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 3, 2021 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Lloyd Price passed away in New Rochelle, New York, USA ~ Known best for his 1952 recording of Lawdy Miss Clawdy, arranged by Dave Bartholomew and backed by Fats Domino on piano. Other well known songs include Just Because, Stagger Lee, I'm Gonna Get Married and Personality, the latter earning him the nickname “Mr Personality” ~ Price was born in 1933
May 3, 2020 ~ Punk rock, new wave, post-punk keyboardist Dave Greenfield, full name David Paul Greenfield, passed away ~ Longtime member of the Stranglers joining the band within a year of its formation and remaining until his death 45 years later. Wrote Golden Brown, which was first dismissed by the band but would become one of their greatest hits ~ Greenfield was born in 1949
May 3, 2020 ~ Mezzo-soprano Rosalind Elias passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Praised for her dramatic voice and stage presence that spanned six decades. Best known for her association with the Metropolitan Opera, noted for portraying the role of Erika in Samuel Barber's Vanessa in 1958. Elias has also performed with the Scottish Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Opera De Monte Carlo, the Los Angeles Opera, and the New York City Opera ~ Elias was born in 1929
May 3, 2019 ~ Guitarist, composer, bandleader Mose Se Sengo passed away in Nairobi, Kenya ~ Pioneer of Congolese soukous. Best known for founding and fronting Somo Somo. Has also worked with TPOK Jazz, Lovy du Zaire, and Bana OK ~ Sengo was born in 1945
May 3, 2017 ~ Blues drummer, singer Casey Jones passed away in Chicago, Illinois ~ Best known for his association with Albert Collins, appearing on albums such as Ice Pickin' and Frostbite, and Johnny Winter, backing Winter on albums such as Guitar Slinger and Serious Business. Has also recorded as a solo artist, acclaimed for his 1995 I-94 (On My Way To Chicago) album, and backed artists such as Earl Hooker, AC Reed, McKinley Mitchell, Muddy Waters, Lou Rawls, Otis Rush, and Lonnie Brooks ~ Jones was born in 1939
May 3, 2016 ~ Actor, singer Kristian Ealey, full name Kristian John Ealey, passed away in Italy ~ Appeared in an episode of the British sitcom Bread at age 9. Would go on to pursue a career in acting, best known for his role as Matt Musgrove in the Channel 4 soap Brookside. Lead singer, guitarist of Liverpool band Tramp Attack. Subsequently worked with beat, blues-rock singer Edgar Jones. Played the role of Ringo Starr in the TV biopic In His Life (The John Lennon Story) in 2000 ~ Ealey was born in 1977
May 3, 2015 ~ Jazz pianist Ben Aronov, full name Benjamin James Aronov, passed away in Aix-en-Provence, France ~ In-demand sideman. Worked with Terry Gibbs, June Christy, Lena Horne, Al Cohn, Benny Goodman, Jim Hall, Morgana King, Lee Konitz, Peggy Lee, Liza Minnelli, George Mraz, Mark Murphy, the National Jazz Ensemble, Ken Peplowski, Tom Pierson, Zoot Sims, Carol Sloane, and Warren Vaché Jr ~ Aronov was born in 1932
May 3, 2005 ~ Drummer Pierre Moerlen passed away in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines ~ Member of Gong, present on acclaimed albums such as Angel's Egg and You. Closely associated with Mike Oldfield, appearing on about half a dozen of Oldfield's albums starting with 1975's Ommadawn. Has also worked with Steve Hillage, Slap Happy, Mick Taylor, Sally Oldfield, Phil Lynott, Biréli Lagrène, and others ~ Moerlen was born in 1952
May 3, 2002 ~ Conductor, pianist, composer Yevgeny Svetlanov, full name Uevgeny Fyodorovich Svetlanov, passed away ~ Closely associated with the Bolshoi Theatre. Also worked with the USSR State Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Residentie Orchestra, the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchesta, and others ~ Svetlanov was born in 1928
May 3, 2001 ~ Free jazz, hard bop drummer Billy Higgins passed away in Inglewood, California, USA ~ First-call sideman throughout his career though never became a household name, even despite over half a dozen critically acclaimed albums as a leader later on in his career. Assumed to have played on over 700 albums, starting in the mid-1950s. Some of Higgins' most notable credits include albums such as Ornette Coleman's The Shape Of Jazz To Come, Thelonious Monk's At The Blackhawk, Cecil Taylor's Cell Walk For Celeste, John Coltrane's My Favorite Things, Dexter Gordon's Go, Jackie McLean's Action, and Hank Mobley's The Turnaround ~ Higgins was born in 1936
May 3, 1997 ~ Singer Sidney Royel Selby III, commonly known as Desiigner, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known for his Panda debut single, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2015. Would release his full-length New English debut album the following year
May 3, 1997 ~ Pop-rock group Katrina & the Waves win the 42nd edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Dublin, Ireland ~ Representing the UK Katrina & the Waves win with the song Love Shine A Light written by Kimberley Rew
May 3, 1994 ~ Rock band Aerosmith release their Crazy single ~ Released as the seventh and final single off the Get A Grip album. The single would earn the band a Grammy Award, reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100, and top 30 in the UK. The song was written earlier, around the same time as Angel off their 1987 Permanent Vacation album, but the band felt they had to “spread out their ballads to retain their rock image.”
May 3, 1989 ~ Folk, pop, R&B singer, pianist, guitarist, cellist, songwriter Mary Lambert, full name Mary Danielle Lambert, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Described as a mix of Adele, Tori Amos and James Blake. To pop audiences known as featured vocalist on the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 2012 LGBTQ rights single Same Love, drawing upon her experiences as a lesbian growing in a strict Christian upbringing. Released her full-length Heart On My Sleeve debut album in 2014
May 3, 1988 ~ Rock band Aerosmith release their Rag Doll single ~ Partly inspired by the Rolling Stones's Hank Snow-cover I'm Movin' On from their 1965 Got Live If You Want It EP. Written by Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Jim Vallance, and Holly Knight, produced by Bruce Fairbarn. Released as the fourth single off their Permanent Vacation album, it would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100. Two previous singles taken off the same album, Dude (Looks Like A Lady) and Angel also did well, peaking respectively in the top 20 and top 10. Rag Doll also reached top 20 in the Netherlands
May 3, 1987 ~ Indie rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Michael Kiwanuka, full name Michael Samuel Kiwanuka, born in London, UK ~ Released his 2012 Home Again solo debut album to critical acclaim and commercial success. His first three albums, including 2016's Love & Hate and 2019's Kiwanuka, would all reach top 10 of the UK albums charts
May 3, 1986 ~ Singer Sandra Kim wins the 31st edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Bergen, Norway ~ Representing Belgium singer Kim, then only 13 years old, wins with the song J'Aime La Vie written by Jean-Paul Furnélmont, Angelo Crisci and Rosario Marino Atria
May 3, 1981 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Alexander Hawkins born in Oxford, UK ~ Worked with the Convergence Quartet, Taylor Ho Bynum, Harris Eisenstadt, Dominic Lash, Decoy, Peter Evans, Louis Moholo, Orphy Robinson, Otto Fischer, Joe McPhee, Steve Noble, Dylan Bates, Tom Skinner, Neil Charles, Laura Jurd, Francois Houle, Nick Malcolm, Mulatu Astatke, and Rob Mazurek
May 3, 1981 ~ Joshua Michael Tillman, commonly known as indie rock, indie folk, folk rock singer, guitarist, pianist, percussionist, producer, songwriter Father John Misty born in Rockville, Maryland, USA ~ Active as a solo artist since the early 2000s using both the J Tillman and Father John Misty monnikers. Has collaborated with a host of artists as a collaborator, producer, touring or session musician including the Fleet Foxes, Saxon Shore, Har Mar Superstar, Damien Jurado, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Kid Cudi, Post Malone, and others
May 3, 1981 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal singer Trevor Strnad born ~ Until his death shortly after his 41st birthday, Strnad served as lead singer for extreme metal outfit the Black Dahlia Murder recording over a dozen albums with the band including the acclaimed Ritual released in 2011. The band was named for the unsolved 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, often referred to as the Black Dahlia. Although no official cause of death had been given for Strnad, the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was provided at the end of the band's statement. Brian Eschbach, the only other constant member since the band's inception in 2001, would take over Strnad's duties as lead vocalist ~ Strnad passed away in 2022
May 3, 1979 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Dylan records Slow Train at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, Sheffield, Alabama ~ Self-penned. Produced by Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett. Released as a single featuring Do Right Unto Me Baby (Do Unto Others) on the flip side. Included on the 1979 Slow Train Coming album and critically regarded as the best song of the album, some critics even counting the tune among his all-time best and most certainly most accessible since Hurricane
May 3, 1979 ~ Pop, soul singer Danny Foster born in Hackney, UK ~ Selected as member of Hear'say in the 2001 TV talent show Popstars alongside Myleene Klass, Kym Marsh, Suzanne Shaw and Noel Sullivan. The band would score a handful of UK top 10 singles, notably Pure & Simple and The Way To Your Love both reaching the No.1 spot
May 3, 1978 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, film composer Ben Lovett born in Georgia, USA ~ Film composer, known for scoring films such as The Signal, Black Rock, and I Trapped The Devil. As a singer, guitarist released a number of solo albums and collaborated with Hot Water Music's Chris Wollard and indie rock outfit Heavens
May 3, 1978 ~ Jazz alto saxophonist, composer Darius Jones born in Virginia Beach, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Matthew Shipp, the Grass Roots, Little Women, Mike Pride, Gerald Cleaver, the Eric Revis Quartet, the Adam Lane Trio, William Hooker, Sabir Mateen, William Parker, Federico Ughi, and others
May 3, 1978 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger Eli Degibri born in Jaffra, Israel ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Kurt Rosenwinkel, Aaron Goldberg, Ben Street, Jeff Ballard, Kevin Hays, Al Foster, Gary Versace, Obed Calvaire, Ron Carter, Brad Mehldau, Herbie Hancock, and others
May 3, 1978 ~ Indie rock, post-punk, art pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Paul Banks born in Clacton-on-Sea, UK ~ Co-founding member, frontman of Interpol, acclaimed since their eponymous 2002 Interpol EP and frequently compared to Joy Division. Has also recorded as a solo artist, notably the 2009 album Julian Plenti Is Skyscraper using the moniker Julian Plenti
May 3, 1977 ~ Country singer, guitarist, banjoist, pianist, songwriter Eric Church, full name Kenneth Eric Church, born in Granite Falls, North Carolina, USA ~ Debuted in 2006 with the Sinners Like Me, spawning the Billboard Country top 20 hits How 'Bout You, Two Pink Lines and Guys Like Me. Other well known songs include Love Your Love The Most, Hell On The Heart, Drink In My Hand, Springsteen, Give Me Back My Hometown, Record Year, Some Of It, Hell Of A View, and others
May 3, 1977 ~ Rock, progressive rock bassist, guitarist, singer Helmut Köllen passed away in Cologne, Germany ~ Best known as bassist for Triumvirat during the mid-1970s, replacing Hans-Georg Pape. Present on band's best known albums, starting with Illusions On A Double Dimple released in 1974 and its follow-up Spartacus released the following year. Köllen sole solo album, You Won't See Me, would be released posthumously after his death at age 27 ~ Köllen was born in 1950
May 3, 1972 ~ Alternative metal, nu metal, rap metal, post-grunge singer, guitarist Josey Scott, full name Joseph Scott Sappington, born ~ Lead singer for metal outfit Saliva, active since the mid-1990s. Co-wrote and performed the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 single Hero with Nickelback-singer Chad Kroeger for the soundtrack to the 2002 superhero film Spider-Man. Scott has also collaborated with Lil Wyte, Three 6 Mafia, and the X-Ecutioners
May 3, 1972 ~ Rock guitarist Leslie Harvey, full name Leslie Cameron Harvey, passed away in Swansea, UK ~ Offered a spot in the Animals by Alan Price but declined, preferring to stay with his brother Alex Harvey in the Alex Harvey Soul Band. Member of the short-lived the Blues Council, known for their sole album Baby Don't Look Down before a traffic accident killed two band members effectively ending the band. Member of Cartoone. Co-founding member of Stone The Crows, known for for a number of early 1970s albums ~ Harvey was born in 1944
May 3, 1971 ~ Label founder, executive Damon Dash, full name Damon Anthony Dash, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for co-founding the Roc-a-fella Records label with Jay-Z and Kareem Burke. Dash was romantically involved with singer Aaliyah from 2000 until her death in a plane crash the following year
May 3, 1971 ~ Country, country rock, rock & roll singer, guitarist, bassist, banjoist John Hopkins, full name John Driskell Hopkins, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Zac Brown Band, known for songs such as Toes, Goodbye In Her Eyes and Heavy Is The Head all of which co-written by Hopkins
May 3, 1970 ~ Dennis Bouman, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Def Rhymz, born in Paramaribo, Suriname ~ Enjoyed popularity especially in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Has recorded the albums De Goeiste, De Allergoeiste, and Hoorgasme. Best known for Doekoe and Schudden, both of which topped the charts in the Netherlands. Has also notably collaborated with the Postmen on the Doe Maar-cover De Bom, a Dutch top 10 hit at the turn of the century ~ Bouman passed away in 2024
May 3, 1970 ~ Soul jazz keyboardist, organist Robert Walter, full name Robert Shaun Walter VI, born ~ Founding member of the Greyboy Allstars. Also worked with Fred Wesley, Gary Bartz, Skerik, Melvin Sparks, Andy Bey, Reuben Wilson, Harvey Mason, Alec Ounsworth, Anders Osborne, Red Holloway, Chuck Rainey, Phil Upchurch, Mike Clark, Johnny Vidacovich, Mike Gordon, Steve Kimock, 20th Congress, Cochemea Gastelum, Chris Stillwell, Stanton Moore, Dan Prothero, James Singleton, Tim Green, Creedle, Karl Denson, Mike Gordon, Gary Jules, Susan Tedeschi, and others
May 3, 1967 ~ Gospel singer, guitarist, organist, songwriter Shawn McLemore, full name Shawn Lamont McLemore, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his 1997 Wait On Him debut album which charted on the Billboard Gospel charts. McLemore would continue to record through the 2010s but failed to reach the same level of succes ~ McLemore passed away in 2021
May 3, 1965 ~ Drummer, producer Magnus Öström born in Skultuna, Sweden ~ First gained attention working with Esbjörn Svensson in the early 1990s. Has also worked with Bobo Stenson, Lennart Åberg, Palle Danielsson, Nils Landgren, Benny Golson, Mulgrew Miller, Stefon Harris, Nils Landgren, Nicolai Dunger, and others. Has also released a number of solo records, starting with Thread Of Life in 2011
May 3, 1962 ~ Singer, comedian, songwriter Maarten van Roozendaal born in Heiloo, the Netherlands ~ Mainly performed his own songs, yet also a fine interpreter of Cornelis Vreeswijk. Collaborated with Paul de Munnik, Egon Kracht, Wouter Planteijdt, Marcel de Groot, Willem Ennes, Kim Soepnel, and others ~ Van Roozendaal passed away in 2013
May 3, 1961 ~ Singer, songwriter Paul Field, full name Paul James Field, born ~ Lead singer for pop group the Cockroaches, which also included brothers John Field and Anthony Field, known best for She's The One of their 1987 eponymous The Cockroaches debut album. Formed the Field Brothers with brother John in the 2010, recording originals as well as some old Cockroaches songs as country songs including Some Kind Of Girl, Rely On Me and Permanently Single. Released his Love Songs For Lonely People solo debut album in 2021, featuring guests such as Kasey Chambers and Jimmy Barnes. Field also served as managing director for children's music group the Wiggles for over two decades starting in 1996
May 3, 1960 ~ Rock, folk, jazz bassist, singer Alan Thomson born in Glasgow, UK ~ Member of the Arthur Trout Band. Best known for his association with John Martyn, touring with Martyn until his death in 2009. Has worked with Strangeways, Jacqui McShee, Geezer Butler, John Jorgenson, Amos Garrett, Brent Mason, Denny Laine, Rick Wakeman, and Pentangle
May 3, 1960 ~ Singer, guitarist Peter Howarth born in Blackpool, UK ~ Lead singer of the Hollies since 2004. Has previously worked as session and touring musician with artists including Cliff Richard and the Who, portrayed Roy Orbison in the Only The Lonely and co-wrote the West End musical Robin Prince Of Sherwood with 10cc-guitarist Rick Fenn
May 3, 1959 ~ Keyboardist Dave Ball born in Blackpool, UK ~ Formed the synth-pop duo Soft Cell with Marc Almond, known for a string of early 1980s hits including the UK top 10 hits Tainted Love, Bedsitter, Say Hello Wave Goodbye, Torch, and What. After the duo disbanded in 1984, Ball has recorded as a solo artist, served as producer for Vicious Pink, Rose McDowall, Kylie Minogue, Gavin Friday, and Anni Hogan, and as remixer for the likes of David Bowie, Vanessa-Mae, and Erasure
May 3, 1953 ~ Rock bassist, guitarist, pianist, singer Bruce Hall, full name Bruce William Hall, born in Champaign, Illinois, USA ~ Member of REO Speedwagon, joining the band in 1977 as replacement for Gregg Philbin and first appearing on the You Can Tune A Piano But You Can't Tuna Fish album. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Back On The Road Again, Let's Be-Bop, Someone Tonight, Hey Wait A Minute, Thru The Window and Accidents Can Happen
May 3, 1953 ~ Indie rock, punk rock drummer, keyboardist, singer Gary Young born in Mamaroneck, New York, 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 passed away in 2023
May 3, 1952 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Henning Sommerro born in Surnadal, Norway ~ Wrote music for over 140 theater and film productions. Has worked with Erik Bye, Sigmund Groven, Geirr Lystrup, Halvdan Sivertsen, Arve Tellefsen, Palle Mikkelborg, Åge Aleksandersen, Arne Domnérus, Aly Bain, and others
May 3, 1952 ~ Singer, songwriter Keiji Haino born in Chiba, Japan ~ Eclectic singer drawing from rock, improvisation, noise music, psychedelica, minimalism, drone music and other idioms. Actively recording since the late 1970s both as a solo artist and with acts such as Fushitsusha, Vajra, Vajra, Black Stage, the Purple Trap, Knead, Sanhedroin, Lost Aaraaf, and others
May 3, 1951 ~ Christopher Charles Geppert, commonly known as pop rock, soft rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Christopher Cross, born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Best known for his Sailing sophomore single and Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) the following year. Both would top the Billboard Hot 100, the latter was used on the Arthur soundtrack and won him an Academy Award for Best Original Song shared with co-composers Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager and Peter Allen
May 3, 1951 ~ Greg Taylor, commonly known as blues, rock & roll, pop harmonica player, keyboardist, singer Greg Fingers Taylor, born in Wichita, Kansas, USA ~ Best known for his association with Jimmy Buffett, being a member of Buffett's backing unit the Coral Reefer Band. Also worked with Larry Raspberry, Kim Wilson, Doug Deming, and others
May 3, 1950 ~ Jazz pianist Dag Arnesen, full name Dag Syver Arnesen, born in Bergen, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Active since the early 1980s with over a dozen albums to his name. Has worked with Søyr, the Bergen Big Band, Thorgeir Stubø, Knut Riisnæs, Kjell Karlsen, Terje Gewelt, Palle Mikkelborg, and others
May 3, 1950 ~ Folk, folk pop singer, guitarist, Mary Hopkin born in Pontardawe, UK ~ Best known for her 1968 UK No.1 single Those Were The Days. Represented England in the 1970 Eurovision Songfestival with Knock Knock Who's There reaching 2nd place behind Ireland's Dana with All Kinds Of Everythin'. Married to producer Tony Visconti from 1971 to 1981
May 3, 1949 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz, classical saxophonist Larry Ochs born in New York, New York, USA ~ Briefly studied trumpet before switching to saxophone. About a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, over two dozen albums with his the Rova Saxophone Quartet including the acclaimed Electric Rags II released in 1990. Formed Kihnoua with singer Dohee Lee and drummer Scott Amendola, known for their 2010 Unauthorized Caprices album. Has also worked with Glenn Spearman, Maybe Monday, Dave Rempis, and others
May 3, 1947 ~ Donald Hanson Marvin Kerr Richards Jr, commonly known as reggae guitarist, singer Junior Marvin born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known for his association with Bob Marley through his membership of the Wailers, notably present on the 1977 Bob Marley & The Wailers album. Has also worked with Hanson, Gass, the Keef Hartley Band, Toots & the Maytals, and with Steve Winwood
May 3, 1945 ~ Pop drummer Dick Allix born in Gravesend, UK ~ Co-founding member of Vanity Fare, known for a handful of late 1960s singles. I Live For The Sun, Early In The Morning, and Hitchin' A Ride, all lifted off their The Sun The Wind And Other Things debut album, would all reach top 20 in the band's native UK. Allix departed the band in 1970, and would later become known among sports fans as a sports promoter, manager, and co-founder of the Professional Darts Corporation ~ Allix passed away in 2024
May 3, 1944 ~ Singer Bing Crosby records Like Someone In Love ~ Written by Jimmy van Heusen and Johnny Burke for the 1944 The Belle Of The Yukon film, where it was sung by Dinah Shore. Crosby however would popularize the song, reaching the top 20 on the pop charts, after which it would become a jazz standard recorded by numerous artists including Tommy Dorsey with Bobbie Lou Williams, Art Blakey, Chet Baker, Nat King Cole, John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy, Nancy Wilson, Björk, Diana Krall, and others
May 3, 1944 ~ Singer Yves Simon born in Choiseul, France ~ Gained attention during the 1970s with albums such as Les Gauloises Bleues, Au Pays Des Merveilles De Juliet, and Respirer Chanter. Retired from performing by the late 1970s, yet would continue to record to critical and commercial acclaim. Also known as a novelist with over two dozen books to his name
May 3, 1939 ~ Electric blues lap steel guitarist, singer Freddie Roulette, full name Frederick Martin Roulette, born in Evanston, Illinois, USA ~ 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 passed away in 2022
May 3, 1939 ~ Jazz percussionist Ralf Hubner born in Berlin, Germany ~ Worked with Benny Bailey, Nathan Davis, the Jazz Ensemble des Hessischen Rundfunks, Albert Mangelsdorff, the Frankfurt Jazz Ensemble, Joki Freund, Volker Krieger, Itaru Oki, Michel Pilz, Manfred Schoof, Eberhard Weber, Christof Lauer, and others
May 3, 1938 ~ Jerrold Samuels, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Napoleon XIV, born in New York, New York, USA ~ 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 passed away in 2023
May 3, 1935 ~ Folk figure Elizabeth Jones Reed Napier passed away in Macon, Georgia, USA ~ Reed had the Allman Brothers Band instrumental In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed named after her. Married to Army captain Briggs Hopson Napier, with whom she had a dozen children. The couple worked as farmers and ran a local pub in Macon, Georgia, during the early 1900s. Guitarist Dickey Betts would name the song after seeing her headstone at the Rose Hill Cemetery, a place the band would frequent to relax and write songs. A critically acclaimed jazz-influenced track, the original nearly seven minute long studio version was first included on the 1970 Idlewild South album. It would become a concert favorite, often running for half an hour. Reed's grave is not far from those of bandmembers Duane Allman, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Gregg Allman ~ Reed was born in 1845
May 3, 1934 ~ Francesco Stephen Castelluccio, commonly known as singer Frankie Valli, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as frontman of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons since 1960, scoring hits such as Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like A Man, Dawn Go Away, Rag Doll, Let's Hang On, Working My Way Back To You, and others
May 3, 1934 ~ Giuseppe Mustacchi, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Georges Moustaki, born in Alexandria, Egypt ~ Revered songwriter, wrote an estimated 300 songs. Artists who have recorded his work include some of France's most popular singers including Edith Piaf (Milord), Françoise Hardy, Yves Montand, Serge Reggiani (Sarah), Brigitte Fontaine, Herbert Pagani, France Gall, Cindy Daniel, Juliette Gréco, Barbara (La Langue Dame Brune), Pia Colombo, Tino Rossi, and others ~ Mustacchi passed away in 2013
May 3, 1933 ~ R&B, soul, funk singer James Brown born in Barnwell, South Carolina, USA ~ Known as “the Godfather of Soul”. Pivotal to developement of funk, soul, hip-hop. First gained attention as lead singer of Famous Flames in the late-1950s with songs such as Please Please Please and Try My. Also known for classics such as Papa's Got A Brand New Bag (Part 1), I Got You I Feel Good, It's A Man's Man's Man's World, Cold Sweat, Say It Loud I'm Black And I'm Proud (Part 1), Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine Part 1, Hot Pants and numerous others. Beloved bandleader, collaborator, mentor to many including Bobby Byrd, Lynn Collins, Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, Clyde Stubblefield, Bootsy Collins, Marva Whitney, and others ~ Brown passed away in 2006
May 3, 1930 ~ Jazz trombonist Bob Havens born in Quincy, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his association with Lawrence Welk, backing Welk on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1960 to 1982. Has also worked with Ralph Flanagan, George Girard, Al Hirt, Bob Crosby, Peanuts Hucko, the Great Pacific Jazz Band, and others
May 3, 1929 ~ Denise Jeanna Briault, commonly known as singer, actress Denise Lor, was born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as a an actress appearing on the Garry Moore Show, Seven At Eleven, and musical comedies such as Gypsy and Annie. As a singer scored a hit with If I Gave My Heart To You in 1954 ~ Briault passed away in 2015
May 3, 1927 ~ Pianist, songwriter Ernest R Ball passed away in Santa Ana, California, USA ~ Best known for co-penning When Irish Eyes Are Smiling with George Graff Jr and Chauncey Olcott, the latter introducing the song in the 1912 musical show Isle O' Dreams. The song would become a standard recorded by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, Connie Francis, Hank Locklin, Frank Zappa, and others ~ Ball was born in 1878
May 3, 1926 ~ Jazz trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, full name James Milton Cleveland, born in Wartrace, Tennessee, USA ~ One of the finest trombonists to emerge from the 1950s. As a leader best known for his 1959 Rhythm Crazy album. As a sideman appeared on albums by Clifford Brown, Lionel Hampton, Quincy Jones, Art Farmer, Manny Albam (Jazz Workshop), Betty Carter, Cannonball Adderley, Oscar Pettiford, Art Blakey, Dinah Washington, Maynard Ferguson, Miles Davis (Miles Ahead), Benny Golson, Milt Jackson (Plenty Plenty Soul), Melba Liston, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich (Richcraft), Ray Charles (Genius+Soul=Jazz), Randy Weston, Blue Mitchell, Jimmy Smith, Shirley Scott (For Members Only), Wes Montgomery, the Drifters, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Barbara Lewis, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin (Soul '69), Quincy Jones (Walking In Space), and James Brown ~ Cleveland passed away in 2008
May 3, 1926 ~ Jazz bassist Jymie Merritt born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked in jazz, R&B, blues and rock & roll. Active since the early 1950s, starting with Bull Moose Jackson and BB King. Perhaps best known for his stint with Art Blakey from 1957 through 1962, forming the core of Blakey's ensemble the Jazz Messengers alongside Benny Golson and Bobby Timmons including on the acclaimed Moanin' album. Also present on albums by the likes of Curtis Fuller, Wayne Shorter, Max Roach, Wild Bill Davis, Jimmy Smith (Stay Loose), and Lee Morgan. Merritt's son Mike Merritt is also a bassist, playing jazz and blues ~ Merritt passed away in 2020
May 3, 1924 ~ Neville Williams, commonly known as pop singer, actor Gary Miller, born in Blackpool, UK ~ Enjoyed popularity from the mid-1950s through the early 1960s. Best known for his sole UK top 10 hit, Robin Hood, used as the theme to the TV series The Adventures Of Robin Hood. Other charting singles included The Yellow Rose Of Texas, Garden Of Eden, and The Story Of My Life ~ Williams passed away in 1968
May 3, 1921 ~ José Refugio Sánchez Saldaña, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor Cuco Sánchez, born in Altamira, Mexico ~ One of Mexico's most popular singers, songwriters known for songs such as Anillo De Compromiso, Anoche Estuve Llorando, Siempre Hace Frio, No Soy Monedito De Oro, Canno Santo and Gritenme Piedras Del Campo. Had his songs recorded by Pedro Infante, La Panchita, Veronica Loyo, Flor Silvestre, Antonio Aguilar, Dora María, Vikki Carr, Linda Ronstadt, and others ~ Sánchez passed away in 2000
May 3, 1921 ~ Joseph Urick, commonly known as traditional pop singer Joe Ames, born in Malden, Massachusetts, 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 ~ Urick passed away in 2007
May 3, 1920 ~ Pianist John Lewis, full name John Aaron Lewis, was born in LaGrange, Illinois, USA ~ Influenced by Count Basie, Art Tatum, Hank Jones, Oscar Peterson. Best known as co-founding member, musical director of the Modern Jazz Quartet, acclaimed for albums such as Fontessa, Third Stream Music and Lonely Woman. Accompanied Charlie Parker on pivotal recordings such as Parker's Mood and Blues For Alice. Backed Miles Davis on Birth Of The Cool album. Also present on albums by the likes of Zoot Sims, Dizzy Gillespie (In Paris), Clifford Brown, Illinois Jacquet, Benny Golson, Sonny Rollins, Gil Evans (Pacific Standard Time), Charlie Byrd, Les McCann, Sonny Stitt (Stitt Plays Bird), Joe Pass, Ramsey Lewis, and Buddy Rich ~ Lewis passed away in 2001
May 3, 1919 ~ Singer, songwriter Pete Seeger born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of the Almanac Singers. Member of pivotal folk outfit the Weavers, known for The Hammer Song and for their 1950 hit recording Goodnight Irene. As a solo artist Seeger would become one of the premier folk singers and prolific songwriters of the 1960s, perhaps best known for penning and first recording Where Have All The Flowers Gone which would be covered by well over 150 artists including Bobby Darin, Eddy Arnold, Johnny Rivers, Harry Belafonte, Joan Baez, and Earth Wind & Fire ~ Seeger passed away in 2014
May 3, 1911 ~ Trumpeter Yank Lawson born in Trenton, Missouri, USA ~ Closely associated with Bob Haggart, with whom he worked in the Lawson-Haggart Band in the 1950s and in the World's Greatest Jazz Band from the late 1960s through the late 1970s. Lawson has also worked with Ben Pollack, Bob Crosby, Benny Goodman, and Tommy Dorsey ~ Lawson passed away in 1995
May 3, 1903 ~ Harry Lillis Crosby Jr, commonly known as singer, actor, songwriter Bing Crosby, born in Tacoma, Washington, USA ~ Popular from the 1930s well through the 1950s. Over 70 films, over 1,600 songs. Influential on wide array of artists from Frank Sinatra to John Lennon. Noted for his vocal phrasing. Worked with the Rhythm Boys, Bix Beiderbecke, Jack Teagarden, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Eddie Lang, Hoagy Carmichael, Gus Arnheim. Known for songs such as I Found A Million Dollar Baby In A Five And Ten Cent Store, At Your Command, White Christmas, Swinging On A Star, Pistol Packin' Mama, Don't Fence Me In, and I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance ~ Crosby passed away in 1977