November 9, 2023 ~ Producer Jim Vienneau, full name James Francis Vienneau, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for producing It's Only Make Believe for Conway Twitty. It would be Conway's breakout hit, reaching No.1 Billboard Hot 100 in 1958, and has become a classic of the genre recorded by over a hundred artists including Johnny Burnette, Paul Anka, Glen Campbell, Lynn Anderson, and Ronnie McDowell. Twitty would re-record the song as a duet with Loretta Lynn in 1971. Other well-known songs produced by Vienneau include Vacation for Connie Francis, Teen Angel for Mark Dinning, and Whole Lotta Woman for Marvin Rainwater. Vienneau has also worked with Hank Williams Jr, Roy Orbison, Bob Gallion, Mel Tillis, and Billy Thunderkloud ~ Vienneau was born in 1926
November 9, 2022 ~ Bossa nova, tropicália, pop singer Gal Costa, full name Maria da Graça Costa Penna Burgos, passed away in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Duetted with Maria Bethânia on Sol Negra of the latter's 1965 debut album. Released Domingo, a collaborative album with Caetano Veloso, in 1967. Would score her first major hit with the Veloso-penned Baby the next year. The single would be included on her eponymous 1969 Gal Costa album, considered a classic in the tropicália genre. Has been recording steadily to critical acclaim and commercial succes since ~ Costa was born in 1945
November 9, 2021 ~ Composer John Kinsella passed away in Dublin, Ireland ~ Regarded as one of Ireland's most prolific symphonists of the 20th century. Closely associated with the TV channel RTE, serving as senior assistant in the music department since 1968. Co-founding member of Aosdana, an invite-only association of artists. As a composer strongly influenced by contemporary avant-garde, especially serialism. Known for works such as Two Pieces For String Orchestra, Montage and Montage II and for The Wayfarer Rhapsody On A Poem Of PH Pearse ~ Kinsella was born in 1932
November 9, 2017 ~ Charles Henry Mosley III, commonly known as singer, guitarist Chuck Mosley, passed away in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as frontman of Faith No More from 1984 to 1988, appearing on the albums We Care A Lot and Introduce Yourself. Formed Bad Brains. Formed Cement. Released solo albums backed by guests such as Jonathan Davis, John 5, Michael Carellone, Roddy Bottum, Imperial Teen, and Leah Lou. Joined industrial collective Primitive Race in 2017 ~ Mosley was born in 1959
November 9, 2017 ~ Rock, garage rock, hard rock, punk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Fred Cole, full name Frederick Lee Cole, passed away in Clackamas, Oregon, USA ~ Active from the mid-1960s well into the 2000s. First gained attention as a member of garage rock outfit the Weeds, known for their sole single It's Your Time released in 1966 and over time becoming a cult classic. The band would later be renamed to Lollipop Shoppe. Cole would go on to work with acts such as King Bee, Rats, Dead Moon, and Pierce Arrows ~ Cole was born in 1948
November 9, 2016 ~ Guitarist, composer, arranger Al Caiola passed away in Allendale, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked prolifically as a studio musician during the 1950s. Became a recording star in his own right in the 1960s, scoring hits such as The Magnificent Seven and Bonanza. Spanned a variety of music genres and has worked with some of the biggest names in music including Elvis Presley, Ray Conniff, Ferrante & Teicher, Frank Sinatra, Percy Faith, Buddy Holly, Mitch Miller, and Tony Bennett ~ Caiola was born in 1920
November 9, 2015 ~ Drummer Andy White, full name Andrew McLuckie White, passed away in Caldwell, New Jersey, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for temporarily filling in for the Beatles-drummer Ringo Starr on the band's Love Me Do and PS I Love You, respectively the A and B-side of their 1962 debut single. The band had recorded the songs earlier both with original drummer Pete Best and newcomer Starr, but all takes would leave manager George Martin dissatisfied. Starr is present on both recordings though, playing tambourine, maracas, bongos, but White serves as the main drummer. White would go on to session for a wide array of artists including Billy Fury, Herman's Hermits, Tom Jones (It's Not Unusual), Lulu, Rod Stewart, Anthony Newley, and Bert Weedon ~ White was born in 1930
November 9, 2012 ~ Singer Major Harris passed away in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Sang with R&B, doo-wop units such as the Charmers, the Teenagers, the Jarmels, and Nat Turner's Rebellion, before joining the Delfonics, taking over from Randy Cain. Harris remained with the group from 1971 through 1974, their most productive period. Following his departure, Harris has recorded four albums as a solo artist, starting with My Way which spawned his biggest hit Love Won't Let Me Wait, a 1975 Billboard R&B charttopper ~ Harris was born in 1947
November 9, 2011 ~ Songwriter Jimmy Duncan, full name James Ollie Duncan Jr, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Though a reasonably adept singer, Duncan would enjoy his greatest successes as a songwriter. Wrote I Asked The Lord, recorded by George Beverly Shea, Mahalia Jackson, the Cathedrals Quartet, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Wrote My Special Angel, a Billboard Country No.1 hit for Bobby Helms in 1957, later covered by Connie Francis, Johnny Burnette, Bobby Vinton and Wayne Newton. Co-wrote String Along with Bobby Doyle, recorded by Fabian, Ricky Nelson, and Gary Lewis & the Playboys ~ Duncan was born 1927
November 9, 2010 ~ Country singer David Thompson passed away in Aylmer, Canada ~ As a solo artist known for a string of singles from the late 1970 through the mid-1980s including Rachel I'm Just Not That Strong, My Broken Old Heart and perhaps his best known I Never Figured On This. Joined Thunder Road in 1984 as lead singer ~ Thompson was born in 1950
November 9, 2008 ~ Zenzile Miriam Makeba, commonly known as singer, activist Miriam Makeba, passed away in Catel Volturno, Italy ~ Dubbed “Mama Africa” and considered an icon of African jazz, also well known as a fierce activist. Actively performing since the mid-1950s with acts such as the Cuban Brothers, Manhattan Brothers, and the all-female unit the Skylarks. A role in the 1959 Come Back Africa anti-apartheids film would gain her enough exposure to set her off on an international career. Has recorded well over a dozen albums, starting in the early 1960s. Shared a Grammy Award with mentor Harry Belafonte for the 1965 collaborative An Evening With Belafonte And Makeba album. Also especially noted for her 1967 Pata Pata album. Its Billboard Hot 100 top 20 title track, written by Makeba and Jerry Ragovoy, became a signature song and would be covered by over 50 artists ~ Makeba was born in 1932
November 9, 2006 ~ Singer David Bowie gives his last public performance, singing at the second Annual KCA Black Ball fundraiser gala at the Hammerstein Ballroom, New York, New York ~ Ten years before his death, singer David Bowie gives his last public performance singing Wild Is The Wind, Fantastic Voyage, and Changes, the latter as a duet with Alicia Keys. Other musical performers that night were Keys, Damian Marley, and indie rock band Louis XIV. The event is to raise funds for the non-profit organization Keep A Child Alive, co-founded by Keys. The organization aims to provide healthcare, housing, and other support services to HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Africa and India
November 9, 2002 ~ Singer Madonna's Die Another Day peaks at No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100 ~ The singer breaks a record previously held by the Beatles, with now 35 American top 10 hits to her name. The theme song to the James Bond-film of the same name, Madonna's Die Another Day would be nominated for a Golden Globe Award and two Grammy Awards, top the charts in about half a dozen countries, and reach top 10 in numerous others. The previous film in the Bond-franchise, The World Is Not Enough, had been a box office hit, but the eponymous theme by alternative rockers Garbage bombed. Now, Madonna was MGM's first choice. As MGM Music VP Anita Camrata explained: “With every other artist, you're taking a chance. But with Madonna, she has an extraordinary track record. She has written songs for films before and they were always perfect.”
November 9, 1998 ~ Rapper Juvenile releases 400 Degreez, his first album to chart on the Billboard Hot 200 ~ The New Orleans rapper's third album reached top 10 Billboard Hot 200, spawned his first major hit single, and would sell over 3 million copies in its first year. The album's third single, Back That Thang Up featuring guest rappers Mannie Fresh and Lil' Wayne, reached top 20 Billboard Hot 100, top 10 on both the Billboard R&B and Billboard Rap charts. In 2020, some twenty years after its release Rolling Stone stated the album “reorientated hip hop toward a new Southern Sound, adding new sonic textures that pop is still mining”
November 9, 1997 ~ Jazz saxophonist Joe Roccisano, full name Joseph Lucian Rossicano, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Received a Grammy Award for arranging Green Earrings, recorded by Woody Herman for his 1978 Plays Chick Donald Walter And Woodrow album. Roccisano has recorded a handful of albums as a leader, noted particularly for The Shape I'm In released in 1993. As a sideman, he is present on albums by Don Ellis, Toshiko Akiyoshi (Long Yellow Road), the Manhattan Transfer, Frank Capp (Juggernaut Strikes Again), and Louie Bellson ~ Roccisano was born in 1939
November 9, 1985 ~ Alternative rock, singer, guitarist, keyboardist Andy Skib born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Influenced by Sting and Jason Mraz. Lead singer, lead guitarist for the Midwest Kings, a band known best for including 2008 American Idol-winner David Cook in its line-up. Skib has also regulary appeared on Cook's solo outings, including the 2011 This Loud Morning album, and is known for his solo side project To Have Heroes
November 9, 1984 ~ Country, country pop singer Chris Lane, full name Christoper Eric Lane, born in Kernersville, North Carolina, USA ~ Debuted in 2012 with his Let's Ride album. Known for songs such as The Fix, For Her, Take Back Home Girl featuring Tori Kelly, I Don't Know About You and Big Big Plans, all of which reached top 20 Billboard Country. Lane has served as support act for the likes of the Band Perry, the Eli Young Band, Lee Brice, and Brantley Gilbert
November 9, 1984 ~ Singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter, actress Delta Goodrem, full name Delta Lea Goodrem, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Signed at age 15. Debuted in 2003 with the album Innocent Eyes, and has recorded to commercial success since. The debut album would become one of Australia's all-time best selling albums with over four million copies sold, top the album charts for nearly thirty non-consecutive weeks, and spawn five No.1 hit singles starting with Born To Try. Subsequent albums would produce hits such as Almost Here featuring Brian McFadden, In This Life, and Wings
November 9, 1981 ~ Michael David Larsen, commonly known as alternative rap, rap rock rapper, poet, songwriter Eyedea, born in St Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ Freestyle pioneer. As a solo artist recorded under the moniker Oliver Hart. Following his win at the KRS One-hosted Blaze Battle in 2000, declined an offer from Sean Combs, offering him a higher cut, preferring to remain with the fledging Rhymesayers Entertainment label instead. Released his sole full-length The Many Faces Of Oliver Hart (Or How Eye One The Write Too Think) album two years later. Formed the hip-hop duo Eyedea & Abilities with DJ Abilities, recording three more albums through the end of the decade. Following his death at age 28, several hip hop artists paid homage, perhaps most notably close friend Murs in the song I Miss Mikey of his 2015 Have A Nice Life album. Larsen's music is often described as thoughtful and philosophical while still providing a live aesthetic ~ Larsen passed away in 2010
November 9, 1978 ~ Bassist, producer Even Ormested, full name Even Enersen Ormestad, born in Tønsberg, Norway ~ Original member of Jagga Jazzist alongside Martin Horntveth and Lars Horntveth. The group draws from jazztronica, acid jazz, jazz fusion, avant-garde, experimental rock, and post-rock, and is highly regarded by critics for a string of albums starting with Jævla Jazzist Grete Stitz released in 1996. Ormested has also worked with Marit Larsen, Mathias Eick, Anneli Drecker, and Jenny Hval, and co-runs the Albatross Recorders recording studio, located in Oslo, Norway
November 9, 1978 ~ Singer Miguelito Valdes passed away in Bogota, Columbia ~ Former auto mechanic and prize amateur boxer started as a multi-instrumentalist in the night clubs of Havana, playing guitar, tres, double bass, timbal, and occasionally taking up vocals. Once his vocal capabilities were realized his career took off, and he would go on to collaborate with a host of topnotch Latin conductors and orchestras. In the US known for working with Xavier Cugat and appearing in a number of films such as You Were Never Lovelier alongside Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth ~ Valdés was born in 1912
November 9, 1978 ~ Mark Althavan Andrews, commonly known as singer, rapper Sisqó, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Lead singer of Dru Hill, with whom he recorded four albums since the mid-1990s. The R&B group is known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits In My Bed, Never Make A Promise, and How Deep Is Your Love. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Unleash The Dragon in 1999, spawning the hits Incomplete and Thong Song, both of which also reached top 10. Sisqó is also noted as guest vocalist on Mya's It's All About Me 1998 hit single
November 9, 1977 ~ Pop, soul singer, actress Maya Bouskilla born in Netanya, Israel ~ Discovered by a scout for Helicon Records, one of Israel's best selling labels, who heard her singing in a karaoke bar. Her Sold Out Story debut album followed in 2004, and sold over 20,000 copies in the first month. Has recorded consistently since, and ventured into acting. Bouskilla had been tapped to represent her native Israel at the 2009 Eurovision Songfestival, but bowed out at the last minute
November 9, 1976 ~ Singer, songwriter Josh Kaufman born in Sarasota, Florida, USA ~ Best known for winning the sixth season of the NBC talent contest The Voice in 2014. The Bonnie Raitt cover I Can't Make You Love Me from the show would reach the low 70s of the Billboard Hot 100. Prior to his success on the show, Kaufmann has recorded with his band the New Etiquette, their eponymous The New Etiquette album released in 2012. After the show Kaufman released his eponymous Josh Kaufman album in 2016, and has performed on Broadway in the Home For The Holidays (Live On Broadway) show the following year
November 9, 1975 ~ Gospel singer, songwriter DeWayne Woods, full name Dewayne Lamont Woods, born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ First gained attention working with Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers. Released his The Poets The Psalms & The Psalmists solo debut album in 2003. Especially acclaimed for its follow-up, 2006's Introducing DeWayne Woods & When Singers Meet, earning him a Stellar Award for Male Vocalist of the Year
November 9, 1975 ~ Sheldon Pitt, commonly known as hip hop, contemporary R&B, pop rapper, producer, songwriter Solitair, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Along with Kardinal Offishal, a founding member of the Black Jays production team and now defunct record label. As a duo they are known best for their remix of Jay-Z's 2003 album The Black Album, issued in 2004 as The Black Jays Album. Pitt has served as producer for mostly Toronto-based hip hop artists, usually teaming up with either Offishal or later Cipha Sounds. Notable productions include tracks by Nina Sky, Glenn Lewis, Cham, Maestro, the Rascalz, Ivana Santilli, Jully Black, Choclair, Sugar Jones, Lil' Wayne, Busta Rhymes, DJ Khaled, Jim Jones, Elephant Man, and Trey Songz. Pitt is also known to volunteer, helping at-risk high school students in his native Toronto
November 9, 1974 ~ Rockers Bachman-Turner Overdrive have an American No.1 hit as You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet reaches the Billboard Hot 100 top spot ~ Bachman-Turner Overdrive become just the second Canadian band to score an American No.1 hit. The first to top the Billboard Hot 100 was another Randy Bachman-band, the Guess Who's American Woman holding the top position for three consecutive weeks in 1970
November 9, 1974 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Silje Wergeland born in Bergen, Norway ~ Fronted all-female metal, goth rock outfit Octavia Sperati, known best for their 2005 Winter Enclosure debut album. Wergeland joined the internationally acclaimed Dutch rock outfit the Gathering in 2009, first appearing on the album The West Pole, taking over for longtime lead singer Anneke van Giersbergen who left to form Agua de Annique. Wergeland has cited Black Sabbath, Pantera, Pink Floyd, and Norwegian folk as influences
November 9, 1973 ~ Singer, pianist Billy Joel releases his Piano Man sophomore album ~ Lost the moustache, lost the record deal, and it would turn out for the best. Freed from his previous label, Family Productions, where he made one dissappointing album and then struggled to get out of his contract, Joel releases his sophomore effort through Columbia Records. Reviews were mixed, but mostly positive, and in general critics acknowledged Joel's potential. As it would later turn out, Joel would need a few more albums to make a breakthrough. Still, the album sold reasonably well, critics were encouraging, and the title track, Piano Man, would not only become Joel's first moderate hit, but over time one of his best known and well loved songs
November 9, 1973 ~ Singer Nick Lachey, full name Nicholas Scott Lachey, born in Harlan, Kentucky, USA ~ Lead singer for boy band 98°, which also included his brother Drew Lachey. Unlike most boy bands the group was not conceived by label executives but formed naturally, picked up by a record company later. The band has been active since the mid-1990s, and is known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Because Of You, The Hardest Thing, and Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche), as well as the No.1 Thank God I Found You featuring Mariah Carey and Joe. During the band's hiatus from 2003 through 2012, Lachey would record as a solo artist, and focus on a career as TV personality and host, starting with the MTV reality show Newlyweds Nick and Jessica with his then-wife actress Jessica Simpson. Lachey divorced Simpson in 2006, and has since married former Miss Teen USA Vanessa Minnillo
November 9, 1972 ~ Carolyn Bradford, commonly known as rock, blues-rock guitarist Carolyn Wonderland, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Actively recording since the mid 1990s. Draws from a wide array of musical influences including country, swing, zydeco, surf, gospel, soul, and others. Worked with Ray Benson, the Loose Affiliation Of Saint And Sinners, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, and others
November 9, 1972 ~ Punk rock, riot grrrl, indie rock singer, guitarist, drummer Corin Tucker, full name Corin Lisa Tucker, born in Eugene, Oregon, USA ~ Singer, guitarist, co-founding member of Sleater-Kinney, known for their liberal and feminist views. The band is considered one of the most important 1990s indie rock groups, especially acclaimed for their 1996 Call The Doctor sophomore album and its follow-up Dig Me Out released the following year. Tucker preciously fronted her own Corin Tucker Band and worked with Heavens to Betsy. Also a member of alternative rock supergroup Filty Friends
November 9, 1970 ~ Singer, guitarist Susan Tedeschi born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Critically compared to Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin, both of whom she cited as influences. Other influences include Buddy Guy, Johnny Guitar Watson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Buddy Guy. As a solo artist best known for her 1995 Better Days debut album and its follow-up Just Won't Burn released in 1998. By the turn of the decade she would open for acts such as John Mellencamp, BB King, Taj Mahal, and Bob Dylan. Formed the Tedeschi-Trucks Band with Derek Trucks in 2010, whom she had met opening for the Allman Brothers Band and married in 2001
November 9, 1969 ~ Vocal duo Simon & Garfunkel record Bridge Over Troubled Water ~ A 1970 single and title track of the duo's fifth and final album. Paul Simon had originally composed the song in G major, but arranger Jimmie Haskell transposed the song to E flat major to better suit the voice of Art Garfunkel, who sang lead. The duo were backed by first-call studio musicians including Larry Knechtel on piano, Joe Osborn on bass, and Hal Blaine on drums. An instant classic, the song would be recorded by over an estimated 500 artists including Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Roberta Flack, and Johnny Cash. The original Simon & Garfunkel version would top the Billboard Hot 100, and win five Grammy Awards
November 9, 1967 ~ Alternative rock bassist Will Carruthers born in Chesterfield, UK ~ Joined Spacemen 3 in 1988, replacing bassist Pete Bain. First appearing on the 1989 Playing With Fire album and remained with the band until shortly before its official disbandement in 1990. Briefly a member of Spiritualized, appearing on the Anyway That You Want Me single and on the Lazer Guided Melodies. Disillusioned by the music industry would retire from music for a number of years before resurfacing in the late 1990s, initially as a member of the Guaranteed Ugly. Would front his own Freelovebabies in the mid-2000s. Has also worked with psychedelic band the Brian Jonestown Massacre, present on the albums Who Killed Sgt Pepper and Aufheben
November 9, 1965 ~ Bryn Jones, commonly known as bass-baritone operatic and concert singer Bryn Terfel, born in Pant Glas, UK ~ Known for roles in operatic productions of works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Giacomo Puccini, Richard Wagner. Has worked with the Welsh National Opera, the English National Opera, the Royal Opera House, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and others
November 9, 1964 ~ Rock, folk-rock, roots rock guitarist, singer Leo Moran born in Galway, Ireland ~ Co-founding member, lead guitarist with the Saw Doctors, best known for their 1990 single I Useta Lover which topped the charts in the band's native Ireland for 9 weeks becoming Ireland's all-time biggest-selling single. Has toured with the Waterboys' Anthony Thistlethwaite in 2013 and 2014 during a Doctors hiatus using the duo moniker Leo & Anto
November 9, 1961 ~ As the Beatles play the Cavern Club, Liverpool, local record store owner, Brian Epstein, comes see the show ~ Having heard their name a few times, the curious record store owner Epstein visits the band playing a lunchtime show. Epstein would become their manager, and the following June lands them a record deal with Parlophone Records. Later Epstein would remark on first meeting the band: “I was immediately struck by their music, their beat, and their sense of humour on stage. And, even afterwards, when I met them, I was struck again by their personal charm. And it was there that, really, it all started.”
November 9, 1960 ~ Singer Connie Francis records Ich Komm' Nie Mehr Von Dir Los ~ German version of Francis' English-language recording of Many Tears Ago. Written by Winfield Scott and Toby Luth. Produced by Gerhard Mendelsohn and Arnold Maxin. Francis would later also record the song in Italian as Piangere Per Te Mai Piu and in Spanish as Dime Que Paso
November 9, 1959 ~ Gospel singer, songwriter Donnie McClurkin born in Amityville, New York, USA ~ Sold over 10 milion records. Dubbed “the Reigning King of Urban Gospel” by Variety magazine. Best known for song such as as I Call You Faithful, Wait On The Lord featuring Karen Clark Sheard, We Are Victorious featuring Tye Tribbett, and I Need You. Has also collaborated with Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Erica Campbell, and others
November 9, 1959 ~ Bass-baritone singer Thomas Quasthoff born in Hildesheim, Germany ~ Though talented denied admission to the Hochschule Fur Music Theater Und Medien for his physical inability to play the piano, standing at a mere 1.34 meters or just under 5 ft 5 due to birth defects. Would go on to study voice privately. Rose to fame in the late 1980s winnning the ARD International Music Competition. Best known for performing and recording Johann Sebastian Bach cantates, lieder and jazz. Won a Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Performance in 2000 for his recording of Gustav Mahler's Des Knaben Wunderhorn with the Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Claudio Abbado.
November 9, 1956 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, blues rock drummer Jerome Deupree born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as original drummer of alternative rock outfit Morphine. After the band disbanded following the sudden death of frontman Mark Sandman has played with Orchestre Morphine supporting the band's final album, 2000's The Night, and notably collaborated with jazz guitarist Joe Morris as well as sessioned for artists including Eric Hutchinson, Merrie Amsterburg, Jen Trynin and James McMurtry
November 9, 1951 ~ Jazz drummer Gerry Brown born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Chris Hinze, Lionel Hampton, Jasper van 't Hof, Toto Blanke, Charlie Mariano, Eef Albers, Gary Bartz, Larry Coryell, Return To Forever, Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, George Gruntz, Joachim Kühn, Herb Geller, Anne Haigis, Kraan, Billy Cobham, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Michal Urbaniak, Urszula Dudziak, Marcus Miller, Lionel Richie, Sonny Fortune, Alphonso Johnson, Roberta Flack, Joe Sample, Tom Harrell, Chuck Loeb, Phil Collins, Nathan Watts, and others
November 9, 1949 ~ Bassist, guitarist, drummer, singer Tommy Caldwell, full name Thomas Michael Caldwell, born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA ~ Bassist of Southern rock outfit the Marshall Tucker Band from its inception in 1973 until his death from injuries sustained in a car accident, succeeded by Franklin Wilkie. The 1980 Full Moon by Charlie Daniels Band is dedicated to Caldwell ~ Caldwell passed away in 1980
November 9, 1948 ~ Pop rock, rock drummer Alan Gratzer born in Syracuse, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of REO Speedwagon, remaining with the band from 1967 through 1988 to be succeeded by Graham Lear. Present on the band's best-known including Keep On Loving You, Take It On The Run, Can't Fight This Feeling all of which reached Billboard Hot 100 top 10. One of the last songs featuring Gratzer, 1988's In My Dreams, would reach the top 20. After his departure from the band Gratzer would retire from music and open a restaurant
November 9, 1946 ~ Blue-eyed soul, pop singer, songwriter Benny Mardones, full name Ruben Armand Mardones, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Known for his hit single Into The Night which reached the Billboard top 20 twice, first in 1980 and again in 1989 after KZZP, an Arizona radio station, featured a segment titled “Whatever happened to the guy who sang Into the Night”. Other stations picked up and the single became a top 20 hit again ~ Mardones passed away in 2020
November 9, 1943 ~ Drummer Lee Graziano born ~ Drummer, trumpeter, backing singer with the American Breed throughout its existence appearing on all four albums including 1967's Bend Me Shape Me, its title track a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. Also drummed with funk, R&B outfit Rufus from 1970 through 1972, leaving the band before their 1973 eponymous Rufus debut album
November 9, 1942 ~ Jazz drummer Bill Elgart born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with artists such as Carla Bley, Paul Bley, Marion Brown, Sam Rivers, Lowell Davidson, Mark Levinson, Roswell Rudd, John Tchicai, Jack Walrath, Glenn Ferris, Gary Peacock, Karl Berger, Dave Holland, Ed Schuller, Wayne Darling, Lee Konitz, Thomas Zoller, the Sundial Trio, Peter O'Mara, Caoma, Sigi Finkel, Tomasz Stańko, Vlatko Kucan, Annemarie Roelofs, Frank Mobus, Vitold Rek, Ingrid Sertso, Leszek Zadlo, Manfred Brundl, Kenny Wheeler, Charlie Mariano, Arrigo Cappelletti, Franco D'Andrea, Wolfgang Lackerschmid, Claudio Fasoli, Tim Berne, Barre Phillips, Eddie Gomez, Conny Bauer, Sheila Jordan, David Friedman, and Matthias Schubert
November 9, 1941 ~ Singer Perry Como, backed by Ted Weems and orchestra, records Deep In The Heart Of Texas ~ Written by Don Swander and June Hersher. Released the following January, b/w Ollie Ollie Outs In The Free. Bandleader Alvino Rey, the Merry Macs, Horace Heidt, and Bing Crosby would each separately chart with their respective versions. Used in a number of 1942 films, namely sung by Tex Ritter and Jimmy Wakely in Deep In The Heart Of Texas, and by Gene Autry in both Stardust On The Stage and Autry joined by Smiley Burnette and Joe Strauch Jr in Heart Of The Rio Grande. Over the years the song would become a country classic, covered by a wide array of artists
November 9, 1937 ~ Songwriter, singer, poet Roger McGough, full name Roger Joseph McGough, born in Litherland, UK ~ Best known as a poet, rising to fame in the late 1960s with the publication of The Mersey Sound, an anthology of poetry by McGough, Brian Patten and Adrian Henri. To pop audiences known as co-founding member of the Scaffold, performing a mixture of comic songs, sketches and poetry by McGough. The band in best known for their 1968 UK charttopper Lily The Pink
November 9, 1937 ~ Walton Alderton, commonly known as rockabilly singer, guitarist Vernon Taylor, born ~ Recorded a handful of overlooked rockabilly singles, notably Today Is A Blue Day and Mystery Train, before retiring from music by the late 1950s to pursue a career in business. After playing a tribute concert for rock & roll icon Charlie Feathers at the turn of the 1990s earned him renewed attention would record his first full-length album, Daddy's Rockin' released in 1999
November 9, 1936 ~ Singer Mary Travers, full name Mary Allin Travers, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Sang backup for Pete Seeger before becoming one third of quintessential 1960s vocal folk group Peter Paul & Mary, alongside Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey. The group disbanded at the turn of the decade and Travers released five solo albums, starting with 1971's Mary before re-forming the trio in 1978 ~ Travers passed away in 2009
November 9, 1932 ~ Trumpeter, conductor, director, composer, arranger Johnny Harris, full name John Stanley Livingstone, born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Turned down an offer from Elvis Presley, twice. Trumpeter in bands led by Vic Lewis, Ken Mackintosh, and Cyril Stapleton. Member of beat group the Shubdubs. As a conductor, arranger, director, or producer Harris has worked with artists such as Petula Clark, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, Lynda Carter, Jackie Trent, Roy Budd, Lulu, Ginette Reno, Paul Anka, and Odia Coates ~ Harris passed away in 2020
November 9, 1922 ~ Actress, singer, dancer Dorothy Dandridge, full name Dorothy Jean Dandridge, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ First African-American actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, namely for her role in the 1954 film Carmen Jones. As a singer performed in classic venues such as The Cotton Club and Apollo Theater. Member of the female trio the Dandridge Sisters active from the mid-1930 until 1940 and known for songs such as Undecided, If I Were Sure Of You, You Ain't Nowhere and That's Your Red Wagon ~ Dandridge passed away in 1965
November 9, 1845 ~ Folk figure Elizabeth Jones Reed Napier born in Madison, Georgia, USA ~ Reed had the Allman Brothers Band instrumental In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed named after her. Married to Army captain Briggs Hopson Napier, with whom she had a dozen children. The couple worked as farmers and ran a local pub in Macon, Georgia, during the early 1900s. Guitarist Dickey Betts would name the song after seeing her headstone at the Rose Hill Cemetery, a place the band would frequent to relax and write songs. A critically acclaimed jazz-influenced track, the original nearly seven minute long studio version was first included on the 1970 Idlewild South album. It would become a concert favorite, often running for half an hour. Reed's grave is not far from those of bandmembers Duane Allman, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Gregg Allman ~ Reed passed away in 1935