September 24, 2023 ~ Guitarist, guitar teacher Barry Olivier passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Part of the Berkeley folk scene from the 1950s onward. Best known as founder and director of the Berkeley Folk Music Festival, an annual event that ran from 1958 through 1970. Over the years artists performing at the event would include Alan Lomax, Doc Watson, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Mance Lipscomb. Olivier has also worked as a guitar teacher and is reported to have given John Fogerty, who would later rise to fame as frontman of rock outfit Creedence Clearwater Revival, his first guitar lessons ~ Olivier was born in 1935
September 24, 2023 ~ Classical violinist Felix Ayo, full name Felix Ayo Losada, passed away in Rome, Italy ~ In-demand soloist, performer of chamber music, teacher. Best known as founder of the Italian ensemble I Musici, formed in 1951 and known for their interpretations of Baroque works, particularly compositions by Antonio Vivaldi and Tomaso Albinoni. Founding member of the Quartetto Beethoven di Roma, with whom he toured extensively. Ayo has also performed with numerous renowned orchestras, taught at the Conservatorio di Musica Santa Cecilia, Rome, and frequently served as judge on international music competitions ~ Ayo was born in 1933
September 23, 2023 ~ Folk rock, sunshine pop percussionist, singer, songwriter Terry Kirkman, full name Terry Robert Kirkman, passed away in Montclair, California, USA ~ Co-founding member, percussionist, singer of the Association, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums and performed at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. Kirkman wrote several of the band's best known including Enter The Young, Everything That Touches You, and perhaps their best known Cherish, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. The latter would be covered by over 40 artists including the Lettermen, the Four Tops, Petula Clark, Nina Simone, and Jodeci. Kirkman departed the band in late 1972, and rejoined by the late 1970s. Growing tired of touring Kirkman retired from music by the mid-1980s to work as an addictions counselor ~ Kirkman was born in 1939
September 22, 2023 ~ Country, blues, bluegrass guitarist, mandolinist, fiddler, singer Mike Henderson passed away ~ Member of early 1980s blues outfit the Bel Airs, appearing on the 1984 Need Me A Car album. Member of the Roosters and spin-off group the Kingsnakes, renamed to the Snakes prior to releasing their 1989 eponymous The Snakes album. The group is best known for the Henderson-penned Powerful Stuff, which would notably be covered by the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Henderson has also recorded nearly half a dozen albums as a solo artist and with his backing unit the Bluebloods, starting with Country Music Made Me Do It released in 1994 ~ Henderson was born ca.1953
September 20, 2023 ~ R&B singer Katherine Anderson passed away ~ Co-founding and constant member of the Marvelettes, one of the seminal 1960s girl groups known for the hits Please Mr Postman, Playboy, and Don't Mess With Bill, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Beechwood 4-5789, Someday Someway, Strange I Know, As Long As He's Mine, Too Many Fish In The Sea, The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game, When You're Young And In Love, and My Baby Must Be A Magician would all reach top 10 Billboard R&B. Following the band's disbandement in 1970 Anderson retired from music ~ Anderson was born in 1944
September 20, 2023 ~ Bennett Kent Stacks, commonly known as punk rock, hardcore punk drummer Kent Stax passed away ~ Co-founding member of pioneering Virginia band Scream. The band is considered one of the most influential hardcore punk units to thrive during the 1980s, drawing from genres as diverse as reggea and metal, with Stacks as one of the fastest and most energetic drummers of the genre. Present on the albums Still Screaming, This Side Up, and Banging The Drum. Stacks departed the band by the late 1980s and would be replaced by a then-unknown teenage Dave Grohl. Stacks rejoined in 2009 and remained with the band until his death of cancer just one day after the band shared music from their upcoming DC Special album, the band's first full-length album since 1993 ~ Stacks was born ca.1962
September 20, 2023 ~ Conductor Yaacov Bergman passed away ~ Married to pianist Joan Behrens-Bergman. Well known for his associations with the Walla Walla Symphony, and the Portland Chamber Orchestra. Has also worked with the Colorado Springs Symphony, the New York Heritage Chamber Orchestra, the Osaka Symphonica, and the Israel Chamber Orchestra ~ Bergman was born in 1945
September 19, 2023 ~ Francis Deprijck, commonly known as pop, disco, samba, ska singer, songwriter Lou Deprijck, passed away in Brussels, Belgium ~ First gained attention as member of Two Man Sound, actually a trio with Sylvain Vanholme and Yves Lacomblez, merging Latin rhythms with disco. The band is known for their 1975 million-seller Charlie Brown, written and recorded by Benito di Paula the previous year, and Disco Samba. Deprijck is also known as thriving force behind Plastic Bertrand, notably providing lead vocals, songwriting and production for the 1978 pastiche Ça Plane Pour Moi. Originally a B-side the single would be rereleased with sides flipped, reach top 10 across Europe and later be covered by dozens of artists including Sonic Youth, Leila K, and the Presidents of the United States. In the 1980s Deprijck would find chart success producing Viktor Lazlo ~ Deprijck was born in 1946
September 17, 2023 ~ Rock, garage rock bassist, rhythm guitarist Lies Adji Rachman passed away ~ Member of Indonesian all-female outfit Dara Puspita, which also included her elder sister Titiek Adji Rachman on lead guitar. The band endured pressure from the Sukarno regime, which saw rock music as an unwanted Western influence. Following the regime's collapse the band would release four albums, starting with Jang Pertama in 1965. Despite remaining popular the band would disband in 1972, in part caused by the strains of relentless touring ~ Rachman was born ca.1948
September 16, 2023 ~ R&B, hip hop, pop singer Irish Grinstead passed away ~ Member of girl trio 702, recording three albums from the late 1990s through the early 2000s. They are best known for the singles Get It Together and Where My Girls At, both of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100. The group also guested on Subway's 1995 The Lil' Game We Play Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit, and alongside Magoo on Missy Elliott's 1998 single Beep Me 911, which did not chart in the USA yet reached top 20 in both New Zealand and the UK. Grinstead's twin sister Orish Grinstead was also a member of the group, but ousted prior to recording their debut album ~ Grinstead was born in 1980
September 16, 2023 ~ Jazz, jazz-rock, rock drummer John Marshall, full name John Stanley Marshall, passed away ~ One of the UK's most renowned jazz-rock drummers. Founding member of Nucleus, noted for albums such as Elastic Rock and We'll Talk About It Later. Replaced Phil Howard when he joined Soft Machine in 1972. Has also played with the band's spin-offs Soft Works and Soft Machine Legacy. Other notable collaborations include Graham Collier, Neil Ardley, Jack Bruce (Songs For A Tailor), Centipede, Hugh Hopper, Volker Kriegel, Charlie Mariano (Helen 12 Trees), Eberhard Weber, Ian Carr, Uli Beckerhoff, and Porcupine Tree ~ Marshall was born in 1941
September 15, 2023 ~ Francesco Migliacci, commonly known as lyricist, songwriter, actor Franco Migliacci, passed away in Rome, Italy ~ As an actor has appeared in well over a dozen films from the early 1950s through the late 1960s. To music audiences probably best known for co-writing Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu, also known as Volare, with Domenico Modugno. Originally recorded by Modugno in 1958 the song would become a standard covered by over 300 artists. Other songs co-written by Migliacci have been recorded by Gianni Meccia (Patatina), Neil Sedaka, Rita Pavone, Ennio Morricone, Donatella Moretti, Patty Pravo (La Bambola), and José Feliciano (Che Sarà) ~ Migliacci was born in 1930
September 15, 2023 ~ Rock, pub rock bassist, singer, songwriter Paul Woseen passed away ~ Co-founding and alongside lead singer Dave Gleeson the only other constant member of the Screaming Jets, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums starting with 1991's All For One. The band would enjoy popularity in their native Australia especially during the 1990s and is best known for songs such as Better, Shivers, and Helping Hand. Woseen released his sole solo album, Bombido, in 2013 ~ Woseen was born ca.1967
September 15, 2023 ~ Pop, bubblegum pop singer Prudence McIntyre, full name Prudence Ann McIntyre, passed away ~ Formed the duo Patience & Prudence with her sister Patience McIntyre. Daughters of orchestra leader Mark McIntyre, they scored two hits in 1956, Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now and Tonight You Belong To Me. Both singles would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100, both would reach top 20 UK. The siblings continued to record through 1964 but were unable to repeat their earlier surprise succes. Later the duo explained their succes was “just an accident” and the siblings, both in their early teens back when they hit the charts, never intended to become performers ~ McIntyre was born in 1945
September 14, 2023 ~ R&B, funk percussionist, songwriter Fred Lewis, also known as Big Fred, passed away ~ Member of Lakeside, best known for their 1980 Billboard R&B charttopper Fantastic Voyage, considered a funk classic to this day. Other well-known songs include It's All The Way Live (Part 1), From 9:00 Until, Your Love Is On The One, the Beatles-cover I Want To Hold Your Hand, Raid, and Outrageous ~ Lewis was born ca.1951
September 13, 2023 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Roger Whittaker, full name Roger Henry Brough Whittaker, passed away in France ~ To American audiences best known for his 1975 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit The Last Farewell, which became a signature song and sold an estimated 11 million copies globally. Besides his warm baritone singing voice Whittaker is also noted for his whistling, notably on songs such as Mexican Whistler. Other well-known songs include Durham Town (The Leavin'), A New World In The Morning, and I Don't Believe In 'If' Anymore. Whittaker would enjoy popularity especially in Germany during the 1970s and 1980s, recording some two dozen albums in German though he did not speak the language ~ Whittaker was born in 1936
September 12, 2023 ~ Researcher, author Olof Björner passed away ~ Known to Bob Dylan aficionados for meticulously documenting over four decades of Dylan's history of live performances and studio recordings in thirteen volumes of Olof's Files (A Bob Dylan Performance Guide) published by Hardinge Simpole ~ Björner was born in 1942
September 10, 2023 ~ Guitarist, singer Brendan Croker passed away ~ Close to a dozen albums to his name since the mid-1980s, either fronting the 5 O'Clock Shadows or as a solo artist. Especially acclaimed for his 1991 The Great Indoors album. Member of the Notting Hillbillies, a country-rock infused band which also included the Dire Straits-guitarist Mark Knopfler and known for their sole 1990 Missing (Presumed Having A Good Time) album. In-demand session guitarist and collaborator, present on recordings by the Mekons, Tanita Tikaram (Ancient Heart), Rory Block (Ain't I A Woman), Sally Timms, Kevin Coyne, Chet Atkins, Guy Fletcher, and others ~ Croker was born in 1953
September 10, 2023 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Charlie Robison, full name Charles Fitzgerald Robinson, passed away in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Brother of singers Bruce Robison and Robyn Ludwyck. Married to Emily Erwin of the Dixie Chicks. Turned to music after a knee injury ended a potential football career. Worked with Chaparral, the Millionaire Playboys, and Two Hoots & A Holler. Recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Bandera released in 1996. Known for songs such as Barlight, I Want You Bad, Walter, My Hometown, and El Cerrito Place ~ Robison was born in 1964
September 8, 2023 ~ Christian rock, Southern gospel, rock & roll singer, guitarist, songwriter Mylon LeFevre, full name Mylon Rae LeFevre, passed away ~ Best known for writing Without Him. After Elvis Presley recorded the song for the 1967 How Great Thou Art album, it would be covered by over a hundred artists. LeFevre was a member of family outfit the LeFevres in his early teens, founded and fronted Broken Heart, and has recorded prolifically as a solo artist from the mid-1960s through the 1990s. Noted especially for the albums Mylon (We Believe) released in 1970 and Road To Freedom released in 1973, the latter a collaboration with Alvin Lee ~ LeFevre was born in 1944
September 7, 2023 ~ Free jazz saxophonist, pianist, bassist, clarinetist, percussionist Charles Gayle passed away ~ After decades of obscurity rose to prominence in the late 1980s and 1990s, starting with the albums Always Born, Homeless and Spirits Before, three albums recorded in a single week. Well over two dozen albums to his name as a leader. Sideman on recordings by Cecil Taylor (Always A Pleasure), Henry Rollins, the Blue Humans, and William Parker ~ Gayle was born in 1939
September 7, 2023 ~ Operatic lyric soprano Margherita Rinaldi passed away in Impruneta, Italy ~ Enjoyed popularity in her native Italy and abroad during the 1960s and 1970s. Perhaps most acclaimed for her role as Giulietta in Vincenzo Bellini's I Capuletti E I Montecchi at La Scala in 1966 under the direction of Claudio Abbado. Has performed with renowned companies including the Dallas Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago, alongside singers such as Alfredo Kraus, Plácido Domingo, and Grace Bumbry. Rinaldi would retire from the stage by the early 1980s yet continue to privately coach young singers ~ Rinaldi was born in 1935
September 6, 2023 ~ Larry Figueiredo, commonly known as singer Larry Chance, passed away ~ Lead singer of popular 1960s doo-wop group the Earls, known for songs such as Never, Life Is But A Dream and I Believe. and their best known Remember Then. The latter would peak at No.24 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time of its release in 1962, yet over time would become a classic as one of the best remembered and most cherished songs of the doo-wop era specifically for its “Reh-meh-meh, Reh-meh-meh-member, Reh-meh-meh, Reh-meh-meh-mem-ber then” refrain ~ Figueiredo was born in 1940
September 6, 2023 ~ Jazz, classical, pop rock bassist Richard Davis passed away ~ As a solo artist acclaimed for his 1971 The Philosophy Of The Spiritual album. Best known for his contributions to Eric Dolphy's 1964 Out To Lunch album, Andrew Hill's Point Of Departure the following year, and Van Morrison's 1968 album Astral Weeks. Other notable collaborations include touring with Sarah Vaughan during the late 1950s, classical performances with conductors such as Igor Stravinsky, Leonard Bernstein and Pierre Boulez, and guesting on pop and rock albums such as Bruce Springsteen's Greetings From Asbury Park NJ and Born To Run, Paul Simon's There Goes Rhymin' Simon, Melissa Manchester's Bright Eyes, and Bonnie Raitt's Streetlights ~ Davis was born in 1930
September 5, 2023 ~ Classical pianist, teacher Anatol Ugorski passed away in Lemgo, Germany ~ As a student gained attention through his love of avant-garde pieces, including from renowned yet in the USSR controversial Western composers, premiering pieces by Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, Olivier Messiaen, and Pierre Boulez. By the late 1960s he would be banned by the authorities and his career halted for ten years, confined to work in the provinces and in private performances only. The Ugorski family would emigrate to Germany by the 1990s, setting him of on an international career. Ugorski has performed solo and with orchestras such as the WDR Symphony Orchestra, the Czech Philharmonic, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the Orchestre De Paris, and serve as professor at the the Hochschule fur Musik Detmold, Detmold ~ Ugorski was born in 1942
September 5, 2023 ~ Folk, country, pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Bruce Guthro passed away in Halifax, Canada ~ Father of singers Dylan Guthro and Jodi Guthrie. Lead singer of celtic rock band Runrig from 1998, first appearing on the band's In Search Of Angels album, until the band's disbandement in 2018. Has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for his Of Your Son album released in 1998. Three of the album's singles, Walk This Road, Falling, and Ivey's Wall would reach top 20 on the Canadian country charts ~ Guthro was born in 1961
September 5, 2023 ~ Pop, soft rock singer, songwriter Joe Fagin passed away ~ Best known for his 1983 double A-side single Breakin' Away/That's Livin' Alright, which reached top 10 in his native UK. The songs, both produced and co-written by David Mackay, were used as the opening and closing theme to TV comedy-drama Auf Wiedersehen Pet which premiered earlier the same year. Fagin also contributed to the 1985 single You'll Never Walk Alone, recorded by the charity supergroup the Crowd formed by Gerry Marsden specifically to aid the families of the victims of the Bradford City Stadium fire in which over 50 people died ~ Fagin was born ca.1940
September 5, 2023 ~ Lemoine Gardner Ketcham, commonly known as singer, dancer, producer Lee Halliday, passed away in Marseille, France ~ Best known as agent and producer for Johnny Hallyday, producing almost all of the latter's songs from 1961 through the mid-1970s. Previously Ketcham formed an acrobatic dance trio with two of Hallyday's cousins. Ketcham has also produced for the likes of Les Lionceaux, Herbert Léonard, Nanette Workman, Lucky Blondo, and William Sheller ~ Ketcham was born in 1927
September 5, 2023 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist, percussionist, songwriter Richard Laviolette, full name Richard Andrew Laviolette, passed away ~ Fused indie rock, contemporary folk, and alt-country. Has recorded over half a dozen albums, starting with Mary Carl released in 2005. Perhaps best known for his 2017 Taking The Long Way Home album. Suffering from Huntington's disease Laviolette passed away at age 41 in an assisted suicide ~ Laviolette was born in 1982
September 5, 2023 ~ Regla Teresa Garcia Rodriguez, commonly known as singer, bandleader Teté Caturla, passed away ~ Daughter of renowned composer Alejandro García Caturla. Member of all-female orchestra the Orquesta Anacaona. Best known as member of all-female quartet the Cuarteto D'Aida, joining the group in 1963 and taking over as leader after the death of founding member Aida Diestro in 1973 ~ Garcia was born in 1937
September 5, 2023 ~ Rock, stoner rock bassist Tom Davies passed away ~ Member of Nebula from 2003 until his death in 2023, with whom he recorded four albums starting with the critically acclaimed Apollo released in 2006. Davies passed away of leukemia at age 48 ~ Davies was born ca.1975
September 4, 2023 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Gary Wright, full name Gary Malcolm Wright, passed away ~ Helped establish the synthesizer as a leading instrument in pop and rock. As a solo artist best known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles Dream Weaver and its follow-up Love Is Alive, both taken of his 1976 Dream Weaver album. On-and-off member of Spooky Tooth from its inception in 1967 through the mid-1970s, notably present on albums such as Spooky Two and You Broke My Heart So I Busted Your Jaw. Guested on George Harrison's acclaimed 1970 All Things Must Pass album, marking the beginning of a longtime friendship. Also played with Ringo Starr & his All-Starr Band ~ Wright was born in 1943
September 4, 2023 ~ Pop rock, alternative rock, ska punk singer, keyboardist, songwriter Steve Harwell, full name Steve Scott Harwell, passed away in Boise, Idaho, USA ~ Lead singer of Smash Mouth, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. The band is best known for the hit single All Star of their 1999 Astro Lounge album. Other charting songs include Then The Morning Comes and I'm A Believer. Until his retirement from music in 2021 Harwell and bassist Paul De Lisle were the only two constant members since the band's formation in 1994 ~ Harwell was born in 1967
September 4, 2023 ~ James Yancey Jones, commonly known as Chicago blues, electric blues singer Tail Dragger Jones, passed away ~ Given his nickname “tail dragger” by mentor and major influence Howlin' Wolf for regularly showing up late. Also influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson I, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon. Backup singer for artists such as Willie Kent, Hubert Sumlin, Carey Bell, Kansas City Red, Little Mack Simmons, Big Leon Brooks, Eddie Shaw, Bob Corritore, and others. Recorded a number of solo albums, starting with Crawlin' Kingsnake in 1996. Convicted of second-degree murder of another blues musician, shooting and killing Boston Blackie in 1993, claiming self-defense and serving 17 months ~ Jones was born in 1940
September 3, 2023 ~ Guitarist, percussionist, singer José Sébéloue passed away ~ Member of pop unit La Compagnie Créole, founded in 1975. The band originally sang in Creole but quickly adopted French as their main language. Known for their feel-good, happy-go-lucky vibe they have recorded about two dozen albums and would enjoy popularity in the Francophone world and beyond especially in the 1980s, reportedly selling over 60 million records over the course of their career. Well-known songs include Vive Le Douanier Rousseau, C'est Bon Pour Le Moral, Le Bal Masqué, Ça Fait Rire Les Oiseaux, and Ma Première Biguine-Partie ~ Sébéloue was born in 1948
September 2, 2023 ~ Walter Aptowitz, commonly known as composer, music critic, teacher Walter Arlen, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Prolific composer specializing in voice and piano scores, with some 65 works to his name. Best known for tracking down other artists whose works were lost or forgotten due to the Nazi regime. Aptowitzer himself fled Europe, relocating to Chicago, after his parents department store was expropriated by the Nazis in the 1938 Kristallnacht. His father would die in a concentration camp, his mother committed suicide after a breakdown. Aptowitzer would form longtime friendships with other German and Austrian emigrées, including Igor Stravinsky, Darius Milhaud, and Heitor Villa-Lobos ~ Aptowitzer was born in 1920
September 1, 2023 ~ Singer, songwriter Jimmy Buffett passed away ~ Active since the early 1970s, recording to a devoted fanbase dubbed “parrotheads”. Known for his laidback island escapism lifestyle and witty lyrics as evidenced in songs such as Margaritaville, Changes In Latitudes Changes In Attitudes, Come Monday, Pencil Thin Mustache, A Pirate Looks At Forty and Cheeseburger In Paradise, often recorded with his backing unit the Coral Reefer Band ~ Buffett was born in 1946
September 1, 2023 ~ Operatic soprano Milka Stojanović passed away in Belgrade, Serbia ~ Debuted at the the Belgrade Opera at age 22 portraying the role of Amelia in Giuseppe Verdi's Un Ballo In Maschera. Would go on to become an in-demand international guest singer with appearances with the Graz Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Bavarian State Opera, the Cologne Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, the Bolshoi Theatre, and the Hamburg State Opera, amongst others ~ Stojanovic was born in 1937
September 1, 2023 ~ Hardcore punk guitarist Robert Becerra passed away ~ Member of the Stains, one of the earliest Los Angeles punk groups, founded in 1976. The band is considered influential on peers, merging elements from heavy metal into punk, and noted especially for their 1983 eponymous The Stains album. Becerra's guitar playing would serve as an inspiration for more well-known artists, perhaps most notably Black Flag's Greg Ginn ~ Becerra was born ca.1959
August 30, 2023 ~ Rock guitarist Jack Sonni passed away ~ Fronted the Leisure Class, a Monday night fixture at Kenny's Castaways, New York. Best known as guitarist for the Dire Straits during the mid-1980s. Present on the Brothers In Arms album, noted especially for his guitar synthesizer play on The Man's Too Strong. Sonni also played with the band at the 1985 Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium, London. Following the birth of his twin daughters in 1988 Sonni retired from music to pursue a career in marketing ~ Sonni was born in 1954
August 28, 2023 ~ Ray Jacobs, commonly known as R&B, electronic singer, songwriter August 08, passed away ~ Co-wrote I'm The One, a Billboard R&B and Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit in 2017 for DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil' Wayne. As a recording artist Jacobs has released three albums, starting with Father in 2018, and is perhaps best known for his Bruises single released in 2023 ~ Jacobs was born ca.1992
August 28, 2023 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Len Chandler, full name Len Hunt Chandler Jr, passed away in San Pedro, California, USA ~ Part of the 1960s protest movement. As a recording artist known for the albums To Be A Man and The Lovin' People, both released in 1967. Best known for penning Beans In My Ears, later covered by both the Serendipity Singers and Pete Seeger ~ Chandler was born in 1935
August 27, 2023 ~ Calypso, gospel, pop singer Denyse Plummer, full name Denyse Burnadette Kirline Plummer, passed away ~ Has recorded half a dozen albums, starting with Natural in 1978. Quit her day job in 1977 to pursue a career in music, singing pop songs through the early 1980s. An invite by Phase II Pan Groove's Lennox Sharpe to sing two songs would set her on a career in calypso music, eventually being recognised as one of the leading calypso performers of her day. Well-known for songs such as Heroes and Nah Leaving ~ Plummer was born in 1953
August 26, 2023 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer Bosse Broberg passed away ~ Mainstay on the Swedish jazz scene. Over half a dozen albums as a leader, especially noted for 1995's Regni and 2002's Conspiracy In Flat Five. As a sideman present on albums by Jan Johansson, Monica Zetterlund, Red Mitchell, Bengt Hallberg, Bob Brookmeyer, Rebecka Törnqvist, Knud Jorgensen, Gugge Hudrenius, Swedish Jazz, Lennart Åberg, Arne Domnerus, and Ake Johansson ~ Broberg was born in 1937
August 26, 2023 ~ Punk singer John Kezdy passed away ~ Brother of Naked Raygun bassist Pierre Kezdy. Frontman and sole constant member of the Effigies, active from 1980 until its disbandement a decade later. Though not as well known as contemporaries the band is considered influential in Chicago's post-hardcore punk scene, laying the groundwork for later indie bands, and critically acclaimed for the albums For Ever Grounded, Fly On A Wire, and Ink ~ Kezdy was born ca.1959
August 26, 2023 ~ Márcio André Nepomuceno Garcia, commonly known as singer, songwriter MC Marinho, passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Dubbed “the Prince of Funk” Garcia enjoyed popularity during the 1990s and early 2000s. Has released about half a dozen albums, his Because I Love You debut album with his then-girlfriend MC Cacau. Well-known songs include Rap Do Solitário, Escrito Pras Princesas, Garota Nota 100, and Glamurosa ~ Garcia was born in 1977
August 25, 2023 ~ José Gonzaga Ferreira, commonly known as pop singer Carlos Gonzaga, passed away ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name since the late 1950s, enjoying popularity in his native Brazil. Best known for his 1958 rendition of Diana, a translation of Paul Anka's Diana released a year earlier. Other well-known songs include Oh Carol, Juramente De Playboy, Bat Masterson, Sereno, and Cavaleiros Do Céu ~ Gonzaga was born in 1924
August 24, 2023 ~ Rock, blues rock, hard rock guitarist, singer Bernie Marsden, full name Bernard John Marsden, passed away ~ Member of Whitesnake from 1978 through 1982, for whom he co-wrote several of the band's best known including Fool For Your Loving, Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues, She's A Woman, Lovehunter, Trouble, Child Of Babylon, Rough And Ready, and Here I Go Again. Marsden has also worked with UFO, Cozy Powell, Babe Ruth, Paice Ashton Lord, Alaska, and the Company Of Snakes, and recorded over a dozen solo albums ~ Marsden was born in 1951
August 23, 2023 ~ Songwriter, producer Bob Feldman, full name Robert C Feldman, passed away in Florida, USA ~ Formed a songwriter, producer team with Jerry Goldstein and Richard Gottehrer. The trio were responsible for 1960s hits such as Let's Stomp for Bobby Comstock, Betty Jean for Freddy Cannon, and My Boyfriend's Back for the Angels. The trio's Sorrow would be used as a B-side for the McCoys in 1965, but is better known as recorded by David Bowie who released it as the sole single of his 1973 Pin Ups album. Goldstein, Gottehrer and Feldman would also record several of their songs themselves under the moniker the Strangeloves, most notably I Want Candy, later covered by Brian Poole, the Surfaris, and Bow Wow Wow ~ Feldman was born in 1940
August 22, 2023 ~ Salvatore Cutugno, commonly known as singer, pianist, guitarist, saxophonist, drummer, songwriter Toto Cutugno passed away in Milan, Italy ~ One of the most popular Italian singers and one of the most successful Italian songwriters of all time with sales reportedly exceeding 100 million globally. As a performer internationally best known for the 1983 worldwide hit L'Italiano, initially intended for Adriano Celentano who turned it down, and for the 1990 Eurovision Songfestival-winner Insieme 1992. Songs written or co-written by Cutugno have been recorded by Joe Dassin, Claude François, Michel Sardou, Domenico Modugno, Miguel Bosé, and Dalida ~ Cutugno was born in 1943
August 22, 2023 ~ Christine Clements, commonly known as dubstep, ambient, IDM singer, keyboardist, programmer, producer Vaccine, passed away ~ One of the first women to be signed to a dubstep related label, Hotflush Recordings, a genre dominated by males. Influenced by Nine Inch Nails, Akira Yamaoke, Portishead, Massive Attack, and Tricky. Has been releasing 12" recordings since the mid-2000s, starting with Wishful Thinking b/w Signal To Noise, leading up to her Decryption EP in 2014 ~ Clements was born in 1979
August 21, 2023 ~ Disco, post-disco, Hi-NRG, dance-pop singer, producer, songwriter Denis LePage passed away ~ Scored a late 1970s disco hit with the instrumental The Break under the moniker Kat Mandu, considered a classic to this day. Formed the disco duo Lime with his wife Denyse LePage, known for the 1980s dance hits Your Love, Babe We're Gonna Love Tonight, and Unexpected Lovers ~ LePage was born ca.1949
August 20, 2023 ~ Pop, pop rock, disco singer, conductor, arranger, songwriter, composer Luc Smets, full name Luc Jan Frans Smets, passed away in Bornem, Belgium ~ Member of 1960s pop group Pebbles, for whom he co-wrote their biggest hit Seven Horses In The Sky. Co-founded Shampoo. Member of disco unit the Dream Express, with whom he reached 7th place at the 1977 Eurovision Songfestival representing Belgium with the song A Million In 1 2 3. Smets has also composed for film and TV ~ Smets was born in 1947
August 19, 2023 ~ Rock, pop singer, keyboardist, film composer Václav Patejdl, also known as Vaso Patejdl, passed away ~ Co-founding member of Elán, one of the most popular Czech acts of the 1980s, with whom he recorded four albums before departing on amicable terms in 1984 to focus on solo projects. Rejoined the band in 1996, to remain a member until his death. Over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Chlapcensky Usmev released in 1986. Has also written songs for other artists including Beáta Dubasová, Marika Gombitová, and Banket. The latter's Po Schodoch would later become a hit when rerecorded as a solo single by its lead singer Richard Müller. Patejdl also composed several soundtracks, notably for the 1985 movie Fontana Pre Zuzanu and the award-winning 2015 fairy tale film The Seven Ravens ~ Patejdl was born in 1954
August 18, 2023 ~ Pop singer Ray Hildebrand passed away ~ Formed the duo Paul & Paula with Jill Jackson, best known for their 1963 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Hey Paula. The pair were given their stagename by label executive Shelby Singleton, arguing that it wouldn't make much sense for Jill & Ray, their original stage name, to sing “Hey hey Paul, hey hey Paula.” The duo's follow-up single Young Lovers would also reach top 10. After parting ways in 1965 Hildebrand would find modest success as a Christian singer, notably with his Anybody Here Wanna Live Forever single, and duetting with Paul Land throughout the 1980s under the monniker Land & Hildebrand ~ Hildebrand was born in 1940
August 17, 2023 ~ Eli Tatarsky, commonly known as R&B guitarist, songwriter, arranger, producer Bobby Eli, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Lead guitarist, co-founding member of seminal Philadelphia studio band MFSB. In-demand songwriter, producer, wrote or co-wrote hits such as Main Ingredient's Just Don't Want To Be Lonely, Major Harris' Love Won't Let Me Wait, and Fat Larry's Band's Zoom. Others who have recorded his songs include Wilson Pickett, Blue Magic, Engelbert Humperdinck, Atlantic Starr, and the Dells. As a studio guitarist Tatarsky has appeared on recordings by Billy Paul, the O'Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Marlena Shaw, the Stylistics, the Delfonics, Barbara Mason, the People's Choice, the Salsoul Orchestra, the Trammps, the Whispers, Ronnie Dyson, First Choice, Grace Jones, Gloria Gaynor, and McFadden & Whitehead ~ Tatarsky was born in 1946
August 17, 2023 ~ Indie rock, punk rock drummer, keyboardist, singer Gary Young passed away in Stockton, California, USA ~ Original drummer of Pavement, present on the band's 1992's Slanted And Enchanted debut album and its follow-up Watery Domestic EP later the same year before being fired from the band in 1993. Young subsequently released a number of solo albums, starting with 1994's Hospital under the group moniker Gary Young's Hospital ~ Young was born in 1953
August 17, 2023 ~ Singer Walter Aipolani, also known as Bruddah Waltah, passed away ~ Dubbed “the Father of Hawaiian Reggae” credited with popularizing Hawaiian-style reggae in the 1980s and 1990s. Influenced by Bob Marley, Elton John, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the Beatles. Well-known songs include Sweet Lady Of Waiahole, and Keep Hawaiian Lands, the latter inspired by Marley's Waiting In Vain and becoming somewhat of a patriotic anthem. Perhaps best known for his 1991 Hawaiian Reggae album considered a landmark album in the Hawaiian reggae craze, a style sometimes referred to as Jawaiian ~ Aipolani was born ca.1955
August 16, 2023 ~ Label executive Jerry Moss, full name Jerome S Moss, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founded A&M Records in 1962 with trumpeter, bandleader Herb Alpert. The label's stable of artists included acts such as Sérgio Mendes, the Carpenters, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Captain & Tennille, Rita Coolidge, Wes Montgomery, Toni Basil, Joan Baez, Phil Ochs, Billy Preston, Cat Stevens, Joe Cocker, Procol Harum, Carole King, Styx, Supertramp, Joan Armatrading, Squeeze, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Janet Jackson, the Police, Sting, Atlantic Starr, Human League, and Joe Jackson. Moss and Alpert sold the label to Polygram Records in 1989 and continued to manage the company until 1993 ~ Moss was born in 1935
August 16, 2023 ~ Operatic soprano, director, voice teacher Renata Scotto passed away in Savona, Italy ~ Regarded as one of the premier opera singers of her generation. During the 1960s became one of the leading singers of the belcanto revival, a movement ushered in by Maria Callas in the 1950s. Known for roles in Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata at La Scala, and Giacomo Puccini's Madame Butterfly at the Metropolitan Opera. As a voice teacher coached singers such as Renée Fleming, Anna Netrebko, and Deborah Voigt. Married to violinist Lorenzo Anselmi, who would become her manager, from 1960 until his death in 2021. The couple would raise a son and a daughter ~ Scotto was born in 1934
August 14, 2023 ~ Operatic soprano Jessica Cash passed away ~ Has performed with the Kent Opera, the Welsh National Opera, and the Glyndebourne Festival, particularly noted for her 1968 performance in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Die Zauberflöte ~ Cash was born ca.1939
August 13, 2023 ~ Music manager, label executive Clarence Avant, full name Clarence Alexander Avant, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Dubbed “the Black Godfather” for his influence on music. Served as manager for artists such as Little Willie John, Sarah Vaughan, Luiz Bonfá, Freddie Hubbard, Jimmy Smith, and film composer Lalo Schifrin. Founded Sussex Records, for whom he signed artists such as Bill Withers, Dennis Coffey, and Gallery. Founded Avant Garde Broadcasting, known for operating the first African-American owned FM radio station KAGB-FM airing from Inglewood, California ~ Avant was born in 1931
August 13, 2023 ~ Melvin Barcliff, commonly known as rapper Magoo, passed away ~ Best known for his association with Timbaland, scoring late 1990s, early 2000s hits under the moniker Timbaland & Magoo such as Up Jumps Da Boogie featuring Missy Elliott & Aaliyah, Clock Strikes featuring Skillz, and All Y'All featuring Tweet. Has also worked with Swing Mob, Jodeci, DeVante Swing, Playa, and others ~ Barcliff was born in 1973
August 12, 2023 ~ Berit Maria Jonsson, commonly known as operatic dramatic soprano Berit Lindholm, passed away ~ Closely associated with the Royal Opera House, the Bayreuth Festival, and the Vienna State Opera. Known best for portraying heroines such as Brunnhilde in Richard Wagner's Der Ring Des Nibelungen and Chrysothemis in Richard Strauss's Elektra ~ Jonsson was born in 1934
August 11, 2023 ~ Violinist, conductor Florence Malgoire passed away ~ Considered a specialist of the ancient violin. In-demand solo violinist, known for her associations with baroque ensembles such as La Chapelle Royale, Les Talens Lyriques, and Les Arts Florissants. Founded Les Dominos, an ensemble specializing in 17th and 18th century music. Co-founded chamber music ensemble Les Nièces De Rameau. Has conducted works by Jean-Philippe Rameau, Jean-Féry Rebel, George Frideric Handel, Marc-Antoine Charpentier, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ~ Malgoire was born in 1960
August 11, 2023 ~ Punk, rock, alternative rock singer, songwriter Ron Peno, full name Ronald Stephen Valentino Peno, passed away in South Yarra, Australia ~ Member of a number of short-lived punk groups through the early 1980s including the Hellcats, the 31st, and the Screaming Tribesmen. Best known as lead singer, constant member of Died Pretty, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums starting with Free Dirt released in 1986. The band is perhaps best known for the single Harness Up which reached top 40 in their native Australia in 1993 ~ Peno was born in 1955
August 9, 2023 ~ Singer Peppino Gagliardi passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Enjoyed popularity in his native Italy especially during the 1970s. Well-known songs include T'Amo Et T'Amerò, Settembre, Come Le Viole, and Come Un Ragazzino. His Che Vuole Questa Musica Stasera would become one of his internationally best known, frequently used in soundtracks including the 1974 original film Scent Of A Woman ~ Gagliardi was born in 1940
August 9, 2023 ~ Jaime Royal Robertson, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Robbie Robertson, passed away ~ Best known as lead guitarist of the Band. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as The Weight, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, and Up On Cripple Creek. As a solo artist best known for Broken Arrow and Somewhere Down The Crazy River, both taken of his eponymous 1987 Robbie Robertson solo debut album. The album would feature appearances by his former bandmates as well as Peter Gabriel, and U2's Bono and the Edge ~ Robertson was born in 1943
August 8, 2023 ~ Folk, folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Sixto Rodriguez, full name Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, passed away ~ Enjoyed popularity in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Best known for Sugar Man of his 1970 Cold Fact debut album ~ Rodriguez was born in 1942
August 7, 2023 ~ Violinist, singer David LaFlamme passed away ~ Worked with the Orkustra and Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks. Best known for founding and fronting It's A Beautiful Day, which also included his wife Linda LaFlamme. The band is best known for White Bird of their eponymous 1969 It's A Beautiful Day debut album. After the group disbanded in 1972 LaFlamme has recorded as a solo artist ~ LaFlamme was born in 1941
August 7, 2023 ~ Willie Perry Jr, commonly known as DJ, hype man, songwriter DJ Casper, also referred to as Mr C The Slide Man, passed away ~ Earned the moniker “Casper” for regularly appearing on stage in all-white attire. Best known for his 2004 single Cha Cha Slide, which became a hit in Chicago. The song would gain wider attention after Perry appeared as a DJ in an episode of Orange Is The New Black, with prisoners and guards line dancing to the song ~ Perry was born in 1965
August 7, 2023 ~ R&B singer, organist Toussaint McCall passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Known for the mid-1960s singles I'll Do It For You and its follow-up Nothing Takes The Place Of You. The latter would reach top 10 Billboard R&B and later be covered by Asleep At The Wheel, Shovels & Rope, and by Prince Buster. McCall released several more singles and a full-length album yet would be unable to repeat his earlier success ~ McCall was born ca.1934
August 5, 2023 ~ Free jazz, free improvisation cellist, composer Tristan Honsinger passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Especially acclaimed for the 1996 Map Of Moods album and its 1999 follow-up A Camel's Kiss. Frequently collaborated with pianist Cecil Taylor and guitarist Derek Bailey. Member of the Henneman String Quartet and the ICP Orchestra. As a sideman present on recordings by Borbetomagus, Butch Morris, Anthony Braxton (October Meeting 1991), Tobias Delius, Alexander von Schlippenbach, and Sean Bergin ~ Honsinger was born in 1949
August 4, 2023 ~ Rock keyboardist John Gosling passed away ~ Member of the Kinks from 1970 through 1978, replaced by Gordon Edwards. Gosling recorded over half a dozen albums with the band, including the acclaimed Muswell Hillbillies released in 1971 ~ Gosling was born ca.1948
August 4, 2023 ~ Rock, indie rock guitarist, keyboardist, clarinetist, singer Tom Pintens passed away ~ As a solo artist best known for In Charleroi of his 2009 Winter Maakt Ons Vrolijk sophomore album. Pintens has been active since the mid-1990s, working with bands such as Flowers For Breakfast, Think Of One, Het Zesde Metaal, and perhaps most notably Zita Swoon ~ Pintens was born ca.1974
August 3, 2023 ~ Conductor, composer Carl Davis passed away in Oxford, UK ~ Best known as prolific composer for film and TV, notably the 1981 drama film The French Lieutenant's Woman and the 1995 BBC TV series Pride & Prejudice. To pop audiences perhaps best known for collaborating with Paul McCartney on the 1991 Liverpool Oratorio album, McCartney's first foray into classical music ~ Davis was born in 1936
August 1, 2023 ~ Jazz guitarist Don Minasi passed away ~ Adventurous jazz guitarist with over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader, notably Finishing Touches and Time Will Tell. Sideman on recordings by Michael Jefry Stevens, Blaise Siwula, Stan Edwards, Ernie Andrews, and Carol Mennie ~ Minasi was born in 1943
July 28, 2023 ~ James Mavin Parker, commonly known as composer Jim Parker, passed away ~ Member of the Barrow Poets. Rose to fame with a series of 1970s recordings of John Betjeman poems set to music, notably Banana Blush and Sir John Betjeman's Britain. Prolific film and TV composer, credits including Midsomer Murders, Foyles War, To Play The King, and The Final Cut. Concert works written by Parker have been performed by the Nash Ensemble, the Hilliard Ensemble, and the Albion Ensemble ~ Parker was born in 1934
July 28, 2023 ~ Thomas Peters, commonly known as punk, EBM singer, guitarist, keyboardist Tommi Stumpff, passed away ~ Founded and fronted punk outfit KFC in the late 1970s. Would go on to record about a dozen solo albums as an EBM singer, starting with Zu Spät Ihr Scheisser released in 1982 ~ Peters was born in 1958
July 27, 2023 ~ Pop singer, actress Bea van der Maat, full name Béatrice Marguerite van der Maat, passed away ~ Fronted Won Ton Ton, known for their 1988 I Lie And I Cheat hit single. Has also recorded as a solo artist, releasing her Thin-Skinned debut album in 1988, guested with the LSP Band and the Belpop Bastards, ventured into acting, and hosted several TV shows ~ Van der Maat was born in 1960
July 27, 2023 ~ Concert pianist, teacher Ruth W Greenfield, full name Ruth Miriam Wolkowsky Greenfield, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Broke racial barriers, bringing together black and white students, taught by black and white teachers. Studied composition with Nadia Boulanger. Best known for founding the Fine Arts Conservatory. Also taught at Miami Dade College ~ Greenfield was born in 1923
July 26, 2023 ~ Country rock, pop rock bassist, guitarist, singer, songwriter Randy Meisner, full name Randall Herman Meisner, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of Poco, appearing on the band's 1969 Pickin' Up The Pieces but departing the band before its release. Leaving in high spirits his image was removed from the painting on the album's cover and replaced with a dog. Member of the Stone Canyon Band, present on the albums In Concert At The Troubadour 1969 and Rudy The Fifth. Best known for co-founding the Eagles, for whom he wrote or co-wrote and sang lead on songs such as Take It To The Limit, Try And Love Again, Is It True, Take The Devil, Tryin', and Certain Kind Of Fool. Citing “exhaustion” Meisner left the band in 1977. Meisner released his eponymous Randy Meisner solo debut album the following year ~ Meisner was born in 1946
July 26, 2023 ~ Alternative rock, pop rock singer Sinéad O'Connor, full name Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor, passed away ~ Rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album The Lion And The Cobra and its follow-up I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got. Perhaps best known for the Prince-penned Nothing Compares 2 U, which topped the charts in numerous countries including America, the UK and the Netherlands. Has collaborated with U2's the Edge, Jah Wobble, Peter Gabriel, Willie Nelson, Manu Dibango, Shane MacGowan, Zucchero, Massive Attack, Elaine Page, and Danny O'Reilly ~ O'Connor was born in 1966
July 25, 2023 ~ Pop rock singer, songwriter Andreas Tsoukalas passed away in Athens, Greece ~ Known for the albums Stous Kairous Tous Ponirous and its follow-up Mia Kainouria Mera. The latter would contain one of his best known, Antio, a translation of Brian Hyland's 1960s hit Sealed With A Kiss ~ Tsoukalas was born in 1963
July 24, 2023 ~ Pop rock, alternative rock, jam rock bassist, saxophonist, clarinetist Brad Houser, full name John Bradley Houser, passed away ~ Co-founding member of the New Bohemians, best known for their association with Edie Brickell. Present on the band's acclaimed and best known album Shooting Rubberbands At The Stars released in 1988. Also co-founded Critters Buggin with Mike Dillon, Skerik, and Bohemians bandmate Matt Chamberlain. In-demand collaborator, has also worked with Patrice Pike, Steve Wedemeyer, Zydeco Blanco, the Mingtones, and Aimee Bobruk ~ Houser was born in 1960
July 24, 2023 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Denis Badault passed away ~ Founded and fronted Bande à Badault, the Trio Bado, and the quartet H3B. Also well known for conducting the National Jazz Orchestra during the early 1990s ~ Badault was born in 1958
July 23, 2023 ~ Cantastorie, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Otello Profazio, full name Otello Ermanno Profazio, passed away in Reggio Calabria, Italy ~ Draws heavily from traditional folk of South Italy, especially Sicily and Calabria. Acclaimed for his 1964 Il Treno Del Sole album. Also known for the 1970s albums Il Brigante Musolino and Qua Si Campa D'Aria. Host of several TV music programs, notably Quando La Gente Canta aired on Secondo Canala ~ Profazio was born in 1934
July 23, 2023 ~ Eurodance, eurodisco singer Patty Ryan passed away in Germany ~ Best known for You're My Love You're My Life of her Love Is The Name Of The Game debut album released in 1987. Other well known songs include Stay With Me Tonight, I Don't Want To Lose You Tonight, and Ohne Zweifel ~ Ryan was born in 1961
July 22, 2023 ~ Jazz saxophonist Knut Riisnæs passed away ~ Son of pianist Eline Nygaard Riisnæs. Brother of pianist Anne Eline Riisnæs and saxophonist Odd Riisnæs. Worked with John Scofield, Palle Danielsson, Karin Krog, Egil Kapstad, Terje Rypdal, Torgrim Sollid, Ketil Bjørnstad, Radka Toneff, Laila Dalseth, Pal Thowsen, Kenneth Sivertsen, Sigurd Ulveseth, Helge Hurum, Jens Wendelboe, Kjell Karlsen, Fred Nøddelund, Helge Iberg, Ivar Antonsen, Terje Gewelt, Espen Rud, Ditlef Eckhoff, Peter Wettre, and Frode Nymo ~ Riisnæs was born in 1945
July 22, 2023 ~ Rocksteady, ska, reggae singer Peter Austin passed away ~ Formed 1960s ska outfit the Clarendonians with Ernest Wilson, known for songs such as Rudie Gone A Jail, Sho Be Do Be, You Can't Be Happy, Darling Forever, and You Can't Keep A Good Man Down ~ Austin was born ca.1945
July 22, 2023 ~ Easy listening, traditional pop singer Vince Hill passed away in Henley-on-Thames, UK ~ Briefly a member of the Raindrops during the early 1960s before venturing out on his own. Best known for his 1967 rendition of Edelweiss, which reached top 10 in his native UK. Originally written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II for their 1959 The Sound Of Music musical, it would become Hill's biggest hit and signature song. Other well-known songs include the Edith Piaf-cover Take Me To Your Heart Again, originally La Vie En Rose, as well as Heartaches, Love Letters In The Sand, and Look Around (You'll Find Me There) ~ Hill was born in 1934
July 21, 2023 ~ Rock bassist Neal Langford passed away ~ Member of indie rock outfit the Shins during the early 2000s, present on the band's Oh Inverted World debut album released in 2001. Langford had also worked with the band's 1990s predecessor Flake Music ~ Langford was born ca.1973
July 21, 2023 ~ Anthony Dominick Benedetto, commonly known as singer Tony Bennett, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Enjoyed a career spanning eight decades, singing both pop and jazz. Has released over 70 albums including the acclaimed The Beat Of My Heart, Count Basie Swings Tony Bennett Sings with Count Basie, and I Left My Heart In San Francisco. Well-known hits include Because Of You, Cold Cold Heart, and Rags To Riches. Later on in life would rejuvenate his career through collaborations with Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga, extending his appeal to younger generations ~ Benedetto was born in 1926
July 19, 2023 ~ Violinist, film composer Mark Thomas passed away ~ Served as violinist for the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Royal Ballet Orchestra. Would venture into composing for TV and film by the early 1990s, with over two dozen soundtracks to his name including Twin Town, The Final Curtain and Agent Cody Banks 2 (Destination London) ~ Thomas was born ca.1956
July 18, 2023 ~ Deeon Boyd, commonly known as house, ghetto house DJ DJ Deeon, passed away ~ Influenced by John Rocca, Afrika Bambaataa, and Kraftwerk, first becoming interested on electronic music after listening to the latter's 1981 Computer World album. Regarded as one of the pioneers of ghetto house. Best known for his 1996 recording Freak Like Me. Other well known songs include Funk City, Bomb 96, Wicked, House-O-Matic, and The Freaks. Boyd was name mentioned in the Daft Punk track Teachers of the duo's 1997 Homework album ~ Boyd was born in 1966
July 17, 2023 ~ João Donato de Oliveira Neto, commonly known as pianist, accordionist, composer João Donato, passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Leader and sideman. Helped shape Brazilian jazz and bossa nova. Active since the early 1950s. Well-known songs include Sambou Sambou, Vento Do Canavial (Sugarcane Breeze), Amazonas (Amazon), and Até Quem Sabe. Especially acclaimed for his 1965 The New Sound Of Brazil album. Has guested on albums by Mongo Santamaria, Astrud Gilberto (The Astrud Gilberto Album), Sérgio Mendes, Nana Caymmi, Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Eddie Palmieri (Eddie's Concerto), and Milton Nascimento ~ De Oliveira was born in 1934
July 17, 2023 ~ Marc Holtz, commonly known as musical director, bandleader, singer, songwriter Marc Herrand, passed away in Strasbourg, France ~ Adopted the pseudonym Herrand to escape enlistment in the Hitler Youth. Co-founder and musical director of vocal harmony group Les Compagnons De La Chanson, a group best known for backing Edith Piaf on her 1946 recording Les Trois Cloches. The group have also backed Piaf on songs such as Celine, Dans Les Prison De Nantes, and C'Est Pour Ca. Herrand would depart the group in the early 1950s to become conductor, pianist, arranger for Yvette Giraud, whom he would later marry. The couple would publish their autobiography, La Route Enchantée, in 2005 ~ Holtz was born ca.1925
July 16, 2023 ~ Actress, singer, songwriter, model Jane Birkin, full name Jane Mallory Birkin, passed away in Paris, France ~ Best known as an actress emerging from the mid-1960s London counterculture scene with roles in Blowup and Kaleidoscope. To pop audiences best known for the 1969 duet Je T'Aime (Moi Non Plus) with Serge Gainsbourg. The song would be banned from radio for its sexual innuendo, including in the UK, yet would make it to the No.1 spot on the British charts. Known for a number of longterm high-profile romances, married to film composer John Barry and later romantically involved with singer, actor Gainsbourg and subsequently with film director Jacques Doillon. Two of her three daughters, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon, have followed in their mother's footsteps acting and singing ~ Birkin was born in 1946
July 12, 2023 ~ Classical pianist André Watts passed away ~ Recorded a wide variety of repertoire, concentrating on Romantic composers such as Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt, yet also included George Gershwin. Has worked with renowned orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra ~ Watts was born in 1946
July 11, 2023 ~ New wave, pop rock bassist Toni Carbone passed away ~ Member of Denovo. The band is best known for their 1987 Persuasione sophomore album, widely considered one the premier albums of 1980s Italian indie music. Following the band's disbandement in 1990 Carbone has worked primarily as a producer ~ Carbone was born ca.1961
July 11, 2023 ~ Conductor, composer Yuzo Toyama passed away ~ As a conductor closely associated with the NHK Symphony Orchestra. As a composer influenced by Béla Bartók and Dmitri Shostakovich. Best known for his Rhapsody For Orchestra based on Japanese folk songs ~ Toyama was born in 1931
July 7, 2023 ~ Jazz trumpeter, hornist, trombonist Oscar Brashear passed away ~ In-demand sideman influenced by Lee Morgan, Woody Shaw, and Freddie Hubbard. Present on albums by John Lee Hooker, Count Basie (Standing Ovation), Oliver Nelson, Donny Hathaway (Everything Is Everything), Bobby Hutcherson, Moacir Santos, Hampton Hawes, Bonnie Raitt (Takin' My Time), Gene Harris, Harold Land, Nat Adderley, Willie Hutch, Ry Cooder (Paradise & Lunch), Patrice Rushen, Tom Waits (The Heart Of Saturday Night), Horace Silver, Oliver Nelson, Earth Wind & Fire (That's The Way Of The World), Neil Diamond, Carmen McRae, Alice Coltrane, Marvin Gaye (I Want You), Maria Muldaur, BB King, Patti Labelle, Sadao Watanabe, Rodney Franklin, Rick James (Bustin' Out Of L Seven), Tavares, the Crusaders (Street Life), Randy Crawford, Con Funk Shun, Was (Not Was) (What Up Dog), Zoot Sims, Natalie Cole, and others ~ Brashear was born in 1944
July 6, 2023 ~ Engineer, producer Caleb Southern, full name Caleb August Southern, passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for his association with Ben Folds Five, serving as producer for the albums Ben Folds Five, Whatever And Ever Amen, and The Unauthorized Biography Of Reinhold Messner. Has also worked, either as engineer or producer, with acts such as Metal Flake Mother, Antiseen, Dillon Fence, the Flat Duo Jets, Jennyandkind, the Archers of Loaf (Icky Mette), Geezer Lake, Superchunk, Capsize 7, Zen Frisbee, Tom Freund, and Shark Quest ~ Southern was born in 1969
July 6, 2023 ~ Bernard Nierow, commonly known as pianist, conductor Peter Nero, passed away in Eustis, Florida, USA ~ Active since the mid-1950s. Has recorded over 50 albums. Considered one of the premier interpreters of George Gershwin. Founded the Philly Pops, serving as its director from 1979 through 2013. Also directed the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra during the 1990s ~ Nierow was born in 1934
July 5, 2023 ~ Rock guitarist George Tickner, full name George Tyndall Tickner, passed away in Orinda, California, USA ~ Member of psychedelic rock outfit Frumious Bandersnatch. Best known as co-founding member of Journey, present on the albums Journey, Look Into The Future, and Next ~ Tickner was born in 1946
July 5, 2023 ~ Roger Prud'homme, commonly known as pop singer Martin Stevens, passed away ~ Sang in English and French. Enjoyed popularity in the disco era in his native Canada. Known for songs such as J'Aime La Musique (Comme Un Fou), Sans Ton Amour, and the Harry Vanda & George Young-penned Love Is In The Air. His rendition of the latter would precede the internationally more famous version by John Paul Young by a mere couple of weeks. Prud'homme published his Sexe Drogue Et Disco autobiography in 2007 ~ Prud'homme was born in 1953
July 5, 2023 ~ Boogie-woogie, jazz pianist Rob Agerbeek, full name Robbert Arris Jules Agerbeek, passed away ~ Influenced by Albert Ammons, Johnny Maddox, Pete Johnson, Meade Lux Lewis. Active since the mid-1950s, performing well into the 2000s. Closely associated with Harry Verbeke, Don Byas, and the Dutch Swing College Band ~ Agerbeek was born in 1937
July 3, 2023 ~ Michael Ralph Foster, commonly known as rock, pop, jazz fusion, funk bassist, guitarist, mandolinist, keyboardist, percussionist, producer Mo Foster, passed away ~ As a solo artist acclaimed for his 1991 Southern Reunion album. Authored Seventeen Watts, a semi-autobiographical and anecdotal book published in 1997 about the birth and rise of rock guitar in the UK. Member of Affinity. Member of RMS. In-demand session musician with a career spanning five decades, appearing on over an estimated 300 albums. Notable credits include Olivia Newton-John, Roger Glover (The Butterfly Ball And The Grasshopper's Feast), Fancy, Cerrone (Love In C Minor), Eddie Hardin, Albert Hammond, Gerry Rafferty (Night Owl), Kevin Ayers, Peter Green, Cliff Richard, Gary Moore, Eros Ramazzotti (Musica E), Jeff Beck (Beckology), Luka Bloom, Michael Schenker, and Michael d'Abo ~ Foster was born in 1944
July 3, 2023 ~ Myra Barnes, commonly known as R&B, soul, funk singer Vicki Anderson, passed away ~ Closely associated with James Brown, serving as Brown's main female singer from 1965 replacing Anna King through 1968 succeeded by Marva Whitney. Anderson would rejoin Brown's band in 1972 and remain for another three years. As a solo artist best known for her 1970 The Message From The Soul Sisters feminist anthem. Anderson was the widow of Brown-sideman Bobby Byrd, and mother of singer Carleen Anderson from her previous marriage ~ Barnes was born in 1939
June 30, 2023 ~ Kentrick Patrick, commonly known as calypso, rocksteady, ska singer Lord Creator, passed away ~ Influential on the early development of the Jamaican music scene. Active since the late 1950s, noted for hits such as The Cockhead, Evening News, Big Bamboo, and specifically Kingston Town. The latter would be covered by UB40 in 1989, which helped revive Patrick's career ~ Patrick was born in 1935
June 30, 2023 ~ Eric Froberg, commonly known as punk rock, post-punk, indie rock guitarist, singer Rick Froberg, passed away ~ Perhaps best known as lead singer, guitarist for early 1990s outfit Drive Like Jehu, especially acclaimed for the albums Drive Like Jehu and Yank Crime. Has also worked with Pitchfork, the Hot Snakes, and Obits. As a visual artist and illustrator has created album art and merchandise for all of his bands as well as for Rocket From The Crypt, Beehive & the Barracudas, and Mr Tube & the Flying Objects ~ Froberg was born in 1968
June 27, 2023 ~ Mandolinist, singer Bobby Osborne, full name Bobby Van Osborne, passed away ~ Best known as member of sibling outfit the Osborne Brothers. Also worked with Ernest Tubb, Peter Rowan, Alison Brown, Vince Gill, Sam Bush, Jim Lauderdale, Sierra Hull, Claire Lynch, Del McCoury, Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes, Trey Hensley, Dale Ann Bradley, Darrell Scott, Missy Raines, Bryan McDowell, Todd Phillips, Buddy Spicher, and Kenny Malone ~ Osborne was born in 1931
June 24, 2023 ~ Francesco Barzotti, commonly known as singer, songwriter Claude Barzotti, passed away ~ Enjoyed popularity in France and Belgium during the 1980s. Best known for his 1981 breakout single Le Rital, which made him a household name. Other well-known songs include Madame, Je Ne T'Ectrirai Pas, Prends Bien Soin D'Elle, C'Est Moi Qui Pars, and J'Ai Les Blues ~ Barzotti was born in 1953
June 23, 2023 ~ Bluegrass, country, gospel mandolinist, fiddler, guitarist, singer Jesse McReynolds, full name Jesse Lester McReynolds, passed away in Gallatin, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for his innovative technique on the mandolin. Formed the duo Jim & Jesse with his brother Jim McReynolds, recording and performing from the 1950s until Jim's death in 2002. Guested on the Doors' 1969 Soft Parade album. Has also recorded with Bill Monroe and with bluegrass supergroup the Masters ~ McReynolds was born in 1929
June 23, 2023 ~ Pop, classical, easy listening producer, songwriter Paul De Senneville passed away ~ Frequent songwriting collaborator of Olivier De Toussaint. Songs written by the pair have been recorded by artists such as Mireille Mathieu, Michèle Torr, Christophe, Hervé Vilard, Dalida, Petula Clark, Claude François and others, selling over an estimated 100 million records. De Senneville can't read or write music notes, and writes songs by singing into a small taperecorder and having songwriting partners work out the arrangements and orchestration ~ De Senneville was born in 1933
June 23, 2023 ~ Lyricist Sheldon Harnick, full name Sheldon Mayer Harnick, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Frequent songwriting partner of composer Jerry Bock, the duo acclaimed for musicals such as Fiorello, Fiddler On The Roof, and The Apple Tree ~ Harnick was born in 1924
June 22, 2023 ~ Free jazz, avant-garde jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Peter Brötzmann passed away ~ Leading figure in European free jazz, active since the late 1960s. Over 50 albums to his name as a leader. Closely associated with Han Bennink, including in the ensemble the ICP Orchestra. Other collaborations include Cecil Taylor, Keiji Haino, Willem Breuker, Bill Laswell, Mats Gustafsson, Ken Vandermark, Joe McPhee, Paal Nilssen-Love, Steve Swell, Fred Van Hove, the Globe Unity Orchestra, Ginger Baker, Don Cherry, Misha Mengelberg, Evan Parker, and others ~ Brötzmann was born in 1941
June 22, 2023 ~ Classical bassist, double bassist Robert Black, full name Robert Alan Black, passed away in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Co-founding member of contemporary classical sextet the Bang On A Can All-Stars, formed in 1992. Studied under Gary Karr. Served on the board of the International Society Of Bassists for about a decade. Has worked with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, the Ciompi String Quartet, the Miami String Quartet, Elliott Carter, John Cage, and Paquito d'Rivera. Well-known for his 2019 The Not-Doings Of An Insomniac (Bass Partita And Poetry) album, a work commissioned from and produced by Philip Glass ~ Black was born in 1956
June 20, 2023 ~ Post-punk guitarist, bassist John Waddington passed away ~ Founded short-lived punk band the Boyfriends at age 17, serving as the band's singer, guitarist, and principal songwriter. Rose to fame as a member of the Pop Group, known for the albums Y and For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder. Following the band's initial disbandement joined post-punk outfit Maximum Joy, appearing on the 1982 Station MXJY album. Waddington has also worked with the New Age Steppers, Playgroup, Judy Nylon, Perfume, and Lily Allen ~ Waddington was born in 1960
June 20, 2023 ~ Paolo Zavalloni, commonly known as pop, funk, soul, disco pianist, singer, songwriter Paolo Zavallone, passed away ~ Active since the 1950s. Member of Henghel Gualdi's orchestra. Rose to fame in the 1970s as bandleader in several TV shows and composer and singer of their theme songs. Best known for his 1977 disco hit Amada Mia Amore Mio with El Pasador. Other well-known songs include Non-Stop, Kilimangiaro, and Papa Ha La Bua, Has also composed for others, notably Le Notti Lunghi for Adriano Celentano ~ Zavalloni was born in 1932
June 19, 2023 ~ Mezzo-soprano, dramatic soprano Gabriele Schnaut passed away ~ Closely associated with the Staatsoper Stuttgart, the Staatstheater Darmstadt, the Nationaltheater Mannheim, the Deutsche Oper Am Rhein, the Hamburgische Staatsoper, and the Bayerische Staatsoper ~ Schnaut was born in 1951
June 19, 2023 ~ Ragtime pianist, composer, actor, author, radio and TV presenter Max Morath passed away in Duluth, Minnesota, USA ~ Dubbed “Mr Ragtime” for his extensive studies of ragtime and role in bringing early Americana to a younger and wider audience, and particularly helpful in the ragtime revival of the 1970s. Devotee of specifically Eubie Blake and Scott Joplin. Recorded well over two dozen albums from the 1950s onwards. Became well-known for his role in Ragtime Era, a series of 26 TV programs for PBS aired from 1959 through 1961. Has toured with number of theater shows, notably the acclaimed 1969 one-man show At The Turn Of The Century. Morath would continue to record and perform well into the 2000s. Authored or co-authored a number of books on ragtime music ~ Morath was born in 1926
June 18, 2023 ~ Milton Powell, commonly known as rapper Big Pokey, passed away in Beaumont, Texas, USA ~ Member of DJ Screw's Screwed Up Click, a pioneering collective considered pivotal to Southern rap and best known for their distinctive “chopped and screwed” technique. Has recorded half a dozen solo albums, starting with Hardest Pit In The Litter released in 1999. Perhaps best known for Who Dat Talking Down, used in the pilot episode of the HBO comedy-drama series Entourage ~ Powell was born in 1977
June 18, 2023 ~ Punk drummer Teresa Taylor, also known as Teresa Nervosa, passed away ~ Member of the Butthole Surfers from 1983 through 1989 alongside King Coffey, the band at the time featuring two drummers playing in unison. Taylor appeared on over half a dozen of the band's albums including the acclaimed Locust Abortion Technician and Hairway To Steven ~ Taylor was born in 1962
June 17, 2023 ~ José Carlos González, commonly known as pop rock, sertanejo singer, songwriter Dave Maclean, passed away ~ Member of Os Botões, later renamed to the Buttons. Best known as a solo artist, enjoying popularity in the 1970s with songs such as Me And You, We Said Goodbye, Tears, and Feelings. Formed the trio the Dollar Company in the 1980s. As a songwriter González had his songs recorded by the likes of Sergio Reis, Sula Miranda, and Sandy & Junior ~ González was born in 1944
June 13, 2023 ~ Johnny Rowan, commonly known as rock drummer Blackie Onassis, passed away ~ Member of Urge Overkill, first appearing on the band's 1991 The Supersonic Storybook album. The band is widely known for their single Sister Havana and their Neil Diamond-cover Girl You'll Be A Woman Soon. The latter would be used for the soundtrack of Quentin Tarantino's 1994 Pulp Fiction cult film ~ Rowan was born ca.1966
June 13, 2023 ~ Christopher Dignam, commonly known as rock singer, songwriter Christy Dignam, passed away ~ Lead singer for Aslan, enjoying popularity right from the start in their native Ireland with songs such as This Is, Pretty Thing, and Please Don't Stop before departing the band due to ongoing struggles with substance abuse. The band would briefly work with a new lead singer, Eamon Doyle, before disbanding altogether. The original line-up reunited in the early 1990s, and would record over half a dozen commercially successful albums well into the 2010s. Dignam would release his sole solo album, The Man Who Stayed Alive, in 2021 ~ Dignam was born in 1960
June 11, 2023 ~ Violinist Suna Kan passed away ~ Gave her first public performance at age 9, playing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Violin Concerto In A Major and Giovanni Battista Viotti's Violin Concerto In A Minor with the Presidential Symphony Orchestra. Would go on to study in Paris and work with renowned orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Moscow Symphony. Co-founded the TRT Ankara Chamber Orchestra with conductor Gürer Aykal, and served as the orchestra's principal violinist ~ Kan was born in 1936
June 8, 2023 ~ Georg Peter Brandt, commonly known as singer, actor Peter Belli, passed away ~ Active since the late 1950s. Considered Denmark's first rock star. Opened for both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones with his 1960s rock unit Les Rivals. Has recorded well over three dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with the eponymous Peter Belli album released in 1967. Well-known songs include Bliv Væk Fra Vort Kvarter, Ingen Regning, and Er Det Sådan ~ Brandt was born in 1943
June 6, 2023 ~ Anthony Charles McPhee, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Tony TS McPhee, passed away ~ Given his nickname “TS” for “Tough Shit” by producer Mike Vernon. Co-founding and sole constant member of rock outfit the Groundhogs. The band has recorded since the early 1960s, is especially acclaimed for the early 1970s albums Thank Christ For The Bomb and Live At Leeds '71, and backed both John Lee Hooker and Champion Jack Dupree on mid-1960s UK tours. McPhee has recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Ain't Gonna Cry No More released in 1966, and collaborated with John Dummer, Hapshash & the Coloured Coat, and Jo-Ann Kelly ~ McPhee was born in 1944
June 5, 2023 ~ Astrud Evangelina Weinert, commonly known as bossa nova, jazz singer Astrud Gilberto, passed away ~ Best known for her contributions to the 1963 Getz/Gilberto album, a collaborative album by Stan Getz and her then-husband João Gilberto, singing lead on two of the the album's tracks including the hit The Girl From Ipanema. Released her solo debut album The Astrud Gilberto Album in 1965 and has recorded well over a dozen albums since ~ Gilberto was born in 1940
June 5, 2023 ~ Hoboist, conductor Werner Herbers passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Married to violinist Vera Beths. Principal hoboist for the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and the Concertgebouw Orchestra. Co-artistic director for the Nederlands Blazer Ensemble from 1962 through 1988. Founded the Ebony Band, known for bringing forgotten or overlooked composers from the Interbellum to the public's attention and especially composers persecuted or killed by the Nazis ~ Herbers was born in 1940
June 4, 2023 ~ Folk singer, actress Dora María, full name Dora María Pérez Vidal, passed away ~ Dubbed “the Golden Shorty” for her stature. First Mexican singer to perform in Las Vegas. Known for songs such El Pochitoque Jahuactero, Mis Blancas Mariposas, and Amanecer De Mi Tierra. Pérez has also ventured into acting ~ Pérez was born in 1933
June 4, 2023 ~ Stride, R&B, folk pianist, guitarist George Winston passed away ~ Known for playing three distinctive styles, a melodic approach Winston dubs rural folk piano, stride piano influenced by Fats Waller and Teddy Wilson, and New Orleans R&B influenced by Professor Longhair and Henry Butler. Has released well over a dozen albums, starting with his overlooked Piano Solos debut album in 1972, later rereleased as Ballads And Blues 1972. Primarily known as a pianist Winston also plays guitar and harmonica ~ Winston was born in 1949
June 2, 2023 ~ Composer Kaija Saariaho, full name Kaija Anneli Saariaho, passed away in Paris, France ~ Voted greatest living composer in a poll conducted by the BBC Music Magazine in 2019. Known for her rich, polyphonic textures often created by combining live music with electronics. Has composed for orchestra, string quartets, operas, and for various solo instruments, her compositions performed by the Kronos Quartet, the New York Philharmonic, the Théàtre du Châtelet, and the Finnish National Opera. Perhaps best known for her 2000 L'Amour De Loin opera ~ Saariaho was born in 1952
June 1, 2023 ~ Songwriter Cynthia Weil passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Formed the songwriter duo Mann/Weil with her husband Barry Mann. Songs written by the couple have been recorded by artists such as Gene Pitney (Looking Through The Eyes Of Love), Deniece Williams, Paul Revere & the Raiders (Kicks), Eydie Gormé, the Ronettes (Walking In The Rain), the Crystals (Uptown), Tony Orlando, Aaron Neville & Linda Ronstadt (Don't Know Much), the Monkees, BJ Thomas, Elvis Presley (I Just Can't Help Believing), Dusty Springfield (Just A Little Lovin' Early In The Morning), Gladys Knight (Nobody But You), the Drifters (On Broadway), George Benson, Jay & the Americans, Peter Paul & Mary, Ray Charles (None Of Us Are Free), the Everly Brothers, the Animals (We Gotta Get Outta This Place), Arthur Alexander, the Righteous Brothers (You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'), and others ~ Weil was born in 1940
June 1, 2023 ~ Pop rock singer, bassist Roy Taylor passed away ~ Lead singer of Jump The Gun. The band is best known for representing their native Ireland at the 1988 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 8th place with Take Him Home ~ Taylor was born ca.1957
May 27, 2023 ~ Bassoonist, conductor Mordechai Rechtman passed away in Tel Aviv, Israel ~ Best known as principal bassoon with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra from 1946 through 1991, with whom he notably played the Israeli national anthem Hatikvah at the signing ceremony of the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948. Founded the Israel Woodwind Quintet and the Philharmonic Woodwind Ensemble, also serving as the latter's music director and conductor ~ Rechtman was born in 1926
May 25, 2023 ~ Jean-Louis Bergheaud, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Jean-Louis Murat, passed away ~ Actively recording since the early 1980s. First gained attention in 1988 with the single Si Je Devais Manquer De Toi. Also well-known for his album Cheyenne Autumn, released the following year. Broke through with his 1991 single Regrets, a duet with Mylène Farmer which reached No.3 in France. Has recorded steadily since. Also known as an actor ~ Bergheaud was born in 1952
May 25, 2023 ~ Country singer, songwriter Joy McKean, full name Mildred Geraldine Joy McKean, passed away ~ Dubbed “the Queen of Australian Country” and considered one of the country's leading songwriters and bush balladeers. Married to Slim Dusty, also serving as his manager, songwriter, and musical partner for some five decades. Well-known Dusty songs written by McKean include The Lights On The Hill, Indian Pacific, and Walk A Country Mile. Sister of Heather McKean, with whom she also performed under the moniker the McKean Sisters ~ McKean was born in 1930
May 24, 2023 ~ Conductor, double bassist, bass guitarist, composer Bill Lee, full name William James Edwards Lee III, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Father of filmmaker Spike Lee, has also composed the scores for several of his son's films. Has worked with Chris Anderson, Harry Belafonte, Chad Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Aretha Franklin, Odetta, Simon & Garfunkel, Ian & Sylvia, Tom Rush, Burt Bacharach, Peter Paul & Mary, Arlo Guthrie, Tom Paxton, Carolyn Hester, John Lee Hooker, Josh White, Duke Ellington, Malvina Reynolds, Eric Bibb, the Clancy Brothers, Bob Dylan, and others. Notably, Lee is the only other musician on Dylan's It's All Over Now Baby Blue, widely considered a classic ~ Lee was born in 1928
May 24, 2023 ~ Composer Javier Álvarez, full name Javier Álvarez Fuentes, passed away in Mérida, Mexico ~ Known for utilizing a variety of musical styles, merging unusual instruments with new music technologies. Has composed chamber music, orchestral pieces, opera, for film and for dance companies. Well-known compositions include the electroacoustic work Temazcai, the opera Mambo, and the 1992 soundtrack Cronos ~ Álvarez was born in 1956
May 24, 2023 ~ Anna Mae Bullock, commonly known as singer Tina Turner, passed away in Küsnacht, Switzerland ~ Rose to fame with her then-husband Ike Turner. The duo would score a string of hits from the early 1960s forward including A Fool In Love, It's Gonna Work Out Fine, Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits and River Deep Mountain High, the latter described by producer Phil Spector as his best work. After her break from Ike in the mid-1970s Tina would launch one of the most impressive comebacks in rock history with her 1984 Private Dancer album spawning the hit What's Love Got To Do With It, her first and only Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit. Subsequent solo hits include We Don't Need Another Hero, Typical Male, I Don't Wanna Fight and the James Bond-theme GoldenEye. Has also acted in the Who's rock opera Tommy, Mad Max (Beyond Thunderdome) and The Last Action Hero. Retired from music after completing her 2009 Tina! (50th Anniversary Tour), one of the highest-grossing tours of all time ~ Bullock was born in 1939
May 23, 2023 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader Floyd Newman passed away ~ In-demand session musician closely associated with Stax/Volt, the Mar-keys, and the Memphis Horns. As a leader known for his 1963 single Frog Stomp b/w Sassy. Present on albums by the likes of BB King, Otis Redding (Otis Blue), Wilson Pickett, Etta James (Tell Mama), Aretha Franklin (Aretha Now), Boz Scaggs, and others ~ Newman was born in 1931
May 23, 2023 ~ Heavy metal, doom metal bassist Mark Adams passed away ~ Best known as member of St Vitus from 1978 through 1996, rejoining on occasion in later years. Present on some of the band's best-known including the critically acclaimed Born Too Late album released in 1986, generally considered the band's masterpiece ~ Adams was born ca.1959
May 23, 2023 ~ Isaac Holt, commonly known as jazz, soul drummer Redd Holt, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Perhaps best known for his association with Ramsey Lewis, including on the acclaimed The In Crowd album which earned the trio a 1965 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Performance. In 1966 bassist Eldee Young and Holt would split from Lewis and form the Young-Holt Trio. The group would score a modest hit with Wack Wack but find their greatest success after renaming themselves to Young-Holt Unlimited, reaching Billboard Hot 100 top 10 with their instrumental single Soulful Strut. The band has been sampled hundreds of times, most often in the hip hop genre ~ Holt was born in 1932
May 23, 2023 ~ R&B, funk, smooth jazz singer, guitarist, songwriter Sheldon Reynolds, full name Sheldon Maurice Reynolds, passed away ~ Toured with Millie Jackson. Member of Sun, present on the early 1980s albums Sun Over The Universe, Force Of Nature, and Let There Be Sun. Worked with the Commodores, first appearing with the band as a backing singer on the 1985 Nightshift album. Worked with Earth Wind & Fire, starting on the 1987 Touch The World album. Also present on albums by Maurice White, Philip Bailey, Debbie Allen, Club Nouveau, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Joey Lawrence, the Pointer Sisters, Take 6, Rahsaan Patterson, the Urban Jazz Network, and others ~ Reynolds was born in 1959
May 22, 2023 ~ Charles Newby, commonly known as pop rock bassist Chas Newby, passed away ~ Best known for briefly playing bass for the Beatles in late 1960, filling in for Stuart Sutcliffe on four gigs in the UK. After John Lennon asked Newby to accompany them on their 2nd Germany trip Newby declined, preferring to return to university after the holidays. As both Lennon and George Harrison declined to switch to bass, Paul McCartney reluctantly became the band's bass player ~ Newby was born in 1941
May 22, 2023 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, violinist Ferus Mustafov, also known as King Ferus Mustafov, passed away in Skopje, Macedonia ~ Active since the late 1960s. Considered a leading figure in Balkan folk, gypsy, and Rom music, enjoying popularity especially in his native Macedonia. Credited as one of the artists to have brought international attention to Balkan music. Internationally perhaps best known for his 1995 King Ferus album ~ Mustafov was born in 1950
May 22, 2023 ~ Heavy metal drummer Kirk Arrington passed away ~ Member of the Metal Church from 1982 through 1995, rejoining in later years. Present on some of the band's best-known and most acclaimed albums including the band's eponymous Metal Church debut album, Blessing In Disguise, and The Human Factor ~ Arrington was born ca.1962
May 21, 2023 ~ Edmund Dantes Urick, commonly known as traditional pop singer, actor Ed Ames, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of family outfit the Ames Brothers, known for a number of 1950s hits including Rag Mop, Sentimental Me, Can Anyone Explain (No No No), Undecided, The Man With The Banjo, The Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane and Tammy. Ames is also well-known as an actor, noted for portraying Mingo in the TV series Daniel Boone ~ Ames was born in 1927
May 19, 2023 ~ Alternative rock bassist Andy Rourke, full name Andrew Michael Rourke, passed away ~ Member of the Smiths, joining the band shortly after its first gig. The band is considered one of the most important to emerge from 1980's Britain indie scene and recorded four albums including the acclaimed The Smiths debut album released in 1984 and The Queen Is Dead two years later. Well-known songs include Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now, Sheila Take A Bow, and This Charming Man. Rourke has also appeared on Sinéad O'Connor's 1990 I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got album, backed former bandmate singer Morrissey on several of his solo outings, worked with the Pretenders, and formed Freebass ~ Rourke was born in 1964
May 19, 2023 ~ Singer, songwriter, poet Pete Brown, full name Peter Ronald Brown, passed away ~ Had his first poem published at age 14. Founded the First Real Poetry Band which also featured guitarist John McLaughlin. Also associated with Pete Brown & Piblokto, Battered Ornaments, and Cream. Co-penned some of the latter's best-known songs including I Feel Free, White Room, and The Sunshine Of Your Love. Has also worked with Graham Bond, Phil Ryan, and Gary Brooker ~ Brown was born in 1940
May 17, 2023 ~ Alasdair Mackie Ward, commonly known as rock & roll, punk rock singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist Algy Ward, passed away in Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK ~ Best known for founding Tank, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. The band is especially acclaimed for their 1982 Filth Hounds Of Hades debut album, produced by Motörhead-guitarist Fast Eddie Clarke, considered a landmark album in British heavy metal. Previously Ward had played with Australian rock outfit the Saints from 1977 through 1980, present on the albums I'm Stranded, Eternally Yours, and Prehistoric Sounds. Ward was also briefly a member of the Damned, appearing on the 1979 Machine Gun Etiquette comeback album before being fired due to animosity with the band's drummer Rat Scabies ~ Ward was born in 1959
May 16, 2023 ~ Ska, reggae trumpeter, saxophonist Lester Sterling passed away ~ Brother of keyboardist Keith Sterling. Co-founding member of seminal ska outfit the Skatalites, remaining with the band through its initial disbandement in 1965 and involved in several of its later reunions. The band is known for a number of early to mid-1960s recordings, notably Guns Of Navarone, and was an in-demand studio band for a wide array of Jamaican artists including Bob Marley. Following the band's disbandement Sterling has recorded as a solo artist, and worked with Byron Lee's unit the Dragonaires, and the Third World All-Stars ~ Sterling was born in 1936
May 16, 2023 ~ Country engineer, producer Richard Landis passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Early on in his career recorded as a solo artist to limited success, known for his sole 1972 Natural Causes album, yet would grow to become one of the most respected producers in country music. Closely associated with Juice Newton, including producing her breakthrough 1981 album Juice which spawned the hits Angel Of The Morning, Queen Of Hearts, and the Billboard Country No.1 The Sweetest Thing I've Ever Known. Other notable associations include Peter Allen, Red Rider, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the Seldom Scene, Van Stephenson, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, Eddie Rabbitt, Lorrie Morgan, Doug Supernaw, the Oak Ridge Boys, Neil Diamond, Vince Gill, and Tom Cochrane ~ Landis was born in 1946
May 14, 2023 ~ Hard bop, post bop tenor saxophonist Bernt Rosengren passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Leader and sideman. Actively recording since the 1960s, acclaimed for a number of quintessential Swedish jazz albums notably 1965's Stockholm Dues and 1974's Notes From Underground. Worked with George Russell, Don Cherry, Muvaffak Maffy Falay, Doug Raney, Horace Parlan, Lester Bowie, Arne Domnerus, Krzysztof Komeda, Tomasz Stańko, Idrees Sulieman, and others ~ Rosengren was born in 1937
May 14, 2023 ~ Classical pianist Ingrid Haebler passed away ~ Made her first public performance at age 11. One of several Austrian musicians to experiment with period instruments, notably recording Johann Christian Bach's keyboard concertos on a fortepiano. Also well-known for her recordings of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven ~ Haebler was born in 1929
May 14, 2023 ~ Jazz, classical, rock bassist John Giblin passed away ~ In-demand session bassist active from the mid-1970s forward. Has appeared on albums by Gonzalez, Metro, Peter Gabriel, Gary Boyle (Electric Glide), Steve Harley, Duncan Browne (The Wild Places), Colin Blunstone, Brand X, the Simple Minds, Kate Bush (Never For Ever), Jon Anderson, Phil Collins (Face Value), Chris De Burgh, Judie Tzuke, Eros Ramazzotti, Tanita Tikaram, and Joshua Kadison ~ Giblin was born in 1952
May 12, 2023 ~ Keyboardist Francis Monkman passed away ~ Co-founded Sisyphus in the late 1960s. The band would evolve into the pioneering progressive rock outfit Curved Air, with whom Monkman recorded the albums Air Conditioning, Second Album, and Phantasmagoria, before departing the band over artistic differences. After his departure from the band Monkman has guested on recordings by Renaissance, Al Stewart, and Lynsey de Paul, collaborated with Phil Manzanera and Brian Eno in the short-lived 801, worked with classical fusion band Sky, and recorded as a solo artist ~ Monkman was born in 1949
May 11, 2023 ~ Classical cornetist, trumpeter Marcel Lagorce, full name Antoine Marcel Lagorce, passed away ~ Trumpet soloist with the Symphony Radio Orchestra from 1957 through 1967, and with the Orchestre De Paris from 1967 through 1993. Member of brass quintet Ars Nova, which also included hornist Georges Barboteu, trumpeter Bernard Jeannoutot, trombonist Camille Verdier, and tubist Elie Raynaud. Taught at Conservatoire de Paris, Paris from 1976 through 1988 ~ Lagorce was born in 1932
May 10, 2023 ~ Merseybeat, pop, rock singer Stu James passed away ~ Lead singer of the Mojo's, known best for their 1963 UK top 10 hit Everything's Al'right. The follow-up singles Why Not Tonight and Seven Daffodils would also reach the top 30. The band would release several other singles and a sole eponymous EP, The Mojo's, before disbanding in 1968 ~ James was born ca.1946
May 9, 2023 ~ Operatic bass Günter Wewel passed away in Arnsberg, Germany ~ Most closely associated with the Oper Dortmund, serving with the company for the majority of his career. Has also guested with a wide array of renowned orchestras including the Bavarian State Opera, the Hamburg State Opera, the Cologne Opera, and the Budapest National Opera. Also well-known as a TV host, presenting the ARD musical entertainment show Kein Schöner Land from 1989 through 2007 ~ Wewel was born in 1934
May 9, 2023 ~ Rock keyboardist, singer Jon Povey passed away ~ Best known as a member of the Pretty Things, joining the band in 1967 along with guitarist Wally Waller. Present on albums such as Emotions and SF Sorrow, the latter regarded as one of the first rock operas. Previously the pair of Povey and Waller had played with Bern Elliott & the Fenmen, known for their 1963 UK top 20 hit Money and its follow-up New Orleans ~ Povey was born ca.1943
May 8, 2023 ~ Rita Lee Jones, commonly known as rock, pop, psychedelic rock singer, songwriter Rita Lee, passed away in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Founded Os Mutantes with Arnaldo Baptista and Sérgio Dias. As a solo artist has over 20 albums to her name, starting with Build Up released in 1970. Has sold over 60 million records. Collaborated with Tutti Frutti, Gilberto Gil, and with her husband guitarist Roberto de Carvalho ~ Jones was born in 1947
May 8, 2023 ~ Country singer Stacie Roper passed away ~ Lead singer of Canadian country trio Hey Romeo, which also included guitarist Darren Gusnowsky and keyboardist Rob Shapiro. The band released their eponymous Hey Romeo debut album in 2007 and is known for songs such as the Fleetwood Mac-cover Second-Hand News, Searchin' For You, That's What I Am, Jump Back In, and Maybe You Remember Me Now ~ Roper was born ca.1976
May 7, 2023 ~ Operatic mezzo-soprano Grace Bumbry, full name Grace Ann Melzia Bumbry, passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Leading mezzo-soprano, soprano. Paved the way for later African-American opera singers. Closely associated with the Basel Opera. Has also performed with the Paris Opera, the Royal Opera House, the Vienna State Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and sang at Ronald Reagan's 1981 Presidential inauguration ~ Bumbry was born in 1937
May 6, 2023 ~ Pianist Menahem Pressler passed away ~ Fled Nazi Germany with his family after Kristallnacht. Best known as longtime member of the Beaux Arts Trio, the only member to play with the trio throughout its entire existence ~ Pressler was born in 1923
May 5, 2023 ~ Producer, label executive Chris Strachwitz passed away ~ Founder and president of Arhoolie Records since 1960, which became a leading force in blues, Cajun, roots music. The first album produced would be Mance Lipscomb's Texas Songster And Sharecropper in an edition of just 250 copies. Would go on to work with Black Ace, Big Joe Williams, Mercy Dee Walton, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Juke Boy Bonner, Clifton Chenier, Country Joe & the Fish (I Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die Rag), Big Joe Duskin, Charlie Musselwhite, Robben Ford, John Delafose, Flaco Jiménez, and others ~ Strachwitz was born in 1931
May 5, 2023 ~ Jack Rivers Lewis, commonly known as jazz guitarist Jack Wilkins, passed away ~ Influenced by Johnny Smith, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, and Tal Farlow. Active since his teens, backing artists such as the Elgarts, Warren Covington, and Sammy Kaye early on in his career. About a dozen albums to his name as a leader, noted especially for Merge released in 1978. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Albert Dailey, Lionel Hampton, Sonny Fortune, Astrud Gilberto, Morgana King, Charles Mingus, Bob Brookmeyer, Buddy Rich, and the Manhattan Transfer ~ Lewis was born in 1944
May 4, 2023 ~ Indie rock, indie folk, lo-fi guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Rob Laakso passed away ~ Closely associated with Kurt Vile, appearing on over half a dozen of Vile's albums since the late 2000s including the acclaimed Wakin' On A Pretty Daze album released in 2013. Laakso has also worked with the Wicked Farleys, the Swirlies, Mice Parade, and Diamond Nights ~ Laakso was born ca.1979
May 3, 2023 ~ Linda Ann Fredericks, commonly known as pop, soul, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Linda Lewis, passed away ~ Influenced by Harry Nilsson, Billie Holiday, and Smokey Robinson. As a solo artist best known for the 1970s singles Rock A Doodle Doo and It's In His Kiss, the latter a cover of the Betty Everett classic, both of which reached top 20 in her native England. As a session backing singer Lewis has appeared on albums by Cat Stevens, Chris Spedding, David Bowie (Aladdin Sane), Hummingbird, Cockney Rebel, Rod Stewart (Blondes Have More Fun), Joan Armatrading, and Jamiroquai (Emergency On Planet Earth) ~ Fredericks was born in 1950
May 1, 2023 ~ Folk, folk-rock, country singer, guitarist, songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, full name Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr, passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Helped define the 1960s, 1970s folk-pop sound. Known for songs such as For Lovin' Me, Early Morning Rain, Steel Reel Blues, Ribbon Of Darkness, Black Day In July and perhaps his best known If You Could Read My Mind. His songs would be covered by numerous artists including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, the Kingston Trio, Marty Robbins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Herb Alpert, Harry Belafonte, Sarah McLachlan, Eric Clapton, John Mellencamp, Tony Rice, Glen Campbell, the Grateful Dead, Olivia Newton-John, Paul Weller, Ultra Naté, and the Tragically Hip ~ Lightfoot was born in 1938
May 1, 2023 ~ Anders Sture Torbjörn Rogefeldt, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Pugh Rogefeldt, passed away ~ Active since the late 1960s. At the time one of the few to sing in Swedish. Known for songs such as Små Latta Moln, Här Kommer Natten, Föräldralåten, Hog Farm, Dinga Linga Lena, and Stockholm. Passionate about old Norse religion, a subject which frequently showed up in his music ~ Rogefeldt was born in 1947
April 30, 2023 ~ Composer, music critic, musicologist Anthony Payne passed away in Islington, UK ~ Best known for completing Edward Elgar's unfinished Third Symphony. Praised as a prolific composer in his own right, having written orchestral and choral works and specifically chamber music. Well-known compositions include First Sight Of Her And After, Visions, and Journeys ~ Payne was born in 1936
April 30, 2023 ~ Rock, blues, country rock singer, guitarist, banjoist Broderick Smith passed away ~ Appeared in a 1973 Australian production of rock opera Tommy, portraying the role of Mr Walker. Member of the Adderley Smith Blues Band, the Dingoes, Carson, and others. Perhaps best known for his 1981 hit Faded Roses with Broderick Smith's Big Combo ~ Smith was born in 1948
April 29, 2023 ~ Jazz trombonist, keyboardist, arranger Don Sebesky passed away in Maplewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as in-house arranger since the early 1960s for a number of jazz labels including Verve, A&M Records, and CTI Records. Closely associated with producer Creed Taylor. Notable credits include arranging and conducting for Wes Montgomery (Bumpin'), Willie Bobo, Buddy Rich, Dionne Warwick (Promises Promises), Astrud Gilberto, Kenny Burrell, and George Benson (Shape Of Things To Come). As a leader best known for his 1973 Giant Box album. Over the course of his career Sebesky has composed several film scores, and arranged and conducted for hundreds of artists from jazz to pop, including Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Michael Bublé, Seal, and Prince ~ Sebesky was born in 1937
April 28, 2023 ~ Hard rock, melodic hard rock guitarist Helge Engelke passed away ~ Influenced by Uli Jon Roth and Michael Schenker. Member of Fair Warning, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums starting in the early 1990s. Following the band's initial disbandement in 2000 formed Dreamtide. Engelke has also guested on albums by Zeno, Mind Odyssey, and Thomsen ~ Engelke was born in 1961
April 28, 2023 ~ Rock guitarist, singer Tim Bachman, full name Timothy Gregg Bachman, passed away in Winnipeg, Canada ~ Co-founding member of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, present on the band's first two albums Bachman Turner Overdrive and Bachman Turner Overdrive II. The latter would spawn the singles Let It Ride and Takin' Care Of Business, both of which reached top 10 in the band's native Canada ~ Bachman was born in 1951
April 27, 2023 ~ Charles William Harris, commonly known as rock & roll, pop singer Wee Willie Harris, passed away ~ Enjoyed popularity in his native UK during the 1950s and early 1960s, despite none of his singles reaching the charts. Dubbed “Britain's wild man of rock & roll” for his flamboyant appearance and stage presence. Became a popular performer on TV shows, though many in the media would express concern for the BBC promoting teenage decadence. Best known for his 1957 self-penned Rockin' At The 2 I's debut single. Harris would resurface in the 1970s as a nostalgia act after being referenced by Ian Dury in the song Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3. Harris would later record the album Twenty Reasons To Be Cheerful ~ Harris was born in 1933
April 25, 2023 ~ William Robert Emerson, commonly known as rock & roll, R&B singer, pianist Billy The Kid Emerson, passed away in Clearwater, Florida, USA ~ Best known for penning and first recording Red Hot, covered numerous times including by Bob Luman, Ronnie Hawkins, Brian Setzer and most notably in 1957 by Billy Lee Riley. Also known for first recording Every Woman I Know (Crazy About Automobiles), notably covered by Ry Cooder on the 1980 Borderline album. Emerson has worked with artists such as Earl Hooker, Lonnie Brooks, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and others. Songs written or co-written by Emerson have been recorded by Junior Wells, Willie Mabon, Wynonie Harris and by Buddy Guy ~ Emerson was born in 1925
April 25, 2023 ~ Harold George Bellanfanti Jr, commonly known as singer Harry Belafonte, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Paul Robeson. Close friend and confidant of Martin Luther King Jr. Though he also sang blues, folk, pop, gospel and show tunes, Belafonte is dubbed “the King of Calypso” for his role in popularizing calypso. Critically acclaimed for the 1956 million-seller album Calypso, which spawned his biggest hit and signature song Day-O (Banana Boat Song), and his 1959 Belafonte At Carnegie Hall live album. Advocate for several political and humanitarian causes, including serving as the ACLU celebrity ambassador for juvenile justice issues. Starred in over two dozen films, notably Carmen Jones, Island In The Sun, and Odds Against Tomorrow ~ Bellanfanti was born in 1927
April 25, 2023 ~ Rock drummer Ralph Humphrey passed away ~ Briefly a member of Frank Zappa's backing unit the Mothers Of Invention, appearing on the 1973 Over-Nite Sensation album and its follow-up Apostrophe released the following year ~ Humphrey was born ca.1944
April 24, 2023 ~ Singer Lilian Day Jackson passed away ~ Stepdaughter of iconic jazz drummer Art Blakey. Co-lead singer of early 1980s Dutch disco outfit Spargo along with keyboardist Ellert Driessen, known for songs such as Head Up To The Sky, One Night Affair, Just For You, and Hip Hap Hop. The band's You & Me debut single, noted for its call and response vocals, would reach No.1 in the Netherlands and remains a radio staple to this day ~ Jackson was born in 1960
April 23, 2023 ~ R&B, funk drummer Isaac Wiley Jr passed away ~ Member of funk outfit the Dazz Band from its inception in 1977 through 1985. The band also included his brother bassist Michael Wiley and is known best for their 1982 Let It Whip Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. Wiley is also present on songs such as On The One For Fun, Keep It Live (On The KIL), Joystick, Swoop (I'm Yours), and Let It All Blow, all of which reached top 20 on the Billboard R&B charts. Wiley has also backed jazz artists such as Najee, Stanley Clarke, and Bob James ~ Wiley was born ca.1954
April 23, 2023 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Keith Gattis passed away ~ As a solo artist known for his single Little Drops Of My Heart of his 1996 eponymous Keith Gattis debut album. Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Charlie Robison, Kenny Chesney (El Cerrito Place). George Strait (I Got A Car), and by Randy Houser (What Whiskey Does). Played with George Jones, Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson, Kid Rock, Randy Houser, Gary Allan, Ashley Monroe, Allison Moorer, Waylon Payne, Miranda Lambert, Wade Bowen, Sara Evans, Brandy Clark, the Randy Rogers Band, Randy Travis, and the Eli Young Band ~ Gattis was born in 1970
April 21, 2023 ~ Post-punk, avant-funk, industrial singer, songwriter Mark Stewart passed away ~ Pioneer of post-punk and industrial hip-hop. Co-founding member of the Pop Group, drawing from punk, dub, funk, and free jazz, and best known for the singles She Is Beyond Good And Evil and We Are All Prostitutes. Following the band's disbandement in the early 1980s Stewart has recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of Trent Reznor, Tricky, Massive Attack, and Primal Scream ~ Stewart was born in 1960
April 19, 2023 ~ Funk, R&B, pop singer, guitarist Otis Redding III passed away ~ Son of iconic R&B singer Otis Redding. Formed the Reddings with brother Dexter Redding and Mark Lockett, known best for Remote Control of their 1980 The Awakening debut album. The single remains a radio staple in Europe to this day ~ Redding was born ca.1964
April 17, 2023 ~ Caroline Vincinetti LoTempio, commonly known as singer April Stevens, passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ Known for the early 1950s hits I'm In Love Again and Gimme Me A Little Kiss (Will Ya Huh), as well as for her 1959 recording Teach Me Tiger which was banned from radio for its sexual innuendo. Perhaps best known for her collaborations with her brother Nino Tempo, including the 1963 recording Deep Purple which reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts ~ LoTempio was born in 1936
April 16, 2023 ~ Frederick Russell Jones, commonly known as jazz, hard bop, cool jazz, post-bop pianist, composer Ahmad Jamal, passed away ~ Best known for leading a trio with guitarist Ray Crawford and bassist Israel Crosby for most of the 1950s and early 1960s. Over 50 albums to his name as leader or co-leader over a career spanning six decades, specifically acclaimed for Chamber Music Of The New Jazz, At The Pershing (But Not For Me), and Listen To The Ahmad Jamal Quintet. Converted to islam while in his twenties, taking the name Jamal, and once sued jazz critic Leonard Feather for using his birthname of Jones ~ Jones was born in 1930
April 15, 2023 ~ Jazz, R&B bassist Peter Badie, full name Peter Chuck Badie, passed away ~ Active since the early 1950s, performing and recording with Roy Brown, Paul Gayten, and Dave Bartholomew. Member of Lionel Hampton's orchestra during the mid-1950s. Would go on to work with Hank Crawford, Edward Frank, June Gardner, Dizzy Gillespie, and Zoot Sims. Retired from music by the 1970s for medical reasons. Reemerged in the 1990s as member of Dr John's backing unit ~ Badie was born in 1925
April 14, 2023 ~ Bassist Cliff Fish, full name Clifford Victor Fish, passed away ~ Core member of Paper Lace, with whom he scored the UK hits Billy Don't Be A Hero, The Black-Eyed Boys, and The Night Chicago Died. All three would reach top 20 in the band's native UK, the latter would also top the American Billboard Hot 100 ~ Fish was born in 1949
April 14, 2023 ~ Rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist Mark Sheehan, full name Mark Anthony Sheehan, passed away ~ Member of boyband Mytown, known for the moderate hit Do It Like This and their sole eponymous Mytown album. Following the band's disbandement in 2001 Sheehan co-founded alternative rock outfit the Script with whom he recorded half a dozen albums, all of which would reach top of the charts in their native Ireland. Well-known songs include The Man Who Can't Be Moved, For The First Time, Hall Of Fame featuring will.i.am, and Superheroes. The single Breakeven of their eponymous The Script debut album would reach top 20 on the American Billboard Hot 100 ~ Sheehan was born in 1976
April 9, 2023 ~ Jazz pianist, conductor Karl Berger, full name Karl Hans Berger, passed away in Albany, New York, USA ~ About two dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for Transit released in 1987. Closely associated with Don Cherry and Ornette Coleman, founding the Woodstock-based Creative Music Studio study center with the latter in 1972. In-demand sideman, present on albums by the likes of Gato Barbieri, Lee Konitz, John McLaughlin, Marzette Watts, Sly & Robbie, Joe Lovano, Jeff Buckley (Grace), Better Than Ezra, Bill Laswell, Natalie Merchant (Ophelia), Angélique Kidjo, and Lil Haydn ~ Berger was born in 1935
April 8, 2023 ~ Songwriter, producer Bob Heatlie, full name Robert Raymond Heatlie, passed away ~ Best known for penning the 1980s hits Japanese Boy for Aneka, and Merry Christmas Everyone for Shakin' Stevens. Both songs would top the UK singles charts, the latter became a mainstay popular to this day and covered by numerous artists ~ Heatlie was born in 1946
April 7, 2023 ~ John Bairnson, commonly known as bassist, guitarist Ian Bairnson, passed away ~ Member of 1970s outfit Pilot, known for their 1974 Magic single. Also closely associated with the Alan Parsons Project, working with Alan Parsons for over two decades starting in the mid-1970s and noted for his guitar solo on I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You. Appeared on Kate Bush's first four albums including the guitar solo on Wuthering Heights of Bush's The Kick Inside debut album. Co-wrote If You Can't Stand The Heat and Run For Your Life both recorded by Bucks Fizz. Has also worked with Yvonne Keeley, Joe Cocker, Jon Anderson, Chris De Burgh, Mick Fleetwood, Neil Diamond, and others ~ Bairnson was born in 1953
April 7, 2023 ~ Bassist John Regan passed away ~ Perhaps best known for his association with Ace Frehley, notably on the 1987 Frehley's Comet album, and for backing Peter Frampton from 1979 through 2011. Also present on albums by the likes of Chip Taylor, Billy Idol (Whiplash Smile), John Waite, David Bowie, Robin Trower, and Jamie Oldaker ~ Regan was born in 1951
April 7, 2023 ~ Edward Jordan, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Kidd Jordan, passed away ~ Active since the mid-1950s, backing blues and R&B artists such as Guitar Slim, Ray Charles, Big Maybelle, and Choker Campbell. Would go on to work with a wide array of artists in genres ranging from avant-garde to pop and rock, including William Parker, Archie Shepp, Ornette Coleman, Stevie Wonder, and Cecil Taylor. Later on in his career has also recorded as a leader or co-leader, noted for his 2006 Palm Of Soul album. To rock audiences perhaps best known for appearing on the REM-album Out Of Time released in 1991 ~ Jordan was born in 1935
April 7, 2023 ~ Lars-Ove Wellander, commonly known as pop rock guitarist Lasse Wellander, passed away in Overgrans, Sweden ~ In-demand session and touring musician active since the late 1960s. Internationally best known for his long-time association with ABBA, present on over half a dozen of the band's albums. Especially noted for his guitar play on the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Does Your Mother Know of their 1979 Voulez-Vous album. Wellander has also recorded as a solo artist and worked with the likes of Nature, Pugh Rogefeldt, Zkiffz, the Stockholm All-Stars, the Low Budget Blues Band, and others ~ Wellander was born in 1952
April 6, 2023 ~ Jazz bassist, double bassist Harrison Bankhead, full name Harrison Napoleon Bankhead III, passed away ~ Avant-garde leaning bassist. As a leader known for his acclaimed Morning Sun Harvest Moon album released in 2011. Closely associated with Malachi Thompson, backing the trumpeter on over half a dozen albums starting in the early 1990s. Has also frequently worked with 8 Bold Souls, including on the ensemble's 2000 Last Option masterpiece. Other collaborations include Edward Wilkerson Jr, Michael Mason, Don Bennett, Joel Brandon, and Fred Anderson ~ Bankhead was born in 1955
April 6, 2023 ~ Pop, dance-pop singer, actor Paul Cattermole, full name Paul Gerald Cattermole, passed away in Dorset, UK ~ Member of S Club 7 from 1998 through 2002, present on songs such as Bring It All Back, S Club Party, Never Had A Dream Come True and Don't Stop Movin' ~ Cattermole was born in 1977
April 5, 2023 ~ Soul singer, keyboardist Booker Newberry III passed away ~ Member of Sweet Thunder, known for Baby I Need Your Love Today. Member of Impact. As a solo artist best known for Love Town, which reached the UK top 10 in 1983 ~ Newberry was born in 1956
April 5, 2023 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger Dusko Gojkovic passed away ~ As a leader perhaps best known for his 1994 Soul Connection album, featuring guests such as Tommy Flanagan, Jimmy Heath, and Mickey Roker. In-demand sideman, appearing on albums by the likes of Woody Herman, Francy Boland, Tete Montoliu, Klaus Doldinger, and Maynard Ferguson ~ Gojkovic was born in 1931
April 4, 2023 ~ Keyboardist Vivian Trimble, full name Vivian Elizabeth Trimble, passed away ~ Keyboardist for all-female quartet Luscious Jackson, known best for their 1996 Fever In Fever Out sophomore album. Also worked with Jill Cunniff under the moniker the Kostars, and formed the duo Dusty Trails with Josephine Wiggs ~ Trimble was born in 1963
April 2, 2023 ~ Label executive Seymour Stein passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ After positions at King Records and Billboard, co-founded Sire Records with Richard Gottehrer in the mid-1960s. Would be incremental to the careers of pop, rock, and new wave artists of the 1970s and 1980s including the Ramones, Talking Heads, the Pretenders, Depeche Mode, the Cure, Ice-T, and Echo & the Bunnymen. Stein had the opportunity to sign Jimi Hendrix in 1966, yet decided against it after seeing him smash his guitar on-stage and argue with his friend, model Linda Keith, on successive occasions. Stein remained active with Sire and Warner Bros Records until his retirement in 2018 ~ Stein was born in 1942
April 1, 2023 ~ Singer, actor Dario Campeotto passed away ~ Actively performing since his early teens. Internationally best known for representing his native Denmark at the 1961 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 5th place with Angelique. Following its success Campeotto would continue to record, as well as play in theatrical plays, operettas, revues, and films ~ Campeotto was born in 1939
March 30, 2023 ~ Beat, pop rock drummer Alfio Cantarella passed away ~ Co-founding member of beat band Equipe 84, one of the premier Italian bands of the 1960s and 1970s known for songs such as 29 Settembre and Io Ho In Mente Te. the latter an Italian translation of the Ian & Sylvia song You Were On My Mind. Following the band's disbandement in 1977 Cantarella has served as manager and producer, most notably working with Zucchero and Sergio Caputo ~ Cantarella was born in 1941
March 30, 2023 ~ Raymond Shulman, commonly known as progressive rock bassist, producer Ray Shulman passed away in London, UK ~ Member of progressive rock outfit Gentle Giant, known for the complexity and sophistication of their music merging hard rock with classical music and medieval influences. The band recorded about a dozen albums and is especially acclaimed for the albums Octopus and Free Hand. Shulman also played violin, viola, guitar, trumpet, keyboards and percussion but was most praised for his virtuoso bass playing, drawing comparisons to Yes-bassist Chris Squire. After the band disbanded in the early 1980s would go on to work as a producer, working with artists such as the Sugarcubes, the Sundays, the Trash Can Sinatras, Ian McCulloch, and the Defects ~ Shulman was born in 1949
March 29, 2023 ~ Singer Brian Gillis passed away ~ Early member of LFO (Lyte Funky Ones), remaining with the band through 1999. Present on the minor 1995 hit If I Can't Have You, a cover of the 1977 Yvonne Elliman disco hit. Frustrated however with the lack of progress the band had made, Gillis left the band in 1999 prior to recording the band's eponymous LFO (Lyte Funky Ones) debut album. The album would spawn the band's two biggest hits, Summer Girls and Girl On TV both reaching top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Following his departure from the band Gillis found employment as a radio promoter ~ Gillis was born ca.1975
March 29, 2023 ~ Charles Emanuel Sherrell, commonly known as R&B, funk bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Sweet Charles Sherrell, passed away ~ Best known for backing James Brown for the better part of two decades starting in 1968. Credited by Brown with being the first bassist to incorporate techniques such as thumping on the strings, essential to Brown's evolution from soul to funk. Notably present on Brown hits such as Say It Loud I'm Black And I'm Proud, Mother Popcorn and Give It Up Or Turn It Loose. Sherrell also recorded the unsuccesful For Sweet People From Sweet Charles solo album, backed Al Green, and worked with several Brown alumni including Marva Whitney, Lyn Collins, and extensively with Maceo Parker including on the latter's Funk Overload album ~ Sherrell was born in 1943
March 28, 2023 ~ Singer, producer, actor, songwriter Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away in Tokyo, Japan ~ Considered a pioneer of electronic music, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Yellow Magic Orchestra, along with bandmates Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi. As a solo artist especially acclaimed for his 1978 A Thousand Knives solo debut album and its follow-up B-2 Unit released in 1980, the latter cited as a major influence on electro and hip-hop. Also known for composing several soundtracks, including co-writing the score for the 1987 The Last Emperor film with David Byrne and Cong Su earning the trio an Academy Award ~ Sakamoto was born in 1952
March 27, 2023 ~ Peggy Stoutmeyer, commonly known as blues, R&B, gospel singer Peggy Scott-Adams, passed away ~ Toured with Ben E King as a teenager. Recorded a number of duet singles with Jo Jo Benson during the late 1960s, notably Lovers Holiday, Pickin' Wild Berries and Soulshake. Reemerged nearly three decades later, brought back to the studio by singer and producer Jimmy Lewis, leading to a full-length critically acclaimed Help Yourself debut album in 1996. Has recorded a little over half a dozen blues, R&B and gospel albums since ~ Stoutmeyer was born in 1948
March 26, 2023 ~ Country singer Ray Pillow, full name Herbert Raymond Pillow, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Charted over a dozen singles on the Billboard Country charts, his best known the Jean Shepard-duet I'll Take The Dog which reached top 10 in 1966. Other well known songs include Thank You Ma'am, Common Colds And Broken Hearts and Volkswagen. Pillow has also co-founded Sycamore Records and worked as A&R representative for Capitol Records ~ Pillow was born in 1937
March 25, 2023 ~ Composer Christopher Gunning passed away in Hertfordshire, UK ~ Has composed concert works and for film and TV. To pop rock audiences perhaps best known for the distinctive string arrangement on Colin Blunstone's 1972 hit Say You Don't Mind, and for the arrangements on several of singer Lynsey de Paul's singles including Won't Somebody Dance With Me and My Man And Me. Among his notable credits are the soundtracks for films such as Under Suspicion, Firelight, and the 2007 Edith Piaf biopic La Vi En Rose, and TV series such as Rebecca ~ Gunning was born in 1944
March 25, 2023 ~ Composer, producer Nick Lloyd Webber, full name Nicholas Lloyd Webber, passed away in Basingstoke, UK ~ Son of musical composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. Best known for scoring the BBC drama Love Lies & Records. Other well known compositions include a theatrical and symphonic production of The Little Prince based on the book of the same name by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and the 2017 musical Fat Friends The Musical ~ Webber was born in 1979
March 23, 2023 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Keith Reid, full name Keith Stuart Brian Reid, passed away ~ Best known as lyricist of most of the Procol Harum songs, including Conquistador, A Whiter Shade Of Pale, Salty Dog, and Grand Hotel. Others who recorded songs co-written by Reid include Michel Polnareff (Time Will Tell), Gary Brooker, Peter Frampton, John Farnham (You're The Voice), and the Jeff Healey Band ~ Reid was born in 1946
March 23, 2023 ~ Pop singer, songwriter, producer, label executive Peter Shelley, full name Peter Alexander Southworth, passed away in Victoria, Canada ~ Active as plugger and talent scout since the mid-1960s. Responsible for signing Amen Corner, Ten Years After, and Giles Giles & Fripp to Decca Records, the latter later evolving into King Crimson. Co-founded Magnet Records in the early 1970s, for whom he developed the persona of Alvin Stardust and signed acts such as Guys & Dolls and Chris Rea. As a singer Shelley is best known for the mid-1970 UK hits Gee Baby and Love Me Love My Dog ~ Southworth was born in 1943
March 22, 2023 ~ Rock guitarist, bassist, songwriter Tom Leadon passed away ~ Co-founding member of Mudcrutch, which also included a then-unknown Tom Petty, remaining with the band through 1972. Backed Johnny Rivers, Linda Ronstadt, and others, and was a member of 1970s country-rock outfit Silver. In 1975 the Eagles, which included his brother guitarist Bernie Leadon, recorded Tom's original composition Hollywood Waltz for their One Of These Nights album ~ Leadon was born in 1952
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, flutist 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 reportedly 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, and Lowell George. 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 8, 2023 ~ Alternative rock bassist Phil Titus passed away ~ Co-founding member of Morning Parade, active through the mid-2010s. The band is best known for Headlights and Speechless, both taken of their eponymous 2012 Morning Parade debut album. The band would release one more album, 2014's Pure Adulterated Joy, before disbanding ~ Titus was born ca.1987
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 ~ Gospel, country singer Calvin Newton passed away ~ Briefly sang with Southern gospel quartet the Blackwood Brothers during the late 1940s. Lead singer for the Oak Ridge Boys from 1953 through 1956. Formed early 1960s gospel trio the Sons Of Song with Don Butler and Bob Robinson, known best for their 1961 Wasted Years debut album. The group is generally regarded as one of the pioneering acts in what would later become known as CCM. In later years Newton would revert to a life of crime, serving time for theft, counterfeiting and drug offences. In his seventies Newton would end his estrangement from the gospel community, aided by longtime friend Jake Hess and record and perform with dozens of former colleagues ~ Newton was born in 1929
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 and recorded 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, flutist 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 ~ One of Canada's premier jazz trumpeters. Toured with Pearl Bailey and her husband drummer Louie Bellson during the late 1950s. About half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for his 1986 eponymous Guido Basso album. Frequently collaborated with Rob McConnell. Also present on albums by Jean-Pierre Ferland, Peter Appleyard, Stratavarious, the THP Orchestra, the Hi-Lo's, Sammy Nestico, Anne Murray, Raffi, Marc Jordan, Dione Taylor, Chantal Chamberland, and Diana Panton ~ 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 Nothin' 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 7, 2023 ~ Singer Tony Pantano passed away ~ Active since his mid-teens. Fronted Isy & the Dynamics during the mid-1960s, known f0or the single One Night. Fronted Sammy &; the Dolphins, with whom he recorded the EP The Doplhins At Sergio's Rendezvous. As a solo artist known for the early 1970s singles Every Time You Touch Me and Tonight, both of which modest hits in his adopted homeland Australia ~ Pantano was born in 1948
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 4, 2023 ~ Folk singer Zoran Kalezic passed away ~ Has recorded close to two dozen albums, starting with Uspomene released in 1969. Best known for his early 1970s hits Zbog Devojke Cmogorske and Cekaj Me ~ Kalezic was born in 1950
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
January 1, 2023 ~ Son, jazz pianist, composer Lázaro Valdés, full name Lázaro Valdés Espinosa, passed away in Havana, Cuba ~ Leading figure in Cuban jazz. Son of percussionist Oscar Valdés. Pianist for Benny Moré's big band the Banda Giganta, taking over leadership of the band after Morés death in 1963 ~ Valdés was born in 1940
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 ~ Violist, author David Dalton, full name David Johnson Dalton, passed away ~ Best known for his scholarly accomplishments. As a faculty member of Brigham Young University, Utah, Dalton's main contribution was the establishment of the the Primrose International Viola Archive, one of the largest viola archives in the world. Dalton is also known as president of the American Viola Society and of the International Viola Society ~ Dalton was born in 1934
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 The 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 ~ José Angel Amato, commonly known as singer, songwriter, actor José Angel Trelles, passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ First gained attention in the musical TV show Siete Y Medio and subsequently winning the Canciorena talent contest, the latter landing him a record deal. Has recorded about two dozen albums since and collaborated with the likes of Sandro de América, Estela Raval, Rubén Juárez, Alberto Cortez, and perhaps most notably Astor Piazzolla, touring nationally and abroad with the latter as a member of his backing unit the Octeto Electronico. Has also starred in numerous stage productions, including the Piazzolla-penned operetta Maria De Buenos Aires ~ Amato was bonr in 1944
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 ~ Robert Naughton, commonly known as jazz vibraphonist, pianist Bobby Naughton, passed away ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader, starting with NAture's Consort released in 1969. As a sideman closely associated with Wadada Leo Smith, including on the acclaimed Divine Love album, and with Anthony Braxton. Also present on albums by Roscoe Mitchell, the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, and the Creative Orchestra ~ Naughton was born in 1944
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 ~ Label executive, producer Charles Koppelman passed away in Roslyn Harbor, New York, USA ~ Member of the Ivy Three, known for their sole hit Yogi which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100 in 1960. Koppelman would go on to hold several executive positions at companies such as Columbia Music, CBS Records, and SBK Records ~ Koppelman was born in 1940
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 17, 2022 ~ Classical pianist, composer Tomás Svoboda passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Served as professor at Portland State University, Oregon, for over 25 years. Over 200 compositions to his name, starting in the mid-1950s. Most acclaimed for his Concerto For Marimba & Orchestra published in 1995 and for Piano Trios published in 2000 ~ Svoboda was born in 1939
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, flutist, 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, flutist 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
November 1, 2022 ~ Composer, producer Tsuneo Fukuhara passed away ~ Adoptive son of composer, producer Fukuhari Choki. Considered a pioneer in fusing traditional Okinawan music with elements from a wide array of genres including classical music, R&B, and bossa nova. Active since the early 1960s has written over an estimated 500 songs, including his best known Bashofu notably covered by Rimi Natsukawa, Tokiko Kato, and others ~ Fukuhara was born in 1932
October 31, 2022 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Michal Ambroz passed away ~ Co-founded Jasná Páka in 1981 with Vladimir Albrecht. The band would be banned from performing in public in 1984 and instead of going underground Ambroz would form Hudba Praha with some of the original members while others pursued other intrests. In 2008 Ambroz would reinstate Jasná Páka with only drummer, singer David Koller as the only other original member. Six years later the band released their sole official studio album Cerna Deska ~ Ambroz was born ca.1954
October 31, 2022 ~ Country singer, songwriter Patrick Haggerty passed away ~ Lead singer, guitarist, sole constant member for country outfit Lavender Country throughout its existence from 1972 through 1976. The band is known for their eponymous 1973 Lavender Country album, the first gay-themed album in country music history. The album was funded and released by the Gay Community Social Services of Seattle, with just 1,000 copies pressed at the time of its original release. Haggerty has also worked with gay country music groups Doug Stevens & the Outband and Pearl River, ran two unsuccesful campaigns for political office in Washington, and would continue to work as a gay rights and anti-racism activist ~ Haggerty was born in 1944
October 29, 2022 ~ Composer, songwriter, singer Lucy Simon, full name Lucy Elizabeth Simon, passed away in Piermont, New York, USA ~ Sister of mezzo-soprano Joanna Simon and soft rock, folk rock singer Carly Simon. Formed the sibling duo Simon Sisters with the latter, recording three albums starting with the 1964 album Meet The Simon Sisters which would include the minor hit Winkin' Blinin' And Nod. Simon would release two solo albums in the 1970s, Lucy Simon and Stolen Time, but is perhaps best remembered for writing the score for the musicals The Secret Garden and Doctor Zhivago, which premiered respectively in 1991 and 2011 ~ Simon was born in 1940
October 29, 2022 ~ Rock bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, engineer Robin Sylvester passed away ~ Best known as member of Bob Weir's side project Ratdog, joining 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 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Branislav Hronec passed away ~ After stints with the West Coast Combo and the Bratislava Jazz Studio founded the Bran Hronec Group in 1963, later renamed to the Bran Hronec Orchestra, with whom he recorded and toured internationally throughout the 1980s ~ Hronec was born in 1940
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 19, 2022 ~ Operatic mezzo-soprano Joanna Simon, full name Joanna Elizabeth Simon, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Sister of soft rock, pop, folk singer Carly Simon and singer, musical theatre composer Lucy Simon. Praised for her distinctive smoky-voiced mezzo-soprano vocals. Active mostly from the early 1960s through the 1980s, working with orchestras such as the New York City Opera, the Washington Opera Society, the New York Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra ~ Simon was born in 1936
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 ~ Michael Benjamin, commonly known as zouk, dancehall singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Mikaben, passed away in Paris, France ~ Son of singer Lionel Benjamin. First gained attention through the talent contest Konkou Chante Nwel, winning 1st place. Drew from konpa, twoubadou, rap kreyol, soca, and reggae. Passed away at age 41 after suffering cardiac arrest while on stage at the Accor Arena, France ~ Benjamin was born in 1981
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 ~ Pianist, composer Jure Robeznik passed away ~ Despite the lack of formal musical education authored over a hundred and fifty musical works, focusing primarily on jazz and popular music. Robeznik was bestowed with a Kozina Award by the Society of Slovenian Composers in 2017 ~ Robeznik was born in 1933
October 7, 2022 ~ Latin jazz, hard bop, pop, soul saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Ronnie Cuber, full name Ronald Edward Cuber, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the late 1950s. As a leader active since the mid-1970s, with well over a dozen albums to his name especially acclaimed for the albums Cuber Libre, The Scene Is Clean, NYC Ats and Ronnie. In-demand sideman in jazz, pop and soul, appearing on recordings by Slide Hampton, Maynard Ferguson, George Benson, Dr Lonnie Smith, Lee Konitz, Frank Zappa, Patti Austin, the J Geils Band (Freeze Frame), Grant Green, Billy Joel (Innocent Man), Paul Simon (Graceland), Dr John, and others ~ Cuber was born in 1941
October 7, 2022 ~ Avant-garde pianist, composer Toshi Ichiyanagi passed away ~ Married to Yoko Ono from 1956 to 1962. Considered one of the premier composers in Japan during the postwar era. Has written operas, orchestral works, chamber music, vocal works, electronic music, and soundtracks. Known for a wide range of influences, including Western-style classical music, avant-garde, and traditional Japanese music ~ Ichiyanagi was born in 1933
October 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 ~ Jazz singer Janet Thurlow, full name Janet Lorraine Thurlow, passed away in Lynwood, California, USA ~ First gained attention as a “song stylist” in the late 1940s with renowned New Orleans producer, songwriter Robert Bumps Blackwell's band, a group that also included the then-unknown Quincy Jones and Ray Charles. Invited by Lionel Hampton in 1950 to join his orchestra as a singer, making her recording debut on the 1951 I Can't Believe You're In Love With Me which reportedly made her the first white singer to front an all-Black big band. By 1953 Thurlow started her solo career, performing through the mid-1960s. Thurlow was also featured on the 1953 Charles Mingus recording Eclipse, a song about interracial romance. Thurlow herself married African-American trombonist Jimmy Cleveland earlier the same year ~ Thurlow was born in 1926
October 4, 2022 ~ Loretta Webb, commonly known as country, honky tonk singer, guitarist, songwriter Loretta Lynn, passed away in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, USA ~ Known as “the Coal Miner's Daughter” has shaped 1960s and 1970s country and along with Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette served as a rolemodel for future generations of female country singers. Known for songs such as You Ain't Woman Enough To Take My Man, Don't Come 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 ~ Conductor, composer Colin Touchin, full name Colin Michael Touchin, passed away ~ Composed oratorios, sinfoniettes, and works for wind bands and choral groups. As a teacher taught at Cheltham's School Of Music and the University Of Warwick. Founded and conducted the Spires Philhamonic Orchestra And Chorus ~ Touchin was born in 1953
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