November 21, 2023 ~ Jazz, tango, nuevo tango guitarist, composer Horacio Malvicino passed away ~ Studied medicine but decided to pursue a career in music, bitten by the jazz, tango bug playing in the renowned jazz club the Bop Club Argentino in Buenos Aires. Influenced by Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt, and Benny Goodman. Most closely associated with Astor Piazzolla, including in Piazzolla's pioneering 1950s nuevo tango line-ups. Malvicino would lead several ensembles from the 1960s onward, notably the Horacio Malvicino Jazz Quintet, and has composed numerous soundtracks ~ Malvicino was born in 1929
November 21, 2022 ~ John Peter Wilkinson, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Wilko Johnson, passed away ~ Fingerstyle punk, punk-pop, pub rock guitarist. Influenced Paul Weller. Core member of Dr Feelgood, known best for their 1979 Milk And Alcohol single. Also worked with the Solid Senders, Ian Dury's band the Blockheads, Roger Daltrey, Mick Farren, and others ~ Wilkinson was born in 1947
November 21, 2021 ~ Pianist, guitarist, singer Yul Anderson passed away in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Son of singer John Kassandra. Influenced by Mahalia Jackson, BB King, Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Johann Sebastian Bach. Opened for Earthquake, Eddie Money and Ray Charles while still in his early teens. Known for merging gospel, blues, R&B, adding elements of classical music. Social activist, organized several intercultural events. Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 ~ Anderson was born in 1958
November 21, 2017 ~ Talvin Wayne Cochran, commonly known as soul singer Wayne Cochran, passed away in Miramar, Florida, USA ~ Having befriended Otis Redding Cochran played bass guitar on Redding's early recording of Shout Bamalama and its B-side Fat Girl. Cochran was dubbed the “White Knight of Soul” and is perhaps best known for the 1961 hit Last Kiss ~ Cochran was born in 1939
November 21, 2013 ~ Composer Bernard Parmegiani passed away in Paris, France ~ Known for his electronic or acousmatic music. Studied mime from 1957 to 1961, a period he later regarded as important to his work as a composer. Worked with Iannis Xenakis, Westdeutscher Rundfunk, the Third Ear Band, and François Bayle. Cited as a major influence by later acts such as Aphex Twin, Autechre and Sonic Youth ~ Parmegiani was born in 1927
November 21, 2013 ~ R&B singer Pharrell Williams releases Happy, written and recorded for the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack ~ At this point in his career, Williams had enjoyed success as a producer and songwriter, notably as half of the duo the Neptunes, and as lead vocalist of NERD. Yet, as a solo artist he had yet to score that one major hit that would make him a household name. Happy, written and recorded for the soundtrack to the animated film Despicable Me 2 did just that. The single would top the charts in well over a dozen countries, including the Netherlands, the UK, and America, where it held the top spot for ten consecutive weeks before being dethroned by John Legend's All Of Me. At the time of its release, Happy received universal acclaim with reviews ranging from “unbelievably catchy” to “contagiously peppy and brilliantly simple”. However, some retrospective reviews would be more critical, deeming Happy as a fine enough song for a children's film, yet repetitive and running its chorus back without a proper bridge. Nevertheless, the song still holds true to this day and made Williams a household name
November 21, 2012 ~ Jazz pianist Austin Peralta, full name Austin Topper Peralta, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Classically trained child prodigy. Played with Chick Corea and Hank Jones at age 15. Led the Eighty-Eights, known for the albums Maiden Voyage and Mantra released while in his mid-teens. Other notable associations include Adam Rudolph, Tim Riles, Shafiq Husayn, Erykah Badu (New Amerykah Pt.2 (Return Of The Ankh)), Anthony Crawford, Thundercat, and Flying Lotus. Died at a mere age 22, the coroner's report indicating the most likely cause of death was viral pneumonia aggravated by a combination of alcohol and drugs ~ Peralta was born in 1990
November 21, 2010 ~ José Antonio Rezende de Almeida Prado, commonly known as classical composer, pianist Almeida Prado, passed away in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Wrote over 400 compositions, most notably Pequenos Funerais Cantantates and Hileia Um Mural Da Amazonia. Hailed by conductor João Carlos Martins as possibly the most important Brazilian composer of all-time ~ Prado was born in 1943
November 21, 2007 ~ Guitarist Paul Fox passed away in UK ~ Best known as founding member of UK punk outfit Ruts. Also a member the Dirty Strangers, who recorded two albums featuring guests Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood. Worked with the Choir Militia, the Screaming Lobsters, the Fluffy Kittens, Mat Sargent, the Riffs, and others ~ Fox was born in 1951
November 21, 2005 ~ Rapper Ne-Yo releases So Sick, lifted off his In My Own Words debut album ~ Written by Ne-Yo with the production duo Stargate, So Sick is a love song about being tired of hearing love songs, as each reminds him of a love gone wrong. The rapper would later explain: “It's about the first time I fell in love with a girl in a way that I completely screwed it up. So it was a story that I didn't have to think really hard about putting it together. A lot of heartbreak went into that song, so that's why I think a lot of people dug it the way they did, because you can feel it.” The single would reach top 10 in close to a dozen countries, including the top spot in the UK and the rapper's native America
November 21, 2003 ~ Alessandro Carmelo Randazzo, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter, arranger Teddy Randazzo passed away in Orlando, Florida, USA ~ Member of the Three Chuckles. As a solo singer, Randazzo charted with Little Serenade, The Way Of A Clown, and Big Wide World. However, Randazzo would become best known as a songwriter, songs written or co-written by Randazzo recorded by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Little Anthony & the Imperials (Goin' Out Of My Head), the Royalettes (It's Going To Take A Miracle), Steve Lawrence (Pretty Blue Eyes), and the Manhattans ~ Randazzo was born in 1935
November 21, 1999 ~ Alvin Welch, commonly known as pop singer Alvin Cash, passed away ~ Fronted Alvin Cash & the Crawlers, known for mid-1960s recordings such as the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Twine Time, The Barracuda, The Philly Freeze, and Keep On Dancing. Following the band's disbandement by the late-1960s, Cash has recorded a handful of singles as a solo artist, and acted in several blaxploitation films including Pete Wheatstraw and Black Bart ~ Welch was born in 1939
November 21, 1995 ~ Homer Robert Eanes Jr, commonly known as bluegrass, country guitarist, singer Jim Eanes, passed away ~ Bluegrass balladeer active since the early-1940s, starting as backing musician for Roy Hall. Well known for penning and first recording I Wouldn't Change You If I Could in the late-1950s, a hit song for Ricky Skaggs some two decades later. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Eanes include Flatt & Scruggs (Baby Blue Eyes), Ralph Stanley, the Dillards (Bending The Strings), Mac Wiseman, and George Jones ~ Eanes was born in 1923
November 21, 1995 ~ Pop rock, punk rock, new wave guitarist, keyboardist Matthew Ashman, full name Matthew James Ashman, passed away in London, UK ~ Joined Adam & the Ants in 1978, appearing on the band's debut album Dirk Wears White Sox released in 1979. Would depart the band along with bandmates drummer David Barbarossa and bassist Leigh Gorman to form Bow Wow Wow, complemented with singer Annabella Lwin. The band would become known for the singles Go Wild In The Country and the Strangeloves-cover I Want Candy ~ Ashman was born in 1960
November 21, 1992 ~ Singer, songwriter Conor Maynard, full name Conor Paul Maynard, born in Brighton, UK ~ Debuted in 2012 with the Contrast album, which spawned the hits Can't Say No, Vegas Girl, Turn Around featuring Ne-Yo, and Animal featuring Wiley, all of which reached the British top 10
November 21, 1992 ~ Rock & roll, punk rock, post-punk singer, drummer, guitarist, songwriter Ricky Williams, also known as Ricky Tractor, passed away in El Camino, California, USA ~ Original singer for Flipper, credited with naming the band though he left before they made any recordings. Has also worked with Crime, Sleepers, and with the Toiling Midgets ~ Williams was born in 1956
November 21, 1992 ~ Classical, jazz flutist Severino Gazzeloni passed away in Cassino, Italy ~ Best known for his three decade tenure as principal flutist of the RAI National Symphony Orchestra. Gazzelloni had compositions written especially for him by Luciano Berio (Sequenza I For Solo Flute), Pierre Boulez, Bruno Maderna, and Igor Stravinsky. Gazzelloni has also performed in jazz settings, and has tutored artists such as Abbie de Quant, Norma Beecroft and Eric Dolphy. The latter would name a track off his acclaimed 1964 Out To Lunch album, the seven-minute-plus track Gazzelloni, for his tutor ~ Gazzelloni was born in 1919
November 21, 1988 ~ Pop, dance-pop singer Tiffany releases her Hold An Old Friend's Hand sophomore album ~ Though not as big a hit as her eponymous Tiffany debut album, which reached No.1 Billboard Hot 200 and spawned three Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits, the singer's follow-up nevertheless was a commercial success. The album was met with mixed reviews, some praising it as well-crafted while others criticized the calculated production. The album, however, did sell over a million copies, peaking at No.17 Billboard Hot 200 album chart. Its lead single All This Time would be Tiffany's fourth and final Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit, peaking at No.6. The album's second single, Radio Romance, would be a major hit in the UK, where it peaked at No.13. Tiffany's popularity was fading though, and despite recording over half a dozen more albums through the 2020s the singer would be unable to repeat her chart success as a teenager
November 21, 1987 ~ In its twelfth week on the charts, Mony Mony by Billy Idol hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ First recorded by Idol for his 1981 Don't Stop EP. Idol had originally intended to cover the classic Shout, originally a hit for the Isley Brothers in the late-1950s, but opted for Mony Mony instead, a cover of the late-1960s Tommy James & the Shondells hit. Idol's 1981 single made little impact. However, when he released it as a live version in 1987 off his Vital Idol compilation album, it became his biggest American hit. Coincidentally, when Idol's Mony Mony reached No.1, it replaced Tiffany's I Think We're Alone Now, which was also a cover of a Shondells song. Years later, Idol would reveal his fondness for Mony Mony, the original Shondells track had been playing in the background during an early sexual encounter of his
November 21, 1985 ~ Jazz, funk, soul saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Calvin A Johnson Jr born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Debuted as a leader with the album Jewel's Lullaby in 2012. In-demand sideman, has toured or recorded with acts such as Harry Connick Jr, Sam's Funky Nation, Aaron Neville, Irvin Mayfield, Bob French, Courtney Bryan, and Mystikal
November 21, 1985 ~ Singer, songwriter, actress Carly Rae Jepsen born in Mission, Canada ~ Performed the lead in several of her high school's musicals before her studies at the Canadian College Of Performing Arts, pursuing a career in the musical theatre. First gained serious attention in 2007 placing third on the talent contest Canadian Idol. Would release her folk-influenced Tug Of War debut album the following year. Broke through to mainstream, achieving international recognition, in 2012 with the teen-pop, dance-pop hit Call Me Maybe, a charttopper in over a dozen countries including the UK, the United States and her native Canada, taken of her Kiss sophomore album
November 21, 1984 ~ Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, commonly known as rapper Wale, born in Washington DC, USA ~ First gained attention with his 2006 single Dig Dug Shake It. Released his full-length debut album, Attention Deficit, in 2009. Best known for Bad featuring Tiara Thomas and On Chill featuring Jeremih. Has collaborated with Lady Gaga, Jazmine Sullivan, Gucci Mane, J Cole, Kid Cudi, French Montana, Lupe Fiasco, Usher, Lil' Wayne, Bryson Tiller, Kelly Price, the Roots, Shawty Lo, and others
November 21, 1984 ~ Folk, blues, country singer, guitarist Willy Mason born in New York, New York, USA ~ Actively recording since the mid-2000s. Enjoys popularity especially in the UK, his 2004 Where The Humans Eat debut album and its 2007 If The Ocean Gets Rough both reaching the top 40. Well-known songs include Oxygen, So Long, Save Myself, and We Can Be Strong featuring KT Tunstall
November 21, 1982 ~ Elisabeth Corrin Maurus, commonly known as pop rock, country folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Lissie, born in Rock Island, Illinois, USA ~ Released her debut EP Why You Runnin' in 2009, her full lenght Catching A Tiger debut album released the following year. Best known and critically acclaimed for the 2016 My Wild West album, her third studio album
November 21, 1980 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Ben Gautrey, full name Benedict Gautrey, born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Fronted the Cooper Temple Clause, known for songs such as Promises Promises, Blind Pilots and Homo Sapiens. After the band disbanded in 2007 Gautrey would go on to form Type Two Error with bandmate Kieran Mahon
November 21, 1980 ~ Metal singer Tim Lambesis, full name Timothy Peter Lambesis, born ~ Best known as founding member, frontman of As I Lay Dying. Also worked with Society's Finest, Point Of Recognition, Sworn Enemy, Bleeding Through, and others
November 21, 1977 ~ Actor, singer Kristian Ealey, full name Kristian John Ealey, born in Lancashire, UK ~ Appeared in an episode of the British sitcom Bread at age 9. Would go on to pursue a career in acting, best known for his role as Matt Musgrove in the Channel 4 soap Brookside. Lead singer, guitarist of Liverpool band Tramp Attack. Subsequently worked with beat, blues-rock singer Edgar Jones. Played the role of Ringo Starr in the TV biopic In His Life (The John Lennon Story) in 2000 ~ Ealey passed away in 2016
November 21, 1974 ~ Composer, pianist Frank Martin passed away in Naarden, the Netherlands ~ Wrote for orchestra, ballet, chamber music, organ, choral music, operas. Closely associated with Emile Jacques-Dalcroze. Founded the Chamber Music Society Of Geneva ~ Martin was born in 1890
November 21, 1974 ~ Country, country-pop singer Kelsi Osborn, full name Kelsi Marie Osborn, born ~ Member of sibling outfit SheDaisy, alongside Kassidy Osborn and Kristyn Osborn, known for songs such as Little Good-byes, This Woman Needs, Passenger Seat, Come Home Soon, Don't Worry 'Bout A Thing, all of which reached top 20 of the Billboard Country charts between the late-1990s and mid-2000s
November 21, 1973 ~ Singer, comedian Allan Sherman passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Mostly known as a comedy writer and television producer, but also as a song parodist known for two early-1960s albums and a number of singles including Hello Mudduh Hello Fadduh (A Letter From Camp) which reached No.2 Billboard in 1963 ~ Sherman was born in 1924
November 21, 1973 ~ Tenor saxophonist Mark Shim born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ As a sideman Shim worked with Hamiet Bluiett, Elvin Jones, Mose Allison, Betty Carter, Greg Osby, and others. Also recorded as a leader, starting with 1998's Mind Over Matter on Blue Note Records
November 21, 1968 ~ Britpop, rock bassist, guitarist, singer Alex James, full name Steven Alexander James, born in Boscombe, UK ~ Best known as member of Blur. Also worked with Fat Les, Me Me Me, Wigwam, Bad Lieutenant, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor
November 21, 1965 ~ Björk Guomundsdottir, mononymously known as art pop, electronica, experimental pop, rock singer, songwriter Björk born in Reykjavik, Iceland ~ Rose to fame as frontwoman of the Sugarcubes, known for their 1987 hit Birthday. Debuted as a solo artist in 1993 with the aptly title Debut album. Known for songs such as Play Dead featuring David Arnold, Big Time Sensuality, Army Of Me, It's Oh So Quiet, Hyperballad, and Possibly Maybe. Co-wrote Madonna's Bedtime Story. Has collaborated with 808 State, Ölóf Arnalds, Plaid, and Hector Zazou
November 21, 1962 ~ Pop punk, punk rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, drummer, keyboardist, banjoist, producer Greig Nori, full name Greig Andrew Nori, born in Sault Ste Marie, Canada ~ Co-lead singer of pop punk outfit Treble Charger, known for songs such as American Psycho and All Time Low. Served as producer for Sum 41, Cauterize, and Hedley. Head of artist management agency Bunk Rock Music, managing acts such as Gob, the Surplus Sons, the New Cities, and others
November 21, 1960 ~ In its eighth week on the charts, Stay by Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by Maurice Williams back in 1953. He had been trying to convince his date not to go home at 10 o'clock to meet her curfew, but lost the the argument. The encounter inspired the then-15-year-old Williams to write Stay: “Like a flood, the words just came to me”. When Williams recorded the song at the end of the decade, it would become a No.1 hit. The song is noted for being the all-time shortest Billboard Hot 100 charttopper, clocking at just 1 minute 26. Stay has endured the test of time and to this day remains of the most cherished doo-wop songs of the era from time to time brought back into the public's attention, frequently used for TV and film, perhaps most notably in the opening scene of the 1987 Dirty Dancing film. In 1960, Stay had occupied the No.1 spot for one week, succeeded by Elvis Presley's Are You Lonesome Tonight
November 21, 1956 ~ Singer, actress, dancer Cynthia Rhodes born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Co-wrote Perfect Day with then-husband Richard Marx for Chris Botti. Dancer in videos of Marx (Don't Mean Nothing), Toto (Rosanna), the Bee Gees (The Woman In You), and others. Known for her roles in Flashdance, Staying Alive, and Dirty Dancing
November 21, 1956 ~ Producer, songwriter Terry Lewis born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Member of the Time, which also included Jimmy Jam. Would partner up with Jam to become one of the most in-demand producer, songwriting duos starting in the late-1980s, working with the SOS Band, Cherrelle, Alexander O'Neal, Change, Cheryl Lynn, Lionel Richie, Herb Alpert, TLC, Yolanda Adams, Jordan Knight, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Boyz II Men, Usher, Johnny Gill, Patti Labelle, Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan, Mariah Carey, Mya, Prince, Bryan Adams, George Michael, Kelly Price, Gwen Stefani, New Edition, Eric Benét, and perhaps most notably and extensively Janet Jackson
November 21, 1955 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Ab Baars born in Axel, the Netherlands ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Cumulus, Trebbel, Roscoe Mitchell, the ICP Orchestra, Anthony Braxton, Cecil Taylor, Tristan Honsinger, Sonic Youth, the ICP Orchestra, Ig Henneman, Orkest de Volharding, Sunny Murray, Steve Lacy, Roswell Rudd, Theo Jörgensmann, Ken Vandermark, and Michiyo Yagi
November 21, 1955 ~ Singer, guitarist Jacob Desvarieux born in Paris, France ~ Founding member of the Sweet Bananas, known best for their recording of Bilboa Dance. Key member of Caribbean music group Kassav, which he co-founded with Pierre-Edouard Décimus in 1979, known for their 1988 Sye Bwa single which reached the French top 20. As a solo artist acclaimed for his 1999 Euphrasine's Blues album ~ Desvarieux passed away in 2021
November 21, 1953 ~ Clarinetist Larry Shields passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, the first jazz band to record commercially. Co-wrote the band's Clarinet Marmalade and At The Jazz Band Ball. Influential on later clarinetists such as Benny Goodman and Dink Johnson. Also played with Papa Jack Laine, Bert Kelly, King Watzke, Paul Whiteman, and others. ~ Shields was born in 1893
November 21, 1949 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Rainer Bruninghaus born in Bad Pyrmont, Germany ~ Formed Colours with Eberhard Weber and Charlie Mariano. Has also worked with Volker Kriegel, Manfred Schoof, Kenny Wheeler, Markus Stockhausen, Fredy Studer, Jan Garbarek, Carla Bley, Bob Brookmeyer, Gary Burton, Bobby McFerrin, Jim Hall, Manu Katché, Albert Mangelsdorff, Paul McCandles, Alphonse Mouzon, Archie Shepp, Steve Swallow, and others
November 21, 1948 ~ Drummer Alphonse Mouzon born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Weather Report. First gained attention as member of Larry Coryell's fusion band Eleventh House. Has also played with Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Patrick Moraz, Betty Davis, Chubby Checker, Albert Mangelsdorff, Jaco Pastorius, Chicano, David Paich, Brian Auger, Alex Ligertwood, Ray Parker Jr, Lenny Castro, Vikki Carr, Pete Escovedo, Marcos J Reyes, Siedah Garrett, Walfredo Reyes Jr, Arild Andersen, Donald Byrd, Doug Carn, Norman Connors, Miles Davis, Al di Meola, Roberta Flack, the Fania All-Stars, Carlos Garnett, Herbie Hancock, Miki Howard, Bobbi Humphrey, Joachim Kühn, Les McCann, Eugene McDaniels, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, Salvador Santana. and with Spencer Davis ~ Mouzon passed away in 2016
November 21, 1948 ~ Keyboardist, organist, composer John Bundrick, also known as Rabbit Bundrick, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his work with the Who. Also collaborated with Eric Burdon, Bob Marley, Free, Crawler, Mallard, Blackwell, Johnny Nash, Paul Kossoff, Simon Kirke, Tetsu Yamauchi, Sandy Denny, John Martyn, Donovan, Kevin Ayers, John Cale, Bryn Haworth, Jim Capaldi, Eric Burdon, Pete Townshend, the Only Ones, Deep End, Roger Waters, Fairport Convention, Mick Jagger, Neil Hamburger, and others
November 21, 1948 ~ Keyboardist, guitarist, singer Lonnie Jordan born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Founding member of War, known for songs such as Spill The Wine, The World Is A Ghetto, The Cisco Kid, Low Rider, and Summer. Also worked with Eric Burdon, Tanya Tucker, T.Rex, Los Lobos, Bobby Womack, and others
November 21, 1948 ~ Michael Edward Smith, commonly known as rock photographer Mick Rock, born in London, UK ~ 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 passed away in 2021
November 21, 1947 ~ Samba singer, trumpeter, clarinetist Alcione Nazareth, full name Alcione Dias Nazareth, born in Sao Luis, Brazil ~ One of the most beloved female samba singers gaining international fame in the late-1970s. Well over two dozen albums to her name. Dedicated the song João De Deus to Pope John Paul II upon his visit to Brazil in 1987. Other well known songs include Nãp Deixe O Samba Morrer, Lá Vem Vicê, Gostoso Veneno and Ilha Da mar´
November 21, 1947 ~ Singers Buddy Clark and Doris Day record Love Somebody ~ Written by Joan Whitney and Alex Kramer. Day's first attempt at moving away from big band the shift in style would prove successful. Released as a single it would reach top 10 on the pop charts. Clark and Day also duetted on Confess featured on the flip side, penned by Bennie Benjamin and George David Weiss
November 21, 1947 ~ Folk guitarist, bouzouki player, singer Gordon Jones born ~ Co-founded Silly Wizard with guitarist Bob Thomas in the early-1970s. The band would gradually develop a cult following and is most acclaimed for their 1981 Wild & Beautiful album
November 21, 1944 ~ Percussionist, conga player, singer Milton Cardona born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico ~ Influenced by Mongo Santamaria. Especially acclaimed for the albums Bembe and Cambucha, released respectively in 1985 and 1999. A mainstay on New York's salsa scene, Cardona reportedly appears on over an estimated 1,000 recordings including albums by Willie Colón, Clifford Thornton, Héctor Lavoe, Cachao, Ismael Miranda, Celia Cruz, Rubén Blades, the Fania All-Stars, Kip Hanrahan, Eddie Palmieri, Michael Brecker (Now You See It (Now You Don't)), David Byrne, Ronnie Cuber (The Scene Is Clean), David Sánchez, Steve Turre, Marlena Shaw, Paul Simon, Mario Bauzá (Messidor's Finest), Herbie Mann, and Paquito d'Rivera ~ Cardona passed away in 2014
November 21, 1942 ~ Pop, rock pianist, singer, songwriter Andy Newman born in Isleworth, UK ~ Member of Thunderclap Newman from 1969 to 1971, a band formed by the Who's Pete Townshend and producer Kit Lambert to showcase the talent of John Speedy Keen, Jimmy McCulloch and Newman. The band would top the UK charts with their single Something In The Air in 1969, taken of the band's sole Hollywood Dream studio album ~ Newman passed away in 2016
November 21, 1941 ~ Bandleader Alvino Rey and his orchestra, featuring vocals from Bill Schallen and Skeets Herfurt, record Deep In The Heart Of Texas ~ Written by Don Swander and June Hersher. Released the following January it would reach top of the pop charts. Banleader Ted Weems with Perry Como, the Merry Macs, Horace Heidt, and Bing Crosby would each separately chart with their respective versions. Used in a number of 1942 films, namely sung by Tex Ritter and Jimmy Wakely in Deep In The Heart Of Texas, and by Gene Autry in both Stardust On The Stage and Autry joined by Smiley Burnette and Joe Strauch Jr in Heart Of The Rio Grande. Over the years the song would become a country classic, covered by a wide array of artists
November 21, 1941 ~ Saxophonist Andrew Love born ~ Noted session musician. Member of the Memphis Horns alongside longtime compadre trumpeter Wayne Jackson. Has backed artists such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley, and Dusty Springfield. Has toured with the Doobie Brothers, Jimmy Buffett, and Robert Cray ~ Love passed away in 2012
November 21, 1941 ~ David C Randolph Jr, commonly known as jazz organist Butch Cornell, born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA ~ Classically trained pianist, switched to jazz organ after hearing Jimmy Smith. Appeared on albums by Willis Jackson, Stanley Turrentine (Sugar), Boogaloo Joe Jones, Grover Washington Jr, Patrick Lamb, and Ron Carter ~ Randolph passed away in 2008
November 21, 1941 ~ Songwriter, singer David Porter born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Frequent songwriting partner of Isaac Hayes. Songs written or co-written by Porter have been recorded by Homer Banks, Sam & Dave (Soul Man, Hold On I'm Coming), the Charmels, Carla Thomas (Let Me Be Good To You), the Emotions, the Sweet Inspirations, Johnnie Taylor (I Got To Love Somebody's Baby), Ruby Johnson (I'll Run Your Hurt Away), Soul Children, Don Covay, William Bell (Share What You Got (But Keep What You Need)), Albert King (Personal Manager), the Bar-kays, Rufus Thomas, Mable John (Your Good Thing Is About To End), Eddie Floyd, Charlie Rich, and others
November 21, 1939 ~ Myra Barnes, commonly known as R&B, soul, funk singer Vicki Anderson, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Closely associated with James Brown, serving as Brown's main female singer from 1965 replacing Anna King through 1968 succeeded by Marva Whitney. Anderson would rejoin Brown's band in 1972 and remain for another three years. As a solo artist best known for her 1970 The Message From The Soul Sisters feminist anthem. Anderson was the widow of Brown-sideman Bobby Byrd, and mother of singer Carleen Anderson from her previous marriage ~ Barnes passed away in 2023
November 21, 1934 ~ Classical pianist Gerhard Erber born in Dessau, Germany ~ Co-founding member of chamber music ensemble the Gruppe Neue Musik Hanns Eisler, one of the first from East Germany to tour beyond the Iron Curtain. Has also worked with the Aulos Trio and duetted with artists such as Max Rostal, Oleg Kagan, Raffael Hillyer, and others ~ Erber passed away in 2021
November 21, 1933 ~ Ollie Imogene Shepard, commonly known ass honky-tonk singer, songwriter Jean Shepard, born in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, USA ~ Paved the way for female country singers. Grand Ole Opry member since 1955. Her 1953 duet with Ferlin Husky, Dear John Letter, was the first post-war single by a female country artist to sell a million copies. Also known for songs such as A Satisfied Mind, Beautiful Lies, I Want To Go Where No One Knows Me, and Have Heart Will Love. Married to Hawkshaw Hawkins, who died in the same plane crash that killed Patsy Cline. She gave birth to their son one month later. Later married singer Benny Birchfield ~ Shepard passed away in 2016
November 21, 1927 ~ Bandleader, director Charlie Palmieri, full name Carlos Manuel Palmieri, born ~ Known as the “Giant of the Keyboard.” Worked with Tito Puente, Johnny Pacheco, Papiro Allende, Willie Rodriguez, Adalberto Santiago, Celia Cruz, Herbie Mann, Ismael Rivera, Rafael Cortijo, Ismael Quintana, Bobby Capó, Mongo Santamaria, and Ray Barretto ~ Palmieri passed away in 1988
November 21, 1921 ~ Vivian Stapleton, commonly known as actress, singer Vivian Blaine, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Started as a singer with dance bands in the late-1940s. Starred in a number of Hollywood films during the 1940s. Returned to the stage in 1950 playing the role of Miss Adelaide in the Frank Loesser-musical Guys And Dolls. She would do some 1,200 performances on Broadway, over 500 in London's West End, take the show to Vegas and recreate her role in the 1955 film version. Blaine would star in numerous plays, films, and guest in TV series throughout the 1980s ~ Stapleton passed away in 1995
November 21, 1919 ~ Elnora Ruth Procter, commonly known jazz singer Eleanor Collins, born in Edmonton, Canada ~ Dubbed Canada's “First Lady of Jazz”. Active since her mid-teens. Critically compared to Lena Horne and Ella Fitzgerald. Has performed in stage productions of of Finian's Rainbow, Kiss Me Kate, and You Can't Take It With You. Well known for her association with several radio and TV shows, notably Bamboula (A Day In The West Indies), the first variety TV show featuring an interracial cast, and her own The Eleanor Show aired from 1955 onwards making her the first female, the first person of colour, and the first jazz singer to headline a show on national TV. Collins would continue to perform in clubs and concert into the 1980s ~ Procter passed away in 2024
November 21, 1913 ~ Rural blues singer, guitarist KC Douglas born in Sharon, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by Tommy Johnson. Perhaps best known for his first recording, Mercury Blues released in 1948. The song would later be covered by Steve Miller, David Lindley, Ry Cooder, Dwight Yoakam, Alan Jackson, and by Meat Loaf ~ Douglas passed away in 1975
November 21, 1911 ~ Swing jazz drummer Alvin Burroughs born ~ Played with Walter Page and Alphonso Trent before heading to Chicago around 1930. Played with Hal Draper, Horace Henderson, and extensively with Earl Hines. In the 1940s Burroughs backed greats such as Milt Larkin, Benny Carter, Red Allen, and George Dixon ~ Burroughs passed away in 1905
November 21, 1909 ~ R&B pianist, bandleader, arranger Lloyd Glenn, full name Lloyd Colquit Glenn, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ As a solo artist known for 1950s R&B hits such as Chica Boo and Old Time Shuffle Blues. As a sideman played on a number of classic R&B, rock & roll recordings including T-Bone Walker's 1947 hit Call It Stormy Monday, Lowell Fulson's Blue Shadows ~ Glenn passed away in 1985
November 21, 1907 ~ Producer, manager, songwriter Samuel Ram, commonly known as Buck Ram, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Produced all of the Platters recordingsm wrote or co-wrote many of their biggest hits including Only You (And You Alone), The Great Pretender, (You've Got) The Magic Touch, Twilight Time, and Enchanted. Ram also produced, wrote and arranged for artists including the Penguins, the Coasters, the Drifters, Ike & Tina Turner, Ike Cole, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, and Ella Fitzgerald ~ Ram passed away in 1991
November 21, 1904 ~ Tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins, full name Coleman Randolph Hawkins, born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, USA ~ Leader and sideman. The first to tailor his method of improvisation to the saxophone rathern than imitate the techniques of the clarinet. Major influence on players such as Chu Berry, Charlie Barnet, Tex Beneke, Ben Webster, Vido Musso, Herschel Evans, Buddy Tate, and Don Byas. Worked with Kenny Burrell, Benny Carter, Buck Clayton, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Tiny Grimes, Fletcher Henderson, Abbey Lincoln, Shelly Manne, Thelonious Monk, Django Reinhardt, Max Roach, Ben Webster, and Randy Weston ~ hawkins passed away in 1969
November 21, 1902 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger, bandleader Arthur Schutt born in Reading, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Wrote Delirium and Bluin' The Black Keys, co-wrote Benny Goodman's Georgia Jubilee. Worked with Paul Specht, Roger Wolfe Kahn, Donald Voorhees, Fred Rich, Nathaniel Shilkret, Frankie Trumbauer, Bix Beiderbecke, the Charleston Chasers, Red Nichols, the Dorsey Brothers, and Bud Freeman ~ Schutt passed away in 1965
November 21, 1891 ~ Bandleader, pianist Charlie Fess Johnson born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Led the Paradise Ten, whose sidemen at one time or another included Jabbo Smith, Leonard Davis, Sidney De Paris, Thomas Morris, Charlie Irvis, Jimmy Harrison, Benny Carter, and Edgar Sampson ~ Johnson passed away in 1959