October 15, 2022 ~ R&B, dance, house, soul singer, pianist, songwriter Joyce Sims passed away ~ Best known for her 1988 hit Come Into My Life, produced by Kurtis Mantronik. Also made the R&B charts with songs such as All And All, Walk Away and, collaborating with Jimmy Castor, Love Makes A Woman. Sims has also worked with Junior Vasquez, Glen Frisica, and Maxi Priest ~ Sims was born in 1959
October 15, 2022 ~ Michael Benjamin, commonly known as zouk, dancehall singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Mikaben, passed away in Paris, France ~ Son of singer Lionel Benjamin. First gained attention through the talent contest Konkou Chante Nwel, winning 1st place. Drew from konpa, twoubadou, rap kreyol, soca, and reggae. Benjamin passed away at age 41 after suffering cardiac arrest while on stage at the Accor Arena, Paris, France ~ Benjamin was born in 1981
October 15, 2022 ~ Guitarist, singer Noel Duggan passed away in Donegal, Ireland ~ Alongside twin brother Pádraig Duggan rose to fame as member of Clannad, known best for Theme From Harry's Game which reached top 10 in both the UK and the band's native Ireland. The brothers took a hiatus after the band's acclaimed 1998 Landmarks album, releasing their own Rubicon album in 2005 to critical acclaim featuring guests such as Moya Brennan, Finbar Furrey and Orla Fallon ~ Duggan was born in 1949
October 15, 2022 ~ Conductor, composer Thomas Sleeper passed away ~ In-demand guest conductor, has worked with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Central Philharmonic Of China, the San Juan Symphony Orchestra, and the Ruse State Philharmonic. Closely associated with the Frost Symphony Orchestra and the Florida Youth Orchestra, serving as the latter's director from 1993 through 2020 ~ Sleeper was born in 1956
October 15, 2020 ~ Drummer Dave Munden passed away ~ Co-founding and last remaining original member of the Tremeloes, remaining with band from 1958 through 2018. The band is known for a string of 1960s UK hits including Someone Someone, Twist And Shout, Candy Man and Someone Someone. The 1967 singles Here Comes My Baby and Silence Is Golden, the latter probably their best known, would also crack the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 ~ Munden was born in 1943
October 15, 2020 ~ Bassist Gordon Haskell passed away ~ School friend of Robert Fripp, with whom he also worked. First gained serious attention as member of Les Fleur De Lys. Subsequently briefly played with King Crimson, appearing on the albums In The Wake Of Poseidon and Lizard. As a solo artist best known for the 2001 hit How Wonderful You Are ~ Haskell was born in 1946
October 15, 2013 ~ Jazz drummer Donald Bailey, full name Donald Orlando Bailey Sr, passed away in Montclair, California, USA ~ Best known for backing organist Jimmy Smith from the mid-1950s through the mid-1960s, including on the seminal A New Sound A New Star album released in 1958. Has also worked with the likes of Hampton Hawes (The Seance), the Three Sounds, Roy Ayers, Harold Land (The Peace-Maker), Jimmy Rowles, Mundell Lowe, Blue Mitchell, Carmen McRae, Charles McPherson, and Bebop & Beyond ~ Bailey was born in 1934
October 15, 2013 ~ Gloria Wilson, commonly known as jazz singer Gloria Lynne, passed away in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with the Enchanters, the Delltones, Wild Bill Davis, Ernie Wilkins, the Earl May Trio, Marty Paich, Stanley Turrentine. and others. As a solo artist best known for recordings such as The Impossible, I Wish You Love, and Watermelon Man, the latter co-written with Herbie Hancock ~ Wilson was born in 1929
October 15, 2006 ~ Singer Alexander Graves passed away in New York, USA ~ Member of Harvey Fuqua's doo-wop outfit the Moonglows, best known for a string of 1950s Billboard R&B hits including Most Of All, We Go Together, See Saw, Please Send Me Someone To Love, and The Ten Commandments Of Love. Their best known, the original Sincerely co-written by Fuqua, would reach No.1 Billboard R&B and top 20 on the pop charts. It would notably be covered by the McGuire Sisters ~ Graves was born in 1930
October 15, 1999 ~ Singer, songwriter Terry Gilkyson passed away in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Wrote and first recorded Cry Of The Wild Goose, later a hit for Frankie Laine. Wrote Tell Me A Story for Jimmy Boyd. Sang with the Weavers (On Top Of Old Smokey, Across The Wide Missouri). Formed the Easy Riders with Richard Dehr and Frank Miller, known for their major hit Marianne. Worked as Walt Disney Studios songwriter, including for animated movies Jungle Book and The Aristocats ~ Gilkyson was born in 1916
October 15, 1996 ~ Choi Jun-honh, commonly known as hip hop, K-pop rapper, singer Zelo, born in Mokpo, South Korea ~ Influenced by will.i.am, Kanye West, and 50 Cent. Member of boy band BAP, enjoying popularity in Japan and South Korea with songs such as 1004 (Angel), Warrior, No Mercy, and Excuse Me. Jun-hong has also recorded as a solo artist, best known for his 2019 Distance EP
October 15, 1994 ~ Sebastián Obando Giraldo, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Sebastián Yatra, born in Medellin, Colombia ~ Draws from Latin pop and reggaeton. Best known for his 2016 breakthrough hit Traicionera. Other well known songs include Robarte Un Beso featuring Carlos Vives, Sutra featuring Dálmata and Un Año featuring Reik. Has also collaborated with Wisin, OneRepublic, Joey Montana, David Bisbal, Alejandro Fernández, Tommy Torres, and notably with Daddy Yankee, Natti Natasha and the Jonas Brothers on the bilingual single Runaway in 2019
October 15, 1993 ~ Singer Bryan Adams releases Please Forgive Me, lifted off his So Far So Good album ~ Adams and producer Robert John Mutt Lange agreed they needed a new hit single for the So Far So Good compilation album, and headed to the studio with a full band. Adams would later recall the recording session: “Before this band session, we had recorded the album Waking Up The Neighbours instrument by instrument. It was good to be back with a band.” Please Forgive Me, which shows Adams as a mournful romantic, was warmly received by most critics, Billboard calling it a “delicious hit of ear candy” while Liverpool Echo described the song as “another husky ballad with the kind of simple structure and simple sentiment which should ensure the widest appeal.” The single would top the charts in over half a dozen countries, including the singer's native Canada. In America, it reached No.7 Billboard Hot 100
October 15, 1981 ~ Keyshia Myeshia Johnson, commonly known as R&B, soul, hip-hop singer Keyshia Cole born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Debuted in 2005 with the album The Way It Is, spawning the singles Never featuring Eve, I Changed My Mind, I Just Want It To Be Over, I Should Have Cheated and Love. The album reached Platinum status in just over six months. Cole has been recording since. Collaborated with Lil' Kim, Missy Elliott, Amina, Monica, Nicki Minaj, Lil' Wayne, Kanye West, Sean Paul, Trina, Jaheim, and DJ Khaled
October 15, 1981 ~ Edwin Laureano Rosa Vazquez Ortz, commonly known as hip-hop, reggaeton, gangsta rap, Latin trap Nengo Flow, born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico ~ One of the most popular Puerto Rican reggaeton artists. Released his full-length Flow Callejero debut album in 2005. Has collaborated with Anuel AA, Lito & Polaco, J-Alvarez, Daddy Yankee, French Montana, and Ozuna
October 15, 1980 ~ Pianist, singer Bobby Lester passed away in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Founding member and co-lead singer of the Moonglows. Bandmate Harvey Fuqua would usually lead on the rock & roll songs, Lester on the doo-wop songs. Lester sang lead on their 1954 single Sincerely, perhaps their best known, which reached the Billboard top 20 ~ Lester was born in 1930
October 15, 1980 ~ Jose Fernando Cosulieula uarez, commonly known as reggaeton, hip-hop, Latin trap singer, rapper, songwriter Cosculluela, born in Humucao, Puerto Rico ~ First gained attention with the 2005 hit single Te Va Ir Mal. Released a full-length solo album El Principe in 2009. Has collaborated with Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Wisin & Yandel, Nicky Jam, Darkiel, Mexicano 777, Arcángel, De La Ghetto, Kendo Kaponi, Zion & Lennox, J-Alvarez, Ivy Queen, and Nengo Flow
October 15, 1979 ~ Roger David, commonly known as Desi hip-hop, hip-hop rapper Bohemia, born in Karachi, Pakistan ~ Pakistani-American rapper known for having recorded the first full-length Punjabi rap album, 2005's Pesa Nasha Pyar, released by a major label. Has collaborated with Sha One, Kurupt, Mikha Singh, Pakman, and Sean Kingston
October 15, 1979 ~ Banjoist, guitarist Gus Cannon, full name Gustavus Cannon, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Helped popularize jug bands, including his own Cannon's Jug Stompers, of the 1920s and 1930s. Also recorded under the moniker Banjo Joe. Best known for songs such as Minglewood Blues, Pig Ankle Strut, Wolf River Blues, and Walk Right In, the latter later covered by the Rooftop Singers in the 1960s and by Dr Hook in the 1970s. Worked with Blind Blake, Furry Lewis, Bukka White, Will Shade, and Milton Roby ~ Cannon was born in 1883
October 15, 1979 ~ Jacqueline Davette Velasquez, commonly known as actress, contemporary Christian, Latin pop singer, songwriter Jaci Velasquez, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Well over a dozen albums to her name, starting with My Favorite Songs released in 1990. Sings in both English and Spanish. Best known for songs such as Llegar A Ti featuring MDO, Solo Tu, Como Se Cura Una Herida and No Hace Falta Un Hombre
October 15, 1976 ~ Pop rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Suzie McNeil, full name Susan Jane McNeil, born in Mississauga, Canada ~ First gained attention in 2005 on the talent contest Rock Star INXS aired on CBS. Would release her Broken 7amp; Beautiful debut album in 2007. The record's second single, Believe would later be re-recorded and used as the official anthem of the Canadian team in the 2010 Winter Olympics. Other well known songs include Supergirl and Merry Go Round. In 2014 McNeil teamed up with Elisha Hoffman, Rebecca Lynn Howard and Marti Frederiksen, forming the country rock outfit Loving Mary
October 15, 1971 ~ Organist, composer Albert Alain, full name Albert Paul Alain, passed away in St-Germain-en-Laye, France ~ Prolific composer of religious music, having composed over 450 pieces for organ, harmonium and voices. Father of Jehan Alain, Olivier Alain, and Marie-Claire Alain, all renowned organists in their own right ~ Alain was born in 1880
October 15, 1971 ~ Fiddler, violinist Annbjorg Lien born in Ålesund, Norway ~ Mixed traditional Norwegian music with jazz and rock. Worked with Loreena Mckennitt, Bruce Molsky, Mikael Marin, Christine Hanson, Bukkene Bruse, Arve Moen Bergset, Bjørn Ole Rasch, Steinar Ofsdal, the String Sister, and Andy Irvine
October 15, 1970 ~ Elgin Baylor Lumpkin, commonly known as singer, songwriter Ginuwine, born in Washington DC, USA ~ One of the top R&B artists of the 1990s and early-2000s. Member of hip-hop collective Swing Mob. As a solo artist known for hits such as Pony, Differences and In Those Jeans. Collaborated with TGT, Nas, Sole, Missy Elliott, Fat Joe, Timbaland, Funkmaster Flex, and Belly
October 15, 1969 ~ Engineer, producer, guitarist, keyboardist JJ Blair born ~ Worked with Johnny Cash, June Carter, Rod Stewart, the Who, Weezer, George Benson, Smokey Robinson, the Unwritten Law, Lee DeWyze, Kelly Clarkson, Puff Daddy, Black Eyed Peas, Ryan Adams, Kathleen York, Stephen Bishop, David Cassidy, and Melissa Etheridge
October 15, 1968 ~ Jyrki Pekka Emil Linnankivi, commony known as glam metal, rock singer Jyrki 69, born in Helsinki, Finland ~ Influenced by Elvis Presley, the Doors' Jim Morrison, Iggy Pop and David Bowie. Best known as lead singer of the 69 Eyes, his operatic bass-baritone singing voice drawing comparisons to Type-O Negative's Peter Steele and Sisters Of Mercy's Andrew Eldritch
October 15, 1966 ~ Neo soul singer, songwriter, actor Eric Benét, full name Eric Benét Jordan, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Member of Gerard in the 1980s. Member of Benét in the 1990s along with his sister Lisa Benét and cousin George Nash Jr. Debuted as a solo artist in 1994 with the album True To Myself. Known for songs such as Spiritual Thang, Spend My Life With You featuring Tamia, I Wanna Be Loved, and Sometimes I Cry. Has collaborated with Earth Wind & Fire, Faith Evans, Chrisette Michele, Ledisi, Eddie Levert, Arturo Sandoval, MC Lyte, and Mariah Carey
October 15, 1966 ~ Singer, TV personality Ingeborg Sergeant, full name Ingeborg Thérèse Marguerite Sergeant, born in Menen, Belgium ~ Guested on Clouseau's 1988 hit single Verlangen. Represented Belgium in the 1989 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 19th place with Door De Wind. Also known for songs such as Ga Niet Weg, Als Dat Gebeurt, Waarom and Zo Dichtbij
October 15, 1964 ~ Composer, songwriter Cole Porter, full name Cole Albert Porter, passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ One of the most popular songwriters of the 1920s through the 1940s. One of the few of his day who usually wrote both music and lyrics. Known for standards such as Night And Day (Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Joe Henderson, Everything But The Girl), Begin The Beguine (June Knight, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman), I Get A Kick Out Of You (Ethel Merman, Ella Fitzgerald), I've Got You Under My Skin (Virginia Bruce, Frank Sinatra, the Four Seasons, Neneh Cherry), Easy To Love (Frances Langford, Hal Kemp, Billie Holiday) and You're The Top (Paul Whiteman, the Dorsey Brothers) ~ Porter was born in 1891
October 15, 1964 ~ Rock, new age, minimal, world music keyboardist, guitarist, composer Rodrigo Leão, full name Rodrigo Costa Leão Munoz Miguez, born in Lisbon, Portugal ~ Member of Setima Legião, Madredeus and Os Poetas. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Ave Mundi Luminar released in 1993. known for experimenting with modern classical music and pop, merging electronics with string and horn sections. Artists who have guested on Leão's recordings include Portishead's Beth Gibbons, the Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon, the Tindersticks' Stuart A Staples, Rosa Passos and Ryuichi Sakamoto
October 15, 1963 ~ Caron Liza Geary, commonly known as raggamuffin, reggae, dancehall MC, toaster MC Kinky, born in Paddington, UK ~ Reportedly the first white female reggae, dancehall MC. As a solo artist best known for 1991's Get Over It and 1996's Everybody. Led hip-hop, house, trip-hop collective the E-Zee Possee. Has worked with Jesus Loves You, Erasure (Take A Chance On Me), Giorgio Moroder, and Boy George
October 15, 1959 ~ Trip hop, IDM, electronica keyboardist Dr Alex Paterson, full name Duncan Alexander Robert Paterson, born in London, UK ~ Influenced by Brian Eno, Cluster, Kraftwerk. Co-founding and sole constant member of ambient house group the Orb, known for the UK top 20 hits Little Fluffy Clouds, Perpetual Dawn, Blue Room, Assasin and Toxygene. Has previously served as roadie for Killing Joke. On occasion collaborated with Pigface, Kris Weston and Robert Fripp
October 15, 1959 ~ Jazz pianist Erik Vermeulen born in Ypres, Belgium ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with a wide array of Belgian and international artists including Hein van de Geyn, Dré Pallemaerts, Slide Hampton, Clark Terry, Joe Lovano, Steve Grossman, David Schnitter, Art Farmer, Toots Thielemans, Philip Catherine, Barre Phillips, Erwin Vann, Pierre Bernard, Nicolas Thys, Stephane Galland, and Ben Sluijs
October 15, 1957 ~ Music critic, journalist, author, guitarist Greg Tate born in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Dubbed “the Godfather of Hip-hop Journalism.” Best known as contributor on black culture and music for Village Voice, initially as a freelancer starting in 1981 and as a staff writer from 1987 through 2005. His publications hace also been published in the New York Times, The Washington Post, Down Beat, JazzTimes, Rolling Stone, VIBE, and other journals. Authored a number of books, starting with Flyboy In The Buttermilk (Essays On Contemporary America) published in 1992. As a musician, guitarist best known for co-founding and leading the improvisational rock collective Burnt Sugar in 1999, merging funk, jazz, rock, reggae, soul, hip-hop, metal and contemporary classical music ~ Tate passed away in 2021
October 15, 1957 ~ Singer Paul Engemann, full name Paul Robert Engemann, born in USA ~ Member of Device, member of Animotion. Frequent collaborator of Giorgio Moroder. As a solo artist best known for Scarface (Push It To The Limit) from the Scarface soundtrack. Also known for Face To Face, Shannon's Eyes, Brain Power, To Be Number One, Neverending Story, American Dream and Reach Out
October 15, 1956 ~ Rockabily, rock & roll singer Gene Vincent records Blues Stay Away From Me at Bradley Film & Recording Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Under the supervision of producer Ken Nelson, Vincent and his backing unit the Blue Caps record Blues Stay Away From Me as well as Teenage Partner, Five Feet Of Lovin' and Cat Man
October 15, 1956 ~ Rock & roll singer, pianist Little Richard records Good Golly Miss Molly at J&M Studios, New Orleans, Louisiana ~ Written by John Marascalco and Robert Bumps Blackwell, the latter also serving as producer. Richard claimed he took the piano intro from Ike Turner's 1951 record Rocket '88 and the phrase “Good golly Miss Molly” from a Southern DJ named Jimmy Pennick. Released as a single in early 1958 it would reach top 10 Billboard R&B and has since become a rock & roll standard. Richard was backed by Lee Allen and Alvin Tyler on saxophones, Roy Montrell guitar, Frank Fields bass, and Earl Palmer drums
October 15, 1953 ~ Toriano Adaryll Jackson, commonly known as singer, guitarist Tito Jackson, born in Gary, Indiana, USA ~ Has recorded well over a dozen albums as a member of sibling outfit the Jackson 5, renamed to the Jacksons in the mid-1970s. The band has scored about a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits, and was especially popular at the turn of the 1970s scoring No.1 hits such as I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save, and I'll Be There. Later hits included Blame It On The Boogie, Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground), and State Of Shock, the latter a collaboration with the Rolling Stones-singer Mick Jagger. Starting in the early-2000s, Jackson has performed as a solo blues musician on the club circuit, served as a judge on talent contests, and recorded two solo albums. As a solo artist, he is best known for the single Get It Baby featuring Big Daddy Kane off his 2016 Tito Time album. Jackson was married to Delores Dee Dee Martes from 1972 through 1994, with whom he has three sons, Taj Jackson, Taryll Jackson, and TJ Jackson who comprised the R&B trio 3T. As a member of the Jackson 5, Jackson was inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1997, the sibling act acknowledged for its own distinctive “bubblegum soul” sound, drawing from vocal groups, contemporary soul and R&B, and classic Motown. Jackson continued to perform with his siblings until his death at age 70 ~ Jackson passed away in 2024
October 15, 1951 ~ Folk singer Alistair Hulett born in Glasgow, UK ~ Frontman and founder of folk punk band Roaring Jack. Has also worked with Fairport Convention's Dave Swarbrick, released a number of solo albums and formed the Malkies with whom he released one album ~ Hulett passed away in 2010
October 15, 1951 ~ Pop rock, glam rock singer Frank DiMino born ~ Lead singer of Angel from 1975 to 1981, rejoining on occasion. The band was discovered by Kiss guitarist Gene Simmons and known for their androgynous image. Slammed by rock critics and ridiculized by Frank Zappa in the song Punky's Whips, the band never achieved mass commercial succes but enjoyed a cult following. DiMino also worked with UFO-guitarist Paul Raymond on the Paul Raymond Project
October 15, 1947 ~ Keyboardist, songwriter Rod Temperton, full name Rodney Lynn Temperton, born in Cleethorpes, UK ~ Early member of funk, disco outfit Heatwave, for whom he wrote a vast amount of the material including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Boogie Nights and The Groove Line. Although he continued to write songs for Heatwave, Temperton departed the band after their Central Heating sophomore album to focus on his career as a songwriter. Temperton's biggest claim to fame is writing several of Michael Jackson's best known including Rock With You and Off The Wall for the 1978 Off The Wall album, and Thriller, The Lady In My Life, and Baby Be Mine for the 1982 Thriller album. Others who have recorded his songs include the Brothers Johnson (Stomp), George Benson (Give Me The Night), Bob James, James Ingram & Patti Austin (Baby Come To Me), Donna Summer, the Manhattan Transfer, Michael McDonald (Sweet Freedom), and Quincy Jones ~ Temperton passed away in 2016
October 15, 1946 ~ Guitarist David Holt born in Gatesville, Texas, USA ~ Multiple Grammy Award-winner, including for the acclaimed 2000 Stellaluna album, known for preserving traditonal folk, mountain music and southern folktales. Worked with Doc Watson from 1998 until Watson's death in 2012. Also worked with Bill Mooney, Josh Goforth, and Bryan Sutton
October 15, 1946 ~ Nils Paul Danielsson, commonly known as jazz, free jazz double bassist Palle Danielsson, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Studied violin as a child before switching to bass. Danielsson has been playing professionally since his mid-teens, becoming a fixture on the Scandinavian jazz scene backing artists such as Jan Garbarek and Bobo Stenson and visiting American jazz musicians such as Bill Evans, George Russell, and Ben Webster. Danielsson is perhaps best known for his tenure with Keith Jarrett in the latter half of the 1970s, including on the acclaimed albums Belonging and My Song. Danielsson has recorded sporadically as a leader or co-leader, including on the 1992 collaborative album Togetherness with his sister Monica Dominique, and has appeared on albums by Steve Kuhn (Watch What Happens), Karin Krog, Cornelis Vreeswijk, Barre Phillips, Lee Konitz (Altissimo), Albert Mangelsdorff, Enrico Rava (The Pilgrim And The Stars), Collin Walcott (Grazing Dreams), Michel Petrucciani, Christof Lauer, and Peter Erskine ~ Danielsson passed away in 2024
October 15, 1946 ~ Pianist, singer, songwriter Richard Carpenter, full name Richard Lynn Carpenter, born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA ~ Alongside singer Karen Carpenter formed the sibling duo the Carpenters, known for a string of lush soft-rock hits, mostly in the 1970s, including Billboard top 10 hits such as (They Long To Be) Close To You), We've Only Just Begun, Rainy Days And Mondays, the Leon Russell & Bonnie Bramlett-penned Superstar, Yesterday Once More and Top Of The World
October 15, 1943 ~ Ralph Gallant, commonly known as drummer Larrie Londin, born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Revered session, studio, touring drummer. Worked with the Headliners, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Junior Walker & the All-Stars, Elvis Presley, the Notorious Cherry Bombs, Emmylou Harris, Diana Ross, the Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson, Joe Tex, Wilson Pickett, Lionel Richie, the Carpenters, Jerry Lee Lewis, Boots Randolph, Charley Pride, Randy Travis, Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, BB King, Albert Lee, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, Jerry Reed, Rosanne Cash, Al Green, Dan Fogelberg, Reba McEntire, Journey, Steve Perry, Adrian Belew, and the Everly Brothers ~ Gallant passed away in 1992
October 15, 1939 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Bert Wilson born in Evansville, Indiana, USA ~ Though he never achieved much mainstream success, Wilson is regarded as a creative improvisational player by jazz aficionados. Especially acclaimed for the albums Live At The Zoo released in 1988 and Endless Fingers six years later. Wilson has also appeared on albums by Sonny Simmons, James Zitro, Smiley Winters (Smiley Etc), and Essra Mohawk ~ Wilson passed away in 2013
October 15, 1939 ~ Jazz saxophonist Joe Roccisano, full name Joseph Lucian Rossicano, born in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA ~ Received a Grammy Award for arranging Green Earrings, recorded by Woody Herman for his 1978 Plays Chick Donald Walter And Woodrow album. Roccisano has recorded a handful of albums as a leader, noted particularly for The Shape I'm In released in 1993. As a sideman, he is present on albums by Don Ellis, Toshiko Akiyoshi (Long Yellow Road), the Manhattan Transfer, Frank Capp (Juggernaut Strikes Again), and Louie Bellson ~ Roccisano passed away in 1997
October 15, 1938 ~ Afrobeat, highlife singer, saxophonist, keyboardist, trumpeter, guitarist, percussionist, songwriter Fela Kuti, full name Fela Anikulapo Kuti, born in Abeokuta, British Nigeria ~ Regarded as one the most influential musicians to come out of Nigeria. Pioneered Afrobeat, merging traditional Yoruba with funk and jazz. Staunch critic of Nigeria's military junta. Rose to fame with his Africa '70 ensemble in the 1970s, reaching a worldwide audience ~ Kuti passed away in 1997
October 15, 1938 ~ Marvin Earl Johnson, commonly known as R&B singer, pianist, songwriter Marv Johnson, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Notable for recording Come To Me, the very first release on Tamla in 1959, the label which later became Motown. Also known for You Got What It Takes and I Love The Way You Love, both reaching the top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Johnson would remain with Motown well through the 1970s, working in sales and promotion, as well as write songs for Tyrone Davis, Johnnie Taylor and notably Give Your Baby A Standing Ovation, a 1973 R&B hit for the Dells ~ Johnson passed away in 1993
October 15, 1938 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Robert Ward, full name Robert Jeryl Ward, born in Luthersville, Georgia, USA ~ Founder of the Ohio Untouchables, a band that would later become the Ohio Players. Ward remained with the Untouchables, including on their best known song and Ward's signature song Your Love Is Amazing, until 1965, leaving before the name change. Ward was seen as an unreliable leader, and would regularly get into fights with band members or walk offstage in the middle of a set ~ Ward passed away in 2008
October 15, 1935 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Barry McGuire born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ Known for his rendition of the PF Sloan-written Eve Of Destruction, a major hit in 1965 and one of the gloomiest protest songs of the 1960s. McGuire became a born-again Christian in the early-1970s and would go on to pioneer of contemporary Christian music
October 15, 1934 ~ Jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist Alan Elsdon born in London, UK ~ Worked with Cy Laurie, Graham Stewart, Terry Lightfoot, Kid Ory, Red Allen, Edmond Hall, Albert Nicholas, Wingy Manone, Howlin' Wolf, and Keith Nichols ~ Elsdon passed away in 2016
October 15, 1931 ~ Lionel Frederick Cole, commonly known as singer, pianist Freddy Cole, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Brother of Nat King Cole and Ike Cole, father of Lionel Cole. Influenced by John Lewis, Teddy Wilson and Billy Eckstine. Toured with Johnny Coles and Benny Golson backing Earl Bostic. Recorded for European and UK-based labels. Worked with Grover Washington Jr. Recorded jingles. Was the subject of the 2006 documentary The Cole Nobody Knows ~ Cole passed away in 2020
October 15, 1930 ~ Songwriter, producer Kent Harris born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best known as writer of novelty songs, most notably Shoppin' For Clothes recorded by the Coasters, and Cops & Robbers by Bo Diddley. Others who recorded songs produced or written by Harris include the Duals, Adolph Jacobs, Mighty Hannibal, the Sevilles, Prentice Moreland, Dorothy Berry, Jimmy Norman, and Ty Karim ~ Harris passed away in 2019
October 15, 1925 ~ Machouston Baker, commonly known as guitarist Mickey Baker, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Half of Mickey & Sylvia, the other half being Sylvia Robinson, known for their 1956 hit Love Is Strange. Also worked with Doc Pomus, the Drifters, Ray Charles, Ivory Joe Hunter, Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, Louis Jordan, and Coleman Hawkins ~ Baker passed away in 2012
October 15, 1918 ~ Conductor, composer Alfredo Diez Nieto born in Havana, Cuba ~ Founded and conducted the Orquesta Popular De Conciertos. Composed symphonies and chamber music, incorporating elements from traditional Cuban folk music. Well known works include Los Diablitos, Estampas and Sudor Y Látigo. Led the band of the Cuban Revolutionary Army in 1965 and 1966. Also closely associated with the Orquesta Sinfonica De La Escuala Nacional De Musica and the Orquesta Sinfonica De Camaguey, acclaimed for his interpretations of works composed by the likes of Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Ignacio Cervantes, Alejandro García Caturla, Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Eduardo Sánchez de Fuentes and Antonio Vivaldi ~ Nieto passed away in 2021
October 15, 1917 ~ Jazz, R&B guitarist Carl Hogan born ~ Worked with the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, George Hudson, and most notably with Louis Jordan. Appeared on a number of pivotal Jordan recordings including Choo Choo Ch'boogie, Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens, Let The Good Times Roll, Open The Door Richard, and Ain't That Just Like A Woman. Hogan's guitar riff on the latter would be cited as “the most famous signature in rock & roll” and was copied, nearly note for note, on Chuck Berry's Johnny B Goode rock & roll classic ~ Hogan passesd away in 1977
October 15, 1917 ~ Trombonist Paul Tanner born in Skunk Hollow, Kentucky, USA ~ Best known for his association with Glenn Miller, playing with the the Glenn Miller Orchestra from 1938 to 1942. Also known for developing the Electro-theremin, which he played on the opening theme of the TV show My Favorite Martian and on several recordings by the Beach Boys including Good Vibrations, Wild Honey and I Just Wasn't Made For These Times ~ Tanner passed away in 2013
October 15, 1913 ~ Arranger, composer, conductor Nook Schreier born in Taylorville, Illinois, USA ~ Wrote songs for artists such as Tiny Hill, Bobby Christian, Earl Backus, Mike Simpson, Sarah Vaughan, Vic Damone, and Patti Page. Traveled with the Smother Brothers as their conductor ~ Schreier passed away in 2008
October 15, 1912 ~ R&B, jazz singer, pianist Nellie Lutcher, full name Nellie Rose Lutcher, born in Lake Charles, Louisiana ~ Influenced by Earl Hines, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole. Sister of saxophonist Joe Lutcher. Named as an influence by Nina Simone. Worked with Ma Rainey, and with Clarence Hart. Known for songs such as The One I Love Belongs To Someone Else, Hurry On Down, He's A Real Gone Guy, Fine Brown Frame, Birth Of The Blues, and I Want To Be Near You ~ Lutcher passed away in 2007