June 1, 2025 ~ Pop, R&B, soul, blue-eyed soul singer Marcie Jones passed away ~ Jones had performed with Normie Rowe and recorded several singles in the mid 1960s as a solo artist prior to teaming up with the sibling outfit the Cookies, which consisted of sisters Margaret Cook, Beverley Cook, and Wendy Cook. Although the girl group, billed as Marcie & the Cookies, issued only two singles, All Or Nothing and White Christmas both released in 1968, they would enjoy popularity as a support act for the likes of Tom Jones, the Monkees, and Gene Pitney. The girl group initially split around the turn of the 1970s, but have reconvened from time to time, touring the oldies circuit, while Jones pursued a parallel solo career. Jones would score several minor hits as a solo artist in her native Australia, perhaps most notably the Curtis Mayfield-penned Gonna Get Married lifted off her 1974 That Jones Girl album ~ Jones was born in 1945
June 1, 2024 ~ Drummer Ed Mann passed away in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known for his association with Frank Zappa, appearing on over 30 of his albums including Sheik Yerbouti, Joe's Garage Acts I II & III, Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar and Them Or Us. Mann has also worked with Tommy Mars, Banned From Utopia, Project Object, Agent Moosehead, and Desert Rain. Mann has also recorded several albums as a solo artist, perhaps most notably Global Warming released in 1995. Upon hearing of his death, fellow Zappa alumnus Chad Wackerman described Mann as a masterful and brilliant percussionist, adding Mann “could play anything Zappa threw at him and I never once heard him make a mistake” ~ Mann was born in 1954
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, and the Righteous Brothers (You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin') ~ 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
June 1, 2022 ~ Gospel singer Deborah McCrary passed away ~ Member of traditional black gospel, contemporary urban gospel outfit the McCrary Sisters alongside siblings Ann McCrary, Regina McCrary and Alfreda McCrary. The group has recorded a number of albums, starting with Our Journey released in 2010, as well as provided backing vocals for artists such as Carrie Underwood (Choctaw County Affair), Margo Price (Do Right By Me), and Allison Russell (All Of The Women) ~ McCrary was born in 1954
June 1, 2020 ~ Joey Poole, commonly known as punk rock drummer Joey Image, passed away ~ Member of the Misfits from 1978 through late 1979, present on singles such as Horror Business and Night Of The Living Dead. Has also worked with the Whorelords, Human Buffett, the Mary Tyler Whores, the Bell Ringers, the Evil Doers, the Hooples, Jersey Trash, the Hollywood 77s, and the Undead ~ Poole was born in 1957
June 1, 2020 ~ Majekodunmi Fasheke, commonly known as roots reggae, rock singer, songwriter Majek Fashek, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his 1988 single Send Down The Rain. Has collaborated with Tracy Chapman, Jimmy Cliff, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, and Beyoncé ~ Fasheke was born ca.1963
June 1, 2018 ~ Conductor, composer Andrew Massey passed away in Vermont, USA ~ Principal conductor of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. Also worked with the Fresno Philharmonic, the New Orleans Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, and with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Massey was born in 1946
June 1, 2016 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, producer, songwriter Roger Cotton, full name Roger Allen Cotton, passed away in Kent, UK ~ Worked with Buddy Whittington, Peter Green (wrote the Peter Green Splinter Group's Big Change and Real World). Clockwork Orange, Bandwagon, the Brothers Grimm, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Carlos Santana, Papa Lightfoot, Soul Survivor, Paul Cox, Eric Bibb, Dr Feelgood, the Barcodes, the Incredible Blues Puppies, the Downliners Sect, Sonny Black, and Derek Nash ~ Cotton was born ca.1946
June 1, 2015 ~ Classical, world, new age composer, pianist Kirill Pokrovsky, full name Kirill Vladimirovich Pokrovsky, passed away in Ghent, Belgium ~ Keyboardist for heavy metal acts Aria and Master before venturing out on his own. Known for his BRUGGE solo album. Best known as a composer for video games, notably writing the score to the Divinity series of video games ~ Pokrovsky was born in 1962
June 1, 2009 ~ The 40th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 3 of 3. Dry and warm, this year's edition would draw a total of some 90,000 visitors. Included on today's, Monday the 1st's bill would include Gaslight Anthem, Novastar, Amy MacDonald, Franz Ferdinand, Anouk, Snow Patrol, Shinedown, Mando Diao, Billy Talent, de Jeugd Van Tegenwoordig, the Kooks, All-American Rejects, the Hollywood Undead, the Script, Katy Perry, and the Ting Tings
June 1, 2008 ~ The 39th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 3 of 3. To mixed weather this year's edition would draw a total of some 94,000 visitors. Included on today's, Sunday the 1st's bill would include Fiction Plane, Gavin Degraw, Racoon, Alanis Morissette, the Queens Of The Stone Age, Rage Against The Machine, the Wombats, Cavalera Conspiracy, the Hives, Serj Tarkian, the Counting Crows, Patrick Watson, Kate Nash, Saybia, and Róisín Murphy
June 1, 2007 ~ Singer, songwriter Tony Thompson passed away in Waco, Texas ~ Best known as a member of Hi-Five best known for their eponymous debut, 1990's Hi-Five, which went platinum and spawned the hits I Like The Way (The Kissing Game), I Can't Wait Another Minute, and Just Another Girlfriend. Thompson released a sole solo album, Sensational, in 1995 ~ Thompson was born in 1975
June 1, 2006 ~ Maria Del Rocío Trinidad Mohedano Jurado, commonly known as singer, actress Rocío Jurado, passed away in La Moraleja, Spain ~ One of the all-time best-selling Spanish female singers with over 16 million records sold. Best known for songs such as Como Una Ola, Como Yo Te Amo, Ese Hombre, Se Nos Rompio El Amor and Vibro ~ Jurado was born in 1944
June 1, 2000 ~ Ernesto Antonio Puente Jr, commonly known as timbales player, vibraphonist, bandleader Tito Puente passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Dubbed “the King of the Timbales” and considered one of the most important and influential artists in Latin music with a career spanning 5 decades. To rock audiences best known for penning and first recording Oye Como Va, notably covered by Santana ~ Puente was born in 1923
June 1, 1999 ~ Jazz vibraphonist, accordionist Geo Daly passed away in Sete, France ~ Became house vibraphonist at the Club St Germain in 1952. Worked with Don Byas, Bill Coleman, Bernard Peiffer, Marcel Bianchi, Claude Bolling, Michel de Villers, Roy Eldridge, Duke Ellington, Andre Persiany, Dave Pochonet, Lester Young, Boulou Ferre, les Petits Francais, Moustache, and Michel Attenoux ~ Daly was born in 1923
June 1, 1998 ~ The 29th edition of Pinkpop takes place in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ Day 3 of 3. Mostly a sunny and warm weekend this year's edition would draw some 51,500 visitors. Included on today's, Monday the 1st's bill would be Eagle Eye Cherry, the Deftones, Anouk, NOFX, K's Choice, the Smashing Pumpkins, the Verve, Ocean Colour Scene, Faithless, Tori Amos, Junkie XL, Garbage, the Artificial Joy Club, Grandaddy, Spiritualized, 16 Horsepower, and the Tindersticks
June 1, 1996 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, singer Alan Blakley, full name Alan David Blakley, passed away ~ Founding member of the Tremeloes, staying with the band from 1958 through 1972, the band's most successful period scoring UK hits such as Do You Love Me, Candy Man, I Want Candy, Silence Is Golden, and Even The Bad Times Are Good ~ Blakley was born in 1942
June 1, 1996 ~ Pianist, songwriter, producer Don Grolnick passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader, sideman, in-demand session musician. Member of Steps Ahead and of Dreams, in both alongside Michael Brecker. Present on albums by John Scofield, Bonnie Raitt (Streetlights), Gato Barbieri, Harry Chapin, Bette Midler, Steely Dan (Aja), Marcus Miller, the Manhattan Transfer, Linda Ronstadt, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Roberta Flack (Blue Lights In The Basement), Chaka Khan, Ringo Starr, Paul Simon (One Trick Pony), and Aaron Neville ~ Grolnick was born in 1947
June 1, 1996 ~ Margherita Maria Francesca LaCentra, commonly known as contralto singer Peg LaCentra, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for her association with Artie Shaw. Also worked with Leo Reisman, Phil Spitalny, Johnny Green, appeared on Broadway in the 1943 The Patriots musical and ghost sang for a number of feature films ~ LaCentra was born ca.1910
June 1, 1993 ~ Singer David Bowie releases Black Tie White Noise, lifted off the album of the same name ~ Inspired by Bowie's stay in Los Angeles the previous year, when the city saw race riots following the Rodney King incident. Produced by Nile Rodgers, with whom Bowie had also worked for his 1983 Let's Dance hit album, Black Tie White Noise was one of Bowie's most jazz- and soul-influenced tracks on the album. Both the parent album and in particular its title track would be warmly received, most critics praising its funky and soulful vibe, with The Orlando Sentinel pointing out how “Bowie's cool, detached voice is nicely partnered by that of (duet partner) soul singer Al B Sure”. The single would be a modest hit in the UK, where it peaked at No.36, yet somehow it was overlooked by American audiences as it did not make the charts. The parent album would top the UK charts, peaked inside the top 10 in several countries including the Netherlands, Italy, and New Zealand, and reached top 40 on the American Billboard Hot 200 charts, peaking at No.39
June 1, 1992 ~ Joseph Marshall Jr, commonly known as jazz drummer Joe Marshall, passed away in Teaneck, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with Milt Larkin, Duke Ellington, Jimmie Lunceford, Ben Webster, Harold Baker, Cyril Hines, Bill Pemberton, Al Sears, Don Abney, Wally Richardson, and Wendell Marshall ~ Marshall was born in 1913
June 1, 1991 ~ Davis Eli Ruffin, commonly known as R&B, soul singer David Ruffin, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Brother of singer Jimmy Ruffin. Best known as member of the Temptations from 1964 through 1968, singing lead on songs such as My Girl, Ain't Too Proud To Beg, I Know I'm Losing You and I Wish It Would Rain. Debuted as a solo artist in 1969 with the album My Whole World Ended. Known for songs such as My Whole World Ended The Moment You Left Me, I Lost Everything I've Ever Loved, I'm So Glad I Fell For You, Walk Away From Love, Heavy Love, Everything's Coming Up Love and Sexy Dancer. Also recorded with his brother Jimmy, notably the 1970 I Am My Brother's Keeper album, spawning the modest hits When My Love Hand (Comes Tumbling Down) and Your Love Was Worth Waiting For ~ Ruffin was born in 1941
June 1, 1986 ~ Oliver Dene Jones, commonly known as dubstep producer, DJ Skream, born in Bromley, UK ~ Son of jungle DJ Dijak. Released his full-length eponymous Skream debut album in 2006. Also formed Magnetic Man with longtime collaborators Artwork and Benga
June 1, 1984 ~ Lead singer Nate Nelson passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of doo-wop outfit the Flamingos, joining the band in late 1954 as replacement for Sollie McElroy. First appeared on the 1955 single I'm Yours. Has also worked with the Platters, joining the group in 1965 replacing Paul Robi ~ Nelson was born in 1932
June 1, 1981 ~ Singer, producer, songwriter Brandi Carlile born in Ravensdale, Washington, USA ~ Influenced by Elton John. Debuted in 2005 with the critically acclaimed eponymous Brandi Carlile album. Co-founded all-female country supergroup Highwomen, which also featured Amanda Shires, Maren Morris, later complemented by Natalie Hemby. Worked with the Hanseroth Brothers, T-Bone Burnett (who produced Carliles sophomore album The Story), the Indigo Girls, Newton Faulkner, Amy Ray, Chad Smith, Benmont Tench, Trina Shoemaker, the Avett Brothers, Dave Cobb, and Shooter Jennings
June 1, 1980 ~ Singer, guitarist Askil Holm born in Namsos, Norway ~ First gained attention in 2006 teaming up with Espen Lind, Alejandro Fuentes and Kurt Nilsen on the collaborative Hallelujah Live album, spawning the Norwegian No.1 hits Hallelujah. Its follow-up album, 2009's Hallelujah Live Volume 2 would also produce a No.1 hit single with With Or Without You. As a solo artist best known for his 2007 sophomore Harmony Hotel album, which reached the Norwegian top 10
June 1, 1978 ~ Matko Sasek, commonly known as hip-hop, electronic, urban producer, songwriter Koolade, born in Zagreb, Croatia ~ Helped establish hip-hop as a viable genre in the Balkans. Internationally perhaps best known for co-producing Masta Ace's Bewautiful of Ace's 2004 A Long Hot Summer album and for hi collaborations with Ghostface Killah, Sean Price, Xzibit, Tony Touch, Rah Digga, Too $hort, and Bow Wow
June 1, 1974 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Alanis Morissette born in Ottawa, Canada ~ Released two moderately successful dance-pop albums before switching to rock with the 1995 Jagged Little Pill album. It would be critically acclaimed, catapult her to international fame, sell over 30 million copies and spawn the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits You Oughta Know, Ironic and You Learn
June 1, 1974 ~ Folk punk, experimental singer, accordionist, guitarist, pianist Jason Webley born in Everett, Washington, USA ~ Worked with Evelyn Evelyn, Toast, Jay Thompson, Andru Bemis, Reverend Peyton, Amanda Palmer, Sxip Shirey, Oliver Orion, and Caitlin Rippey
June 1, 1973 ~ Pop rock outfit Wings release Live And Let Die, the theme song to the James Bond film of the same name ~ McCartney was approached to write the theme song before the screenplay was finished, and requested to be sent the novel upon which the film was based. Originally, the film's producers had intended the song to be sung by Shirley Bassey or Thelma Houston, yet McCartney insisted on performing the song with his pop rock outfit Wings. The song would be warmly received by critics, and reached top 10 in several countriest including No.2 on the American Billboard Hot 100 charts. It was also nominated for an Academy Award, making it the first James Bond theme to achieve this feat, but ultimately lost the award to Barbra Streisand's The Way We Were. Retrospectively, Live And Let Die has been acknowledged as one of McCartney's greatest songs. The 1991 cover by Guns 'n Roses, recorded for their Use Your Illusion I album, would do especially well in Europe, including reaching No.5 in McCartney's native UK, surpassing the original which had peaked at No.9
June 1, 1972 ~ Singer, songwriter Mindy Smith born in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Influenced by John Prine, Alison Krauss, Patty Griffin, Shania Twain, Kris Kristofferson, Buddy Miller, Bill Gaither, and Dolly Parton. First gained attention, and a record deal, with her version of Jolene, for the 2003 Parton tribute album Just Because I'm A Woman. Debuted the next year with the album One Moment More and has recorded regularly since. Well known songs include Come To Jesus, Out Loud, I Know The Reason, and Highs And Lowsrs
June 1, 1968 ~ Actor, singer Jason Donovan, full name Jason Sean Donovan, born in Malvern, Australia ~ Enjoyed popularity in the UK and Australia during the late-1980s, early-1990s as one of the artists produced by hit-making team Stock Aitken & Waterman. Scored the UK No.1 hits Too Many Broken Hearts, Sealed With A Kiss, Any Dream Will Do and Especially For You, the latter a duet with Neighbours co-star Kylie Minogue
June 1, 1967 ~ Singer Connie Francis records My Heart Cries For You ~ Written by Carl Sigman and Percy Faith. Produced by Pete Spargo. Previously a hit for Guy Mitchell, whose version reached No.2 pop charts in 1951. Francis would later also record versions in German (Mein Herz Ruft Nach Dir) and French (Mon Coeur Pleure Pour Vous)
June 1, 1967 ~ House, tribal house DJ, producer, remixer Roger Sanchez born ~ Well known for his hit Another Chance of his 2001 First Contact album. Won a Grammy Award for his 2003 remix of No Doubt's Hella Good. Has also remixed for artists such as Kylie Minogue, Daft Punk, the Police, and Maroon 5
June 1, 1966 ~ George Vital Laine, commonly known as drummer, bandleader Papa Jack Laine, passed away in Metairie, Louisiana, USA ~ Pioneering bandleader often credited for nurturing and mentoring young talent, including future jazz greats such as Chink Martin, Achille Baquet, Abbie Brunies, Merritt Brunies, Emile Christian, Frank Christian, Eddie Edwards, Nick LaRocca, Gussie Mueller, Alcide Yellow Nunez, Alphonse Picou, Larry Shields, Henry Ragas, Tony Sbarbaro, and Ragbaby Stephens ~ Laine was born in 1873
June 1, 1964 ~ British pop, rock group the Beatles record I'll Cry Instead at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Credited to Lennon/Paul McCartney, mostly written by John Lennon. Produced by George Martin. Intended for use in the film A Hard Day's Night yet replaced by the director, who didn't like the song, with Can't Buy Me Love. Included on the accompanying album though. Released as a single in July, featuring I'm Happy Just To Dance With You as the B-side
June 1, 1963 ~ In its tenth week on the charts, Two Faces Have I by Lou Christie peaks at No.6 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Preceded by The Gypsy Cried, Two Faces Have I became the singer's second charting single, second millionseller, and his first American top 10 hit. Like nearly most of his best known, Two Faces Have I was written by Twyla Herbert and Christie. The song would later serve as the inspiration for Bruce Springsteen's Two Faces, featured on Springsteen's 1987 Tunnel Of Love album
June 1, 1960 ~ Guitarist Jesse Johnson born in Rock Island, Illinois, USA ~ Member of funk band the Time, known for their association with Prince. Co-wrote The Bird and Jungle Love. Also involved with Vanity 6, for whom he co-wrote Bite The Beat. Johnson would go on to release a number of solo albums, starting with 1985's Jesse Johnson's Revue. Well known songs include Be Your Man, Can You Help Me, I Want My Girl, Free World and the Sly Stone-duet Crazay. Also known as a producer working with artists such as Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Ta Mara & the Seen, After 7, Kool Skool, Debbie Allen, Cheryl Lynn and Les Rita Mitsouko
June 1, 1960 ~ Punk, post-punk, alternative rock bassist Simon Gallup, full name Simon Jonathon Galup, born in Duxhurst, UK ~ Member of the Cure from 1979 through 1982, rejoining in 1985. Present on some of the band's best known albums including Pornography, Seventeen Seconds and Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me
June 1, 1959 ~ Synth-pop, new wave keyboardist Alan Wilder, full name Alan Charles Wilder, born in Hammersmith, UK ~ Member of Depeche Mode, joining the band in 1982 replacing original member Vince Clarke and remaining through 1995. First appeared on the band's Broken Frame sophomore album and present on some of the band's key albums including 1987's Music For The Masses and 1990's Violator
June 1, 1958 ~ Producer, songwriter Jochem Fluitsma born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Half of Fluitsma & Van Tijn, the other half being Eric van Tijn. Usually working behind the scenes, producing and writing for others the duo became a household name in 1996 when they recorded 15 Miljoen Mensen, initially for a Postbank advertisement. The song jumped to the top of the charts and has been a staple of Dutch popmusic since. As producer, songwriter duo the pair have worked with de Kast, the Dolly Dots, Mai Tai, Richenel, the Scene, Linda Roos & Jessica, Guus Meeuwis, Vagant, Lois Lane, Willeke Alberti, Mathilde Santing, Henk Westbroek, Caught In The Act, de Jazzpolitie, 4 Fun, Hind, and Status Quo. The pair wrote the Dutch entry for Eurovision Songfestival twice, Edsilia Rombley's Hemel & Aarde in 1998, ranking 6th overall, and Ruth Jacott's Vrede in 1993, which came in 4th place
June 1, 1957 ~ R&B, soul singer Sam Cooke records You Send Me at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California ~ Cooke's debut single as a solo artist. Instant smash hit. Self-penned, produced by Robert Bumps Blackwell. Topped both the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Considered a landmark recording in the history of soul. Would be named One Of The 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll by the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Cooke was backed on the original recording by René Hall and Clifton White on guitars, Ted Brinson bass, and Earl Palmer drums. Over time the song would be covered by over a 100 artists including Otis Redding, ZZ Hill, Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples, Ponderosa Twins Plus One and the Manhattans
June 1, 1956 ~ Singer Amanda Miguel born in Gaiman, Argentina ~ Member of Mediterréneo, which also included Diego Verdaguer whom she would later marry. Well over a dozen albums to her name as a solo artist, many produced by her husband, starting with El Sonido Vol.1 released in 1981. Well-known songs include Asi No Te Amara Jamas, El Me Mintio, Mi Buen Corazón, and Rompecorazones
June 1, 1956 ~ Actress, singer Lisa Hartman born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Released her eponymous Lisa Hartman debut album in 1976. Scored a Billboard Country No.1 hit in 1999 with When I Said I Do, a duet with her husband Clint Black taken of the latter's D'Lectrified. Hartman and Black married in 1991
June 1, 1953 ~ Singer, songwriter Ronnie Dunn born in Coleman, Texas, USA ~ Formed the duo Brooks & Dunn duo with Kix Brooks, debuting in 1991 with the Brand New Man album. The duo would dominate the Billboard Country charts since, scoring numerous hits including Neon Moon, Boot Scootin' Boogie, She Used To Be Mine, That Ain't No Way To Go, Little Miss Honky Tonk, A Man This Lonely, Husbands And Wives, It's Getting Better All The Time, Play Something Country, Cowgirls Don't Cry featuring Reba McEntire
June 1, 1950 ~ Charlene Marilynn D'Angelo, mononymously known as easy listening, R&B singer, pianist, songwriter Charlene, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for her single I've Never Been To Me. Upon its initial 1977 release it barely dented the charts, but the 1982 re-release would reach top 10 across the globe including No.1 positions in Australia, Canada and the UK
June 1, 1950 ~ Guitarist, singer Graham Russell born in Nottingham, UK ~ Formed the soft rock duo Air Supply with singer Russell Hitchcock, known for a string of 1980s hits including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Lost In Love, All Out Of Love, Every Woman In The World, The One That You Love, Here I Am Just When I Thought I Was Over You, Sweet Dreams, Even The Nights Are Better and Making Love Out Of Nothing At All
June 1, 1950 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Tom Robinson born in Cambridge, UK ~ Active since the mid-1970s, scoring hits since the early-1980s. Known for songs such as 2-4-6-8 Motorway, Listen To The Radio (Radio Atmospherics), Don't Take No For An Answer, War Baby, and Glad To Be Gay. Also known as an activist for gay rights, for Amnesty International and against racism
June 1, 1948 ~ Singer Albert Mazibuko, full name Mdletshe Albert Mazibuko, born in Ladysmith, South Africa ~ Longtime member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, joining the band in 1973. The choral group is internationally best known for backing Paul Simon on the acclaimed Graceland album released in 1986
June 1, 1948 ~ Pianist, composer José Vianna da Motta passed away in Lisbon, Portugal ~ One of the last pupils of Franz Liszt. Accompanied violinists such as Pablo de Sarasate, Tivadar Nachéz, and Bernardo Moreira de Sá. Known as a fine interpreter of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven as well as lesser-known composers such as Charles-Valentin Alkan. Also known as a renowned composer in his own right, writing pieces for piano, chamber music, orchestral and choral works ~ Da Motta was born in 1868
June 1, 1948 ~ John Lee Curtis Williamson, commonly known as blues harpist, singer, songwriter Sonny Boy Williamson I, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Regarded as the premier blues harpist of his generation. Influential on post-war blues artists such as Billy Boy Arnold, Junior Wells, Sonny Terry, Little Walter, Snooky Pryor. Mentored Muddy Waters. Best known for his 1937 debut single Good Morning School Girl, which quickly became a blues standard covered by numerous artists ~ Williamson was born in 1914
June 1, 1946 ~ Violinist Vera Beths born in Haarlem, the Netherlands ~ Member of Archibudelli alongside altviolist Jürgen Kussmaul and husband cellist Anner Bijlsma. Has also been married to hoboist, conductor Werner Herbers. Has works especially written for her by the likes of Peter Schat, Louis Andriessen, Misha Mengelberg, and Philip Glass. Also well known for her association with Willem Breuker. Guested on Boudewijn de Groot's De Reiziger of his seminal 1973 Hoe Sterk Is De Eenzame Fietser album
June 1, 1945 ~ Linda Joy Sampson, commonly known as pop singer, actresss Linda Scott born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Enjoyed chart succes in the early-1960s with songs such as Don't Bet Money Honey, I Don't Know Why and her best known the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit I've Told Ev'ry Little Star
June 1, 1943 ~ Singer, arranger, songwriter Tom Bahler, full name Thomas Lee Bahler, born in Inglewood, California, USA ~ Brother of singer, arranger, conductor John Bahler, with whom he formed 1960s pop band the Love Generation. The band recorded three commercially unsuccessful albums but is known for their 1967 song Let The Good Times In, which they rerecorded for the pilot of the Partridge Family. Bahler is probably best known as a songwriter, penning or co-penning songs such as Bobby Sherman's Julie Do Ya Love Me, Living In A House Divided best known as recorded by Cher, the Brothers Johnson's Ain't We Funkin' Now, and Michael Jackson's She's Out Of My Life. The latter, a 1980 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for Jackson, is said to have been originally intended for Frank Sinatra
June 1, 1942 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Alberto Radius born 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 passed away in 2023
June 1, 1942 ~ Lenore Hyams, commonly known as jazz pianist, composer Lenore Raphael born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sidewoman. Has worked with Lionel Hampton, Ken Peplowski, Illinois Jacquet, Clark Terry, Hilliard Greene, Rudy Lawless, Jon Hendricks, Warren Vaché Jr, Harry Allen, Gene Bertoncini, Joel Frahm, and Marlene Verplanck
June 1, 1941 ~ Conductor Edo de Waart born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ First gained serious attention as oboist with the Concertgebouw Orchestra in the early-1960s. Would go on to serve as assistant conductor to Leonard Bernstein as well as Bernard Haitink. Conductor of the Netherland Wind Ensemble and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra by the end of the decade. Would go on to work with renowned orchestras including the Santa Fe Opera, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Grand Opera, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the San Francisco Symphony
June 1, 1941 ~ Gyula Deutsch, commonly known as vaudeville, theater singer, dancer, actress Jenny Dolly passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Formed the sibling duo the Dolly Sisters along with her identical twin Rosie Dolly. Both sisters pursued a parallel solo career from the mid-1910s forward, including acting in silent films ~ Deutsch was born in 1892
June 1, 1940 ~ Jazz singer Yolande Bavan born in Sri Lanka ~ Best known for replacing Annie Ross in Lambert Hendricks & Ross in 1962 after Ross retired from the band for health reasons. Bavan would record three live albums with the band, now renamed Lambert Hendricks & Bavan, before they disbanded in 1964. Bavan has subequently appeared in a number of musicals and films
June 1, 1934 ~ Pop singer, actor Pat Boone, full name Patrick Charles Eugene Boone, born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Popular pop singer during the 1950s and 1960s. Sold over 45 million records and appeared in a dozen Hollywood films. Best known for songs such as Ain't That A Shame, I Almost Lost My Mind, Don't Forbid Me, Love Letters In The Sand, April Love and Moody River
June 1, 1929 ~ Alto saxophonist, arranger, composer Lennie Niehaus born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Best known for his association with Stan Kenton. Also known as a film composer and arranger, oft in collaboration with Jerry Fielding. Arranged for Kenton as well as for artists including the King Sisters, Mel Tormé, Dean Martin, and for Carol Burnett ~ Niehaus passed away in 2020
June 1, 1926 ~ Actor, comedian, gospel singer, writer, TV personality Andy Griffith, full name Andy Samuel Griffith, born in Mount Airy, North Carolina, USA ~ Rose to fame as an actor, notably featured in the mid- to late-1950s films A Face In The Crowd and No Time For Sergeants, and the TV sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. Griffiths sang in some of his acting roles and has recorded a number of standalone albums including country, gospel, and hymns ~ Griffith passed away in 2012
June 1, 1925 ~ Bluegrass singer, bassist, guitarist Hazel Dickens, full name Hazel Jane Dickens, born in Mercer County, West Virginia, USA ~ Influenced by Uncle Dave Macon, the Monroe Brothers, and the Carter Family. Once described by the New York Times as “a clarion-voiced advocate for coal miners and working people and a pioneer among women in bluegrass music” Closely associated with Alice Gerrard, with whom she recorded the albums Who's That Knocking (And Other Bluegrass Country Music) and Won't You Come & Sing For Me. As a solo artist best known for her contributions to the soundtrack of Harlan County USA, notably the track They'll Never Keep Us Down, and for the 1980s albums By The Sweat Of My Brow and It's Hard To Tell The Singer From The Song. Songs written by Dickens have been recorded by Dry Branch Fire Squad, Hot Rize, Lynn Morris, Dolly Parton (A Few Old Memories), Bill Frisell, Bobby Osborne, and Kathy Mattea ~ Dickens passed away in 2011
June 1, 1924 ~ Alto saxophonist, clarinetist Hal McKusick born in Medford, Massachusetts, USA ~ During the big band era served in ensembles led by Les Brown, Woody Herman, Boyd Raeburn, and Alvino Rey. Over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader, noted especially for Cross-Section (Saxes) released in 1959 featuring a cast which included Art Farmer, Paul Chambers and Connie Kay. As a sideman McKusick has appeared on albums by Milt Hinton (Basses Loaded), Manny Albam, Charlie Parker, Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Charles Mingus, Nat Pierce, Urbie Green, and Jackie Paris ~ McKusick passed away in 2012
June 1, 1924 ~ Drummer, actor Herbie Lovelle, full name Herbert Edward Lovelle, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Played with Hot Lips Page, Hal Cornbread Singer, Johnny Moore, Earl Hines, Lucky Thompson, and Jimmy Rushing, prior to becoming the house drummer at the Savoy Ballroom, New York, a job he held for much of the 1950s. Following tours with saxophonist Arnett Cobb, and pianist Teddy Wilson, Lovelle became an in-demand session musician in jazz, blues, R&B, and pop. Has appeared on albums by Art Farmer, Buddy Lucas, Bob Dylan (The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan), Sonny Stitt, Lightnin' Hopkins, Jimmy Witherspoon, Illinois Jacquet, David Blue (David Blue), the Monkees (Headquarters), Richard Groove Holmes, Solomon Burke, Fats Domino, John Denver, Evie Sands (Any Way That You Want Me), Big Joe Turner, Van Morrison (TB Sheets), and Gordon Lightfoot. From the 1980s forward, Lovelle has also ventured into acting for film and TV ~ Lovelle passed away in 2009
June 1, 1919 ~ Blues, jazz pianist, organist, singer, composer Lafayette Leake born in Winona, Missouri, USA ~ Member of the Big Three Trio, replacing Leonard Castron in the early-1950s. Session musician for Chess Records, appearing on several Chuck Berry recordings including Rock & Roll Music and Johnny B Goode, songs regarded as pivotal to the development of rock and roll. Though a highly revered pianist who could play anything by ear, Leake's shyness kept him in the background for most of his career, serving as a leader of his own unit only sporadically. Leake has guested on albums by numerous artists, including Dale Hawkins, Bo Diddley (Bo Diddley), Howlin' Wolf (Howlin' Wolf (The Rockin' Chair Album)), Sonny Boy Williamson II, John Lee Hooker (The Real Folk Blues), Buddy Guy, Magic Sam, Koko Taylor, Jimmy Dawkins, Willie Dixon, Junior Wells, Eddie C Campbell (King Of The Jungle), Eddy Clearwater, Otis Rush, and Big Walter Horton ~ Leake passed away in 1990
June 1, 1915 ~ Cyrus Whitfield Bond, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Johnny Bond, born in Enville, Oklahoma, USA ~ Known for songs such as Ten Little Bottles, So Round So Firm So Fully Packed, Oklahoma Waltz, Love Song In 32 Bars, Sick Sober & Sorry and perhaps his best known Divorce Me COD, the latter a Billboard Country top 10 hit in 1947. Acted in over 40 films, starting with 1939's Saga Of Death Valley. Closely associated with Tex Ritter, his partner in the music publishing firm Vidor Publications. Bond would retire from performing in the 1970s to focus on music publishing ~ Bond passed away in 1978
June 1, 1909 ~ Singer, actor, TV personality Ray Heatherton born in Orange, New Jersey, USA ~ Discovered by bandleader Paul Whiteman who hired the young Heatherton by the late-1920s as featured vocalist on The Old Gold Hour radio show. Would go on to star in musicals, notably Babes In Arms, and become one of TV's earliest stars ~ Heatherton passed away in 1997
June 1, 1905 ~ Delta blues singer, guitarist Boyd Gilmore born in Inverness, Mississippi, USA ~ Though Gilmore's recording career was brief, he is remembered by blues aficionados for two early-1950s recordings, 1952's Ramblin' On My Mind and Believe I'll Settle Down recorded the following year. The former, a cover of the classic Robert Johnson song, features a young Ike Turner on piano, whereas the latter featured pianist Pinetop Perkins, guitarist Earl Hooker, and drummer Willie Nix. Though Gilmore never achieved much fame during his lifetime, he did enjoy some regional popularity touring Delta juke joints, before settling down in California ~ Gilmore passed away in 1976
June 1, 1898 ~ Jazz trombonist Harry White, full name Harry Alexander White, born ~ Played drums as a teenager before switching to trombone by the late-1910s. As a songwriter known for co-penning Oh Sister Ain't That Hot, first recorded by Gene Rodemich and covered by the Original Memphis Five, Jimmie Noone, and Fats Waller, and Evenin', first recorded by Cab Calloway and covered by T-Bone Walker, Jimmy Rushing, and Jimmy Witherspoon. Led the family outfit the White Brothers Orchestra, with whom he enjoyed popularity in the late-1920s. Member of the Mills Blue Rhythm Band, and notably of Calloway's ensemble, serving as trombonist, arranger, and composer. White has also worked with Duke Ellington, Elmer Snowden, Claude Hopkins, Luis Russell, Manzie Johnson, Hot Lips Page, Edgar Hayes, and Bud Freeman ~ White passed away in 1962
June 1, 1894 ~ Pianist, bandleader, composer Percival Mackey, full name Thomas Percival Montague Mackey, was born in London, UK ~ Popular 1920s dance band bandleader. Also known for scoring soundtracks in the 1930s. Worked with Jack Hylton, the Broadway Five, Al Bowlly, Art Christmas, Jack Jackson, and Ivor Mairants ~ Mackey passed away in 1950
June 1, 1879 ~ Writer, composer, lyricist Raymond Hubbell, full name John Raymond Hubbell, born in Urbana, Ohio, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing Poor Butterfly with John Golden. The song was inspired by the Giacomo Puccini-opera Madame Butterfly and written for the Broadway show The Big Show, in which it was introduced by Sophie Bernard. Over time it would be recorded by well over 300 artists, including early versions in the mid-1910s by Elizabeth Spencer and Edna Brown, as well as later versions by Paul Whiteman, Sarah Vaughan, Sonny Rollins, Tony Bennett, and Johnny Mathis ~ Hubbell passed away in 1954
June 1, 1873 ~ Singer Ada Jones, full name Ada Jane Jones, born in Lancashire, UK ~ Lacking the ability to read music or play an instrument Jones learned songs by ear. Among the first female singers to be recorded. Sang ballads, ragtime, vaudeville and comedy. Known for songs such as Sweet Marie, The Volunteer Organist, The Yama Yama Man and especially for a number of hit duets with Billy Murray including Blue Feather, Shine On Harvest Moon, Some Sunday Morning and Cuddle Up A Little Closer ~ Jones passed away in 1922