October 7, 2024 ~ Conductor, composer Amaury du Closel, full name Amaury Barbat du Closel, passed away ~ Well known for founding the Forum Voix Etouffées, an organisation dedicated to raising attention to the music of composers persecuted, exiled, or forgotten, especially those persecuted by totalitarian regimes of the 20th century such as Ernst Krenek, Franz Schreker and Viktor Ullmann. Du Closel has also authored Les Voix étouffées du Troisième Reich, a study of voices silenced by the Nazi regime. Du Closel has conducted numerous orchestras over the course of his lengthy career, including perhaps most notably the Berlin Symphoniker and the Orchéstre les Metamorphoses, and served as artistic director of the Opéra Nomade ~ Du Closel was born in 1956
October 7, 2024 ~ Emily Drinkard, commonly known as singer Cissy Houston, passed away in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of gospel group the Drinkard Singers, with whom she had started singing as early as at age 5. Member of the Sweet Inspirations alongside Dee Dee Warwick, which at times also included Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick, and Doris Troy. The vocal group would not only be successful in their own right, but also became an in-demand backing unit for the likes of Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, the Drifters, Dusty Springfield, Van Morrison, and Elvis Presley. Houston has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo singer, notably the eponymous Cissy Houston sophomore album released in 1977, and has earned Grammy Awards for the 1990s gospel albums Face To Face and He Leadeth Me. Over the course of her lengthy career, Houston has appeared on over an estimated 600 recordings including on albums by Aretha Franklin (Lady Soul), Betty Harris, James Cotton, Roberta Flack (Quiet Fire), Bette Midler, Jackie DeShannon, Tim Hardin, Don McLean, Herbie Mann, the J Geils Band, Chaka Khan, Carly Simon, Luther Vandross (Never Too Much), Diana Ross, Teddy Pendergrass, and Houston's daughter Whitney Houston ~ Drinkard was born in 1933
October 7, 2024 ~ Giacomo Pontoriero, commonly known as rock, hard rock guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, talent manager, songwriter, producer Jack Ponti, passed away ~ Got his start in music playing guitar in 1970s band the Rest, which also included a young and then-unknown Jon Bon Jovi as lead singer. Though the band never landed a major record deal, they enjoyed popularity in their native New Jersey, opening for the likes of Southside Johnny and Bruce Springsteen. After the band disbanded, Jon Bon Jovi would rise to fame with the glam metal-infused Bon Jovi, with Ponti co-writing several of the band's earliest songs including Shot Through The Heart, while Ponti would primarily focus on his work as a songwriter, producer, and later talent manager, working with artists such as Bonfire, Babylon AD, Eric Gales, Nelson, and Melvin Taylor. In Europe, Ponti is perhaps best known for his work with Alice Cooper, co-writing half the tracks off Cooper's 1991 Hey Stoopid album, which though poorly received in America did reasonably well in Europe, and for his work with German hard rock outfit Doro, for whom he co-produced the albums Angels Never Die and its follow-up Machine II Machine. Ponti has also served as manager for neo-soul singer India Arie ~ Pontoriero was born in 1958
October 7, 2022 ~ Pianist, composer Jure Robeznik passed away ~ Despite the lack of formal musical education authored over a hundred and fifty musical works, focusing primarily on jazz and popular music. Robeznik was bestowed with a Kozina Award by the Society of Slovenian Composers in 2017 ~ Robeznik was born in 1933
October 7, 2022 ~ Latin jazz, hard bop, pop, soul saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Ronnie Cuber, full name Ronald Edward Cuber, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the late-1950s. As a leader active since the mid-1970s, with well over a dozen albums to his name especially acclaimed for the albums Cuber Libre, The Scene Is Clean, NYC Ats and Ronnie. In-demand sideman in jazz, pop and soul, appearing on recordings by Slide Hampton, Maynard Ferguson, George Benson, Dr Lonnie Smith, Lee Konitz, Frank Zappa, Patti Austin, the J Geils Band (Freeze Frame), Grant Green, Billy Joel (Innocent Man), Paul Simon (Graceland), and Dr John ~ Cuber was born in 1941
October 7, 2022 ~ Avant-garde pianist, composer Toshi Ichiyanagi passed away ~ Married to Yoko Ono from 1956 to 1962. Considered one of the premier composers in Japan during the postwar era. Has written operas, orchestral works, chamber music, vocal works, electronic music, and soundtracks. Known for a wide range of influences, including Western-style classical music, avant-garde, and traditional Japanese music ~ Ichiyanagi was born in 1933
October 7, 2020 ~ Conductor Alexander Alexeev, full name Alexander Vasilievich Alexeev, passed away in St Petersburg, Russia ~ Once offered the post of chief conductor with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra but forced to decline as he was not a member of the Communist Party and not allowed to travel outside the Soviet Union. Has worked with orchestras such as Ulyanovsk State Symphony Orchestra, the Bolshoi Theatre, the Kharkov Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Moscow Radio Orchestra ~ Alexeev was born in 1938
October 7, 2018 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer John Wicks passed away in Burbank, California, USA ~ As a recording artist best known as lead singer and primary songwriter of Records. Solo artist from 1982 onwards. Produced and wrote, often with lyricist partner Will Birch, for others including the Searchers, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Too Much Joy, Michael Monroe, and others ~ Wicks was born in 1953
October 7, 2017 ~ Singer, songwriter Billy Roberts, full name William Moses Roberts Jr, passed away in Georgia, USA ~ Remembered for penning Hey Joe Where You Gonna Go, first recorded by the Leaves in 1965 but best known as recorded by Jimi Hendrix, retitled Hey Joe. The song has been covered by well over a hundred artists ~ Roberts was born in 1936
October 7, 2017 ~ James Beaumont, commonly known as singer Jimmy Beaumont, passed away in Mckeesport, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Lead singer of doo-wop outfit the Skyliners, known for songs such as This I Swear, Pennies From Heaven, It Happened Today, Close Your Eyes, Comes Love and their best known Since I Don't Have You, the latter reaching the Billboard top 20 in 1958 ~ Beaumont was born in 1940
October 7, 2012 ~ Free jazz saxophonist, composer John Tchicai, full name John Martin Tchicai, passed away in Perpignan, France ~ Revered leader and sideman present on several pivotal jazz, free jazz albums including John Coltrane's Ascension and Albert Ayler's New York Eye And Ear Control. Founded Cadentia Nova Danica. Member of the Amsterdam Instant Composers Pool. Member of the New York Art Quartet. Also worked with the New York Contemporary Five, Archie Shepp, Dell Westergaard Lillinger, and others ~ Tchichai was born in 1936
October 7, 2010 ~ Terry Lavitz, commonly known as keyboardist T Lavitz, passed away ~ Gained attention in the early-1980s as a member of Dixie Dregs, first appearing on the Dregs Of The Earth album. After the band's initial disbandement in 1983 would go on to work with Paul Barrère, the Bluesbusters, Mother's Finest, Bill Bruford, Billy Cobham, Widespread Panic, Jefferson Starship, Jazz Is Dead, and Rob Wasserman. Lavitz also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Extended Play released in 1984 ~ Lavitz was born in 1956
October 7, 2009 ~ Producer, label executive Shelby Singleton passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Producer at Mercury Records incremental to the careers of Leroy Van Dyke, Ray Stevens, Joe Dowell, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roger Miller, Charlie Rich, Dave Dudley, and Brook Benton. Started his own label by the early-1960s, scoring with hits such as Hey Paul Hey Paula by Paul & Paula and Harper Valley PTA by Jeannie C Riley. Bought Sun Records in 1969 ~ Singleton was born in 1931
October 7, 2003 ~ Composer, music critic, author Arthur Berger, full name Arthur Victor Berger, passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Co-founded the academic music journal Perspectives Of New Music, a journal focusing on music theory and analysis. As a composer influenced by Igor Stravinsky, Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern. Best known for neoclassical works such as Serenade Concertante and Three Pieces For Strings ~ Berger was born in 1912
October 7, 2002 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Pierangelo Bertoli passed away in Modena, Italy ~ Close to two dozen album to his name starting with Rosso Colore Dell'amore released in 1974. Known for his strong political convictions bordering on libertarian communism, his song subjects focusing on issues such as the environment, antimilitarism and the plight of marginalized and rebellious people ~ Bertoli was born in 1942
October 7, 1997 ~ Eddie Ray White, commonly known as country singer, guitarist Johnny Darrell, passed away in Kennesaw, Georgia, USA ~ Perhaps best known for first recording the Curly Putman-penned Green Green Grass Of Home, which did not chart but would later notably be covered by over an estimated 250 artists including Porter Wagoner, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom Jones, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. Darrell did reach the Billboard Country top 10 with the Mel Tillis-penned single Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town in 1967, later notably recorded by Kenny Rogers, and with the Bobby Goldsboro-penned With Pen In Hand in 1968 ~ Darrell was born in 1940
October 7, 1992 ~ Jazz drummer Ed Blackwell, full name Edward Joseph Blackwell, passed away in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Rose to fame backing Ornette Coleman, including on pivotal albums such as Free Jazz and The Art Of The Improvisers. In-demand sideman, present on albums by the American Jazz Quintet, Eric Dolphy (Here And There), Don Cherry (Complete Communion), Karl Berger, Archie Shepp (On This Night), Clifford Jordan (In The World), Albert Heath, Stanley Cowell, Marion Brown, Old And New Dreams, Anthony Davis, and Mal Waldron ~ Blackwell was born in 1929
October 7, 1991 ~ Zhang Yixing, commonly known as K-pop, Mandopop, hip hop, R&B, EDM singer, rapper, dancer, actor Lay Zhang, born in Changsha, China ~ Member of boy band EXO, enjoying popularity during the 2010 in Japan and their native South Korea. Yixing has released his Lay 02 Sleep debut album in 2017 and has recorded to commercial success since. Also ventured into acting for film and TV
October 7, 1988 ~ Jazz guitarist, bass guitarist Ulysses Livingston passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Roadie for Horace Henderson. Would go on to work as a musician with artists such as Lil' Armstrong, Frankie Newton, Sammy Price, Coleman Hawkins, Benny Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, Cee Pee Johnson, and Spirits Of Rhythm, as well as lead his own band the Four Blazes ~ Livingston was born in 1912
October 7, 1987 ~ Synth-pop, indie pop singer, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Lauren Mayberry, full name Lauren Eva Mayberry, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Member of Boyfriend/Girlfriend and the Blue Sky Archives prior to rising to fame as co-founding member of Chvrches. The latter's 2013 The Bones Of What You Believe debut album would reach top 20 on the American charts, top 10 in their native UK. Mayberry has also worked with Marshmello, Death Cab For Cutie, the National, and Hayley Williams, and launched her parallel solo career in 2023. Mayberry is also known as a staunch advocate on several social issues, most notably women's rights, and is an outspoken of president Donald J Trump
October 7, 1985 ~ Jazz, Latin jazz pianist, composer Alfredo Rodriguez born in Havana, Cuba ~ Worked with Quincy Jones, Tan Dun, Siedah Garrett, Gaston Joya, and Michael Oliveira
October 7, 1983 ~ Jazz pianist Aaron Parks born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Terence Blanchard including on the Grammy Award-winning A Tale Of God's Will (A Requiem For Katrina) album. Member of James Farm alongside Joshua Redman, Matt Penman, and Eric Harland. Has also worked with Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mike Moreno, Christian Scott, Dayna Stephens, Wynton Marsalis, Kendrick Scott, Ambrose Akinmusire, Gretchen Parlato, Sara Leib, Lage Lund, Derrick Hodge, Dhafer Youssef, and Ben Wendel
October 7, 1983 ~ Steven Ellison, commonly known as jazz rap, hip-hop, experimental rapper, producer Flying Lotus born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ As a solo artist released a full-length solo album, 1983, in 2006 and has been recording steadily since. Composed several soundtracks. As a collaborator and producer worked with Woke, Snoop Dogg, Herbie Hancock, Mickey Factz, Kendrick Lamar, Thundercat, Mac Miller, José James, Dudley Perkins, Oddisee, Chance the Rapper, and others
October 7, 1982 ~ Pop singer, actress Anastasia Stotskaya, full name Anastasia Aleksandrovna Stotskaya, born in Kyiv, Ukraninian SSR ~ Discovered by Philipp Kirkorov. Released her eponymous Anastasia Stotskaya debut album in 2003. Best known for the songs Veny-reki and The Woman Who Sings
October 7, 1978 ~ Singer, rapper, songwriter Alesha Dixon, full name Alesha Anjanette Dixon, born in Welwyn Garden, UK ~ Alongside Sabrina Washington and Su-Elise Nash a member of Mis-Teeq from its inception in 1999 to its disbandement in 2005. The band would score a string of UK top 10 hits including Why, All I Want, B With Me and Scandalous, the latter also reaching the American top 40
October 7, 1978 ~ In its ninth week on the charts, Hollywood Nights by Bob Seger peaks at No.12 Billboard Hot 100 ~ A Michigan native, the quintessential blue collar rock & roller, Seger captured the essence of Hollywood from an outsider's perspective. The idea for the song came to him when renting a house in the Hollywood Hills while finishing work on his Stranger In Town album, Seger crafting a story about a guy from the Midwest who comes to Hollywood and meets his dream girl. Following a brief whirlwind romance, he wakes up alone one morning. Overlooking the Hollywood Hills he wonders if he can ever go back home. Bill Payne of Little Feat played piano and organ on the track
October 7, 1978 ~ Folk rock, blues-rock, cowpunk, Americana, R&B singer, guitarist, songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff, full name Nathaniel David Rateliff, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Local folk-hero in Denver area. Fronts Born In The Flood. Fronts the Wheel. Fronts the Night Sweats. Best known for the 2015 single SOB of his Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats album
October 7, 1977 ~ Mutah Wassin Shabazz Beale, commonly known as rapper Napoleon, born ~ Best known as member of Tupac Shakur's rap group Outlawz, present on Shakur's 1996 Makaveli. Following Shakur's death later the same year the group released their Ride Wit Us Or Collide Wit Us debut album in 2000. Beale remained with the group for two more albums, 2001's Novokane and 2002's Neva Surrenda, and has released his sole Loyalty Over Money solo album in 2006. Beale has since converted to Islam and retired from music, stating the two are incompatible, and works as a motivational speaker
October 7, 1977 ~ Glam rock, hard rock, pop rock outfit Queen release We Are The Champions, lead single off their News Of The World album ~ Built on audience response following a concert in Stafford, the UK, in which the audience sang You'll Never Walk Alone to the band, the band wanted a song to get crowds waving and singing in a unifying and positive vibe. With audience participation in mind, Freddie Mercury wrote We Are The Champions, which became a global hit, top ten in numerous countries including the USA, the Netherlands, and the UK, and one of rock's most beloved anthems. The song has since become an anthem for victories at sporting events, and was used as an official theme song for the 1994 FIFA World Cup
October 7, 1976 ~ Jazz drummer, bandleader Charles Edward Kerr passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity in the 1920s and 1930s. Has worked with sidemen such as Tommy Dorsey, Stan Keller, Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang. Kerr retired form music by the late-1940s to open his own furniture store in Miami ~ Kerr was born in 1890
October 7, 1976 ~ Tatana Sterba, commonly known as dance, trance DJ, producer DJ Tatana, born in Uherske Hradiste, Czechoslovakia ~ First gained attention with the 1999 single End Of Time, a collaborative effort with DJ Energy. Released a full-length debut album, 24 Carat, the next year. Would go on to become one of the most successful Swiss artists of the 2000s releasing a string of charting trance albums
October 7, 1976 ~ Singer Taylor Hicks, full name Taylor Reuben Hicks born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Winner of the 2006 edition of American Idol. Would release an eponymous debut album, Taylor Hicks, the same year. Has been recording since and has starred on Broadway and in Las Vegas
October 7, 1974 ~ Singer Brenda Lee records Rock On Baby ~ Written by Johnny Wilson and Gene Dobbins. Backed by the Holiday Sisters. Released the following October, paired with More Than A Memory on the flip side, it would reach top 10 of the Billboard Country charts, top 20 in Canada
October 7, 1974 ~ Anna Jenny Charlotte Nilsson, commonly known as pop singer, TV personality Charlotte Perrelli, born in Hovmanthorp, Sweden ~ One of Sweden's most popular singers, drawing from dansband, schlager, pop, ballads and jazz. Internationally best known for winning the 1999 Eurovision Songfestival for Sweden with the song Take Me To Your Heaven. Perrelli would have another go at the 2008 edition of the contest, this time to considerably less success, her performance of Hero reaching 18th place
October 7, 1974 ~ Dominic Salole, commonly known as pop, jazz, hip-hop, electronic singer, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, drummer Mocky, born in Saskatchewan, Canada ~ Released his In Mesopotamia solo debut album in 2002. Member of loose collective the Canadian Crew and bands such as the Puppetmastaz, the Shit, Son, DOM, the Freeway Band and the Roustabouts. In-demand producer and songwriter, having worked with Jamie Lidell, Feist, Kelela, Matt Corby, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Vulfpeck, Moses Sumney, Selah Sue, Nikka Costa, GZA, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Chilly Gonzales, and Peaches
October 7, 1973 ~ Dominic Smith, commonly known as jungle, drum and bass MC Dynamite MC, born in Gloucester, UK ~ First gained attention sharing vocal dutues with Onallee as a member of jungle, drum and bass outfit Reprazent. Would move towards hip-hop collaborating with artists such as the Nextmen, High Contrast, Caspa, DJ Skitz, DJ Zinc, and others. Release his full-length debut solo album, The World Of Dynamite in 2004
October 7, 1972 ~ In its twelfth week on the charts, Back Stabbers by the O'Jays peaks at No.3 Billboard Hot 100 ~ R&B outfit the O'Jays had been around since the late-1950s, but it wasn't until their tenure with the Philadelphia International label, specifically working close with in-house producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, that they started regularly appearing on the charts. Back Stabbers would be their first single for the label, and it became a crossover hit, topping the Billboard R&B chart and peaking at No.3 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. With the song's narrator warning his friends to be aware of men smiling in your face, while behind your back they steal your girl, the song is inspired by the similarly-themed Smiling Faces Sometimes by the Undisputed Truth, which is quoted in the last lines. The song starts with a piano roll played by Huff, who would later explain: “Back Stabbers sounds like something eerie, so that roll was like something horrible, because that's what back stabbers are. It reflected that type of drama.” Over the next few years, the band would help define Philly soul, and score four more Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits
October 7, 1970 ~ Luis Quintanilla, commonly known as turntablist DJ Disk, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Founding member of the Invisbl Skratch Piklz. Founding member of El Stew. Credited with introducing several scratching techniques, including the echo fade. Has collaborated with numerous artists from various genres, notably working with Herbie Hancock, Bill Laswell, Buckethead, Zakir Hussain, Norah Jones, Flavor Flav, Rancid, Primus, and Jack DeJohnette
October 7, 1970 ~ Timothy Jerome Parker, commonly known as alternative hip-hop rapper Gift Of Gab, born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Regarded as one of the best underground rappers to come out of the Bay Area. Formed the duo Blackalicious with DJ Chief Xcel. As a solo artist acclaimed for his 2004 4th Dimension Rocketships Going Up and 2009's Escape 2 Mars albums. Has collaborated with Galactic, DJ Z-Trip, Del The Funky Homosapien, Chali 2na, and Watsky ~ Parker passed away in 2021
October 7, 1970 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, dream pop, shoegazing singer, guitarist, lyricist, songwriter Neil Halstead born in Reading, UK ~ Frontman and main songwriter of shoegazing band Slowdive best known for Catch The Breeze of their 1991 just For A Day debut album. After the band disbanded in 1995 would go on to work with Mojave 3, Bernard Butler, Alcest, and others as well as release a number of acclaimed solo albums merging alt-country with psychedelic dream pop starting with the Sleeping On Roads album released in 2001
October 7, 1968 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Adam Franklin born in Essex, UK ~ Best known for fronting Swervedriver. Has also recorded as a solo artist, at times using the moniker Toshack Highway, and has collaborated with Magnetic Morning, Sophia, and Shake Appeal
October 7, 1968 ~ Juan Manuel Cascales, commonly known as arranger, bandleader Johnny Richards, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Brother of saxophonist, bandleader Chuck Cabot. Pivotal arranger especially known for his association with Stan Kenton (in particular Cuban Fire, and Kenton's West Side Story). Richards also worked with Charlie Barnet, Hugo Loewenstern and Harry James and released several albums as a bandleader ~ Cscales was born in 1911
October 7, 1968 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Thom Yorke, full name Thomas Edward Yorke, born in Wellingborough, UK ~ Considered one of the most influential frontmen of his generation. Co-founded Radiohead in 1985, instantly drawing attention with their 1993 Pablo Honey debut album and especially its Creep lead single. By the end of the decade the band's sophomore The Bends album and subsequently OK Computer had made them international stars, critically acclaimed and with a devout and growing following
October 7, 1967 ~ Jazz, classical violinist, trumpeter, hornist Adam Taubitz born in Chorzow, Poland ~ Best known as co-founding member of the Berlin Philharmonic Jazz Group, and as member of the Aura Quartet. Has also played both as a leader and sideman with artists such as Kirk Lightsey, Philip Catherine, Famoudou Don Moye, Julio Barreto, David Klein, Andy Scherrer, Emmanuel Pahud, Makaya Ntshoko, Gerard Wyss, Kai Rautenberg, Domenic Landolf, Daniel Schnyder, Thomas Quasthoff, Ole Edvard Antonsen, Angelika Milster, Dieter Hallervorden, Thomas Hampson, and Nigel Kennedy
October 7, 1967 ~ Pop, rock singer, pianist, violinist, guitarist, songwriter, actress Ellen ten Damme born in Warnsveld, the Netherlands ~ Sings in Dutch, German, French. Member of punk, punk rock outfit Soviet Sex. First gained serious attention with her 1988 single Trust In A Feeling of the Honneponnetje soundtrack. Best known for Wat Is Dromen, a collaborative single with de 3JS released in 2010. Especially popular in Germany both as a singer and in-demand actress for her fluent German.
October 7, 1967 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Luke Haines born in Walton-on-Thames, UK ~ First gained attention with the Auteurs, founded with Glenn Collins and girlfriend Alice Readman, debuting in 1993 with their New Wave album. The band would be influential to Britpop though Haines would come to dislike the term. Haines would also record as a solo artist, be involved in several side projects including Blackbox Recorder and Baader Meinhof, and compose the 2001 Christie Mairy's Own Double Entry soundtrack
October 7, 1967 ~ Giovanni Pellino, commonly known as singer, rapper, songwriter Neffa, born in Scafati, Italy ~ Adopted his stage name in the early-1990s in honor of Paraguyan soccer player Gustavo Neffa, who at the time played with US Cremonese soccer club. Member of Sangue Misto, one of the first Italian hip hop, rap groups, departing the band in 1996 after the band's debut album SXM to pursue a solo career. Has since recorded over half a dozen solo albums, starting with Neffa & I Messaggeri Della Dopa, and collaborated with rapper J-Ax under the group moniker Due Di Picche
October 7, 1967 ~ R&B singer Toni Braxton, full name Toni Michele Braxton, born in Severn, Maryland, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Braxtons. Their first single, Good Life, would chart poorly but did attract attention from label executive LA Reid and producer Kenneth Babyface Edmonds and would launch Toni's career. Her eponymous Toni Braxton debut album would reach No.1 on the Billboard Hot 200, the accompanying singles Another Sad Love Song, Breathe Again and You Mean The World To Me all reaching top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Braxton would continue to record to commercial success well into the 2000s, selling in total over an estimated 70 million records
October 7, 1966 ~ Overton Amos Lewis, commonly known as blues, R&B singer, guitarist, songwriter Smiley Lewis, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Known for about half a dozen 1950s singles, most notably Tee Nah Nah, Blue Monday, I Hear You Knocking and One Night Of Sin. The latter would be covered by Elvis Presley with slightly altered, less risque lyrics as One Night. Smiley's I Hear You Knocking would be covered by over a hundred artists, including notably retro rock and roll singer Dave Edmunds in 1970, whose single reached No.4 Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in the UK ~ Lewis was born in 1913
October 7, 1964 ~ Singer Sam Brown born in Stratford, UK ~ Daughter of singer, guitarist Joe Brown and singer Vicki Brown. Backing vocalist for artists such as Gary Moore, George Harrison, the Small Faces, Spandau Ballet, Adam Ant, Jon Lord, Pink Floyd (The Division Bell), the Firm, Dodgy and Nick Cave. As a solo artist known for a string of 1980s, 1990s singles, notably Can I Get A Witness, Kissing Gate and her best known Stop, the latter reaching the UK top 10. Formed Homespun in 2003 with David Rotheray
October 7, 1963 ~ Singer Ann Curless, full name Ann Katherine Curless, born in Albany, New York, USA ~ Member of Exposé from 1986 to 1996, sang lead on Stop Listen Look & Think, As Long As I Can Dream, and In Walked Love. Also wrote or co-wrote songs for the Degrees Of Motion, Celi Bee, and for Angela Bofill
October 7, 1963 ~ Keith Matthew Thornton, commonly known as rapper Kool Keith, born ~ Co-founding member of the Ultramagnetic MC's. Also known under the monnikers Dr Octagon and Dr Doom. Debuted as a solo artist with the 1996 album Dr Octagonecologyst. One of hip-hop's most eccentric personalities known for his surreal, abstract and often profane or incomprehensible lyrics. Smack My Bitch Up, a hit for the Prodigy, was based on a sample of Keith saying “change my pitch up, smack my bitch up”
October 7, 1963 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones record I Wanna Be Your Man at Kingsway Sound, London, UK ~ Written by the Beatles' John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Produced by Andrew Loog Oldham and Eric Easton. The recording featured Mick Jagger lead vocals, Brian Jones on slide guitar, Keith Richards rhythm guitar, Bill Wyman bass and Charlie Watts drums. It would be released in November as their sophomore UK single, paired with Stoned on the flip side
October 7, 1962 ~ Country, alt-country singer, guitarist, songwriter Dale Watson, full name Kenneth Dale Watson, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Maverick carrying on the torch of hard-edged old-school country and subgenres, specifically trucking songs, adding a modern rock feel. Debuted in 1995 with the Cheatin' Heart Attack album and has been recording to critical acclaim and a devoted cult following since
October 7, 1962 ~ Francis Hillman Blackwell, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer Scrapper Blackwell, passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Worked with Leroy Carr in the 1920s and 1930s, noted for recordings such as 1928's How Long How Long Blues. As a solo artist made pivotal recordings such as Kokomo Blues, which would later be reworked into Old Kokomo Blues by Kokomo Arnold and into Sweet Home Chicago by Robert Johnson ~ Hillman was born in 1903
October 7, 1961 ~ Peter Cassidy, commonly known as crossover thrash, thrash metal, hardcore punk guitarist, songwriter Spike Cassidy, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of DRI, an acronym for “Dirty Rotten Imbeciles.” Along with singer Kurt Brecht the only other constant member of the band, critically acclaimed for their 1985 Dealing With It album. Has also produced sludge metal band Acid Bath's 1994 When The Kite String Pops debut album
October 7, 1960 ~ Rock, pop singer, guitarist Kyosuke Himuro born in Takasaki, Japan ~ Member of the Death Penalty. Member of Spinach Power. Would rise to fame as lead singer of Boøwy, enjoying popularity during the 1980s. Following the band's disbandement in 1988 Himuro would venture out on his own, becoming one of the best-selling acts in his native Japan. Himuro's first seven solo albums, starting with Flowers For Algernon released in 1988, would all reach the No.1 position on the Oricon album charts
October 7, 1960 ~ Sonia Dronier, commonly known as singer Viktor Lazlo, born in Lorient, France ~ Sings in French, English, and German. Active since the mid-1980s, enjoying popularity in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Best known for her 1987 eponymous Viktor Lazlo sophomore album, which spawned the Belgian top 10 hit Breathless, and its 1989 follow-up Hot & Soul, both produced by Belgian producer Lou Deprijck
October 7, 1957 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger Morten Halle born in Oslo, Norway ~ Worked with Cutting Edge, Oslo 13, Knut Værnes, Jon Balke, Søyr, Chipahua, Geir Holmsen, the Jazzpunkensemblet, Desfinado, Horns For Hire, Jan Magne Førde, Jan Eggum, Marianne Antonsen, Jørun Bøgeberg, Anders Jormin, Svante Henryson, the Teddybears, Viggo Sandvik, Maj Britt Andersen, and others
October 7, 1955 ~ Cellist Yo-Yo Ma born in Paris, France ~ Crossover classical cellist, recording in a wide variety of genres including bluegrass, tango, world music, folk. Child prodigy. Has worked with leading classical orchestras as well as pop and rock musicians inlcuding Carlos Santana, James Taylor and Bobby McFerrin. Over 90 albums and well over a dozen Grammy Awards to his name. Especially acclaimed for albums such as Yo-Yo Ma (Music That Matters To Him), Oigang Chen Iris Devoilee and Hope Amid Tears (Beethoven Cello Sonatas)
October 7, 1953 ~ Hector Juan Samuel Torres, commonly known as rock drummer Tico Torres born in New York, New York, USA ~ Invited to join Bon Jovi in 1983, a year prior to the release of their Bon Jovi debut album. Torres was initially reluctant to join the band, as lead singer Jon Bon Jovi was 9 years younger than him but persuaded by Jovi's charismatic stage presence. The band would go on to record over a dozen albums, selling over 130 million records worldwide, and score numerous Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits including the charttoppers You Give Love A Bad Name, Livin' On A Prayer, Bad Medicine, and I'll Be There For You
October 7, 1951 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter John Mellencamp born in Seymour, Indiana, USA ~ Heartland rocker. Influenced by Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, James Brown, the Rolling Stones. Recording since the mid-1970s. Known for hits such as Jack & Diane, the Grammy Award-winning Hurts So Good, Crumbling Down, Pink Houses, Lonely Old Night, Small Town, ROCK In The USA, Paper In Fire and Cherry Bomb
October 7, 1951 ~ Hard rock, metal singer Marc Storace born in Silema, Malta ~ Best known as frontman of Krokus. Drew critical comparison to AC/DC's Bon Scott and Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant. Has also recorded as a solo artist as well as with acts such as TEA and Warrior. As an actor appeared in the films Anuk and Handyman, also contributing to both soundtracks
October 7, 1951 ~ Guitarist Míchael O Dhomhnaill born in Kells, Ireland ~ Major influence on traditional Irish musicians, especially through his innovative work with Skara Brae and with the Bothy Band. The former would be the first group to record vocal hrmonies in Irish language songs, the latter is widely regarded as one of the most important groups in Irish traditional music. Has also workled with Kevin Burke, Relativity and with Nightnoise ~ Domhnaill passed away in 2006
October 7, 1949 ~ Singer, songwriter Kieran Kane born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Formed the country duo the O'Kanes with Jamie O'Hara, known for a string of late-1980s singles including the Billboard Country top 10 hits Can't Stop My Heart From Loving You, Daddies Need To Grow Up Too, Just Lovin' You, One True Love and Blue Love. Following the duo's disbandement in 1990, Kane returned to a solo career. Kane also collaborated with Kevin Welch and Fats Kaplin, recording a number of albums under the group moniker Kane Welch Kaplin starting with You Can't Save Everybody released in 2004
October 7, 1947 ~ Philip Malcolm Williams, commonly known as guitarist, arranger, producer Pip Williams, born ~ Member of the Fantastics and the Vagabonds. Sessioned throughout the 1970s, notably present on tracks such the Sweet's Poppa Joe and the Walker Brothers' No Regrets. Would go on to work as a producer, closely associated with Status Quo and the Moody Blues. Produced Jim Diamond's I Should Have Known Better hit single, which topped the UK charts in 1984
October 7, 1945 ~ Singer, drummer, keyboardist, songwriter, producer Kevin Godley born in Manchester, UK ~ Regular collaborator of Lol Creme, including in the Sabres, Hotlegs and most notably in art rock band 10cc, enjoying a particular successful run on the UK charts in the 1970s. The band is known for their irony-laden, tongue-in-cheek and over-the-top style, drawing from a wide variety of genres. Starting with their 1974 Sheet Music sophomore album they would score five consecutive UK top 10 albums. Welll-known songs include Rubber Bullets, The Wall Street Shuffle, Life Is A Minestrone, I'm Not In Love, Art For Art's Sake, I'm Mandy Fly Me, The Things We Do For Love and perhaps their best known Dreadlock Holiday, all of which reached top 10 in the UK. The duo would depart the band in 1977 and become known as Godley & Creme, directing music videos for others and from time to time recording as a duo, notably the 1985 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Cry
October 7, 1944 ~ Judith Lynne Sill, commonly known as folk, baroque pop, folk rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Judee Sill, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Johann Sebastian Bach. Though the depth of her faith is debatable Sill wrote lyrics about Christian themes such as rapture and redemption. First artist to be signed to the Asylum label. Recorded two albums, 1971's Judee Sill and 1973's Heart Food, and demos for a third before dying at age 35 of a drug overdose. Though never commercially successful and only gaining limited recognition during her lifetime, Sill has been cited as an influence by artists such as Nick Lowe, Liz Phair, Warren Zevon, Robin Pecknold, and Daniel Rossen. Sill was referenced in or is the object of several songs, notably Laura Veirs' Song For Judee, Aaron Lee Tasjan's Judee Was A Punk, and the Fleet Foxes' Sunblind ~ Sill passed away in 1979
October 7, 1943 ~ Bandleader Jimmy Dorsey & his Orchestra record Besamo Mucho ~ Written and originally recorded by Consuelo Velázquez this bolero would become one of the most popular Latin songs, covered by many. Released as a single by Dorsey featuring vocalists Bob Eberly and Kitty Kallen, b/w My Ideal, in December 1943
October 7, 1942 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Andrea Lo Vecchio born in Milan, Italy ~ Active as a solo artist since the early-1960s, scoring a record deal with CBS after winning a talent contest in 1963. In-demand songwriter and collaborator. Closely associated with Roberto Vecchioni and Mina. Internationally perhaps best known for co-penning If I Only Had Time, a 1969 hit for John Rowles. Has also worked with Adriano Celentano, Shirley Bassey, Gigliola Cinquetti, Mireille Mathieu, Demis Roussos, Claude François, Ivan Graziani, Manuel De Peppe, and I Nuovi Angeli ~ Lo Vecchio passed away in 2021
October 7, 1941 ~ R&B, soul singer Tony Silvester born in Panama ~ Orginal member of 1970s R&B outfit Main Ingredient, remaining with the band through the mid-1970s replaced by Cark Tompkins only to reunite in 1979. Present on the band's best known including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Everybody Plays The Fool and Just Don't Want To Be Lonely ~ Silvester passed away in 2006
October 7, 1940 ~ Keyboardist, organist Larry Young born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Acclaimed organ innovator active in soul jazz, avant-garde, fusion. Influenced by Jimmy Smith and John Coltrane. Frequently collaborated with Grant Green and Elvin Jones in the mid-1960s. About a dozen albums as a leader, noted especially for his 1965 release Unity which also featured Joe Henderson and a young Woody Shaw. Backed Tony Williams on Emergency. Backed Miles Davis on Bitches Brew. Other notable collaborations include Jimmy Forrest, Thornel Schwartz (Soul Cookin'), Gildo Mahones, Buddy Terry, John McLaughlin (Devotion), Lenny White (Venusian Summer), and Steve Khan ~ Young passed away in 1978
October 7, 1939 ~ Blues guitarist, singer Mel Brown born in Jackson, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for his association with Bobby Blue Bland. Also a solo artist with over a dozen albums to his name starting with Chicken Fat in 1967. Has worked with Clifford Coultier, BB King, Albert Collins, James Cotton, Lightnin' Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy McGriff, Doug Sahm, Earl Hooker, T-Bone Walker, and others ~ Brown passed away in 2009
October 7, 1939 ~ David Curtis Glover, commonly known as blues harpist, guitarist, singer, author, rock critic Tony Glover, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Reportedly gave harmonica lessons to both David Johanson and Mick Jagger. Closely associated with Dave Ray and John Koerner, the trio recording and performing in various configurations, in solo turns and duets, but rarely as a trio. Ray suggested that it would be more accurate to refer to them not as Koerner Ray & Gloever, but rather Koerner and/or Ray and/or Glover. As a trio noted for appearing at the Newport Folk Festival in 1964, captured on the Newport Folk Festival 1964 (Evening Concerts III) album. In later years they would occasionally perform together, until Ray's death in the early-2000s. Glover has also formed Nine Below Zero, co-authored the Little Walter biography Blues With A Feeling (The Little Walter Story), and has written prolifically as a rock critic ~ Glover passed away in 2019
October 7, 1937 ~ Chester William Powers Jr, commonly known as rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Dino Valenti, born in Danbury, Connecticut, USA ~ Best known for writing the 1960s anthem Get Together. The song has been recorded by several artists, including notably by the Youngbloods, whose 1969 single reached No.5 Billboard Hot 100. Valente has recorded one album as a solo artist, his name misspelled on the eponymous Dino Valente released in 1969, and four albums with psychedelic rock band Quicksilver Messenger Service, starting with Just For Love in 1970. Valenti co-wrote and sang lead on several of Quicksilver Messenger Service's best known songs including Fresh Air and What About Me ~ Powers passed away in 1994
October 7, 1936 ~ Conductor Charles Dutoit, full name Charles Edouard Dutoit, born in Lausanne, Switzerland ~ Started as a viola player in the mid-1950s. Has been conducting since his 1959 debut with the Radio Lausanne Orchestra. Has conducted renowned orchestras including the London Royal Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Tokyo NHK Symphony, the Orchestre National de France, and the Saint Petersburg Philharmonia
October 7, 1936 ~ Elio Osacar, commonly known as Latin jazz, jazz pianist Sonny Bravo born ~ Closely associated with Tipica '73 in the 1970s, and with Tito Puente from the 1980s onwards. Has also worked with Jimmy Sabater, George Benson, Rubén Blades, Dimension Latina, José Fajardo, Mongo Santamaria, Louie Ramirez, Johnny Pacheco, Tito Nieves, Justo Betancourt, Terry Gibbs, Hector Ramos, Johnny Rodriguez, Daniel Santos, Janis Siegel, and others
October 7, 1934 ~ Guitarist, luthier Dan Armstrong, full name Dan Kent Armstrong, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as an instrument builder, his line of guitars, basses and amplifiers used by artists such as Randy Jo Hobbs, Keith Richards, Randy California, Lou Reed, Steve Miller, Greg Ginn, Dave Grohl, Geezer Butler, Paul McCartney, Phil Lynott, Randy Rhoads, Ronnie Wood, King Buzzo, Joe Perry, Ronnie Lane, George Kooymans, Rich Robinson, Josh Homme, Jack Bruce, John Frusciante, and others. Once romantically involved with singer Carly Simon, who wrote the song Dan My Fling of her 1971 eponymous Carly Simon debut album about him ~ Armstrong passed away in 2004
October 7, 1928 ~ Singer, pianist, poet, songwriter Raymond Lévesque born in Montreal, Canada ~ Pioneer of Canadian chansonnier tradition. Perhaps best known for penning Quand Les Hommes Vivront D'Amour, which quickly became a standard covered by numerous artists including Fabienne Thibeault, Michel Louvain, Félix Leclerc, Robert Charlebois, and Céline Dion ~ Lévesque passed away in 2021
October 7, 1927 ~ Alfred Cini, commonly known as singer Al Martino born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Popular Italian-American pop crooner from the early-1950s through the mid-1970s. Sang in nightclubs and recorded a handful of songs for Jubilee but got his big break winning first place on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts performing Perry Como's If. This led to a record deal and the release of his breakthrough single Here In My Heart. It would top the pop charts in America and the UK. It also attracted the attention of the maffia who bought out Cini's management contract and ordered him to pay $75,000 to safeguard their investment. Cini moved to Britain, continuing to record and perform. He would later play the role of Johnny Fontane in the movie The Godfather ~ Cini passed away in 2009
October 7, 1925 ~ Jazz drummer Alvin Stoller born in New York, New York, USA ~ Though largely forgotten, Stoller was an in-demand sideman during the 1940s and 1950s. Performed on nearly all of Frank Sinatra's 1950s albums, including In The Wee Small Hours and Songs For Swingin' Lovers. Other notable credits include Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, Bob Keene (Big Band Bash), Harry Sweets Edison (Sweets At The Haig), June Christy, Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, George van Eps (Mellow Guitar), Ben Webster, Herb Ellis, Buddy Bregman (Swinging Kicks), Mel Tormé, Billie Holiday, Ray Brown (Bass Hit), Phineas Newborn Jr, Coleman Hawkins, and Oscar Pettiford ~ Stoller passed away in 1992
October 7, 1917 ~ Eleanor Geisman, commonly known as actress, dancer, singer June Allyson, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Active since the mid-1930s as a dancer in short subject films and on Broadway. Would rise to fame after being signed by MGM, breaking through with her role in the 1944 musical film Two Girls And A Sailor. Cast as the archetypical girl next door she would solidify her stardom status through half a dozen films paired with actor Van Johnson. Awarded a Golden Globe Award for her leading role in the 1951 comedy film Too Young To Kiss, portraying the role of pianist Cynthia Potter ~ Geisman passed away in 2006
October 7, 1911 ~ Drummer Jo Jones, full name Jonathan David Samuel Jones born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Hugely influential on Buddy Rich, Kenny Clarke, Roy Haynes, Max Roach, Louie Bellson. Leader and sideman. Worked with Walter Page, Lloyd Hunter, Count Basie, Freddie Green, Gene Ammons, Art Blakey, Bob Brookmeyer, Ray Bryant, Milt Buckner, Blossom Dearie, Roy Eldridge, Ella Fitzgerald, Cass Harrison, Woody Herman, Illinois Jacquet, Budd Johnson, Thad Jones, Charles Mingus, Oscar Peterson, Paul Quinichette, Sonny Stitt, Ben Webster, Dicky Wells, Lester Young, and others ~ Jones passed away in 1985
October 7, 1911 ~ Singer, trumpeter, bandleader, actor Vaughn Monroe, full name Vaughn Milton Monroe, born in Akron, Ohio, USA ~ Popular 1940s, 1950s bandleader. At one time or another employed then-unknown sidemen such as Bucky Pizzarelli, Red Nichols, Ray Conniff and Don Costa. Best known for his signature tune Racing With The Moon, which would eventually sell over a million copies. Other well known recordings include In The Still Of The Night, There I've Said It Again, Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow, Ballerina, Someday You'll Want Me To, Sound Off and In The Middle Of The House ~ Monroe passed away in 1973
October 7, 1901 ~ Ralph Reichenthal, commonly known as composer Ralph Rainger, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Moanin' Low (Libby Holman, Leo Reisman, Lena Horne), Havin' Myself A Time (Kay Kyser, Billie Holiday), Easy Living (Teddy Wilson, Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington), June In January (Richard Himber, Guy Lombardo, Julie London), A Guy What Makes His Time (Mae West), Blue Hawaii (Bing Crosby, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley), Thanks For The Memory (Dorothy Lamour, Bob Hope, Benny Goodman), and You're A Sweet Little Heartache (Henry King, Artie Shaw, Red Norvo) ~ Reichental passed away in 1942
October 7, 1870 ~ David Harrison Macon, commonly known as old-time singer, banjoist, comedian, songwriter Uncle Dave Macon, born in Smartt Station, Tennessee, USA ~ Dubbed “the Dixie Dewdrop” and with his polished stage presence and personality one of the most enduring figures of early country music. Considered the bridge between 19th century folk and vaudeville and early 20th-century phonograph and radio-based music. Known for songs such as A Soldier's Joy, The Bully Of The Town, The Arkansas Traveler and Sail Away Ladies ~ Macon passed away in 1952