October 4, 2023 ~ Electro, synth-pop keyboardist, organist Dominique Perrier passed away ~ Married to singer Janet Woollacott, who would join her husband in the 1990s band Stone Age. The band is known for merging electro, Celtic and Breton influences. Previously Perrier co-founded electro, synth-pop act Space Art with whom he recorded three albums from 1977 through 1980, and has worked with Christophe, Louis Deprestige, the Gipsy Kings, and perhaps most notably Jean-Michel Jarre including on the acclaimed albums The Concerts In China and Waiting For Cousteau ~ Perrier was born ca.1950
October 4, 2022 ~ Jazz singer Janet Thurlow, full name Janet Lorraine Thurlow, passed away in Lynwood, California, USA ~ First gained attention as a “song stylist” in the late-1940s with renowned New Orleans producer, songwriter Robert Bumps Blackwell's band, a group that also included the then-unknown Quincy Jones and Ray Charles. Invited by Lionel Hampton in 1950 to join his orchestra as a singer, making her recording debut on the 1951 I Can't Believe You're In Love With Me which reportedly made her the first white singer to front an all-Black big band. By 1953 Thurlow started her solo career, performing through the mid-1960s. Thurlow was also featured on the 1953 Charles Mingus recording Eclipse, a song about interracial romance. Thurlow herself married African-American trombonist Jimmy Cleveland earlier the same year ~ Thurlow was born in 1926
October 4, 2022 ~ Loretta Webb, commonly known as country, honky tonk singer, guitarist, songwriter Loretta Lynn, passed away in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, USA ~ Known as “the Coal Miner's Daughter” has shaped 1960s and 1970s country and along with Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette served as a rolemodel for future generations of female country singers. Known for songs such as You Ain't Woman Enough To Take My Man, Don't Come Home A-Drinkin' With Lovin' On Your Mind, One's On The Way, Fist City and Coal Miner's Daughter ~ Webb was born in 1932
October 4, 2021 ~ Beatle fan Lizzie Bravo passed away ~ Alongside Gayleen Pease one of two fans waiting outside EMI Studios randomly chosen to sing the line “nothing's gonna change my world” on the Beatles' Across The Universe. While recording the track Paul McCartney felt it needed a high-pitched voice, went outside and asked the group of fans on the street who could hold a high note. Bravo and Pease both answered yes. Although the take with both girls would not make the Let It Be album, the version including them would however make it to the 1969 No One's Gonna Change Our World charity compilation album as well as appear on several later issued rarities albums ~ Bravo was born ca.1951
October 4, 2019 ~ Carol Diahann Johnson, commonly known as actress, singer Diahann Carroll, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Rose to prominence in the 1950s starring in film editions of Carmen Jones and Porgy & Bess. Awarded a Tony Award for her role in the 1962 Broadway musical No Strings, making her the first African-American woman to receive the award. Carroll, a close friend of Lenny Kravitz's mother actress Roxie Roker, was a godmother of Kravitz ~ Johnson was born in 1935
October 4, 2019 ~ Indie rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, drummer, engineer, producer Ed Ackerson passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Member of the Dig, the 27 Various, Antenna, Polara and BNLX. As a producer or engineer has worked on recordings by the Jayhawks, the Replacements, Soul Asylum, Golden Smog, Wesley Stace, John Strohm, Brian Setzer, the Wallflowers, Rhett Miller and Juliana Hatfield ~ Ackerson was born in 1965
October 4, 2019 ~ Rapper, singer Travis Scott releases his Highest In The Room stand-alone single ~ The song deals with both Scott's use of weed, the rapper wondering if he is “the highest in the room”, and Scott's then-recent breakup with socialite and TV personality Kylie Jenner. The instrumentation is based around a guitar melody Scott had recorded with his iPhone, which is an uncommon thing to do. Prior to the single's release, Scott had played the song earlier the several of his performances, including a version that included a verse from Lil' Baby which was left off of the final version, as Scott wanted to express the breakup with his girlfriend himself. The single hit No.1 Billboard Hot 100 in its first week on the charts, making it his second American charttopper. Swiss beatmaker OZ had also worked on Scott's first No.1, Sicko Mode, which had topped the charts the previous year
October 4, 2018 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer Hamiet Bluiett passed away in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Considered one of the finest baritone saxophonists of his day. Co-founded the World Saxophone Quartet, which also included Julius Hemphill, Oliver Lake, and David Murray. Has worked with Charles Mingus, Sam Rivers, Babatunde Olatunji, Abdullah Ibrahim, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, 360 Degree Music Experience, Anthony Braxton, James Carter, Gil Evans, the Music Revelation Ensemble, Craig Harris, and others ~ Bluiett was born in 1940
October 4, 2014 ~ Keyboardist Paul Revere, full name Paul Revere Dick, passed away in Garden Valley, Idaho, USA ~ Best known as leader and organist for Paul Revere & the Raiders, known for a string of hits from the early-1960s through the early-1970s including Like Long Hair, Just Like Me, Good Thing, Him Or Me (What's It Gonna Be), Kicks, Let Me, Hungry, and Indian Reservation (The Lament Of The Cherokee Reservation Indian) ~ Revere was born in 1938
October 4, 2012 ~ Folk, soul, R&B singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Paul Kelly, full name Paul Laurence Dunbar Kelly, passed away in Ruby, South Carolina, USA ~ Best known for Stealing In The Name Of The Lord and for Hooked Hogtied & Collared. Also wrote Personally first recorded by Jackie Moore, later notably covered by both singer Karla Bonoff and country singer Ronnie McDowell ~ Kelly was born in 1940
October 4, 2009 ~ Singer Mercedes Sosa, full name Haydée Mercedes Sosa, passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Dubbed “La Negra”, considered one of the premier exponents of nueva cancion updating traditional folk. Refused to leave the country after the military coup in 1976 and would eventually be arrested by the Videla regime during a show along with all the concert-goers. Best known for her Gracias A La Vida signature song. International pressure would lead to her release and she Sosa spent a number of years in exile. Has collaborated with a host of Argentinian and international stars including Martha Argerich, Andrea Bocelli, David Broza, Jaime Roos, Joan Baez, Francis Cabrel, Lucio Dalla, Gal Costa, Lucecita Benítez, Charly García, Nana Moskouri, Pablo Milanés, Milton Nascimento, Pata Negra, Luciano Pavarotti, Shakira, Sting, Caetano Veloso, and others ~ Sosa was born in 1935
October 4, 2008 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Al Gallodoro, full name Alfred J Gallodoro, passed away in Oneonta, New York, USA ~ Praised as “the best sax player who ever lived” by bandleader Jimmy Dorsey. Best known for his longtime associations with Paul Whiteman and the NBC Symphony Orchestra led by Arturo Toscanini ~ Gallodoro was born in 1913
October 4, 2005 ~ Rock drummer, percussionist, singer Mike Gibbins, full name Michael George Gibbins, passed away in Oviedo, Florida, USA ~ Original member of Iveys, which evolved into Badfinger. Gibbins remained with the band until its initial disbandement in 1975 and is present on the band's best known including Come And Get It, No Matter What and Day After Day all of which reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. After the band dissolved Gibbins would work as a session musician, notably on Bonnie Tyler's It's A Heartache, briefly rejoined a Badfinger reincarnation, and recorded as a solo artist starting with the album A Place In Time released in 1998 ~ Gibbins was born in 1949
October 4, 2001 ~ Jazz guitarist John Collins, full name John Elbert Collins, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known as member of the Nat King Cole Trio. Also worked with Art Tatum, Roy Eldridge, Billie Holiday, Lester Young, Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter, Slam Stewart, Kenny Clarke, Ike Quebec, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Erroll Garner, Billy Taylor, Tadd Dameron, Coleman Hawkins, Artie Shaw, Vic Dickenson, Patti Page, Bobby Troup, Ray Brown, Carmen McRae, Snooky Young, Ruth Brown, Illinois Jacquet, and others ~ Collins was born in 1913
October 4, 2000 ~ Benjamin Orzechowski, commonly known as bassist Benjamin Orr, passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Best known as singer, bassist, co-founder of the Cars. Sang lead on Cars-songs such as Just What I Needed, Let's Go, and Drive. Previously a member of the Grasshoppers known for a pair of 1965 singles, Mod Socks and the Orr-penned Pink Champagne & Red Roses. As a solo artist Orr would score a modest hit with Stay The Night in 1987 ~ Orzechowski was born in 1947
October 4, 1999 ~ Arthur Leo Owens, commonly known as country songwriter, singer AL Doodle Owens, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ In-demand songwriter, frequent collaborator of Dallas Frazier. Songs written or co-written by Owens have been recorded by artists such as Lefty Frizzell, George Morgan, Charley Pride, Brenda Lee (Johnny One Time), Willie Nelson, Duane Dee, Elvis Presley (True Love Travels On A Gravel Road), Charlie Louvin, Bob Luman, Hank Locklin, Nat Stuckey, Jerry Lee Lewis, Connie Smith, Stoney Edwards (Hank And Lefty Raised My Country Soul), Henson Cargill, Charlie Rich (Raggedy Ann), Arlene Harden, Ferlin Husky, Moe Bandy (I Just Started Hatin' Cheatin' Songs Today), Gene Watson, Tammy Wynette, George Jones (Wine Colored Roses), and Doug Stone ~ Owens was born in 1930
October 4, 1999 ~ Jazz trumpeter Art Farmer, full name Arthur Stewart Farmer, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Twin brother of bassist Addison Farmer, with whom he also worked. Influenced by Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Fats Navarro, Freddie Webster. As a composer best known for Farmer's Market, first recorded by Wardell Gray in 1952. As a leader especially acclaimed for his 1955 Evening In Casablanca album. Co-founded the Jazztet with Benny Golson. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Clifford Brown, Gigi Gryce, Ernie Wilkins, Gene Ammons (Jammin' With Gene), Oscar Pettiford, Clifford Jordan (Cliff Craft), Sonny Clark, Charles Mingus, George Russell (The Jazz Workshop), Manny Albam, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Gerry Mulligan, Milt Jackson (Bags' Opus), Ben Webster, and John Coltrane ~ Farmer was born in 1928
October 4, 1999 ~ Country singer Faith Hill releases Breathe, lead single off her album of the same name ~ In the 1990s, country broke into mainstream. Hill had tapped into the era's trend with massive crossover appeal starting with her pop-friendly 1998 Faith album, which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 No.7 hit This Kiss. She followed up with its successor, Breathe, the following year. The title track garnered massive airplay, and had a 53-week run on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 including five weeks at No.2. Despite never topping the chart, it would be named the No.1 song in Billboard's year-end list. Up till then, the only other song to have achieved this feat was Wooly Bully by Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs in 1965, which also peaked at No.2. Breathe would also win Hill a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, while its parent album won Best Country Album
October 4, 1996 ~ Fiddler Jerry Rivers passed away ~ Nicknamed “Burrhead” for his haircut. Member of Hank Williams' backing unit the Drifting Cowboys, present on most of Williams' best known including Long Gone Lonesome Blues, Cold Cold Heart, Moanin' The Blues, Hey Good Lookin' and Jambalaya (On The Bayou) ~ Rivers was born in 1928
October 4, 1994 ~ Guitarist Danny Gatton, full name Daniel Wood Gatton Jr, passed away in Newburg, Maryland, USA ~ Guitar virtuoso. Member of the Offbeats. Member of Liz Meyer & Friends. Founded the Redneck Explosion. Fuses jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, rock & roll, rockabilly and more into a hybrid style referred to by Gatton as “redneck jazz.” Hugely admired by musicians such as Buckethead, Joe Bonamassa, Lenny Breau, James Burton, Chris Cheney, Vince Gill, Johnny Hiland, Evan Johns, Albert Lee, Les Paul, Arlen Roth, Richie Sambora, Ricky Skaggs, Slash and Steve Vai ~ Gatton was born in 1945
October 4, 1993 ~ R&B singer Varetta Dillard, full name Varetta Mamie Dillard, passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Encouraged to enter talent contests by the Chords singer Carl Feaster. Would go on to be signed by Savoy Records in 1951 after winning two consecutive competitions at the Apollo Theatre, New York. Recorded a number of unsuccessful singles, prior to reaching top 10 Billboard R&B with Easy Easy Baby the next year. Dillard would score two more hits, in 1953 with her signature song, Mercy Mr Percy, and in 1955 with Johnny Has Gone, the latter a tribute song to singer Johnny Ace who had died of an unintentional self-inflicted gunshot wound. Dillard recorded as a solo artist through the early-1960s, but would be unable to repeat her earlier success. Later she would sing with gospel group the Tri-Odds, and work as a music therapist with chronically ill children. Dillard died of cancer at age 60 ~ Dillard was born in 1933
October 4, 1991 ~ R&B, pop, hip-hop singer, songwriter, actress Leigh-Anne Pinnock born in High Wycombe, UK ~ Member of girl group Little Mix, known for UK hits such as Cannonball, Wings, Salute, Black Magic, Secret Love Song featuring Jason Derülo, Shout Out To My Ex, A Woman Like Me featuring Nicki Minaj, and others
October 4, 1990 ~ Henry Oliver Jones, commonly known as singer, songwriter Ollie Jones, passed away in Teaneck, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of various doo-wop groups including the Ravens, the Blenders, the Cues. Also known as a songwriter, responsible for tracks such as Nat King Cole's Send For Me, Fabian's Tiger, Perry Como's Love Makes The World Go Round, the Crests' Step By Step, Damita Jo's I'll Be There, and Elvis Presley's Finders Keeper (Losers Weepers) ~ Jones was born in 1923
October 4, 1990 ~ Dequantes Devontay Lamar, commonly known as hip hop, trap, mumble rap rapper, singer, songwriter Rich Homie Quan, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Influenced by TI, Lil' Wayne, OutKast and Goodie Mob. Guested on Gucci Mane's 2013 Trap House III mixtape. Later the same year, Lamar also guested on YG's Billboard Hot 100 top 20 single My Nigga. As a solo artist, Lamar is known best for the mid-2010s singles Type Of Way and Flex (Ooh Ooh Ooh), both of which reached top 20 Billboard R&B. Lamar's full-length Rich As In Spirit debut album released in 2018 would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 200. Lamar has also collaborated with Trinidad James, 2 Chainz, Migos, Fabolous, and DJ Drama ~ Lamar passed away in 2024
October 4, 1989 ~ Comedian Graham Chapman passed away in Maidstone, UK ~ Member of comedy troupe Monty Python, known for the TV series and a number of films. The group has also reached the charts with a number of songs from their shows, notably Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life, Sit On My Face and The Lumberjack Song ~ Chapman was born in 1941
October 4, 1989 ~ Niatia Jessica Kirkland, commonly known as rapper, singer, actress, TV personality Lil' Mama, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ As a recording artist best known for the singles Lip Gloss and Shawy Get Loose, the latter featuring Chris Brown and T-Pain, both of which reached No.10 on the Bilboard singles chart in 2007
October 4, 1985 ~ Shontelle Layne, mononymously known as singer Shontelle, born in St James, Barbados ~ Released her Shontelligence debut album in 2008, spawning the modest hit T-Shirt. Would reach Billboard Hot 100 top 20 with Impossible of her 2010 No Gravity sophomore album
October 4, 1984 ~ Elena Sergeevna Katina, commonly known as Lena Katina, born in Moscow, Soviet Union ~ Best known as half of Tatu, the other half being singer Julia Volkova, known for international hits such as Not Gonna Get Us, All About Us and their debut single All The Thing's She Said which would top the charts in well over a dozen countries
October 4, 1982 ~ Glenn Herbert Gold, commonly known as classical pianist Glenn Gould, passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Praised for his technical proficiency, Gould would become one of the 20th century's most celebrated classical pianists. Especially known as the premier interpreter of Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven, Gould rejected most of the Romantic piano literature by Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Gould has recorded prolifically since the mid-1950s, his Bach (The Goldberg Variations) considered the definitive interpretation, has transcribed works by Richard Wagner, Maurice Ravel, Franz Schubert, and Anton Bruckner, served as conductor, and made numerous television and radio programs. In 1997, the Royal Conservatory of Music Professional School in Toronto, Canada, adopted the name the Glenn Gould School in honor of its most famous alumnus ~ Gould was born in 1932
October 4, 1982 ~ Saxophonist, songwriter YolanDa Brown, full name YolanDa Faye Brown, born in Barking, UK ~ Merges reggea, jazz and soul, described somewhat tongue-in-cheek as “posh reggea” by her. Active since the late-2000s. Acclaimed for her 2012 April Showers May Flowers album. Has collaborated with the likes of Billy Ocean, Morgan Heritage, Lemar, Michelle Williams, Julian Marley, Matt Cardle, and Mica Paris
October 4, 1977 ~ Indie rock, post-rock singer, bassist, keyboardist, guitarist, percussionist Richard Reed Parry born in Ottawa, Canada ~ Core member of indie rock outfit Arcade Fire, known for their breakout Funeral album released in 2004. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Music For Heart And Breath released in 2014, as well as with the Unicorns, Islands, the Bell Orchestre (As Seen Through Windows), Silver Starling, Sufjan Stevens, the National, Little Scream (Cult Following), Leonard Cohen (Thanks For The Dance), Rebecca Foon, and the Sadies
October 4, 1975 ~ Singer, songwriter Case, full name Case Woodward, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for a number of 1990s, early-2000s hits including Touch Me Tease Me featuring Foxxy Brown and Mary J Blige, Happily Ever After, The Best Man featuring Ginuwine, RL and Tyrese, Faded Pictures with Joe, Missin' You, Livin' It Up featuring Ja Rule
October 4, 1973 ~ Matthew Stephen Ward, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter M Ward, born in Oregon, USA ~ Folk and blues-inspired Americana. Member of indie pop duo She & Him, the other half being Zooey Deschanel. Member of folk supergroup the Monsters Of Folk. Released his solo debut, Duet For Guitars #2, in 1999. Has also collaborated with Cat Power, Neko Case, Beth Orton, the Court & Spark, Bright Eyes, Jenny Lewis, My Morning Jacket, and others
October 4, 1971 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Darren Middleton born in Brisbane, Australia ~ Influenced by Twisted Sister and AC/DC. Best known as member of Powderfinger and side project Drag. Previously worked with Sonic Tapestry and Pirate. Released his solo debut album, Translation in 2013 after the dissolution of Powderfinger, which featured guests such as Nic Jester, Bernard Fanning, Pete Murray, Paul Dempsey, Clare Bowditch, and Amy Findlay
October 4, 1970 ~ Singer Janis Joplin, full name Janis Lyn Joplin, passed away in Hollywood, California, USA ~ One of the most successful rock stars of her day, noted for her powerful bluesy mezzo-soprano vocals. Rose to fame as lead singer of psychedelic blues band Big Brother & the Holding Company, known for songs such as Bye Bye Baby, Down On Me and Piece Of My Heart. As a solo artist known for Kozmic Blues, Me And Bobby McGee, Cry Baby and Mercedes Benz. Passed away aged 27 of a heroin overdose ~ Joplin was born in 1943
October 4, 1970 ~ Country, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Jaren Johnston, full name Jaren Ray Johnston, born ~ Son of drummer Jerry Ray Johnston. Member of the American Bang. Member of the Cadillac Three. Has co-written for others, including Keith Urban's You Gonna Fly and Raise 'Em Up, Tim McGraw's Southern, Dallas Smith's Tippin' Point, and Jake Owen's Days Of Gold and Beachin'
October 4, 1969 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz violinist Mat Maneri born in New York, New York, USA ~ Son of saxophonist Joe Maneri, with whom he also worked. Well over two dozen albums to his name as leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for Fifty-One Sorrows and Blue Deco released respectively 1999 and 2000. Closely associated with Joe Morris and Matthew Shipp. Has also collaborated with Cecil Taylor, Guerino Mazzola, Gerald Cleaver, Tim Berne, Borah Bergman, Michael Formanek, and others
October 4, 1969 ~ Natale Codognotto, commonly known as swing singer Natalino Otto, passed away in Milan, Italy ~ Active since the 1930s. Picked up swing and jazz influences while working the transatlantic liners. Boycotted by Italian radiostations as anything sounding foreign was banned by the fascist Italian regime, yet became one of the most popular singers of the day. Recorded over 2,000 songs over the course of his career. Best known for songs such as Ho Un Sassolino Nella Scarpa, Polvere Di Stelle, Op Op Trotta Cavallino and La Classe Deli Asini ~ Codognotto was born in 1912
October 4, 1968 ~ Rock band Led Zeppelin kick off their 1968 UK tour at the Mayfair Ballroom, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK ~ Their first UK tour, at some of the earlier tour dates still billed as the New Yardbirds, the band plays over a dozen shows through mid-December. Inbetween tour dates the band would record their eponymous Led Zeppelin, often referred to as Led Zeppelin I, which took a mere 36 hours studio time. The November 9 concert at the Roundhouse, London, doubled as singer Robert Plant's wedding reception, as he married his girlfriend Maureen Wilson at the same venue later that day. The couple would remain married for 15 years and have three children
October 4, 1965 ~ Arthur B Fields, commonly known as songwriter Buddy Fields, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing, together with Al Sherman and Al Lewis, You Gotta Be A Football Hero. The song is one of the most widely recorded and performed American footballs anthem. It was the subject of a 1935 Popeye The Sailor cartoon and has been recorded by Fred Waring, Ben Bernie, Tuxedo Junction, the Crew Cuts, Ralph Flanagan, and Dick Haymes ~ Fields was born in 1889
October 4, 1964 ~ Jazz bassist Robert Hurst in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Played guitar early in his career before switching to bass. His debut as a leader, 1993's Robert Hurst Presentss peaked at No.13 Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart. As a sideman Hurst played with Tony Williams, Mulgrew Miller, Harry Connick Jr, Geri Allen, Russell Malone, Steve Coleman, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Renee Rosnes, Bruce Barth, Vanessa Rubin, Dianne Reeves, Keb' Mo, Billy Cobham, Michael Bublé, Charles Lloyd, Diana Krall, Willie Nelson, Barbra Streisand, Norah Jones, Joe Louis Walker, Paul McCartney, Jill Scott, and others
October 4, 1961 ~ Juan Francisco Secada Ramirez, commonly known as singer, songwriter Jon Secada, born in Havana, Cuba ~ As a singer known for hits such as Just Another Day, Angel and If You Go. Has duetted with Jim Brickman, Olivia Newton-John and Frank Sinatra and as a songwriter has written or co-written songs for Gloria Estefan (Coming Out Of The Dark), Ricky Martin and for Jennifer Lopez
October 4, 1960 ~ Singer Anita Heilker, full name Antoinetta Johanna Margaretha Heiler, born in Schiedam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as member of pop girl group the Dolly Dots. Left the band in 1985. Heilker was present on top 10 hits in the Netherlands, starting in the late-1970s, including Tell It All About Boys, Hela-do-ladi-do, STOP, Do You Wanna Wanna, She's A Liar. Has released a number of solo singles, notably 1987's Don't Treat Me Like This, and a sole solo album Girl In Black. Works as a voice actress, best known for portraying Donald Duck in several Dutch Disney animatian TV series and films
October 4, 1960 ~ Country, country pop, country rock keyboardist Gregg Hubbard, also known as Gregg Hobie Hubbard, born in Apopka, Florida, USA ~ Co-founding member of country outfit Sawyer Brown. The musicians originally served as sountry singer Don King's touring band, but decided to stay together after King's retirement in 1981. The band has recorded over a dozen albums and would regularly reach the higher echelons of the Billboard Country charts from their inception through the mid-1990s, with the singles Step That Step, Some Girls Do, and Thank God For You all reaching the No.1 spot
October 4, 1960 ~ Producer, engineer, multi-instrumentalist Malcolm Burn born in Cornwall, Canada ~ Lead singer, keyboardist of the Boys Brigade. Played with artists such as Daniel Lanois (Acadie), Bob Dylan (Oh Mercy), the Neville Brothers (Yellow Moon) and Chris Whitley. As a producer best known for his work with Blue Rodeo, Emmylou Harris (Red Dirt Girl, Stumble Into Grace), Midnight Oil, Patty Griffin, Crash Vegas, Patti Smith (Gone Again), and others
October 4, 1959 ~ Singer Chris Lowe born in Blackpool, UK ~ Best known as half of the Pet Shop Boys, the other half being Neil Tennant, known for synth disco hits such as West End Girls, It's A Sin, Go West, Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money), and What Have I Done To Deserve This
October 4, 1957 ~ Bassist Yngve Moe born in Tromsø, Norway ~ Member of Erter Kjøtt & Flesk until its disbandement in 1975. Touring member of Nøkken. Co-founding member of Dance With A Stranger, remaining with the band until his death. Has also worked with Oofotr, Marius Müller, Terje Nilsen, Nathalie Nordnes, and with Øivind Elgenes ~ Moe passed away in 2013
October 4, 1957 ~ Synth-pop, new wave, ambient, electronic singer, guitarist, bassist Zaine Griff, also known by the moniker Glenn Mikkelson, born in Auckland, New Zealand ~ Member of New Zealand rock band Human Instinct from age 16 and present on the band's The Hustler. After relocating to England in the mid-1970s became a part of the fledging new wave, new romantic scene initially as a member of Screemer. Released his Ashes And Diamonds debut solo album in 1980, followed by Figvres two years later, on which Kate Bush sang backup on Flowers. Griff returned to New Zealand by the mid-1980s to run a jazz club but would continue to record from time to time
October 4, 1956 ~ Rock & roll, punk rock, post-punk singer, drummer, guitarist, songwriter Ricky Williams, also known as Ricky Tractor, born in Palo Alto, California, USA ~ Original singer for Flipper, credited with naming the band though he left before they made any recordings. Has also worked with Crime, Sleepers, and with the Toiling Midgets ~ Williams passed away in 1992
October 4, 1953 ~ New age harpist Andreas Vollenweider born in Zurich, Switzerland ~ Leading new age musician with well over a dozen albums to his name since the early-1980s. Especially acclaimed for his 1983 Caverna Magica sophomore album. Primarily plays the electro-acoustic harp, an instrument of his own making. Has guested on recordings by Carly Simon, Luciano Pavarotti, Lou Bega, and Hans Zimmer, notably present on the latter's Tears Of The Sun soundtrack
October 4, 1952 ~ Drummer Jody Stephens born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Rose to fame as member of pioneering power-pop outfit Big Star, present on all of the original band's three albums starting with the acclaimed No.1 Record 1972 debut album. Has also worked with Golden Smog, with Luther Russell in Those Pretty Wrongs, with the Lemon Twigs and with the Reputations
October 4, 1949 ~ Lyric tenor John Aler born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Particularly known for his interpretations of works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gioachino Rossini, Gaetano Donizetti, Vincenzo Bellini, and George Frideric Handel. Has performed with renowned orchestras including the Santa Fe Opera, the English National Opera, the Vienna Staatsoper, the Teatro Real, the New York City Opera, the Bayerische Staatsoper, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the London Sinfonietta, and others ~ Aler passed away in 2022
October 4, 1949 ~ Songwriter Stephen Allen Davis born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Has written over 400 songs. Well known songs include Take Time To Know Her (Percy Sledge), The Fool Strikes Again (David Houston), Don't Girls Get Lonely (Glenn Shorrock), Love Has A Mind Of Its Own (BJ Thomas), Radio Heart (Charly McClain), The Best Years Of My Life (Diana Ross), Stand Beside Me (Jo Dee Messina), and No Ordinary World (Joe Cocker). Others who recorded his songs include Tammy Wynette, Alabama, Little Texas, Reba McEntire, Charlie Rich, Barbara Mandrell, Johnny Rodriguez, Meat Loaf, Johnny Duncan, and Joe Stampley ~ Davis passed away in 2022
October 4, 1948 ~ Michael John Robillard, commonly known as guitarist Duke Robillard, born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA ~ Co-founding member of Roomful Of Blues, remaining with the band for a decade until his departure in 1979. Member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds including on the acclaimed 1991 Walk That Walk Talk That Talk album. Although primarily known as a blues, blues-rock, rockabilly guitarist Robillard has enjoyed a parallel solo career with well over 30 albums as a leader, playing jazz, swing, jump blues. Noted for his association with jazz guitarist Herb Ellis and as a member of New Guitar Summit alongside Gerry Beaudoin and Jay Geils. In-demand collaborator, appearing on albums by Al Copley, Snooky Pryor, Pinetop Perkins, Mark Hummel, Bob Dylan (Time Out Of Mind), Eddy Clearwater, Scott Hamilton, Al Basile, Jimmy Witherspoon, Billy Boy Arnold, Joe Louis Walker, and others
October 4, 1947 ~ Bassist Jim Fielder born in Denton, Texas, USA ~ Original member of Blood Sweat & Tears, remaining with the band from 1967 through 1973 and present on the band's most acclaimed albums 1968's Child Is Father To The Man and its eponymous Blood Sweat & Tears follow-up released the following year. Has also worked with classmate Tim Buckley, Buffalo Springfield, Bloomfield Kooper & Stills, Mastin & Brewer, and with the Bohemians
October 4, 1947 ~ Paul Alain Leclerc, commonly known as singer, pianist, songwriter Julien Clerc, born in Paris, France ~ Influenced by Georges Brassens and Edith Piaf. Closely associated with songwriters Maurice Vallet and Etienne Roda-Gil. Released his acclaimed eponymous Julien Clerc debut album in 1968. Would open for Gilbert Bécaud the next year. Best known for songs such as Hélène, La Californie and perhaps his best known Cette Melodie
October 4, 1947 ~ Keyboardist Ronnie Leahy born in Glasgow, UK ~ Best known for his associations with artists such as Jack Bruce, Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, the Dukes, and with Nazareth. Would later play with White Trash, Stone The Crows and with the short-lived Tandoori Cassette
October 4, 1946 ~ Bridget Anne Hobbs, commonly known as folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Bridget St John, born in Surrey, UK ~ Best known for her first three albums, including her 1969 debut album Ask Me No Questions produced by label owner, renowned radio DJ John Peel. Duetted with Kevin Ayers on The Oyster And The Flying Fish of Ayers' 1970 Shooting At The Moon album. Would disappear from public view, and hardly record or perform, from the mid-1970s until her 1996 Take The Fifth album. Has collaborated with Mike Oldfield, Robin Frederick, and Michael Chapman
October 4, 1944 ~ Bassist Eddie Gomez born in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his work with Bill Evans, backing Evans on tour and on dozens of recordings from 1966 through 1977. Has also worked with Gerry Mulligan, Marian McPartland, Paul Bley, Steps Ahead, Chick Corea, the Manhattan Jazz Quintet, Randy Brecker, Joe Chambers, Billy Cobham, Eliane Elias, and others
October 4, 1944 ~ Singer, songwriter Johnny Mercer records Ac-cent-tchu-ate The Positive ~ Written by Harold Arlen and Mercer. Recorded by Mercer with vocal group the Pied Pipers and backed by Paul Weston's orchestra, the single would reach top 10 on the pop charts. Several others, including Bing Crosby, Kay Kyser, Dinah Washington, would record their own version within a matter of weeks. The song would go on to become a jazz, pop standard covered by numerous artists, notably Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Dr John, and Al Jarreau
October 4, 1944 ~ Maria de Los Angeles de las Heraz Ortiz, commonly known as mariachi, canción melodica singer, actress Rocio Dúrcal, born in Madrid, Spain ~ Awarded a 2005 Latin Grammy Award, a lifetime achievement award for her contributions to the genre. Known for recordings such as La Guirnalda, Como Tu Mujer, Vestida De Banco, El Destino and Infiel. Worked with Juan Gabriel, Marco Antonio Solís, Luis Sanz, Silvetti, and others ~ De las Heras passed away in 2006
October 4, 1943 ~ Jump blues, R&B singer, saxophonist, bandleader Louis Jordan records several songs including Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby ~ Penned by Jordan and Billy Jordan. First released as the B-side of GI Jive in June 1944, it would become one of Jordan's most recognisable and popular songs, later covered by numerous artists including Dinah Washington, Joe Jackson on his 1981 Jumpin' Jive album, and by blues icon BB King. The song would also be a 1944 hit record for Bing Crosby with the Andrews Sisters
October 4, 1942 ~ Bernice Johnson, commonly known as a capella singer, songwriter, social activist Bernice Johnson Reagon, born in Dougherty County, Georgia, USA ~ Member of the Freedom Singers, which she co-founded with Cordell Reagon whom she would latter marry. The quartet fused vblack a capella church singing with popular contemporary songs as well as protest songs and chants. They are best known for We Shall Not Be Moved, the quartet's rendition becoming an anthem of the Civil Rights movement. Johnson also co-founded Sweet Honey In The Rock, with whom she has recorded since the early-1970s including the highly acclaimed Feel Something Drawing Me On album released in 1985. Johnson is also known as a scholar, historian, professor of American history, and as a longtime curator at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC ~ Johnson passed away in 2024
October 4, 1942 ~ Composer Diogenes Rivas born in Merida, Venezuela ~ Co-founder, artistic director of the Festival Atemmpo, Caracas. Co-founder, co-artistic director of the Nuit d'Atempo, Paris. Has received commissions from Radio France, the French Ministry of Culture, the Ensemble Aleph. Rivas is particularly known as a researcher of contemporary music, lecturer, and teacher of young composers
October 4, 1942 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, singer Franco Gatti born in Genoa, Italy ~ Co-founded pop, Italo disco outfit Ricchi & Poveri in 1967, one of the most popular Italian pop acts selling over an estimated 20 million records. The band is acclaimed for their unique vocal style based on the intertwining of four different voices, bass, tenor, alto and soprano. Well known songs include L'Ultimo Amore, Mamma Maria, M'Innamore Di Te, Se M'Innamoro, and Sarà Perché Ti Amo. Internationally the group is best known for participating in the 1978 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 12th place with Questo Amore ~ Gatti passed away in 2022
October 4, 1942 ~ Joanna Jenneke Josepha Klarenbeek, commonly known as singer, actress Jenny Arean, born in Lisse, the Netherlands ~ First gained attention in the early-1960s working with Wim Kan and Corry Vonk. Ventured into musicals by the 1970s, notably En Nu Naar Bed which spawned the hit single Vluchten Kan Niet Meer with Frans Halsema. The song has become a staple of Dutch radio and remains a favorite to this day
October 4, 1940 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion bassist Steve Swallow born in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with Jimmy Giuffre, Gary Burton, Carla Bley, also romanticaly involved with the latter since the 1980s. By the 1970s became one of the earliest jazz double bassists to switch entirely to electric bass guitar. As a composer his songs have been covered by Jim Hall, Bill Evans, Chick Corea and Stan Getz. Swallow has collaborated with Sheila Jordan, Steve Kuhn, Michael Mantler, John Scofield, Chico Hamilton, Pierre Favre, Pat Metheny, Paul Motian, and others
October 4, 1937 ~ Free jazz, blues, soul jazz, pop singer Leon Thomas, full name Amos Leon Thomas Jr, born in East St Louis, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Referred to as “the John Coltrane of jazz vocalists”. Influenced James Moody, Tim Buckley, Bobby McFerrin. Worked with Armando Peraza, Jimmy Forrest, Grant Green, the Jazz Messengers, Dakota Staton, Pharoah Sanders, Freddie Hubbard, Santana (Welcome, Lotus), Gary Bartz, Jeri Brown, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Hodges, Archie Shepp, Malachi Thompson, and others ~ Thomas passed away in 1999
October 4, 1937 ~ Country steel guitarist Lloyd Green born in Leaf, Mississippi, USA ~ Notable for his session work with Lynn Anderson, Don Williams, George Hamilton IV, Johnny Paycheck, Jean Stafford, Johnny Cash, the Byrds, the Monkees, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Alan Jackson, and others
October 4, 1935 ~ Cynthia Sue Strother, commonly known as singer Cynthia Bell, born in Harlan County, Kentucky, USA ~ Formed the sibling duo the Bell Sisters with her baby sister Edith Bell, adopting their mother's maiden name as stage names. The duo would be discovered in 1951 performing Bermuda, written by Cynthia, on a local Los Angeles TV show. Music publisher Joe Happy Goday would take an interest in the sibling act and had them record the track. The single would reach top 10 on the pop charts the following year, and eventually sell a million copies. The sisters would have two more hits, Wheel Of Fortune which scratched the top 10, and Piece A'Puddin' which reached top 20 ~ Strother passed away in 2024
October 4, 1929 ~ Country singer, guitarist Leroy Van Dyke, full name Leroy Frank Van Dyke, born in Spring Fork, Missouri, USA ~ Recorded over 500 songs. Best known for the hit singles The Auctioneer and Walk On By. Other well known songs include If A Woman Answers Hang Up The Phone, Black Cloud, Roses From A Stranger, A Big Man In A Big House, Birmingham, and Just A State Of Mind
October 4, 1927 ~ Jazz pianist Walter Bishop Jr born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Milt Jackson, Stan Getz, Charlie Parker, Hank Mobley, Jimmy Garrison, GT Hogan, Gene Ammons, Shorty Baker, Doc Cheatham, Art Blakey, Rocky Boyd, Miles Davis, Kenny Dorham, Curtis Fuller, John Handy, Bill Hardman, Ken McIntyre, Blue Mitchell, Oscar Pettiford, Dizzy Reece, Archie Shepp, and with Sonny Stitt ~ Bishop passed away in 1998
October 4, 1925 ~ Musical actor, singer Edmund Lyndeck born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA ~ Performed in regional theater for over a decade before making his Broadway debut in 1969, starring in the original production of 1776. Other notable credits include Into The Woods, Mrs Warren's Profession, A Doll's Life, Merlin and perhaps his best known role as Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd ~ Lyndeck passed away in 2015
October 4, 1922 ~ Composer, conductor Dudley Simpson born in Malvern, Australia ~ Principal conductur of the Royal Opera House. Best known as a composer for British TV series, including for many Dr Who episodes of the 1960s and 1970s ~ Simpson passed away in 2017
October 4, 1921 ~ John Willie Henry, commonly known as bassist, arranger Shifty Henry, born in Edna, Texas, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for Let Me Go Home Whiskey, later also recorded by Amos Milburn and by Asleep At The Wheel, and Hyping Women Blues, covered by T-Bone Walker. Henry worked with Dinah Washington, Billy Eckstine, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Mingus, the Treniers, Illinois Jacquet, Miles Davis, and others. Mentioned by name in the Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller-pennned Jailhouse Rock in the line: “Shifty Henry said to Bugs, for heaven's sake, no one's looking, now's a chance to make a break.” ~ Henry passed away in 1958
October 4, 1914 ~ Marvin E Ashbaugh, commonly known as jazz, dixieland pianist Marvin Ash, born in Lamar, Colorado, USA ~ Influenced by Earl Hines, Fats Waller, James P Johnson, Arthur Schutt. Known for songs such as Maple Leaf Rag, Cannon Ball, Fidgety Feet. Has worked with Count Basie, Herman Waldman, Wingy Manone, and others ~ Ashbaugh passed away in 1974
October 4, 1909 ~ Jazz trumpeter, saxophonist Noel Chiboust born in Thorigny-sur-Marne, France ~ Worked as violinist with Ray Ventura, as trumpeter with Freddy Johnson, Michel Warlop, Coleman Hawkins, Guy Paquinet, and as saxophonist with Bill Coleman, Joe Keyes, Serge Glykson, Raymond Wraskoff, Fred Adison ~ Chiboust passed away in 1994