November 4, 2024 ~ Singer Tyka Nelson, full name Tyka Evene Nelson, passed away in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, USA ~ Daughter of jazz pianist John L Nelson and singer Mattie Della Shaw, and the only full sibling of Prince. Nelson has released four albums starting with Royal Blue released in 1988, which included her best known song Marc Anthony's Tune. Nelson wrote the song as at the time she had a crush on singer Marc Anthony, the single would reach top 40 Billboard R&B ~ Nelson was born in 1960
November 4, 2022 ~ Nicole van Palm, commonly known as singer Nicole Josy, passed away ~ Formed the duo Nicole & Hugo with her husband Hugo Sigal. The duo were selected to represent Belgium at the 1971 Eurovision Songfestival with Goeiemorgen Morgen. At the last minute Nicole fell ill and they were replaced by Jacques Raymond and Lily Castel who would reach 14th place. In their native Belgium however the original version would remain one of the better-remembered Eurovision entries ~ Van Palm was born in 1946
November 4, 2021 ~ Composer Mario Lavista passed away ~ Composed chamber music, orchestral and vocal works, and for film. Founded improvisation collective Quanta in 1970. As a composer known for songs such as Dos Canciones and the solo keyboard pieces Mater Dolorosa, Pieze Para Un Pianiste Y Un Piano and Simurg. Chief editor of Pauta, which he founded in 1982, considered one of the foremost music journals in Mexico ~ Lavista was born in 1943
November 4, 2020 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Ken Hensley, full name Kenneth William David Hensley, passed away in Alicante, Spain ~ Best known as member of Uriah Heep, for which Hensley wrote or co-wrote a vast amount fo their best known songs including Lady In Black, Easy Livin', Stealin' and Look At Yourself. Also worked with the Gods, Head Machine, Toe Fat, Weed, Blackfoot, John Lawton, and others ~ Hensley was born in 1945
November 4, 2017 ~ Composer, conductor Dudley Simpson passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Principal conductur of the Royal Opera House. Best known as a composer for British TV series, including for many Dr Who episodes of the 1960s and 1970s ~ Simpson was born in 1922
November 4, 2016 ~ Keyboardist Eddie Harsch passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Best known as the Black Crowes keyboardist from 1991 to 2006, replaced by Rob Clores. Also backed James Cotton in the 1980s. Played with Bulldog and with the Detroit Cobras during the Crowes's hiatus. Co-founding member of Magpie Salute ~ Harsch was born in 1957
November 4, 2012 ~ Jazz trumpeter Ted Curson passed away in Montclair, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Penned, and recorded the song Tears For Dolphy for his 1964 album of the same name, the song being an elegy for iconic saxophonist, clarinetist Eric Dolphy who died earlier the same year. The song would become widely used in films. Curson has collaborated with a host of artists including Cecil Taylor, Pepper Adams, Bill Barron, Nick Brignola, Andrew Hill, Charles Mingus, Sal Nistico, Archie Shepp, and Andrzej Trzaskowksi ~ Curson was born in 1935
November 4, 2010 ~ Hector José Regalado, commonly known as percussionist, bandleader, songwriter Rudy Regalado, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Key member of El Chicano, joining the band in 1971 and present on some of the band's best known including the singles Brown Eyed Girl and Tell Her She's Lovely. Fronted his own Chévere, known for the 1990s albums Mollendo Cafe and La Gloria. Toured with Aretha Franklin. Appeared on recordings by Quincy Jones, Joe Zawinul, Alphonse Mouzon, and Alex Acuña ~ Regalado was born in 1943
November 4, 2008 ~ Bassist, producer Byron Lee, full name Byron Aloysius St Elmo Lee, passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known for fronting calypso, ska outfit the Dragonaires, credited with popularizing Caribbean music. The band appears in Dr No, the very first Bond-film, playing Jamaica Jump Up. As a producer closely associated with Toots & the Maytals, working on many of their single releases. Has also worked with Boris Gardiner (Reggae Happening), Hopeton Lewis (Grooving Out On Life), and the Slickers (Johnny Too Bad) ~ Lee was born in 1935
November 4, 2007 ~ Songwriter Dorothy LaBostrie passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for co-writing Tutti Frutti for Little Richard. LaBostrie later claimed she had written the song entirely herself, dismissing Richard's claim he was the sole author. Also co-wrote Rich Woman, first recorded by Li'l Millet in 1955, later notably covered by Canned Heat, and co-wrote Irma Thomas signature song Don't Mess With My Man ~ LaBostrie was born in 1928
November 4, 2000 ~ Jazz, bebop drummer Vernel Fournier passed away in Jackson, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for his association with pianist Ahmad Jamal, recording close to a dozen albums with Jamal and bassist Israel Crosby from the mid-1950s through the early-1960s including the highly acclaimed At The Pershing (But Not For Me). The album would become one of the all-time best-selling jazz albums and remains a favorite among aficionados to this day. Fournier has also recorded with the likes of Norman Simmons, Lorez Alexandria, Jimmy Reed (I'm Jimmy Reed), Frank Strozier, Sam Jones (Down Home), and Gene Shaw. Fournier remained active until the mid-1990s when a stroke confined him to a wheelchair, but he continued his teaching activities ~ Fournier was born in 1928
November 4, 1994 ~ Frederick Dewey Smith, commonly known as guitarist Fred Sonic Smith, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Guitarist of influential punk rockers MC5, best known for the pivotal 1960s punk rock anthem Kick Out The Jams. Later formed the Sonic Rendezvous Band, known for its sole single City Slang. Married to Patti Smith in 1980, the couple have raised two children together. The band Sonic Youth named themselves after Smith's nickname ~ Smith was born in 1948
November 4, 1994 ~ Lawrence Arthur Webb, commonly known as jazz drummer, bandleader Speed Webb, passed away ~ Played violin and mellotron before switching to drums. Co-founded and led the Hoosier Melody Lads, with whom he enjoyed popularity from the late-1920s through the 1930s, at times employing noted sidemen such as Art Tatum, Teddy Buckner, Teddy Wilson, Roy Eldridge, Eli Robinson, and Reunald Jones Sr. Webb and his band appeared in several films, including Sins Of The Fathers, Riley The Cop, and His Captive Woman. Other than these soundtracks, no recordings of Webb and his band remained available, which considered his popularity, acclaim and the quality of his sideman is widely regarded a loss to jazz. Webb retired from music by the late-1930s, resuming his studies in enbalming and eventually building a chain of funeral parlours ~ Webb was born in 1906
November 4, 1987 ~ Mariel Semonte Orr, commonly known as rapper Trouble, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Has been releasing mixtapes since the early-2010s. Released his first full-length, the Mike Will Made It collaborative album Edgewood, in 2018. The acclaimed album would also feature appearances from Drake and the Weeknd. Guested on Lupe Fiasco's 2015 album Tetsuo & Youth. Guested on YFN Lucci's Key To The Streets single. Has also worked with Yo Gotti, Waka Flocka Flame, Trae the Truth, and others ~ Orr passed away in 2022
November 4, 1985 ~ Rock band Aerosmith release Done With Mirrors, the band's eighth studio album ~ The album marked the return of guitarists Joe Perry, who left in 1979, and Brad Whitford, who left the band in 1981. The album was intended as their ‘comeback’ album, but failed to live up to commercial expectations. None of the album's singles charted, the album itself reached mid-30s on the Billboard Hot 200. Perry would later comment: “Done With Mirrors. as far as I'm concerned, is our least inspired record. But I've heard fans really like it so I'm not gonna stand there and tell 'em, ‘No, it sucks.’ We had to do that record to get to the next one (Permanent Vacation) so it served its purpose. I just don't think it's up to the standard of some of our others.”
November 4, 1984 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, drummer, pianist, songwriter Nick Mulvey born in UK ~ Founding member of the Portico Quartet, leaving the band in 2011 to focus on a solo career. Released his debut EP The Trellis, in 2012. A full-length album, First Mind, followed in 2014. Best known for Cucurucu, which reached the UK top 30 in 2014
November 4, 1983 ~ Emma-Lee Moss, commonly known as indie pop, indie folk, neo folk, anti-folk singer, songwriter Emmy The Great, born in Hong Kong ~ Sings in Chinese and English. First gained attention guesting on Lightspeed Champion's 2008 Falling Off The Lavender Bridge debut album. Would release her First Love debut album the next year, spawning the singles First Love and We Almost Had A Baby. Has collaborated with Fatboy Slim, and Ash
November 4, 1978 ~ In its thirteenth week on the charts, You Needed Me by Anne Murray hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ By far the biggest hit of her career and her sole Billboard Hot 100 charttopper, You Needed Me would revitalize Anne Murray's career after several years of declining popularity. The song would earn Murray a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, the first to be awarded to a Canadian artist. You Needed Me also did well with country audiences, reaching No.4 on the Billboard Country charts and winning the ACM Award for Song of the Year. Randy Goodrum, sole songwriter of You Needed Me, would later also pen Broken Hearted Me, a Billboard Country No.1 hit for Murray in late 1979
November 4, 1975 ~ Kaoru Ishibashi, commonly known as indie pop, indie rock, experimental singer, guitarist, violinist, keyboardist, songwriter Kishi Bashi, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Founding member of Jupiter One. Member of Of Montreal. Released his critically acclaimed 151a solo debut album in 2012 and has recorded to a devout following since
November 4, 1974 ~ Singer, guitarist Cedric Bixler-Zavala born in Redwood City, California, USA ~ Lead singer, guitarist of At The Drive-in. Best known as lead singer of progressive rock outfit the Mars Volta and alongside Omar Rodríguez-López the only other constant member. the band acclaimed for the albums Deloused In The Comatorium, Frances The Mute and Bedlam In Goliath. Has also worked with Foss, the Fall On Deaf Ears, De-Facto, ANTEMASQUE, Anywhere, Big Sir, and Zavalaz
November 4, 1971 ~ Jazz, blues, soul singer, songwriter, actor Gregory Porter born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Released his debut album, Water, in 2010. Especially acclaimed for his 2014 Grammy Award-winning album Liquid Spirit and 2017's Take Me To The Alley
November 4, 1970 ~ Songwriter, politician Jack Tenney, full name Jack Breckinridge Tenney, passed away in Glendale, California, USA ~ Best remembered as a politician, especially for his role heading the Tenny Committee, researching “Un-American activities” for the California Senate in the 1940s and 1950s. As a songwriter best known for co-writing Mexicali Rose, recorded by Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, Jerry Lee Lewis, Slim Whitman, Vera Lynn, Jim Reeves, and others ~ Tenney was born in 1898
November 4, 1970 ~ Sara Magdalena Ernman, commonly known as singer Malena Ernman, born in Uppsala, Sweden ~ Best known as an opera singer. Has also performed chansons, cabaret, jazz, and appeared in musicals. To international pop audiences perhaps best known for representing her native Sweden in the 2009 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 21st place with La Voix
November 4, 1969 ~ Dancehall, reggae producer, songwriter Dave Kelly born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Engineer turned producer. Known for producing hits such as Nadine Sutherland & Terror Fabulous' Action, Bounty Killer's Look, Beenie Man's Dude, Cham's Ghetto Story, and Buju Banton's Blessed
November 4, 1969 ~ Ivory Jones, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Deek Watson, passed away in Washington DC, USA ~ Member of the Ink Spots from 1934 through 1944, present on hits such as If I Didn't Care, Address Unknown, Maybe, We Three (My Echo My Shadow & Me) and Don't Get Around Much Anymore ~ Jones was born in 1909
November 4, 1969 ~ Hip-hop producer, songwriter, rapper, impresario Sean Combs, also known as Puff Daddy or P Diddy, born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Debuted in 1997 with the album No Way Out. Would go on to score numerous hit albums and singles, as well as become an in-demand producer, songwriter and collaborator. Produced artists such as Mary J Blige and the Notorious BIG
November 4, 1968 ~ Grime, neo-soul ringer Cleo, full name Cleopatra Humphrey, born in London, UK ~ Also known under the moniker Mz Bratt. As a solo artist known for Who Do You Think You Are, I Like You, and Selecta. Has worked with Selah, Fugative, Tinchy Stryder, and others
November 4, 1968 ~ Glam metal, hard rock guitarist Stacey Blades, full name Stacey David Blades, born in Calgary, Canada ~ Perhaps best known for his association with the LA Guns through 2012, appearing on the albums Rips The Covers Off, Takes From The Strip, Covered In Guns, Hollywood Forever. Has also worked with Fraidy Katt, the Roxx Gang, Supercool, and the Electric Radio Kings. Released his Symphonic Slam solo debut album in 2009
November 4, 1965 ~ Hard rock, power metal, rock, funk singer, guitarist, trumpeter, songwriter Jeff Scott Soto born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Sam Cooke, Steve Perry, Freddie Mercury. Best known as lead vocalist on Yngwie Malmsteen's first two albums. Briefly a member of Journey. Member of SOTO, Sons Of Apollo, WET, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and most notably Talisman
November 4, 1963 ~ Latin pop, flamenco singer, actress Rosario Flores, full name Rosario del Carmen González Flores, born in Madrid, Spain ~ Daughter of flamenco guitarist El Pescaílla and singer Lola Flores. Sister of singers Lolita Flores and Antonio Flores. Best known for her 2002 album Muchas Flores and its 2004 follow-up De Mil Colores, both of which were awarded a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Album
November 4, 1961 ~ Pop, rock drummer René van Collem born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as Doe Maar drummer appearing on the album Doris Day En Andere Stukken. Also worked with Spargo, Powerplay, Sjako, Trijntje Oosterhuis, Herman Brood, Total Touch, Tiësto, Candy Dulfer, and others
November 4, 1959 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, percussionist Dejan Cukic born in Belgrade, Serbia ~ Best known as frontman, lead singer of late-1970s, early-1980s new wave outfit Bulevar. Subsequently worked with Bajagi I Instruktori and as a solo artist, releasing his Spori Ritam debut album in 1987
November 4, 1957 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist Najee, full name Jerome Najee Rasheed, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Yusef Lateef, Joe Henderson, Grover Washington Jr, Ronnie Laws, Hubert Laws, and James Galway. Toured backing artists such as Ben E King, Chaka Khan, and Freddie Jackson. Debuted as a solo artist in 1986 with the album Najee's Theme. Has been recording steadily since working with producers such as Barry Eastmond, Arif Mardin, George Duke, Marcus Miller, Wayne Brathwaite. Has recorded or performed with artists including Prince, Patti Labelle, Phyllis Hyman, Vesta Williams, Jeffrey Osborne, Stanley Clarke, Larry Carlton, Billy Cobham, Charles Earland, Paul Jackson Jr, Phil Perry, Melisa Morgan, Brian Bromberg, Frank McComb, James Lloyd, Chuck Jackson, Herbie Hancock, Sheila E, Patrice Rushen, Quincy Jones, and others
November 4, 1956 ~ Guitarist James Honeyman-Scott born in Hereford, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Pretenders. Present on the band's first two albums, 1979's The Pretenders and 1981's The Pretenders II which include some of the band's best known including Brass In Pocket, Message Of Love and I Go To Sleep ~ Honeyman-Scott passed away in 1982
November 4, 1954 ~ Guitarist, lyricist, songwriter Chris Difford, full name Christopher Henry Difford, born in Greenwich, UK ~ Founding member of Squeeze, known for songs such as Cool For Cats, Up The Junction, Labelled With Love and Hourglass, all of which reached the British top 20
November 4, 1954 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Horace Alexander Young born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Active since the early-1980s. Has guested on recordings by Bubbha Thomas, Freddy Fender, BB King, Madd Hatta, Mark Ledford, Texas Johnny Brown, Youssou n'Dour, and his wife Regina Belle, married to the latter from 1985 to 1990. As a solo artist known for his Acoustic Contemporary Jazz album, released in 2008
November 4, 1953 ~ Rock, pop rock, country rock singer, guitarist Van Stephenson, full name Van Wesley Stephenson, born in Hamilton, Ohio, USA ~ As a solo artist known for a number of 1980s recordings, notably You've Got A Good Love Coming, What The Big Girls Do and perhaps his best known Modern Day Delilah. Co-wrote songs recorded by Kenny Rogers, Juice Newton, Restless Heart (The Bluest Eyes In Texas), Laura Branigan. Co-founded country rock band Blackhawk in 1992, known for songs such Every Once In A While, I'm Not Strong Enough To Say No and There You Have It. Stephensen left the band in 2000 for health reasons ~ Stephenson passed away in 2001
November 4, 1952 ~ Keyboardist Jeff Lorber born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Herbie Hancock, the Weather Report, Chick Corea. Perhaps best known for fronting the Jeff Lorber Fusion, especially acclaimed for their 1981 Galaxian album. Over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with It's A Fact released in 1982. Member of Jazz-Funk-Soul. In-demand collaborator, working with the likes of Dave Koz, Eric Benét, Herb Alpert, Carol Duboc, Laura Branigan, and others
November 4, 1952 ~ Singer Perry Como records Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes ~ Written by cuntry singer, songwriter Slim Willet who released his own version the previous October. Produced by Eli Oberstein Como's pop cover would become the best known version, topping charts on both sides of the Atlantic. Other early versions were recorded by Red Foley, Ray Price, Skeets McDonald. Over time it would also be recorded by artists as diverse as Gisele MacKenzie, Lavern Baker, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and kd Lang
November 4, 1951 ~ Christine Carol Newby, commonly known as performance artist, guitarist, cornetist, singer Cosey Fanni Tutti, born in Hull, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member of Throbbing Gristle. After the band disbanded in 1981 Newby would form the duo Chris & Cosey with Chris Carter, the duo at times also performing and recording under the names Carter Tutti and Carter Tutti Void
November 4, 1950 ~ Dennis Anthony Leopold Simpson, commonly known as singer, actor Denis Simpson, born in St Ann's Bay, Jamaica ~ Original bass singer of the Nylons from 1978 through 1979, leaving the band before they became commercially successful. Best known as a an actor and TV personality, notably as the host of The Polka Dot Door TV show ~ Simpson passed away in 2010
November 4, 1949 ~ Progressive rock, hard rock, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Vittorio de Scalzi born in Genoa, Italy ~ Key figure in Italian progressive rock. Member of the Trolls and co-founder of its successor the New Trolls. The latter would breakthrough after opening for the Rolling Stones on the Italian leg of their 1967 tour. They would release their debut single Sensazione later the same year, a full-length debut album Senza Orario Senza Bandiera issued the next year. Acclaimed for their 1971 Concerto Grosso Per I New Trolls album, merging early symphonic rock with classical arrangements, and considered a landmark in Italian progressive rock. The band would continue to record and release records into the 2000s ~ De Scalzi passed away in 2022
November 4, 1948 ~ Howard Feiten, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Buzz Feiten, born ~ Replaced Elvin Bishop in the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, appearing on the band's Keep On Moving album. Played lead guitar for the Rascals on the albums Peaceful World and Island Of Real, for whom he also wrote Jungle Walk. Co-founded the Larsen-Feiten Band with Neil Larsen. In-demand session musician, present on albums by Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin (Spirit In The Dark), Don McLean, Syreeta Wright, Gregg Allman, Labelle, David Sanborn, Stevie Wonder (Songs In The Key Of Life), Randy Newman, Rickie Lee Jones, Jennifer Warnes, Randy Crawford, Bette Midler (No Frills), Curtis Stigers, and Jeff Lorber
November 4, 1948 ~ Pinoy folk, pinoy rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Heber Bartolome, full name Heber Gonzalez Bartolome, born in Philippines, Philippines ~ Besides guitar also plays the jaw harp kubing and bandurria, a stringed instrument similar to the mandolin. Known for merging rock and blues with elements of Philippine folk and religious melodies. Best known for songs such as Pasahero, Almusal, Inutil Na Gising, Karaniwang Tao and probably his best known Tayo'y Mga Pinoy and Nena with his band Banyuhay ~ Bartolome passed away in 2021
November 4, 1946 ~ Bluegrass banjoist Alan Munde born in Norman, Oklahoma, USA ~ Worked with the Stone Mountain Boys, Jimmy Martin, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Country Gazette, and Sam Bush
November 4, 1946 ~ William C Hancock Jr, commonly known as singer, guitarist, bassist Billy Hancock, born in Alexandria, Virginia, USA ~ Collaborated with Danny Gatton and Dave Elliott in Danny & the Fat Boys. Member of art rock group Fallen Angels. Backed musicians such as Fats Domino, Gene Vincent, Roy Buchanan, Charlie Feathers, the Clovers, Amos Milburn, Dottie West, and Jean Shepard ~ Hancock passed away in 2018
November 4, 1946 ~ Drummer David Garibaldi born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Best known as member of funk outfit Tower Of Power, active with the band from 1968 through 1980 with an ocassional hiatus here and there. Rejoined the band in 1998. Has co-written songs such as After Hours, Down To The Nightclub, East Bay, Oakland Stroke, Vuela Por Noche, You Wanna Be A Hero, and the band's best known What Is Hip. Garibaldi has also collaborated with the likes of Gino Vanelli, Wishful Thinking, Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Boz Scaggs, the Yellowjackets, Jermaine Jackson, Deniece Williams, and others
November 4, 1946 ~ Tomas Pacheco, commonly known as folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Tom Pacheco, born ~ Son of jazz guitarist Tony Pacheco. Briefly a member of psychedelic folk-rock outfit the Ragamuffins. Member of Euphoria. Virtually unknown in America yet enjoyed popularity in Europe. Well over 20 albums to his name, especially known for Woodstock Winter released in 1997
November 4, 1942 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Ray Columbus, full name Raymond John Patrick Columbus, born in Christchurch, New Zealand ~ Fronted Ray Columbus & the Invaders, best known for their 1964 Australian charttoppper She's A Mod, the first song by a New Zealand act to top the charts in another country. The single Where Have You Been released the following year would reach top 30. Following the band's disbandement in 1966, Columbus has recorded as a solo artist, notably known for songs such as Happy In A Sad Kind Of Way, Travelling Singing Man, and People Are People ~ Columbus passed away in 2016
November 4, 1940 ~ Singer, songwriter Delbert McClinton born in Lubbock, Texas, USA ~ Energetic blues-rocker. Known for songs such as Givin' It Up For Your Love, Every Time I Roll The Dice, Sending Me Angels, and the Tanya Tucker-duet Tell Me About It
November 4, 1938 ~ R&B, psychedelic soul, pop singer Harry Elston born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Member of the Hi-Fi's. The group also included Marilyn McCoo and Lamonte McLemore, who would later rise to fame as co-founding members of the 5th Dimension. Elston went on to co-found Friends Of Distinction, best known for their 1970 hit song Grazing In The Grass, a cover of the Hugh Masekela instrumental with lyrics added by Elston. Other well known songs include Love Or Let Me Be Lonely, I Need You, and Going In Circles. The latter, a 1969 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit for the band, would be notably covered by Isaac Hayes, the Gap Band, and Luther Vandross
November 4, 1938 ~ Blues, R&B singer Lillian Offitt, full name Lillian Etta Offitt, born in Gallatin, Tennessee, USA ~ Visited Nashboro Records aiming to make a gospel record. The label's owner, Ernie Young, persuaded her to record secular music instead, which led to her 1957 Miss You So debut single issued on Young's Excello subsidiary label. It would reach top 10 Billboard R&B. Offitt continued to record for the next few years, albeit it to lesser success. Her 1959 Will My Man Be Home Tonight, featuring Earl Hooker on guitar, became a regional hit but failed to chart nationally. Follow-up records again failed, and Offitt retired from music by the early-1960s to raise a family ~ Offitt passed away in 2020
November 4, 1935 ~ Conductor, composer, trumpeter Elgar Howarth born in Cannock, UK ~ To pop audiences perhaps best known as one of the trumpeters guesting on the Beatles-track Magical Mystery Tour. Formed New Music Manchester with fellow students Harrison Birtwistle, Alexander Goehr, Peter Maxwell Davies and John Ogdon. Has worked with numerous renowned orchestras. As a conductor perhaps best known for premiering György Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre in 1978 with the Royal Swedish Opera
November 4, 1932 ~ Folk singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter Tommy Makem born in Keady, Northern Ireland ~ As a solo artist best known for songs such as Four Green Fields, Gentle Annie, The Rambles Of Spring, The Town Of Ballybay, and others. Worked with the Clancy Brothers, Makem & Clancy, the Flying Fish, Red Biddy, and Roger McGuinn ~ Makem passed away in 2007
November 4, 1931 ~ Ian George Stopfor Harrison, commonly known as singer Clinton Ford, born in Lancashire, UK ~ Popular 1950s, 1960s singer. Known for songs such as Too Many Beautiful Girls, Fanlight Fanny and Run To The Door ~ Harrison passed away in 2009
November 4, 1930 ~ Singer, film and stage actress, TV show host Armida Siguion-Reyna born in Malabon, Philippines ~ Sang leading roles in operas such as Rigoletto, La Traviata, Pagliacci, and The Merry Widow. Acted in well over two dozen feature films. Hosted Aawitan Kita, which aired for over 30 years making it one of the longest-running musical TV shows of the Philippines ~ Siguion-Reyna passed away in 2019
November 4, 1929 ~ Joseph Paul Florio, commonly known as songwriter, producer Paul Vance, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Prolific songwriter with over an estimated 300 songs to his credit, often teaming up with Lee Pockriss. Among their best known are Perry Como's 1957 hit Catch A Falling Star and Brian Hyland's Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini, the latter a 1960 Billboard Hot 100 charttopper. The duo would be sued by songwriters Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and George Shadow Morton for their spoof song and Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit The Leader Of The Laundromat recorded under the moniker the Detergents, which parodied the Shangri-Las' The Leader Of The Pack. The case would be settled out of court ~ Florio passed away in 2022
November 4, 1928 ~ Derek William Ley, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, singer Eggy Ley, born in London, UK ~ Active since the early-1950s playing in bands led by Mick Colliers, Eric Silk, and Stan Sowden, before finding success with his own ensemble in Germany, playing a residency in Hamburg and scoring a 1959 hit single with Blues For St Pauli. Later Ley would co-lead Jazz Legend with Hugh Rainey, record with Cy Laurie, found and front the 1980s unit Hot Shots, and run the Jazzin' Around newspaper. Ley relocated to Canada by the late-1980s where he passed away at age 67 following a heart attack ~ Ley passed away in 1995
November 4, 1928 ~ Vibraphonist, drummer Larry Bunker, full name Lawrence Benjamin Bunker, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ First gained attention in the early-1950s, replacing Chico Hamilton in Gerry Mulligan's ensemble. Would go on to become an in-demand studio musician, perhaps best known for his association with Bill Evans in the early-1960s including on the album Time Remembered. Bunker has also appeared on albums by Hampton Hawes, Harry Babasin (Jazz In Hollywood), Stan Getz (West Coast Jazz), June Christy, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald (Lullabies Of Birdland), Jon Eardley, Eartha Kitt, Sonny Criss, Anita O'Day, Freddie Redd (Piano East Piano West), Buddy Collette (Man Of Many Parts), Stan Kenton, Peggy Lee, Mel Tormé, Frank Sinatra (Only The Lonely), Fred Katz, Carmen McRae, Benny Carter (Aspects), Henry Mancini, Zoot Sims (Choice), Chet Atkins (Chet Atkins In Hollywood), Neal Hefti, the 5th Dimension, Michael Franks, Al Jarreau (We Got By), John Williams (Jaws), Donna Summer, and Tom Waits (Swordfishtrombones) ~ Bunker passed away in 2005
November 4, 1926 ~ Carlos Valdés, commonly known as conga player Patato Valdés, born in Havana, Cuba ~ Especially acclaimed for the 1967 collaborative Patato & Totico album with Totico. Once named “the greatest conguero alive today” by Tito Puente, whom he backed on over a dozen albums including Cuban Carnival and Dance Mania. Co-wrote Epistrophy, recorded by Thelonious Monk. Co-wrote Syeeda's Song Flute, recorded by John Coltrane. An in-demand sideman, Valdes has guested on albums by Kenny Dorham (Afro-Cuban), Art Blakey, Machito (Latin Soul Plus Jazz), Cannonball Adderley, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Mann, Art Taylor (AT's Delight), Max Roach (Percussion Bitter Sweet), Grant Green, Herbie Mann, Charlie Rouse, Dave Pike (Manhattan Latin), Cal Tjader, Johnny Lytle, Freddie Hubbard, Elvin Jones (Mr Jones), Cachao, Ismael Miranda, Jorge Dalto, and Mario Bauzá (The Tanga Suite) ~ Valdés passed away in 2007
November 4, 1924 ~ Organist, pianist, composer Gabriel Fauré, full name Gabriel Urbain Fauré, passed away in Paris, France ~ Considered of the foremost French composers of his generation. Served as the bridge between the Romantic era and modernism of the 20th century. Known for works such as Pavane, Sicilienne, Après Un Rêve, and Clair De Lune ~ Fauré was born in 1845
November 4, 1922 ~ Jazz pianist Ralph Sutton, full name Ralph Earl Sutton, born in Hamburg, Missouri, USA ~ Along with James P Johnson and Fats Waller among the best known and most influential stride pianists. Active since the late-1930s, backing artists such as Jack Teagarden and Bob Scobey before venturing out on his own. Over a dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for his eponymous 1950 Ralph Sutton debut album. Present on albums by Conrad Janis, Jess Stacy, Edmond Hall, Wild Bill Davison, Tony Parenti, Sidney Bechet (Creole Reeds), Clancy Hayes (Swingin' Minstrel), the Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band, the World's Greatest Jazz Band, and Dick Cary ~ Sutton passed away in 2001
November 4, 1915 ~ Sebastian Mure, commonly known as guitarist, songwriter Billy Mure born in New York, New York, USA ~ Recorded over a dozen albums as a solo artist. Best known for the Toy Balloons and A String Of Trumpets. In-demand session guitarist during the 1950s and 1960s, appearing on tracks recorded by Paul Anka, Frankie Laine (Rawhide), the Ames Brothers, Eddie Fisher, Don Rondo, Marty Robbins, Bobby Darin (Splish Splash), Eydie Gormé, Connie Francis (Among My Souvenirs), Guy Mitchell, Tony Bennett, Kay Starr, Brian Hyland (Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini), Johnny Mathis, Patti Page, Marcie Blane (Bobby's Girl), Ray Peterson, Johnnie Ray (Cry), and Della Reese ~ Mure passed away in 2013
November 4, 1912 ~ Frances Cohen, commonly known as cabaret, show tune singer, pianist Frances Faye, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ One of the first openly bisexual singers, her stage act often including double entendres and references to lesbianism. Known for songs such as I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate, Mad About The Boy, Sweet Georgia Brown, and For You, performing the latter in the 1937 Bing Crosby musical comedy Double Or Nothing. Faye is also known for writing Well All Right, recorded by the Andrews Sisters ~ Cohen passed away in 1991
November 4, 1907 ~ Claude August Benjamin, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Bennie Benjamin, born in Christiansted, Danish West Indies ~ Revered pop songwriter. Collaborated with composers such as Sol Marcus, and George David Weiss. Well known songs written or co-written by Benjamin include I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire (Harlan Leonard, Betty Carter, Frankie Laine), Oh What It Seemed To Be (Frank Sinatra, Frankie Carle, Willie Nelson), When The Lights Go On Again (Vaughn Monroe, Gene Autry, Vera Lynn), Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Nina Simone, the Animals, Elvis Costello), and Wheel Of Fortune (Kay Starr, Eddie Wilcox, Dinah Washington) ~ Benjamin passed away in 1989
November 4, 1906 ~ Michael Joseph O'Sullivan. commonly known as pianist Joe Sullivan, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Earl Hines. Wrote and first recorded Little Rock Getaway in 1935, covered by over 50 artists including Frankie Trumbauer, Chet Atkins, Dave Brubeck, and Gerry Mulligan. Acclaimed for his 1955 Mr Piano Man album. Present on recordings by Sidney Bechet, Max Kaminsky, Bob Crosby, Billie Holiday, Marty Paich, Eddie Condon (Chicago And All That Jazz), Jack Teagarden (100 Years From Today), Les Paul, and Dill Jones ~ Sullivan passed away in 1971
November 4, 1906 ~ Delta blues pianist Willie Love born in Duncan, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by pianist Leroy Carr. Best known for his 1951 recording Everybody's Gone Fishing. Worked with Sonny Boy Williamson II, Charley Booker, Oliver Sain, Elmore James, Joe Willie Wilkins, Little Milton, TJ Green, Junior Blackman, Eddie Shaw, and others ~ Love passed away in 1953
November 4, 1896 ~ Henry Macgregor Woods, commonly known as songwriter, pianist Harry M Woods, born in North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known for contributing to a number of Hollywood musicals including notably The Vagabond Lover, A Lady's Morals, and Road House. Collaborated with songwriters such as Mort Dixon, Al Sherman, Arthur Freed, Rube Bloom, and Gus Kahn. Songs written or co-written by Woods include I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover (Nick Lucas, Ben Bernie, Jean Goldkette), When The Moon Comes Over The Mountain (Kate Smith), What A Little Moonlight Can Do (Violet Loraine, Billie Holiday, Billy Eckstine), and Try A Little Tenderness (Ray Noble, Bing Crosby, Otis Redding) ~ Woods passed away in 1970
November 4, 1878 ~ Songwriter Jean Schwartz born in Budapest, Hungary ~ Frequent collaborator of William Jerome. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as I'm A Member Of The Midnight Crew (Eddie Morton), Chinatown My Chinatown (Grace Kerns, Milton Brown), Rock-a-bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody (Al Jolson, Judy Garland, Jackie Wilson), Trouble In Paradise (Eddy Duchin), Trust In Me (Wayne King, Mildred Bailey, Louis Jordan, Etta James), and Wild Romantic Blues (Jane Green) ~ Schwartz passed away in 1956