November 3, 1994 ~ Ella Mai Howell, commonly known as R&B, hip-hop, pop singer, songwriter Ella Mai, born in London, UK ~ Released her debut album, Ella Mai, in 2018. Best known for songs such as Boo'd Up and Trip. Collaborated with artists such as Meek Mill, Usher, John Legend, and Ed Sheeran
November 3, 1981 ~ Gospel, CCM, urban contemporary gospel singer, organist, songwriter Bryan Andrew Wilson born in Danville, Illinois, USA ~ Known for His Eye Is On The Sparrow. Resurfaced after a decade in 2014 with the acclaimed album The One Percent, spawning the hits Turning Away and Overflow
November 3, 1980 ~ Country singer, guitarist, fiddler, upright bassist, songwriter Joey Allcorn born in Columbus, Georgia, USA ~ Traditionalist influenced by older country artists such as Hank Williams, Ernest Tubb, Faron Young and Lefty Frizzell, as well as by modern-day artists such as BR5-49, Wayne Hancock, Robbie Fulks and Dale Watson. Debuted in 2006 with the 50 Years Too Late album featuring appearances by Hank Williams III, Those Poor Bastards, Johnny Hiland, Donnie Herron and Walt Cunningham. Has since also worked with Lloyd Green, Hank Singer, Dave Roe, and Don Helms
November 3, 1977 ~ Jazz, pop singer Jane Monheit born in Oakdale, New York, USA ~ Debuted in 2000 with the album Never Never Land and has recorded to critical acclaim steadily since. Guested on recordings by David Benoit, Terence Blanchard, Les Brown, Tom Harrell, Harold Mabern, Mark O'Connor, and Frank Vignola. Monheit got married to drummer Rick Montalbano Jr in 2002
November 3, 1974 ~ Louise Elizabeth Nurding, commonly known as singer Louise Redknapp, born in Lewisham, UK ~ Member of R&B girl group the Eternal, known for mid to late-1990s recordings such as Oh Baby I, Power Of A Woman, Don't You Love Me, I Wanna Be The Only One featuring CeCe Winans, Angel Of Mine, and perhaps their best known Stay, the latter reaching the Billboard top 20 in 1993
November 3, 1973 ~ Heavy metal, nu metal, alternative metal guitarist Mick Thomson, full name Mickael Gordon Thomson, born in Des Moines, Iowa, USA ~ Best known as member of Slipknot, joining the band in 1996 replacing Craig Jones on guitar, the latter switching to sampler. Has guested on recordings by Malevolent Creation and Necrophagia
November 3, 1973 ~ Kirk Jones, commonly known as rapper, producer, actor Sticky Fingaz, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Discovered by Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay who signed the band Onyx on the condition that Jones would be in group. The band is best known for their acclaimed 1994 Bacdafucup debut album. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with 2001's Black Trash (The Autobiography Of Kirk Jones) album. Also known as an actor for film and TV with over 80 acting credits, including several for Spike Lee-directed films
November 3, 1972 ~ Organist, keyboardist Josh Kantor born ~ Perhaps best known as organist for the Boston Red Sox home games at Fenway Park since 2003. Member of Jim's Big Ego, the Split Squad, and the Baseball Project
November 3, 1969 ~ Progressive rock drummer Jimmy Keegan born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as member of progressive rock outfit Spock's Beard. Also worked with Santana (Primavera), and John Waite
November 3, 1969 ~ Roberto Concina, commonly known as DJ, producer Robert Miles, born in Fleurier, Switzerland ~ Best known for his 1995 breakthrough single Children, bringing ambient house into the mainstream. Miles would go on to release five albums, the latest being Thirteen in 2011 ~ Concina passed away in 2017
November 3, 1966 ~ Singer Louis Herrey born ~ Alongside older brothers Per Herrey and Louis Herrey, Herrey is best known as a member of sibling outfit Herrey's, known for winning the 1984 Eurovision Songfestival representing their native Sweden with the song Diggi-loo Diggi-ley, which subsequently reached top 10 in several European countries. Runner-ups at the contest would be Ireland's Linda Martin in second place with Terminal 3, and Spain's Bravo in third with Lady Lady. Thew trio would continue to record and tour for a few more years, but were unable to repeat the international success of their 1984 Songfestival winner. With two of the three brothers still in their teens when they won the contest, the siblings may be regarded as one of the earliest European boybands preceding the international boom starting in the early-1990s with acts such as Take That, the Backstreet Boys, New Kids On The Block, and NSYNC scoring numerous hits
November 3, 1965 ~ Progressive metal, progressive rock drummer, bassist Andreas Lill born ~ Best known as co-founding member of Vanden Plas. Has also worked with Missa Mercuria and with Abydos
November 3, 1960 ~ Pop rock, punk rock, new wave guitarist, keyboardist Matthew Ashman, full name Matthew James Ashman, born in Mill Hill, 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 passed away in 1995
November 3, 1954 ~ Jazz, rock cellist Melissa Hasin born in Hollywood, California, USA ~ In-demand session musician. Worked with Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole, Snoop Dogg, Tori Amos, John Tesh, Bradley Joseph, the Kosmos Express, David Benoit, Robert Deeble, Sammy Davis Jr, Smokey Robinson, Frank Sinatra, and Robert Plant
November 3, 1953 ~ Saxophonist Azar Lawrence born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his associations with McCoy Tyner, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, and Woody Shaw. Also worked with Raul de Souza, Gerald Hayes, Amaury Tristão, Dom Salvador, Ron Carter, Guilherme Franc, Jean Carn, Ray Straughter, Woody Murray, Clint Houston, Julian Priester, Hadley Caliman, Black Arthur, Joe Bonner, John Heard, Leon Ndugu Chancler, Mtume, Kenneth Nash, Patrice Rushen, Jerry Peter, Michael Stanton, John Rowin, Lee Ritenour, Paul Jackson Jr, 360 Degree Music Experience, Harvey Mason, Gene Harris, Elvin Jones, and Eden Atwood
November 3, 1952 ~ Pop, folk singer, songwriter Teresa de Sio born in Naples, Italy ~ First gained attention in the 1970s singing with Eugenio Bennato and Neapolitan folk outfit Musicanova. Active as a solo artist since the early-1980s. Broke through with her eponymous 1982 Teresa De Sio sophomore album and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Well known songs include Voglia 'E Turna, Aumn Aumn, Ario and Animali Italiani. Has worked with Brian Eno, Fabrizio de André, the Police's Stewart Copeland, and Vittorio Cosma
November 3, 1949 ~ Alexander Borisovich Fradkin, commonly known as singer, pianist, guitarist, bassist, violinist, percussionist Alexander Gradsky, born in Kopyesk, Soviet Union ~ Influenced by Elvis Presley. Internationally best known for duetting with John Denver on the 1986 song Let Us Begin. Formed Tarakany while still in his early teens, the band's 1963 performance at the Moscow University arguably the first public performance of rock & roll by any Russian act. Lead singer of Slaviane, the band's repertoire consisting of covers of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Founded and fronted Skomorokhi, blending traditional Russian music with western rock influences. Has recorded as a solo artist, and composed soundtracks, the rock operas Stadium and The Master And Margarita, and the rock ballet The Man ~ Fradkin passed away in 2021
November 3, 1948 ~ Pop, rock bassist Eddie Chin born ~ Member of skiffle group the Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra. Member of the Tourists, which also included Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart who would later form Eurythmics. Member of Acid Drops
November 3, 1948 ~ Singer, pianist, trumpeter, songwriter Hugh Moffatt born ~ Brother of singer Katy Moffatt. Married to singer, songwriter Pebe Sebert. Formed the Ratz, teaming up with his wife Pebe, Wade McCurdy, John Dietrich, and Michael Bonagura. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Just In Case (Ronnie Milsap), Rose Of My Heart (Johnny Cash) and Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You (Joe Sun, Brian Collins, Dolly Parton). Co-penned the 2003 opera Corps Of Discovery with Michael Ching as well as several shorter pieces
November 3, 1948 ~ Marie McDonald McLaughlin, commonly known as singer Lulu, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Best known for hits such as To Sir With Love, the James Bond theme The Man With The Golden Gun, and Boom Bang-a-bang, the latter joint winner of the 1969 Eurovision Songfestival for the UK. McLauglin was married to singer Maurice Gibb from 1969 until 1973
November 3, 1947 ~ Drummer, percussionist Joe Lala, Joseph Antony Lala, born in Ybor City, Florida, USA ~ Co-founded Blues Image in 1966, best known for the hit Ride Captain Ride of their 1970 Open sophomore album. Sessioned for numerous pop and rock acts including the Byrds, Crosby Stills & Nash, Manassas, the Bee Gees (You Should Be Dancing), Joe Walsh, Andy Gibb, Dionne Warwick, Dan Fogelberg, Bill Wyman, Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart, and Whitney Houston ~ Lala passed away in 2014
November 3, 1946 ~ Michael Edward Campbell Champion, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actor Michael Champion, born in Anderson, Indiana, USA ~ Sometimes credited as Mike Campbell, not to be confused with Tom Petty-guitarist Mike Campbell. Member of short-lived 1960s band Abstract Reality, known for their Love Burns Like A Fire single. Member of Scorpion alongside Bob Babbitt and Ray Monette. Appears on Meat Loaf's 1971 Stoney & Meatloaf debut album, for which he also co-wrote She Waits By The Window, Kiss Me Again, Lady Be Mine and Jessica White. Active as an actor since the late-1970s, appearing in TV shows such as Matlock and The Flash and films such as Beverly Hills Cop and Total Recall ~ Champion passed away in 2021
November 3, 1945 ~ Percussionist, conga player, songwriter Bobby Lakind, full name Robert Jay Lakind, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Started as lightning roadie for the Doobie Brothers. Sessioned on albums and stage from 1976 onwards, full band member from 1979 up to the band's break-up in 1982 ~ Lakind passed away in 1992
November 3, 1943 ~ Guitarist Bert Jansch born in Glasgow, UK ~ Founding member of Pentangle. Leading figure in 1960s British folk revival. Over two dozen albums to his name. Critically acclaimed. Admired by peers. Influential on Al Stewart, Paul Simon, Johnny Marr, Elton John, Ian Anderson, Bernie Taupin, Bernard Butler, Jimmy Page, Nick Drake, Graham Coxon, Donovan, Neil Young, Hope Sandoval, the Fleet Foxes, Devendra Banhart, Neil Halstead, Roy Harper, and Gordon Giltrap ~ Jansch passed away in 2011
November 3, 1942 ~ Beat, psychedelic rock drummer Christer Pettersson born ~ Co-founding member of the Hep Stars, enjoying popularity in their native Sweden during the 1960s. The band is best known as serving as the launchpad for Benny Anderson of later ABBA fame. Well known songs include Farmer John, Cadillac, Bald Headed Woman, Sunny Girl, Wedding, Consolation, Malaika and Mot Okant Land ~ Pettersson passed away in 2006
November 3, 1941 ~ Pop singer Brian Poole born in Barking, UK ~ Founding member, lead singer of the Tremeloes, present on hits such as hits such as Do You Love Me, Candy Man, and I Want Candy. Poole left the band in 1966 to pursue a solo career. Has also worked with Renaldo & Loaf, the Seychelles, Carousel, and from the late-1980s onwards hooked up with other 1960s stars such as the Troggs' Reg Presley, the Merseybeats' Tony Crane, and the Foundations' Clem Curtis
November 3, 1940 ~ Clarence Edward Mauldin, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, bassist Sonny Rhodes, born in Smithville, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by T-Bone Walker, LC Robinson, Pee Wee Crayton, BB King, Percy Mayfield. Active since the late-1950s. Backed artists such as Freddie King and Albert Collins. As a solo artist especially acclaimed for a number of 1990s albums, notably 1991's Disciple Of The Blues, 1992's Livin' Too Close To The Edge and 1996's Out Of Control ~ Mauldin passed away in 2021
November 3, 1939 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz saxophonist, trumpeter, hornist, trombonist Joe McPhee born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ As a saxophonist influenced by John Coltrane, Albert Ayler, Ornette Coleman. First gained attention in 1967, appearing on the Clifford Thornton album Freedom And Unity. Well over 50 albums as leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for the albums Variations On A Blue Line, Oleo And A Future Retrospective, Visitation, Rapture. Member of Trio X. Has collaborated with the likes of John Snyder, Plan B, Evan Parker, Ken Vandermark, Michael Bisio, Joe Giardullo, Raphe Malik, Peter Brötzmann Tentet, and the Survival Unit III
November 3, 1935 ~ Jazz double bassist Henry Grimes born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leading bassist in free jazz. Recorded and performed with artists such as Gerry Mulligan, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, Anita O'Day, Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus, Cecil Taylor, Don Cherry, Steve Lacy, Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp, and Albert Ayler. His career halted in the late-1960s, he was often presumed dead, but Grimes resurfaced in the early-2000s ~ Grimes passed away in 2020
November 3, 1933 ~ John Barry Prendergast, commonly known as composer, arranger, conductor John Barry, born in York, UK ~ Prolific film composer including for 11 Bond films. Scores written or co-written by Barry include Goldfinger, Lion In Winter, Somewhere In Time, Body Heat, Out Of Africa, and Dances With Wolves. Worked with Jack Parnell, Ted Heath, Adam Faith, and Les Vandyke ~ Prendergast passed away in 2011
November 3, 1930 ~ Blues, R&B, gospel singer Mable John born in Bastrop, Louisiana, USA ~ First female to be signed to Berry Gordy Jr's Tamla-Motown label where she released the singles Who Wouldn't Love A Man Like That, No Love and Actions Speak Louder Than Words. Dropped from the label for lack of success by 1962. Would go on to work as a backing singer for Ray Charles. By the mid-1960s John landed at Stax/Volt, for whom she scored a Billboard R&B top 10 hit with Your Good Thing Is About To End ~ John passed away in 2022
November 3, 1926 ~ Tenor saxophonist Billy Mitchell born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Worked with Thad Jones, Oliver Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Kenny Clarke, Stevie Wonder, Al Cohn, Al Grey, Milt Jackson, Ernestine Anderson, Tony Bennett, Paul Chambers, Sammy Davis Jr, Jon Hendricks, Eddie Jefferson, Jimmy McGriff, Pony Poindexter, Mel Tormé, Bernard Pretty Purdie, Frank Vignola, Frank Wess, and Xanadu All-Stars ~ Mitchell passed away in 2001
November 3, 1926 ~ Guitarist Ray Edenton, full name Ray Quarles Edenton, born in Mineral, Virginia, USA ~ First-call session musician. Member of the Nashville A-Team. Appears on over 12,000 recordings including Red Kirk's Lovesick Blues, Webb Pierce's There Stands The Glass, the Everly Brothers' Bye Bye Love and Wake Up Little Susie, Marty Robbins' Singing The Blues and Roger Miller's King Of The Road. Has also worked with Julie Andrews, the Beach Boys, Gary Burton, Sammy Davis Jr, Henry Mancini, Reba McEntire, Elvis Presley, Leon Russell, and Neil Young ~ Edenton passed away in 2022
November 3, 1801 ~ Composer Vincenzo Bellini, full name Vincenzo Salvatore Carmelo Francesco Bellini, born in Catania, Kingdom Of Sicily ~ Dubbed “the Swan of Catania”. Laid the groundwork for bel canto and hugely influential on later composers, most notably Giuseppe Verdi who praised the broad curves of his melodies. Best known for works such as Il Pirata, La Sonnambula, Anna Bolena, and perhaps his best known I Puritani ~ Bellini passed away in 1835