October 23, 2022 ~ Cowboy singer, guitarist, songwriter Don Edwards passed away ~ After spending years in obscurity rose to critical acclaim in the 1990s. Especially praised for the albums Songs Of The Trail released in 1993 and High Lonesome Cowboy released in 2002, the latter featuring backing from Peter Rowan and Tony Rice. Guested on Nanci Griffith's Night Rider's Lament of her Other Voices Other Rooms album released in 1993. Also known as an actor, notably appearing in the 1998 The Horse Whisperer film portraying the role of Smokey ~ Edwards was born ca.1935
October 23, 2022 ~ Operatic soprano Galina Pisarenko, full name Galina Alekseyevna Pisarenko, passed away ~ Best known for her association with the Stanislavski And Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre, remaining with the ensemble from 1961 through 1990. Also worked regularly with the Komische Oper Berlin during the 1970s, notably performing the title role in Carmen in 1976 ~ Pisarenko was born in 1934
October 23, 2022 ~ Conductor Libor Pesek passed away ~ Considered one of the premier conductors of his day with a career spanning seven decades. Best known for his interpretations of Czech music, including championing lesser known composers such as Josef Suk and Vítezslav Novák. Closely associated with the Czech Philharmonic, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic ~ Pesek was born in 1933
October 23, 2021 ~ Conductor, composer Alfredo Diez Nieto passed away ~ Founded and conducted the Orquesta Popular De Conciertos. Composed symphonies and chamber music, incorporating elements from traditional Cuban folk music. Well known works include Los Diablitos, Estampas and Sudor Y Látigo. Led the band of the Cuban Revolutionary Army in 1965 and 1966. Also closely associated with the Orquesta Sinfonica De La Escuala Nacional De Musica and the Orquesta Sinfonica De Camaguey, acclaimed for his interpretations of works composed by the likes of Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Ignacio Cervantes, Alejandro García Caturla, Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Eduardo Sánchez de Fuentes and Antonio Vivaldi ~ Nieto was born in 1918
October 23, 2020 ~ Ronald Clyde Crosby, commonly known as country, outlaw country singer, guitarist, songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker, passed away in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Best known for penning Mr Bojangles, covered by numerous artists including the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, JJ Cale, King Curtis, Bobbie Gentry, Whitney Houston, Harry Nilsson, Johnny Paycheck, Bob Dylan, and Nina Simone. Other well known songs include Jaded Lover, The Pickup Truck Song, and Trashy Women ~ Crosby was born in 1942
October 23, 2016 ~ Dance-pop, synthpop, new wave singer Pete Burns, full name Peter Jozzeppi Burns, passed away in London, UK ~ Founded Nightmares In Wax by the late 1970s. The band would reach mainstream succes after renaming themselves Dead Or Alive, best known for their UK No.1 hit (You Spin Me Round) Like A Record of their 1984 Youthquake sophomore album. The single would also reach top 10 across Europe, and remains a radio staple to this day as one of the era's most vibrant songs. The band would continue to chart throughout the end of the decade, notably with singles such as Lover Come Back To Me, In Too Deep, and Something In My House ~ Burns was born in 1959
October 23, 2015 ~ Banjoist, steel guitarist Bill Keith, full name William Bradford Keith, passed away in Woodstock, New York, USA ~ Joined Bill Monroe's quintessential bluegrass outfit the Blue Grass Boys in 1963. Has collaborated with Ian & Sylvia, Clarence White, David Grisman, Tony Trischka, Red Allen, Jim Kweskin & the Jug Band, Muleskinner, Jim Rooney, Peter Rowan, the Great Speckled Bird, the Bee Gees, Judy Collins, Marcel Dadi, the Woodstock Mountain Revue, and others ~ Keith was born in 1939
October 23, 2015 ~ Folk singer, actor Leon Bibb passed away in Vancouver, Canada ~ Father of Eric Bibb, with whom he also recorded. Performed at the first the Newport Folk Festival in 1959. Blacklisted during the late 1950s for alleged ties to left-wing groups and causes. Acclaimed for his performance on the soundtrack to the 1960 Luis Bunuel-film The Young One ~ Bibb was born in 1922
October 23, 2014 ~ Bernard William Jewry, commonly known as singer, actor Alvin Stardust, passed away in West Sussex, UK ~ Best known for his glam-rock era UK hits including Jealous Mind, You You You, Good Love Can Never Die, Pretend and I Feel Like Buddy Holly ~ Jewry was born in 1942
October 23, 2014 ~ Gloria Jeanne Black, commonly known as singer Jeanne Black passed away in Orem, Utah, USA ~ Best known for her appearances on Cliffie Stone's television program Jamboree from 1956 to 1959 and for a number of early 1960s Capitol Records singles including He'll Have To Stay, a No.4 Billboard Hot 100 hit and an answer song to Jim Reeves's He'll Have To Go ~ Black was born in 1937
October 23, 2013 ~ John Phlip Cawthra, commonly known as guitarist, bassist, singer Gypie Mayo, passed away ~ Member of Dr Feelgood from 1977 through 1981. Co-wrote the band's best-known, the UK top 10 hit Milk And Alcohol, with Nick Lowe. Also present on songs such as She's A Wind Up, Down At The Doctor's, As Long As The Price Is Right and Put Him Out Of Your Mind. Worked with a latter day incarnation of the Yardbirds from 1996 through 2004 ~ Cawthra was born in 1951
October 23, 2008 ~ Horace Eldred Dill, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Danny Dill, passed away in Davidson County, Tennessee, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Lefty Frizzell's Long Black Veil, Patsy Cline's So Wrong, Bobby Bare's Detroit City, and others ~ Dill was born in 1924
October 23, 2004 ~ Moishe Miller, commonly known as operatic baritone, actor Robert Merrill, passed away in New Rochelle, New York, USA ~ Worked with the NBC Symphony Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera, Jussi Björling, Risë Stevens, and others ~ Merrill was born in 1917
October 23, 2001 ~ Russell Kershaw, commonly known as cajun, country, folk, bluegrass singer, guitarist, songwriter Rusty Kershaw, born in Tiel Ridge, Louisiana, USA ~ Half of Rusty & Doug, the other half being his brother Doug Kershaw, best known for their recording of Louisiana Man ~ Kershaw was born in 1938
October 23, 1998 ~ Country, gospel singer, songwriter Emily Ann Roberts born in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA ~ Reached 2nd place, behind Jordan Smith, in 9th season of NBC's talent show The Voice, aired in 2015
October 23, 1985 ~ Folk, bluegrass guitarist Merle Watson, full name Eddy Merle Watson, passed away in Lenoir, North Carolina, USA ~ Son of guitarist Doc Watson, with whom he also worked from age 15 until his death at age 36 ~ Watson was born in 1949
October 23, 1985 ~ Miguel Jontel Pimentel, mononymously known as rapper, singer, actor Miguel, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Merges R&B, funk, hip-hop, rock and pop. Drew critical comparison to Kenneth Babyface Edmonds and Prince. Released his full-length All I Want Is You in 2010. Known best for songs such as All i Want Is You featuring J Cole, Adorn and Sky Walker featuring Travis Scott
October 23, 1983 ~ Singer, actor Josh Strickland born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ First gained serious attention as contestant in 2003 as contestant on the talent show American Idol aired on Fox. Would go on to feature in a 2006 Broadway production of Tarzan. Also performed in the Vegas burlesque show Peepshow
October 23, 1981 ~ Jazz, R&B singer, guitarist, promoter Bardu Ali passed away in Inglewood, California, USA ~ Worked with Napoleon Zyas, Leroy Tibbs, Chick Webb, Lew Leslie, Johnny Otis, and others ~ Ali was born ca.1906
October 23, 1978 ~ Maybelle Addington, commonly known as guitarist, auto-harpist, singer Mother Maybelle Carter, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of the Carter Family, one of the most beloved and influential family outfits in country music. Helped establish the guitar as a lead instrument in country music. Member of the Carter Sisters. Married to manager Ezra Carter, with whom she had three daughters Helen Carter, Anita Carter and June Carter ~ Carter was born in 1909
October 23, 1975 ~ Jessica Fodera, commonly known as alternative rock, goth rock, noise pop singer. songwriter Jessicka born ~ Co-founding member, frontwoman of Jack Off Jill and besides bassist, keyboardist Robin Moulder the only other constant member. Following the band's initial disbandement co-founded and fronted Scarling
October 23, 1974 ~ Chris Sullivan, commonly known as DJ, producer, remixer DJ Spinbad, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as DJ, remixer on the New York radio station WHTZ. Has also toured with Moby ~ Sullivan passed away in 2020
October 23, 1972 ~ Britpop, indie guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, singer Richard McNamara born in Mytholmroyd, UK ~ Member of rock outfit Embrace, sharing lead vocals with his older brother Danny McNamara. The band is known for a string of hits starting in the late 1990s including the UK top 10 hits All You Good People, Come Back To What You Know, My Weakness Is None Of Your Business, Gravity, Nature's Law, and World At Your Feet
October 23, 1969 ~ Singer, songwriter Tommy Edwards, full name Thomas Jefferson Edwards, passed away in Henrico County, Virginia, USA ~ Known for a string of late 1950s hits including Love's All We Need, Please Mr Sun and his best-known It's All In The Game, the latter topping the charts in 1958 ~ Edwards was born in 1922
October 23, 1967 ~ Sludge metal, grunge, hardcore punk, experimental rock drummer, guitarist, singer Dale Crover born in Aberdeen, Washington, USA ~ Critically acclaimed. In-demand session and touring drummer. Best known as member of the Melvins. Also closely associated with Men Of Porn, Shrinebuilder, Crystal Fairy, and briefly Nirvana. Guitarist, singer for Altamont. Toured with the Fantomas filling in for Dave Lombardo, with OFF and with Red Kross. Has also recorded as a solo artist, notably the 2017 The Fickle Finger Of Fate album
October 23, 1966 ~ Rock guitarist, singer Jimi Hendrix records Hey Joe ~ The authorship of the song has been contested, both Dino Valenti and Billy Roberts being named as possible authors. It would become a rock standard recorded by many, most likely first recorded by garage rockers the Leaves. The best known version however would be Hendrix who released it as a single produced by Chas Chandler, b/w Stone Free, in December 1966. It has since become a standard covered by hundreds of artists
October 23, 1965 ~ Petra Pierrette Burger, commonly known as classical crossover singer, musical actress, composer Petra Berger, born in Amstelveen, the Netherlands ~ Formed Chess with her sister Lida Berger, known for I Know Him So Well and Never Change A Winning Team. Has played in musicals such as Cyrano De Bergerac, The Phantom Of The Opera, The Beauty And The Beast. Released her solo debut album Eternal Woman in 2001
October 23, 1963 ~ Pop singer Bobby Vinton records My Heart Belongs To Only You ~ Written by Frank Daniels and Dorothy Daniels. Previously recorded by Bette McLaurin, June Christy, and by Jackie Wilson, Vinton's 1964 single, featuring Warm And Tender on the flipside, would become the most successful, reaching top 10 Billboard Hot 100
October 23, 1962 ~ Punk rock, alternative rock guitarist, bassist Ken Fleming born in Winnipeg, Canada ~ Got his start in music as bassist for hardcore punk outfit the Unwanted, remaining with the band through 1985 and present on the 1984 Shattered Silence album. Would go on to work with Grey Skies, SNFU, Econoline Crush, Dog Eat Dogma, Ani Kyd, the Real McKenzies, Isolation 3, Pervcore, Schulz, and others
October 23, 1960 ~ Jazz alto, tenor saxophonist Porter Kilbert passed away ~ Worked with Nat Towles, Benny Carter, Willard Brown, Curly Russell, Max Roach, Oscar Bradley, Ulysses Livingston, Sonny White, Teddy Brannon, Bumps Myer, Gene Porter, Alton Moore, JJ Johnson, Shorty Haughton, Claude Dunson, Snooky Young, Freddie Webster, Gerald Wilson, Jake Porter, Roy Eldridge, Red Saunders, Coleman Hawkins, Fats Navarro, Milt Jackson, Hank Jones, Clarence Samuels, Horace Henderson, Quincy Jones, Phil Woods, Carmen McRae, and others ~ Kilbert was born in 1921
October 23, 1959 ~ Alfred Matthew Yankovic, commonly known as singer Weird Al Yankovic, born in Lynwood, California, USA ~ Known for his humurous songs, often parodying specific pop songs and pop culture in general. Among his best-known are Eat It parodying Michael Jackson's Beat It, Like A Surgeon parodying Madonna's Like A Virgin, and White & Nerdy parodying Chamillionaire's Ridin'. Also an in-demand music video director, having worked with Ben Folds, Hanson, the Black Crowes, the Presidents of the United States, and others
October 23, 1957 ~ Abraham Simon, commonly known as bandleader, drummer Abe Lyman passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Popular bandleader from the 1920s through the 1940s ~ Simon was born in 1897
October 23, 1956 ~ Jazz singer Dianne Reeves born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ While still in high school, Reeves was discovered by Clark Terry. Reeves sang with Stanley Turrentine, Lenny White, joined Caldera, formed Night Flight with Billy Childs, toured with Harry Belafonte. Has been named a successor to Dinah Washington and Carmen McRae and her sound has been compared to Patti Austin, Vanessa Rubin, Anita Baker, and Regina Belle. As a solo artist Reeves has been releasing records since the early 1980s
October 23, 1956 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Dwight Yoakam. full name Dwight David Yoakam, born in Pikeville, Kentucky, USA ~ Known for songs such as Guitars Cadillacs, Little Sister, the Buck Owens-duet Streets Of Bakersfield, I Sang Dixie, I Got You, You're The One, It Only Hurts When I Cry, Ain't That Lonely Yet, A Thousand Miles From Nowhere, and others
October 23, 1956 ~ Jazz trombonist Joel Helleny born in Paris, Texas, USA ~ Worked with Mel Lewis, Roy Eldridge, Benny Goodman, the Memphis Nighthawks, Buck Clayton, Jimmy McGriff, George Wein, Frank Wess, Randy Sandke, Warren Vache Jr, Kenny Davern, Scott Hamilton, Greg Cohen, Keith Ingham, Marty Grosz, and others ~ Helleny passed away in 2009
October 23, 1955 ~ Pianist, hornist, percussionist, film composer Graeme Revell born in Auckland, New Zealand ~ Rose to fame in the 1980s as frontman of industrial, electronic outfit SPK. After the band folded has worked primarily as a film composer, well known credits including the soundtracks to The Crow, From Dusk To Dawn, Bride Of Chucky, Lara Croft Tomb Raider, and Sin City
October 23, 1952 ~ Drummer Pierre Moerlen born in Colmar, France ~ Member of Gong, present on acclaimed albums such as Angel's Egg and You. Closely associated with Mike Oldfield, appearing on about half a dozen of Oldfield's albums starting with 1975's Ommadawn. Has also worked with Steve Hillage, Slap Happy, Mick Taylor, Sally Oldfield, Phil Lynott, Biréli Lagrène, and others ~ Moerlen passed away in 2005
October 23, 1951 ~ Jazz trumpeter, saxophonist, accordionist, bandleader Charlie Creath, full name Charlie Cyril Creath, passed away ~ Played in circus orchestras, in theatres, on riverboats. Worked with Gene Sedric, Fate Marable, Ed Allen, Pops Foster, Jerome Don Pasquall, Leonard Davis, Lonnie Johnson, and others ~ Creath was born in 1890
October 23, 1951 ~ Carlos Alberto Garcia, commonly known as singer, songwriter Charly García, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ One of the most influential Latin American rock singers. Member of two of Argentina's most important bands, Sui Generis in the 1970s, Serú Girán in the 1980s. Member of progressive rock outfit Las Maquia De Hacer Pajaros. Member of folk-rock supergroup Porsuigieco
October 23, 1951 ~ David Steinfath, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter David Wills born in Pulaski, Tennessee, USA ~ As a singer debuted in 1975 with the album Barrooms To Bedrooms. Regularly hit the country charts through the late 1980s, best known for songs such as There's A Song On The Jukebox, The Eyes Of A Stranger and Miss Understanding. Staff songwriter for BMI and its subsidiairy Pride Music Group. Co-wrote George Straitt's If You're Thinking You Want A Stranger There's One Coming Home with Blake Mevis, co-wrote Garth Brooks' Wild Horses with Bill Shore
October 23, 1951 ~ Classical, tango guitarist Juanjo Domínguez born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Virtuoso guitarist acclaimed for his speed and his three string tremolos ~ Dominguez passed away in 2019
October 23, 1950 ~ Singer Al Jolson passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Dubbed the “King of Blackface” performers, performing with a tainted blackface depicting African-Americans, though he has been credited to fight racism on Broadway as early as 1911. Starred in the first talking picture The Jazz Singer in 1927, followed by a series of successful musical films during the 1930s. The first to perform for WW2 troops overseas. The first to perform for the military overseas during the Korean war, a tour which left him physically exhausted. He was posthumously awarded the Medal for Merit by Defense Secretary Marshall. ~ Jolson was born in 1886
October 23, 1950 ~ Pop, rock, jazz guitarist, songwriter Harry Sacksioni born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Worked with Herman van Veen, Erik van der Wurff, Frank Boeijen, and others
October 23, 1949 ~ Albert Wesley Wilson, commonly known as jazz pianist Buster Wilson, passed away ~ Worked with King Oliver, Dink Johnson, Charlie Lawrence, Mutt Carey, Jimmie Noone, Curtis Mosby, Paul Howard, Lionel Hampton, Les Hite, Jelly Roll Morton, Mutt Carey, Ed Garland, Jimmie Noone, Kid Ory, Bud Scott, Zutty Singleton, and others ~ Wilson was born ca.1897
October 23, 1949 ~ Krautrock, progressive rock, electronic drummer, keyboardist Harald Grosskopf born in Hildesheim, Germany ~ Important figure in German Krautrock. Early member of a then-unknown the Scorpions during the late 1960s. Closely associated with Klaus Schulze, including on the pivotal Moondawn released in 1976. Member of Wallenstein and Ashra. Co-founded Lilli Berlin, remaining with the band from 1980 through 1983. Acclaimed for his 1980 Synthesist solo debut album, considered a cult classic in German electronic music. Has also worked with the Cosmic Jokers, Joachim Witt, Bernd Kistenmacher, Mario Schönwäder, 17 Hippies, and others
October 23, 1949 ~ Singer Perry Tavares, full name Perry Lee Tavares, born ~ Member of sibling R&B, disco outfit Tavares, known best for She's Gone, It Only Takes A Minute, Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel, Don't Take Away The Music and More Than A Woman, the latter notably featured on 1977 Saturday Night Fever soundtrack
October 23, 1949 ~ Michael Richard Burston, commonly known as metal, hard rock guitarist Würzel, born in Cheltenham, UK ~ Best known as Motörhead guitarist from 1985 through 1995, playing on six studio albums, starting with 1986's Orgasmatron, and two live-albums. Has since guested with the band on occassion, released a modest amount of solo recordings, and was reportedly working on new material at the time of his death ~ Wurzel passed away in 2011
October 23, 1948 ~ Singer Belita Woods, full name Belita Karen Wood, born ~ Lead singer of Brainstorm, known for We're On Our Way Home, If You Ever Need To Cry, and Loving Is Really My Game. Also sang with the P-Funk All-Stars, Parliament, and Funkadelic ~ Woods passed away in 2012
October 23, 1948 ~ Pianist, composer, arranger Jordi Sabatés born in Barcelona, Spain ~ Member of folk-rock band Pic-nic. Formed 1970s band Jarka. Composed several scores for feature films and documentaries. Collaborated with Toti Soler, Maria Del Mar Bonet, and others ~ Sabatés passed away in 2022
October 23, 1948 ~ Richard Bull, commonly known as pub rock banjoist Richie Bull, born in Corringham, UK ~ Banjoist for pub rock outfit the Kursaal Flyers, best known for Little Does She Know which reached top 20 in the band's native UK in 1977
October 23, 1947 ~ Guitarist, singer Preston Shannon born in Olive Branch, Mississippi, USA ~ Released his debut album, Break The Ice, in 1994. Known for songs such as Beale Street Boogaloo, Midnight In Memphis, and Tired Of The Ghetto Bringing Me Down ~ Shannon passed away in 2018
October 23, 1946 ~ Folk singer Agnes Buen Garnås born in Telemark, Norway ~ Known for her renditions of ancient unaccompanied Norwegian ballads
October 23, 1945 ~ Jazz, R&B saxophonist Ernie Watts, full name Ernest James Watts, born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Buddy Rich, Doc Severinsen, Marvin Gaye, Torsten de Winkel, Tom Coster, Charlie Haden, Gene Ammons, Paul Anka, Willie Bobo, Brass Fever, Kenny Burrell, Donald Byrd, Jennifer Holliday, Lee Ritenour, David Axelrod, Joe Cocker, Boz Scaggs, Gloria Gaynor, Sarah Vaughan, Aaron Neville, Bill Withers, Natalie Cole, Randy Crawford, James Taylor, Paul McCartney, Patti Austin, Bob Seger, Deniece Williams, Marvin Gaye (Let's Get It On), Maria Muldaur, Aretha Franklin, Michael Franks, Bonnie Raitt (Takin' My Time), Cheryl Lynn, Charlie Haden, Betty Wright, Cher, Bobby Hutcherson, Barbra Streisand, Jim Messina, JJ Johnson, Teena Marie, Quincy Jones, Glenn Frey, John Mayall, Randy Newman (Trouble In Paradise), Carmen McRae, Helen Reddy, Donna Summer, Gerald Wilson, and others
October 23, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist Kim Larsen born in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Co-founded Gasolin alongside Franz Beckerlee and Will Jonsson. Also fronted Jungledreams, Bellami, Bell Star and Kjukken ~ Larsen passed away in 2018
October 23, 1945 ~ Singer Rosa Lee Hawkins born ~ Original member of the Dixie Cups alongside her sister Barbara Ann Hawkins and cousin Joan Marie Johnson, best known for their 1964 millionseller Chapel Of Love ~ Hawkins passed away in 2022
October 23, 1943 ~ Singer Barbara Ann Hawkins born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Original member of the Dixie Cups alongside her sister Rosa Lee Hawkins and their cousin Joan Marie Johnson, best known for their 1964 millionseller Chapel Of Love
October 23, 1943 ~ Benjamin Anzelwitz, commonly known as bandleader, violinist, songwriter Ben Bernie, passed away in Hollywood, California, USA ~ One of the first generation of stars, alongside Paul Whiteman, Ted Lewis, Al Jolson. Started in vaudeville. First to record Sweet Georgia Brown which he co-wrote with Maceo Pinkard and Kenneth Casey, the song would become a jazz standard ~ Bernie was born in 1891
October 23, 1942 ~ Ralph Reichenthal, commonly known as composer Ralph Rainger, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Moanin' Low (Libby Holman, Leo Reisman, Lena Horne), Havin' Myself A Time (Kay Kyser, Billie Holiday), Easy Living (Teddy Wilson, Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington), June In January (Richard Himber, Guy Lombardo, Julie London), A Guy What Makes His Time (Mae West), Blue Hawaii (Bing Crosby, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley), Thanks For The Memory (Dorothy Lamour, Bob Hope, Benny Goodman), and You're A Sweet Little Heartache (Henry Kings, Artie Shaw, Red Norvo) ~ Reichental was born in 1901
October 23, 1941 ~ Rock, blues-rock, boogie rock, hard rock bassist Greg Ridley, full name Alfred Gregory Ricley, born in Carlisle, UK ~ Co-founding member of Spooky Tooth. Co-founding member of Humble Pie remaining with the band until its initial disbandement. The band is known for songs such as Black Coffee, 30 Days In The Hole, I Don't Need No Doctor and Natural Born Boogie ~ Ridley passed away in 2003
October 23, 1941 ~ Conductor Lawrence Foster born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Worked with the San Francisco Ballet, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Houston Symphony, the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, and others
October 23, 1940 ~ Eleanor Louise Greenwich, commonly known as songwriter, singer Ellie Greenwich, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Rose to fame as half of husband-wife songwriter team with Jeff Barry responsible for 1960s hits such as Da-doo-ron-ron and Then He Kissed Me (the Crystals), Be My Baby and Baby I Love You (the Ronettes), Chapel Of Love (the Dixie Cups), The Leader Of The Pack (the Shangri-la's), River Deep Mountain High (Ike & Tina Turner), and others ~ Greenwich passed away in 2009
October 23, 1940 ~ Drummer Freddie Marsden born in Liverpool, UK ~ Original member of Gerry & the Pacemakers, alongside Les Chadwick, Arthur McMahon and his brother Gerry Marsden, known for a string of 1960s UK hits such as How Do You Do It, I Like It, You'll Never Walk Alone, I'm The One, Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying and Ferry Cross The Mersey ~ Marsden passed away in 2006
October 23, 1940 ~ Singer, guitarist, actor Jordan Christopher born in Youngstown, Ohio, USA ~ Early member of the Wild Ones, leaving the band shortly after the release of their 1965 The Arthur Sound debut album ~ Christopher passed way in 1996
October 23, 1939 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Archie Fisher, full name Archie MacDonald Fisher, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Brother to singers Cilla Fisher and Ray Fisher. Worked with Robin Williamson, Clive Palmer, Mike Heron, the Incredible String Band, Barbara Dickson, Tommy Makem, Liam Clancy, Tom Paxton, Garnet Rogers, Frightened Rabbit, and others
October 23, 1939 ~ Guitarist, singer Charlie Foxx born in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA ~ Half of R&B, soul duo Inez & Charlie Foxx, the other half his sister Inez Foxx, best known for their hit single Mockingbird which reached the Billboard top 10 in 1963 ~ Foxx passed away in 1998
October 23, 1937 ~ John Lewis Carrell, commonly known as rock & roll, rockabilly singer, guitarist Johnny Carroll, born in Cleburne, Texas, USA ~ Known for a number of mid to late 1950s singles, at the time unnoticed but in hindsight regarded as rockabilly classics. Well known songs include Rock 'n Roll Ruby, Hot Rock and Sugar ~ Carrell passed away in 1995
October 23, 1937 ~ Singer Yvonne Staples born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Occassional member of the Staple Singers, replacing her brother Mavis Staples during his time in the Army and again, briefly, in 1970. Present on the band's best-known album, Be Altitude (Respect Yourself), which included the band's biggest hit singles Respect Yourself and I'll Take You There. The latter would reach the No.1 spot on both the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts ~ Staples passed away in 2018
October 23, 1933 ~ Carol Augustus Anthony, commonly known as soul blues, swamp pop singer, pianist, songwriter Carol Fran, born in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA ~ Known for a number of 1960s singles, notably a 1962 swamp pop version of The Great Pretender. Has worked with artists such as Guitar Slim, Nappy Brown, Lee Dorsey, Joe Tex. Resurged in the 1990s releasing a string of albums, often collaborating with her husband guitarist Clarence Hollimon, including the Soul Sensation album released in 1992 ~ Anthony passed away in 2021
October 23, 1933 ~ Composer, arranger, vibraphonist, singer Gary McFarland born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Bill Evans, Gerry Mulligan, Johnny Hodges, John Lewis, Stan Getz, Bob Brookmeyer, Anita O'Day, Gary Burton, Shirley Scott, Zoot Sims, Wendy & Bonnie, Gábor Szabó, Lena Horne, Steve Kuhn, and others ~ McFarland passed away in 1971
October 23, 1931 ~ Diana Mary Fluck, commonly known as actress, singer Diana Dors, born in Swindon, UK ~ First launched as a blonde bombshell in the style of Marilyn Monroe, known for her roles in risqué comedies and as a model. Known for songs such as I Feel So Mmm, April Heart and So Little Time ~ Fluck passed away in 1984
October 23, 1930 ~ Wilson Anthony Chavis, commonly known as accordionist, singer, bandleader, songwriter Boozoo Chavis, born in Church Point, Louisiana, USA ~ Zydeco pioneer dubbed “the Creole Cowboy” for his background of raising horses and for his signature white Stetson hat ~ Chavis passed away in 2001
October 23, 1927 ~ Pol Lallemand, commonly known as jazz percussionist, vibraphonist, singer, composer Fat Sadi, born in Andenne, Belgium ~ Worked with Bobby Jaspar, Don Byas, Aime Barelli, Django Reinhardt, Martial Solal, Sahib Shihab, Andre Hodeir, Zoot Sims, and others ~ Lallemand passed away in 2009
October 23, 1927 ~ William Criss, commonly known as saxophonist Sonny Criss born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Charlie Parker. Worked with Johnny Otis, Billy Eckstine, Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, Buddy Rich, Lou Rawls, Esther Phillips, Hampton Hawes, and others ~ Criss passed away in 1977
October 23, 1925 ~ Songwriter Manos Hadjidakis born in Xanthi, Greece ~ Leading figure in the entekhno genre. Internationally best known for penning Ta Pedia Tou Pirea, the Academy Award-winning theme song of the 1960 film Never On Sunday as sung by Melina Mercouri. The song would be covered by numerous artists in various languages and is best known in the English version as Never On Sunday, recorded by Don Costa, Billy Eckstine, Bing Crosby, Eartha Kitt, Petula Clark, and others ~ Hadjidakis passed away in 1994
October 23, 1925 ~ Classical, entekhno, film composer, pianist, violinist, accordionist Manos Hatzidakis born in Xanthi, Greece ~ Member of the Greek Resistance during World War II. Widely recognized as one the premier Greek composers and onne of the main proponents of the Entekhno genre. Closely associated with Nana Moskouri, who recorded several of his songs including Never On Sunday used as the theme song for the 1960 comedy film of the same name. The song would earn Hatzidakis an Academy Award and become a worldwide hit. In total Hatzidakis has written over two dozen soundtracks ~ Hatzidakis passed away in 1994
October 23, 1923 ~ Composer Ned Rorem born in Richmond, Indiana, USA ~ Wrote operas, symphonies, orchestral, chamber choral and vocal music. Perhaps best known for Air Music (Ten Etudes For Orchestra), which premiered in 1975 and earned Rorem a Pullitzer Prize for Music ~ Rorem passed away in 2022
October 23, 1922 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Bernard Peiffer born in Epinal, France ~ Member of the French Resistance during World War II. Worked with Andre Ekyan and with Django Reinhardt ~ Peiffer passed away in 1976
October 23, 1919 ~ Singer, actress, environmental activist Katie Lee born in Aledo, Illinois, USA ~ Earned the nickname “the Desert Goddess of Glenn Canyon” for her activism opposing the Glen Canyon Dam, calling for the canyon to be returned to its natural state. As a singer active since the mid-1950s and best known for her acclaimed Love's Little Sisters released in 1975 ~ Lee passed away in 2017
October 23, 1918 ~ Actor, guitarist Ulrik Neumann born in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Father of guitarist Mikael Neumann anad singer Ulla Neumann. Perhaps best known as an actor, appearing in some 20 films from 1940 through the mid-1960s. As a guitarist known as one third of the trio the Swe-Danes alongside singer Alice Babs and violinist Svend Asmussen, active during the late 1950s and early 1960s ~ Neumann passed away in 1994
October 23, 1901 ~ Bandleader, songwriter Moe Jaffe born in Vilnius, Lithuania ~ Has co-written over 250 songs including Collegiate (Waring's Pennsylvanians, the Revelers, the Crew Cuts), If I Had My Life To Live Over (Larry Vincent), The Gypsy In My Soul (Jack Harris, Margaret Whiting, Anita O'Day), If You Are But A Dream (Jimmy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Screamin' Jay Hawkins), Bell Bottom Trousers (the Jesters, Louis Prima) ~ Jaffe passed away in 1972
October 23, 1892 ~ Rufus George Perryman, commonly known as blues, boogie-woogie pianist, singer Speckled Red, born in Hampton, Georgia, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Spand, James Hemingway, William Ezell. As a solo artist best known for Wilkins Street Stomp and The Dirty Dozens. Has worked with Robert Nighthawk, Willie Hatcher, the Dixieland Rhythm Kings, Chris Barber, and others ~ Perryman passed away in 1973