October 8, 2003 ~ Ranchera singer, pianist Angela Aguilar, full name Angela Aguilar Alvarez, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Daughter of Pepe Aguilar and sister of Leonardo Aguilar, both singers. Released her Primero Soy Mexicana debut album in 2018 earning her three Grammy Award-nominations including for Best New Artist making her the youngest person to achieve this feat
October 8, 1997 ~ Annabell Avery Thorne, commonly known as singer, actress Bella Thorne, born in Penbroke Pines, Florida, USA ~ Best known as an actress, first gaining attention playing the role of CeCe Jones in the Disney series Shake It Up from 2010 to 2013. As a singer released a number of recordings, most notably 2014's Call It Whatever which charted reasonably well on the Billboard dance charts
October 8, 1991 ~ Lodewijk Fluttert, commonly known as singer, producer, DJ Bakermat, born in Markelo, the Netherlands ~ Majored in psychology. Would rise to fame as a jazz and soul influenced DJ and producer mashing up electronic, techno, deep and tropical house and incorporating a wide array of live musicians on-stage. Hit the Dutch, Belgian and French charts in late 2012, early 2013 with the single Vandaag and has been recording and performing to critical acclaim and commercial success since. Bakermat's earlier work is considered to be at the forefront of tropical or melodic house, alongside the works of Klingande, Kungs, Lost Frequencies, Felix Jaehn, Sam Feldt, Thomas Jack and Kygo
October 8, 1985 ~ Peter Gene Hernandez, commonly known as pop, R&B, funk, soul singer, guitarist, pianist, drummer Bruno Mars born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Probably the youngest Elvis Presley impersonator in history, performing with his family's band at age 3. One third of producer, songwriter team the Smeezingtons, alongside Philip Lawrence and Ari Levine. Guested on singles such as BoB's Nothing On You and Travie McCoy's Billionaire. As a solo artist rose to stardom starting with international charttoppers Just The Way You Are, Grenade and The Lazy Song of his 2010 debut Doo-wops & Hooligans album. Would go on to score numerous international hits, at times collaborating with Cardi B, Gucci Mane, Kodak Black, Ed Sheeran, Lil' Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Mark Ronson and others. Has sold over 130 million records to date
October 8, 1982 ~ Bassist Bas van Wageningen born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Founding member, bassist of Di-rect, known for hits such as Inside My Head, She, Als Je Iets Kan Doen, Hungry For Love, Cool Without You and A Good Thing, all of which reached top 10 in the Netherlands
October 8, 1982 ~ Daniel Carrillo, commonly known as rapper, producer Termanology, born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, USA ~ First gained attention with the 2006 single Watch How It Go Down. Released a full-length solo album Politics As Usual in 2008. Collaborated with DJ Premier, Pete Rock, the Large Professor, Easy Mo Bee, Buckwild, Statik Selektah, Kid Ink, Cory Gunz, DJ Kay Slay, Sheek Louch, Lil' Fame, Sean Price, Inspectah Deck, Skyzoo, and others
October 8, 1978 ~ Jazz guitarist Mike Moreno born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Cites Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, and Bill Frisell as main musical influences. Worked with Joshua Redman, Lizz Wright, Nicholas Payton, Meshell Ndegeocello, Greg Osby, Wynton Marsalis, Rober Glasper, Stefon Harris, Aaron Parks, Terence Blanchard, Kenny Garrett, Ravi Coltrane, Bilal, Q-Tip, John Ellis, Jeremy Pelt, Marcus Strickland, Jesse Chandler, Kendrick Scott, Gaetano Partipilo, Michael Janisch, Brince Winston, and James Francies
October 8, 1968 ~ Corey Brent Penn Sr, commonly known as rapper CL Smooth, born in New Rochelle, New York, USA ~ Half of the hip-hop duo Pete Rock & CL Smooth known for their 1992 hit They Reminisce Over You (TROY), which became a staple of classic golden age hip-hop, and for collaborations with artists such as Johnny Gill, Heavy D & the Boyz and Run-DMC (on the 1993 track Down With The King)
October 8, 1968 ~ DJ, keyboardist Leeroy Thornhill born in Barking, UK ~ Dancer and occasional keyboardist for the Prodigy, leaving the band in 2000. Has recorded a number of unnoticed solo EPs under various monikers. Would go on to play DJ sets at larger venues, work as a remixer for artists including Subsonica, and found the nu-skool breaks Electric Tastebuds record label
October 8, 1967 ~ House, R&B, dance-pop singer, pianist, violinist Joi Cardwell, full name Joi Bernadette Cardwell, born in New York, New York, USA ~ First gained attention in the early-1990s as guest vocalist on Lil Louis' dance hits Club Lonely and Saved My Life. Debuted as a solo artist in 1995 with the album The World Is Full Of Trouble, spawning hits such as Jump For Joi and Love & Devotion. Would go on to score with singles such as Soul To Bare, Run To You, Found Love, Freedom, and It's Over
October 8, 1965 ~ Christopher Joseph Ward, commonly known as punk rock, rock basssist CJ Ramone, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Best known as latter-day member of the Ramones, with whom he recorded three studio albums. Ward joined the band in 1989, succeeding original bassist Dee Dee Ramone, and remained with the band until its disbandement about half a decade later. Ward has also worked with Guitar Pete's Axe Attack, Los Gusanos, and Bad Chopper, and recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Reconquista released in 2012
October 8, 1964 ~ Priscilla Marie Winans, commonly known as gospel, R&B singer CeCe Winans, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Half of Bebe & CeCe Winans, the other half being her brother BeBe Winans, known for songs such as Heaven, Addictive Love, and It's OK. As a solo artist recording since the mid-1990s, won a dozen Grammy Awards, sold over 17 millions records, making her the all-time best-selling female gospel artist. Known for singles such as Well Alright, the Lauryn Hill-penned On That Day and Anybody Wanna Pray. Close friend of Whitney Houston, with whom she also duetted on Count On Me from the Waiting To Exhale soundtrack, and Godmother to Houston's daughter. Also collaborated with Barbara Mandrell, Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Patti Labelle, and Mary Mary
October 8, 1962 ~ Singer, songwriter Jon Stevens born in Upper Hut, New Zealand ~ Released a number of overlooked solo albums before finding succes as frontman of Noiseworks in the late-1980s, scoring hits with Take Me Back, Touch and Hoy Chilli Woman. Has also fronted INXS for a number of years in the early-2000s after the death of Michael Hutchence, notably present on the 2003 single I Get Up. Has also starred as Judas in an Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and collaborated with the Dead Daisies, Dave Stewart, Kate Ceberano, and others
October 8, 1961 ~ Trumpeter, slide trumpeter, bandleader Steven Bernstein born in Washington DC, USA ~ Over half a dozen albums to his name as leader or co-leader. Perhaps best known for his work with Sexmob. Also closely associated with the Lounge Lizards, Spanish Fly and the Millennial Territory Orchestra. Collaborated with Roswell Rudd, Don Byron, Aretha Franklin, Lou Reed, Linda Ronstadt, Digable Planets, Sting, Levon Helm, Rufus Wainwright, Nels Cline, Mario Pavone, the Baby Loves Jazz Band, Elton John, and others
October 8, 1959 ~ Fionan Martin Hanvey, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actor, painter Gavin Friday, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Founded and fronted post-punk group the Virgin Prunes. After the band broke up devoted himself to painting, sharing a studio with Charlie Whisker, Prunes bandmate Guggi and childhood friend U2's Bono. Has also musically collaborated with the latter on several occasions, notably on the soundtracks for In The Name Of The Father and In America. Songs from both films, respectively You Made Me The Thief Of Your Heart sung by Sinéad O'Connor and In America sung by Andrea Corr, would be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Friday has released several solo albums, notably the acclaimed Adam 'n' Eve in 1992, and collaborated with artists such as Maurice Seezer, Quincy Jones, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Fall, Dave Ball, Shannon McNally, and with Talking Heads members Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison and Tina Weymouth
October 8, 1955 ~ Bassist, composer, producer James Singleton, full name James Evan Singleton, born ~ Worked with John Scofield, Stanton Moore, John Medeski, John Abercrombie, the Astral Project, Art Baron, Ellis Marsalis Jr, Earl Tubinton, Eddie Harris, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Lionel Hampton, Arnett Cobb, Banu Gibson, Chet Baker, Alvin Tyler, James Booker, Johnny Adams, Charlie Rich, Zachary Richard, Robert Walter, Rob Wagner, Oliver Bou, Steve Masakowski, and others
October 8, 1953 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Anthony Kenney born ~ Best known as member of the Kentucky Headhunters from 1968 through 1982 and again from 1992 through 2008
October 8, 1953 ~ Country singer, guitarist Ricky Lee Phelps born in Edmonton, Kentucky, USA ~ Formed the duo Brother Phelps with his brother guitarist, singer Doug Phelps. The duo would score a number a early-1990s country hits, their highest charting being Let Go reaching top 10 Billboard Country in 1993. Prior both brothers had played with the Kentucky Headhunters, leaving the band after the successful 1989 Pickin' On Nashville debut album
October 8, 1952 ~ Trombonist Clifford Adams, full name Clifford Alanza Adams Jr, born in Trenton, New Jersey, USA ~ Member of Kool & the Gang, joining the band in 1977. Present on some of the band's best known, notably the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Ladies Night and Too Hot ~ Adams passed away in 2015
October 8, 1951 ~ Singer, songwriter, actress Caroline Peyton born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, USA ~ Known for a number of 1970s albums, notably Mock Up and Intuition. Would go on to appear in theatrical productions, including on Broadway, and work as a voice actress in Disney animated films. Released a self-penned album, Homeseeker's Paradise, in 2014 ~ Peyton passed away in 2021
October 8, 1950 ~ Robert Earl Bell, commonly known as jazz, R&B, funk, soul, disco singer, bassist Robert Kool Bell born in Youngstown, Ohio, USA ~ Founding and longtime member of Kool & the Gang, known for hits such Ladies Night, Celebrate, Something Special and Emergency, all of which reached the Billboard top 20
October 8, 1950 ~ Bluegrass guitarist, mandolinist Ruis Barenberg born ~ Influenced by Clarence White. Worked with Heartlands, Fiddle Fever, the Laughing Hands, Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer, Maura O'Connell, Béla Fleck, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Ray Repp, Peter Wernick, Hazel Dickens, Andy Statman, Bill Keith, Rodney Miller, Tony Trischka, Alison Krauss, Hugh Moffatt, Roy Book Binder, Mark O'Connor, Jesse Winchester, Laurie Lewis, Rhonda Vincent, Darol Anger, Chris Thile, Bryan Sutton, Charlie Haden, Steve Martin, Craig Duncan, and others
October 8, 1949 ~ Guitarist, bassist, singer Hamish Stuart, full name James Hamish Stuart, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Best known as a member of the Average White Band from 1972 to 1982, including on the acclaimed albums AWB which spawned the hit Pick Up The Pieces and Cut The Cake. Has also worked with Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and David Sanborn. Wrote or co-wrote songs for Smokey Robinson, Jeffrey Osborne, George Benson, Diana Ross, and for Atlantic Starr, notably the 1986 hit If Your Heart Isn't In It for the latter
October 8, 1948 ~ John William Cummings, commonly known as guitarist, singer Johnny Ramone, born in Forest Hills, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member and rhythm guitarist of the Ramones. Known within the punk community as one of the few conservatives and a staunch supporter of the GOP. The UK single Bonzo Goes To Bitburg would be retitled My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitburg) on American releases as Cummings found the title insulting to Reagan, at the time US President ~ Cummings passed away in 2004
October 8, 1948 ~ Bluegrass banjoist Lynn Morris born ~ Won the 1974 National Banjo Championship, making her the first female to achieve this feat. Member of City Limits and Whetstone Run. Founded her own group, the Lynn Morris Band, in the late-1980s whose members over time included Jesse Brock, Tad Marks, David McLaughlin, Audie Blaylock and her husband Marshall Wilborn
October 8, 1944 ~ Josephine Armstead, commonly known as singer, songwriter Jo Armstead in Yazoo, Mississippi, USA ~ Sang backup for Bobby Blue Bland. Member of the Ikettes, backing Ike Turner & Tina Turner. As a songwriter teamed with Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson writing hits for Ray Charles (Let's Go Get Stoned), Chuck Jackson, Maxine Brown, Aretha Franklin (Cry Like A Baby), Ruby Andrews, Garland Green, Tina Britt, Ronnie Milsap, Syl Johnson (Come On Sock It To Me), Carl Carlton, and others. Also sang backup for Esther Phillips, Roberta Flack, Quincy Jones, BB King, David Bromberg, Randall Bramblett, Burt Bacharach, Taj Mahal, Nina Simone, Stephanie Mills, Luther Vandross and was cast in the 1972 Broadway production of Don't Play Us Cheap in the role of Mrs Washington
October 8, 1941 ~ Rock & roll, country guitarist George Bellamy born in Sunderland, UK ~ Father of Muse frontman Matt Bellamy. Active since the late-1950s. Best known as member of the Tornados, present on their instrumental hit Telstar and co-writer of Ridin' The Wind. Also worked with Don Charles, Rough Terrain, the Lyrics, and others
October 8, 1939 ~ Jazz double bassist Aladar Pege born in Hungary ~ Dubbed the “ Niccolò Paganini of double bass” ~ Pege passed away in 2006
October 8, 1930 ~ Park Frederick Adams III, commonly known as jazz, hard bop, post-bop saxophonist Pepper Adams, born in Highland Park, Michigan, USA ~ Unlike his contemporaries who favored cool jazz, Adams is praised for bringing the baritone sax into the fast speeds of hard bop. Well over a dozen albums as a leader, especially noted for 10 To 4 At The Five Spot released in 1958. An in-demand sideman, Adams has appeared on over an estimated 600 sessions including albums by Chet Baker, Teddy Charles (The Teddy Charles Tentet), Kenny Clarke, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Lee Morgan, John Coltrane (Dakar), Gene Ammons, Philly Joe Jones, Donald Byrd (Byrd In Hand), Charles Mingus (Blues & Roots), Maynard Ferguson, Blue Mitchell (Boss Horn), Lou Donaldson (Lush Life), Jimmy Smith, Duke Pearson (Now Hear This), Rahsaan Roland Kirk, George Benson, Aretha Franklin (Soul '69), Elvin Jones (Poly-Currents), Carmen McRae, and Dakota Staton ~ Adams passed away in 1986
October 8, 1930 ~ Composer Toru Takemitsu born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Founding member Jikken Kobo, considered a highly influential experimental, avant-garde collective. Influenced by Olivier Messiaen, Claude Debussy and traditional Japanese music. Wrote several hundreds compositions, scored over 90 films, authored twenty books on aesthetics and music theory. Best known for his 1957 Requiem For String Orchestra ~ Takemitsu passed away in 1996
October 8, 1929 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Paulinho Nogueira born in Campinas, Brazil ~ With influences ranging from bossa nova to Johann Sebastian Bach Noguiera has well over two dozen albums to his name and is especially acclaimed for his 1994 eponymous Paulinho Noguiera album and Tons E Semitons released in 1997 ~ Noguiera passed away in 2003
October 8, 1927 ~ R&B, blues drummer Al Duncan born in McKinney, Texas, USA ~ Considered a forefather of rhythm & blues. In-demand session drummer. Has worked with Billy The Kid Emerson, Buddy Guy, Dale Hawkins, Red Holloway, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Camille Howard, and Phil Upchurch ~ Duncan passed away in 1995
October 8, 1926 ~ Operatic tenor Gaetano Bardini born in Riparbella, Italy ~ Italian tenor, popular in the Czech Republic. Known for recordings with conductors such as Jan Stych and Ino Savini, orchestras such as the Prague Smetana, the Brno State Opera and the Prague Chamber Orchestra ~ Bardini passed away in 2017
October 8, 1923 ~ Owen Joseph Igoe, commonly known as jazz, swing, big band drummer Sonny Igoe, born in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA ~ Active from the mid-1950s through the late-1980s. Influenced by Gene Krupa, Kenny Clarke, and Max Roach. Got his start in music while still in high school, winning a contest organized by Krupa. Igoe would go on to tour with Les Elgart, Ina Ray Hutton, Benny Goodman, and Woody Herman. Igoe has recorded with the likes of Buddy Stewart, Neal Hefti, Charlie Ventura, Tony Bennett, Billy Maxted, Chuck Wayne, Phil Napoleon, and Pee Wee Irwin. Igoe is also well known for his association with the NBC Television Orchestra during the 1960s, the orchestra serving as house band for among others The Ed Sullivan Show and The Jackie Gleason Show. Igoe's son, Tommy Igoe, is also a professional drummer and bandleader ~ Igoe passed away in 2012
October 8, 1919 ~ Harold Joseph Singer, commonly known as R&B saxophonist Hal Cornbread Singer, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best known for Fine As Wine, Corn Bread and Beef Stew. Leader, sideman, saxophonist, session musician. Worked with Ernie Fields, Jay McShann, Hot Lips Page, Earl Hines, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, and Al Grey ~ Singer passed away in 2020
October 8, 1916 ~ Clarinetist, arranger Bill Stegmeyer born ~ Worked with Austin Wylie, Glenn Miller, Bob Crosby, Billy Butterfield, Yank Lawson, the Lawson-Haggart Band, Bobby Hackett, Will Bradley, Billie Holiday, Bob Haggart, Jimmy McPartland, and Ruby Braff ~ Stegmeyer passed away in 1968
October 8, 1905 ~ Raul Salvador Intini Pepe, commonly known as actor, singer Raul Roulien, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Widely considered the first male Brazilian star in Hollywood. As a singer enjoyed popularity in his native Brazil during the late-1920s. Moved to Hollywood by the early 1930 where he would feature in over a dozen films, notably 1933's Flying Down To Rio starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers ~ Intini passed away in 2000