November 19, 1986 ~ Jeannette Ortega, commonly known as hip-hop, R&B, Christian pop singer, guitarist, songwriter, actress Jeannie Ortega, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Released her full-length no Place Like BKLN in 2006 spawning the urban-pop hit single Crowded. Opened for Rihanna on her world tour the same year. Has moved from R&B to solely singing Christian pop with her 2012 Perfect Love sophomore album
November 19, 1980 ~ Petja Turunen, commonly known as industrial metal, gothic rock singer, pianist, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist MC Raaka Pee, born in Siilinjärvi, Finland ~ Best known as co-founder, singer of Turmion Katilot. Fronts side project 2Times Terror. Guested on Tarot's Crows Fly Black album. Has also worked with Aeon, Ancient Drive, Project Silence, Black Light Discipline, and others
November 19, 1978 ~ Jazz bassist, producer Janek Gwizdala born in London, UK ~ Sat in with Flora Purim and Airto Moreira while working as an assistant sound engineer at the renowned Ronnie Scott's jazz club in London. Would go on to work with Kenwood Dennard, Pete Levin, Hiram Bullock, Bob Reynolds, Hal Crook, and others. Released his debut as a leader, Mystery To Me, in 2004. Has recorded consistenly since
November 19, 1978 ~ Jazz singer Matt Dusk, full name Matthew-Aaron Dusk, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Sang opera and classical before turning to jazz. Debuted in 2004 with the Two Shots album, spawning the hit single Two Shots Of Happy One Shot Of Sad written by U2's Bono and the Edge
November 19, 1973 ~ Singer Billy Currington, full name William Matthew Currington, born in Savannah, Georgia, USA ~ Debuted in 2003 with his eponymous Billy Currington. Would go on to score numerous Billboard Country charttoppers including Must Be Doin' Somethin' Right, Good Directions, People Are Crazy, That's How Country Boys Roll, Pretty Good At Drinkin' Beer, Let Me Down Easy, Hey Girl, We Are Tonight, Don't It, It Don't Hurt Like It Used To and Do I Make You Wanna
November 19, 1971 ~ Antonio Jeffries, commonly known as singer, songwriter Tony Rich, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Staff songwriter for LaFace Records, penning songs for the likes of Toni Braxton, Boyz II Men, TLC, Johnny Gill. As a solo artist known for drawing from jazz, rock, soul. Released his Words debut album in 1996, which included the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 Nobody Knows hit single. His debut would earn Rich four Grammy Award-nominations, winning the award for Best R&B Album. Would go on to write and produce for artists such as Sam Salter, Michael Bolton, Aaron Neville. Portrayed Duke Ellington in the 1997 crime drama Hoodlum and record Harlem Is Home for the accompanying soundtrack. Has continued to record to warm reception but would be unable to repeat the chart succes of his debut album
November 19, 1970 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer Mike Zitto born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Royal Souhern Brotherhood which also features Cyril Neville. Revered solo artist releasing records on his own label. Also worked with James Hutchinson, Benmont Tench, Tony Braunagel, Michito Sanchez, Joe Sublett, Darrell Leonard, Reese Wynans, Johnny Sansone, and others
November 19, 1969 ~ Alessandra Mirka Gatti, commonly known as Italo disco, Eurobeat singer Domino, born in Mantua, Italy ~ Best known for her 1994 Tora Tora Tora eurobeat hit single. Has recorded under various monikers, though mostly under the name Domino. Previously married to noted club, dance, eurobeat producer Giancarlo Paquini
November 19, 1969 ~ Riot grrrl, punk rock bassist Kathi Wilcox, full name Kathi Lynn Wilcox, born ~ Perhaps best known as bassist for alternative rock, dance-punk outfit the Julie Ruin. Has previously worked with a number of key riot grrrl acts including Bikini Kill, the Casual Dots, and the Frumpies. Married to Fugazi-guitarist Guy Picciotto, with whom she has one child
November 19, 1964 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Robert Young born in UK ~ Long-time member of alternative rock outfit Primal Scream, remaining with the band from its inception in 1984 through 2006. Initially the band's bassist, taking over guitar duties when Jim Beattie left shortly after the 1987 Sonic Flower Groove debut album. Has also guested on Felt's Me And A Monkey On The Moon album, released in 1989 ~ Young passed away in 2014
November 19, 1964 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist Vincent Herring born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, USA ~ Earned a California State University music scholarship at age 16. Auditioned for US Military Band, the Jazz Knights, a year later. Moved to West Point. Served one enlisted tour. Went on to play with artists such as Lionel Hampton's big band, Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, Horace Silver, Jack DeJohnette, Larry Coryell, Cedar Walton, Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie, the Mingus Big Band, Nancy Wilson, Roy Hargrove, Art Taylor, Billy Taylor, Carla Bley, Phil Woods, Wynton Marsalis, and Jon Faddis
November 19, 1963 ~ Zeena Galatea LaVey, commonly known as singer, songwriter Zeena Schreck, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Daughter of occultist and the Church of Satan-founder Anton Lavey. Married to singer, songwriter, Buddhist teacher Nikolas Schreck from 1988 to 2015. Resigned her position as Church spokesperson in 1990, severed all ties with her father and reverted to Buddhism. Co-director of the experimental music project Radio Werewolf from 1988 through 1993, serving as the group's singer, songwriter and graphic designer. The band would be ranked No.4 on Classic Rock's list of 25 weirdest bands of all time in 2016. Following her departure from the band Schreck would continue in various music projects, often intertwined with visual and performance arts, both as a collaborator and solo artist
November 19, 1957 ~ Ripton Joseph Hylton, commonly known as reggae, dancehall singer Eek-a-mouse, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Active since the late 1970s. Took his stagename after a racehorse he used to bet on. Known for his unique style of scatting. Has worked with producers such as Joe Gibbs, Henry Jujo Lawes, Linval Thompson. Well known songs include Once A Virgin, Wa-do-dem, Wild Like A Tiger, For Hire And Removal, Ganja Smuggling, The Freak and You're The One I Need
November 19, 1957 ~ Singer, actress Ofra Haza, full name Bat-Sheva Ofra Haza, born in Hatikva, Israel ~ Dubbed “the Israeli Madonna” or the prima donna of late 20th century Israeli pop. Represented her native Israel in the 1983 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 2nd place with Hi. Critically acclaimed for albums such as Yemenite Songs co-produced by Thomas Dolby, Shaday, and Desert Wind (Middle East). Has collaborated with artists such as Sisters Of Mercy, Paula Abdul, Sarah Brightman, Iggy Pop, and others ~ Haza passed away in 2000
November 19, 1957 ~ Pop rock bassist, singer Phil Spalding, full name Philip Trevor Spalding, born in London, UK ~ Session and touring musician active since the mid-1970s. Closely associated with Toyah Willcox, backing Willcox on tour and on record during the early 1980s. Member of GTR, present on the eponymous 1986 GTR album. Has also worked with Bernie Tormé, the Original Mirrors, Julia Downes, Terence Trent d'Arby (Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby), Roger Chapman, Matthew Sweet, Marcella Detroit, Joe Cocker, Mick Jagger (Goddess In The Doorway), Melanie C, Beverley Knight, Delta Goodrem, and others ~ Spalding passed away in 2023
November 19, 1952 ~ Keyboardist Bill Sharpe, full name William Jeffrey Revell Sharpe, born in Bishop's Stortford, UK ~ Keyboardist of pop, jazz-funk group Shakatak, known for songs such as Easier Said Than Done, Night Birds and Down On The Street. Also known for teaming up with Gary Numan, using the moniker Sharpe & Numan, releasing several mid-1980s singles such as Change Your Mind and I'm On Automatic. Sharpe would continue to work with Shakatak as well as release solo work collaborating with Don Grusin, Jeffrey Osborne, Gerald Albright, Jah Wobble, Roberta Tola and others
November 19, 1952 ~ Keyboardist, percussionist, singer, songwriter Eddie Rayner, full name Anthony Edward Charles Rayner, born in Lower Hutt, New Zealand ~ Best known as key member of Split Enz remaining with the band from 1974 through 1984 and present on all of the band's best-known including I Got You, One Step Ahead, History Never Repeats, Six Months In A Leaky Boat, Message To My Girl, and I Walk Away. Rayner has recorded as a solo artist, starting with the all-instrumental Horse album in 1995, and has worked with Space Waltz and with Schnell Fenster
November 19, 1951 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Kenny Werner born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Tom Rainey, Ratzo Harris, the Village Vanguard Orchestra, Bob Brookmeyer, Mel Lewis, Toots Thielemans, Betty Buckley, Joe Lovano, Ari Hoenig, Johannes Wiedenmuller, Chris Potter, Dave Douglas, Scott Colley, Brian Blade, Archie Shepp, Lee Konitz, Jane Ira Bloom, Roseanna Vitro, the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, Anders Koppel, Joyce, and others
November 19, 1945 ~ Songwriter, bassist, keyboardist, producer Alan Tarney born in Workington, UK ~ Member of Cliff Richard backing unit the Shadows, wrote and arranged Richard's 1979 UK No.1 hit We Don't Talk Anymore, produced Richard subsequent albums I'm No Hero (1980) and Wired For Sound (1981). Produced A-ha's Take On Me and co-producing the band's hit albums Hunting High And Low (1985) Scoundrel Days (1986), Stay On These Roads (1988). Also worked with the James Taylor Move, the Tarney Spencer Band, the Kevin Peek Trio, the Hollies, Bow Wow Wow, Dream Academy, Squeeze, Matthew Sweet, and Voice Of The Beehive
November 19, 1944 ~ Saxophonist Fred Lipsius born in New York, New York, USA ~ Original saxophonist, arranger of jazz-rock band Blood Sweat & Tears, remaining with the band from 1967 through 1971. Has also worked with artists such as Simon & Garfunkel, Janis Joplin, Cannonball Adderley, Thelonious Monk, Zoot Sims, Eddie Gomez, Al Foster, George Mraz, Larry Willis, Randy Brecker, Rodney Jones, and others
November 19, 1944 ~ Drummer John Dummer, full name Anthony John Dummer, born in Surbiton, UK ~ Best known for leading British blues outfit the John Dummer Band, a popular act active from the mid-1960s through the mid-1970s. The band is particularly known for at times including musicians such as the Yardbirds' guitarist Top Topham, Tony McPhee, Graham Bond, future the Dire Straits-drummer Pick Withers and Foghat-keyboardist Colin Earl. Following the band's disbandement in 1974 Dummer would work as a promotion manager for MCA Records and A&M Records. Dummer has also drummed for the Darts, Lowell Fulson and Eddie C Campbell
November 19, 1943 ~ Violinist, composer Daniel Kobialka born ~ Best known as second violinist with the San Francisco Symphony from 1975 through 2008. As a composer known for Concerto For The Zeta-Polyphonic Violin, which premiered in 2021. Had Ben Weber's Violin Concerto No.1 dedicated to him. Guest violinist on rock band Ambrosia's 1975 eponymous Ambrosia album, noted for his violin solo on the track Holdin' On To Yesterday ~ Kobialka passed away in 2021
November 19, 1939 ~ Jazz drummer, bandleader, composer Branislav Lala Kovacev was born in Kikindi, Serbia ~ Leader and sideman. Key figure in Balkan Ethno jazz, merging traditional Balkan folk with jazz. Best known for his ensembles the European Jazz Consensus, the International Jazz Consensus and the Lala Kovacev Group. Has also worked with Chick Corea, Hans Koller, Janusz Muniak, Zbigniew Seifert, Albert Mangelsdorff, Wolfgang Dauner, Alan Skidmore, Michal Urbaniak, Dusko Gojkovic, Benny Bailey, and others ~ Kovacev passed away in 2012
November 19, 1939 ~ Singer, songwriter Warren Pete Moore born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Member of the Chimes. Member of the Miracles. Songwriter, oft in collaboration with Smokey Robinson, for many hits for others including the Temptations (It's Growing, Since I Lost My Baby), Marvin Gaye (Ain't That Peculiar, I'll Be Doggone). Moore's compositions have been recorded by Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, George Michael, the Rolling Stones, Ramsey Lewis, Tom Jones, Luther Vandross, the Four Tops, Debby Boone, and others ~ Moore passed away in 2017
November 19, 1938 ~ Henry Medress, commonly known as producer, songwriter Hank Medress, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Member of doo-wop group the Linc-Tones, which also included a young and unknown Neil Sedaka. After Sedaka's departure the Tones would rename themselves the Tokens, known best for their 1961 hit [title-tokens-the-lion-sleeps-tonight-wimoweh]. Medress also worked on a producer including for the Chiffons (He's So Fine), Tony Orlando & Dawn, Melissa Manchester, David Johanson, Rick Springfield, Dan Hill (Never Though (That I Could Love)), and Richard Simmons ~ Medress passed away in 2007
November 19, 1937 ~ Singer Jimmy Lewis, full name James Eddie Lewis, born in Itta Bena, Mississippi, USA ~ Member of the Drifters, replacing Bobby Hendricks as lead singer in 1963 and remaining through 1965. Has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for the single The Girls From Texas. Frequently collaborated with Ray Charles, specifically writing or co-writing and appearing on all tracks of the 1969 Charles album Doing His Thing and duetting on If It Wasn't For Bad Luck. Others who have recorded songs written or co-written by Lewis include Bobby Womack (Got To Get You Back), Albert King, Bobby Blue Bland, ZZ Hill (Love Is So Good When You're Stealing It), and Peggy Scott-Adams ~ Lewis passed away in 2004
November 19, 1936 ~ Clarinetist, flutist, quena player Gilbert Favre born in Geneva, Switzerland ~ Traded in his clarinet for the quena, a traditional flute of the Andes, after relocating to South America. Co-founding member of Los Jairas, one of the most popular 1960s Bolivian folk outfits. Closely associated with singer Violeta Parra with whom he was also romantically involved. Parra would later dedicate Run Run Se Fue Pa'l Norte to him. Has also worked with Alfrede Dominguez, Erneste Cavour, and others ~ Favre passed away in 1998
November 19, 1936 ~ Guitarist Robert White, full name Robert Willie White, born in Billmeyer, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Oscar Moore and Wes Montgomery. Best known as guitarist of the Funk Brothers, the house studio band at Motown. Appears on numerous recordings including the Temptations' My Girl for which White wrote and performed the guitar riff, Can I Get A Witness (Marvin Gaye), You Keep Me Hangin' On (the Supremes), My Cherie Amour (Stevie Wonder), Something About You (the Four Tops), and on It's A Shame (the Spinners) ~ White passed away in 1994
November 19, 1934 ~ Singer, guitarist Dave Guard, full name Donald David Guard, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Founding member of the Kingston Trio alongside Nick Reynolds and Bob Shane. Left the band in 1961 out of growing discomfort with his partners, replaced by John Stewart. Formed the Whiskeyhill Singers with Judy Henske, Cyrus Faryar and David Buck Wheat. Has also worked with Alex Hassilev, Mike Settle, Tim Buckley, and Tommy Makem ~ Guard passed away in 1991
November 19, 1934 ~ Conductor David Lloyd-Jones, full name David Matthias Lloyd-Jones, born in London, UK ~ Specialized in British and Russian music, including translating Russian operas. Best known as co-founder of the Opera North, serving as its director and conductor from 1978 through 1990. Has also worked with the Royal Opera House, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Opera Company, the Welsh National Opera, the Scottish Opera, and others ~ Lloyd-Jones passed away in 2022
November 19, 1932 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Kelly Gordon, full name Kelly Lee Gordon, born ~ Recorded some unsuccessful singles as a solo artist prior to being hired by Capitol Records as a staff producer. Would rise to fame producing Bobbie Gentry's Ode To Billie Joe, which would win three Grammy Awards and become a signature song for Gentry. Gordon also co-wrote That's Life, first recorded by Marian Montgomery in 1964 and covered by over 150 artists including Frank Sinatra ~ Gordon passed away in 1981
November 19, 1927 ~ Jazz pianist Andre Persiany born in Paris, France ~ Father of double bassist Stephane Persiany. Worked with the Be-Bop Minstrels, Michel Attenoux, Eddie Benard, Bill Coleman, Buck Clayton, Raymond Fonseque, Lionel Hampton, Guy Lafitte, Mezz Mezzrow, Tony Proteau, Jonah Jones, Cat Anderson, Milt Buckner, Eddie Chamblee, Arnett Cobb, Al Grey, Budd Johnson, and Charlie Shavers ~ Persiany passed away in 2004
November 19, 1927 ~ Pianist Joe Hunter, full name Joseph Edward Hunter, born in Jackson, Tennessee, USA ~ Original member, pianist, band director of Motown house band the Funk Brothers from 1959 through 1964, replaced by Earl Van Dyke. Influenced by Art Tatum, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Nat King Cole. Appears on records such as Shop Around (the Miracles), Do You Love Me (the Contours), Heat Wave and Come And Get These Memories (Martha & the Vandellas) ~ Hunter passed away in 2007
November 19, 1920 ~ Singer José Salvador Peréz, also known as Tinoco, born ~ Formed the sertanejo sibling duo Tonico & Tinoco with Tonico. The duo enjoyed a career spanning six decades, recorded over 1,400 songs, sold over 50 million albums despite never performing outside their native Brazil. Well known songs include Chici Mineiro, Canta Moçada, Arraste Pe Na Tuia, Moreninha Linda, Estrada Da Vida, and No Mouão Da Porteira ~ Peréz passed away in 2012
November 19, 1906 ~ Classical violinist, conductor Henri Temianka born in Greenock, UK ~ Influenced by Eugène Ysaÿe, Jacques Thibaud, Bronislaw Huberman. Has played througout the 1940s with renowned orchestras in Europe and the USA and conductors such as Pierre Monteux, John Barbirolli, Fritz Reiner, Otto Klemperer and William Steinberg. Also noted for his longtime association with the Paganini Quartet and the California Chamber Symphony ~ Temianka passed away in 1992
November 19, 1905 ~ Trombonist, bandleader, composer Tommy Dorsey, full name Thomas Francis Dorsey Jr, born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Brother of bandleader Jimmy Dorsey. Dubbed “the Sentimental Gentleman of Swing”. Known for songs such as Opus One, Song Of India, Marie, On Treasure Island, I'll Never Smile Again and I'm Getting Sentimental Over You ~ Dorsey passed away in 1956
November 19, 1897 ~ Moses David Green, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Bud Green, born in Austria ~ Collaborated with songwriters, composers such as Ray Henderson, Buddy DeSylva, Harry Warren and Slim Gaillard. Co-wrote songs such as Alabamy Bound (Paul Whiteman, Dean Martin, Ray Charles), Ya Gotta Known How To Love (Gene Austin), Sentimental Journey (Les Brown, the Chordettes, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra), and Once In A While (Tommy Dorsey, Louis Armstrong, Guy Lombardo) ~ Green passed away in 1981
November 19, 1889 ~ Webb Parmalee Hollenbeck, commonly known as actor, dancer, singer Clifton Webb, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Best remembered for his roles in Laura, The Razor's Edge and Sitting Pretty, all of which earned him an Academy Award-nomination. Appeared in 23 Broadway shows, most of them musicals, including Treasure Girl in which he introduced Irving Berlin's Easter Parade and George Gershwin/ Ira Gershwin's I've Got A Crush On You and Flying Colors in which he introduced Irving Berlin's Not For All The Rice In China ~ Hollenbeck passed away in 1966