April 3, 2024 ~ Albert Heath, commonly known as hard bop drummer Albert Tootie Heath, passed away in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA ~ Brother of saxophonist Jimmy Heath and double bassist Percy Heath with whom he formed the Heath Brothers. First recorded with John Coltrane in 1957, featuring in Coltrane's first session as a leader (Coltrane). As a leader, Heath is best known for the early 1970s albums Kawaida and Kwanza. As sideman, Heath has appeared on albums by Red Garland (Groovy), Billy Taylor, Nina Simone, Cannonball Adderley, Art Farmer (Art), Sonny Red, JJ Johnson, Wes Montgomery (The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery), Gene Ammons, Walter Benton, Blue Mitchell (A Sure Thing), Charlie Mariano, McCoy Tyner, Charles McPherson (Be-Bop Revisited), Ben Webster, Tete Montoliu, and Herbie Hancock ~ Heath was born in 1935
April 3, 2022 ~ Arthur Eversole, commonly known as hip-hop, crunk rapper, songwriter Archie Eversole, passed away in DeKalb County, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for his 2002 single We Ready taken of his lone solo album Ride Wit Me Dirty South Style. Though only a minor hit the single would be adopted as an anthem by the Kansas City Royals. Eversole was found suffering from gunshot wounds at a gas station, later dying from his injuries. His brother, Alexander Kraus, was arrested and charged with his murder ~ Eversole was born in 1984
April 3, 2021 ~ Bolero, bossa nova singer, pianist, politician Agnaldo Timóteo, full name Agnaldo Timóteo Pereira, passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Over 40 albums to his name starting in the mid-1960s. Known for songs such as Ave Maria, Mamãe, Os Verdes Campos De Minha Terra and Meu Grito. Politically active from the early 1980s through the 2010s, serving in various functions including Federal Deputy and City Councillor ~ Timóteo was born in 1936
April 3, 2019 ~ Pianist, composer Einar Iversen passed away ~ Worked with Rowland Greenberg, Dizzy Gillespie, Anthony Ortega, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Dexter Gordon, Coleman Hawkins, Johnny Griffin, Svend Asmussen, Stuff Smith, Putte Wickman, Monica Zetterlund, Povel Ramel, Bjarne Nerem, Egil Johansen, Totti Bergh, Nora Brockstedt, Ditlef Eckhoff, Tor Hauge, Jon Christensen, and others ~ Iversen was born in 1930
April 3, 2019 ~ Lyricist Maurice Pon, full name Maurice Marie Jean Pon, passed away in Ile de France, France ~ Co-wrote Le Loup La Biche Et Le Chevalier and Le Travail C'Est La Santé, both recorded by Henri Salvador. Other artists who recorded songs co-written by Pon include André Bourvil, Fernandel, Jean Soblon, André Claveau, and others ~ Pon was born in 1921
April 3, 2017 ~ Singer Brenda Jones passed away ~ One third of sibling outfit the Jones Girls, alongside Shirley Jones and Valorie Jones. Served as backup singers for Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass, Aretha Franklin, Linda Clifford, and Tower Of Power. On their own they would score a number of modest hits on Billboard's R&B charts from the late 1970s through the mid 1980s including You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else, Dance Turned Into Romance and I Just Love The Man ~ Jones was born in 1954
April 3, 2016 ~ William Randall Henderson, commonly known as jazz singer, actor Bill Henderson, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Worked with Ramsey Lewis, Horace Silver, Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Smith, Count Basie, Yusef Lateef, Eddie Harris, Booker Little, Wynton Kelly, Eddie Higgins, Tommy Flanagan, Joe Diorio, Ray Brown, Ed Thigpen, Joyce Collins, Jerry Coleman, Pete Christlieb, Joey Baron, Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson, Charlie Haden, Mike Melvoin, Chico Hamilton, Dave Mackay, and Tom Azarello ~ Henderson was born in 1926
April 3, 2015 ~ Drummer Bob Burns, full name Robert Lewis Burns Jr, passed away in Cartersville, Georgia, USA ~ Co-founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Present on the band's first two albums, Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd and it's follow-up Second Helping. Well known songs from this era include Simple Man, Free Bird, and Sweet Home Alabama. Between his departure in 1974, after reportedly suffering a mental breakdown on the band's UK tour, and his one-off reunion performance at the band's 1996 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, Burns disappeared from public view ~ Burns was born in 1950
April 3, 2015 ~ Bassist, keyboardist Matt Irving passed away ~ Bassist for Manfred Mann's Earth Band from 1981 to 1986. Key member of Los Pacaminos. Also worked with Lords Of The New Church, Squeeze, Chris Rea, Paul Young, Roger Waters, and shared lead vocals with John Waite on the Babys song Time On My Hands ~ Irving was born in 1950
April 3, 2014 ~ Guitarist Arthur Smith passed away in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known for his 1948 instrumental guitar hit The Guitar Boogie. Also known for Banjo Boogie, Boomerang, and Dueling Banjos. As a songwriter had his work recorded by Chet Atkins, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, the Statesmen Quartet, the Cathedrals, Al Hirt, Barbara Mandrell, Willie Nelson, the Gatlin Brothers, the Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Boots Randolph, George Beverly Shea, the Stamps, the Statler Brothers, and Ricky Van Shelton ~ Smith was born in 1921
April 3, 2009 ~ Big band saxophonist Charlie Kennedy, full name Charles Sumner Kennedy, passed away ~ Worked with Louis Prima, Gene Krupa, Terry Gibbs, Charlie Ventura, Flip Phillips, Chico O'Farrill, Bill Holman, Terry Gibbs, June Christy, Med Flory, Dizzy Gillespie, Neal Hefti, Chubby Jackson, Shelly Manne, Anita O'Day, Art Pepper, Zoot Sims, and others ~ Kennedy was born in 1927
April 3, 2002 ~ Big band bandleader, arranger, composer Larry Wagner passed away in Roslyn Heights, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra including writing or co-writing hits such as Whistler's Mother-in-law, No Name Jive and Turn Back The Hands Of Time ~ Wagner was born in 1907
April 3, 2001 ~ Guitarist, singer Big Daddy Kinsey passed away in Gary, Indiana, USA ~ Best known as patriarch of two family outfits, namely Big Daddy Kinsey & his Fabulous Sons from the 1950s through the early 1970s and Big Daddy Kinsey & the Kinsey Report started in the mid-1980s ~ Kinsey was born in 1927
April 3, 2001 ~ Jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker born in Hackensack, New Jersey, USA ~ Blind since birth. Child prodigy. Influenced by Jimmy Smith, Joey DeFrancesco, Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, Barry Harris, Erroll Garner, Thelonious Monk. Released his debut album, Outta The Box, in 2017 backed by renowned musicians including Christian McBride, Dave Stryker, Will Calhoun and Sammy Figueroa
April 3, 1999 ~ Bebop pianist Herman Foster passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Eric Dixon, Dick Carter, Herbie Jones, Lou Donaldson, King Curtis, Bill English, Seldon Powell, Al Casey, Gloria Lynne, Earl May, Frankie Dunlop, Grassella Oliphant, Herman Wright, Bruno Carr, Jeff Fuller, Victor Jones, Joan Shaw, Jean Dushon, Johnny Hartman, and others ~ Foster was born in 1928
April 3, 1998 ~ Alvin Owen Tyler, commonly known as R&B, neo-bop saxophonist, composer, arranger Alvin Tyler, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Also known as Alvin Red Tyler for his light tanned skin. Key figure helpful in the development of the New Orleans R&B sound. Made his recording debut in 1949 backing Fats Domino on The Fat Man. As a leader noted for his 1960 Rockin' & Rollin' album released on Ace. In-demand sideman, backing some of the finest R&B and rock & roll artists including Amos Milburn, Little Richard (Here's Little Richard), Jimmy Clanton, Big Joe Turner, Lee Dorsey (Ya-Ya), Barbara George, Red Holloway, Professor Longhair, Huey Piano Smith, and Dr John. Tyler also co-wrote Java, first recorded by Allen Toussaint, later notably covered by numerous artists including King Curtis, Lawrence Welk, Tommy Tedesco, and Willie Mitchell ~ Tyler was born in 1925
April 3, 1998 ~ Loreto Domenic Fraieli, commonly known as songwriter Jimmie Crane, passed away ~ Best remembered for co-penning Hurt with Adolph Jacobs, an early 1960s smash hit and signature song for Timi Yuro. The song has been covered by over a 100 artists including Marty Robbins, Dinah Washington, Bobby Vinton, Billie Jo Spears, and Elvis Presley. Others who have recorded songs written or co-written by Crane include Denise Lor, Al Martino, Connee Boswell (If I Give My Heart To You), Connie Francis, and Joni James ~ Fraieli was born in 1910
April 3, 1991 ~ Singer, songwriter, actress Hayley Kiyoko born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Founding member of girl group the Stunners, best known for opening for Justin Bieber on the My World Tour before disbanding in 2011. Released a number of solo singles and EPs before releasing a full-length solo album, Expectations in 2018. Also continues to work as an actress for TV and film
April 3, 1990 ~ Ken Samaras, commonly known as rapper, producer, actor Nekfeu, born in La Trinité, France ~ Member of L'Entourage, 1995 and of the S-Crew before setting out on a solo career, debuting in 2015 with the Feu album. Best known for songs such as On Verra and Tricheur featuring Damso, both of which reached the top 20 in France
April 3, 1990 ~ Singer, pianist Sarah Vaughan passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Quintessential jazz singer. Started with Earl Hines after winning a contest at Apollo Theater Amateur Night. Has recorded with Billy Eckstine, Dizzy Gillespie, Georgie Auld, before going solo by the mid-1940s. Vaughan's singing has often been compared to that of opera singers, The New York Times characterizing Vaughan in her obituary as a “singer who brought an operatic splendor to her performances of popular standards and jazz” ~ Vaughan was born in 1924
April 3, 1985 ~ Singer Leona Lewis, full name Leona Louise Lewis born in Islington, UK ~ First gained serious attention by winning the third season of talent show The X-Factor in 2006. Her winning entry, the Kelly Clarkson-cover A Moment Like This, would subsequently reach the top of the UK charts. Lewis released her full-length Spirit debut album the following year and has recorded since. Well known songs include Bleeding Love, Better In Time, Collide with Avicii, One More Sleep, and others
April 3, 1985 ~ Rock guitarist, singer Meg Frampton born ~ Best known for co-founding Meg & Dia with her sister Dia Frampton, initially a duo and later expanded to a five-piece band. The band independently released their 2005 Our Home Is Gone debut album and has recorded consistently since building a devoted cult following
April 3, 1984 ~ Jazz pianist, lecturer, critic John Mehegan passed away in New Canaan, Connecticut, USA ~ Head of jazz department at the Metropolitan Music School in the 1940s and 1950s. Jazz critic. Wrote numerous books on jazz. Recorded half a dozen albums with Charles Mingus, Kenny Clarke, Eddie Costa, and Vinnie Burke ~ Mehegan was born in 1916
April 3, 1983 ~ Pop, doo-wop singer Danny Rapp, full name Daniel Earl Rapp, passed away in Quartzsite, Arizona, USA ~ Lead singer for Danny & the Juniors, known best for their 1958 hit At The Hop. The song was based on their earlier song Do The Bop, and would become a worldwide hit after Dick Clark's suggestion to rewrite and retitle it. The group would have two follow-up hits with Rock & Roll Is Here To Stay and Twistin' USA before hitting a dry spell. In the 1970s the group capitalized on the nostalgia movement, touring and rerecording some of their biggest hits. By the late 1970s the group broke up in two separate groups, both using the Danny & the Juniors moniker. Rapp would pass away at age 41 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound ~ Rapp was born in 1941
April 3, 1981 ~ Ska trumpeter Aaron Bertram born in Orange County, California, USA ~ Member of third wave ska, ska punk band the Suburban Legends from its inception in 1998 through 2005, present on the band's first two albums Original Edition and Rump Shaker. Following his departure from th eband Bertram has written children's music, working with Kids Imagine Nation with his wife Rachel Charest and trumpeter, singer Vincent Walker
April 3, 1981 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Ryan Cook born in Yarmouth, Canada ~ Debuted in 2008 with the album Hot Times, earning him a Music Nova Scotia Award for Best Country/Bluegrass Recording. Two subsequent albums, 2011's Peaks And Valleys and 2013's Wrestling With Demons would win the same award. Has opened for artists such as Sammy Kershaw, Travis Tritt, Dwight Yoakam and Rosanne Cash
April 3, 1978 ~ Raymond Stanley Noble, commonly known as bandleader, composer, arranger, actor Ray Noble, passed away in London, UK ~ English bandleader and composer who authored or co-authored and first recorded many jazz standards including Love Is The Sweetest Thing, Cherokee, The Touch Of Your Lips, I Hadn't Anyone Till You, and The Very Thought Of You ~ Noble was born in 1903
April 3, 1976 ~ Drummer Ali Jackson born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Worked with Wynton Marsalis, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, James Carter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Harry Connick Jr, KRS One, Marcus Roberts, Cyrus Chestnut, Joshua Redman, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Diana Krall, Craig Handy, Rodney Kendrick, Omer Avital, and Bobby McFerrin
April 3, 1976 ~ Vocal group the Brotherhood Of Men win the 21st edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Representing the UK vocal group Brotherhood of Man win with the song Save Your Kisses For Me written by band members Tony Hiller, Lee Sheriden and Martin Lee
April 3, 1971 ~ Pop, rock band the Beach Boys record Long Promised Road ~ Written by Carl Wilson and Jack Rieley. Included on the 1971 Surf's Up. Released as a single, b/w Deirdre, in May 1971. The single did not chart. A re-release later the same year, featuring Til I Die, would stall in the low 80s on the Billboard Hot 100
April 3, 1971 ~ Singer Séverine wins the 16th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Dublin, Ireland ~ Representing Monaco Séverine wins with the song Un Banc Une Arbre Une Rue written by Jean-Pierre Bourtayre and Yves Dessca
April 3, 1971 ~ Guitarist Wes Berggren born ~ Co-founding member of Tripping Daisy, best known for their 1995 single I Got A Girl. Following the unexpected death of Berggren, who died of an overdose, the band would finish a few remaining tapes with Berggren's father playing piano on the unfinished song Soothing Jubilee released as the eponymous 2000 Tripping Daisy and then disband ~ Berggren passed away in 1999
April 3, 1970 ~ Guitarist Rusty Zinn born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Toured with blues artists such as Snooky Pryor, Jimmy Rogers, Luther Tucker, and Mark Hummel before venturing out on his own. Over half a dozen albums to his name, especially noted for his acclaimed 1996 Sittin' And Waitin' debut album and its follow-up Confessin'. Guested on albums by Kim Wilson, Little Charlie & the Nightcats, Bob Corritore, Pinetop Perkins, and Rod Piazza
April 3, 1968 ~ Sebastian Philip Bierk, commonly known as singer Sebastian Bach born in Freeport, the Bahamas ~ Fronted rock band Skid Row from 1987, replacing original lead singer Matt Fallon, through 1996. Subsequently co-founded the Last Hard Men, known for their 1998 eponymous The Last Hard Men album
April 3, 1966 ~ Singer, songwriter, actor Lambis Livieratos born in Athens, Greece ~ Released his As Eixa Ti Dinami debut album in 1993. Broke through with his 1996 hit Bam Kai Kato. Has collaborated with Thanos Kalliris, Alexis Papadimitriou, Anna Vissi, Yiannis Parios, Giorgos Mazonakis, and others
April 3, 1965 ~ Walter Henry Heath, commonly known as songwriter Hy Heath, passed away ~ Frequent songwriting partner of the likes of Johnny Lange and Fred Rose. Co-wrote Mule Train, used in the 1950 film Singing Guns where it was sung by Vaughn Monroe. It would earn Heath an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, losing out to Mona Lisa from Captain Carey USA. Heath also co-wrote Take These Chains From My Heart with Fred Rose, originally recorded by Hank Williams and covered by well over a hundred artists including Ray Charles, George Jones, Don Gibson, and Glen Campbell. Others who recorded songs co-written by Heath include Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Jordan, Kitty Wells, and Joni James ~ Heath was born in 1890
April 3, 1963 ~ Singer Bobby Vinton records Blue On Blue ~ Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the former also leading the orchestra. Produced by Bob Morgan. Released later the same month as a single, paired with Those Little Things on the flip side. The single would reach top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song would also be used as the title track of Blue On Blue, an entire album of blue-themed songs
April 3, 1963 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, singer Gene Sedric, full name Eugene Hall Cedric, passed away ~ Acquired the nickname “Honey Bear” for his camelhair coat. Closely associated with Fats Waller, a member of Fats Waller's Rhythm from 1934 through 1942. Also worked with the Kentucky Jazz Band, Charlie Creath, Fate Marable, Dewey Jackson, Ed Allen, Julian Arthur, Sam Wooding, Alex Hyde, Fletcher Henderson, Mezz Mezzrow, Don Redman, Phil Moore, Hazel Scott, Pat Flowers, Bobby Hackett, Jimmy McPartland, Conrad Janis, Dick Wellstood, and others ~ Sedric was born in 1907
April 3, 1962 ~ Jazz drummer Dennis Mackrel born ~ Worked with Count Basie, New York Swing, Hank Jones, Randy Sandke, George Shearing, Howard Alden, the American Jazz Orchestra, Keter Betts, the Canadian Brass, Carla Bley, Joey DeFrancesco, Clare Fischer, Dizzy Gillespie, Viktor Lazlo, John Pizzarelli, Diane Schuur, Don Sebesky, and others
April 3, 1962 ~ Punk rock singer, guitarist Mike Ness, full name Michael James Ness, born in Stoneham, Massachusetts, USA ~ Influenced by the Sex Pistols. Co-founding member, lead guitarist, lead singer of punk rock outfit Social Distortion, known best for their pivotal 1996 White Light White Heat White Trash album. Has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for the 1999 album Cheating At Solitaire which payed hommage to Ness's favorite country artists and featured guest appearances from Bruce Springsteen, the Stray Cats-guitarist Brian Setzer, Billy Zoom and Josh Freese
April 3, 1962 ~ Simon Philip Pomerance, commonly known as bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, violinist Simon Raymonde born in Lewisham, UK ~ Son of composer, arranger Ivor Raymonde. Best known as bassist and keyboardist for dream pop, post-punk outfit the Cocteau Twins from 1983 until its disbandement in 1997. The group is credited with pioneering 1980s dream pop and would help define the genre later known as shoegaze. Most acclaimed for their 1990 Heaven Or Las Vegas album, considere a classic of its genre to this day. Following the band's disbandement Raymonde has recorded as a solo artist, founded the Bella Union record label with Twins bandmate Robin Guthrie and has served as producer and remixer
April 3, 1961 ~ Actor, comedian, singer Eddie Murphy, full name Edward Regan Murphy, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as a comedian and actor though has occassionaly sung including on soundtracks. Duetted with Shabba Ranks on I Was A King. Did a number of notably covers for the Shrek films, including the Monkees (I'm A Believer), Ricky Martin (Livin' La Vida Loca) and Sly & the Family Stone (Thank You Falletin Me Be Mice Elf Agan)
April 3, 1960 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal guitarist Arjen Lucassen, full name Arjen Anthony Lucassen, born in The Hague, the Netherlands ~ Member of 1980s hard rock unit Vengeance, known best for the 1987 Take It Or Leave It album. Released a number of solo singles in the early to mid 1990s and Strange Hobby, a full-length album consisting of rock covers, under the moniker Anthony. Formed Ambeon with then 14-year-old singer Astrid van der Veen, resulting in the album Ambeon. Worked with Anneke van Giersbergen on the 2015 The Diary album, released under the moniker Guilt Machine. Has also worked with Ayreon, Bodine, Kingdom Come and Stream Of Passion
April 3, 1960 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Such A Night at RCA Studios, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Originally recorded by the Drifters featuring Clyde McPhatter in 1954. Written by Lincoln Chase. Included on the 1960 Elvis Is Back album. Released as a single, b/w Never Ending, four years later in July 1964 it would reach top 20 on both sides of the Atlantic
April 3, 1960 ~ Jazz trumpeter Erik Truffaz born in Chene Bougeries, Switzerland ~ Hip-hop, rock and roll and dance-infused jazz. Worked with Patrick Muller, Marcello Giuliani, Mark Erbetta, Ed Harcourt, Murcof, Matt Penman, Thor Madsen, and others
April 3, 1960 ~ Joe Bennie Pugh, commonly known as blues harpist, singer Forest City Joe, passed away in Horseshoe Lake, Arkansas, USA ~ Influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson I, initially emulating Sonny Boy's style yet over time developing his own unique sound. Regarded as one of the premier blues harpists of his day. Member of Muddy Waters' first band. Has also worked with Big Joe Williams, Howlin' Wolf, Willie Cobbs, and others ~ Pugh was born in 1926
April 3, 1960 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter John Thomas Griffith born in Lubbock, Texas, USA ~ Lead singer, guitarist of new wave outfit Red Rockers, known for their 1983 hit China. Would go on to front alternative rock band Cowboy Mouth, reaching mainstream success in the 1990s with songs such as Jenny Says. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the Son Of An Engineer album released in 1987
April 3, 1957 ~ New wave, rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Michalis Rakintzis born in Athens, Greece ~ Member of UK rock group Scraptown until its disbandement in 1985. Would go on to record as a solo artist and collaborate with the likes of Ian Gillan, Bonnie Tyler, the Wee Papa Girl Rappers and others
April 3, 1956 ~ Pop, new wave singer, actor Miguel Bosé, full name Luis Miguel González Bosé, born in Panama City, Panama ~ Initially an actor but turned to singing by the mid-1970s due to a lagging acting career. Debuted in 1977 with the Linda and quickly became a teen idol. Has recorded to commercial succes since with well over a dozen albums to his name
April 3, 1956 ~ Jazz, pop singer, songwriter Tessa Souter born in London, UK ~ Active as a solo artist since the mid-2000s. Has collaborated with artists such as Lynne Arriale, Joel Frahm, Nikki Iles, David Gilmore, Steve Kuhn, Dana Leong, Joe Locke, Lew Soloff, Kenny Werner, Jay Leonhart, Luis Perdomo, and others
April 3, 1955 ~ Guitarist John Mooney born in East Orange, New Jersey, USA ~ Merges Delta Blues with New Orleans rhythms. Influenced by Son House. Worked with the Meters, Earl King, Snooks Eaglin, Professor Longhair. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Comin' Your Way in 1979 and has recorded steadily since including the acclaimed 1985 album Sideways In Paradise with Jimmy Thackery
April 3, 1954 ~ Jazz bassist, double bassist Chuck Deardorf born ~ Married to singer Kelly Harland. Leader, co-leader and sideman. Closely associated with Dave Peterson. Has also worked with Don Lanphere, Bud Shank, Jovino Santos Neto, Jim Knapp, Tom Collier, Pete Christlieb, Larry Coryell, Randy Brecker, Frank D'Rone, and others ~ Deardorf passed away in 2022
April 3, 1953 ~ Conductor, composer Colin Touchin, full name Colin Michael Touchin, born ~ Composed oratorios, sinfoniettes, and works for wind bands and choral groups. As a teacher taught at Cheltham's School Of Music and the University Of Warwick. Founded and conducted the Spires Philhamonic Orchestra And Chorus ~ Touchin passed away in 2022
April 3, 1951 ~ Boogie-woogie, jump blues, jazz pianist, singer Mitch Woods born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Fronts the Rocket 88s, named after the early 1950s song by Jackie Brenston which has often been cited as the first rock & roll song. the Woods describes his music as “rock-a-boogie&dquo;, drawing from boogie-woogie, jump blues and jazz. Debuted in 1984 with the A Steady Date With Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88s and has recorded consistently since
April 3, 1950 ~ Songwriter Kurt Weill, full name Kurt Julian Weill passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leading stage composer best known for his association with Bertolt Brecht and especially known for co-writing The Threepenny Opera which included Mack The Knife which has become a standard recorded by numerous artists including Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darin, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Dave Van Ronk, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Tony Bennett, Bing Crosby, Nick Cave, Dr John, Michael Bublé, and others ~ Weill was born in 1900
April 3, 1949 ~ Jazz saxophonist Eric Kloss born in Greenville, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Started playing saxophone at age 10. Two years later Kloss played in night clubs with artists such as Bobby Negri, Charles Bell, and Sonny Stitt. At 16 recorded his debut LP Introducing Eric Kloss with Don Patterson and Pat Martino. Kloss, a huge fan of Elvis Presley and the Ventures was attracted to jazz fusion and would continue to play with a wide array of jazz musicians including Jaki Byard, Richard Davis, Alan Dawson, Chick Corea, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, Richie Cole, Gil Goldstein, Cedar Walton, Jimmy Owens, Kenny Barron, Booker Ervin, Barry Miles, and Terry Silverlight
April 3, 1949 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Richard Thompson born in Notting Hill, UK ~ First gained prominence as lead guitarist, co-founding member of Fairport Convention, remaining with the band through 1971. Released his Henry The Human Fly solo debut album in 1971. Released several critically acclaimed albums with his then-wife Linda Thompson throughout the early 1980s, notably 1974's I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight. Has also worked with Nick Drake, John Martyn, the Bunch, John Cale, Morris On, French Frith Kaiser Thompson, David Byrne, the Golden Palominos, and others
April 3, 1946 ~ David Murray Oates, commonly known as bassist Dee Murray, born in Gillingham, UK ~ Briefly a member of the Spencer Davis Group. Best known for backing Elton John through 1975, first appearing on the 1970 Tumbleweed Connection album. Would go on to work with the Mirage, Rick Springfield, Procol Harum, Alice Cooper, Yvonne Elliman, Shaun Cassidy, Kiki Dee, Stefanie Faines, Barbi Benton, Jimmy Webb, Ronnie Hawkins, Lewis Storey, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and John Prine ~ Oates passed away in 1992
April 3, 1945 ~ Actress, singer Catherine Spaak born in Boulogne-Billancourt, France ~ Actress, starring in a dozen films as lead actress before age 18. Notable film credits include Circle Of Love directed by Roger Vadim and The Man The Woman & The Money alongside Marcello Mastroianni. As a singer critically compared to French chanteuse Françoise Hardy and best known for a number of early 1960s recordings including some of Hardy's songs under the direction of Ezio Leoni ~ Spaak passed away in 2022
April 3, 1944 ~ Singer, guitarist Barry Pritchard, full name Barry Arthur Pritchard, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Member of harmony beat group the Fortunes from its inception in 1961 until 1995, scoring hits with songs such as You've Got Your Troubles, Here It Comes Again, Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again, and Storm In A Teacup ~ Pritchard passed away in 1999
April 3, 1944 ~ Bassist Peter Staples, full name Peter Lawrence Staples, born in Andover, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Troggs, remaining with the band through 1969. Present on the band's biggest hits including Wild Thing and With A Girl Like You
April 3, 1944 ~ Michael Anthony Orlando Cassavitis, commonly known as pop singer Tony Orlando born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of Tony Orlando & Dawn, scoring a number of early to mid 1970s hits such as Candida, Knock Three Times, Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree and He Don't Love You Like I Do
April 3, 1943 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Artie Traum, full name Arthur Roy Traum, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Worked with the Band, Arlen Roth, Warren Bernhardt, Maria Muldaur, Pat Alger, Tony Levin, John Sebastian, Richie Havens, Eric Andersen, Paul Butterfield, Paul Siebel, Rory Block, James Taylor, Pete Seeger, David Grisman, Livingston Taylor, Michael Franks, Happy Traum, the Blues Project, and the Woodstock Mountain Revue ~ Traum passed away in 2008
April 3, 1943 ~ Composer Mario Lavista born in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Composed chamber music, orchestral and vocal works, and for film. Founded improvisation collective Quanta in 1970. As a composer known for songs such as Dos Canciones and the solo keyboard pieces Mater Dolorosa, Pieze Para Un Pianiste Y Un Piano and Simurg. Chief editor of Pauta, which he founded in 1982, considered one of the foremost music journals in Mexico ~ Lavista passed away in 2021
April 3, 1942 ~ Singer Billy Joe Royal born in Valdosta, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for his 1965 album Down In The Boondocks, the title track peaking at No.9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Close friend and frequent collaborator of Joe South, the latter oft serving as co-writer or writer and/or co-producer or producer. Royal is also known for late-1960s songs such as I Knew You When, I've Got To Be Somebody, Hush, and Cherry Hill Park. Royal would continue to chart throughout the 1990s, mainly on the country charts with songs such as Burned Like A Rocket, Old Bridges Burn Slow, Tell It Like It Is, Love Has No Right, and Till I Can't Take It Anymore ~ Royal passed away in 2015
April 3, 1942 ~ Singer Wayne Newton born in Roanoke, Virginia, USA ~ One of the best-known entertainers in Vegas, earning him the nickname “Mr Las Vegas”. Best known for songs such as Danke Schoen, Red Roses For A Blue Lady and Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast
April 3, 1938 ~ Joel Adelberg, commonly known as songwriter, producer, singer Jeff Barry born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ First gained attention in the late 1950s, writing or co-writing songs such as Sam Cooke's Teenage Sonata and Ray Peterson's Tell Laura I Love Her. Would go on to co-write numerous 1960s hits, often with his then-wife Ellie Greenwich, including for artists such as Bob B Soxx & the Blue Jeans, the Crystals (Then He Kissed Me), the Raindrops, Darlene Love (Chapel Of Love), the Chiffons, Ray Peterson, Moody & the Deltas, Connie Francis, the Shangri-Las (The Leader Of The Pack), the Dixie Cups, Ike & Tina Turner (River Deep Mountain High), the Ronettes (Be My Baby), the McCoys, and others
April 3, 1937 ~ Trombonist, bassist Louis Satterfield, full name Louis Edward Satterfield, born in Shaw, Mississippi, USA ~ Member of the Pharaohs. Member of the Phenix Horns. Worked with Earth Wind & Fire, Muddy Waters, Phil Collins, the Emotions, Ramsey Lewis, the Whispers, the Gap Band, Fontella Bass, the Jazzmen, BB King, Rotary Connection, James Cotton, Phil Upchurch, Howlin' Wolf, Donny Hathaway, Odell Brown, Willie Dixon, Terry Callier, the Dells, Clarence Wheeler, Shel Silverstein, Mighty Joe Young, the Chi-lites, the Staple Singers, Valerie Carter, Deniece Williams, Eugene Record, Lamont Johnson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tavares, Stanley Turrentine, Keni Burke, Ronnie Laws, and others ~ Satterfield passed away in 2004
April 3, 1936 ~ Hard bop, soul jazz saxophonist, flutist Harold Vick born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA ~ Blues-infused saxophonist on par with Booker Ervin, David Fathead Newman, and Wilton Felder. Over half a dozen albums as a leader, noted especially for his 1963 Steppin' Out debut. As a sideman Vick has appeared on albums by Jack McDuff, Gene Ammons, Big John Patton (Oh Baby), Blue Mitchell, Houston Person (Houston Express), Labelle, Bernard Pretty Purdie (Soul Is Pretty Purdie), Jackie DeShannon, Randy Crawford, Ashford & Simpson, Angela Bofill (Angel Of The Night), Richard Groove Holmes, and Abbey Lincoln ~ Vick passed away in 1987
April 3, 1936 ~ Hard bop, soul jazz organist Jimmy McGriff, full name James Harrell McGriff, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Charles Earland, Don Gardner, Arthur Prysock, Candido, Carmen McRae, Junior Parker, Buddy Rich, Rusty Bryant, Al Grey, Red Holloway, David Fathead Newman, Frank Wess, Eric Alexander, Hank Crawford, and others ~ McGriff passed away in 2008
April 3, 1936 ~ Double bassist Scott LaFaro, full name Rocco Scott LaFaro, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Despite a relatively short career, cut short by a traffic accident at age 25, one of most influential jazz bassists on par with Charlie Haden and Charles Mingus. Praised for his countermelodic style of accompaniment and his practically unmatched virtuosity. Best known for his association with pianist Bill Evans, including on the highly acclaimed Sunday At The Village Vanguard album recorded live less than two weeks before his death. Has also appeared on albums by Hampton Hawes (For Real), Buddy DeFranco, Victor Feldman (Latinsville), Tony Scott, Booker Little, and Ornette Coleman (Free Jazz) ~ LaFaro passed away in 1961
April 3, 1934 ~ Guitarist Jimmy Nolen born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best known for his association with James Brown, member of the JB's, present on hits such as Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, I Got You I Feel Good, It's A Man's Man's Man's World, Cold Sweat, Bring It Up Hipster's Avenue, Ain't It Funky Now, Funky Drummer, and The Boss. Has also worked with Johnny Otis (Willie & The Hand Jive), George Harmonica Smith, and others. Influenced by T-Bone Walker, BB King, Lowell Fulson. Known for his innovative guitar playing, often referred to as “chicken scratch”. Major influence on future R&B, funk and hip-hop acts such as Earth Wind & Fire, Tower Of Power, Chic, George Clinton, and Eric B & Rakim ~ Nolen passed away in 1983
April 3, 1928 ~ Songwriter, singer, guitarist Don Gibson born in Shelby, North Carolina, USA ~ Revered singer, songwriter. Pivotal to development of country. Wrote country classics such as Sweet Dreams and I Can't Stop Loving You. Nicknamed “the Bad Poet” for his songs about loneliness and lost love. Member of Sons Of The Soil. Artists who recorded his songs include Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Neil Young, and others ~ Gibson passed away in 2003
April 3, 1922 ~ Doris Mary Ann Kapelhoff, commonly known as singer, actress Doris Day, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ One of the biggest film stars of the 1960s. Active as a singer since the late-1930s. Recorded an estimate 650 songs. Known for recordings such as Sentimental Journey, My Dreams Are Getting Better All The Time, You Won't Be Satisfied (Until You Break My Heart), I Got The Sun In The Morning, It's Magic, Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be Will Be). Has worked with artists such as Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Jimmy James, Bob Crosby, Les Brown, and others. ~ Kappelhoff passed away in 2019
April 3, 1921 ~ Jazz pianist Earl Washington born in Evergreen, Illinois, USA ~ Classically trained. Dubbed “the Ghost” for his light complexion. First gained attention in the late 1940s backing Red Saunders, remaining with Saunders through 1954. Subsequently led his own ensemble, collaborated frequently with Quincy Jones, composed jingles and soundtracks, and wrote for several Motown artists ~ Washington passed away in 1975
April 3, 1920 ~ Stanley Freeman, commonly known as pianist, conductor, arranger, songwriter Stan Freeman, born in Waterbury, Connecticut, USA ~ Worked with Tex Beneke, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Percy Faith, Mabel Mercer, Charlie Parker, Rosemary Clooney (Come On-a My House), Buddy Hackett, Marlene Dietrich, Michael Feinstein, and others. Co-wrote the musical Lovely Ladies Kind Gentlemen with Franklin Underwood ~ Freeman passed away in 2001
April 3, 1919 ~ Pianist, songwriter, composer Sherman Edwards born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for composing the 1969 Broadway musical 1776, adapted to film in 1982. Edwards has also written or co-written a number of pop and jazz songs since the late 1950s including Wonderful Wonderful for Johnny Mathis, For Heaven's Sake for Billie Holiday, Broken-hearted Melody for Sarah Vaughan, Flaming Star for Elvis Presley, and Johnny Get Angry for Joanie Sommers ~ Edwards passed away in 1981
April 3, 1916 ~ Jazz pianist Ken Kersey, full name Kenneth Lyons Kersey, born in Harrow, Canada ~ Though never a household name, an in-demand sideman held in the highest regards by his peers. Well known for his tenure with Andy Kirk, taking over for Mary Lou Williams in 1942. Kirk also recorded Boogie Woogie Cocktail, penned by Kersey. Kersey has also backed artists such as Lucky Millinder, Billie Holiday, Roy Eldridge, Red Allen, Cootie Williams, Buck Clayton, Sol Yaged, and Charlie Shavers. Kersey retired from music by the late 1950s for medical reasons ~ Kersey passed away in 1983
April 3, 1906 ~ Jazz bassist Billy Taylor, full name William Taylor Sr, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Elmer Snowden, Willie Gant, Arthur Gibbs, Charlie Johnson, Duke Ellington, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, Fats Waller, Fletcher Henderson, Jelly Roll Morton, Cootie Williams, Johnny Hodges, Coleman Hawkins, Red Allen, Joe Sullivan, Raymond Scott, Barney Bigard, Benny Morton, Cozy Cole, Al Hibbler, and others ~ Taylor passed away in 1986
April 3, 1906 ~ Walter Gabriel Pichon, commonly known as jazz pianist, singer, bandleader, arranger, songwriter Fats Pichon, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Active since his teens. Worked the river boats, big band and New Orleans dance halls. Worked with Duskey Stevedores, the Eleven Aces, Luis Russell and with a then-unknown Dave Bartholomew as early as the 1930s ~ Pichon passed away in 1967
April 3, 1903 ~ James Wesley Miley, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, cornetist Bubber Miley born in Aiken, South Carolina, USA ~ Active since the early 1920s, startied playing small clubs and boats as a member of the Carolina Five. Would go on to work with Mamie Smith, King Oliver and perhaps most notably Duke Ellington from 1923 through 1929 including on early hits by the Duke Ellington Orchestra such as Black And Tan Fantasy, East St Louis Toodle-oo and Creole Love Call. Post Ellington worked with Noble Sissle, Jelly Roll Morton, Hoagy Carmichael, Zutty Singleton, Leo Reisman, Buster Bailey, and others. Died of tuberculosis aged 29 ~ Miley passed away in 1932
April 3, 1903 ~ Pianist Lili Kraus born in Budapest, Hungary ~ Studied with Zoltán Kodály and Béla Bartók. Earned critical international acclaim in the 1930s through her chamber music performances, often collaborating with violinist Szymon Goldberg. Regarded as a specialist in the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven ~ Kraus passed away in 1986
April 3, 1897 ~ Romantic pianist, conductor, composer Johannes Brahms passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Influential composer considered on of “the Three B's” alongside Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven. Composed for orchestra, chamber ensembles, organ, voice and choirs. Adhered to tradition while also introducing innovations ~ Brahms was born in 1833
April 3, 1895 ~ Edward Elzear Confrey, commonly known as pianist, songwriter Zez Confrey, born in Peru, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for penning Kitten On The Keys, first recorded by Lindsay McPhail in 1921. The song reportedly was inspired by a kitten walking on his grandmother's piano, and has been recorded by over 50 artists including Confrey, Frankie Carle, Dick Hyman, and Claude Bolling. Other well known songs written by Confrey include My Pet (Confrey, Russ Morgan, Arthur Kleiner), You Tell 'Em Ivories (Confrey, VI Palmer, Harold Willoughby), Stumbling (Nathan Glantz, Paul Whiteman, Bob Crosby), and Dizzy Fingers (Confrey, Benny Goodman, Henri René) ~ Confrey passed away in 1971
April 3, 1886 ~ Arthur Wilson, commonly known as actor, singer Dooley Wilson, born in Tyler, Texas, USA ~ Best known as an actor, remembered for portraying Sam in the 1942 Casablanca feature film portraying its theme song As Time Goes By. Active as a drummer and singer, leading his own band in the 1920s touring nightclubs in London and Paris. Took up acting by the 1930s ~ Wilson passed away in 1953