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 ~ 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 ~ 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 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, and soul. Worked with Ray Benson, the Loose Affiliation Of Saint And Sinners, and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers
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 ~ 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, and Sex Stains
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, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago
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, 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, Deupree 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, 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