This Day In Music: October 24
October 23 ~ Birthdays/All ~ October 25
 
October 24, 2023 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal drummer Steve Riley passed away ~ Best known as a member of WASP during the mid to late 1980s, recording three albums with the band, and as a longtime member of the LA Guns, present on the band's best known including the 1988 LA Guns debut album, and its 1989 Cocked And Loaded follow-up. Riley can also be heard on albums by Roadmaster, Open Hand, George Lynch, and Bulletboys ~ Riley was born in 1956
 
October 24, 2022 ~ Rock bassist Gregg Philbin passed away ~ Member of REO Speedwagon from 1968, replacing Mike Blair, through 1977. Present on the band's first six studio albums including the acclaimed Ridin' The Storm Out released in 1973 ~ Philbin was born ca.1947
 
October 24, 2021 ~ Bluegrass, country banjoist Sonny Osborne passed away ~ Formed the Osborne Brothers with Bobby Osborne, best known for their 1967 Rocky Top hit single. In-demand session musician, member of the Nashville A-Team. Also worked with the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, Bill Monroe's backing unit the Bluegrass Boys, and others ~ Osborne was born in 1937
 
October 24, 2018 ~ Composer, conductor Darijan Bozic passed away ~ Best known for his associations with the Slovene National theater Opera And Ballet Company and the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Bozic was born in 1933
October 24, 2018 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Tony Joe White passed away in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee, USA ~ Critically acclaimed. Highly admired by peers. Wrote and first recorded Polk Salad Annie, a song perhaps most closely associated with Elvis Presley who would adopt it as a live favorite. Wrote and first recorded Rainy Night In Georgia, covered by over a hundred artists including Brook Benton, Ray Charles, and Randy Crawford. Wrote Undercover Agent For The Blues and Steamy Windows, both first recorded by and hits for Tina Turner in her comeback period in the mid-1980s ~ White was born in 1943
October 24, 2018 ~ Melvin Ragin, commonly known as guitarist Wah Wah Watson, passed away in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ As a member of the Funk Brothers played on key Motown recordings including by Gladys Knight, the Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye (What's Going On), and the Four Tops. Released his sole solo album, the moderately received Elementary, in 1977. Remained an in-demand session musician for a wide array of R&B, pop and jazz artists well into the 2000s, appearing on albums by Buddy Miles, Quincy Jones (Body Heat), Etta James, Herbie Hancock, Freddie King, Bill Withers, Bobby Womack, the Pointer Sisters, Yvonne Fair (The Bitch Is Black), Eric Clapton, the Alessi Brothers, Smokey Robinson, Gato Barbieri, Michael Jackson (Off The Wall), Deniece Williams, Blondie (Autoamerican), Boz Scaggs, Brian McKnight, Coolio (My Soul), Angélique Kidjo, Angie Stone (Black Diamond), Boney James, Raphael Saadiq (Stone Rollin'), and Marcus Miller ~ Ragin was born in 1950
 
October 24, 2017 ~ Pianist, singer Fats Domino passed away in Harvey, Louisiana, USA ~ Rock & roll pioneer. Best-selling African-American artist of the 1950s. Most popular singer of New Orleans R&B. Known for songs such as The Fat Man, I'm Walking, Ain't That A Shame, and Blueberry Hill. Closely associated with producer Dave Bartholomew. Employed sidemen such as Herbert Hardesty, Alvin Tyler, Billy Diamond, Frank Fields, Earl Palmer, Smokey Johnson, Reggie Houston, Lee Allen, and others ~ Domino was born in 1928
October 24, 2017 ~ Robert Peter Williams, commonly known as actor, singer Robert Guillaume, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his role as Benson in the TV series Soap and its spin-off Benson. Also known for numerous roles in stage plays and musicals, including on Broadway, starting in the late 1950. Notable credits include Free And Easy, Golden Boy, Guys And Dolls and Porgy & Bess ~ Williams was born in 1927
 
October 24, 2016 ~ Eduard Christiani, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Eddy Christiani passed away ~ Best known for songs such as Zonnig Madeira, Ouwe Taaie, Spring Maar Achterop, and Daar Bij De Waterkant. During World War II performed for occupying German military as well as, secretly, support the Dutch resistance ~ Christiani was born in 1918
 
October 24, 2015 ~ Jazz trombonist Nat Peck passed away in London, UK ~ Worked with Glenn Miller, Don Redman, Coleman Hawkins, James Moody, Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie, Michel Legrand, André Hodeir, Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, the Clarke-Boland Big Band, Benny Goodman, Peter Herbolzheimer, and others ~ Peck was born in 1925
 
October 24, 2014 ~ Violinist, conductor Robert Brink, full name Robert Greenleaf Brink, passed away ~ Closely associated with harpsichordist Daniel Pinkham. Premierd works by Walter Piston, Henry Cowell, Alan Hovhaness. As a violinist served under conductors such as Serge Koussevitzky, Aaron Copland, Darius Milhaud. Founded the Boston Classical Orchestra, serving as its concertmaster until 1995. Also founded and conducted the Orchestra For The Art Of Music ~ Brink was born in 1924
 
October 24, 2012 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bill Dees, full name William Marvin Dees, passed away in Mountain Home, Arkansas, USA ~ Closely associated with Roy Orbison, including co-writing songs such as Oh Pretty Woman and It's Over. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Dees include Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Skeeter Davis, Billy Joe Royal, Frank Ifield, Mark Dinning, and Gene Pitney ~ Dees was born in 1939
 
October 24, 2008 ~ Hammond organist, pianist Merl Saunders passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Gained attention in the early 1970s teaming up with the Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia, co-founding the Saunders-Garcia Band which would eventually evolve into Legion Of Mary. Has also recorded as a solo artist, and collaborated with artists such as Mike Bloomfield, David Grisman, Michael Hinton, Tom Fogerty, Vassar Clements, Kenneth Nash, John Kahn, Sheila E, Dinosaurs, Reconstruction, and others ~ Saunders was born in 1934
 
October 24, 2006 ~ Singer, songwriter, poet, author Bruno Lauzi passed away in Milan, Italy ~ Renowned singer with over two dozen albums to his name starting in the 1960s. Well known songs include Ritornerai, Amore Caro Amore Bello, Onda Su Onda and Genova Per Noi. Had his songs recorded by the likes of Sergio Endrigo, Ivana Spagna, Mia Martini, Georges Moustaki, Ornella Vanoni, and others. Briefly pursued a political career in the 1980s, but without much success. Also known as an author with over half a dozen publications to his name, both poetry and prose ~ Lauzi was born in 1937
 
October 24, 2001 ~ Bassist Kim Gardner passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ First gained attention in the mid-1960s, as a member of the Birds with songs such as No Good Without You and Leaving Here. Subsequently worked with mod outfit the Creation, Santa Barbara Machine Head which also included Jon Lord and Ronnie Wood, with jazz-rock band Ashton Gardner & Dyke known for the 1971 hit Resurrection Shuffle, and with Badger. In-demand touring and session musician for much of the 1970s working with artist as diverse as Bo Diddley and Eric Clapton ~ Gardner was born in 1946
 
October 24, 1998 ~ Grace Martin Tandon, commonly known as pop, synth-pop, electronica singer Daya born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for her single Hide Away, which reached Billboard top 30 in 2015. Featured vocalist on the Chainsmokers' 2016 top 10 hit Don't Let Me Down. Has also collaborated with Gryffin, Illenium, RL Grime, and others
 
October 24, 1997 ~ Dibesh Pokarel, commonly known as pop rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Arthur Gunn, born in Kathmandu, Nepal ~ Runner-up in the 18th season of American Idol in 2020, losing to singer, songwriter Just Sam
October 24, 1997 ~ Rachel Keen, commonly known as singer Raye, born in London, UK ~ Opened for Years & Years, Jess Glynne, Rita Ora, Halsey, and for Khalid. Released a debut EP, Welcome To The Winter, in 2014. Collaborated with Jonas Blue (By Your Side), Charli XCX, Mr Eazi, Mabel, Stefflon Don, David Guetta (Stay (Don't Go Away)), Kojo Funds, and others
 
October 24, 1994 ~ Chrystal Soo-jong, commonly known as K-pop singer, actress Krystal Jung, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Member of girl group fx, known for songs such as Nu Abo, Pinocchio (Danger), Electric Shock, and Rum Pum Pum Pum. Soo-jong has also recorded as a solo artist and ventured into acting
 
October 24, 1989 ~ Edmund Gregory, commonly known as jazz, hard bop saxophonist Sahib Shihab, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Luther Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Fletcher Henderson, Tadd Dameron, Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Clarke, John Coltrane, Quincy Jones, Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, Kenny Dorham, Benny Golson, Brass Fever, Donald Byrd, Betty Carter, Roy Haynes, Abbey Lincoln, Specs Powell, AK Salim, Mal Waldron, Idrees Sulieman, and others ~ Gregory was born in 1925
 
October 24, 1988 ~ Benjamin Eidson, commonly known as rockabilly guitarist, singer Benny Joy, passed away ~ Known for a handful of late 1950s songs, including Spin The Bottle, Hey High School Baby and Bundle Of Love, but would fail to break through. Worked as disk jockey on the American Bandstand TV show. Also known as a songwriter for artists such as Marty Robbins, Jackie Wilson, Charlie Rich, Debbie Reynolds, Johnny Rivers, and Carl Smith ~ Eidson was born in 1935
 
October 24, 1986 ~ Aubrey Drake Graham, mononymously known as singer, songwriter, rapper, producer Drake, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Popularized the Toronto sound. Debuted with the album Thank Me Later in 2010. Known for songs such as The Best I Ever Had, Forever featuring Kanye West, Lil' Wayne & Eminem, Find Your Love, Make Me Proud featuring Nicki Minaj, Take Care featuring Rihanna, Hotline Bling, One Dance featuring WizKid & Kyla, Passionfruit, Nice For What, In My Feelings, Toosie Slide, Laugh Now Cry Later featuring Lil' Durk
October 24, 1986 ~ Bassist, pianist, singer Johnny Dyani, full name Johnny Mbizo Dyani, passed away in West Berlin, West Germany ~ Member of the Blue Notes, South Africa's first racially integrated jazz band. Founded and fronted Earthquake Power. Founded Xaba with Mongezi Feza and Okay Temiz. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with a wide array of artists including Steve Lacy, Don Cherry, Louis Moholo (Spirits Rejoice), David Murray, Joe Bonner, Abdullah Ibrahim, Khan Jamal (Three), Chris Joris, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Per Henrik Wallin, and Chris McGregor ~ Dyani was born in 1945
 
October 24, 1984 ~ Electronic, ambient keyboardist Steve Hauschildt born in Bay Village, Ohio, USA ~ Member of the Emeralds, a trio drawing from ambient as well as minimalist music and best known for their 2010 Does It Lool Like I'm Here album. Has also recorded as a solo artist, both while with the trio and after its disbandement. Noted for his 2011 Tragedy & Geometry album heavily influenced by 1970s krautrock
October 24, 1984 ~ Film, television, stage actor, singer Walter Woolf King passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Started singing professionally at a young age, performing initially mostly in churches. Would become a popular baritone in stage musicals and operettas from the late 1910 onwards, eventually moving to a career in film. Probably best remembered for appearing in supporting roles, notably playing the villain in the Marx Brothers movies A Night At The Opera and Go West ~ King was born in 1899
 
October 24, 1983 ~ Singer, actress, TV personality Adrienne Bailon, full name Adrienne Eliza Bailon, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Discovered by Latin pop singer Ricky Martin. Member of girl group 3LW, known for the hits No More Baby (I'ma Do Right) and Playas Gon' Play. Also a member of the Cheetah Girls. Released a solo debut album, New Tradiciones, in 2017
 
October 24, 1982 ~ MC, poet, producer Griogair Labhruidh born in UK ~ Noted for combining traditional Gaelic poetry with modern elements and music, such as hip-hop and fusion. Member of Afro Celt Sound System. Member of Dàimh
 
October 24, 1980 ~ Monica Denise Brown, mononymously known as R&B, soul, hip-hop soul singer, songwriter Monica, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Influenced by Whitney Houston, Mary J Blige, Betty Wright, Gladys Knight and Anita Baker. Rooted in gospel, touring with a gospel choir as early as at age ten. Would release her Miss Thang debut album in 1995 and has recorded to commercial succes since. Well known songs include Don't Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days), Ain't Nobody featuring Treach, the Brandy-duet The Boy Is Mine, The First Night and Angel Of Mine
 
October 24, 1978 ~ Ambient, electronic singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist David Knight, full name David Lloyd Knight, born ~ Lead singer for ambient rock band Day One Symphony. Following the band's disbandement in 2008 has recorded as a solo artist, starting with Mandala, merging acoustic and electronic elements. Knight has found some popularity in Malaysia, frequently touring the country and collaborating with the likes of Jerome Kugan and Yuna.
 
October 24, 1976 ~ Jason Cullen Green, commonly known as rapper Planet Asia, born in Fresno, California, USA ~ Formed the duo the Cali Agents with Rasco. Member of Gold Chain Military and the Durag Dynasty. Over a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting in the late 1990s, and especially acclaimed for Pain Language released in 2008. In-demand collaborator, has worked with DJ Muggs, Madlib, DJ Fresh, DJ Concept, and Calvin Valentine
 
October 24, 1973 ~ Folk, alternative country singer, songwriter Laura Veirs born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA ~ Debuted in 1999 with the eponymous Laura Veirs. Has since collaborated with Bill Frisell, Colin Meloy, Jim James, Béla Fleck, kd Lang, Neko Case, Sufjan Stevens, and others
October 24, 1973 ~ Otis Jackson Jr, commonly known as DJ, producer, MC Madlib, born in Oxnard, California, USA ~ One the most prolific and critically acclaimed hip-hop producers of the 2000s. Reached first commercial succes producing the Alkoholiks. Has also worked with Wildchild, J Dilla, MF Doom, Talib Kweli, Percee P, Ivan Conti, and others
 
October 24, 1971 ~ Antony Hegarty, commonly known as singer, songwriter Antony, born in Chicester, UK ~ Openly transgender, also known under the moniker Anohni. Influenced by Kate Bush, Marc Almond, Alison Moyet, Nina Simone, Otis Redding, Donny Hathaway. Fronted Antony & the Johnsons, especially acclaimed for their sophomore album I Am A Bird Now released in 2005. The album featured guests such as Lou Reed, Boy George, Rufus Wainwright and Devendra Banhart
October 24, 1971 ~ Bassist Frode Berg born in Oslo, Norway ~ Worked with the Helge Lien Trio, the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, the Trio April, the Jazz House, Einar Iversen, Harald Gunhus, Odd Riisnæs, Christian Reim, Donna Summer, Roy Powell, Arild Andersen, Noora, Jon Eberson, Paul McCartney, Bobby Shew, Andy Sheppard, Frank Gambale, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Luciano Pavarotti, the Oslo Groove Company, Knut Værnes, Jens Wendelboe, Danny Gottlieb, Silje Nergaard, and others
 
October 24, 1970 ~ Edward Daniel Chesters, commonly known as drummer Eds Chesters born in Bishop Auckland, UK ~ Best known as a member of indie rock band the Bluetones. Also a behind-the-scenes member of Soho known for their sole hit Hippy Chick
October 24, 1970 ~ Indie rock, psychedelic folk, lo-fi guitarist, drummer, bassist, keyboardist Jeff Mangum born in Ruston, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known as singer, guitarist of Neutral Milk Hotel. Has also worked with Circulatory System, the Olivia Tremor Control, the Synthetic Flying Machine, the Apples In Stereo, Major Organ & the Adding Machine, Elf Power, and others
October 24, 1970 ~ Jazz singer, songwriter, producer Magos Herrera born in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Sings in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Has collaborated with Javier Limon, Tim Riles, Aaron Goldberg, Pedro Aznar, the Ed Simon Trio, John Patitucci, Luis Perdomo, Adam Rogers, Tim Hagans, her husband Alex Kautz, Paolo Prestini, Jeff Ziegler, Arturo Estable, Eugenia Lion, the Trio Afora Afora, and others
October 24, 1970 ~ Singer Natassa Theodoridou born in Thessaloniki, Greece ~ Debuted in 1997 with the eponymous Natassa Theodoridou album. Has worked with Notis Sfakianakis, Paschalis Terzis, Giorgos Theofanous, Yiannis Parios, Elli Kokkinou, Giorgos Mazonakis, Antonis Vardas, Michalis Hatzigiannis, Eleanna Vrachali, Evanthia Reboutsika, Natalia Germanou, Triantaphyllos, and others
 
October 24, 1969 ~ Singer, guitarist, producer, songwriter Jesse Harris born in New York, New York, USA ~ Founded the Ferdinandos, which also consisted of Tony Scherr, Tim Luntzer and Kenny Wollesen. Half of Once Blue, a duo with Rebecca Martin. Worked in various roles with Norah Jones, Melody Gardot, Madeleine Peyroux, Nikki Yanofsky, Lizz Wright, John Zorn, Petra Haden, Lana Del Rey, Maria Gadú, Vinicius. Revered songwriter whose work is recorded by Smokey Robinson, George Benson, Pat Metheny, Kandace Springs and Solomon Burke
October 24, 1969 ~ Heavy metal singer, guitarist, keyboardist Peter Dolving born in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Best known as lead singer for the Haunted from 1996 through 1998, appearing on the band's 1998 eponymous The Haunted debut album, and again from 2003 through 2012, recording five more albums with the band. Has also worked with Mary Beats Jane, Gusto, Rosvo, Syntacks, iamfire, and recorded as a solo artist
 
October 24, 1966 ~ Singer Stevie Wonder releases his A Place In The Sun single ~ Written by Ron Miller and Bryan Wells, produced by Henry Cosby. Taken off the Down To Earth album which, along with its predecessor Up-Tight, marked a departure from Wonder's earlier teen-pop driven album. Paired with Sylvia on the flip side, A Place In The Sun would become Wonder's third Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. Instrumentation was provided by the Funk Brothers. The song would be covered by several artists, including the Young Rascals, the Four Tops, the Staple Singers, and Glen Campbell
 
October 24, 1964 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones kick off their 2nd American tour at the Academy of Music, New York, New York ~ In support of their 12 x 5 album, the band plays about a dozen shows through mid-November, starting with two shows played at the Academy of Music. The set list includes It's All Over Now, a tune originally by the Valentinos which they picked up on their previous visit to America
 
October 24, 1963 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Dylan records The Times They Are A-Changin' at Columbia Recording Studio, New York, New York ~ Produced by Tom Wilson. Served as title track of the 1964 The Times They Are A-Changin' album. Released as a single, b/w Just Allow Me One More Chance, in March 1965. Notably covered by the Byrds on their 1965 Turn Turn Turn album. Others who recorded the song include Simon & Garfunkel, the Beach Boys, Flatt & Scruggs, Cher, Nina Simone, and Billy Joel
 
October 24, 1962 ~ Alternative rock, shoegaze bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, singer Debbie Googe, full name Deborah Ann Googe, born in Yeovil, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member of My Bloody Valentine, remaining with the band through 1995 to rejoin in 2007. Present on the band's best-known including the Loveless 1991 sophomore album which reached top 10 in the band's native UK. Founded indie rock supergroup Snowpony which also included Katherine Gifford. Has also worked with Primal Scream, Thurston Moore, Tim Burgess, Laurie Anderson, and others
October 24, 1962 ~ Drummer, keyboardist, songwriter John Wright born in Victoria, Canada ~ Cited as influence on Nirvana's Dave Grohl and Green Day's Tré Cool. Best known as member of punk rock, punk-jazz band Nomeansno. Member of the Hanson Brothers. Brother of Rob Wright, bandmate in both aforementioned bands. Has also worked with Demon, DOA, the Showbusiness Giants, Compressorhead and others
October 24, 1962 ~ Folk rock, country singer, guitarist, songwriter Kristen Hall born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Founding member of country outfit Sugarland, present on the 2004 Twice The Speed Of Life album, left the band in late 2005. As a solo artist actively recording since the early 1990s
 
October 24, 1961 ~ Jazz saxophonist Rick Margitza born in Dearborn, Michigan, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Maynard Ferguson, Flora Purim, Miles Davis, Eddie Gomez, Tony Williams, Bobby Hutcherson, Maria Schneider, McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, Martial Solal, Francois Moutin, Louis Moutin, Ari Hoenig, Franck Amsallem, Jean-Michel Pilc, Mike Starmike, Manuel Rocheman, John Fedchock, Andy Laverne, Lou Rawls, Kei Akagi, Burt Bacharach, Bob Belden, Anders Bergcrantz, Niels Lan Doky, Dave Douglas, Eliane Elias, Mike Fahn, Jimmy Haslip, Steve Masakowski, Ron McClure, Cæcilie Norby, Øyvind Nypan, Jarmo Savolainen, Steps Ahead, Dave Stryker, the Trio Toeykeaet, Lenny White, and others
 
October 24, 1959 ~ Guitarist, organist, singer Rowland S Howard born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Member of post-punk outfit the Birthday Party, active from 1979 through 1983. The band evolved from its predecessor Boys Next Door and achieved little commercial success yet was heralded by critics as one of the most challenging post-punk groups of the early 1980s and is especially known for launching the career of singer Nick Cave. Howard would go on to work with Crime & the City Solution, These Immortal Souls, Nikki Sudden, and record as a solo artist ~ Howard passed away in 2009
 
October 24, 1955 ~ Jazz double bassist Jay Anderson born in Upland, California, USA ~ Worked with Woody Herman, Carmen McRae, Ira Sullivan, Red Rodney, Michael Brecker, Toots Thielemans, Joe Sample, Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, Eliane Elias, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Bennie Wallace, Brian Lynch, Bob Belden, Warren Bernhardt, Joey Calderazzo, Dave Stryker, Mike Stern, Chaka Khan, Terumasa Hino, Michel Legrand, Tiger Okoshi, Lynne Arriale, Bob Mintzer, George Cables, Paul Bley, Frank Zappa, Tom Waits, Dr John, Rich Perry, Vic Juris, Lee Konitz, and others
 
October 24, 1954 ~ Rock, pop singer, bassist, songwriter Jozef Ráz, also known as Jozo Ráz, born in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia ~ Co-founding member of Elán, active since the late 1960s and eventually becoming one of the most popular bands in Czechoslovakia during the 1980s. Ráz has drawn criticism for his support for authoritarian leaders such as Gustáv Husák, Rpnert Fico, Fidel Castro, and Vladimir Putin, His son Jozef Ráz Jr was nominated for the position of Slovak Minister of the Interior in 2018 for the SMER Social Democratic party but refused by then-ruling president Andrej Kiska
 
October 24, 1953 ~ Keyboardist, composer David Wright born in Kent, UK ~ Over two dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting in the late 1980s. Co-founded New Age electronic rock band Code Indigo. Co-founded Callisto. Founded the New Age label AD Music in 1989. Has served as producer for the likes of Bekki Williams, Claudio Merlini, and others
 
October 24, 1952 ~ Country singer, keyboardist, songwriter Mark Gray born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA ~ Member of Exile from 1979 to 1982, for whom he co-wrote The Closer You Get, You're Good For Me and Take Me Down, the latter later notably covered by Alabama. Also wrote Janie Fricke's It Ain't Easy Bein' Easy, Gary Morris' Second Hand Heart, and Aretha Franklin's Whatever It Is. Has also recorded as a solo artist, the singles The Left Side Of The Bed, If All The Magic Is Gone, Diamond In The Dust, the Tammy Wynette duet Sometimes When We Touch, and Please Be Love all reaching top 10 Billboard Country ~ Gray passed away in 2016
 
October 24, 1950 ~ Producer Steven Greenberg born in St Paul, Minnesota, USA ~ Best known as thriving force behind Lipps Inc, a hastily assembled group of session musicians scoring the hit Funkytown of their 1979 Mouth To Mouth album. The single would top the charts in well over a dozen countries including the Netherlands and America
 
October 24, 1948 ~ Terence Dale Griffin, commonly known as drummer, producer Dale Buffin Griffin, born in Ross-on-Wye, UK ~ Co-founding member of Mott The Hoople, known best for their 1972 David Bowie-produced All The Young Dudes album. Its All The Young Dudes title track would reach the uK top 10. Griffin is also known as a producer, notably producing many of the John Peel sessions from 1981 through 1994 ~ Griffin passed away in 2016
October 24, 1948 ~ Ignacio Egaña Azpeitia, commonly known as bassist, singer, songwriter Iñaki Egaña, born in Portugalete, Spain ~ Member of late 1960s blues rock outfit Los Buenos, which also included John Mayall's brother organist Rod Mayall. Formed early 1970s Latn rock trio Alacrán with drummer Fernando Arbex and guitarist Oscar Lasprilla, known for their sole eponymous Alacrán album. Co-founding member of Barrabás, present on the band's 1971 Wild Safari debut album. Egaña has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for his 1974 Karma album, and collaborated with Miguel Rios, the Dr Blues Band, Goio Gutiérrez, and Juan Pardo
October 24, 1948 ~ Singer, songwriter Keith Sykes born in Murray, Kentucky, USA ~ Debuted in 1969 with the eponymous Keith Sykes album and has recorded steadily and to critical acclaim since. As a songwriter revered by peers. Had his songs recorded by John Prine, Rosanne Cash, the Judds, Jerry Jeff Walker, George Thorogood, the Wilburn Brothers, McKendree Spring, Jimmy Buffett, Rodney Crowell, Guy Clark, Mitch Ryder, Chris Bell, Eric Gales, Jed & Kelley, Sunny Sweeney, Max Gomez, Jed Zimmerman, and others
 
October 24, 1947 ~ Rock singer Kenny Shields born in Nokomis, Canada ~ Lead singer of Streetheart. The band is best known for their 1979 disco-hybrid the Rolling Stones-cover Under My Thumb. Other well known songs include Action, Hollywood, Look In Your Eyes, and What Kind Of Love Is This ~ Shields passed away in 2017
 
October 24, 1946 ~ Drummer, singer Jerry Edmonton born in Oshawa, Canada ~ Best known as drummer for Steppenwolf, which also included his brother singer Mars Bonfire. Previously a member of the Sparrows. Formed the band Seven when Steppenwolf temporarily broke up in the early 1970s ~ Edmonton passed away in 1993
 
October 24, 1945 ~ R&B singer Brenda Payton born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Fronted Brenda & the Tabulations. The girl group enjoyed popularity especially during the late 1960s and early 1970s, songs such as Dry Your Eyes, Who's Lovin' You, The Touch Of You, And My Heart Sang (La La La), Don't Make Me Over, Right On The Tip Of My Tongue, and A Part Of You all reaching top 20 Billboard R&B ~ Payton passed away in 1992
 
October 24, 1943 ~ Mark Paul Siegel, commonly known as singer, pianist, songwriter Corky Siegel born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Blues, blues-rock singer, songwriter. Plays piano and harmonica. Co-leader of the Siegel-Schwall Band, alongside guitarist Jim Schwall. Leader of Chamber Blues. Experimented with fusing blues and classical collaborating with top-notch orchestras including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony
 
October 24, 1942 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Don Gant, full name Donald W Gant, born ~ Co-founded Neon Philharmonic with Tupper Saussy, known for their 1969 hit Morning Girl. Also in-demand songwriter, producer, executive associated with Acuff/Rose, MGM Records and with ABC Records, worked with Joe Melson, Jimmy Buffett, Lefty Frizzell, Eddy Raven, Roy Orbison, and with others ~ Gant passed away in 1987
October 24, 1942 ~ Producer, drummer, guitarist, singer Ted Templeman born in Santa Cruz, California, USA ~ Got his start in music drumming for the Tikis in the mid-1960. The band would change their name to Harper's Bizarre by 1966, Templeman switching to vocals and guitar, and is best known for their 1967 Feelin' Groovy. When the band folded in 1970 Templeman would move into A&R for Warner Bros. Noted for discovering the Doobie Brothers, Templeman being promoted to staff producer after the success of the band's sophomore album Toulouse Street produced by Templeman and Lenny Waronker and its hit single Listen To The Music. Other notable production credits would include Van Morrison (Tupelo Honey), Captain Beefheart, Little Feat (Sailin' Shoes), Montrose, Carly Simon, Van Halen (Van Halen), Aerosmith (Done With Mirrors), Cheap Trick, Eric Clapton, Bette Midler, and others
 
October 24, 1940 ~ Singer Ricky Brook, full name Richard Alan Brooks, born in Winchester, UK ~ Formed the sibling duo the Brooks Brothers with Geoff Brook, known for a string of early 1960s UK hits including Ain't Gonna Wash For A Week, Welcome Home Baby and perhaps their best-known Warpaint
 
October 24, 1938 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Odean Pope born in Ninety Six, South Carolina, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy McGriff, Max Roach, Catalyst, the Saxophone Choir, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Sunny Murray, Byard Lancaster, Monnette Sudler, Donald Bailey, Gilles Peterson, Khan Jamal, and others
 
October 24, 1937 ~ Composer Miguel Angel Coria, full name Miguel Angel Coria Varela, born in Madrid, Spain ~ Contemporary classical composer influenced by impressionism and post-modernism. Wrote works for orchestra, chamber music, electronic music, vocal music, ballet and opera ~ Coria passed away in 2016
October 24, 1937 ~ Guitarist Santo Farina born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Formed the sibling duo Santo & Johnny with Johnny Farina, best known for their 1959 instrumental Sleep-walk which is considered one of the biggest instrumental hits of the golden age of rock & roll. The record would top the Billboard Hot 100 and prove influential on future surf guitarists
 
October 24, 1936 ~ William George Perks Jr, commonly known as bassist Bill Wyman, born in Lewisham, UK ~ Best known as member of the Rolling Stones from 1962 through 1993. Released his solo debut album, Monkey Grip, in 1974 while still a member of the Stones. Collaborated with Mickey Gee, Andy Fairweather Low, Geraint Watkins and Stones bandmate Charlie Watts working under the moniker Willie & the Poor Boys. Fronts Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings with a revolving door line-up with many of rock, rock & roll's veterans. Guested on albums by John Hammond Jr, Howlin' Wolf, and Stephen Stills
October 24, 1936 ~ James Henry Dawkins, commonly known as Chicago blues, electric blues guitarist, singer Jimmy Dawkins, born in Tchula, Mississippi, USA ~ Debuted in 1969 with Fast Fingers and has released albums steadily since. Backed on tour and record by musicians such as Andrew Odom, Otis Rush, Jon Preizler, James Solberg, Jimi Schutte, Sylvester Boines, Rich Kirch, Billy Flynn, and others ~ Dawkins passed away in 2013
 
October 24, 1935 ~ Country, rockabilly singer, guitarist Sanford Clark born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best known for his 1956 hit The Fool, penned by a then-unknown Lee Hazlewood. The song would later be covered Chris Farlowe, Elvis Presley, the Animals, and Richard Thompson ~ Clark passed away in 2021
 
October 24, 1934 ~ Orin Glenn Troutman, commonly known as rockabilly, pop singer Glen Glenn, born in Joplin, Missouri, USA ~ Formed the duo the Missouri Mountain Boys with guitarist Gary Lambert. Ventured into a solo career by the mid-1950s, releasing his Everybody's Movin debut single in 1958. Drafted soon after its release, Troutman was unable to do any promotion, effectively stalling his career. Resurfaced in the 1970s after Ace Records issued a compilation of his rockabilly recordings ~ Glenn passed away in 2022
October 24, 1934 ~ Sanger D Shafer, commonly known as songwriter, singer Whitey Shafer, born in Whitney, Texas, USA ~ Lifelong compadre of Lefty Frizzell, with whom he frequently collaborated. Staff songwriter at famed Acuff/Rose publishers, his songs recorded by George Jones (Tell Me My Lying Eyes Are Wrong), George Strait (Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind, All My Ex's Live In Texas), Johnny Russell (The Baptism Of Jesse Taylor), Moe Bandy (Bandy The Rodeo Clowen), Johnny Rodriguez, Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley (I Wonder Do You Think Of Me), John Michael Montgomery, Lee Ann Womack, and Kenny Chesney. Shafer has occasionally recorded as a singer, noted for his moderate 1981 You Are A Liar hit single ~ Shafer passed away in 2019
 
October 24, 1933 ~ Composer, conductor Darijan Bozic born in Slavonski Brod, Yugoslavia ~ Best known for his associations with the Slovene National theater Opera And Ballet Company and the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Bozic passed away in 2018
 
October 24, 1930 ~ Singer, songwriter JP Richardson, also known as the Big Bopper, born in Sabine Press, Texas, USA ~ Best known for Chantilly Lace and White Lightning, the latter notably covered by George Jones. Passed away in the same plane crash that killed Ritchie Valens and Buddy Holly ~ Richardson passed away in 1959
 
October 24, 1929 ~ Contemporary classical, avant-garde composer George Crumb, full name George Henry Crumb Jr, born in Charleston, Virginia, USA ~ Influenced by Gustav Mahler, Claude Debussy, and Béla Bartók. Known for compositions such as Star-Child, Makrokosmos, Ancient Voices Of Children, Vox Balaenae, and perhaps his best known The Echoes Of Time And The River, the latter winning him the 1968 Pullitzer Prize for Music ~ Crumb passed away in 2022
 
October 24, 1927 ~ Singer, songwriter Gilbert Bécaud born in Toulon, France ~ Dubbed “Monsieur 100,000 Volts” for his energetic stage performances. Best known for Nathalie and Et Maintenant. The latter would be translated to English as What Now My Love, with lyrics from Carl Sigman, and covered by numerous artists including Eddy Arnold, Petula Clark, Lee Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Ben E King, Martha Reeves, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, the Righteous Brothers, Sonny & Cher, and others ~ Bécaud passed away in 2001
October 24, 1927 ~ Jean-Claude Villeminot, commonly known as comedian, actor, singer Jean-Claude Pascal, born in Paris, France ~ Representing Luxembourg won the 1961 Eurovision Songfestival with Nous Les Amoureux written by Jacques Datin and Maurice Vidalin. Would have another try, again for Luxembourg, in 1981 with C'Est Peut-être Pas L'Amérique which he co-wrote with Sophie Makhno and Jean-Claude Petit, reaching 11th place ~ Villeminot passed away in 1992
 
October 24, 1914 ~ Saxophonist Jimmy Powell, full name James Theodore Powell, born ~ In-demand sideman, present on over an estimated 100 albums since the 1940s. Especially acclaimed for his work with Count Basie in the mid-1940s, and Dizzy Gillespie in the 1950s, including on the 1957 At Newport album. Other notable associations include Billie Holiday, Billy Eckstine, Don Byas, Hal Cornbread Singer, Illinois Jacquet, Betty Carter, Otis Redding, and Bernard Pretty Purdie, notably present on the latter's 1974 Soul Is Pretty Purdie album ~ Powell passed away in 1994
 
October 24, 1907 ~ André Echkyan, commonly known as reed player, bandleader André Ekyan, born in Meudon, France ~ Led the house band at Le Perroquet, Paris, during the late 1920s. Worked with Jack Hylton, Gregor, Tommy Dorsey, Django Reinhardt, Tommy Benford, Jacques Butler, Benny Carter, Big Boy Goudie, Coleman Hawkins, Mezz Mezzrow, Bobby Nichols, Joe Turner, and Ray Ventura ~ Echkyan passed away in 1972
 
October 24, 1906 ~ Alexander Balos Williams, commonly known as trombonist Sandy Williams, born in Summerville, South Carolina, USA ~ Best known for his work with Chick Webb and with Ella Fitzgerald. Also played with Claude Hopkins, Horace Henderson, Fletcher Henderson, Cootie Williams, Sidney Bechet, Duke Ellington, Art Hodes, Roy Eldridge, and others ~ Williams passed away in 1991
 
October 24, 1892 ~ Twin sisters dancers, singers, actresses Jenny Dolly and Rosie Dolly born in Balassagyarmat, Hungary ~ Popular in 1910s and 1920s vaudeville and musical theatre. Identical twin sisters Rosie (real name Rozsika Deutsch) and Jenny (real name Gyula Deutsch), working as a sibling act under the moniker the Dolly Sisters. Each also pursued a parallel individual career from the mid-1910s forward ~ Jenny passed away in 1941, Rosie in 1970
 
October 24, 1879 ~ Benjamin Albert Rolfe, commonly known as trumpeter, bandleader, radio personality, film producer BA Rolfe born in Brasher Falls, New York, USA ~ Known as “the Boy Trumpet Wonder” would go on to become a film director, best known for acquiring Dyreda Art Film Company in 1915. The company's last production was the mystery series The Master Mystery starring renowned magician Harry Houdini ~ Rolfe passed away in 1956