November 22, 2023 ~ Jean Audrey Caliste, commonly known as soul, R&B, funk singer Jean Knight, passed away ~ Known for her Stax/Volt single Mr Big Stuff, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit in 1971. The single sold two million copies and was nominated for a Grammy Award but lost to Aretha Franklin's Bridge Over Troubled Water though. Knight would continue to record into the 1980s but was unable to repeat her earlier success ~ Knight was born in 1943
November 22, 2023 ~ Singer, guitarist, banjoist Jim Salestrom, full name James Kevin Salestrom, passed away in Arvado, Colorado, USA ~ Co-founded, fronted country-folk rock outfit Timberline. Member of the Wild Jimbos. Also closely associated with Dolly Parton, backing Parton from 1979 through 1991. Wrote It's Too Soon To Let Our Love End, recorded by Mary MacGregor in 1977 ~ Salestrom was born in 1956
November 22, 2022 ~ Erasmo Esteves, commonly known as singer, songwriter Erasmo Carlos, passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Emerged from the early-1960s Brazilian teen idol scene to become a renowned MPB singer popular throughout the 1970s and beyond, known for his moody and introspective work. Known for songs such as Gatinha Manhosa, Festa De Arrombo, Coquiero Verde and De Noito Na Cama ~ Esteves was born in 1941
November 22, 2022 ~ Pablo Milanés Arias, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Pablo Milanés, passed away in Madrid, Spain ~ Along with Silvio Rodriguez and Noel Nicola seen as one of the founders, pioneers of the nueva trova genre. Actively recording since the mid-1970s. Over 40 albums to his name. Has collaborated with Lilia Vera, Luis Peña, Octavio Sanchez, Armando Garzon, Compay Segundo, Caco Senante, Victor Manuel, Andy Montañez, Raul Torres, Chuco Valdés, and Miguel Nunez ~ Milanes was born in 1943
November 22, 2022 ~ Andrew Raeburn Semple, commonly known as pop, merseybeat singer, guitarist Shel Macrae, passed away ~ Member of the Fortunes from 1966 through 1977, present on the early-1970s UK top 10 hits Freedom Come Freedom Go and Storm In A Teacup ~ Semple was born in 1943
November 22, 2021 ~ World singer, guitarist, songwriter Joanne Shenandoah, full name Joanne Lynn Shenandoah, passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA ~ Over a dozen albums to her name, a number with contributions from the likes of Sting, Bono, Sinéad O'Connor, starting with the eponymous Joanne Shenandoah released in 1989. Acclaimed for her 1996 Matriarch (Iroquois Women's Songs) album. Has guested on recordings by Peter Kater, Robbie Robertson, Mary Youngblood, and Tony Hymas Oyaté ~ Shenandoah was born in 1957
November 22, 2020 ~ Gary Allen Wiggins, commonly known as jazz, blues, soul, funk, R&B saxophonist, singer, bandleader, songwriter Detroit Gary Wiggins, passed away in Teck, Germany ~ Active since his teens. Made his first recording, That Good Old Funky Feeling, at age 17 with the Impacs, who would regularly serve as backing unit for groups such as the Dramatics. Wiggins would go on to record as a solo artist as well as become an in-demand sideman, working with artists such as Lefty Dizz, Sunnyland Slim, John Littlejohn, and Ray Charles ~ Wiggins was born in 1952
November 22, 2017 ~ Producer, artist manager, label executive George Avakian passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ A major force in de development of the US recording industry worked with artists such as Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Dave Brubeck, Eddie Condon, Keith Jarrett, Erroll Garner, Buck Clayton, Sonny Rollins, Paul Desmond, Edith Piaf, Johnny Mathis, John Cage, Alan Hovhaness, and Ravi Shankar ~ Avakian was born in 1919
November 22, 2017 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger John Coates Jr passed away in Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Wendell Marshall, Kenny Clarke, Rudy van Gelder, Charlie Ventura, Barry Miles, Eddie Gomez, Ron Carter, Woody Shaw, Harry Leahey, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Kai Winding, Urbie Green, Pepper Adams, Coleman Hawkins, Clark Terry, Doc Severinsen, Phil Woods, Marvin Stamm, and Bill Watrous ~ Coates was born in 1938
November 22, 2016 ~ Gloria Lane Kachmalnick, commonly known as mezzo-soprano Gloria Lane, passed away in Trenton, New Jersey, USA ~ Active from the late 1940 through the 1970s. First gained attention with the Broadway operas The Consul in 1950, and Saint Of St Bleeker Street a feww years later. Lane would go on to perform with noted orchstras in the USA and abroad including the New York City Opera, La Scala, the Royal Opera, the Vienna State Opera, and the Vancouver Opera ~ Krachmalnick was born in 1925
November 22, 2011 ~ Keyboardist, producer Kristian Schultze passed away in Bad Tolz, Germany ~ Son of composer Norbert Schultze and singer Iwa Wanja. Best known for forming the new-age band Cusco with Michael Holm, recording over 20 albums. Previously, Schultze was a member of Passport alongside Klaus Doldinger, appearing on the albums Looking Thru, Cross Collateral, Infinity Machine, and Iguacu ~ Schultze was born in 1945
November 22, 2011 ~ Jazz, bebop, post-bop, avant-garde drummer, bandleader, composer Paul Motian, full name Stephen Paul Motian, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Advanced improviser who challenged post-bop. Rose to prominence from the late-1950s onward backing Bill Evans including on the highly acclaimed Sunday At The Village Vanguard album. Also closely associated with Keith Jarrett, playing with the latter for about a decade starting in 1967. As a leader known for albums such as Dance, Psalm, and The Story Of Maryam. In-demand sideman, present on albums by George Russell, Lee Konitz, Mose Allison (I Love The Life I Live), Bob Brookmeyer, Paul Bley, Don Cherry (Relativity Suite), Charlie Haden (Closeness Duets), and Chick Corea ~ Motian was born in 1931
November 22, 2004 ~ Garage rock, punk blues, indie rock duo the Black Keys release their 'Till I Get My Way/ Girl Is On My Mind double A-side single ~ Issued as the second single off their third studio album, Rubber Factory. The track Girl Is On My Mind, inspired by the track Shot Down from garage rock outfit the Sonics, would be used in a Sony Ericsson advertisement starring tennis players Ana Ivanovic and Daniele Hantuchová. The commercial helped make the band more well known
November 22, 2002 ~ Léon Schlienger, commonly known as songwriter Noël Regney, passed away in Brewster, New York, USA ~ Best known for penning Do You Hear What I Hear with his then-wife and regular songwriting partner Gloria Shayne Baker. The song would first be recorded by Harry Simeone Chorale in 1962 and became a Christmas standard covered by over an estimated 500 artists including the New Christy Minstrels, Pat Boone, Johnny Mathis, Gladys Knight, the Carpenters, and Whitney Houston. Other songs written by the duo include Jo Stafford's Sweet Little Darlin', Bobby Vinton's Rain Rain Go Away, Ginny Arnell's I Wish I Knew What Dress To Wear, and Wilma Burgess' You Can't Stop My Heart From Breaking ~ Schlienger was born in 1922
November 22, 2000 ~ Actress, singer Auli'i Cravalho born in Kohala, Hawaii, USA ~ Best known as an actress in the NBC series Rise and the drama film All Together Now. As a singer best known for How Far Will I Go, a modest hit in 2017
November 22, 1997 ~ Rock singer, actor Michael Hutchence passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Made his singing debut at age eight, singing in a toy commercial. Best known for fronting INXS. The band first gained attention with their third album, Shabooh Shoobah released in 1983, and shot to international fame a few years later with the 1987 Kick album. The latter spawned four American hits, the album's lead single Need You Tonight topping the Billboard Hot 100, while follow-up singles Devil Inside, New Sensation, and Tear Us Apart all reached top 10. Hutchence has been dubbed “the wild man of rock” for his public brawls, onetime open drug use, and several highly publicized romantic involvements including with singers Kylie Minogue and Belinda Carlisle ~ Hutchence was born in 1960
November 22, 1995 ~ Thomas Clague, commonly known as radio host, DJ Tom Clay, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Popular radio DJ remembered best for a number of controversies. Fired from his job at WWOL-AM-FM, Buffalo, after he pulled a stunt in which he played Bill Haley's Rock Around The Clock repeatedly from atop a billboard in Buffalo's Shelton Square. Clay would later be involved in the payola scandal of the late-1950s, and admitted to having accepted thousands of dollars for playing certain records WJBK, Cincinnati. Despite the controversies Clay would rise to popularity every time. As a recording artist, Clay is known for putting together the What The World Needs Now Is Love/Abraham Martin & John collage single, mixing two popular records of the time with children's voices and excerpts from speeches by John F Kennedy, Robert F Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. The single would be a surprise hit and reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Clague was born in 1929
November 22, 1991 ~ Pop outfit Mr Big release To Be With You, lifted off their Lean Into It album ~ With only the barest of arrangements, this tender ballad inspired by a real-life experience stands as one of the most appealing songs speaking of unrequited love. The band's lead singer Eric Martin had written this song when he was still in his mid-teens, totally head over heels infatuated with a girl named Patricia who just wanted to be friends. By the time he eventually got this song together, Martin knew they were not to be. He had a different motivation by this point, as he would later explain: “I wrote it mainly to impress my sister's girlfriends.” Issued as a single off their sophomore album, To Be With You would become Mr Big's one major hit, reaching the top position in over a dozen countries including on the American Billboard Hot 100
November 22, 1988 ~ Singer Paula Abdul releases Straight Up, lifted off her Forever Your Girl album ~ Abdul had already issued two singles, Knocked Out and (It's Just) The Way That You Love Me, off her Forever Your Girl debut album, but it was Straight Up issued as the album's third single that became her breakout hit and kicked off a string of six consecutive Billboard Hot 100 charttoppers. A key factor in Abdul's rise to fame would be her knack for slick dance routines, and the music videos would receive heavy rotation on MTV, helping push her songs to the top of the charts. Prior to becoming a singer, Abdul had been a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers, a dancer, and choreographer, including notably for Janet Jackson's music videos to What Have You Done For Me Lately, Nasty, and When I Think Of You, all of which became hits in part due to the well-choreographed music videos
November 22, 1985 ~ Pop rock singer, guitarist, producer, songwriter Austin Brown, full name Nathaniel Austin Brown, born in Tarzana, California, USA ~ Not to be confused with Home Free-singer Austin Brown. Son of singer Rebbie Jackson. In-demand producer and songwriter, working with artists such as Tim & Bob, the Underdogs, Cory Rooney, Q-Tip, Pharrell Williams, and Macy Gray. Released his Canyon Sessions solo debut EP in 2017
November 22, 1985 ~ Hayley Carline, commonly known as reggae, regggae fusion singer Ava Leigh, born in Chester, UK ~ Known for the singles La La La and Mad About The Boy. Co-wrote Governmentalist recorded by Joss Stone featuring Nas
November 22, 1984 ~ Singer Nathalie Nordnes born in Bergen, Norway ~ Released her Hush Hush debut album in 2003, duetting with Sondre Lerche on the track Good Times. Would record a handful of albums throughout the early-2010s working with producers such as Hans Petter Gundersen, Kato Adland, Rob Ellis. Perhaps best known for Cars And Boys, a top 20 hit in her native Norway of her 2005 Join Me In The Park sophomore album
November 22, 1984 ~ Actress, singer Scarlett Johansson, full name Scarlett Ingrid Johansson, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as an actress, noted for roles in films such as Manny & Jo, The Horse Whisperer, Lost In Translation and The Girl With A Pearl Earring. Has also recorded as a singer, starting with 2008's Anywhere I Lay My Head received to mixed reviews despite a stellar cast including David Bowie. Would go on to release a few more recordings throughout the decade, notably collaborating with Pete Yorn, and Este Haim, and occasionally sing on soundtracks
November 22, 1982 ~ DJ, producer, remixer Steve Angello born in Athens, Greece ~ First gained serious attention in 2007 co-writing and co-producing David Guetta's When The Light, a dance hit across Europe with top 20 positions in France and the Netherlands. Scored a hit the following year with a dance remake of Show Me Love collaborating with Laidback Luke and featuring original singer Robin S who re-recorded the vocal parts. Later the same year teamed up with Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso to form the house supergroup Swedish House Mafia. The trio would score a number of international dance hits throughout the 2010s, 2012's Don't You Worry Child a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit while One (Your Name), Miami 2 Ibiza and Antidote would do well across Europe
November 22, 1981 ~ Pop singer, keyboardist Ben Adams, full name Benjamin Edward Stephen Adams, born ~ Internationally perhaps best for forming the duo Subwoolfer with Gaute Ormåsen, the pair representing Norway at the 2022 Eurovision Songfestival where they reached 6th place with Give That Wolf A Banana. Previously Adams had been a member of British boy band a1, known for the early-2000s UK hits Take On Me and Same Old Brand New You. Adams released his solo debut album All Wrapped Up in 2019
November 22, 1980 ~ Earl Anthony Robinson, commonly known as reggae DJ General Echo, passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ One of the first reggae DJ's to introduce risqué lyrics. Best known for songs such as Drunken Master and Arleen. Shot to death by police in Kingston. The incident has never been satisfactory explained ~ Robinson was born in 1955
November 22, 1980 ~ Mary Jane West, commonly known as actress, singer, playwright, screenwriter Mae West, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Active as a vaudeville and stage entertainer before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the film industry. Would go on to become one of the most popular, as well as one of the most controversial, sex symbols of her day. Following her career as a movie actress would return to performing on stage, write plays, and record a number of rock & roll albums ~ West was born in 1893
November 22, 1980 ~ Frank Boder, commonly known as drummer Uffe Baadh, passed away in Brisbane, California, USA ~ Emigrated to the USA in 1947 to play with big bandleaders such as Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, and Claude Thornhill. Has also played with Alice Babs, Thore Ehrling, Rolf Ericson, George Vernon, Carl Henrik Norin, Stan Hasselgard, Red Callender, Benny Goodman, and Elvis Presley ~ Baadh was born in 1923
November 22, 1978 ~ Karen Lee Orzolek, commonly known as alternative rock, art rock, indie rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Karen O born in Busan, South Korea ~ Lead singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, known for songs such Maps, Gold Lion, Zero, Heads Will Roll, and Sacrilege. Released a solo debut album, Crush Songs, in 2014. Has also worked with the Flaming Lips, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Spike Jonze, and Danger Mouse
November 22, 1977 ~ Ore Magnus Lawson, commonly known as rapper Lil' O, born in Lagos, Nigeria ~ Original member of DJ Screw-led Screwed Up Click, a Houston-based collective pivotal to the development of Southern rap. Has also recorded as a solo artist, best known for his 2001 Da Fat Rat Wit Da Cheeze album
November 22, 1976 ~ Guitarist Alex Grossi born in South Windsor, Connecticut, USA ~ Best known as guitarist of Quiet Riot and Hookers & Blow. Also worked with Angry Salad, Star 64, Bang Tango, Beautiful Creatures, Hotel Diablo, Ignite, Adler's Appetite, Dizzy Reed, and Liberty & Justice
November 22, 1976 ~ Gothic rock, heavy metal singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Ville Valo born in Helsinki, Finland ~ Influenced by Kiss, Type-O Negative, Faith No More, Black Sabbath. Best known as co-founding member, lead singer of HIM from its inception in 1991 until its disbandement in 2017. Has also worked with the Agents, the 69 Eyes, Apocalyptica, and MGT
November 22, 1971 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal guitarist, singer Rowan Robertson, full name Rowan Wingate Robertson, born in Cambridge, UK ~ Shot to fame in the late-1980s, recruited to replace Craig Goldy in Dio at a mere 17 years of age and present on the 1990 Lock Up The Wolves album. Would go on to work with VAST, DC4, Heaven, AM Radio, Violet's Demise, the Sin City Sinners, and Bang Tango
November 22, 1971 ~ Edward Elzear Confrey, commonly known as pianist, songwriter Zez Confrey, passed away ~ Best known for penning Kitten On The Keys, first recorded by Lindsay McPhail in 1921. The song reportedly was inspired by a kitten walking on his grandmother's piano, and has been recorded by over 50 artists including Confrey, Frankie Carle, Dick Hyman, and Claude Bolling. Other well known songs written by Confrey include My Pet (Confrey, Russ Morgan, Arthur Kleiner), You Tell 'Em Ivories (Confrey, VI Palmer, Harold Willoughby), Stumbling (Nathan Glantz, Paul Whiteman, Bob Crosby), and Dizzy Fingers (Confrey, Benny Goodman, Henri René) ~ Confrey was born in 1895
November 22, 1969 ~ Pop, folk pop singer, songwriter Patricia Kelly, full name Maria Patricia Kelly, born in Garmonal, Spain ~ Member of internationally successful family outfit the Kelly Family. Has recorded as a solo artist during the band's hiatus, notably her It Is Essential album released in 2010
November 22, 1968 ~ Tyruss Gerald Himes, commonly known as rapper Big Syke, born in Inglewood, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with hip-hop groups Thug Life and Outlawz. Also known under the moniker Mussolini. Present on Tupac Shakur's Picture Me Rollin', All Eyez On Me and Check Out Time of Shakur's 1996 All Eyez On Me. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of DJ Ripley, C-Bo, Nate Dogg, Daz Dillinger, Knight Owl, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and Young Noble ~ Himes passed away in 2016
November 22, 1968 ~ Singer, songwriter Heather Eatman born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Gifted storyteller. Signed by John Prine. Released her Mascara Falls debut album on Prine's Oh Boy Records label in 1995 and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Has opened for the likes of Billy Bragg, John Hiatt, the Crash Test Dummies, and Rosanne Cash. Parallel to her music career has also worked steadily in journalism
November 22, 1967 ~ Hard rock, symphonic metal bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer Dennis Ward born in Texas, USA ~ Best known as bassist, co-founding member of Pink Cream 69 and of Unisonic. Has also worked with DC Cooper, Missa Mercuria, Place Vendome, Khymera, Sunstorm, Bob Catley, Panorama, Gus G, Adagio, Angra, Tribuzy, the Bassinvaders, Beverly Killz, Edu Falaschi, the Dezperadoz, and Magnum
November 22, 1966 ~ Pop rock bassist, guitarist Charlie Colin born in Newport Beach, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of Train, with whom he recorded three albums prior to being fired from the band for substance abuse. Present on the albums Train, Drops Of Jupiter, and My Private Nation. During his tenure with the band, they scored their first Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit, Drops Of Jupiter (Tell Me) peaking at No.5, the song also winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. Upon hearing of his death, Train issued a statement describing Colin as the sweetest guy, fondly remembered for his technical prowess and contributions to the band, saying Colin's unique bass playing helped the band get noticed in San Francisco, California, and beyond, adding: “You're a legend, Charlie. Go charm the pants off those angels” ~ Colin passed away in 2024
November 22, 1966 ~ DJ, producer Satoshi Tomiie born in Tokyo, Japan ~ At the forefront of house music. Known for his 1989 single Tears, a collaboration with Frankie Knuckles, considered a one of house music's most important early recordings. Has worked with Ryuichi Sakamoto. Has remixed for pop and rock's biggest names including U2, Mariah Carey, Photek, the Simple Minds and David Bowie
November 22, 1965 ~ Heavy metal, progressive rock singer Ronny Munroe born in Tacoma, Washington, USA ~ Fronted the Metal Church from 2003 until the band folded in 2009, rejoining a reformed Church in 2012. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with Lillian Axe, the Presto Ballet (Invisible Places), and with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
November 22, 1965 ~ Senen Reyes, commonly known as rapper Sen Dog, born in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba ~ Co-founding member of rap group Cypress Hill, best known for the 1993 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Insane In The Brain. Lead singer of metal outfit Powerflo. Brother of rapper Mellow Man Ace, with whom he also worked under the moniker the Reyes Brothers. Also worked with SX-10, Delinquent Habits, Everlast, and the Kottonmouth Kings
November 22, 1964 ~ Roberto Andrés Pandolfo, commonly known as rock, pop rock, tango singer, guitarist Palo Pandolfo, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Fronted 1980s post-punk band Don Cornelio y La Zona. Fronted Los Visitantes in the 1990s. Subsequently active as a solo artist, releasing his A Traves De Los Sueños debut album in 2001 ~ Pandolfo passed away in 2021
November 22, 1963 ~ Latin jazz percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo, also known as Manenguito, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA ~ Worked with the Batacumbele Band, Changuito, Eddie Palmieri, Dizzy Gillespie, Bola Abimbola, Sikiru Adepoju, Art Blakey, Muruga Booker, Jack Bruce, Don Byron, Candido Camero, d'Angelo, Paulinho Da Costa, Steve Gadd, Sammy Hagar, Kip Hanrahan, Zakir Hussain, Cassius Khan, Airto Moreira, Charlie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Hilton Ruiz, Paul Simon, Carlos Valdés, Flora Purim, and Gloria Estefan
November 22, 1962 ~ Guitarist Jim Matheos born in Westfield, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as guitarist, primary songwriter, sole constant member of progressive metal outfit Fates Warning, recording over a dozen albums with the band starting in the mid-1980s. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with First Impressions in 1993, and collaborated with OSI, Gordian Knot, John Arch, Memories Of Machines, Tuesday The Sky
November 22, 1961 ~ Classical pianist, composer Stephen Hough, full name Stephen Andrew Hill Gough, born in Heswall, UK ~ Renowned pianist with over 60 albums to his name, perhaps most notably a 2004 set of Sergei Rachmaninoff's four Piano Concertos. As a composer known for works such as Second Piano Sonata, Cello Sonata and Missa Mirablis, the latter recorded in 2015 by the Colorado Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andrew Litton
November 22, 1959 ~ Samuel M Levine, commonly known as singer, lyricist Sam M Lewis, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as a songwriter, lyricist. Co-wrote Rock-a-bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody, first recorded by the Jockers Brothers in 1918 and covered by about an estimated hundred artists including Sam Butera, Johnny Maddox, Russ Conway, and Aretha Franklin. Co-wrote Dinah, first recorded by the Revelers in 1925 and covered by over three hundred artists including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Bill Haley. Other songs co-written by Lewis have been recorded by Marion Harris, Zez Confrey, Blossom Seeley, Sam Lanin (Five Foot Two Eyes Of Blue (Has Anybody Seen My Girl)), Paul Whiteman, Guy Lombardo, Paul Robeson, Billie Holiday (That's Life I Guess), and Sam Donahue ~ Levine was born in 1885
November 22, 1953 ~ Rock, country guitarist, keyboardist, singer, producer John Jennings born in Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1997 Buddy album. Closely associated with Mary Chapin Carpenter as member of Carpenter's backing band and producer of several of her albums including the aacclaimed 1992 Come On Come On album. Has also worked, in one role or another with artists such as Beausoleil, John Gorka, Janis Ian, the Indigo Girls, the Rankin Family, Cheryl Wheeler, Iris DeMent, George Jones, Darol Anger, and Joe Diffie ~ Jenning passed away in 2015
November 22, 1951 ~ Blues singer, guitarist William Moore passed away in Warrenton, Virginia, USA ~ Bridged ragtime and blues. Best known for his late-1920s recordings for Paramount Records. Well-known songs include One Way Gal, Ragtime Millionaire, and Old Country Rock. Moore's songs have been covered by the likes of Lightnin' Wells, John Fahey, and the Notting Hillbillies ~ Moore was born in 1893
November 22, 1950 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Dan Tyler, full name Daniel Eugene Tyler, born in McComb, Mississippi, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs, on occasion with his wife Adele Tyler, recorded by Eddie Rabbitt (Hearts On Fire), Dr Hook, the Oak Ridge Boys (Bobbie Sue), Agnetha Fältskog, Johnnie Taylor, Kenny Rogers, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Keith Whitley (Somebody's Doin' Me Right), LeAnn Rimes, and Billy Ray Reynolds. The couple's son is indie folk, pop rock guitarist William Tyler
November 22, 1950 ~ Latin pop singer, songwriter, musical actress Paloma San Basilio, full name Paloma Cecilia San Basilio Martinez, born in Madrid, Spain ~ Million-selling Spanish singer, songwriter recording in a wide range of styles from melodic to pop. Influenced by the Beatles, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Barbra Streisand. Known for her roles in Spanish edition versions of musicals such as Evita, Man Of La Mancha, My Fair Lady and Sunset Boulevard
November 22, 1950 ~ Rock, heartland rock singer, guitarist, mandolinist, songwriter, actor Steven Van Zandt born in Winthrop, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as member of Bruce Springsteen's backing unit the E Street Band, notable contributions include arranging the horns in Tenth Avenue Freeze-out, co-writing the guitar parts of Born To Run and co-producing the albums The River and Born In The USA. Co-founded Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, co-penned the band's signature song I Don't Wanna Go Home. Fronts his own Little Steven & the Disciples Of Soul. Thriving force behind the anti-apartheid project Artists United Against Apartheid. Acclaimed actor known for roles in TV drama series such as The Sopranos and Lilyhammer
November 22, 1950 ~ Martina Michèle Weymouth, commonly known as new wave, post-punk, art pop bassist Tina Weymouth born in Coronado, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of Talking Heads and its side project Tom Tom Club. The former band is best known for songs such as Take Me To The River, Burning Down The House and Road To Nowhere, the latter is best known for their 1981 eponymous Tom Tom Club spawning dance hits such as Wordy Rappinghood and the Drifters-cover Under The Boardwalk. Both also included her husband drummer Chris Frantz. Weymouth co-produced the Happy Mondays 1992 album Yes Please. Guested on Damon Albarn's Gorillaz-project, providing percussion and backing vocals on the track 19/2000 of the band's eponymous 2001 Gorillaz album
November 22, 1948 ~ Guitarist, singer Dennis Larden born in Kansas, USA ~ Member of Every Mothers Son, which also included his brother Larry Larden, known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Come On Down To My Boat of their 1967 eponymous Every Mothers Son debut album. Two follow-up singles, Put Your Mind At Ease and The Pony With The Golden Mane, would do reasonably well in Canada. The band disbanded in late 1968. Larden would later join Ricky Nelson's backing unit the Stone Canyon Band
November 22, 1947 ~ Guitarist Rod Price born in Willesden, UK ~ Member of Black Cat Bones, replacing Paul Kossoff, known for their one critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful 1969 Barbed Wire Sandwich album. Best known as a member of Foghat since its formation, present on all albums through 1980. Helped shape the sound of the band through his distinctive slide guitar playing, which earned Price the nickname “the Magician of Slide” ~ Price passed away in 2005
November 22, 1946 ~ Reggae bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, arranger, songwriter, producer Aston Barrett, full name Aston Francis Barrett, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Helped define the role of the bass in reggae. Brother of drummer Carlton Barrett. Best known as longtime associate of Bob Marley, serving as bassist, arranger, and bandleader from 1969 until Marley's death a dozen years later. Earned the nickname “Family Man” for his role in Marley's backing unit. One of the first to incorporate a drum machine in reggae, as heard in Marley songs such as No Woman No Cry, So Jah Seh, and Johnny Was. Mentored Robbie Shakespeare of Sly & Robbie, who at some point commented: “He is a master for me. I have had help and influences from other people, but I have to give it mostly to Family Man.” ~ Barrett passed away in 2024
November 22, 1946 ~ Violinist Oleg Kagan, full name Oleg Moseyevich Kagan, born in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia ~ Married to cellist Natalia Gutman, with whom he has also worked. Known for numerous chamber collaborations, notably with pianists Sviatoslav Richter and Vasily Lobanov, as a proponent of modern music and fine interpreter of the works of Jean Sibelius, Johann Sebastian Bach and George Enescu ~ Kagan passed away in 1990
November 22, 1946 ~ Emmett Peter Geraci, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter Sonny Geraci, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ First gained attention fronting the Outsiders, known for songs such as Time Won't Let Me, Respectable (What Kind Of Girl Is This), Girl In Love and Help Me Girl. Member of Climax, scoring the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Precious And Few ~ Geraci passed away in 2017
November 22, 1945 ~ Electric blues singer, songwriter, impresario Angela Strehli born in Lubbock, Texas, USA ~ Worked with James Polk, Southern Feeling, WC Clark, Denny Freeman, Lou Ann Barton, Marcia Ball, Andy Santana, Elvin Bishop, and Pinetop Perkins
November 22, 1944 ~ Country singer Elton Britt records Someday (You'll Want Me To Want You) ~ Written by Jimmie Hodges. Britt would be the first to record this popular song, issued as the B-side to Weep No More My Darlin' in January 1945 which would reach top 10 Billboard Country. It would become a pop and country standard recorded by numerous artists including Vaughn Monroe, Eddy Arnold, Sam Cooke, Della Reese, Brenda Lee, Tom Jones, and Jerry Lee Lewis
November 22, 1944 ~ The musical film Meet Me In St Louis starring Judy Garland appropriately premieres in St Louis, Missouri ~ Set to the backdrop of St Louis in the year before the 1904 Louisiana World's Fair exposition, Garland debuts The Trolley Song, The Boy Next Door, and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, all of which would become hits after the film's release. The latter would become a Christmas classic, covered by over an estimated 2,000 artists. The film would be a smash critical and commercial success, and MGM's most successful musical of the 1940s. Director Vincente Minnelli first met Garland on the set, and would marry the singer the following year
November 22, 1944 ~ Maxwell Livingston Smith, commonly known as roots reggae, reggae singer Max Romeo, born in St Ann Parish, Jamaica ~ Member of the Emotions, which also included Kenneth Knight and Lloyd Shakespeare. Member of the Hippy Boys. As a solo artist known best for Let The Power Fall, Chase The Devil, and his best known Wet Dream, the latter credited with launching a new style of reggae with its overtly sexual lyrics. Starred in the 1978 musical Reggae, which he co-wrote with Hair producer Michael Butler. Sang backup vocals on the Rolling Stones's Dance of the 1980 Emotional Rescue album. Had his 1981 Holding Out My Love For You album produced by Stones guitarist Keith Richards. Also worked with the Upsetters, Jah Shaka, Mafia & Fluxy ~ Smith passed away in 2025
November 22, 1943 ~ Drummer Floyd Sneed, full name Floyd Chester Sneed, born in Calgary, Canada ~ Member of Three Dog Night, remaining with the band from its inception in 1968 until its disbandement in 1977. Sang backup on only one song, Joy To The World taken of their 1970 Naturally album. The band is known for numerous 1970s hits including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles One, Mama Told Me (Not To Come), Black & White, Shambala, and The Show Must Go On ~ Sneed passed away in 2023
November 22, 1943 ~ Lyricist Lorenz Hart, full name Lorenz Milton Hart, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Frequent songwriting collaborator of Richard Rodgers, with whom Hart wrote over two dozen Broadway musicals including Babes In Arms, The Boys From Syracuse, Pal Joey and On Your Toes. Songs co-written by Hart include Bewitched Bothered And Bewildered (Vivienne Segal, the Platters, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra) Glad To Be Unhappy (Doris Carson, Lena Horne, Buddy Rich), It Never Entered My Mind (Shirley Ross, Lee Wiley, Julie London), My Funny Valentine (Mitzi Green, Sarah Vaughan, Marvin Gaye), You Are Too Beautiful (Al Jolson, Bobby Troup, Arthur Prysock), Ten Cents A Dance (Ruth Etting, Doris Day, Shirley Horn), Mimi (Maurice Chevalier, the Lane Brothers) ~ Hart was born in 1895
November 22, 1941 ~ Jazz, jazz rock bassist Ron McClure born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the early-1960s. Co-founded the Fourth Way, which also included Mike Nock, Eddie Marshall, Michael White. To pop, rock audiences best known as member of Blood Sweat & Tears, appearing on the albums Mirror Image, New City and In Concert. Well over a dozen albums to his name as a leader, backed by sidemen such as John Scofield, John Abercrombie, Richie Beirach, Randy Brecker. Also worked with Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Herbie Mann, Wynton Kelly, Charles Lloyd, Bloomfield Kooper & Stills, Carla Bley, Joe Henderson, Quest, and Michel Petrucciani
November 22, 1939 ~ Delta blues singer, guitarist Tommy McClennan records Bottle It Up And Go at RCA Studios, Chicago, Illinois ~ Based on a number of earlier songs, including the Memphis Jug Band's 1932 Bottle It Up And go, the song would be popularized by and become most closely associated with McClennan. It would become a blues standard covered by numerous artists, at times using alternate titles such as Step It Up And Go, including Sonny Boy Williamson I, John Lee Hooker, Blind Boy Fuller, and BB King. It is also said that Chuck Berry's Too Much Monkey Business is adapted from McClennan's song
November 22, 1937 ~ Singer, songwriter Edward Hulewicz born in Berezen, Poland ~ Active since the 1960s. Member of Tarpany, for whom he wrote their biggest hit Siala Baba Mak. Following the band's disbandement would go on to work with Helioso, known for songs such as Obietnice. Active as a solo artist since the early-1970s, scoring hits with Za Zdrowie Pan, Paskuda and Bo Jedno Zycle Mam ~ Hulewicz passed away in 2022
November 22, 1937 ~ Pianist, composer Nikolai Kapustin, full name Nikolai Girshevich Kapustin, born in Horlivka, Ukranian SSR ~ Active since the 1950s. First gained attention working with artists such as Yury Saulsky and Oleg Lundstrem. Known for fusing jazz and classical. As a composer best known for works such as Suite In The Old Style Op.28 premiered in 1977, characterised by its jazz improvisation feel yet modeled after Baroque suites in the style of Johann Sebastian Bach. Kapustin's works have been recorded by leading pianists including Marc-André Hamelin, Nikolai Petrov, Steven Osborne, Yeol Eum Son and Vadim Rudenko ~ Kapustin passed away in 2020
November 22, 1936 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Opal Courtney Jr born ~ Member of the Spaniels, known for 1950s hits such as Baby It's You and Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight, the latter later remaining popular to this day featured in several films including American Graffiti ~ Courtey passed away in 2008
November 22, 1932 ~ Singer Fred Astaire records Night And Day at Victor's Gramercy Recording Studios, New York, New York ~ Written by Cole Porter for the 1932 musical The Gay Divorce it would become one of Porter's most-beloved. Astaire's studio version, released as a single featuring I've Got You On My Mind on the B-side, would reach top of the charts
November 22, 1931 ~ Leonard George Sargent, commonly known as singer, pianist Lennie Peters, born in Islington, UK ~ Blinded in one eye at age 5 during a car accident and a thrown brick blinding his other eye at age 16. Uncle of the Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts. Active as a solo artist since the early-1960s, notably known for the singles Let The Tears Begin and And My Heart Cried Again. Formed the duo Peters & Lee with Dianne Lee, previously his backing singer, scoring the hits Welcome Home and Don't Stay Away Too Long. The former would top both the UK and Irish charts in 1973 ~ Sargent passed away in 1992
November 22, 1930 ~ Jazz trombonist Mel Wanzo, full name Melvin Wanzo, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for his longtime association with Count Basie, serving as a member of Basie's orchestra from 1969 through 1980. Has also worked with Cannonball Adderley, Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, Woody Herman, and the Capp-Pierce Juggernaut ~ Wanzo passed away in 2005
November 22, 1927 ~ Jazz trombonist Jimmy Knepper, full name James Minter Knepper, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Playing professionally since his mid-teens, working in big bands led by Freddie Slack, Roy Porter, Charlie Spivak, Charlie Barnet, Woody Herman, and Claude Thornhill. Well known for backing Charles Mingus, including on the quintessential Mingus Ah Uhm and Blues & Roots albums. Has also appeared on albums by Clark Terry (Color Changes), Eric Dolphy, Miles Davis (Sketches Of Spain), Mose Allison, Al Kooper, Robin Kenyatta, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Astrud Gilberto, and the Mingus Dynasty. As a leader best known for a string of mid- to late-1970s albums, including Cunningbird and Tell Me ~ Knepper passed away in 2003
November 22, 1927 ~ Bandleader Paul Whiteman records Among My Souvenirs at Victor Studios, Chicago, Illinois ~ Written by Edgar Leslie and Lawrence Wright. Presumed to be originally recorded by the Kit-Cat Band in 1927. Recorded by and a No.1 hit for Whiteman the following year, featuring Washboard Blues on the flip side. The song would be covered by a wide array of artists, notably Connie Francis in 1959 who took it to the top 10 on Billboard Hot 100 charts and by Marty Robbins in 1976 who would reach No.1 on the Billboard Country charts
November 22, 1925 ~ Conductor, hornist, flutist, composer Gunther Schuller, full name Gunther Alexander Schuller, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with the American Ballet Theatre, the Cincinnati Symphony, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, John Lewis, the Houston Grand Opera, Dizzy Gillespie, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Charles Mingus, Gerard Schwarz, Gigi Gryce, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Johnny Mathis, Gerry Mulligan, and Julius Watkins ~ Schuller passed away in 2015
November 22, 1913 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Benjamin Britten, full name Edward Benjamin Britten, born in Lowestof, UK ~ Quintessential to 20th-century British music. As a child showed a keen interest in music, taking piano lessons from his mother from a young age, and composing his first compositions at age five. Well known for works such as Peter Grimes, War Requiem, and The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra ~ Britten passed away in 1976
November 22, 1912 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Doye O'Dell, full name Allen Doye O'Dell, born in Plainview, Texas, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1952 recording Diesel Smoke Dangerous Curves, in retrospect considered a quintessential forerunner of the trucking country subgenre. Has worked with Johnny Bond, Texas Jim Lewis, Roy Lanham, and the Sons Of The Pioneers. Appeared in several Western movies alongside Roy Rogers and Tex Ritter ~ O'Dell passed away in 2001
November 22, 1911 ~ Ernesto Caceres, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Ernie Caceres, born in Rockport, Texas, USA ~ Brother of violinist Emilio Caceres and pianist Pinero Caceres. Active since the late-1920s. As a co-leader known for the 1970 album Ernie & Emilio with his brother Emilio. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Mildred Bailey (The Rockin' Chair Lady), Frank Sinatra (The Voice), Bobby Hackett, Ella Fitzgerald (Lullabies Of Birdland), Sidney Bechet, Ruby Braff, Barbara Lea (Lea In Love), Teresa Brewer, Dick Cary, Jimmy McPartland, and Sidney Bechet ~ Caceres passed away in 1971
November 22, 1905 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, bandleader Cecil Scott born in Springfield, Ohio, USA ~ Brother of drummer Lloyd Scott, with whom he regularly collaborated. Active since the 1920s, Scott has worked with a long list of the top swing bands, backing artists such as Fletcher Henderson and Billie Holiday. Other notable associations include Hot Lips Page, Willie The Lion Smith, Alberta Hunter, Rex Stewart, Red Allen, and Teddy Wilson ~ Scott passed away in 1964
November 22, 1900 ~ Composer Arthur Sullivan, full name Arthur Seymour Sullivan, passed away in London, UK ~ Wrote operas, orchestral and choral works, ballets. Best known for co-penning a number of operas with dramatist WS Gilbert, notably HMS Pinatore, The Pirates Of Penzance, and The Mikado, the duo paving the way for the musical theater of the 20th century ~ Sullivan was born in 1842
November 22, 1899 ~ Hoagland Howard Carmichael, commonly known as pianist, bandleader, songwriter Hoagy Carmichael born in Bloomington, Indiana, USA ~ Revered songwriter. Wrote or co-wrote classics such as Stardust (the Chocolate Dandies, Benny Goodman, Erroll Garner, Willie Nelson), Georgia On My Mind (Frankie Trumbauer, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles), The Nearness Of You (Chick Bullock, Glenn Miller, Sarah Vaughan), Heart And Soul (Larry Clinton, Sue Raney, Jan & Dean, Betty Carter), Lazy Bones (Glen Gray, Kay Starr, the Supremes, Leon Redbone), Skylark (Gene Krupa, Dinah Shore, Earl Hines), Ole Buttermilk Sky (Kay Kyser, Paul Weston, Connee Boswell), and In The Cool Cool Cool Of The Evening (Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Henry Mancini) ~ Carmichael passed away in 1981