March 21, 2023 ~ Pianist, composer, musicologist Oleksandr Kozarenko passed away ~ Vice principal of the Lviv Music Academy since 2000. Composed for ballet, opera, and orchestra. Well-known pieces include Concerto Rutheno, Don Juan From Kolomea, and Passion Of Our God Jesus Christ ~ Kozarenko was born in 1963
March 20, 2023 ~ Actress, singer Anita Thallaug passed away ~ Best known as an actress for stage including musicals, film and TV. Sister of opera singer Edith Thallaug. Performing since the age of 7 and frequently featured in children's TV shows during the 1950s. Represented her native Norway in the 1963 Eurovision Songfestival, finishing 13th with the song Solhverv ~ Thallaug was born in 1938
March 17, 2023 ~ Rodolfo Olivares, commonly known as cumbia saxophonist Fito Olivares, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Well-known for his recordings with backing unit La Pura Sabrosura, which also included his brothers singer Javier Olivares and keyboardist Jaime Olivares. The band was active from the early 1980s and had their breakthrough by the end of the decade. Known for songs such as La Gallina, Juana La Cubana, La Negra Catalina, La Ranita, Cupido Bandido, Juana Maria, and El Colesterol ~ Olivares was born in 1947
March 17, 2023 ~ Clarence Eugene Haskins, commonly known as R&B, funk guitarist, drummer, singer Fuzzy Haskins, passed away ~ Closely associated with George Clinton, working with the iconic funk frontman from the early doo-wop days with the Parliaments through the 1960s, 1970s ensembles Parliament and Funkadelic. Co-wrote the latter's I Got A Thing You Got A Thing Everybody's Got A Thing, I Wanna Know If It's Good To You, and Good To Your Earhole. Haskins parted ways with Clinton in 1977 over financial and management disputes. Haskins and fellow Clinton alumni Calvin Simon and Grady Thomas caused confusion when they released the 1981 Connections And Disconnections album using the moniker Funkadelic. Haskins also recorded two albums as a solo artist, Whole Nother Thang in 1976 and Radio Active in 1978 ~ Haskins was born in 1941
March 16, 2023 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist Tony Coe, full name Anthony George Coe, passed away ~ Versatile, adventurous, flexible. Counted among England's top jazzmen. Over two dozen albums to his name as leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for the albums Some Other Spring, Nutty and Les Sources Bleues. Well-known for his associations with Humphrey Lyttelton, Johnny Dankworth, Derek Bailey, and the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble. Has also collaborated with Al Grey, Bob Brookmeyer, Franz Koglmann, Nucleus, Clark Terry, Peter Brötzmann, Loudon Wainwright III, Steve Beresford, and Norma Winstone ~ Coe was born in 1934
March 15, 2023 ~ Teófilo Augusto de Barros Neto, commonly known as jazz violist, songwriter Théo de Barros, passed away ~ Co-founded the Trio Novo with Heraldo do Monte and Airto Moreira, a group created initially to accompany singer Geraldo Vandré. With the addition of flutist Hermeto Pascoal the influential group would be renamed the Quarteto Novo and release their sole eponymous The Quarteto Novo album in 1967. The group would serve as a launching pad for its members, its most famous member being Moreira. De Barros wrote Menino Das Laranjas for Vandré. Co-wrote Disparada with Vandré, first recorded by Jair Rodrigues. Both songs have become classics and have been covered numerous times ~ De Barros was born in 1943
March 14, 2023 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Bobby Caldwell, full name Robert Hunter Caldwell, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his 1978 What You Won't Do For Love hit single. It would reach Billboard Hot 100 top 10 and be covered by Go West, Phyllis Hyman, Boyz II Men, and others. Caldwell is also known for co-penning The Next Time I Fall, recorded as a duet by Peter Cetera & Amy Grant. Others who recorded songs co-written by Caldwell include Roberta Flack, Boz Scaggs, and Glenn Medeiros ~ Caldwell was born in 1951
March 13, 2023 ~ Jose Henrique Campos Pereira, commonly known as punk, punk rock bassist Canisso, passed away in Santana de Parnaiba, Brazil ~ Best known as member of Raimundos from its inception in 1987 through 2002, rejoining in 2007. The punk rock outfit is hugely influenced by American rockers the Ramones and would go on to become one of the most influential rock bands in Brazil, especially popular during the 1990s and acclaimed for their 1996 Lavô Tá Novo album. Has also briefly worked with Rodox during the early 2000s, and founded Rockfellas with Paul di'Anno ~ Campos was born in 1965
March 13, 2023 ~ Drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, organist Jim Gordon, full name James Beck Gordon, passed away in Vacaville, California, USA ~ In-demand session drummer. Best known for his work with Eric Clapton in the 1970s supergroup Derek & the Dominos, including contributing the piano coda for Layla. Has also appeared on albums by Nancy Sinatra (Boots), Buffalo Springfield, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), Ike & Tina Turner, Harry Nilsson, Mason Williams, Bread, Merle Haggard, George Harrison (All Things Must Pass), John Lennon (Imagine), John Lee Hooker, Dr John, Carly Simon (No Secrets), Elvin Bishop, Seals & Crofts (Summer Breeze), Linda Ronstadt, Albert Hammond, Steely Dan (Pretzel Logic), Tom Waits, Thelma Houston, the Carpenters, Nils Lofgren (Cry Tough), Jackson Browne (The Pretender), Tom Petty, Captain & Tennille, Lowell George, and others. Has released a sole solo album, Plays Heavy, in 1971. In 1983, in a psychotic episode associated with undiagnosed schizophrenia Gordon murdered his mother, he would be sentenced to 16 years to life and remained incarcerated until his death ~ Gordon was born in 1945
March 13, 2023 ~ World music, soul jazz guitarist, DJ, turntablist, producer Simon Emmerson passed away ~ Founded the Afrobeat, world music group Afro Celt Sound System, known for merging electronic music with traditional Gaelic and West African influences. The band is perhaps best known for their 1999 Volume 2 (Release) sophomore album. A shortened version of the album's Release title track would be used for the supernatural horror film Stigmata released the same year. Emmerson also served as a producer for the likes of Manu Dibango and Baaba Maal, notably producing the latter's acclaimed 1994 Firin' In Fouta album ~ Emmerson was born in 1956
March 12, 2023 ~ Rock, punk rock guitarist Dix Denney passed away ~ Co-founding and along with brother singer John Denney the only other constant member of punk rock outfit the Weirdos. Member of Thelonious Monster, known for their 1992 A Beautiful Mess major label debut album which included the modest hit Body And Soul. The band was named after jazz pianist Thelonious Monk ~ Denney was born ca.1958
March 11, 2023 ~ Constantinos Tsobanoglou, commonly known as amapiano, Afrobeat, Afro pop singer, rapper Costa Titch, passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Known for hits such as Nkalakatha, Activate, Ayeye, and Big Flexa. Notably collaborated with Senegalese-American rapper Akon on a remix of the latter. Tsobanoglou passed away at age 27 after collapsing on stage while performing at the Ultra South Africa music festival in Johannesburg ~ Tsobanoglou was born in 1995
March 10, 2023 ~ Jerrold Samuels, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Napoleon XIV, passed away ~ One-hit wonder known for the 1966 novelty hit They're Coming To Take Me Away (Ha Haa), the single would be an an instant success reaching top 10 in several countries including the UK, Canada and America. Previously Samuels had co-written As If I Didn't Know, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for Adam Wade in 1961, and The Shelter Of Your Arms for Sammy Davis Jr which would reach top 20 in 1964 ~ Samuels was born in 1938
March 10, 2023 ~ José Abelardo Gutiérrez Alanya, commonly known as cumbia, chicha, parody singer Tongo, passed away ~ Active since the 1980s as a cumbia singer. Would rise to fame in the 2000s on the surprise succes of La Pituca, featuring purposely goofy English. Its succes would mark a shift for Gutiérrez, going on to score a string of hits with intentionally comedic cover versions of well-known pop rock songs originally by Justin Bieber, PSY, System Of A Down, the Beatles (Lady Bi), Eminem, Michael Jackson (Bili Yin), and the Eagles ~ Gutiérrez was born in 1957
March 9, 2023 ~ Jazz fusion keyboardist Robin Lumley passed away ~ Co-founded jazz-rock unit Brand X with guitarist John Goodsall and drummer Phil Collins, remaining with the band from 1974 through 1983 with a small hiatus around 1978 to focus on his career as a producer. The band is best known for their 1977 Moroccan Roll sophomore album which would reach top 40 in their native UK. Lumley has also served as producer for Rod Argent, Bill Bruford, Orleans, and as session musician for Curved Air, Gary Boyle, Ellen Shipley, Exile ~ Lumley was born ca.1948
March 8, 2023 ~ Marcel Jean-Pierre Balthazar Miramon, commonly known as singer, actor Marcel Amont, passed away in St Cloud, France ~ Hugely popular during the 1960s and 1970s. Some 30 albums to his name. Recorded about a 1,000 songs. Sold an approximate 300 million records. Renowned as interpreter of compositions by Georges Brassens, Leo Ferré, Georges Moustaki. Known for songs such as Blue Blanc Blond, L'Amour Ça Fait Passer Le Temps, Ballade Pour L'Espagnol, Le Plus Beau Tango Du Monde and perhaps his best-known Le Mexicain ~ Amont was born in 1929
March 5, 2023 ~ Blues rock, boogie rock, southern rock guitarist Gary Rossington, full name Gary Robert Rossington, passed away ~ Last surviving original member of quintessential southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Especially noted for his lead guitar work on Tuesday's Gone and slide guitar on Free Bird. Also co-founded the Rossington-Collins Band with bandmate guitarist Allen Collins ~ Rossington was born in 1951
March 5, 2023 ~ Conductor Kenneth Montgomery passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Conductor and music director for renowned companies including the Sadler's Wells Opera, the Bournemouth Sinfonietta, the Opera Northern Ireland, and the Ulster Opera. Outside of the UK best known for his association with the Netherlands Radio Symphony, serving as its principal conductor from 1985 through 1989, and as director of opera studies at the Royal Conservatory the Hague since 1991 ~ Montgomery was born in 1943
March 4, 2023 ~ Bassist Michael Rhodes passed away ~ In-demand touring and session musician from the early 1980s forward, present on albums by Stevie Nicks (Bella Donna), JJ Cale (Shades), Dolly Parton, Keith Whitley, Michael Martin Murphey, John Jarvis, Crystal Gayle, Hank Williams Jr, Rodney Crowell (Diamonds & Dirt), Marie Osmond, Rosanne Cash (King's Record Shop), Reba McEntire (Reba), Kenny Rogers, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Delbert McClinton, Steve Winwood, Etta James, Kelly Willis, Alan Jackson (Don't Rock The Jukebox), Vince Gill (Pocket Full Of Gold), Bob Seger, Jason Ringenberg, Faith Hill, Tammy Wynette, Mark Knopfler, Clint Black (Nothin' But The Taillights), Allison Moorer, the Dixie Chicks, Green On Red, Lee Ann Womack (Something Worth Leaving Behind), Aaron Neville, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Sheryl Crow, Gretchen Wilson, George Strait, India Arie, Darius Rucker, Tommy Emmanuel (Little By Little), Buddy Guy, Joss Stone, Joe Bonamassa, and numerous others ~ Rhodes was born in 1953
March 4, 2023 ~ Singer, songwriter Robert Haimer, also known as Artie Barnes, passed away ~ Formed the duo Barnes & Barnes with actor, singer, multi-instrumentalist, childhood friend Bill Mumy. The duo adopted the personae of Art & Artie Barnes, twin brothers existing in alternate dimensions, and is best known for their 1978 novelty recording Fish Heads ~ Haimer was born in 1954
March 4, 2023 ~ Glenn Michael Lockett, commonly known as producer, sound engineer SPOT, passed away in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA ~ In-house producer and engineer for influential punk label SST Records. Engineered, mixed, produced most of SST's pivotal acts from 1979 until leaving the label in 1986. Has worked with acts such as Black Flag, the Descendents, the Minutemen, Meat Puppets, Hüsker Dü (Everything Falls Apart), the Misfits, St Vitus, and the Crucifucks ~ Lockett was born in 1951
March 3, 2023 ~ Jazz, avant-garde, jazz-funk saxophonist Carlos Garnett passed away ~ Self-taught tenor soloist. First gained attention backing Freddie Hubbard on the 1969 album A Soul Experiment for which Garnett wrote the originals No Time To Lose and Hang 'Em Up. Would go on to work with Art Blakey, Pharoah Sanders, Norman Connors, Charles Mingus, Miles Davis (On The Corner), Robin Kenyatta, Denroy Morgan, and Charles Earland. As a solo artist, leader over half a dozen albums to his name, especially acclaimed for the albums Journey To Enlightenment and Black Love, both released in 1974 ~ Garnett was born in 1938
March 3, 2023 ~ Rock, country rock, roots rock singer, guitarist, bassist, banjoist, mandolinist, songwriter David Lindley, full name David Perry Lindley, passed away ~ Co-founding member of Kaleidoscope, with whom he recorded four albums. Following the band's disbandement in 1970 would go on to become an in-demand touring and session musician. Closely associated with Jackson Browne, appearing on key albums such as For Everyman, Late For The Sky, The Pretender, and Running On Empty. Over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting in the early 1980s and noted especially for El Rayo X and Win This Album. Has also appeared on albums by America, Terry Reid, Linda Ronstadt (Heart Like A Wheel), Rod Stewart (Atlantic Crossing), Joe Walsh, Warren Zevon, Dolly Parton (Here You Come Again), Karla Bonoff, Marshall Crenshaw, Bob Dylan, Shawn Colvin, and Bruce Springsteen ~ Lindley was born in 1944
March 2, 2023 ~ Bassist, producer Steve Mackey, full name Stephen Patrick Mackey, passed away ~ Best known as bassist for alternative rock outfit Pulp from 1988 through 2002 and again from 2011 through 2013. Present on some of the band's best known including the albums Different Class and This Is Hardcore both of which reached No.1 on the UK album charts. Mackey has also served as producer and remixer for the likes of MIA, Florence + the Machine, the Long Blondes, and Arcade Fire ~ Mackey was born in 1966
March 2, 2023 ~ Saxophonist Wayne Shorter passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Coleman Hawkins. About two dozen albums as a leader or co-leader. Member of the Jazz Messengers during the late 1950s, backing renowned drummer Art Blakey. Worked with trumpeter Miles Davis from 1964 through 1970 including on pivotal albums such as Bitches Brew and Filles de Kilimanjaro. Subsequently co-founded jazz fusion unit the Weather Report with Joe Zawinul and Miroslav Vitous. Member of VSOP. Toured with guitarist Carlos Santana. Has also worked with Don Henley, noted for his sax solo on The End Of The Innocence, Herbie Hancock, Donald Byrd, Norah Jones, Wynton Kelly, Freddie Hubbard, Joni Mitchell, Jaco Pastorius, McCoy Tyner, and others ~ Shorter was born in 1933
March 1, 2023 ~ Ranchera, corrido singer, actress Irma Serrano, full name Irma Consuelo Cielo Serrano Castro, passed away ~ Began her career as a dancer, to become one of the most popular folk singers of the 1960s. Dubbed “la Tigressa” for her tantalizing, untamed spitfire voice. Well known for La Martina, considered a contemporary classic song of Mexican folk. Ventured into acting for film, appearing in over a dozen films, and stage, often causing controversy. Served as senator for her home state of Chiapas during the late 1990s ~ Serrano was born in 1933
March 1, 2023 ~ Jazz clarinetist Wally Fawkes, full name Walter Ernest Fawkes, passed away in London, UK ~ Influenced by Sidney Bechet. Self-taught jazz clarinetist. First gained attention working with jazz revivalist George Webb in the 1940s. Would go on to work with Humphrey Lyttelton, who became a life-long friend. Has also collaborated with George Melly and John Chilton through the early 1970s. Also known as a political satirical cartoonist, noted for the comic Flook which ran in the Daily Mail for over three decades ~ Fawkes was born in 1924
February 27, 2023 ~ Pop rock drummer Hans-Joachim Behrendt passed away ~ Co-founding member of Ideal. The band is best known for their 1980 debut single Wir Stehn Auf Berlin and their eponymous Ideal debut album released by the end of the year. The band would call it quits after three succesful albums, disbanding in 1983. Behrendt and several bandmates also notably contributed to Alphaville's 1989 The Breathtaking Blue album ~ Behrendt was born ca.1955
February 27, 2023 ~ Singer Ismaïla Touré passed away ~ Member of Senegalese outfit Touré Kunda, with whom he recorded well over a dozen albums starting with E'mma Africa released in 1980. The band would enjoy popularity and critical acclaim especially in France from the mid-1980s forward. The band achieved wider international attention after Touré and several bandmembers collaborated with guitarist Carlos Santana on Africa Bamba of the latter's 1999 The Supernatural album ~ Touré was born ca.1950
February 25, 2023 ~ Walter Ferguson Byfield, commonly known as calypso singer, songwriter Walter Ferguson, passed away ~ Revered calypso songwriter enjoying a career spanning seven decades. Self-taught on several instruments, including dulzaina, harmonica, ukelele, guitar, and clarinet. Wrote an estimated 200 songs, including A Sailing Boat, Cabin In The Wata, Callaloo, and Carnaval Day ~ Byfield was born in 1919
February 23, 2023 ~ Rock guitarist Junnosuke Kuroda passed away ~ Member of indie rock outfit Sumika, best known for their 2016 Lovers/Dengon Uta single which reached top 20 in their native Japan. The band's full-length Familia debut album released the following year would reach top 10 ~ Kuroda was born ca.1989
February 21, 2023 ~ Rock, jazz guitarist Jesse Gress passed away ~ Editor for Guitar Player magazine. Authored about half a dozen books. As a musician has recorded and toured extensively with Todd Rundgren. Has also worked with bassist Tony Levin, notably on the 2001 Pieces Of The Sun album, as well as with Levin's brother keyboardist Pete Levin, Jerry Marotta, and Utopia. Served as music director for the 2008 Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band tribute album It Was 40 Years Ago Today, a collaborative all-star effort which featured Rundgren, Lou Gramm, Christopher Cross, and Denny Laine ~ Gress was born in 1956
February 21, 2023 ~ Rock keyboardist Ron Altbach, full name Ronald Steven Altbach, passed away ~ Member of King Harvest, noted for his Wurlitzer electric piano intro on Dancing In The Moonlight. The single would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100. Altbach has also sessioned for the Beach Boys, for whom he co-wrote Belles Of Paris, She's Got Rhythm, and Alone On Christmas Day. Member of Celebration, led by Mike Love ~ Altbach was born in 1946
February 20, 2023 ~ Rock bassist Bruce Barthol passed away ~ Original bassist for Country Joe & the Fish, present on the albums Electric Music For The Mind And Body, Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die, and Together. Barthol departed the band in 1968, staying on in England following a tour. Subsequently worked with Formerly Fat Harry, Energy Crisis, and political satire theatre group the San Francisco Mime Troupe ~ Barthol was born in 1947
February 20, 2023 ~ Blues singer, keyboardist, guitarist, hornist Victor Brox passed away ~ Fronted the Victor Brox Blues Train. Named “favorite white blues singer” by Jimi Hendrix. Best known for his performance as Caiaphas on the original 1970 recording of Jesus Christ Superstar. Has collaborated with numerous artists including Eric Clapton, Ritchie Blackmore, Graham Bond, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, Keith Moon, and Aynsley Dunbar, notably singing lead and playing keyboards and organ in the latter's late 1960s blues, rock band the Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation. Brox also appeared as a Leonardo da Vinci look-alike in the 1998 Ever After film ~ Brox was born in 1941
February 19, 2023 ~ Guitarist Davis Causey passed away ~ Member of Sea Level from 1977 through its disbandement in 1980. The band centered around bassist Lamar Williams, drummer Jaimoe and pianist Chuck Leavell, originated as an offshoot of southern rock outfit the Allman Brothers Band, and incorporated element from funk, blues, Latin and rock music. Causey first appeared on the band's Cats On The Coast sophomore album, which spawned the band's only charting single That's Your Secret ~ Causey was born ca.1949
February 17, 2023 ~ Conductor, oboist, TV, film composer Gerald Fried passed away in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA ~ Well-known for composing music for a number of 1960s, 1970s TV shows such as Gilligan's Island, The Man From UNCLE, Shotgun Slade, Star Trek, and notably Roots, receiving an Emmy Award for the latter. Composed for over a dozen feature films, among them several of Stanley Kubrick's early movies including Fear And Desire, Killer's Kiss, and Paths Of Glory ~ Fried was born in 1928
February 17, 2023 ~ Bruce Gordon Poulsen, commonly known as singer, mandolinist, autoharpist, songwriter Hans Poulsen passed away ~ Best known for songs such as Boom Sha-la-la-lo and Light Across The Valley. Also wrote and co-wrote for others including Rose Coloured Glasses for John Farnham and Monty And Me for Zoot ~ Poulsen was born in 1945
February 17, 2023 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flautist Jerry Dodgion passed away in Queens, New York, USA ~ Worked with Rudy Salvini, Gerald Wilson, Vernon Alley, Billie Holiday, Benny Carter, Red Norvo, Benny Goodman, Oliver Nelson, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Herbie Hancock, Duke Pearson, Blue Mitchell, Count Basie, Marian McPartland, Sonny Clark, Charlie Mariano, Randy Brecker, Lou Donaldson, Bobby Hackett, JJ Johnson, Etta Jones, Yusef Lateef, Blue Mitchell, Quincy Jones, Wes Montgomery, Shirley Scott, Jimmy Smith, Stanley Turrentine, and others ~ Dodgion was born in 1932
February 17, 2023 ~ Country songwriter, singer, guitarist, keyboardist Kyle Jacobs, full name Kyle Christopher Jacobs, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Staff songwriter for Curb Music. Perhaps best remembered for co-writing More Than A Memory, a Billboard Country No.1 hit for Garth Brooks. Others who have recorded songs written or co-written by Jacobs include Trace Adkins (I Can't Outrun You), Jo Dee Messina, Craig Morgan, Tim McGraw, Kimberley Locke (8th World Wonder), Clay Walker, Kelly Clarkson (The Sun Will Rise), Scotty McCreery, Lee Brice, and his wife Kellie Pickler ~ Jacobs was born ca.1973
February 17, 2023 ~ Songwriter, drummer Tom Whitlock, full name Thomas Ross Whitlock, passed away in Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for co-writing several songs for the 1986 Top Gun soundtrack with Giorgio Moroder, including Take My Breath Away performed by Berlin and Danger Zone performed by Kenny Loggins. Whitlock also collaborated with Moroder on several other projects, such as the soundtracks for American Anthem, Over The Top, and Rambo III, on Koreana's Hand In Hand official theme song for the 1988 Summer Olympics held in Seoul, and on Edoardo Bennato & Gianna Nannina's Un'estate Italiana official theme song for the 1990 FIFA World Cup held in Italy ~ Whitlock was born ca.1954
February 16, 2023 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Alberto Radius passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Co-founded Formula 3 with Gabriele Lorenzi and Toni Cicco. The band is known for a string of early 1970s hits including Questo Folle Sentimento, Lo Ritorno Solo, and Eppur Mi Son Scordato Do Te. Radius has also recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Radius released in 1972, collaborated with Lucio Battisti, Milva, and Giuni Russo, and formed the late 1980s group Cantautores ~ Radius was born in 1942
February 16, 2023 ~ R&B singer Chuck Jackson passed away ~ Scored a string of 1960s Billboard R&B hits including I Don't Want To Cry, I Wake Up Crying, Tell Him I'm Not Home, Beg Me, and his signature song and biggest hit Any Day Now. The latter, an original hit for Jackson in 1962, was one of the first successes for songwriter Burt Bacharach co-written with Bob Hilliard, covered by over 50 artists including Tom Jones, Carla Thomas, Percy Sledge, Elvis Presley, and James Brown. Previously Jackson had sung with the Del Vikings, singing lead on the 1957 Willette single ~ Jackson was born in 1937
February 16, 2023 ~ Marina Herrera Aragón, commonly known as bolero singer, actress Marilú, passed away ~ Dubbed “the Little Doll that Sings” and one of the last stars of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Active since the late 1930s, recording throughout the 1970s. Known for songs such as Veleidad, Inquietud, and Consentida ~ Aragón was born in 1927
February 16, 2023 ~ Herbert Anton Hilger, commonly known as schlager singer Tony Marshall, passed away in Baden-Baden, Germany ~ Trained as an opera singer. Best known for his 1971 hit Schöne Maid. An English-language version of the song, Pretty Maid, would reach top 20 in Australia ~ Hilger was born in 1938
February 14, 2023 ~ Conductor, composer Friedrich Cerha passed away ~ Renowned interpreter of the works of Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern, and Alban Berg, especially credited for completing the latter's unfinished Lulu three-act opera. During World War II Cerha was conscripted yet deserted the nazi armed forces twice, and actually participated in a number of acts of resistance against the fascist regime ~ Cerha was born in 1926
February 14, 2023 ~ New beat singer Peter Renkens passed away ~ Member of the Confettis, a Belgian new beat band active from 1988 through 1992 and best known for their hit single The Sound Of C. Other well-known songs include C'Day, The C In China, and Put 'M Up ~ Renkens was born in 1967
February 13, 2023 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Alain Goraguer passed away ~ Best known for his associations with Boris Vian and Serge Gainsbourg. Also composed, arranged for Jean Ferrat, Serge Reggiani, and Nana Mouskouri. Conducted the orchestra for France Gall's 1965 Eurovision Songfestival-winning performance of Poupée De Cire (Poupée De Son) ~ Goraguer was born in 1931
February 13, 2023 ~ Jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist Guido Basso passed away ~ Worked with Pearl Bailey, Louie Bellson, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Woody Herman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Oliver Jones, Carol Welsman, Diana Krall, Diana Panton, Rob McConnell, Anne Murray, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Holly Cole, Sophie Milman, Peter Appleyard, the Hi-Lo's, Sammy Nestico, Mel Tormé, Trudy Desmond, Chantal Chamberland, and others ~ Basso was born in 1937
February 13, 2023 ~ Huey Pierce Smith, commonly known as R&B pianist Huey Piano Smith, passed away in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA ~ Helped develop a distinctive New Orleans piano sound. Influentual on artists such as Dr John and the Meters. Known for songs such as Little Liza Jane, Everybody's Whalin', The Rocking Pneumonia & The Boogie-Woogie Flu, Genevieve, Don't You Just Know It and Pop-eye. Backed Little Richard on his early Specialty Records recordings. Also worked with Guitar Slim, Lloyd Price, Earl King, Smiley Lewis, Bobby Marchan, Dave Bartholomew, and others ~ Smith was born in 1934
February 13, 2023 ~ Soul, deep soul, gospel singer Spencer Wiggins passed away ~ Formed the R&B group the Four Stars fresh out of high school, which also included a then-unknown David Porter. Enjoyed regional popularity as a solo artist throughout the early 1970s, known for recordings such as Lovers' Crime, Uptight Good Woman, I Never Loved A Woman (The Way I Love You) which featured Duane Allman on guitar, and Double Lovin'. Since the mid-1970s Wiggins has served as deacon and choir director, releasing gospel recordings throughout the 2000s ~ Wiggins was born in 1942
February 12, 2023 ~ David Jude Jolicoeur, commonly known as singer, rapper Trugoy the Dove, passed away ~ Member of De La Soul alongside Pasemaster Mase and Posdnuos. The trio played a key role in the birth of jazz rap and alternative hip-hop, their 1989 3 Feet High & Rising debut album considered a landmark album and a hip-hop masterpiece ~ Jolicoeur was born in 1968
February 10, 2023 ~ Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, commonly known as rapper, producer AKA, passed away in Durban, South Africa ~ Member of hip-hop group Entity. Member of production collective the IV League, working with artists such as Khuli Chana, Pro, and JR. As a solo artist known for songs such as In My Walk, Lemons (Lemonade), All Eyes On Me, and Fela In Versace ~ Forbes was born in 1988
February 9, 2023 ~ Marijke Ouwejan, commonly known as actress, singer Marijke Merckens, passed away in Harfsen, the Netherlands ~ Best known as an actress for stage, TV and film active since the early 1960s, notably known for her role as Rosmarijn in the TV series De Zevensprong. As a singer known for songs such as Happy End, Mammie, Kareltje De Grote, and De Modepop, the latter a Dutch-language version of France Gall's 1965 Eurovision Songfestival-winner Poupée De Cire (Poupée De Son) ~ Ouwejan was born in 1940
February 8, 2023 ~ Pianist, songwriter, producer Burt Bacharach, full name Burt Freeman Bacharach, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Composed hundreds of songs from the late 1950s through the 1980s, often in partnership with lyricist Hal David. Had his songs recorded by over an estimated 1,000 artists including Marty Robbins, Perry Como (Magic Moments), Etta James, Jerry Butler, Gene Pitney (24 Hours From Tulsa), Dionne Warwick (Don't Make Me Over), the Drifters, Brook Benton, Jackie DeShannon (What The World Needs Now Is Love), the Jazz Crusaders, the Carpenters ((They Long To Be) Close To You), Tom Jones (What's New Pussycat), Herb Alpert (This Guy's In Love With You), Dusty Springfield, BJ Thomas (Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head), Christopher Cross, and others ~ Bacharach was born in 1928
February 8, 2023 ~ Swing, pop singer, actor Dennis Lotis passed away ~ Active since the early 1950s, working with artists such as Ted Heath, and the Johnston Brothers. Would become one of the most successful variety circuit acts in his adopted homeland England by the mid-1950s. Also known as an actor ~ Lotis was born in 1925
February 7, 2023 ~ Birrell Josef Mendelson, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter, painter Mendelson Joe, passed away ~ Also known as a painter and political activist, his art used to express political themes. As a musician active since the mid-1960s. Formed early 1970s group the McKenna Mendelson Mainline with guitarist Mike McKenna. Mendelson would depart the blues group in 1972, to be replaced by up-and-coming talent Rick James. Mendelson has also collaborated with the likes of Ben Mink, Gwen Swick, and Colin Linden ~ Mendelson was born in 1944
February 7, 2023 ~ Poet, composer Richard Kell, full name Richard Alexander Kell, passed away ~ Best known as a poet, writing since his early teens. Widely known for the poem Pigeons. Also wrote a limited amount of music, noted for his 1976 Symphonic Elegy commemorating the death of his wife Muriel, and Variations On A Notorious Theme ~ Kell was born in 1927
February 5, 2023 ~ R&B, pop singer Lillian Walker passed away ~ Member of girl group the Exciters, known for the 1962 hit single Tell Him which reached top 10 both on the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. Over time the song would be critically regarded as one of the all-time greatest girl group songs ~ Walker was born ca.1945
February 5, 2023 ~ Pop rock bassist, singer Phil Spalding, full name Philip Trevor Spalding, passed away ~ Session and touring musician active since the mid-1970s. Closely associated with Toyah Willcox, backing Willcox on tour and on record during the early 1980s. Member of GTR, present on the eponymous 1986 GTR album. Has also worked with Bernie Tormé, the Original Mirrors, Julia Downes, Terence Trent d'Arby (Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby), Roger Chapman, Matthew Sweet, Marcella Detroit, Joe Cocker, Mick Jagger (Goddess In The Doorway), Melanie C, Beverley Knight, Delta Goodrem, and others ~ Spalding was born in 1957
February 3, 2023 ~ Alternative rock, grunge singer, guitarist Paul Janovitz passed away in Bedford, Massachusetts, USA ~ Younger brother of Buffalo Tom frontman Bill Janovitz. Formed Cold Water Flat with bassist Ted Silva and drummer Paul Harding, known for the 1990s albums Listen and Cold Water Flat. Janovitz also worked as a photographer, noted for taking the photo of Booker T Jones that was used for the cover art of Jones's 2013 Sound The Alarm album ~ Janovitz was born ca.1969
February 2, 2023 ~ Charles J Thornton Jr, commonly known as jazz drummer Butch Miles, passed away in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Cites Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa and Jo Jones as influences. Leader and sideman. Noted especially for his 1995 Cookin' album, accompanied by trumpeter Randy Sandke, saxophonist Harry Allen, guitarist Howard Alden, and bassist Frank Tate. Has collaborated with the likes of Dave Brubeck, Ella Fitzgerald, Danny Moss (Weaver Of Dreams), Sammy Davis Jr, Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Gerry Mulligan, Woody Herman, Wild Bill Davison, and others ~ Thornton was born in 1944
January 31, 2023 ~ Singer Charlie Thomas passed away ~ When music manager George Treadwell fired his group in 1958, the entire line-up of the the Five Crowns including Thomas would be hired to constitute the new line-up of the Drifters. Sang lead on Sweets For My Sweet and When My Little Girl Is Smiling ~ Thomas was born in 1937
January 29, 2023 ~ Songwriter, singer Barrett Strong passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ The first artist to score a hit for Motown, namely with Money (That's What I Want) in 1959. Best known as a songwriter, usually partnering up with Norman Whitfield. Well-known songs co-written by Strong include I Heard It Through The Grapevine (the Miracles, Marvin Gaye), You Don't Love Me No More (Gladys Knight), That's The Way Love Is (the Isley Brothers), Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On (Edwin Starr), Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) (the Temptations), and Papa Was A Rollin' Stone (the Undisputed Truth) ~ Strong was born in 1941
January 29, 2023 ~ Classical pianist Gabriel Tacchino passed away ~ Worked with renowned orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande, the English Chamber Orchestra, and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra ~ Tacchino was born in 1934
January 29, 2023 ~ Heddy Affolter, commonly known as singer, actress Heddy Lester, passed away ~ Toured with Ramses Shaffy. Internationally best known for representing her native Netherlands in the 1977 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 12th place with De Mallemolen ~ Affolter was born in 1950
January 28, 2023 ~ Odd Børre Sørensen, commonly known as pop singer Odd Børre, passed away ~ Active mostly from the early 1960s until semi-retiring from music in 1970. Internationally best known for representing his native Norway in the 1968 Eurovision Songfestival contest, reaching 13th place with Stress ~ Sørensen was born in 1939
January 28, 2023 ~ Thomas Miller, commonly known as punk rock, art punk, post-punk singer, guitarist, songwriter Tom Verlaine, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Stan Getz, Miles Davis, the Velvet Underground, the Rolling Stones. Formed the Neon Boys with Richard Hell and Billy Ficca, quickly disbanding after failing to attract a second guitarist despite auditions from both the Ramones' Dee Dee Ramone and Blondie's Chris Stein. Rose to fame as frontman of Television, their acclaimed 1977 Marquee Moon debut album considered one of the defining albums of the post-punk era. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the eponymous Tom Verlaine album released in 1979. Notably collaborated with once-girlfriend Patti Smith including on her Horses debut album. Tapped to produce Jeff Buckley's second studio album, a project that never materialized due to Buckley's untimely death. Verlaine was also a member of supergroup the Million Dollar Bashers alongside Lee Ranaldo, Nels Cline, and John Medeski ~ Miller was born in 1949
January 27, 2023 ~ Drummer Floyd Sneed, full name Floyd Chester Sneed, passed away ~ Member of Three Dog Night, remaining with the band from its inception in 1968 until its disbandement in 1977. Sang backup on only one song, Joy To The World taken of their 1970 Naturally album. The band is known for numerous 1970s hits including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles One, Mama Told Me Not To Come, Black & White, Shambala, and The Show Must Go On ~ Sneed was born in 1943
January 26, 2023 ~ Pianist, organist Dean Daughtry passed away ~ Keyboardist for Classics IV after Joe Wilson left. present on the 1968 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Spooky. Co-founding and sole constant member of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, known for hits such as So In To You and Imaginary Lover ~ Daughtry was born in 1946
January 23, 2023 ~ Jazz, vocal jazz singer Carol Sloane passed away in Stoneham, Massachusetts, USA ~ Singing professionally since her mid-teens. Worked with the Elgarts. Filled in for Annie Ross in Lambert Hendricks & Ross. Released her solo debut, Live At 30th Street, in 1962 and has recorded to mixed success since ~ Sloane was born in 1937
January 23, 2023 ~ Anthony Topham, commonly known as blues, blues-rock guitarist Top Topham, passed away ~ Original lead guitarist of the Yardbirds, replaced by Eric Clapton in 1963. Following his departure from the band Topham returned to art school, and has since worked mostly as interior designer and painter. Occasionally Topham has worked in the music industry, including with the likes of John Mayall, Peter Green, and Bill Morrissey ~ Topham was born in 1947
January 22, 2023 ~ Actor, singer Nikos Xanthopoulos passed away in Aigaleo, Greece ~ Best known as an actor, dubbed “the child of folk” for mainly depicting men from the lower working classes. Roles portraying him as a singer and bouzouki player forced him to learn how to sing, eventually singing over 300 songs in 30 movies. As a singer Xanthopoulos has released nine albums and over 50 singles ~ Xanthopoulos was born in 1934
January 21, 2023 ~ Bernard Greene, commonly known as Eurodance, hip house, techno rapper, singer BG The Prince Of Rap, passed away in Wiesbaden, Germany ~ Enjoyed modest succes in Germany, where he lived after being posted by the US Army. Best known for his 1991 hit This Beat Is Hot. Other well-known songs include Take Control Of The Party, The Power Of Rhythm, Can We Get Enough, The Colour Of My Dreams, and Stomp ~ Greene was born in 1965
January 19, 2023 ~ Rock bassist Ruud Englebert passed away ~ Member of 1980s band Vitesse, including on the band's biggest hit Rosalyn. Also backed Herman Brood, notably present on Brood's 1988 Yada Yada album. Englebert has also worked with A Girl Called Johnny, Innersleeve, the Raiders Of The Last Corvette, the New Adventures, and Thé Lau ~ Englebert was born ca.1951
January 18, 2023 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter David Crosby, full name David Van Cortlandt Crosby, passed away ~ Best known as co-founding member of Crosby Stills & Nash, a pivotal group emerging from the 1960s and noted especially for their harmonies. The trio would on occassion be joined by guitarist Neil Young, including on the seminal 1970 Déjà Vu album for which Crosby wrote Almost Cut My Hair and Deja Vu. Also a member of the Byrds, for whom he wrote or co-wrote songs such as Lady Friend, Why and Eight Miles High. Recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with If I Could Only Remember My Name released in 1971. Formed CPR with guitarist Jeff Pevar and his son James Raymond ~ Crosby was born in 1941
January 18, 2023 ~ Marcel Zannini, commonly known as jazz clarinetist, bandleader Marcel Zanini, passed away ~ Best known for Tu Vuex Ou Tu Veux Pas, an adaptation of Wilson Simonal's Nem Vem Que Não Tem. Worked with Léo Missir, George Arvanitas, Eddy Louiss, and others. Father of writer, painter, jazz guitarist Marc-Edouard Nabe, with whom he occasionally worked ~ Zannini was born in 1923
January 17, 2023 ~ Singer Larry Morris passed away ~ Lead singer for New Zealand garage rock, pop rock outfit Larry's Rebels, present on the band's 1967 A Study In Black debut album. Well-known songs include This Empty Place, Long Ago Far Away, and I Feel Good. Morris departed the band in 1969 to pursue a solo career, the remainder of the band continuing under the moniker the Rebels ~ Morris was born ca.1948
January 17, 2023 ~ Singer Renée Geyer, full name Renée Rebecca Geyer, passed away in Geelong, Australia ~ Active since the early 1970s. Member of jazz-blues outfit Dry Red. Member of Sun. Member of Mother Earth. Over a dozen albums to her name as a solo singer, starting with the eponymous Renée Geyer released in 1973. Best known for songs such as Say I Love You, Heading In The Right Direction, and States And Whispers. Also an in-demand backing singer, present on albums by Sting, Chaka Khan, Toni Childs, and Joe Cocker ~ Geyer was born in 1953
January 17, 2023 ~ Grunge, psychedelic rock, alternative rock bassist, guitarist Van Conner passed away ~ Co-founded the Explosive Generation with his brother guitarist Gary Lee Conner and friend drummer Mark Pickerel. With the addition of singer Mark Lanegan the band would evolve into Screaming Trees, known best for songs such as Nearly Lost You and All I Know. Drawing from hard rock and psychedelic rock, the band is widely regarded as one of the pioneering acts in grunge. Conner also founded the side projects Solomon Grundy, releasing a sole eponymous Solomon Grundy album in 1990, and Gardener, known for their New Dawning Time album released in 1999 ~ Conner was born in 1967
January 16, 2023 ~ Producer, artist manager Gary Smith passed away ~ Active since the mid-1980s. First gained attention producing early recordings by the Pixies, including their 1987 Come On Pilgrim EP. Other notable credits include Throwing Muses, Tanya Donelly, the Blake Babies, the Connells, Juliana Hatfield, Scrawl, 10,000 Maniacs, and Billy Bragg ~ Smith was born in 1958
January 16, 2023 ~ John Leon Joseph Mooney, commonly known as rockabilly guitarist, singer Johnny Powers, passed away in Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. Best known for his 1957 recording Long Blond Hair ~ Mooney was born in 1938
January 15, 2023 ~ Doris Svensson, mononymously known as pop, soul, funk singer Doris, passed away ~ Known for her sole Did You Give The World Some Love Today album released in 1970. A late 1990s re-release would attract international attention, critics hailing the album as an overlooked rarity of Swedish pop ~ Svensson was born in 1947
January 14, 2023 ~ R&B, soul singer Keith Beaton passed away ~ Member of Philly soul group Blue Magic, known for songs such as Sideshow, Three Ring Circus, and What's Come Over Me featuring Margie Joseph ~ Beaton was born ca.1951
January 12, 2023 ~ Singer, songwriter Lisa Marie Presley passed away in Calabasas, California, USA ~ Only child of rock & roll icon Elvis Presley. Has recorded a number of albums as a singer, starting with To Whom It May Concern in 2003. Also known for a number of much-publicized romances and marriages to entertainers including Danny Keough, Michael Jackson, John Oszajca, and Michael Lockwood. Joined Scientology in 1977 but left in 2014 and has since voiced discontent with the cult ~ Presley was born in 1968
January 12, 2023 ~ Robin Peter Kendall Bachman, commonly known as drummer, percussionist Robbie Bachman, passed away ~ Brother of guitarists Randy Bachman and Tim Bachman. Member of Brave Belt. Best known for his tenure with Bachman-Turner Overdrive, along with bassist Fred Turner and brothers Randy and Tim. The band has scored a string of 1970s hits, many radio staples to this day. Well-known songs include Let It Ride, Takin' Care Of Business, You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, and Roll On Down The Highway ~ Bachman was born in 1953
January 11, 2023 ~ Electronic, pop rock singer, drummer, keyboardist Yukihiro Takahashi passed away ~ Rose to fame in the early 1970s as drummer for the Sadistic Mika Band. Formed the Yellow Magic Orchestra with Ryuichi Sakamoto and Haruomi Hosono, considered a pioneering group predating the electropop boom of the 1980s. The band is especially acclaimed for their 1979 Solid State Survivor album. Takahashi has also recorded extensively as a solo artist since the late 1970s ~ Takahashi was born in 1952
January 10, 2023 ~ Jazz, pop, rock guitarist Dennis Budimir, full name Dennis Matthew Budimir, passed away ~ Active since his mid-teens, initially focused on jazz working with artists such as Don Cherry, Ken Hanna, Harry James, Chico Hamilton, Bud Shank, and Peggy Lee through the early 1960s. After a stint in the military toured with Bobby Troup before settling in Los Angeles to become an in-demand session musician. Appeared frequently on albums by the 5th Dimension, Harry Nilsson, Quincy Jones, the Partridge Family, and Sérgio Mendes. Other notable collaborations include Bobby Darin, Milt Jackson, Gene Ammons, Glen Campbell, Neil Diamond, Cass Elliott, Randy Newman (Good Old Boys), Cher, Barbra Streisand, Judy Collins, Rodney Franklin, Melissa Manchester, Barry Manilow, Ringo Starr, Lou Rawls, Bette Midler, Amy Grant, and Lee Ann Womack. Has also recorded about half a dozen albums as a leader or solo artist, starting with The Creeper released in 1965 ~ Budimir was born in 1938
January 10, 2023 ~ Geoffrey Arnold Beck, commonly known as rock guitarist Jeff Beck, passed away ~ Though not the first rock guitarist to experiment with distortion, considered a pioneer helpful in redefining the sound and role of the electric guitar in rock. Member of the Yardbirds in 1965 and 1966, present on the albums For Your Love, Having A Rave Up and Roger The Engineer. Over a dozen albums as a solo artist or with the Jeff Beck Group, starting with the acclaimed Truth released in 1968. Also acclaimed for the albums Beck-Ola, Blow By Blow, and Wired. Member of short-lived supergroup Beck Bogert & Appice, alongside bassist Tim Bogert and drummer Carmine Appice. Has also notably collaborated with Jed Leiber on the 1992 Frankie's House soundtrack, with the Big Town Playboys, and with Johnny Depp ~ Beck was born in 1944
January 9, 2023 ~ Organist, choral conductor Magnar Mangersnes passed away ~ Founder and conductor of the Bergen Domkantori choir, best known for their 1979 Folketone I Glass Og Ramme album ~ Mangersnes was born in 1938
January 9, 2023 ~ Composer Yoriaki Matsudaira passed away in Tokyo, Japan ~ Son of composer Yoritsune Matsudaira. Known for mixing Japanese traditional music with western influences, Matrusaira has written chamber music, orchestral works, jazz, electronic and the opera Sara published in 1960 ~ Matsudaira was born in 1931
January 8, 2023 ~ Conductor Siegfried Kurz passed away ~ Influential in the Dresden music scene, serving as the director, conductor of the Staatsoper Dresden for over three decades starting in 1949 ~ Kurz was born in 1930
January 6, 2023 ~ Folk, rock guitarist Jeff Blackburn, full name Jeffery Reid Blackburn, passed away ~ Formed the mid-1960s folk duo Blackburn & Snow with singer Sherry Snow, known best for the singles Stranger In A Strange Land written by David Crosby and Time. Worked with Moby Grape from 1973 through 1975. Notably formed short-lived supergroup the Ducks which also included Bob Mosley, Johnny Craviotto, and Neil Young. Co-wrote My My My for the Ducks, later reworked into My My Hey Hey (Out Of The Blue) by Young for his 1979 Rust Never Sleeps album ~ Blackburn was born ca.1946
January 6, 2023 ~ Gospel singer, music director Kevin Lemons passed away ~ Best known for founding and leading the gospel choir Higher Calling, which eventually would grow to a 70+ member powerhouse choir. The group has been active since the mid-1990s and is best known for their The Declaration album released in 2013 ~ Lemons was born ca.1979
January 5, 2023 ~ R&B, pop singer Gordy Harmon passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founded the Whispers in 1963. After injuring his larynx in a driving accident in 1973 Harmon retired from music and was replaced by Leaveil Degree ~ Harmon was born ca.1943
January 3, 2023 ~ Post-punk, synth-pop, new wave keyboardist, guitarist Alan Rankine passed away ~ Member of cabaret band Caspian, which would evolve into post-punk, new romantic outfit the Associates. The band would be best best known for their 1980 The Affectionate Punch album and their critically acclaimed Sulk masterpiece released in 1982. Following his departure from the band on the eve of the Sulk tour Rankine would establish himself as a producer for the likes of Paul Haig, the Cocteau Twins, and the Pale Fountains. Has also recorded as a solo artist in the late 1980s ~ Rankine was born in 1958
January 3, 2023 ~ Joseph Koo Kar-fai, commonly known as composer, songwriter Joseph Koo, passed away in Vancouver, Canada ~ One of the most respected composers to come out of Hong Kong. Helped define Cantopop. Music director for the TV network TVB for about two decades starting in the early 1970s until migrating to Canada. Has written well over 1,000 songs, film and TV themes, notably the theme songs for series such as The Legend Of The Condor Heroes and Five Easy Pieces and the soundtrack to the 1986 film A Better Tomorrow ~ Koo was born in 1931
January 1, 2023 ~ Frederick Eugene Adams, commonly known as drummer Fred White, passed away ~ Best known for his association with R&B, funk, disco outfit Earth Wind & Fire, serving as the band's drummer from 1974 through 1984 including on acclaimed albums such as That's The Way Of The World, Spirit, All 'n All and Powerlight. Also notably present on Donny Hathaway's pivotal Live album released in 1972. Other credits include Albertina Walker, Little Feat, Linda Ronstadt, Deniece Williams, the Emotions, and Ramsey Lewis ~ Adams was born in 1955
January 1, 2023 ~ Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, commonly known as rapper Gangsta Boo, passed away ~ Second female member of hip-hop collective Three 6 Mafia, remaining with the group through 2002. Recorded three albums as a solo artist, starting with Enquiring Minds released in 1998. Has also worked with the Prophet Posse, the Hypnotize Camp Posse, Gangsta Blac, Lil' Jon, Gucci Mane, Lord Infamous, Frayser Boy, Lil Wyte, Clipping, and others ~ Mitchell was born in 1979
December 31, 2022 ~ Singer Anita Pointer, full name Anita Marie Pointer, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Founding member of sibling outfit the Pointer Sisters, known for songs such as Yes We Can Can, Fairytale, Fire, He's So Shy, Slow Hand and I'm So Excited. Pointer also duetted with Earl Thomas Conley on Too Many Times, a Billboard Country top 10 hit in 1986. Released a solo album, Love For What It Is, the following year which included the Philip Bailey-duet The Pledge and the moderately successful singles Overnight Success and More Than A Memory ~ Pointer was born in 1948
December 31, 2022 ~ Rock, indie rock drummer Jeremiah Green, full name Jeremiah Martin Green, passed away ~ Founding member of indie rock outfit Modest Mouse, active with the band since 1993 with a brief hiatus in 2003 and 2004. Has previously worked with Satisfact, Red Stars Theory, Peeved. Later collaborations include Vells and Psychic Emperor ~ Green was born in 1977
December 29, 2022 ~ Electronic music, film composer Eduard Artemeyev, full name Eduard Nikolayevich Artemeyev, passed away in Moscow, Russia ~ One of the first composers to utilize a synthesizer, and as such regarded as a pioneer of electronic music. Outside of Russia best known for his film scores, with well over two dozen soundtracks to his name including Solaris, At Home Among Strangers, Stalker, Siberiade, and Burnt By The Sun ~ Artemeyev was born in 1937
December 29, 2022 ~ Folk, country singer, guitarist, songwriter Ian Tyson, full name Ian Dawson Tyson, passed away in Longview, Canada ~ Formed the husband-wife duo Ian & Sylvia with Sylvia Tyson, known for originals such as Four Strong Winds, You Were On My Mind and Someday Soon. The latter would become a country classic recorded by numerous artists including Judy Collins, the Kingston Trio, Lynn Anderson, Glen Campbell, Chris LeDoux, Crystal Gayle, Moe Bandy, Fred Eaglesmith and others ~ Tyson was born in 1933
December 29, 2022 ~ Pop singer Margriet Eshuijs passed away in Zaandam, the Netherlands ~ Lead singer for Lucifer, known best for their 1974 hit House For Sale which remains a radio staple to this day. Other well-known songs include Scarlet Lady, I Can See The Sun In Late December, and Selfpity. After the band disbanded in 1979 Eshuijs has recorded as a solo artist, noted for her 1982 Black Pearl Dutch top 20 hit ~ Eshuijs was born in 1952
December 28, 2022 ~ Leroy Calliste, commonly known as calypso singer, songwriter Black Stalin, passed away in San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago ~ Given his stage name by fellow Calypso singer Lord Blakie. Known for his lyrics against European colonial oppression. Well-known songs include Caribbean Man, Play One, Ism Schism, and Mr Panmaker ~ Calliste was born in 1941
December 28, 2022 ~ Teolinda Joaquina de Sousa Lanca, commonly known as folk, fado, pop singer Linda de Suza, passed away in Gisors, France ~ Best known for Tiroli Tirola, a top 10 hit in France in 1980. Sings in Portuguese and French, the language of her adopted homeland since the 1970s. Dubbed “the Amália of France” after fado singer and influence Amália Rodrigues, to whom she paid tribute in her song Amália. Recorded over a dozen albums since the late 1970s. Especially acclaimed for her A L'Olympia live album, released in 1983 ~ De Sousa was born in 1948
December 27, 2022 ~ Jazz vibraphonist Harry Sheppard passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Roy Eldridge, Charlie Shavers, Ben Webster, Red Allen, Cozy Cole, Sol Yaged, Georgie Auld, Clark Terry, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Lana Cantrell, Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Ben Webster, Barbra Streisand, Doc Severinsen, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, the Free Radicals, Bobby Hackett, and others ~ Sheppard was born in 1928
December 27, 2022 ~ Joseph Marley, commonly known as reggae singer Jo Mersa Marley, passed away ~ Son of reggae singer Stephen Marley. Co-wrote and sang on his father's Revelation Party. Released his Comfortable debut EP in 2014, leading up to a full length album Eternal in 2021 featuring guests such as Busy Signal, Kabaka Pyramid, and Melii. Best known for his 2019 recording Burn It Down. Marley also guested on the 2015 Grammy Award-winning Strictly Roots album by Morgan Heritage ~ Marley was born in 1991
December 26, 2022 ~ Singer, actor Lars Lönndahl, full name Lars Gunnar Lönndahl, passed away ~ Dubbed “the Swedish Frank Sinatra” scoring well over a dozen No.1 hits in his native country through the late 1960s including Tangokavaljeren, That's Amore, Cindy Mon Cindy, Tulpaner Från Amsterdam, Volare (I Det Blå), Midnattstango, and Tusen Och En Natt ~ Lönndahl was born in 1928
December 26, 2022 ~ Songwriter Stephen Allen Davis passed away ~ 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 was born in 1949
December 25, 2022 ~ Luis Vamilo Argúmedes Berguido, commonly known as salsa singer Azuquita, passed away in Panama City, Panama ~ Over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist or bandleader. Member of Sonora Matancera. Has also worked with Roberto Roena, Ismael Rivera, Rafael Cortijo, Tito Puente, the Fania All-Stars, and others ~ Berguido was born in 1946
December 25, 2022 ~ Beat, rock & roll singer, guitarist Brian Casser, also known as Cass and Casey Jones, passed away in Germany ~ Active since the late 1950s fronting several short-lived Liverpool-based bands, noted most for their line-ups. Fronted Nightsounds in the early 1960s, which also included Albert Lee. Fronted Casey Jones & the Engineers, which briefly included Eric Clapton and Tom McGuinness who both left after a few performances ~ Casser was born in 1936
December 25, 2022 ~ Luther Johnson, commonly known as Chicago blues singer, guitarist Luther Guitar Junior Johnson, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Fronted the Magic Rockers. Member of the Legendary Blues Band. Also worked with Magic Sam, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and with the Blues Brothers ~ Johnson was born in 1939
December 24, 2022 ~ Electric blues lap steel guitarist, singer Freddie Roulette, full name Frederick Martin Roulette, passed away ~ Member of Daphne Blue. Also worked with Earl Hooker, Charlie Musselwhite, Henry Kaiser, Harvey Mandel, Pinetop Perkins, Carey Bell, Andrew Odom, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Don Sugarcane Harris, Will Bernard, the Holmes Brothers, David Lindley, and others ~ Roulette was born in 1939
December 24, 2022 ~ Latozi Mpahleni, commonly known as traditional bow player Madosini, passed away ~ Played traditional South African instruments such as the uhadi and mhrubhe musical bows, considered a national treasure in her field. Achieved international fame through her performances at the WOMAD festivals and collaborations with a wide array of musicians including rock singer Patrick Duff, Afrosoul artist Thandiswa Mazwai, and MPB, samba singer Gilberto Gil, performing around the world until her death ~ Mpahleni was born in 1943
December 24, 2022 ~ Mandla Maphumulo, commonly known as kwaito singer Mampintsha, passed away ~ Member of Big Nuz, which he co-founded in 2002. The band is known best for songs such as Ubala of their sophomore 2nd Round Knockout breakout album, as well as later hits such as Umlilo, Newlands West, Sting Ray, and Inazo ~ Maphumulo was born ca.1982
December 23, 2022 ~ Maxwell Alexander Fraser, commonly known as trip hop, electronica, trance rapper, singer, songwriter Maxi Jazz, passed away ~ Founding member, lead singer of Faithless, known for UK top 10 hits such as Salva Mea, Insomnia, God Is A DJ, We Come 1 and One Step Too Far featuring Dido. Has also recorded as a solo artist and guested on recordings by Jason Rebello, Tiësto, Benji Boko, Robbie Williams, and others ~ Fraser was born in 1957
December 22, 2022 ~ Alexander Woods, commonly known as rapper Big Scarr, passed away ~ Influenced by Kodak Black and Boosie Badazz. Best known for Solcy Boyz and its follow-up Solcy Boyz 2, both songs featuring Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano with the latter also featuring Tay Keith. Released his Big Grim Reaper debut mixtape in 2021 ~ Woods was born in 2000
December 22, 2022 ~ Producer, songwriter Thom Bell, full name Thomas Randolph Bell, passed away ~ Important figure in 1970s Philly soul. Closely associated with the Delfonics, co-writing songs such as La La Means I Love You, Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love), and Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time. Closely associated with the Stylistics, co-writing songs such as You Are Everything, People Make The World Go Round, and Stop Look Listen To Your Heart. Others who recorded his songs include Brooks O'Dell, Tommy Hunt, Connie Stevens, the Intruders, the Spinners (I'll Be Around), Ronnie Dyson, MFSB, Johnny Mathis, Elton John, the Love Dimension, the O'Jays, the Temptations, and Phyllis Hyman ~ Bell was born in 1943
December 22, 2022 ~ Walter Washington, commonly known as blues, funk, R&B singer, guitarist Walter Wolfman Washington, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Backed Lee Dorsey while stil in his teens. Formed the All Fools Band in the 1960s. Probably best known for his association with Johnny Adams, backing Adams for about two decades starting in the 1970s. Released his Rainin' In My Life solo debut album in 1981 and has recorded consistently since, about a dozen albums to his name heavily drawing on blues yet incorporating funk and R&B ~ Washington was born in 1943
December 21, 2022 ~ Harvey Jett, commonly known as guitarist, banjoist, pianist, singer Harvey Burley Jett, passed away in Madisonville, Kentucky, USA ~ Original member of Black Oak Arkansas. Jett was present on most of the band's best known, including their most acclaimed album High On The Hog released in 1973, and was replaced by Jimmy Soybean Henderson in 1974 ~ Jett was born in 1949
December 20, 2022 ~ Pop drummer Randy Begg passed away ~ Member of Canadian pop outfit Wednesday, best known for a number of covers including Last Kiss, Teen Angel, and Loving You Baby ~ Begg was born ca.1951
December 19, 2022 ~ Cláudia Isabel Leiria Madiera, commonly known as singer Claudisabel, passed away in Alcácer Do Sal, Portugal ~ Over half a dozen albums to her name since the mid-1990s. Best known for her 2010 song Contra Tudo E Todos. Passed away at age 40 in a traffic accident ~ Madeira was born in 1982
December 19, 2022 ~ Rosalie L Edmondson, commonly known as pop, pop rock singer Sandy Edmonds, passed away ~ At the height of her fame, during the mid-1960s, New Zealand's most recognizable teen idol. Well-known songs include Oh No Not My Baby, I Love Onions, and Daylight Saving Time. Offered a spot in the Seekers in 1968, as replacement for Judith Durham, but declined ~ Edmondson was born in 1948
December 19, 2022 ~ Classical clarinetist Stanley Drucker passed away in Vista, California, USA ~ Best known for his long-time association with the New York Philharmonic, remaining with the orchestra from 1948 until his retirement in 2009. Active since his mid-teens, Drucker had previously worked with the Indianopolis Symphony Orchestra, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and others. Married to clarinetist Naomi Drucker, their son Leon is known as the Stray Cats-bassist Lee Rocker, their daughter Rosanne Drucker is an alternative country singer ~ Drucker was born in 1929
December 18, 2022 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock keyboardist Martin Duffy, full name Martin Bernard Duffy, passed away ~ Member of indie rockers Felt. Guested on Primal Scream's first two albums, Sonic Flower Groove and Primal Scream, prior to joining the band fulltime in 1989. Worked with the Charlatans, replacing the late Rob Collins on tour and on the band's Tellin' Stories album released in 1997. Member of supergroup the Chavs alongside Tim Burgess and Carl Barât. Has also appeared on recordings by Heidi Berry, Beth Orton, Paul Weller, and the Chemical Brothers. Released his sole solo album, Assorted Promenades, in 2014 ~ Duffy was born in 1967
December 18, 2022 ~ New wave, ska, pop rock singer, songwriter Terry Hall, full name Terrence Edward Hall, passed away ~ Lead singer of the Coventry Automatics, renamed to the Specials in 1979. The band is known for songs such as Message To You Rudy, Too Much Too Young, Do Nothing, Stereotype, Rat Race, and their best known the UK No.1 hit Ghost Town. Subsequently formed the Fun Boy Three with bandmates Lynval Golding and Neville Staple, the trio known for The Lunatics Have Taken Over The Asylum and the Bananarama collaboration It Ain't What You Do (It's The The Way That You Do It). Hall has also worked with Colourfield, Terry Blair & Anouchka, formed the duo Vegas with Dave Stewart, and recorded as a solo artist ~ Hall was born in 1959
December 17, 2022 ~ Charles Anthony Graci, commonly known as rock, R&B singer, guitarist Charlie Gracie, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Drew from country, rockabilly, rock & roll, R&B, jump blues. Best known for a number of mid- to late-1950s songs including Boogie Woogie Blues, All Over Town, Butterfly and Fabolous ~ Graci was born in 1936
December 17, 2022 ~ Classical timpanist Elayne Jones, full name Elayne Viola Jones, passed away in Walnut Creek, California, USA ~ Broke racial barriers in classical music. Closely associated with the New York City Opera, playing with the orchestra for about a decade starting in the late 1940s. Has also worked with the New York Metropolitan, the American Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and notably as principal cellist with the San Francisco Symphony under the direction of Leopold Stokowski starting in 1972, the latter making her the first African-American to achieve such a position with a major orchestra ~ Jones was born in 1928
December 16, 2022 ~ Singer, songwriter Jean-Paul Corbineau passed away in Nantes, France ~ Co-founding member of Tri Yann along with Jean Chocun and Jean-Louis Jossic, a folk rock band known for drawing from traditional folk ballads. Well-known songs include La Jument De Michao, Dans Les Prisons De Nantes, and Bro Gosh Ma Zadou ~ Corbineau was born in 1948
December 16, 2022 ~ Rock, glam rock, proto-punk bassist Rick Anderson passed away ~ Member of the Tubes, known best for songs such as White Punks On Dope, Prime Time, Don't Want To Wait Anymore, and She's A Beauty ~ Anderson was born in 1947
December 15, 2022 ~ Drummer Dino Danelli passed away ~ Member of Joey Dee & the Starliters. Best known as original drummer for the Young Rascals, later renamed the Rascals, remaining with the band through its initial disbandement. The band is known for Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as Groovin', A Girl Like You, How Can I Be Sure, A Beautiful Morning, and People Got To Be Free. After the band disbanded in 1972 Danelli formed Bulldog with bandmate Gene Cornish, recording two albums through 1975. Subsequently worked with Leslie West, Fotomaker, and Little Steven & the Disciples Of Soul ~ Danelli was born in 1944
December 15, 2022 ~ Country, jazz singer, songwriter Shirley Eikhard, full name Shirley Rose Eikhard, passed away in Orangeville, Canada ~ Well over a dozen albums to her name, starting with the eponymous Shirley Eikhard album released in 1972. Had her songs recorded by the likes of Anne Murray (It Takes Time), Emmylou Harris (Good News), Bonnie Raitt (Something To Talk About), and Cher (Born With The Hunger) ~ Eikhard was born in 1955
December 13, 2022 ~ Ayub Bey, commonly known as hip-hop rapper, MC, producer, songwriter Grand Daddy IU, passed away ~ Closely associated with the Juice Crew. Ghostwriter for Biz Markie and Roxanne Shanté. Has released a number of solo albums, starting with Smooth Assassin in 1990. Has worked with Das EFX, Heltah Skeltah, KRS One, Ice-T, Tupac Shakur, and others ~ Bey was born in 1968
December 13, 2022 ~ Blues rock guitarist, singer Kim Simmonds passed away ~ Frontman of Savoy Brown, which he co-founded with blues harpist John O'Leary. With heavy promotion and excessive touring the band would find success in America. Best known for their early albums, 1968's Getting To The Point, 1969's Blue Matter and 1970's Looking In considered landmark albums ~ Simmonds was born in 1947
December 13, 2022 ~ Ubaldo Rodriguez Santos, commonly known as salsa singer Lalo Rodríguez, passed away in Carolina, Puerto Rico ~ Over half a dozen albums to his name. Best known for his 1988 hit Ven Devórame Otra Vez. Has previously worked with Eddie Palmieri, including on the Grammy Award-winning Sun Of Latin Music album. Has also worked with Eddie Santiago, José Alberto El Canario, Frankie Ruiz, and others ~ Rodríguez was born in 1958
December 11, 2022 ~ Film composer Angelo Badalamenti passed away ~ Best known for his work scoring films for David Lynch, including Blue Velvet, The Straight Story, Mulholland Drive, and notably the TV drama series Twin Peaks. The theme of the latter earned Badalamenti a 1990 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. Other credits include soundtracks for films such as A Nightmare On Elm Street 3 (Dream Warriors), National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Naked In New York, and The Comfort Of Strangers. Badalamenti also composed the opening theme for the 1992 Summer Olympics held in Barcelona ~ Badalamenti was born in 1937
December 10, 2022 ~ Jackie Jean Crouch, commonly known as singer, actress, model Georgia Holt, passed away in Malibu, California, USA ~ Sang with Bob Wills at age 10. Would go on to win several talent and beauty competitions, leading to a number of supporting roles in film and TV. Best known for her two marriages to John Sarkisian, briefly in the 1940s and again briefly in the 1960s. Their daughter is singer Cher. In 2013 Holt released her sole album, Honky Tonk Woman ~ Crouch was born in 1926
December 10, 2022 ~ James Jay Barnes, commonly known as soul, pop, R&B singer JJ Barnes, passed away ~ Member of the Holidays, which also included Steve Mancha and Edwin Starr of later War fame, known best for their 1966 Billboard R&B top 10 hit I'll Love You Forever. The following year Barnes would also score a Billboard R&B top 10 hit as a solo artist with Baby Please Come Back Home. Subsequent singles would fail to repeat the succes. His earlier solo recordings, such as the early 1960s Just One More Time and Please Let Me In, made little impact at the time but would later become Northern soul favorites in the UK ~ Barnes was born in 1943
December 10, 2022 ~ Lyric tenor John Aler passed away ~ 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 was born in 1949
December 10, 2022 ~ Progressive rock singer, songwriter Tracy Hitchings passed away ~ Lead singer of rock band Landmarq from 1996 through 2017. Though the band is primarily categorised as a progressive rock, neo-progressive rock band, they also draw from album-oriented rock, melodic rock, hard rock, and jazz. Hitchings had previously worked with Quasar, Strangers On A Train, Ulysses, and Gandalf ~ Hitchings was born in 1969
December 10, 2022 ~ Soukous, rumba, mutuashi singer, dancer Tshala Muana, full name Elisabeth Tshala Muana Muidikay, passed away in Kinshasa, Congo ~ Started her career as a dancer in the band Tsheke Tsheke Love before turning to singing. Dubbed “the Queen of Mutuashi” with well over a dozen albums to her name. Known for songs such as Karibu Yangu and Ingratitude. The latter song would lead to her arrest in November 2020, the song interpreted as veiled criticism of the behavior of President Felix Tshisekedi toward his former mentor and predecessor Joseph Kabila ~ Muidikay was born in 1958
December 9, 2022 ~ Inventor, composer, educator Herbert Deutsch passed away ~ Best known for co-inventing the Moog synthesizer with Robert Moog in 1964. The instrument would be adopted by rock and pop acts including the Doors, the Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles. It would also become a key instrument in 1970s progressive rock, used by acts such as Yes, Tangerine Dream, and Emerson Lake & Palmer. Deutsch was also a dedicated educator, serving as professor of electronic music and composition at Hofstra University for over 50 years from the early 1970s until his death at age 90 ~ Deutsch was born in 1932
December 8, 2022 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Yitzhak Klepter passed away in Tel Aviv, Israel ~ Earned the nickname “Churchill” after giving a presentation in elementary school about the life of Winston Churchill. Would name his first band, formed at age 15, the Churchills. Best known as member of Kaveret in the mid-1970s. The band is widely considered a breakthrough band in Israeli pop and rock history. Internationally they are known for representing Israel in the 1974 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 7th place with the song Natati La Khayay. Subsequently an English-language version, She Looked Me In The Eye, would be released ~ Klepter was born in 1950
December 7, 2022 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly singer, pianist, saxophonist Roddy Jackson, full name George Rodrick Jackson, passed away ~ Influenced by Fats Domino and Little Richard. First gained attention with the 1957 Sonny Bono-penned I've Got My Sights On Someone New. Released as a single, b/w Love At First Sight, it would become a regional hit and lead to an appearance on American Bandstand. Despite some promising follow-ups, Hiccups and Any Old Town, Jackson would fail to break through to a larger audience. Perhaps best known for co-writing She Said Yeah with Bono, first recorded by Larry Williams in 1959 and covered by over a dozen artists including the Animals, Cliff Bennett, and the Rolling Stones ~ Jackson was born in 1942
December 6, 2022 ~ Avant-garde composer, conductor Edino Krieger passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Composed over 150 pieces, including incidental music and film scores. Best known for his Canticum Naturale suite. Also well-known for writing the song Fuga E Antifuga, recorded by Vinicius de Moraes ~ Krieger was born in 1928
December 6, 2022 ~ Brian John Duffy, commonly known as rock, new wave, punk rock drummer, percussionist Jet Black, passed away ~ Co-founding member of the Stranglers, known for UK top 10 hits such as Peaches, No More Heroes, Golden Brown, Strange Little Girl and the Kinks-cover All Day And All Of The Night. As of 2015 Black has retired from touring with the band ~ Duffy was born in 1958
December 5, 2022 ~ Alt-country guitarist, banjoist Jess Barr passed away ~ Member of Slobberbone, acclaimed for their 2000 Everything You Thought Was Right Was Wrong Today album. The album included Gimme Back My Dog, referenced by fan Stephen King in his Black House novel ~ Barr was born ca.1976
December 5, 2022 ~ Label executive, producer Jim Stewart passed away ~ Co-founded the Stax/Volt label with his sister Estelle Axton in 1957. The company would be one of the defining forces in 1960s, 1970s R&B and soul with a roster of artists that included Rufus Thomas, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Don Covay, Johnnie Taylor, the Staple Singers, Isaac Hayes, Booker T & the MG's, and others ~ Stewart was born in 1930
December 5, 2022 ~ Composer, pianist John Beckwith passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Wrote over 160 compositions for orchestral, chamber and choral genres. Also known for arranging traditional Canadian folk songs, expecially the songbooks Four Love Songs and Five Songs. Authored well over a dozen books on several musical topics, the last published just three months before his death ~ Beckwith was born in 1927
December 4, 2022 ~ Krautrock, electronic, minimalistic, ambient, experimental guitarist, songwriter Manuel Göttsching passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ One of the most influential krautrock guitarists. Best known as leader of Ash Ra Tempel, co-founded with Klaus Schulze. The band is especially acclaimed for their 1972 Schwingungen sophomore album. After the group disbanded by the mid-1970s Göttsching recorded as a solo artist and with Ashra ~ Göttsching was born in 1952
December 3, 2022 ~ Folk singer Alexandre Zelkine, also known as Sasha Zelkin, passed away in Le Mans, France ~ Known best for a number of 1960s folk albums, starting with Sasha Sings Folk Songs Of Russia released in 1965 using the moniker Sasha Zelkin. Zelkine would record through the mid-1970s, singing in French, Yiddish, Spanish, and Russian ~ Zelkine was born in 1938
December 3, 2022 ~ Singer, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Jamie Freeman passed away ~ Member of alt-country outfit Salter Cane. Backed his brother singer Tim Freeman in the pop rock band the Frazier Chorus, both as a touring member and appearing on the band's 1995 Wide Awake album. Recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting in the early 2010s ~ Freeman was born in 1965
December 3, 2022 ~ Music manager Janis Hunter passed away in Rhode Island, USA ~ Married to singer Marvin Gaye from 1977 until 1981, with whom she has two children including singer, actress Nona Gaye. After first meeting Gaye in 1973 Hunter became the inspiration for several of the R&B singer's songs, most notably the track Jan included on his 1974 Marvin Gaye Live live album. Gaye's entire 1976 I Want You studio album is also considered a romantic tribute to Hunter ~ Hunter was born ca.1956
December 3, 2022 ~ Sven Ove Hedlund, commonly known as pop singer Svenne Hedlund, passed away in Värnamo, Sweden ~ Member of the Clifftones and perhaps most notably the Hep Stars, the latter propelling Hedlund to national fame. The band is known for 1960s hits such as Farmer John, Cadillac, Bald Headed Woman, Sunny Girl, Wedding, Consolation, and Malaika. Hedlund was married to bandmate Lotta Hedlund from 1969 through 2014, the couple also forming the musical duo Svenne & Lotta ~ Hedlund was born in 1945
December 2, 2022 ~ Folk rock singer, songwriter, playwright, screenwriter Jo Carol Pierce passed away in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Schoolmate of Butch Hancock and Joe Ely, the latter encouraging her to become a songwriter. High school sweatheart of Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Widely acclaimed for her 1995 Bad Girls Upset By The Truth debut album ~ Pierce was born in 1944
December 2, 2022 ~ Oboist Laila Storch passed away in Orcas Island, Washington, USA ~ Principal oboist for the Houston Symphony. Has also worked with the National Symphony Orchestra, the Kansas City Philharmonic, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Storch was born in 1921
November 30, 2022 ~ Christine Anne Perfect, commonly known as blues rock, rock, pop rock singer, keyboardist, songwriter Christine McVie passed away ~ Daughter of concert violinist Cyril Perfect. Member of blues outfit Chicken Shack through 1969, with whom she recorded two albums. Best known as member of Fleetwood Mac, initially working with the band as a session pianist on their second album Mr Wonderful. Would become an integral member of the band by the early 1970s. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's best-known including Don't Stop, The Chain, You Make Lovin' Fun, Little Lies, and As Long As You Follow. Married to Fleetwood bassist John McVie from 1969 through 1976 ~ Perfect was born in 1943
November 28, 2022 ~ Singer Galit Borg passed away ~ Internationally perhaps best known as half of the duo Gili & Galit, representing their native Israel at the 1989 Eurovision Songfestival reaching 12th place with Derekh Hamelekh ~ Borg was born ca.1968
November 28, 2022 ~ Composer Jenny McLeod, full name Jennifer Helen McLeod, passed away in Wellington, New Zealand ~ Studied with Olivier Messiaen, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Luciano Berio. As a composer best known for Earth And Sky and Under The Sun. Other notable compositions include The Emperor And The Nightingale, Rock Concerto, and Hohepa ~ McLeod was born in 1941
November 26, 2022 ~ Orchestral conductor Henrie Adams passed away ~ Closely associated with the Sinfonietta Geleen. Has also worked with de Kerkelijke Harmonie St Joseph, het Limburgs Symfonie Orkest, the Royal Military Band Johan Willem Friso, the Royal Band Of Belgian Guides, and others ~ Adams was born in 1954
November 26, 2022 ~ Jazz singer Louise Tobin, full name Mary Louise Tobin, passed away in Carrollton, Texas, USA ~ Sang with Bobby Hackett, Will Bradley, Jack Jenney, and Benny Goodman, notably present on the latter's I Didn't Know What Time it Was and There'll Be Some Changes Made. Married to bandleader Harry James from 1935 through 1943, with whom she has two sons ~ Tobin was born in 1918
November 25, 2022 ~ Donald Newkirk, commonly known as R&B, hip-hop singer, producer, songwriter Don Newkirk, passed away ~ One of the first to be signed to Def Jam Records. Guested on De La Soul's acclaimed Three Feet High And Rising debut album released in 1989. Released his own solo debut album, Funk City, later the same year. Also noted for co-writing the soundtrack to the Netflix biographical documentary Who Killed Malcolm X with Prince Paul ~ Newkirk was born ca.1966
November 25, 2022 ~ Irene Cara Escalera, commonly known as R&B, pop, disco singer, actress Irene Cara, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Best known for singing, co-writing the 1984 Flashdance What A Feeling from the film Flashdance, earning her a Grammy Award and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Also acted in the 1980 film Fame, for which she also sang Out Here On My Own and the title track Fame, the latter a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit ~ Escalera was born in 1959
November 25, 2022 ~ Gospel singer Sammie Okposo passed away ~ Active as a soundtrack producer in his native Nigeria since the early 1990s. Debuted as a singer with the album Unconditional Love released in 2000, spawning the hit Welu-Welu. Has collaborated with Marvellous Odiete and Jonathan Nelson ~ Okposo was born in 1971
November 22, 2022 ~ Erasmo Esteves, commonly known as singer, songwriter Erasmo Carlos, passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Emerged from the early 1960s Brazilian teen idol scene to become a renowned MPB singer popular throughout the 1970s and beyond, known for his moody and introspective work. Known for songs such as Gatinha Manhosa, Festa De Arrombo, Coquiero Verde and De Noito Na Cama ~ Esteves was born in 1941
November 22, 2022 ~ Pablo Milanés Arias, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Pablo Milanés, passed away in Madrid, Spain ~ Along with Silvio Rodriguez and Noel Nicola seen as one of the founders, pioneers of the nueva trova genre. Actively recording since the mid-1970s. Over 40 albums to his name. Has collaborated with Lilia Vera, Luis Peña, Octavio Sanchez, Armando Garzon, Compay Segundo, Caco Senante, Victor Manuel, Andy Montañez, Raul Torres, Chuco Valdés, Miguel Nunez, and others ~ Milanes was born in 1943
November 22, 2022 ~ Andrew Raeburn Semple, commonly known as pop, merseybeat singer, guitarist Shel Macrae, passed away ~ Member of the Fortunes from 1966 through 1977, present on the early 1970s UK top 10 hits Freedom Come Freedom Go and Storm In A Teacup ~ Semple was born in 1943
November 21, 2022 ~ John Peter Wilkinson, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Wilko Johnson, passed away ~ Fingerstyle punk, punk-pop, pub rock guitarist. Influenced Paul Weller. Core member of Dr Feelgood, known best for their 1979 Milk And Alcohol single. Also worked with the Solid Senders, Ian Dury's band the Blockheads, Roger Daltrey, Mick Farren, and others ~ Wilkinson was born in 1947
November 20, 2022 ~ Jazz pianist, composer David Ornette Cherry passed away ~ Son of iconic jazz all-hatter Don Cherry. Has recorded about a dozen albums drawing from world music and jazz, starting in the late 1990s. Best known for the albums Organic Groove and Cherry Extract, released respectively in 2000 and 2007 ~ Cherry was born ca.1958
November 19, 2022 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Danny Kalb passed away ~ Co-founding member of Blues Project remaining with the band through 1967, rejoining in 1969. Merging blues, R&B, jazz, psychedelia and folk-rock the band is best known for their 1966 Projections sophomore album, its highlight being an 11-minute Muddy Waters-cover Two Trains Runnin' featuring Kalb on guitar and lead vocals ~ Kalb was born in 1942
November 18, 2022 ~ Composer Ned Rorem passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Wrote operas, symphonies, orchestral, chamber choral and vocal music. Perhaps best known for Air Music (Ten Etudes For Orchestra), which premiered in 1975 and earned Rorem a Pullitzer Prize for Music ~ Rorem was born in 1923
November 18, 2022 ~ Rock & roll singer, guitarist Tommy Facenda, full name Eugene Thomas Facenda, passed away in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA ~ Briefly a member of Gene Vincent's backing unit the Blue Caps. As a solo artist known for the novelty hit High School USA which cracked the Billboard Hot 100 top 30 in 1959. In the original version Facenda listed the names of high schools in his home state of Virginia. It would be picked up by Atlantic Records who asked him to record 28 different versions of the song using regional school names across the country. A follow-up, 1960's Bubba Ditty, failed to chart and Facenda would retire from music, serving in the military through 1962 and subsequently work as a firefighter ~ Facenda was born in 1939
November 17, 2022 ~ Opera composer Azio Corghi passed away ~ Composed mostly operas and chamber music, the former often based on literature. Well known works include Gargantua, Blimunda, and Divara (Aqua E Sangue) ~ Corghi was born in 1937
November 17, 2022 ~ Brandon Smith, commonly known as hip-hop, trap, R&B singer, rapper, songwriter B Smyth, passed away ~ Gained attention posting his cover of popular songs on Youtube, including the Rihanna cover Stay and the Miguel cover Quickie. After landing a record contract with Motown in 2012 released his debut single Leggo featuring 2 Chainz, followed by his The Florida Files debut EP the following year. Smith died from pulmonary fibrosis at age 28 ~ Smith was born in 1994
November 17, 2022 ~ Producer, label executive, author Ken Mansfield passed away ~ Manager for Apple Records in the USA during the 1960s, and as such helpful in the careers of a number of British acts including the Beatles, Mary Hopkin, Badfinger, and Jackie Lomax. Helped popularize the Outlaw country movement in the 1970s, notably producing the Waylon Jennings Are You Ready For The Country album as well as Jessi Colter's I'm Not Lisa crossover hit single. Successful in gospel music in the 1990s, producing acts such as the Imperials and the Gaither Vocal Band. Authored a number of books in the 2000s, starting with The Beatles The Bible And Bodega Bay published in 2000 ~ Mansfield was born in 1937
November 16, 2022 ~ Jazz guitarist Mick Goodrick passed away ~ Worked with Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, the Liberation Music Orchestra, Jack DeJohnette, Steve Swallow, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Jerry Bergonzi, Jimmy Mosher, Gary Thomas, Claudio Fasoli, Harvie S, Jim Hall, Charlie Mariano, Ed Sarath, Mill Bermejo, Joe Diorio, the Monday Night Orchestra, Laszlo Gardony, Mike Pohjola, Hal Crook, Miles Donahue, John Abercrombie, Dan Wall, Ed Byrne, Bruno Raber, with Vardan Ovsepian, and others ~ Goodrick was born in 1945
November 12, 2022 ~ Saxophonist Gene Cipriano passed away ~ In-demand session musician, best known for his work for films such as Some Like It Hot and TV shows such as Batman, The Flintstones, MASH, Mission Impossible, The Simpsons and American Dad ~ Cipriano was born in 1928
November 11, 2022 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Chris Koerts passed away ~ Co-founding member of Earth & Fire and along with his twin brother keyboardist Gerard Koerts primary songwriter of the band, known for a string of 1970s hits. Songs such as Seasons, Ruby Is The One, Wild And Exciting, Invitation, Storm And Thunder, Memories, Maybe Tomorrow Maybe Tonight, Love And Life, Thanks For The Love, and Weekend would all reach top 10 in the band's native Netherlands ~ Koerts was born in 1947
November 11, 2022 ~ Post-punk, rock guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist Keith Levene, full name Julian Keith Levene, passed away ~ Co-founded the Clash yet departed the band before they began recording. Co-wrote What's My Name, featured on the band's eponymous The Clash debut album. Co-founded Public Image Ltd with Johnny Rotten, remaining with the band through 1983. Levene has also worked with the Flowers Of Romance, Cowboys International, Pigface, and recorded as a solo artist ~ Levene was born in 1957
November 11, 2022 ~ Robert Noakes, commonly known as folk, country singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Rab Noakes, passed away ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Do You See The Lights released in 1970. Guested on Can I Have My Money Back, Gerry Rafferty's solo debut album released in 1971. Frequent collaborator of Fraser Speirs. Has also worked with the Varaflames, which also included Pick Withers ~ Noakes was born in 1947
November 11, 2022 ~ Singer, guitarist, actor Sven-Bertil Taube, full name Sven-Bertil Gunnar Evert Taue, passed away in London, UK ~ Son of songwriter Evert Taube, whose songs he frequently recorded. Well over 30 albums to his name starting with 1954's Swedish Folk Songs And Ballads. Especially known for his interpretations of 18th-century songwriter Carl Michael Bellman, collected on two albums released in the early 1960s ~ Taube was born in 1934
November 10, 2022 ~ Saxophonist, flautist, singer, songwriter Nik Turner, full name Nicholas Robert Turner, passed away ~ Owning a van, Turner originally offered his services as a roadie to the newly formed Hawkwind. However, when the band learned he played the saxophone they offered him a position in the band. Present on most of the band's best-known including the acclaimed albums Space Ritual and Hall Of The Mountain Grill. Turner has also recorded as a solo artist and guested on recordings by Robert Calvert, Mother Gong, Psychic TV, Helios Creed, and others ~ Turner was born in 1940
November 9, 2022 ~ Bossa nova, tropicália, pop singer Gal Costa, full name Maria da Graça Costa Penna Burgos, passed away in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Duetted with Maria Bethânia on Sol Negra of the latter's 1965 debut album. Released Domingo, a collaborative album with Caetano Veloso, in 1967. Would score her first major hit with the Veloso-penned Baby the next year. The single would be included on her eponymous 1969 Gal Costa album, considered a classic in the tropicália genre. Has been recording steadily to critical acclaim and commercial succes since ~ Costa was born in 1945
November 9, 2022 ~ Singer Mattis Hætta passed away ~ Internationally best known for teaming up with Sverre Kjelsberg, representing Norway in the 1980 Eurovision Songfestival with the song Sámild Ædnan which reached 16th place ~ Hætta was born in 1959
November 8, 2022 ~ Singer Claes-Göran Hederström passed away ~ Best known for representing his native Sweden in the 1968 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 5th place with Det Borjar Verka Karlek (Banne Mej) written by Peter Himmelstrand ~ Hederström was born in 1945
November 8, 2022 ~ Hard rock, blues rock, rock singer Dan McCafferty, full name William Daniel McCafferty, passed away ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of hard rock band Nazareth, known for 1970s hits such as Broken Down Angel, Bad Bad Boy and Love Hurts. Following his departure from the band in 2013 for health reasons McCafferty has occasionally performed and recorded as a solo artist ~ McCafferty was born in 1946
November 8, 2022 ~ Garrick Roberts, commonly known as pop, rock guitarist Garry Roberts, passed away ~ Co-founded the Boomtown Rats with Johnnie Fingers, soon employing bassist Pete Briquette, guitarist Gerry Cott, drummer Simon Crowe and lead singer Bob Geldof. The band would score a number of hits in their native Ireland and the UK including Like Clockwork, Rat Trap, Banana Republic and their best-known I Don't Like Mondays. After the band folded in 1985 Roberts would work as a sound engineer for acts such as Simply Red, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark and Flesh For Lulu ~ Roberts was born in 1954
November 8, 2022 ~ Pierre Kartner, commonly known as singer Vader Abraham, passed away ~ Wrote over 1,600 songs. Known for his Smurf-themed songs, the 1971 Wilma Landkroon duet Zou Het Erg Zijn Lieve Opa, and for Het Kleine Café Aan De Haven, the latter covered over 250 times in various languages including by Engelbert Humperdinck (Little Cafe On The Harbour), Audrey Landers (My Favourite Cafe On The Harbour), Mireille Mathieu (Le Café De La Rue Amerique), Joe Dassin (Le Café Des Trois Colombes), and by Peter Alexander (Die Kleine Kneipe) ~ Kartner was born in 1935
November 8, 2022 ~ Werner Ferdinande, commonly known as singer Will Ferdy, passed away in Antwerp, Belgium ~ Icon of the gay community, known for being the first Flemish artist to come out. Known for songs such as Belijdenis, Ziede Gij Me Gere, De Stervende, Het Schrijverke and perhaps his best known Christine ~ Ferdinande was born in 1927
November 7, 2022 ~ Country singer, guitarist, fiddler Jeff Cook, full name Jeffrey Alan Cook, passed away in Destin, Florida, USA ~ Co-founded Wildcountry in 1972 with his cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry. The band would become better known after changing its name to Alabama in 1977 and regularly top the country charts, mostly in the 1980s, with songs such as Love In The First Degree, Mountain Music, Dixieland Delight, and others ~ Cook was born in 1949
November 7, 2022 ~ Theater producer Michael Butler passed away in Santa Barbara, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known for bringing the rock musical Hair from the Public Theater to Broadway, earning him the nickname “the Hippie Millionaire” ~ Butler was born in 1926
November 6, 2022 ~ Ali Mahammed, commonly known as Oromo, world music singer, guitarist, songwriter Ali Birra, passed away in Adama, Ethiopia ~ Regarded as the most popular Oromo icon, an ethnic group mostly native to the Oromia region. Other than in his native Oromo language Birra also sang in Amharic, Harari and Somali. Actively recording since the early 1970s. Well-known songs include Hin Yaadin, Asabalee, Ammalelee, and Gamachu ~ Mahammed was born in 1950
November 6, 2022 ~ Singer, keyboardist Don Lewis passed away ~ Best known for creating an instrument called the LEO, short for Live Electronic Orchestra, which integrated multiple instruments under a single controller and predated the MIDI controller by ten years. As a musician has collaborated with artists such as Quincy Jones, Sérgio Mendes, and Michael Jackson. Opened for the Beach Boys on their 1974 tour ~ Lewis was born in 1941
November 6, 2022 ~ Gloria Rodriguez, commonly known as rapper Hurricane G, passed away ~ Best known for Somebody Else of her 1997 All Woman debut album. First female member of the Hit Squad. Has also guested on recordings by Keith Murray, Redman, Xzibit, Delinquent Habits, and others ~ Rodriguez was born ca.1970
November 5, 2022 ~ Pop singer Aaron Carter, full name Aaron Charles Carter, passed away in Lancaster, California, USA ~ Established himself as a pop and hip-hop star with pre-teen and teenage audiences from the late 1990s through the early 2000s, starting with his eponymous Aaron Carter debut album released at a mere 9 years of age. Well-known songs include Crush On You, Crazy Little Party Girl and I Want Candy. Also ventured into acting, including in the Broadway musical Seussical ~ Carter was born in 1987
November 5, 2022 ~ Singer, songwriter Carmelo La Bionda passed away ~ Formed the sibling duo La Bionda, at times also known under the moniker DD Sound, with Michelangelo La Bionda, considered pioneers of the Italo disco genre. First gained attention penning Primo Sole Primo Fiore for Ricchi & Poveri in 1970. Other songs written or co-written by the duo include Neve Blanca Amica Gentile Se Vuoi for Mia Martini, Piccolo Uomo for Bruno Lauzi, and several 1980s songs for Righeira including Vamos A La Playa. As recording artists the brothers rose to fame after turning to disco in the mid- to late 1970s, scoring internationally with the singles Disco Bass and Burning Love. Other well-known songs included Sandstorm, One For You One For Me and There For Me ~ La Bionda was born in 1949
November 5, 2022 ~ Operatic tenor Daniele Baroni passed away in Ferrara, Italy ~ Rose to fame as leading tenor with the Metropolitan Opera from 1956 through 1962. Best known for his roles in Giacomo Puccini operas. Has also notably worked with the Philadelphia Grand Opera Company, the Philadelphia Lyric Opera Company, and others. Married to pianist Vera Franceschi until her premature death in 1966 ~ Barioni was born in 1930
November 5, 2022 ~ Indie rock, slowcore, dream pop drummer, singer Mimi Parker passed away ~ Co-founded Low in 1993 with her husband guitarist, singer Alan Sparhawk. Considered pioneers of slowcore and known for their atmospheric songs the band is especially acclaimed for their 1995 Long Division sophomore album. Well-known songs include Halflight, California, Family Tree, and Sunflower. Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant would cover the band's Monkey and Silver Rider for his 2010 Band Of Joy solo album ~ Parker was born ca.1967
November 5, 2022 ~ Rahem Brown, commonly known as rapper Tame One, passed away ~ Member of 1990s rap group the Artifacts, which also included El da Sensei and DJ Kaos, known for songs such as Easter, C'mon Wit Da Git Down, The Ultimate (You Know The Time) and perhaps their best-known Wrong Side Of Da Tracks. Has also worked with Leak Bros, the Weathermen, the Boom Skwad, and others ~ Brown was born in 1970
November 5, 2022 ~ Reggae keyboardist Tyrone Downie passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known for his association with Bob Marley, joining the Wailers in the mid-1970s and first appearing on the 1976 Rastaman Vibration album. Has also worked with the Impact All-Stars, the Abyssinians, Beenie Man, Black Uhuru, Buju Banton, Peter Tosh, Tom Tom Club, Burning Spear, Steel Pulse, Alpha Blondy, and others ~ Downie was born in 1956
November 4, 2022 ~ Nicole van Palm, commonly known as singer Nicole Josy, passed away ~ Formed the duo Nicole & Hugo with her husband Hugo Sigal. The duo were selected to represent Belgium at the 1971 Eurovision Songfestival with Goeiemorgen Morgen. At the last minute Nicole fell ill and they were replaced by Jacques Raymond and Lily Castel who would reach 14th place. In their native Belgium however the original version would remain one of the better-remembered Eurovision entries ~ Van Palm was born in 1946
November 3, 2022 ~ Music journalist, author Colin Irwin, full name Colin Lester Irwin, passed away ~ Best known as journalist and editor for Melody Maker from the mid-1970s through the mid-1980s. Would go on to work as a music critic for the Guardian, Mojo, the Daily Telegraph, the Independent, and other publications. Has authored a number of books, including biographies of the Dire Straits, ABBA, and Leonard Cohen ~ Irwin was born in 1951
November 3, 2022 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist Gerd Dudek, full name Gerhard Rochus Dudek, passed away ~ Brother of bandleader Ossi Dudek, with whom he also worked. Would go on to work with Kurt Edelhagen, Manfred Schoof, the Globe Unity Orchestra, the Berliner Jazz Quintet, Karl Blume, Alexander von Schlippenbach, Loek Dikker, Wolfgang Dauner, Branislav Lala Kovacev, Don Cherry, George Russell, and others ~ Dudek was born in 1938
November 3, 2022 ~ Soul, R&B singer Noel McKoy passed away in London, UK ~ Cited the Beatles, Dennis Brown and Chaka Khan as influences. Recorded half a dozen albums, starting with Full Circle (Within A Spiritual Social Soul) released in 1993. Known for songs such as I'm Lucky, Family, Jealousy and Liberation, the latter featuring UB40 saxophonist Brian Travers and reggae-fusion trumpeter Patrick Anthony ~ McKoy was born ca.1960
November 2, 2022 ~ Tango pianist, composer, arranger Atilio Stampone passed away ~ Active since the 1940s, working with Roberto Dimas, Pedro Maffia, Robert Rufino, Alberto Camara, and notably Astor Piazzolla. As a solo artist active since the late 1950s, particulary known for his film scores including Un Guapo Del 900 and La Mano En La Trampa as well as for songs such as Con Pan Y Cebolla, Aguatero, Fiesta De Mi Ciudad and Mocosa ~ Stampone was born in 1926
November 1, 2022 ~ Joseph Baque, commonly known as jazz, bebop pianist Joe Baque, passed away in Olympia, Washington, USA ~ Sideman active since his late teens. Present on albums by Claudia Wheeler (The Price Is Right), Bert Wilson, the Electric Park Jazz Band, Greta Matassa (If The Moon Turns Green), LaVon Hardison, and others ~ Baque was born in 1922
November 1, 2022 ~ Recording engineer Joseph Tarsia passed away ~ Started his career in music in the early 1960s at Cameo Parkway Records, eventually becoming the label's chief engineer working with artists such as Chubby Checker, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, the Orlons, and others. Founded his own Sigma Sound recording studio in 1968, which would become home to numerous Philly soul artists including Jerry Butler, Harold Melvin, the O'Jays, and the Stylistics. His success led to opening more recording facilities, his client list including Stevie Wonder, BB King, David Bowie, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Billy Joel, Steely Dan, Paul Simon, and others ~ Tarsia was born in 1931
November 1, 2022 ~ Kirshnik Khari Ball, commonly known as hip-hop, trap rapper, songwriter Takeoff, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Formed the trio Migos with Quavo and Offset, best known for their Bad & Boujee featuring Lil' Uzi Vert, Motorsport with Nicki Minaj & Cardi B, Stir Fry, and Walk It Talk It featuring Drake. Released his The Last Rocket solo debut album in 2018 ~ Ball was born in 1994
October 29, 2022 ~ Rock bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, engineer Robin Sylvester passed away ~ Best known as member of Bob Weir's side project Ratdog, joining the band in 2003 as replacement for Rob Wasserman and remaining through 2022. Began his career in the late 1960s, noted for serving as engineer at Abbey Road Studios and reportedly inspired by Paul McCartney to take up the bass. After relocating to America in the mid-1970s has found employ as session and touring musician, working with the likes of Ry Cooder, Marty Balin, Billy Preston, Christine McVie, Missing Man Formation, and others ~ Sylvester was born ca.1950
October 28, 2022 ~ Darren Henley, commonly known as punk rock drummer DH Peligro, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Joined the Dead Kennedys in 1981 as replacement for Bruce Seslinger, appearing on the albums Plastic Surgery Disasters, Frankenchrist and Bedtime For Democracy. Briefly played with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1988. Frontman and eponym of Peligro, known for the albums Peligro, Welcome To America and Sum Of Our Surroundings ~ Henley was born in 1959
October 28, 2022 ~ Pianist, singer Jerry Lee Lewis passed away in DeSoto County, Mississippi, USA ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly pioneer. Dubbed “the Killer”. Rose to fame with his 1957 recording Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On. Also known for songs such as Great Balls Of Fire, Breathless, High School Confidential. His career waned in the 1960s following his marriage to his underage cousin but would be acclaimed for his 1964 live album Live At The Star Club, generally acnowledged as one of the greatest live albums in rock history. Would venture into country through much of the 1960s and 1970s, eventually overcoming scandals, regaining his stature as one of the founders of rock & roll ~ Lewis was born in 1935
October 27, 2022 ~ Geraldine Milligan, commonly known as R&B, disco singer Geraldine Hunt, passed away ~ Enjoyed moderate success on the R&B and dance charts from the 1970s through the early 1980s. Well-known songs include the Charlie Hodges duet You And I, the Supremes cover Baby I Need Your Loving, You Brought Joy and perhaps her best known Can't Fake The Feeling, the latter topping the Billboard Dance charts in 1980 ~ Milligan was born in 1945
October 26, 2022 ~ Singer, songwriter Agustín Ramírez, full name Agustín Ramírez Sánchez, passed away ~ Co-founder, frontman of Los Caminantes, for whom he also co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material including Palomita Mensajera, Para Que Quieres Volver, Regresare, He Sabido, Volar Volar, Ven Y Abrazame, Una Noche, Mi Nina, Lagrimas Al Recordar, and others ~ Ramírez was born in 1962
October 25, 2022 ~ Classical cellist Farquhar Wilkinson, full name Farquhar Davis Wilkinson, passed away in Blenheim, New Zealand ~ Principal cellist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra from 1955 through 1992. Has also worked with the New Zealand National Youth Orchestra, the Alex Lindsay String Orchestra, the Aspey String Quartet, the London Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Wilkinson was born in 1932
October 24, 2022 ~ Rock bassist Gregg Philbin passed away ~ Member of REO Speedwagon from 1968, replacing Mike Blair, through 1977. Present on the band's first six studio albums including the acclaimed Ridin' The Storm Out released in 1973 ~ Philbin was born ca.1947
October 23, 2022 ~ Cowboy singer, guitarist, songwriter Don Edwards passed away ~ After spending years in obscurity rose to critical acclaim in the 1990s. Especially praised for the albums Songs Of The Trail released in 1993 and High Lonesome Cowboy released in 2002, the latter featuring backing from Peter Rowan and Tony Rice. Guested on Nanci Griffith's Night Rider's Lament of her Other Voices Other Rooms album released in 1993. Also known as an actor, notably appearing in the 1998 The Horse Whisperer film portraying the role of Smokey ~ Edwards was born ca.1935
October 23, 2022 ~ Operatic soprano Galina Pisarenko, full name Galina Alekseyevna Pisarenko, passed away ~ Best known for her association with the Stanislavski And Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre, remaining with the ensemble from 1961 through 1990. Also worked regularly with the Komische Oper Berlin during the 1970s, notably performing the title role in Carmen in 1976 ~ Pisarenko was born in 1934
October 23, 2022 ~ Conductor Libor Pesek passed away ~ Considered one of the premier conductors of his day with a career spanning seven decades. Best known for his interpretations of Czech music, including championing lesser known composers such as Josef Suk and Vítezslav Novák. Closely associated with the Czech Philharmonic, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic ~ Pesek was born in 1933
October 21, 2022 ~ Label executive, music publisher Robert Gordy, full name Robert Louis Gordy, passed away in Marina Del Rey, California, USA ~ Scored a minor hit in 1958 with Everyone Was There under the moniker Bob Kayli, co-written with his brother Berry Gordy Jr. Best known as executive at Motown's publishing arm Jobete Music from 1961 through 1985. Has also written or co-written a number of early 1960s successes, most notably Marvin Gaye's You're What's Happening In The World Today, which was used as the flipside of I Heard It Through The Grapevine, and the Supremes' Your Kiss Of Fire ~ Gordy was born in 1931
October 20, 2022 ~ Songwriter Bettye Crutcher, full name Bettye Jean Crutcher, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing Who's Making Love, originally a hit for Johnnie Taylor in 1968 and covered by Tony Joe White, Elkie Brooks, the SOS Band, the Blues Brothers, and others. Songs written or co-written by Crutcher have also been recorded by the Staple Singers (The Ghetto), William Bell, Ann Peebles (How Strong Is A Woman), Little Sonny (It's Hard Going Up But Twice As Hard Coming Down), the Sweet Inspirations, Shirley Brown (It's Worth A Whipping), Ben E King, Marlena Shaw, and BB King (Take Off Your Shoes) ~ Crutcher was born ca.1939
October 18, 2022 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, singer Franco Gatti passed away 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 was born in 1942
October 18, 2022 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly, neo-rockabilly singer Robert Gordon, full name Robert Ira Gordon, passed away ~ Influenced by Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent, Jack Scott, Billy Lee Riley, Eddie Cochran. First gained attention with a number of 1960s songs with the Confidentials, notably It's Summertime, Money and There's Something On Your Mind. In the 1970s Gordon briefly strayed into punk rock, singing with Tuff Darts, before returning to rock & roll, neo-rockabilly. As a solo artist noted for the 1978 Fresh Fish Special album featuring Link Wray and the 1996 The Humbler (Live) album which also featured Danny Gatton ~ Gordon was born in 1947
October 17, 2022 ~ Classical pianist Michael Ponti passed away in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany ~ Acclaimed interpreter of the works of Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Sergei Rachmaninoff as well as lesser-known composers including Charles-Valentin Alkan, Mily Balakirev, Clara Schumann and Sigismond Thalberg. Has worked with renowned orchestras such the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande, the Buenos Aires Philharmonic, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Ponti was born in 1937
October 15, 2022 ~ R&B, dance, house, soul singer, pianist, songwriter Joyce Sims passed away ~ Best known for her 1988 hit Come Into My Life, produced by Kurtis Mantronik. Also made the R&B charts with songs such as All And All, Walk Away and, collaborating with Jimmy Castor, Love Makes A Woman. Also worked with Junior Vasquez, Glen Frisica, Maxi Priest, and others ~ Sims was born in 1959
October 15, 2022 ~ Guitarist, singer Noel Duggan passed away in Donegal, Ireland ~ Alongside twin brother Pádraig Duggan rose to fame as member of Clannad, known best for Theme From Harry's Game which reached top 10 in both the UK and the band's native Ireland. The brothers took a hiatus after the band's acclaimed 1998 Landmarks album, releasing their own Rubicon album in 2005 to critical acclaim featuring guests such as Moya Brennan, Finbar Furrey and Orla Fallon ~ Duggan was born in 1949
October 15, 2022 ~ Conductor, composer Thomas Sleeper passed away ~ In-demand guest conductor, has worked with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Central Philharmonic Of China, the San Juan Symphony Orchestra, the Ruse State Philharmonic, and others. Closely associated with the Frost Symphony Orchestra and the Florida Youth Orchestra, serving as the latter's director from 1993 through 2020 ~ Sleeper was born in 1956
October 14, 2022 ~ Operatic soprano Mariana Nicolesco passed away in Bucharest, Romania ~ Best known for her association with the Metropolitan Opera, performing the role of Nedda in Ruggero Leoncavallo's Pagliacci from 1978 through 1986. Has also worked with La Scala, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Nicolesco was born in 1948
October 13, 2022 ~ New wave, electronic, synthpop singer, songwriter Christina Moser passed away in Lugano, Switzerland ~ Formed the duo Chrisma with her husband Maurizio Arcieri, perhaps best known for collaborating with producer Nico Papathanassiou and Vangelis on the singles U and Amore as well as on their 1978 Chinese Restaurant album ~ Moser was born in 1952
October 13, 2022 ~ Jens Vilhelm Pedersen, commonly known as composer Fuzzy, passed away ~ Perhaps best known for composing the soundtrack to Rainer Werner Fassbinder's TV series Eight Hours Don't Make A Day, going by the moniker Jean Gepoint ~ Pedersen was born in 1939
October 13, 2022 ~ Punk, punk rock, hardcore punk drummer Steve Roberts passed away ~ Member of the UK Subs from 1980, replacing Pete Davies, through 1982, rejoining on occasion in later years. Present on the albums Diminished Responsibility and Endangered Species ~ Roberts was born ca.1954
October 12, 2022 ~ Conductor, composer Bernardo Adam Ferrero passed away in Valencia, Spain ~ Has conducted the Enguara Music Band, the Ateneo Musical Band, the Orquesta De Valencia, the Teatro Colón, and others. As a composer perhaps best known for his Danzas Alicantinas for concert band. Has also written chamber music and vocal pieces ~ Adam was born in 1942
October 10, 2022 ~ Anita Jean Grilli, commonly known as singer, pianist, arranger Anita Kerr, passed away in Geneva, Switzerland ~ Founded and fronted vocal harmony group the Anita Kerr Singers, known for recording some 50 albums in their own right. The group was also an in-demand backing choir, providing vocals for the likes of Rod McKuen, Red Foley, Eddy Arnold, Ernest Tubb, Patsy Cline, Faron Young, Chet Atkins, Webb Pierce, and others ~ Grilli was born in 1927
October 10, 2022 ~ Jazz pianist, conductor Kenny Clayton passed away ~ Served as musical director and arranger for the likes of Dick Haymes, Cilla Black, Charles Aznavour, Sacha Distel, Roger Whittaker, and especially Petula Clark working with Clark from the early 1960s through the 2000s. Composed soundtracks for films such as The Ragman's Daughter, The Savage Hunt and Night Train To Murder and directed and arranged for theatrical productions including The Sound Of Music, No Strings and Privates On Parade ~ Clayton was born in 1936
October 9, 2022 ~ Singer, songwriter Andrés Cuervo passed away in Paris, France ~ Released his Tras De Ti debut album in 2008 and has recorded to commercial succes since. Known for songs such as Como Yo Te Quiero, La Receta, Viviria Bien, Te Extrano, Destino Casualidad, Luna Cuentale, and others ~ Cuervo was born in 1988
October 9, 2022 ~ Jazz bassist, double bassist Chuck Deardorf passed away ~ Married to singer Kelly Harland. Leader, co-leader and sideman. Closely associated with Dave Peterson. Has also worked with Don Lanphere, Bud Shank, Jovino Santos Neto, Jim Knapp, Tom Collier, Pete Christlieb, Larry Coryell, Randy Brecker, Frank D'Rone, and others ~ Deardorf was born in 1954
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), Dr John, and others ~ Cuber was born in 1941
October 6, 2022 ~ Engineer, producer Fred Catero passed away ~ Active since the 1960s. Has worked with artists such as Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Al Kooper, Linda Ronstadt, Mel Tormé, Tower Of Power, Santana, and others. Founded Catero Records in the 1980s, focusing on jazz acts such as Herbie Hancock, Ernie Mansfield, Laurie Antonioli and Paul Speer ~ Catero was born in 1933
October 6, 2022 ~ George Ivy Hunter, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Ivy Jo Hunter, passed away ~ Session keyboardist on a number of early Motown recordings before focusing on songwriting, mostly in partnership with William Mickey Stevenson. Artists who recorded his songs include the Spinners, Martha & the Vandellas (Dancing In the Street), the Four Tops (Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever), the Temptations, the Contours, Jimmy Ruffin, the Marvelettes (Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead), the Miracles, the Isley Brothers (Behind A Painted Smile), Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye (You're The One), Chuck Jackson, Aretha Franklin (Without Love), and others ~ Hunter was born in 1940
October 6, 2022 ~ Myrna Joy Miller, commonly known as country singer Jody Miller passed away ~ Paved the way for future crossover female singers such as Linda Ronstadt, Anne Murray and Olivia Newton-John. Debuted in 1963 with the album Wednesday's Child Is Full Of Woe. Known for songs such as He Walks Like A Man, The Queen Of The House, The Home Of The Brave, There's A Party Goin' On, Good News, When The New Wears Off Our Love, and others ~ Miller was born in 1941
October 5, 2022 ~ Ann-Christine Nyström, commonly known as singer Ann-Christine, passed away in Danderyd Municipality, Sweden ~ Internationally best known for representing Finland in the 1966 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 10th place with Playboy written and conducted by Ossi Runne ~ Nyström was born in 1944
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 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 2, 2022 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Mary McCaslin passed away ~ Influenced by Marty Robbins, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Hedy West, the Beatles, the Bee Gees. Actively recording since the late 1960s with over a dozen albums to her name. Known for her open guitar tunings and distinctive vocal style. Had her songs recorded by the likes of Tom Russell, Bill Staines, Gretchen Peters (Prairie In The Sky), David Bromberg, Kate Wolf, Stan Rogers, Còig, and others ~ McCaslin was born in 1946
October 1, 2022 ~ Folk singer Stamatis Kokotas passed away ~ Active since the 1960s. Best known for songs such as In The Days Of King Otto, Illusory Oniro and My Son. Has collaborated with the likes of Dimos Moutsis, Antonios Katinaris, Giorgos Hatzinasios, Apostolo Kaldaras, Giorgos Zampetas, Giannis Spanos, and others ~ Kokotas was born in 1937
September 30, 2022 ~ Keith Lamar Johnson, commonly known as gospel singer, songwriter Keith Wonderboy Johnson, passed away ~ Earned the nickname “Wonderboy” while still a child for his vocal prowess. Straddled the line between traditional and contemporary gospel. Over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Through The Storm released in 1998. Best known for his 2000 Live And Alive album. Well-known songs include I Wouldn't Know You, Let Go Let God and True Love ~ Johnson was born in 1972
September 28, 2022 ~ Artis Leon Ivey Jr, commonly known as pop-rap, G-funk, hip-hop rapper, singer, songwriter Coolio passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ First gained attention as a member of gangsta rap outfit WC & the Maad Circle alongside WC and Crazy Toones. Would become a household name as a solo artist, best known for his 1995 hit Gangsta's Paradise, a No.1 hit in over a dozen countries including the USA, the UK and the Netherlands. Stevie Wonder was credited as co-writer as the song drew heavily from Wonder's Pastime Paradise. Other well-known songs include Fantastic Voyage, 1-2-3-4 (Sumpin' New) and C U When U Get There ~ Ivey was born in 1963
September 28, 2022 ~ Svavar Pétur Eysteinsson, commonly known as singer, songwriter Prins Póló, passed away ~ Co-founding member of alternative rock outfit Skakkamanage, known best for their 2008 All Over The Face sophomore album. Has also enjoyed a parallel solo career, recording half a dozen albums, starting with Jukk released in 2010 ~ Eysteinsson was born in 1977
September 24, 2022 ~ Farrell Sanders, commonly known as free jazz, avant-garde jazz, world fusion saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with John Coltrane, first appearing on the 1965 Ascension album. Considered by some the heir of Coltrane. Known for his spiritual-themed style. Well over two dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for the albums Karma, Journey To The One and Rejoice. Has collaborated with the likes of Leon Thomas, Alice Coltrane, Tisziji Muñoz, Michael Mantler, Carla Bley, Don Cherry, Benny Golson, Norman Connors, McCoy Tyner, Randy Weston, Sun Ra, Gary Bartz, Larry Young, Sonny Sharrock, and others ~ Sanders was born in 1940
September 24, 2022 ~ Sue Graham, commonly known as producer, band manager Sue Mingus, passed away ~ Widow of bassist, pianist, bandleader Charles Mingus, whom she met in 1964 and married two years later. Following his death in 1979, Graham would establish herself as band manager and producer of several Mingus tribute bands keeping the legacy alive. Managed and produced acts such as the Mingus Dynasty, the Mingus Big Band and the Mingus Orchestra, and published educational books, sheet music and her memoir recounting her life with Mingus ~ Graham was born in 1930
September 22, 2022 ~ Guitarist, singer, producer, songwriter David Malachowski, full name David Frank Malachowski, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Reckless, the Greg Austin Band, Janie Fricke, Commander Cody & his Lost Planet Airmen, Shania Twain, Savoy Brown, Garth Hudson, Phoebe Legere, Mechanical Bull, Genya Ravan, Anthony Rapp, Daphne Rubin Vega, and others ~ Malachowski was born in 1955
September 21, 2022 ~ Drummer, producer Anton Fier passed away ~ In-demand collaborator in experimental rock, jazz and alternative rock. Member of the Lounge Lizards, the Feelies, Lodge, and briefly Richard Hell & the Voidoids. Co-founded critically acclaimed the Golden Palominos known for their impressive revolving line-ups. Has also notably worked with Pere Ubu, Bill Laswell, Bob Mould, Jack Bruce, Kenji Suzuki, Ex-Blank-Ex, the Styrenes, John Zorn, and others ~ Fier was born in 1956
September 21, 2022 ~ Guitarist Ray Edenton, full name Ray Quarles Edenton, passed away in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, USA ~ First-call session musician. Member of the Nashville A-Team. Appears on over 12,000 recordings including Red Kirk's Lovesick Blues, Webb Pierce's There Stands The Glass, the Everly Brothers' Bye Bye Love and Wake Up Little Susie, Marty Robbins' Singing The Blues and Roger Miller's King Of The Road. Has also worked with Julie Andrews, the Beach Boys, Gary Burton, Sammy Davis Jr, Henry Mancini, Reba McEntire, Elvis Presley, Leon Russell, Neil Young, and others ~ Edenton was born in 1926
September 18, 2022 ~ Actress, singer Diane Guérin, also known as Belgazou, passed away ~ As a singer known best for a string of 1980s recordings including Quitter Ton Ile, Entre Mozart Et Jagger and Talk About It. Duetted with her husband Christian Montmarquette under the moniker Diane & Christian ~ Guérin was born in 1948
September 17, 2022 ~ R&B singer, actress Marva Hicks passed away ~ Best known for Never Been In Love Before of her 1991 eponymous Marva Hicks album, the single reaching top 10 on the Billboard R&B charts. Other charting singles included One Good Reason and I Got You Where I Want. Would go on to become an in-demand backing singer for acts such as Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. As the 90s progressed Hicks would focus on her acting career, portraying roles in action movies and TV series such as LA Law and Star Trek Voyager, voicing over animated characters often including singing, and performing in the theatre in musical plays including productions of The Lion King, Motown The Musical and The Wiz both off and on Broadway ~ Hicks was born in 1975
September 15, 2022 ~ Conductor Jörg Faerber passed away in Willich, Germany ~ Founded the Wurttemberg Chamber Orchestra Hellbronn in 1960 and served as its leader and director for over 4 decades. The orchestra is internationally known for their recordings featuring soloists such as Maurice André, Alfred Brendel, Gidon Kremer and Anne-Sophie Mutter ~ Faerber was born in 1929
September 14, 2022 ~ Folk, country, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Jim Post, full name Jimmie David Post, passed away ~ About a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist. Best known for forming the short-lived duo Friend & Lover with his then-wife Cathy Conn, scoring the 1968 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Reach Out Of The Darkness. Has frequently collaborated with Mick Scott and Tom Dunde, and despite little chart success was considered a mainstay on the Chicago folk scene ~ Post was born in 1939
September 14, 2022 ~ Folk singer, violinist, oboe player, songwriter Paul Sartin passed away ~ Closely associated with Paul Hutchinson, with whom he formed Belshazzar's Feast. Formed Dr Faustus, known for the albums The First Cut and Wager. Also well-known as a member of Bellowhead, joining the band in 2004. Has also composed for theatre and film, notably the 2011 Streetwise Opera film opera The Hartlepool Monkey, has worked as TV presenter and co-founded Whitchurch Folk Club ~ Sartin was born in 1971
September 13, 2022 ~ R&B, soul, blues singer Jesse Powell passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Brother of singers Trina Powell and Tamara Powell. Discovered by producer Louil Silas Jr. Best known for You co-written with producer Carl Roland, taken of his 1998 'Bout It sophomore album. The single would reach top 10 on both the Billboard R&B and the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. Other charting singles included All I Need, I Wasn't With It and If I ~ Powell was born in 1971
September 12, 2022 ~ Rakim Hasheem Allen, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer PnB Rock, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his mid 2010s singles Fleek and Selfish. Has worked with Young Thug, Kodak Black, Lil Skies, Nicki Minaj, Young Zona, and others ~ Allen was born in 1991
September 12, 2022 ~ Jazz pianist, keyboardist Ramsey Lewis, full name Ramsey Lewis Emmanuel Lewis Jr, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Over 80 albums to his name starting in the 1950s. Known for songs such as The In-Crowd, Hang On Sloopy and Wade In The Water. His Ramsey Lewis Trio has at times included Isaac Holt and Eldee Young of future Young-Holt Unlimited fame, Cleveland Eaton, Maurice White who would later found Earth Wind & Fire, Morris Jennings, Frankie Donaldson, Bill Dickens, and Felton Crews ~ Lewis was born in 1935
September 9, 2022 ~ Carol Valère, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter Carol Arnauld, passed away ~ Considered a one-hit wonder for C'Est Pas Facile taken of her 1986 eponymous Carol Arnauld debut album. The song tells of her struggle with her brother's death, killed by a reckless driver. The single would reach top 10 in her native France ~ Valère was born in 1961
September 9, 2022 ~ Bluegrass mandolinist Herschel Sizemore, full name Herschel Lee Sizemore, passed away in Roanoke, Virginia, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for penning and first recording the mandolin instrumental Rebecca, named after his mother. Member of the Dixie Gentlemen from 1957 through 1965. Subsequently a member of the Shenandoah Cut-Ups, Country Grass which also included Ricky Skaggs, the Dixie Pals and the Bluegrass Cardinals. Guested on recordings by Rual Yarbrough, Jim Eanes, David Parmley, Curly Seckler, and others ~ Sizemore was born in 1935
September 9, 2022 ~ Violinist Jorja Fleezanis, full name Jorja Kay Fleezanis, passed away ~ Best known as concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra from 1989 through 2009. At the time of her appointment only the second female in the USA to hold such a title. Premiered John Adams' Violin Concerto in 1994, with then-music director Edo de Waart leading the orchestra. Married to classical music critic and author Michael Steinberg ~ Fleezanis was born in 1952
September 9, 2022 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion drummer Trevor Tomkins, full name Trevor Ramsey Tomkins, passed away ~ Backed Don Rendell for most of the 1960s and early 1970s. Would go on to work with Nucleus, David Becker, Henry Lowther, Gilgamesh (Another Fine Tune You've Got Me Into), Alan Gowen, and others ~ Tomkins was born in 1941
September 8, 2022 ~ Rock singer, bassist, keyboardist Marciano Cantero passed away in Mendoza, Argentina ~ Influenced by the Beatles and the Beach Boys. Lead singer of Los Enanitos Verdes, which he co-founded with Felipe Staiti and Daniel Piccolo in 1979. Started a parallel solo career in 1990 with the Luna Nueva album. Has also collaborated with Andrés de León, Vanaz, Los Rancheros, and others ~ Cantero was born in 1960
September 8, 2022 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly guitarist, singer, songwriter Sonny West, full name Joseph Sonny West, passed away in Grove, Oklahoma, USA ~ Active since the mid-1950s, recording a number of rockabilly singles which at the time made little impact but over time proved to be influential. Sharing a manager with Buddy Holly, West would become best-known as co-author and original artist of All My Love and Rave On. Both songs would be covered by Holly, the former renamed to Oh Boy, and would become quintessential rockabilly songs ~ West was born in 1937
September 5, 2022 ~ Pianist, conductor Lars Vogt passed away ~ Best known as musical director for the Royal Northern Sinfonia from 2015 through 2020. Subsequently served as music director for the Orchestre De Chambre De Paris. As a concert pianist Vogt has recorded well over 30 albums consisting of works by Robert Schumann, Ludwig van Beethoven, Maurice Ravel, Camille Saint-Saëns, and others ~ Vogt was born in 1970
September 4, 2022 ~ Singer, songwriter Edward Hulewicz passed away in Warsaw, Poland ~ Active since the 1960s. Member of Tarpany, for whom he wrote their biggest hit Siala Baba Mak. Following the band's disbandement would go on to work with Helioso, known for songs such as Obietnice. Active as a solo artist since the early 1970s, scoring hits with Za Zdrowie Pan, Paskuda and Bo Jedno Zycle Mam ~ Hulewicz was born in 1937
September 4, 2022 ~ Guitarist John Till passed away in Stratford, Canada ~ Closely associated with Janis Joplin, serving as member of Joplin's backing unit the Full Tilt Boogie Band and present on the I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama album. Till also backed Joplin at the famed Woodstock Festival concert ~ Till was born in 1945
September 2, 2022 ~ Angus Gaye, commonly known as reggae singer, drummer Drummie Zeb, passed away ~ Lead singer, co-founding and last remaining original member of Aswad, known best for their 1988 UK No.1 hit Don't Turn Around. Two subsequent singles, Give A Little Love and Shine, would also reach top 20 in the band's native UK ~ Gaye was born in 1959
August 31, 2022 ~ Electronic music composer Mark Shreeve passed away ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Embryo released in 1980. Has also composed for film and formed the 1990s group Redshift, which also included his brother Julian Shreeve. To pop audiences best known for co-writing Touch Me (I Want Your Body), a mid-1980s top 10 hit for Samantha Fox on both sides of the Atlantic ~ Shreeve was born in 1957
August 27, 2022 ~ Manuel Muñoz Alcón, commonly known as flamenco guitarist, composer Manolo Sanlúcar, passed away in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain ~ Alongside Paco de Lucia, Tomatito and Vicente Amigo considered one of the key figures in the evolution of the flamenco guitar. Actively recording since the late 1960s. Especially acclaimed for the albums Tauromagia and Locura De Brisa Y Trino ~ Alcón was born in 1943
August 26, 2022 ~ Pop, chanson singer, actress Hana Zagarová passed away in Prague, Czech Republic ~ One of the all-time most popular Czech singers, active since the mid-1960s. Known for songs such as Já Nemám Strach, Mzí, Setkáni (In Contro), Vánoce Jako Driv and Ohen V Dusi Mé. Married dancer Vlastimil Harapes in 1986, her second marriage was to operatic tenor Stefan Margita in 1992 ~ Zagarová was born in 1946
August 25, 2022 ~ Jazz, bebop organist, trumpeter, saxophonist Joey DeFrancesco passed away ~ Son of organist John DeFrancesco, brother of blues guitarist Johnny DeFrancesco. Signed his first record deal at age 16. Revived the organ as a viable jazz instrument. Well over two dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for his 1989 All Of Me debut album and its follow-up Where Were You released a year later. In-demand sideman, both on record and tour. Has worked with Miles Davis, Houston Person, John McLaughlin. Other notable collaborations include Ray Charles, Bette Midler, Jimmy Smith and Van Morrison ~ DeFrancesco was born in 1971
August 25, 2022 ~ Blues, R&B, gospel singer Mable John passed away ~ First female to be signed to Berry Gordy Jr's Tamla-Motown label where she released the singles Who Wouldn't Love A Man Like That, No Love and Actions Speak Louder Than Words. Dropped from the label for lack of success by 1962. Would go on to work as a backing singer for Ray Charles. By the mid-1960s John landed at Stax/Volt, for whom she scored a Billboard R&B top 10 hit with Your Good Thing Is About To End ~ John was born in 1930
August 23, 2022 ~ Producer, label executive Creed Taylor passed away ~ In-house producer and executive at various labels including Bethlehem, ABC-Paramount, Verve, A&M Records. Signed John Coltrane to Impulse. Helpful in bringing bossa nova to the USA in the 1960s, signing artists such as Antônio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto, Airto Moreira. Founded CTI Records, one of the most successful jazz labels of the 1970s. Has worked with artists such as Oscar Pettiford, Ruby Braff, Charles Mingus, Herbie Mann, Stan Getz, Wes Montgomery, Cal Tjader, Freddie Hubbard, Chet Baker, Milt Jackson, Nina Simone, Eumir Deodato, Herbie Hancock, Chroma, Fuse One, and others ~ Taylor was born in 1929
August 22, 2022 ~ Composer, pianist Franz Hummel passed away ~ Virtuoso pianist extensively performing and recording standard reportoire from classical, Romantic and contemporary music through the 1970s before focusing on composition. Wrote operas, symphonies, ballets and chamber music, noted for his 1996 Gesualdo opera ~ Hummel was born in 1939
August 22, 2022 ~ Jazz, classical drummer, percussionist Freddy Studer passed away ~ Formed the acclaimed jazz fusion quartet OM with Christy Doran, Urs Leimgruber and Bobby Burn. Would go on to collaborate with the likes of Franco Ambrosetti, George Gruntz, Joe Henderson, Miroslav Vitous, Larry Schneider, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, Pierre Favre, Dom Um Romao and David Friedman. Member of Red Twist & Tuned Arrow. Member of the Singing Drums. Played in Robyn Schulkowsky's ensemble, interpreting modern classical works by Charles Ives, John Cage, Edgard Varèse ~ Studer was born in 1948
August 22, 2022 ~ Jazz trumpeter Jaimie Branch, full name Jaimie Breezy Branch, passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Cites Don Cherry, Axel Dörner, Booker Little and Miles Davis as influences. Formed the trio Princess with bassist Toby Summerfield and drummer Frank Rosaly. Has also worked with Ken Vandermark, Atlas Moth, Chad Taylor, Weasel Walter, Josh Berman, Jason Nazary, Jeb Bishop, and others ~ Branch was born in 1983
August 22, 2022 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly drummer Jerry Allison, full name Jerry Ivan Allison, passed away ~ Best known for backing Buddy Holly as a member of the Crickets. Credited as a co-writer on the hits That'll Be The Day and Peggy Sue. The latter was originally titled Cindy Lou but renamed to charm Allison's girlfriend, and future wife, Peggy Sue ~ Allison was born in 1939
August 22, 2022 ~ Rock, pop singer Margaret Urlich, full name Margaret Mary Urlich, passed away in Southern Highlands, Australia ~ Ranks as one of New Zealand's most popular artists. Lead singer of new wave outfit Peking Man, known for songs such as Good Luck To You, Lift Your Head Up High and perhaps their best-known Room That Echoes. Member of all-girl group When The Cat's Away. Debuted as a solo artist in 1989 with the Robyn Smith-produced Safety In Numbers album, which spawned the New Zealand No.1 hit Escaping ~ Urlich was born in 1965
August 22, 2022 ~ Rock drummer Piotr Szkudelski passed away ~ Member of Perfect, one of the best-known Polish rock, hard rock acts active on and off since the early 1980s and known for songs such as Nie Placz Ewka, Choemy Byc Soba, Autobiografia and Kolysanka Dia Nieznajomej ~ Szkudelski was born ca.1956
August 21, 2022 ~ Jazz guitarist Monnette Sudler passed away in Germantown, Pennsylvania, USA ~ As a leader over half a dozen albums to her name, including the acclaimed 1995 Time For A Change album. In-demand sidewoman, worked with Kenny Barron, Hamiet Bluiett, Arthur Blythe, Dameronia, Sonny Fortune, Dave Holland, Freddie Hubbard, Joseph Jarman, Hugh Masekela, Cecil McBee, David Murray, Sunny Murray, Trudy Pitts, Odean Pope, Don Pullen, Sam Rivers, Shirley Scott, Archie Shepp, Leon Thomas, Steve Turre, Cedar Walton, Grover Washington Jr, Reggie Workman, and others ~ Sudler was born in 1952
August 21, 2022 ~ Heavy metal, extreme metal guitarist Stuart Anstis passed away ~ Member of Cradle Of Filth from 1995 through 1999, present on the albums Dusk And Her Embrace and Cruelty And The Beast ~ Anstis was born ca.1974
August 20, 2022 ~ Helen Greco, commonly known as traditional pop singer, actress Helen Grayco, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for her appearances on the The Spike Jones Show in the 1950s and 1960s alongside her husband bandleader Spike Jones. Prior to teaming up with Jones Grayco sang with Bing Crosby, Chuck Cabot, Red Nichols. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing the album After Midnight in 1957 and The Lady In Red the following year. Grayco was married to Jones from 1949 until his death in 1965, the couple have three children ~ Greco was born in 1924
August 19, 2022 ~ Jazz, pop, classical pianist Warren Bernhardt, full name Warren Brooks Bernhardt, passed away ~ OVer a dozen albums as a leader. First gained attention in the early 1960s working with Paul Winter. Would go on to work with George Benson, Gerry Mulligan, Jeremy Steig. Member of Steps Ahead. Briefly musical director for Steely Dan in the mid-1990s, present on the band's 1995 Alive In America album. Backed Simon & Garfunkel on their 2003 reunion tour. Has also worked with Kenny Burrell, Tim Hardin, Mike Mainieri, Pat Martino, Don McLean, Art Farmer, White Elephant. and others ~ Bernhardt was born in 1938
August 18, 2022 ~ Clarinetist, saxophonist Rolf Kühn passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ Brother of pianist Joachim Kühn, with whom he also regularly worked. Leader and sideman. Critically compared to Benny Goodman. Worked with Horst Jankowski, Buddy DeFranco, Urbie Green, Eartha Kitt, Oscar Pettiford, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Eddie Costa, Julia Hülsmann, and others ~ Kühn was born in 1929
August 16, 2022 ~ David Raskin, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Kal David, passed away ~ Got his stage name fronting the neighborhood band Kal David & the Exceptions in the early 1960s. The band also included Peter Cetera of future Chicago-fame and Marty Grebb who would later play for the Buckinghams. Formed the duo the Rovin' Kind with future Poco-guitarist Paul Cotton. Fronted the 1970s outfit the Fabulous Rhinestones, known for the acclaimed albums The Fabulous Rhinestones, Freewheelin' and Rhinestones. Would go on to back artists such as Etta James, Johnny Rivers and John Mayall, and record prolifically as a solo artist, often accompanied by his wife singer Lauri Bono ~ Raskin was born in 1943
August 16, 2022 ~ Operatic baritone Matti Lehtinen passed away in Helsinki, Finland ~ Associated with the Cologne Opera from 1952 through 1955. Freelanced in opera, oratorio and lieder until 1963 before returning to his previous position at the Finnish National Opera, where over the years he appeared in over 60 operatic roles ~ Lehtinen was born in 1922
August 16, 2022 ~ Ricardo Capuano, commonly known as pop rock singer, guitarist Rico, passed away in Govan, UK ~ Member of 1990s outfit Perfect World. Released his solo debut album, Sanctuary Medicines, in 1999. Best known for guesting on Crazier, a 2003 UK top 20 hit with regular collaborator Gary Numan ~ Capuano was born in 1971
August 15, 2022 ~ Saxophonist, keyboardist, guitarist Hans Magnusson passed away ~ Longtime member of the Thorleifs, remaining with the dansband from 1962 through 2012. They are best known for their 2009 song Sweet Kissin' In The Moonlight, a contender for the Swedish entry for the Eurovision Songfestival. They would lose out to Malena Ernman who would reach 21st place in the international competition ~ Magnusson was born ca.1949
August 15, 2022 ~ Heavy metal singer Steve Grimmett passed away ~ Member of short-lived rock outfit Medusa before rising to fame as lead singer for Grim Reaper, joining the band in 1982. Present on the band's best-known including the hits See You In Hell, Fear No Evil and Rock You To Hell, all of which gained notoriety in the 1990s after being used in the popular Beavis & Butthead animated series. Grimmett has also appeared on recordings by Chateaux, Onslaught, Lionsheart, Cradle Of Filth, and others ~ Grimmett was born in 1959
August 14, 2022 ~ Richard Enos Thompson, commonly known as jazz pianist, clarinetist Butch Thompson, passed away in St Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ Best known for his ragtime and stride piano performances. Member of the Hall Brothers New Orleans Jazz Band for two decades starting in 1962. Would gain considerable popularity in Europe in the 1970s and 1980s due to extentsive touring both as a band member and solo artist ~ Thompson was born in 1943
August 14, 2022 ~ Henryk Pick, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter, TV personality Svika Pick, passed away in Rama Ha'sharon, Israel ~ One of Israel's premier pop singers during the 1970s. Internationally best known for co-writing Diva with lyricist Yoav Ginai, Israel's 1998 Eurovision Songfestival winner as performed by Dana International ~ Pick was born in 1949
August 12, 2022 ~ Country singer, songwriter Keith Jamieson, full name Keith Ross Jamieson, passed away in Rockhampton, Australia ~ Influenced by Slim Dusty, Buddy Williams, Tex Morton, Stan Coster. Has worked in manual day jobs most of his life such as coal miner and taxi driver while writing and performing his songs on the side. Actively recording since the late 1970s. Known for songs such as Good Morning Australia, Bush Ballad Rock and One Tree Plain ~ Jamieson was born in 1948
August 11, 2022 ~ Jazz, rock, pop guitarist, bassist Bill Pitman, full name William Keith Pitman, passed away in La Quinta, California, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Christian and Eddie Lang. Got his first big break backing Peggy Lee in the early 1950s. Would work mostly in jazz throughout most of the decade, backing artists such as Mel Tormé, Buddy Rich, Red Callender. Ventured into pop and rock & roll by the mid- to late 1950s, aligning himself with a loose group of first-call session musicians dubbed the Wrecking Crew. Present on some of the era's most influential recordings by acts such as Frank Sinatra (Strangers In The Night), Barbra Streisand, the Beach Boys (Good Vibrations), Jan & Dean, Elvis Presley, the Ronettes (Be My Baby), the Mamas & the Papas, the Byrds, Bobby Darin, the Ventures, Nancy Sinatra, and others ~ Pitman was born in 1920
August 11, 2022 ~ Pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Darius Campbell-Danesh passed away in Rochester, Minnesota, USA ~ First gained attention as a contestant on the talent contest Popstars in 2001, reaching the finals and then turning down the record deal. His Colourblind debut single would reach No.1 in the UK. Has released two full-length albums consisting mostly of self-penned material, Dive In in 2002 and Live Twice in 2004. Ventured into musicals, performing in the productions of Chicago and Guys And Dolls, and later into opera, starting with winning the talent contest Popstar To Operastar in 2010 ~ Campbell-Danesh was born in 1980
August 10, 2022 ~ Ronald DeVaughn, commonly known as jazz. avant-garde jazz, classical cellist Abdul Wadud, passed away ~ Father of R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn. Leader and sideman. Has worked with artists such as Black Unity Trio, Frank Lowe, George Lewis, Charles Shaw, Oliver Lake, Marty Ehrlich's Dark Woods Ensemble, Michael Franks, Muhal Richard Abrams, David Murray, James Newton, Julius Hemphill, Anthony Davis, and others ~ DeVaughn was born in 1947
August 9, 2022 ~ Jazz, R&B singer, drummer Della Griffin born in Newberry, South Carolina, USA ~ Influenced by Count Basie, Charlie Barnet, Billie Holiday. Member of two of the first all-female R&B groups of the 1950s, namely the Enchanters and the Dell-tones ~ Griffin was born in 1925
August 9, 2022 ~ Pop rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Jussi Hakulinen, full name Jussi Pekka Hakulinen, passed away in Pori, Finland ~ Original member of Yö, one of the best selling bands in Finland. Present on the band's first two albums Varietee and Nuoalia Tanssija. Departed the band in 1985 to pursue a solo career though in later years from time to time guested with the band and wrote material for them. Five albums as a solo artist, starting with Vaaleanpunaien Majatolo released in 1985 ~ Hakulinen was born in 1964
August 8, 2022 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Darryl Hunt, full name Darryl Gatwick Hunt, passed away in London, UK ~ Best known as bassist of the Pogues, joining in 1986 as replacement for Cait O'Riordan and remaining with the band through 1996. Wrote the track Love You Till The End of the 1996 Pogue Mahone album ~ Hunt was born in 1950
August 8, 2022 ~ Songwriter, producer Lamont Dozier passed away ~ One third of renowned Motown songwriting, production team Holland-Dozier-Holland, responsible for numerous hits by artists such as Martha & the Vandellas (Heat Wave), the Andantes, the Supremes (Stop In The Name Of Love), Mary Wells, the Four Tops, the Isley Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Brenda Holloway, Marvin Gaye (How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You), the Elgins, Honey Cone, and others ~ Dozier was born in 1941
August 8, 2022 ~ Singer, actress, songwriter Olivia Newton-John passed away in Santa Ynez Valley, California, USA ~ Starred in the 1978 Grease musical film alongside John Travolta, lead singer on Hopelessly Devoted To You and dueting on You're The One That I Want and Summer Nights. As a solo artist well over two dozen albums to her name, focusing on pop and country-pop, starting with If Not For You released in 1971. Well-known songs include Let Me Be There, If You Love Me Let Me Know, I Honestly Love You, Have You Never Been Mellow, A Little More Love, Magic, Physical and Xanadu, the latter a collaborative effort with the Electric Light Orchestra ~ Newton-John was born in 1948
August 7, 2022 ~ Folk, nueva cancion singer Ernesto Cavour, full name Ernesto Cavour Aramayo, passed away ~ Key member of Los Jairas, an influential Andean folk band active since the mid-1960s and influential on later acts such as Los Kjarkas, Savia Andina, Khanata, Grupo Aymara, Paja Brava, and others ~ Cavour was born in 1940
August 7, 2022 ~ Punk rock, garage rock guitarist Gord Lewis passed away ~ Co-founding member of Teenage Head. The band was named after the Flamin' Groovies 1971 album titled Teenage Head and debuted in 1979 with the eponymous Teenage Head. Best known for their 1980 Frantic City album, which spawned the hits Let's Shake and Somethin' On My Mind. Lewis was found killed in 2022, his son Jonathan Lewis would be arrested and charged with second-degree murder ~ Lewis was born ca.1957
August 6, 2022 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Daniel Lévi passed away ~ Active since the early 1980s, releasing his full-length Cocktail debut album in 1983. Duetted with Karine Costa on Ce Rêve Blue, used for the French-language version of the Disney animated feature film Aladdin. The original English-language version of the song, A Whole New World, would win an Academy Award for Best Original Song. As a solo artist Lévi is best known for his 2000 L'Envie D'Aimer hit single ~ Lévi was born in 1961
August 6, 2022 ~ Jazz, pop, rock, country rock flutist, saxophonist, keyboardist David Muse passed away ~ Best known as member of Firefall, joining the band just prior to recording their eponymous Firefall debut album. The band would score hits such as You Are The Woman, Just Remember I Love You and Strange Way. Subsequently recorded as a solo artist, worked with the Marshall Tucker Band, replacing original member Jerry Eubanks in 1996, and founded the Boulder County Conspiracy in 2012 ~ Muse was born in 1949
August 6, 2022 ~ Dansband, pop, schlager songwriter Torgny Söderberg, full name Sten Torgny Söderberg, passed away ~ Best known as co-writer of 1984 Eurovision Songfestival winner Diggi-loo Diggi-ley by Herrey's, lyrics written by Britt Lindeborg ~ Söderberg was born in 1944
August 5, 2022 ~ Diego Felipe Bertie Brignardello, commonly known as actor, singer Diego Bertie, passed away ~ Best known as an actor with numerous telenovelas and theatre roles and well over a dozen film roles to his name. Lead singer of Imágenes during the 1980s, known best for their 1987 Los Buenos Tiempos hit single ~ Bertie was born in 1967
August 5, 2022 ~ Judith Mavis Cock, commonly known as pop, folk pop singer, pianist Judith Durham passed away in Melbourne, Australia ~ Lead singer of the Seekers from 1962 through 1968, scoring folk-pop hits such as I'll Never Find Another You, A World Of Our Own, The Carnival Is Over and Georgy Girl. Following her departure from the band would record about a dozen albums as a solo artist and sporadically join the Seekers from the mid-1990s forward ~ Cock was born in 1943
August 4, 2022 ~ Schlager, pop singer Margot Eskens passed away ~ Popular during the 1950s and 1960s. Sold over 40 million records. Known for songs such as Moulin Rouge, Ich Mochte Heut Ausgehn, Tiritomba and perhaps her biggest hit Cindy Oh Cindy. Represented Germany in the 1966 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 10th place with Die Zeiger Der Uhr written by Walter Dobschinski and Hans Bradtke ~ Eskens was born in 1939
August 4, 2022 ~ R&B singer Sam Gooden passed away in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA ~ Original and longtime member of the Impressions. Sang notable lead on a number of classics including Aware Of Love and I Want To Be Around ~ Gooden was born in 1934
August 3, 2022 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist Nicky Moore, full name Nicholas Charles Moore, passed away ~ Best known as a member of Samson, joining the band in 1982 replacing Bruce Dickinson and first appearing on the Before The Storm album. Member of Mammoth. Has also worked with Hackensack, Tiger, Mister Big Stuff, From Behind, and others. Would gravitate towards a more bluesy sound with his own bands the Nicky Moore Band and especially Nicky Moore's Blues Corporation ~ Moore was born in 1947
July 31, 2022 ~ Morris Meyer Ostrofsky, commonly known as producer, label executive Mo Ostin, passed away ~ Got his start in the music business in the 1950s at Verve. Hired by Frank Sinatra in 1960 to run Sinatra's Reprise Records. Best known for his longtime association with Warner Bros, and considered one of a select few who helped shape modern pop and rock music. Inducted in the the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2003. Signed and worked with acts such as the Kinks, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, REM, Randy Newman, Prince, and others ~ Ostrofsky was born in 1927
July 30, 2022 ~ Alternative rock, world music, roots singer, guitarist, songwriter Archie Roach, full name Archibald William Roach, passed away in Warrnabool, Australia ~ Avid campaigner for the rights of indigenous Australians. Husband and musical partner of singer Ruby Hunter. Released his debut album, Charcoal Lane, in 1990 and has recorded steadily since to a devoted fanbase and admiration from peers. Has opened for international stars such as Joan Armatrading, Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, Suzanne Vega, and others ~ Roach was born in 1956
July 30, 2022 ~ Freak folk, psychedelic folk singer, songwriter Raymond Raposa passed away ~ Sole constant member and thriving force of the Castanets, with whom he recorded seven country, folk, rock influenced albums starting with Cathedral released in 2004. Raposa has also been involved in several other projects, notably scoring the soundtrack to the documentary Beyond This Place in 2011 with regular collaborator Sufjan Stevens. Also noted for Little Death Shaker, released in 2012 under the moniker Raymond Byron & the White Freighter ~ Raposa was born ca.1981
July 29, 2022 ~ Blues rock, garage rock singer Jimmy Sohn passed away ~ Lead singer of 1960s outfit the Shadows Of Knight, known best for their 1966 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 single Gloria previously a hit for Them featuring Van Morrison. The band recorded three albums through the end of the decade and would continue to perform in various incarnations, Sohn being a constant member, into the 2000s ~ Sohn was born ca.1947
July 27, 2022 ~ Javorius Tykies Scott, commonly known as hip-hop, gangsta rap, mumble rap, trap rapper, singer, songwriter JayDaYoungan, passed away in Bogalusa, Louisiana, USA ~ Known for songs such as 23 Island, Elimination and Opps, all hugely popular on online streaming platforms. Has been releasing mixtapes since the mid-2010s. Issued his sole official full-length studio album, Baby23, in 2020. Shot and killed at age 24 ~ Scott was born in 1998
July 27, 2022 ~ John Denver Hore, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter John Grenell, passed away in Christchurch, New Zealand ~ Arguably New Zealand's best-known country singer, graced with a voice often described as velvet, with well over a dozen albums to his name starting in the mid-1960s. First gained serious attention with his 1965 sophomore album Encore John Hore. Recorded actively through the mid-1970s, resurging in the late 1980s. Internationally best known for his acclaimed 1995 release Windstar Aotearoa ~ Hore was born in 1944
July 27, 2022 ~ Folk, traditional Irish singer, banjoist, mandolinist, guitarist, songwriter Mick Moloney passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Best known as co-founder, leader of the Green Fields Of America, an ensemble of American musicians promoting and performing Irish music. The band is especially acclaimed for their 1989 Live In Concert album. Moloney is also known as author of Far From The Shamrock Shore (The Story Of Irish-American History Through Song), published in 2002 ~ Moloney was born in 1944
July 27, 2022 ~ Alexander William Roberton, commonly known as label executive, music publisher, producer Sandy Roberton passed away ~ Member of several pop, beat groups before venturing into music production and publishing. As a producer first gained attention working with UK pop band the Chocolate Watch Band featuring Gary Osborne. Ran several of Chess Records' UK subsidiaries including Arc Music, Regent Music and Jewel Music before forming his own company September Productions. Noted for producing the first three Steeleye Span albums, Hark (The Village Wait), Please To See The King and Ten Man Mop (Or Mr Reservoir Butler Rides Again). Also worked with acts such as the Liverpool Scene, Iain Matthews, Decameron, Shirley Collins, Plainsong, John Martyn, and others. Roberton also formed Rockburgh Records and Worlds End Producer Management Company ~ Roberton was born ca.1942
July 26, 2022 ~ Author, music journalist, blues scholar Paul Garon, full name Paul Arthur Garon, passed away ~ Noted for his writings on surrealist works. To blues audiences best known as founding editor of the Living Blues magazine in 1970, which in time would become to be considered an authority on blues music. Authored several books on blues and blues musicians, including A Woman With Guitar (Memphis Minnie's Blues) on Memphis Minnie and The Devil's Son In-Law (The Story Of Peetie Wheatstraw And His Songs) on Peetie Wheatstraw ~ Garon was born in 1942
July 24, 2022 ~ Rock bassist Bob Heathcote passed away ~ Briefly a member of crossover thrash outfit Suicidal Tendencies during the late 1980s, present on the 1988 How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today album and some tracks of the 1989 Controlled By Hatred (Feel Like Shit/Deja Vu) follow-up album. Previously Heathcote has worked with Los Cycos ~ Heathcote was born ca.1964
July 24, 2022 ~ Progressive rock, hard rock, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Vittorio de Scalzi passed away ~ Key figure in Italian progressive rock. Member of the Trolls and co-founder of its successor the New Trolls. The latter would breakthrough after opening for the Rolling Stones on the Italian leg of their 1967 tour. They would release their debut single Sensazione later the same year, a full-length debut album Senza Orario Senza Bandiera issued the next year. Acclaimed for their 1971 Concerto Grosso Per I New Trolls album, merging early symphonic rock with classical arrangements, and considered a landmark in Italian progressive rock. The band would continue to record and release records into the 2000s ~ De Scalzi was born in 1949
July 22, 2022 ~ Alice Hoffeiner, commonly known as classical violinist Alice Harnoncourt, passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Married to Nikolaus Harnoncourt with whom she co-founded the Concentus Musicus Wien, pioneering the period-instrument performance movement. The couple would have four children, including mezzo-soprano singer Elisabeth von Magnus ~ Hoffeiner was born in 1930
July 19, 2022 ~ Henk Leeuwis, commonly known as singer Henkie, passed away ~ Known for the novelty, surprise hits Lief Klein Konijntje and Mijn Goudvis, the former reaching top of the charts in Belgium in 2006 ~ Leeuwis was born in 1945
July 19, 2022 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, R&B, funk, soul, pop singer, bassist, saxophonist, producer Michael Henderson passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Influenced by Motown house bass guitarist James Jamerson. First gained attention backing Stevie Wonder on tours. Made his name playing on a number of pivotal 1970s Miles Davis jazz fusion albums, notably Live/Evil and Agharta. Would go on to work with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, the Dramatics, Dr John, and others. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing over half a dozen albums starting with Solid in 1976 ~ Henderson was born in 1951
July 19, 2022 ~ Diane Luckey, commonly known as singer Q Lazzarus, passed away ~ Lazzarus had been repeatedly turned down by record companies, unable to categorize and market her. A chance encounter with director Jonathan Demme led to him using her songs in several of her films, starting with Candle Goes Away in the 1986 Something Wild action comedy. Most noted for her 1988 recording of Goodbye Horses, first used in the Demme film Married To The Mob and again in Silence Of The Lambs. The song would become a cult hit after inclusion in the latter film ~ Luckey was born ca.1963
July 18, 2022 ~ Hornist Vincent DeRosa, full name Vincent Ned DeRosa, passed away ~ Reportedly the all-time most recorded brass player. Especially acclaimed for his work in Hollywood, serving as first horn for film composers such as Henry Mancini, Lalo Schifrin and John Williams, the latter describing DeRosa as one of the greatest instrumentalists of his generation. Notable soundtracks include My Fair Lady, The Sound Of Music, Close Encounters Of The Third Kind and Rocky. In-demand studio, session musician for artists such as Frank Sinatra (In The Wee Small Hours), June Christy, Ella Fitzgerald, the Monkees, Frank Zappa (Lumpy Gravy), Harry Nilsson (Son Of Schmilsson), Rita Coolidge, John Denver, Sonny Criss, Minnie Riperton, Earth Wind & Fire (Faces), Glen Campbell, Miles Davis, and others ~ DeRosa was born in 1920
July 15, 2022 ~ Bassist Paul Ryder, full name Paul Anthony Ryder, passed away ~ Founding member of pivotal Manchester band the Happy Mondays remaining with the band through 1993 and rejoining in later years. Present on the band's best-known including Step On, Kinky Afro and Loose Fit. Ryder has also ventured into acting, appearing in the films The Ghosts Of Oxford Street, Losing It and perhaps most notably 24 Hour Party People ~ Ryder was born in 1964
July 14, 2022 ~ R&B singer William Poogie Hart passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Lead singer of the Delfonics, a key band in late 1960s, early 1970s soul, Philly soul. Most of the band's material was written by Hart and producer Thom Bell. Well-known songs include Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time, La La Means I Love You, I'm Sorry and Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love). The latter, a 1968 Billboard R&B top 20 hit in its original form, would be used as the basis for the chorus of Ready Or Not, a mid-1990s hit for the Fugees. Others who have covered or sampled their songs include Booker T & the MG's, the Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, and Notorious BIG ~ Hart was born in 1945
July 9, 2022 ~ Jazz, jazz-rock, classical saxophonist, composer Barbara Thompson, full name Barbara Gracey Thompson, passed away ~ Studied saxophone and classical composition yet her love of Duke Ellington and John Coltrane shifted her towards jazz. Best known for her association with Neil Ardley as a member of Ardley's the New Jazz Orchestra. Married to Colosseum-drummer Jon Hiseman from 1967 until his death in 2018, with whom she has two children. Founded and fronted Paraphernalia and a key member of the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble, both of which also included Hiseman. Worked closely with Andrew Lloyd Webber on several projects including the musical Cats and the 1978 classical-fusion Variations album. Has also collaborated with the She Trinity, Keef Hartley, Manfred Mann, Marti Webb, and others ~ Thompson passed away in 1944
July 8, 2022 ~ Patrick Henry Wade, commonly known as singer, TV host, actor Adam Wade, passed away in Montclair, New Jersey, USA ~ Perhaps best known for his stint as host of the CBS game show Musical Chairs, making him the first African-American to host a game show. As a singer known for early 1960s recordings such as Take Good Care Of Her, As If I Didn't Know and The Writing On The Wall, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Wade passed away in 1937
July 5, 2022 ~ Manuel Charlton, commonly known as guitarist, singer, producer Manny Charlton, passed away ~ Founding member, lead guitarist of Nazareth remaining with the band through 1990. Initially hired by Guns 'n Roses to produce what would become their Appetite For Destruction debut album, yet after commitments called Charlton back to the UK the band would hire Mike Clink to produce the final cut. Has released over a dozen solo albums, starting with 2004's Say The Word, and collaborated with Neil Miller, From Behind, Tim Bogert, Walfredo Reyes Jr, Steven Adler, Vivian Campbell, and with Robyn Delarenzo ~ Charlton was born in 1941
July 4, 2022 ~ Songwriter Alan Blaikley, full name Alan Tudor Blaikley, passed away ~ Known for a number of 1960s, 1970s UK hits, often written in partnership with Ken Howard. Notable hits include Have I The Right for the Honeycombs and The Legend Of Xanadu for Dave Dee Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich. Others who have recorded songs written or co-written by Blaikley include Petula Clark, Phil Collins, Sacha Distel, Engelbert Humperdinck, Eartha Kitt, Lulu, and Matthews Southern Comfort. Blaikley and Howard have also written the West End musicals Mardi Grass and The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole and composed for TV series ~ Blaikley was born in 1940
July 3, 2022 ~ Singer, keyboardist Antonio Cripezzi passed away ~ Member of I Camaleonti, known for hits such as Sha-la-la-la-lee, Applausi, Lo Per Lei, and Lora Deli' Amore ~ Cripezzi was born in 1946
July 3, 2022 ~ Pianist, author Joseph Banowetz, full name Joseph Murray Banowetz, passed away ~ Concert pianist. As an author best known for The Pianist's Guide To Pedaling. As a recitalist and concert pianist has worked with renowned orchestras such as the St Petersburg Symphony, the Moscow State Symphony, the New Zealand Symphony, and the Beijing Central Philharmonic. Some two dozen albums to his name, perhaps most noted for his recordings of orchestra and piano series composed by Anton Rubinstein ~ Banowetz was orn in 1934
July 2, 2022 ~ Blues, roots rock guitarist, banjoist Tristan Goodall passed away ~ Co-founding and constant member of roots rock outfit the Audreys, especially acclaimed for their 2005 You And Steve McQueen debut EP and their full-length Between Last Night And Us debut album released the following year. Several of the band's songs have been used in TV shows including Neighbours, One Tree Hill and the ABC series Rain Shadow ~ Goodall was born ca.1974
July 1, 2022 ~ Flavia Pozzaglio, commonly known as singer, actress, TV personality Irene Fargo, passed away in Brescia, Italy ~ Best known for her early 1990s singles La Donna Di Ibsen and Come Una Turandot, the latter inspired by Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot. Both singles would reach top 20 in her native Italy ~ Pozzaglio was born in 1962
June 29, 2022 ~ Folklorist, ethnomusicologist, producer Peter B Lowry passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Founded the Trix Records label, active during the 1970s and specializing in Piedmont blues with a roster including Eddie Kirkland, Willie Trice, Guitar Shorty. Robert Lockwood Junior, David Honeyboy Edwards, Baby Tate, and Boogie Woogie Red. Authored or co-authored over a dozen publications, and wrote extensively for magazines such as Blues Unlimited, The Jazz Times, Penguin Eggs, and Rolling Stone ~ Lowry was born in 1941
June 23, 2022 ~ New jack swing, R&B, gospel bassist, pianist, songwriter, producer Bernard Belle passed away ~ Considered a pioneer of new jack swing. Regular collaborator of Teddy Riley. Best known for his work as a songwriter for the likes of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. Well-known songs written or co-written by Belle include Guy's Let's Chill Long Gone, Hi-Five's I Like The Way (The Kissing Game), Jackson's Remember The Time, and Bobby Brown's Two Can Play That Game. Starting in the mid-1990s Belle would dedicate his life to Christ and become one of the most sought after producers, collaborators in the Gospel genre, working with acts such as Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin and the Winans ~ Belle was born in 1964
June 23, 2022 ~ Progressive rock guitarist Massimo Morante passed away ~ Member of Italian progressive rock outfit Goblin from 1972 through 1979, perhaps best known for providing soundtracks to several horror films including Deep Red, Suspiria and Dawn Of The Dead ~ Morante was born in 1952
June 22, 2022 ~ Producer, arranger, songwriter Patrick Adams passed away ~ First gained attention in the 1970s working as producer with Salsoul Records. Would go on to work with several labels, including major ones, and with acts such as Black Ivory, Inner Life, Loleatta Holloway, R Kelly, the Universal Robot Band, Coolio, Keith Sweat, Eric B & Rakim, Musique, Soul Severes, and others ~ Adams was born in 1950
June 20, 2022 ~ Guitarist Dennis Cahill passed away ~ Formed Midnight Court with fiddler Martin Hayes, merging traditional Irish music with rock & roll. After the band folded in the early 1990s the duo would continue to work together, drawing critical acclaim. Both would also be involved with the Celtic supergroup the Gloaming, best known for their eponymous The Gloaming released in 2014 ~ Cahill was born in 1954
June 19, 2022 ~ Rock, hard rock, glam metal keyboardist Brett Tuggle passed away ~ Best known for his association with David Lee Roth, backing Roth on tour and record including on the 1988 Skyscraper album. The album would feature several songs co-written by Tuggle, perhaps most notably the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Just Like Paradise. Tuggle has also worked with Steppenwolf, Rick Springfield, Fleetwood Mac, Steve Lukather, Chris Isaak, Whitesnake, and others ~ Tuggle was born ca.1952
June 19, 2022 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist Jim Schwall passed away in Tucson, Arizona, USA ~ Best known as co-leader of the Siegel-Schwall Band, co-founded with Corky Siegel. Though not as popular as contemporaries the Paul Butterfield Blues Band or John Mayall the band would still be able to fill the larger venues. They are noted for becoming the first blues band to collaborate with a classical orchestra, recording the William Russo-penned Three Pieces For Blues Band And Symphony Orchestra in 1972 with the San Francisco Symphony conducted by Seiji Ozawa ~ Schwall was born in 1942
June 18, 2022 ~ Producer, songwriter Gian Pietro Felisatti passed away ~ Best known for his 1980s run, working with artists such as Manuel Mijares, Rocio Banquelis, Paloma San Basilio, Lucero, Mina (Ancora Ancora Ancora), Patricia Manterola, Lucía Méndez, and others ~ Felisatti was born ca.1950
June 16, 2022 ~ Andrew Jacob Hiebert, commonly known as neo-swing singer, bandleader, songwriter Big Rude Jake, passed away ~ Toronto scene cult hero. Primarily categorized as a neo-swing irony-laden troubadour, drawing from blues, rock, rockabilly, jazz, and other idioms. Some 10 albums to his name, starting with Butane Fumes & Bad Cologne released in 1993. Noteworthy is also 2002's Live Faust Die Jung which was never officially released. Semi-retired from music for a while in the 2000s. Has briefly used the moniker Chet Valiant aiming to keep a low profile ~ Hiebert was born in 1963
June 14, 2022 ~ Music author, historian Joel Whitburn, full name Joel Carver Whitburn, passed away ~ Obsessed with music since his teens. As an author and researcher has worked on an estimated 200 reference books, 50 of which through the Records Research company founded by him cataloguing data from popular music charts. His books, in particular the flagship series Top Pop Singles, are in-demand especially with radio DJ's and music fans. Whitburn is also known for building one of the world's largest record collections, which includes nearly every 78rpm, 45rpm single, album and CD ever to reach the Billboard charts ~ Whitburn was born in 1939
June 12, 2022 ~ Gabriel Ruiz Hiroshi Baltazar Jr, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Gabe Baltazar, passed away ~ Influenced by Benny Carter, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Claude Thornhill. Worked with the Lighthouse All-Stars, Stan Kenton, Nat King Cole, Jean Turner, Ann Richards, Marvin Stamm, Sam Donahue, Dee Barton, Carl Saunders, Don Menza, Terry Gibbs, Gil Fuller, Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody, Onzy Matthews, Oliver Nelson, and others ~ Baltazar was born in 1929
June 9, 2022 ~ Pop, dream pop singer, songwriter, actress Julee Cruise passed away ~ Known for Falling and Rockin' Back Inside My Heart, the former the theme song of the Twin Peaks TV series. Guested on Hybrid's 1989 Wide Angle debut album, including on the acclaimed track If I Survive. Touring member of the B52's for most of the 1990s, at times filling in for Cindy Wilson. Has released four full-length solo albums, starting with Floating Into The Night released in 1989 ~ Cruise was born in 1956
June 8, 2022 ~ Conductor David Lloyd-Jones, full name David Matthias Lloyd-Jones, passed away ~ Specialized in British and Russian music, including translating Russian operas. Best known as co-founder of the Opera North, serving as its director and conductor from 1978 through 1990. Has also worked with the Royal Opera House, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Opera Company, the Welsh National Opera, the Scottish Opera, and others ~ Lloyd-Jones was born in 1934
June 6, 2022 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Jim Seals, full name James Eugene Seals, passed away ~ Member of the Champs. Wrote It's Never Too Late, recorded by Brenda Lee as the B-side of her 1961 You Can Depend On Me single. Best known as half of the duo Seals & Crofts, the other being Dash Crofts, scoring 1970s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits with Summer Breeze, Diamond Girl and Get Closer ~ Seals was born in 1942
June 5, 2022 ~ Bassist Alec John Such passed away ~ Member of Bon Jovi from its inception in 1983 through 1994. Present on the band's best-known including the 1987 Slippery When Wet album which would go on to sell over 20 million copies and spawn the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits You Give Love A Bad Name, Livin' On A Prayer and Wanted Dead Or Alive ~ Such was born in 1951
June 5, 2022 ~ Mariel Semonte Orr, commonly known as rapper Trouble, passed away ~ Has been releasing mixtapes since the early 2010s. Released his first full-length, the Mike Will Made It collaborative album Edgewood, in 2018. The acclaimed album would also feature appearances from Drake and the Weeknd. Guested on Lupe Fiasco's 2015 album Tetsuo & Youth. Guested on YFN Lucci's Key To The Streets single. Has also worked with Yo Gotti, Waka Flocka Flame, Trae the Truth, and others ~ Orr was born in 1987
June 3, 2022 ~ Jazz trombonist Grachan Moncur III passed away in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Son of jazz bassist Grachan Moncur II. Nephew of saxophonist Al Cooper. Toured with Ray Charles from the lae 1950s through the early 1960s. Noteworthy recordings as a leader include the acclaimed 1963 Evolution debut album featuring Jackie McLean and Lee Morgan and Some Other Stuff released the following year featuring Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. Has also worked with Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Sonny Rollins, Archie Shepp, Marion Brown, Beaver Harris, Roswell Rudd, 360 Degree Music Experience, and with Cassandra Wilson ~ Moncur was born in 1937
June 2, 2022 ~ Country singer, songwriter Hal Bynum, full name Harold L Bynum, passed away ~ Revered singer, songwriter, admired by peers. Over an estimated 200 songs to his name, including his best-known Lucille, co-written with Roger Bowling. The song would become an international hit for Kenny Rogers in 1977 topping the Billboard Country charts and reaching top 10 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. It would also become Rogers' first UK charttopper and over time be covered by over 80 artists. Other songs written or co-written by Bynum would be recorded by George Jones (The Old Old House), Ray Price (You Can't Take It With You), Jim Reeves (Nobody's Fool), Johnny Cash (Papa Was A Good Man), Jeanne Pruett (I've Been So Wrong For So Long), Diahann Carroll (Easy To Love), and Patty Loveless (Chains), to name just a few ~ Bynum was born in 1934
June 2, 2022 ~ Conductor Kai Bumann passed away ~ Became chief conductor of the Opera Krakowska in 1997. Guest conductor with the Deutsche Oper Berlin the following year. Perhaps best known as musical director of the Warsaw Chamber Opera from 2003 through 2013 and chief conductor of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic from 2008 through 2012. Has also worked with the Lodz Philharmonic and served as professor of conducting at the Musikakademie Danzig ~ Bumann was born ca.1961
June 1, 2022 ~ Gospel singer Deborah McCrary passed away ~ Member of traditional black gospel, contemporary urban gospel outfit the McCrary Sisters alongside siblings Ann McCrary, Regina McCrary and Alfreda McCrary. The group has recorded a number of albums, starting with Our Journey released in 2010, as well as provided backing vocals for artists such as Carrie Underwood (Choctaw County Affair), Margo Price (Do Right By Me), and Allison Russell (All Of The Women) ~ McCrary was born in 1954
May 31, 2022 ~ Post-minimalist composer Ingram Marshall, full name Ingram Douglass Marshall, passed away ~ Though Marshall himself described his music as expressivist counted among post-minimalist composers. Influenced by 1960s minimalist composers such as Steve Reich, Terry Riley and John Adams, as well as world music, portraying a fondness for the gamelan. Composed chamber music, orchestral and choral works. Well-known compositions include Fragility Cycles and Voce Resonae, the latter written for the Kronos Quartet ~ Marshall was born in 1942
May 31, 2022 ~ Blues, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Kelly Joe Phelps passed away in Iowa, USA ~ Draws from Delta blues, jazz, folk, gospel, Americana. Influenced by Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Mississippi Fred McDowell. Acclaimed for his slide guitar technique. Debuted with the critically acclaimed Lead Me On album in 1995. Has collaborated with Paul Curreri, Jay Farrar (Sebastopol), Rory Block, Linda Tillery, Tim O'Brien, Greg Brown, Tony Furtado, Louise Taylor, Townes Van Zandt (The Highway Kind), and others ~ Phelps was born in 1959
May 30, 2022 ~ Sound engineer Dave Smith passed away ~ Dubbed “the father of MIDI” for his pivotal role in the development of MIDI, a standard interface protocol for electronic instruments and pro audio equipment. Graduated from UC Berkeley with degrees in Computer Science and Electronic Engineering. Founded the Sequential Circuits company in the mid-1970s, the company quickly becoming one of the most successful synthesizer manufacturers. Best remembered for designing the Prophet 5, the first commercial polyphonic and microprocessor-controlled synthesizer ~ Smith was born ca.1950
May 30, 2022 ~ Joseph Paul Florio, commonly known as songwriter, producer Paul Vance, passed away ~ Prolific songwriter with over an estimated 300 songs to his credit, often teaming up with Lee Pockriss. Among their best-known are Perry Como's 1957 hit Catch A Falling Star and Brian Hyland's Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Polka Dot Bikini, the latter a 1960 Billboard Hot 100 charttopper. The duo would be sued by songwriters Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and George Shadow Morton for their spoof song and Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit The Leader Of The Laundromat recorded under the moniker the Detergents, which parodied the Shangri-la's' The Leader Of The Pack. The case would be settled out of court ~ Florio was born in 1929
May 29, 2022 ~ Rockabilly, R&B, country singer, songwriter Ronnie Hawkins passed away in Ontario, Canada ~ Cousin of rockabilly singer Dale Hawkins. Found succes in Canada, considered pivotal to the development of Canadian rock, rock & roll. Over 20 albums since the late 1950s. Early hits included Forty Days, Mary Lou, Bo Diddley and Bluebirds Over The Mountain, all of which reached the Canadian top 10. Hawkins' backing unit the Hawks included all of the future members of the Band, acclaimed for their 1968 Music From The Big Pink and subsequent albums. Other one-time members would go on to found acts such as Crowbar, Bearfoot, Skylark and the Full Tilt Boogie Band, the latter known for their association with Janis Joplin. Both singer Pat Travers and guitarist Roy Buchanan have also served in Hawkins' backing band ~ Hawkins was born in 1935
May 29, 2022 ~ Rock, acid rock, psychedelic rock drummer Steve Broughton passed away ~ Best known as drummer in the Edgar Broughton Band, fronted by his brother singer, guitarist, bassist Edgar Broughton. The band has been active on-and-off from the late 1960s through the 2000s, releasing their Wasa Wasa debut album in 1969. The band's next two albums, 1970's Sing Brother Sing and 1971's eponymous Edgar Broughton Band, would both reach top 30 in their native UK. Edgar Broughton has also drummed on Mike Oldfield's quintessential Tubular Bells album and performed as a solo artist since 2010 ~ Broughton was born ca.1950
May 27, 2022 ~ Bandoneon player, composer Juan José Mosalini passed away ~ Tango nuevo. Influenced avant-garde tango. Largely self-taught. Playing professionaly since his teens. Formed Tiempo Argentino. Formed Canyengues. Has also collaborated with José Basso, Leopoldo Federico, Osvaldo Pugliese, Susana Rinaldi, Edmundo Rivero, Horacio Salgán, Daniel Binelli, and others. In 1999 founded the first bandoneon course in France, his adopted homeland since the mid-1970s, at the Gennevilliers Conservatory of Music ~ Mosalini was born in 1943
May 26, 2022 ~ Pop rock, progressive rock drummer Alan White passed away in Newcastle, Washington, USA ~ Member of the Plastic Ono Band, backing John Lennon on songs such as Imagine and Instant Karma. Best known as long-time member of progressive rock outfit Yes, joining the band in 1972 as replacement for Bill Bruford. Has also worked with the likes of Balls, Circa, George Harrison, Terry Reid, Joe Cocker, Doris Troy, Donovan, and others ~ White was born in 1949
May 26, 2022 ~ Keyboardist, bassist Andy Fletcher, full name Andrew John Leonard Fletcher, passed away in UK ~ Co-founded Composition Of Sound with Martin Gore and Vince Clarke. After the addition of David Gahan the band would be renamed to Depeche Mode, releasing their Speak & Spell debut album in 1981. The band would go on to become one of the leading and most certainly longest-running acts in synthpop, new wave, dance-rock, and score hits such as Just Can't Get Enough, Everything Counts, People Are People, Personal Jesus, Enjoy The Silence and Condemnation ~ Fletcher was born in 1961
May 26, 2022 ~ Conductor, music director, producer Bill Walker, full name William Alfred Walker, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ After working with Jim Reeves relocated to America, only to find Reeves had died in a plane crash. Music director for The Johnny Cash Show during the late 1960s, working on some 60 episodes until the show was canceled. Led the orchestra on TNN's The Statler Brother Show for it's entire seven-year existence. Served as orchestrator, producer for the likes of Eddy Arnold (Make The World Go Away), Roy Clark, Marty Robbins, Sammi Smith (Help Me Make It Through The Night), Bobby Vinton, Bob Dylan (Copper Kettle), Donna Fargo (The Happiest Girl In The Whole USA), and others ~ Walker was born in 1927
May 25, 2022 ~ Jazz saxophonist Jean-Louis Chautemps passed away ~ Initially studied medicine and law, yet chose a career in music. Got his first break working with pianist, bandleader Jef Gilson in 1950. Would go on to back stalwarts of French jazz such as Henri Renaud and Albert Nicholas. Has also worked with Claude Bolling, Sidney Bechet, Django Reinhardt, Chet Baker, Zoot Sims, Lester Young, Albert Ayler, Roy Eldridge, Philly Joe Jones, Lester Bowie, Martial Solal, and others. To pop audiences perhaps best known for appearing on Elton John's Honky Cat of the 1972 Honky Château album ~ Chautemps was born in 1931
May 23, 2022 ~ Bluegrass fiddler James Price passed away ~ Closely associated with Ralph Stanley, playing with Stanley's backing unit the Clinch Mountain Boys from 1995 through 2003. Rooted in old-time mountain style, known for his clarity and precision on the fiddle. Member of the Blues Busters. Member of the Goin Brothers. Toured with Jim Lauderdale and Johnny Paycheck. Has also recorded as a solo artist, most notably the album Fiddlin' The Old Time Way released in 2003 ~ Price was born ca.1965
May 23, 2022 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Thom Bresh, full name Thomas Charles Bresh, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Son of country singer Merle Travis. Member of rock & roll outfit the Crescents, known for their instrumental song Pink Dominos released in 1963. As a solo artist best known for his 1976 single Homemade Love, a Billboard Country top 10 hit of his full-length debut album of the same name. The follow-up, Sad Country Love Song, would reach the top 20. Bresh recorded two more albums over the next few years, generating a number of modest hits ~ Bresh was born in 1948
May 21, 2022 ~ Actress, opera singer Yam Bing-yee passed away ~ First performed as a singer in her early teens. Would go on to star in over an estimated 150 films, often playing co-lead roles in Cantonese opera films. Has also starred in stage productions, including notably the Hong Kong premiere of The Flower Princess with the Sin Fung Ming Opera Company in 1957 ~ Bing-yee was born in 1931
May 19, 2022 ~ Soul, R&B, funk, jazz, gospel keyboardist, singer Bernard Wright passed away ~ Worked with Tom Browne at age 16. Sessioned with Doug E Fresh, Cameo, Bobby Brown, Pieces Of A Dream, Charles Earland, Marcus Miller, Miles Davis, and others. As a solo artist recorded half a dozen albums, starting with 'Nard released in 1981. Often sampled by the likes of Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Skee Lo, LL Cool J, and others. Known for songs such as Just Chillin' Out, Haboglabotribin', Funky Beat and Who Do You Love, the latter reaching top 10 on the Billboard R&B charts. Starting in the 1990s Wright would focus mostly on gospel ~ Wright was born in 1963
May 18, 2022 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Bob Neuwirth passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Underground cult hero. Influential on close friend and associate of Bob Dylan, with whom he also played including in the 1967 tour documentary Don't Look Back. Assembled Dylan's backing band for the 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue tour. Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Mercedes Benz with Michael McClure and Janis Joplin, the latter first recording the song as the B-side to Cry Baby released in 1971. Recorded five albums through the late 1990s, starting with his eponymous Bob Neuwirth debut in 1974. Collaborated with John Cale on the 1994 collaborative Last Day On Earth album. Songs written or co-written by Neuwirth have been recorded by Kristofferson, Peter Case, T-Bone Burnett, Robert Earl Keen, Todd Snider, and others ~ Neuwirth was born in 1939
May 18, 2022 ~ Free jazz pianist, vibraphonist Paul Plimley, full name Paul Horace Plimley, passed away in Vancouver, Canada ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with bassist Lisle Ellis. Considered one of the finest interpreters of Ornette Coleman on the piano, an instrument usually seen as antithetical to Coleman's music. Has collaborated with Joe McPhee, Barry Guy, Trichy Sankaran, Henry Kaiser, Mei Han, and others ~ Plimley was born in 1953
May 18, 2022 ~ Actor, TV personality, singer, songwriter Wim Rijken passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as an actor for TV, film, theater. As a singer debuted in 1988 with the single Wie Weet Wat Liefde Is duetting with Conny Vandenbos and later rerecorded as a duet with Marga Bult. As a solo artist known for songs such as Voor Mij Is Er Maar Eén, Jij Bent Mijn Zomer and Zo Zijn We Samen ~ Rijken was born in 1958
May 17, 2022 ~ Bassist Rick Price, full name Richard Gordon Price, passed away ~ Member of a number of Birmingham-based bands starting with Sight & Sound, and subsequently with the Move from 1969 through 1971 and perhaps most notably Wizzard from 1972 through 1975 scoring the UK No.1 hits See My Baby Jive and Angel Fingers. Briefly played with the Electric Light Orchestra, though his bass parts would not make it to the band's 1971 eponymous Electric Light Orchestra debut album. Married to singer Dianne Lee of the 1970s duo Peters & Lee ~ Price was born in 1944
May 17, 2022 ~ Evángelos Odysseás Papathanassiou, commonly known as pianist, keyboardist, composer Vangelis, passed away in France ~ Member of Aphrodite's Child, acclaimed for their 1972 666 album which is considered a landmark album in progressive, psychedelic rock. Formed the duo Jon & Vangelis with Yes lead singer Jon Anderson. Acclaimed film composer, noted for the soundtracks to Blade Runner, 1492 (Conquest Of Paradise) and Chariots Of Fire. The latter, released in 1981, would earn Papathanassiou an Academy Award for Best Original Score ~ Papathanassiou was born in 1943
May 15, 2022 ~ Gospel, R&B singer, songwriter, actress Deborah Fraser passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Backing singer for the likes of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lucky Dube, Brenda Fassie, Rebecca Malope, Hugh Masekela, and Jonas Gwangwa. Released her Abanye Bayombona solo debut album in 2000, which would go on to sell over 1 million copies. Well-known for her 2016 hit Ngeke Ngiyeke Ukuthandaza ~ Fraser was born in 1965
May 15, 2022 ~ Punk rock, rock guitarist Ricky Gardiner passed away ~ Active since the early 1960s. Formed Beggar's Opera. Best known for his work with Iggy Pop on the 1977 Lust For Life album, notably credited for coming up with the characteristic guitar riff on The Passenger, and with David Bowie on the Low album issued the same year ~ Gardiner was born in 1948
May 15, 2022 ~ Mirko Kogoj, commonly known as pop, chanson singer Robert Cogoi, passed away ~ Best known for representing his native Belgium at the 1964 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching joint 10th place with his self-penned Près De Ma Rivière ~ Kogoj was born in 1939
May 13, 2022 ~ Raqhid Jevon Render, commonly known as hip-hop, trap rapper, songwriter Lil' Keed, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Best known for his 2018 single Nameless. Has collaborated with Lil' Uzi Vert, Zaytoven, OT Genasis, Young Thug, Lil' Yachty, Lil Gotit, Nasty C, and others ~ Render was born in 1998
May 13, 2022 ~ Mezzo-soprano Teresa Berganza, full name Teresa Berganza Vargas, passed away in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain ~ Admired for her technical virtuosity and beguiling stage presence. Key singer in Gioachino Rossini renaissance, noted for roles in Cinderella, The Italian Girl In Algiers, and notably as Rosina in The Barber Of Seville, the latter a signature role for Berganza. Has worked with renowned companies such as La Scala, the Royal Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera, the Paris Opera, the Opera Bastille, and others ~ Berganza was born in 1933
May 12, 2022 ~ R&B singer Ben Moore, full name Benjamin Moore Jr, passed away ~ Sang with Otis Redding and James Brown. Member of Jimmy Tig & the Rounders. Teamed up with James Purify in the mid-1970s adopting the moniker Bobby Purify previously held by Robert Lee Dickey. The reformed James & Bobby Purify would re-record I'm Your Puppet reaching top 20 in the UK in 1976. Subsequently Moore would also record as a solo artist, keeping the Purify moniker, retiring from music by the 1990s. By the end of the decade returned to music, encouraged by Ray Charles, and later joined gospel outfit the Blind Boys Of Alabama ~ Moore was born in 1941
May 11, 2022 ~ Classical concert pianist Alexander Toradze, full name Alexander Davidovich Toradze, passed away in South Bend, Indiana, USA ~ Best known for his classical Russian repertoire. Has worked with renowned orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, the Marlinsky Theatre Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Toradze was born in 1952
May 11, 2022 ~ Singer Patricia Cahill passed away in Marbella, Spain ~ Active since her mid-teens. Known for songs such as Back To The Hills, Canavaun and I Stand Still. Best known for her regular appearances on Songs Of Praise, a show containing religious songs aired by the BBC ~ Cahill was born in 1945
May 11, 2022 ~ Classical, contemporary classical, baroque flutist William Bennett, full name Wiliam Ingham Brooker Bennett, passed away in London, UK ~ Worked with George Malcolm, Osian Ellis, Yehudi Menuhin, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the Sadler's Wells Opera, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Melos Ensemble, George Malcolm, Clifford Benson, Osian Ellis, the English Chamber Orchestra, Jimi Hendrix, Wynton Marsalis, and others ~ Bennett was born in 1936
May 10, 2022 ~ Jazz pianist, arranger, composer Doug Caldwell, full name Douglas George Caldwell, passed away in Christchurch, New Zealand ~ Known as “the Maestro” and a mainstay on the Christchurch music scene. Regularly performed at the Winter Garden during the 1940s. Co-founded jazz club the Jazz Inn in the 1950s ~ Caldwell was born in 1928
May 9, 2022 ~ Classical pianist Minoru Nojima passed away in Tokyo, Japan ~ Child prodigy. Runner up in the 1969 Van Cliburn piano competition. Regarded a “pianist's pianist” highly regarded by peers yet not well known to the public as he did not like to make recordings and only made very few ~ Nojima was born in 1945
May 7, 2022 ~ Country, countrypolitan, pop singer, pianist Mickey Gilley, full name Mickey Leroy Gilley, passed away in Branson, Missouri, USA ~ Known for songs such as A Room Full Of Roses, Don't The Girls Get Prettier At Closing Time and a countryfied cover of the Ben E King-classic Stand By Me used in the 1980 Urban Cowboy soundtrack ~ Gilley was born in 1936
May 6, 2022 ~ Jewell Caples, mononymously known as R&B singer Jewell, passed away ~ In-demand 1990's session singer referrering to herself as “the First Lady of Death Row Records” appearing on several pivotal golden age records, perhaps most notably Dr Dre's The Chronic and Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle album. Has also worked with Marky Mark, Bone Thugs 'n Harmony, Kool G Rap, Tupac Shakur, and others. As a solo artist best known for her Shirley Brown-cover Woman To Woman for the 1994 Murder Was The Case soundtrack ~ Caples was born in 1968
May 4, 2022 ~ Howard Kusten, commonly known as punk rock, heavy metal bassist Howie Pyro, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Founding member of the Blessed, D-Generation, and PCP Highway. Member of Danzig from 2000 through 2003, first appearing on the 2002 I Luciferi album ~ Kusten was born in 1960
May 3, 2022 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Valeri Kocharov passed away ~ Father of rock singer Nika Kocharov. Active since the early 1970s. Member of Quadrat, Cold Flame, and the Blitz ~ Kocharov was born ca.1948
May 2, 2022 ~ Folk, folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter María José Cantilo passed away in El Bolsón, Argentina ~ Emerged in the mid-1980s, releasing her eponymous María José Cantilo debut album in 1984, to become one of the defining voices in Argentine rock of the 1980s. Has collaborated with the likes of David Lebón, Leon Gieco, Osvaldo Fattorusso, Daniel Colombres, Oscar Moro, and with her older brother Miguel Cantilo. In 1990 Cantilo would become a Playboy model gracing the cover of the May issue of the magazine's Argentina edition ~ Cantilo was born in 1953
May 1, 2022 ~ Rachelle Zylberberg, commonly known as singer, nightclub manager Régine, passed away in Paris, France ~ Dubbed “the Queen of the Night” Zylberberg is best known as nightclub manager and owner, notably Chez Régine in 1950s Paris. Darling of the international jet set. Credited for inventing the modern day discotheque, growing weary of people always requesting the same songs and the silence between records, she replaced the jukebox by a disc jockey using two turntables. Has also recorded a number of albums as a torch singer and occasionally ventured into acting ~ Zylberberg was born in 1929
May 1, 2022 ~ Rock, progressive rock, metal drummer Ric Parnell, full name Richard J Parnell, passed away ~ Perhaps best known for portraying the role of drummer Mick Shrimpton in the rock parody This Is Spinal Tap. Son of jazz drummer Jack Parnell. Has worked with acts such as Horse, Atomic Rooster, the Tritons, Nova, Toni Basil, Jon Anderson, the Deviants, Zoo Drive, and others ~ Parnell was born in 1951
April 30, 2022 ~ Gabriel Serbian, commonly known as hardcore punk drummer, guitarist, singer Gabe Serbian, passed away ~ Best known for his associations with the Locust, Cattle Decapitation, Holy Molar, and Zu. Serbian was also a member of hardcore supergroup Head Wound City ~ Serbian was born in 1977
April 30, 2022 ~ Diana Ellen Judd, commonly known as country singer Naomi Judd, passed away near Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Mother of Wynonna Judd, with whom she formed the successful country duo the Judds. The duo scored numerous No.1 hits on the Billboard Country charts throughout the early 1990s, including Mama He's Crazy, Why Not Me, Have Mercy, Grandpa Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days, I Know Where I'm Going and Let Me Tell You About Love ~ Judd was born in 1946
April 30, 2022 ~ Rock guitarist Ray Fenwick, full name Raymond John Fenwick, passed away ~ Member of the Syndicats, joining the band in 1964 replacing future Yes-guitarist Steve Howe. Member of Dutch outfit the Tee Set. Member of the Spencer Davis Group from 1967 through 1969. Member of Fancy, known for the surprise hits Wild Thing and Touch Me. Also notably worked with Ian Gillan, Jon Lord, and with Bo Diddley on the latter's The London Bo Diddley Sessions album ~ Fenwick was born in 1946
April 29, 2022 ~ Jazz drummer Allen Blairman passed away ~ To rock audiences perhaps best known as a member of 1970s jazz-rock group Embryo. Has also worked with Charles Mingus, Chet Baker, Archie Shepp, Mal Waldron, Albert Ayler, Karl Berger, and others ~ Blairman was born in 1940
April 27, 2022 ~ Singer Judy Henske, full name Judith Anne Henske, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Dubbed “the Queen of the Beatniks” by producer Jack Nitzsche. Joined the Whiskeyhill Singers in 1961, noted for their 1962 Dave Guard & The Whiskeyhill Singers album. Member of Rosebud. As a solo artist best known for her 1969 Farewell Aldebaran album drawing from folk, psychedelia and arty pop, with her then-husband Jerry Yester ~ Henske was born in 1936
April 26, 2022 ~ Country singer, songwriter Julie Daraîche passed away ~ Considered Quebec's “Queen of Country Music,” actively performing and recording since the mid-1960s. Known for songs such as Noël Dans Mon Village, Un Verre Sur La Table, and Mon Hommage. Has worked with Paul Brunelle, Marcel Martel, Willie Lamothe, and others ~ Daraîche was born in 1938
April 26, 2022 ~ Modern electronica pioneer Klaus Schulze passed away ~ Briefly a member of Krautrock bands Tangerine Dream, Ash Ra Tempel and the Cosmic Jokers before venturing out on his own, releasing over 60 albums during a five-decade career ~ Schulze was born in 1947
April 25, 2022 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Andrew Woolfolk, full name Andrew Paul Woolfolk II, passed away ~ Best known as longtime member of Earth Wind & Fire. Also guested on albums by Deniece Williams (Song Bird), Stanley Turrentine (Tender Togetherness), Phil Collins (Dance Into The Light), Twennynine (Best Of Friends), Philip Bailey (The Wonders Of Love), Level 42 (Standing In The Light), Valerie Carter (Just A Stones Throw Away), Tracie Spencer (Tracie Spencer), and others ~ Woolfolk was born in 1950
April 25, 2022 ~ Singer, bassist, songwriter, film composer Henny Vrienten passed away ~ Rose to fame as co-lead singer of Doe Maar, joining the band in 1980. The band spearheaded a resurgence of Dutch pop music and is best known for songs such as Nederwiet, 32 Jaar (Sinds 1 Dag Of 2), Is Dit Alles, De Bom, Pa and 1 Nacht Alleen. After the band folded in 1984 Vrienten has recorded as a solo artist, duetted with Herman Brood (Als Je Wint), and composed for dozens of films (Left Luggage, Abeltje), as well as for TV (het Klokhuis, Sesamstraat) ~ Vrienten was born in 1948
April 23, 2022 ~ Arnold Charles Ernest Hintjens, commonly known as singer, songwriter Arno, passed away ~ Known for his raspy voice. Rose to fame in the 1980s as frontman of TC Matic, one of the most important Belgian rock bands known for songs such as Oh La La La, Qua Pasa and Putain Putain. Debuted as a solo artist with the eponymous Arno album in 1986. Especially acclaimed for his Idiots Savant album, released in 1993. Sang the Dutch version of Randy Newman's You've Got A Friend In Me, retitled Je Bent Een Vriend Van Mij, for a Dutch-language version of Pixar's 1995 Toy Story animated film ~ Hintjens was born in 1949
April 22, 2022 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Jan Rot passed away in Rotterdam, the Netherlands ~ Member of Streetbeats. Member of Ratata. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Single released in 1982. To pop audiences perhaps best known for the singles Counting Sheep, Op Een Mooie Pinksterdag with Rick de Leeuw, and Naast Jou with Boudewijn de Groot. Earned critical acclaim and peer admiration from the 2000s onwards for Dutch translations of pop, rock songs originally by the Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Simon & Garfunkel and Bob Dylan, as well as translations of musicals and classical works, notably Johann Sebastian Bach's Matteus Passion ~ Rot was born in 1957
April 20, 2022 ~ David William Kearney, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Guitar Shorty, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Formative influence on a young Jimi Hendrix as well as Buddy Guy. As a solo artist debuted in 1957 with the single Irma Lee b/w You Don't Treat Me Right produced by Willie Dixon and featuring Otis Rush on second guitar. Over the course of his six-decade career Kearney has worked with Ray Charles, Guitar Slim, T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, and others ~ Kearney was born in 1934
April 18, 2022 ~ Film composer Andrzej Korzynski, full name Andrzej Waldemar Korzynski, passed away ~ Best known for scoring the soundtracks for The Birch Wood, The Devil, Man Of Marble and Possession ~ Korzynski was born in 1940
April 18, 2022 ~ Composer Harrison Birtwistle passed away ~ Prolific contemporary classical composer known best for The Triumph Of Time and the operas The Mask Of Orpheus, Gawain and The Minotaur. The latter would be named as one of the most important 21st-century pieces by the Guardian in 2019. Also known for co-founding the Pierrot Players ensemble with composer, conductor Peter Maxwell Davies ~ Birtwistle was born in 1934
April 18, 2022 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Jerry Doucette, full name Jerry Victor Doucette, passed away in Delta, Canada ~ Known for a number of 1970s singles, notably Mama Let Him Play and Nobody. The former, taken of his 1977 album of the same name, would reach Platinum status in Doucette's native Canada and become a minor hit in the USA. Member of the Seeds Of Time. Has also collaborated with Lindsay Mitchell and Rocket Norton, both of whom later members of Prism ~ Doucette was born ca.1952
April 18, 2022 ~ Flutist, music director, songwriter José Luis Cortés passed away ~ Birthed and named timba, the most important popular dance and music genre to come out of Cuba since the 1980s merging son with salsa, Afro-Cuban folk, as well as American funk and R&B. Best known for founding NG La Banda in the late 1980s. Has also played with jazz-fusion supergroup Irakere and with songo band Los Van Van ~ Cortés was born ca.1952
April 18, 2022 ~ Classical pianist Nicholas Angelich, full name Nicholas Michael Angelich, passed away in Paris, France ~ Started learning the piano from his mother, a piano teacher, at age 5. Gave his first public performance, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Piano Concerto No.21 K-467, two years later. Noted for his recordings of Johannes Brahms trios with violinist Renaud Capuçon and cellist Gautier Capuçon. Has also worked with conducturs such as Myung-whun Chung and David Robertson, and with renowned orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic ~ Angelich was born in 1970
April 17, 2022 ~ Actress, singer Catherine Spaak passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Actress, starring in a dozen films as lead actress before age 18. Notable film credits include Circle Of Love directed by Roger Vadim and The Man The Woman & The Money alongside Marcello Mastroianni. As a singer critically compared to French chanteuse Françoise Hardy and best known for a number of early 1960s recordings including some of Hardy's songs under the direction of Ezio Leoni ~ Spaak was born in 1945
April 17, 2022 ~ Keith Grayson, commonly known as hip-hop DJ, rapper DJ Kay Slay, passed away ~ Dubbed “Hip-hop's One-man Ministry of Insults” by New York Times. Debuted in 2003 with the album Streetsweeper Vol.1 and has recorded consistently since. Collaborated with Nas, Foxxy Brown, Fat Joe, Joe Budden, Joe, Three 6 Mafia, Papoose, Busta Rhymes, Layzie Bone, Twista, Fabolous, T-Pain, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and others ~ Grayson was born in 1966
April 17, 2022 ~ Musical actress, singer Hollis Resnik passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Appeared in productions of stage musicals such as Wings, Les Miserables, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Man Of La Mancha. Released her Make Someone Happy album in 2002, consisting of show tunes, pop, jazz and original songs ~ Resnik was born ca.1955
April 17, 2022 ~ Shirley Macleod, commonly known as pop, rock singer Re Styles, passed away ~ Member of the Tubes, notably present as co-lead singer on the band's Prime Time of their 1979 Remote Control album produced by Todd Rundgren ~ Macleod was born ca.1950
April 17, 2022 ~ Warwick Lancelot Armstrong Turner III, commonly known as luthier Rick Turner, passed away ~ As a guitarist worked with Ian & Sylvia including on the duo's 1966 Play One More album. Founded psychedelic band Autosalvage. Following the band's disbandement in 1968 turned to guitar design and building, starting with the company Alembic Inc co-founded by Turner. Has run his own guitar shops and worked for the renowned Gibson company. Designed and build guitars for players such as Lindsey Buckingham, Ry Cooder, David Lindley, and others ~ Turner was born in 1943
April 17, 2022 ~ R&B singer Roderick Clark passed away ~ Member of Hi-Five best known for their 1990 eponymous Hi-Five debut album produced by Teddy Riley, which reached Platinum status and spawned the Billboard R&B top 10 hits I Just Can't Handle It, I Can't Wait Another Minute and I Like The Way (The Kissing Game). The latter would also top the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 ~ Clark was born ca.1973
April 16, 2022 ~ Folk, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Bill Bourne, full name William Sigurd Bourne, passed away ~ Member of the Tannahill Weavers. Member of roots trio Tri-Continental alongside Lester Quitzau and Madagascar Slim. As a solo artist perhaps best known for his 2002 Voodoo King album. Has also collaborated with Alan Macleod, Shannon Johnson, Eivør, Jasmine Ohlhauser, Tippy Agogo, and others ~ Bourne was born in 1954
April 15, 2022 ~ Arthur Goldberg, commonly known as label executive, producer Art Rupe, passed away in Santa Barbara, California, USA ~ Founded Specialty Records in the mid-1940s, a pivotal record label in the development of R&B, blues and early rock & roll. Perhaps best known for his association with Little Richard, starting with 1955's Tutti Frutti which is widely considered one of the records that defined rock & roll. Other notable artists on the label's roster include gospel acts such as the Soul Stirrers which featured Sam Cooke, the Swan Silvertones, Alex Bradford, Wynona Carr and R&B and rock & roll artists including Lloyd Price, Guitar Slim, Don & Dewey, Roy Montrell, and Roddy Jackson ~ Goldberg was born in 1917
April 14, 2022 ~ Afrobeat, afro-soul, highlife saxophonist Orlando Julius, full name Orlando Julius Aremu Olusanya Ekemode, passed away ~ First gained attention in the 1960s, notably with his 1966 Super Afro Soul album. Sessioned for much of the 1970s, often teaming up with Hugh Masekela. Would gain international attention after a number of rereleases in the 2000s and 2010s, leading to collaborations with the Heliocentrics ~ Ekemode was born in 1943
April 14, 2022 ~ Rock, pop guitarist, singer Trygve Thue passed away ~ Brother of folk singer Ove Thue. Co-founding member of Saft. Has served as producer for the likes of Bjørn Eidsvåg, Hole In The Wall, Ivar Medaas, Sissel Kyrkjebø, Gustav Lorentzen, Ole Paus, the Bergen Blues Band, Rolv Wesenlund, Ole Amund Gjersvik, Mads Eriksen, Rune Larsen, and others ~ Thue was born in 1950
April 13, 2022 ~ Pop bassist Lennart Hegland passed away ~ Co-founding member of the Hep Stars, known for songs such as Farmer John, Cadillac and Bald Headed Woman all of which would top the charts in the band's native Sweden. The band would also be noted for including Benny Anderson of future ABBA fame. By the time the band broke up in the early 1970s Hegland was the sole remaining original member ~ Hegland was born in 1943
April 13, 2022 ~ Rock, post-hardcore bassist Tim Feerick passed away ~ Best known as member of Dance Gavin Dance, initially as a touring member starting in 2009. Feerick became an official full-time member in 2013. The band is best known as thriving force behind and regular headliner of Swanfest music festival and for their 2016 Mothership album which reached top 20 on the Billboard Hot 200 album charts ~ Feerick was born ca.1988
April 12, 2022 ~ R&B singer Charles McCormick passed away ~ Member of Bloodstone, known for songs such as Natural High, Never Let You Go, Outside Woman, My Little Lady and We Go A Long Way Back, all of which reached top 10 on the Billboard R&B charts between 1973 and 1982 ~ McCormick was born ca.1947
April 12, 2022 ~ Indie rock singer, guitarist David Freel passed away ~ Co-founded Swell with drummer Sean Kirkpatrick in 1989. Influenced by a wide array of artists and genres ranging from Pink Floyd to Ennio Morricone the band would release close to a dozen albums over the following two decades including the acclaimed Well, Too Many Days Without Thinking and For All The Beautiful People ~ Freel was born ca.1958
April 11, 2022 ~ Bassist Charnett Moffett passed away in Stanford, California, USA ~ Worked with Far East, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Art Blakey, Ornette Coleman, McCoy Tyner, Pharoah Sanders, Dizzy Gillespie, Ellis Marsalis, Sonny Sharrock, Stanley Jordan, Wallace Roney, Arturo Sandoval, Courtney Pine, David Sanborn, David Sánchez, Dianne Reeves, Frank Lowe, Harry Connick Jr, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Kenny Garrett, Kenny Kirkland, Kevin Eubanks, Lew Soloff, the Manhattan Jazz Quintet, Melody Gardot, Mulgrew Miller, Stanley Jordan, Tony Williams, Rachel Z, Cindy Blackman, Geri Allen, Cyrus Chestnut, Will Calhoun, Erin McPherson, Yungchen Lhamo, Scott Tixier, Mark Whitfield, Jana Herzen, Kenny Drew Jr, and others ~ Moffett was born in 1967
April 10, 2022 ~ Classical, jazz, avant garde composer, pianist Michael Joseph Smith passed away ~ Gave his first public performance at age 6. Would have his compositions recorded by the likes of Jonas Hellborg, Steve Lacy, Michael Shrieve, and Danny Gottlieb ~ Smith was born in 1938
April 9, 2022 ~ Punk rock singer Chris Bailey passed away ~ Co-founder, lead singer, sole constant member of pivotal Australian punk rock group the Saints, known best for their 1977 I'm Stranded hit single. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Casablanca released in 1983 ~ Bailey was born ca.1957
April 8, 2022 ~ Pop, beat singer Conleth Cluskey, commonly known as Con Cluskey, passed away ~ Founding member of the Bachelors, known for 1960s hits such as Diane, I Wouldn't Trade You For The World, Marie, and Sound Of Silence ~ Cluskey was born in 1940
April 8, 2022 ~ Gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu passed away ~ Rose to notoriety in her native Nigeria with the single Ekwueme featuring Prospa Ochimana. Nwachukwu was the victim of domestic violence, perpetruated by her husband Peter Nwachukwu, and after several days on life support succumbed to her injuries ~ Nwachukwu was born ca.1980
April 8, 2022 ~ Singer Pastelle LeBlanc passed away ~ Formed folk group Vishtèn with Emmanuelle LeBlanc and instrumentalist Pascal Miousse. The band has recorded about half a dozen albums since the mid-2000s and is best known for their acclaimed Horizons, released in 2018 ~ LeBlanc was born ca.1980
April 7, 2022 ~ Operatic soprano Birgit Nordin passed away ~ Best known for her association with the Royal Swedish Opera, singing with the company from 1958 through 1986. Married to bass-baritone Jerker Arvidson ~ Nordin was born in 1934
April 7, 2022 ~ Conductor, clarinetist, arranger, composer Christopher Ball passed away in Denville Hall, UK ~ Started his career as clarinetist for the Hallé Orchestra. As a conductor associated with the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Ballet. Founded and directed the early music ensemble the Praetorius Consort, known for Medieval Paris (Music Of The City). Founded the London Baroque Trio, which also included harpsichordist Mary Verney and bass violist Peter Vell ~ Ball was born in 1936
April 7, 2022 ~ Elias Kahn, commonly known as composer, pianist, accordionist, conspiracy theorist Elias Davidsson, passed away in Germany ~ Best known for composing several avant-garde electronic works, most notably Piano Trio and Landlög. Davidsson is also known as a publisher, 9/11 truther and conspiracy theorist ~ Davidsson was born in 1941
April 5, 2022 ~ Robert Louis Ridarelli, commonly known as pop, rock & roll singer, drummer, actor Bobby Rydell passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Early 1960s teen idol best known for songs such as Wild One, Swingin' School and Volare, all of which reached Billboard Hot 100 top 10. Appeared in the 1963 feature film Bye Bye Birdie based on the stage play of the same name ~ Ridarelli was born in 1942
April 5, 2022 ~ Conductor, violinist, composer Boris Brott passed away in Hamilton, Canada ~ One of Canada's internationally most acclaimed conductors having conducted on stages around the world including New York's Carnegie Hall and London's Covent Garden. Founder and artistic director of the National Academy Orchestra of Canada ~ Brott was born in 1944
April 5, 2022 ~ Country rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Paul Siebel passed away ~ Admired by peers. Released his full-length Woodsmoke And Oranges debut album in 1970. Had his songs covered by the likes of Willy DeVille, Linda Ronstadt, Marc Ellington (Any Day Woman), Bonnie Raitt (Louise), Kate Wolf, Jerry Jeff Walker (Then Came The Children), Mary McCaslin, Emmylou Harris (Spanish Johnny), Waylon Jennings, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Leo Kottke, and others ~ Siebel was born in 1937
April 4, 2022 ~ Journalist, author, media critic Eric Boehlert passed away in Montclair, New Jersey, USA ~ Staff writer at both Salon and Billboard. To music and media audiences perhaps best known for a series of articles investigating corporate malfeasance in the music business following Pearl Jam's 1994 official complaint with the US Justice Department again Ticketmaster in 1994. In the Trump era became well-known outside music circles as a firm and vocal critic of Donald J Trump ~ Boehlert was born in 1965
April 4, 2022 ~ Guitarist Joe Messina passed away in Northville, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Parker, Les Paul and George Barnes. While a studio musician at ABC television accompanied artists such as Sonny Stitt, Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, Jack Teagarden, Lee Konitz, Jimmy Giuffre, Pepper Adams, Donald Byrd, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Frank Rosolino, and Dizzy Gillespie. Recruited in the late 1950s by Berry Gordy Jr for Motown houseband the Funk Brothers. Appears on recordings by the Supremes (Someday We'll Be Together), the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, the Four Tops (I Can't Help Myself (Sugarpie Honey Bunch)), Stevie Wonder (For Once In My Life), the Miracles, Martha & the Vandellas (Dancing In the Street), and others ~ Messina was born in 1928
April 3, 2022 ~ Arthur Eversole, commonly known as hip-hop, crunk rapper, songwriter Archie Eversole, passed away in DeKalb County, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for his 2002 single We Ready taken of his lone solo album Ride Wit Me Dirty South Style. Though only a minor hit the single would be adopted as an anthem by the Kansas City Royals. Eversole was found suffering from gunshot wounds at a gas station, later dying from his injuries. His brother, Alexander Kraus, was arrested and charged with his murder ~ Eversole was born in 1984
April 1, 2022 ~ Fitzroy Simpson, commonly known as reggae singer Bunny Simpson, passed away ~ Formed roots reggae harmony group the Mighty Diamonds with Judge Ferguson and Tabby Shaw, best known for their 1976 Right Time debut album. Originally recorded Pass The Kouchie in 1981, notably covered by pop-reggae outfit Musical Youth as Pass The Dutchie ~ Simpson was born ca.1950
April 1, 2022 ~ William Dale Fries Jr, commonly known as singer CW McCall, passed away in Ouray, Colorado, USA ~ Best known for Convoy. Co-penned with Chip Davis for an advertising campaign for the Iowa bakery Old Home Bread company, the song would top both the Billboard Country and Billboard Hot 100 charts, and inspire the Sam Peckinpah-directed film of the same name starring Kris Kristofferson. Other well-known songs include Wolf Creek Pass, Round The World With The Rubber Duck, There Won't Be No Country Music (There Won't Be No Rock 'n Roll), Crispy Critters and Roses For Mama ~ Fries was born in 1928
April 1, 2022 ~ Bluegrass mandolinist Roland White passed away ~ Brother of Eric White and Clarence White. Worked with the Kentucky Colonels, Country Gazette, the Nashville Bluegrass Band, Lester Flatt, Alan Munde, Butch Robins, Bobby Hicks, Joe Carr, Ricky Skaggs, and others ~ White was born in 1938
March 31, 2022 ~ R&B singer Fred Johnson passed away ~ Member of the Marcels, notably present on the band's debut single Blue Moon which would sell over a million copies and chart the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Though the band would continue to record, and score an ocassional US top 10 hit such as Heartaches, they would be unable to replicate the succes of their debut single ~ Johnson was born ca.1942
March 31, 2022 ~ Classical pianist Joseph Kalichstein passed away ~ Concerto, recital, chamber music pianist. Has collaborated with conductors such as André Previn, Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulez, Zubin Mehta, Leonard Slatkin. Closely associated with violinist Jaime Laredo and Sharon Robinson, the trio having performed at the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter, having recorded works of Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms and Maurice Ravel, and having works written especially for them by the likes of Richard Danielpour, John Corigliano and Daron Hagen ~ Kalichstein was born in 1946
March 30, 2022 ~ Nathaniel Ian Wynter, commonly known as reggae keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, singer, songwriter Natty Wailer, passed away ~ At times credited as Ian Wynter and Brother Ian. Best known for his work with Aston Barrett, King Tubby and Bob Marley. First recorded with the latter on the 1976 Rastaman Vibration album. Toured with Marley throughout the USA, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. After Marley's death in 1981 semi-retired from music to reemerge by the late 1990s. Over the course of his career has also worked with Peter Tosh, Linval Thompson, Dennis Brown, and fronted his own outfit the Reggae Vibes notably known for the albums Lifted and Destiny released respectively in 2000 and 2013 ~ Wynter was born in 1954
March 30, 2022 ~ Pop, dance-pop singer Tom Parker, full name Thomas Anthony Parker, passed away ~ Member of pop, dance-pop boyband the Wanted, known for UK top 10 hits such as All Time Low, Heart Vacancy, Glad You Came, Lightning, Chasing The Sun and Show Me Love (America) ~ Parker was born in 1988
March 29, 2022 ~ Wolfrando Lavalan Jr, commonly known as rock, blues rock, alternative rock, progressive rock singer, guitarist Jun Lopito, passed away ~ Member of the Jerks alongside Pinoy rock legend Pepe Smith from the late 1970s through the early 1990s. Has also worked with Grace Nono, Tropical Depression, Sampaguita, Pinikpikan, and others. Released his Bodhisattvas solo debut album in 1995 ~ Lavalan was born ca.1958
March 29, 2022 ~ Donald Shaw, commonly known as reggea singer Tabby Shaw, passed away ~ Formed roots reggae harmony group the Mighty Diamonds with Judge Ferguson and Bunny Simpson, best known for their 1976 Right Time debut album. Originally recorded Pass The Kouchie in 1981, notably covered by pop-reggae outfit Musical Youth as Pass The Dutchie ~ Shaw was born ca.1956
March 26, 2022 ~ Jeffrey Lee Herndon, commonly known as country singer, bassist Jeff Carson, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Sessioned and worked as a demo singer until his 1995 eponymous Jeff Carson debut album, which spawned three Billboard Country top 10 hits with Not On Your Love, The Car and Holdin' Onto Somethin'. Carson would be unable to repeat the succes but continued to record, reaching the country charts with songs such as Cheatin' On Her Heart, I Never Was The Same Again and Until We Fall Back In Love Again. Retired from music in 2009 to pursue a career in law enforcement ~ Herndon was born in 1963
March 26, 2022 ~ Jazz singer Tina May passed away in London, UK ~ Worked with Clark Tracey, Tony Coe, Nikki Iles, Stan Sulzmann, Ray Bryant, Enrico Pieranunzi, Michael Hashim, Humphrey Lyttelton, and others ~ May was born in 1961
March 25, 2022 ~ Ambient, avant-garde, electronic turntablist, bassist, composer Philip Jeck passed away ~ Has been experimenting with electronics and turntablism since the 1980s, early on in his career focusing mostly on his work with dance and theatre companies including notably collaborating with Laurie Booth. As a recording artist known for a number of 1990s, 2000s albums including Surf, Stoke and especially acclaimed for his 2008 Sand album. Over the years Jeck has worked with the likes of Jah Wobble, Jaki Liebezeit, David Sylvian, Gavin Bryars, and Faith Coloccia ~ Jeck was born ca.1952
March 25, 2022 ~ Alternative rock, punk rock, post-grunge drummer Taylor Hawkins, full name Oliver Taylor Hawkins passed away in Bogota, Colombia ~ Influenced by Phil Collins, Stewart Copeland, Stephen Perkins, Jim Gordon, Neal Peart. Best known as member of the Foo Fighters. Touring drummer for Alanis Morissette. Also worked with Birds Of Satan, Coheed & Cambria, Vasco Rossi, Chevy Metal, and others ~ Hawkins was born in 1972
March 24, 2022 ~ Classical, TV, film composer John McLeod passed away in Edinburgh, UK ~ Had numerous of his works premiered by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Others who performed his compositions include the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Hallé Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Well-known works include Out Of The Silence, Percussion Concerto, Symphonies Of Stone And Water and Viola Concerto ~ McLeod was born in 1934
March 23, 2022 ~ Composer, conductor Andrzej Cwojdzinski passed away ~ Served as director for the Koszalin Philharmonic from 1964 through 1979. Taught at the Academy of Music, Gdansk from 1991 through 1999 ~ Cwojdzinski was born in 1928
March 22, 2022 ~ Pianist, songwriter Pierre Papadiamandis passed away in Paris, France ~ Best known for his association with Eddy Mitchell starting in the mid-1960s, initially as backing pianist and starting with 1966 J'Ai Oublié De L'Oublier serving as Mitchell's primary songwriter. Papadiamandis has written or co-written over 200 songs for Mitchell. Others who have recorded his songs include Ray Charles, Céline Dion, Grace Jones (I Need A Man), Michel Delpech, Johnny Hallyday, Françoise Hardy, and others ~ Papadiamandis was born in 1937
March 21, 2022 ~ Gospel singer, songwriter LaShun Pace, full name Tarrian LaShun Pace, passed away ~ On-and-off member of sibling outfit the Anointed Pace Sisters. Renowned solo artist, releasing her He Lives debut album in 1990 which reached top 10 on the Billboard Gospel album charts. Known best for songs such as Act Like You Know featuring Karen Clark Sheard, There's A Leak In This Old Building, Walk With Me and her signature song I Know I've Been Changed. Has also ventured into acting, most notably in the role of the Angel of Mercy in the 1992 film Leap Of Faith ~ Pace was born in 1961