October 20, 2024 ~ Barbara Jean Spillman, commonly known as folk, blues, jazz singer, guitarist, political activist Barbara Dane, passed away in Oakland, California, USA ~ Praised for her rich voice, known for her political activism. Described as “Bessie Smith in stereo” by noted jazz critic Leonard Feather, and as “one of the true unsung heroes of American music” by the Boston Globe. Early on in her career, Dane turned down an offer to tour with Alvino Rey's band, favoring singing at factory gates and in union halls. Starting with the highly acclaimed Trouble In Mind in 1957, Dane has recorded over a dozen albums as a singer, including collaborations with Benny Carter, Lightnin' Hopkins, and the Chamber Brothers. Dane has also co-founded Paredon Records in the early-1970s, a label known for recordings by artists from across the globe addressing racial justice, feminism and anti-imperialism. Dane would later comment on the need for the label: “I saw that whenever the movement in a particular country was strong, there was an emerging music to go with it. It struck me that this stuff needed to be heard in the voices of the people who wrote the songs” ~ Dane was born in 1927
October 20, 2022 ~ Songwriter Bettye Crutcher, full name Bettye Jean Crutcher, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing Who's Making Love, originally a hit for Johnnie Taylor in 1968 and covered by Tony Joe White, Elkie Brooks, the SOS Band, and the Blues Brothers. Songs written or co-written by Crutcher have also been recorded by the Staple Singers (The Ghetto), William Bell, Ann Peebles (How Strong Is A Woman), Little Sonny (It's Hard Going Up But Twice As Hard Coming Down), the Sweet Inspirations, Shirley Brown (It's Worth A Whipping), Ben E King, Marlena Shaw, and BB King (Take Off Your Shoes) ~ Crutcher was born in 1939
October 20, 2021 ~ Singer Allan Wilmot passed away ~ Member of vocal group the Southlanders, active from the mid-1950s through 1961. The Caribbean-themed band is known for their signature song The Mole, a concert favorite sung at every performance. The 1957 Alone (Why Must I Be Alone) UK top 20 hit would be the band's only charting single ~ Wilmot was born ca.1925
October 20, 2018 ~ Singer Barbara Pittman passed away ~ One of the few female singers at Sun Records. Known for a handful of mid- to late-1950s singles such as I Need A Man, Two Young Fools In Love, Everlasting Love and Handsome Man ~ Pittman was born in 1938
October 20, 2016 ~ Mieke Berendina Johanna Telgenkamp, commonly known as singer Mieke Telkamp passed away in Zeist, the Netherlands ~ Best known for her covers of American jazz and pop songs including Here In My Heart, Never On Sunday and Changing Of The Tides, her Dutch million-seller and longtime funeral favorite Waarheen Waarvoor, and for her German schlagers ~ Telkamp was born in 1934
October 20, 2015 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist, arranger Don Rendell passed away in London, UK ~ Son of Percy Rendell who was musical director for the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. Leader and sideman. Rendell worked with artists such as George Evans, Oscar Rabin, Johnny Dankworth, Billie Holiday, Tony Crombie, Ted Heath, Stan Kenton, Tony Kinsey, Woody Herman, Ian Carr, Barbara Thompson, Michael Garrick, Brian Priestley, Neil Ardley, Kenny Graham, Richard Hewson, Jutta Hipp, Cyril Stapleton, Stan Tracey, Guy Warren, Amancio d'Silva, and others ~ Rendell was born in 1926
October 20, 2013 ~ Robert C Thomas, commonly known as jazz drummer Bobby Thomas passed away ~ Best known as a member of Junior Mance's trio in the early-1960s present on albums such as The Soulful Piano Of Junior Mance, and for his association with the Montgomery Brothers appearing on the 1961 Groove Yard album. Thomas has also guested on albums by Gigi Gryce, Herbie Mann, Hubert Laws, Art Farmer, and Dave Pike ~ Thomas was born in 1932
October 20, 2010 ~ Ariane Danielle Forster, commonly known as singer, keyboardist Ari Up, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as member of the Slits, co-founded with drummer Palmolive. Brought the reggae and dub influences to the band. Member of the New Age Steppers. Has collaborated with Lee Scratch Perry, Mark Stewart, and Vic Ruggiero ~ Forster was born in 1962
October 20, 2009 ~ Rapper, singer Jay-Z releases Empire State Of Mind featuring Alicia Keys, lifted off his The Blueprint 3 album ~ The song's title is a play on an and tribute to New York's nickname, Empire State. Despite initial discouraging remarks when first offered to Roc Nation, Jay-Z's then-newfound record label, the end result would be a major hit, warmly received by critics and a top 10 hit in over two dozen countries including topping the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks. The song would also earn three Grammy Award nominations, winning the awards for Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Native New Yorker Keys would later explain to MTV News how the collaboration came about: “I've admired Jay-Z for a long time. Reasonable Doubt is my all-time favorite album, period, and he's been on the scene for long time. I always figured that we would do some type of collaboration, and finally, it came together with this. He reached out to me said, ‘I have this big New York record. I feel its right for us to do it together. It has this big Frank Sinatra, take-it-there feeling. I feel like you could really do something with it’”
October 20, 2007 ~ Bassist Paul Raven, full name Paul Vincent Raven, passed away in Geneva, Switzerland ~ Best known as a member of post-punk outfit Killing Joke, including on their UK top 20 hit Love Like Blood of their 1985 Night Time album. Has also worked with Neon Hearts, Kitsch, Dogs D'Amour, Tony McPhee, Murder Inc, Prong, Zilch, Society 1, Ministry, Pigface, and others ~ Raven was born in 1961
October 20, 2006 ~ Jazz saxophonist Frank Vicari passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ In-demand sideman. First gained attention as a member of Maynard Ferguson's big band from 1960 through its disbandement in 1965. Would go on to back Buddy Rich and notably Woody Herman, remaining with the latter until 1970. Has also worked with Steve Gadd, Mike Mainieri, the Brecker Brothers, White Elephant, George Benson, Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick, Billy Eckstine, Tom Waits, John Lennon (Walls And Bridges), Urbie Green, the Manhattan Transfer, Bette Midler, Art Farmer, James Brown, and others ~ Vicari was born in 1931
October 20, 2004 ~ Crathman Plato Spencer, commonly known as R&B singer, songwriter, producer CP Spencer, passed away ~ Closely associated with the Motown label. Best known as member of the Originals. Also worked with the Marvelettes, the Carpenters, the Spinners, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, David Ruffin, Jimmy Ruffin, Edwin Starr, and others ~ Spencer was born in 1938
October 20, 2004 ~ Operatic tenor William Brown passed away in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Worked with the Baltimore Opera Company, the Little Orchestra Society, the Lake George Opera, the New York City Opera, the Connecticut Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and others ~ Brown was born in 1938
October 20, 1997 ~ Guitarist Henry Vestine, full name Henry Charles Vestine, passed away in Paris, France ~ Influenced by T-Bone Walker, Sonny Sharrock, Freddie King, Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker. Briefly a member of Frank Zappa's backing unit the Mothers Of Invention, leaving shortly before the recording of their debut album. Co-founding member of Canned Heat, remaining with the band from 1966 through 1969 and rejoining on occasion in later years. Present on the band's first four albums, Canned Heat, Boogie With Canned Heat, Living The Blues, and Hallelujah. Missed the famed 1969 the Woodstock Music and Art Fair gig, having quit the band the week before. Has alo worked with avant-garda jazz saaxophonist Albert Ayler ~ Vestine was born in 1944
October 20, 1989 ~ Jessica Hannah Glynne, commonly known as singer, songwriter Jess Glynne, born in London, UK ~ First gained attention in 2014 as featured vocalist on Clean Bandit's Rather Be and Route 94's My Love. Released her I Cry When I Laugh solo debut album the following year, spawning the hit singles Hold My Hand and Don't Be So Hard. Would continue her success with hits such as I'll Be There, These Days, Thursday, One Touch, and others
October 20, 1988 ~ Darold Ferguson Jr, commonly known as hip-hop, trap rapper, songwriter A$AP Ferg born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of hip-hop collective A$AP Mob, alongside A$AP Nast and A$AP Rocky. Released his full-length solo debut album, Trap Lord, in 2013. Best known for Move Ya Hips featuring Nicki Minaj and MadeinTYO. Has also collaborated with G-Eazy, Elle Varner, Haim, Sicko Mobb, Liam Bailey, Meek Mill, NORE, DJ Premier, Octavian, and Big Sean
October 20, 1988 ~ Pop rock singer Noémie Wolfs, full name Noémie Maria Alexis Ghislaine Wolfs, born in Scherpenheuvel, Belgium ~ Best known as lead singer of Hooverphonic, joining the band in 2010 as replacement for Geike Arnaert. First appeared on the single The Night Before, a top 10 hit in the band's native Belgium. Subsequent hits featuring Wolfs included Anger Never Dies and Amalfi. Following her departure from the band Wolfs released her Hunt You solo debut album in 2016, which spawned the hit single Burning
October 20, 1987 ~ Bassist Dries Laheye born in Belgium ~ Best known as member of avant-garde jazz ensemble STUFF. Also worked with BRZZVLL, Hoera, DERVISH, Lidlboj, Liesa van der Aa, Jameszoo, Sir Yes Sir, Pudding oO, the Kyteman Orchestra, and others
October 20, 1986 ~ Charles Jawanzaa Worth, commonly known as rapper, songwriter King Chip, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Closely associated with Kid Cudi. Perhaps best known for his 2007 track Club Rockin' featuring Akon on backing vocals. Also known for co-producing Hi-Tek's 2007 Hi-Teknology album
October 20, 1984 ~ Albert J Johnson, commonly known as saophonist, arranger Budd Johnson, passed away in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Ben Webster, Benny Goodman, Big Joe Turner, Coleman Hawkins, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Earl Hines, Cannonball Adderley, Ruth Brown, Roy Eldridge, Quincy Jones, Carmen McRae, Etta Jones, Sonny Stitt, and Jimmy Witherspoon ~ Johnson was born in 1910
October 20, 1984 ~ Heavy metal, extreme metal, deathcore singer, bassist, songwriter Mitch Lucker, full name Mitchell Adam Lucker, born in Riverside, California, USA ~ Influenced by artists such as Korn, the Deftones, Slayer, Black Sabbath, Nirvana, and Van Halen. Lucker is best known as lead singer of deathcore band Suicide Silence, with whom he recorded four albums including the acclaimed No Time To Bleed until his death at age 28 in a motorcycle accident ~ Lucker passed away in 2012
October 20, 1983 ~ Country, western swing, folk, gospel singer, songwriter Merle Travis, full name Merle Robert Travis, passed away in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, USA ~ Known for songs such as Divorce Me COD, So Round So Firm So Fully Packed, Sixteen Tons, Re-enlistment Blues, I Am a Pilgrim, Dark As A Dungeon, and others ~ Travis was born in 1917
October 20, 1982 ~ Singer, bassist, guitarist Damien Starkey, full name Damien Joel Starkey, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Singer for Society Red and Burn Season. Bassist for Puddle Of Mudd. Prolific film and TV composer with over 70 credits to his name, notably the 2012 comedy action film Nitro Circus The Movie. Producer for acts such as Saliva, Daughtry and Avril Lavigne
October 20, 1981 ~ Rebecca Louise Chilcott, commonly known as country, Americana singer, songwriter Ruby Boots, born in Perth, Australia ~ Released her full-length Solitude debut album in 2015, containing No Stranger co-written with the WAiFS' Vikki Thorn and the title track Solitude co-written with You Am I's Davey Lane. Has recorded to critical acclaim since
October 20, 1980 ~ Twin brothers Gary Jarman and Ryan Jarman born in Wakefield, UK ~ Formed indie rock sibling outfit the Cribs, with Gary on bass, Ryan on guitars and younger brother Ross Jarman on drums. Best known for songs such as Hey Scenesters, Mirror Kissers and Men's Needs. From 2008 through 2011 guitarist Johnny Marr of the Smiths fame also played with the band
October 20, 1978 ~ Actor, comedian, guitarist Fausto Fanti, full name Fausto Fanti Jasmin, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Co-founding member of comedy troupe Hermes & Renato, enjoying a cult following during the late-1990s and early-2000s through appearances on MTV Brasil. Original guitarist of the parodic metal band Massacration, present on the albums The Gates Of Metal Fried Chicken Of Death and Good Blood Headbanguers ~ Fanti passed away in 2014
October 20, 1978 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer Paul Wilson, also known as Paul Pablo Wilson, born in Kinlochleven, UK ~ Member of Terra Diablo from 2000 through 2005, with whom he recorded five albums and regularly opened for Snow Patrol, frequently contributing guitar and keyboards on-stage for the latter joining the band as an official member in 2005, first appearing on the 2006 Eyes Open album
October 20, 1978 ~ Pop singer, guitarist, drummer Venke Knutson born in Birkeland, Norway ~ Released her full-length Scare debut album in 2004, which included the hit singles Panic and Scared. Subsequent hits included Just A Minute, Holiday, Walk The Walk and Jealous 'Cause I Love You, all of which reached top 10 in her native Norway
October 20, 1977 ~ Scriptwriter, lyricist Arnold B Horwitt passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Wrote scripts and lyrics for plays, songs and Broadway shows including Make Mine Manhattan, The Girls Against The Boys, and Plain & Fancy. The latter would include Young & Foolish introduced in the show by David Daniels and Gloria Marlowe. The song, co-written with Albert Hague, would become a standard covered by over 150 artists including the McGuire Sisters, Gogi Grant, the Lettermen, Tony Bennett, and Lesley Gore ~ Horwitt was born in 1918
October 20, 1977 ~ Lynyrd Skynyrd-members Cassie Gaines, Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines die in a plane crash near Gillsburg, Mississippi ~ While on tour a Convair CV-240 carrying several Lynyrd Skynyrd-members and entourage between shows ran out of fuel outside Gillsburg, Mississippi and crashed. Singers Ronnie Van Zant and Cassie Gaines, guitarist Steve Gaines, the band's road manager Dean Kilpatrick, the pilot and co-pilot would be killed in the crash. The rest of the band would be severely injured ~ Cassie Gaines was born 1948, Van Zant was born 1948, Steve Gaines was born 1949
October 20, 1977 ~ Alternative rock drummer Nick Hodgson, full name Nicholas James David Hodgson, born in Leeds, UK ~ Co-founding member, drummer of Kaiser Chiefs. Left the band in 2012, to be replaced by Vijay Mistry. Hodgson is present on the band's best known including Oh My God, I Predict A Riot, Ruby and Never Miss A Beat, all of which reached the British top 10
October 20, 1973 ~ Gianpiero Piras, commonly known as death metal, black metal, doom metal guitarist Gian Pyres, born in London, UK ~ Best known for his association with extreme metal group Cradle Of Filth, appearing on the albums Cruelty And The Beast, Midian, Bitter Suites To Succubi, and Lovecraft & Witch Hearts. Pyres has worked with the likes of Solstice, Dragonlord, Bal-Sagoth, and Theatres Des Vampires
October 20, 1973 ~ Maurizio Lobina, comonly known as dance, dance-pop singer Maury Lobina, born in Asti, Italy ~ Member of Eiffel 65, known for their 1998 hit Blue (Da-ba-dee) which hit the top 10 across continental Europe, the UK and America. Subsequent releases, such as Too Much Heaven and Move Your Body, would also become hits in Europe but fail to chart in America. Also formed the duo Bloom 06 with Eiffel bandmate Jeffrey Jey
October 20, 1971 ~ Singer, actress, TV personality Dannii Minogue, full name Danielle Jane Minogue, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Sister of pop singer, actress Kylie Minogue. First gained attention on the TV show Young Talent Time and for her role as Emma Jackson in the soap opera Home And Away. Debuted as a singer with the album Love And Kisses in 1991, which spawned the hit singles Love And Kisses, Baby Love, Jump To The Beat and Success. The follow-up album, 1993's Get Into You, would be less successful and apart from an occasional return to pop music Minogue has since mostly focused on a career in the theatre, earning critical acclaim and awards
October 20, 1971 ~ Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, commonly known as rapper Snoop Dogg, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Rose to fame in the early-1990s, initially as protegé of Dr Dre. Prominently present on Dre's 1992 pivotal The Chronic solo debut album. Would release his own Doggystyle solo debut album, produced by Dre, the following year. The album would reach quadruple platinum status and spawn the hits What's My Name and Gin And Juice, both considered landmark recordings from the golden age of rap. Has since recorded well over a dozen albums, mostly to critical acclaim and commercial success. Closely associated with 213, the Eastsidaz, Wiz Khalifa, the Broadus Boyz, and DPGC. Well known songs include Still A G Thang, Beautiful featuring Pharrell Williams and Charlie Wilson, Drop It's Like It's Hot featuring Pharrell, and Sensual Seduction, all of which reached top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100
October 20, 1965 ~ Aidan Zammit Lupi, commonly known as jazz, R&B, pop keyboardist, guitarist, singer Aidan Zammit, born in Sliema, Malta ~ Alongside Mike Francis and Mario Puccioni a member of Mystic Diversions, the trio recording about half a dozen albums. Member of Goblin, with whom he composed and recorded a significant number of soundtracks. Touring keyboardist for the likes of Marco Mengoni, Il Volo, Claudio Baglioni and Gianni Morandi. In-demand songwriter and collaborator, has worked in one capacity or another with acts such as Andrea Bocelli, Nicola Piovani, Bungaro, Antonello Venditti, and Angelo Branduardi. Released his Exposed solo debut album in 2019
October 20, 1965 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, percussionist Norman Blake born in Bellshill, UK ~ Member of a number of 1980s groups the Pretty Flowers, the Boy Hairdressers and notably BMX Bandits, co-writing some of the latter's best known including Disco Girl, Serious Drugs and Right Across The Street. Best known as lead singer and primary songwriter for Teenage Fanclub, which he co-founded with Raymond McGinley in 1989. The band is known mainly for a string of 1990s recordings including What You Do To Me, Mellow Doubt and the UK top 20 hit Ain't That Enough. Parallel to his career with the band Blake has collaborated with the likes of Eugene Kelly, the Trash Can Sinatras, Kevin Ayers, the Reindeer Section, Snowgoose, and with New Mendicats. Blake has also produced the Beep Seals' 2018 Things That Roar album
October 20, 1964 ~ Jepther McClymont, commonly known as roots reggae singer, songwriter Luciano, born in Davyton, Jamaica ~ Best known for 1990s hits such as Give My Love A Try, Shake It Up Tonight, It's Me Again Jah, and Who Could It Be. Has worked with producers such as Castro Brown, Freddie McGregor, Blacka Dread, Sly & Robbie, Philip Fatis Burrell, and others
October 20, 1964 ~ Singer Marie Daulne born in Isiro, Congo ~ Founder, lead singer of Zap Mama, best known for their 1993 sophomore Adventures In Afropea 1 album. Daulne has guested on records by Michael Franti (Listener Supported, Comin' To Gitcha), Common (Ferris Wheel), and DJ Krush (Danger Of Love)
October 20, 1963 ~ Pop, rock band the Beach Boys record Little Saint Nick at United Western Recorders, Hollywood, California ~ Produced by Brian Wilson. Written by Wilson and Mike Love, the latter earning co-writing credit after a lawsuit in 1990. Released the a few days before Christmas 1963 as a non-album single, featuring an a capella version of The Lord's Prayer on the flip side. Other versions of the song would appear on the band's 1964 The Beach Boys Christmas Album album and on reissues
October 20, 1962 ~ Edgardo Moroni, commonly known as jazz pianist, composer Dado Moroni, born in Genoa, Italy ~ Self-taught. Leader and sideman. Worked with Jimmy Woods, Freddie Hubbard, Clark Terry, Zoot Sims, Harry Sweets Edison, Ray Brown, Ron Carter, Oscar Peterson, Ahmad Jamal, Hank Jones, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Alvin Queen, and others
October 20, 1961 ~ Jazz drummer Audun Kleive born in Skien, Norway ~ Son of organist Kristoffer Kleive, brother of organist Iver Kleive. Worked with Terje Rypdal, Per Jorgensen, Jon Balke, Petter Wettre, Jan Bang, Erik Honoré, 1300 Oslo, Kari Bremnes, Arve Henriksen, Jan Gunnar Hoff, Marilyn Mazur, Eivind Sarset, Pierre Dørge, Thomas Gustafsson, Bendik Hofseth, Per Husby, the Magnetic North Orchestra, Silje Nergaard, and Lina Nyberg
October 20, 1961 ~ John Richard DeGiuli, commonly known as rock singer, guitarist Johnnie Dee, born in Montreal, Canada ~ Lead singer for Honeymoon Suite which he founded with guitarist Derry Grehan. The band is best known for songs such as New Girl Now and Feel It Again, both used in the 1980s TV series Miami Vice. Songs such as What Does It Take, Love Changes Everything, and Lookin' Out For Number One would also chart well in the band's native Canada. Dee released his Songs In Dee solo album in 2004
October 20, 1958 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Mark King, full name Mark Raymond King, born in Cowes, Isle of Wight ~ Lead singer, bassist of Level 42 known for his slap style playing of the bass guitar. Released his solo debut album, Influences, in 1984. Member of supergroup Gizmodrome, which also include the Police's Stewart Copeland, Adrian Belew and Vittorio Cosma
October 20, 1958 ~ Zouk singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist Patrick Saint-Eloi born in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe ~ Leading figure in the Zouk genre. Co-lead singer of Kassav. Has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting in the 1980s ~ Saint-Eloi passed away in 2010
October 20, 1956 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer Martin Taylor born in Harlow, UK ~ Son of jazz bassist William Buck Taylor. Influenced by Django Reinhardt, Ted Greene, Kenny Burrell, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Nelson Riddle, Duke Ellington, and by Art Tatum. Worked with Lennie Hastings, Ike Isaacs, Stéphane Grappelli, Chet Atkins, David Grisman, Bryn Terfel, Sacha Distel, John Ethridge, Jack Emblow, Coleridge Goode, Steve Howe, Alan Barnes, Frank Vignola, Tommy Emmanuel, and others
October 20, 1955 ~ Harmonica player Mark Feltham born in Bermondsey, UK ~ Longtime member of Nine Below Zero. In-demand session musician. Worked with Rory Gallagher, the Alarm, Box Of Frogs, Anthony Moore, Mick Clarke, Roger Daltrey, Dave Kelly, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, New Model Army, Talk Talk, Scarlet Fantastic, Roachford, Godley & Creme, The The, Deacon Blue, Nazareth, Andrew Ridgeley, the Almighty, Lightning Seeds, Annie Lennox, the Catherine Wheel, Joe Cocker, Oasis, Robbie Williams, Paul Carrack, PJ Proby, Mark Hollis, Texas, Roger Chapman, Mark Owen, Beth Gibbons, Gary Barlow, and others
October 20, 1955 ~ Composer, pianist Ofer Ben-Amots born in Haifa, Israel ~ Perhaps best known for his chamber opera Fool's Paradise, initially intended for children, and for Avis Urbanis for amplified flute. Ben-Amots has written for stage, voice and orchestra, choir, and solo instruments. Ben-Amots is a professor at Colorado College and artistic director for the Center for Jewish Culture and Creativity
October 20, 1955 ~ Conductor, composer Thomas Newman, full name Thomas Montgomery Newman, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of composer Alfred Newman. Prolific film composer with numerous credits over a career spanning four decades. Notable credits include The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, Finding Nemo, the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre, and Elemental
October 20, 1954 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Enzo Gragnaniello born in Naples, Italy ~ Debuted in 1983 with the eponymus Enzo Gagnaniello album and has recorded steadily to critical acclaim since. Best known for his 1991 song Cu'mmè, made famous by Roberto Murolo & Mia Martini. Other artists who have recorded songs written by Gragnaniello include Andrea Bocelli, Adriano Celentano, Gerardina Trovato, and others
October 20, 1954 ~ Percussionist, drummer Günter Müller born in Munich, West Germany ~ In-demand free improvisation collaborator and session drummer. Has worked with Gastr del Sol, Christian Marclay, Keith Rowe, Voice Crack, Alfred Harth, Kurt Liedwart, and others
October 20, 1953 ~ Rock drummer Dave Dowle born in London, UK ~ Started in his early teens playing with the Canterbury Glass, which also included future Genesis-guitarist Steve Hackett. Would go on to work with Doris Troy, PP Arnold, Brian Auger, the Streetwalkers, Whitesnake, Runner, Midnight Flyer, Mark Zed, and others
October 20, 1953 ~ Songwriter Fred E Ahlert passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Noted songwriter, often partnering up with lyricist Roy Turk, whose songs were recorded by Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Thelonious Monk, Frank Sinatra, Moon Mullican, Dean Martin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Stanley Moldawski, Fats Waller, and others ~ Ahlert was born in 1892
October 20, 1951 ~ Keyboardist, singer, songwriter Al Greenwood born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Founding member and keyboardist of Foreigner through 1980, playing on the albums Foreigner, Double Vision, and on Head Games. Formed Spys in 1981 with Ed Gagliardi, John Blanco, John Digadio and Billy Milne and recorded two albums with them. Greenwood would also guest on albums by Joe Lynn Turner and later Jennifer Rush
October 20, 1950 ~ Rock, heartland rock, roots rock, country rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Tom Petty, full name Thomas Earl Petty, born in Gainesville, Florida, USA ~ Fronted Mudcrutch, which evolved into Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. Solo and with the Heartbreakers, Petty has sold over 80 million records making him one of the all-time best-selling artists. Known for songs such as Don't Do Me Like That, Refugee, Waiting, Don't Come Around Here No More, Learning To Fly, I Won't Back Down, Free Fallin' and You Don't Know How It Feels. Also a member of supergroup the Traveling Wilburys alongside George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne. The Wilburys had initially intended their first song, Handle With Care, as a one-off for the B-side of Harrison's This Is Love single. The result however was judged too good for that purpose and they decided to record an entire album ~ Petty passed away in 2017
October 20, 1947 ~ Beat guitarist Martin Baggott, full name Martin Thomas Baggott, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Lead guitarist of the Applejacks, known for a number of mid-1960s singles including Like Dreamers Do penned by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Three Little Words and the UK top 10 hit Tell Me When. The band was also the first to record I Go To Sleep, written by the Kinks singer Ray Davies. Others who have recorded the song include Cher on her 1965 All I Really Want To Do solo debut album, Peggy Lee, the Pretenders, Graham Bonnet, Soulwax, and others
October 20, 1945 ~ Singer Claes-Göran Hederström born ~ Internationally best known for representing his native Sweden in the 1968 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 5th place with Det Borjar Verka Karlek (Banne Mej) written by Peter Himmelstrand ~ Hederström passed away in 2022
October 20, 1945 ~ Richard Lee, commonly known as blues rock, blues drummer Ric Lee, born in Nottingham, UK ~ Best known as drummer of Ten Years After. Went into music publishing, production and management after the band initial disbandement in 1976
October 20, 1943 ~ Harry Fisher Henderson, commonly known as blues rock, electric blues singer, guitarist Bugs Henderson, born in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Recorded well over a dozen albums as a solo artist or with the Bugs Henderson Group or his backing unit the Shuffle Kings. Critically acclaimed for the mid-1990s albums Daredevils Of The Red Guitar and its follow-up That's The Truth. In 2012 a Benefit Bugs concert would be held to aid Henderson suffering from liver cancer. The 11-hour event included artists such as Ray Wylie Hubbard, Smokin' Joe Kubek, and Bnois King. Henderson would die four days after the benefit concert ~ Henderson passed away in 2012
October 20, 1942 ~ John Nicholas Shakespeare, commonly known as pop singer, pianist, producer, songwriter John Carter, born ~ Closely associated with Ken Lewis, the duo serving as songwriters and producers for a host of mostly UK artists from the early-1960s through the mid-1970s. Well-known songs penned or co-penned by the duo include That's What I Want (the Marauders), Is It True (Brenda Lee), Funny How Love Can Be (the Ivy League), Can't You Hear My Heartbeat (Herman's Hermits), Peek-a-boo (the New Vaudeville Band), Let's Go To San Francisco (the Flower Pot Men), and Knock Knock Who's There (Mary Hopkin)
October 20, 1938 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter César Isella born in Salta, Argentina ~ Joined Los Fronterizos in 1956 replacing Carlos Barbarab, remaining with the group through 1966. Wrote a number of the band's best known including La Fiera, Guittarreando and Un Abrazo A Corrientes. As a solo artist perhaps best known for co-writing Cancion Con Todos with poet, lyricist Armando Tejada Gómez, considered a Latin American anthem recorded by numerous artists ~ Isella passed away in 2021
October 20, 1938 ~ Kathleen O'Rourke, commonly known as singer Kathy Kirby, born in Essex, UK ~ Known for early-1960s UK hits such as Dance On, the Doris Day cover Secret Love, Let Me Go Lover, and You're The One. Represented UK at the 1965 Eurovision Songfestival with I Belong, reaching 2nd place right after France Gall's Poupée De Cire (Poupée De Son). Worked with Bert Ambrose, Nat Allen, the Denny Boyce Band, and others ~ O'Rourke passed away in 2011
October 20, 1937 ~ Singer Wanda Jackson, full name Wanda LaVonne Jackson, born in Maud, Oklahoma, USA ~ Among the first women in rock & roll. Known for a string of 1950s, 1960s hits, earning her the nickname “the Queen of Rockabilly.” Discovered by country singer Hank Thompson. Well known songs include I Gotta Know, Mean Mean Man, Fujiyama Mama, Let's Have A Party, Right Or Wrong, In The Middle Of A Heartbreak, and others
October 20, 1936 ~ Operatic mezzo-soprano Joanna Simon, full name Joanna Elizabeth Simon, born 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 passed away in 2022
October 20, 1934 ~ William Edward Chialese, commonly known as jazz-rock trumpeter Bill Chase, born in Squantum, Massachusetts, USA ~ Active since the late-1950s, backing artists such as Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton, and Woody Herman. Perhaps best known as leader and eponym of jazz-rock unit Chase, drawing from pop, rock, jazz, and blues. The band recorded the albums Chase, Ennea, and Pure Music, before Chase and three other bandmembers were killed in a plane crash while en route to a scheduled performance ~ Chialese passed away in 1974
October 20, 1934 ~ Jazz, soul jazz saxophonist Eddie Harris born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Recorded some 70 albums as a leader. As a composer best known for writing Freedom Jazz Dance, recorded and popularized by Miles Davis. Sideman on albums by Buddy Montgomery, Buddy Montgomery, Bernard Pretty Purdie, Cedar Walton, Ellis Marsalis Jr, Horace Parlan, John Scofield, Horace Parlan, and others ~ Harris passed away in 1996
October 20, 1934 ~ Rock & roll singer, pianist Roy Young, full name Roy Frederick Young, born in London, UK ~ Toured with Chuck Berry. Sessioned on David Bowie's Low album, released in January 1977. Other notable associations include the John Barry Seven, Tony Sheridan, the Beat Brothers, Cliff Bennett & the Rebel Rousers, future Foreigner member Dennis Elliott, future the Average White Band member Onnie McIntyre, Long John Baldry, Ian Hunter, Howie Casey, John Gustafson, and Jimi Magnole ~ Young passed away in 2018
October 20, 1931 ~ Singer, actress Hana Hegerová born in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia ~ Dubbed “the Queen of Czechoslovak chanson” and primarily a singer of chansons, including Czech versions of songs originally by Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Kurt Weill, and Charles Aznavour. Enjoyed some popularity in German-speaking countries, yet forced to stop her activities abroad by Czech authorities from the mid-1970s through early-1980s. Hegerová retired from music in 2011 ~ Hegerová passed away in 2021
October 20, 1931 ~ Cellist Jules Eskin, full name Jules Louis Eskin, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as principal cellist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Praised for his performances of works by Johannes Brahms, Gabriel Fauré and Ludwig van Beethoven. Also worked with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Boston Chamber Players, and the Burton Quintet Five ~ Eskin passed away in 2016
October 20, 1929 ~ Jazz, tango, nuevo tango guitarist, composer Horacio Malvicino born in Concordia, Argentina ~ Studied medicine but decided to pursue a career in music, bitten by the jazz, tango bug playing in the renowned jazz club the Bop Club Argentino in Buenos Aires. Influenced by Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt, and Benny Goodman. Most closely associated with Astor Piazzolla, including in Piazzolla's pioneering 1950s nuevo tango line-ups. Malvicino would lead several ensembles from the 1960s onward, notably the Horacio Malvicino Jazz Quintet, and has composed numerous soundtracks ~ Malvicino passed away in 2023
October 20, 1910 ~ Singer, guitarist Charlie Fuqua born ~ Co-founded the Ink Spots with Jerry Daniels and Deek Watson, remaining with the band through 1952. From 1943 through 1945 friend Bernie Mackey replaced Fuqua who served in the US Army. The band is best known for If I Didn't Care, Maybe, We Three (My Echo My Shadow & Me), Don't Get Around Much Anymore, and The Gypsy ~ Fuqua passed away in 1971
October 20, 1908 ~ Singer, songwriter Stuart Hamblen, full name Carl Stuart Hamblen, born in Kellyville, Texas, USA ~ One of radio's first singing cowboys, active from the mid-1920s onward. Perhaps best known for penning and first recording This Ole House, covered by over a 100 artists including Rosemary Clooney, Alma Cogan, the Oak Ridge Boys, Liz Anderson, Billie Jo Spears, Bette Midler, and Shakin' Stevens. Other well known songs include Texas Plains which was reworked by Patsy Montana to the million-seller I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart, the oft-covered It Is No Secret What God Can Do, and Remember Me I'm The One Who Loves You covered by Ernest Tubb, Red Foley, and Dean Martin ~ Hamblen passed away in 1989
October 20, 1907 ~ Jazz guitarist Carl Kress born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Known for late-1930s recordings such as Peg Leg Shuffle, Helena, Love Song, Sutton Mutton and Afterthoughts. Worked with Paul Whiteman, the Boswell Sisters, the Dorsey Brothers, Bix Beiderbecke, Hoagy Carmichael, Miff Mole, Red Nichols, Adrian Rollini, Frankie Trumbauer, Eddie Lang, Tony Mottola, Bobby Hackett, Pee Wee Russell, and Muggsy Spanier ~ Kress passed away in 1965
October 20, 1906 ~ Singer Johnny Moore, full name John Dudley Moore, born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Brother of guitarist Oscar Moore. Leader of the Three Blazers, which also included Charles Brown and Eddie Williams, considered one of the premier R&B units of the 1940s and a major influence on Chuck Berry. Moore would leave the band in 1948 for lack of recognition and financial reward. The two remaining Blazers would continue with a succession of lead singers, Moore would venture into a successful solo career ~ Moore passed away in 1969
October 20, 1904 ~ Florence Marjorie Robertson, commonly known as stage and film actress, singer, dancer Anna Neagle, born in Forest Gate, UK ~ Provided glamour and sophistication in war-torn London during World War II. Known for lightweight musicals, comedy and especially for her roles in historical dramas ~ Robertson passed away in 1986
October 20, 1901 ~ Jazz singer Adelaide Hall, full name Adelaide Louise Hall, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance with a career spanning seven decades. Has worked with artists such as Art Tatum, Ethel Waters, Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong, Lena Horne, Cab Calloway, Fela Sowande, Rudy Vallée, Jools Holland, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, and opthers ~ Hall passed away in 1993
October 20, 1890 ~ Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe, commonly known as ragtime, jazz pianist, arranger, bandleader Jelly Roll Morton born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Leading figure in early New Orleans jazz. Claimed to have invented jazz. Known for writing classics such as Jelly Roll Blues, King Porter Stomp, Wolverine Blues, Black Bottom Stomp, I Thought I Heard Buddy Bolden Say. Employed sidemen such as Kid Ory, Omer Simeon, George Mitchell, Johnny St Cyr, Barney Bigard, Johnny Dodds, Andrew Hilaire. Has also worked with Russell Procope, Lorenzo Tio, Artie Shaw, Ward Pinkett, Bubber Miley, Johnny Dunn, Sidney Bechet, Bud Freeman, Paul Barbarin, Cozy Cole, Zutty Singleton, and others ~ LaMothe passed away in 1941
October 20, 1819 ~ Music publisher Joseph Carr passed away in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Considered one of the most important music publishers in the early history of the United States. Known for publishing stage works, vocal music, instrumental music, mostly originally from Europe but also works by influential American composers including Alexander Reinagle and James Hewitt. Father of Thomas Carr and Benjamin Carr, both music publishers and musicians ~ Carr was born ca.1739