October 10, 2022 ~ Anita Jean Grilli, commonly known as singer, pianist, arranger Anita Kerr, passed away in Geneva, Switzerland ~ Founded and fronted vocal harmony group the Anita Kerr Singers, known for recording some 50 albums in their own right. The group was also an in-demand backing choir, providing vocals for the likes of Rod McKuen, Red Foley, Eddy Arnold, Ernest Tubb, Patsy Cline, Faron Young, Chet Atkins, and Webb Pierce ~ Grilli was born in 1927
October 10, 2022 ~ Jazz pianist, conductor Kenny Clayton passed away ~ Served as musical director and arranger for the likes of Dick Haymes, Cilla Black, Charles Aznavour, Sacha Distel, Roger Whittaker, and especially Petula Clark working with Clark from the early-1960s through the 2000s. Composed soundtracks for films such as The Ragman's Daughter, The Savage Hunt and Night Train To Murder and directed and arranged for theatrical productions including The Sound Of Music, No Strings and Privates On Parade ~ Clayton was born in 1936
October 10, 2021 ~ Contemporary classical composer Luis de Pablo, full name Luis de Pablo Costales, passed away in Madrid, Spain ~ Among a generation of composers dubbed Generación del 51, known for connecting music in Spain to musical developments in Europe after the Civil War. Co-founded the Grupo Nueva Musica. Co-founded Tiempo & Musica. Founded and organized several festivals and cultural events. Accused of giving too much prominence to “left-wing art” by the Franco regime, accused of supporting Franco by the ETA. Spent a number of years living in exile. Known for film scores such as The Spirit Of The Beehive and The Hunt and for operas such as Kiu and La Señorita Cristina ~ De Pablo was born in 1930
October 10, 2015 ~ Robert Wickens Thompson, commonly known as folk rock singer, guitarist Robbin Thompson, passed away in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Member of Steel Mill, which also included a then-unknown Bruce Springsteen. Debuted as a solo artist with his 1976 eponymous Robbin Thompson album. Had artists such as Melissa Manchester, Steve Cropper, Waddy Wachtel, Bruce Hornsby and Ellen McIlwaine guest on his recordings. Scored a minor hit with Brite Eyes in 1980 ~ Thompson was born in 1949
October 10, 2015 ~ Rock, jazz saxophonist Steve Mackay passed away in Daly City, California, USA ~ Briefly a member of the Stooges, appearing on some tracks of the 1970 Fun House album. In later years Mackay would recall being “somewhat grateful” for being fired by Iggy Pop after five months, as the band was deteriorating from drug abuse. Mackay would go on to work with a host of underground acts including Violent Femmes, Snakefinger, Commander Cody & his Lost Planet Airmen, Smegma, and the Mojo Boogie Band ~ Mackay was born in 1949
October 10, 2014 ~ Orchestra leader, saxophonist, composer Olav Dale passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Mostly saxophone, other woodwind too. Active since the mid-1970s. Worked with the Bergen Blues Band, Knut Kristiansen, Dag Arnesen, Oslo 13, Terje Rypdal, John Surman, the Lille Fron SaxofoKvartett, Sébastien Dubé, Frank Jacobsen, Stein Inge Brækhus, Torbjørn Hillersoy, Philip Catherine, Paquito d'Rivera, Claudio Roditi, Gustavo Bergalli, Phil Woods, Andy Sheppard, Bennie Wallace, Joe Henderson, Maria Schneider, Martial Solal, Diana Krall, Mathias Rüegg, Gianluigi Trovesi, and others ~ Dale was born in 1958
October 10, 2013 ~ Calvin Grant Shofner, commonly known as country singer, guitarist Cal Smith passed away Branson, Missouri, USA ~ Member of Ernest Tubb's backing unit the Texas Troubadours from 1960 through 1969. As a solo artist known best for Country Bumpkin and It's Time To Pay The Fiddler, both hits in 1974. Other well known recordings of his include She Talked A Lot About Texas, I Just Came Home To Count The Memories and Come See About Me ~ Shofner was born in 1932
October 10, 2010 ~ James Solomon McDonald, commonly known as Solomon Burke passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Incremental in development of 1960s soul, especially acclaimed for a string of early-1960s albums including If You Need Me, I Almost Lost My Mind and Rock 'n Soul. Co-wrote and first recorded Everybody Needs Somebody To Love, later covered by artists such as the Rolling Stones, Wilson Pickett, and the Blues Brothers. Other well known songs include Cry To Me, Just Out Of Reach (Of My Two Open Arms), and Got To Get You Off My Mind. Burke would also be one of the first R&B, soul artists to cover a Bob Dylan tune, namely Maggie's Farm which served as the flip side of the 1965 single Tonight's The Night ~ Burke was born in 1940
October 10, 2009 ~ Cecil Bradshaw, commonly known as bandleader, trumpeter, promoter Sonny Bradshaw, passed away in London, UK ~ Known as “the Dean of Jamaican music” with a career spanning six decades. Worked with Eric Dean, the Jamaican Big Band, Joe Harriott, Dizzy Reece, Ernest Ranglin, Little G McNair, Dwight Pinkney, Monty Alexander, Sarah Vaughan, Johnny Mathis, Lou Rawls, Johnnie Ray, Brook Benton, Sam Cooke, and others ~ Bradshaw was born in 1926
October 10, 2008 ~ Singer, songwriter Alton Ellis, full name Alton Nehemiah Ellis, passed away in London, UK ~ Pivotal to development of rocksteady. Half of Alton & Eddy, the other half being Eddy Parkins, known for recordings such as Muriel, Lullabye Angel and I'm Never Gonna Cry. As a solo artist best known for the quintessential rocksteady songs Girl I've Got A Date, featuring Gladstone Anderson, Paul Douglas, Hux Brown, Lynn Tait and Al Jackson Jr, and for Rocksteady, the song that actually named the genre. Ellis also worked with Coxsone Dodd, Vincent Chin, John Holt, Duke Reid, Winston Jarrett, Tommy McCook, Lloyd Charmers, Phyllis Dillon, the Heptones, Bunny Lee, Keith Hudson, and Aspo ~ Ellis was born in 1938
October 10, 2005 ~ Country singer Brad Paisley releases When I Get Where I'm Going, lifted off his Time Well Wasted album ~ Written by George Teren and Rivers Rutherford. Singer Dolly Parton provides harmony vocals. The second single off his When I Get Where I'm Going album, it would receive mixed reviews, some praising the tune as a “certified inspirational winner” while others felt that “Parton helped get this song across the finish line”. Regardless of some negative criticism, it would reach top of the country charts, and actually start a streak of ten consecutive Billboard Country No.1 singles. The song would later be covered by several Christian artists, notably Geoff Moore whose 2007 version reached top 20 on the Billboard Christian charts
October 10, 2005 ~ Pop rock guitarist Nick Hawkins passed away ~ Best known as guitarist for Big Audio Dynamite II from 1990 through 1997, including on the hits Rush and Globe. Hawkins would also work as a producer, including for his wife Jo Beng, and as a film composer. At the time of his death of a heart attack at age 40, Hawkins was working on a still unreleased solo album titled Dusk Till Dawn, scheduled to be released in 2006 ~ Hawkins was born in 1965
October 10, 2002 ~ Swing clarinetist, saxophonist Abe Most, full name Abraham Most, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Brother of flautist Sam Most. Influenced by Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman. Recorded a handful of albums as a leader, especially noted for Swing Low Sweet Clarinet released in 1984. In-demand sideman, including outside of jazz circles, present on albums by Paul Smith, Ella Fitzgerald (Sings The Rodgers And Hart Song Book), Johnny Mandel, Van Alexander, Frank Sinatra (Nice 'n Easy), Rosemary Clooney, Nancy Wilson, Ray Conniff, Randy Newman (Sail Away), Maria Muldaur, Joni Mitchell, Earth Wind & Fire (All 'n All), BB King, Ted Gärdestad, and Madonna ~ Most was born in 1920
October 10, 1999 ~ Guitarist Alfredo Gil, full name Alfredo Bojalil Gil, passed away in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Founding member of Los Panchos, remaining with the band for about four decades starting in the 1940s. The band rose to fame in Latin America with their renditions of classic bolero, romantic ballads and folk songs and are considered one of the top musical trios and one the most influential Latin American artists of all time. The band joined forces with singer Eydie Gormé in the mid-1960s, resulting in a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums ~ Gil was born in 1915
October 10, 1999 ~ Songwriter, pianist George Forest, full name George Forrest Chicester Jr, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Regular collaborator of Robert Wright, the duo often adapting classical music to create over an estimated 2,000 songs for musicals, revues and films. Perhaps best known for the 1953 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Kismet, the music mostly adapted from compositions by Alexander Borodin ~ Chichester was born in 1915
October 10, 1997 ~ Pianist, organist, harpsichordist, composer, conductor George Malcolm, full name George John Malcolm, passed away in London, UK ~ Introduced the harpsichord to new audiences, noted for his concerts with Thurston Dart, Denis Vaughn and Eileen Joyce. Worked with the Pro Arte Orchestra, Geoffrey Parsons, Simon Preston, and others. As a conductor, Malcolm was most closely associated with the English Chamber Orchestra and the Northern Sinfonia ~ Malcolm was born in 1917
October 10, 1992 ~ Leonard George Sargent, commonly known as singer, pianist Lennie Peters, passed away in Enfield, UK ~ Blinded in one eye at age 5 during a car accident and a thrown brick blinding his other eye at age 16. Uncle of the Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts. Active as a solo artist since the early-1960s, notably known for the singles Let The Tears Begin and And My Heart Cried Again. Formed the duo Peters & Lee with Dianne Lee, previously his backing singer, scoring the hits Welcome Home and Don't Stay Away Too Long. The former would top both the UK and Irish charts in 1973 ~ Sargent was born in 1931
October 10, 1991 ~ R&B, pop-jazz singer, actor Andrzej Zaucha passed away in Krakow, Poland ~ Lead singer of jazz fusion outfit Dzamble, present on the band's Wolanie O Sloncie Nad Swiatem. Member of Anawa, present on the eponymous 1973 Anawa album. Active as a solo artist since the early-1980s, notably known for songs such as Wszystkie Stworzenia Duze I Male and Bylas Serca Biciem. Shot and killed in a crime of passion at age 42 ~ Zaucha was born in 1949
October 10, 1991 ~ Mariana Espósito, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, model Lali Espósito, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Dubbed “the Queen of Argentine pop”. First gained attention on the cast of children's TV show Rincón De Luz in 2003. Member of teen pop band the Teen Angels from 2007 to 2012. Released her solo debut A Bailar in 2014, reaching top 10 in Argentina and Uruguay
October 10, 1987 ~ In its fifteenth week on the charts, Here I Go Again by Whitesnake hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by David Coverdale and Bernie Marsden, the song dealing with Coverdale's strained marriage to his first wife, the song was first recorded for their 1982 Saints & Sinners album. The original 1982 single had been issued in a limited number of countries, and had been a modest hit in some, most notably a top 40 hit in the UK. However, when the band re-recorded the song for their eponymous 1987 Whitesnake album and issued it as a single, it became a hit spending some 28 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 including one week at the top spot. The 1987 single, sometimes also titled Here I Go Again '87, would also reach top 10 in Canada, the Netherlands, Ireland, and the UK. Here I Go Again would remain the band's biggest hit, in America closely followed by their only other top 10 hit, Is This Love peaking at No.2 Billboard Hot 100 later the same year
October 10, 1984 ~ Nicole Mourelatos, commonly known as indie rock, pop rock, baroque pop singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Doris Cellar, born ~ Member of Freelance Whales from 2008 through 2013. The band would gain popularity in 2010 after Twitter used their Generator First Floor song as background music in a video announcing platform changes. Subsequently the same song would also be used by the NBC show Chuck and by Chevrolet for a ad campaign for the Chevy Volt. Cellar has also recorded as a solo artist
October 10, 1983 ~ Giovanni Edgar Charles Galletto-Savoretti, commonly known as folk rock, indie pop singer, guitarist, pianist Jack Savoretti, born in Westminster, UK ~ Released his debut album, Between The Minds, in 2007 and has been recording steadily since. Has opened for Corinne Bailey Rae and for Gavin Degraw. Duetted with Elisa on 2016's Waste Your Time On Me and with Kylie Minogue on 2018's Music's Too Sad Without You. Darling of BBC Radio 2. Though singles would barely reach the charts, starting in 2015 with the album Written In Scars his albums regularly reach the UK top 10
October 10, 1981 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Una Healy, full name Una Theresa Imogene Healy, born in Thurles, Ireland ~ Backed Brian Kennedy on Ireland's entry for the 2006 Eurovision Songfestival, Every Song Is A Cry For Love reached 10th place. Would rise to fame as member of girl group the Saturdays, known for a string of UK top 10 hits starting in 2008 including Just Can't Get Enough, Missing You, All Fired Up and perhaps their best known What About Us featuring Sean Paul, the latter reaching No.1
October 10, 1980 ~ Ska singer Tim Maurer, full name Timothy Robert Maurer, born ~ Best known as lead singer for third-wave ska band the Suburban Legends from 1998 through 2000, leaving the band after recording the Origin Edition debut album. Maurer rejoined the band in 2002, now staying on through 2005
October 10, 1979 ~ Mya Marie Harrison, mononymously known as singer, songwriter, actress Mya, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Debuted in 1998 with the eponymous Mya album, spawning the hit It's All About Me featuring Sisqó. Featured on the Pras hit Ghetto Supastar (THat Is What You Are which also featured Ol' Dirty Bastard. Collaborated with Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim and P!nk on the Billboard Hot 100 charttopper Lady Marmalade, a remake of the Labelle-classic. As a solo artist also known for Take Me There, Case Of The Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do), Free, and others
October 10, 1978 ~ Drummer Alex Thomas born in Lutterworth, UK ~ Worked with Bolt Thrower, Squarepusher, Air, Badly Drawn Boy, Groop Dogdrill, the New Young Pony Club, UNKLE, Saint Etienne, Bat For Lashes, Anna Calvi, Earl Shilton, Adem, Supreme Vagabond Craftsman, Philip Selway, John Cale, and Bloc Party
October 10, 1978 ~ Saxophonist, keyboardist, producer, songwriter Casey Benjamin born ~ Best known as original member of Robert Glasper Experiment, including on the Grammy Award-winning Black Radio album released in 2012. An in-demand sideman in jazz, R&B, and hip hop, Benjamin has also worked extensively with DJ Logic, formed the duo HEAVY with singer Nicky Guiland, and has appeared on albums by the likes of Pucci Amanda Jhones, Arto Lindsay (Prize), Lynette Washington, Stefon Harris (Evolution), DJ Spinna, Howard Britz, Derrick Hodge (Live Today), Kris Bowers (Heroes And Misfits), A Tribe Called Quest, Solange (A Seat At The Table), and Philip Bailey ~ Benjamin passed away in 2024
October 10, 1978 ~ Big band bandleader Ralph Marterie passed away in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ His first job as a bandleader was for the US Navy during World War II. Would go on to work as bandleader with ABC Radio and regularly reach the higher echelons of the charts during the early-1950s, including a number of covers of traditional pop and rock & roll songs such as Crazy Man Crazy, Pretend, Caravan. As a composer best known for Dancing Trumpet, Dry Marterie and Carla ~ Marterie was born in 1914
October 10, 1968 ~ Scott Iallaci, commonly known as hip-hop DJ, producer, remixer DJ Skribble, born in Elmont, New York, USA ~ Member of Young Black Teenagers. Co-wrote the 1996 musical Hip Hop Wonderland with Bill Irwin. Appeared on Wyclef Jean's The Carnival solo debut album. Released his full-length Traffic Jams debut album in 1997
October 10, 1965 ~ Jazz double bassist George Tucker, full name George Andrew Tucker, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Sideman. Worked with Earl Bostic, John Coltrane, Jackie McLean, Eric Dolphy, Clifford Jordan, Horace Parlan, Booker Ervin, Jerome Richardson, Junior Mance, Melba Liston, Stanley Turrentine, Dexter Gordon, Shirley Scott, Dave Lambert, John Hendricks, Yolande Bavan, Coleman Hawkins, Jaki Byard, Kenny Burrell, Ted Curson, Lou Donaldson, Curtis Fuller, Bennie Green, Slide Hampton, John Handy, Etta Jones, Gildo Mahones, Pony Poindexter, Jimmy Witherspoon, and others ~ Tucker was born in 1927
October 10, 1965 ~ Singer, actress, songwriter Rebecca Pidgeon born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as an actress. As a singer as a member of Brish folk outfit Ruby Blue, appearing on two albums, 1987's So Unlike Me and 1988's Bloomsbury Blue. Debuted as a solo artist in 1994 with the album The Raven and has recorded steadily since, at time backed by Billy Preston and Walter Becker. Has guested on recordings by Luciana Souza, Madeleine Peyroux and Chris Connelly
October 10, 1963 ~ Jazz trumpeter, bassist, drummer, composer Brad Goode born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Eddie Harris, Ira Sullivan, Barrett Deems, Ernie Krivda, Jack DeJohnette, Von Freeman, Curtis Fuller, Sheila Jordan, Paa Kow, Rony Barrak, Richie Cole, Matt Dusk, Fred Hess, Mollie O'Brien, Joanie Pallatto, Sax Appeal, and Steve Vining
October 10, 1962 ~ Bluegrass banjoist, guitarist Sammy Shelor born in Meadows Of Dan, Virginia, USA ~ Best known for fronting the Lonesome River Band, joining the band in 1990. Present on the band's best known including the albums Old Country Town and Talkin' To Myself. Has also recorded as a solo artist and is an in-demand session musician and collaborator, has worked with the Virginia Squires, Linda Lay, Larry Rice, Ronnie Bowman, Butch Robins, Exit Thirteen, Don Rigsby, the Country Gentlemen, Jimmy Gaudreau, Bobby Osborne, Alan Jackson, and others
October 10, 1961 ~ Bassist, singer Martin Kemp born in Islington, UK ~ Longtime member of Spandau Ballet, known for songs such as Musclebound, True, Gold, Only When You Leave and Through The Barricades, all of which reached the UK top 10
October 10, 1961 ~ Rock drummer Scott Hoffman born in Fort Myers, Florida, USA ~ Best known for his stint with 38 Special drumming with the band from 1992 to 1997. Also worked with O-Town, Down Ime, the Chris Hicks Band, AJ McLean, Mindi Abair, James Taylor, Jerry Douglas, and others
October 10, 1960 ~ Singer, pianist, guitarist, bassist, drummer Eric Martin, full name Eric Lee Martin, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Frontman of Mr Big, best known for their 1991 hit To Be With You co-written by Martin. Has also worked with Tak Matsumoto, Michael Bolton, Todd Rundgren, Europe (co-wrote All Or Nothing), Laura Branigan, Sammy Hagar, Ted Nugent, Debbie Gibson, and others
October 10, 1960 ~ Pop, rock, gypsy jazz, bluegrass guitarist, singer, songwriter George Cole born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Lead guitarist for 1980s pop outfit Beatnik Beatch, known for the albums At The Zula Pool and Beatnik Beatch. Member of the Big Blue Hearts from 1997 through 2000. Toured with Joe Walsh. Mentored Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt. Eponym and leader of gypsy jazz band the George Cole Quintet
October 10, 1960 ~ Jazz pianist John Beasley born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Louisiana ~ Session musician. Has released solo albums since the early-1990s. Has backed a wide array of jazz and pop artists including Miles Davis, Steely Dan, Chaka Khan, James Brown, the Spice Girls, Dianne Reeves, Sérgio Mendes, Freddie Hubbard, Queen Latifah, Lee Ritenour, Mike Stern, Ivan Lins and others.
October 10, 1958 ~ Jazz, smooth jazz keyboardist, composer Alex Bugnon born in Montreux, Switzerland ~ Nephew of Donald Byrd. Released his debut album, Love Season, in 1988 to critical acclaim and has recorded steadily since
October 10, 1958 ~ Country, outlaw country singer Tanya Tucker born in Seminole, Texas, USA ~ One of the few childhood stars who matured into a longtime career in music. Notched her first hit, Delta Dawn, in 1972 at age 13. Would regularly hit the higher echelons of the country charts well throughout the 1990s. Also known for songs such Would You Lay With Me In A Field Of Stone, Lizzie & The Rainman, San Antonio Stroll, Here's Some Love, Texas (When I Die), Can I See You Tonight, One Love At A Time, If It Didn't Come Easy, My Arms Stay Open All Night, Down To My Last Teardrop, It's A Little Too Late, Soon, Hangin' In, and others
October 10, 1957 ~ Revered songwriter Tony Arata, full name Anthony Michael Arata, born in Savannah, Georgia, USA ~ Known for writing or co-writing hit songs for Suzy Bogguss, Garth Brooks (The Dance), Lee Roy Parnell (I'm Holding My Own), Clay Walker (Dreaming With My Eyes Open), Patty Loveless (Here I Am), Trisha Yearwood, Jim Glaser (The Man In The Mirror), Emmylou Harris, Tanya Tucker (Same Old Story), Hal Ketchum (Satisfied Mind), and others
October 10, 1956 ~ Neo-bop pianist, singer Johnny O'Neal born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Oscar Peterson and Art Tatum. Worked with Cleveland Eaton, Ray Reach, Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, Nancy Wilson, Joe Pass, Kenny Burrell, Art Blakey, and others
October 10, 1954 ~ Hard rock, glam metal, pop rock singer David Lee Roth born in Bloomington, Indiana, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of Van Halen, remaining with the band through 1984 and rejoining in later years. Active as a solo artist since the mid-1980s, scoring Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits with California Girls, Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody, Yankee Rose and Just Like Paradise
October 10, 1954 ~ Rock, pop singer, keyboardist, film composer Václav Patejdl, also known as Vaso Patejdl, born in Karlovy Vary, Czechoslovakia ~ Co-founding member of Elán, one of the most popular Czech acts of the 1980s, with whom he recorded four albums before departing on amicable terms in 1984 to focus on solo projects. Rejoined the band in 1996, to remain a member until his death. Over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Chlapcensky Usmev released in 1986. Has also written songs for other artists including Beáta Dubasová, Marika Gombitová, and Banket. The latter's Po Schodoch would later become a hit when rerecorded as a solo single by its lead singer Richard Müller. Patejdl also composed several soundtracks, notably for the 1985 movie Fontana Pre Zuzanu and the award-winning 2015 fairy tale film The Seven Ravens ~ Patejdl passed away in 2023
October 10, 1953 ~ James Ure, commonly known as keyboardist, guitarist, singer Midge Ure born in Glasgow, UK ~ Enjoyed popularity from the 1970s onward serving in bands such as Silk, Thin Lizzy, the Rich Kids and Visage, the latter especially known for the pivotal 1980 hit Fade To Grey. Best known for fronting Ultravox from 1980 through 1987, scoring the uk top 10 hits Vienna, All Stood Still and Dancing With Tears In My Eyes. Ure has also recorded as a solo artist, notably the UK No.1 If I Was of his 1985 The Gift album. Co-wrote and co-produced the Band Aid charity single Do They Know It's Christmas. Co-wrote Phil Lynott's Yellow Pearl, which served as the theme of Top Of The Pops for much of the 1980s
October 10, 1950 ~ Rock, country guitarist, songwriter Tim Krekel, full name Timothy Joseph Krekel, born in ~ Released well over half a dozen albums as a singer, starting with Crazy Me released in 1979. In-demand songwriter, his songs recorded by artists such as Dr Feelgood, Terri Gibbs (Ain't Nobody), Crystal Gayle, Alan Jackson (Anywhere On Earth You Are)second, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride (Cry On The Shoulder Of The Road), the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Delbert McClinton (Blues As Blues Can Get), Kim Richey, Aaron Tippin, Jason & the Scorchers (I Can't Help Myself), and Marshall Chapman ~ Krekel passed away in 2009
October 10, 1949 ~ Singer, actress, producer Jessica Harper born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as an actress, appearing in over 20 motion pictures including Pennies From Heaven, Woody Allen's Stardust Memories and Love & Death and Steven Spielberg's The Minority Report. As a singer known for a string of albums containing children's songs and for backing Dan Hicks on his Beatin' The Heat released in 2000
October 10, 1948 ~ Percussionist, singer Cyril Neville, full name Cyrille Garrett Neville, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of R&B outfit the Meters from 1970 through 1977. Subsequently a member of sibling outfit the Neville Brothers with Art Neville, Charles Neville and Aaron Neville, known especially for their 1989 Yellow Moon album. Has also worked with Wild Tchoupitoulas, Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson, Edie Brickell, Willie Nelson, Dr John, Galactic, the Royal Souhern Brotherhood, and others
October 10, 1948 ~ Josiane Grizeau, commonly known as singer Séverine, born in Paris, France ~ Internationally best known for winning the 1971 Eurovision Songfestival, representing Monaco with the song Un Banc Une Arbre Une Rue written by Jean-Pierre Bourtayre and Yves Dessca
October 10, 1947 ~ David John Crooks, commonly known as reggae, rocksteady singer Dave Barker, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Briefly a member of the Techniques. Formed the duo Dave & Ansell Collins, known for their international hit Double Barrel. Released a string of solo recordings including the hits Shock Of A Mighty and Spinning Wheel. Has also worked with Chain Reaction, the Selecter, the Riffs, and others
October 10, 1947 ~ Singer Nina Matviienko, full name Nina Mytrofanivna Matviienko, born in Nedilyshche, Ukranian SSR ~ Considered a pivotal voice in Ukrainian folk. Member of the Ukrainian State Folk Choir from 1966 through 1991. Member of folk trio Zoloti Kliuchi. Well-known for her 2017 performance with the Lviv National Opera of Yevhen Stankovych's folk opera When The Fern Blooms. The opera had been banned during the Soviet era, the recording featuring Matviienko would be streamed online following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine ~ Matviienko passed away in 2023
October 10, 1946 ~ Musical actor, dancer, singer Ben Vereen, full name Benjamin Augustus Vereen, born ~ Best known for portraying the title role in the original Broadway production of Jesus Christ Superstar, which earned him a Tony Award nomination
October 10, 1946 ~ Country-folk, progressive country singer, guitarist, songwriter John Prine, full name John Edward Prine, born in Maywood, Illinois, USA ~ Discovered by Kris Kristofferson. Prine became an important figure in the Chicago folk revival, with well over a dozen album to his name, and is generally regarded as one of the most influentual songwriters of his generation, known for his dry wit and social commentary. . Well-known songs include Illegal Smile, The Great Compromise, Dear Abby, Saigon, and The 20th Century Is Almost Over. Prine is held in the highest regards by artists such as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Kacey Musgraves, and Bonnie Raitt, the latter notably covering his Angel From Montgomery ~ Prine passed away in 2020
October 10, 1945 ~ Bassist Alan Cartwright, full name Alan George Cartwright, born in London, UK ~ Member of Procol Harum from 1972 through 1975, first appearing on the live album Procol Harum Live (In Concert With The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra) and last on Procol's Ninth. Had previously worked with fellow Harum bandmates BJ Wilson and Roger Warwick backing Freddie Mack
October 10, 1945 ~ Bass singer Headman Shabalala, full name Headman Msongelwa Shabalala, born in Ladysmith, South Africa ~ Original member of choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo founded by his brother Joseph Shabalala. Headman was shot and killed at age 46 in an apparent racially motivated killing, his murder is referenced in Adam Again's song Worldwide ~ Shabalala passed away in 1991
October 10, 1944 ~ Pop, rock drummer Trevor Morais born in Liverpool, UK ~ Replaced Ringo Starr in Rory Storm & the Hurricanes when Starr left to join the Beatles. Co-founded 1960s group the Peddlers, remaining with the band through 1972. Member of Quantam Jump, noted for their 1979 UK top 10 hit The Lone Ranger. In-demand session drummer, perhaps most noted for his drumming on Tina Turner's Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Better Be Good To Me of her 1984 Private Dancer comeback album. Other notable collaborations include Jim Capaldi, David Essex, Rupert Hine, Chris De Burgh, Howard Jones, Björk (Homogenic), Underworld, and Mike Batt
October 10, 1942 ~ Singer Bob Minsky born ~ Formed the Roommates with Steve Susskind, then both aged 15. The duo would become a quartet with the addition of Jack Carlson and Felix Alvarez. The band would record a number of unnoticed singles, until teaming up with singer Cathy Jean for Please Love Me Forever. Billed as Cathy Jean & the Roommates the single would reach top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961 ~ Minsky passed away in 2006
October 10, 1942 ~ Hard bop trumpeter Cecil Bridgewater born in Urbana, Illinois, USA ~ Married to Dee Dee Bridgewater in the 1970s, their daughter Tulani Bridgewater is a producer. Leader and sideman. Led the Bridgewater Brothers Band. Worked with Horace Silver, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Randy Weston, Charles McPherson, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Joe Henderson, Roy Brooks, Abdullah Ibrahim, Sam Rivers, Anthony Braxton, Jon Faddis, Mel Lewis, and McCoy Tyner
October 10, 1929 ~ Jazz drummer Ed Blackwell, full name Edward Joseph Blackwell, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Rose to fame backing Ornette Coleman, including on pivotal albums such as Free Jazz and The Art Of The Improvisers. In-demand sideman, present on albums by the American Jazz Quintet, Eric Dolphy (Here And There), Don Cherry (Complete Communion), Karl Berger, Archie Shepp (On This Night), Clifford Jordan (In The World), Albert Heath, Stanley Cowell, Marion Brown, Old And New Dreams, Anthony Davis, and Mal Waldron ~ Blackwell passed away in 1992
October 10, 1928 ~ Julian Clifford Mance Jr, commonly known as jazz pianist, composer Junior Mance, born in Evanston, Illinois, USA ~ Active since the late-1940s. Sideman and leader. Debuted as a leader in 1959. Played with Gene Ammons, Lester Young, Israel Crosby, Buddy Smith, Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Sonny Stitt, Dinah Washington, Clifford Brown, Clark Terry, Maynard Ferguson, Herb Geller, Harold Land, Richie Powell, Keter Betts, George Morrow, Max Roach, Benny Carter, Dexter Gordon, Al Grey, Johnny Griffin, Joe Gordon, Buddy Guy, Red Holloway, José James, Eddie Jefferson, Etta Jones, Irene Kral, Jay Leonhart, Les McCann, Howard McGhee, James Moody, Sandy Mosse, Ken Peplowski, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Paul Gonsalves, Wilbur Ware, Ben Webster, Leo Wright, Cannonball Adderley, and others ~ Mance passed away in 2021
October 10, 1928 ~ Ayse Leyla Ceyrekgil, commonly known as operatic soprano Leyla Gencer, born in Polonezkoy, Turkey ~ Bel canto soprano active mostly in the 1950s through the 1980s in Italy. Especially known for her roles in operas composed by Gaetano Donizetti. Has worked with the Teatro Di San Carlo, La Scala, the Royal Opera House, the San Francisco Opera, and others ~ Ceyrekgil passed away in 2008
October 10, 1925 ~ Drummer, percussionist Francisco Aguabella born in Matanzas, Cuba ~ Over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader. In-demand sideman. Member of Latin rock outfit Malo during the 1970s. First gained attention in the USA backing Peggy Lee from the early-1950s through 1960. Has also backed artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Frank Sinatra, Cachao, Lalo Schifrin, Nancy Wilson, Bebo Valdes, Carlos Santana, Louie Bellson, Paul Simon, and others. ~ Aguabella passed away in 2010
October 10, 1921 ~ Jazz trumpeter, hornist Julius Watkins born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ The definitive master of the French horn. Occasionally recorded as a leader, noted especially for the mid-1950s two-volume set Julius Watkins Sextet. Co-led Les Jazz Modes with Charlie Rouse, recording about half a dozen albums from 1955 through 1959. In-demand sideman, present on quintessential jazz recordings by Thelonious Monk (We See), Milt Jackson, Benny Golson (New York Scene), Oscar Pettiford (Deep Passion), Quincy Jones, Miles Davis (Porgy & Bess), Art Farmer (Brass Shout), Randy Weston (Uhuru Afrika), Les Spann, Benny Bailey, Jimmy Heath, Phil Woods (Right Of Swing), Cal Massey, John Coltrane (Africa/Brass), Oscar Peterson, Freddie Hubbard, Gil Evans, Kenny Burrell (Guitar Forms), Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Pharoah Sanders (Karma), Charles Mingus (Let My Children Hear Music), and McCoy Tyner ~ Watkins passed away in 1977
October 10, 1921 ~ William Howard Montgomery, commonly known as jazz bassist, double bassist Monk Montgomery, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Influenced by Jimmy Blanton, Ray Brown, and Charles Mingus. Pioneered the use of electric bass guitar, taking up the instrument in the early-1950s. As a leader, Montgomery recorded with the Mastersounds, notably The King And I released in 1957, and a few albums under his own name, noted most for Reality released in 1974. As a sideman, Montgomery is present on albums by Lionel Hampton, Art Farmer (The Art Farmer Septet), Jon Hendricks, Hampton Hawes (The Green Leaves Of Summer), Jack Wilson, Eddie Harris (Silver Cycles), the Jazz Crusaders, and Kenny Burrell. Montgomery has also recorded with his younger brothers guitarist Wes Montgomery and vibraphonist Buddy Montgomery, including over half a dozen albums under the common moniker the Montgomery Brothers ~ Montgomery passed away in 1982
October 10, 1921 ~ Jazz pianist, singer Roy Kral born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Brother of singer Irene Kral. Best known for forming the duo Jackie & Roy with his wife singer Jackie Cain. The duo had met working with Charlie Ventura in the late-1940s. Shortly after leaving Ventura they married and would record and perform as a duo until Kral's death some five decades later, their music characterised by an unusual yet attractive pairing of harmony vocals ~ Kral passed away in 2002
October 10, 1918 ~ Trombonist, bandleader Bobby Byrne born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Joined the Dorsey Brothers orchestra at age 16, following Jimmy Dorsey to serve as Dorsey's primary trombonist after the brothers split in 1935. With the help of Jimmy founded his own orchestra a few years later, notably recording Meditation At Moonlight, struggling to keep the orchestra going through the war years as one after the other band member was called upon to serve in the Army. Byrne is especially known for backing Eartha Kitt on her early-1950s album That Bad Eartha Kitt, serving as musical director for WNBT-TV, and backing Cootie Williams on the 1958 Cootie Williams In Hi-Fi album ~ Byrne passed away in 2006
October 10, 1917 ~ Jazz, cool jazz, bebop, hard bop pianist, composer Thelonious Monk, full name Thelonious Sphere Monk, born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA ~ Second-most-recorded jazz composer, after Duke Ellington, known for standards such as Round Midnight, Blue Monk, Straight No Chaser, Ruby My Dear, In Walked Bud and Well You Needn't ~ Monk passed away in 1982
October 10, 1915 ~ Trumpeter Harry Sweets Edison born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his tenure in Count Basie's orchestra, working alongside Buck Clayton, Lester Young (who named him “Sweets”), Buddy Tate, and Freddie Green. Has also worked with the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Lucky Millinder, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Harry Belafonte, Louie Bellson, Bob Brookmeyer, Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Milt Jackson, the Pointer Sisters, BB King, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Carole King, and Ella Fitzgerald ~ Edison passed away in 1999
October 10, 1914 ~ R&B, blues, boogie-woogie pianist, singer, songwriter Ivory Joe Hunter, born in Kirbyville, Texas, 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 passed away in 1974
October 10, 1910 ~ Jazz trumpeter, bandleader, singer Milt Larkin born in Navasoto, Texas, USA ~ Got his start in the 1930s with minor territory bands backing Chester Boone and Giles Mitchell. Perhaps most acclaimed for leading his own band from the mid-1930s through the mid-1940s, with whom he toured the Midwest and Southwest as well as held a nine-month residency at the Rhumboogie Café, Chicago, Illinois, where on occasions they backed T-Bone Walker. Larkin was offered the opportunity to record but declined, in part of the low wages labels offered to black musicians, a decision that haunted later jazz fans because of the many young sidemen in the band who would later rise to fame in their own right, including saxophonists Arnett Cobb, Illinois Jacquet, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, and Tom Archia, pianists Cedric Haywood and Wild Bill Davis, and drummers Alvin Burroughs, Joe Marshall and Roy Porter. Larkin disbanded the group when he himself enlisted, but following his stint in the US Army would continue to lead several ensembles well into the 1990s, most notably the non-profit group Get Involved Now giving hundreds of performances for crippled and burned children, special needs children, mentally ill patients and elderly audiences, mostly around the Houston, Texas, area ~ Larkin passed away in 1996
October 10, 1908 ~ Songwriter, pianist Johnny Green, full name John Waldo Green, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Body And Soul from the 1930 Broadway musical Three's A Crowd with Edward Heyman, Robert Sour and Frank Sour. The song would be first introduced by Gertrude Lawrence in the UK and by Libby Holman in the USA. The song became a jazz standard recorded by numerous artists including notably Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins, Paul Whiteman, Jack Fulton, and as a duet by Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse ~ Green passed away in 1989
October 10, 1906 ~ Film composer, pianist, conductor Giovanni Fusco born in Benevento, Italy ~ Brother of composer Tarcisio Fusco. Married to pianist Adriana Dante, their daughter being the acclaimed operatic soprano Cecilia Fusco. Has composed numerous film scores, notably Cronacio Di Un Amore, Mon Amour, L'Avventura and La Guerre Est Finie ~ Fusco passed away in 1968
October 10, 1904 ~ Singer, actor, comedian, songwriter Sam Theard, full name Samuel F Theard, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Active since the 1920s, going by various monikers. Regularly backed by pianist Albert Ammons on his mid-1930s recordings. Best known for I'll Be Glad When You're Dead (You Rascal You), covered by numerous artists. Co-wrote Let The Good Times Roll, an oft-covered hit and signature song for Louis Jordan ~ Theard passed away in 1982
October 10, 1903 ~ Vladimir Dukelsky, commonly known as composer, songwriter Vernon Duke, born in Vilna Governorate, Russian Empire ~ Collaborated with lyricists such as Johnny Mercer, Ira Gershwin, Ogden Nash, and Sammy Cahn. Well known songs co-written by Duke include Taking A Chance On Love from the 1940 musical Cabin In The Sky, Hal Kemp's I Can't Get Started, April In Paris from the 1932 musical Walk A Little Faster and perhaps his best known Autumn In New York from the 1934 revue Thumbs Up. The latter would become a jazz standard recorded by Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby, Stan Kenton, Sarah Vaughan, and Tal Farlow ~ Dukelsky passed away in 1969
October 10, 1891 ~ Wallace Theodore Kirkeby, commonly known as bandleader, singer, artist manager Ed Kirkeby, born ~ Best known as manager for pianist Fats Waller. Kirkeby was one of the first recording managers at Columbia Records to record jazz, organizing several groups of session musicians. A&R executive at RCA-Victor. After Waller's death in 1943 would mostly work as a manager for other artists including Pat Flowers ~ Kirkeby passed away in 1978