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, Stefano Rosso, and others ~ 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, Henry Mancini, and others. Has worked on numerous musicals and soundtracks, many songs notably covered by a host of pop and jazz artists including Sammy Davis Jr (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), Diana Krall (When I Look In Your Eyes), and others ~ 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, 2020 ~ Pop, rock singer, bassist, songwriter Tony Lewis passed away near London, UK ~ Lead singer, bassist of the Outfield, best known for their 1985 hit single Your Love ~ Lewis was born in 1957
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 Richard, Gunther Schuller, John McLaughlin, Steve Gadd, and others ~ Bergamo was born in 1940
October 19, 2013 ~ Actor, singer Noel Harrison passed away in Devon, UK ~ Known for his 1968 hit The Windmills Of Your Mind. Harrison had been releasing albums since the early-1960s to modest success and would continue to sing and perform but is best known as an actor ~ Harrison was born in 1934
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, Caterina Valente, and others ~ 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, 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 Nana 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, Sun Ra, and others ~ 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 ~ Worked with Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Charlie Barnet, Billie Holiday, Mel Tormé, Frank Sinatra, Mitch Miller, Roy Eldridge, Oscar Peterson, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Benny Carter, Herb Ellis, Erroll Garner, Buddy Bregman, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis Jr, Harry Sweets Edison, Phineas Newborn Jr, Pete Rugolo, Jimmy Giuffre, and others ~ Stoller was born in 1925
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, 1989 ~ Guitarist Alan Murphy passed away ~ 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, Miquel Brown, and others ~ Murphy was born in 1953
October 19, 1989 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flautist, arranger, composer Eric Dixon passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Paul Gonsalves, Mal Waldron, Oliver Nelson, Quincy Jones, Jack McDuff, Joe Williams, Bennie Green, Frank Foster, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Count Basie, Etta Jones, and others ~ Dixon was born in 1930
October 19, 1988 ~ Santiago Leyva, commonly known as rapper, MC Fashawn, born in California, USA ~ First gained attention with his 2009 Boy Meets World debut album. Has subsequently collaborated with Nas, J Cole, Wiz Khalifa, Evidence, Murs, Aloe Blacc, Blu, the Alchemist, 9th Wonder, Del The Funky Homosapien, and others
October 19, 1988 ~ Vernon Rainford, commonly known as dancehall DJ Fathead, passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known for his collaborations with Yellowman in the early 1980s ~ Rainford was born ca.1960
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 ~ Singer, songwriter, actor Jean-Roger Caussimon passed away in Paris, France ~ Closely associated with Leo Ferré. Known best for half a dozen 1970s albums and as an actor for having appeared in over 90 films ~ Caussimon was born in 1918
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, Cream, and others. Moss has collaborated Curley Weaver, Fred McMullen, Blind Willie McTell, Ruth Willis, Josh White, and others ~ Moss was born in 1914
October 19, 1984 ~ Pop-rock, new wave drummer Elaine Bradley, full name Elaine Gabrielle Bradley, born in Logan, USA ~ Best known as member of Neon Trees, joining in 2006, a year after the band's formation. Present on the 2008 Billboard top 20 hit Animal
October 19, 1984 ~ Gavin Christopher Tennille, commonly known as hip-hop, punk rock rapper, producer, songwriter Quelle Chris, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Has worked with artists such as Pharoahe Monch, Diamond District, Open Mike Eagle, Earl Sweatshirt, Billy Woods, Merrill Garbus, Denmark Vessey, Homeboy Sandman, and others
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 hip-hop, 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, Air Credits, and others
October 19, 1980 ~ Jazz singer, pianist, composer Simin Tander born in Koln, West Germany ~ First gained serious attention working with Eric Vloeimans and Bo van de Graaf's I Compani, notably on the latter's 2004 Fellini album. As a solo artist actively recording since the early 2010, best known for her What Was Said released in 2016
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, Genevata Camerata, and others
October 19, 1976 ~ Progressive metal, groove metal singer, guitarist, bassist, flutist, drummer Joe Duplantier born in Paris, France ~ Best known as member of Gojira. Has also worked Empalot, Cavalera Conspiracy, and others
October 19, 1975 ~ Poet, tango composer Cátulo Castillo, full name Ovidio Cátulo González Castillo, passed away ~ Wrote or co-wrote a number of famous works including Organito De La Tarda, El Aguacero, Tinto Toja, Caseron De Tejas, La Ultima Curda, El Ultimo Cafe and La Calesita ~ Castillo was born in 1906
October 19, 1975 ~ Indie rock singer, guitarist Ian Ball born in Southport, UK ~ Best known as member of indie rock outfit Gomez. Member of supergroup Operation Aloha. Has released his Who Goes There solo debut album in 2007
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, 1971 ~ Jazz singer, saxophonist Helén Eriksen born in Dale, Norway ~ Member of pop group Animal Farm. Released her Standards debut solo album in 1996. Has worked with the DumDum Boys, the Pogo Pops, Sondre Lerche, Tommy Tee, Son Of Light, and others
October 19, 1967 ~ Jazz trombonist Henderson Chambers passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Neil Montgomery, Doc Banks, the Pullman Porters, Speed Webb, Zack Whyte, Al Sears, Tiny Bradshaw, Chris Columbus, Louis Armstrong, Don Redman, Sy Oliver, Lucky Millinder, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, Doc Cheatham, Duke Ellington, Mercer Ellington, Ray Charles, Edgar Battle, and others ~ Chambers was born in 1908
October 19, 1966 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader, composer Tim Garland born in Essex, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Lammas, Don Patterson, Christine Tobin, Ronnie Scott, Ralph Towner, the Origin, Chick Corea, Bill Bruford, Allan Ganley, Johnny Dankworth, Dominic Alldis, Alec Dankworth, Joe Locke, Duran Duran, Damon Brown, Clark Tracey, the London Jazz Composers Orchestra, Geoffrey Keezer, Graham Dalby, John Aram, Paul Bollenback, Jacquie Dankworth, Denise Donatelli, and others
October 19, 1965 ~ Paul Blake, commonly known as dancehall, reggae, lovers rock singer Frankie Paul, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Born blind dubbed “the Jamaican Stevie Wonder” ~ Blake passed away in 2017
October 19, 1963 ~ Keyboardist, guitarist, singer Paul Christian Gordon born in Everett, Massachusetts, USA ~ Keyboardist, guitarist. Best known as a member of the New Radicals and as a member of the B52's from 2007 until his death in 2016. Gordon has also worked with Natasha Bedingfield, the Goo Goo Dolls, Danielle Brisebois, Prince, Jennifer Nettles, Lisa Marie Presley, Charles & Eddie, the Devlins, Erann DD, Jeffrey Gaines, John Gregory, Nona Hendryx, Carly Hennessy, Juliet Dagger, Jill Jones, Chaka Khan, Lila McCann, Mandy Moore, Jenny Muldaur, Trine Rienne, Wild Orchid, and with David Yazbel ~ Gordon passed away in 2016
October 19, 1962 ~ Jazz saxophonist, singer Bendik Hofseth born in Oslo, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Arild Andersen, Jan Eggum, Bjørn Eidsvåg, Helge Iberg, Anne Grete Preus, Øystein Sevåg, Maj Britt Andersen, Ketil Bjørnstad, the Oslo Gospel Choir, Andy Summers, Silje Nergaard, and others. Replaced Michael Brecker in Steps Ahead
October 19, 1962 ~ Hardcore punk, punk rock singer Ken Chinn, full name Kendall Stephen Chinn, born in Edmonton, Canada ~ Best known for fronting hardcore punk outfit SNFU from 1981 until their hiatus in 2018. Has also led groups such as the Wongs, Little Joe, Slaveco ~ Chinn passed away in 2020
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, Andre 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 flipside, 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, Clay Aiken, and others
October 19, 1957 ~ Dorinda Grace Clark, commonly known as gospel singer, pianist, organist, songwriter, evangelist Dorinda Clark Cole, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Clark Sisters, known as “the Rose of Gospel Music”. Has also worked with Kirk Franklin, Missy Elliott, Mary Mary, Youthful Praise, and others
October 19, 1957 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Karl Wallinger, full name Karl Edmond De Vere Wallinger, born in Prestatyn, UK ~ Fronts pop rock outfit World Party, known for Ship Of Fools, Is It Like Today and She's The One, the latter later notably covered by Robbie Williams. Member of the Waterboys from 1983 through 1985, present on the band's first three albums including the acclaimed This Is The Sea album
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, 1955 ~ Guitarist Nino DeFranco born in Canada ~ Member of bubblegum pop sibling outfit the DeFranco Family, known for a string of 1970s hits including Abra-ca-dabra, Save The Last Dance For Me and their best-known Heartbeat (It's A Lovebeat), the latter reaching the Billboard top 10 in 1973
October 19, 1955 ~ Classical guitarist, composer, arranger Roland Dyens born in Tunisia ~ Best known for works such as Libre Sonatina and Tango En Skai ~ Dyens passed away in 2016
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 occassions though. Has also recorded a number of solo albums, notably Bandiera released in 1991
October 19, 1952 ~ Frank P Caputo, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Frank Christian, born ~ Best known for penning Three Flights Up for Nanci Griffith. Has also worked as a sideman with artists such as Dave Van Ronk, Suzanne Vega, John Gorka, and the Smithereens ~ Caputo passed away in 2012
October 19, 1951 ~ Singer Constantine Walker born in Jamaica ~ Original member of vocal group the Soulettes, alongside his cousin Rita Marley and Marlene Gifford. In the early 1960s briefly a member of the Wailers. Went on to sing with the Rastafarians
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, 1950 ~ Country singer Brian Collins born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Recorded two albums in the early 1970s. Best known for songs such as I Wish You Had Stayed, I Don't Plan On Losing You and the Jan Crutchfield-penned Statue Of A Fool, the latter reaching the top 10 of the country charts in both America and Canada
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 ~ Guitarist, banjoist, singer, songwriter Patrick Simmons born in Aberdeen, Washington, USA ~ Founding member of the Doobie Brothers, wrote or co-wrote songs such as South City Midnight Lady, Dependin' On You, Echoes Of Love, Wheels Of Fortune, Black Water, and others
October 19, 1947 ~ Rock, jazz guitarist Ged Peck born in West Hendon, UK ~ Worked with Billy Fury, Vince Eager, Tommy Quickley, Bob & Earl, the Flower Pot Men, the Pirates, Warhorse, Marsha Hunt, Screaming Lord Sutch, David Garrick, and others ~ Peck passed away in 2015
October 19, 1947 ~ Soul singer, songwriter, producer Wilbert Hart born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of the Delfonics, scoring 1970s hits with La La Means I Love You, Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love) and the Grammy Award-winner Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time
October 19, 1946 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Keith Reid born ~ Best known as lyricist of most of the Procol Harum songs, including A Whiter Shade Of Pale. Also co-wrote You'll Be On My Mind and Time Will Tell for Michel Polnareff. Co-wrote You're The Voice, a hit for John Farnham
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 ~ Carol Delaney, commonly known as jazz singer Carol Kidd, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Actively recording since the mid-1980s. Especially acclaimed for her album The Night We Called It A Day, released in 1990
October 19, 1945 ~ Harris Glenn Milstead, commonly known as singer Divine, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Drag queen known for 1980s disco hits such as You Think You're A Man and Walk Like A Man
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 ~ Folk, blues singer Gary Farr born in Worthing, UK ~ Best known as founder and frontman of early 1960s British R&B outfit the T-Bones ~ 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 ~ Best known for Rock Your Baby, a global smash hit in 1974
October 19, 1944 ~ Winston Hubert McIntosh, commonly known as singer, songwriter Peter Tosh, born in Grange Hill, Jamaica ~ Member of Bob Marley's backing unit the Wailers from 1963 through 1976. Became international superstar with the 1978 album Bush Doctor released on Rolling Stones Records and with 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 the Temptations hit, made Tosh a household name. Held hostage and tortured for hours, eventually murdered, in a home invasion ~ 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 Figuieredo, 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 Remember Then, Never, Life Is But A Dream and I Believe
October 19, 1939 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Masabumi born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Has worked with Lionel Hampton, Sonny Rollins, Woody Herman, Mal Waldron, Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, Gil Evans, Elvin Jones, Miles Davis, Gary Peacock, Paul Motian, Billy Harper, Hannibal Lokumbe, Terumasa Hino, Al Foster, James Genus, Hozan Yamamoto, Pee Wee Ellis, Helen Merrill, and others ~ 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, 1933 ~ Singer, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Jimmy Dotson born in Ethel, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Silas Hogan, Lightning Slim, Slim Harpo, Lazy Lester, Albert King, OV Wright, Rufus Thomas, Ivory Joe Hunter, Buddy Guy, Son Seals, and Isaac Hayes ~ Dotson passed away in 2017
October 19, 1931 ~ R&B drummer, singer Billy Gayles, full name Wiliam James Gayles, born in Sikeston, Missouri, USA ~ Worked with Ike Turner's the Kings Of Rhythm, Earl Hooker, Robert Nighthawk, Otis Rush, Albert King, Richard Groove Holmes, Seaphus Scott, and others ~ Gayles passed away in 1993
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, recorded by Jo Stafford, Harry Belafonte, the Kingston Trio, Joan Baez, Sinéad O'Connor, the Lennon Sisters, Wayne Newton, Perry Como, Dinah Shore, and others. Other artists who recorded Segal's songs include Blossom Dearie, Frank Sinatra, Frankie Laine, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Nancy Wilson, Rosemary Clooney, Nat King Cole, and numerous others ~ Segal passed away in 2005
October 19, 1917 ~ Singer Marge Rosse born ~ Formed the sibling outfit the Fontane Sisters with Bea Rosse and Geri Rosse, best known for backing Perry Como and for their 1954 million-seller Hearts Of Stone ~ Rosse passed away in 2003
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, 1911 ~ Arranger, conductor, songwriter, label executive George Cates born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Lawrence Welk. Also worked with the Andrews Sisters, Teresa Brewer, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Alvino Rey, Buddy Cole, and others ~ Cates passed away in 2002
October 19, 1911 ~ Willie Lee Perryman, commonly known as pianist, singer Piano Red, born near Hampton, Georgia, USA ~ Known for songs such as Rockin' With Red, The Wrong Yo Yo, Laying The Boogie, Just Right Bounce and Peachtree Parade ~ Perryman passed away in 1985
October 19, 1910 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist John Mills Jr born in Piqua, Ohio, USA ~ Member of sibling jazz, swing vocal group the Mills Brothers, known for songs such as Tiger Rag, Dinah with Bing Crosby, You Rascal You, I Heard, St Louis Blues and Swing It Sister ~ Mills passed away in 1936
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, Memphis Minnie, and others. Satherley semi-retired from music in 1952, producing only occassionally 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, Papa Celestin, and others ~ Picou passed away in 1961