November 17, 1993 ~ Rapper, singer, songwriter M Huncho born in North West London, UK ~ Active since the late-2010s, his 2019 Utopia mixtape garnering over 70 million streams worldwide and reaching the top 20 on the UK albums charts. Best known for songs such Broken Homes featuring the Plug & Nafe Smallz, Pee Pee and 5AM
November 17, 1991 ~ Francis Junior Edusei, commonly known as rapper Frenna, born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Member of SFB, known for their 2015 single Nu Sta Je Hier with Broederliefde & Ronnie Flex. As a solo artist Frenna is known for songs such as My Love featuring Jonna Fraser & Emms, Energie with Flex, and Hoe Je Bent with Broederliefde
November 17, 1990 ~ Folk pop, blues rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Barns Courtney, full name Barnaby George Courtney, born in Aylesbury, UK ~ Fronted indie band SleeperCell. Fronted Dive Bella Dive. Active as a solo artist since the mid-2010s, releasing his Glitter And Gold debut single in 2015. Also known for the subsequent recording Fire. Has since opened for the likes of the Libertines, Ed Sheeran, the Lumineers, Tom Odell, and Fitz & the Tantrums
November 17, 1989 ~ Sudan Ameer Williams, commonly known as rapper iamsu, born in Richmond, California, USA ~ Active since the early-2010s. Released his full-length debut album, Sincerely Yours, in 2014. Has collaborated with the HBK Gang, 2 Chainz, Sage The Gemini, E-40, Jonn Hart, Zendaya, Travis Barker, and others
November 17, 1983 ~ Pablo Diaz-Reixa, commonly known as singer, producer El Guincho, born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain ~ Rose to prominence with his 2008 Alegranza, drawing from Afrobeat, dub, tropicália and rock & roll. Served as producer for Rosalia, Javiera Mena, Aitana, Bad Gyal, Paloma Mami, and others
November 17, 1981 ~ Pop singer, actress Sarah Harding, full name Sarah Nicole Harding, born in Berkshire, UK ~ Rose to fame in the early-2000s as member of girl group Girls Aloud, known for UK top 10 hits such as Sound Of The Underground, Life Got Cold, The Show, I'll Stand By You, Something Kinda Ooooh, Walk This Way with the Sugababes, Call The Shots and The Promise ~ Harding passed away in 2021
November 17, 1980 ~ Guitarist, pianist, singer Isaac Hanson, full name Clarke Isaac Hanson, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Member of pop rock unit Hanson, centered around Isaac and his younger brothers Taylor Hanson and Zac Hanson. The band shot to fame with their Billboard Hot 100 No.1 single Mmmbop off their 1997 Middle Of Nowhere debut album while all three brothers were still in their early to mid-teens. The single I Will Come To You of the same album also reached top 10. The siblings recorded about a dozen albums since, but failed to repeat their earlier success
November 17, 1978 ~ Rock, heavy metal, hip-hop bassist, guitarist, rapper, singer Gabe Rosales born in Laguna Beach, California, USA ~ First gained attention in his late teens, appearing on Lynch Mob's Smoke This album. Would go on to record as a solo artist, noted for his 2009 Vital Nonsense, and work with a wide array of artists from numerous genres including rock, pop, fusion, funk, hip-hop and metal. Has worked with Jennifer Lopez, Fat Joe, Christina Milian, the Police's Andy Summers, and Nicole Scherzinger
November 17, 1976 ~ Actress, pop singer, songwriter Sofi Bonde born in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ A chance meeting with Roxette-guitarist Micke Norde would lead to a record deal, releasing her One debut album in 2001. It would spawn the singles Back In Your Arms, Hey Boy and Little Things. Would go on to become an in-demand songwriter, her songs featured on TV shows such as Entourage, The Vampire Diaries, Beverly Hills 90210 and Melrose Place
November 17, 1973 ~ Patrick Hall, commonly known as rapper Gangsta Pat, born in Whitehaven, Tennessee, USA ~ Son of iconic Stax/Volt session drummer Willie Hall. One of the first rap artists from Memphis to make the move from an indie to a major label, active since the start of the gangsta rap era. Released his No.1 Suspect debut album in 1991
November 17, 1972 ~ Anti-folk singer, guitarist Kimya Dawson born in Bedford, New York, USA ~ Earned a cult following and critical acclaim as member of anti-folk duo the Moldy Peaches alongside Adam Green, best known for their 2001 recording Anyone Else But You. Dawson has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with 2002's I'm Sorry That Sometimes I'm Mean. Has also collaborated with Ben Kweller, Antsy Pants, the Bundles, the Uncluded, Aesop Rock, They Might Be Giants, the Mountain Goats, Third Eye Blind, Regina Spektor, and others
November 17, 1967 ~ Guitarist, producer Michael Andrews born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Also goes by the moniker Elgin Park. Founding member of the Greyboy Allstars. Best known for the Tears For Fears-cover Mad World recorded with Gary Jules for the Donnie Darko soundtrack
November 17, 1967 ~ R&B, pop, new jack swing, hip hop singer Ronnie DeVoe, full name Ronald Boyd DeVoe Jr, born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of new jack swing outfit New Edition, the band name being a reference to the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons, and known for hits such as Cool It Now, If It Isn't Love and I'm Still In Love With You. Following the band's disbandement in 1990 DeVoe would form Bell Biv DeVoe with bandmates Ricky Bell and Michael Bivins, the band's Poison debut album would sell 5 million copies and spawns the hit singles Poison, Do Me, BBD (I Thought It Was Me), When Will I See You Smile and Dope all reaching top 10 Billboard R&B
November 17, 1966 ~ Jazz bassist, composer Ben Allison born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Key figure in the Herbie Nichols Project. Formed the loose collective the Jazz Composers Collective and served as its director from 1992 until its disbandement in 2005. The collective is known for a series of annual concerts, premiering over 300 works by some 50 composers. Well over a dozen albums as a leader. Guested on recordings by Frank Kimbrough, Michael Blake, Ted Nash, Lee Konitz, Curtis Stigers, and Larry Goldings
November 17, 1966 ~ Singer, songwriter Jeff Buckley, full name Jeffrey Scott Buckley, born in Anaheim, California, USA ~ Son of singer Tim Buckley. Rose to fame on the strength of his sole studio album, Grace, released in 1994. Drowned at age 30 during a spontaneous evening swim. Best known for his cover of the Leonard Cohen-classic Hallelujah ~ Buckley passed away in 1997
November 17, 1965 ~ Singer, violinist, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, mandolinist, songwriter Amanda Brown, full name Amanda Gabrielle Brown, born ~ Classically trained. Best known as member of the Go-Betweens from 1986 through 1989, present on the albums Tallulah and 16 Lovers Lane. Brown also sessioned with acts such as REM, the Reels, Silverchair, David Bridie, the Cruel Sea, the Apartments, and Boxcar. Released her Incognita solo debut album in 2002
November 17, 1962 ~ Composer, multi-instrumentalist Nick Pynn born ~ Plays fiddle, banjo, mandolin, mandocello, viola and violin, dulcimer, guitar, and other string instruments. Especially noted for his use of bass pedals. Worked with the Famous Potatoes, Steve Harley, Herbie Flowers, Adrian Oxaal, Richard Durrant, Jane Bom Bane, the Lost & Found Orchestra, Kate Daisy Grant, and others
November 17, 1961 ~ Arranger, composer, conductor Vince Mendoza born in Norwalk, Connecticut, USA ~ Best known as producer, arranger. Has worked with Randy Brecker, Peter Erskine, Robbie Williams, Björk, Elvis Costello, Joni Mitchell, and others. As a composer had his songs recorded by Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, Charlie Haden. Served as chief conductor of het Metropole Orkest from 2005 to 2013
November 17, 1955 ~ Fitzroy Edwards, commonly known as singer Edi Fitzroy, born in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica ~ First gained attention with the 1978 single Miss Molly Colly, which reached the Jamaican top 10. Soon after Fitzroy toured the UK with Mikey Dread, opening for the Clash. Went on to collaborate with noted producers such as Lloyd Norris, and Trevor Elliot (who produced Check For You Once, the singer's debut album). Fitzroy would continue to record steadily, including hits such as Princess Black and The Gun. Fitzroy would keep his day job, accountancy, until the mid-1990s before focusing solely on his music career ~ Edwards passed away in 2017
November 17, 1955 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist Peter Cox, full name Peter John Cox, born in Kingston, UK ~ Half of Go West pop duo, the other half being Richard Drummie, known for hits such as We Close Our Eyes, Call Me, Faithful and King Of Wishful Thinking. Has also worked with Chris Slade, Colin Pattenden, Tony Hadley, Bernie Nolan, and others
November 17, 1947 ~ Folk rock, roots rock, rock guitarist, bassist, mandolinist, violinist, singer Rod Clements, full name Roderick Parry Clements, born in North Shields, UK ~ Founded Lindisfarne with Alan Hull, best known for the 1972 UK top 10 hit Meet Me On The Corner penned by Clements. Co-founded Jack The Lad with Ralph McTell and Bert Jansch. Appeared on McTell's solo hit The Streets Of London. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of Rab Noakes, Peter Hammill, Wizz Jones, Kathryn Tickell, and others
November 17, 1946 ~ Progressive rock, folk rock, rock guitarist, mandolinist, flutist, saxophonist, songwriter Martin Barre, full name Martin Lancelot Barre, born in King's Heath, UK ~ Lead guitarist for rock band Jethro Tull from 1968 until its disbandement in 2011, present on all of the band's recordings except their This Was debut album. The band is acclaimed for the early-1970s albums Aqualung and its follow-up Thick As Brick, both considered landmark albums in progressive rock. Barre has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting wih A Summer Band released in a limited edition in 1992. Guitarists such as Mark Knopfler, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani have cited Barre as an influence
November 17, 1944 ~ Rock, country rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Gene Clark, full name Harold Eugene Clark, born in Tipton, Missouri, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member and primary songwriter for the Byrds, songs written or co-written by Clark include I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better, She Don't Care About Time, You Won't Have To Cry, Eight Miles High and Set You Free This Time. Clark initially played rhythm guitar but would relinquish that position to David Crosby, switching to tambourine and harmonica. Also recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist and worked with acts such as the New Christy Minstrels, the Gosdin Brothers, Doug Dillard, McGuinn Clark & Hillman, Carla Olson, and others ~ Clark passed away in 1991
November 17, 1943 ~ Conductor, producer, arranger Richard Hewson, full name Richard Anthony Hewson, born in Stockton-on-Tees, UK ~ Founded studio band the Rah Band. Has worked with the Beatles, the Bee Gees, James Taylor, Herbie Hancock, Supertramp, Diana Ross, Carly Simon, Art Garfunkel, Leo Sayer, Carly Simon, Art Garfunkel, Leo Sayer, Al Stewart, Chris De Burgh, Fleetwood Mac, Chris Rea, Cliff Richard, Toyah Willcox, Five Star, Shakin' Stevens, and others
November 17, 1943 ~ Pianist, singer, producer, songwriter Willie Murphy born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Influenced by Little Richard, Fats Domino, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ray Charles. Best known for his association with John Koerner, notably on the duo's acclaimed 1969 album Running Jumping Standing Still, and as pianist, singer, frontman of R&B, blues, rock outfit Willie & the Bees. Produced Bonnie Raitt, Bonnie Raitt's 1971 eponymous debut album. Has also worked as a session musician for Greg Brown, Prudence Johnson, Little Milton, and others ~ Murphy passed away in 2019
November 17, 1942 ~ Rock singer Bern Elliott born in Erith, UK ~ Fronted 1960s UK outfit Bern Elliott & the Fenmen, known for their 1963 UK top 20 single Money (That's What I Want) and its follow-up New Orleans. The band also included keyboardist Jon Povey and guitarist Wally Waller who would later join the Pretty Things ~ Elliott passed away in 2022
November 17, 1942 ~ Pop rock pianist, singer, songwriter, producer Bob Gaudio, full name Robert John Gaudio, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with Frankie Valli, serving as a member of the Four Seasons and writing or co-writing the majority of the group's material including Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like A Man, Dawn Go Away, Ronnie, Rag Doll, Save It For Me, Big Man In Town, Bye Bye Baby, Girl Come Running, and Beggin'. Gaudio also wrote or produced for artists such as Michael Jackson, Barry Manilow, Diana Ross, Eric Carmen, Nancy Sinatra, Peabo Bryson, Roberta Flack, and especially Neil Diamond, producing half a dozen albums for the latter as well as the Barbra Streisand-Diamond duet You Don't Bring Me Flowers
November 17, 1939 ~ Singer, producer, actor Yuya Uchida born in Nishinomiya, Japan ~ Leading figure in Japanase pop. Befriended John Lennon after opening for the Beatles on their 1966 Japanese tour. Influenced by Jimi Hendrix. Recorded with Frank Zappa and with the Ventures ~ Uchida passed away in 2019
November 17, 1938 ~ Folk, folk-rock, country singer, guitarist, songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, full name Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr, born in Orillia, Canada ~ Helped define the 1960s, 1970s folk-pop sound. Known for songs such as For Lovin' Me, Early Morning Rain, Steel Reel Blues, Ribbon Of Darkness, Black Day In July and perhaps his best known If You Could Read My Mind. His songs would be covered by numerous artists including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, the Kingston Trio, Marty Robbins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Herb Alpert, Harry Belafonte, Sarah McLachlan, Eric Clapton, John Mellencamp, Tony Rice, Glen Campbell, the Grateful Dead, Olivia Newton-John, Paul Weller, Ultra Naté, and the Tragically Hip ~ Lightfoot passed away in 2023
November 17, 1935 ~ Avant-garde jazz, free jazz trombonist Roswell Rudd, full name Roswell Hopkins Rudd Jr, born in Sharon, Connecticut, USA ~ Over two dozen albums as a leader or co-leader. Especially acclaimed for Malicool, a 2003 collaborative album with Toumani Diabaté. In-demand sideman, guested on albums by Buell Neidlinger, Cecil Taylor (Cell Walk For Celeste), the New York Art Quartet, Archie Shepp (Four For Trane), Robin Kenyatta, the Jazz Composers Orchestra, the Liberation Music Orchestra, Steve Lacy, Carla Bley (Dinner Music), Enrico Rava, Elton Dean, Glen Hall, Han Bennink, Beausoleil (Alligator Purse), and Rebecca Ferguson ~ Rudd passed away in 2017
November 17, 1934 ~ Conductor, harpsichordist Alan Curtis born in Mason, Michigan, USA ~ Known for his work in baroque opera. Founded the ensemble Il Complesso Barocco. Has interpreted pieces by Jean-Philippe Rameau, Johann Sebastian Bach, Claudio Monteverdi, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Louis Couperin ~ Curtis passed away in 2015
November 17, 1931 ~ Trombonist, composer Wayne Andre born ~ In-demand sideman in pop and rock since the 1970s. Started in jazz and big band in the early-1950s working with Charlie Spivak, the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, Woody Herman, Kai Winding (composed Winding's Nutcracker), Gerry Mulligan, Clark Terry, Benny Goodman, Urbie Green, Art Farmer, Carl Fontana, and others. Starting in the early-1970s became a sought-after session musician outside jazz as well. Can be heard on albums such as Bruce Springsteen's Born To Run and Alice Cooper's School's Out. Also sessioned for Liza Minnelli, George Benson, Gloria Gaynor, Bob James, Quincy Jones, the Players Association, Jaco Pastorius, Grover Washington Jr, Patti Austin, Roy Ayers, Cy Coleman, Judy Collins, Chick Corea, Hank Crawford, Eric Gale, the Heath Brothers, Terumasa Hino, Lena Horne, Janis Ian, Yusef Lateef, Charlie Mariano, Van McCoy, Stephanie Nakasian, Milton Nascimento, Vicki Sue Robinson, David Ruffin, Marlena Shaw, Tina Turner, Steely Dan, Frankie Valli, Sarah Vaughan, Martha Veléz, Harold Vick, Randy Weston, and Zulema ~ Andre passed away in 2003
November 17, 1928 ~ Jazz trombonist, trumpeter, cornetist, percussionist John Sangster, full name John Grant Sangster, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ As a solo artist best known for a string of The Lord Of The Rings-inspired albums starting with The Hobbit Suite released in 1973. Has also collaborated with Graeme Bell, Humphrey Lyttelton and with Don Burrows ~ Sangster passed away in 1995
November 17, 1926 ~ Dixieland, swing trombonist, vibraphonist George Masso born in Cranston, Rhode Island, USA ~ Enjoyed a long, yet somewhat underrated career interspered with stints as a music teacher for financial stability. Inspired to take up the trombone after hearing Lou McGarrity play on Benny Goodman's Yours. Perhaps best known for his work with Jimmy Dorsey during the late-1940s. Close to a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, acclaimed especially for the 1993 collaborative album Let's Be Buddies with Dan Barrett. Other notable associations include Wild Bill Davison, Buck Clayton, Charlie Ventura, Eddie Miller, the World's Greatest Jazz Band, Maxine Sullivan, and the Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band ~ Masso passed away in 2019
November 17, 1923 ~ Concert pianist, teacher Ruth W Greenfield, full name Ruth Miriam Wolkowsky Greenfield, born in Key West, Florida, USA ~ Broke racial barriers, bringing together black and white students, taught by black and white teachers. Studied composition with Nadia Boulanger. Best known for founding the Fine Arts Conservatory. Also taught at Miami Dade College ~ Greenfield passed away in 2023
November 17, 1919 ~ Orchestrator, conductor, arranger, composer Hershy Kay born ~ One of the most in-demand orchestrators for Broadway shows, closely associated with once-classmate Leonard Bernstein. Orchestrated several of Bernstein's musicals including On The Town, Peter Pan and Candide. Has also orchestrated musicals for Marc Blitzstein, Harvey Schmidt, Cy Coleman, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. To jazz audiences perhaps best known for conducting the orchestra on Stan Getz's 1961 Focus album ~ Kay passed away in 1981
November 17, 1915 ~ Swing trumpeter Shorty Sherock born ~ Active since the late-1930s. Worked with Jimmy Dorsey, Gene Krupa. Benny Carter, Nelson Riddle. Featured soloist at Norman Granz's 1944 Jazz At The Philharmonic concert, alongside greats such as Illinois Jacquet, Jack McVea, JJ Johnson, Nat King Cole, and Les Paul ~ Sherock passed away in 1980
November 17, 1911 ~ Edward Maxwell Miller, commonly known as pianist, vibraphonist, composer Max Miller, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Igor Stravinsky, Béla Bartók, Paul Hindemith. Perhaps best remembered for being the first to employ singer Anita O'Day, then aged 19, who sang lead with Miller's band in the late-1930s performing in Chicago venues such as the Three Deuces and the Off-Beat ~ Miller passed away in 1985