November 2, 2023 ~ Jazz clarinetist Michel Pilz passed away ~ Especially acclaimed for Carpathes, a collaborative album with bassist Peter Kowald and drummer Paul Lovens released in 1978. Closely associated with Manfred Schoof, playing intermittently with the trumpeter from the late-1960s through the 1980s. Other notable associations include Alexander von Schlippenbach, the Globe Unity Orchestra (Globe Unity 67 & 70), and Guru Guru ~ Pilz was born in 1945
November 2, 2022 ~ Tango pianist, composer, arranger Atilio Stampone passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Active since the 1940s, working with Roberto Dimas, Pedro Maffia, Robert Rufino, Alberto Camara, and notably Astor Piazzolla. As a solo artist active since the late-1950s, particulary known for his film scores including Un Guapo Del 900 and La Mano En La Trampa as well as for songs such as Con Pan Y Cebolla, Aguatero, Fiesta De Mi Ciudad and Mocosa ~ Stampone was born in 1926
November 2, 2021 ~ Folk rock, pop rock, garage rock guitarist, bassist, singer, songwriter Declan Mulligan passed away in Petaluma, California, USA ~ Member of the Beau Brummels from 1964 through 1965. Present on the band's first two albums, Introducing The Beau Brummels and The Beau Brummels Vol.2. Noted for his harmonica opening on the 1965 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Laugh Laugh ~ Mulligan was born in 1938
November 2, 2021 ~ Reggae, ska, rocksteady singer Ernest Wilson, full name Fitzroy Ernest Wilson, passed away in Kingston, 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 was born in 1951
November 2, 2021 ~ R&B, soul, disco singer, trumpeter, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Ronnie Wilson passed away in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Gap Band, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums. The band, formed in 1967, is centered around brothers Ronnie, Charlie Wilson and Robert Wilson, and known for their infectuous bass-heavy sound. Even though their earlier efforts did not catch on, they would be pivotal to developing the funk sound of the 1970s and 1980s with Billboard R&B top 10 hits such as Shake, Oops Upside Your Head, Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me), Yearning For Your Love, Early In The Morning, You Dropped A Bomb On Me and Beep-a-freak. Nirvana-drummer Dave Grohl credits the band for inspiring the drum intro on Smells Like Teen Spirit ~ Wilson was born in 1948
November 2, 2016 ~ Jazz bassist Bob Cranshaw, full name Melboure Robert Cranshaw, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Though never a household name, revered among jazz aficionados for his consistent excellence, timing, and versatility. Best known for his longtime association with Sonny Rollins, including on albums such as The Sound Of Sonny, The Bridge, and What's New. Cranshaw can also be heard on albums by the likes of Cy Touff, Sonny Criss, Wayne Shorter (Second Genesis), Sonny Red, Carmen McRae, Lee Morgan, Junior Mance (Junior's Blues), Donald Byrd, Barry Harris, Charlie Rouse, Lee Morgan (The Sidewinder), Pepper Adams, Ben Webster, Grant Green (Solid), Shirley Scott, Joe Henderson (Inner Urge), Milt Jackson, Johnny Lytle, Betty Carter, Wes Montgomery (Bumpin'), Jackie McLean, Bobby Hutcherson, Freddie Hubbard, Hank Mobley (A Slice Of The Top), Grady Tate, Yusef Lateef, Horace Silver (Serenade To A Soul Sister), Duke Pearson (Now Hear This), and George Benson ~ Cranshaw was born in 1932
November 2, 2014 ~ Bernard Stanley Bilk, commonly known as clarinetist, singer Acker Bilk, passed away in Bath, UK ~ Reportedly, earned the nickname “Acker” from the Somerset slang for friend or mate. Became the second British artist to score a No.1 on the American pop charts in 1962, preceded only by Vera Lynn's Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart a decade earlier. Originally Bilk had named the instrumental Jenny, for his daughter, but changed its title to Stranger On The Shore for use in a British TV series of the same name. Other well known Bilk songs included Summer Set, Buona Sera, and That's My Home ~ Bilk was born in 1929
November 2, 2014 ~ Blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Michael Coleman passed away ~ Well-known for backing James Cotton for about a decade starting in the late-1970s, including on the acclaimed 1984 High Compression album, before venturing out on his own. Has recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, especially praised for Blues Brunch At The Mart released in 2006. Coleman has also guested on albums by John Primer, Angela Brown, Malik Yusef, and Jimmy Dawkins ~ Coleman was born in 1956
November 2, 2009 ~ Bassist, producer Mark Smith, full name Mark Alexander Smith, passed away in Battersea, UK ~ One-time bassist of mid-1980s synth-rockers Boys Don't Cry. Member of the Adam Phillips Band. Fronted the Futility Orchestra. In-demand session musician and producer, worked with a host of artists including the Waterboys, Leo Sayer, Gonzales, Percy Sledge, Terry Reid, Alvin Stardust, Chris Farlowe, Patricia Kaas, Bryan Ferry, Chris Spedding, Tony O'Malley, Barbara Dickson, Shania Twain, Zoot Sims, Neneh Cherry, Lionel Richie, Ronan Keating, Malcolm McLaren, Charlotte Church, Van Morrison, George Michael, and others ~ Smith was born in 1960
November 2, 2007 ~ Singer Joe Verscharen passed away ~ Original member of doo-wop outfit the Skyliners, known for songs such as This I Swear, Pennies From Heaven, It Happened Today, Close Your Eyes, Comes Love and their best known Since I Don't Have You, the latter reaching the Billboard top 20 in 1958 ~ Verscharen was born in 1940
November 2, 2006 ~ Chauncey Leon Westbrook, commonly known as jazz, R&B, soul guitarist Chauncey Lord Westbrook, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Recorded a sole solo album, Get Out Of Town released in 1956. In-demand session musician, especially associated with Buddy Johnson and Aretha Franklin. Westbrook has also appeared on albums by Little Willie John (Fever), Rex Stewart, Shorty Baker, Charlie Rouse, Jimmy Witherspoon, Solomon Burke (If You Need Me), and Jimmy Scott ~ Westbrook was born in 1921
November 2, 1997 ~ Jazz double bassist Carson Smith passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Brother of bassist Putter Smith. Backed Billie Holiday at her November 1956 Carnegie Hall concert on famed performances of Lady Sings The Blues, Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do, and My Man. Also closely associated with Gerry Mulligan, who later acknowledged that Smith's ideas helped shape the style of Mulligan's 1950s group, his most revered line-up. As an in-demand sideman, Smith can also be heard on albums by Clifford Brown, Stan Getz (West Coast Jazz), Chico Hamilton, Chet Baker (Chet Baker Sings), Russ Freeman, Mavis Rivers (We Remember Mildred Bailey), and Buddy Rich ~ Smith was born in 1931
November 2, 1996 ~ Singer, guitarist Eva Cassidy, full name Eva Marie Cassidy, passed away in Bowie, Maryland, USA ~ Debuted in 1992 with the album The Other Side, a duet album with the Godfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown. Rose to fame after her death, notably through the compilation album Songbird, gaining critical acclaim and fans such as Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney ~ Cassidy was born in 1963
November 2, 1996 ~ Blues harpist, singer William Clarke passed away in Fresno, California, USA ~ Worked with George Harmonica Smith, Hollywood Fats, Junior Watson, Rick Holmstrom, John Marx, Craig Printup, Steve Samuels, Joel Foy, Alex Schultz, Ronnie Earl, Al Blake, Barry Levenson, Kid Ramos, Jeff Ross, Willie Brinlee, Bill Stuve, Tyler Pederson, Jerry Monte, Brian Fahey, Perry Lopez, and Rob Rio ~ Clarke was born in 1951
November 2, 1987 ~ Singer Tanya Tucker releases I Won't Take Less Than Your Love, lifted off her Love Me Like You Used To album ~ Tucker had a good run during the 1970s, racking up over a dozen Billboard Country top 10 hits. By the early-1980s, though, her popularity waned and for several years she struggled with a drug addiction. However, her 1986 Girls Like Me album brought her back to the spotlight, with all four singles reaching top 10. Its follow-up album, Love Me Like You Used To, gave her three more hits including the Billboard Country No.1 hit I Won't Take Less Than Your Love, on which Tucker was joined by Paul Davis and Paul Overstreet. The song asks how to repay the priceless, with each of the three taking the lead on their own verse. Davis starts off by singing about a husband who asks his wife how to repay her for supporting him through his hardest times. Tucker sings about a son asking his mother how to repay her for all she taught him. Finally, Overstreet plays the part of a man asking God how to repay Him for the gift of life. For each, the answer is the same, “I won't take less than your love.” I Won't Take Less Than Your Love spent twentyfour weeks on the Billboard Country charts including one week at the top spot
November 2, 1977 ~ Drummer Deantoni Parks born in Newnan, Georgia, USA ~ Briefly a member of progressive rock outfit the Mars Volta, touring with the band for a couple of months in 2006 before being replaced by Thomas Pridgen. Member of Bosnian Rainbows. Co-founding member of KUDU. Well over half a dozen albums as a solo artist. Collaborated with the likes of John Cale, Meshell Ndegeocello, Juan Alderete, and extensively with Omar Rodríguez-López
November 2, 1975 ~ Indie rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Chris Walla, full name Christopher Ryan Walla, born in Bothell, Washington, USA ~ Member of Death Cab For Cutie. Wrote or co-wrote many of the band's best known including Title And Registration and I Will Possess Your Heart. Also an in-demand producer and engineer, having worked on releases by the Velvet Teen, Nada Surf, Hot Hot Heat, David Cross, Rocky Votolato, the Postal Service, the Thermals, and others
November 2, 1975 ~ Blues mandolinist Fiddlin' Joe Martin passed away in Walls, Mississippi, USA ~ Played the Delta joints for over five decades starting in his mid-teens. Proficient on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, washboard, and drums. Present on Son House's highly sought after 1941 recordings, which included Levee Camp Blues, Government Fleet Blues, and Walking Blues. Has backed artists such as Willie Brown, Charley Patton, Howlin' Wolf, and perhaps most notably Woodrow Adams, reportedly appearing on all of the latter's recordings ~ Martin was born in 1900
November 2, 1974 ~ Alternative rock, synth-pop, electronic, post-rock guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Iain Cook, full name Iain Andrew Cook, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Member of Les Tenglies, going by the moniker Johnny Dymes. Co-founding member of post-rock outfit Aereogramme remaining with the band until its disbandement in 2007. Member of the Unwinding Hours. Perhaps best known as member of Chvrches, drawing from synth-pop, indietronica, indie pop and electronic dance scoring the modest UK hits The Mother We Share and Recover
November 2, 1974 ~ Singer Joe Cocker releases You Are So Beautiful, lifted off his I Can Stand A Little Rain album ~ Written by Billy Preston and then-regular songwriting partner Bruce Fisher. Reportedly, though uncredited, Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys also had a hand in the creative process, helping Preston finish the melody and contributing some of its lyrics. Though interpreted by just about everyone as a love ballad, Preston's inspiration was actually his mother, not a lover. When Preston learned that Sam Moore regularly performed the song aiming to woo young women in his audience, he was appalled: “That song's about my mother!” Throughout the years, the song would be recorded by over an estimated 200 artists. The best known version of the song, however, is Cocker's. It peaked at No.5 Billboard Hot 100, his highest-charting single as a solo artist, and remains a wedding favorite and radio staple to this day
November 2, 1974 ~ Cornell Ira Haynes Jr, commonly known as MC, rapper Nelly, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Debuted in 2000 with the album Country Grammar, spawning the hits Country Grammar and Ride Wit Me featuring City Spud. Would go on to score hits with Hot In Herre, Dilemma featuring Kelly Rowland, Shake Ya Tailfeather featuring P Diddy & Murphy Lee, Over And Over featuring Tim McGraw, Grillz featuring Paul Wall and Ali & Gipp, and Just A Dream. Has also worked with Jagged Edge, Brian McKnight, Fat Joe, the Notorious BIG, Rick Ross, Keri Hilson, Kane Brown, Justin Timberlake, Jaheim, Christina Aguilera, Akon, T-Pain, Nicki Minaj, Pharrell Williams, Jeremih, and Florida Georgia Line
November 2, 1970 ~ Harold Stevens Hopper, commonly known as singer, songwriter, film composer, screenwriter Hal Hopper, passed away in Sylmar, California, USA ~ Original member of vocal group the Pied Pipers, including appearing in the 1938 film Alexander's Ragtime Band. Hopper would go on to compose themes tunes for several TV shows such as Judge Roy Bean, Colt 45, 26 Men, Circus Boy, and Bearcats ~ Hopper was born in 1912
November 2, 1967 ~ Jazz singer, songwriter Kurt Elling born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with David Amram, Randy Bachman, Bob Belden, Joanne Brackeen, Oscar Brown Jr, Billy Corgan, Robert Davis, George Freeman, Buddy Guy, Jon Hendricks, Charlie Hunter, Bob Mintzer, Brad Mehldau, Lee Ritenour, John Pizzarelli, Bob Sheppard, Branford Marsalis, Laurence Hobgood, the Manhattan Transfer, the Yellowjackets, Till Brönner, Harold Mabern, and others
November 2, 1966 ~ Rock guitarist, singer Jimi Hendrix records Highway Chile at Olympic Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Hendrix. Produced by Chas Chandler. Titled to reflect his pronounciation of “child” without the “d” this autobiographical song is about his life as a musician on the road in the Chitlin Circuit forming his own sound. Used as the B-side of The Wind Cries Mary, released in the UK the following May
November 2, 1966 ~ John Smith Hurt, commonly known as piedmont blues, country blues, delta blues guitarist, singer Mississippi John Hurt, passed away in Grenada, Mississippi, USA ~ Known for songs such as Salty Dog, Candy Man, Ain't No Tellin', Frankie and Spike Driver Blues. Had his songs covered by Bob Dylan, Dave Van Ronk, Jerry Garcia, Beck, Doc Watson, John McCutcheon, Taj Mahal, Bruce Cockburn, Gillian Welch, Josh Ritter, and others ~ Hurt was born in 1893
November 2, 1965 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Andrew d'Angelo born in Greeley, Colorado, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Actively recording since the late-1980s. Closely associated with Chris Speed and Kurt Rosenwinkel, notably in the trio Human Feel. Member of the Either/Orchestra in the 1990s. Has also collaborated with Erik Friedlander, Hilmar Jensson, Agogic, Tim Berne, Wadada Leo Smith, Jamie Saft, Tom Rainey, Orange Then Blue, Bobby Previte, and Ken Schaphorst
November 2, 1963 ~ Robert Harry Kuykendall, commonly known as bassist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter Bobby Dall, born in Florida, USA ~ Founding member of Poison, best known for their 1988 hit Every Rose Has Its Thorn
November 2, 1963 ~ Keyboardist, pianist Jens Johansson born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Influenced by Don Airey, Eddie Jobson, Jon Lord. Member of Yngwie Malmsteen's backing unit Rising Force. Also worked with Dio, Jonas Hellborg, Ginger Baker, the Johansson Brothers, Shawn Lane, Mike Stern, Allan Holdsworth, Stratovarius, Rainbow, and others
November 2, 1962 ~ Guitarist, composer Richard Durrant born ~ Worked with the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hanover Orchestra, the BBC Midlands Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Herbie Flowers, Nick Pynn, Howard Beach, and others
November 2, 1962 ~ Heavy metal bassist, singer Ron McGovney born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as original bassist of Metallica, staying with the band until late 1982. Has also worked with Leather Charm and Phantasm
November 2, 1961 ~ Singer Connie Francis records Don't Break The Heart That Loves You ~ Written by Benny Davis and Murray Muncher. Produced by Danny Davis and Arnold Maxin. Released the following January, b/w Drop It Joe, it would become her final charttoppper on the Billboard Hot 100. Notably covered as a country song by Margo Smith in 1977
November 2, 1961 ~ Kathryn Dawn Lang, commonly known as pop, country, alternative country singer, guitarist, songwriter kd Lang, born in Consort, Canada ~ Known for her activism in areas such as gay rights, human rights, animal rights. Revered by peers. Critics' darling. Dedicated fanbase. Known for songs such as Constant Craving, Miss Chatelaine and Lifted By Love. Has collaborated with Roy Orbison, Tony Bennett, Elton John, the Reclines, Neko Case, Laura Veirs, the Killers, Anne Murray, Ann Wilson, Jane Siberry, Madeleine Peyroux, and others
November 2, 1959 ~ Panagiotis Sfakianakis, commonly known as folk, pop-rock singer Notis Sfakianakis, born in Herakleion, Greece ~ One of the all-time commercially most successful Greek artists. Known for songs such as Opa Opa, Soma Mou, Na Hareis, and perhaps his best known O Aetos
November 2, 1958 ~ Anthony Alphanso Waldron, commonly known as reggae DJ the Lone Ranger, born ~ Initially worked as duo with Welton Irie. As a solo artist seen as a huge influence on British deejays of the 1980s. Best known for his hit Love Bump and his album Barnabas Collins
November 2, 1957 ~ Drummer Carter Beauford, full name Carter Anthony Beauford, born in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA ~ Member of jazz fusion outfit the Secrets. Subsequently rose to fame as co-founding member of the Dave Matthews Band, known especially for their first three albums Under The Table And Dreaming, Crash and Before These Crowded Streets. The band has established themselves as a popular live act, releasing over 80 live albums, with a devout following. Beauford has also guested on recordings by Vertical Horizon, Carlos Santana, Blues Traveler frontman John Popper, and Béla Fleck
November 2, 1957 ~ Clarinetist, saxophonist Gebhard Ullmann born in Bad Godesberg, Germany ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Out To Lunch, Niko Schäuble, Trilok Gurtu, Steve Argüelles, Phil Haynes, Ellery Eskelin, Drew Gress, Steve Swell, John Hebert, Paul Bley, Keith Tippett, Frank Gratkowski, Herb Robertson, Bobby Previte, Lauren Newton, Sylvie Courvoisier, Willem Breuker, Steve Swell, Rita Marcotulli, Tom Rainey, Ivo Papazov, Frank Mobus, and others
November 2, 1956 ~ Producer, songwriter Eric van Tijn born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Half of Fluitsma & Van Tijn, the other half being Jochem Fluitsma. Usually working behind the scenes, producing and writing for others the duo became a household name in 1996 when they recorded 15 Miljoen Mensen, initially for a Postbank advertisement. The song jumped to the top of the charts and has been a staple of Dutch popmusic since. As producer, songwriter duo the pair have worked with de Kast, the Dolly Dots, Mai Tai, Richenel, the Scene, Linda Roos & Jessica, Guus Meeuwis, Vagant, Lois Lane, Willeke Alberti, Mathilde Santing, Henk Westbroek, Caught In The Act, de Jazzpolitie, 4 Fun, Hind, Status Quo, and others. The pair wrote the Dutch entry for Eurovision Songfestival twice, Edsilia Rombley's Hemel & Aarde in 1998, ranking 6th overall, and Ruth Jacott's Vrede in 1993, which came in 4th place
November 2, 1956 ~ Pianist Frank Kimbrough born in Roxboro, North Carolina, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Thelonious Monk, Vince Guaraldi, Keith Jarrett, Cecil Taylor. Actively recording since the mid-1980s. Collaborated with Ben Wolfe, the Herbie Nichols Project, Joe Locke, Rufus Reid, the Jazz Composers Collective, Paul Motian, and others ~ Kimbrough passed away in 2020
November 2, 1954 ~ Composer, actor Gary Yershon, full name Gary Bernard Stewart Yershon, born in London, UK ~ Best known as a film composer. Credits include films such as Happy-go-lucky, Another Year, Peterloo and perhaps most notably 2014's Mr Turner, the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score
November 2, 1954 ~ Gospel, urban contemporary gospel singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Harvey Watkins Jr born in Canton, Mississippi, USA ~ Lead singer of the Canton Spirituals, founded by his father Harvey Watkins Sr. Debuted as a solo artist with the album He's There All The Time, in 1990
November 2, 1953 ~ Free jazz, post-bop saxophonist, percussionist Ernest Dawkins, full name Ernest Khabeer Dawkins, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Edward Wilkerson Jr, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, Douglas Ewart, the New Horizons Ensemble, and others
November 2, 1952 ~ R&B, soul singer Maxine Nightingale born in Wembley, UK ~ Known for mid to late-1970s songs such as Right Back Where We Started From, Love Hit Me and Lead Me On
November 2, 1950 ~ Ismael Morales, commonly known as saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Esy Morales, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Noted for appearing on several of Xavier Cugat's albums. Formed the Brothers Morales Orchestra with his siblings Humberto Morales and Noro Morales. Led his own the Esy Morales Orchestra, perhaps best known for appearing in several movies including performing Jungle Fantasy in the 1949 Criss-Cross film ~ Morales was born in 1917
November 2, 1949 ~ Singer Frankie Miller, full name Francis John Miller, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Best known for his 1977 album Full House. Revered songwriter who had his songs recorded by the Bellamy Brothers, Betty Wright (Shoorah Shoorah), Hanne Boel, Johnny Cash, Lulu, Three Dog Night (Play Something Sweet), Ray Charles, Rod Stewart, Kim Carnes, Waylon Jennings, Bob Seger, Bonnie Tyler, Roy Orbison, Etta James, Joe Cocker, Joe Walsh, Clint Black, and others
November 2, 1948 ~ Scott Simon, commonly known as pianist, singer Screamin' Scott Simon, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Longtime member of retro outfit Sha Na Na, with whom he has recorded over a dozen albums since joining the band in 1970. The band would become especially known for appearing in the musical comedy film Grease, and for subsequently hosting their own Sha Na Na syndicated TV show through the early-1980s where they performed hits from the 1950s and 1960s along with comedy skits, regularly featuring guest musicians including the Ramones, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, the Ronettes, and Chubby Checker. Simon also co-wrote Sandy, performed by John Travolta in the Grease film ~ Simon passed away in 2024
November 2, 1947 ~ Bassist Dave Pegg born in Birmingham, UK ~ Longest-serving member of folk rock band Fairport Convention, joining the band in 1969 as replacement for Ashley Hutchings. First appeared on the 1970 Full House album. Has also worked with Jethro Tull, initially temporarily replacing the then-ailing John Glascock on their Stormwatch tour and officially joining the band after Glascock's death
November 2, 1946 ~ Bassist, singer Len Chip Hawkes born in London, UK ~ Bassist, co-lead singer of the Tremeloes from 1966 replacing Alan Howard through 1973, rejoining in 1979. Co-wrote the 1970 hit Silence Is Golden, which reached top 10 in the band's native UK
November 2, 1945 ~ John David Souther, commonly known as rock, country, country-rock singer, guitarist, songwriter JD Souther, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Best known for co-writing several hits for the Eagles, including The Best Of My Love, New Kid In Town, Victim Of Love and Heartache Tonight. Others who have recorded his songs include Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt (Faithless Love), Nicolette Larson, Kenny Rogers, and Don Henley. Souther was also a member of Longbranch Pennywhistle, the Souther Hillman Furay Band, and recorded as a solo artist, notably You're Only Lonely and Her Town Too, the latter a duet with longtime friend James Taylor ~ Souther passed away in 2024
November 2, 1944 ~ Keyboardist Keith Emerson, full name Keith Noel Emerson, born in Todmorden, UK ~ Considered one of the most important British rock keyboardists and a key figure in progressive rock. First gained attention in the late-1960s as co-founding member of the Nice, blending rock, jazz and classical music. Departed the band in 1970 to form Emerson Lake & Palmer, one of the first progressive rock supergroups. The band is best known for the pivotal Emerson Lake & Palmer 1970 debut album and Brain Salad Surgery released in 1973. Following the band's initial disbandement by the end of the decade Emerson has recorded as a solo artist and composed over half a dozen soundtracks, notably Nighthawks released in 1981 ~ Emerson passed away in 2016
November 2, 1942 ~ Virginia Mazarro, commonly known as pop, country pop singer, songwriter Ginny Arnell, born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA ~ Was paired with a then-unknown Gene Pitney in the late-1950s while both were still in their teens, the duo performing and recording under the moniker Jamie & Jane. The duo's sole two singles, Snuggle Up Baby and Faithful Our Love, both co-written by Pitney and Mazarro would fail to chart. Both artists would venture out onto solo careers, Mazarro reaching only modest success despite some of her songs, notably I Wish I Knew What Dress To Wear, critically described as classic melodrama of the teen girl genre. Arnell retired from music by the mid-1960s to marry and raise a family
November 2, 1942 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Jimmy Bilsbury, full name James Robert Bilsbury, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing the Boney M hit Belfast with Drafi Deutscher and Joe Menke. Member of the Magic Lanterns. Co-founding member of the Les Humphries Singers, present on the band's 1976 Eurovision Songfestival entry Sing Sang Song, generally considered one of the all-time worst Eurovision songs ~ Bilsbury passed awy in 2003
November 2, 1942 ~ Operatic soprano Ruth Falcon born ~ Debuted with the New Orleans Opera in 1968 playing the role of Frasquita in Carmen. Would go on to work with the New Orleans Opera, the New York City Opera, the Bavarian State Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, the Paris Opera, the Wiener Staatsoper, the Teatro Colón, the Opera De Monte Carlo, and others ~ Falcon passed away in 2020
November 2, 1941 ~ Bruce Cripps, commonly known as guitarist Bruce Welch born in Bognor Regis, UK ~ School friend of Hank Marvin, with whom he would regularly collaborate. Best known as co-founding member of the Shadows, backing band for Cliff Richard. Wrote or co-wrote several of Richard's biggest hits, perhaps most notably Summer Holiday. In-demand producer and songwriter, including for his once-fiancée Olivia Newton-John who would reach top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic with Please Mr Please, previously recorded by Welch himself
November 2, 1940 ~ Singer, guitarist Hugo Raspoet born in Ganshoren, Belgium ~ Best known for his signature song Helena (1970) and for Evviva Il Papa (1969), the latter banned from radio for criticizing the Pope. A radio DJ, Johan Anthierens, protesting the ban would be fired for reading the lyrics on-air ~ Raspoet passed away in 2018
November 2, 1938 ~ David Blatt, commonly known as rock & roll, pop singer Jay Black born in New York, New York, USA ~ Lead singer of Jay & the Americans, with whom he scored about a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits during the latter half of the 1960s. She Cried, Come A Little Bit Closer, Cara Mia, and This Magic Moment would all reach top 10 ~ Blatt passed away in 2021
November 2, 1937 ~ Doo-wop, R&B singer Earl Speedo Carroll born ~ Fronted the Cadillacs, best known for the 1955 doo-wop classic Speedoo which gave Carroll his nickname. Joined the Coasters in 1961, leaving the group in the 1980s to reform the Cadillacs ~ Carroll was born in 2012
November 2, 1936 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Max Crook, full name Maxfield Doyle Crook, born in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA ~ Best known for his association with Del Shannon, co-writing several of Shannon's hits and notably present on the 1961 Runaway single ~ Crook passed away in 2020
November 2, 1935 ~ Guitarist, guitar teacher Barry Olivier born ~ Part of the Berkeley folk scene from the 1950s onward. Best known as founder and director of the Berkeley Folk Music Festival, an annual event that ran from 1958 through 1970. Over the years artists performing at the event would include Alan Lomax, Doc Watson, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Mance Lipscomb. Olivier has also worked as a guitar teacher and is reported to have given John Fogerty, who would later rise to fame as frontman of rock outfit Creedence Clearwater Revival, his first guitar lessons ~ Olivier passed away in 2023
November 2, 1931 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, bandleader, composer Phil Woods, full name Philip Wells Woods, born in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Benny Goodman, Billy Joel (alto sax solo on Just The Way You Are), Steely Dan, Paul Simon, Franco Ambrosetti, Manny Albam, Benny Bailey, Louie Bellson, Gene Krupa, Bob Brookmeyer, Kenny Burrell, Gary Burton, Benny Carter, Al Cohn, Art Farmer, Gil Evans, Stéphane Grappelli, Milt Jackson, Michel Legrand, Herbie Mann, Thelonious Monk, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Oliver Nelson, Pony Poindexter, Sahib Shihab, Jimmy Smith, George Wallington, and others ~ Woods passed away in 2015
November 2, 1928 ~ Jazz saxophonist Herb Geller, full name Herbert Arnold Geller, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Veteran of the 1950s Los Angeles jazz scene, with over two dozen albums to his name as a leader recording well into the 2000s. Especially acclaimed for 1955's Outpost Incident and 1993's The Herb Geller Quartet. In-demand sideman, present on quintessential albums by Shorty Rogers, Clifford Brown, Dinah Washington (Dinah Jams), Bill Holman, Maynard Ferguson, the Lighthouse All-Stars, Larance Marable (Tenorman), Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé, Anita O'Day, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Marty Paich, Lena Horne (Stormy Weather), Chet Baker, Ray Brown (Bass Hit), Jeri Southern, Bill Holman, Benny Goodman, Art Pepper (Plus Eleven), and Buddy DeFranco ~ Geller passed away in 2013
November 2, 1924 ~ Recording engineer Rudy van Gelder, full name Rudolph van Gelder born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Revered recording engineer. Worked with just about anyone in jazz including on key albums such as A Love Supreme (John Coltrane), Walkin' (Miles Davis), Saxophone Colossus (Sonny Rollins), and Song For My Father (Horace Silver). Also recorded sessions with Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Grant Green, and others ~ Van Gelder passed away in 2016
November 2, 1921 ~ Singer Pearl Carr, full name Pearl Lavinia Carr, born in Exmouth, UK ~ Formed a duo with her husband Teddy Johnson. Prior to their marriage in 1955 both had been successful solo performers, but teamed up they would enjoy their greatest success as regular performers on stage and in a variety of British TV shows throughout the 1950s and early-1960s. Internationally the couple are best known for representing their native UK at the 1959 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching second place with Sing Little Birdie. Later Johnson commented that upon winning the national finals, they had never heard of the international contest and had no idea they were going to have to represent their country: “We had no idea whatsoever. They gave us the dates for Cannes and I just hoped we had them available. As it happened, we did.” ~ Carr passed away in 2020
November 2, 1915 ~ Armenuhi Manoogian, commonly known as singer Kay Armen, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity mostly during the 1940s and 1950s. Appeared in the 1955 musical film Hit The Deck. As a singer known best for songs such as Be Good To Yourself, My Love And I and It's A Sin To Cry Over You ~ Manoogian passed away in 2011
November 2, 1913 ~ Big band singer, saxophonist, drummer Harry Babbitt born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Joined the orchestra of Kay Kyser in 1936. Sang lead on hits such as Three Little Fishies, Slow Boat To China, Jingle Jangle Jingle and The White Cliffs Of Dover. Featured in a number of Kyser films. Also sang on the 1948 Spike Jones novelty hit All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth ~ Babbitt passed away in 2004
November 2, 1911 ~ Juan Manuel Cascales, commonly known as arranger, bandleader Johnny Richards, born in Tolua, Mexico ~ Brother of saxophonist, bandleader Chuck Cabot. Pivotal arranger especially known for his association with Stan Kenton (in particular Cuban Fire, and Kenton's West Side Story). Richards also worked with Charlie Barnet, Hugo Loewenstern and Harry James and released several albums as a bandleader ~ Cascales passed away in 1968
November 2, 1909 ~ Professional whistler Fred Lowery born ~ Blind professional whistler best known for his 1939 version of Indian Love Call, which sold 2 million copies, and the 1954 hit High & Mighty with conductor Leroy Holmes, which peaked at No.9 Billboard. Lowery performed with Horace Heidt and Vincent Lopez in the 1930s and 1940s. Over the course of his career Lowery whistled at Carnegie Hall and at the White House. ~ Lowery passed away in 1984
November 2, 1899 ~ Film, television, stage actor, singer Walter Woolf King born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Started singing professionally at a young age, performing initially mostly in churches. Would become a popular baritone in stage musicals and operettas from the late 1910 onwards, eventually moving to a career in film. Probably best remembered for appearing in supporting roles, notably playing the villain in the Marx Brothers movies A Night At The Opera and Go West ~ King passed away in 1984