Young, and Rodney Crowell
November 12, 1942 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist Jim Schwall born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as co-leader of the Siegel-Schwall Band, co-founded with Corky Siegel. Though not as popular as contemporaries the Paul Butterfield Blues Band or John Mayall the band would still be able to fill the larger venues. They are noted for becoming the first blues band to collaborate with a classical orchestra, recording the William Russo-penned Three Pieces For Blues Band And Symphony Orchestra in 1972 with the San Francisco Symphony conducted by Seiji Ozawa ~ Schwall passed away in 2022
November 12, 1941 ~ Samba singer, songwriter João Nogueira born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Has recorded well over a dozen albums since the early-1970s. Recorded his first composition, Espera ó Nega, in 1968, and would gain attention two years later when Elizeth Cardoso recorded his song Corrente De Aço. Nogueira would become one of Brazil's most revered singers, his songs covered by the likes of Elis Regina, Clara Nunes (As Forças Da Natureza), Emílio Santiago, Beth Carvalho, and Alcione Nazareth. Nogueira's son Diogo Nogueira would follow in his father's footsteps, actively recording as a samba singer and songwriter since the early-2000s ~ Nogueira passed away in 2000
November 12, 1940 ~ Composer, violinist Alejandro García Caturla passed away ~ Along with Amadeo Roldán a leading figure in the Afro-cubanismo movement, a nationalist music trend merging white and black culture incorporating Afro-Cuban songs, rhythms and dances. Known for works such as Tres Danzas Cubana, Bember and Obertura Cubana ~ García was born in 1906
November 12, 1939 ~ Edward William Taylor, commonly known as rock & roll, beat singer, guitarist Kingsize Taylor, born in Crosby, UK ~ Dubbed “Kingsize” for his stature, standing at 6'5". Fronted Kingsize Taylor & the Dominoes, active from the late-1950s through the early-1960s. Regarded as one of the first beat groups, they enjoyed some regional popularity as well as in Germany with covers of American songs such as Money, Whole Lotta Lovin', Hippy Hippy Shake, and Stupidity. The band is also known for ocassionally featuring a then-unknown Cilla Black at gigs. Drummer Ringo Starr had also been offered a slot in the band but opted for the Beatles instead ~ Taylor passed away in 2023
November 12, 1938 ~ Songwriter, singer, pianist Mort Shuman born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote numerous 1960s hits for artists such as Dion & the Belmonts (A Teenager In Love), the Flamingos, Andy Williams (Can't Get Used To Losing You), Bobby Darin, Fabian (Turn Me Loose), the Drifters (Save The Last Dance For Me, Sweets For My Sweet), Elvis Presley (Little Sister, Marie's The Name (His Latest Flame), Viva Las Vegas), the Small Faces, Cilla Black, and others ~ Shuman passed away in 1991
November 12, 1938 ~ Isaiah Johnson, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Terry Buzzy Johnson, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Key member of 1950s doo-wop outfit the Flamingos. Sang lead on Fool Heart and Are You Sorry, co-lead on Never Say Goodbye, Love Walked In and Time Was. Recruited in 1964 by Smokey Robinson to join Motown as staff writer. Wrote or co-wrote songs for artists such as the Four Tops, Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers (Malinda), the Temptations, Martha & the Vandellas, the Supremes and perhaps most notably the Miracles (Here I Go Again, Baby Baby Don't Cry)
November 12, 1936 ~ Romeo Maurice Arnold, commonly known as rock, blues-rock bassist Jerome Arnold, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Brother of Billy Boy Arnold, whom he backed on the 1964 More Blues On The South Side album. Backed Howlin' Wolf on the 1965 The Real Folk Blues album. Original member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, appearing on the band's acclaimed albums The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and its follow-up East-West. Has also worked with blues-rock outfit Southern Comfort
November 12, 1932 ~ Carmen Esme Steele, commonly known as actress, singer Carmen Munroe, born in New Amsterdam, British Guyana ~ Best known as an actress pivotal to the development of black British theatre, making her West End debut in the early-1960s. Co-founding member of Talawa, the UK's leading black theater company. To TV audiences best known for her role as Shirley in the sitcom Desmond's
November 12, 1931 ~ The Gramophone Company opens Abbey Road Studios in London, UK ~ The Gramophone Company, predecessor to EMI, acquired the premises in 1929. Originally a townhouse benefitting from a large backyard, which permitted a larger building to be constructed to the rear while keeping the original Georgian-era facade. The November 1931 opening of the studios was filmed when Edward Elgar conducted the London Symphony Orchestra in recording sessions of his music. To pop audiences Abbey Road Studios would become most closely associated with the Beatles, who recorded several albums at the studios and named their 1969 Abbey Road album for the studio
November 12, 1930 ~ Songwriter, producer, manager Bob Crewe, full name Robert Stanley Crewe, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Frequent songwriting collaborator of Bob Gaudio, with whom he wrote several of the Four Seasons's best known, including the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 singles Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like A Man, and Rag Doll. Others who recorded songs co-written by Crewe include the Rays, Freddy Cannon (Tallahassee Lassie), Barbara Lewis, Lesley Gore, Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, Vikki Carr, Labelle, and Disco Tex & his Sex-o-lettes ~ Crewe passed away in 2014
November 12, 1928 ~ Jazz singer, pianist, songwriter Audrey Morris born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Specialized in ballads. Influenced by Billie Holiday, Lee Wiley, Mildred Bailey, Peggy Lee. Singing professionally since the early 1950s. Recorded two albums in the 1950s, 1955's Bistro Ballads Sung By Audrey Morris with backing from Johnny Pate and 1956's The Voice Of Audrey Morris ~ Morris passed away in 2018
November 12, 1924 ~ Hard bop, post-bop bassist, celloist Sam Jones born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ As a leader especially acclaimed for his early-1960s albums The Soul Society, The Chant and Down Home. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Chet Baker, Kenny Dorham, Jimmy Smith, Clark Terry (In Orbit), Betty Carter, Cannonball Adderley (Somethin' Else), Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk (5 By Monk By 5), Blue Mitchell, Red Garland, Dizzy Reece, Yusef Lateef, Eric Dolphy, Freddie Hubbard (Open Sesame), King Curtis (Soul Meeting), John Lee Hooker, Wes Montgomery (The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery), Ike Quebec, Grant Green, Big Mama Thornton (Ball 'n Chain), Oscar Peterson, Sonny Stitt, and Gene Ammons ~ Jones passed away in 1981
November 12, 1923 ~ Classical guitarist, composer Alirio Díaz born in Carora, Venezuela ~ Known for his expression, clarity, and flawless technique, Díaz is considered one of the most prominent composer-guitarists of South America. Studied with Andrés Segovia. Combined baroque music with the works of modern Latin American composers. Especially acclaimed for his 1994 Five Centuries Of Spanish Guitar Music album ~ Díaz passed away in 2016
November 12, 1923 ~ Carmine Ugo Mariano, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, flutist Charlie Mariano, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Married to Toshiko Akiyoshi from 1959 through 1967, with whom he regularly collaborated. Their daughter is actress and singer Monday Michiru. Besides playing sax and flute Mariano is also noted for playing the nadaswaram, a classical wind instrument. Well over a dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for Boston All-Stars, Charlie Mariano Plays, and Helen 12 Trees. Also appears on albums by Nat Pierce, Stan Kenton, Herb Ellis (Ellis In Wonderland), Shelly Manne, Manny Albam, Jackie & Roy, McCoy Tyner (Live At Newport), Charles Mingus (The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady), Elvin Jones, Embryo (We Keep On), Eberhard Weber, and the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble ~ Mariano passed away in 2009
November 12, 1922 ~ Jazz trombonist Lou Blackburn born in Rankin, Pennsylvania, USA ~ As a leader acclaimed for a number of early-1960s albums, perhaps most notably Two Note Samba. Toured extensively with Lionel Hampton during the late-1950s. Backed Charles Mingus at Monterey, recorded on the 1964 Mingus At Monterey album. To pop audiences known for his contributions to recordings by the Turtles, the Righteous Brothers, and the Beach Boys, including on the latter's Good Vibrations. Founded and led the heavily influenced by African music ensemble Mombassa during the 1970s. Other notable associations include Nancy Wilson, Oliver Nelson, the Monkees, and Michael Nesmith ~ Blackburn passed away in 1990
November 12, 1921 ~ Pianist, organist, choirmaster, film composer Robert Fleming born in Prince Albert, Canada ~ Best known as a film composer closely associated with Canada's National Film Board, serving as staff composer from 1946 to 1958 and subsequently as its music director until 1970. Has written over 200 scores for film, documentaries and TV including for the 1953 documentary Herring Hunt and the 1962 Canada At Waar documentary series ~ Fleming passed away in 1976
November 12, 1919 ~ Blues, folk, jazz singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Jackie Washington born in Hamilton, Canada ~ As a solo artist debuted with the Blues And Sentimental album in 1976. In-demand sideman for artists including Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, and others. Honored in Blackie & the Rodeo Kings song Jackie Washington, released on their 2003 BARK album ~ Washington passed away in 2009
November 12, 1917 ~ Singer Jo Stafford, full name Jo Elizabeth Stafford, born in Coalinga, California, USA ~ Classically trained to become an opera singer. Became one of the best-selling female pop singers of the 1950s instead. First female singer to top the UK charts, namely with the 1952 single You Belong To Me. Worked with the Pied Pipers, Tommy Dorsey, Paul Weston, Gordon Macrae, Frankie Laine, and others ~ Stafford passed away in 2008
November 12, 1911 ~ William Dorsey Clayton, commonly known as jazz, swing trumpeter Buck Clayton, born in Parsons, Kansas, USA ~ Influenced by Louis Armstrong. Valued soloist with Count Basie's orchestra from 1936, replacing Hot Lips Page, until joining the US Army in 1943. Has also backed artists such as Lester Young, Teddy Wilson, and Billie Holiday during the same era. Recorded prolifically and toured extensively, especially in Europe, from the late-1940s onward. Especially acclaimed for his Olympia Concert album, recorded live at Olympia, Paris in April 1961, featuring Emmett Berry, Buddy Tate, Sir Charles Thompson, Earle Warren, Gene Ramey, and Oliver Jackson ~ Clayton passed away in 1991
November 12, 1906 ~ Booker T Washington White, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Bukka White, born in Mississippi, USA ~ Known for songs such as Shake 'Em On Down, Po' Boy, Parchman Farm Blues and Fixin' To Die. Had his songs covered by Jeff Buckley, Bob Dylan, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The Led Zeppelin songs Hats Off To Roy Harper and Custard Pie are both based on White's Shake 'Em On Down ~ White passed away in 1977
November 12, 1891 ~ Composer, songwriter Richard Whiting, full name Richard Armstrong Whiting, born in Peoria, Illinois, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Eadie Was A Lady (Ethel Merman, Cab Calloway, Paul Whiteman), Louise (Ben Pollack), She's Funny That Way (Gene Austin, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra), On The Good Ship Lollipop (Vincent Rose, Wingy Manone, Ruth Brown), Too Marvelous For Words (Glen Gray, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole), I'll Dream Tonight (Dick Powell, Eddy Duchin), Sleepy Time Gal (the Jazz Pilots, Chick Bullock, Art Lund), and My Ideal (Maurice Chevalier, Maxine Sullivan, Dinah Washington) ~ Whiting passed away in 1938
November 12, 1833 ~ Composer Alexander Borodin, full name Alexander Porfiryevich Borodin, born in St Petersburg, Russia ~ One of several prominent 19th-century composers collectively known as the Five, a group dedicated to producing a “uniquely Russian” kind of classical music. A doctor and chemist by training and trade, Borodin is best known as a composer though he regarded medicine and science as his primary occupations. Has composed symphonies, string quartets, and operas including Prince Igor which is considered by some as one of the most important historical Russian operas ~ Borodin passed away in 1887