April 4, 2023 ~ Keyboardist Vivian Trimble, full name Vivian Elizabeth Trimble, passed away ~ Keyboardist for all-female quartet Luscious Jackson, known best for their 1996 Fever In Fever Out sophomore album. Also worked with Jill Cunniff under the moniker the Kostars, and formed the duo Dusty Trails with Josephine Wiggs ~ Trimble was born in 1963
April 4, 2022 ~ Journalist, author, media critic Eric Boehlert passed away in Montclair, New Jersey, USA ~ Staff writer at both Salon and Billboard. To music and media audiences perhaps best known for a series of articles investigating corporate malfeasance in the music business following Pearl Jam's 1994 official complaint with the US Justice Department again Ticketmaster in 1994. In the Trump era became well known outside music circles as a firm and vocal critic of Donald J Trump ~ Boehlert was born in 1965
April 4, 2022 ~ Jazz, R&B guitarist Joe Messina, full name Joseph Lucian Messina, passed away in Northville, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Parker, Les Paul and George Barnes. While a studio musician at ABC television, Messina accompanied artists such as Sonny Stitt, Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, Jack Teagarden, Lee Konitz, Jimmy Giuffre, Pepper Adams, Donald Byrd, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Frank Rosolino, and Dizzy Gillespie. Recruited in the late 1950s by Berry Gordy Jr for Motown houseband the Funk Brothers. Appears on recordings by the Supremes (Someday We'll Be Together), the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, the Four Tops (I Can't Help Myself (Sugarpie Honey Bunch)), Stevie Wonder (For Once In My Life), the Miracles, and Martha & the Vandellas (Dancing In the Street) ~ Messina was born in 1928
April 4, 2021 ~ Rock, pop keyboardist, songwriter, film composer Ralph Schuckett passed away ~ Member of Todd Rundgren's 1970s progressive rock band Utopia. In-demand session musician, noted for appearing on the Carole King-albums Writer, Tapestry and Music. Also worked with Clear Light, the Peanut Butter Conspiracy, and others. Staff producer at Columbia Records, responsible for signing Sophie B Hawkins ~ Schuckett was born ca.1948
April 4, 2020 ~ Singer, composer, film director Luis Eduardo Aute, full name Luis Eduardo Aute Gutiérrez, passed away in Madrid, Spain ~ Initially aimed to become an architect but left school to pursue a career in music, art and film. As a songwriter gained wider attention when Massiel recorded his Alelya No.1 in 1967. It would become a hit in America, later notably covered by Ed Ames translated to English as Who Will Answer. Aute would go on to record well over two dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Dialogos De Rodrigo Y Gimena released in 1968 ~ Aute was born in 1943
April 4, 2019 ~ Jose Alberto Garcia Gallo, commonly known as singer, songwriter Alberto Cortez, passed away in Madrid, Spain ~ Began elementary school at Conservatory at age 6. Began composing by age 12. Sang in Argentine with the Arizona Orchestra and with Mario Cardi. Sang and toured with the San Francisco Jazz Orchesetra. Moved to Belgium at age 20 and recorded his first album, Suco Suco. Eventually established himself as one of Latin America's most renowned composers ~ Cortez was born in 1940
April 4, 2018 ~ Big band, traditional pop singer Don Cherry, full name Donald Ross Cherry, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Sang with the orchestras of Jan Garber and Victor Young. Following a stint in the US Army during World War IIventured out on his own, recording through the late 1960s. Best known for his 1955 Band Of Gold single, which sold over 1 million copies and reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Other well known songs include Wild Cherry, Ghost Town, and Namely You. Was the first to record the John D Loudermilk-penned Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, later notably covered by the Casinos and others ~ Cherry was born in 1924
April 4, 2016 ~ Singer Carlo Mastrangelo passed away ~ Original member of the Belmonts and Dion & the Belmonts, present on recordings such as Teen-age Clementine, I Wonder Why and A Teenager In Love. Also fronted the progressive rock, jazz outfit Pulse in the 1970s ~ Mastrangelo was born in 1937
April 4, 2013 ~ Rock bassist, singer Chris Bailey, full name Christopher Mark Bailey, passed away in Adelaide, Australia ~ Member of progressive blues rock band Headband from 1971 through 1974, pub rockers the Angels from 1976 through 1982, and Gana Gajang from 1984 through 2013. Bailey has also worked with Gotham City, PM, the Inivisible Men, Wendy Saddington, the Famous Nobodies, Rat Tat Tat, and others ~ Bailey was born in 1950
April 4, 2007 ~ Musical director, composer, arranger Brian Fahey passed away ~ Best known for composing At The Sign Of The Swinging Cymbal, the signature tune of Alan Freeman's Pick Of The Pops radion show on BBC Radio 1. Composed for film. Principal conductor of the BBC Scottish Radio Orchestra from 1972 to its disbandement in 1981. Served as musical director for Shirley Bassey ~ Fahey was born in 1919
April 4, 1994 ~ Singer, actress Ginny Simms, full name Virginia Ellen Simms, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ As a singer most active from the mid-1930 through the mid-1940s, performing with big bands and with the likes of Dinah Shore, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, and Jo Stafford. As an actress appeared in some dozen movies from the late 1930 through 1951, when she retired ~ Simms was born in 1913
April 4, 1989 ~ Rockabilly, pop rock pianist, singer Dean Beard passed away in Coleman, Texas, USA ~ Dubbed “the West Texas Wild Man” and known for a number of moderately successful 1950s recordings, notably Rakin' & Scrapin' released in 1957 featuring saxophonist Jim Seals and drummer Dash Crofts of later Seals & Crofts-fame. Has also worked with the Champs ~ Beard was born in 1935
April 4, 1987 ~ Rapper Reek Da Villian born ~ Protegé of Busta Rhymes, landing his first break appearing on Rhymes' 2007 promo single Don't Touch Me (Throw Da Water On 'Em (Remix)) alongside Lil' Wayne, Nas, Big Daddy Kane. Shortly thereafter joined rap collective Flipmode Squad
April 4, 1984 ~ Jessica Baldassarre, commonly known as folk, folk-pop singer, songwriter Jessie Baylin born in Gillette, New Jersey, USA ~ Draws from pop, jazz, blues, country, roots music. Influenced by Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Barbra Streisand. Released her Firesight debut album in 2008. Married to the Kings Of Leon-drummer Nathan Followill since 2009
April 4, 1981 ~ Pop-rock outfit Bucks Fizz win the 26th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Dublin, Ireland ~ Representing the UK, Bucks Fizz win with the song Making Your Mind Up written by Andy Hill and John Danter. Germany, represented by Lena Valaitis with the song Johnny Blue, would reach 2nd place. France's Jean Gabilou reached 3rd place with the song Humanahum
April 4, 1980 ~ Woodrow Wilson Sovine, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Red Sovine passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Especially known for his truck drivin' songs, notably 1965's Giddyup Go and 1976's Teddy Bear. Had his songs covered by Del Reeves, Dave Dudley, Ferlin Husky, Boxcar Willie, Henk Wijngaard, Tom Waits, and others ~ Sovine was born in 1917
April 4, 1978 ~ Lemar Obika, mononymously known as singer, songwriter Lemar, born in Tottenham, UK ~ First gained attention in 2002 as a contestant on the talent contest Fame Academy, reaching thrid place behind Sinéad Quinn and winner David Sneddon. His Dedicated debut album released the following year would receive double platinum status, and Lemar has recorded consistently since. Well known songs include Dance (With U), If There's Any Justice, Time To Grow, and The Way Love Goes
April 4, 1977 ~ Jazz trumpeter, hornist Julius Watkins passed away in Short Hills, New Jersey, USA ~ The definitive master of the French horn. Occasionally recorded as a leader, noted especially for the mid-1950s two-volume set Julius Watkins Sextet. Co-led Les Jazz Modes with Charlie Rouse, recording about half a dozen albums from 1955 through 1959. In-demand sideman, present on quintessential jazz recordings by Thelonious Monk (We See), Milt Jackson, Benny Golson (New York Scene), Oscar Pettiford (Deep Passion), Quincy Jones, Miles Davis (Porgy & Bess), Art Farmer (Brass Shout), Randy Weston (Uhuru Afrika), Les Spann, Benny Bailey, Jimmy Heath, Phil Woods (Right Of Swing), Cal Massey, John Coltrane (Africa/Brass), Oscar Peterson, Freddie Hubbard, Gil Evans, Kenny Burrell (Guitar Forms), Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Pharoah Sanders (Karma), Charles Mingus (Let My Children Hear Music), and McCoy Tyner ~ Watkins was born in 1921
April 4, 1975 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Miranda Lee Richards born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Taught to play Mazzy Star songs by Metallica's Kirk Hammett. Briefly worked with the Brian Jonestown Massacre before debuting in 2001 with the The Herethereafter. Influenced by Neil Young, John Lennon, the Rolling Stones, Blondie, Beck and the Pretenders-singer Chrissie Hynde
April 4, 1973 ~ The Elvis Presley Aloha From Hawaii concert, recorded three months earlier, is aired for the first time in the USA ~ The concert that took place at the Honolulu International Center, Honolulu, would be aired live to audiences in Asia and Oceania, and presented with a delay in Europe. In America, NBC opted to air a ninety-minute TV special of the concert some two and a half months later, to avoid a programming conflict with Super Bowl VII and the Elvis On Tour film playing in cinemas at the time. The ratings are hugh, with a third of American households tuning in to watch the concert. The accompanying double-LP would reach No.1 on the Billboard Hot 200, his first No.1 album since 1965 and the last during Presley's lifetime
April 4, 1973 ~ R&B, gospel singer, songwriter Kelly Price, full name Kelly Cherelle Price, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Debuted as a solo artist in 1998 with the acclaimed The Soul Of A Woman album. Known for songs such as Friend Of Mine featuring R Kelly and Ronald Isley, As We Lay, You Should've Told Me, Not My Daddy featuring Stokley Williams & Mint Condition. Sang backup for a wide array of R&B and hip-hop artists including Mariah Carey (Fantasy), Faith Evans, Aretha Franklin, Notorious BIG (Mo Money Mo Problems), Brian McKnight, SWV, Mase (Feel So Good), Whitney Houston (Heartbreak Hotel), and others
April 4, 1972 ~ R&B, jazz, hip-hop, neo soul, spoken word singer, songwriter Jill Scott born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Discovered by Questlove. Emerged in the early 2000s as one of alternative hip-hop's, spoken word's most independent women. Known for songs such as A Long Walk, The Way, Golden, So In Love featuring Anthony Hamilton, and Blessed. Ventured into acting by 2007, noted for her role as the second wife of singer James Brown in the 2014 bio-pic Get On Up
April 4, 1970 ~ Jazz, pop, folk, country singer Rebekka Bakken born in Oslo, Norway ~ Praised for her three-octave vocal range. Generally regarded as a jazz singer though Bakken herself rejects the characterization. Active since the early 2000s. Has collaborated with Wolfgang Muthspiel, Julia Hülsmann, Christof Lauer, and others
April 4, 1967 ~ Songwriter Al Lewis passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Not to be confused with either the Welch singer Al Lewis or the banjoist Al Lewis. Songwriter most active from the 1920s through the 1950s. Primarily a lyricist, working in partnership with songwriters such as Al Sherman and Abner Silver. Known, among others, for co-writing Fats Domino's Blueberry Hill, Rudy Vallée's 99 Out Of A 100 and Little Anthony & the Imperials's Tears On My Pillow ~ Lewis was born in 1910
April 4, 1967 ~ Guitarist Jeff Parker born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Founding member of Isotope 217 and the Chicago Underground Quartet. Member of post-rockers Tortoise, first appearing on the 1998 TNT album. Has also worked with the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians, Ernest Dawkins, Brian Blade, Joshua Redman, Meshell Ndegeocello, Joey DeFrancesco, Carmen Lundy, the Exploding Star Orchestra, and Jason Moran
April 4, 1966 ~ Alternative rock bassist Mike Starr, full name Michael Christopher Starr, born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Best known as member of Alice In Chains from its inception in 1987 until early 1993, departing the band just as they were reaching their biggest success. Starr was present on the band's first two albums, 1990's Facelift and its 1992 Dirt follow-up, the latter spawning the hit singles Rooster and Down In A Hole. Subsequently Starr worked with Sun Red Sun, which also included former Black Sabbath members Ray Gillen and Bobby Rondinelli ~ Starr passed away in 2011
April 4, 1964 ~ British pop, rock group the Beatles occupy the top five positions on the American Billboard Hot 100 chart ~ As Can't Buy Me Love jumps up from No.27 to the top position in its second week on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the British group dominate the American charts, holding the five top five positions on the charts. Please Please Me is at No.5, I Want To Hold Your Hand at No.4, She Loves You positioned at No.1 the previous week is at No.3, and Twist & Shout at No.2
April 4, 1963 ~ Jazz pianist, bandleader Benny Green born in New York, New York, USA ~ Classically trained. Drew comparisons to Bud Powell and Oscar Peterson, both of whom he cited as influences. Backed Joe Henderson and Woody Shaw while still in his teens. After relocating to New York, Green would hone his skills through the late 1980s, backing jazz veterans such as Betty Carter, Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, and Ray Brown. Released his debut as a leader, Prelude, in 1988, and has recorded well over a dozen albums since, often collaborating with Christian McBride, Carl Allen, and Russell Malone. Especially acclaimed for the albums That's Right and These Are Soulful Days, released respectively in 1993 and 1999
April 4, 1963 ~ Everton Bonner, commonly known as reggae singer Pliers, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known as half of reggae duo Chaka Demus & Pliers, the other half being DJ Chaka Demus, known for 1990s songs such as Murder She Wrote, Tease Me and She Don't Let Nobody
April 4, 1962 ~ Post punk, gothic rock, alternative rock bassist Craig Adams, full name Craig David Adams, born in Otley, UK ~ Member of Sisters Of Mercy from 1981 through 1985, present on the band's First And Last And Always debut album. Co-founding member of seminal gothic rock outfit the Mission, from 1985 through 1992 and rejoining in later years, present on the band's best known including the critically acclaimed God's Own Medicine debut album. Has also worked with the Expelaires, the Cult (The Cult), Coloursound, the Alarm, Spear of Destiny, Theatre Of Hate, and others
April 4, 1960 ~ Michael Rea, commonly known as punk rock, hard rock guitarist, songwriter Michael Ray, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Lead guitarist for punk rock band the Plasmatics, present on the 1987 Maggots (The Record) album. Also backed the band's lead singer Wendy O Williams on her solo albums, and has worked with Motörhead and Kiss, playing lead guitar on the latter's 1982 Creatures Of The Night on the tracks Keep Me Comin', Creatures Of The Night, I Still Love You, and War Machine
April 4, 1960 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Scott Miller, full name Scott Warren Miller, born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Co-founded and fronted 1980s power pop, jangle pop outfit Game Theory, critically acclaimed for their 1986 Big Shot Chronicles and its follow-up Lolita Nation released the following year. Co-founded and fronted 1990s band Loud Family, especially known for their 1992 Plants And Birds And Rocks And Things debut album. Both bands were critics darlings, Miller's songwriting drawing comparison to Brian Wilson and Alex Chilton, and cult favorites, drawing a devout following yet never reaching mainstream succes ~ Miller passed away in 2013
April 4, 1960 ~ Blues guitarist, country blues pioneer Sylvester Weaver passed away in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Country blues pioneer. Backed Sara Martin on early-1920s recordings such as Longing For Daddy Blues and I've Gotta Leave My Daddy Behind. Also worked with Walter Beasley, Helen Humes, and others ~ Weaver was born ca.1896
April 4, 1959 ~ Guitarist, producer, songwriter John Whynot born in Calgary, Canada ~ Worked with Bruce Cockburn, Blue Rodeo, Lucinda Williams, Kathleen Edwards, Colin James, Change Of Heart, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Loreena Mckennitt, Big Wreck, the Pukka Orchestra, Jim Cuddy, and others
April 4, 1957 ~ Vasileia Argyraki, commonly known as pop singer Bessy Argyraki, born in Athens ~ One of the most popular Greek singers during the 1970s and 1980s. Internationally perhaps best known for representing her native Greece at the 1977 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 5th place with the song Solfege alongside singer Pascalis, Marianna Toli and Robert Williams
April 4, 1957 ~ Guitarist Graeme Kelling, full name Graeme Hunter Kelling, born in Paisley, UK ~ Original guitarist with pop band Deacon Blue, present on all the band's four albums before their initial split. Co-wrote Loaded, the band's sophomore single taken of the Raintown debut album ~ Kelling passed away in 2004
April 4, 1956 ~ Jazz singer, guitarist, songwriter Allan Harris born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Active since the mid-1990s. Best known for his 2006 Cross That River album and for the 2012 Convergence album, the latter a collaboration with pianist Takana Miryamoto. Has also collaborated with Claire Martin and with Richie Cole
April 4, 1956 ~ Jazz saxophonist Gary Smulyan born in Bethpage, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Pepper Adams. Played with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Carla Bley, Jimmy Knepper, Mulgrew Miller, Tommy Flanagan, Ray Drummond, Dick Oatts, Cedar Walton, Joe Lovano, Joe Magnarelli, Mike Ledonne, Kenny Washington, Dominic Chianese, Benny Green, Gerald Wilson, and others
April 4, 1954 ~ Pop singer, actress Fiorella Mannoia born in Rome, Italy ~ Well over a dozen albums to her name, starting with Mannoia Foresi & Co, a collaborative effort with Memmo Foresi released in 1972. Broke through to mainstream with the song Caffé Nero Bollente in 1981, followed by E Muovito Un Po released later the same year. Would establish her reputation with the acclaimed album Canzoni Per Parlare, which contained the hits Quello Che Le Donne Non Dicono and Le Notti Maggio
April 4, 1954 ~ Classical, jazz pianist, composer Michel Camilo born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, Horace Silver, Art Tatum, Scott Joplin. In-demand sideman. Emerged as a star in his own right in the mid-1980s. Has worked with Tito Puente, Paquito d'Rivera, Toots Thielemans, Chuck Mangione, Stanley Turrentine, George Benson, Eddie Palmieri, Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker, Wynton Marsalis, Chucho Valdes, Roy Hargrove, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Biréli Lagrène, Marian McPartland, Béla Fleck, Lou Marini, and others
April 4, 1952 ~ Guitarist, singer Gary Moore, full name Robert William Gary Moore, born in Belfast, Northern Ireland ~ Influenced by Jeff Beck, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayall, Albert King, BB King, Peter Green and Eric Clapton. Closely associated with Phil Lynott. Member of Skid Row from 1968 through 1971, present on the band's Skid debut album and its follow-up 34 Hours. On-and-off member of Thin Lizzy from 1974 through 1979, first appearing on the album Nightlife taking lead guitar on the track Still In Love With You. Has also worked with jazz fusion outfit Colosseum II, G-Force, power trio BBM alongside Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, Greedy Bastards, and others. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Still Got The Blues For You, Cold Day In Hell and perhaps his best-known, the signature song Parisienne Walkways ~ Moore passed away in 2011
April 4, 1952 ~ Singer Maria Mendiola born ~ Formed the duo Baccara with Mayte Mateos, best known for their 1977 debut single Yes Sir I Can Boogie. The single would reach the higher echelons of the charts throughout Europe and eventually sell over 18 million copies. Subsequent hits would include Sorry I'm A Lady and Darling. The duo would also represent Luxembourg at the 1978 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 7th place with Parlez-Vous Francais ~ Mendiola passed away in 2021
April 4, 1951 ~ Singer, songwriter Francesco de Gregori born in Rome, Italy ~ Known for the elegance of his lyrics, earning him the nickname “Il Prinicipe dei cantautori”, the Prince of the Songwriters. Influenced by Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and by Fabrizio de André. De Gregori debuted in 1972 with Theorius Campus. The album, a joint effort with Antonello Venditti, initially sold poorly but did include Signora Aquilone which is considered to be an early masterwork
April 4, 1951 ~ Singer, guitarist, accordionist, songwriter Terje Tysland born in Namsos, Norway ~ Member of rock outfit Prudence from 1969 through 1976. Has recorded over a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Stakkars Klovn released in 1977. Best known for songs such as Ringdans and Heile Livet
April 4, 1951 ~ Singer Tony Bennett records Because Of You at Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York, New York ~ Written by Arthur Hammerstein and Dudley Wilkinson. First recorded by Larry Clinton. Bennett's 1951 recording would be his first major hit, reaching the top of the pop charts. Due to its importance in establishing his fame, Bennett continued to perform the song for the rest of his career
April 4, 1950 ~ Country singer David Thompson born in Canada ~ As a solo artist known for a string of singles from the late 1970 through the mid-1980s including Rachel I'm Just Not That Strong, My Broken Old Heart and perhaps his best known I Never Figured On This. Joined Thunder Road in 1984 as lead singer ~ Thompson passed away in 2010
April 4, 1950 ~ Drummer Pip Pyle born in Sawbridgeworth, UK ~ Closely associated with the 1960s, 1970s Canterbury scene, best known for his work in bands such as Gong, Hatfield & the North and National Health. Has also worked with Chicken Shack, Steve Hillage, Robert Wyatt, Daevid Allen, Bridget St John, Soft Heap, Bash, Delivery, Pip Pyle's Equip' Out, Brainville, and others ~ Pyle passed away in 2006
April 4, 1949 ~ Franklin Delano Alexander Braithwaite, commonly known as reeggae guitarist, singer Junior Braithwaite born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known as member of Bob Marley's famed band the Wailers through 1964. Sang lead on early Wailers tracks such as Habits, Straight And Narrow Way, Don't Ever Leave Me Alone and It Hurts To Be Alone ~ Braithwaite passed away in 1999
April 4, 1948 ~ Bassist Berry Oakley, full name Raymond Berry Oakley III, was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, present on the albums The Allman Brothers Band, Idlewild South, At Fillmore East, Eat A Peach, and on two tracks on the 1973 Brothers And Sisters. Passed away due to complications following a motorcycle accident at age 24. The accident was just three blocks from where his bandmate Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident the previous year. ~ Oakley passed away in 1972
April 4, 1948 ~ Rock, pop, country drummer Bob Lanning born in Miami Shores, Florida, Florida, USA ~ Son of singer Roberta Sherwood. Best known for his brief stint with Elvis Presley's backing unit the TCB Band, appearing on the 1970 On Stage live album, including on the The Wonder Of You hit single
April 4, 1948 ~ Actress, singer Diane Guérin, also known as Belgazou, born in Lachine, Canada ~ As a singer known best for a string of 1980s recordings including Quitter Ton Ile, Entre Mozart Et Jagger and Talk About It. Duetted with her husband Christian Montmarquette under the moniker Diane & Christian ~ Guérin passed away in 2022
April 4, 1948 ~ David Withers, commonly known as drummer Pick Withers, born in Leicester, UK ~ Original drummer of the Dire Straits. Present on the band's first four albums, departing the band shortly after the release of Love Over Gold and replaced by Terry Williams. Withers has also worked with Spring, Prelude, Bob Dylan (Slow Train Coming), Gary Fletcher, Gerry Rafferty, Bert Jansch, and Brewers Droop
April 4, 1947 ~ Progressive rock, jazz fusion guitarist, composer, producer Ray Russell, full name Raymond Russell, born in London, UK ~ Best known as a composer for TV. Member of early 1970s progressive rock band Mouse. Active a solo artist since the late 1960s with some two dozen albums to his name. Has collaborated with Gil Evans, Mark Isham, Henry Kaiser, and others
April 4, 1945 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer Leszek Zadlo born in Krakow, Poland ~ Worked with the Orf Big Band, Erich Kleinschuster, Dexter Gordon, Friedrich Gulda, Dusko Gojkovic, Michal Urbaniak, Johannes Faber, Bob Degen, Bill Elgart, Paulo Cardoso, Ali Haurand, Alan Skidmore, Gerd Dudek, Vladislav Sendecki, Bronislaw Suchanek, Janusz Stefanski, Claus Bantzer, Klaus Weiss, Volker Kriegel, Bobby Star, Rimona Francis, Gunter Lenz, Michael Naura, Werner Pirchner, Chris Beier, Rainer Glas, Biréli Lagrène, Thad Jones, Slide Hampton, Martin Schrank, and others
April 4, 1944 ~ Pop, schlager singer Ann-Louise Hanson born in Kristianstad, Sweden ~ Scored her first hit in 1960 with Ar Du Ensam I Kväll, a Swedish version of Elvis Presley's Are You Lonesome Tonight. Would work extensively with Bruno Glenmark and following their marriage the couple formed the family outfit the Glenmarks with the addition of Bruno's niece Karin Glenmark and nephew Anders Glenmark
April 4, 1944 ~ Country songwriter Bob McDill, full name Robert Lee McDil, born in Walden, Texas, USA ~ Prolific songwriter with over 30 country No.1 hits to his name, many also covered by pop, rock and R&B artists including Ray Charles, the Grateful Dead and Joe Cocker. Songs written or co-written by McDill include Don Williams's I Recall A Gypsy Woman, Lynn Anderson's I'm Not That Good At Goodbye, Bobby Bare's If You Think I'm Crazy Now, Crystal Gayle's I'll Do It All Over Again, Ronnie Milsap's Why Don't You Spend The Night, Johnny Duncan's Married Women, Waylon Jennings's I May Be Used (But I'm Not Used Up), George Jones's If Only Your Eyes Could Lie, Sammy Kershaw's She Don't Know She's Beautiful and Lee Roy Parnell's On The Road
April 4, 1942 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Don Bryant, full name Donald Maurice Bryant, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Started as a gospel, R&B singer. Member of the Four Kings. Rose to fame as songwriter starting in the early 1960s penning I Got To Know for the 5 Royales. Would continue to record with the Kings and as a solo artist throughout the 1960s. Would focus on writing for a roster of Hi-Hat Records artists including Al Green, Otis Clay and perhaps most notably Ann Peebles from the early 1970s onwards, including 99 Pounds, Do I Need You and the 1973 hit I Can't Stand The Rain. Bryant and Peebles would marry in 1974. Bryant would focus on gospel throughout the 1980s and 1990s before retiring from music
April 4, 1940 ~ Songwriter Sharon Sheeley, full name Sharon Kathleen Sheeley, born in Newport Beach, California, USA ~ At age 18 became the youngest female songwriter to score a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit when Ricky Nelson took her Poor Little Fool to the top of the charts. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Sheeley include Ritchie Valens, Eddie Cochran (Somethin' Else), Glen Campbell, Brenda Lee (Dum Dum), Irma Thomas (Breakaway), the Fleetwoods, the Kalin Twins, Helen Shapiro, the Searchers, and the Ronettes. Was unoficially engaged to Cochran. Sheeley survived the same car accident that killed Cochran and injured Gene Vincent while touring the UK ~ Sheeley passed away in 2002
April 4, 1939 ~ Folk, rock, jazz, blues, skiffle bassist, guitarist, mandolinist, trumpeter, trombonist Danny Thompson, full name Daniel Henry Edward Thompson, born in Teignmouth, UK ~ Member of Blues Incorporated, Member of folk-jazz group Pentangle from 1967 through 1973, including on their most successful album Basket Of Light. In-demand session musician, appearing on albums by Donovan, Nick Drake, Marianne Faithfull, Davey Graham, Hunter Muskett, the Incredible String Band, Magna Carta, Rod Stewart (Every Picture Tells A Story), Bert Jansch, Ralph McTell, T.Rex, Loudon Wainwright III, Kate Bush (Hounds Of Love), Boo Hewerdine, David Sylvian, Talk Talk, Vivian Stanshall, Peter Gabriel, and others
April 4, 1939 ~ Bandleader Glenn Miller and his Orchestra record Moonlight Serenade ~ Paired with Sunrise Serenade on the A-side, released as a single later the same year. In 1991 the song would be inducted into the the Grammy Hall Of Fame
April 4, 1939 ~ Trumpeter, singer Hugh Masekela born in Witbank, South Africa ~ Best known for Up Up & Away, the 1968 US No.1 Grazing In The Grass and for anti-apartheid songs such as Soweto Blues and Bring Him Back Home. Member of the Jazz Epistles, alongside Dollar Brand, Kippie Moeketski, Makhaya Ntshoko, and Johnny Gertze. Also worked with Trevor Huddleston, Alfred Herbert, Paul Simon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Miriam Makeba, Ray Phiri, Kalahari, and others ~ Masekela passed away in 2018
April 4, 1938 ~ Folk rock, pop rock, garage rock guitarist, bassist, singer, songwriter Declan Mulligan born in Fethard, Ireland ~ Member of the Beau Brummels from 1964 through 1965. Present on the band's first two albums, Introducing The Beau Brummels and The Beau Brummels Vol.2. Noted for his harmonica opening on the 1965 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Laugh Laugh ~ Mulligan passed away in 2021
April 4, 1932 ~ Label executive, producer Clive Davis born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Renowned music industry executive. Held executive positions at labels such as Columbia Records, Arista Records, RCA Music Group, BMG. Has signed, managed, produced artists such as Janis Joplin, Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Chicago, Billy Joel, Blood Sweat & Tears, Loggins & Messina, Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, Westlife. Especially noted for advancing the career of Whitney Houston
April 4, 1928 ~ Alfredo Armenteros, commonly known as trumpeter Chocolate Armenteros, born in Santa Clara, Cuba ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Arsenío Rodriguez, Generoso Jimenez, Chico O'Farrill, Orchestra Harlow, Eddie Palmieri, Cachao, Conjunto Los Astros, José Fajardo, Benny Moré, Tito Puente, Cesar Concepcion, Machito, Wynton Marsalis, Marcelino Guerra, Charlie Palmieri, Noro Marles, Johnny Pacheco, Sonora Matancera, Cedar Walton, Kip Hanrahan, and others ~ Armenteros passed away in 2016
April 4, 1928 ~ Szymon Bachorz, commonly known as violinist Simón Bajour, born in Nasielsk, Poland ~ Member of Astor Piazzolla's backing unit First Quinteto alongside Jaime Gosis, Kicho Diaz and Horacio Malvicino, appearing on Adiós Nonino. Also worked with Osvaldo Pugliese, the Teatro Colón, Bajour-Antognazzi, and others ~ Bachórz passed away in 2005
April 4, 1924 ~ Violinist, conductor Victor Feldbrill born in Toronto, Canada ~ Violinist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1949 through 1956. Principal conductor of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra from 1958 through 1968. Resident conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1973 through 1978. Founded the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra in 1974, serving as its conductor through 1978 ~ Feldbrill passed away in 2020
April 4, 1913 ~ Julia Frances Langford, commonly known as singer, actress Frances Langford, born in Hernando, Florida, USA ~ Originally trained as an opera singer. Best known for her association with Bob Hope, often touring with Hope, becoming a forces sweetheart ~ Langford passed away in 2005
April 4, 1913 ~ McKinley Morganfield, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist Muddy Waters born in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, USA ~ Iconic blues artist active since the 1930s. Best known to rock audiences for electrifying the blues, alongside artists such as Howlin' Wolf, in the late 1960s. Profound influence on rock & roll and rock artists. Known for songs such as Hoochie Coochie Man, I Just Want To Make Love To You, Forty Days And Forty Nights, Got My Mojo Working and I'm Ready. Has worked with Little Walter, Willie Dixon, Big Joe Williams, Otis Spann, Bo Diddley, Carey Bell, Pinetop Perkins, Mick Jagger, Johnny Winter, and others ~ Morganfield passed away in 1983
April 4, 1904 ~ Jazz pianist Arne Hulphers born in Trollhattan, Sweden ~ Active from mid-1920s onwards. Founded own ensemble in 1934, which became one of Sweden's most important dance bands. It included at times, Miff Gorling, Zilas Gorling, and Thore Jederby. Married to Zarah Leander from 1956 until his death ~ Hülphers passed away in 1978
April 4, 1900 ~ Jazz trumpeter Bob Shoffner born ~ Worked with Charlie Creath, Tommy Parker, John H Wickliffe, Everett Robbins, Mae Brady, Honore Dutrey, King Oliver, Dave Peyton, Lottie Hightower, Lovie Austin, Jimmy O'Bryant, Ida Cox, Luis Russell, Charles Elgar, Erskine Tate, Jerome Carrington, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, Frankie Jaxon, Fess Williams, Fletcher Henderson, Hot Lips Page, Richard M Jones, Franz Jackson, and others ~ Shoffner passed away in 1983
April 4, 1896 ~ Mary Ellen Harrison, commonly known as jazz, blues singer Marion Harris, born in Indiana, USA ~ Popular 1920s singer. Reportedly the first white female to sing jazz and blues. Known for songs such as Paradise Blues, After You've Gone, St Louis Blues, Look For The Silver Lining, A Good Man Is Hard To Find, When I Hear That Jazz Band Play, and perhaps her best-known I Ain't Got Nobody ~ Harrison passed away in 1944
April 4, 1880 ~ Singer Georg von Trapp, full name Georg Ludwig Ritter von Trapp, born in Zara, Austria ~ Patriarch of the Trapp Family Singers, whose life story, published in Maria von Trapp's 1949 memoir, would serve as the basis for the musical The Sound Of Music penned by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II ~ Von Trapp passed away in 1947
April 4, 1875 ~ Violinist, violist, conductor Pierre Monteux, full name Pierre Benjamin Monteux, born in Paris, France ~ As a concductor perhaps best known for premiering Igor Stravinsky's The Rite Of Spring and Petrusha, Maurice Ravel's Daphnis Et Chloé, Claude Debussy's Jeux. Has conducted orchestras such as the Metropolitan Opera, the Boston Symphony, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, and others ~ Monteux passed away in 1964