October 2, 2002 ~ Singer, internet personality Jacob Sartorius, full name Rolf Jacob Sartorius, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Became an internet sensation from posting comedy skits on Vine and lip-syncing on Musical.ly and TikTok. Has released a number of recordings, starting with the single Sweatshirt in 2016
October 2, 1991 ~ Jackie Lee Midkiff, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Jackie Lee, born in Maryville, Tennessee, USA ~ Released his She Does debut single in 2014. The song was written by Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher, originaly put on hold by Kenny Chesney, and would be a moderate country hit for Lee
October 2, 1981 ~ Trumpeter, composer Peter Evans born ~ Not to be confused with musicologist Peter Evans. Evans has worked with a host of modern artists including Weasel Walter, Dave Taylor, Evan Parker, Matana Roberts, Tyshawn Sorey, John Zorn, Mary Halvorson, Peter Brötzmann, Aaron Burnett, Okkyung Lee, Nate Wooley, and others
October 2, 1978 ~ Singer, actress, model, songwriter Ayumi Hamasaki born in Fukuoka, Japan ~ Released her debut album A Song For xx in 1999 and has been recording steadily since. Known for songs such as Love (Destiny), Boys And Girls, M, Never Ever, Voyage, Heaven, Sparkle, You Were, and Crossroad. Has sold over 50 million records
October 2, 1977 ~ Jazz pianist, organist, keyboardist David Wallumrød born in Kongsberg, Norway ~ Worked with Knut Reiersrud, Torun Eriksen, Jarle Bernhoft, Marit Larsen, Maria Solheim, Vidar Busk, Maria Mena, Thomas Dybdahl, Bjørn Eidsvåg, Cloudberry Cream, Kjetil Moster, and others
October 2, 1977 ~ Lasse Malberg, commonly known as rapper Redrama, born in Helsinki, Finland ~ Raps in English, Swedish and Finnish. Member of Alien Allies. Frequent collaborator of Paleface, notably on Still In Charge which reached top 10 in Finland. As a solo artist released his Everyday Soundtrack in 2003, spawning the Finnish No.1 hit Hang It Up
October 2, 1975 ~ R&B, gospel, pop rock, soul singer, songwriter Toneisha Harris born in Salisbury, Maryland, USA ~ Runner-up in the 2020 edition of talent show The Voice, losing out to Todd Tilghman. Would go on to release a handful of singles, including Don't Stop with her Voice-coach Blake Shelton, and Cycles with fellow Voice alumni Arei Moon
October 2, 1973 ~ Lene Grawford Nystrøm, commonly known as pop, dance-pop, Eurodance singer, songwriter Lene Nystrøm, born in Tønsberg, Norway ~ Best known as member Eurodance outfit Aqua active from the mid 1990s through 2001. The band has sold over 20 million records and is best known for their 1997 Barbie Girl dance hit, a No.1 hit across Europe and a top 10 hit on the American Billboard Hot 100. Married to bandmate Søren Rasted from 2001 through 2016, the couple have two children
October 2, 1973 ~ Deshaun Dupree Holton, commonly known as rapper, actor Proof, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Worked with the 5 Elementz, the Funky Cowboys, Promatic, the Goon Sqawd, D12. Childhood friend of Eminem ~ Holton passed away in 2006
October 2, 1971 ~ Singer Eddie Butler born in Dimona, Israel ~ Internationally best known as a member of Eden, reaching 5th place at the 1999 Eurovision Songfestival representing their native Israel witht the song Happy Birthday
October 2, 1971 ~ Tiffany Renee Darwish, mononymously known as singer, songwriter, actress Tiffany, born in Norwalk, California, USA ~ Best known for a string of hit singles of her 1987 Tiffany debut album, namely Could've Been, the Beatles-cover I Saw Him Standing There and notably the Tommy James & the Shondells-cover I Think We're Alone Now. Her Hold An Old Friend's Hand 1988 sophomore album would spawn another American top 10 hit, All This Time, but failed to replicate the succes of her debut. Darwish has posed nude for Playboy, appeared on Celebrity reality shows and continues to tour and record
October 2, 1970 ~ Alternative rock bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Martin Sköld born in Sparreholm, Sweden ~ Rose to fame as member and along with singer Joakim Berg main songwriter of Kent. The band is known for a string of hits starting in the late 1990s including the Swedish No.1 hits Dom Adra, Max 500, Palace And Main, Tontarna, 2000 and Gamla Ullevi
October 2, 1969 ~ Damon Michael Gough, commonly known as indie rock, indie folk, lo-fi singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, keyboardist, songwriter Badly Drawn Boy, born in Dunstable, UK ~ Released a number of mostly unnoticed EP's before turning out his full-length critically acclaimed The Hour Of The Bewilderbeast debut album in 2000. Has been recording to a limited yet devoted fanbase since
October 2, 1969 ~ Mitchell Charles Jordan, commonly known as rapper Paperboy, born ~ Best known for Ditty, a hit in 1992
October 2, 1968 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Jeff Martin born in Windsor, Canada ~ Frontman of Canadian rock outfit Tea Party, known for songs such as Temptation, Psychopomp, Heaven Coming Down and The Messenger. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Exile & The Kingdom Come in 2006. Also worked with the Armada, Hundred Mile House, the Eternal, the Tenth Planet, Lepers & the Crooks, and others
October 2, 1968 ~ Alternative country, new traditionalist singer, guitarist, songwriter Kelly Willis born in Annandale, Virginia, USA ~ Emerged from the Austin country scene, landing a record deal after being noticed by Nanci Griffith and Lyle Lovett. Debuted in 1990 with the Well Travelled Love album. Has recorded to critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase since. Worked with Jay Farrar, Chuck Prophet, Monte Warden, Aaron Neville, Martin Zellar, Mark Collie, and with Bruce Robison whom she married in 1992
October 2, 1967 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Gillian Welch born in New York, New York, USA ~ Has been releasing critically acclaimed albums, usually backed by steady musical partner guitarist David Rawlings, since the mid-1990s, combining elements of Appalachian music, bluegrass, country, and Americana. Welch cites influences as varied as the Stanley Brothers, Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, Neil Young, and the Velvet Underground, with a touch of Throwing Muses and the Pixies. Welch is a sought-after collaborator, appearing on albums by Ryan Adams, Ani DiFranco, Emmylou Harris, Jay Farrar, Alison Krauss, Robyn Hitchcock, Steve Earle, Ralph Stanley, Solomon Burke, and Mark Knopfler. Musicians who guested on Welch's albums include Jimmy Buffett, Trisha Yearwood, Joan Baez, Brad Mehldau, Allison Moorer, Miranda Lambert, Kathy Mattea, and ZZ Top
October 2, 1962 ~ Keyboardist, bassist, singer Harold Chicester born in USA ~ Bassist for rock-funk outfit the Royal Crescent Mob from 1985 to 1994. Closely associated with Greg Dulli often lent his talents to Dulli's projects Afghan Whigs and the Twilight Singers, both on tour and on record. Also a co-founding member of Howling Maggie, whose original line-up would also include bassist Jim Rico, guitarist Andy Harrison, trumpeter Randy Sander, and drummer Jerome Dillon
October 2, 1960 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Al Connely born in Montreal, Canada ~ Played with future Glass Tiger-founders Alan Frew and Wayne Parker in their late seventies band Onyx. When they disbanded Connelly formed the punk outfit the Untouchable Lowlifes. In 1983 he was asked to join Glass Tiger. They played locally, were eventually signed to Capitol Records and released their debut album Thin Red Line in 1986. The band were awarded three Juno awards, the album went multi-platinum
October 2, 1960 ~ Pianist, hornist Django Bates born in Beckenham, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Founded Human Chain. Founded Delightful Precipice. Has also worked with Dudu Pukwana, Tim Whitehead, Ken Stubbs, Bill Bruford, Sidsel Endresen, George Russell, George Gruntz, Michael Brecker, Tim Berne, Christian Jarvi, Vince Mendoza, David Sanborn, Kate Rusby, Don Alias, and others
October 2, 1958 ~ Pop, R&B, funk singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Robbie Nevil, full name Robert S Nevil, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for a number of mid to late-1980s songs, including C'Est La Vie, Dominoes and Wot's It To Ya
October 2, 1956 ~ Singer Freddie Jackson born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Member of Mystic Merlin in the late 1970s. Jackson is best known for his 1980s solo hits in the 1980s, such as Rock Me Tonight and You Are My Lady (1985), Have You Ever Loved Somebody and Jam Tonight (1986), and Do Me Again (1990)
October 2, 1955 ~ Singer Philip Oakey born in Hinckley, UK ~ Lead singer, co-founder of Human League, known best for Don't You Want Me which topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. Other well known songs included Being Boiled, The Sound Of The Crowd, Love Action (I Believe In Love), Open Your Heart, Mirror Man, Keep Feeling Fascination, The Lebanon. Oakey has also recorded as a solo artist and is an in-demand collaborator, notably teaming up with producer Giorgio Moroder for Together In Electric Dreams which was used as the theme song for the 1984 Electric Dreams film
October 2, 1954 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist Greg Jennings born in Nicoma Park, Oklahoma, USA ~ Longtime member of country outfit Restless Heart known for 1980s Billboard Country charttoppers such as That Rock Won't Roll, Why Does It Have To Be (Wrong Or Right), Wheels, The Bluest Eyes In Texas, A Tender Lie and perhaps their best-known I'll Still Be Loving You, the latter also reaching top 40 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 in 1987
October 2, 1952 ~ Singer, guitarist, violinist, theremin player, songwriter John Otway born in Aylesbury, UK ~ Active since the early 1970s. Enjoys a cult following built through extensive touring. Had his 1977 John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett debut album, a collaborative effort with Wild Willy Barrett, produced by the Who's Pete Townshend. The album also included Really Free, Otway's highest-charting single reaching the uK top 30
October 2, 1952 ~ Rock drummer, singer Sigtryggur Baldursson born in Norway ~ Founding member of the Sugarcubes. Also worked with Pigface, Peyr, Kukl, Emiliana Torrini, Ben Frost, Kippi Kaninus, the SJS Bigband, Headpump, Bradley Fish, the Reptile Palace Orchestra, and others
October 2, 1951 ~ Pianist, bandleader, composer Bill Elliott born in Wayland, Massachusetts, USA ~ Initially a session and studio musician for artists such as Stevie Nicks, Smokey Robinson, Donna Summer and Bette Midler. Eventually gravitated to compose and orchestrate for film and Broadway. Won a 2015 Tony Award for his orchestration of the Broadway musical An American In Paris. Also known for his work on musicals such as Nice Work If You Can Get It and Bandstand
October 2, 1951 ~ Drummer, guitarist, singer Coco Montoya born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Backing drummer for Albert Collins starting in the mid-1970s. Spent about a decade, starting in the early 1980s, as member of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers
October 2, 1951 ~ Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, commonly known as pop rock, new wave singer, bassist, songwriter Sting born in Wallsend, UK ~ Rose to fame as frontman of pivotal late 1970s, 1980s pop, new wave outfit the Police, drawing from pop, rock, punk, reggae and jazz. Well known songs include Roxanne, Can't Stand Losing You, Message In A Bottle, Walking On The Moon, Don't Stand So Close To Me, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, Every Breath You Take and Wrapped Around Your Finger. Following the band's disbandement embarked on a successful solo career, starting with the Dream Of The Blue Turtles album in 1985. Has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial succes since, Police and solo recordings combined selling over an estimated 100 million copies
October 2, 1950 ~ Progressive rock, art rock, pop rock guitarist, bassist, songwriter Mike Rutherford, full name Michael John Cloete Crawford Rutherford, born in Portsmouth, UK ~ Co-founding member of Genesis, serving as the band's bassist, rhythm guitarist and following Steve Hackett departure in 1977 lead guitarist. Co-wrote some of the band's best-known including Follow You Follow Me, Turn It On Again, Land Of Confusion and Throwing It All Away. Rutherford also recorded as a solo artist and fronted the side project Mike + the Mechanics, known best for the 1989 The Living Years hit single
October 2, 1949 ~ Richard Lester Meyers, commonly known as punk rock, alternative rock, art punk singer, bassist, songwriter Richard Hell born in Lexington, Kentucky, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Neon Boys, which evolved into Television. Co-founded the Heartbreakers alongside Johnny Thunders and Jerry Nolan. Would however become best-known as frontman of Richard Hell & the Voidoids, acclaimed for their pivotal 1977 Blank Generation album initially met with mixed reviews but in time regarded as a landmark album shaping early New York punk. Following his departure from the band Meyers semi-retired from music, focusing on a career as a film critic and author. Meyers would briefly come out of retirement in the 1990s, playing in the Dim Stars alongside Thurston Moore, Steve Shelley, Don Fleming and Voidoids-bandmate Robert Quine
October 2, 1948 ~ Singer, songwriter Chris LeDoux born in Biloxi, Mississippi, USA ~ Rodeo champion, rodeo Hall of Famer singing rodeo songs. Some three dozen albums to his name, most of them self-released. Shot to national promince being mentioned in Garth Brooks' Much Too Young To Feel This Damn Old. LeDoux would later duet with Brooks on What Are You Gonna Do With A Cowboy. As a solo artist LeDoux is best known for songs such as Cadillac Ranch, Ten Seconds In The Saddle, Stampede, and for Bang A Drum, the latter with Jon Bon Jovi ~ LeDoux passed away in 2005
October 2, 1947 ~ Frank Konte, commonly known as Skip Konte, born ~ Member of Blues Image, write the band's sole hit single Ride Captain Ride. Member of Three Dog Night from 1973 to 1976
October 2, 1946 ~ Joel Sonnier, commonly known as Cajun, zydeco, country singer, accordionist, songwriter Jo-El Sonnier, born in Rayne, Louisiana, USA ~ Active professionally since the late 1960s, first performing on the radio at age six. Would become a fixture on the Louisiana Cajun scene, earning a devoted following bridging the musical traditions. Well over two dozen albums to his name, especially noted for Come On Joe released in 1987, and for Cajun Young Blood released in 1996. Best known for No More One More Time and the Richard Thompson-cover Tear Stained Letter, both of which reached top 10 Billboard Country. Guested on albums by Emmylou Harris (Elite Hotel), Johnny Cash, George Strait, Elvis Costello (King Of America), Patty Loveless, Dolly Parton, the Indigo Girls, Sammy Kershaw, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, and Mark Knopfler ~ Sonnier passed away in 2024
October 2, 1945 ~ Singer Don McLean, full name Donald McLean III born in New Rochelle, New York, USA ~ Best known for the 1971 hit American Pie, considered a cultural touchstone. Also known for songs such as Vincent (Starry Starry Night), the Roy Orbison-cover Crying, Since I Don't Have You and Wonderful Baby. Wrote And I Love You So, which would be covered by Perry Como, Helen Reddy, Glen Campbell and perhaps most notably by Elvis Presley
October 2, 1945 ~ Christina McKechnie, commonly known as singer, songwriter Licorice McKechnie, born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Left home in her teens with the intention of marrying Bert Jansch though they were never married. Plays keyboard, guitar, percussion. Member of the Incredible String Band. Worked with Mike Garson, Mick Woodmansey, Leonard Halliwell, the Silver Moon Band, and others. Went missing in 1987 hitchhiking across the Arizona dessert
October 2, 1944 ~ Conductor, organist, harpsichordist Ton Koopman, full name Antonius Gerhardus Michael Koopman, born in Zwolle, the Netherlands ~ Leading figure in the “authentic performance” movement. Focuses on Baroque music, especially that of Johann Sebastian Bach. Founded the Portland Baroque Orchestra. Founded the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir, and has recorded the complete Bach vocal works with the latter featuring mezzo-soprano soloist Elisabeth von Magnus
October 2, 1941 ~ Singer, poet, songwriter John Sinclair born in Flint, Michigan, USA ~ Jazz poet, has released most of his works in audio formats accompanied by a varying line-up of musicians. Managed the Detroit rock band MC5. Political activist, known for his staunch militant anti-racism
October 2, 1941 ~ Bassist Ron Meagher born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Member of the Beau Brummels until drafted to serve in the Vietnam war. Present on the band's first four albums including the 1965 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 single Just A Little. Sang lead on They'll Make You Cry of the band's Introducing The Beau Brummels debut album. After his stint in the military Meagher has worked with the Black Velvet Band and joined several Brummels revivals
October 2, 1940 ~ Patrick Linch, commonly known as folk singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Patrick Sky, born in College Park, Georgia, USA ~ Emerged from New York's Greenwich Village folk scene. Best known for his 1973 album Songs That Made America Famous, a collection of politically radical, satirical songs. It also included the first recorded version of Kuang Prabang written by close friend Dave Van Ronk ~ Linch passed away in 2021
October 2, 1938 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Nick Gravenites, full name Nicholas George Gravenites, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Wrote Born In Chicago and co-wrote East-West with Michael Bloomfield, both recorded by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Formed Electric Flag, which also included Bloomfield. Worked with Quicksilver Messenger Service. Worked with the Kozmic Blues Band, Janis Joplin's first band. Lead singer of Big Brother & the Holding Company after Joplin's departure. Has also worked with Brewer & Shipley, Otis Rush, the Usual Suspects, and others
October 2, 1936 ~ Blues, R&B drummer Clifton James born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for backing Bo Diddley on his most pivotal recordings alongside maracas player Jerome Green and bassist Roosevelt Jackson. Diddley once commented James was the one who did the original Diddley beat. James has also worked with Memphis Slim, Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, and the Chicago Blues All-Stars ~ James passed away in 2006
October 2, 1935 ~ Singer René Herrera born ~ Half of René & René, the other half being René Ornelas, known for 1964's Angelito and 1969's Lo Mucho Que To Quiero, the latter reaching the Billboard top 20 ~ Herrera passed away in 2006
October 2, 1919 ~ Guitarist, lutenist, composer John Duarte, full name John William Duarte, born in Sheffield, UK ~ Wrote some 150 works for guitar and lute, ranging from Renaissance-influenced pieces such as English Suite Op.31 to atonal works such as Dreams Op.91 ~ Duarte passed away in 2004
October 2, 1917 ~ Organist, music director, composer Francis Jackson, full name Francis Alan Jackson, born in Malton, UK ~ Best known as music director for York Minster for well over three decades starting in 1946. Has also recorded and toured extensively and composed canticles, anthems, hymns, and organ sonatas. Well known pieces include East Acklam, Daniel In Babylon and A Time Of Fire ~ Jackson passed away in 2022
October 2, 1915 ~ Robert Russell Wise, commonly known as bluegrass fiddler Chubby Wise, born in Lake City, Florida, USA ~ Considered one of country, Western swing's premier fiddlers, well known for his work with Bill Monroe for most of the 1940s. Co-wrote Shenandoah Waltz with Clyde Moody, recorded by Moody in 1947 and covered by Hank Thompson, the Stanley Brothers, and Ernest Tubb. Over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, specifically noted for The Tennessee Fiddler released in 1961. In-demand sideman, present on recordings by Flatt & Scruggs, Hank Snow, Mac Wiseman, Bob Wills, and Red Allen ~ Wise passed away in 1996
October 2, 1885 ~ Singer, jug blower Earl McDonald born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Active mostly from the early-1900s through the 1930s. Helped popularize jug music performing and recording with bands such as the Original Louisville Jug Band, the Old Southern Jug Band, the Dixieland Jug BLowers and Ballard Chefs ~ McDonald passed away in 1949