November 16, 2023 ~ George Melvin Brown, commonly known as drummer, guitarist, keyboardist George Funky Brown, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding, longtime member of R&B, funk, disco outfit Kool & the Gang, with whom he recorded well over two dozen albums. The band is best known for Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as Jungle Boogie, Ladies Night, and Celebration, all co-written by Brown. Brown retired from performing in 2023, diagnosed with lung cancer. Looking back on his lengthy career, Brown commented: “When you do music that's happy music, that's what it does. It brings people to the clubs to have a good time. And that's what we do. We say our prayer before we leave, and we say, let's go make some people happy.” ~ Brown was born in 1949
November 16, 2023 ~ Organist, pianist, keyboardist Peter Solley passed away ~ Backed artists such as Chris Farlowe, Terry Reid, and Arthur Brown throughout the early-1970s. Co-founding member of Paladin, known for the critically acclaimed albums Paladin and its follow-up Charge. Member of Fox, with whom he scored the mid-1970s UK top 20 hits Only You Can, Imagine Me Imagine You, and S-s-s-single Bed. Solley has also appeared on albums by Snafu, Gravy Train, Keith Christmas, Dave Cartwright, Procol Harum, Pat Travers, Al Stewart (Time Passages), Wreckless Eric, Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons, Johnny Warman (Hour Glass), the Romantics (The Romantics), and Eric Clapton ~ Solley was born in 1948
November 16, 2022 ~ Jazz guitarist Mick Goodrick passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Worked with Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, the Liberation Music Orchestra, Jack DeJohnette, Steve Swallow, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Jerry Bergonzi, Jimmy Mosher, Gary Thomas, Claudio Fasoli, Harvie S, Jim Hall, Charlie Mariano, Ed Sarath, Mill Bermejo, Joe Diorio, the Monday Night Orchestra, Laszlo Gardony, Mike Pohjola, Hal Crook, Miles Donahue, John Abercrombie, Dan Wall, Ed Byrne, Bruno Raberg, and Vardan Ovsepian ~ Goodrick was born in 1945
November 16, 2021 ~ Music director, flutist, singer Belinda Sykes passed away ~ Founder and musical director of Joglaresa, an ensemble specialized in medieval folk music drawing especially on Arabic and Andalusian traditions. Sykes is also known for playing flute and singing on Karl Jenkins's 2008 reinterpretation of the 13th-century suite Stabat Mater for choir and orchestra ~ Sykes was born ca.1966
November 16, 2020 ~ Engineer, producer Bruce Swedien passed away in Gainesville, Florida, USA ~ First gained attention as engineer on the Four Seasons' 1962 hit single Big Girls Don't Cry. Would go on to become one of America's most esteemed engineers, perhaps best known for his work with Michael Jackson engineering albums such as Off The Wall, Thriller, and Bad. Other notable credits include the Chi-lites, Natalie Cole (Inseparable), Quincy Jones, George Benson, Donna Summer, Roberta Flack, Michael McDonald, Barbra Streisand, the Isley Brothers, and Herbie Hancock ~ Swedien was born in 1934
November 16, 2010 ~ Country, country-pop singer Carrie Underwood releases her There's A Place For Us single ~ Co-written and recorded by Underwood for the soundtrack of the film The Chronicles Of Narnia (The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader). Recorded by several other artists for country-specific releases of the film and soundtrack. Nominated for Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards, losing out to singer Cher's You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me from the Burlesque soundtrack. Underwood's single did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100
November 16, 2009 ~ Jazz bassist, double bassist Jeff Clyne, full name Jeffrey Ovid Clyne, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Member of the Jazz Couriers in the late-1950s alongside Tubby Hayes and Ronnie Scott. Noted for being among the musicians performing on the opening night of famed London jazz club Ronnie Scott's. Backed Stan Tracey on the pivotal Jazz Suite Inspired By Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood album. Has also worked with Blossom Dearie, Ian Carr, Gordon Beck, Dudley Moore, Zoot Sims, Norma Winstone, John Burch, Marion Montgomery, Nucleus, Isotope, Gilgamesh, Amalgam, Turning Point, and Trevor Tomkins ~ Clyne was born in 1937
November 16, 2003 ~ Singer Arthur Conley passed away in Ruurlo, the Netherlands ~ Protégé of Otis Redding. Member of the Epsilons. Forever remembered for the soul classic Sweet Soul Music ~ Conley was born in 1946
November 16, 2002 ~ Boogie-woogie, blues, jazz pianist, singer Mose Vinson passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for recordings such as Blues With A Feeling and Sweet Root Man. Worked with Booker T Laury, James Cotton (Cotton Crop Blues), Jimmy Deberry (Take A Little Chance), Big Walter Horton, Joe Hill Louis, and Joe Willie Wilkins ~ Vinson was born ca.1917
November 16, 2001 ~ Violinist, conductor Jack Rothstein passed away in London, UK ~ Member of the London Czech Trio. Conducted the Boyd Neel Orchestra, the Northern Sinfonia, the Johann Strauss Orchestra, and the Viennese Orchestra Of London. Also known for his work with TV and radio and as a member of the Wombles. Played violin on the Beatles-songs I Am The Walrus and Within You Without You ~ Rothstein was born in 1925
November 16, 2001 ~ Bebop, hard bop pianist Tommy Flanagan, full name Thomas Lee Flanagan, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Art Tatum, Teddy Wilson, Nat King Cole, and Bud Powell. Well known as accompaniest to Ella Fitzgerald, first working with the singer in the mid-1950s and later serving as her steady pianist and music director for about a decade starting in the late-1960s. Flanagan has recorded over three dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, and is specifically noted for releases such as The Tokyo Recital, Alone Too Long, and Thelonica. Flanagan has also served as sideman on a number of quintessential 1950s, 1960s albums, perhaps most notably Saxophone Colossus (Sonny Rollins), Critics Choice (Pepper Adams), Flute Souffle (Herbie Mann), Giant Steps (John Coltrane), and In A Mellow Tone (Coleman Hawkins) ~ Flanagan was born in 1930
November 16, 2000 ~ Singer, baglama player Ahmet Kaya passed away in Paris, France ~ Noted for his collaborations with Ferdi Tayfur and Huseyin Demirel. As a solo artist best known for his 1994 Sarkilanm Daglara album, which included politically charged songs on the Kurdish-Turkish conflict ~ Kaya was born in 1957
November 16, 2000 ~ Robert Earl Davis Jr, commonly known as hip-hop DJ, rapper DJ Screw, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Pivotal figure in Southern rap known best for establishing the “chopped and screwed” technique. Has released over 350 mixtapes, both as a solo musician and as frontman of the acclaimed collective Screwed Up Click. Rediscovered by a wider audience some five years after his death of a codeine overdose, finding a new generation of followers ~ Davis was born in 1971
November 16, 1995 ~ Kirian Labarrie, commonly known as producer, rapper Kirk Knight, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Member of hip-hop collective Pro-Era. Released his solo debut album, Late Knight Special, in 2015. Produced artists such as Capital Steez, Joey Badass, Ecko Unitd, Peter Rosenberg, Mick Jenkins, Smoke DZA, CJ Fly, A$AP Ferg, and the Flatbush Zombies
November 16, 1994 ~ Chester William Powers Jr, commonly known as rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Dino Valenti, passed away in Santa Rosa, California, USA ~ Best known for writing the 1960s anthem Get Together. The song has been recorded by several artists, including notably by the Youngbloods, whose 1969 single reached No.5 Billboard Hot 100. Valente has recorded one album as a solo artist, his name misspelled on the eponymous Dino Valente released in 1969, and four albums with psychedelic rock band Quicksilver Messenger Service, starting with Just For Love in 1970. Valenti co-wrote and sang lead on several of Quicksilver Messenger Service's best known songs including Fresh Air and What About Me ~ Powers was born in 1937
November 16, 1991 ~ In its ninth week on the charts, Don't Cry by Guns 'n Roses featuring Shannon Hoon peaks at No.10 Billboard Hot 100 ~ This song predates the formation of the band, written by Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin when they both fell for the same girl. However, she couldn't make a choice and when she told Rose, whose first name is William or Bill for short, “don't cry, Bill” the title was born. Guns 'n Roses would record the song for their 1987 Appetite For Destruction debut album, but couldn't get the sound right and the track didn't make the album. The band would, however, regularly include the song in their live sets. When bootlegs of the song began to circulate, they recorded it for their 1991 Use Your Illusion I album. The follow-up album Use Your Illusion II would feature an alternate version
November 16, 1989 ~ Jazz singer, pianist Rose Murphy passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Active since the late-1930s. Dubbed “the chee chee girl” for her unique vocal style, a high pitched voice incorporating scat singing, giggling and percussive sound effects. Best known for Busy Line ~ Murphy was born in 1913
November 16, 1985 ~ Tyrone Lindo, commonly known as grime, hip-hop MC, rapper, singer, songwriter Big Narstie, born in London, UK ~ Member of grime crew N-Double-A. Active as a solo artist since the early-2010s. Appeared on songs such as Craig David's 2015 UK top 10 hit When The Bassline Drops and Robbie Williams' 2017 Go Mental. Released his full-length BDL Bipolar debut album in 2018
November 16, 1984 ~ Trombonist Vic Dickenson passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Made his recording debut as a vocalist with Luis Russell in 1930. Member of Blanche Calloway's orchestra in the early-1930s. Led his own bands from the mid-1940s to mid-1950s. Session man ever since working with such greats as Count Basie, Jimmy Rushing, Coleman Hawkins, Pee Wee Russell, Benny Carter, Lester Young, and Sidney Bechet ~ Dickenson was born in 1906
November 16, 1982 ~ Jazz pianist Al Haig, full name Alan Warren Haig, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the finest pianists of the bop era, yet remained in obscurity for most of his career. As a sideman, Haig was present on pivotal recordings early on in his career, notably playing with Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, and Stan Getz from the late-1940s through early-1950s. Recorded well over a dozen albums as a leader, especially noted for the 1954 album Al Haig Trio, and Al Haig Today released about a decade later. Haig has also appeared on albums by Art Blakey, Wardell Gray, Mary Lou Williams, Chet Baker, Miles Davis (Birth Of The Cool), Coleman Hawkins, Sarah Vaughan, and Charlie Barnet ~ Haig was born in 1922
November 16, 1982 ~ William Scott Fyvie, commonly known as rapper, producer Snak The Ripper, born in New Westminster, Canada ~ Co-founding member of hip-hop collective SDK. Member of 100MAD, founded by Fredro Starr and Sticky Fingaz. As a solo artist debuted with the album The Ripper released in 2007. Has collaborated with artists such as Datsik, Crooked I, the Snowgoons, Ill Bill, Mobb Deep, and Onyx
November 16, 1980 ~ Victor Mercer, commonly known as rapper, producer Celph Titled, born in Tampa, Florida, USA ~ Member of hip hop supergroup the Army Of The Pharaohs. Member of Demigodz. Also closely associated with Apathy, Buckwild, and Stu Bangas. Released his Gatalog (A Collection Of Chaos) solo debut album in 2006
November 16, 1980 ~ Francis Luther Crow, commonly known as singer, pianist, songwriter Frank Luther, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of late-1920s quartet the Revelers. Closely associated with singer Carson Robison, scoring a number of influential hits through the early-1930s including When Your Hair Has Turned To Silver, Little Green Valley, I'm Alone Because I Love You, Utah Trail, and Birmingham Jail. Luther would also front his own the Frank Luther Trio, work with dance bands, record children's music, and by the mid-1940s find employment as an executive at Decca Records ~ Crow was born in 1899
November 16, 1980 ~ Overton Vertis Wright, commonly known as R&B, soul, funk, deep soul singer OV Wright passed away in Mobile, Alabama, USA ~ Renowned Southern soul singer known for That's How Strong My Love Is, You're Gonna Make Me Cry, When You Took Your Love From Me, Nucleus Of Soul, A Nickel And A Nail, I Can't Take It and Ace Of Spades ~ Wright was born in 1939
November 16, 1976 ~ Electronic, alternative dance, synth-pop, indie pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Dan Black, full name Daniel Black, born in London, UK ~ Co-founding member of alternative rock band the Servant from 1998 through 2007. Member of Minty. Founding member of Massive Ego. Guested on recordings by Planet Funk. As a solo artist known for songs such as Alone, Yours, his breakthrough single HYPNTZ and perhaps his best known Symphonies
November 16, 1974 ~ Soul, reggae, reggae fusion singer, songwriter Andru Donalds born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ As a solo artist known for the singles Mishale and Save Me Now, both of which charted in several countries in 1994. Served as one Enigma's lead vocalists starting in 1999
November 16, 1974 ~ In its eighth week on the charts, Whatever Gets You Thru The Night by John Lennon hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Previously, both Instant Karma and Imagine had done well in America, both singles peaking at No.3 Billboard Hot 100. Whatever Gets You Thru The Night, however, issued as the lead single off his Walls And Bridges album, would be his first American No.1 and the last during his lifetime, making him the last member of the Beatles to reach the top position as a solo artist. In 1980, following a five-year hiatus, Lennon issued (Just Like) Starting Over, which reached No.1 some three weeks after the singer was shot and killed by a deranged fan in the archway of his New York residence
November 16, 1972 ~ Alternative rock, post-hardcore, hard rock, pop rock guitarist, singer Daniel P Carter, full name Daniel Philip Carter, born in Reading, UK ~ Member of A, joining the band in 1997 shortly after the release of their How Ace Are Buildings debut album as replacement for original bassist Steve Swindon. Present on most of the band's best known including the singles I Love Lake Tahoe, Nothing, Starbucks and Rush Song. In the mid-2000s formed the songwriting, production team the Collective with Julian Emery and bandmate Jason Perry, responsible for Matt Willis debut album Don't Let It Go To Waste and McFly's Motion In The Ocean album. Carter has also worked with Lucky Nine, Hexes, and the Bloodhound Gang
November 16, 1964 ~ Jazz singer, pianist, songwriter Diana Krall, full name Diana Jean Krall, born in Nanaimo, Canada ~ Debuted with the 1991 album Stepping Out featuring John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton and has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial succes since. Has sold over 15 million records. Married singer Elvis Costello in 2003 with whom she has two sons
November 16, 1963 ~ Soul, R&B, funk, jazz, gospel keyboardist, singer Bernard Wright born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Worked with Tom Browne at age 16. Sessioned with Doug E Fresh, Cameo, Bobby Brown, Pieces Of A Dream, Charles Earland, Marcus Miller, and Miles Davis. As a solo artist recorded half a dozen albums, starting with 'Nard released in 1981. Often sampled by the likes of Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Skee Lo, and LL Cool J. Known for songs such as Just Chillin' Out, Haboglabotribin', Funky Beat and Who Do You Love, the latter reaching top 10 on the Billboard R&B charts. Starting in the 1990s Wright would focus mostly on gospel ~ Wright passed away in 2022
November 16, 1963 ~ In its tenth week on the charts, Deep Purple by Nino Tempo & April Stevens hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ This song had been around for a while, written by Peter De Rose somewhere in the early-1930s and first released by Paul Whiteman in 1934. By the time Nino Tempo & April Stevens issued their version, it had already been recorded by over an estimated 100 artists including Art Tatum, Percy Faith, Jackie Gleason, Ray Conniff, and Lawrence Welk, yet the definitive hit version would become the 1963 single by siblings April Stevens and Nino Tempo, the single earning the pair a Grammy Award for Best R&R Single. Over the years, several others have also recorded the song, with over an estimated 350 versions known to exist. The rock group Deep Purple was named after this song, as a version of this song, unclear which one though, was a favorite of the band's co-founding member lead guitarist Ritchie Blackmore's grandmother
November 16, 1963 ~ Jazz drummer, producer Steve Argüelles born in Crowbrough, UK ~ Brother of saxophonist Julian Argüelles. House drummer at Ronnie Scott's noted jazz club. Founded Loose Tubes. Has also worked with Django Bates, Corin Curschellas, John Wolf Brennan, Nguyên Lê, Benoit Delbecq, Noël Akchoté, Christophe Minck, Katerine and others. Released his solo debut album, the eponymous Steve Argüelles, in 1990
November 16, 1962 ~ Gary Mounfield, commonly known as rock, alternative rock, indie rock bassist Gary Mani Mounfield, born in Crumpsall, UK ~ Member of the Stone Roses, joining the band in 1987 and remaining until its initial disbandement in 1996. The band is best known for the UK top 10 hits Fools Gold, One Love, Love Spreads. Member of Primal Scream from 1996 until 2011, departing the band to rejoin a reunited Roses. Mounfield also played with Freebass, which also included the Smiths' Andy Rourke and Joy Division's Peter Hook
November 16, 1961 ~ Pop singer Corinne Hermès born in Lagny-sur-Marne, France ~ Internationally best known for winning the 1983 Eurovision Songfestival, representing Luxembourg, with the song Si La Vie Est Cadeau written by Jean-Pierre Millers and Alain Garcia
November 16, 1960 ~ Country singer Patsy Cline records I Fall To Pieces at Decca Records, Nashville, Tennessee ~ The song was first offered to Brenda Lee, who declined. Cline too was initially reluctant to record I Fall To Pieces, yet coaxed into it by producer Owen Bradley. It would become one of her biggest hits and established Cline's sophisticated style. Renowned songwriter Harlan Howard, who had co-penned the song with Hank Cochran, would later comment: “The toughest songs in the world to write are love songs. ‘I love you and I will forever and blah blah blah.’ I'd rather get into a song about a relationship that's a little bit shaky or even tragic. That in my mind represents country music and the drama of the man-woman thing”
November 16, 1959 ~ In its eleventh week on the charts, Mr Blue by the Fleetwoods hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ The first and arguably biggest hit for songwriter Dewayne Blackwell, who would go on to write songs such as I'm Gonna Hire A Wino To Decorate Our Home for David Frizzell, Nobody Gets Off In This Town for Moe Bandy, and Friends In Low Places for David Chamberlain, the latter notably covered by Garth Brooks. The teenage trio the Fleetwoods would be the first to record Mr Blue, making it their second and final Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit after Come Softly To Me earlier the same year. The trio's success wouldn't last though, they would score one more top 10 hit with Tragedy in 1961, before their popularity waned. Over the years, Mr Blue would be covered by dozens of artists including Johnny Crawford, Bobby Vinton, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, and Classics IV, but none would equal the original version by the Fleetwoods
November 16, 1958 ~ Drummer Harry Rushakoff born in USA ~ Best known as drummer for Concrete Blonde, present on the band's eponymous Concrete Blonde debut album. Previously a member of the Nodes and Special Affect. Has also worked with 4xy, Harvey Mandel, Tom Peterson, and Lindsey Buckingham
November 16, 1952 ~ Avant-garde jazz, contemporary classical singer Lauren Newton, full name Lauren Amber Newton, born in Coos Bay, Oregon, USA ~ Founding member of the Vienna Art Orchestra. Founding member of the Vocal Summit. Debuted as a solo artist with the critically acclaimed Timbre in 1983. Has since collaborated with Jon Rose, Fritz Hauser, Vladimir Tarasov, Anthony Braxton, Christy Doran, Bernd Konrad, Peter Kowald, Joachim Kühn, Joëlle Léandre, Urs Leimgruber, Patrick Scheyder, Aki Takase, George Gruntz, and Pink Martini
November 16, 1950 ~ Songwriter Atilla Sereftug born in Istanbul, Turkey ~ Along with Nella Martinetti co-wrote Céline Dion's Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, 1988 Eurovision Songfestival winner
November 16, 1949 ~ Singer, percussionist Pattie Santos born ~ Member of It's A Beautiful Day from 1967 through 1970, best known for their 1969 single White Bird of their eponymous It's A Beautiful Day debut album ~ Santos passed away in 1989
November 16, 1949 ~ Guitarist, producer, label founder, executive William Ackerman born ~ Founded the Windham Hill label to release his own recordings, starting with his 1976 In Search Of The Turtle's Navel debut album. Others in the label's catalogue include Darol Anger, Liz Story, Michael Hedges and Shadowfax. Over time Ackerman's company would become a defining force in what would later be called New Age music. As a recording artist perhaps best known for his Grammy Award-winning Returning album released in 2004
November 16, 1948 ~ Singer Evelyn Knight records Powder Your Face With Sunshine ~ Written by Carmen Lombardo and Stanley Rochinski. The biggest hit would be Knight's, reaching No.1 on the pop charts. Other early versions would be recorded by Dean Martin, Doris Day with Buddy Clark, Blue Barron, and notably Sammy Kaye
November 16, 1946 ~ Rock drummer Colin Burgess, full name Colin John Burgess, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Member of Masters Apprentices from 1968 until its disbandement in 1972, present on most of the band's best known including the hit singles 5:10 Man, Think About Tomorrow Today, Turn Up Your Radio, and Because I Love You. Following the band's disbandement Burgess would serve as the original drummer for AC/DC, remaining with the band joining the band late 1973 and fired early 1974 for appearing drunk on stage ~ Burgess passed away in 2023
November 16, 1945 ~ Keyboardist, guitarist Paul Raymond, full name Paul Martin Raymond, born in St Albans, UK ~ Best known as intermittent member of UFO from 1976 onwards, and member of the Michael Schenker Group during the early-1980s including on the acclaimed eponymous Michael Schenker Group album. Raymond had previously worked with Plastic Penny, Chicken Shack, Savoy Brown, and Danny Kirwan ~ Raymond passed away in 2019
November 16, 1941 ~ Guitarist, composer Angelo Gilardino born in Vercelli, Italy ~ Actively performing since the late-1950s, noted for premiering Mutations On Dies Irae in 1974 written by John Duarte. As a composer, Gilardino wrote for solo guitar as well as chamber music, concertos and sonatas, and is perhaps best known for his Studi Di Virtuosita Di Transcendenza collection. Gilardino had his compositions recorded by the likes of Cristiano Porqueddu, Ermanno Brignolo, Sanja Plohl, Lorenzo Micheli, and Aniello Desiderio ~ Gilardino passed away in 2022
November 16, 1941 ~ Wallace Daniel Pennington, commonly known as songwriter, singer, guitarist Dan Penn, born in Vernon, Alabama, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by the Sweet Inspirations (Sweet Inspiration), TG Sheppard, Janis Joplin (A Woman Left Lonely), Johnny Adams, Sandy Posey, Irma Thomas, the Tams, Tommy Roe, the Box Tops (Cry Like A Baby), Solomon Burke (Don't Give Up On Me), Aretha Franklin (Do Right Woman Do Right Man), Dalton Reed, Arthur Conley (I Can't Stop No No), Marshall Crenshaw, the Vel-tones, Conway Twitty (Is A Blue Bird Blue), James Carr (The Dark End Of The Street), Jimmy Hughes, Wilson Pickett (Uptight Good Woman), Lee Roy Parnell, Percy Sledge, and Lonnie Mack
November 16, 1939 ~ Wesley Curley Clark, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist WC Clark, born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Dubbed “the Godfather of Austin Blues” for his influence since the late-1960s. Sang gospel in church choirs, took up guitar by age 14, was playing professionally two years later. Early on in his career, Clark toured with Joe Tex before returning to his native Austin, to find a new crop of young and eager performers. Clark is legendary perhaps most for forming the Triple Threat Revue in the mid-1970s with the then-unknown Lou Ann Barton and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Though the trio only briefly played together, they set the standard for Austin blues, with Vaughan crediting Clark as a mentor and immense influence. Clark has shared stages with BB King, James Brown, Albert King, and Freddie King. Outside Texas, he is perhaps best known for half a dozen solo albums released later on in his career, notably 1994's Heart Of Gold, and From Austin With Soul released in 2002 ~ Clark passed away in 2024
November 16, 1938 ~ Label founder, producer, concert promoter Dick Griffey, full name Richard Gilbert Griffey, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Talent coordinator on the famed Soul Train TV show. Co-founded Soul Train Records with Don Cornelius in 1974. After buying Cornelius out, the label would be renamed SOLAR Records. The company would play a major role in developing the funk-oriented R&B sounds of the 1970s and 1980s, enjoying succes with artists such as the Whispers, Lakeside, Midnight Starr, Calloway, and the Deele. The label would also launch the careers of singer Kenneth Babyface Edmonds, future music executive LA Reid, and producers, songwriters Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. From 1974 until his death in 2010, Griffey was married to singer Carrie Lucas, who also recorded for the label ~ Griffey passed away in 2010
November 16, 1938 ~ Singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter Toni Brown born ~ Frontwoman, and alongside guitarist Terry Garthwaite co-lead singer of Joy Of Cooking. The band was identified with the hippie culture, its lyrics often reflecting feminist themes, drew from rock & roll, folk, blues, and jazz, and is best known for their 1971 modest hit Brownsville. The band has recorded three albums in the early-1970s, Joy Of Cooking, Closer To The Ground, and Castles. Following the band's disbandement Brown released two albums, 1973's Good For You Too and 1979's Toni Brown, and formed the duo Toni & Terry with bandmate Garthwaite. Brown retired from music by the end of the 1970s and has since earned in master's degree in clinical psychology and founded Four Winds West, a non-profit organization for disadvantaged youth in Fairfax, California
November 16, 1938 ~ Singer, songwriter Troy Seals, full name Troy Harold Seals, born in Big Hill, Kentucky, USA ~ Has recorded two solo albums, 1973's Presenting Troy Seals and 1976's eponymous Troy Seals. Best known as a songwriter. Co-wrote Seven Spanish Angels recorded as a duet by Ray Charles and Willie Nelson. Co-wrote Lost In The Fifties Tonight recorded by Ronnie Milsap. Co-wrote If You Ever Have Forever In Mind recorded by Vince Gill. Other artists who have recorded his songs include Eric Clapton, Nancy Sinatra, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Hank Williams Jr, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Levon Helm, Jerry Lee Lewis, and George Jones
November 16, 1936 ~ Winfred Lorenzo Lovett, commonly known as R&B singer Winfred Blue Lovett, born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founding member of R&B, soul outfit the Manhattans best known for their 1976 Kiss And Say Goodbye, Billboard Hot 100 charttopper, written by the group's primary songwriter Lovett and arranged and co-produced with the group by noted Philly soul musician Bobby Martin. Lovett remained with the group from its inception in 1962 through 1990 ~ Lovett passed away in 2014
November 16, 1931 ~ Folk singer, banjoist, guitarist Bob Gibson, full name Samuel Robert Gibson, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Key figure in late-1950s, early-1960s folk revival. Best known for his 1961 Gibson & Camp At The Gate Of Horn album. Had his songs recorded by Harry Belafonte, the Limeliters, Joan Baez, Bobby Darin, Peter Paul & Mary, Simon & Garfunkel, the Byrds, Smother Brothers, Phil Ochs, and the Kingston Trio ~ Gibson passed away in 1996
November 16, 1931 ~ Blues, Chicago blues guitarist, singer Hubert Sumlin, full name Hubert Charles Sumlin, born in Greenwood, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for his longtime association with Howlin' Wolf, backing the blues singer from the late-1950s up to Wolf's death in 1976. Sumlin would continue with other Wolf sidemen under the moniker the Wolf Gang through 1980 as well as release solo albums, at times collaborating with Henry Gray, Calvin Fuzz Jones, Sam Lay, Colin Linden, Pinetop Perkins, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Levon Helm, David Johanson, James Cotton, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd ~ Sumlin passed away in 2011
November 16, 1927 ~ R&B pianist, singer Clayton Love born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Fronted his own blues outfit the Shufflers in the early-1950s. Would go on to play with Ike Turner's the Kings Of Rhythm, singing lead vocals on songs such as Do You Mean It, She Made My Blood Run Cold and The Big Question ~ Love passed away in 2010
November 16, 1927 ~ Lyricist, songwriter Norman Gimbel born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Co-wrote songs such as Killing Me Softly With His Song first recorded by Lori Lieberman, later popularized by Roberta Flack, Ready To Take A Chance Again for Barry Manilow, Canadian Sunset for Andy Williams, and the Academy Award-winning It Goes Like It Goes recorded by Jennifer Warnes for the soundtrack to the 1979 Norma Rae drama film ~ Gimbel passed away in 2018
November 16, 1923 ~ Jazz, blues drummer Francis Clay born in Rock Island, Illinois, USA ~ Influential on British Invasion musicians such as Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood. Best known for his associations with Muddy Waters and James Cotton. Also worked with Gypsy Rose Lee, Jay McShann, Charlie Parker, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Otis Spann ~ Clay passed away in 2008
November 16, 1921 ~ Songwriter Ben Weisman, full name Benjamin Weisman, born in Providence, Rhode Island, USA ~ Probably best known for co-penning over 50 songs for Elvis Presley, usually partnering up with either Aaron Schroeder or Fred Wise. Well known Presley songs include Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do, Crawfish, Pocketful Of Rainbows, I Slipped I Stumbled I Fell, Follow That Dream and Change Of Habit. Others who have recorded his songs include Guy Mitchell, Nat King Cole, Patti Page, Carl Smith, Sarah Vaughan, Dusty Springfield, Barbra Streisand, Evie Sands, and Shirley Bassey ~ Weisman passed away in 2007
November 16, 1916 ~ Sidney Denis Prechner, commonly known as producer, radio personality, music critic Denis Preston, born in Stoke Newington, UK ~ Not contracted to a particular label and described as “Europe's first independent record producer”. Influential in British jazz and skiffle from the 1940s through the 1960s. Active member of the anti-racism, anti-fascism movement. Produced records by artists such as Chris Barber, Acker Bilk (Stranger On The Shore), Alex Welsh, Frank Holder, Sandy Brown, Al Fairweather, Terry Lightfoot, Kenny Baker, Humphrey Lyttelton (Bad Penny Blues), Roger Whittaker, Wout Steenhuis, Joe Harriott, Stan Tracey, Amancio d'Silva, and Guy Warren ~ Prechner passed away in 1979
November 16, 1912 ~ Jazz double bassist Al Lucas, full name Albert Bennington Lucas, born in Windsor, Canada ~ Worked with Kaiser Marshall, the Royal Sunset Orchestra, Hot Lips Page, Coleman Hawkins, Eddie Heywood Jr, Duke Ellington, Mary Lou Williams, James P Johnson, JJ Johnson, Ben Webster, Erroll Garner, Eddie South, Illinois Jacquet, Sonny Stitt, Leo Parker, Charles Thompson, Maurice Simon, Shadow Wilson, Ruby Braff, Charlie Byrd, Teddy Wilson, Bill Doggett, Dexter Gordon, and Oliver Nelson ~ Lucas passed away in 1983
November 16, 1911 ~ Elmer Dunham, commonly known as trumpeter, trombonist Sonny Dunham, born in Brockton, Massachusetts, USA ~ Starting in the late-1920s Dunham worked with bandleaders such as Ben Bernie, Paul Tremain, Glen Gray (as a member of the Casa Loma Orchestra) as a trombonist, trumpeter, singer and arranger. Dunham repeatedly tried his luck as a bandleader, forming mostly short-lived ensembles untill the late-1950s. ~ Dunham passed away in 1990
November 16, 1910 ~ Albert French, commonly known as bandleader, banjoist Papa French, born ~ Longtime member of New Orleans outfit the Tuxedo Brass Band, led by the renowned Papa Celestin. Following Celestin's death in 1954, trombonist Eddie Pierson would take over leadership until his death in 1958, after which leadership of the band fell to French who led the band until his death. French's son drummer Bob French would lead the band from 1977 until 2012. French senior is also especially noted for his 1965 A Night At Dixieland Hall live album, featuring backing from Jeanette Kimball, Louis Barbarin, Joe Thomas, Waldren Joseph, Wendell Eugene, and Alvin Alcorn ~ French passed away in 1977
November 16, 1909 ~ Violist, arranger Watson Forbes, full name Watson Douglas Buchanan Forbes, born in St Andrews, UK ~ Got his start in music playing with the Stratton Quartet, renamed to the Aeolian String Quartet after the departure of George Stratton. Co-leader of the London Symphony Orchestra at the start of World War II. Professor of viola and chamber music at the Royal Academy Of Music conservatory. Head of music for BBC Scotland, credited for safeguarding and expanding the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. As a recording artist perhaps best known for Arthur Bliss' Viola Sonata and Alan Richardson's Sussex Lullaby. Father of composer Sebastian Forbes and singer Rupert Forbes ~ Forbes passed away in 1997
November 16, 1908 ~ Benjamin F Thigpen, commonly known as jazz drummer Ben Thigpen, born in Laurel, Mississippi, USA ~ Father of drummer Ed Thigpen. Ben played with Bobby Boswell, Doc Cheatham, Charlie Elgar, J Frank Terry, and extensively with Andy Kirk. Thigpen stayed with Kirk from 1930 to 1947, alongside noted pianist, composer Mary Lou Williams, also a member of Kirk's ensemble. After 1947 Thigpen led his own quintet. He also recorded with Singleton Palmer in the 1960s ~ Thigpen passed away in 1971
November 16, 1901 ~ Jesse Albert Stone, commonly known as R&B pianist, arranger, producer, songwriter Charles Calhoun, born in Atchison, Kansas, USA ~ Best known for penning Shake Rattle & Roll. First recorded in 1954 by blues shouter Big Joe Turner, and covered by numerous artists including Bill Haley, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Conway Twitty, Sam Cooke, and Buddy Holly, the song is one of a select few to be frequently named as the first rock & roll song. Calhoun has also made a number of memorable recordings himself, perhaps most notably the oft covered Smack Dab In The Middle, and has written or co-written songs recorded by Alvino Rey, Lucky Millinder, Ray Charles (Losing Hand), the Drifters (Money Honey), Lavern Baker, Amos Milburn, Ruth Brown (As Long As I'm Moving), Chuck Willis, Connie Francis, and Roy Hamilton. Producer and Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun is said to once have commented Calhoun “did more to develop the basic rock & roll sound than anybody else.” ~ Stone passed away in 1999
November 16, 1895 ~ Composer, violist, violinist, conductor Paul Hindemith born in Hanau, Germany ~ Major exponent of the Neue Sachlichkeit movement. Known for works such as Das Marienleben, Schwanendreher, Mathis Der Maler, Symphonnic Metamorphosis Of Themes By Carla Maria Von Weber. The nazis had a complicated relationship with Hindemith, some classifying his music as “degenerate” atonal music, others arguing he would make a fine example of a modern German composer. His music would be banned in 1936 ~ Hindemith passed away in 1963
November 16, 1873 ~ William Christopher Handy, commonly known as cornet player, songwriter WC Handy, born in Florence, Alabama, USA ~ Self-proclaimed “Father of the Blues”. Helped popularize Blues. Regarded as one of the monst influential songwriters. Best known for penning songs such as St Louis Blues (Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Count Basie, Guy Lombardo), and Beale Street Blues (Earl Fuller, Marion Harris, Jack Teagarden) ~ handy passed away in 1958