October 22, 1998 ~ Rodrick Wayne Moore Jr, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Roddy Ricch, born in Compton, California, USA ~ First gained attention with his 2018 single Die Young. Has collaborated with Nipsey Hussle (Racks In The Middle) and Mustard (Ballin'). Released his full-length debut album, Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial, in 2019 spawning the hit single The Box
October 22, 1992 ~ Sheyaa Bin Abraham Joseph, commonly known as rapper 21 Savage, born in London, UK ~ Atlanta-based rapper gained local attention with the 2015 mixtape Slaughter Tape before breaking through the next year with the EP Savage Mode, produced by Metro Boomin', spawning the singles X and No Heart. Released his solo debut album, Issa Album, in 2017 which debuted at No.2 on the Hot 200
October 22, 1985 ~ Kevin Michael Seward, commonly known as pop, R&B singer, songwriter Kevin Michael, born in Chester, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Cites Prince, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder as main influences. Released his eponymous Wyclef Jean-produced Kevin Michael debut album in 2007. Featured as the wedding singer in the romantic comedy 500 Days Of Summer, performing the Etta James-cover At Last
October 22, 1985 ~ Mawuli Kulego, commonly known as rapper Lazee, born in Malmö, Sweden ~ First gained serious attention in Swedish urban underground with his 2006 mixtape It Is What It Is, 5000 copies handed out free of charge. Would release his full-length Setting Standards in 2008. Known best for songs such as Rock Away, Drop Bombs, Pusherman featuring J'son and Hold On featuring Neverstore
October 22, 1985 ~ Drummer, singer Zac Hanson born in Arlington, Virginia, USA ~ Member of pop rock unit Hanson, centered around Zac and his brothers Isaac Hanson and Taylor Hanson. The band shot to fame with their Billboard Hot 100 No.1 debut single Mmmbop of their 1997 Middle Of Nowhere album while all three brothers were still in their early to mid-teens. The single I Will Come To You of the same album also reached top 10. The siblings recorded about a dozen albums since, but failed to repeat their earlier success
October 22, 1984 ~ Singer, songwriter Anca Pop born in Moldova Noua, Romania ~ Debuted in 2017 with her eponymous studio album, Anca Pop, which spawned the singles Free Love, Super Cool, Ring Around, and Loco Poco ~ Pop passed away in 2018
October 22, 1981 ~ Gospel singer Anthony Brown, full name Anthony Jamar Brown, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Active since the early 2010s. Best known for his 2015 Everyday Jesus sophomore album
October 22, 1976 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Jon Foreman born in San Bernardino, California, USA ~ Lead singer, guitarist, primary songwriter of alternative rock outfit Switchfoot, which he co-founded with drummer Chad Butler and his brother bassist Tim Foreman in 1996. Cites Elliott Smith, U2, the Police, James Taylor, the Beatles, Radiohead, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ronny Jordan, Miles Davis, Keith Green, Nirvana, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin as influences
October 22, 1968 ~ Orville Burrell, commonly known as dancehall, reggae rapper, singer Shaggy, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ First gained attention in the early-1990s with the Folkes Brothers cover Oh Carolina, used in the erotic thriller Silver. Though only a modest hit in the USA the single would reach No.1 in the UK. Burrell would however reach the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 with Bombastic and Angel featuring Rayvon
October 22, 1968 ~ Shelby Lynne Moorer, commonly known as Americana, country-rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Shelby Lynne, born in Quantico, Virginia, USA ~ Sister of singer Allison Moorer. Critics darling. Praised for her contralto voice. Well over a dozen albums to her name, starting with Sunrise released in 1989. Won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist for her 1999 I Am Shelby Lynne pop rock album, despite it being her sixth studio album. Duetted with George Jones on If I Could Bottle This Up, released as a single in 1988. Other well known songs include The Hurtin' Side, I'll Lie Myself To Sleep Again, Things Are Tough All Over and Gotta Get Back
October 22, 1967 ~ R&B singer, songwriter, producer Tony Grant, full name Anthony Grant, born in Forest City, USA ~ Briefly lead singer of AZ Yet, taking over for Marc Nelson who left the band in 1997 to pursue a solo career. Appears on the band's hit single You're The Inspiration, a cover of a Peter Cetera. Grant would in turn be replaced by Ledon Bishop
October 22, 1964 ~ Kevin Michael McKeehan, commonly known as Christian hip-hop rapper, singer, songwriter TobyMac, born in Fairfax, Virginia, USA ~ First gained attention as a member of Christian rap trio DC Talk, especially acclaimed for their 1992 Free At Last album. Following the band's disbandement in 2000 McKeehan has recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Momentum released in 2001
October 22, 1963 ~ Benedicte Christine Adrian Moutin, commonly known as singer Benedicte Adrian, born in Oslo, Norway ~ Best known as half of 1980s, 1990s pop duo Dollie de Luxe, the other half being Ingrid Bjornov. Has since sung in operas including with the Norwegian Opera and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
October 22, 1963 ~ Classical, jazz, hard rock cellist, bass guitarist, double bassist, composer Svante Henryson born ~ Worked with the World Youth Orchestra, the Oslo Philharmonic, the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, Yngwie Malmsteen, Ryan Adams, Elvis Costello, Steve Gadd, Jon Balke, Ketil Bjørnstad, Arve Henriksen, Anders Jormin, Terje Rypdal, Palle Mikkelborg, and others
October 22, 1958 ~ Drummer Bobby Blotzer, full name Robert John Blotzer, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as member of metal outfit RATT from 1982 until its disbandement in 1992, the band also including his schoolmate bassist Juan Croucier. Has also worked with Dokken, Vic Vergeat, Firefoxx, Twenty 4 Seven, Montrose, Contraband, Operation Mindcrime, and the Saints Of The Underground
October 22, 1958 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Jan Gunnar Hoff born in Bodø, Norway ~ Played with artists such as Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Lars Danielsson, John Surman, Karin Krog, Maria João, Alex Acuña, Mike Stern, Ernst-Wiggo Sandbakk, Marilyn Mazur, Anders Jormin, Arve Henriksen, Per Jorgensen, Arild Andersen, Per Mathisen, Nils Petter Molvær, Stale Storløkken, Audun Kleive, Mathias Eick, and others
October 22, 1958 ~ Hard rock drummer, keyboardist Virgil Donati born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Considered one of the most technically proficient drummers of all time. Influenced by Louie Bellson, Buddy Rich, and Ian Paice. As a solo artist especially acclaimed for his 1996 Just Add Water sophomore album. Co-founding member and principal songwriter of Planet X, known for the albums Universe and Quantum. Donati has also worked with Joe Walsh, Ring Of Fire, Bunny Brunel, Mark Boals, Frank Gambale, Seven The Hardway, and Randy Bernsen
October 22, 1957 ~ Rock, tango saxophonist, guitarist, singer Daniel Melingo born ~ With a background in rock over time gravitated towards tango. Member of Los Twist. Member of Los Abuelos De La Nada. Has also worked with Milton Nascimento, Lions In Love, David Murray, and others. Released his solo debut album H20 in 1995 and has recorded primarily as a tango singer steadily to critical acclaim since
October 22, 1946 ~ Trumpeter, singer, composer Jac Berrocal, full name Jacques Berrocal, born in St Jean D'Angely, France ~ Founded jazz ensemble Catalogue. Has also worked as a solo artist and collaborated with Ron Anderson, Pierre Bastien, Pascal Comelade, Jaki Liebezeit, David Fenech, Ghédalia Tazartés, Vincent Epplay, Jason Willett, and others
October 22, 1945 ~ Singer, songwriter Eddie Brigati, full name Edward Brigati Jr, born in Garfield, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of Joey Dee & the Starliters, taking over for his brother David Brigati. Member of blue-eyed soul outfit the Young Rascals, co-writing hits such as You Better Run, I've Been Lonely Too Long, Groovin', How Can I Be Sure, Beautiful Morning and People Got To Be Free
October 22, 1945 ~ Leslie Abel Weinstein, commonly known as guitarist, singer Leslie West, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Founding member, co-lead singer of Mountain, known for their 1970 hit Mississippi Queen of their eponymous Mountain album. West had previously been a member of the Vagrants, with whom he scored the minor hits I Can't Make A Friend and Respect. In 2009 West would marry his fiancée Jenni Maurer on stage to a crowd of 15,000 after the band's performance at the Woodstock 40th Anniversary Concert in Bethel, New York. West had also performed with Mountain at the original edition of the one-time festival the Woodstock Music and Art Fair back in 1969 ~ Weinstein passed away in 2020
October 22, 1943 ~ Classical, avant-garde violinist, conductor Paul Zukofsky born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Known for his association with some of the finest composers of contemporary classical music including Milton Babbitt, Easley Blackwood Jr, John Cage, Morton Feldman, Artur Schnabel, Roger Sessions, Stefan Wolpe, Charles Wuorinen, Iannis Xenakis, and others ~ Zukofsky passed away in 2017
October 22, 1942 ~ Singer Annette Funicello, full name Annette Joanne Funicello, born in Utica, New York, USA ~ Rose to fame as one of the most popular Mouseketeers on the original Mickey Mouse Club. Would go on to release a number of recordings in the late-1950s and early-1960s. Noted for singles such as Tall Paul, First Name Initial, O Dio Mio and Pineapple Princess ~ Funicello passed away in 2013
October 22, 1942 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bobby Fuller, full name Robert Gaston Fuller born in Baytown, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by Eddie Cochran, the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, the Everly Brothers, Dick Dale, and the Ventures. Fuller fronted the Bobby Fuller Four, its only other constant member his brother bassist Randy Fuller, the band known for songs such as Let Her Dance, Love's Made A Fool Of You, and their best known I Fought The Law. Just months after the latter, their breakout hit and to this day considered a quintessential recording of the era, reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100, Fuller was found deceased in his car at a mere age 23. The medical examiner checked both boxes for “accident” and “suicide” adding question marks. Fuller's death remains a mystery to this day ~ Fuller passed away in 1966
October 22, 1931 ~ Harold Lee Chalker, commonly known as steel guitarist Curly Chalker, was born in Enterprise, Alabama, USA ~ Worked with Lefty Frizzell including on Always Late With Your Kisses and Mom And Dad's Waltz. Worked with Hank Thompson including on Cryin' In The Deep Blue Sea and The Wild Side Of Life. Also backed Red Foley, Porter Wagoner, Hank Penny, Willie Nelson, Ray Price, and Bill Haley. Also guested on recordings outside country and swing such as Marie Osmond's Paper Roses and Simon & Garfunkel's 1969 hit The Boxer. Member of the Four Giants Of Swing, alongside jazz violinist Joe Venuti, guitarist Eldon Shamblin and mandolinist Jethro Burns ~ Chalker passed away in 1998
October 22, 1929 ~ Jazz pianist, conductor, composer Giorgio Gaslini born in Milan, Italy ~ Worked with Anthony Braxton, Steve Lacy, Don Cherry, Roswell Rudd, Max Roach, Gato Barbieri, Jean-Luc Ponty, Enrico Rava, Kent Carter, Jean-François Jenny-Clark, I Nuovi Angeli, Pierro Leveratto, Gianni Bedori, Julius Farmer, Paolo Damiani, Roberto Ottaviano, Claudio Fasoli, Bruno Tomasso, Daniele di Gregorio, Roberto Bonati, and others ~ Gaslini passed away in 2014
October 22, 1928 ~ Douglas Clare Fischer, commonly known as keyboardist, arranger, composer Clare Fischer, born in Durand, Michigan, USA ~ Best known for penning and first recording Pensative and Morning, the former covered by the likes of George Shearing, Art Blakey, and Freddie Hubbard, while the latter has been covered by Sérgio Mendes, Donald Byrd, and Tito Puente. As a leader or solo pianist, Fischer has recorded over fifty albums since the early-1960s including perhaps most notably America The Beautiful, Starbright, Just Me (Solo Piano Excursions), and On A Turquoise Cloud. As a sideman, Fischer has appeared on albums by Cal Tjader, the Jazz Crusaders, Quincy Jones, Marvin Gaye, Henry Mancini, Moacir Santos, Hubert Laws (In The Beginning), Art Pepper, George Benson (Give Me The Night), and Jeff Berlin, while as an arranger he has worked with Chaka Khan, DeBarge, Robert Palmer, Prince (Diamonds And Pearls), Diane Schuur, Céline Dion, Tony Toni Toné, and Al Jarreau ~ Fischer passed away in 2012
October 22, 1926 ~ Ivor Pomerance, commonly known as pianist, songwriter, arranger, producer Ivor Raymonde, born ~ Best known as arranger and songwriter for Frankie Vaughan, Helen Shapiro, the Walker Brothers, Alan Price, and notably Dusty Springfield, including Springfield's I Only Want To Be With You debut single which reached top 10 in her native UK. Raymond's son bassist, keyboardist Simon Raymonde would reach success as a member of the 1980s, 1990s dream pop pioneers the Cocteau Twins and later co-found the Bella Union record label ~ Pomerance passed away in 1990
October 22, 1925 ~ Dorothy Veronica Langan, commonly known as songwriter, singer, guitarist Dory Previn, born in New Jersey, USA ~ In-demand Hollywood songwriter during the late-1950s and 1960s, mostly in partnership with her husband André Previn who often also conducted the film versions of their songs. The couple have received Academy Award nominations for The Faraway Part Of Town from the film Pepe, One Two Three Waltz from One Two Three, and A Second Chance from Two For The Seesaw. Artists who have recorded songs co-written by Previn include Doris Day (Control Yourself), Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra (You're Gonna Hear From Me), Dionne Warwick ((Theme From) Valley Of The Dolls), John Williams, and Liza Minnelli (Come Saturday Morning). Following the couple's divorce in 1970, Previn has recorded half a dozen albums as a singer including the highly acclaimed Mary C Brown And The Hollywood Sign released in 1972 ~ Langan passed away in 2023
October 22, 1925 ~ Classical flutist Elaine Shaffer born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Student of William Kincaid. Shaffer played with the Kansas City Philharmonic, was principal flute of the the Houston Symphony, and worked as a soloist playing festivals with violinist Yehudi Menuhin, pianist Hephzibah Menuhin, and harpsichordist George Malcolm. Composer Ernest Bloch dedicated two works to her, Suite Modale and Two Last Poems (Maybe) ~ Shaffer passed away in 1973
October 22, 1898 ~ John Dickson Kelley, commonly known as jazz pianist, bandleader Peck Kelley, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Best known for leading the 1920s band Peck's Bad Boys, which at times also included Jack Teagarden, Louis Prima, Terry Shand, Wingy Manone, Leon Roppolo and Pee Wee Russell ~ Kelley passed away in 1980
October 22, 1895 ~ Songwriter, music publisher Reg Connelly, full name Reginald John Connelly, born in Buckhurst Hill, UK ~ Frequent songwriting, music publishing partner of Jimmy Campbell, the pair at times publishing or writing music under the common moniker Irving King. The pair wrote or co-wrote a number of oft-covered 1920, 1930s songs including Show Me The Way To Go Home (the New Princes Toronto Band, the California Ramblers, Julie London), If I Had You (the Piccadilly Players, Ben Selvin, Art Tatum), Goodnight Sweetheart (the New Mayfair Dance Orchestra, Ruth Etting, Dean Martin, the Flamingos, Connie Francis), By The Fireside (Buddy Campbell, Vera Lynn, Jo Stafford), Try A Little Tenderness (Jack Payne, Frank Sinatra, Jackie Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding), and Just An Echo In The Valley (Bing Crosby, Ray Noble, Rudy Vallée) ~ Connelly passed away in 1963
October 22, 1811 ~ Composer, pianist Franz Liszt born in Doborjan, Hungary ~ Prolific composer from the Romantic era, one of the most prominent figures in New German School (Neudeutsche Schule). Friend and musical promoter to many composers of his time including Frédéric Chopin, Richard Wagner, Hector Berlioz, Robert Schumann, Camille Saint-Saëns, Edvard Grieg, Ole Bull, Joachim Raff, Mikhail Glinka, and Alexander Borodin ~ Liszt passed away in 1886