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, PJ Morton, and others
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, Make Me Better featuring Ne-Yo, and others. Also collaborated with Jagged Edge, P Diddy, Jeezy, Jeremih, 2 Chainz, Lil' Uzi Vert, Jadakiss, Ty Dolla $ign, E-40, Lumidee, The-Dream, Jamie Foxx, and others
November 18, 1971 ~ Lamar Dupré Calhoun, commonly known as hip-hop producer, DJ Crazy Toones, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ 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 released a number of mixtapes, starting with That Nigga's Crazy (Maad Circle Underground Part 1 released in 1996 ~ Calhoun passed away in 2017
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, Bun B, and others
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, 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, Stylus, and others. Also known as a film composer, including on 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, Wallace Roney, and others
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, Michel Godard, and others
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, 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, Henry McCullough, and others
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, Bucks Fizz, and others
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, Kiddus I, and others ~ 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, 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 Nana 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, Sun Ra, and others ~ Cherry passed away in 1995
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, Bob Moses, and others
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, Roy Haynes, and others ~ 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 ~ 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