October 19, 2023 ~ Mark Howard James, commonly known as hip hop DJ, producer the 45 King, passed away ~ 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 was born in 1961
October 19, 2023 ~ Lars Nils Berghagen, commonly known as pop, schlager singer, guitarist Lasse Berghagen, passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Married to singer, actress Lill Babs during the 1960s, with whom he has a daughter singer, actress Malin Berghagen. Known for songs such as Teddybjörnen Fredriksson, En Enkel Sång Om Frihet, Hålligang I Skogen, and Du Som Vandrar Genom Livet. Internationally known for representing Sweden at the 1975 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 8th place with Jennie Jennie ~ Berghagen was born in 1945
October 19, 2022 ~ Operatic mezzo-soprano Joanna Simon, full name Joanna Elizabeth Simon, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Sister of soft rock, pop, folk singer Carly Simon and singer, musical theatre composer Lucy Simon. Praised for her distinctive smoky-voiced mezzo-soprano vocals. Active mostly from the early-1960s through the 1980s, working with orchestras such as the New York City Opera, the Washington Opera Society, the New York Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra ~ Simon was born in 1936
October 19, 2021 ~ Pianist, songwriter, arranger, producer Antonio Coggio passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Perhaps best known for co-penning several of Claudio Baglioni's best known including Questo Piccolo Grande Amore, E Tu, Amore Bello and Poster. Early on in his career accompanied Gino Paoli including on the 1965 Paoli Dal Vivo Allo Studio D album. Would go on to serve as producer for artists such as Mia Martini, Ivano Fossati, Patty Pravo, and Stefano Rosso ~ Coggio was born in 1939
October 19, 2021 ~ Composer, lyricist Leslie Bricusse passed away in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France ~ Film and musical composer best known for co-writing the James Bond-themes Goldfinger sung by Shirley Bassey and You Only Love Twice sung by Nancy Sinatra. Frequent collaborator of composers such as Anthony Newley, Cyril Ornade, and Henry Mancini. Has worked on numerous musicals and soundtracks, many songs notably covered by a host of pop and jazz artists including Sammy Davis Jr (The Candy Man), Nina Simone (Feelin' Good), Matt Monro (My Kind Of Girl), the Turtles (A Guide For The Married Man), Maureen McGovern (Can You Read My Mind), and Diana Krall (When I Look In Your Eyes) ~ Bricusse was born in 1931
October 19, 2020 ~ Spencer David Nelson Davies, commonly known as rock, pop, R&B guitarist, singer, songwriter Spencer Davis, passed away in California, USA ~ Best known as eponym of the Spencer Davis Group, which also included Steve Winwood, Muff Winwood, Pete York, known for hits such as Keep On Running, Somebody Help Me and I'm A Man ~ Davies was born in 1942
October 19, 2014 ~ Singer, songwriter John Holt passed away in London, UK ~ Instrumental in the development of lovers' rock. Member of the Paragons, known for songs such as Ali Baba, I See Your Face and their biggest hit The Tide Is High. The latter, penned by Holt, would later be covered by both Blondie and Atomic Kitten. Holt also established himself as a successful solo artist, collaborating with producers such as Bunny Lee, Prince Buster, Alvin Ranglin, Henry Jujo Lawes, and others ~ Holt was born in 1947
October 19, 2013 ~ Percussionist, composer John Bergamo passed away ~ Known for co-founding two all-percussion ensembles, namely the Repercussion Unit in the mid-1970s and the Hands On'Semble in the late-1990s. Has also collaborated with Frank Zappa, Nexus, Dave Liebman, Lou Harrison, Mickey Hart, Emil Richards, Gunther Schuller, John McLaughlin, Steve Gadd, and others ~ Bergamo was born in 1940
October 19, 2009 ~ Songwriter, lyricist, singer Alberto Testa passed away Rome, Italy ~ Frequent collaborator of Tony Renis, with whom he wrote Quando Quando Quando first recorded by Renis and covered in Italian, German and English by numerous artists including Connie Francis, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Caterina Valente ~ Testa was born in 1927
October 19, 2000 ~ Ska, rocksteady singer Tyrone Evans passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Original member of the Paragons. The band is best known for first recording The Tide Is High written by band member John Holt and released in 1967, considered a landmark recording in Jamaican music. The song would later be popularized by Blondie, whose cover would reached No.1 spot on both sides of the Atlantic ~ Evans was born ca.1944
October 19, 1999 ~ Alternative rock outfit Vertical Horizon release Everything You Want, lifted off the album of the same name ~ In Everything You Want, the narrator tells of watching a girl seeking love everywhere and not finding it, while he is the one who could give her everything she wants. As the band's lead singer Matthew Scannell, who wrote the song, later explained: “I was in love with this girl, and she was just a broken person. She kept turning to everyone except me for love and acceptance, and I wanted so much to help her. I wanted to be the one to give her everything she wanted, but I couldn't. She just couldn't accept it from me, and it was that pain, that led me to creating the song.” Everything You Want would be the band's sole major hit, peaking at No.1 Billboard Hot 100
October 19, 1995 ~ Trumpeter, hornist Don Cherry, full name Donald Eugene Cherry passed away in Malaga, Spain ~ Father of Eagle Eye Cherry, stepfather of Neneh Cherry. Highly revered and influential trumpeter. Influenced by Miles Davis, Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown. Well over two dozen albums as a leader, acclaimed especially for the albums Complete Communion, Live At Café Montmartre 1966 Vol.2, Eternal Rhythm, and Brown Rice. Frequently backed Ornette Coleman, including on quintessential albums such as The Shape Of Jazz To Come and The Art Of The Improvisers. Formed the pioneering world fusion group Codona with Collin Walcott and Naná Vasconcelos, drawing from free jazz and world music. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Steve Lacy, the New York Contemporary Five, Archie Shepp, Sonny Rollins, Albert Ayler, Gato Barbieri, Charles Brackeen, the Jazz Composers Orchestra, Clifford Jordan (In The World), Jan Garbarek, Steve Hillage, Lou Reed (The Bells), Ian Dury, Old And New Dreams, and Sun Ra ~ Cherry was born in 1936
October 19, 1994 ~ Actress, singer Martha Raye passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Band vocalist for Paul Ash and Boris Morros. Sang with Al Jolson. Comedy, film, TV and Broadway actress and singer who worked with many of the leading comics of her day including Abbott & Costello, WC Fields, and Charlie Chaplin. Joined the USO in 1942, awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in the form of an Oscar in 1969, awarded the Presidential Medal Of Freedom in 1993 by President Bill Clinton for her service to her country ~ Raye was born in 1916
October 19, 1992 ~ Jazz drummer Alvin Stoller passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Though largely forgotten, Stoller was an in-demand sideman during the 1940s and 1950s. Performed on nearly all of Frank Sinatra's 1950s albums, including In The Wee Small Hours and Songs For Swingin' Lovers. Other notable credits include Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, Bob Keene (Big Band Bash), Harry Sweets Edison (Sweets At The Haig), June Christy, Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, George van Eps (Mellow Guitar), Ben Webster, Herb Ellis, Buddy Bregman (Swinging Kicks), Mel Tormé, Billie Holiday, Ray Brown (Bass Hit), Phineas Newborn Jr, Coleman Hawkins, and Oscar Pettiford ~ Stoller was born in 1925
October 19, 1992 ~ R&B, acid jazz, funk outfit Jamiroquai release their When You Gonna Learn debut single on the Acid Jazz label ~ Not only would the band's debut single receive raving reviews from critics, it also drew the attention of the major label Sony, landing the band a record deal starting with a 1993 re-release of their debut single. They would go on to become one of the hottest and certainly most energetic acts to emerge from London's funk and acid jazz movement, finding appeal with their hybrid of acid jazz, funk, disco, and pop. Through the end of the decade, Jamiroquai would score about half a dozen top 10 singles and four top 5 albums in the UK. Sony made the right choice signing the young act
October 19, 1992 ~ Durk Derrick Banks, commonly known as rapper Lil' Durk, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Released his full-length debut album, Remember My Name, in 2015. Known for songs such as Like Me featuring Jeremih, My Beyoncé featuring Dej Loaf, 3 Headed Goat featuring Lil' Baby and Polo G. Has also collaborated with Ty Dolla $ign, Yo Gotti, Chance the Rapper, Future, Drake, Queen Naioja, and others
October 19, 1992 ~ Joachim Guillaume Lamothe, commonly known as country singer Willie Lamothe, passed away ~ Considered a pioneer of French-language country music Lamothe has recorded some 500 songs, both originals and translated renditions over the course of his three-decade long career starting in the mid-1940s. Well-known songs include La Promesse, Mille Après Mille, Allo Cowboy, Aux Accords Des Guitares, and Oh Ma Cherie. Lamothe has also ventured into acting for film ~ Lamothe was born in 1920
October 19, 1989 ~ Pop rock guitarist Alan Murphy passed away in London, UK ~ Best known as member of Go West. Closely associated with Kate Bush, backing Bush both on tour and on the albums Never For Ever, The Dreaming, Hounds Of Love, and The Sensual World. Appeared on the Ace hit single How Long. Joined Level 42 in 1988 and remained with the band until his death the following year, present on the album Staring At The Sun. In-demand touring and session musician, worked with acts such as SFX, the Fusion Orchestra, David Bowie, Nick Heyward, Joan Armatrading, Mike + the Mechanics (Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)), Scritti Politti, and Miquel Brown ~ Murphy was born in 1953
October 19, 1988 ~ Edward James House Jr, commonly known as Delta blues guitarist, singer Son House passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influential slide guitarist helped develop Delta Blues. Praised for his rhythmic drive, vocal power and emotional intensity. Influenced Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Known for pre-war releases such as My Black Mama, Preachin' The Blues and Dry Spell Blues. Rediscovered in the 1960s wave of blues revival ~ House was born in 1902
October 19, 1985 ~ Drummer, percussionist Johnny Williams, full name John Francis Wiliams, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Father of film composer John Williams. Rose to fame drumming for the CBS Radio Orchestra in the 1930s and subsequently backing Raymond Scott from 1936 through 1939. Has also worked with Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Vincent Lopez, Leo Reisman, Jacques Renard, Alfonso D'Artega, and others ~ Williams was born in 1905
October 19, 1984 ~ Eugene Moss, commonly known as Piedmont blues harpist, guitarist, singer Buddy Moss, passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for his early to mid-1930s recordings, notably Hey Lawdy Mama which would become a jazz and blues standard recorded by Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Freddie King (titled See See Mama), Junior Wells, and Cream. Moss has collaborated Curley Weaver, Fred McMullen, Blind Willie McTell, Ruth Willis, and Josh White ~ Moss was born in 1914
October 19, 1984 ~ Stephen Lee Bruner, commonly known as bassist, guitarist, singer Thundercat, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Rose to prominence as member of crossover thrash outfit Suicidal Tendencies, remaining with the band from 2002 through 2011. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the 2011 The Golden Age Of Apocalyps album. Guested on Kendrick Lamar's 2015 To Pimp A Butterfly, notably present on the track These Walls
October 19, 1982 ~ Andrew Sims, mononymously known as alternative hip-hop rapper Sims, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Member of the hip-hop collectives Doomtree and the Shredders. Released his Lights Out Paris solo debut album in 2005. Best known for the acclaimed follow-up Bad Time Zoo featuring a notable guest appearance from POS. Has also worked with Dessa, Astronautalis, Transit, and Air Credits
October 19, 1979 ~ Singer Prince releases his eponymous Prince sophomore album ~ The singer's For You debut album, released the previous year, failed to generate a pop hit, so Warner Brothers asked Prince to try again. He recorded Prince in a mere five weeks, and it would give him his first chart success. The album's lead single, I Wanna Be Your Lover, would top the Billboard R&B and reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100, its follow-up Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad would reach top 20 Billboard R&B. The album would be warmly received by critics, Village Voice critic Robert Christgau going so far as to remark in his 1981 Christgau's Record Guide (Rock Albums Of The Seventies) book that “this boy is going to be a big star, and he deserves it”. A few years later he would indeed, his 1984 Purple Rain album and accompanying film catapulting the singer from Minneapolis to global fame
October 19, 1979 ~ Rock, heartland rock, roots rock singer, guitarist Tom Petty releases Damn The Torpedoes, his third studio album ~ Teaming up with producer Jimmy Iovine, who had previously worked with John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, and Patti Smith, proved to be fruitful. The album would be Petty's critical and commercial breakthrough, spawning the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits Don't Do Me Like That and Refugee. The album itself would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 200, as would his next three albums, all of which also co-produced by Iovine. Holding the No.2 position for seven weeks, Damn The Torpedoes was held off the top spot by The Wall, which prompted Petty to comment: “I love Pink Floyd but I hated them that year.”
October 19, 1978 ~ Mandolinist Avi Avital born in Beer Sheva, Israel ~ Known for his renditions of baroque and folk music, much of it originally written for instruments other than mandolin. Has worked with the Berlin Philharmonic, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, and Genevata Camerata
October 19, 1972 ~ Prakazrei Samuel Michel, commonly known as keyboardist, producer Michel Pras, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of the Fugees alongside Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill, known for the acclaimed 1990s albums Blunted On Reality and The Score. Following the band's disbandement has scored hits with Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are) from the film Bulworth and with We Trying To Stay Alive with former bandmate Jean and John Forté
October 19, 1967 ~ Jazz trombonist Henderson Chambers passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as a trombonist, active since the early-1930s, over the course of his career Chambers has also doubled on tenor saxophone, trumpet, and tuba. Most closely associated with Buck Clayton during the 1950s, with Ray Charles during the pianist's early-1960s hit streak, and with Count Basie with whom he played intermittently throughout most of his career. An in-demand touring and session musician, Chambers has appeared on albums by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald (Lullabies Of Birdland), Jimmy Rushing (Goin' To Chicago), Earl Coleman (Earl Coleman Returns), Mildred Bailey, Sammy Davis Jr, Cat Anderson, Ernie Wilkins, Gene Ammons, and Frank Sinatra (At The Sands). Chambers passed away at age 59 from a heart attack ~ Chambers was born in 1908
October 19, 1966 ~ Saxophonist Tim Garland born in Essex, UK ~ Prolific saxophonist and leading figure in British jazz, drawing from jazz as well as classical music. Garland first gained attention with jazz-folk crossover unit Lammas, and would go on to record well over a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader since the late-1980s. Internationally, he is perhaps best known for his association with Chick Corea, notably present on the acclaimed albums The New Crystal Silence and The Vigil. An in-demand sideman and collaborator, Garland has also worked with Brand New Heavies, Damon Brown (Rhythm Indicative), Dominic Alldis, Joe Locke, Clark Tracey (Stability), Geoffrey Keezer, the London Jazz Orchestra, Bill Bruford (Random Acts Of Happiness), Paul Bollenback (Brightness Of Being), Jacquie Dankworth, and Denise Donatelli
October 19, 1963 ~ In its seventh week on the charts, Busted by Ray Charles peaks at No.4 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Written by Harlan Howard, then already a noted songwriter known for songs such as Pick Me Up On Your Way Down (Charlie Walker), Heartaches By The Number (Ray Price), and I Fall To Pieces (Patsy Cline), Busted tells of a farmer in dire need of some financial help, as he's busted, but he can't get a loan, as everyone else is busted too. The song would first be recorded in 1962 by Johnny Cash, with some help from the Carter Family, and by Ray Charles the following year for his Ingredients In A Recipe For Soul album. Issued as a single, it would reach No.4 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and earn Charles a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording. Although the song has since been recorded by a wide array of artists, mostly in country and rock & roll, including Kitty Wells, Charley Pride, Waylon Jennings, Jerry Reed, and John Conlee, the commercially most successful version would remain the brass-heavy “soulified” rendition by Charles
October 19, 1962 ~ Jazz saxophonist, singer Bendik Hofseth born in Oslo, Norway ~ About a dozen albums as a leader. In-demand sideman and collaborator. Replaced Michael Brecker in Steps Ahead, first appearing on the eponymous 1983 Steps Ahead sophomore album. Other notable collaborations include Arild Andersen, Jan Eggum, Bjørn Eidsvåg, Helge Iberg, Anne Grete Preus, Øystein Sevåg, Maj Britt Andersen, Ketil Bjørnstad, the Oslo Gospel Choir, Andy Summers, and Silje Nergaard
October 19, 1962 ~ Singer Tony Bennett records I Wanna Be Around at Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York, New York ~ Inspired by Frank Sinatra divorcing his first wife to marry Ava Gardner, only to then see Gardner leave him, housewife and beautician Sadie Vimmerstedt came up with the idea for the song and gave Johnny Mercer the opening line “I want to be around to pick up the pieces, when somebody breaks your heart.” She sent to idea to Mercer, simply addressed to “Johnny Mercer, songwriter, New York”. The post office forwarded the letter to ASCAP who in turn gave it to Mercer who then wrote the song and agreed to share credit and royalties with Vimmerstedt. Bennett's 1962 rendition would be the first hit version of the song, reaching top 20 Billboard Hot 100. It has since been recorded by numerous artists, including Aretha Franklin, Brenda Lee, Dinah Washington, and ironically by Sinatra
October 19, 1960 ~ Drummer, percussionist Dan Woodgate born in London, UK ~ Rose to fame as member of Madness, for whom he wrote or co-wrote songs such as The Return Of The Los Palmas 7, Michael Caine, Sunday Morning and Small World. Also a member of Voice Of The Beehive, known for songs such as Don't Call Me Baby and I Think I Love You
October 19, 1960 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Jean-Michel Pilc born in Paris, France ~ Worked with Ari Hoenig, Francois Moutin, Harry Belafonte, John Abercrombie, Richard Bona, Michael Brecker, André Ceccarelli, Roy Haynes, Daniel Humair, Dave Liebman, Michel Portal, Aldo Romano, Martial Solal, Jean Toussaint, and others
October 19, 1960 ~ Singer Jennifer Holliday, full name Jennifer Yvette Holliday, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Known for her roles in Broadway musicals such as the 1980 production of Your Arm's Too Short To Box With God and the 1983 production of Dreamgirls. Reached the higher echelons of the R&B charts with singles such as the Grammy Award-winning And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going, I Am Love, Hard Time For Lovers and I'm On Your Side
October 19, 1959 ~ Jazz drummer Ronnie Burrage born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with the Soul Flamingos, Fontella Bass, Oliver Sain, the Rainbow Glas, the Expression Jazz Quintet, Lester Bowie, Defunkt, Terub Nakamura, Roland Hanna, Major Holley, Arthur Blythe, Andrew Hill, Jackie McLean, McCoy Tyner, Woody Shaw, Third Kind Of Blue, Billy Bang, Hamiet Bluiett, Sonny Fortune, Courtney Pine, Gunther Schuller, the World Saxophone Quartet, Kenny Kirkland, Marcus Miller, Joe Ford, Branford Marsalis, Clifford Jordan, Cyrus Chestnut, Joe Locke, Avery Sharpe, Jack Walrath, Ronnie Cuber, Santi Debriano, Barbara Dennerlein, Chico Freeman, Eric Person, Roland Hanna, Julius Hemphill, Ed Schuller, Archie Shepp, Fred Wesley, and others
October 19, 1958 ~ Singer Brenda Lee records Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree ~ Written by Johnny Marks. Produced by Owen Bradley. Backed by Hank Garland and Shot Jackson on guitars, Floyd Cramer piano, Boots Randolph saxophone, Bob Moore bass, Buddy Harman drums. Released later the same year, paired with Papa Noel on the flip side, it would hardly chart. Re-released the next year, again making little impression. On its second re-release, in 1960, it would finally reach Billboard top 20
October 19, 1957 ~ Christian rock singer, guitarist, producer, songwriter Billy Smiley born in Farmington, Michigan, USA ~ Key member of Christian rock outfit White Heart. As a producer worked with Geoff Moore & the Distance, Margaret Becker, Rhonda Gunn, the Newsboys, Bebe & CeCe Winans, and Clay Aiken
October 19, 1957 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer Karl Wallinger, full name Karl Edmond De Vere Wallinger, born in Prestatyn, UK ~ Revered songwriter drawing from British heritage such as the Beatles as well as from Americans such as Bob Dylan. Key member of the Waterboys from 1983 through 1985, present on the albums A Pagan Place and the highly acclaimed This Is The Sea. Following his departure from the band Wallinger recorded as World Party, basically Wallinger's one-man-band at times employing session musicians where needed, known for Ship Of Fools, Way Down Now, Is It Like Today and She's The One, the latter later covered by over a dozen artists including Robbie Williams. Wallinger was also especially helpful in advancing Sinéad O'Connor's career, prominently involved in O'Connor's early demos that landed the then-unknown singer a record deal with Ensign Records ~ Wallinger passed away in 2024
October 19, 1956 ~ Bandleader, songwriter Isham Jones, full name Isham Edgar Jones, passed away in Hollywood, California, USA ~ One of the most popular dance bandleaders of the 1920 and 1930s. Known for songs such as Wabash Blues, It Had To Be You, and I'll See You In My Dreams. Employed sidemen such as Louis Panico, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Walt Yoder, Roy Bargy, Al Gallodoro, and others ~ Jones was born in 1894
October 19, 1954 ~ Richard Banke, commonly known as rockabilly, cowpunk, psychobilly, rock, country guitarist, mandolinist, washboardist Skid Roper, born ~ Perhaps best known for teaming up with Mojo Nixon during the 1980s, the duo recording about half a dozen albums through the end of the decade. They are perhaps best known for Elvis Is Everywhere of their 1987 Bo-Day-Shus album, the song becoming an alternative staple on MTV. Following his time with Nixon Roper has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Trails Plowed Under released in 1989
October 19, 1953 ~ Rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Bobby Bandiera born ~ Best known as touring guitarist for Bon Jovi and Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes. Considered as a member of Springsteen's backing unit the E Street Band for the 1984 Born In The USA tour, but lost out to Nils Lofgren. Has backed Bruce Springsteen on other occasions though. Has also recorded a number of solo albums, notably Bandiera released in 1991
October 19, 1951 ~ Lili Ramirez Villamizar, commonly known as nueva cancion, ffolk singer Lilia Vera, born in Caracas, Venezuela ~ Protest singer drawing from traditional Venezuelan folk music. Associated with songwriters such as Otilio Galíndez, Simon Diaz, Luis Mariano Rivera. Released her eponymous Lilia Vera debut album in 1974. Among her best known songs are her renditions of Tonada, El Becerrito, Clavelito Colorado, La Culebra and Canchuncu Dicoso
October 19, 1949 ~ Rock, blues guitarist Lloyd Watson born in Peterborough, UK ~ Early adopter of the wah-wah pedal. Enjoyed regional popularity with his backing unit the Soul Mates during the late-1960s. Would go on to open for David Bowie, King Crimson and Roxy Music during the 1970s, including on international tours. Sessioned on Brian Eno's Here Come The Warm Jets and Andy Mackay's In Search Of Eddie Riff. Member of experimental rock supergroup 801, which also included Eno and Roxy alumni Phil Manzanera ~ Watson passed away in 2019
October 19, 1948 ~ Organist, pianist, keyboardist Peter Solley born in London, UK ~ Backed artists such as Chris Farlowe, Terry Reid, and Arthur Brown throughout the early-1970s. Co-founding member of Paladin, known for the critically acclaimed albums Paladin and its follow-up Charge. Member of Fox, with whom he scored the mid-1970s UK top 20 hits Only You Can, Imagine Me Imagine You, and S-s-s-single Bed. Solley has also appeared on albums by Snafu, Gravy Train, Keith Christmas, Dave Cartwright, Procol Harum, Pat Travers, Al Stewart (Time Passages), Wreckless Eric, Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons, Johnny Warman (Hour Glass), the Romantics (The Romantics), and Eric Clapton ~ Solley passed away in 2023
October 19, 1946 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Keith Reid, full name Keith Stuart Brian Reid, born ~ Best known as lyricist of most of the Procol Harum songs, including Conquistador, A Whiter Shade Of Pale, Salty Dog, and Grand Hotel. Others who recorded songs co-written by Reid include Michel Polnareff (Time Will Tell), Gary Brooker, Peter Frampton, John Farnham (You're The Voice), and the Jeff Healey Band ~ Reid passed away in 2023
October 19, 1946 ~ Country, folk singer, songwriter Merle Travis records So Round So Firm So Fully Packed at Radio Recorders, Los Angeles, California ~ The title was taken from the slogan “so round, so firm, so fully packed, so free and easy on the draw” used for a Lucky Strike cigarette brand advertising campaign first heard in 1944. Written by Travis, Cliffie Stone, Eddie Kirk. Produced by Lee Gillette. Released in January 1947, b/w Sweet Temptation, it would be a Billboard Country top 10 hit. The same year botn Johnny Bond and Ernest Tubb would score hits with the song. Later also notably covered by Eddy Arnold and Ricky Skaggs
October 19, 1945 ~ R&B, soul, gospel, glam rock singer Gloria Jones, full name Gloria Richetta Jones, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ First gained attention in the UK, where she earned the nickname “the Queen of Northern Soul.” As a singer best known for the 1965 hit Tainted Love. Songwriter for Motown, going by the pseudonym LaVerne Ware, and co-writer of songs such as If I Were Your Woman (Gladys Knight), Have I Lost You (the Supremes), Where Do You Go Baby (Eddie Kendricks), and Assembly Line (the Commodores). Romantically involved with singer Marc Bolan with whom she has worked in the pivotal UK glam rock outfit T.Rex, the couple have one son
October 19, 1945 ~ Jeanne Carolyn Stephenson, commonly known as country, gospel singer Jeannie C Riley, born in Anson, Texas, USA ~ Best known for her 1968 hit Harper Valley PTA, written by Tom T Hall and produced by Shelby Singleton. The single would top both the Billboard Country and the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. Riley would continue to record but would be unable to repeat its smash succes. Subsequent singles such as The Girl Most Likely, There Never Was A Time, Country Girl, Oh Singer, Good Enough To Be Your Wife would reach top 10 on the Billboard Country charts. By the mid-1970s became a born-again Christian, turning to recording gospel songs by the late-1970s
October 19, 1944 ~ R&B, blues, folk rock singer, songwriter Gary Farr, full name Gary Anthony Farr, born in Worthing, UK ~ Best known as founder and frontman of early-1960s British R&B outfit the T-Bones. Despite gaining a local reputation, notably inheriting the Yardbirds' Friday night slot at the Marquee Club, London, and a critically well-received Dem Bones Dem Bones Dem T-Bones EP the band failed to chart and broke up in 1967. Following the band's disbandement Farr recorded three albums as a solo artist, to little commercial success, before semi-retiring from music by the mid-1970s ~ Farr passed away in 1994
October 19, 1944 ~ Soul, disco singer George McCrae, full name George Warren McCrae Jr, born in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA ~ Married to singer Gwen McCrae, with whom he also worked. Best known for his 1974 debut single Rock Your Baby, recognised as one of the earliest disco hits. It would sell an estimated 11 million copies worldwide and reach top of the charts in America, the UK, the Netherland. Though McCrae continued to record, notching over a dozen albums into the 2000s, McCrae would be unable to repeat his earlier success. Several of his 1970s singles, I Can't Leave You Alone, I Get Lifted, and Honey I, would reach top 20 on the Billboard R&B charts though
October 19, 1944 ~ Winston Hubert McIntosh, commonly known as reggae singer, songwriter Peter Tosh, born in Grange Hill, Jamaica ~ Member of Bob Marley's backing unit the Wailers from 1963 through 1976. Became an international superstar with the 1978 album Bush Doctor released on Rolling Stones Records featuring appearances by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger. The lead single, Jagger and Tosh duetting on (You Got To Walk And) Don't Look Back, originally a hit for the Temptations, made Tosh a household name. Tosh was murdered at age 42 after being held hostage and tortured for hours in a home invasion gone wrong ~ Tosh passed away in 1987
October 19, 1941 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, composer Eddie Daniels born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Roger Kellaway, Richard Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Don Patterson, Bucky Pizzarelli, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Gordon Goodwin, Bob James, Eric Gale, Jimmy McGriff, Billy Joel (The Nylon Curtain), Dave Grusin, Don Sebesky, Arturo Sandoval, Angela Bofill, Stanley Turrentine, George Benson, Ben Sidran, Claus Ogerman, and others
October 19, 1940 ~ Larry Figueiredo, commonly known as singer Larry Chance, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Lead singer of popular 1960s doo-wop group the Earls, known for songs such as Never, Life Is But A Dream and I Believe. and their best known Remember Then. The latter would peak at No.24 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time of its release in 1962, yet over time would become a classic as one of the best remembered and most cherished songs of the doo-wop era specifically for its “Reh-meh-meh, Reh-meh-meh-member, Reh-meh-meh, Reh-meh-meh-mem-ber then” refrain ~ Figueiredo passed away in 2023
October 19, 1939 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Masabumi Kikuchi born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Leader and sideman. Primarily a jazz pianist, though drew from new music, funk, and dub and collaborated with artist as far removed from jazz as house and dance. Especially acclaimed for the albums Tethered Moon (First Meeting), a collaborative effort with Paul Motian and Gary Peacock, and for Sunrise and Black Orpheus. Has worked with Sadao Watanabe, Oliver Nelson, Gil Evans, Terumasa Hino, Pee Wee Ellis, Johnny Hartman, Ron Trent (Mix The Vibe (Ron Trent Urban-Afro Blues)), and Bill Brewster ~ Kikuchi passed away in 2015
October 19, 1937 ~ Jazz trombonist, songwriter Jonas Gwangwa, full name Jonas Mosa Gwangwa, born in Soweto, South Africa ~ First gained attention as member of the Jazz Epistles. Would go on to become one of the main figures in South-African jazz. Exiled by the Apartheids regime throughout the 1970s. Also known for leading Amandia in the 1980s, the cultural ensemble of the ANC. Wrote the soundtrack of the 1987 Cry Freedom film ~ Gwangwa passed away in 2021
October 19, 1925 ~ Ollie Marie Givens, commonly known as gospel, R&B singer Marie Adams, born in Linden, Texas, USA ~ Known for songs such as I'm Gonna Play The Honky Tonks, My Search Is Over and the Johnny Ace-cover My Song. Worked with Sadie McKinley and Francine McKinkey as Three Tons Of Joy. Worked with Johnny Otis, including on Ma He's Making Eyes At Me and Bye Bye Baby ~ Givens passed away in 1998
October 19, 1918 ~ Pianist, songwriter Jack Segal born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Scarlet Ribbons For Her Hair with Evelyn Danzig, first recorded by Jo Stafford in 1949, and covered by over 100 artists including Dinah Shore, Harry Belafonte, Eddy Arnold, the Lennon Sisters, Perry Como, the Kingston Trio, Joan Baez, Patti Page, Roy Orbison, and Sinéad O'Connor. Other artists who recorded songs written or co-written by Segal include Buddy Stewart, Bobby Troup, Nat King Cole (Nothing Ever Changes My Love For You), Johnny Mathis, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra (Here's To The Losers), Tony Bennett, and Al Jarreau ~ Segal passed away in 2005
October 19, 1913 ~ Marcus Vinicius da Cruz e Mello Moraes, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter, poet, essayist, playwright Vinicius de Moraes born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Helped birth bossa nova, especially as frequent songwriting partner of Antônio Carlos Jobim. Artists who have recorded their songs include Elizete Cardoso, Nara Leão, Dorival Caymmi, Oscar Castro Neves. De Moraes is also especially known for writing the playwright Orpheus Of The Conception, which would be adapted into the Academy Award-winning 1959 film Black Orpheus ~ De Moraes passed away in 1980
October 19, 1912 ~ Charles Coleridge Richards, commonly known as jazz pianist Red Richards, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Tab Smith, Bob Wilber, Sidney Bechet, Mezz Mezzrow, Buck Clayton, Frank Sinatra, Muggsy Spanier, Saints & Sinners, Eddie Condon, Panama Francis, the Savoy Sultans, Buster Bailey, Eddie Durham, Fletcher Henderson, Marian McPartland, Pee Wee Russell, Maxine Sullivan, Dinah Washington, George Wettling, Jimmy Witherspoon, and others ~ Richards passed away in 1998
October 19, 1908 ~ Patrick Cairns Hughes, commonly known as jazz double bassist, composer, arranger, music journalist Spike Hughes, born in London, UK ~ Has been cited by some as Britain's first jazz composer. Known for compositions such as Who Is Sylvia, Pictures Unframed and I Scream Too Much. Later on in his career would focus on writing for radio, music journalism and turn to classical music, including writing several operas. As a musician worked with Constant Lambert, William Walton, Hyam Greenbaum, Jack Hylton, Coleman Hawkins, Red Allen, and others ~ Hughes passed away in 1987
October 19, 1907 ~ Saxophonist, violinist, bandleader Roger Wolfe Kahn born in Morristown, New Jersey, USA ~ Known for songs such as I'm Sitting On Top Of The World and Crazy Rhythm. Worked with Tommy Dorsey, Morton Downey, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang, Artie Shaw, Jack Teagarden, Red Nichols, Libby Holman, Gertrude Niesen, Franklyn Baur, Dick Robertson, Elmer Feldkamp, Gene Krupa, and others ~ Kahn passed away in 1962
October 19, 1889 ~ Producer, A&R scout Art Satherley, full name Arthur Edward Satherley, born in Bedminster, UK ~ Active as a talent scout since the early-1920s, starting with early blues artists such as Ma Rainey, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Blake. Joined American Record Corporation by the end of the decade where he oversaw Leadbelly's first commercial recordings. Would go on to head country and blues A&R departments when the company was taken over by Columbia Records, where he would be helpful in advancing the careers of acts like the Carter Family, Vernon Dalhart, Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell, Marty Robbins, Alberta Hunter, Big Bill Broonzy, Josh White, Leroy Carr, and Memphis Minnie. Satherley semi-retired from music in 1952, producing only occasionally thereafter ~ Satherley passed away in 1986
October 19, 1878 ~ Jazz clarinetist, composer, arranger Alphonse Picou born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Important early figure in New Orleans jazz. Worked with Manuel Perez, Freddie Keppard, Bunk Johnson, the Excelsior Brass Band, the Olympia Brass Band, Papa Jack Laine, Buddy Bolden, King Oliver, and Papa Celestin ~ Picou passed away in 1961