October 25, 2022 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Branislav Hronec passed away ~ After stints with the West Coast Combo and the Bratislava Jazz Studio founded the Bran Hronec Group in 1963, later renamed to the Bran Hronec Orchestra, with whom he recorded and toured internationally throughout the 1980s ~ Hronec was born in 1940
October 25, 2022 ~ Classical cellist Farquhar Wilkinson, full name Farquhar Davis Wilkinson, passed away in Blenheim, New Zealand ~ Principal cellist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra from 1955 through 1992. Has also worked with the New Zealand National Youth Orchestra, the Alex Lindsay String Orchestra, the Aspey String Quartet, the London Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Wilkinson was born in 1932
October 25, 2021 ~ Virginia O'Connor, commonly known as big band singer Ginny Mancini, passed away ~ Married to renowned conductor, pianist, film composer Henry Mancini from 1947 until his death in 1994. Member of the Mel-tones, backing choir with Mel Tormé's band during the mid-1940s. Backing singer appearing in films such as The Harvey Girls and The Music Man. Member of the Mello-larks, the vocal choir with the Glenn Miller Orchestra under the direction of Tex Beneke. After marrying Henry she would continue to work part-time as backing vocalist for film and TV ~ O'Connor was born ca.1924
October 25, 2021 ~ Music manager Walter Herbert, full name Walter James Herbert, passed away in Orinda, California, USA ~ Started as roadie for Santana. Best known as manager of Journey, which he put together, through the mid-1990s. Also managed Frumious Bandersnatch, the Steve Miller Band, Roxette, Europe, Mr Big, Enuff Z'nuff, and others ~ Herbert was born in 1948
October 25, 2021 ~ Blues harpist, singer, songwriter Willie Cobbs passed away ~ Best known for his 1960 recording You Don't Love Me, loosely based on Bo Diddley's She's Fine She's Mine. Cobbs' tune would be covered by a wide array of artists including the Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, John Mayall, and Dawn Penn, the latter reworking the R&B, blues tune to the classic rocksteady tune You Don't Love Me (No No No) in 1967 ~ Cobbs was born in 1932
October 25, 2020 ~ Copla singer, songwriter Dolores Abril, full name Dolores Caballero Abril, passed away in Espartinas, Spain ~ Married to Juanito Valderrama, with whom she also worked, from 1981 until his death in 2004. As a solo artist especially known for a number of 1960s recordings, notably Al Primer Derrote, Tu Te Casate, Gloria A Chicuelo Il and Que Bonita Esta La Reina ~ Abril was born in 1935
October 25, 2020 ~ Operatic soprano Rosanna Carteri passed away in Monte Carlo, Monaco ~ Enjoyed popularity from the 1950s through the mid-1960s. Debuted as Elsa in Richard Wagner's Lohengrin in Rome at age 19. Would go on to portray leading roles with renowned orchestras including La Scala, the San Francisco Opera, the Royal Opera House, and others ~ Carteri was born in 1930
October 25, 2019 ~ Contemporary classical composer Chou Wen-Chung passed away ~ Chinese-American credited as one of the first to translate authentic oriental melo-rhythms into modern Western music. Protégé of Edgard Varèse. Also known as founder of the the Center For US-China Arts Exchange to promotoe mutual understanding between the two countries through the channel of culture ~ Wen-chung was born in 1923
October 25, 2019 ~ James Joseph Paulsen, commonly known as country singer, guitarist Joe Sun, passed away in Palm Bay, Florida, USA ~ About a dozen albums to his name, Sun would enjoy popularity through the mid-1980s. He is perhaps best known for first recording Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You, penned by Hugh Moffatt and Pebe Sebert. Issued as his debut single in 1978, Sun's original reached No.14 on the Billboard Country charts, and became a country classic later covered by Dolly Parton, the Osborne Brothers, and Foster & Allen. Sun scored several more top 30 Billboard Country hits through the early-1980s, most notably High And Dry, I'd Rather Go On Hurtin', and Bombed Boozed & Busted, the latter also a significant country hit in Canada. Sun also played the minor role of Tommy Fratter in the 1985 Marie biographical movie starring Sissy Spacek, Jeff Daniels, and Morgan Freeman, and recorded national radio spots for Budweiser and Timberline Boots ~ Paulsen was born in 1943
October 25, 2018 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer, songwriter David Johnson passed away ~ Member of Little Caesar & the Romans, known for their 1961 Those Oldies But Goodies (Remind Me Of You) Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. Having released only one full-length album the band broke up in 1962, in part due to an argument between lead singer Carl Burnett and Johnson as to which of them should be called Little Caesar. Johnson would later found and front the short-lived Little Caesar & the Consuls ~ Johnson was born in 1934
October 25, 2018 ~ Composer Martin Dalby passed away ~ Organist of St Machar's Cathedral in Aberdeen. Best known for his roles with BBC Radio, initially serving as producer for BBC's Music Programme from 1965 forward and promoted to Head of Music at BBC Scotland in 1972. As a composer wrote for orchestra, chamber music, choral music, choir music, brass and wind ensembles, and for film, radio and TV. Well known compositions include his Viola Concerto, The Mary Bean commissioned by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and The White Maa written for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra ~ Dalby was born in 1942
October 25, 2018 ~ Cornelius Fortune, commonly known as saxophonist, flutist Sonny Fortune, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, and John Coltrane. Rose to prominence backing Miles Davis in the mid-1970s, including on the albums Agharta and Pangaea. As a leader, Fortune has recorded over a dozen albums, notably It Ain't What It Was released in 1991. Fortune has also appeared on albums by George Benson, Mongo Santamaria, Pharoah Sanders, Roy Ayers, McCoy Tyner (Sahara), Leon Spencer, the Average White Band (AWB), Charles Mingus, Dom Um Romão, Kenny Barron, Herbie Mann, Nat Adderley, Mtume (You Me And He), Buddy Rich, Cindy Blackman, Mal Waldron, and Elvin Jones ~ Fortune was born in 1939
October 25, 2014 ~ John Symon Asher Bruce, commonly known as bassist, singer Jack Bruce, passed away in Sudbury, UK ~ Considered one of the all-time most important and influential UK bassists. Member of the Graham Bond Organisation. Member of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Best known for founding the pivotal 1960s supergroup Cream with Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton, co-writing a vast amount of the band's songs including The Sunshine Of Your Love, White Room and I Feel Free. After the band disbanded released his Songs For A Tailor solo debut album in 1969, which would be a global smash hit. Has since recorded to critical acclaim as a solo artist, as a member of blues-rock outfit West Bruce & Laing, and served as touring bassist and studio collaborator for a wide array of artists including Michael Mantler, Charlie Mariano, John McLaughlin, Bernie Marsden, Rocket 88, Soft Machine, Mose Allison, the Golden Palominos, Kip Hanrahan, Dick Heckstall-Smith, and others ~ Bruce was born in 1943
October 25, 2010 ~ Singer Gregory Isaacs, full name Gregory Anthony Isaacs, passed away in London, UK ~ By the late-1970s one of the biggest internationally known reggae artists, rivaled only by Dennis Brown and Bob Marley. Known for songs such as My Only Lover, All I Have Is Love, Slavemaster, Lonely Soldier, Love Is Overdue, Permanent Lover, Wailing Ruby, Night Nurse, Rumour, and Too Good To Be True. Worked with Jamaica's biggest producers including Byron Lee, Errol Dunkley, Winston Holness, Gussie Clarke, Lloyd Campbell, Glen Brown, Harry Muddie, Roy Cousins, Sydney Crooks, Lee Scratch Perry, Prince Jammy, Bobby Digital, Tad Hawkins, Steely & Clevie, and others ~ Isaacs was born in 1951
October 25, 2003 ~ Country, pop singer, songwriter Tegan Marie born in Grand Blanc, Michigan, USA ~ First gained attention for her covers of popular songs, notably Florida Georgia Line's HOLY, receiving millions of views on social media. Would subsequently be signed by Warner Music Nashville at age 13, making her the youngest female singer to sign to a major country label since Tanya Tucker in 1972
October 25, 2002 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Richard Harris passed away in Bloomsbury, UK ~ Best known as an actor for stage and film, Harris nevertheless recorded about a dozen albums as a singer. Best known to pop audiences for first recording the Jimmy Webb-penned Macarthur Park, originally intended for the Association. Harris would reach top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic in 1968. In later years both country singer Waylon Jennings and R&B, disco singer Donna Summer would each score a hit with it ~ Harris was born in 1930
October 25, 1992 ~ Singer, songwriter Roger Miller, full name Roger Dean Miller, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Known for songs such as When Two Worlds Collide, Dang Me, Chug-a-lug, King Of The Road, Walkin' In The Sunshine and Little Green Apples. As a songwriter had his work recorded by artists such as Jim Reeves (Billy Bayou), Rex Allen, Ray Price (Invitation To The Blues), Ernest Tubb (Half A Mind), Faron Young, Alan Jackson (Tall Tall Trees), Brooks & Dunn, Dwight Yoakam, and others ~ Miller was born in 1936
October 25, 1990 ~ Jazz pianist Austin Peralta, full name Austin Topper Peralta, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Classically trained child prodigy. Played with Chick Corea and Hank Jones at age 15. Led the Eighty-Eights, known for the albums Maiden Voyage and Mantra released while in his mid-teens. Other notable associations include Adam Rudolph, Tim Riles, Shafiq Husayn, Erykah Badu (New Amerykah Pt.2 (Return Of The Ankh)), Anthony Crawford, Thundercat, and Flying Lotus. Died at a mere age 22, the coroner's report indicating the most likely cause of death was viral pneumonia aggravated by a combination of alcohol and drugs ~ Peralta passed away in 2012
October 25, 1990 ~ Jazz bassist, upright bassist Major Holley, full name Major Holley Jr, passed away in Maplewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Played violin and tuba in his youth, before taking up the bass while in a Navy band. Following his stint in the military, Holley worked with Dexter Gordon, Charlie Parker, and Ella Fitzgerald. In the 1950s, Holley was most closely associated with Oscar Peterson, prior to relocating to the UK for a number of years, where he worked at the BBC. After his return to America, Holley toured with Woody Herman, and subsequently Al Cohn and Zoot Sims, before focusing on session work. Holley has recorded about half a dozen albums with Coleman Hawkins, including the acclaimed Desafinado released in 1963, and has appeared on albums by Kenny Burrell, Clark Terry (Tread Ye Lightly), Shirley Scott (Soul Shoutin'), Milt Jackson, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Phil Woods (Directly From The Half Note), Johnny Lytle, Quincy Jones (Gula Matari), Gerald Wiggins, Milt Buckner, Buddy Tate (The Texas Twister), Ray Bryant, Lee Konitz, Joe Venuti (Sliding By), Roland Hanna, Hilton Ruiz (Cross Currents), Totti Bergh, and Peter Appleyard (Barbados Heat). Holley has also recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, perhaps most notably Two Big Mice with Slam Stewart ~ Holley was born in 1924
October 25, 1987 ~ Jazz saxophonist Willis Jackson, also known as Willis Gator Jackson, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Cites Lester Young and Illinois Jacquet as main influences. Joined Cootie Williams's band in 1949 after being discovered by Eddie Cleanhead Vinson. Worked as a session musician during the 1950s, mostly R&B and jazz. Toured as leader of backing band of Ruth Brown, whom he married. In 1959 signed to Prestige Records where he put out a string of jazz albums which proved to be highly influential on the soul jazz movement. Served as a mentor for Jack McDuff and Pat Martino early in their careers. Ska innovator Prince Buster named Later For The Gator as one of the first ska songs. Jackson continued to record into the 1980s ~ Jackson was born in 1928
October 25, 1986 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, model Hannah Cohen born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Daughter of renowned jazz drummer Myron Cohen. After relocating to New York, Cohen became somewhat of a muse to the city's art scene working as a model and performing as a singer at the Village Vanguard jazz club. Cohen has released several well-received albums of dreamy, melancholic indie pop, starting with 2012's Child Bride, and guested on albums by Neal Casal, Glen Hansard, Martha Wainwright (Come Home To Mama), Julia Stone, Bell X1, Kevin Morby (Singing Saw), Sam Evian, FaltyDL, Adrian Crowley (Dark Eyed Messenger), and Sufjan Stevens
October 25, 1985 ~ Ciara Princess Wilson, mononymously known as R&B, pop, hip-hop singer, songwriter Ciara, born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Member of Hear'say. Wrote Blu Cantrell's 10,000 Times and Fantasia's Got Me Waiting. Released her Goodies debut album in 2004. Best known for songs such as Goodies featuring Petey Pablo, 1-2 Step, Oh featuring Ludacris, Get Up featuring Chamillionaire, and Love Sex Magic featuring Justin Timberlake. Also guested on Missy Elliott's Lose Control and Bow Wow's Like You
October 25, 1985 ~ Glam rock, hard rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Gary Holton, full name Gary Frederick Holton, passed away in London, UK ~ Sang with the Sadler's Wells Opera in his early teens. Featured in a touring production of the musical Hair in his late teens. Best known as frontman of glam rock outfit Heavy Metal Kids, with whom he recorded three albums including the highly acclaimed eponymous Heavy Metal Kids debut album. The band bridged the gap between the gap between glam rock and punk, which made them a critics darling, yet they would never become a household name. Subsequently, Holton has worked with Casino Steel in the early-1980s, and ventured into acting. Holton would die of an overdose at age 33 ~ Holton was born in 1953
October 25, 1985 ~ Singer, pianist Morton Downey, full name Sean Morton Downey, passed away in Palm Beach, Florida, USA ~ Major influence on the Ink Spots-singer Bill Kenny. Dubbed “the Irish Nightingale” for his Irish ancestry and his creamy high-timbred sound, easily mistaken for a female voice, Downey enjoyed his greatest success during the 1920s and 1930s. Best known for first recording I'll Always Be In Love With You, a smash hit for Downey in 1929, and over the years recorded by over a 100 artists including Nat Gonella, Mel Tormé, Georgia Gibbs, Count Basie, Vera Lynn, Jimmy Witherspoon, Lloyd Price, and Eddy Arnold. Other well known songs include All I Need Is Someone Like You, California Skies, In The Valley Of The Roses, That's How I Spell Ireland, and Wabash Moon ~ Downey was born in 1901
October 25, 1984 ~ Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, commonly known as pop singer Katy Perry born in Santa Barbara, California, USA ~ Initially pursued a career in gospel music, releasing her eponymous Katy Hudson solo debut album in 2001 to little impact. Moving into secular music, and adopting her mother's maiden name Perry as her stage name, Perry would rise to fame with her sophomore One Of The Boys album released 7 years later. The album included her I Kissed A Girl debut single and its follow-up Hot n Cold, respectively a No.1 and No.3 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Would regularly reach the upper echelons of the charts well into the 2010s, scoring the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Waking Up In Vegas, California Gurls featuring Snoop Dogg, Teenage Dream, Firework, ET featuring Kanye West, Last Friday Night (TGIF), The One That Got Away, Part Of Me, Wide Awake, Roar, Dark Horse featuring Juicy J, and Chained To The Rhythm featuring Skip Marley
October 25, 1983 ~ Windel Beneto Edwards, commonly known as reggae, roots reggae, lovers rock, dancehall singer Gyptian, born ~ Has been critically compared to Sizzla, Luciano, and Beres Hammond. Active since the mid-2000s Edwards would gain notoriety in his native Jamaica with singles such as Is There A Place, Serious Times, Beautiful Lady, and Mama Don't Cry, leading up to his full-length My Name Is Gyptian debut album released in 2006. Internationally Edwards would gain traction in the early-2010s, perhaps most notably with the modest Billboard R&B hit Hold Yuh
October 25, 1979 ~ Natasha Khan, commonly known as indie pop, art pop, synth-pop singer, songwriter Bat For Lashes, born in London, UK ~ Has recorded about half a dozen albums, her 2006 Fur & Gold debut album's mythical indie-rock solliciting comparisons to Kate Bush and Björk. To mainstream audiences perhaps best known for Daniel, lead single off her sophomore Two Suns album, the single reaching top 40 in the UK. Khan is also known as the lead vocalist of Sexwitch, a collabaration with Dan Carey and krautrock, psychedelic rock band TOY
October 25, 1977 ~ Daniel Alan Maman, commonly known as producer, DJ, rapper the Alchemist, born in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Half of hip-hop duo Whooliganz, the other half being Skillz. Closely associated with Dilated Peoples and Mobb Deep. Co-founded Gangrene with longtime collaborator Oh No. Renowned hip-hop producer especially in demand in the early-2000s including for artist such as Nas, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Ghostface Killah, and Snoop Dogg. Also worked with Prodigy, Fashawn, Curren$y, Willie the Kid, Evidence, Budge, Havoc, Boldy James, and Eminem
October 25, 1975 ~ Indie folk singer, guitarist Eirik Glambek Bøe born in Bergen, Norway ~ Co-founding member of rock outfit Skog, known best for their 1996 Tom Tids Tale EP. When the band folded at the end of the decade, Bøe and bandmate bassist Erlend Øye would go on to form the indie folk duo the Kings Of Convenience. Known for their gentle, harmony-rich sound the duo has recorded about half a dozen albums, notably the 2004 release Riot On An Empty Street. British DJ, producer Paul Oakenfold would cover their track Gold For The Price Of Silver in 2003. The song was written and first recorded by the Norwegian duo and Erot for their 2001 Versus album, a collection of the duo's remakes, remixes, and collaborations
October 25, 1973 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Tara MacLean, full name Tara Margaret Charity MacLean, born ~ Member of Shaye alongside Kim Stockwood and Damhnait Doyle from 2002 through 2007. Best known as a solo artist, some dozen albums to her name starting with her Silence debut album released in 1996. Well known songs include Evidence, If I Fall and Light Of The Stable. Has guested on recordings by Jim Brickman, Annette Ducharme, Tom Cochrane, the Devlins, Danko Jones, and others
October 25, 1972 ~ Calvin Massey, commonly known as jazz trumpeter Cal Massey, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Not to be confused with his namesake cousin pianist Cal Massey. Trumpeter Massey studied under Freddie Webster, and backed artists such as Jay McShann, Jimmy Heath, and Billie Holiday. In the mid-1950s, Massey led an ensemble featuring Jimmy Garrison, McCoy Tyner, and Albert Tootie Heath. As a recording artist, he is highly acclaimed for his 1961 Blues To Coltrane album. However, he is best known as a composer, his songs recorded by the likes of John Coltrane (Bakal), Freddie Hubbard (Assunta), Jackie McLean (Message From Trane), Lee Morgan (These Are Soulful Days), Philly Joe Jones (Fiesta), and Archie Shepp (Cry Of My People) ~ Massey was born in 1928
October 25, 1971 ~ Rock, heavy metal guitarist, keyboardist, singer Neil Fallon born in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of rock outfit Clutch, with whom he has recorded about a dozen albums since the early-1990s including the acclaimed eponymous Clutch released in 1995. Fallon is also the lead singer for the Company Band and Dunsmuir, and has played guitar for the Bakerton Group appearing on their 2009 El Rojo album
October 25, 1970 ~ Richell Rene Wright, commonly known as singer, songwriter Chely Wright, born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ As a songwriter had her songs recorded by Brad Paisley, Richard Marx, the Indigo Girls, Mindy Smith, and Clay Walker. As a singer, Wright debuted in 1994 with the album The Woman In The Moon, which spawned the modest hit Shut Up & Drive. Broke through with the 1999 album Single White Female. Critically acclaimed especially for her 2016 album I Am The Rain, which featured guests such as Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell and drew comparisons to Carole King's Tapestry. Openly lesbian, founder and spokeswoman of the Like Me Organisation championing LGBT rights
October 25, 1970 ~ Southern gospel, country singer, pianist, songwriter Gordon Mote, full name Gordon James Mote, born in Gadsden, Alabama, USA ~ Has backed or collaborated with artists such as Lee Greenwood, Trisha Yearwood, Tanya Tucker, Porter Wagoner, the Gaither Vocal Band, the Gaither Homecoming, and the Signature Sound. Guested on Alan Jackson's 2001 Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning. As a solo artist, pianist debuted with the 2005 Christmas Piano (The Holly And The Ivory). His 2007 Don't Let Me Miss The Glory, his third studio album, would mark his entrance as a singer
October 25, 1970 ~ Hardcore punk, post-hardcore, emo, indie rock, rock singer, songwriter Jon Bunch, full name Jonathan James Esbern Bunch, born in Harbor City, California, USA ~ Best known for fronting post-hardcore outfit Sense Field and rock band Further Seems Forever. Has also worked with War Generation, Lucky Scars, Reason To Believe (Save Yourself), and Fields Forever ~ Bunch passed away in 2016
October 25, 1968 ~ Art rock, indie rock, pop, country singer, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter David McCormack, full name David Liam McCormack, born in South Brisbane, Australia ~ Best known as frontman for indie rock outfit Custard, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums starting with Buttercup/Bedford released in 1992. The band is best known for Girls Like That (Don't Go For Guys Like Us), a modest hit in their native Australia in 1998. McCormack released his The Matterhorn solo debut album in 2001
October 25, 1968 ~ Todd Thomas, commonly known as singer, songwriter Speech, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Frontman, co-founding member of progressive hip hop act Arrested Development, known best for their pivotal 1992 3 Years 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of debut album. The album spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Tennessee, People Everyday and Mr Wendal. The group would release two more albums, critically acclaimed but commercially less successful. Thomas would release his eponymous Speech solo debut album in 1996
October 25, 1968 ~ R&B group the Temptations release Cloud Nine, lifted off the album of the same name ~ The song marked a stylistic change for the band, being the first to incorporate elements from psychedelic music. When band member Otis Williams introduced producer Norman Whitfield to the music of Sly & the Family Stone, who had just had a hit with Dance To The Music, Whitfield was initially reluctant to follow this radical sound, commenting that psychedelic soul was nothing but a passing fancy. He gave it a go though, and within a few weeks had created the backing tracks for Cloud Nine. The single would be well received, Cash Box calling it “near revolutionary”, and reached top 10 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard R&B charts. Over the next few years Whitfield would produce a string of ever more eclectic and socio-politically themed songs for the band, including Runaway Child Running Wild, Psychedelic Shack, and Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today)
October 25, 1967 ~ Bubblegum pop rock outfit the Monkees release Daydream Believer, lifted off their The Birds The Bees & The Monkees album ~ Written by John Stewart, who penned the song shortly before his departure from the Kingston Trio. We Five and Spanky & Our Gang had been offered the song, yet both declined. With Davy Jones taking the lead vocals, the Monkees initially recorded the song for their Pisces Aquarius Capricorn & Jones Ltd album, however the song was put on hold and included on their next album. Preceded by Last Train To Clarksville and I'm A Believer, Daydream Believer would become their third and final Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit, a position it held for four consecutive weeks. Upon its release, Billboard described Daydream Believer as a “well written easy beat rhythm ballad”, while Cash Box praised its “fascinating rhythms”. Over the years, the song would be recorded by well over an estimated hundred artists, including notably Canadian country-pop singer Anne Murray whose 1979 single reached No.12 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and No.3 on the Billboard Country charts
October 25, 1965 ~ Conductor Hans Knappertsbusch passed away ~ Best known for his performances of works composed by Richard Wagner, Anton Bruckner and Richard Strauss. Worked with the Bavarian State Opera until his dismissal by the nazis in 1936. Other notable associations include the London Philharmonic, the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra, the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra, and the Suisse Romande Orchestra ~ Knappertsbusch was born in 1888
October 25, 1962 ~ Drummer Chad Smith, full name Chad Gaylord Smith, born in St Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ Best known as drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, joining the band in 1988 as replacement for Jack Irons. First appeared on the band's Mother's Milk album, released in 1989. Its follow-up album, 1991's Blood Sugar Sex Magik, would propel them to fame with singles such as Give It Away and especially Under The Bridge. Smith has also worked in various side-projects and supergroups including Chickenfoot and his own all-instrumental Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats. Outside of the Peppers Smith also collaborated with the likes of Wild Colonials, Anacrusis, Glenn Hughes, Johnny Cash, John Fogerty, Jennifer Nettles, Joe Satriani, the Dixie Chicks, Eddie Vedder, and Lana Del Rey
October 25, 1959 ~ Rock, new wave singer, songwriter Chrissy Amphlett, full name Christine Joy Amphlett, born in Geelong, Australia ~ Founding member, frontwoman of Divinyls, known for the international hit I Touch Myself, which reached top 10 in America, the UK and in the band's native Australia ~ Amphlett passed away in 2013
October 25, 1957 ~ Pop, rock guitarist Robbie McIntosh born in Sutton, UK ~ Influenced by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, Jimi Hendrix, Fats Waller, Django Reinhardt, and Louis Armstrong. Member of the Pretenders from 1982 through 1987, present on the albums Learning To Crawl and Get Close. Has also worked with Paul McCartney, John Mayer, 70% Proof, the Foster Brothers, Filthy McNasty, Chris Thompson, Dean Martin's Dog, Jerry Harrison, Aynsley Lister, Kevin Ayers, Cher, Eric Bibb, Chuck Berry, Joe Cocker, Nine Below Zero, Paul Carrack (Groove Approved), Mark Knopfler, Roger Daltrey (Under A Raging Moon), Mark Hollis, Talk Talk, Tasmin Archer, Tears For Fears, Eros Ramazzotti, Tori Amos, and Norah Jones
October 25, 1956 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal guitarist, singer Matthias Jabs born in Hannover, West Germany ~ Best known as longtime lead guitarist for the Scorpions, appearing on all albums since Lovedrive released in 1979. Present on hits such as Still Loving You, No One Like You (Live), Wind Of Change, Send Me An Angel and Alien Nation
October 25, 1955 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion trombonist Robin Eubanks born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Brother of guitarist Kevin Eubanks and trumpeter Duane Eubanks. Closely associated with Dave Holland, backing Holland in several ensembles for well over a decade. Over half a dozen albums as a leader, especially noted for Different Perspectives released in 1988. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Sun Ra (The Other Side Of The Sun), Art Blakey, Branford Marsalis, Stefan Winter, Geri Allen, Mark Helias, Talking Heads (Naked), Lou Rawls, Lonnie Plaxico, Cassandra Wilson, Fred Wesley, Andrew Hill, Bobby Previte, and Grover Washington Jr
October 25, 1954 ~ Free jazz saxophonist John Butcher born in Brighton, UK ~ Well over 60 albums to his credit as a leader or co-leader since the mid-1980s, especially acclaimed for the albums News From The Shed, Lights View, Contest Of Pleasures and Apples Of Gomorrah
October 25, 1954 ~ Folk-punk drummer Victor De Lorenzo born ~ Known for his minimalist drum kit, often nothing more than a snare drum a tranceaphone and steel brushes. Co-founded folk-punk outfit Violent Femmes with bassist Brian Ritchie in 1980, initially just a rhythm section and expanded with singer, guitarist Gordon Gano the next year. The band is best known for the late-1980s, early-1990s singles Nightmares and American Music. De Lorenzo would remain with the band through 1993, leaving to focus on his own music and other projects including touring with former the Velvet Underground-drummer Moe Tucker. De Lorenzo rejoined a reincarnation of the Femmes in 2000, remaining with the band through the end of the decade
October 25, 1951 ~ Guitarist Richard Lloyd born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Co-founding member of Television. The band is especially acclaimed for its 1977 Marquee Moon debut album, considered one of the defining releases of the punk era. The band would record one more album, 1978's Adventure, before breaking up due to artistic differences, Lloyd's substance abuse, and lack of commercial success. Regardless, the band has been said to influence numerous artists including the Pixies, Sonic Youth, U2, Joy Division, and REM. The band reformed in the early-1990s
October 25, 1950 ~ Pekka Johannes Järvinen, commonly known as rock guitarist Albert Järvinen, born in Iitti, Finland ~ Chose his stage name in honor of blues guitarist Albert King. Best known as guitarist of rock outfit the Hurriganes, with whom he recorded two albums in the early-1970s and two more after rejoining the band at the end of the decade. During his hiatus from the band, Järvinen released his solo debut album Ride On and worked with Dave Lindholm. Reportedly, singer Elvis Costello also sought to employ Järvinen for his backing unit, but Järvinen declined. Following his second dismissal from the Hurriganes in 1981, Järvinen was briefly a member of the Sleepy Sleepers before forming the short-lived the Quips with Sleepers bandmate drummer Harri Lemola. Järvinen recorded two more solo albums, Braindamage (Or Still Alive) which included a guest performance from his big hero Albert King, and Mirror Tower, before passing away at age 40 of a heart attack while touring the UK ~ Järvinen passed away in 1991
October 25, 1950 ~ Singer Chris Norman, full name Christopher Ward Norman, born in Redcar, UK ~ Lead singer of Smokie through 1986, present on the band's best known including If You Think You Know How To Love Me, Don't Play Your Rock 'n Roll To Me, Living Next Door To Alice, It's Your Life, and Oh Carol, all of which reached top 10 in the band's native UK. Norman also notably collaborated with Suzi Quatro on the 1978 hit Stumblin' In. Oddly enough, it would be Quatro's sole American top 10 hit, peaking at No.4 Billboard Hot 100, while it failed to reach top 40 in the UK where she enjoyed a far greater popularity
October 25, 1948 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock guitarist Glenn Tipton, full name Glenn Raymond Tipton, born in Blackheath, UK ~ Known for his classically influenced solos. Co-lead guitarist of Judas Priest, joining the band in 1974. Present on the band's best known including the UK top 20 hits Take On The World, Living After Midnight and Breaking The Law. Released his solo debut album, Baptizm Of Fire, in 1997 during the band's hiatus. Tipton retired from touring in 2018 for medical reasons
October 25, 1947 ~ Singer, arranger, songwriter Frank Collins born in Liverpool, UK ~ Member of the Excels, Kokomo and notably Arrival, writing the 1970 hit I Will Survive for the latter. Would go on to become an in-demand session and backing singer for the likes of Bryan Ferry, Marianne Faithfull, Ian Dury, Marc Bolan, Alison Moyet, BB King, Bob Dylan, and others
October 25, 1947 ~ William Michael McGee, commonly known as drummer Mickey McGee, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ First gained attention in the early-1970s backing Linda Ronstadt on the Don't Cry Now album and subsequently Jackson Browne on the For Everyman album. Member of the Flying Burrito Brothers from 1975 through 1981. Has also worked with Juice Newton, for whom he co-wrote Blue and I'll Never Love Again, with Ricky Nelson, JD Souther, Warren Zevon, Chris Darrow, and others ~ McGee passed away in 2020
October 25, 1946 ~ Singer, songwriter Stephan Remmler born in Witten, Germany ~ Rose to fame as lead singer of Trio, which also included guitarist Gert Krawinkel and drummer Peter Behrens. The band is best known for their 1982 single Da Da Da, which became a hit in over two dozen countries including top 10 positions in the UK and the band's native Germany. Following the band's disbandement in 1986 Remmler has recorded as a solo artist, his work ranging from Schlager to rock. Notable solo songs include Keine Sterne In Athen and Alles Hat Ein Ende (Nur Die Wurst Hat Zwei)
October 25, 1945 ~ Phillip Edward Volk, commonly known as bassist Phil Fang Volk, born in Nampa, Idaho, USA ~ Best known for his stint with Paul Revere & the Raiders from 1965 through 1967, their most successful period, and notably present on songs such Hungry, Just Like Me, and Kicks. Following his departure from the band Volk notably toured with Ricky Nelson as a member of Nelson's backing unit the Stone Canyon Band, replacing Randy Meisner
October 25, 1944 ~ Progressive rock, symphonic rock, pop rock singer, guitarist Jon Anderson, full name Jon Roy Anderson, born in Accrington, UK ~ Lead singer, guitarist of quintessential progressive rock outfit Yes, which he co-founded in 1968 with Chris Squire. Anderson has enjoyed several tenures with the band before finally departing in 2008. Aside from his time with the band Anderson has also had an impressive solo career, starting with Olias Of Sunhilow released in 1976, and is an in-demand collaborator, including notably forming the duo Jon & Vangelis with Vangelis. Other artists he has worked with include Jean-Luc Ponty, King Crimson, Tangerine Dream, the Warriors, Iron Butterfly, Milton Nascimento, Mike Oldfield, Kitaro, and others
October 25, 1944 ~ Mary Catherine Nivert, commonly known as singer, songwriter Taffy Danoff born in Washington DC, USA ~ Married to singer, songwriter Bill Danoff from 1972 through 1981. The couple performed as the late-1960s folk duo Fat City, later working under the moniker Bill & Taffy. Nivert and Danoff would co-write Take Me Home Country Roads with John Denver, the latter recording the song for his 1971 Poems Prayers & Promises album. The couple also formed half of the Starland Vocal Band alongside Jon Carroll and Margot Chapman, the band best known for the 1976 Billboard Hot 100 charttopper Afternoon Delight
October 25, 1942 ~ Jazz trumpeter, cornetist, hornist Terumasa Hino born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Leader and sideman. Considered one of Japan's finest jazz musicians. Influenced by Fumio Nanri and Hiroshi Sakaue. Active since the 1950s. Worked with Hideo Shiraki from the mid- to late-1960s. Well over 50 albums to his name as solo artist, leader or co-leader, starting with Alone Alone And Alone released in 1967. Has collaborated with the likes of Motohiko Hino, Masabumi Kikuchi, Randy Brecker, Gil Evans, Eddie Harris, Elvin Jones, Jackie McLean, Airto Moreira, George Mraz, Naná Vasconcelos, Sadao Watanabe, Joachim Kühn, Mal Waldron, John Scofield, and others
October 25, 1941 ~ Singer, songwriter, actress, activist Helen Reddy, full name Helen Maxine Reddy, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Active since the late-1960s. Dubbed “the Queen of '70s Pop.” Known best for her I Don't Know How To Love Him and her signature song and feminist anthem I'm A Woman, the former initially released as the B-side of her 1970 I Believe In Music single. Other well known songs include Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress), You And Me Against The World, Angie Baby and Ain't No Way To Treat A Lady, all of which reached top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 ~ Reddy passed away in 2020
October 25, 1938 ~ Producer, songwriter Don Davis born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Sessioned as guitarist for several Detroit-based labels, including Motown, before moving into songwriting and producing. Best known for his association with Stax/Volt and especially Johnnie Taylor, notably on the hits Who's Making Love, Jody's Got Your Girl And Gone and Disco Lady. Would set up several production and publishing companies, acquire Detroit's United Sound studios and found the Tortoise International label in the 1970s, working with artists such as First Fire, the Rockets, the Skyliners, Dan Schafer, and others ~ Davis passed away in 2014
October 25, 1937 ~ Gloria Jeanne Black, commonly known as singer Jeanne Black, born in Pomona, California, 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 passed away in 2014
October 25, 1937 ~ Bossa nova singer, guitarist, songwriter Roberto Menescal born in Brazil ~ Bossa nova pioneer known for his composition O Barquinho. Has worked with Carlos Lyra, Nara Leão, Wanda Sa, Ale Vanzella, Silvia Telles, Maria Bethânia, Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil, Jorge Ben, Caetano Veloso, Nara Leão, Elis Regina, Jair Rodrigues, Claudette Soares, Joe Henderson, and others
October 25, 1936 ~ Afro-Cuban jazz pianist Alfredo Rodriguez born in Havana, Cuba ~ Noted for his association with Carlos Valdés. Also worked with Africando, Arsenío Rodriguez, Conjunction Sensacion, Vicentico Valdés, Willie Rosario, Joe Cuba, José Fajardo, Tipica Novel, Alfredo de la Fé, Ismael Rivera, Rafael Cortijo, La Lupe, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Camilo Azuquita, Art Webb, and Roberto Torres ~ Rodriguez passed away in 2005
October 25, 1935 ~ McKinley James Millet Jr, commonly known as R&B singer, pianist, bassist, songwriter Li'l Millet, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for co-writing and first recording Rich Woman and for co-writing All Around The World in the mid-1950s. The former would be covered by Canned Heat, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, the latter would be used by Little Richard for the B-side of The Girl Can't Help It released in 1956. Millet would enjoy regional popularity throughout the 1980s ~ Millet passed away in 1997
October 25, 1933 ~ Jazz guitarist Jack Petersen, full name Jack Leroy Petersen, born in Elk City, Oklahoma, USA ~ Also played double bass, cello, piano. Worked with Hal McIntyre, the Matteson-Phillips Tubajazz Consort, Dave Brubeck, Randy Brecker, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Buddy DeFranco, Herb Ellis, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Milt Hinton, Lena Horne, Stan Kenton, Peggy Lee, Michel Legrand, Henry Mancini, Lou Marini, Ellis Marsalis Jr, Rufus Reid, Doc Severinsen, Clark Terry, Nancy Wilson, and others
October 25, 1926 ~ Jazz, bebop, hard bop saxophonist Jimmy Heath, full name James Edward Heath, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Brother of bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert Heath, with whom he also worked under the group moniker the Heath Brothers. Earned the nickname “Little Bird” for his small stature after his work with Howard McGhee and Dizzy Gillespie, his playing showing influences from Charlie Parker who was dubbed Bird. Has collaborated with Nat Towles, John Coltrane, Kenny Dorham, Art Farmer, Freddie Hubbard, Nat Adderley, Benny Carter, Blue Mitchell, the American Jazz Orchestra, and others. As a composer best known for the jazz standards Ginger Bread Boy (Milt Jackson, Elvin Jones, Dexter Gordon), CTA (Miles Davis, Lee Morgan), and For Minors Only (Art Blakey, Chet Baker) ~ Heath passed away in 2020
October 25, 1925 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Zena Latto born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Member of the International Sweethearts Of Rhythm, one of the first all-female ensembles enjoyeing popularity during the big band era. Latto departed the band in the mid-1950s to found and front her own band the Modern Moods ~ Latto passed away in 2016
October 25, 1924 ~ Drummer Earl Palmer, full name Earl Cyril Palmer, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Active since the late-1940s Palmer has worked as a session drummer with a host of artists including on Little Richard's first few albums and just about every early Richard single, on Fats Domino's The Fat Man and I'm Walking, Professor Longhair's Tipitina, Lloyd Price's Lawdy Miss Clawdy, and on Smiley Lewis' I Hear You Knocking. Has also sessioned for TV and film soundtracks, and worked well into the 1980s with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Phil Spector, Ricky Nelson, Bobby Vee, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Eddie Cochran, Ritchie Valens, Bobby Day, Jan & Dean, the Beach Boys, Larry Williams, Gene McDaniels, Bobby Darin, Neil Young, the Pets, David Axelrod, Dizzy Gillespie, Earl Bostic, Onzy Matthews, Count Basie, BB King, Randy Newman, Tom Waits, Bonnie Raitt, Tim Buckley, Little Feat, Elvis Costello, and numerous others. Member of the Wrecking Crew, a loose collective of first call session musicians which at times included Leon Russell, Jim Gordon, Plas Johnson, Hal Blaine and Larry Knechtel ~ Palmer passed away in 2008
October 25, 1918 ~ Greig Stewart Jackson, commonly known as bassist Chubby Jackson, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Perhaps best known for his work with Woody Herman, driving Herman's rhythm section. As a leader acclaimed for his 1957 I'm Entitled To You album. Has also worked with Charlie Ventura, Dinah Washington, Charlie Barnet (Cherokee), Coleman Hawkins, Zoot Sims, Gerry Mulligan, Lionel Hampton, and others ~ Jackson passed away in 2003
October 25, 1913 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Ren Shields passed away in Massapequa, New York, USA ~ Best known for co-writing In The Good Old Summertime with George Honey Boy Evans. The song would be a hit in 1902 for both William Redmond and JW Myers. In later years it would be covered by Uncle Dave Macon, the Andrews Sisters, Chet Atkins, the Osmond Brothers, and numerous others ~ Shields was born ca.1868
October 25, 1902 ~ Salvatore Massaro, commonly known as guitarist Eddie Lang born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Proficient on violin and banjo but best known as “the Father of Jazz guitar” and especially renowned for his work with Frankie Trumbauer and Bix Beiderbecke under the group moniker Tram Bix & Lang. Has worked with Red McKenzie in the Mound City Blowers, Roger Wolfe Kahn, Jean Goldkette, Adrian Rollini, Hoagy Carmichael, Jack Pettis, Bessie Smith, Clarence Williams, Paul Whiteman, Bing Crosby, Rube Bloom, and others ~ Lang passed away in 1933
October 25, 1885 ~ Samuel M Levine, commonly known as singer, lyricist Sam M Lewis, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as a songwriter, lyricist. Co-wrote Rock-a-bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody, first recorded by the Jockers Brothers in 1918 and covered by about an estimated hundred artists including Sam Butera, Johnny Maddox, Russ Conway, and Aretha Franklin. Co-wrote Dinah, first recorded by the Revelers in 1925 and covered by over three hundred artists including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Bill Haley. Other songs co-written by Lewis have been recorded by Marion Harris, Zez Confrey, Blossom Seeley, Sam Lanin (Five Foot Two Eyes Of Blue (Has Anybody Seen My Girl)), Paul Whiteman, Guy Lombardo, Paul Robeson, Billie Holiday (That's Life I Guess), and Sam Donahue ~ Levine passed away in 1959
October 25, 1882 ~ Antonio Junius Jackson, commonly known as pianist, singer, composer Tony Jackson, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Son of freed slaves. Influenced Clarence Williams, Steve Lewis, and Jelly Roll Morton. Served as mentor to the far from modest Morton who even ranked him “the only musician better than himself”. Best remembered for Pretty Baby, written about his male lover ~ Jackson passed away in 1921
October 25, 1825 ~ Johann Baptist Strauss, commonly known as composer Johann Straus II, born in Vienna, Austria ~ Son of composer Johann Strauss I. Composed light music, dance music, operettas. Dubbed “the Waltz King”, having composed over 500 waltzes, polkas, quadrilles including The Blue Danube, Kaiser-Walzer and Tritsch-Tratsch Polka. Notably also remembered for the operettas Die Fledermaus and Der Zigeunerbaron ~ Strauss passed away in 1899