October 18, 2023 ~ Rock, power pop singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Dwight Twilley passed away in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Known best for two Billboard Hot 100 top 20 singles, I'm On Fire in 1975 with his backing unit the Dwight Twilley Band, and Girls in 1984. The latter would feature labelmate Tom Petty providing counterpoint vocals ~ Twilley was born in 1951
October 18, 2022 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, singer Franco Gatti passed away in Genoa, Italy ~ Co-founded pop, Italo disco outfit Ricchi & Poveri in 1967, one of the most popular Italian pop acts selling over an estimated 20 million records. The band is acclaimed for their unique vocal style based on the intertwining of four different voices, bass, tenor, alto and soprano. Well known songs include L'Ultimo Amore, Mamma Maria, M'Innamore Di Te, Se M'Innamoro, and Sarà Perché Ti Amo. Internationally the group is best known for participating in the 1978 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 12th place with Questo Amore ~ Gatti was born in 1942
October 18, 2022 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly, neo-rockabilly singer Robert Gordon, full name Robert Ira Gordon, passed away ~ Influenced by Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent, Jack Scott, Billy Lee Riley, and Eddie Cochran. First gained attention with a number of 1960s songs with the Confidentials, notably It's Summertime, Money and There's Something On Your Mind. In the 1970s, Gordon briefly strayed into punk rock, singing with Tuff Darts, before returning to rock & roll and neo-rockabilly. Gordon is also especially noted for the 1978 Fresh Fish Special album with Link Wray, and the 1996 The Humbler (Live) album which also featured Danny Gatton ~ Gordon was born in 1947
October 18, 2021 ~ Jazz guitarist, double bassist Franco Cerri passed away in Milan, Italy ~ Considered one of the most important European jazz musicians. Cites Django Reinhardt, Barney Kessel, and René Thomas as influences. Has worked with Chet Baker, Buddy Collette, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Griffin, Stéphane Grappelli, Lars Gullin, Billie Holiday, Lee Konitz, Gerry Mulligan, Lou Bennett, Bud Shank, Tony Scott, Phil Woods, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Roberto Vecchioni, Nicola Arigliano, Bunny Foy, Tullio de Piscopo, Pino Presti, Gianluigi Trovesi, Flavio Ambrosetti, and Jean-Luc Ponty ~ Cerri was born in 1926
October 18, 2021 ~ Guitarist Lloyd Willis passed away ~ Jamaican session guitarist. Perhaps best known for appearing on and co-writing Tease Me, an international hit for Chaka Demus & Pliers taken of their 1993 Tease Me album. The single, produced by Sly & Robbie, would reach top 20 across Europe with top 10 positions in the Netherlands and the UK ~ Willis was born ca.1948
October 18, 2018 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Ayub Bachchu passed away in Dhaka, Bangladesh ~ Best known as founder, frontman, lead singer of LRB ~ Bachchu was born in 1962
October 18, 2018 ~ Pianist Randolph Hokansen passed away ~ Began playing piano at age 8. Regularly gave recitals at age 15. Studied under Harold Samuel, Myra Hess and Carl Friedberg. Performed as soloist under Thomas Beecham, Pierre Monteux, Arthur Fiedler, Walter Susskind, and Milton Katims ~ Hokanson was born in 1915
October 18, 2017 ~ Jazz fusion, progressive rock guitarist Phil Miller, full name Philip Paul Miller, passed away ~ Central figure in the Canterbury scene. Member of Delivery. Co-founding member of Matching Mole, Hatfield & the North, National Health. Has also worked with Caravan, Short Wave, In Cahoots, Robert Wyatt, and others ~ Miller was born in 1949
October 18, 2016 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader Mike Daniels, full name Mike John Brett Daniels, passed away ~ Influenced by King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong. Best known for leading jazz ensemble the Delta Jazzmen for about three decades starting in 1948. Worked with sidemen such as Gordon Blundy, John Barnes, Keith Nichols, John Chilton, and others ~ Daniels was born in 1928
October 18, 2013 ~ Rockabilly guitarist, producer Roland Janes passed away ~ Best known for his association with Cowboy Jack Clement and for his work as producer and session musician at Sun Records through 1963. Worked with artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Billy Lee Riley, Charlie Rich, Sonny Burgess, and others ~ Janes was born in 1933
October 18, 2012 ~ Free jazz pianist Borah Bergman passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Earl Hines, Bud Powell, Lennie Tristano, and Ornette Coleman. Has worked with sidemen such as Evan Parker, Thomas Chapin, Andrew Cyrille, Roscoe Mitchell, Thomas Buckner, Joe McPhee, Wilber Morris, Rashied Ali, Hamid Drake, Ivo Perelman, Peter Brötzmann, Conny Bauer, and John Zorn ~ Bergman was born in 1926
October 18, 2008 ~ Delia Juanita Warwick, commonly known as singer Dee Dee Warwick, passed away in Essex County, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of the Sweet Inspirations. Member of vocal trio the Gospelaires, along with her sister of Dionne Warwick and aunt Cissy Houston. One of the music industry's first openly lesbian artists. Recorded solo records since the early-1960s, including what is reportedly the earliest version of You're No Good in 1963 (later recorded by Betty Everett, Linda Ronstadt, and others) and for the 1966 single I'm Gonna Make You Love Me (later made famous as a duet between the Supremes and the Temptations). Also known for songs such as I Want To Be With You, Foolish Fool, and She Didn't Know (She Kept On Talking) ~ Warwick was born in 1942
October 18, 2007 ~ Reggae, mbaqanga guitarist, keyboardist, singer Lucky Dube, full name Lucky Philip Dube, passed away in Rosettenville, South Africa ~ Initially a mbaqanga singer, Dube would switch to reggae in the mid-1980s, inspired by Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh. His earliest reggae releases would prove commercially unsuccessful, and the apartheid regime would ban him for his socio-political lyrics, yet Dube would soldier on and find his breakthrough with the 1985 Think About The Children album, which reached Platinum status. Dube would continue to record to critical acclaim and commercial success, becoming Africa's best selling reggae artist, well into the 2000s ~ Dube was born in 1964
October 18, 2006 ~ James Edward Pryor, commonly known as blues harpist Snooky Pryor, passed away in Cape Girardeau, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson I, and by Sonny Boy Williamson II. Known for songs such as Judgement Day, Crazy About My Baby, Where Did You Learn To Shake It Like That, and Shake My Hand. Worked with Jimmy Rogers, Floyd Jones, Sunnyland Slim, Eddie Taylor, Johnny Man Young, Leroy Foster, Homesick James, and others ~ Pryor was born ca.1920
October 18, 2005 ~ Country, country-pop singer Carrie Underwood releases Jesus Take The Wheel, lead single off her Some Hearts debut album ~ Written by Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson, and Brett James, produced by Mark Bright. Warmly received by critics and a major commercial success, Jesus Take The Wheel reached No.20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, topped the Billboard Country chart, and earned Underwood two Grammy Awards, an Academy of Country Music Award, and a Gospel Music Association Award. Its Some Hearts parent album became the all-time fastest-selling debut album for any female country singer, and start a string of eight consecutive Billboard Country No.1 albums, all of which also reached top 10 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 200 album charts. Over time, Jesus Take The Wheel would eventually sell over 2.5 million copies
October 18, 2000 ~ Nancy Gayle Peck, commonly known as jazz, torch singer, actress Julie London, passed away in Encino, California, USA ~ As a singer, noted for her husky contralto voice. Best known for her multi-million-seller signature song Cry Me A River, lifted off her 1955 Julie Is Her Name debut album. Though London would rarely reach the charts since, she continued to record through the late-1960s, her repertoire consisting mostly of covers of traditional pop and jazz standards. Parallel to and beyond her recording career, London enjoyed popularity as an actress, perhaps most notably in the medical drama TV series Emergency, which ran for well over a 100 episodes from 1972 through 1977 and spawned half a dozen additional TV films. The show was produced by London's ex-husband Jack Webb and also featured her husband pianist, songwriter, actor Bobby Troup, who had written the oft-covered Nat King Cole hit (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 ~ Peck was born in 1926
October 18, 1999 ~ Anthony John Kronenberg, commonly known as jazz drummer, pianist, bandleader, composer Tony Crombie, passed away in London, UK ~ Formed rock & roll outfit the Rockets, modeled after Bill Haley's the Comets. Also ushered in British be-bop. Worked with diverse array of artists including Duke Ellington, Conway Twitty, Freddy Cannon, Johnny Preston, Wee Willie Harris, Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, Joe Pass, Mark Murphy, and Eddie Lockjaw Davis ~ Kronenberg was born in 1925
October 18, 1994 ~ Saxophonist Lee Allen passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as a mentor and eventually member of the Blasters. Has also worked with Paul Gayten, Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino, Lloyd Price, Earl King, Huey Piano Smith, Professor Longhair, T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, Dr John, Buddy Miles, the Stray Cats, and others ~ Allen was born in 1927
October 18, 1993 ~ New wave, pop rock group Crowded House release Together Alone, the band's 4th studio album ~ Critics welcomed the band's foray into more experimental and musically varied territory, while still maintaining main songwriter Neil Finn's distinctive pop sense. Together Alone would top the album charts in New Zealand. The album's lead single Distant Sun reached top 10 in New Zealand, top 30 in Australia. Locked Out reached top 20 in the UK, fueled by its inclusion on the soundtrack to Reality Bites. On working with their new producer Youth, also known as bassist for Killing Joke, drummer Paul Hester later commented: “We flew in Youth and an engineer called Greg Hunter straight off the streets of Brixton, UK, to Karekare Beach, New Zealand, miles from anywhere, no shops, no nothing. They were in shock for days. Didn't know where the fuck they were.”
October 18, 1990 ~ Jose Gabriel de Souza Diniz, commonly known as singer, composer Gabriel Diniz was born in Campo Grande, Brazil ~ Has released a total of three studio albums during his short career. Teamed up with Wesley Safadão for the song Acabou Acabou in 2017. Following his plane crash, killing him at age 28, had the posthumous 2019 Brazil summer hit Jenifer ~ Diniz passed away in 2019
October 18, 1984 ~ Singer, violinist, double bassist, guitarist, songwriter, teacher Esperanza Spalding, full name Esperanza Emily Spalding, born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Has recorded over half a dozen albums, starting with Junjo in 2006. Draws from a wide array of idioms including jazz fusion, bossa nova, neo soul, and R&B. Cites jazz bassists Ron Carter and Dave Holland as influences. Credits classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma with first inspiring her to pursue a career in music, after watching him on the educational children's TV show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Performing professionally since a young age, Spalding has been called a prodigy, but she adamantly denounced the title though: “I am surrounded by prodigies everywhere I go, but because they are a little older than me, or not a female, or not on a major label, they are not acknowledged as such.”
October 18, 1982 ~ Shaffer Chimere Smith, commonly known as singer, songwriter Ne-Yo, born in Camden, Kansas, USA ~ Debuted in 2006 with the critically acclaimed In My Own Words album, spawning the charttopping single So Sick. Also known for songs such as Sexy Love, Because Of You, Closer, Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself), and Time of Our Lives featuring Pitbull. Has also collaborated with Remy Ma, Ghostface Killah, Fabolous, Sarah Connor, Rihanna, Plies, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Flo Rida, 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Rick Ross, LL Cool J, T-Pain, Jeezy, Calvin Harris, Conor Maynard, David Guetta, Jessica Sanchez, and Armin Van Buuren
October 18, 1980 ~ In its ninth week on the charts, I Believe In You by Don Williams hits No.1 Billboard Country ~ A few days after Roger Cook, who had co-written the song with Nashville native Sam Hogin, finished his demo, producer Garth Fundis asked Cook if he had something suitable and Cook suggested I Believe In You. Issued as the lead single off the album of the same name, it became the eleventh Billboard Country charttopper for Williams and his sole top 40 hit on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at No.24. Previously, Cook enjoyed success in his native UK, his songs recorded by the likes of Petula Clark, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black, and the Hollies. Following the success of I Believe In You, Cook would increasingly write for American pop and country singers including Crystal Gayle, Juice Newton, John Prine, and George Strait. In 1997, Cook became the first Englishman to be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame
October 18, 1980 ~ Country singer, guitarist Josh Gracin, full name Joshua Marin Gracin, born ~ First gained attention in 2003 as contestant on the talent contest American Idol, reaching fourth place. Would release his eponymous Josh Gracin debut album the following year, which included the Billboard Country No.1 hit Nothin' To Lose. Would score a number of country hits throughout the end of the decade, notably Favorite State Of Mind and We Weren't Crazy
October 18, 1976 ~ Oswald Williams, commonly known as drummer, bandleader Count Ossie, passed away ~ Best known for backing the Folkes Brothers on the Prince Buster-produced Oh Carolina b/w I Met A Man single released in 1959. The recording is regarded by some as arguably the first-ever ska record, in large part due to Ossie's hand drumming. Has also worked with Harry Mudie, Coxsone Dodd, King Stitt, the Mellow Cats, and others. As a solo artist and bandleader Ossie is known for singles such as African Shuffle, Chubby and Rock A Man Soul and especially for his latter-day three-LP set Grounation released in 1973 ~ Williams was born in 1926
October 18, 1975 ~ Singer Bruce Springsteen plays the Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood, California ~ As part of his Born To Run Tour, Springsteen plays the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California. The recording of Thunder Road would be included on the Live 1975-85 live box set
October 18, 1975 ~ Rural blues singer, guitarist KC Douglas passed away in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Influenced by Tommy Johnson. Perhaps best known for his first recording, Mercury Blues released in 1948. The song would later be covered by Steve Miller, David Lindley, Ry Cooder, Dwight Yoakam, Alan Jackson, and by Meat Loaf ~ Douglas was born in 1913
October 18, 1973 ~ Rock, pop, indie pop drummer David Keith born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Influenced by Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, Rush's Neil Peart, the Police's Stewart Copeland and jazz drummers such as Cozy Powell, Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. Closely associated with Ritchie Blackmore serving in both Rainbow and Blackmore's Night.
October 18, 1973 ~ Alternative rock, heavy metal guitarist Jim Davies born in Maldon, UK ~ Best known as member of the Prodigy, notably present on the tracks Firestarter and Breathe, and of Pitchshifter. Founded Victory Pill in 2007. Has been working mostly as a producer and composer for TV and film since the early-2010s
October 18, 1973 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Myron Walden born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Dwayne Burno, Erin McPherson, Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Eddie Henderson, Kevin Hays, Stephen Scott, Gregory Hutchinson, Eric Garland, Apex Trio, Brian Blade, the New Jazz Composers Octet, Freddie Hubbard, Dan Faulk, Tom Harrell, Lizz Wright, David Weiss, Ray Barretto, Greg August, Dan McCarthy, Omer Avital, Darren Barrett, and others
October 18, 1966 ~ Jazz drummer Bill Stewart, full name William Harris Stewart, born in Des Moines, Iowa, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Maceo Parker, John Scofield, Joe Lovano, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, Dr Lonnie Smith, Nicholas Payton, Bill Carrothers, Steve Wilson, Seamus Blake, Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein, Jim Hall, Franck Amsallem, Peter Bernstein, Scott Colley, Marc Copland, Larry Goldings, Lage Lund, Pat Martino, Jim Rotondi, Jesse van Ruller, Armen Donelian, Ron McClure, Lee Konitz, Fred Wesley, Joe Lovano, Don Grolnick, Tim Hagans, Kevin Hays, Eddie Hinton, Michael Brecker, Curtis Stigers, Nick Brignola, and Steve Kuhn
October 18, 1964 ~ British pop, rock group the Beatles record I Feel Fine at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Produced by George Martin. One of the first pop recordings to use guitar feedback. The guitar riff is said to be inspired by Bobby Parker's 1961 recording of Watch Your Step. Issued as a non-album single the following November, featuring She's A Woman on the flip side
October 18, 1964 ~ Bassist Paul Peterson, full name Paul Joseph Peterson, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Member of the Time, replacing Monte Moir in 1983. Present in the Prince film Purple Rain. Lead singer of the Family. As a solo artist debuted in 1987 with the eponymous Paul Peterson album, spawning the singles Intimacy and Rich Man
October 18, 1964 ~ Indie rock, post-rock singer, guitarist, bassist Sam Prekop born in London, UK ~ Co-founding member of Shrimp Boat. After the band folded in 1993 formed the Sea And Cake with bandmate Eric Claridge. Prokop has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with his eponymous Sam Prekop album released in 1999
October 18, 1963 ~ Singer, pianist, composer Sigvart Dagsland born in Stavanger, Norway ~ Married to singer, actress Karoline Krüger, with whom he has also worked on occasion. Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Joker released in 1985. Has collaborated with the likes of Iver Kleive, Solveig Slettahjell, Sissel Kyrkjebø, Løgnasleget, Eivind Sarset, and others
October 18, 1961 ~ Jazz, classical trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, full name Wynton Learson Marsalis, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Influenced by Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Jelly Roll Morton, Cootie Williams, Freddie Hubbard. Over 40 albums to his name as a leader or co-leader, starting with the eponymous Wynton Marsalis released in 1982. As a solo artist perhaps best known for his Blood On The Fields, a two-and-a-half hour jazz oratorio published in 1997 and the first jazz composition to be awarded the Pullitzer Prize for Music. In-demand collaborator in both jazz and classical music, and as a member of the Marsalis Family in a wide array of genres including pop and rock. Notable collaborations include Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Wayne Shorter, St Louis Symphony, Willie Nelson, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Eastman Wind Ensemble (Carnaval), the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Fuse One, and others
October 18, 1960 ~ Singer Connie Francis records Where The Boys Are ~ Written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield as the theme song of the 1960 movie of the same name. Francis sang the song and starred in the film. Released as a single in January 1961 it would be a top 10 hit for Francis on both sides of the Atlantic
October 18, 1957 ~ Singer Precious Wilson born in Spanish Town, Jamaica ~ Backing singer in British disco, R&B group Eruption. As a solo artist scored a handful of modest hits in Europe, especially Germany. Known for songs such as Cry To Me, I Need You and I'll Be Your Friend, the latter reaching the Billboard R&B charts in 1985
October 18, 1956 ~ Edward Sturgis, commonly known as DJ Eddie Cheba, born ~ Fixture on the New York scene during the 1970s. One of the earliest rapping DJ's, considered pivotal to the development of hip hop. Influential on Kurtis Blow, close friend DJ Hollywood, and Def Jam Recordings co-founder Russell Simmons, the latter inspired to pursue a career in music after hearing Cheba perform. The year before his passing, Cheba suffered a series of strokes. Upon hearing of his ailing health, Simmons stated, recalling the hey days: “The absolute facts are as follows. If you couldn't get Hollywood, you got Cheba. If you couldn't get Cheba, you got Lovebug Starski. Again, this is actual facts. If you got all three, the number of tickets would skyrocket and you could pay the bar guarantee. They were the rap stars and the biggest money makers and draws.” ~ Sturgis passed away in 2024
October 18, 1956 ~ Rockabily, rock & roll singer Gene Vincent records Red Bluejeans And A Pony Tail at Bradley Film & Recording Studio, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Under the supervision of producer Ken Nelson, Vincent and his backing unit the Blue Caps record Red Bluejeans And A Pony Tail as well as Important Words, You Better Believe and Five Days Five Days
October 18, 1954 ~ Alkistis Sevasti Attikuzie, commonly known as modern entehno singer Alkistis Protopsalti, born in Alexandria, Egypt ~ Known for songs such as Trava Skandali, O Aggelos Mou and Apelpistika Diathesimi
October 18, 1953 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Anne Hills born in Moradabad, India ~ Well over a dozen albums to her name starting in the late 1970s. Has collaborated with Chris Brubeck, Peter Erskine, Tom Paxton, Bob Gibson, Cindy Mangsen, Priscilla Herdma, and Michael Peter Smith
October 18, 1951 ~ Bassist Nic Potter born in Wiltshires, UK ~ Best known for his work with Van Der Graaf Generator, present on albums such as H To He (Who Am The Only One), The Quiet Zone (The Pleasure Dome), and Vital. Also appeared on over a dozen Peter Hammill albums, starting with the acclaimed Fool's Mate. Has also worked with Magna Carta, Steve Swindells, Duncan Browne, the Pool Sharks, Steve Hyams, Rare Bird, the Misunderstood, and others ~ Potter passed away in 2013
October 18, 1949 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Gary Richrath born in Peoria, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as lead guitarist and songwriter for REO Speedwagon from 1970 through 1989, including on hits such as Keep On Loving You, Keep The Fire Burning, One Lonely Night, and Can't Fight This Feeling. Formed the band Richrath when he left REO, resulting in the album Only The Strong Survive released in 1992 ~ Richrath passed away in 2015
October 18, 1949 ~ Singer Tennessee Ernie Ford records Mule Train ~ Written by Johnny Lange, Hy Heath, Ramblin' Tommy Scott and Fred Glickman. Ford's version, released in November 1949 paired with Anticipation Blues on the flip side, would reach top 10 on the all-genre pop and top the Billboard Country charts. Other notable versions would be recorded by Frankie Laine, Bing Crosby, and Count Prince Miller
October 18, 1947 ~ Laura Nigro, commonly known as singer, pianist Laura Nyro, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Drew from Brill building pop, jazz, R&B, show tunes and rock. Critically acclaimed, especially for her late-1960s albums Eli And The Thirteenth Confession and New York Tendaberry. Had her songs covered by the 5th Dimension (Stoned Soul Picnic), Blood Sweat & Tears (When I Die), Barbra Streisand (Stoney End), the Supremes (Time And Love), and Three Dog Night (Eli's Coming) ~ Nyro passed away in 1997
October 18, 1946 ~ Film composer Howard Shore, full name Howard Leslie Shore, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Member of jazz fusion band Lighthouse. Film composer with over 80 scores to his name, most notably the Academy Award-winning soundtracks of The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies
October 18, 1946 ~ Rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist Joe Egan, full name Joseph Egan, born in Paisley, UK ~ Co-founded Stealers Wheel with Gerry Rafferty, the pair also co-writing the band's biggest hit Stuck In The Middle With You which reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic in 1973. Subsequently, the band scored two more smaller hits, Everything Will Turn Out Fine and most notably the Egan-penned Billboard Hot 100 top 30 hit Star. The band recorded three albums before disbanding by the mid-1970s over stagnating sales and artistic differences. Egan would release two solo albums through the end of the decade which, though warmly received would sell poorly. His bandmate Rafferty would go on to score a massive hit with Baker Street. Egan retired from music by the 1990s ~ Egan passed away in 2024
October 18, 1946 ~ Jazz pianist Michel Graillier born in Lens, France ~ Classically trained pianist. Drummer for yéyé group les Chaps during his mid-teens. Turned to jazz in the late-1960s, notably working with Aldo Romano and Jean-François Jenny-Clark. Also closely associated with violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. Recorded about a dozen albums as a leader, starting with Pianos Puzzle released in 1970. Internationally perhaps best known for backing Chet Baker during the 1980s, appearing on about half a dozen of the singer, trumpeter's albums including the acclaimed Mr B and Candy. Graillier has also guested on albums by the likes of Steve Lacy, Steve Grossman, Jacques Thollot, Stephen McCraven, Barney Wilen, Riccardo del Fra, Daniel Humair, Jacques Vidal, François Jeanneau, and Stella Vander ~ Graillier passed away in 2003
October 18, 1944 ~ Orville Jones, commonly known as singer, cellist Hoppy Jones, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of the Ink Spots until his death at age 39. Present on hits such as If I Didn't Care, Address Unknown, My Prayer, When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano, Maybe, We Three (My Echo My Shadow & Me), and Don't Get Around Much Anymore. Jones would be succeeded by Herb Kenny, brother of the band's frontman Bill Kenny ~ Jones was born in 1905
October 18, 1944 ~ Classical pianist Nelson Freire, full name Nelson José Pinto Freire, born in Minas Gerais, Brazil ~ Leading pianist of his generation noted for his decorous playing and interpretive depth. Has worked with top-notch orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra ~ Freire passed away in 2021
October 18, 1941 ~ Pop rock guitarist Peter Watson born in Romford, UK ~ Early member of the Action, present on the band's critically acclaimed yet commercially unsuccessful Land Of A Thousand Dances b/w In My Lonely Room debut single. Watson left the band in 1966 over financial difficulties that he blamed on the band's manager, and was replaced by Martin Stone. Following his departure from the band Watson largely retired from the music industry
October 18, 1940 ~ Songwriter Cynthia Weil born in New York, New York, USA ~ Formed the songwriter duo Mann/Weil with her husband Barry Mann. Songs written by the couple have been recorded by artists such as Gene Pitney (Looking Through The Eyes Of Love), Deniece Williams, Paul Revere & the Raiders (Kicks), Eydie Gormé, the Ronettes (Walking In The Rain), the Crystals (Uptown), Tony Orlando, Aaron Neville & Linda Ronstadt (Don't Know Much), the Monkees, BJ Thomas, Elvis Presley (I Just Can't Help Believing), Dusty Springfield (Just A Little Lovin' Early In The Morning), Gladys Knight (Nobody But You), the Drifters (On Broadway), George Benson, Jay & the Americans, Peter Paul & Mary, Ray Charles (None Of Us Are Free), the Everly Brothers, the Animals (We Gotta Get Outta This Place), Arthur Alexander, the Righteous Brothers (You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'), and others ~ Weil passed away in 2023
October 18, 1940 ~ Pop singer Jacques Higelin, full name Jacques Joseph Victor Higelin, born in Brou-sur-Chantereine, France ~ Actively recording since the early-1970s. Would grow to become one of France's most popular artists due to his incessive touring, usually in smaller, intimate venues. Has collaborated with Brigitte Fontaine, Areski Belkacem, and others ~ Higelin passed away in 2018
October 18, 1939 ~ Lyric poet, jazz vocalist, translator, author Jan Erik Vold born in Oslo, Norway ~ Core member of the so-called “Profil generation”, a group of artists associated with the literary magazine Profil magazine. Has published numerous poetry collections, prose, essays and other literary pieces. To music audiences known as a jazz vocal reciter, having worked on well over a dozen albums starting in the late-1960s, often collaborating with the likes of Jan Garbarek, Kåre Virud, Chet Baker, and others
October 18, 1938 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Ronnie Bright, full name Ronald David Bright, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of a number of quintessential doo-wop groups. Sang with the Valentines from 1954 through 1957. Briefly with the Cadillacs in 1960, including on Tell Me Today. Joined the Coasters in 1968, replacing Will Dub Jones, remaining until 2009. Other notable credits include Jackie Wilson, Barry Mann (Who Put The Bomp (In The Bomp Bomp Bomp)), the Deep River Boys, Southside Johnny, and Peter Gabriel (In Your Eyes) ~ Bright passed away in 2015
October 18, 1935 ~ Tenor saxophonist, hornist Sam Reed born in Kinstree, South Carolina, USA ~ A mainstay on the Philadelphia scene, internationally perhaps best known as musical director for Teddy Pendergrass during the 1970s. Reed had been working as a sideman and session musician since the late-1950s, backing jazz greats such as Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, and Dizzy Gillespie early on in his career. In Philadelphia, Reed is especially renowned for his early-1960s stint leading the house band at the Uptown Theatre, a legendary venue where Reed and his band backed visiting musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown. Reed also became closely associated with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, helping the famed duo shape the Philly sound working with the likes of Archie Bell & the Drells, Labelle, Billy Paul, and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. Upon hearing of his death, Lovett Hines, artistic director of the Philadelphia Clef Club described Reed as among the very top of the Philly saxophonists, distinguished by his versatility, adding: “the only thing that kept him from getting world-class fame was that he elected to stay in Philadelphia” ~ Reed passed away in 2021
October 18, 1934 ~ Berit Maria Jonsson, commonly known as operatic dramatic soprano Berit Lindholm, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Closely associated with the Royal Opera House, the Bayreuth Festival, and the Vienna State Opera. Known best for portraying heroines such as Brunnhilde in Richard Wagner's Der Ring Des Nibelungen and Chrysothemis in Richard Strauss's Elektra ~ Jonsson passed away in 2023
October 18, 1933 ~ Jazz, blues pianist Bross Townsend, full name Bross Elvie Townsend, born in Princeton, Kentucky, USA ~ After relocating to Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended the Cleveland Institute of Music, Townsend would initially back local musicians such as Jimmy Scott and Wynonie Harris. Townsend would go on to work with the likes of Gene Ammons, John Coltrane, and Memphis Slim. He eventually became a fixture on the New York scene, performing as a solo artist as well as backing artists such as Bubba Brooks, Woody Herman, Diana Ross, and Arvell Shaw. He is also especially known for his association with Carrie Smith, regularly backing the singer. Townsend recorded only a few albums as a leader, noted specifically for I Love Jump Jazz released in 1995, and was a member of the 3B's with bassist Bob Cunningham and drummer Bernard Pretty Purdie ~ Townsend passed away in 2003
October 18, 1927 ~ Angela Herminia, commonly known as singer, actress Alba Solis, born in Argentina ~ Argentine vedetta whose style was characterized by singing tangos in a dramatic manner ~ Lamberti passed away in 2016
October 18, 1926 ~ Charles Edward Anderson Berry, commonly known as rock & roll, R&B guitarist, singer Chuck Berry, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Influenced by Muddy Waters and T-Bone Walker. A pioneering rock & roll guitarist, Berry was one of the first to take blues and R&B from its black roots to cross the color gap and appeal to white audiences, and was noted for his rollinking guitar riffs and signature duck walk, a crouching movement across the stage while playing his guitar. Berry would become hugely influential, notably on artists such as the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys, and the Beatles, with a series of hits starting with Maybellene in 1955. Other well known songs, many considered pivotal to the development of rock & roll, and subsequently rock, include Roll Over Beethoven, Rock & Roll Music, Nadine, You Never Can Tell, Sweet Little Sixteen, and Johnny B Goode. Berry was among the very first to be inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1986, the Hall stating: “While no individual can be said to have invented rock and roll, Berry comes the closest of any single figure to being the one who put all the essential pieces together” ~ Berry passed away in 2017
October 18, 1925 ~ Vernon Harrison, commonly known as country blues, boogie woogie, jazz singer, pianist, songwriter Boogie Woogie Red, born in Rayville, Louisiana, USA ~ Has worked with Sonny Boy Williamson I, Washboard Willie, Baby Boy Warren, Lonnie Johnson, Tampa Red, John Lee Hooker, and Memphis Slim. Perhaps best known for his 1974 Live At The Blind Pig album, earning him critical praise and interest in Europe ~ Harrison passed away in 1992
October 18, 1923 ~ Country blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Jessie Mae Hemphill, born near Como, Mississippi, USA ~ Active in informal settings and family bands, including with her grandfather Sid Hemphill, before starting a solo career as a recording artist by the late-1970s, early-1980s. About a dozen albums to her name, starting with the full-length She-Wolf released in 1981. Well known for penning Lord Help The Poor And Needy, notably covered without credit by indie rock, folk rock singer Cat Power ~ Hemphill passed away in 2006
October 18, 1920 ~ Maria Amalia Mercouri, commonly known as actress, singer, activist, politician Melina Mercouri, born in Athens, Greece ~ As a singer best known for Hartino To Fengaraki from the Greek production of A Streetcar Named Desire, Athenes Ma Ville, and Melinaki. At the time of the coup d'ét in Greece, she was abroad and had her Greek citizenship revoked for leading the protest against the dictatorial regime. After the regime's fall in 1974 returned to Greece and co-founding the centre-left political party PASOK. Later Mercouri would serve as Minister for Culture, the first woman to do so ~ Mercouri passed away in 1994
October 18, 1919 ~ Anita Belle Colton, commonly known as jazz singer Anita O'Day, born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Dubbed the “Jezebel of Jazz” O'Day has worked with Max Miller, Gene Krupa, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Louis Armstrong, Oscar Peterson, Dinah Washington, George Shearing, Cal Tjader, Thelonious Monk, and Benny Goodman ~ Colton passed away in 2006
October 18, 1918 ~ Jazz pianist, singer, songwriter, actor Bobby Troup, full name Robert Wesley Troup Jr, born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Released over a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting in the early-1950s. Best remembered for writing (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66, first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946, and covered by over an estimated 400 artists including Louis Jordan, Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones, Dr Feelgood, and Asleep At The Wheel. As an actor best known for portraying the role of Dr Joe in the TV series Emergency opposite his wife Julie London. Prior to marrying London in 1959, Troup has also produced her 1955 hit Cry Me A River ~ Troup passed away in 1999
October 18, 1905 ~ Elizabeth Anne Locher, commonly known as folk singer Anne Warner, born ~ Folklorist, song collector known to have preserved and recorded some 1,000 traditional folk songs with her husband Frank Warner, including Tom Dooley, He's Got The Whole World In His Hands and Days Of Forty-nine ~ Locher passed away in 1991
October 18, 1904 ~ Paul Evans, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Stump Evans, born in Lawrence, Kansas, USA ~ One of the first jazz saxophonists. Worked with the Creole Jazz Band led by King Oliver, the Dixie Syncopators, Priscilla Stewart, Jelly Roll Morton's outfit the Red Hot Peppers, Erskine Tate, Jimmy Wade, and others. Died at age 23 of tuberculosis ~ Evans passed away in 1928
October 18, 1901 ~ Jazz singer Annette Hanshaw, full name Catherine Annette Hanshaw, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Among the most popular stars of the late-1920s through the 1930s. Recorded some 250 songs. Sold over four millions records by the mid-1930s. Known for songs such as 1929's Big City Blues and 1930's Body & Soul. Worked with the Original Memphis Five, Willard Robison, Sam Lanin, Lou Gold, Rudy Vallée, Red Nichols, Miff Mole, Phil Napoleon, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang, Adrian Rollini, Vic Berton, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Jack Teagarden, and Glen Gray ~ Hanshaw passed away in 1985
October 18, 1893 ~ Composer Charles Gounod, full name Charles-François Gounod, passed away in St Cloud, France ~ Composed choral music, chamber music, song suites and operas, most notably Faust and Romeo Et Juliette. Influenced composers such as Jules Massenet, Gabriel Fauré, Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy ~ Gounod was born in 1818
October 18, 1879 ~ Violinist, conductor, composer Grzegorz Fitelberg born in Daugavpils, Russian Empire ~ Alongside Karol Szymanowski, Ludomir Rózycki, and Mieczyslaw Karlowicz part of a generation of Polish artists dubbed the Young Poland Group, known for their promotion of neo-romaticism, impressionism and art nouveau. Of Jewish descent fled Europe during World War, several of his family members interned and murdered in the Holocaust, to return after the war. Best known as a conductor active since the early-1900s, working with orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, the Warsaw Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, the Teatro Colón, and perhaps most notably the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra ~ Fitelberg passed away in 1953