November 8, 2024 ~ Trombonist, hornist George Bohanon, full name George Roland Bohanon Jr, passed away ~ Bohanon sporadically recorded as a leader, noted most for Boss (Bossa Nova) issued in 1963, yet is best known as an in-demand sideman praised for his fluid sound and ability to play in nearly any setting. Closely associated with Detroit's Workshop Jazz Ensemble, Chico Hamilton, including on the albums Man From Two Worlds and The Dealer, Ernie Wilkins, and Frank Sinatra, backing the latter for nearly a decade starting in the mid-1980s. Over the course of his lengthy career, Bohanon has appeared on albums by John Lee Hooker, Roy Brooks (Beat), the Temptations, the Doors (Soft Parade), Rita Coolidge, Ry Cooder (Into The Purple Valley), Diana Ross, Arlo Guthrie, Willie Hutch (The Mack), Bonnie Raitt (Takin' My Time), Marvin Gaye, Jesse Ed Davis, Flora Purim, Patrice Rushen, Hampton Hawes, the Four Tops, Glen Campbell (Rhinestone Cowboy), Donald Byrd, Quincy Jones, Deniece Williams (This Is Niecy), Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder (Songs In The Key Of Life), the Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Donna Summer (Bad Girls), Frank Capp, Barry White (Just For You), Everette Harp, and Milt Jackson ~ Bohanon was born in 1937
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, 2018 ~ Singer Lewis Capaldi releases Someone You Loved, lifted off his Breach EP ~ First issued as a single off Capaldi's Breach sophomore EP in late 2018, later also included on his Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent full-length debut album, Someone You Loved is a heartbreak song about the feeling you have when in a new relationship you are just getting used to being loved, and then something goes wrong and they leave you. It would be his first major hit, reaching top 10 in well over half a dozen countries, including the No.1 spot in Canada, Ireland, the UK, and America, catapulting the young pop singer to international fame. Someone You Loved would become the best selling single of 2019 in his native UK. Capaldi has later stated it was the saddest song he ever wrote
November 8, 2013 ~ Enka singer Chiyoko Shimakura passed away in Tokyo, Japan ~ Dubbed “the Goddess of Enka” with a career spanning three decades starting with her 1955 Konoyo No Hana debut single. Well-known songs include Tokyo Kiddo, Ringo Oiwake, Kawa No Nagare No Yoni, and perhaps her best known Jinsei Iroiro, a million-seller released in 1987] ~ Shimakura was born in 1938
November 8, 2011 ~ Dwight Arrington Myers, commonly known as rapper 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 ~ Henri-Alain Langolff, commonly known as guitarist Franck Langolff, passed away in Rouen, France ~ Internationally perhaps best known for co-writing Joe Le Taxi with Etienne Roda-Gil. The song would be an international hit 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 in 1948
November 8, 2000 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Dick Morrisey, full name Richard Edwin Morrissey, passed away in Deal, UK ~ First gained attention in the early-1960s as a member of the Delta City Jazzmen while still only in his mid-teens. Has recorded well over a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, starting with It's Morrisey at age 21. Co-founded If, regarded the premier British jazz-rock band, with Dave Quincy and Terry Smith, with whom he recorded a little over half a dozen albums during the early-1970s. Also closely associated with guitarist Jim Mullen. An in-demand collaborator, Morrisey has played with Ted Heath, Johnny Dankworth, Georgie Fame, Charlie Watts, Geoff Whitehorn, the Average White Band, Peter Gabriel, Craig Nuttycombe, Duncan Browne, Roy Harper, Orange Juice (Rip It Up), Gary Numan, Paul McCartney, Brian Auger, Paul Carrack (Groove Approved), and Barclay James Harvest. Upon Morrisey's death at age 60, The Times described him as “the most brilliant British saxophonist to emerge in the wake of Tubby Hayes, (…) his advocacy of jazz-rock fusion successfully brought jazz to a rock audience and rock to a jazz audience” ~ Morrisey was born in 1940
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 ~ Married to singer Fontella Bass, for whom he also served as musical director. Co-founded the Art Ensemble Of Chicago. Cosely 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, and Wadada Leo Smith. To pop rock audiences, Bowie is perhaps best known for guesting on David Bowie's, no relation, 1993 Black Tie White Noise album, of which the song Looking For Lester named for him ~ Bowie was born in 1941
November 8, 1993 ~ Singer Céline Dion releases The Power Of Love, lifted off her The Colour Of My Love album ~ Originally co-written and recorded by Jennifer Rush for her 1984 eponymous Jennifer Rush album. The single did well in Europe, Canada, and Australia, making her a one-hit wonder, though surprisingly it failed to reach the top half of the American Billboard Hot 100. Prior to Céline Dion, the song would also be recorded by Air Supply, Laura Branigan, James Last, and Shirley Bassey, yet the definitive hit version would be Dion's, which reached top 10 in numerous countries. In America, Dion would reach the top position, making it the best selling single of 1994, and earn the Canadian singer several nominations including for a Grammy Award in the category Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The song has been recorded by over an estimated 100 artists, including translations into Dutch, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish
November 8, 1992 ~ Keith Moore Mitchell, commonly known as bassist Red Mitchell, passed away in Salem, Oregon, USA ~ Started on piano, switching to bass while a member of the Army Band stationed in Germany. Has recorded prolifically as a leader or co-leader since the mid-1950s. Especially acclaimed for Presenting Red Mitchell, One Long String, and Chocolate Cadillac. A highly versatile and valued sideman, Mitchell has appeared on albums by Hampton Hawes, Red Callender (Red Callender Speaks Low), Lennie Niehaus, Stan Getz (West Coast Jazz), Barney Kessel (Kessel Plays Standards), Jon Eardley (From Hollywood To New York), Herbie Harper, Bobby Troup, Bill Perkins, Stuff Smith (Violins No End), Russ Freeman, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Billie Holiday, Frances Faye, André Previn (Pal Joey), Jim Hall (Jazz Guitar), Chet Baker, Henry Mancini (The Music From Peter Gunn), Ella Fitzgerald, Zoot Sims (Choice), Mose Allison, and Joe Sample. In the late-1960s, Mitchell relocated to Sweden where he continued to perform and record. Mitchell's brother Whitey Mitchell is also a professional jazz bassist ~ Mitchell was born in 1927
November 8, 1991 ~ Frances Cohen, commonly known as cabaret, show tune singer, pianist Frances Faye, passed away ~ 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 was born in 1912
November 8, 1989 ~ Rock band Aerosmith release Janie's Got A Gun, lifted off their Pump album ~ Written by Steven Tyler and Tom Hamilton, the song describes a young woman planning her revenge for childhood abuse. Co-writer Tyler would later explain how the song originated, merging two items from the news into one fictional tale: “I looked over at a TIME magazine and saw this article on 48 hours, minute by minute, of handgun deaths in the United States. Then I got off on the child abuse angle. I'd heard this woman speaking about how many children are attacked by their mothers and fathers. It was fucking scary. I felt, man, I gotta sing about this.” Janie's Got A Gun earned the band a Grammy Award and reached top 10 in Canada, America, and Australia, reaching the top spot in the latter, a first for the band
November 8, 1986 ~ In its seventh week on the charts, Amanda by Boston hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Tom Scholz had been working on the song since 1980. When a raw demo was leaked in 1984 and found its way to radio stations, the tape would quickly spread across stations and become a much-requested song before Boston's label, then Epic Records, served stations with cease and desist orders to get the song off the air. A few years later Boston, who had switched to MCA Records by now, issued the song as the lead single off their Third Stage album. Amanda would become their highest charting single, occupying the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 spot for two consecutive weeks. Boston's earlier hits More Than A Feeling and Don't Look Back had peaked respectively at No.5 and No.4
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, and Paul Winter ~ Walcott was born in 1945
November 8, 1984 ~ Singer, songwriter, actress Tasha Thomas passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best 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 single Shoot Me With Your Love, which reached top 30 on the Billboard R&B charts ~ Thomas was born ca.1950
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, and Dr John ~ Booker was born in 1939
November 8, 1980 ~ In its tenth week on the charts, On The Road Again by Willie Nelson peaks at No.20 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written for the film Honeysuckle Rose, Nelson penning the first outline of the song on a air sickness bag in a matter of minutes when he was on a plane with the film's director and producer, who asked him to write a song about being on the road. Nelson put off writing the melody for months until the day before recording it in the studio, as he later explained in his autobiography: “I saw no reason to put a melody to something I wasn't ready to record. I knew I wouldn't have any problem pulling the melody out of the air.” The film featuring Nelson as a struggling country singer bombed, yet the song was nominated for an Academy Award, bested by Irene Cara's Fame from the film of the same name, and became Nelson's then-biggest crossover hit as a singer
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, 1977 ~ Tiffany Jane Wood, commonly known as indie, pop rock singer, songwriter Tiffani Wood, born in Newcastle, Australia ~ Member of girl pop trio Bardot, known for the early-2000s hits Poison, ASAP, and I Need Somebody which would all reach top 10 in their native Australia. Wood later pursued a solo career, releasing her Bite Your Tongue debut album in 2006, but failed to reach the same level of success
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, and Terence Blanchard
November 8, 1974 ~ Singer, pianist Billy Joel releases The Entertainer, the sole single of his Streetlife Serenade album ~ A cynical look at the fleeting fame of a musician, as worded in the lyrics “Today I am your champion, I may have won your hearts. But I know the game, you'll forget my name. And I won't be here, in another year. If I don't stay on the charts.” Warmly received by critics, Record World calling it a clever record and remarking “Joel returns with a glint in his eye and sarcasm on his lips”, it would generally be considered the strongest track of the album. Despite positive reviews, The Entertainer stalled at No.34 Billboard Hot 100. A later single exploring the same theme of fleeting fame, 1980's It's Still Rock & Roll To Me, did considerably better, and reached the No.1 spot
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”, Hunter would enjoy popularity especially in the 1940s and 1950s, merging a velvety voice, smooth delivery and a rebellious nature drawing from R&B, blues, boogie-woogie, gospel, pop, and country music. It is estimated that by the mid-1950s, Hunter had recorded over a 100 songs, many of which have become classics. Well known tracks include Blues At Sunrise, Pretty Mama Blues, Don't Fall In Love With Me, What Did You Do To Me, Waiting In Vain, Jealous Heart, and Empty Arms, all of which reached top 10 Billboard R&B. Hunter is perhaps best remembered for penning and first recording the tracks I Almost Lost My Mind and Since I Met You Baby, the former covered by among others Nat King Cole, Connie Francis, Bill Haley, Solomon Burke, and Albert King, the latter among others by Sam Cooke, Brook Benton, Jerry Lee Lewis, BB King, and Lou Rawls. Several of his songs have also been recorded by Elvis Presley, including I Need You So, My Wish Came True, and Ain't That Lovin' You ~ 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, 1971 ~ Aaron Dontez Yates, commonly known as rapper, singer, producer 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, and Eminem
November 8, 1968 ~ Pop, blue-eyed soul singer Dusty Springfield releases Son Of A Preacher Man, lead single off her Dusty In Memphis album ~ Written by John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins, initially with Aretha Franklin in mind. Producer Jerry Wexler, however, passed the song to Springfield who scored an international hit with it, reaching top 10 in the Netherlands, America, and her native UK. Franklin subsequently recorded the song the following year for her This Girl's In Love With You album, and used it as the B-side to the Call Me Billboard R&B No.1, Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit single. Springfield's original version found a new audience in the mid-1990s after it was included on the soundtrack to the Pulp Fiction feature film
November 8, 1968 ~ James Arnold, commonly known as blues slide guitarist 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, and Billy Strayhorn. He was with Duke from 1942 through 1962 ~ Baker was born in 1914
November 8, 1963 ~ Jazz guitarist Russell Malone born in Albany, New York, USA ~ Began playing at age four on a toy guitar his mother bought him. Influenced by BB King, the Dixie Hummingbirds, and George Benson. Spent the late-1980s and 1990s backing artists such as Jimmy Smith, Harry Connick Jr, and Diana Krall, including on the latter's acclaimed and Grammy Award-winning When I Look In Your Eyes album. As a leader or co-leader, Malone has recorded some dozen albums since the early-1990s, specifically noted for the 2003 collaborative album Jazz At The Bistro with pianist Benny Green, as well as 2004's Playground, and 2017's Time For The Dancers. As a sideman and collaborator, Malone has appeared on albums by Branford Marsalis, Don Braden, Johnny O'Neal (On The Montreal Scene), Stephen Scott (The Beautiful Thing), Gary Bartz, Dave Grusin, Mose Allison (Gimcracks And Gewgaws), Marian McPartland, Ray Brown, Janis Siegel, the Chieftains, Houston Person, Wynton Marsalis, Regina Carter (Motor City Moments), Gary Burton, Will Downing, Natalie Cole, Kenny Rankin, David Sanborn, Jon Faddis (Teranga), Gladys Knight, Alvin Batiste, Jeff Lorber (He Had A Hat), the CTI All-Stars, Jimmy Cobb, Joss Stone (Colour Me Feel), Sonny Rollins, Christian McBride, Macy Gray (Stripped), Jimmy Heath (Love Letter), Eric Bibb, and Rickie Lee Jones ~ Malone passed away in 2024
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, and Cassandra Wilson
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 ~ 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 flip side. 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, and Kenny Werner
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, and Totti Bergh
November 8, 1954 ~ Pop rock singer, guitarist, pianist 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 known Chuck E's In Love, the latter reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 in 1979
November 8, 1953 ~ Calypso, gospel, pop singer Denyse Plummer, full name Denyse Burnadette Kirline Plummer, born in Saint James, Trinidad & Tobago ~ Has recorded half a dozen albums, starting with Natural in 1978. Quit her day job in 1977 to pursue a career in music, singing pop songs through the early-1980s. An invite by Phase II Pan Groove's Lennox Sharpe to sing two songs would set her on a career in calypso music, eventually being recognised as one of the leading calypso performers of her day. Well-known for songs such as Heroes and Nah Leaving ~ Plummer passed away in 2023
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, and Arja Saijormaa
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, and Kinderen Voor Kinderen ~ 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, 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, full name Minnie Julia Riperton, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Riperton released about half a dozen solo albums, starting with Come To My Garden in 1970, prior to an untimely death at age 31 by cancer. Lead singer of psychedelic soul outfit Rotary Connection. Backup singer for the likes of Etta James, Fontella Bass, Ramsey Lewis, Muddy Waters, and notably Stevie Wonder, including on the albums Fulfillingness' First Finale and Songs In The Key Of Life. Wonder would also co-produce Riperton's 1974 Perfect Angel sophomore album, which spawned her biggest hit and Billboard Hot 100 charttopper 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, 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, and Reese Wynans
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, and John Prine. As a songwriter, Fritts 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), and Dusty Springfield (Breakfast In Bed) ~ Fritts passed away in 2019
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), and Everybody Needs Somebody To Love (Solomon Burke, the Rolling Stones, the Blues Brothers) ~ 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, Sings Lullabies Of Birdland and Sings Lullabies 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 ~ Clara Ann Fowler, commonly known as 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, 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, and Stranger Cole ~ Haynes passed away in 2007
November 8, 1921 ~ Jerome Albert Link Heinz, commonly known as operatic bass singer Jerome Hines, born in Hollywood, California, USA ~ Made his operatic debut at the San Francisco Opera in 1941, portraying the role of Monterone in Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto. Would Anglicise his surname to Hines due to the prevalent anti-German sentiment at the start of World War II. Best known for his longtime association with the Metropolitan Opera from 1946 through 1987, his stage presence and a stentorian voice. His 1946 Met debut would make him the first US-born singer to tackle the role of Gudonov, the title role in Modest Mussorgsky's Boris Gudonov. He would reprise the role in 1968 at the Bolshoi Theatre, famously for Soviet leader Nikita Kruschev on the eve of the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis ~ Heinz passed away in 2003
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, and Bertha Hill. 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 ~ 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. Lovingly dubbed “the Sweethearts of Country Music”, they are best known for Have I Told You Lately That I Love You. Penned by Wiseman, the tune would be recorded by well over 150 artists including Tex Ritter, Bing Crosby, Eddie Cochran, Jim Reeves, Elvis Presley, Patti Page, Willie Nelson, Ringo Starr, and Roger Whittaker ~ Wiseman passed away in 1981
November 8, 1890 ~ Romantic composer, pianist, organist, teacher César Franck, full name César-Auguste Jean-Guillaume Hubert Franck, passed away in Paris, France ~ Earned a reputation as a formidable improviser. Organist of the the Basilica Of St Clotilde, Paris, a position he held from 1858 until his death. Joined the the Paris Conservatoire as a professor, where his pupils included Ernest Chausson, Vincent d'Indy, Henri Duparc, Albert Renaud, and Louis Vierne. Prolific composer, and while many of his works were met with resistance, Franck is widely remembered for a number of works composed later in life including Symphony In D Minor, Sonata For Violin And Piano In A Major, Piano Quintet In F Minor, and the symphonic poem Le Chasseur Maudit ~ Franck was born in 1822
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