October 12, 2022 ~ Conductor, composer Bernardo Adam Ferrero passed away in Valencia, Spain ~ Has conducted the Enguara Music Band, the Ateneo Musical Band, the Orquesta De Valencia, the Teatro Colón, and others. As a composer perhaps best known for his Danzas Alicantinas for concert band. Has also written chamber music and vocal pieces ~ Adam was born in 1942
October 12, 2021 ~ Piper, bodhran player Paddy Moloney passed away in Dublin, Ireland ~ Leader of the Chieftains, which he co-founded in 1962 with Seán Potts and Michael Tubridy. The band has recorded over 40 albums, all of which featuring Moloney, and is especially known for their vast work of collaborations including with artists such as Elvis Costello, Ry Cooder, Rosanne Cash, Béla Fleck, James Galway, Art Garfunkel, Mark Knopfler, Emmylou Harris, Mick Jagger, and others ~ Moloney was born in 1938
October 12, 2020 ~ Blues, soul singer Kim Massie passed away ~ Schooled in gospel choirs. Discovered sitting in with saxophonist Oliver Sain. Fronted blues outfit the Solid Senders, a festival favorite across the USA. Acclaimed for her 2012 Soul Serenade album, a collaborative effort with the Solomon Douglas Swingtet ~ Massie was born ca.1958
October 12, 2019 ~ Guitarist, singer George Chambers passed away ~ Best known as member of psychedelic soul band the Chamber Brothers, known for incorporating elements of traditional gospel and blues, psychedelica and rock into soul, scoring a Billboard top 20 hit with the eleven-minute single Time Has Come Today in 1968 ~ Chambers was born in 1931
October 12, 2019 ~ Guitarist Gerry McGee passed away ~ Worked with the Ventures, first playing with the band in 1968 replacing original member Nokie Edwards ~ McGee was born in 1937
October 12, 2019 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Milcho Leviev passed away in Thessaloniki, Greece ~ First gained serious attention in the 1960s as conductor with Bulgarian National Radio ensembles. As a composer known for works such as Studia, Blues In 9 and Anti-waltz. Has worked with the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra, Don Ellis, Billy Cobham, Lainie Kazan, John Klemmer, Art Pepper, Roy Haynes, and others ~ Leviev was born in 1937
October 12, 2018 ~ Composer, violinist Takehisa Kosugi passed away ~ Best known for his experimental music, including with the groups Group Ongaku and the Taj Mahal Travellers ~ Kosugi was born in 1938
October 12, 2016 ~ Composer, conductor Gerhard Wimberger passed away ~ Worked with the Vienna Volksoper, the Salzburg Theatre. Composed cantatas, chamber music, and orchestral music ~ Wimberger was born in 1923
October 12, 2016 ~ Singer, songwriter Robert Bateman passed away ~ Founding member of 1950s R&B outfit the Satintones. Best known as a songwriter, co-writing and producing the Marvelettes' Please Mr Postman which would become Motown's first Billboard No.1 hit. Also co-wrote If You Need Me, first recorded by Wilson Pickett and notably covered by Solomon Burke as well as by the Rolling Stones ~ Bateman was born in 1936
October 12, 2016 ~ William Nelson Sanders, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Sonny Sanders, passed away ~ Formed the Satintones, the first vocal group to be signed to Motown, in 1957 which also featured Robert Bateman, James Ellis, and Sammy Mack. Also sessioned as backup singer on You Got What It Takes (Marv Johnson), and Money (That's What I Want) (Barrett Strong). Left the label in 1960 but continued to work as arranger on Motown-tracks including Just Like Romeo And Juliet (the Reflections). Also worked with non-Motown artists such as producer Carl Davis, Mary Wells, Edwin Starr (arranged Agent Double-O-Soul), Jackie Wilson, Gene Chandler, the Chi-lites, and Tyrone Davis. Co-wrote Barbara Acklin's Am I The Same Girl with Eugene Record. Co-wrote Wilson Pickett's If You Need Me, later also recorded by Solomon Burke, and by the Rolling Stones ~ Sanders was born in 1939
October 12, 2013 ~ Albert Goldstein, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Al Gay, passed away in Bedfordshire, UK, ~ Worked with the Jive Bombers, Freddy Randall, Bob Wallis, Alex Welsh, Dick Morrisey, Stan Robinson, Paul Carroll, Ian Carr, Kenny Wheeler, Greg Brown, the World's Greatest Jazz Band, Digby Fairweather, Laurie Chescoe, Ron Russell, the Pizza Express All-Stars, and others ~ Goldstein was born in 1928
October 12, 2011 ~ Producer, songwriter Paul Leka passed away in Sharon, Connecticut, USA ~ In-demand producer, songwriter known for his work with the Chateaus, the Lemon Pipers (The Green Tambourine), Peppermint Rainbow (Will You Be Staying After Sunday), Steam, the Left Banke, Peter Nero, Jimmie Spheeris, Harry Chapin, REO Speedwagon, Lori Lieberman, Gloria Gaynor, and others ~ Leka was born in 1943
October 12, 2009 ~ Richard Allan Peterson, commonly known as bassist, guitarist Dickie Peterson, passed away in Erkelenz, Germany ~ Best known as bassist and lead singer of Blue Cheer. Has also released two solo albums, Child Of The Darkness (1998) and Dickie Peterson (1999) ~ Peterson was born in 1946
October 12, 2009 ~ Bass-baritone opera, concert singer Ian Wallace, full name Ian Bryce Wallace, passed away in North London, UK ~ Active in opera since the mid-1940s, starting with the Sadler's Wells Opera and subsequently the New London Opera House under the direction of Alberto Erede, remaining active on the opera stage through the 1980s. Maintained a parallel career in revue, non-musical theatre, and broadcasting. Has performed as a one-man show for many years, the Flanders & Swann novelty song The Hippopotamus becoming most closely associated with Wallace ~ Wallace was born in 1919
October 12, 2009 ~ Jazz clarinetist, vibraphonist Joe Roland passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with artists such as Oscar Pettiford, George Shearing, Howard McGhee, Artie Shaw, Freddie Redd, Mat Mathews, Aaron Sachs, Lew Berryman, Mark Trail, Sandy Patton, and others ~ Roland was born in 1920
October 12, 2008 ~ Singer Cliff Nobles, full name Clifford James Nobles, passed away in Norristown, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Fronted Cliff Nobles & Co, which also included bassist Benny Williams, guitarist Bobby Tucker and drummer Robert Marshall, best known for their 1968 single Love Is All Right b/w The Horse which peaked at No.2 Billboard mainly due to the instrumental flipside catching on ~ Nobles was born in 1941
October 12, 2002 ~ Bandleader, composer, arranger Ray Conniff, full name Joseph Raymond Conniff, passed away in Escondido, California, USA ~ Formed and led Ray Conniff Singers best known for their 1966 hit Somewhere My Love. Also worked with Rosemary Clooney, Marty Robbins (hanging tree), Frankie Laine, Johnny Mathis (Chances Are), Guy Mitchell, Johnnie Ray (Just Walking In The Rain), Tony Bennett, Eileen Rodgers, Don Cherry, Billy Butterfield, and others ~ Conniff was born in 1916
October 12, 1999 ~ Delta blues harpist, guitarist Frank Frost, full name Frank Otis Frost, passed away in Helena, Arkansas, USA ~ Revered blues harpist. Worked with Sam Carr, Robert Nighthawk, Sonny Boy Williamson I, Big Jack Johnson, and others ~ Frost was born ca.1936
October 12, 1999 ~ Southern gospel singer Glen Payne passed away ~ Best known as lead singer for quintessential gospel vocal group the Cathedrals Quartet for over three decades starting in the early 1960s. Payne passed away while on the road during the band's farewell tour ~ Payne was born in 1926
October 12, 1997 ~ Henry John Deutschendorf Jr, commonly known as singer, songwriter John Denver, passed away in Pacific Grove, California, USA ~ One of the most popular singers of the 1970s, known for songs such as Take Me Home Country Roads, Annie's Song, Rocky Mountain High, Calypso, Thank God I'm A Country Boy, Leaving On A Jet Plane, Sunshine On My Shoulders, and others. Member of the Mitchell Trio, replacing founder Chad Mitchell. Member of the Alpine Trio. Political activist, especially concerned about the environment, but also engaged in charitable causes for the homeless, the poor, and the African AIDS crisis. Campaigned for Jimmy Carter, who became a close personal friend. Founded the Windstar Foundation, dedicated to promoting sustainable living ~ Denver was born in 1943
October 12, 1995 ~ Rock, new wave guitarist, keyboardist, saxophonist, songwriter Hans Wärmling, full name Hans Axel Wärmling, passed away in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Early member of the Stranglers. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Wasted, My Young Dreams and Strange Little Girl, the latter later notably covered by Tori Amos. Left the band in 1975, replaced by Dave Greenfield ~ Wärmling was born in 1943
October 12, 1989 ~ Pianist Carmen Cavallaro passed away in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ One of the most admired light music pianist of his generation known as the “Poet of the Piano” ~ Cavallaro was born in 1913
October 12, 1989 ~ François Luambo Luanzo Makiadi, commonly known as singer, guitarist, bandleader, songwriter Franco Luambo, passed away in Namur, Belgium ~ Pivotal figure in Congolese music, serving as leader of the renowned and internationally acclaimed TPOK Jazz ensemble for some three decades ~ Makiadi was born in 1938
October 12, 1989 ~ Singer, songwriter Sinéad Harnett, full name Sinéad Monica Harnett, born in Finchley, UK ~ Influenced by Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson, and Amy Winehouse. First gained attention in 2011 guesting on Wiley's Walk Away. Would also guest on recordings by Rudimental, Ryan Hemsworth, and Kidnap Kid prior to releasing her NOW debut EP in 2014. Would continue to release several more EPS and singles, leading up to a full-length album, Lessons In Love, in 2019
October 12, 1988 ~ Singer Calum Scott born in Kingston Upon Hall, UK ~ Reached the finals of the talent show Britain's Got Talent in 2015. Best known for his Robyn-cover of Dancing On My Own, a top 10 hit in the UK, Ireland, Australia and elsewhere
October 12, 1985 ~ Blues, boogie-woogie pianist, singer Blind John Davis passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best rememebered for songs such as Little Every Day and Everybody's Boogie. Worked with Merline Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy, Sonny Boy Williamson I, Red Nelson, Lonnie Johnson, Dr Claytin, and others ~ Davis was born in 1913
October 12, 1985 ~ New wave, post-punk guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter Ricky Wilson passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Founded the B52's with Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland, Fred Schneider and his sister Cindy Wilson. Died aged 32 of AIDS-related complications. Present on the band's first four albums, including on songs such as Rock Lobster, Planet Claire, Private Idaho, Whammy Kiss and Summer Of Love ~ Wilson was born in 1953
October 12, 1983 ~ Guitarist, steel guitarist, arranger, composer Chris Combs, full name Christopher Kyle Combs, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best known as a member of progressive jazz unit Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, joining the band in 2008. Combs is sole composer of The Race Riot Suite released in 2011, a conceptual piece that tells of the infamous 1921 Tulsa race riots. The album is considered a masterpiece. As a solo artist Combs is best known for his 2017 COMBSY album, drawing from influences as diverse as Charles Mingus, George Harrison, Radiohead, and Marc Ribot
October 12, 1982 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer Emile Parisien born in Cahors, France ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Hector Berlioz, Igor Stravinsky, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter. Worked with Michel Portal, Jacky Terrasson, Yaron Herman, Joachim Kühn, Stéphane Kerecki, Eric Serra, Manu Codjila, Anne Paceo, Daniel Humair, Jean-Paul Céléa, Vincent Peirani, and others
October 12, 1978 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist, bandleader Børge-Are Halvorsen born in Lillehammer, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Ensemble Denada, the Paperboys, Dance With A Stranger, Karpe Diem, Sharp Nine, the Karlsen's Orkester, Chipahua, Bjørvika Business Band, and others
October 12, 1978 ~ Singer Nancy Spungen, full name Nancy Laura Spungen, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for her tumultuous romance with the Sex Pistols-singer Sid Vicious. Found stabbed to death in the couple's Chelsea Hotel hotel room in New York. Vicious would be arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Released on bail Vicious passed away four months later of a heroin overdose awaiting trial ~ Spungen was born in 1958
October 12, 1977 ~ Rock guitarist Scott Metzger born in Trenton, New Jersey, USA ~ In-demand collaborator and sideman in a wide array of genres including rock, soul, country, jazz and surf. Member of Joe Russo's Almost Dead. Has also worked with Phil Lesh, John Scofield, John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, Shooter Jennings, Trixie Whitley, Anders Osborne, Dean Ween, Stanton Moore, Circles Around The Sun, Particle, Marco Benevento, Frank Bango, American Babies, and others
October 12, 1976 ~ Alternative rock, indie pop, trip hop, electronic singer, guitarist, songwriter Dave Okumu born in Vienna, Austria ~ Frontman of Invisible, known best for their 2009 eponymous The Invisible debut album. Okumu released his Knopperz solo debut album in 2021. In-demand producer, songwriter, collaborator, working with acts such as Robert Miles, Amy Winehouse, Rosie Lowe, Jane Birkin, King Sunny Adé, Anna Calvi, and others. Noted for co-writing and co-producing Jessie Ware's 2010 Devotion debut album
October 12, 1972 ~ Wilfred Williams, commonly known as singer Billy Williams, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Lead singer of the Charioteers from 1930 to 1950, known for hits such as So Long, the Frank Sinatra-collaboration Don't Forget About Tomorrow, Open The Door Richard and A Kiss And A Rose. As a solo artist known for songs such as Why Did I Tell You I Was Going To Shanghai, It's No Sin and his best known the Fats Waller-cover I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter, the latter a 1957 hit selling over a million copies ~ Williams was born in 1910
October 12, 1972 ~ Jazz trumpeter Eugene Ball born ~ As a composer known for Fool Poet's Portion first performed by the Bennetts Lane Big Band which included Ball. Has also worked with Paul Grabowsky, Mike Nock, Tony Gould, Graeme Lyall, Don Burrows, Jamie Cullum, the Hoodangers, the Andrea Keller Quartet, the Allan Browne Quintet, the Australian Art Orchestra, and others
October 12, 1971 ~ Vincent Eugene Craddock, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Gene Vincent, passed away in Newhall, California, USA ~ Iconic rock & roll, rockabilly singer backed by the Blue Caps, which at times included rhythm guitarist Willie Williams, bassist Jack Neal, drummer Dickie Harrell, and guitarist Cliff Gallup. Best known for writing and first recording the rock & roll classic Be-bop-a-lula in 1956 ~ Craddock was born in 1935
October 12, 1970 ~ Folk, jam band singer, guitarist, songwriter Nathan Moore, also known as Percy Boyd, born in Clifton Forge, Virginia, USA ~ Founding member of both ThatMuseMeant and Surprise Me Mr Davis. Over a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Single Wide. Prolific songwriter, reportedly wrote over 1,000 songs
October 12, 1969 ~ Alternative country, country, country rock, bluegrass, folk violist, violinist, fiddler, mandolinist, bassist, singer Martie Maguire, full name Martha Elenor Maguire, born in York, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Dixie Chicks, with whom she recorded over half a dozen albums, including the acclaimed Wide Open Spaces and its follow-up Fly. The band has scored the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Long Time Gone, Landslide, and Not Ready To Make Nice. Formed the country, folk duo the Court Yard Hounds with her sister and Chicks bandmate Emily Robison, releasing their eponymous Court Yard Hounds debut album in 2010
October 12, 1968 ~ Composer, arranger, saxophonist Frank Macchia born ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Billy Childs, Valerie King, Grant Geissman, Allex Iles, Bruce Fowler, Wayne Bergeron, Vinnie Colaiuta, Howard Levy, the Prague Orchestra, Claus Ogerman, Michael Brecker, Bob Sheppard, Eric Marienthal, Peter Erskine, and others
October 12, 1967 ~ Ray David Grammont, commonly known as reggae singer Tonton David, born in Paris, France ~ Soul-influenced raggamuffin singer, actively recording since his 1991 Le Blues De La Racaille debut album. Touching on social subjects, including unemployment, poverty and racism, he became a figurehead for a generation of disenchanted French youth. Well known songs include Peuples Du Monde, Sur Et Certain, Chacun Sa Route, Pour Tout Le Monde Pareil, and Fugitifs with rai singer Cheb Mami ~ Grammont passed away in 2021
October 12, 1966 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Harry Allen born in Washington DC, USA ~ Son of big band drummer Maurice Allen. Leader and sideman. Influenced by Paul Gonsalves and Scott Hamilton. Worked with Joh Collanni, Dori Caymmi, Keith Ingham, John Pizzarelli, Bucky Pizzarelli, and others
October 12, 1965 ~ Pop, rock, folk, country singer, songwriter Bob Schneider born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA ~ Sang lead for Ugly Americans in the mid-90s, including as an opening act for the Dave Matthews Band. Co-founded funk outfit the Scabs in the late 1990s. Recording as a solo act since 1999, initially under the moniker Lonelyland, earning acclaim for his 2001 Lonelyland album and his 2004 I'm Good Now album
October 12, 1965 ~ Jazz trombonist Luis Bonilla born ~ Sideman and leader. Moved to New York in the late-1980s in hope of playing with Art Blakey. Has aided artists as diverse as Lester Bowie, McCoy Tyner, Dizzy Gillespie, Tom Harrell, Freddie Hubbard, Astrud Gilberto, Willie Colón, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Tito Nieves, Phil Collins, Tony Bennett, Alejandro Sanz, Diana Ross, Marc Anthony, La India, Mary J Blige, Paquito d'Rivera, the Garcia Brothers, Donny McCaslin, Bebo Valdes, and Gerald Wilson. Recorded his first album as a leader in the early 1990s
October 12, 1965 ~ Pop singer Phil Creswick born in Chartwood, UK ~ Formed Stock Aitken & Waterman-produced boyband Big Fun with Mark Gillespie and Jason Herbert, known for a number of late 1980s, early 1990s singles notably the UK top 10 hits Blame It On The Boogie and Can't Shake The Feeling
October 12, 1964 ~ Gospel singer, pianist, songwriter Kurt Carr born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Accompanied Andráe Crouch, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, and others. Started his own gospel ensemble in the late 1980s. Best known for a number of mid-2000s albums, notably 2005's One Church Project and 2008's Just The Beginning
October 12, 1962 ~ Christopher Stephen Botti, commonly known as jazz, smooth jazz, pop trumpeter Chris Botti, born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Debuted as a solo artist with the album First Wish in 1995. Worked with Paul Simon, Michael Brecker, Incognito, Sting, Bobby Colomby, Aretha Franklin, Marc Cohn, Bette Midler, Renee Olstead, James Taylor, Michael Bublé, Toni Braxton, Aaron Neville, Barbra Streisand, Rod Stewart, Natalie Cole, Vince Gill, and others
October 12, 1959 ~ Hard bop jazz trumpeter Michael Philip Mossman born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Early in his career toured with Anthony Braxton and Roscoe Mitchell. Sessioned with Styx. Played with Lionel Hampton, Art Blakey and Machito before joining Out Of The Blue in 1985. Has since worked as leader, co-leader and as sideman, collaborating with artists such as Toshiko Akiyoshi, Horace Silver, Dizzy Gillespie, Gerry Mulligan, Slide Hampton, Michel Camilo, Mario Bauzá, Eddie Palmieri, the Philip Morris Superband, Benny Carter, Antonio Hart, Joe Zawinul, Roscoe Mitchell, and others
October 12, 1958 ~ Bassist Bryn Merrick born in Barry, UK ~ Best known as member of the Damned from 1983, taking over for Paul Grat, to 1989. Previously a member of Victimize. Also played with the Shamones, a the Ramones tribute band ~ Merrick passed away in 2015
October 12, 1958 ~ Percussionist, flugelhornist Dieter Ulrich born in Zurich, Switzerland ~ Worked with Day & Taxi, Harald Haerter, Daniel Mouthon, Christoph Bauman, Jacques Siron, and others
October 12, 1958 ~ Lorraine Winifred Walsh, commonly known as jazz pianist Lorraine Geller, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Worked with Shorty Rogers, Zoot Sims, Stan Getz, Red Mitchell, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Kay Starr, Maynard Ferguson, and with her husband Herb Geller ~ Walsh was born in 1928
October 12, 1956 ~ David Lett, commonly known as punk rock singer Dave Vanian born in Hemel Hempstead, UK ~ Founding and sole constant member, lead singer of the Damned. Also fronts rockabilly outfit the Phantom Chords. Guested on recordings by the Doctors Of Madness, MC5, and others
October 12, 1955 ~ Singer, songwriter Jane Siberry born in Toronto, Canada ~ Known for songs such as Mimi On The Beach, I Muse Aloud, One More Colour, Calling All Angels, and others
October 12, 1955 ~ Rock, power pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Pat DiNizio, full name Patrick Michael DiNozio, born in Plainfield, New Jersey, USA ~ Co-founded the Smithereens in 1980, known for songs such as Behind The Wall Of Sleep, In A Lonely Place, A Girl Like You, and Too Much Passion. The band has also collaborated with artists such as Belinda Carlisle, Julian Lennon, Lou Reed, Suzanne Vega, and others ~ DiNizio passed away in 2017
October 12, 1954 ~ Jazz guitarist Ed Cherry born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA ~ Studio musician best known for his long association with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. Cherry has also collaborated with Paquito d'Rivera, Jon Faddis, Hamiet Bluiett, Henry Threadgill, John Patton, Charles Williams, and Paula West. Cherry has released albums as a leader since the mid 1990s
October 12, 1954 ~ Singer, songwriter José Guadalupe Esparza born in Durango, Mexico ~ Lead singer of Bronco. As a songwriter had his songs covered by Antonio Aguilar, Dulce, Lupita Piñeda, Alejandro Fernández, Los Humildes, Mandingo, the Banda Machos, the Guardianes Del Amor, Los Rieleros Del Norte, Pesado, and others
October 12, 1954 ~ Leval Alphonso Thompson, commonly known as reggae singer, producer Linval Thompson, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ As a singer known for his 1970s recordings working with producers such as Lee Scratch Perry and Bunny Lee. As a producer played a key role in the 1980s, facilitating in the early dancehall days working with artists such as Dennis Brown, Cornell Campbell, the Wailing Souls, Barrington Levy, Trinity, and ohers
October 12, 1954 ~ Christian alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Michael Roe born in San Jose, California, USA ~ Lead singer, guitarist of the 77's. Also a founding member of the Lost Dogs
October 12, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist Rick Parfitt, full name Richard john Parfitt, born in Woking, UK ~ Rhythm guitarist of Status Quo from 1967 until his death 49 years later. Parfitt co-wrote a vast amount of the band's songs, notably Whatever You Want, Again And Again and Rain ~ Parfitt passed away in 2016
October 12, 1948 ~ Carmelo Esteban Martin Caro, commonly known as singer Steve Martin, born in Madrid, Spain ~ Original lead singer of the Left Banke, known for songs such as Pretty Ballerina, Desiree and Walk Away Renee ~ Martin passed away in 2020
October 12, 1946 ~ Bassist, composer, arranger, producer Daryl Runswick born in Leicester, UK ~ Worked with Dick Morrisey, Johnny Dankworth, Lionel Grigson, Pete Burden, Ian Hamer, Tubby Hayes, the London Jazz Four, the Alan Parsons Project, Elton John, the London Sinfonietta, the Nash Ensemble, the King's Singers, Pierre Boulez, Ornette Coleman, Simon Rattle, Sarah Vaughan, Blossom Dearie, Ray Russell, Barbara Dickson, Georgie Fame, and others
October 12, 1942 ~ Bassist, singer James Dewar born in Glasgow, UK ~ Influenced by Ray Charles and Otis Redding. Best known as bassist for Stone The Crows and as lead singer and bassist for the Robin Trower Band. Has recorded one solo album, Stumbledown Romancer which notably featured organist Matthew Fisher, recorded in the 1970s but not released until 1998 ~ Dewar passed away in 2002
October 12, 1942 ~ David Melvin English, commonly known as R&B singer Melvin Franklin, born in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Bass singer, founding member of Motown group the Temptations, remaining with the band until 1994. Along with Otis Williams the only one to never leave the group. Sang lead on songs such as I Truly Truly Believe, Silent Night, The Prophet and Ol' Man River ~ English passed away in 1995
October 12, 1940 ~ Trumpeter John Brunious Jr born ~ Son of pianist, trumpeter John Brunious Sr, brother of trumpeter Wendell Brunious. Worked with Ellis Marsalis Jr and drummer James Black. Best known as member, later leader of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band during the 1980s ~ Brunious passed away in 2008
October 12, 1936 ~ Jazz organist Melvin Rhyne born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his association with Wes Montgomery. Also worked with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, BB King, T-Bone Walker, Rob Dixon, Herb Ellis, Mark Ladley, and others ~ Rhyne passed away in 2013
October 12, 1935 ~ Opera singer Luciano Pavarotti was born in Modena, Italy ~ Beloved tenor. Crossed over into pop audiences. Sold over 100 million records. One of the Three Tenors, alongside Plácido Domingo and José Carreras ~ Pavarotti passed away in 2007
October 12, 1935 ~ Margaret Louise Ebey, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Margie Singleton, born in Coushatta, Louisiana, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity on the country charts from the late 1950s through the late 1960s. Best known for songs such Eyes Of Love, Old Records, the George Jones-duets Did I Ever Tell You and The Waltz Of The Angels, and the Faron Young-duet Keeping Up With Joneses
October 12, 1935 ~ Singer Sam Moore, full name Samuel David Moore, born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Half of soul duo Sam & Dave, the other half being Dave Prater, known for songs such as Hold On I'm Coming, Soul Man and I Thank You
October 12, 1934 ~ Singer, songwriter James Sugarboy Crawford born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known as author and original recording artist of Iko Iko, originally titled Jock-a-mo later covered by a host of artists including the Dixie Cups, Dr John, the Neville Brothers, James Booker, Belle Stars, the Grateful Dead, Cowboy Mouth, Warren Zevon, Long John Baldry, Aaron Carter, Cyndi Lauper, and others. The song stands as a classic of New Orleans R&B and remains popular to this day ~ Crawford passed away in 2012
October 12, 1933 ~ Salvatore Zito, commonly known as pianist, conductor, arranger, composer Torrie Zito, born ~ Married to singer Helen Merrill, with whom he also worked. Faather of singer, songwriter Alan Merrill. Acclaimed for conducting and arranging on the pivotal Morgana King, Miss Morgana King album. Arranged strings on John Lennon's 1971 Imagine album ~ Zito passed away in 2009
October 12, 1932 ~ Concert, Lieder soprano singer Adele Stolte born in Sperenburg, Germany ~ Known as a fine interpreter of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Has worked with the Bern Symphony Orchestra, the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, and others. Co-founded the the Leipziger Bachsolisten quartet ~ Stolte passed away in 2020
October 12, 1929 ~ Napoleon Brown Goodson Culp, commonly known as R&B singer Nappy Brown, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Among the first wave of African-American artists to appeal to white audiences. Known for songs such as Little By Little, Night Time Is The Right Time, It Don't Hurt No More and perhaps his best known Don't Be Angry ~ Culp passed away in 2008
October 12, 1926 ~ Jazz, gypsy jazz guitarist Didi Duprat, full name René Didi Duprat, born in Paris, France ~ Influenced by Django Reinhardt. Has worked with Michel Warlop, Gus Viseur, Louis Ferrari, Yves Montand, Tony Muréna, Juliette Gréco, Dalida, Marlene Dietrich, and others ~ Duprat passed away in 1996
October 12, 1926 ~ Jazz saxophonist, bandleader Hidehiko Matsumoto born in Okayama, Japan ~ Bebop saxophonist active since the late-1940s. Leader and sideman. Member of CB Nine, the Six José's, and of the Big Four which also included George Kawaguchi, Hachidai Nakamura, and Mitsuru Ono. Has also collaborated with Hideo Shiraki, Gerald Wilson, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Takeshi Inomata, Akira Miyazawa, George Otsuka, and Isao Suzuki ~ Matsumoto passed away in 2000
October 12, 1924 ~ Violinist Erich Gruenberg born in Vienna, Austria ~ Lead violinist on the Beatles' Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album. Has also worked with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the London String Quartet, and others ~ Gruenberg passed away in 2020
October 12, 1923 ~ Trombonist Wendell Eugene born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with artists such as Lionel Ferbos, Harold Dejan, and Kermit Ruffins ~ Eugene passed away in 2017
October 12, 1919 ~ Composer André Casanova, full name André Marcel Charles Casanova, born in Paris, France ~ Merged romantic spirit with modernity of style. Composed operas, orchestral, chamber and choral music ~ Casanova passed away in 2009
October 12, 1915 ~ Singer, arranger Beachy Thompson born in Newbury, South Carolina, USA ~ Member of quintessential gospel group the Dixie Hummingbirds. Grandfather of the Roots drummer and noted producer Questlove ~ Thompson passed away in 1994
October 12, 1915 ~ Cellist, conductor, composer, arranger Jose Bragato born in Italy ~ Principal cellist at the Colon Theatre. Also closely associated with Astor Piazzolla ~ Bragato passed away in 2017
October 12, 1902 ~ Dixieland, swing jazz trombonist, bandleader Jimmy Archey born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Worked with James P Johnson, King Oliver, Fats Waller, Luis Russell, Benny Carter, Coleman Hawkins, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Claude Hopkins, Bob Wilber, Earl Hines, and others ~ Archey passed away in 1967
October 12, 1895 ~ Alfred Hall, commonly known as jazz drummer Tubby Hall, born in Sellers, Louisiana, USA ~ Brother of drummer Minor Hall. Tubby has worked with Buddy Petit, Carroll Dickerson, King Oliver, Jimmie Noone, Tiny Parham, Johnny Dodds, Louis Armstrong, and others ~ Hall passed away in 1945
October 12, 1893 ~ Pianist Nikolai Zverev, full name Nikolai Sergeyevich Zverev, passed away ~ Best known for having mentored students such as Alexander Siloti, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Alexander Scriabin, Konstantin Igumnov, and Alexander Goldenweiser. His students would have to audition for Zverev, once accepted they would move in to love with him ~ Zverev was born in 1833
October 12, 1872 ~ Composer Ralph Vaughan Williams born in Down Ampney, UK ~ One of Britain's most popular symphonists, noted for his wide range of moods. Has also composed operas, ballets, chamber music, orchestral works and hymns. Best known for works such as 1910's Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis, 1914's The Lark Ascending and 1930's Job A Masque For Dancing ~ Vaughan Williams passed away in 1958