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), Time of Our Lives featuring Pitbull, and others. 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, Armin Van Buuren, and others
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, 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 ~ 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 occassion. 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, 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, 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, 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 ~ Jazz pianist Michel Graillier born in Lens, France ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Didier Levallet, Aldo Romano, Jean-François Jenny-Clark, Steve Lacy, Jean-Luc Ponty, Alby Cullaz, Bernard Lubat, George Arvanitas, René Urtreger, Maurice Vander, Christian Vander, Magma, Christian Escoudé, François Jeanneau, Philly Joe Jones, Steve Grossman, Jacques Pelzer, Eric Le Lann, Philip Catherine, Jacques Thollot, Richard Raux, Jean-Piere Debarbat, Alain Jean-Marie, Paolo Fresu, Pharoah Sanders, Riccardo del Fra, Simon Guebert, Julos Beaucarne, Jacques Bertin, Maxime Le Forestier, Eddy Mitchell, Stephanie Crawford, Elisabeth Caumont, Stella Vander, Chet Baker, and others ~ Graillier passed away in 2003
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, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ 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, 1936 ~ Jazz drummer JC Moses born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Sideman. Worked with Stanley Turrentine, Tommy Turrentine, Clifford Jordan, Kenny Dorham, Eric Dolphy, Archie Shepp, John Tchicai, Don Cherry, the New York Art Quartet, Bud Powell, Charles Lloyd, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Andrew Hill, Sam Rivers, Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, Nathan Davis, Eric Kloss, and others ~ Moses passed away in 1977
October 18, 1935 ~ Tenor saxophonist Sam Reed born in Kinstree, South Carolina, USA ~ Musical director for Teddy Pendergrass. Also worked with artists such as the Silhouettes, the Ambassadors, the Intruders, Dusty Springfield, Laura Nyro, Labelle, Billy Paul, Roberto Magris, Bootsie Barnes, Mickey Roker, Jimmy Oliver, and others ~ 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 ~ Worked with Jimmy Scott, Wynonie Harris, Gene Ammons, John Coltrane, Memphis Slim, Jimmy Reed, Warren Smith, Carrie Smith, Bubba Brooks, Woody Herman, Diana Ross, Kalaparusha Maurice McIntyre, Arvell Shaw, Bob Cunningham, Bernard Pretty Purdie, and others ~ Townsend passed away in 2003
October 18, 1926 ~ Charles Edward Anderson Berry, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Chuck Berry, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Hugely influential rock & roll pioneer known for songs such as Maybellene, Roll Over Beethoven, Rock & Roll Music, Nadine, You Never Can Tell, Sweet Little Sixteen, and Johnny B Goode ~ 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, Memphis Slim, and others. 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, 1918 ~ Jazz pianist, singer, songwriter, actor Bobby Troup, full name Robert Wesley Jr, born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ 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 has also released over a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting in the early 1950s ~ Troup passed away in 1999
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, 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