November 25, 2023 ~ Keyboardist, saxophonist Les Maguire, full name Leslie Charles Maguire, passed away ~ Played the saxophone for Liverpool pop group the Undertakers. Joined Gerry & the Pacemakers in 1961, replacing original pianist Arthur Mack, and remained with the band through 1966. Appeared on most of the band's best known including How Do You Do It, I Like It, You'll Never Walk Alone, Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying, and Ferry Cross The Mersey, all of which reached top 10 in the band's native UK ~ Maguire was born in 1941
November 25, 2022 ~ Label executive, producer Charles Koppelman passed away in Roslyn Harbor, New York, USA ~ Member of the Ivy Three, known for their sole hit Yogi which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100 in 1960. Koppelman would go on to hold several executive positions at companies such as Columbia Music, CBS Records, and SBK Records ~ Koppelman was born in 1940
November 25, 2022 ~ Donald Newkirk, commonly known as R&B, hip-hop singer, producer, songwriter Don Newkirk, passed away ~ One of the first to be signed to Def Jam Records. Guested on De La Soul's acclaimed Three Feet High And Rising debut album released in 1989. Released his own solo debut album, Funk City, later the same year. Also noted for co-writing the soundtrack to the Netflix biographical documentary Who Killed Malcolm X with Prince Paul ~ Newkirk was born ca.1966
November 25, 2022 ~ Irene Cara Escalera, commonly known as R&B, pop, disco singer, actress Irene Cara, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Best known for singing, co-writing the 1984 Flashdance (What A Feeling) from the film Flashdance, earning her a Grammy Award and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Also acted in the 1980 film Fame, for which she also sang Out Here On My Own and the title track Fame, the latter a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit ~ Escalera was born in 1959
November 25, 2022 ~ Gospel singer Sammie Okposo passed away ~ Active as a soundtrack producer in his native Nigeria since the early-1990s. Debuted as a singer with the album Unconditional Love released in 2000, spawning the hit Welu-Welu. Has collaborated with Marvellous Odiete and Jonathan Nelson ~ Okposo was born in 1971
November 25, 2020 ~ Guillermina Jimenez Chabolia, commonly known as singer, actress Flor Silvestre, passed away in Villanueva, Mexico ~ Sister of singers La Prieta Linda and Mary Jiménez. Dubbed “La Sentimental” for her melodious voice. As an actress appeared in over 70 films. As a singer best known for songs such as Imposible Olvidarte, Que Dios Te Perdone, Viejo Nopal, Guadalajara, Cielo Rojo, Carino Santo, Toda Una Vida, and Celosa ~ Chabolia was born in 1930
November 25, 2018 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Norio Maeda passed away in Osaka Prefecture, Japan ~ Leader and sideman. Founded the Wind Breakers. Founded We 3. Member of the West-liners. Worked with artists such as Shungo Sawada, Konosuke Saijo, Yasuo Arakawa, Takeshi Inomata, and Sadanori Nakamure. Has composed for Blue Coats, Tatsuya Takahashi, Nobuo Hara, and for Toshiyuki Miyama ~ Maeda was born in 1934
November 25, 2018 ~ Beriford Shepherd, commonly known as jazz drummer, vibraphonist, singer Shep Shepherd, passed away ~ As a child had an early fascination with marching bands, drumming on tables and chairs until his mother bought him a toy drum to save wear and tear on the furniture. Perhaps best remembered for backing Bill Doggett from 1952 through 1959. Co-wrote Doggett's smash hit and signature instrumental Honky Tonk, later covered by numerous artists including the Ventures, Bill Haley, Joey Dee & the Starliters, King Curtis, and the Beach Boys. Shepherd has also worked with Benny Carter, Artie Shaw, Little Willie John, Dinah Washington, Odetta (Odetta And The Blues), Ruth Brown, Joya Sherrill, Lena Horne, and Big Maybelle ~ Shepherd was born in 1917
November 25, 2015 ~ Composer, conductor Alexander Yossifov passed away ~ As a composer known for writing chamber music, symphonies and the Back To The Beginning opera. Perhaps best known for the composition Prelude And Fuga No.2. As a conductor best known for his association with the Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra ~ Yossifov was born in 1940
November 25, 2015 ~ Jazz drummer Svein Christiansen passed away in Strømmen, Norway ~ Worked with artists such as the Hot Saints, Oddvar Paulsen, Roy Hellvin, Helge Hurum, Fred Nøddelund, Frode Thingnæs, Einar Iversen, Egil Kapstad, Karin Krog, Terje Bjørklund, Laila Dalseth, Øystein Sevåg, Jens Wendelboe, Susanne Fuhr, Dag Arnesen, Bjørn Alterhaug, Helge Iberg, Svein Finjarn, Odd Børretzen, Bjørn Eidsvåg, Jan Eggum, Lars Klevstrand, Ryfylke Visegruppe, Trond Viggo Torgersen, the Oslo Filharmonien, the Tott Bergh Quintet, and the Tine Asmundsen Trio ~ Christiansen was born in 1941
November 25, 2013 ~ Drummer Chico Hamilton passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Recorded prolifically as a leader since the mid-1950s, especially acclaimed for Gong's East, The Chico Hamilton Special, and Man From Two Worlds. Over the course of his career Hamilton has recorded with Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Eric Dolphy, Tony Bennett (I Wanna Be Around), Yank Lawson, Slim Gaillard, Gábor Szabó, Arnie Lawrence, Joe Houston (Rockin 'n Boppin), Chet Baker, Wardell Gray, and Roots Radics ~ Hamilton was born in 1921
November 25, 2012 ~ Doo-wop, R&B singer Earl Speedo Carroll passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ 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 passed away in 1937
November 25, 2011 ~ Producer, label executive, guitarist Don DeVito passed away ~ Toured with Al Kooper while in his teens, returned to college to study English, formed the Sabres. Would go on to become a label executive and A&R manager for CBS. Best known for producing a number of 1970s Bob Dylan albums, notably Blood On The Tracks, Desire, Hard Rain, Street Legal and At Budokan. Has also served as A&R director for artists such as Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Simon & Garfunkel, Aerosmith, Tony Bennett, and Carole King ~ DeVito was born in 1939
November 25, 2007 ~ Rafael Leon René, commonly known as R&B, rock & roll, jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, songwriter Googie René, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of producer, songwriter Leon René. Father of singer Chris René. Helped set up Class Records with his father and Preston Love, serving as the label's general manager. Appears on a number of the label's best known, notably Bobby Day's signature tune Rockin' Robin. As a bandleader known for leading the Googie Rene Combo whose early-1960s recording are credited by some as the start of hipster lounge music, fusing jazz-infused pop with easy listening. Notable recordings with the Combo include The Slide Part 1, Flapjacks Part 1 and Smokey Joe's La La ~ René was born in 1927
November 25, 2007 ~ Singer Kevin DuBrow, full name Kevin Mark DuBrow, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Reportedly, his first band consisted of 11-year olds, including himself, playing only one gig, to an audience of senior citizens who where not particularly fond of rock music. Influenced by the Small Faces, Queen, Rod Stewart, and Humble Pie. Best known as lead singer for heavy metal unit Quiet Riot. The band scored a million-seller with their 1983 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Cum On Feel The Noize, originally recorded by British glam rockers Slade a decade earlier. DuBrow appeared on all of the band's albums until his death, with the exception of 1988's QR recorded during his brief dismissal from the band ~ Dubrow was born in 1955
November 25, 2006 ~ Trombonist, bandleader Bobby Byrne passed away in Irvine, California, USA ~ Joined the Dorsey Brothers orchestra at age 16, following Jimmy Dorsey to serve as Dorsey's primary trombonist after the brothers split in 1935. With the help of Jimmy founded his own orchestra a few years later, notably recording Meditation At Moonlight, struggling to keep the orchestra going through the war years as one after the other band member was called upon to serve in the Army. Byrne is especially known for backing Eartha Kitt on her early-1950s album That Bad Eartha Kitt, serving as musical director for WNBT-TV, and backing Cootie Williams on the 1958 Cootie Williams In Hi-Fi album ~ Byrne was born in 1918
November 25, 2005 ~ Rock singer, songwriter Jerry Lynn Williams passed away ~ Got his big break when Delbert McClinton recorded Givin' It Up For Your Love for his 1980 The Jealous Kind album. Others who recorded his songs include Robert Plant, BB King, Eric Clapton (Forever Man), Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, and Bonnie Raitt (Real Man) ~ Williams was born 2005
November 25, 1997 ~ R&B singer Jewel King, full name Mary Jewel King, passed away in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Best known for her late-1940s hits such as 3x7=21. Worked with Cosimo Matassa, Dave Bartholomew, Herbert Hardesty, Alvin Tyler, Ernest McLean, Frank Fields, and Earl Palmer ~ King was born in 1910
November 25, 1995 ~ Exhale (Shoop Shoop) by Whitney Houston, taken from the soundtrack to the Waiting To Exhale film, debuts at No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Houston had been recruited to play the female lead in Waiting To Exhale, a romantic comedy-drama based on the 1992 novel of the same name. Initially Houston was reluctant to record any songs at all for its soundtrack, as she aimed to focus on her acting career instead. However, when Kenneth Babyface Edmonds, sole songwriter of Exhale (Shoop Shoop), played her the song, she agreed. Issued as the soundtrack's lead single, it would become Houston's 11th and final Billboard Hot 100 hit. Edmonds would later comment on how the song came to be: “When Whitney first heard the song, she figured I'd lost it, I couldn't come up with words anymore. And, actually she's right. I couldn't think of anything for that particular part. It felt like it should groove there. But I knew it couldn't groove without any vocals, so I started humming along with it and that's what happened. The ‘shoops’ came. But they felt so good, I though‘Why not?’ It doesn't have to mean anything”
November 25, 1992 ~ Sam Lassner, commonly known as DJ, producer Prince Fox, born in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Cites John Mayer, Skrillex and Coldplay's Chris Martin as his biggest influences. First gained attention in the mid-2010s remixing songs by 3LAU, Sam Smith, Florence + the Machine, Cazzette. Known for songs such as 2016's Fragile featuring Hailee Steinfeld and 2017's Just Call featuring Bella Thorne, the latter reaching the No.1 spot on the Billboard Dance charts. Released his full-length All This Music in 2019
November 25, 1990 ~ Ryeisha Berrain, commonly known as hip-hop, dance rapper, singer, dancer, actress Rye Rye, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Released her Go Pop Bang debut album in 2012. Featured in the 21 Jump Street film the same year. Best known for songs such as Bang and Sunshine both featuring MIA. Has guested on recordings by Blaqstarr, the Count & Sinden, Diplo, Crookers, Far East Movement, Asher Roth, and Bassnectar
November 25, 1989 ~ In its eighth week on the charts, Blame It On The Rain by Milli Vanilli hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ The protaganist advises the listener to “blame it on the rain” and other natural causes if they have left a lover only to later regret it. Originally intended for the Jets, however, when the Minnesota family outfit did not record it, label executive suggested to the song's sole songwriter Diane Warren that it might be a good fit for Milli Vanilli. It would become one of three Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits, and one of five consecutive top 10 hits all off the same album. Blame It On The Rain would be warmly received as another pleasant pop hit from the pop duo, yet when it later turned out the two band members did not actually sing on their recordings but producer Frank Farian had employed ghost musicians, Milli Vanilli would make Grammy Award history as their Award for Best New Artist would be retrospectively canceled, something that has never happened before or since
November 25, 1984 ~ Catherin Anne Brudenell-Bruce, commonly known as indie pop, indie rock singer, songwriter Bo Bruce, born in Marlborough, UK ~ One of four finalists of the 1st season of talent show The Voice UK aired on BBC One in 2012, alongside Tyler James, Vince Kidd, and winner Leanne Mitchell
November 25, 1979 ~ Rock, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Thea Gilmore, full name Thea Eve Gilmore, born in Oxford, UK ~ Over 20 albums to her name, starting with Burning Dorothy released in 1998. Member of early-2000s project the Reel And Soul Association merging American soul with British folk, which among others included Kellie While, Maartin Allcock and the Pretenders-guitarist Robbie McIntosh. As a solo artist best known for her 2003 UK top 40 single Juliet (Keep That In Mind) and 2012's London, the latter co-penned by Sandy Denny of the collaborative Don't Stop Singing album. Gilmore started recording under the moniker Afterlight in 2021
November 25, 1978 ~ Country singer Tanya Tucker releases Texas (When I Die), lifted off her TNT album ~ First released the previous year by Ed Bruce, who had co-written the song with his wife Patsy Bruce and Bobby Borchers. Yet while Bruce's original had failed to make the top half of the Billboard Country charts, stalling at No.52, the song would become best known as covered by Tucker, one of her few Billboard Country top 10 singles of the second half of the 1970s. Tucker had initially used Texas (When I Die) for the flip side of the Buddy Holly-cover Not Fade Away, issued as the lead single off TNT. However, as that failed to chart they gave it another go. Now prominently featured as the A-side, Texas (When I Die) would do much better on the second try, and reached No.5 Billboard Country. Tucker had previously scored another top 10 hit with a Bruce song, namely The Man That Turned My Mama On written solely by Ed Bruce, which was a Billboard Country No.4 hit for Tucker back in 1974
November 25, 1978 ~ Progressive rock guitarist Travis Stever born in New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead and rhythm guitarist of Coheed & Cambria. Co-wrote Ten Speed. Also involved with a number of side projects, notably the metal band Fire Deuce and alternative rock outfit Zero Trust. Besides guitar Stever plays several other instruments including bass, lap steel guitar, banjo, mandolin and dobro
November 25, 1976 ~ Roots rock, folk rock, rock outfit the Band play the Winterland Arena, San Francisco, California ~ Announced as their “farewell concert”, the Band play for some 5,000 visitors, the event including a turkey dinner for all visitors. The stage set for La Traviata was borrowed from the San Francisco Opera. Numerous guest artists joined the band onstage including the Band's previous employers Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan, as well as Neil Young, Muddy Waters, the Staple Singers, Dr John, and Van Morrison. The entire event was documented on film by Martin Scorcese, with the film and 3-LP soundtrack released in 1978. The performance is especially well known for the film, widely considered one of, if not the best rock concert registration
November 25, 1974 ~ Composer, conductor Raymond Legrand passed away in Montreal, Canada ~ Worked with Ray Ventura, Henri Bourtayre, Guy Dejardin, Irène de Trebert, Maurice Chevalier, Georges Guétary, Tino Rossi, Colette Renard, Francis Lemarque, Marcel Mouloudji, Edith Piaf, and Henri Salvador ~ Legrand was born in 1908
November 25, 1972 ~ Garage rock, punk rock, psychedelic rock bassist, guitarist, singer Kenny Håkansson born ~ Best known as member of the Hellacopters. Also worked with Entombed, the Clint Eastwood Experience, Blasphemy, Maximal Scandal, Parodi, the Brain Dead Bodies, and the Breaking
November 25, 1969 ~ Jazz bassist Chris Wood, full name Christopher Barry Wood, born in Boulder, Colorado, USA ~ Influenced by Charles Mingus. Best known for forming the trio Medeski Martin & Wood with John Medeski and Billy Martin. The trio have recorded over a dozen albums since the early-1990s and are especially acclaimed for their 1992 Notes From The Underground debut album, 2004's End Of The World Party (Just In Case), and 2009's trilogy set Radolarians. Wood has also worked with Ned Rothenberg, the Either/Orchestra, John Zorn, John Scofield, and Marc Ribot
November 25, 1969 ~ Jazz, pop, soul drummer, songwriter Kim Ofstad born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Co-founding member of D'Sound, best known for their 1998 Beauty Is A Blessing sophomore album. Formed the producer, songwriter team ELEMENT with Hitesh Ceon. Has also worked with Knut Værnes, Ab Und Zu, and Eivind Sarset
November 25, 1968 ~ Rapper, MC, keyboardist, producer Erick Sermon born in Bay Shore, New York, USA ~ One third of pivotal early hip-hop trio EPMD alongside PMD and DJ Scratch, known for their 1988 acclaimed and highly influential Strictly Business debut album. Has recorded as a solo artist starting with the album No Pressure in 1993. Also specifically noted for the 1998 El Niño album, a collaborative effort with Def Squad
November 25, 1968 ~ Singer, harmonica player Nick Clemons, full name Clarence Anichol Clemons III, born in New Jersey, USA ~ Son of longtime the E Street Band member Clarence Clemons. Debuted in 1993 with the Waiting For You EP. Has worked with Bobby Bandiera, John Eddie, the New Riders Of The Purple Sage, and Jimmy Vivino
November 25, 1966 ~ Singer Stacy Lattisaw born in Washington DC, USA ~ Recorded her debut album, the Van McCoy-produced Young And In Love, in 1979 at age 12. Opened for the Jacksons on their 1981 Triumph Tour. Would regularly hit the higher echelons of the R&B charts throughout the late-1980s, especially working with producer Narada Michael Walden, with songs such as Dynamite, Let Me Be Your Angel, Love On A Two-Way Street, Don't Throw It All Away, Nail It To The Wall, Every Drop Of Your Love, and with the Johnny Gill-duets Perfect Combination and Where Do We Go From Here
November 25, 1965 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Tim Armstrong born in Albany, California, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of punk rockers Rancid and as a member of the Transplants. Member of the Devil's Brigade. Previously a member of ska-punk outfit Operation Ivy. As a songwriter or collaborator has worked with artists as diverse as Jimmy Cliff and Joe Walsh
November 25, 1964 ~ Alternative rock, grunge, hard rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Mark Lanegan born in Ellensburg, Washington, USA ~ Frontman, lead singer, co-founding member of psychedelic grunge band Screaming Trees. Has recorded as a solo artist, starting with The Winding Sheet released in 1990. Frequent collaborator of the Queens Of The Stone Age. Formed the Gutter Twins with Afghan Whigs-singer Greg Dulli. Member of Mad Season alongside Alice In Chains-singer Layne Staley and Pearl Jam-guitarist Mike McCready. Lanegan has also guested on recordings by Melissa Auf Der Maur, Creature With The Atom Brain, Moby, and the Manic Street Preachers ~ Lanegan passed away in 2022
November 25, 1964 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Tim Freedman, full name Timothy James Freedman, born in Sydney ~ Lead singer, keyboardist of the Whitlams. Co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material including their 1997 breakthrough hit No Aphrodisiac
November 25, 1963 ~ Jazz singer Holly Cole born in Halifax, Canada ~ Fronts the Holly Cole Trio. Actively recording since the late-1980s. Known for her jazzy interpretations of well known pop and rock songs originally by the Pretenders, Elvis Costello, Gordon Lightfoot, Elvis Presley, Tom Waits, and Lyle Lovett
November 25, 1960 ~ Singer Amy Grant born in Augusta, Georgia, USA ~ Referred to as “the Queen of Christian Pop”, sold over 30 million albums. Known for songs such as Father's Eyes, Sing Your Praise To The Lord, Angels, Find A Way, Wise Up, Everywhere I Go, What About The Love, That's What Love Is For, Baby Baby, and Every Heartbeat. Collaborated with Michael W Smith, Randy Stonehill, and Peter Cetera. Married to singer Gary Chapman from 1982 to 1999. Married to country singer Vince Gill since 2000
November 25, 1959 ~ Guitarist Steve Rothery born in Brampton, UK ~ Original guitarist, longest continous member of Marillion. Cites Andrew Latimer, Steve Hackett, David Gilmour, Joni Mitchell as influences. Has also worked with the Wishing Tree, Jadis, Arrakeen, John Wesley, Arena, Ian Mosley, and Gazpacho
November 25, 1950 ~ R&B, disco singer Jocelyn Brown, full name Jocelyn Lorette Brown, born in Kingston, North Carolina, USA ~ As a solo artist known for the mid-1980s dance hits Somebody Else's Guy and Love's Gonna Get You. In-demand backing singer from the mid-1980s through the 1990s, has worked with R&B, dance acts such as Musique (In The Bush), Dazzle, Inner Life (I'm Caught Up In A One Night Love Affair), Joe Bataan, Change, Cerrone, the Salsoul Orchestra, Heatwave, Incognito (Always There), Right Said Fred (Don't Talk Just Kiss), the Sonic Surfers, Kym Mazelle, Nuyorican Soul (It's Alright I Feel It), Kamasutra (Happiness), Jestofunk, Da Mob (Fun), and Loleatta Holloway
November 25, 1949 ~ Singer Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters record Quicksilver ~ Written by Edward Pola, George Wyle and Irving Taylor. Orchestra conducted by Vic Schoen. The biggest hit version would be Crosby's, reaching top 10 on the pop charts. Other early versions were recorded by Doris Day, and by Elton Britt with Rosalie Allen
November 25, 1949 ~ Luther Robinson, commonly known as tap dancer, actor, singer Bill Robinson, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Has performed in minstrel shows, vaudeville, Broadway, and films. Perhaps best known for a series of 1930s films alongside Shirley Temple and for his role in the Broadway black revue Blackbirds Of 1928. Despite being the highest-paid African-American entertainer during the first half of the 20th century Robinson passed away penniless ~ Robinson was born in 1878
November 25, 1947 ~ Drummer Val Fuentes born ~ Best known as member of progressive folk-rock band It's A Beautiful Day. Has also worked with Fat Chance, the New Riders Of The Purple Sage, Shadowfax, Lina Valentino, Linda Imperial, and the Pure Pleasure Band. His son Carlo Fuentes is also a musician, playing drums, piano, and singing with local bands
November 25, 1947 ~ Jose Rodiguez Trindade, commonly known as singer Zé Rodrix born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Member of Sá Rodrix & Guarabyra, present on the albums Passado Presento & Futuro and Terra. Also worked with Som Imaginario, Momento Quatro, Secos & Molhados, Joelho de Porco. Active as a solo artist and film composer since the early-1970s. Wrote Casa No Campo, a massive hit for Elis Regina in 1971 ~ Rodrigues passed away in 2009
November 25, 1944 ~ Drummer Bev Bevan born in Birmingham, UK ~ Best known for his work with the Move, singing lead on Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart and Ben Crawley Steel Co, and the Electric Light Orchestra. After the latter disbanded in 1986 co-founded ELO Part II. Drummed for Black Sabbath on their 1983 Born Again tour. Guested on Moonshine and Wake Up The Nation of Weller's 2010 Wake Up The Nation album
November 25, 1944 ~ Robert Neale Lind, commonly known as folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Lind born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Best known for Elusive Butterfly, a top 10 hit on both sides of the Atlantic in 1966. Also known for Cheryl's Goin' Home, Remember The Rain and Go Ask Your Man. Lind's songs would be covered by over 200 artists including Adam Faith, the Blues Project, Sonny & Cher, John Otway, the Cascades, Glen Campbell, Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Eric Clapton, Nancy Sinatra, the Four Tops, Richie Havens, Hoyt Axton, the Kingston Trio, Johnny Mathis, They Might Be Giants, and Petula Clark
November 25, 1941 ~ Composer Eleni Karaindrou born in Tichio, Greece ~ Studied in France while improvising with jazz musicians, returning to her native Greece in the 1970s after the military junta ended. Scored her first soundtrack, Periplanissi, by the end of the decade. Would go on to write for over 60 films, theatrical productions, TV series and TV films
November 25, 1941 ~ R&B, soul singer Percy Sledge, full name Percy Tyrone Sledge born in Leighton, Alabama, USA ~ Best known for When A Man Loves A Woman, which topped charts on both sides of the Atlantic in 1966. Other well known songs include Warm And Tender Love, It Tears Me Up and Take Time To Know Her ~ Sledge passed away in 2015
November 25, 1938 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Luiz Henrique Rosa born in Tabarão, Brazil ~ Made an instant smash with his 1963 Bossa Moderna De Luiz Henrique debut album, which contained some of his best known songs including Sambou Sambou, No Blanco Do Mar and Vou Andar Por Ai. Would remain popular until his death at 46 in a car crash. Has collaborated with Sivuca, Hermeto Pascoal, Walter Wanderley, João Gilberto, Airto Moreira, as well as with American stars such as Stan Getz, Oscar Brown Jr, Billy Butterfield and Bobby Hackett ~ Rosa passed away in 1985
November 25, 1931 ~ Trumpeter Nat Adderley, full name Nathaniel Carlyle Adderley, born in Tampa, Florida, USA ~ Brother of Cannonball Adderley, with whom he also collaborated. Co-wrote Work Song with Oscar Brown Jr, which has since become a jazz standard. Also worked with JJ Johnson, Woody Herman, Kenny Clarke, Wes Montgomery, Walter Booker, Jimmy Cobb, Vincent Herring, Ron Carter, Sonny Fortune, Johnny Griffin, Antonio Hart, Gene Ammons, Kenny Burrell, Charlie Byrd, James Clay, Victor Feldman, Red Garland, Benny Golson, Quincy Jones, Wynton Kelly, Sal Nistico, and King Curtis ~ Adderley passed away in 2000
November 25, 1929 ~ Royal G Bryant, commonly known as jazz tenor, alto saxophonist Rusty Bryant, born in Huntington, West Virginia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Known for his 1952 recording All Nite Long. Worked with Tiny Grimes, Stomp Gordon, Hank Marr, Nancy Wilson, Richard Groove Holmes, Boogaloo Joe Jones, Johnny Hammond Smith, Charles Kynard, and Sonny Phillips ~ Bryant passed away in 1991
November 25, 1928 ~ Jazz, pop, R&B singer, songwriter Etta Jones born in Aiken, South Carolina, USA ~ Known for songs such as Don't Go To Strangers and Save Your Love For Me. Worked with Buddy Johnson, Oliver Nelson, Earl Hines, Barney Bigard, Gene Ammons, Kenny Burrell, Milt Jackson, Cedar Walton, Houston Person, Frank Wess, and Roy Haynes ~ Jones passed away in 2001
November 25, 1927 ~ Jazz pianist Dick Wellstood, full name Richard Macqueen Wellstood, born in Greenwich, Connecticut, USA ~ Regarded as one of the great boogie-woogie, stride pianists to emerge from the 1940s while his contemporaries focused on bebop. Especially known as an interpreter of the music of James P Johnson. Over two dozen albums as a leader or solo performer, especially acclaimed for the collaborative 1962 Uptown And Lowdown album with Cliff Jackson, and the mid-1970s albums This Is The One (Dig) and its follow-up Alone. An in-demand sideman and collaborator for some four decades, Wellstood has worked with Bob Wilber, Sidney Bechet (Grand Master Of The Soprano Sax And Clarinet), Conrad Janis, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Roy Eldridge, Nancy Harrow (Wild Women Don't Have The Blues), Odetta (Odetta And The Blues), Bob Dylan (The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan), Eddie Condon, Wild Bill Davison, Doc Cheatham, and Kenny Davern ~ Wellstood passed away in 1987
November 25, 1925 ~ Bebop trombonist, actor Matthew Gee born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Played with Coleman Hawkins, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Morris, Gene Ammons, Sonny Stitt, Count Basie, Illinois Jacquet, Lou Donaldson, Sarah Vaughan, Duke Ellington, Paul Quinichette, Brooks Kerr, Johnny Griffin, and Erskine Hawkins ~ Gee passed away in 1979
November 25, 1924 ~ Paul Emil Breitenfeld, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Paul Desmond, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Quintessential cool jazz saxophonist. Best known for his longtime association with Dave Brubeck, including writing the Dave Brubeck Quartet's biggest hit Take Five of their 1959 Time Out album. Also appeared on albums by Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Jackie & Roy (Time & Love), Don Sebesky (Giant Box), Jim Hall, Art Garfunkel (Watermark), and Chet Baker ~ Desmond passed away in 1977
November 25, 1923 ~ Contralto concert, opera singer Claudia Hellmann born in Berlin, Germany ~ Frequently performed the contralto part in the recordings of Johann Sebastian Bach's Cantatas, Christmas Oratorio and Easter Oratorio. Best known for her longtime association with the Stuttgart Opera. Has also worked with the Theater Münster, the Nürnberg Opera, and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra ~ Hellmann passed away in 2017
November 25, 1915 ~ Clarinetist, saxophonist, flutist Gus Bivona, full name Gus Peter Bivona, born in New London, Vermont, USA ~ In-demand studio and session musician, especially known for his work on numerous film scores. Worked with the Leo Scalzi Brunswick Orchestra, Bunny Berigan, Will Hudson, Teddy Powell, Benny Goodman, Jan Savitt, Les Brown, Tommy Dorsey, Red Mitchell, Alvin Stoller, Skip Martin, Frank Sinatra, Harry Sweets Edison, and Shorty Sherock ~ Bivona passed away in 1996
November 25, 1910 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Willie Smith, full name William McLeish Smith, born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Worked with Jimmie Lunceford, Charlie Spivak, Harry James, Duke Ellington, Billy May, Louie Bellson, Nat King Cole, Gene Krupa, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Billie Holiday, Barney Kessel, Jimmie Lunceford, Rose Murphy, Red Norvo, André Previn, Googie René, and Kay Starr ~ Smith passed away in 1967
November 25, 1905 ~ Pianist, singer, songwriter Harry Barris born in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the earliest to incorporate “scat singing” in his technique. Worked with Paul Ash, Paul Whiteman, the Rhythm Boys, Gus Arnheim, Bing Crosby, and Joe E Brown ~ Barris passed away in 1962
November 25, 1900 ~ Composer, film producer Arthur Schwartz born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Studied law but pursued a career in songwriting. Has written extensively for Broadway musicals, starting in 1927 with New Yorkers, and films, often in collaboration with Howard Dietz. Noted for producing the 1944 Cover Girl musical film and the 1946 Cole Porter Night & Day bio-pic ~ Schwartz passed away in 1984
November 25, 1896 ~ Composer Virgil Thomson born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Instrumental in the development of “the American Sound” in classical music. Wrote symphonies, opera, ballet, film scores and chamber music. Known best for works such as Four Saints In Three Acts, The Plow That Broke The Plains, the Pullitzer Prize-winning soundtrack to Louisiana Story, and for his late opera Lord Byron ~ Thomson passed away in 1989