October 16, 2024 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Liam Payne, full name Liam James Payne, passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Member of boy band One Direction. The Irish-English boy band was conceived and assembled through the talent show The X-Factor in 2010 to become one of the all-time best-selling boy bands, releasing five albums until their definite hiatus in 2016, all albums reaching top 5 on both sides of the Atlantic. Well-known songs include What Makes You Beautiful, Live While We're Young, Best Song Ever, and Story Of My Life. Payne would debut as a solo artist with the 2017 single Strip That Down featuring Quavo, which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Payne has since collaborated with Zedd, Rita Ora, J Balvin, French Montana, and Jonas Blue, and released his full-length solo album LP1 in 2019. At the time of his death, Payne was working on his sophomore album ~ Payne was born in 1993
October 16, 2023 ~ Film composer Gennady Gladkov, full name Gennady Igorevich Gladkov, passed away in Moscow, Russia ~ Renowned Russian film composer with well over two dozen soundtracks to his name, including for the 1969 animated 20 minute film The Bremen Town Musicians. Based on the characters of a fairy tale by the Grimm Brothers, the film would become a cult hit in the Soviet Union because of its memorable soundtrack influenced by Western rock & roll. Two sequels would be made, On The Trail Of The Bremen Town Musicians in 1973 and The New Bremen Town Musicians in 2000, both also scored by Gladkov ~ Gladkov was born in 1935
October 16, 2021 ~ TV composer, pianist Alan Hawkshaw, full name William Alan Hawkshaw, passed away ~ Best known as a composer of theme tunes, notably for the children's TV show Grange Hill and the TV game show Countdown. Scored a 1979 Billboard Dance No.1 hit with Here Comes That Sound Again with his disco group Love De-luxe. Has also worked as a session musician and collaborator, including with Emile Ford, the Shadows, Olivia Newton-John, Serge Gainsbourg, Cliff Richard, and Donna Summer ~ Hawkshaw was born in 1937
October 16, 2021 ~ Rock, country drummer Ronnie Tutt, full name Ronald Ellis Tutt, passed away in Franklin, Tennessee, USA ~ In-demand session and touring drummer. Best known as member of Elvis Presley's backing band the TCB Band from 1969 until Presley's death in 1977. Also appeared on Billy Joel's 1973 breakthrough album Piano Man and it's 1974 follow-up album Streetlife Serenade. Toured with several of Jerry Garcia's side projects, including the Jerry Garcia Band and Legion Of Mary. Has also worked with Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Neil Diamond, the Carpenters, Roy Orbison, Silverado, and others ~ Tutt was born in 1938
October 16, 2020 ~ John Bush Shinn III, commonly known as country, honky-tonk, western swing singer, guitarist, drummer, fiddler, songwriter Johnny Bush, passed away in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Nicknamed “the Country Caruso”, after singer Enrico Caruso. Wrote and first recorded Whiskey River, later successfuly covered by Willie Nelson. First gained attention when he joined Ray Price's backing unit the Cherokee Cowboys in 1963. Debuted as a solo artist with the album The Sound Of A Heartache in 1967 and has been recording to critical acclaim and commercial succes since ~ Shinn was born in 1935
October 16, 2017 ~ Rock, punk drummer Iain Shedden passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Spent most of his career working as a journalist, with music on the side. As a musician active since the early-1980s, his first band being the Jolt enjoying some regional popularity in Scotland. Toured Europe with the Saints in 1982, rejoining them later throughout the remainder of the decade. Has also drummed for the Snakes Of Shake and Summerhill. After relocating to Australia in the early-1990s initially sought employment as a musician yet with opportunities limited worked as music editor at the Australian until his unexpected death caused by an aneurysm ~ Shedden was born in 1957
October 16, 2015 ~ Rock, country guitarist John Jennings passed away in Rockville, Maryland, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1997 Buddy album. Closely associated with Mary Chapin Carpenter as member of Carpenter's backing band and producer of several of her albums including the aacclaimed 1992 Come On Come On album. Has also worked, in one role or another with artists such as Beausoleil, John Gorka, Janis Ian, the Indigo Girls, the Rankin Family, Cheryl Wheeler, Iris DeMent, George Jones, Darol Anger, Joe Diffie, and others ~ Jenning was born in 1953
October 16, 2010 ~ Michael David Larsen, commonly known as alternative rap, rap rock rapper, poet, songwriter Eyedea, passed away in St Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ Freestyle pioneer. As a solo artist recorded under the moniker Oliver Hart. Following his win at the KRS One-hosted Blaze Battle in 2000, declined an offer from Sean Combs, offering him a higher cut, preferring to remain with the fledging Rhymesayers Entertainment label instead. Released his sole full-length The Many Faces Of Oliver Hart (Or How Eye One The Write Too Think) album two years later. Formed the hip-hop duo Eyedea & Abilities with DJ Abilities, recording three more albums through the end of the decade. Following his death at age 28, several hip hop artists paid homage, perhaps most notably close friend Murs in the song I Miss Mikey of his 2015 Have A Nice Life album. Larsen's music is often described as thoughtful and philosophical while still providing a live aesthetic ~ Larsen was born in 1981
October 16, 2005 ~ Conductor, oboist Clyde Roller, full name Archibald Clyde Roller, passed away in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Served as principal oboist with the Oklahoma City Symphony, the Birmingham Symphony, and the Tulsa Philharmonic, prior to finding employ as a conductor. Well known associations include the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Eastman Wind Ensemble, the Houston Symphony, and the Lansing Symphony Orchestra ~ Roller was born in 1914
October 16, 2005 ~ Singer, voice actor Elmer Dresslar Jr passed away ~ Best known as a voice actor, mostly in jingles and commercials. As a solo singer known for the singles Chain Gang and These Hands. Member of the Singers Unlimited ~ Dresslar was born in 1925
October 16, 2001 ~ Jazz, pop, R&B singer, songwriter Etta Jones passed away in Mount Vernon, New York, USA ~ Known for songs such as Don't Go To Strangers and Save Your Love For Me. Worked with Buddy Johnson, Oliver Nelson, Earl Hines, Barney Bigard, Gene Ammons, Kenny Burrell, Milt Jackson, Cedar Walton, Houston Person, Frank Wess, Roy Haynes, and others ~ Jones was born in 1928
October 16, 1999 ~ Guitarist Bruce Cameron passed away ~ Known for his sole album, 1999's Midnight Daydream, featuring appearances by a host of noted rock musicians including Jack Bruce, Mitch Mitchell, Neal Smith, Michael Bruce, and Billy Cox ~ Cameron was born ca.1955
October 16, 1999 ~ Pop, R&B, jazz singer Ella Mae Morse passed away in Bullhead City, Arizona, USA ~ Hired by Jimmy Dorsey when she was just 14 years old. Predated rock & roll. Would go on to score hits such as Cow Cow Boogie, Mister Five By Five and House Of The Blue Lights with Freddie Slack, and Shoo Shoo Baby and Love Me Or Leave Me as a solo artist ~ Morse was born in 1924
October 16, 1994 ~ Amelia ily Oliver, commonly known as pop, dance, pop-rock singer Amelia Lily, born in Nunthorpe, UK ~ Reached third place in the 8th edition of The X-Factor in 2011. Following her success on the show, Lily released several singles including most notably You Bring Me Joy which reached top 10 in the UK, has appeared in a stage production of the rock opera American Idiot, and participated in several TV shows
October 16, 1990 ~ Arthur Blakey, commonly known as drummer, bandleader Art Blakey passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Fletcher Henderson, Billy Eckstine, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, and with Dizzy Gillespie before co-founding the Jazz Messengers with Horace Silver in the mid-1950s. The Messengers would become known as the quintessential hard bop group of the late-1950s and serve as an incubator for young talent including Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Lee Morgan, Benny Golson, and Wynton Marsalis. Blakey would lead the band for some 35 years until his death in 1990 ~ Blakey was born in 1919
October 16, 1987 ~ Pop rock singer, bassist Sting releases his Nothing Like The Sun sophomore album ~ Generally regarded the culmination of Sting's earliest smoother, adult-oriented sound, hNothing Like The Sun would be a critical and commercial success, reaching top 10 in over a dozen countries including the No.1 spot in his native England. In a retrospective review, AllMusic named the album “one of the most doggedly serious pop albums ever recorded” Aside from the then-usual line-up including a set of jazz-oriented musicians, notably keyboardist Kenny Kirkland and saxophonist Branford Marsalis, the album also features an impressive guest array including former bandmate of the Police guitarist Andy Summers, as well as Eric Clapton and the Dire Straits-frontman Mark Knopfler on They Dance Alone, jazz bandleader Gil Evans and orchestra on the Jimi Hendrix-cover Little Wing, and Annie Lennox and Vesta Williams providing backing vocals on We'll Be Together, the latter his sole Billboard Hot 100 top 10 single off the album, peaking at No.7
October 16, 1984 ~ Singer, actor Shayne Ward, full name Shayne Thomas Ward, born in Tameside, UK ~ Winner of the 2nd edition of The X-Factor in 2005. Following his success on the show, Ward's That's My Goal debut single was released shortly before Christmas. It would become the all-time third-fastest UK single, behind Elton John's 1997 remake of Candle In The Wind and Will Young's Evergreen, and hit No.1 on the charts in the week of Christmas. Ward would continue his success both as a singer, his first two albums reaching the top 10, and scoring top 10 hits such as No Promises, If That's OK With You, and Breathless, and venture into acting, notably playing the role of Aidan Connor in the soap opera Coronation Street
October 16, 1983 ~ Lorine Zineb Noka Talhaoui, commonly known as pop singer, producer Loreen, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Internationally best known for Euphoria, the 2012 Eurovision Songfestival winner written by Peter Boström and Thomas Gustafsson
October 16, 1982 ~ Country singer Doyle Wilburn, full name Virgil Doyle Wilburn, passed away ~ Child performer since the mid-1930s, alongside his younger brother Doyle Wilburn under the moniker the Wilburn Children. Discovered by Roy Acuff, who brought them to the Grand Ole Opry in 1940. Following each brother's stints in the Army, the brothers would reconvene as the Wilburn Brothers. They were offered the chance to record Heartbreak Hotel before Elvis Presley, but declined as they felt the song was “strange and almost morbid”. The duo would record well into the 1970s, backing Webb Pierce on the 1954 Billboard Country top 10 hit Sparkling Brown Eyes, and reaching the top 10 on their own with songs such as Which One Is To Blame, Trouble's Back In Town, Roll Muddy River, and Hurt Her Once For Me ~ Wilburn was born in 1930
October 16, 1981 ~ Ali Bouali, commonly known as pop rapper, singer, TV personality Ali B, born in Zaanstad, the Netherlands ~ Emerged in the early-2000s with songs such as Ik Ben Je Zat and Hartendief both with Brace, Rampeneren featuring Yes-R & the Partysquad, and Wat Zou Je Doen with Marco Borsato. Has also worked with artists such as the Opposites, Fresku, and Ronnie Flex, hosted music-related TV shows, and served as a judge on talent shows. In the 2020's, following a series of allegations and subsequently conviction of sexual abuse, Bouali would fall out of grace, especially as it clashed with his lovable image
October 16, 1981 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Edward Heyman passed away in Jalisco, Mexico ~ Co-wrote a number of standards including Body And Soul (Bert Ambrose, Ruth Etting, Billie Holiday), I Cover The Waterfront (Abe Lyman, Eddy Duchin, Sarah Vaughan), For Sentimental Reasons (Kay Kyser, Mildred Bailey, the Ink Spots), I Wanna Be Loved (Don Redman, the Andrews Sisters, Dinah Washington), Easy Come Easy Go (Johnny Green, Russell Garcia, Anita O'Day), and Blame It On My Youth (Freddy Martin, the Dorsey Brothers, Mabel Mercer) ~ Heyman was born in 1907
October 16, 1980 ~ Avant-garde jazz guitarist Mary Halvorson born in Brookline, Massachusetts, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader, co-leader, sidewoman. Although primaarily categorized as an avant-garde jazz guitarist draws from a wide variety of idioms including flamenco, rock and psychedelia. Formed the trio Thumbscrew with bassist Michael Formanek and drummer Tomas Fujiwara. Has also worked with John Hebert, Ches Smith, Ambrose Akinmusire, John Dieterich, Jessica Pavone, Tom Rainey, Plymouth, the Thirteenth Assembly, Marc Ribot, the Young Philadelphians, Noël Akchoté, Ingrid Laubrock, and others
October 16, 1978 ~ Abel Talámantez Mendoza, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Abel Talámantez born in Pecos, Texas, USA ~ Member of Los Envivo Kings. Has previously worked with Menudo during the 1990s and its spin-off group MDO, as well as with La Sombra, Kumbia Kings, and AB Quintanilla
October 16, 1978 ~ Jazz bassist, composer Eva Kruse born in Hamburg, West Germany ~ Classically trained pianist. Best known as bassist, both on upright bass and bass guitar. Actively recording since the early-2000s. Worked with Firomanum, Arne Jansen, Bunky Green, Bugge Wesseltoft, Nils Landgren, Niels Klein, and others
October 16, 1977 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter John Mayer born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA ~ Formed the short-lived duo Lo-Fi Masters with Clay Cook. After the duo disbanded would play local clubs before gaining serious exposure at the 2001 South By Southwest, landing him a record deal with Aware Records and eventually Columbia Records. His 2001 full-length Room For Squares and its 2003 Heavier Things would both reach platinum status. Well known songs include No Such Thing, Your Body Is A Wonderland, Daughters, Waiting On The World To Change, Say and Who Says, all of which reached top 20 Billboard Hot 100
October 16, 1974 ~ Producer, songwriter Bjorn Yttling born in Umea, Sweden ~ One third of Peter Bjorn & John, the other two being Peter Moren and John Eriksson. Co-founded Ingrid. Member of Liv. Also worked with Yttling Jazz, Lykke Li, Chrissie Hynde, Primal Scream, Franz Ferdinand, Sahara Hotnights, Anna Ternheim, the Shout Out Louds, the Hives, Taken By Trees, Nicolai Dunger, Caesar's Palace, Marit Bergman, the International Noise Conspiracy, Moneybrother, Robyn, the Deportees, Camera Obscura, the Concretes, Eldkvarn, the Shins, Sarah Blasko, Natasha Bedingfield, Alex Winston, Benjamin Clémentine, Kygo, Neko Case, and Freja the Dragon
October 16, 1973 ~ Jazz, swing, Dixieland drummer Gene Krupa, full name Eugene Bertram Krupa, passed away in Yonkers, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. One of the first superstar drummers. Influenced by Tubby Hall, Zutty Singleton, Baby Dodds. Noted for his drum solos on the 1937 Benny Goodman recording of Sing Sing Sing (With A Swing) as well as on the 1938 Live At Carnegie Hall performance. Has worked with Red McKenzie, Eddie Condon, Martha Tilton, Tommy Dorsey, Charlie Ventura, and Eddie Shu ~ Krupa was born in 1909
October 16, 1972 ~ Anders Trentemøller, mononymously known as alternative rock, indietronica, techno, ambient producer Trentemøller, born in Vordingborg, Denmark ~ Cites Siouxsie & the Banshees, My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, Joy Division, and Depeche Mode as influences. Actively recording since the mid-2000s. Well-known for his first three albums, The Last Resort, Into The Great Wide Open, and Lost, all of which reached top 5 in his native Denmark
October 16, 1969 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Jon Poole, full name Jonathan Charles Poole, born in Hertfordshire, UK ~ Brother of session bassist Ed Poole and jazz trombonist Cathi Poole. Draws mostly from punk rock, progressive rock and hard rock but is also influenced by jazz, disco, soul, new wave, synth-pop and other genres. Guitarist for the Cardiacs. Bassist for the Wildhearts and for Lifesigns. Frontman of the God Damn Whores. Co-fronts Dowling Poole with Willie Dowling. Has also worked with Ablemesh, Dr Brighton, Celebricide, and has recorded as a solo artist, notably the Frank Zappa-tribute album Mothers Covers released in 1994
October 16, 1969 ~ Lejzor Szmuel Czyz, commonly known as producer, label executive Leonard Chess passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Co-founded Chess Records with his brother Phil Chess. The label, once described by music critic Cub Koda as “America's greatest blues label”, would become pivotal to the development of blues, electric blues and rock & roll with landmark recordings by Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Gene Ammons, Jimmy Rogers, Rufus Thomas, Doctor Ross, Little Walter, Bo Diddley, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry, Etta James, Fontella Bass, Koko Taylor, and Little Milton. One of the Chicago-based label's studios was immortalized in the Rolling Stones-instrumental 2120 South Michigan Avenue recorded for their 1964 Five By Five EP ~ Czyz was born in 1917
October 16, 1969 ~ Singer Wendy Wilson born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Daughter of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford of the Honeys. Co-founded Wilson Phillips with sister Carnie Wilson and childhood friend Chynna Phillips, known for a string of 1990s hits including Hold On, You're In Love, The Dream Is Still Alive and You Won't See Me Cry
October 16, 1968 ~ Pop rock, soft rock, roots rock outfit Three Dog Night release their eponymous Three Dog Night debut album ~ Nobody, the album's lead single, would fail to make the Billboard Hot 100. However, its follow-up Try A Little Tenderness reached top 30, and One, the album's third and final single, reached top 10, peaking at No.5. The album itself would reach top 20 on the album charts, peaking at No.11 Billboard Hot 200. The band would continue to enjoy popularity through the mid-1970s, scoring over a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hits, including the charttoppers Mama Told Me (Not To Come), Joy To The World, and Black & White
October 16, 1965 ~ Jazz vibraphonist Anthony Kerr born in Belfast, UK ~ Worked with Georgie Fame, Charlie Watts, the BBC Big Band, Robbie Williams, Joe Lovano, Jacquie Dankworth, Courtney Pine, David Friedman, Kenny Werner, John Taylor, Louis Stewart, Peter King, Norma Winstone, Mike Westbrook, Ian Shaw, Dale Barlow, Justin Woodward, Stewe Brown, Geoff Gascoyne, and Kathryn Williams
October 16, 1962 ~ Michael Peter Balzary, commonly known as bassist Flea, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Co-founding member of pivotal rock, alternative rock group the Red Hot Chili Peppers, drawing from idioms as diverse as funk, punk rock, hard rock, hip hop, psychedelic rock. With well over a 100 million records sold the band ranks as one of the all-time best-selling acts and has scored the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Under The Bridge, Scar Tissue and Dani California. Also a member of supergroups Atoms For Peace, ANTEMASQUE and Rocket Juice & the Moon, and has guested on recordings by Pigface, the Mars Volta, Johnny Cash, Tom Waits, Alanis Morissette, Young MC, the Circle Jerks, Fear, Nirvana, Jane's Addiction, and others
October 16, 1961 ~ Mark Howard James, commonly known as hip hop DJ, producer the 45 King, born ~ His stagename comes from his ability to make beats using obscure 45 RPM records. First gained attention with his 1987 breakbeat track The 900 Number, featuring a looping of a sax solo from Marva Whitney's 1968 Unwind Yourself recording. Not only did his breakbeat track land him a production deal, it would become a hip hop classic sampled by numerous artists. James is also especially acclaimed for his extensive work on Queen Latifah's 1989 All Hail The Queen debut album, serving as co-producer, co-songwriter on nearly half the album's tracks including Dance For Me ~ James passed away in 2023
October 16, 1961 ~ Author, music journalist, radio DJ, TV personality Leo Blokhuis born in Zevenbergen, the Netherlands ~ Known to the public best for his involvement with the long-running Top 2000 à Go-Go TV show presenting a yearly listener poll of all-time greatest songs and for various roles for national radio stations 3FM, NPO Radio 6 and Radio 2. Regarded an authority on pop music for his near-encyclopedic knowledge, earning him both the nickname “Popprofessor” and the 2008 Pop Media Prijs. Authored or co-authored about a dozen books on pop music, debuted as a novelist in 2019 with Blauwe Zomer. Has worked on over half a dozen theater shows, mostly with his wife actress, singer Ricky Koole, starting with Harmonium in 2007, presenting forgotten songs and composers
October 16, 1960 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Bob Mould born in Malone, New York, USA ~ Best known as guitarist, singer, songwriter for alternative rock bands Hüsker Dü in the 1980s and Sugar in the 1990s. Has also released solo albums and collaborated with Blowoff, Anton Fier, Tony Maimone, Ground Zero, the Golden Palominos, the Foo Fighters, the 6ths, Throwing Muses, and Soul Asylum
October 16, 1960 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, singer Gary Kemp born in Islington, UK ~ Co-founding member and principal songwriter of Spandau Ballet, having written or co-written all of the band's UK charting singles including True, Gold, Through The Barricades and Only When You Leave.
October 16, 1960 ~ Pianist, singer, composer Leila Pinheiro born in Belem, Brazil ~ Bossa nova singer. Debuted in 1983 with the eponymous Leila Pinheiro album and has recorded steadily since. Worked with Antônio Carlos Jobim, João Donato, Ivan Lins, Francis Hime, Toninho Horta, the Zimbo Trio, Pat Metheny, Baden Powell, Toquinho, and others
October 16, 1956 ~ Rockabily, rock & roll singer Gene Vincent records Double Talkin' Baby at Bradley Film & Recording Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Under the supervision of producer Ken Nelson, Vincent and his backing unit the Blue Caps record Double Talkin' Baby as well as Hold Hug Me Rock Me and Unchained Melody
October 16, 1956 ~ Rock & roll singer Little Richard records Send Me Some Lovin' at J&M Music Shop, Louisiana, USA ~ Written by John Marascalco and Leo Price. Produced by Robert Bumps Blackwell. The song would be first released as the B-side of the January 1957 Lucille single. Notable covers include Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Gene Vincent and John Lennon. Richard also recorded The Girl Can't Help It and Baby Face during the same session, backed by Lee Allen and Alvin Tyler on saxophones, Edgar Blanchard guitar, Frank Fields bass and Earl Palmer drums
October 16, 1956 ~ Conductor, violinist Marin Alsop born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Colorado Symphony, the Scottish National Orchestra, the City Of London Sinfonia, and others
October 16, 1955 ~ Drummer Miriam Linna born in Sudbury, Canada ~ Co-founding member of the Cramps. Left the band in 1977, prior to any official releases, to join new wave band Nervus Rex
October 16, 1954 ~ Saxophonist Tim Berne born in Syracuse, New York, USA ~ Leader, co-leader, sideman. Renowned avant-garde saxophonist, heavily influenced by R&B. Over a dozen albums to his name as a leader, acclaimed especially for the albums 7x, Mutant Variations and Fulton Street Maul. Closely associated with Paraphrase, Big Satan, Hardcell. Has also worked with Bill Frisell, Marilyn Crispell, Michael Formanek, Bruno Chevillon, Umberto Petrin, Drew Gress, Ingrid Laubrock, David Torn, John Zorn, and others
October 16, 1953 ~ No wave, new wave, punk rock bassist George Scott III born in Burlington, Iowa, USA ~ Known for role in late-1970s New York no wave movement influential on later acts such as Sonic Youth, working with artists such as the Contortions, the Human Switchboard, John Cale, and Lydia Lunch. Following his death at age 26 of a heroin overdose, 8 Eyed Spy would call it quits. Another band, the Raybeats, however which was also co-founded by Scott would continue with Danny Amis taking over Scott's bass duties ~ Scott passed away in 1980
October 16, 1953 ~ Rock, space rock, progressive rock, hard rock keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, singer Tony Carey born in Watsonville, California, USA ~ First gained attention guesting on Rainbow's 1976 acclaimed Rising, especially noted for his keyboard work on the tracks Tarot Woman and A Light In The Black. Has since recorded well over a dozen albums as a solo artist and as primary force, frontman of Planet P Project. Has guested on recordings by Pat Travers, Omega, Jennifer Rush, Joe Cocker, Chris Norman, Sinner, José Carreras, and Evil Masquerade
October 16, 1952 ~ Bassist Cordell Boogie Mosson born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of United Soul alongside Garry Shider, known for several early-1970s George Clinton-produced tracks including I Miss My Baby and Baby I Owe You Something Good. Cordell continued to work with Clinton as a member of both Parliament and Funkadelic ~ Mosson passed away in 2013
October 16, 1952 ~ Lutenist Jakob Lindberg born in Djursholm, Sweden ~ Best known for recording the complete works for lute of John Dowland. Also known as an acclaimed interpreter of Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, Luigi Boccherini and Joseph Haydn. Has accompanied artists such as Nigel Rogers, Ian Partridge, Emma Kirkby, Anne Sofie von Otter. Has collaborated with the English Concert, the Academy of Ancient Music, the Taverner Choir, the Monteverdi Choir, the Purcell Quartet and the Chaiaroscuro Quartet
October 16, 1952 ~ Trombonist, sousaphonist, singer Ray Anderson born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Anthony Braxton, Barry Altschul, George Gruntz, David Murray, Charlie Haden, Dr John, Luther Allison, Bennie Wallace, Gerry Hemingway, Henry Threadgill, John Scofield, Roscoe Mitchell, Randy Sandke, Bobby Previte, Jim Pugh, George Russell, Han Bennink, and others
October 16, 1951 ~ Singer Johnnie Ray and the Four Lads record Cry ~ Written by Churchil Kohlman. Produced by Mitch Miller. Perhaps Ray's best known song. Released later the same month. Notably covered by Lynn Anderson, Ray Charles, Brenda Lee, Tammy Wynette, and Gene McDaniels
October 16, 1948 ~ Producer, arranger, conductor, pianist, guitarist, songwriter, label executive Jim Ed Norman, full name Edward James Norman, born in Fort Edwards, Florida, USA ~ Considered one of the prime architects of 1970s West Coast pop and rock. Label executive with Warner Bros Records, eventually rising to the position of president. Started his career in music as a member of Shiloh, which also included Don Henley. Pianist on the Eagles' Lyin' Eyes and Take It To The Limit. As a producer has worked with Jackie DeShannon, the New Riders Of The Purple Sage, Glenn Frey, the Osmonds, Jennifer Warnes (Right Time Of The Night), Anne Murray, Charlie Rich, Mickey Gilley, Janie Fricke, Michael Martin Murphey, TG Sheppard, Southern Pacific, Crystal Gayle, and others
October 16, 1947 ~ Robert Hall Parker, commonoly known as rock, psychedelic rock, folk guitarist, singer, songwriter Bob Weir, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Best known as founding member of the Grateful Dead staying with the band up to its disbandement in 1995. Has also worked with Kingfish, Bobby & the Midnites, the Other Ones, Ratdog, Scaring The Children, Furthur, and Dead & Company
October 16, 1946 ~ Organist, pianist, composer Wolfgang Rübsam, full name Wolfgang Friedrich Rübsam, born in Giessen, Germany ~ Recorded prolifically, including the complete organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, César Franck, and Jehan Alain. As a teacher best known for his stints at the Northwestern University, Illinois, and at the Hochschüle für Musik Saar, Saarbrücken, Germany
October 16, 1945 ~ Songwriter James Monaco, full name James Vincent Monaco, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want To Do It) with lyricist Joseph McCarthy, performed originally by Al Jolson in 1913 and recorded by numerous artists including Doris Day, Perry Como, Jackie Wilson, Aretha Franklin, and Patsy Cline. Also known as a frequent collaborator of Johnny Burke, especially writing for several Bing Crosby films. Four songs co-written by Burke would receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Song: Only Forever from 1940's Rhythm On The River co-written with Burke, We Mustn't Say Goodbye from 1943's Stage Door Canteen co-written with Al Dubin, I'm Making Believe from 1944's Sweet And Low-down co-written with Mack Gordon, I Can't Begin To Tell You from 1945's The Dolly Sisters also co-written with Gordon ~ Monaco was born in 1885
October 16, 1945 ~ Guitarist, composer, bandleader Mose Se Sengo born in Leopoldville, Congo ~ Pioneer of Congolese soukous. Best known for founding and fronting Somo Somo. Has also worked with TPOK Jazz, Lovy du Zaire, and Bana OK ~ Sengo passed away in 2019
October 16, 1945 ~ Soul, rock drummer Roger Hawkins born in Sheffield, Alabama, USA ~ Member of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Present on classic recordings such as Percy Sledge's When A Man Loves A Woman, Aretha Franklin's RESPECT, Wilson Pickett's Land Of 1,000 Dances. Has also worked with the Staple Singers, Johnnie Taylor, Cat Stevens, Duane Allman, Joe Cocker, Paul Simon, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, Bobby Blue Bland, Boz Scaggs, Albert King, Traffic, Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, and others ~ Hawkins passed away in 2021
October 16, 1944 ~ Folk singer, banjoist Patsy Watchorn born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Founded and fronted the Quare Fellas, renamed to the Dublin City Ramblers by the early-1970s and known for songs such as Rare Ould Times and The Ferryman. Joined the Dubliners in 2005, taking over for Paddy Reilly, and remained with the band until its disbandement in the early-2010s
October 16, 1943 ~ Charles Frederick Turner, commonly known as bassist, singer, songwriter CF Turner, born in Winnipeg, Canada ~ Co-founding member of 1970s rock outfit Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Also worked with Pink Plum, Brave Belt, D-Drifters, Randy Murray, and the Little River Band
October 16, 1943 ~ Kathleen Dorritie, commonly known as glam rock, glam punk singer, songwriter Cherry Vanilla. born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Acted in Andy Warhol's play Pork. Publicist for David Bowie. As a solo singer best known for two late-1970's albums, namely Bad Girl and Venus D'Vinyl
October 16, 1939 ~ Amarendra Roy Chowdhury, commonly known as jazz, experimental music, world music percussionist, tabla player Badal Roy, born ~ Influenced by Elvis Presley, Pat Boone, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington. Self-taught, his playing considered freer that that of most tabla players. Leader and sideman. First gained attention backing Miles Davis, appearing on late-1960s, early-1970s albums such as On The Corner, Big Fun and Get Up With It. Would go on to collaborate with the likes of Dave Liebman, Pharoah Sanders, John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Herbie Mann, Pat Metheny, Lester Bowie, Airto Moreira, Charlie Haden, Yoko Ono, Ornette Coleman, Duofel, Stomu Takeishi, and Muruga Booker ~ Chowdhury passed away in 2022
October 16, 1939 ~ William Cox, commonly known as bassist Billy Cox, born in Wheeling, West Virginia, USA ~ Best known for backing Jimi Hendrix. Has also toured or recorded with Sam Cooke, Slim Harpo, Joe Simon, Charlie Daniels, John McLaughlin, Rufus Thomas, Lou Rawls, Etta James, Jackie Wilson, and Little Richard
October 16, 1939 ~ Singer Joe Dolan, full name Joseph Francis Robert Dolan, born in Mulingar, Ireland ~ The only Irish singer to score a No.1 in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Known for songs such as Pretty Brown Eyes, Teresa, Sister Mary, More And More, and Good Looking Woman. Dolan has also collaborated with Sweeney's Men, the Drifters Showband, and Kelly Marie ~ Dolan passed away in 2007
October 16, 1938 ~ Christa Päffgen, commonly known as avant-garde, gothic rock, art rock, folk kock singer, actress Nico, born in Cologne, Germany ~ Rose to prominence acting in films such as Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita and Andy Warhol's Chelsea Girls. Sang with the Velvet Underground on the band's Velvet Underground & Nico debut album. As a solo artist known for her 1965 I'm Not Sayin' single produced by Jimmy Page and the Bob Dylan-penned I'll Keep It With Mine of her 1967 Chelsea Girl debut album ~ Päffgen passed away in 1988
October 16, 1937 ~ Michael Emile Telford Miller, commonly known as rock & roll, pop singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer Emile Ford, British Windward Islands ~ Best known for his 1959 UK No.1 hit What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For with his backing unit the Checkmates ~ Miller passed away in 2016
October 16, 1936 ~ Bolero, bossa nova singer, pianist, politician Agnaldo Timóteo, full name Agnaldo Timóteo Pereira, born in Caratinga, Brazil ~ Over 40 albums to his name starting in the mid-1960s. Known for songs such as Ave Maria, Mamãe, Os Verdes Campos De Minha Terra and Meu Grito. Politically active from the early-1980s through the 2010s, serving in various functions including Federal Deputy and City Councillor ~ Timóteo passed away in 2021
October 16, 1935 ~ Peylia Marsema Balinton, commonly known as R&B singer Sugar Pie DeSanto, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Discovered by Johnny Otis who gave her the stage name Sugar Pie. Toured as backing singer with James Brown in the late-1950s. As a solo artist rose to fame with her 1960 hit I Want To Know. Would go on to release a number of classic 1960s R&B hits throughout the remainder of the decade, notably Slip-in Mules, Use What You Got, Soulful Dress, I Don't Wanna Fuss and Do I Make Myself Clear, the latter a duet with Etta James
October 16, 1932 ~ Jazz pianist Ben Aronov, full name Benjamin James Aronov, born in Gary, Indiana, USA ~ In-demand sideman. Worked with Terry Gibbs, June Christy, Lena Horne, Al Cohn, Benny Goodman, Jim Hall, Morgana King, Lee Konitz, Peggy Lee, Liza Minnelli, George Mraz, Mark Murphy, the National Jazz Ensemble, Ken Peplowski, Tom Pierson, Zoot Sims, Carol Sloane, and Warren Vaché Jr ~ Aronov passed away in 2015
October 16, 1932 ~ Double bassist, conductor Henry Lewis, full name Henry Jay Lewis, was born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Married to singer Marilyn Horne from 1960 until 1972. Child prodigy. Member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic by age 16. Director of the Seventh Army Symphony Orchestra. Also worked with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Itzhak Perlman, Misha Dichter, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera, the Chicago Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Boston Symphony, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Lewis passed away in 1996
October 16, 1923 ~ Bandleader, singer Fred Waring and his Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians record Sleep ~ Written by Earl Burtnett and Adam Geibel, lyrics added by Fred's brother Tom Waring who would also sing on the recording. Released the following month, b/w The West A Nest And You, it would become the band's biggest hit, a signature tune and would serve as the theme song for the musical variety TV show The Fred Waring Show. The tune would be covered by a wide array of artists included Tommy Dorsey, Earl Bostic, Chico Hamilton, Boots Randolph, Les Paul & Mary Ford, and Chet Atkins
October 16, 1923 ~ Saxophonist Lenny Hambro born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ As sideman played with Gene Krupa, Glenn Miller, Roy Eldridge, Billy Butterfield, Bobby Byrne, Vincent Lopez, Pupi Campo, Machito, Ray McKinley, Charlie Ventura, and Joe Loco. As leader he employed artists such as Wade Legge, Rene Hernandez, Eddie Costa, Hank Jones, Dick Garcia, Sal Salvador, Barry Galbraith, Louis Barretto, Clyde Lombardi, Arnold Fishkind, Eddie Bert, Mel Zelnick, Harold Granowski, Gus Johnson Jr, Sid Bulkin, Jose Mangual, Ubaldo Nieto, Ray Santamaria, and Babs Gonzales ~ Hambro passed away in 1995
October 16, 1922 ~ Walter William Bygraves, commonly known as comedian, actor, singer Max Bygraves, born in London, UK ~ Known for his catchphrase “I wanna tell you a story” which became an integral part of his act although it originated with comedian Mike Yarwood impersonating Bygraves. Opened for Abbott & Costello and for Judy Garland before scoring a string of UK top 10 hits starting in the early-1950s, including Heart Of My Heart, Meet Me On The Corner and You Need Hands ~ Bygraves passed away in 2012
October 16, 1918 ~ Dale Troy Cooper, commonly known as bluegrass, country fiddler, guitarist Stoney Cooper born in Harman, West Virginia, USA ~ Member of gospel outfit the Leary Family, eventually marrying one of its singers, Wilma Lee Cooper. Starting in the 1940s as a duo they would score several country hits including Big Midnight Special and There's A Big Wheel ~ Cooper passed away in 1977
October 16, 1917 ~ Jazz pianist, singer Pat Flowers, full name Ivelee Patrick Flowers, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Worked with Fats Waller during the last year of Waller's life. Subsequently manager Ed Kirkeby attempted to book him as Waller's successor. Flowers would record for most of the decade in New York, eventually returning to Detroit where he would become a mainstay on the local jazz scene ~ Flowers passed away in 2000
October 16, 1903 ~ Joseph Lee Williams, commonly known as Delta blues guitarist, singer Big Joe Williams, born in Crawford, Mississippi, USA ~ Plays a nine-string guitar. Known for songs such as Baby Please Don't Go, Crawlin' King Snake and Peach Orchard Mama. Worked with Sonny Boy Williamson I, Robert Nighthawk, and Peetie Wheatstraw ~ Williams passed away in 1982
October 16, 1903 ~ Ford Lee Washington, commonly known as vaudevillian, pianist, singer Buck Washington, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Formed the duo Buck & Bubbles with John W Bubbles, reportedly becoming the first black artists to appear on TV anywhere in the world performing at the Alexandra Palace in November 1936 aired by the BBC. Washington is also known for backng artists such as Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith and Coleman Hawkins ~ Washington passed away in 1955
October 16, 1898 ~ Clarinetist, bandleader John Casimir born ~ First gained attention in the late-1910s, playing in the Young Eagles Band alongside Lee Collins. Best known for leading the Young Tuxedo Brass Band from the early-1940s until his death some two decades later, the 1958 Jazz Begins the only album released during his lifetime ~ Casimir passed away in 1963