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 22, 2022 ~ Pianist, songwriter Pierre Papadiamandis passed away in Paris, France ~ Best known for his association with Eddy Mitchell starting in the mid-1960s, initially as backing pianist and starting with 1966 J'Ai Oublié De L'Oublier serving as Mitchell's primary songwriter. Papadiamandis has written or co-written over 200 songs for Mitchell. Others who have recorded his songs include Ray Charles, Céline Dion, Grace Jones (I Need A Man), Michel Delpech, Johnny Hallyday, Françoise Hardy, and others ~ Papadiamandis was born in 1937
March 22, 2020 ~ Banjoist, steel guitarist, guitarist, dobroist, mandolinist Eric Weissberg passed away inear Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Best known for his banjo solo in Dueling Banjos working with Steve Mandell, used as the theme for the 1972 film Deliverance. Co-founded bluegrass outfit the Greenbriar Boys, known for guesting on a number of Joan Baez albums starting with Joan Baez Vol.2 released in 1962 ~ Weissberg was born in 1939
March 22, 2019 ~ Hans Joachim Boenke, commonly known as singer, songwriter Joe Hall, passed away in Peterborough, Canada ~ About a dozen albums to his name, starting with Joe Hall & the Eyeball Wine Company released in 1972. Especially known for his eccentric and often comedic stage appearance, performing in daring apparel such as a kilt with workboots and flowing bow tie and Frank Zappa-esque stage monologues. Boenke has collaborated with the likes of Daniel Lanois, the Continental Drift, and Willie P Bennett ~ Boenke was born in 1947
March 22, 2019 ~ Noel Scott Engel, commonly known as singer, songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist Scott Walker passed away in London, UK ~ Rose to fame as frontman of the Walker Brothers, known for songs such as Make It Easy On Yourself (1965) and The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore (1966). Has been recording solo albums since 1967's Scott, leaning towards baroque pop and avant-garde. Widely revered and admired by peers. Enjoyed a cult following from his debut onwards. Described as “one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in rock history” by the BBC ~ Engel was born in 1943
March 22, 2018 ~ Maria Grazia Morgana Messina, commonly known as jazz singer, actress Morgana King, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Well over 30 albums to her name from the 1950s through the 1990s. Especially acclaimed for her 1964 Miss Morgana King album and its follow-up It's A Quiet Thing the next year. Married to trumpeter Tony Fruscella from 1947 to 1956, to trombonist Willie Dennis from 1961 until his death in 1965. Has worked with Ben Aronov, Ronnie Bedford, Clifford Carter, Don Costa, Larry Fallon, Sammy Figueroa, Steve Laspina, Ray Mantilla, Adam Nussbaum, Joe Puma, Torrie Zito, and others. Also known as an actress, notably portraying the role of Carmela Corleone in The Godfather and its sequel The Godfather Part II ~ Messina wasa born in 1930
March 22, 2017 ~ Soul, R&B singer, songwriter Billy Bland passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of 1950s band the Bees, known for songs such as Toy Bell and My Ding-a-ling. As a solo artist best known for Let The Little Girl Dance, a unexpected Billboard top 10 hit in 1960. Bland would follow up with two minor hits barely gracing the charts, namely Harmony and You Were Born To Be Loved before retiring from the music industry ~ Bland was born in 1932
March 22, 2017 ~ John Thomas Hashian, commonly known as drummer Sib Hashian, passed away inear Nassau, the Bahamas ~ Early member of Boston. Present on the band's first two albums, 1976's eponymous Boston and its 1978 Don't Look Back follow-up. Hashian would leave the band upon the return of original drummer Jim Masdea ~ Hashian was born in 1949
March 22, 2016 ~ Malik Isaak Taylor, commonly known as rapper Phife Dawg passed away in Oakley, California, USA ~ Reformed hip-hop, bridging the gap between jazz and hip-hop and paving the way for alternative hip-hop, in the 1990s as member of A Tribe Called Quest alongside Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Jarobi White. Well known songs include I Left My Wallet In El Segundo, Bonita Applebum, Can I Kick It, Check The Rhime, Jazz (We've Got), Scenario featuring Leaders Of The New School, Electric Relaxation, and Stressed Out featuring Faith Evans. Following the disbandement in the late 1990s Taylor released a solo solo album, 2000's Ventilation (Da LP), and would become an in-demand collaborator working with numerous artists from rap, hip-hop, spoken word and R&B ~ Taylor was born in 1970
March 22, 2013 ~ Dionisio Ramon Emilio Valdes Amaro, commonly known as pianist, composer Bebo Valdes, passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Central figure in Cuban jazz. Father of pianist Chucho Valdes. Worked with the Orquesta Sabor de Cuba, Paquito d'Rivera, Rita Montaner, Benny Moré, Pio Leyva, Norman Granz, Rolando Laserie, Cachao, Diego el Cigala, Monna Bell, and Eladio Reinon ~ Valdés was born in 1918
March 22, 2013 ~ Bradford Steven Ellington, commonly known as jazz drummer Steve Ellington passed away in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Picked up drums at 4, played with Ray Charles at 9. Continue on to play with Charles Brown, George Adams, Duke Pearson, Sam Rivers, June Christy, Joe Castro, Hampton Hawes, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Jackie McLean, Chet Baker, Stanley Turrentine, Mose Allison, Woody Shaw, Walter Davis Jr, Wilbur Ware, C-Sharpe, Billy Eckstine, Brick Jazz Funk Fusion, Art Farmer, Freddy Cole, Freddie Hubbard, Ike Isaacs, Maxine Sullivan, Harry Sweets Edison, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Dan Wall, Sonny Stitt, Dave Holland, Michel Petrucciani, Hal Galper, Steve Grossman, James Moody, Johnny Griffin, and others ~ Ellington was born in 1941
March 22, 2010 ~ William Charles Disley, commonly known as jazz guitarist Diz Disley, passed away in London, UK ~ Influenced by Django Reinhardt. Collaborated with Stéphane Grappelli. Also worked with Ken Colyer, Mick Mulligan, George Melly, Cy Laurie, Sandy Brown, Kenny Ball, Alex Welsh, Nigel Kennedy, Big Jay McNeely, Ray Campi, and others ~ Disley was born in 1931
March 22, 2008 ~ Israel Lopez Valdes, commonly known as double bassist, composer Cachao, passed away in Coral Gables, Florida, USA ~ Influential on Cuban music from the 1930s to 1950s. Credited as co-creator of the mambo. Faded into obscurity in the 1970s. Career revival in the 1990s. Worked with the All Stars Cubano, Joe Cain, Kako, Carlos Montiel, Patato, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Rodriguez, the Salsa All-Stars, Bebo Valdes, and others ~ Valdés was born in 1918
March 22, 2008 ~ Arranger, composer, conductor Nook Schreier passed away in San Jose, California, USA ~ Wrote songs for artists such as Tiny Hill, Bobby Christian, Earl Backus, Mike Simpson, Sarah Vaughan, Vic Damone, and Patti Page. Traveled with the Smother Brothers as their conductor ~ Schreier was born in 1913
March 22, 2005 ~ Guitarist Rod Price passed away in Wilton, New Hampshire, USA ~ Member of Black Cat Bones, replacing Paul Kossoff, known for their one critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful 1969 Barbed Wire Sandwich album. Best known as a member of Foghat since its formation, present on all albums through 1980. Helped shape the sound of the band through his distinctive slide guitar playing. Nicknamed “the Magician of Slide” ~ Price was born in 1947
March 22, 2004 ~ Rock guitarist Slobodan Kovacevic, full name Slobodan Adem Kovacevic, passed away in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina ~ Regarded as one of the most technically skilled guitarists in Yugoslavic rock. Founded Lutalice in the early 1960s. Best known as core member of Indexi from 1965 until lead singer Davorin Popovic's death in 2001. The group, considered pioneers of rock and psychedelic rock, is known for songs such as Svijet U Kome Zivim, Plima, Sve Ove Godine, and perhaps their best known Bacila Je Sve Niz Rijeku ~ Kovacevic was born in 1946
March 22, 2001 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Earl T Beal passed away ~ Baritone singer for doo-wop outfit the Silhouettes, known best for their 1957 hit Get A Job. Originally issued as the B-side to I Am Lonely, the A-side re-release would go on to sell a million copies and be the group's only hit ~ Beal was born in 1924
March 22, 1994 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Dan Hartman, full name Daniel Earl Hartman, passed away in Westport, Connecticut, USA ~ Best known as a solo artist scoring hist such as Relight My Fire, Instant Replay, I Can Dream About You, We Are The Young, and Second Nature. Member of the Edgar Winter Group, wrote Free Ride which reached Billboard Hot 100 top 20 in 1973. Wrote and produced Loleatta Holloway's Love Sensation of her 1980 album of the same name. Co-wrote James Brown's Living In America, which reached Billboard Hot 100 top 10 in 1986 ~ Hartman was born in 1950
March 22, 1991 ~ Singer, guitarist Dave Guard, full name Donald David Guard, passed away in 1991 ~ Founding member of the Kingston Trio alongside Nick Reynolds and Bob Shane. Left the band in 1961 out of growing discomfort with his partners, replaced by John Stewart. Formed the Whiskeyhill Singers with Judy Henske, Cyrus Faryar and David Buck Wheat. Has also worked with Alex Hassilev, Mike Settle, Tim Buckley, and Tommy Makem ~ Guard was born in 1934
March 22, 1990 ~ Indie pop singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Lisa Mitchell, full name Lisa Helen Mitchell, born in Canterbury, UK ~ First gained attention as a contestant on the 2006 edition of the talent show Australian Idol. Would release her Said One To The Other debut EP the following year, followed up with a full-length Wonder debut album in 2009. The album would reach Gold status and spawn the modest hit Coin Laundry
March 22, 1989 ~ Boris Daenen, commonly known as drum and bass DJ, producer Netsky, born in Edegem, Belgium ~ Released his eponymous Netsky debut album in 2010, its single Moving With You featuring Jenna G becoming a modest hit in his native Belgium. Subsequent hits include Give And Takae, Come Alive, We Can Only Live Today, Rio and perhaps his best known Here With You, the latter reaching top 10 in both Belgium and the Netherlands
March 22, 1985 ~ Lars Falkowsky, commonly known as glam rock, indie rock, alternative rock keyboardist Luminor, born ~ Member of Cinema Bizarre through 2008, leaving the band for health reasons. Present on the band's 2007 Final Attraction debut album. Has also worked with DNR (Dreams Not Reality) and with Roberto Romagnoli ~ Falkowsky passed away in 2020
March 22, 1984 ~ Jazz fusion, R&B drummer Larnell Lewis born in Toronto, Canada ~ Best known for his association with Snarky Puppy, first appearing on the We Like It Here live album released in 2014. Lewis released his In The Moment solo debut album in 2018. Has also worked with the Toronto MAss Choir, Anjulie, Richard Underhill, Colleen Allen, Elizabeth Shepherd, Emilie-Claire Barlow (Clear Day), David Clayton-Thomas, Barbra Lica, Rich Brown, Tia Brazda, Robi Botos, Laila Biala, and others
March 22, 1984 ~ Singer, keyboardist, cellist Tara Simmons, full name Tara Emily Simmons, born in Australia ~ Known for using bedroom, bathroom and kitchen items to sample sounds. Debuted with the EP Pendulum in 2006. A full-length debut album, Spilt Milk, would be released in 2009, and a sophomore album, It's Not Like We're Trying To Move Mountains in 2012 ~ Simmons passed away in 2019
March 22, 1982 ~ Pop, R&B singer, songwriter Chris Wallace, full name Christopher Alan Wallace, born in Hebron, Indiana, USA ~ Lead singer of the White Tie Affair, critically acclaimed for their energetic live shows. The band is best known for the modest hit Candle (Sick & Tired) of their sole full-length album Walk This Way released in 2008. Wallace released his Push Rewind solo album in 2012. Staff songwriter with Pulse Music Group, artists who recorded his songs include the Vamps, Lost Kings, Dillon Francis, Jukebox The Ghost, UVERworld, and HRVY
March 22, 1977 ~ Herman Shertzer, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Hymie Shertzer, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Benny Goodman including on the pivotal 1937 recording of Sing Sing Sing (With A Swing). Also worked with Tommy Dorsey, Bunny Berigan, Lionel Hampton, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Sy Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Artie Shaw, and others ~ Shertzer was born in 1909
March 22, 1977 ~ Drummer, keyboardist John Otto, full name John Everett Otto, born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Co-founding member of rap rock group Limp Bizkit, remaining with the band through 2006 and rejoining in 2009. Present on the band's pivotal first three albums, Three Dollar Bill Yall, Significant Other and Chocolate Starfish & the Hot Dog Flavored Water
March 22, 1977 ~ Dale Troy Cooper, commonly known as bluegrass, country fiddler, guitarist Stoney Cooper passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of gospel outfit the Leary Family, eventually marrying one of its singers, Wilma Lee Cooper. Starting in the 1940s as a duo they would score several country hits including Big Midnight Special and There's A Big Wheel ~ Cooper was born in 1918
March 22, 1975 ~ Jazz bassist, composer Steinar Raknes born in Midsund, Norway ~ Brother of singer, pianist Eldbjørg Raknes. Considered one of the premier Norwegian jazz bassists of his generation. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Chick Corea, Michael Brecker, Bobby McFerrin, Ola Kvernberg, Hallgeir Pedersen, and others
March 22, 1975 ~ Pop group Teach-In win the 20th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Representing the Netherlands, Teach-In win with the song Ding-a-dong written by Dick Bakker, Will Luikinga and Eddy Ouwens. Runner-ups were the Shadows representing the UK with Let Me Be The One in 2nd place, and Wess & Dori Ghezzi representing Italy with Era in 3rd
March 22, 1973 ~ Beverley Anne Smith, commonly known as R&amnp;B, pop singer Beverley Knight, born in Wolverhampton, UK ~ Influenced by Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin. Known for songs such as Greatest Day, Get Up, Come As You Are and perhaps her best-known Shoulda Woulda Coulda, the latter a 2002 top 10 hit in the UK
March 22, 1971 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal singer, guitarist, drummer Leif Sundin, full name Leif Arne Sundin, born in Skarholmen, Sweden ~ Lead singer for the Great King Rat. Worked with the Michael Schenker Group, present on the 1996 Written In The Sand album and rejoining in later years. Guested on Brian Robertson's Diamonds And Dirt album. Has also worked with Treat, John Norum, Chris Norman, Daniel Lindström, Erik Segerstedt, and House Of Leaf
March 22, 1971 ~ Alternative rock singer, drummer Steve Hewitt, full name Steven James Hewitt, born in Northwich-Cheshire, UK ~ Influenced by the Cure, Depeche Mode, Thin Lizzy, Jimi Hendrix, Radiohead, AC/DC's Phil Rudd and Led Zeppelin's John Bonham. Frontman of Love Amongst Ruin. Perhaps best known as drummer for Placebo from 1996 through 2007, present on most of the band's best-known including the UK top 20 hits Nancy Boy, Pure Morning, You Don't Care About Us, Taste In Men, The Bitter End and Because I Want You
March 22, 1970 ~ Pop rock singer, songwriter Andreas Johnson, full name Jon Erik Andreas Johnson, born in Bjärred, Sweden ~ Singer for Planet Waves, known for their sole Brutal Awakenings before splitting up due to internal conflicts. Subsequently embarked on a solo career, releasing his Cottonfish Tales debut album in 1997. Perhaps best known for his 1999 Glorious hit single, which has also been used in a number of advertisements campaigns including from Volvo, Nutella, and Vauxhall
March 22, 1970 ~ Jazz singer, violinist, songwriter Live Maria Roggen born in Oslo, Norway ~ Half of Tuba, the other half being Lars Andreas Haug. Co-founded Wibutee. Fronted Come Shine. Also worked with the Trondheim Voices, Helge Lien, the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Trondheimolisten, Bugge Wesseltoft, Tom Steinar Lund, the Trio de Janeiro, the Delillos, Leieboerne, the Young Neils, Arild Andersen, Jon Eberson, Jon Christensen, the Dingobats, Sverre Gjørvad, and others
March 22, 1969 ~ Rock bassist, guitarist, singer, songwriter Christopher Maloney, full name Christopher Patrick Maloney, born ~ Best known as a member of instrumental hard rock outfit Cosmosquad. Also closely associated with Hardline and Dweezil Zappa. Has recorded as a solo artist, starting with the Control album released in 2002, and has collaborated with the likes of Gilli Moon, Donnie Vie, Debbie Hennesey, Jack Avalon, and others
March 22, 1969 ~ Pop bassist, songwriter, music manager Craig Logan, full name Craig William Logan, born ~ Member of Bros. Left in 1989 to focus on producing and songwriting, such as Kim Appleby's Don't Worry. Later focused exclusively on managing working with artists such as Robbie Williams, Tina Turner, Garth Brooks, Sade, Joe Cocker, M-People, P!nk, and others
March 22, 1968 ~ Trumpeter Arve Henriksen born in Stranda, Norway ~ Has played with artists such as Bjørn Alterhaug, Tre Små Kinesere, Mikhail Alperin, Jon Balke, Nils Petter Molvær, Audun Kleive, Trygve Seim, Terje Isungset, Christian Wallumrød, Iain Ballamy, Supersilent, David Sylvian, Jan Bang, Trio Mediaeval, and Janne Irene Mark
March 22, 1968 ~ Britpop, rock keyboardist, bassist, guitarist, singer Mickey Dale, full name Michael William Dale, born in Bradford, UK ~ Member of Embrace, officially joining the band as full-time member right after the release of their 1997 Fireworks debut album. Previously played with the Poppy Factory, Kitsch, Lazer Boy, and perhaps most notably Cud, the latter known for singles such as Rich & Strange, Purple Love Balloon, and Neurotica
March 22, 1967 ~ Siblings the Everly Brothers record Bowling Green ~ Written by Terry Slater and Jacqueline Ertel. Produced by Dick Glasser. The single, released later the same year, would stall in the 40s. It would be the last time until 1984 the Everly's charted on the Billboard Hot 100
March 22, 1966 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Jan Lundgren born in Olofström, Sweden ~ Broke through in 1997 with the album Swedish Standards featuring bassist Mattias Svenson and drummer Zoltán Csörsz. Has recorded prolifically with over 50 albums to his name as a leader. Has worked with Håkan Hardenberger, Johnny Griffin, Paolo Fresu, Arild Andersen, Billy Drummond, Cæcilie Norby, Lee Konitz, Charlie Mariano, Morten Lund, and others
March 22, 1966 ~ Industrial, dance, rock singer, songwriter Jim Marcus born ~ Formed Die Warzau with Van Christie, releasing a handful of albums from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. Best known for the modest dance hits Welcome To America, Strike To The Body (Jackhammer), Funkopolis, and Never Again. Nine Inch Nails members Chris Vrenna and James Woolley contributed to the band's 1991 Big Electric Metal Bass Face sophomore album
March 22, 1965 ~ Ian Campbell, commonly known as rapper Ice MC, born ~ Best known for Eurodance hits such as Easy, Take Away The Colour, Think About The Way, and It's A Rainy Day. Noted for being the first to blend raggamuffin rap with female choruses. Worked with Roberto Zanetti, Alexia, Enrico Zabler, and others
March 22, 1963 ~ Singer Connie Francis records If MY Pillow Could Talk ~ Written by Jimmy Steward Jr and Robert Mosely. Released later the same year, b/w You're The Only One Who Can Hurt Me, it would reach top 30 Billboard Hot 100
March 22, 1963 ~ Singer Susan Ann Sulley born in Sheffield, UK ~ Best known as member of Human League, including on the pivotal synth-pop album Dare released in 1981, spawning the hit Don't You Want Me. Victoria Beckham of the Spice Girls has cited Sulley as a major influence, stating it was Sulley who inspired her to pursue a career in music
March 22, 1960 ~ Operatic tenor David Hamilton, full name David Mulvenna Hamilton, born ~ Member of vocal ensemble the Song Company. On the opera stage has performed in operas such as Albert Herring, Die Zauberflöte, and Das Rheingold. Has worked with companies such as the Australian Opera, the Queensland Opera, the New Zealand Opera, the Scottish Opera, and others
March 22, 1959 ~ Murray Kevin Berg, commonly known as rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Moe Berg, born in Edmonton, Canada ~ Fronted the Pursuit Of Happiness. The band is best known for their 1988 Love Junk debut album, containing the modest hits I'm An Adult Now and She's So Young. Both the debut album and its 1990 One Sided Story follow-up album were produced by Todd Rundgren. Berg would released his solo debut album, Summer's Over, in 1997
March 22, 1957 ~ Singer Stephanie Mills, full name Stephanie Dorthea Mills, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Rose to fame as Dorothy in the original Broadway production of The Wiz, which ran from 1974 through 1979. Would score a hit with her rendition of Home from the musical, making it her signature song. Would go on to score a string of 1980s R&B hits as a solo artist including I Have Learned To Respect The Power Of Love, I Feel Good All Over, You're Puttin' A Rush On Me, Something In The Way You Make Me Feel and perhaps her best-known Never Knew Love Like This Before, the latter earning Mills a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1981
March 22, 1955 ~ Pop, rock bassist Fons Sijmons born ~ Best known as member of the Scabs, joining the band in 1989 as replacement for Berre Bergen and remaining until the band folded in 1996. Has also worked with K13, Kadril, Marco Cassiman, Luk Bral, Luna Twist, Starvin' Marvin, the Big Noise, Tom Wolf, and others. As a songwriter had his songs recorded by Guy Swinnen, Mozaik, Walter Grootaers, Bart van den Bossche, Tiny Mp, and Tex ~ Sijmons passed away in 2013
March 22, 1955 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter James House, full name James Andrew House, born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ As a solo artist known for a number of 1990s country singles, notably This Is Me Missing You in 1995. Formed the duo the Troubadour Kings with John Brannen in 2012. Also wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Diamond Rio, Dwight Yoakam (Ain't That Lonely Yet), Martina McBride (A Broken Wing), Steve Holy, Steve Azar, the Mavericks, and others
March 22, 1955 ~ Keyboardist, songwriter, producer Wally Badarou born in Paris, France ~ Best known for his association with Level 42. In-demand session musician. Has worked with Sly & Robbie, Tom Tom Club, Grace Jones, Foreigner, Power Station, Talking Heads, Melissa Etheridge, Manu Dibango, Joe Cocker, Mick Jagger, and others. As a producer associated with Fela Kuti, Trilok Gurtu, Carlinhos Brown, and others
March 22, 1953 ~ Pop, rock guitarist Robin Le Mesurier, full name Robin Mark Le Mesurier Halliley, born ~ Influenced by the Faces, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Jeff Beck. Member of the Reign through its disbandement in 1973. Subsequently worked with novelty band the Wombles. Associated with Rod Stewart since the mid-1970s, officially joining Stewart's backing band in 1980 and present on the albums Tonight I'm Yours, Camouflage, Body Wishes and Every Beat Of My Heart. Musical director for Johnny Hallyday from the mid-1990s well into the 2010s. Co-founded Farm Dogs with Bernie Taupin and Jim Cregan ~ Le Mesurier passed away in 2021
March 22, 1952 ~ Jazz saxophonist, singer Bob Mover born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Worked with Charles Mingus, Chet Baker, Tom Harrell, Jimmy Garrison, Kenny Barron, Albert Dailey, Ben Riley, Mike Nock, Ron McClure, Paul Bley, John Abercrombie, Walter Davis Jr, Tony Castillano, Don Thompson, Archie Alleyne, the Toronto Jazz Quartet, Jane Blackstone, Ron Carter, Kenny Washington, John Eardley, Yoshiaki Masuo, Steve Holt, and others
March 22, 1952 ~ Drummer, songwriter Jay Dee Daugherty born in Santa Barbara, California, USA ~ Worked with Lance Loud, Kristian Hoffman, Patti Smith, Robert Quine, Mars, Tom Verlaine, Willie Nile, the Revelons, the Roches, the Beat, Richard Barone, Holly Beth Vincent, Richard Lloyd, Billy Idol, Mark Knopfler, the Washington Squares, Joey Ramone, the Waterboys, the Indigo Girls, the Church, and others
March 22, 1952 ~ David Harrison Macon, commonly known as old-time singer, banjoist, comedian, songwriter Uncle Dave Macon, passed away in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA ~ Dubbed “the Dixie Dewdrop” and with his polished stage presence and personality one of the most enduring figures of early country music. Considered the bridge between 19th century folk and vaudeville and early 20th-century phonograph and radio-based music. Known for songs such as A Soldier's Joy, The Bully Of The Town, The Arkansas Traveler and Sail Away Ladies ~ Macon was born in 1870
March 22, 1950 ~ Rock, jazz, folk, world music, film composer Goran Bregovic born in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia ~ Internationally renowned with a career spanning five decades. Rose to fame as lead guitarist of rock band Bijelo Dugme. Film composer known for scores to La Reine Margot and The Serpent's Kiss. Had his compositions sung by Sezen Aksu, Kayah, Iggy Pop, Saban Bajramovic, George Dalaras, Cesária Évora, and others
March 22, 1949 ~ Singer Bing Crosby records Careless Hands ~ Written by Carl Sigman and Bob Hilliard. Originally recorded by Sammy Kaye with Don Cornell, this popular song would be a hit for several artists in 1949, including Kaye, Crosby, Bob & Jeanne, and Mel Tormé, the latter reaching the No.1 spot on the pop charts. In later years the song would be covered by Slim Whitman, Kitty Kallen, Vic Damone, and Jerry Lee Lewis
March 22, 1949 ~ Singer, poet, playwright Geirr Lystrup born in Vinje, Norway ~ Released his Ti På Taket Og Måltrostblues debut album in 1972. Well known for Kjærligheta, a collaborative album with det Norske Kammerkor released in 1987. Also noted for working with Godtfolk on the 1988 Egg Og Champagne album
March 22, 1948 ~ Jazz reedist, singer Daniel Huck born in France ~ Worked with the Famous Melody Boys, Jean-Pierre Morel, the Jazzomaniacs, Gilbert Leroux, the Anachronic Jazz Band, Olivier Franc, Raymond Fonseque, Cat Anderson, Bill Coleman, Philippe Baudoin, Emmanuel Hussenot, the Hot Antic Jazz Band, Slapscat, Slim Gaillard, Eddy Louiss, and others
March 22, 1948 ~ Singer Ken Boothe born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Cites Owen Gray as a major influence. Known for songs such as Everything I Own, written by David Gates and originally recorded by Bread, and for Crying Over You. Half of Stranger & Ken, the other half being Stranger Cole. Also worked with Coxsone Dodd, Phil Pratt, Sonia Pottinger, Rita Marley, the Wailers, Keith Hudson, Herman Chin Loy, Vincent Chin, Lloyd Charmers, Bunny Lee, King Jammy, Pete Wston, Jak Ruby, Hugh Red Man James, Castro Brown, Tapper Zukie, and others
March 22, 1948 ~ Bassist, singer Randy Jo Hobbs born in Winchester, Indiana, USA ~ Worked with the McCoys from 1965 through 1969. Jammed with Jimi Hendrix in 1968, a session later unoficially released on the 1980 Woke Up This Morning And Found Myself Dead album. Spent the first half of the 1970s backing Edgar Winter and Johnny Winter. Appeared on the 1976 Montrose album Jump On It and on the Rick Derringer album Glass Derringer the same year ~ Hobbs passed away in 1993
March 22, 1946 ~ Johannes Hendricus Jacob van den Berg, commonly known as songwriter, guitarist Harry Vanda born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Lead guitarist of 1960s rock band the Easybeats, perhaps best known for their hit Friday On My Mind. Would team up with bandmate George Young to form the successful producer, songwriter duo Vanda & Young. The duo has written for or produced acts such as Cheetah, John Paul Young (Love Is In The Air), Stevie Wright, Rose Tattoo, and notably AC/DC, producing several landmark albums for the latter including Let There Be Rock, Powerage, and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. The duo also achieved major succes with their studio-only project Flash & the Pan, known for the singles Hey St Peter, Waiting For A Train, and Midnight Man
March 22, 1946 ~ Gerald Stenhouse Jemmott, commonly known as bass guitarist Jerry Jemmott, born in New York, New York, USA ~ In-demand session bassist of the 1960s and early-1970s. Closely associated with Atlantic Records label. Discovered by King Curtis. Cited by Jaco Pastorius as a major influence. Would go on to work with Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett, Roberta Flack, Margie Joseph, BB King (including on The Thrill Is Gone), Freddie King, Chuck Berry, Otis Rush, Champion Jack Dupree, Mike Bloomfield, Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, Erroll Garner, Les McCann, Eddie Harris, Houston Person, George Benson, Archie Shepp, Lionel Hampton, Herbie Mann, Eddie Palmieri, Charles Earland, Duane Allman, Billy Preston, Steve Berrios, Eric Gale, Neal Creque, Patience Higgins, Lou Marini, Seldon Powell, Bernard Pretty Purdie, Arlen Roth, Melvin Sparks, Tina Fabrique, Connie Fredericks Malone, Frankie Paris, Catherine Russell, Stan Wright, Tony Thunder Smith, Daryl Washington, Herbie Lovelle, Nina Simone (including on the classic Ain't Got No (I Got Life)), Erma Franklin, Lorraine Ellison, Al Kooper, Gil Scott-Heron, Candido Camero, Hank Crawford, Ben E King, Archie Shepp, Richard Groove Holmes, Herbie Mann, Laura Nyro, Shirley Scott, and others
March 22, 1944 ~ Anthony Charles McPhee, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Tony TS McPhee, born in Humberstone, UK ~ 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 passed away in 2023
March 22, 1944 ~ Jazz drummer Yank Porter, full name Yank Allen Porter, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ In-demand sideman from the 1930s through his death in the mid-1940s. Has backed artists such as Charlie Matson, Louis Armstrong, Bud Harris, James P Johnson, Fats Waller, Dave Martin, Joe Sullivan, Teddy Wilson, Benny Carter, and Art Tatum ~ Porter was born ca.1895
March 22, 1943 ~ Jazz, R&B, funk, soul guitarist, singer, songwriter George Benson, full name George Washington Benson, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Became a household name with a string of 1970s crossover hits including This Masquerade, On Broadway and his best-known Give Me The Night, yet had already a long and acclaimed resumé in soul-jazz and jazz starting in the mid 1960s as a leader, in-demand sideman and composer. Especially acclaimed for the albums Shape Of Things To Come and Beyond The Blue Horizon. Present on albums by the likes of Jack McDuff, Red Holloway (Cookin' Together), Joe Dukes, Jaki Byard, Miles Davis, Jimmy Smith, Dr Lonnie Smith (Live At Club Mozambique), Freddie Hubbard (Red Clay), Airto Moreira, Don Sebesky, and Johnny Hammond Smith
March 22, 1943 ~ Blues rock, psychedelic rock, folk rock, rock singer, guitarist, bassist, harmonicist, songwriter Keith Relf, full name William Keith Relf, born in Richmond, UK ~ Original lead singer, key member for the Yardbirds. The band is best-known for hits such as For Your Love, Heart Full Of Soul, Evil Hearted You, Shapes Of Things, and Over Under Sideways Down. Following the band's disbandement in 1968 Relf formed the acoustic duo Together with bandmate Jim McCarthy, followed by Renaissance. Would subsequently work with Steamhammer, folk-rock band Hunter Muskett, world music group Amber, psychedelic rockers Saturnalia, blues-rock outfit Medicine Head, and supergroup Armageddon ~ Relf passed away in 1976
March 22, 1941 ~ Jazz, hard bop bassist, composer Hugo Rasmussen born in Bagsvaerd, Denmark ~ Best known for his 1978 album Sweets To The Sweet. Worked with Teddy Wilson, Ralph Sutton, Horace Parlan, Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, Oliver Nelson, Tom Waits, Al Grey, Wild Bill Davison, Harry Sweets Edison, Doug Raney, Ole Kock Hansen, Svend Asmussen, Jesper Thilo, Norbert Susemihl, Jakob Dinesen, Kasper Trandberg, Andrew Hyhne, Heine Hansen, Kresten Osgood, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, and others ~ Rasmussen passed away in 2015
March 22, 1941 ~ Michael Thomas Jeremy Clyde, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Jeremy Clyde born in Durham, UK ~ Half of Chad & Jeremy, the other half being Chad Stuart, known for a string of early 1960s folk-infected pop hits including Yesterday's Gone, Willow Weep For Me, Before And After, and perhaps their best-known 1964's Summer Song
March 22, 1940 ~ Jazz percussionist, composer Masahiko Togashi born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Founded the Jazz Academy. Also worked with Sadao Watanabe, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Tony Scott, Yosuke Yamashita, Ornette Coleman, Blue Mitchell, Lee Morgan, Sonny Rollins, Paul Bley, Don Cherry, Jack DeJohnette, Charlie Haden, Steve Lacy, Gary Peacock, Masahiko Satoh, Yuji Takahashi, and others ~ Togashi passed away in 2007
March 22, 1937 ~ Film composer Angelo Badalamenti born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ 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 passed away in 2022
March 22, 1937 ~ Trumpeter, composer Jon Hassell born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for his Fourth World Concept series, starting with the 1980 release of Fourth World (Vol.1 Possible Music), combining minimal music, world music and electronic manipulation of the trumpet. Has collaborated with Brian Eno, the theater Of Eternal Music, Talking Heads, Farafina, Peter Gabriel, Ani DiFranco, Techno Animal, Ry Cooder, Terry Riley, David Sylvian, Lloyd Cole & the Commotions, kd Lang, Mandalay, Jon Balke, and others ~ Hassell passed away in 2021
March 22, 1936 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Roger Whittaker, full name Roger Henry Brough Whittaker, born in Nairobi, Kenya ~ 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, specifically 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 passed away in 2023
March 22, 1932 ~ Country blues, gospel blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Leo Welch born in Sabougla, Mississippi, USA ~ Performed locally alongside a day job as lumberjack for three decades. Recorded half a dozen albums, starting with Sabougla Voices released in 2014. Especially known and acclaimed for his final album, The Angels In Heaven Done Signed My Name released posthumously in 2019 ~ Welch passed away in 2017
March 22, 1930 ~ Composer Stephen Sondheim, full name Stephen Joshua Sondheim, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Mentored by Oscar Hammerstein II. Got his first succes writing lyrics for West Side Story, notably songs such as America, Maria and I Feel Pretty. Would go on to become an innovator of the musical genre, known for his unusual choice of subjects and bold, complex song structures. Has theatres named after him on New York's Broadway and in London's West End. Wrote music and lyrics for musicals such as Company, Follies, Sweeney Todd, and Into The Woods. The song Send In The Clowns from 1973's A Little Night Music would instantly become a jazz standard recorded by Judy Collins, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, and others ~ Sondheim passed away in 2021
March 22, 1929 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Fred Anderson born in Monroe, Louisiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Rooted in swing and hard bop, incorporated elements of free jazz. Worked with the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians, Vernon Thomas, Bill Fletcher, BIlly Brimfield, Joseph Jarman, Douglas Ewart, Felix Blackman, Hamid Drake, Iqua Colson, Harrison Bankhead, David Boykin, Nicole Mitchell, Justin Dillard, Aaron Getsug, Josh Abrams, Fred Jackson Jr, Isaiah Sharkey, Kidd Jordan, and others ~ Anderson passed away in 2010
March 22, 1922 ~ Swing, jazz saxophonist Eddie Lockjaw Davis born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Cootie Williams, Lucky Millinder, Andy Kirk, Eddie Bonnemere, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Fats Navarro, Al Haig, Huey Long, Gene Ramey, Denzil Best, Sonny Stitt, Johnny Griffin, Kenny Clarke, Mildred Anderson, Billy Butler, Arnett Cobb, Harry Sweets Edison, Red Garland, Tiny Grimes, Coleman Hawkins, Jo Jones, Quincy Jones, and others ~ Davis passed away in 1986
March 22, 1916 ~ Actor, singer Bill Johnson born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Made his Broadway debut at age 8 in the play Shipwrecked in 1924. Vaudeville performer through the 1930. Appeared in a handful of films, notably 1939's Mr & Mrs Jesse Crawford At Home singing the songs The Very Thought Of You and I Love You Truly ~ Johnson passed away in 1957
March 22, 1916 ~ Bernard Weissman, commonly known as orchestra leader, songwriter George Wyle, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote over 400 songs. Regularly backed Doris Day including on classic recordings such as Bewildered, Quicksilver and I Said My Pajamas And Put On My Prayers. Perhaps best remembered for co-penning the Holiday classic It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year with Edward Pola, first recorded by Andy Williams in 1963 and covered by well over 250 artists. Wyle also co-wrote The Ballad Of Gilligan's Island with Sherwood Schwartz, used as the theme song for the popular TV-series Gilligan's Island ~ Weissman passed away in 2003
March 22, 1914 ~ Joseph Francis Burke, commonly known as arranger, composer, producer, bandleader Sonny Burke born in Scranton, USA ~ Formed and led the Duke Ambassadors in 1937. Worked as arranger for Charlie Spivak, and for Jimmy Dorsey. Co-wrote a number of songs now regarded as standards, such as Black Coffee, and Midnight Sun. A&R for several major labels, including Decca Records. Produced Frank Sinatra's My Way as well as Petula Clark's This Is My Song. As bandleader accompanied singers such as Dinah Shore, Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, the Mills Brothers, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Tormé ~ Burke passed away in 1980