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, 2022 ~ Singer Mattis Hætta passed away ~ Internationally best known for teaming up with Sverre Kjelsberg, representing Norway in the 1980 Eurovision Songfestival with the song Sámild Ædnan which reached 16th place ~ Hætta was born in 1959
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, 2016 ~ Guitarist Martin Stone passed away in Versailles, France ~ Worked with Michel Moorcock, the Juniors Blues Band, Stones Masonry, Almost Presley, the Action, Savoy Brown, Mighty Baby, Chilli Willi & the Red Hot Peppers, Soucoupes Violentes, Southern Comfort, the Pink Fairies, the 101-ers, Wreckless Eric, the Gibson Girls, Anne Pigalle, Marianne Faithfull, and others ~ Stone was born in 1946
November 9, 2015 ~ Pop, rock, rock & roll, swing drummer Andy 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, playing tambourine, maracas and bongos. White would go on to session for a wide array of artists including Chuck Berry, Billy Fury, Herman's Hermits, Tom Jones (It's Not Unusual), Lulu, Rod Stewart, Anthony Newley, Bert Weedon, and others ~ White was born in 1930
November 9, 2013 ~ Free jazz tenor saxophonist, woodwind player Kalaparusha Maurice McIntyre passed away in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Member of the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians. Member of the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. Also worked with Malachi Favors, Muhal Richard Abrams, Roscoe Mitchell, George Freeman, Benjamin Hutto, Little Milton, Leroy Jenkins, and others ~ McIntyre was born in 1936
November 9, 2012 ~ Singer Major Harris passed away in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Member of groups such as the Charmers, the Teenagers, the Jarmels, and Nat Turner's Rebellion before replacing Randy Cain as member of the Delfonics in the early 1970s. Also known for a string of solo hits from the mid-1970s onwards, including Love Won't Let Me Wait ~ Harris was born in 1947
November 9, 2011 ~ Songwriter, singer, arranger, producer Jimmy Duncan, full name James Ollie Duncan Jr, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Not to be confused with his British namesake Jimmy Duncan. Wrote I Asked The Lord, recorded by George Beverly Shea, Mahalia Jackson, the Cathedrals Quartet, the Oak Ridge Boys, and others. Perhaps best known for writing My Special Angel, originally recorded by the Sonny Land Trio but best known as a Billboard Country No.1 hit for Bobby Helms in 1957. Others who have recorded the song include Connie Francis, Johnny Burnette, Bobby Vinton and Wayne Newton. Co-wrote String Along originally recorded by Fabian in 1960, notably covered by Ricky Nelson ~ 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 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 Miram Makeba, commonly known as singer, activist Miriam Makeba, passed away in Catel Volturno, Italy ~ Worked with the Cuban Brothers, Manhattan Brothers, the Skylarks, Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone, Dizzy Gillespie, and others ~ Makeba was born in 1932
November 9, 1999 ~ Label executive, producer Herb Abramson passed away in Henderson, Nevada, USA ~ Producer with National Records. Would go on to co-found Atlantic Records with Ahmet Ertegun as wella s subsidiaries such as the noted R&B label ATCO Records. Worked with Clyde McPhatter, the Ravens, Billy Eckstine, Big Joe Turner, Jerry Blaine, the Coasters, Tommy Tucker, Don Covay, the Darling Sisters, John Davidson, Luther Dixon, JJ Jackson, Ruby & the Romantics, Eddie Singleton, the Supremes, Titus Turner, and others ~ Abramson was born in 1916
November 9, 1997 ~ Jazz saxophonist, arranger Joe Roccisano, full name Joseph Lucian Rossicano, passed away ~ Worked with Tommy Dorsey, Sam Donahue, Don Ellis, Ray Charles, Louie Bellson, Lew Tabackin, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Terry Gibbs, Don Menza, Bill Holman, Don Rader, the Capp-Pierce Juggernaut Band, Bill Charlap, Bud Burridge, Jack Stuckey, Franck Amsallem, Jimmy Pugh, John Basile, Ken Hitchcock, Lou Marini, Matt Finders, Scott Lee, Terry Clarke, Tim Riles, Tom Harrell, Scott Robinson, Greg Gisbert, and others ~ Roccisano was born in 1939
November 9, 1993 ~ Composer, conductor Stanley Myers passed away in Kensington, UK ~ Scored over 60 films and TV series. Best known for Cavatina, which he wrote for the 1970 film Walking Stick and later used as the theme of The Deer Hunter. ~ Myers was born in 1930
November 9, 1991 ~ Ivo Livi, commonly known as actor, singer Yves Montand, passed away in Senlis, France ~ Started as a music hall singer. Discovered by singer Edith Piaf. Over 30 albums to his name. As an actor appeared in over 60 movies. Married to actress Simone Signoret, the duo often cast together ~ Livi was born in 1921
November 9, 1990 ~ Gerard Damian Long, commonly known as rapper, producer, songwriter Hodgy, born in Trenton, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founding member of hip-hop collective Odd Future. Formed the duo MellowHype with Left Brain. Also recorded as a solo artist, releasing his full-length Fireplace in 2019. Has collaborated with Domo Genesis, Busta Rhymes, Tyler the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, and others
November 9, 1988 ~ Composer Yves Baudrier, full name Yves Marie Baudrier, passed away in Paris, France ~ Founder of the La Jeune France movement along with André Jolivet, Olivier Messiaen and Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur ~ Baudrier was born in 1906
November 9, 1985 ~ Alternative rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Andy Skib born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Best known as lead singer for the Midwest Kings. Fronts To Have Heroes. Also closely associated with David Cook, including playing piano on the 2009 Permanent single
November 9, 1984 ~ Country, country pop singer Chris Lane, full name Christoper Eric Lane, born in Kernersville, North Carolina, USA ~ Debuted in 2012 with the 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
November 9, 1984 ~ Singer, songwriter, actress Delta Goodrem, full name Delta Lea Goodrem, born in Sydney, Australia ~ Debuted in 2003 with the album Innocent Eyes. It would become one of the highest-selling Australian albums of all-time, selling over four million copies.
November 9, 1981 ~ Michael David Larsen, commonly known as alternative rap, rap rock rapper, poet, songwriter Eyedea, born in St Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ As a solo artist also recorded under the moniker Oliver Hart. Formed the hip-hop duo Eyedea & Abilities with DJ Abilities ~ 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. Also worked with Marit Larsen, Thom Hell, Bertine Zetlitz, Hanne Hukkelberg, Audun Bormann, Hilde Marie Kjersem, Rockettothesky, Christer Knutsen, Jonas Alaska, Marion Raven, Malignant Eternal, and others
November 9, 1978 ~ Singer, composer 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 where he occasionally sang. Once his vocal capabilities were realized his career took off. Collaborated 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. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Unleash The Dragon in 1999, spawning the hits Incomplete and Thong Song
November 9, 1977 ~ Singer, actress Maya Bouskilla born in Netanya, Israel ~ Debuted in 2004 with the album Sold Out Story and has recorded steadily since
November 9, 1976 ~ Singer, songwriter Josh Kaufman born in Sarasota, Florida, USA ~ Best known for winning the 6th season of NBC's The Voice in 2014
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 rapper, producer Solitair, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Founding member of the Black Jays. Producer for the likes of Nina Sky, Glenn Lewis, Cham, Maestro, the Rascalz, Kardinal Offishal, Ivana Santilli, Jully Black, Choclair, Sugar Jones, and others. In partnership with Cipha Sounds also produced for Lil' Wayne, Busta Rhymes, DJ Khaled, Jim Jones, Elephant Man, and Trey Songz
November 9, 1974 ~ Joseph Calleja, commonly known as rap rock, rap metal rapper Joe C, born in Taylor, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as a member of Kid Rock's backing unit Twisted Brown Trucker ~ Calleja passed away in 2000
November 9, 1974 ~ Frederick Beauregard, commonly known as urban, hip-hop rapper Paradime, born in Michigan, USA ~ Member of Kid Rock's backing unit Twisted Brown Trucker
November 9, 1974 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Silje Wergeland born in Bergen, Norway ~ Fronted Norwegian doom, gothic metal band Octavia Sperati. Joined the Gathering in 2009, first appearing on The West Pole released later the same year
November 9, 1973 ~ Singer Nick Lachey born in Harlan, Kentucky, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of boyband 98°, known for songs such as Invisible Man, Because Of You, The Hardest Thing, Thank God I Found You featuring Mariah Carey and Joe, Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche), and others. Released his solo debut album, SoulO, in 2003
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, 1972 ~ Milton Mesirow, commonly known as saxophonist, clarinetist Mezz Mezzrow, passed away in Paris, France ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with Tommy Ladnier and Sidney Bechet. Also worked with Benny Carter, Teddy Wilson, Frankie Newton, Hot Lips Page, and others ~ Mezzrow was born in 1899
November 9, 1971 ~ Dance-pop producer, songwriter Dimitris Kontopoulos born in Athens, Greece ~ `Wrote and produced for Giannis Vardis, Katy Garbi, Anastasia Stotskaya, Anna Vissi, Sakis Rouvas, Demy, Sergey Lazarev, Irini Merkouri, Giorgos Mazonakis, Apostolia Zoi, Helena Paparizou, and others
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 ~ Riot grrl, punk rock singer, songwriter Allison Wolfe born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ One of the leading voices of the riot grrl movement, especially known as frontwoman of pun-rock outfit Bratmobile. Has also fronted bands such as Cold Cold Hearts, Deep Lust, Partyline, Sex Stains, and others
November 9, 1969 ~ Folk, blues, rock & roll singer, guitarist, banjoist, mandolinist Jeff Lang, full name Jeffrey Lang, born in Geelong, Australia ~ Influenced by AC/DC, Bob Dylan, Leo Kottke, Ry Cooder, Roy Buchanan, Neil Young. Actively recording since the late 1960s. Best known for 2002's Rolling Through This World, 2010's Djan Djan and 2012's Carried In Mind
November 9, 1969 ~ Vocal duo Simon & Garfunkel record Bridge Over Troubled Water ~ Written by Paul Simon. Produced by Roy Halee and Simon & Garfunkel. Released as a single early 1970, paired with Keep The Customer Satisfied on the B-side, and included on the album of the same name, their fifth and final album. It would become their biggest hit, topping the charts in various countries. The duo were backed by the Wrecking Crew members Larry Knechtel on piano, Joe Osborn on bass and Hal Blaine playing drums. The song would later be covered by dozens of artists, notably including Aretha Franklin who earned a 1972 Grammy Award, Elvis Presley who would include it in many live sets, Roberta Flack and by Johnny Cash on his 2003 acclaimed album American IV (The Man Comes Around) with guest vocalist Fiona Apple
November 9, 1968 ~ Jazz pianist Jan Johansson passed away in Sollentuna, Sweden ~ Worked with Svend Asmussen, Georg Riedel, Arne Domnerus, Sture Nordin, Egil Johansen, William Schlopfe, Rupert Clemendore, Bjarne Nerem, Bosse Broberg, Lennart Åberg, Alice Babs, Stan Getz, Oscar Pettiford, and others. Father of drummer Anders Johansson and keyboardist Jens Johansson ~ Johansson was born in 1931
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, 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, 1960 ~ Alternative metal, alternative rock, grunge drummer Demetra Plakas, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as member of L7. Has also worked with the Problem Dogs, several side-projects with bandmate Donita Sparks, and others
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, 1954 ~ Band manager Chris Murphy, full name Christopher Mark Murphy, born in Darlinghurst, Australia ~ Band manager of INXS and of the Models ~ Murphy passed away in 2021
November 9, 1954 ~ Guitarist, singer, producer Dennis Stratton born in London, UK ~ Briefly a member of Iron Maiden, remaining with the band from late 1979 to late 1980, present on the band's eponymous Iron Maiden debut album. Also worked with the Remus Down Boulevard, Lionheart, Praying Mantis, Paul di'Anno, and others
November 9, 1953 ~ Michael John Mullins, commonly known as singer, songwriter Michael J Mullins, born in UK ~ Lead singer of salsa, pop band Modern Romance, known for songs such as The Best Years Of Our Lives, High Life and Walking In The Rain. Has since sung backup for artists as diverse as Cliff Richard, George Harrison, Kylie Minogue, and Alan Parsons
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, 1951 ~ Siegmund Rosenberg, commonly known as composer Sigmund Romberg, passed away in New York, USA ~ Best known for composing musicals and operettas, particularly The Student Prince, The Desert Song and The New Moon ~ Rosenberg was born in 1887
November 9, 1950 ~ Keyboardist Johannes Schmoelling born in Lohne, West Germany ~ Best known as member of Tangerine Dream from 1979 through 1985, present on albums such as Exit, White Eagle and Hyperborea
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, 1945 ~ Music journalist, critic Cliff White born ~ Started as freelance journalist in the 1970s. Authority on black music. Contributed to magazines such as Black Music, New Musical Express, Smash Hits. Press officer for Charly Records and Demon Records ~ White passed away in 2018
November 9, 1944 ~ Singer, percussionist, songwriter Phil May, full name Philip Dennis Arthur Wadey, born in Dartford, UK ~ Founding member, lead singer of the Pretty Things ~ Wadey 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, Matthias Schubert, and others
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, 1941 ~ Guitarist Tom Fogerty, full name Thomas Richard Fogerty, born in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Brother of John Fogerty. Member of Creedence Clearwater Revival, known for songs such as Suzie Q, Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising, Green River, Fortunate Son, Who'll Stop The Rain, Lookin' Out My Backdoor, Have You Ever Seen The Rain, and others ~ Fogerty passed away in 1990
November 9, 1938 ~ William Wylie MacPherson, commonly known as pop songwriter Bill Martin, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Frequent songwriting partner of Phil Coulter. Together the pair wrote songs such as Sandie Shaw's Puppet On A String, Cliff Richard's Congratulations and the Bay City Rollers' Saturday Night ~ MacPherson passed away in 2020
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 century 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, 1935 ~ Elisha Gerald Hopkins, commonly known as author, music journalist Jerry Hopkins born in Camden, USA ~ Best known for writing the first biographies of Elvis Presley and the Doors frontman Jim Morrison. Hopkins also served as a Rolling Stone editor for 20 years ~ Hopkins passed away in 2018
November 9, 1932 ~ Trumpeter, conductor, director, composer, arranger Johnny Harris, full name John Stanley Livingstone, born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Trumpeter in bands led by Vic Lewis, Ken Mackintosh, Cyril Stapleton. Member of beat group the Shubdubs. As a conductor, arranger, director and/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, Michael Allen, Richard Harris, Odia Coates, and others. Turned down an offer from Elvis Presley, twice
November 9, 1926 ~ Jazz guitarist Malcolm Mitchell born in London, UK ~ Formed a jazz trio with pianist Johnnie Pearson and bassist Teddy Broughton. Backed musicians such as Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael and singer Maxine Sullivan ~ Mitchell passed away in 1998
November 9, 1925 ~ Melinda Helen Mattthews, commonly known as blues, gospel singer Linda Hopkins, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Discovered at age 11 by Mahalia Jackson. Influenced by Bessie Smith. Worked with Johnny Otis, Esther Phillips, Louis Armstrong, Jackie Wilson, and others ~ Matthews passed away in 2017
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, 1912 ~ Joseph May, commonly known as gospel singer Brother Joe May, born in Macon, Mississippi, USA ~ Cited as influence by Little Richard. Dubbed “the Thunderbolt of the Middle West”, regarded as one of the greatest male singers in Gospel music ~ May passed away in 1972
November 9, 1911 ~ Clarinetist, saxophonist Tommy Douglas born in Eskridge, Kansas, USA ~ Best known for his associations with Jelly Roll Morton and Bennie Moten. Has also worked with Charlie Parker, Jo Jones, Captain Woolmack's Band, and with Clarence Love ~ Douglas passed away in 1965
November 9, 1909 ~ Catherine Louise Fink, commonly known as author, singer, arranger, composer Kay Thompson, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Worked with Lennie Hayton, Andre Kostelanetz, Judy Garland. Best known as the author of the Eloise children's books and as a vocal coach for artists such as Lena Horne, Frank Sinatra, and June Allyson ~ Fink passed away in 1998
November 9, 1906 ~ James Ostend Brown, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, bandleader Pete Brown, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with John Kirby, Frankie Newton, Willie The Lion Smith, Jimmie Noone, Buster Bailey, Leonard Feather, Joe Marsala, Maxine Sullivan, Slim Gaillard, Joe Wilder, Big Joe Turner, Sammy Price, Champion Jack Dupree, Bernard Addison, Jonah Jones, and others ~ Brown passed away in 1963
November 9, 1901 ~ Francis Joseph Spanier, commonly known as cornet player Muggsy Spanier born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Elmer Schoebel, the Bucktown Five, Ted Lewis, Ben Pollack, Sidney Bechet, Bob Crosby, Earl Hines, and others ~ Spanier passed away in 1967