November 18, 2022 ~ Singer, guitarist Tommy Facenda, full name Eugene Thomas Facenda, passed away in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA ~ Briefly a member of Gene Vincent's backing unit the Blue Caps. As a solo artist known for the novelty hit High School USA which cracked the Billboard Hot 100 top 30 in 1959. In the original version Facenda listed the names of high schools in his home state of Virginia. It would be picked up by Atlantic Records who asked him to record 28 different versions of the song using regional school names across the country. A follow-up, 1960's Bubba Ditty, failed to chart and Facenda would retire from music, serving in the military through 1962 and subsequently work as a firefighter ~ Facenda was born in 1939
November 18, 2021 ~ Jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist Ack van Rooyen passed away in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Brother of trumpeter Jerry van Rooyen, with whom he also worked. Has also played with Ernst van 't Hoff, Aimé Barelli, Kenny Clarke, Lucky Thompson, the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble, Hans Koller, Bert Kaempfert, Ake Persson, Volker Kriegel, Charly Antolini, Friedrich Gulda, Slide Hampton, and Eberhard Weber ~ Van Rooyen was born in 1930
November 18, 2021 ~ Michael Edward Smith, commonly known as rock photographer Mick Rock, passed away ~ Often referred to as “the Man Who Shot the Seventies” and best known as David Bowie's official photographer. Artists who have used his photos for album cover art include the Stooges (Raw Power), Lou Reed (Transformer, Coney Island Baby), Waylon Jennings (Lonesome On'ry & Mean), Cat Stevens (Foreigner), Queen (Sheer Heart Attack), Cockney Rebel (The Psychomodo), the Ramones (End Of The Century), Joan Jett (I Love Rock 'n Roll), Third Eye Blind (Out Of The Vein), and Miley Cyrus (Plastic Hearts) ~ Smith was born in 1948
November 18, 2017 ~ Jazz drummer Ben Riley, full name Benjamin Alexander Riley Jr, passed away in West Islip, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Thelonious Monk, even though he only played briefly with the pianist. Member of Sphere. Member of the New York Jazz Quintet. Later on in his career, Riley recorded a handful of albums as a leader including the acclaimed 1996 Weaver Of Dreams album. An excellent bop, hard bop drummer, Riley has guested on recordings by Gene Rodgers, Johnny Griffin (Tough Tenors), Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Dick Morgan (Settlin' In), Junior Mance (At The Village Vanguards), Ken McIntyre, Sonny Rollins (The Bridge), Sam Jones (Down Home), Andrew Hill, Alice Coltrane (World Galaxy), Hugh Lawson, Charlie Rouse, Hank Jones, and Roland Hanna ~ Riley was born in 1933
November 18, 2017 ~ Hard rock guitarist Malcolm Young, full name Malcolm Mitchell Young, passed away in Elizabeth Bay, Australia ~ Leading hard rock rhythm guitarist. Co-founded AC/DC in 1973 with his older brother lead guitarist Angus Young. Young co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material including High Voltage, TNT, It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n Roll, Dirty Deeds Done Cheap, Whole Lotta Rosie, Highway To Hell, You Shook Me Whole Night Long, and Thunderstruck. Diagnosed with dementia, Young retired from the band in 2014. His brother Angus would reflect on Malcolm's contributions: “ Mal kept doing what he could until he couldn't do it anymore, but I have all the material he was working on. There were a lot of riffs, ideas, and bits of choruses. I'd fill things in to see if we had a song. Every album we've ever done has been that way.” ~ Young was born in 1953
November 18, 2016 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Hugh Macdonald passed away ~ Not to be confused with American bassist Hugh MacDonald. Best known as guitarist for Redgum from 1981 through 1990. He also took the role of lead singer after John Schumann in 1986. McDonald also played with the Bushwhackers, the Sundowners, Banshee, Des Animal McKenna, Moving Clouds, and with the Colonials ~ McDonald was born in 1954
November 18, 2016 ~ Soul, retro-soul, R&B, funk singer Sharon Jones, full name Sharon Lafaye Jones, passed away in Cooperstown, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Ike & Tina Turner, Marva Whitney, Michael Jackson, Erykah Badu and Beyoncé. Sang in church choirs and as a session backing singer, working with the likes of Norma Jean Bell, They Might Be Giants, Lucky Peterson, Booker T Jones, Steve Cropper, and Rufus Wainwright. As a solo artist broke through relatively late in life fronting the acclaimed retro-soul, funk outfit Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings known for backing Amy Winehouse. The band has recorded over half a dozen critically acclaimed albums with the band, starting with Dap Dippin' With Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings released in 2002 ~ Jones was born in 1956
November 18, 2015 ~ Robert McCormick, commonly known as musicologist, folklorist, music journalist Mack McCormick, passed away ~ Correspondent for famed Down Beat magazine. Helpful in bringing artists such as Mance Lipscomb, Robert Shaw and Lightnin' Hopkins to the forefront in the late-1950s. Also a valued researcher on Robert Johnson, closely associated with the Smithsonian Institute ~ McCormick was born in 1930
November 18, 2014 ~ Bandleader, guitarist, producer, songwriter, arranger Dave Appell passed away in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, USA ~ Arranged for Jimmie Lunceford, Benny Carter, Earl Hines. Led the house band for Cameo/Parkway, backing artists such as Charlie Gracie, John Zacherle, Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, the Dovells, Dee Dee Sharp, the Orlons, also serving as producer on a number of these recordings such as Checker's Let's Twist Again. Enjoyed succes in the early-1970s co-producing several hits for Tony Orlando & Dawn including Knock Three Times and Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree ~ Appell was born in 1922
November 18, 2012 ~ Pianist, drummer, bandleader Stan Greig, full name Stanley Mackay Greig, passed away ~ Founded and fronted the London Jazz Big Band and the Stan Greig Trio. Also worked with Sandy Brown, Ken Colyer, Humphrey Lyttelton, Bruce Turner, Al Fairweather, Dave Shepherd, Johnny Hawksworth, George Melly, Wally Fawkes, and Charlie Watts ~ Greig was born in 1930
November 18, 2009 ~ Saxophonist Johnny Almond passed away in Hayward, California, USA ~ Worked with the Alan Price Set, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Fleetwood Mac, Mark Almond, Zoot Money, Chicken Shack, Geoff Condon, Alan White, Curtis Amy, Hadley Caliman, Joe Harris, Charles Kynard, Joe Pass, and Martha Veléz ~ Almond was born in 1946
November 18, 2007 ~ Guitarist, pedal steel guitarist John Hughey passed away in Hendersonville, Tennessee, USA ~ Influenced by Eddy Arnold's longtime steel guitarist Little Roy Wiggins. Best known for his decade-plus stint with Slim Rhodes and subsequently Conway Twitty for most of the 1970s and 1980s. Member of Nashville supergroup the Time Jumpers. As an in-demand session musician, Hughey has appeared on albums by Elvis Presley (From Elvis In Memphis), Tony Joe White, Alex Taylor (Dinnertime), Don McLean, Willie Nelson (Phases And Stages), Dickey Betts (Highway Call), Gary Stewart, Ronnie Milsap, Steve Wariner, Dolly Parton (White Limozeen), Vince Gill, and Marty Stuart ~ Hughey was born in 1933
November 18, 2002 ~ Singer Avril Lavigne releases I'm With You, lifted off her Let Go debut album ~ Preceded by Complicated at No.2 and Sk8ter Boi at No.10, I'm With You would be the then-teen singer's third and final Billboard Hot 100 top 10 single lifted off her massively successful debut album. All three songs were co-written by Lavigne, and produced by the Matrix, a team consisting of Graham Edwards, Lauren Christy and Scott Spock. In 2010, singer Rihanna would sample I'm With You for her Cheers (Drink To That) hit, which prompted Lavigne to comment: “It was really exciting because I'm With You is one of my favorite songs that I've done, I always love performing it. And I think Rihanna's awesome, she has great songs, she's a really great singer, so yeah I was excited. I think it's really cool”
November 18, 1999 ~ Rock, country, blues, tejano singer, guitarist, mandolinist, dobroist, keyboardist, percussionist Doug Sahm, full name Douglas Wayne Sahm, passed away in Taos, New Mexico, USA ~ Leading figure in Tex-mex music. Fronted the critically acclaimed Sir Douglas Quintet, known for the 1965 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit She's About A Mover. The band would open for the Beatles and the Beach Boys. Sahm would record throughout the 1970s to mixed reviews and commercial disappointment yet remain popular in the Texas scene. Co-founded the Texas Tornados in the late-1980s with Augie Meyers, Freddy Fender and Flaco Jiménez ~ Sahm was born in 1941
November 18, 1995 ~ In its sixth week on the charts, Who Can I Run To by Xscape peaks at No.8 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Originally recorded by the Jones Girls in 1979 for their eponymous The Jones Girls album. R&B group Xscape would issue their rendition as the second single off their Off The Hook sophomore album, making it their third Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit after Just Kickin' It and Understanding off their previous album. Both Anderson Paak and rapper Joyner Lucas would later sample the Xscape version, respectively on the tracks Might Be and When I Need Love
November 18, 1994 ~ Bandleader Cab Calloway, full name Cabel Calloway III, passed away in Hockesinn, Delaware, USA ~ Master of scat singing. Led one the most popular big bands of the 1930s and 1940s. Employed later famed sidemen such as Dizzy Gillespie, Doc Cheatham, Danny Barker, Ben Webster, Chu Berry, and Milt Hinton. Best known for Minnie The Moocher. Calloway remained popular until his death in the 1990s, and proved to be an influence on singers such as Michael Jackson and a wide array of hip-hop artists ~ Calloway was born in 1907
November 18, 1989 ~ Drummer Freddie Waits, full name Frederick Douglas Waits, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Max Roach's M'Boom, McCoy Tyner, Kenny Barron, Andrew Hill, Gene Harris, Joe Zawinul, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Horace Arnold, Billy Hart, Roy Ayers, Ray Bryant, Kenny Burrell, Jack DeJohnette, Bunky Green, Richard Groove Holmes, Willis Jackson, Clifford Jordan, James Moody, Pharoah Sanders, Shirley Scott, and Curtis Fuller ~ Waits was born in 1940
November 18, 1985 ~ Singer Paul McCartney releases Spies Like Us, recorded for the spy comedy film of the same name ~ Written and performed by McCartney as the theme song to the spy comedy featuring Chevy Chase, Dan Akroyd, and Donna Dixon. The single would reach No.13 in the UK, and No.7 on the American Billboard Hot 100. Although critics were receptive to the song, Cash Box praising its “innate tunefulness”, director John Landis was not. Landis has stated it was a terrible song, but felt he could not say no to McCartney and Warner Bros. It wasn't the first time McCartney had written a song for a spy movie, having penned and performed Live And Let Die with his pop rock outfit Wings for the 1973 James Bond film of the same name
November 18, 1982 ~ Singer, songwriter Aoife O'Donovan born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of progresive bluegrass band Crooked Still. Also worked with Ollabelle, Karan Casey, Sarah Jarosz, Séamus Egan, Jerry Douglas, Jim Lauderdale, Darol Anger, Sara Watkins, Christina Courtin, Chris Thile, Noam Pikelny, Edgar Meyer, Stuart Duncan, Yo-Yo Ma, Sometimes Why, the Boston Pops Orchestra, the Utah Symphony Orchestra, Dave Douglas, Garrison Keillor, the Wayfaring Strangers, the Wild Band Of Snee, Kate Rusby, the Infamous Stringdusters, Jesper Harper, John Morris Russell, and Alastair Mook
November 18, 1982 ~ Jamila Akiko Aba Chilombo, commonly known as singer, rapper, songwriter Mila J, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Sister of R&B singer Jhené Aiko. Influenced by Janet Jackson. Dancer in Prince's Diamonds And Pearls-video clip. Backing singer for RaRa, Immature, Trey Songz, Omarion. Released a number of singles in 2006, notably Good Lookin' Out featuring Marques Houston, of a planned but indefinitely shelved debut album. Would continue to release singles, EP's, mixtapes throughout the 2010, leading up to her full-length Dopamine debut album released in 2017 and its Holiday two years later
November 18, 1980 ~ Post-harcore, emo, alternative rock, CCM, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Dustin Kensrue, full name Dustin Michael Kensrue, born in Orange County, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of Thrice, known for songs such as All That's Left, Image Of The Invisible, Black Honey and Hold Up A Light. As a solo artist best known for his 2013 The Water & The Blood sophomore album
November 18, 1980 ~ Jazz trumpeter, singer, songwriter, producer Keyon Harrold born in Ferguson, Missouri, USA ~ Cites Miles Davis, Prince, Common, Dr Dre, J Dilla as influences. Worked with Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Anthony Hamilton, Gregory Porter, Mac Miller, Mary J Blige, Maxwell, Rihanna, Eminem, d'Angelo, Charles Tolliver, Beyoncé, John Legend, Mobb Deep, David Sanborn, Billy Harper, Joss Stone, John Stoddart, Maya Hatch, Andráe Crouch, Derrick Hodge, Dr Lonnie Smith, Greg Dean, Will Calhoun, Jason McGuiness, and PJ Morton
November 18, 1977 ~ John David Jackson, commonly known as rapper Fabolous, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Debuted with the 2001 Ghetto Fabolous album, spawning the hit singles Can't Deny It featuring Nate Dogg and Young'n (Holla Back). Would go on to score numerous hits including Can't Let You Go featuring Lil' Mo & Mike Shorey, Into You featuring Tamia, and Make Me Better featuring Ne-Yo. Also collaborated with Jagged Edge, P Diddy, Jeezy, Jeremih, 2 Chainz, Lil' Uzi Vert, Jadakiss, Ty Dolla $ign, E-40, Lumidee, The-Dream, and Jamie Foxx
November 18, 1977 ~ Theodora King, commonly known as jazz, pop singer Teddi King, passed away ~ Best known for a number of 1950s singles including Married I Can Always Get, Say It Isn't So and perhaps her best known Mr Wonderful, the latter making the top 20 in 1956. Worked with Nat Pierce, Beryl Booker, and George Shearing ~ King was born in 1929
November 18, 1974 ~ Pop, rock band the Beach Boys record Child Of Winter (Christmas Song) ~ Written by Stephen Kalinich and Brian Wilson, the latter also serving as producer. Released as a standalone single, b/w Susie Cincinnati, the week of Christmas. Brian's daughters Carnie Wilson and Wendy Wilson can be heard on cowbells
November 18, 1972 ~ Guitarist, singer Danny Whitten, full name Danny Ray Whitten, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Neil Young, playing in Young's backing unit Crazy Horse on the albums Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere and After The Gold Rush. Also worked with Danny & the Memories. Wrote I Don't Want To Talk About It, a major hit for Rod Stewart ~ Whitten was born in 1943
November 18, 1971 ~ Lamar Dupré Calhoun, commonly known as hip-hop producer, DJ Crazy Toones, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Best known as a member of 1990s rap group WC & the Maad Circle, present on the albums Ain't A Damn Thing Changed and Curb Servin'. As a solo artist, Calhound has released a number of mixtapes starting with That Nigga's Crazy (Maad Circle Underground Part 1 in 1996 ~ Calhoun passed away in 2017
November 18, 1971 ~ Herman Parker Jr, commonly known as singer, songwriter Junior Parker, passed away in Blue Island, Illinois, USA ~ Known for songs such as Next Time You See Me, Driving Wheel, Annie Get Your Yo-Yo, Sweet Home Chicago, and The Things That I Used To Do. Worked with the Blue Flames, Pat Hare, Bobby Blue Bland, Johnny Ace, the Blues Consolidated Revue, and Ike Turner ~ Parker was born in 1932
November 18, 1971 ~ Rock, hard rock, punk rock, pop singer, actress Özlem Tekin born in California, USA ~ American-born moved to Turkey with her family at age 4. Started as a hard rock singer yet has progressed to record various other genres including house, punk, pop and Turkish folk. Classically trained. Member of underground rock band the Bad. Member of all-female rock group Volvox. As a solo artist shot to national fame with her 1996 Kime Ne debut album, which spawned the hit single Ask Hersey Affeder Mi. Has recorded to warm reception since and ventured into acting and TV work. Well known songs include Vol, Sil Bastan and Aslan Yarim
November 18, 1971 ~ Warren Griffin III, commonly known as rapper Warren G, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ One third of hip-hop trio 213 alongside Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg. As a solo artist best known for his 1994 hit Regulate and his first two albums, 1994's Regulate (G-Funk Era) and 1997's Take A Look Over Your Shoulder. Has collaborated with Mista Grimm, Twinz, the Dove Shack, Adina Howard, RBX, Kurupt, Eve, Slick Rick, Jermaine Dupri, Mack 10, WC, E-40, Too $hort, Jeezy, and Bun B
November 18, 1969 ~ Rock bassist Phil Buckman, full name Philip Bradley Buckman, born in New York, New York, USA ~ To rock audiences best known as bassist for industrial rock band Filter, alternative rock band Fuel and rock band Steel Panther. Also known for his extensive career as an voiceover, film and television actor
November 18, 1969 ~ Alternative rock, country drummer Travis McNabb, full name Travis Aaron McNabb, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known as member of Better Than Ezra from 1996, replacing Cary Bonnecaze, through 2009. Present on some of the band's best known tracks including The King Of New Orleans, Desperately Wanting and At The Stars. Prior to his time with Ezra has sessioned and toured with the likes of the Vigilantes Of Love, Shawn Mullins, the Indigo Girls. After his departure from Ezra returned to session work, including with Brendan Benson, Little Big Town, Howie Day, Dar Williams, Mandi Perkins, and notably with country, bluegrass duo Sugarland
November 18, 1965 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Tim DeLaughter born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ As a singer critically compared to Ozzy Osbourne, Perry Farrell, and Wayne Coyne. Frontman of neo-psychedelic outfit Tripping Daisy. Following the sudden death of guitarist Wes Berggren of a drug overdose, the band cancelled its upcoming tour dates and completed some minor recording sessions for their fourth and final album, the eponymous Tripping Daisy, before disbanding. Berggren's father Don Berggren is also present on the album, playing electric piano on the unfinished song Soothing Jubilee. With the exception of drummer Benjamin Curtis, all band members would go on to form chamber pop group the Polyphonic Spree, making an immediate smash with the highly acclaimed The Beginnings Of The Polyphonic Spree album released in 2002. DeLaughter is married to his high school sweatheart Julie Doyle, who provides backing vocals for the Spree
November 18, 1964 ~ Rock & roll, pop singer Billy Fury records Lost Without You at Decca Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Teddy Randazzo and Billy Barberis. Released the following January as the flip side of You Better Believe It Baby
November 18, 1962 ~ Alternative rock, industrial singer, guitarist, keyboardist Pelle Ossler born in Bjuv, Sweden ~ Member of Wilmer X from 1986 through 2003. Also closely associated with singer Joakim Thåström, both on Thåström's solo projects and in the industrial band sällskapet. Ossler has also recorded half a dozen solo albums, starting with 1997's Neanderthal, and guested on recordings by Sir Lord Erotic, Stefan Sundström, Katharina Nuttall and Andi Almqvist
November 18, 1960 ~ Keyboardist David Hirschfelder born in Ballarat, Australia ~ Worked with Pyramid, the Little River Band, Blowout, Dragon, John Farnham, and Stylus. Hirschfelder is also known as a film composer, notable credits including the scores to Strictly Ballroom, The Railway Man, The Water Diviner, and The Dressmaker
November 18, 1959 ~ Jazz, rock drummer Cindy Blackman born in Yellow Springs, Ohio, USA ~ Wife of Carlos Santana. Blackman has released solo albums since the early-1990s and guested on albums of greats such as Pharoah Sanders, Sonny Simmons, Ron Carter, Sam Rivers, Cassandra Wilson, Angela Bofill, Buckethead, Bill Laswell, Lenny Kravitz, Joe Henderson, and Wallace Roney
November 18, 1958 ~ Singer, bassist Laura Lynch born in El Paso, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer, bassist for the Dixie Chicks, Present on the band's first three albums, Thank Heavens For Dale Evans, Little Ol' Cowgirl and Shouldn't A Told You That, before departing the band in 1990. Upon hearing of her death in a traffic collission at age 65, the band issued a statement saying: “We hold a special place in our hearts for the time we spent playing music, laughing and traveling together. Her infectious energy and humor gave a spark to the early days of our band. Her undeniable talents helped propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the mid-West.” ~ Lynch passed away in 2023
November 18, 1956 ~ Pop, rock, jazz drummer Tiziano Tononi born in Milan, Italy ~ Worked with the Democratic Orchestra Milano, Nexus, Moon On The Water, Pierre Favre, Tiziana Ghiglioni, Maggie Nichols, Barre Phillips, Dewey Redman, Giancarlo Schiaffini, Gianluigi Trovesi, the Jazz Chromatic Ensemble, the Italian Instabile Orchestra, Beppe Caruso, Renato Geremia, and Michel Godard
November 18, 1955 ~ Ilkka Tahvo Kallio, commonly known as guitarist, singer Ile Kallio, born ~ Co-founding member of the Hurriganes, enjoying popularity in Finland, Sweden and Estonia in the 1970s and 1980s with a pre-British Invasion style of roots rock and rock & roll. Started a parallel solo career in the mid-1970s. Has also notably collaborated with Kaija Kärkinen, releasing about a dozen albums as a duo from the 1990s through the 2010s
November 18, 1954 ~ Singer Teresa Brewer records Let Me Go Lover ~ Written by Jenny Lou Carson, Fred Wise, Kay Twomey and Ben Weisman. Previously recorded by Mitch Miller for use in the TV show Studio On. Brewer's version would reach No.6 on the Billboard pop charts. Also recorded by Patti Page and Peggy Lee
November 18, 1953 ~ Pop rock guitarist Alan Murphy born ~ Best known as member of Go West. Closely associated with Kate Bush, backing Bush both on tour and on the albums Never For Ever, The Dreaming, Hounds Of Love, and The Sensual World. Appeared on the Ace hit single How Long. Joined Level 42 in 1988 and remained with the band until his death the following year, present on the album Staring At The Sun. In-demand touring and session musician, worked with acts such as SFX, the Fusion Orchestra, David Bowie, Nick Heyward, Joan Armatrading, Mike + the Mechanics (Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)), Scritti Politti, and Miquel Brown ~ Murphy passed away in 1989
November 18, 1952 ~ Guitarist Ed Deane born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Influenced by Son House, Robert Johnson, Skip James. Noted for his slide and lap steel guitar playing. Formed Blueshouse at age 16. Also worked with Woods, Skid Row, Bees Make Honey, Il Barritz, Graham Parker, Juice On The Loose, Dana Gillespie, Shuggie Otis, Sonny Rhodes, Larry Johnson, Lowell Fulson, Richard Berry, Big Jay McNeely, Shane MacGowan, and Henry McCullough
November 18, 1952 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter John Parr born in Nottingham, UK ~ Best known for his 1985 hit St Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion). Has written and performed several major motion picture themes. Wrote Roger Daltrey's Under A Raging Moon with Julia Downes. Also wrote or co-wrote songs for Meat Loaf, Tom Jones, the Monkees, Tygers Of Pan Tang, Romeo's Daughter, David Essex, and Bucks Fizz
November 18, 1951 ~ Reggae, ska, rocksteady singer Ernest Wilson, full name Fitzroy Ernest Wilson, born in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica ~ In 1963, at age 11, formed the Clarendonians with Peter Austin. Present on mid-1960s local hits such as Rudie Gone A Jail, I'll Never Change, and Try Me One More Time. Wilson ventured out on his own by 1967, his best known hits being Undying Love, Private Number and Freedom Train. Internationally best known for his 1976 Let True Love Be single backed by Harold Butler & the Four Corners. Has also guested on recordings by Beres Hammond, Inner Circle, Johnny Osbourne, Jimmy Reilly, Gregory Isaacs, Tinga Stewart, and Kiddus I ~ Wilson passed away in 2021
November 18, 1951 ~ Yonatan Rechter, commonly known as progressive rock, jazz, classical pianist, singer, arranger, composer Yoni Rechter, born in Tel Aviv, Israel ~ Joined Kaveret in 1972, remaining with the band until its disbandement in 1976. When the band participated in the 1974 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching joint 7th place with Natati La Khayay, rules allowed only up to six members being on-stage so Rechter would serve as the ensemble's conductor. Rechter also formed the progressive rock duo 14 Octaves with Avner Kenner, arranged and wrote for leading Israeli singers including Arik Einstein (Once And Forever), and produced albums for Gidi Gov, Esther Ofarim, Yossi Banai and Yehudit Ravitz. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Intending released in 1979
November 18, 1950 ~ Singer, songwriter Graham Parker born in East London, UK ~ Often said to have preceded singer-songwriters Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson. Best known for his 1970s, 1980s recordings with his backing unit the Rumour, especially acclaimed for the Squeezing Out Sparks album released in 1979
November 18, 1949 ~ Bonje Cornelia Swart, commmonly known as pop singer Bonnie St Claire, born in Rozenburg, the Netherlands ~ Discovered by Peter Koelewijn. Teamed up with Unit Gloria in the erly 1970s. Known for songs such as Tame Me Tiger, Rocco Don't Go and perhaps her best known Dokter Bernard with Ron Brandsteder
November 18, 1949 ~ Singers Fran Warren and Tony Martin record I Said My Pajamas And Put On My Prayers ~ Written by George Wyle and Edward Pola. The most popular version would be Warren and Martin's, reaching top 10 on the pop charts in 1950. Other hit versions the same year were released by Ray Bolger with Ethel Merman, by Margaret Whiting, and by Doris Day
November 18, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist, actor Tõnis Mägi born in Tallinn, Estonia ~ Considered one of the more remarkable names in Estonian rock with a career starting in the 1980s. Has recorded as a solo artist, and worked with acts such as Baltika, Laine, Kärjed, and perhaps most notably Ultima Thule. More recently, he drew controversy for his support of the right-wing and national-conservative politics and for his vaccine hesitancy during the COVID pandemic
November 18, 1947 ~ Rock & roll, pop rock, progressive rock singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer Ross Wilson, full name Ross Andrew Wilson, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Co-founder, frontman of Daddy Cool, known for hits such as Eagle Rock and Come Back Again. Co-founder, frontman of Mondo Rock, known for songs such as State Of The Heart, Cool World and Come Said The Boy. Has also worked with Pink Finks, Procession, the Sons Of The Vegetal Mother, and Mighty Kong. As a solo artist best known for Bed Of Nails taken of his 1989 Dark Side Of The Man solo debut album. Served as producer for Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons and Skyhooks, notably producing the latter's first three albums including the acclaimed Living In The Seventies debut album
November 18, 1946 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Bennie Wallace born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA ~ Cites Sonny Rollins and Coleman Hawkins as major influences. Worked with Barry Harris, Buddy Rich, Dannie Richmond, Flip Phillips, Scott Hamilton, Eddie Gomez, Tommy Flanagan, Chick Corea, Elvin Jones, John Scofield, Dr John, Jack DeJohnette, Oliver Lake, Jerry Bergonzi, Lew Tabackin, Aretha Franklin, Mulgrew Miller, Kenny Barron, and Mose Allison
November 18, 1946 ~ Drummer, singer John Duckworth born in Springfield, Missouri, USA ~ Early member of Syndicate Of Sound until being drafted in the US Army. Present on the band's 1966 Little Girl hit single, which reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 and would later notably be covered by both Dwight Yoakam and English punk group the Banned
November 18, 1936 ~ Trumpeter, hornist Don Cherry, full name Donald Eugene Cherry born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ Father of Eagle Eye Cherry, stepfather of Neneh Cherry. Highly revered and influential trumpeter. Influenced by Miles Davis, Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown. Well over two dozen albums as a leader, acclaimed especially for the albums Complete Communion, Live At Café Montmartre 1966 Vol.2, Eternal Rhythm, and Brown Rice. Frequently backed Ornette Coleman, including on quintessential albums such as The Shape Of Jazz To Come and The Art Of The Improvisers. Formed the pioneering world fusion group Codona with Collin Walcott and Naná Vasconcelos, drawing from free jazz and world music. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Steve Lacy, the New York Contemporary Five, Archie Shepp, Sonny Rollins, Albert Ayler, Gato Barbieri, Charles Brackeen, the Jazz Composers Orchestra, Clifford Jordan (In The World), Jan Garbarek, Steve Hillage, Lou Reed (The Bells), Ian Dury, Old And New Dreams, and Sun Ra ~ Cherry passed away in 1995
November 18, 1935 ~ Alain Bellec, commonly known as pop, chanson singer Alain Barrière, born in La Trinité-sur-Mer, France ~ Active since the 1950s. Internationally best known for representing France at the 1963 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 5th place with Elle Etait Si Jolie. Would continue to record throughout the 1970s ~ Bellec passed away in 2019
November 18, 1928 ~ Sheila Jeanette Dawson, commonly known as jazz singer, songwriter Sheila Jordan, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Known for her scat singing accompanied by a sole upright bass. Debuted in 1962 with the album Portrait Of Sheila. Has worked with Herbie Nichols, George Russell, Steve Kuhn, Don Heckman, Lee Konitz, Roswell Rudd, Arild Andersen, George Gruntz, Cameron Brown, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Frank Holder, Jane Bunnett, and Bob Moses
November 18, 1927 ~ Contralto singer Emma Carus passed away ~ Vaudeville, Broadway performer. First gained attention in the cast of the original 1907 Ziegfeld Follies revue. Drew comparisons to Sophie Tucker, Fay Templeton and Eva Tanguay. Helped popularize Alexander's Ragtime Band, songwriter Irving Berlin's first major hit ~ Carus was born in 1879
November 18, 1927 ~ John Henry Kendricks, commonly known as singer Hank Ballard, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Fronted Hank Ballard & the Midnighters, known for songs such as Work With Me Annie, Sexy Ways, Teardrops On Your Letter, Finger Poppin' Time and The Twist. The latter was initially released as a B-side by Ballard, but would later become a smash hit, and signature tune, for Chubby Checker ~ Ballard passed away in 2003
November 18, 1926 ~ Jazz pianist Claude Williamson born in Brattleboro, USA ~ Older brother of trumpeter Stu Williamson. Influenced by Teddy Wilson, Al Haig, and by Bud Powell. Worked with Teddy Edwards, Red Norvo, Charlie Barnet, June Christy, Max Roach, Art Pepper, the Lighthouse All-Stars, Bud Shank, Stan Levey, Bob Cooper, Conte Candoli, Howard Rumsey, Sonny & Cher, Sam Jones, Dizzy Reece, Pete Rugolo, Chet Baker, Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton, Barney Kessel, and Roy Haynes ~ Williamson passed away in 2016
November 18, 1926 ~ Marjorie Chandler, commonly known as singer, actress Dorothy Collins, born in Windsor, Canada ~ As a singer known for a number of mid-1950s singles, notably 1955's My Boy (Flat Top) and 1956's Seven Days. Also noted for her performance in a 1971 Broadway-production of Follies portraying Sally Durant Plummer, a one-time showgirl trapped in a disappointing marriage ~ Chandler passed away in 1994
November 18, 1925 ~ Heinz Meier, commonly known as pianist, bandleader, arranger, songwriter Henry Mayer, born in Nuremburg, Germany ~ Best known for composing Der Sommerwind with lyricist Hans Bradtke. The song would first be recorded by Grethe Ingmann in 1965, and be covered by well over 150 artists mostly either as an instrumental or with English lyrics by Johnny Mercer, the song renamed to Summer Wind. Artists who have recorded the song include Wayne Newton, Frank Sinatra, Brenda Lee, Shirley Bassey, and Eddy Arnold. The song has also been recorded in Czech, Danish, Dutch, Swedish, French, and Spanish ~ Meier passed away in 1998
November 18, 1925 ~ Composer William Mayer born in New York, New York, USA ~ Composed orchestral, chamber, and choral music, as well as pieces for vocals or solo piano. Critically acclaimed, his work once described by the New York Times as “singing out with real beauty, both in the vocal writing and instrumental settings.” Best known for his opera Death In The Family, premiered in 1983. Taught composition and orchestration at the Boston University, Boston, and served as guest lecturer at several other renowned institutions ~ Mayer passed away in 2017
November 18, 1919 ~ Singer, model, actress Georgia Carroll born in Blooming Grove, Texas, USA ~ Actress since the early-1940s, noted for her appearance in the 1942 musical Yankee Doodle Dandy alongside James Cagney. As a singer known as member of Kay Kyser's band joining in 1943. Carroll and Kyser were married from 1945 until the latter's death in 1985 ~ Carroll passed away in 2011
November 18, 1909 ~ Songwriter, singer Johnny Mercer born in Savannah, Georgia, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote over 1500 songs. Co-founded Capitol Records with Buddy DeSylva and Glenn E Wallichs. Well known songs co-written by Mercer include I Wanna Be Around (Wynona Carr, Aretha Franklin, Brenda Lee), Day In Day Out (Bob Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich), In The Cool Cool Cool Of The Evening (Dean Martin, Jo Stafford, Rosemary Clooney), Jeepers Creepers (Ethel Waters, Louis Armstrong, the Dells), Lazy Bones (Glen Gray, the Supremes, Leon Redbone, Dr John), One For My Baby And One More For The Road (Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Billie Holiday, Etta James), Trav'lin Light (Paul Whiteman, Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald), Midnight Sun (Lionel Hampton, Sarah Vaughan, Kate Ceberano), You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby (Tommy Dorsey, Perry Como, Maurice Chevalier), Tangerine (Vaughn Monroe, Ray Nance, Harry Connick Jr), and That Old Black Magic (Glenn Miller, Charlie Barnet, the Platters) ~ Mercer passed away in 1976
November 18, 1900 ~ James Kimball Gannon, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Kim Gannon, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Collaborated with songwriters suh as J Fred Coots, Walter Kent, Josef Myrow, Max Steiner, Jule Styne, Mabel Wayne, Luckey Roberts. Well known songs co-written by Gannon include Moonlight Cocktail (Glenn Miller), I Understand (Jimmy Dorsey), A Dreamer's Holiday (Perry Como), I'll Be Home For Christmas (Bing Crosby), and I Want To Be Wanted (Brenda Lee) ~ Gannon passed away in 1974
November 18, 1836 ~ Dramatist, librettist, poet WS Gilbert, full name William Schwenk Gilbert, born ~ Best known for his association with composer Arthur Sullivan, the pair writing over a dozen comic operas including HMS Pinatore, The Pirates Of Penzance and The Mikado, paving the way for the musical theater of the 20th century ~ Gilbert passed away in 1911