November 8, 2022 ~ Singer Claes-Göran Hederström passed away ~ Best known for representing his native Sweden in the 1968 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 5th place with Det Borjar Verka Karlek (Banne Mej) written by Peter Himmelstrand ~ Hederström was born in 1945
November 8, 2022 ~ Hard rock, blues rock, rock singer Dan McCafferty, full name William Daniel McCafferty, passed away ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of hard rock band Nazareth, known for 1970s hits such as Broken Down Angel, Bad Bad Boy and Love Hurts. Following his departure from the band in 2013 for health reasons McCafferty has occasionally performed and recorded as a solo artist ~ McCafferty was born in 1946
November 8, 2022 ~ Garrick Roberts, commonly known as pop, rock guitarist Garry Roberts, passed away ~ Co-founded the Boomtown Rats with Johnnie Fingers, soon employing bassist Pete Briquette, guitarist Gerry Cott, drummer Simon Crowe and lead singer Bob Geldof. The band would score a number of hits in their native Ireland and the UK including Like Clockwork, Rat Trap, Banana Republic and their best-known I Don't Like Mondays. After the band folded in 1985 Roberts would work as a sound engineer for acts such as Simply Red, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark and Flesh For Lulu ~ Roberts was born in 1954
November 8, 2022 ~ Pierre Kartner, commonly known as singer Vader Abraham, passed away ~ Wrote over 1,600 songs. Known for his Smurf-themed songs, the 1971 Wilma Landkroon duet Zou Het Erg Zijn Lieve Opa, and for Het Kleine Café Aan De Haven, the latter covered over 250 times in various languages including by Engelbert Humperdinck (Little Cafe On The Harbour), Audrey Landers (My Favourite Cafe On The Harbour), Mireille Mathieu (Le Café De La Rue Amerique), Joe Dassin (Le Café Des Trois Colombes), and by Peter Alexander (Die Kleine Kneipe) ~ Kartner was born in 1935
November 8, 2022 ~ Werner Ferdinande, commonly known as singer Will Ferdy, passed away in Antwerp, Belgium ~ Icon of the gay community, known for being the first Flemish artist to come out. Known for songs such as Belijdenis, Ziede Gij Me Gere, De Stervende, Het Schrijverke and perhaps his best known Christine ~ Ferdinande was born in 1927
November 8, 2020 ~ Ferdinand van Eis, commonly known as blues singer Oscar Benton, passed away in IJmuiden, the Netherlands ~ Duetted with Monica Verschoor on All I Ever Need Is You and Everybody's Telling Me, the latter a top 20 hit in the Netherlands in 1972. Fronted the Oscar Benton Blues Band. Best known for 1974's Roll On Sweet Mississippi and Bensonhurst Blues, the latter a hit in France after the song was included in the 1981 crime-thriller Pour La Peau D'Un Flic starring Alain Delon ~ Van Eis was born in 1949
November 8, 2020 ~ Vanusa Santos Flores, mononymously known as pop rock singer Vanusa, passed away in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Exponent of the jovem guardia movement, a genre of Brazilian music emerging in the 1960s heavily influenced by both American rock & roll and British invasion. Well over a dozen albums to her name starting with her 1968 eponymous Vanusa debut album ~ Flores was born in 1947
November 8, 2012 ~ Peter Kuhlmann, commonly known as ambient, electronic producer, composer Pete Namlook passed away ~ Worked with Klaus Schulze, Bill Laswell, Biosphere, Gaudi, Richie Hawtin, Tetsu Inoue, Uwe Schmidt, Tying Tiffany, and others ~ Kuhlmann was born in 1960
November 8, 2011 ~ Rapper Dwight Arrington Myers, commonly known as Heavy D, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as frontman of Heavy D & the Boyz, which also included G-Whiz, Trouble T-Roy, and Eddie F. Also known for a number of notable guest appearances including on Janet Jackson's Alright (1989), one of the earliest rap appearances on a pop record, and on Michael Jackson's Jam (1992). Reportedly instrumental in getting Andre Harrell to sign Sean Combs as well as Jodeci ~ Myers was born in 1967
November 8, 2006 ~ Film and TV composer, conductor, orchestrator Basil Poledouris, full name Basil Konstantine Poledouris, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Known for scoring the music to films such as Red Dawn, Robocop, The Hunt For Red October and Free Willy ~ Poledouris was born in 1945
November 8, 2006 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Franck Langolff passed away ~ Internationally perhaps best known for co-writing Joe Le Taxi with Etienne Roda-Gil. The song would be an international for Vanessa Paradis in 1987, reaching top 10 across Europe including Ireland and the UK and top the French charts for 11 weeks. It would propel Paradis, then aged 14, to stardom ~ Langolff was born ca.1948
November 8, 2004 ~ Rock, pop basssist, songwriter Roland Robinson passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Co-wrote Infatuation, a hit for Rod Stewart in 1984. In-demand session musician. Worked with Eddie Floyd, Buddy Miles, Jerry Norris, the Mar-keys, Willie Cobbs, the Panther Burns, and others ~ Robinson was born ca.1949
November 8, 2003 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock inger Guy Speranza passed away ~ Best known as Riot's original frontman, singing with the band from 1975 through 1981 ~ Speranza was born in 1956
November 8, 2000 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Dick Morrisey, full name Richard Edwin Morrissey, passed away in Deal, UK ~ Worked with the Delta City Jazzmen, the Original Climax Jazz Band, Gus Gailbraith, the Jazz Couriers, Ted Heath, Stan Robinson, Al Gay, Paul Carroll, Ian Carr, Kenny Wheeler, Alexis Korner, Brian Auger, John Critchinson, John Burch, Max Middleton, Steve Ferrone, Danny Cummings, Tubby Hayes, Bill Le Sage, Roy Budd, Michael Garrick, Spike Robinson, Charlie Watts, Jack Bruce, Colin Hodgkinson, Zoot Money, Charly Antolini, Annie Ross, Dusty Springfield, Paul McCartney, Orange Juice, and others ~ Morrisey was born in 1940
November 8, 2000 ~ Singer Jasmine Thompson, full name Jasmine Ying Thompson, born in London, UK ~ First gained attention as vocalist on Robin Schulz' Sun Goes Down, an international hit in 2014. Thompson was 14 years at the time
November 8, 1999 ~ Songwriter Gwen Gordy passed away in San Diego, California, USA ~ Sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. Married to singer, label executive Harvey Fuqua. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Lonely Teardrops (Jackie Wilson), All I Could Do Was Cry (Etta James), and Distant Lover (Marvin Gaye) ~ Gordy was born in 1927
November 8, 1999 ~ Trumpeter, hornist, percussionist Lester Bowie passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Married to and musical director for Fontella Bass. Co-founded Art Ensemble Of Chicago. Also closely associated with the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians and the Leaders. Early on in his career backed blues artists such as Little Milton, Melvin Jackson and Albert King and R&B artists such as Solomon Burke, Joe Tex, Rufus Thomas. In jazz has collaborated with the likes of Jack DeJohnette, Roscoe Mitchell, Sunny Murray, Archie Shepp, Wadada Leo Smith, and others. Guested on David Bowie's 1993 Black Tie White Noise album, the song Looking For Lester named for him ~ Bowie was born in 1941
November 8, 1994 ~ Singer, actress, songwriter Lauren Alaina born in Rossville, Georgia, USA ~ Runner-up in 10th season of talent show American Idol, losing to Scotty McCreery. Released her debut album, Wildflower, in 2011
November 8, 1993 ~ Dixieland trumpeter Dick Cathcart, full name Charles Richard Cathcart, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Lawrence Welk for most of the 1960s. Also worked with Bob Crosby, Ben Pollack, Ray Noble. Married to Peggy Lennon, one of the Lennon Sisters ~ Cathcart was born in 1924
November 8, 1992 ~ Lawrence Philpot, commonly known as club DJ Larry Levan, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Resident DJ at Paradise Garage, New York. Also played sets at Club Zanzibar, Newark, considered the home of the Jersey sound brand of deep house ~ Levan was born in 1954
November 8, 1992 ~ Keith Moore Mitchell, commonly known as Red Mitchell, bassist, passed away in Salem, Oregon, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Brother of bassist Whitey Mitchell. Worked with Mundell Lowe, Chubby Jackson, Charlie Ventura, Woody Herman, Red Norvo, Gerry Mulligan, André Previn, Shelly Manne, Hampton Hawes, Billie Holiday, Stan Seltzer, Ornette Coleman, Mahalia Jackson, Harold Land, Clark Terry, Lee Konitz, Herb Ellis, Jim Hall, Joe Pass, Kenny Barron, Hank Jones, Ben Webster, Bill Mays, Warne Marsh, Jimmy Rowles, Phil Woods, Roger Kellaway, Putte Wickman, Barney Kessel, Karin Krog, Idrees Sulieman, Mose Allison, Chet Baker, Paul Bley, Red Callender, Buddy Collette, Maynard Ferguson, Tommy Flanagan, Jimmy Giuffre, Herbie Harper, Stan Kenton, Gil Melle, Jack Montrose, Cal Tjader, and others ~ Mitchell was born in 1927
November 8, 1991 ~ Cabaret, show tune singer, pianist Frances Faye passed away ~ Worked with Bing Crosby. Wrote Well All Right, recorded by the Andrews Sisters. As a singer known for songs such as I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate, Mad About The Boy, Sweet Georgia Brown, and others ~ Faye was born in 1912
November 8, 1986 ~ Trumpeter, singer Ilya Serov born in Russia ~ Worked with Poncho Sanchez, Roger Kellaway, Bruce Forman, Eric Marienthal, and others
November 8, 1985 ~ Singer, songwriter Bryn Christopher born in Birmingham, UK ~ Perhaps best known for his 2008 The Quest debut single, featured in the TV series Grey's Anatomy. Guested on Sigala's Sweet Lovin', a UK top 10 hit in 2015
November 8, 1984 ~ Jazz, world percussionist, guitarist Collin Walcott passed away in Magdeburg, Germany ~ Leader and sideman. Member of Oregon. Member of Codona. Present on the 1972 Miles Davis album On The Corner. Has also worked with David Amram, Don Cherry, Larry Coryell, Egberto Gismonti, Paul Winter, and others ~ Walcott was born in 1945
November 8, 1984 ~ Folk, indie folk, indie rock singer, bassist, keyboardist Ran Nir born in Jerusalem, Israel ~ Founding member of Asaf Avidan & the Mojos, known for the hits Reckoning Song and Weak. Member of LNFT from 2012 to 2018. Released debut solo album, Obsession, in 2019
November 8, 1984 ~ Singer, songwriter, actress Tasha Thomas passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for her role as Aunt Em in the original Broadway production of The Wiz. Sang backup on Jim Croce's You Don't Mess Around With Jim debut album. Sang backup on Slade's Nobody's Fools album. Sang backup on the Kiss, Love Gun album. As a solo singer best known for her 1979 disco hit Shoot Me With Your Love ~ Thomas was born ca.1945
November 8, 1983 ~ Pianist James Booker, full name James Carroll Booker III, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Known for songs such as Doin'The Hambone, Thinkin About My Baby, Gonzo. Has worked with Fats Domino, Smiley Lewis, Lloyd Price, John Boudreaux, Jessie Hill, Alvin Robinson, John Mayall, Ringo Starr, the Doobie Brothers, Labelle, Maria Muldaur, Dr John, and others ~ Booker was born in 1939
November 8, 1982 ~ Samuel Falson, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Sam Sparro, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Best known for the 2008 single Black And Gold
November 8, 1977 ~ Jullyann Inderia Gordon, commonly known as producer, songwriter, singer, actress Jully Black, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Starting in the late 1990s worked as songwriter and guest vocalist for artists including Nas, Saukrates, Choclair, Kardinal Offishal, Destiny's Child, and Sean Paul. She released her solo debut in 2005, received numerous awards and is dubbed “Canada's Queen of R&B” by fans and critics
November 8, 1976 ~ Jazz drummer Eric Harland born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Especially acclaimed for his 2006 Sangam debut album and its follow-up Rabo De Nube released in 2008. Member of the SF Jazz Collective from 2005 through 2012. Has also worked with Charles Lloyd, Prism, James Farm, McCoy Tyner, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Aaron Goldberg, Julian Lage, Chris Potter, Terence Blanchard, and others
November 8, 1976 ~ Eriik Thomas Sihlberg, commonly known as rapper, singer, producer Thomas Rusiak, born ~ Member of hip-hop group Sherlock. Closely associated with Swedish rapper Petter. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Magic Villa in 2002
November 8, 1974 ~ R&B, blues, boogie-woogie pianist, singer, songwriter Ivory Joe Hunter passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Billed as “the Baron of the Boogie” best known for Since I Met You Baby. Influential on future R&B, rock & roll and country stars. Scored a number of classic R&B hits starting in the mid 1940s including Blues At Midnight, Pretty Mama Blues, Waiting In Vain, Guess Who, Jealous Heart, I Almost Lost My Mind and Empty Arms ~ Hunter was born in 1914
November 8, 1973 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Dylan records On A Night Like This ~ Written by Dylan. Produced by Rob Fraboni. Used as the opening track of the 1974 Planet Waves album. Released as a single, b/w You Angel You, the following March. Dylan is backed by his then-regular backing unit of Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel, Garth Hudson, Rick Danko and Levon Helm
November 8, 1973 ~ Drummer, bandleader, songwriter Chris Dave born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Worked with the Winans, Kenny Garrett, Robert Glasper Experiment, Adele, Mint Condition, Bilal, Jill Scott, Meshell Ndegeocello, Maxwell, Eric Roberson, PJ Morton, d'Angelo, Anderson Paak, Justin Bieber, Nariaki Obukuro, Hikaru Utada, Raphael Saadiq, and others
November 8, 1971 ~ Aaron Dontez Yates, commonly known as rapper, singer, producer, songwriter Tech N9ne, born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Member of Black Mafia, the 57th Street Rogue Dog Villians (Let's Get Fucked Up), Nnutthowze and the Regime. Active as a solo artist since the late 1990s with well over a dozen albums to his name. Though never achieving mainstream succes himself, his highest charting single Hood Go Crazy barely scratching the Billboard Hot 100 in 2015, has had numerous major rappers guest on his recordings including E-40, Ice Cube, Three 6 Mafia, Busta Rhymes, Kendrick Lamar, Lil' Wayne, T-Pain, Cee Lo Green, Eminem, and others
November 8, 1970 ~ Reggae, reggae fusion, dancehall singer Diana King born in Spanish Town, Jamaica ~ Best known for her 1995 single Shy Guy
November 8, 1968 ~ Keyboardist Dave Palmer born in Denton, Texas, USA ~ Worked with Air, Fiona Apple, Seal, Chris Isaak, Joe Henry, Bobby Previte, Wayne Horvitz, Fleetwood Mac, Ponga, Critters Buggin, Aimee Mann, Solomon Burke, Avenged Sevenfold, the Earl Harvin Trio, and others
November 8, 1968 ~ James Arnold, commonly known as blues slide guitarist, songwriter Kokomo Arnold, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Got his nickname “Kokomo” after recording The Old Original Kokomo Blues, a cover of a Scrapper Blackwell song about the city of Kokomo, Indiana. Also known for recordings such as Rainy Night Blues, Sissy Man BLues, and Milk Cow Blues. The latter would later be covered by Elvis Presley ~ Arnold was born ca.1901
November 8, 1966 ~ Harold Baker, commonly known as jazz trumpeter Shorty Baker passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Active since the mid 1930s. Played the riverboats. Moved to work with Don Redman, Teddy Wilson, Andy Kirk, Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, Billy Strayhorn, and others. He was with Duke from 1942 through 1962 ~ Baker was born in 1914
November 8, 1964 ~ Singer Cubie Burke born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Five Stairsteps, known for You Waited Too Long, Something's Missing and perhaps their best known the 1970 Billboard top 10 hit O-o-h Child ~ Burke passed away in 2014
November 8, 1964 ~ Guitarist Jimmy Murrison born in Aberdeen, UK ~ Best known as lead guitarist for Nazareth, joining the band in 1994 as replacement for Billy Rankin. Has previously played with Trouble In Doggiland
November 8, 1963 ~ Guitarist Russell Malone born in Albany, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by BB King, the Dixie Hummingbirds, George Benson. Worked with Jimmy Smith, Harry Connick Jr, the CTI All-Stars, Diana Krall, Ron Carter, Roy Hargrove, Dianne Reeves, Kenny Barron, Branford Marsalis, Mulgrew Miller, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Dr Lonnie Smith, Hank Jones, Houston Person, Mose Allison, Natalie Cole, Will Downing, Jon Faddis, Macy Gray, Joss Stone, and others
November 8, 1961 ~ Actor, singer, teen idol Leif Garrett born in Hollywood, California, USA ~ Child actor, 1970s teen idol. Best known for the singles Runaround Sue and I Was Made For Dancin'
November 8, 1958 ~ Avant-garde jazz, klesmer clarinetist, saxophonist Don Byron born in New York, New York, USA ~ Took up the clarinet as a child, following doctor's advice to improve his breathing. Influenced by Joe Henderson, Artie Shaw, Jimmy Hamilton and Tony Scott About a dozen albums as a leader, especially acclaimed for his 1996 Bug Music album. In-demand sideman, has worked with the likes of Bobby Previte, Gerry Hemingway, Uri Caine, Bill Frisell, David Murray, Anthony Braxton, Living Colour, Vernon Reid, Marc Ribot, Lalo Schifrin, Allen Toussaint, Suzanne Vega, Cassandra Wilson, and others
November 8, 1958 ~ Drummer Terry Lee Miall born ~ Member of short-lived UK punk group Models, known for their sole single Freeze. Subsequently worked with Adam & the Ants from 1980, replacing Dave Barbarossa, through 1982. Present on the 1981 Prince Charming album which spawned the hits Stand And Deliver, Ant Rap and the title track Prince Charming
November 8, 1957 ~ Country singer Susie McEntire, full name Martha Susan McEntire, born in Chokie, Oklahoma, USA ~ Sister of country singer Reba McEntire, with whom she has also worked appearing on the albums Heart To Heart and Unlimited. As a recording artist herself has about a dozen albums to her name starting with 1993's Real Love which included the Paul Overstreet-duet I Don't Like I Do
November 8, 1956 ~ Guitarist, singer Alan Frew, full name Alan Graham Frew, born in UK ~ Lead singer of Glass Tiger, known for songs such as Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone and Someday
November 8, 1956 ~ Yolk, folk, folk rock singer Mari Boine born in Karrasjok, Norway ~ Actively recording since the 1990s. Known for her yodeling folk, dubbed yolk. Invited to perform at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, but declined perceiving the invitation as an attempt to bring a token minority to the ceremonies
November 8, 1956 ~ Country singer Patsy Cline records Walkin' After Midnight at Bradley Film & Recording Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Alan Block and Donn Hecht. Originally given to pop singer Kay Starr, but her label rejected it. Cline too initially rejected the song, but settled for having the song she favored, A Poor Man's Roses Or A Rich Man's Gold, recorded during the same session, on the flipside. The first time she performed Walkin' After Midnight, late January on the CBS talent show Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, the applause meter froze and caused technical difficulties. Released in February 1957, the single would reach No.12 Billboard pop, No.2 Billboard Country
November 8, 1955 ~ Jazz, blues singer, pianist, bandleader, songwriter Patricia Barber born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Has been releasing solo albums since the late 1980s. Worked with musicians such as Michael Arnopol, Mark Walker, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Marc Johnson, Adam Nussbaum, Carla White, John McLean, Dave Douglas, Jason Narducy, Adam Cruz, Neal Elger, Joey Baron, Chris Potter, Kenny Werner, and others
November 8, 1954 ~ Jazz bassist Kåre Garnes born in Bergen, Norway ~ Worked with Dag Arnesen, Knut Kristiansen, Per Jorgensen, Olav Dale, Ole Thomsen, Odd Riisnæs, Bjarne Nerem, Laila Dalseth, Per Husby, Svein Christiansen, Tom Olstad, Rune Klakegg, Nora Brockstedt, Totti Bergh, and others
November 8, 1954 ~ Singer Rickie Lee Jones born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Released her debut album, the eponymous Rickie Lee Jones, in 1979 and has recorded steadily since. Known for songs such as Young Blood, A Lucky Guy, The Real End and perhaps her best Chuck E's In Love, the latter reaching the Billboard top 10 in 1979
November 8, 1952 ~ Jazz drummer Carl Haakon Waadeland born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Worked with Dadafon, the DumDum Boys, Sambandet, Halvdan Sivertsen, Warne Marsh, Kenny Wheeler, Annbjorg Lien, Henning Sommerro, Bjørn Alterhaug, John Pål Inderberg, Knutsen & Ludvigsen, Miss Theodorakis, Arja Saijormaa, and others
November 8, 1951 ~ Singer, songwriter Gerald Alston born in Henderson, North Carolina, USA ~ Lead singer of the Manhattans, known for hits such as Kiss And Say Goodbye. As a solo artist known for songs such as Take Me Where You Want To, Slow Motion and Getting Back Into Love
November 8, 1950 ~ Rock, pop drummer Ab Tamboer born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Perhaps best known as member of Earth & Fire from 1978 until the band folded in 1983, present on the band's biggest hit Weekend. Subsequently a member of het Goede Doel through 1988, present on the band's Tempo Doeloe, Mooi En Onverslijtbaar en Iedereen Is Anders. Has also worked with Galaxis, Geo Dijkhuis, Jan Akkerman, Dennie Christian, Circus Custers, Polle Eduard, Henk Temming, Kinderen Voor Kinderen, and others ~ Tamboer passed away in 2016
November 8, 1949 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bonnie Raitt, full name Bonnie Lynn Raitt, born in Burbank, California, USA ~ Critics' darling. Known for songs such as Something To Talk About, I Can't Make You Love Me, and Love Sneakin' Up On You, all of which reached the Billboard top 20
November 8, 1949 ~ Sunshine pop, pop rock guitarist, singer Lee Freeman born ~ Member of Strawberry Alarm Clock, present on the band's best known Incense And Peppermints which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967 ~ Freeman passed away in 2010
November 8, 1948 ~ Rosalie L Edmondson, commonly known as pop, pop rock singer Sandy Edmonds, born in Ormskirk, UK ~ At the height of her fame, during the mid-1960s, New Zealand's most recognizable teen idol. Well-known songs include Oh No Not My Baby, I Love Onions, and Daylight Saving Time. Offered a spot in the Seekers in 1968, as replacement for Judith Durham, but declined ~ Edmondson passed away in 2022
November 8, 1947 ~ Drummer, singer Jack Jones, full name Jack Llewleyn Jones, born in Northampton, UK ~ Member of the Creation, remaining with the band from 1966 through 1968 and rejoining in later reincarnations. Present on early recordings such as Making Time, Painter Man and Cool Jerk
November 8, 1947 ~ Soul, R&B singer Minnie Riperton born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Sang backup for Etta James, Fontella Bass, Ramsey Lewis, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters. Member of Rotary Connection. Released her full-length solo debut album, Come To My Garden, in 1970. Best known for her 1975 hit Lovin' You ~ Riperton passed away in 1979
November 8, 1946 ~ Michael Lau Siu-Tin, commonly known as cantopop producer, songwriter Michael Lai, born in Hong Kong ~ Son of composer Lai Cho-Tin. First gained attention working as music director for Rediffusion Television, co-hosting and composing a number of TV themes. Would move to Capitol Artists by the early 1980s, where he would be a key figure in Cantopop. Noted especially for producing Leslie Cheung's 1983 Wind Blows On album ~ Lai passed away in 2019
November 8, 1946 ~ Glam rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, cellist, saxophonist, songwriter Roy Wood born in Birmingham, UK ~ Key figure in 1960s, 1970s UK rock. Co-founding member of the Move, the Electric Light Orchestra and Wizzard. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Boulders released in 1973
November 8, 1946 ~ Singer Stefan Weber born ~ Co-founding member and lead singer of Drahiwaberi known for their sole national hit Lonely which peaked at No.4 on the Austrian singles chart ~ Weber passed away in 2018
November 8, 1945 ~ Drummer Don Murray, full name Donald Ray Murray, born in Glendale, California, USA ~ Member of the Turtles. Member of Holy Mackerel ~ Murray passed away in 1996
November 8, 1944 ~ Bonnie Lynn O'Farrell, commonly known as singer Bonnie Bramlett, born in Alton, Illinois, USA ~ Formed Delaney & Bonnie with her husband Delaney Bramlett, known for songs such as Comin' Home, Never Ending Song Of Love and Only You Know And I Know. Has also worked with Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton, the Everly Brothers, Carly Simon, Dickey Betts, the Allman Brothers Band, Steve Cropper, Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams Jr, Rita Coolidge, Dwight Yoakam, Charlie Daniels Band, Reese Wynans, and others
November 8, 1944 ~ Jazz trumpeter Charles Sullivan born ~ Sideman and leader. Worked with Woody Shaw, Dollar Brand, Ricky Ford, King Curtis, Kenny Barron, Walter Bishop Jr, Carlos Garnett, Sonny Fortune, McCoy Tyner, Sam Rivers, and with Woody Shaw
November 8, 1944 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Rodney Slater, full name Rodney Desborough Slater, born in Lincolnshire, UK ~ Founding member of the Bonzo Dog Band, remaining with the band through 1970
November 8, 1942 ~ Keyboardist, songwriter Donnie Fritts, full name Donald Ray Frits, born in Florence, Alabama, USA ~ Best known for his association with Kris Kristofferson. Also worked with Rick Hall, Billy Sherrill, Dan Penn, Arthur Alexander, David Briggs, Jerry Carrigan, Norbert Putnam, Jerry Wexler, Willie Nelson, Spooner Oldham, Waylon Jennings, Delbert McClinton, Tony Joe White, Sammy Creason, Lee Roy Parnell, John Prine, and others. As a songwriter had his songs recorded by Joe Simon, Bonnie Koloc, Charlie Rich (You're Gonna Love Yourself In The Morning), the Box Tops, Dolly Parton (We Had It All), Dusty Springfield (Breakfast In Bed), and others ~ Fritts passed away in 2019
November 8, 1940 ~ Post bop, hard bop, bebop jazz pianist Kenny Cox born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Worked with Etta Jones, the Guerilla Jam Band, Regina Carter, James Carter, Tani Tabbal, Craig Taborn, Phil Ranelin, and others ~ Cox passed away in 2008
November 8, 1936 ~ Jazz pianist Bertha Hope born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Widow of pianist Elmo Hope. Remarried to bassist Walter Booker, with whom she often performed, oft in conjunction with drummer Jimmy Cobb
November 8, 1933 ~ Director, conductor Shelley Cohen born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known as longtime musical director and conductor for The Tonight Show. Also founded the New Horizon Singers and the Pacific Pops Orchestra ~ Cohen passed away in 2018
November 8, 1929 ~ Songwriter, producer Bert Berns, full name Bertrand Russell Berns, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Twist And Shout (the Top Notes, the Isley Brothers, the Tremeloes, the Who), Piece Of My Heart (Erma Franklin, Janis Joplin, Dusty Springfield), Here Comes The Night (Lulu, Them, David Bowie, Dwight Yoakam), Hang On Sloopy (the Vibrations, the McCoys), Everybody Needs Somebody To Love (Solomon Burke, the Rolling Stones, the Blues Brothers), and others ~ Berns passed away in 1967
November 8, 1927 ~ Mary Jean Loutsenhizer, commonly known as jazz singer Chris Connor, born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Sang with bands led by Claude Thornhill, Jerry Wald, and Stan Kenton in the early 1950s. Signed with Bethlehem in 1953 and released dual LPs, Chris Connor Sings Lullabys Of Birdland and Chris Connor Sings Lullabys For Lovers, making her the label's best-selling solo artist. Moved to Atlantic Records in 1955, becoming the label's first white female jazz singers, producing a string of well-polished albums through the early 1960s working with some of the days best musicians. Connor spent the remainder of the 1960s and 1970s recording for various labels. ~ Connor passed away in 2009
November 8, 1927 ~ Operatic baritone Jan Joris born in Wilrijk, Belgium ~ Father of jazz percussionist, pianist Chris Joris ~ Joris passed away in 2011
November 8, 1927 ~ Clara Ann Fowler, commonly known as traditional pop, country pop singer Patti Page, born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best-selling female singer of the 1950s. Scored over a dozen million-sellers. Best known for songs such as Confess, With My Eyes Wide Open I'm Dreaming, All My Love (Bolero), I Went To Your Wedding, Changing Partners, Allegheny Moon, and perhaps her best known The Tennessee Waltz ~ Fowler passed away in 2013
November 8, 1927 ~ Jazz pianist Stan Seltzer, full name Stanley Wilson Seltzer, born in Aurora, Illinois, USA ~ Child prodigy. Student of Vladimir Horowitz. Ibluenced by Oscar Peterson, Charlie Parker, Herbie Hancock. Best known as a concert and backing pianist in Chicago, Hollywood and Las Vegas and notably as the house pianist in Ricky's Lounge, Alhambra. As a recording artist known for a sole album, Excitement released in 1960 ~ Seltzer passed away in 2000
November 8, 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, Neil Young, and others ~ Edenton passed away in 2022
November 8, 1921 ~ Jerome Haynes, commonly known as guitarist Jah Jerry, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Worked woth the Jocelyn Trott Orchestra, Val Bennett, Prince Buster, Coxsone Dodd, Duke Reid, King Edwards, Lyndon Pottinger, the Skatalites, Rico Rodriguez, Tommy McCook, Supersonics, Fred Locks, Cornell Campbell, the Abyssinians, the Drumbago All-Stars, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, Millie Small, Alton Ellis, Delroy Wilson, Toots & the Maytals, Derrick Morgan, Stranger Cole, and others ~ Haynes passed away in 2007
November 8, 1913 ~ Arnold Dwight Moore, commonly known as blues, gospel singer, songwriter, pastor Gatemouth Moore, born in Topeka, Kansas, USA ~ Worked with Bennie Moten, Tommy Douglas, Walter Barnes, Ida Cox, Ma Rainey, Bertha Hill, and others. As a songwriter had his songs recorded by Louis Jordan, Lonnie Johnson, Johnny Otis, Rufus Thomas, Jimmy Witherspoon, and by BB King who once called Moore “one of the greatest blues singers ever” ~ Moore passed away in 2004
November 8, 1909 ~ Conductor Alberto Erede born in Genoa, Italy ~ Worked with the NBC Symphony Orchestra, the New London Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera House, the Vienna State Opera, and others ~ Erede passed away in 2001
November 8, 1909 ~ Country singer, songwriter Scotty Wiseman, full name Scott Greene Wiseman, born in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, USA ~ Formed the duo Lulu Belle & Scotty with his wife Lulu Belle, one of the most popular country acts of the 1930s and 1940s. The duo lovingly dubbed “the Sweethearts of Country Music” are best known for Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, written by Wiseman and recorded by well over 150 artists including Tex Ritter, Bing Crosby, Eddie Cochran, Jim Reeves, Elvis Presley, Patti Page, Willie Nelson, Ringo Starr, Roger Whittaker, and others ~ Wiseman passed away in 1981
November 8, 1883 ~ Composer, poet, author Arnold Bax, full name Arnold Edward Trevor Bax, was born in Streatham, UK ~ Closely associated with pianist Harriet Cohen. At the time regarded as an important yet isolated figure, his works rediscovered after his death. Best known for his symphonic poem Tintagel. Wrote symphonies, choral music, vocal music, chamber music and piano music ~ Bax passed away in 1953