October 29, 2022 ~ Composer, songwriter, singer Lucy Simon, full name Lucy Elizabeth Simon, passed away in Piermont, New York, USA ~ Sister of mezzo-soprano Joanna Simon and soft rock, folk rock singer Carly Simon. Formed the sibling duo Simon Sisters with the latter, recording three albums starting with the 1964 album Meet The Simon Sisters which would include the minor hit Winkin' Blinkin' And Nod. Simon would release two solo albums in the 1970s, Lucy Simon and Stolen Time, but is perhaps best remembered for writing the score for the musicals The Secret Garden and Doctor Zhivago, which premiered respectively in 1991 and 2011 ~ Simon was born in 1940
October 29, 2022 ~ Rock bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, engineer Robin Sylvester passed away ~ Best known as member of Bob Weir's side project Ratdog, joining in 2003 as replacement for Rob Wasserman. Began his career in the late 1960s, noted for serving as engineer at Abbey Road Studios and reportedly inspired by Paul McCartney to take up the bass. After relocating to America in the mid-1970s has found employ as session and touring musician, working with the likes of Ry Cooder, Marty Balin, Billy Preston, Christine McVie, and Missing Man Formation ~ Sylvester was born ca.1950
October 29, 2021 ~ Rock, heavy metal journalist, author Malcolm Dome passed away ~ Credited to have coined the term “thrash metal” in 1984 as a reference to the Anthrax-song Metal Thrashing Mad. Wrote for Record Mirror, Kerrang, Metal Hammer, Classic Rock, and other publications. Has authored a number of books, notably The Bible Of Heavy Metal (Encyclopaedia Metallica) published in 1981, as well as books on Aerosmith, Van Halen, Metallica, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, and others ~ Dome was born ca.1955
October 29, 2018 ~ Southern rock, blues rock, folk-rock, Christian rock singer, songwriter Jimmy Farrar passed away in LaGrange, Georgia, USA ~ Fronted Raw Energy. Fronted Molly Hatchet from 1980 through 1982, present on the albums Beatin' The Odds and Take No Prisoners. Subsequently founded Gator Country with several Hatchet bandmates. Has also worked with the Southern Rock Allstars ~ Farrar was born in 1950
October 29, 2016 ~ Singer, songwriter Paul Demer passed away in Ottawa, Canada ~ Best known for writing Notre Place which became an anthem of the Franco-Ontarian community ~ Demers was born in 1956
October 29, 2016 ~ Classical guitarist, composer, arranger Roland Dyens passed away ~ Best known for works such as Libre Sonatina and Tango En Skai ~ Dyens was born in 1955
October 29, 2008 ~ Progressive rock, progressive metal singer, bassist, songwriter Mike Baker, full name Michael Allen Baker, passed away ~ Best known as lead singer of Shadow Gallery ~ Baker was born in 1963
October 29, 2008 ~ Samuel Fuller, commonly known as bassist Sam Fuller, passed away ~ Member of psychedelic pop group the Rainy Daze known best for their 1967 modest hit That Acapulco Gold and sole album of the same name. The single would make it to the high 70s on the Billboard Hot 100 but was pulled once it was realized it was a pro-marijuana song ~ Fuller was born in 1946
October 29, 2006 ~ Joanne Lapatrie, commonly known as singer, model, actress Jo Jo Laine, passed away in London, UK ~ Married the Moody Blues founder Denny Laine. Previously had affairs with Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and with Rod Stewart. Reportedly Stewart's You Wear It Well is about Jo Jo ~ LaPatrie was born in 1952
October 29, 2006 ~ R&B saxophonist, bandleader Joe Lutcher, full name Joseph Woodman Lutcher, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Brother of singer Nellie Lutcher. Known for songs such as Shuffle Woogie, Rocking Boogie and Mardi Gras, the latter later covered by Professor Longhair and by Fats Domino. Has worked with Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr, the Mills Brothers, Karl George, Bill Ellis, Leon Beck, Harold Morrow, Dick Booker Hart, Little Richard, and others ~ Lutcher was born in 1919
October 29, 2004 ~ Drummer Jimmy Lovelace, full name James Ross Lovelace, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ In-demand session drummer active from the 1960s through the 1980s. Appears on recordings by Junior Mance, Tony Scott, George Benson, Wes Montgomery, and others. Also notably present on Leonard Cohen's 1967 Songs Of Leonard Cohen debut album ~ Lovelace was born in 1940
October 29, 2001 ~ Henry Berthold Robinson, commonly known as jazz tenor saxophonist Spike Robinson passed away in Writtle, UK ~ While in the Navy, as a musician, and stationed in Britain played with English beboppers such as Tommy Pollard, Johnny Dankworth, Victor Feldman, and others. Worked as an engineer for the next three decades before returning to music recording with Victor Feldman, Ray Brown, Dick Morrisey, Bill Le Sage, Alec Dankworth, Bill Eyden, Louis Stewart, Harry Sweets Edison, Al Cohn, Roy Williams, Claude Tissendier, and others ~ Robinson was born in 1930
October 29, 1997 ~ George Walker Nicholas, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, singer Big Nick Nicholas, passed away in Queens, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Coleman Hawkins. Influential on John Coltrane who included his tribute, Big Nick, on the 1962 album DUke Ellington & John Coltrane. Nicholas has worked with Hank Jones, Thad Jones, Earl Hines, Tiny Bradshaw, Sabby Lewis, JC Heard, Lucky Millinder, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, Sarah Vaughan, Bennie Green, Buck Clayton, and Illinois Jacquet ~ Nicholas was born in 1922
October 29, 1990 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Eric Saade, full name Eric Khaled Saade, born in Kattarp, Sweden ~ Member of boy band What's Up from 2007 through 2009. Left the band to pursue a solo career. Internationally best known for representing Sweden at the 2011 Eurovision Songfestival with Popular, reaching third place
October 29, 1987 ~ R&B, hip-hop, pop, dance singer, rapper, songwriter Fleur East born in Walthamstow, UK ~ Runner-up in the 11th edition of the X-Factor in 2014
October 29, 1986 ~ Jazz, blues, R&B guitarist Jerome Darr passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Active since the early 1930, starting out in jug band the Washboard Serenaders. Perhaps best known as member of the Three Chocolates during the 1940s and 1950s alongside bassist, singer Chocolate Williams and pianist Bill Spotswood. Darr has also backed Freddie Mitchell, Buddy Johnson, Paul Quinichette, and Charlie Parker on his 1954 I Get A Kick Out Of You recording ~ Darr was born in 1910
October 29, 1986 ~ Natalie Knutse, commonly known as bassist, keyboardist, singer Nataly Dawn, born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ As a solo artist Dawsen debuted in 2009 and has been recording since. She is also half of the husband-wife duo Pomplamoose, the other being Jack Conte, and has collaborated with a host of artists including with Lauren O'Connell in My Terrible Friend
October 29, 1983 ~ Pop, Europop singer Amit Sebastian Paul born in Boden, Sweden ~ Member of the A-Teens, initially an ABBA-cover band later on venturing into original material. The band would regularly reach the higher echelons of the Swedish charts starting in 1999. Well known songs include Mamma Mia, Happy New Year, Upside Down, Halfway Around The World and Floorfiller
October 29, 1982 ~ Organist, composer William Lloyd Webber, full name William Southcombe Lloyd Webber, passed away in London, UK ~ Father of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and cellist Julian Lloyd Webber. Composed orchestral music, chamber music, choral and vocal music. Firmly embedded in the romanticism of composers such as Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jean Sibelius, and César Franck ~ Lloyd Webber was born in 1914
October 29, 1981 ~ Peter Blom, commonly known as DJ, producer, turntablist, painter Dippy Delic, born in Zwolle, the Netherlands ~ Rose to fame in the early 2000s as member of Opgezwolle, known for songs such as Vloeistof and Eigen Wereld
October 29, 1981 ~ Singer, songwriter, poet Georges Brassens, passed away in St-Gely-du-Desc, France ~ Iconic cultural figure know for complex music and articulate lyrics. Other than writing his own lyrics also known for setting poems by obscure poets, including Louis Aragon, Victor Hugo and François Villon, to music ~ Brassens was born in 1921
October 29, 1980 ~ Darwin Turner, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Choppa, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of the 504 Boyz. As a solo artist released his full-length Choppa Style solo debut album in 2002. Has worked with Body Head Bangerz, Master P, Baby Boy da Prince, Lil' Brittany, August Alsina, and others
October 29, 1979 ~ Ramon Fulwood, commonly known as funk drummer Tiki Fulwood, passed away ~ Closely associated with George Clinton, starting as a member of doo-wop outfit the Parliaments and remaining with Clinton through the early 1970s as a member of Funkadelic. Present on the albums Funkadelic, Free Your Mind And Your Ass Will Follow, and Maggot Brain, before departing the band in 1971 following a dispute over payment. Fulwood has also played with Tyrone Davis, the Chairmen Of The Board, and briefly with Miles Davis before dying of stomach cancer at age 35 ~ Fulwood was born in 1944
October 29, 1976 ~ Rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist Mark Sheehan, full name Mark Anthony Sheehan, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Member of boy band Mytown, known for the moderate hit Do It Like This and their sole eponymous Mytown album. Following the band's disbandement in 2001 Sheehan co-founded alternative rock outfit the Script with whom he recorded half a dozen albums, all of which would reach top of the charts in their native Ireland. Well-known songs include The Man Who Can't Be Moved, For The First Time, Hall Of Fame featuring will.i.am, and Superheroes. The single Breakeven of their eponymous The Script debut album would reach top 20 on the American Billboard Hot 100 ~ Sheehan passed away in 2023
October 29, 1975 ~ Arranger, composer, orchestra leader John Scott Trotter passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Closely associated with Bing Crosby, backing the singer with the Trotter Orchestra from 1937 through 1954. Also worked with Vince Guaraldi scoring, arranging, conducting the soundtracks to one film and a series of Peanuts TV specials starting with 1966's It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown up to You're A Good Sport Charlie Brown, the latter first aired one day before Trotter's death ~ Trotter was born in 1908
October 29, 1974 ~ Blues-rock guitarist Eric Gales, also known as Raw Dawg, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Debuted with the The Eric Gales Band in 1991 and has recorded steadily since. Has worked with Carlos Santana, TM Stevens, Keith Leblanc, Doug Pinnick, Thomas Pridgen, Gary Clark Jr, Lauryn Hill, Three 6 Mafia, and others
October 29, 1971 ~ Guitarist Duane Allman, full name Howard Duane Allman, passed away in Macon, Georgia, USA ~ Co-founder, original frontman of the Allman Brothers Band, present on the albums The Allman Brothers Band, Idlewild South, At Fillmore East, and Eat A Peach. In-demand session musician and collaborator, has worked with King Curtis, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Mann, 31st of February, Wilson Pickett, Delaney & Bonnie, Eric Clapton's Derek & the Dominos, Boz Scaggs, Hour Glass, and others ~ Allman was born in 1946
October 29, 1970 ~ Bassist, keyboardist Toby Smith born in UK ~ Best known as keyboardist and co-songwriter for Jamiroquai from 1992 through 2002. Also produced and managed pop rock band the Hoosiers. Produced Absent Elk's 2009 Elk Caught In The Headlights album. Co-produced Matt Cardle's 2013 Porcelain album ~ Smith passed away in 2017
October 29, 1969 ~ Ryan Owen Granville Williams, commonly known as DJ, producer Roni Size, born in Bristol, UK ~ Best known as founder and frontman of drum and bass collective Reprazent, critically acclaimed for the album New Forms released in 1997
October 29, 1967 ~ Rock guitarist, singer Jimi Hendrix records One Rainy Wish at Olympic Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Hendrix, reportedly inspired by a dream he had in which “eleven moons played across the rainbows”. Produced by Chas Chandler. Hendrix' guitar playng on the recording has been critically compared to jazz guitarists such as Wes Montgomery. The song is also specifically noted for its radical harmonies and complex rhythmic concepts. Included on the band's 1967 Axis (Bold As Love) sophomore album. Also used as the B-side of the Up From The Skies, recorded the same day
October 29, 1967 ~ Singer, actress Joely Fisher born in Burbank, California, USA ~ Daughter of singer Eddie Fisher and actress, singer Connie Stevens. Best known as an actress, starring in the sitcom Ellen, as replacement in 1990s Broadway-productions of Grease and Cabaret, and roles in Desperate Housewives and Til Death
October 29, 1965 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones kick off their North American tour at the Montreal Forum, Montreal, Canada ~ The band plays some 40 shows across Canada and the USA through early December, in support of their Out Of Our Heads album. The set list includes She Said Yeah, Heart Of Stone, Play With Fire, Get Off Of My Cloud, and I Can't Get No Satisfaction
October 29, 1964 ~ Singer, guitarist John West born in Syracuse, New York, USA ~ Best known as lead guitarist of Artension. Previously fronted Royal Hunt. As a solo artist debuted with the album Mind Journey in 1997. Also worked with Diamond, the Sages Recital, Mythodea, Artlantica, Forces United, Emir Hot, Badlands, Sun Red Sun, Cozy Powell, Michael Lee Firkins, Lynch Mob, Royal Hunt, Uli Jon Roth, James Murphy, Savatage, the Ten Man Push, and others
October 29, 1964 ~ Free jazz saxophonist Mats Gustafsson, full name Mats Olof Gustafsson, born in Umea, Sweden ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Thing, Günter Christmann, Gush, Peter Brötzmann, Joe McPhee, Paul Lovens, Derek Bailey, Magnus Broo, Otomo Yoshihide, Pat Thomas, Jim O'Rourke, Thomas Lehn, Evan Parker, Misha Mengelberg, Zu, the Ex, Sonic Youth, Hamid Drake, Michael Zerang, Ken Vandermark, Kjell Nordeson, Mademoisell Karen, Colin Stetson, Barry Guy, Craig Taborn, and others
October 29, 1962 ~ Einar Örn Benediktsson, commonly known as singer, trumpeter Einar Örn, born in Reykjavik, Iceland ~ Best known as member of the Sugarcubes, the band that launched the career of Björk
October 29, 1962 ~ Drummer, songwriter Richard Ploog, full name Richard John Ploog, born in Adelaide, Australia ~ Best known as drummer for the Church replacing original drummer Nick Ward in 1981. Ploog is absent from what is perhaps the band's internationally best known hit, Under The Milky Way, as the band were unable to get a drum beat which sounded right with Ploog. The band would play to a click track, and later bring in session drummer Russ Kunkel to add drums and percussion. Ploog recorded five albums with the band, leaving after recording 1990's Gold Afternoon Fix to be replaced by Jay Dee Daugherty and has since worked with the Wigmen, Deadly Hume, Funkicide, and the Sleep-Ins
October 29, 1961 ~ Jazz trumpeter, hornist, bandleader Kevin Davy born in Nottingham, UK ~ Worked with Finley Quaye, Phyllida Lloyd, Gary Yershon, Kate Edgar, Sangoma Everett, Pibo Marquez, Paul Shigihara, Doudou Gouirand, Roman Rahut, Krzesimir Debski, Claude Deppa, and others
October 29, 1961 ~ Singer Randy Jackson born in Gary, Indiana, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Jacksons since 1975, replacing older brother Jermaine Jackson
October 29, 1960 ~ Jazz trumpeter, bandleader, composer, arranger Jens Winther born in Naestved, Denmark ~ Worked with the JW European Quartet, the JW Electrazz, the New Jungle Orchestra, the Erling Kroner Tentet, Cadentia Nova Danica, Ernie Wilkins, the DR Big Band, George Gruntz, and others ~ Winther passed away in 2011
October 29, 1955 ~ Reggae guitarist, singer Basil Gabbidon, full name Basil Glendon Gabbidon, born ~ Co-founding member, lead guitarist for British reggae outfit Steel Pulse from 1975 through 1982, present on the albums Handsworth Revolution, Tribute To The Martyrs, Reggae Fever (Caught You), and True Democracy. Gabbidon would be succeeded by Melvin Brown
October 29, 1955 ~ Singer Kevin DuBrow, full name Kevin Mark DuBrow, born in Hollywood, California, USA ~ Reportedly, his first band consisted of 11-year olds, including himself, playing only one gig, to an audience of senior citizens who where not particularly fond of rock music. Influenced by the Small Faces, Queen, Rod Stewart, and Humble Pie. Best known as lead singer for heavy metal unit Quiet Riot. The band scored a million-seller with their 1983 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Cum On Feel The Noize, originally recorded by British glam rockers Slade a decade earlier. DuBrow appeared on all of the band's albums until his death, with the exception of 1988's QR recorded during his brief dismissal from the band ~ Dubrow passed away in 2007
October 29, 1955 ~ Punk-pop, synthpop keyboardist Roger O'Donnell born in London, UK ~ Best known as keyboardist of the Cure. Joined as a touring member for the 1987 Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me tour. Became a full member by the next album, 1989's Disintegration. Also worked with the Psychedelic Furs, Thompson Twins, Berlin, and others
October 29, 1954 ~ Singer Anita Meyer born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands ~ As a solo artist best known for The Alternative Way and Why Tell Me Why. Sang backup for Patricia Paay and Sandra Reemer
October 29, 1954 ~ Clarinetist, musicologist, jazz historian Dr Michael White born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Discovered by Kid Sheik. Worked with Ernest Doc Paulin, Wynton Marsalis, the Young Tuxedo Brass Band, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and others
October 29, 1952 ~ Singer, producer Arnell Carmichael born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Founding member of Raydio, which also included Ray Parker Jr, best known for Jack And Jill, You Can't Change That and perhaps their best-known A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do)
October 29, 1952 ~ Violinist Ida Kavafian born in Istanbul, Turkey ~ Best known as member of the Beaux Arts Trio from 1992 through 1998. Also worked with her sister Ani Kavafian, Chick Corea, the Chamber Music Society, Opus One, Steven Tenenbom, Anne-Marie McDermott, Peter Wiley, Mark O'Connor, and others. Praised for her renditions of works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven and Felix Mendelssohn as well as 20th century works of Ruth Crawford Seeger and Toru Takemitsu
October 29, 1952 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Rich Lataille born in Westerly, Rhode Island, USA ~ Longtime member of Roomful Of Blues with whom he recorded over a dozen albums starting with the acclaimed eponymous 1977 Roomful Of Blues debut album. Lataille has also appeared on albums by several of his bandmates and others including John Mooney, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, JB Hutto, Duke Robillard (After Hours Swing Session), Greg Piccolo, Pat Benatar, Otis Grand, and Al Basile
October 29, 1949 ~ Bassist, guitarist, singer David Paton born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Rose to fame as lead singer of 1970s band Pilot, known for songs such as January, Call Me Round, Just A Smile and perhaps their best-known Magic, the latter a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit in 1975. Also closely associated with the Alan Parsons Project, appearing on most of the band's albums including I Robot, The Turn Of A Friendly Card and Eye In The Sky. Has also worked with Kate Bush, Camel, Rick Wakeman, Fish, Eric Woolfson, and others
October 29, 1949 ~ Proto-punk, garage rock, hard rock, glam rock, punk rock guitarist, singer James Williamson, full name James Robert Williamson, born in Castroville, Texas, USA ~ Best known as guitarist for Iggy Pop's late 1960s, early 1970 the Stooges. Williamson joined the band in 1970 and appears on the 1973 Raw Power album for which he co-wrote all songs. Following the band's disbandement Williamson would continue his work with Pop through the end of the decade, appearing on the Kill City collaborative album released in 1977, and co-produce Pop's New Values and Soldier albums. Williamson released his Re-Licked solo debut album in 2014
October 29, 1949 ~ Tuba player Samuel Pilafian, full name James Samuel Pilafian, was born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Worked with Duke Ellington, Frank Vignola, Scott Zimmer, Pink Floyd, and others ~ Pilafian passed away in 2019
October 29, 1946 ~ Peter Allen Greenbaum, commonly known as guitarist Peter Green born in Bethnal Green, UK ~ Best known as co-founding Fleetwood Mac member, wrote or co-wrote songs such as Albatros, Black Magic Woman, Oh Well and The Green Manalishi With The Two Prong Crown. Also worked with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Eddie Boyd, Duster Bennett, Gordon Smith, Otis Spann, Clifford Davis, Jeremy Spencer, Peter Bardens, Memphis Slim, BB King, Dave Kelly, Country Joe McDonald, Toe Fat, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Peter Gabriel, and with the Peter Green Splinter Group ~ Green passed away in 2020
October 29, 1945 ~ Beatrice Melba Smith, commonly known as singer Melba Moore, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Performed in the original 1967 production of Hair. Best known for songs such as the Van McCoy-penned This Is It, Lean On Me, Pick Me Up I'l Dance, and the Freddie Jackson duet A Little Bit More
October 29, 1944 ~ Brian Frederick Arthur Hines, commonly known as pop rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Denny Laine born in Tyseley, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Moody Blues, present on the band's 1965 The Magnificent Moodies debut album. Sang lead on the band's first hit, Go Now, which would top the charts in their native UK in 1965 and reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Laine would depart the band in 1966 and be replaced by Justin Hayward. Perhaps best known for his association with Paul McCartney, serving as member of McCartney's backing unit the Wings from 1971 through 1981. Also co-wrote Mull Of Kintyre with McCartney. Laine has recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist, noted for his 1976 Holly Days sophomore album, and worked with the Electric String Band, Balls, Ginger Baker, Colin Blunstone, and Carmine Appice
October 29, 1944 ~ Pop singer Fausto Leali born in Nuvolento, Italy ~ Married to singer Melina Cantù, with whom he has one daughter. First gained attention in the mid-1960s as frontman of Leali & the Novelty, selling a million copies of the Roy Hamilton-cover Hurt translated to Italian as A Chi. Has recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist. Dubbed “Il Negro Bianco” or the white negro for his hoarse singing style, the moniker would also serve as the title of his 1968 Il Negro Bianco. Well-known for songs such as Si Chiama Maria, Io Camminero, Io Amo, and Ti Lascero. The latter, a duet with Anna Oxa, would be used as Italy's entry for the 1989 Eurovision Songfestival and reach 9th place
October 29, 1944 ~ Producer, songwriter Nelson Motta, full name Nelson Candido Motta Filho, born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Influential in bossa nova. Discovered Marisa Monte. Has worked with artists such as Edu Lobo, Dori Caymmi, Lulu Santos, Rita Lee, Djavan, Elis Regina, Gal Costa, Daniela Mercury, and others
October 29, 1940 ~ Singer David Brigati born in Garfield, New Jersey, USA ~ Started as a member of doo-wop outfit the Hi-Fives, known for their 1958 regional hit Dorothy. Member of Joey Dee & the Starliters, scoring a 1961 Billboard Hot 100 charttopper with The Peppermint Twist (Part 1). Best known as “the Fifth Rascal”, singing backup with the Rascals and occassionaly singing lead such as on Once Upon A Dream
October 29, 1940 ~ Singer Frida Boccara, full name Danielle Frida Hélène Boccara, born in Casablanca, French Morocco ~ Representing France Boccara tied for the No.1 spot with Un Jour Un Enfant at the 1969 Eurovision Songfestival held in Madrid. Allegations were made of foul play, Spanish dictator Franco aiming to have Spain win. The other “winners” were Lenny Kuhr with De Troubadour for the Netherlands, Lulu with Boom Bang-a-bang for the UK and Salomé with Vivo Cantando for Spain ~ Baccaro passed away in 1996
October 29, 1939 ~ Drummer Makhaya Ntshoko born in Cape Town, South Africa ~ Founded the Jazz Giants. Worked with Dollar Brand, Kippie Moeketski, Dudu Pukwana, Gideon Nuxmalo, Martin Mgijima, Hugh Masekela, John Mehegan, Johnny Gertze, Stuff Smith, Benny Bailey, Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster, Heinz Sauer, Bob Degen, Isla Eckinger, Nic Evans, Radu Malfatti, Joe McPhee, Pepper Adams, Mal Waldron, Johnny Dyani, and others
October 29, 1938 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, banjoist, fiddler Peter Stampfel born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, USA ~ Emerged form the 1960s New York folk scene. Best known for co-founding the Holy Modal Rounders, originally a duo with Steve Weber. The band's blend of folk and psychedelia would earn them a cult following from the late 1960s through the early 1970s. Reportedly the band's rendition of the traditional Hesitation Blues was the first song to include the word “psychedelic” in its lyrics, pronounced as psyche-delic. The duo Stampfel and Weber would also briefly team up with the Fugs, resulting in the 1966 album Virgin Fugs, before recording their third album out of over half a dozen through the late 1970s. Stampfel has also fronted the Unholy Modal Rounders, without Weber, and recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist
October 29, 1937 ~ Classical pianist Michael Ponti born in Freiburg-im-Breisgau, Germany ~ Acclaimed interpreter of the works of Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Sergei Rachmaninoff as well as lesser-known composers including Charles-Valentin Alkan, Mily Balakirev, Clara Schumann and Sigismond Thalberg. Ponti has worked with renowned orchestras such the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande, the Buenos Aires Philharmonic, and the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra ~ Ponti passed away in 2022
October 29, 1937 ~ Bluegrass, country banjoist Sonny Osborne born in Roark, Kentucky, USA ~ Formed the Osborne Brothers with Bobby Osborne, best known for their 1967 Rocky Top hit single. In-demand session musician, member of the Nashville A-Team. Also worked with the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, Bill Monroe's backing unit the Bluegrass Boys, and others ~ Osborne passed away in 2021
October 29, 1934 ~ Alto saxophonist Jimmy Woods born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Played with Homer Carter, Roy Milton, Horace Tapscott, Joe Gordon, Elvin Jones, Harold Land, Carmell Jones, Andrew Hill, George Tucker, Teddy Edwards, Chico Hamilton, and with Gerald Wilson ~ Woods passed away in 2018
October 29, 1934 ~ Willem Bernard Jacobs, commonly known as jazz, bossanova, easy listening pianist, composer Pim Jacobs, born in Hilversum, the Netherlands ~ Married to jazz singer Rita Reys. Accompanied artists such as Donald Byrd, Herbie Mann, Bud Shank, Lucky Thompson, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan. Wrote the score for the 1958 Glas cult film. Member of jazz trio de Gevleugelde Vrienden alongside Louis van Dijk and Pieter van Vollenhoven ~ Jacobs passed away in 1996
October 29, 1922 ~ Trumpeter, composer, arranger Neal Hefti, full name Neal Paul Hefti, born in Hastings, Nebraska, USA ~ Best known for his close association with Woody Herman and Woody Herman's First Herd. Also worked with Count Basie, Nat Towles, Money Johnson, Bob Astor, Charlie Spivak, Billy Butterfield, Frank Sinatra, Harry James, and others ~ Hefti passed away in 2008
October 29, 1920 ~ Singer, guitarist Feliciano Tavares Sr born in Providence, Rhode Island, USA ~ Cultural icon influential in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts community, credited with keeping the Cape Verdean musical tradition alive. Patriarch of the Tavares family, his sons forming the successful 1970s, 1980s R&B sibling outfit Tavares ~ Tavares passed away in 2008
October 29, 1911 ~ Nelson Antonio Da Dilva, commonly known as samba singer, songwriter Nelson Cavanquinho, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Regarded as one of the most important singers, composers of samba music ~ Da Silva passed away in 1986
October 29, 1910 ~ Pianist, bassist Eddie Cole, full name Edward Bennett Cole, born in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Brother to Nat King Cole, Freddy Cole, and Ike Cole. Worked with Noble Sissle, Sidney Bechet, Clarence Brereton, and others ~ Cole passed away in 1970
October 29, 1905 ~ Songwriter Albert E Brumley, full name Albert Edward Brumley, born near Spiro, Oklahoma, USA ~ Pivotal to gospel music, especially southern gospel. Wrote over 800 songs including Brown's Ferry Four's If We Never Meet Again, Jimmie Davis' I Cannot Find The Way Home, Mac Wiseman's Dreaming Of A Little Cabin, and Reverend JM Gates' I'll Fly Away ~ Brumley passed away in 1977
October 29, 1891 ~ Fania Borach, commonly known as comedienne, model, singer, actress Fanny Brice, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Portrayed by Barbra Streisand in the 1964 musical Funny Girl, its 1968 film adaptation and again in the 1975 sequel Funny Lady ~ Borach passed away in 1951