August 19, 2023 ~ Rock, pop singer, keyboardist, film composer Václav Patejdl, also known as Vaso Patejdl, passed away ~ Co-founding member of Elán, one of the most popular Czech acts of the 1980s, with whom he recorded four albums before departing on amicable terms in 1984 to focus on solo projects. Rejoined the band in 1996, to remain a member until his death. Over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Chlapcensky Usmev released in 1986. Has also written songs for other artists including Beáta Dubasová, Marika Gombitová, and Banket. The latter's Po Schodoch would later become a hit when rerecorded as a solo single by its lead singer Richard Müller. Patejdl also composed several soundtracks, notably for the 1985 movie Fontana Pre Zuzanu and the award-winning 2015 fairy tale film The Seven Ravens ~ Patejdl was born in 1954
August 19, 2022 ~ Heavy metal, thrash metal, Christian metal singer, drummer, songwriter Ted Kirkpatrick passed away ~ Briefly served as touring drummer for doom metal outfit Trouble, but was unable to meet the band's touring schedule. Co-founded Christian metal unit Tourniquet with Guy Ritter and Gary Lenaire, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums. Kirkpatrick has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Ode To A Roadkill released in 2010 ~ Kirkpatrick was born in 1960
August 19, 2022 ~ Jazz, pop, classical pianist Warren Bernhardt, full name Warren Brooks Bernhardt, passed away ~ Over a dozen albums as a leader. First gained attention in the early 1960s working with Paul Winter. Would go on to work with George Benson, Gerry Mulligan, Jeremy Steig. Member of Steps Ahead. Briefly musical director for Steely Dan in the mid-1990s, present on the band's 1995 Alive In America album. Backed Simon & Garfunkel on their 2003 reunion tour. Has also worked with Kenny Burrell, Tim Hardin, Mike Mainieri, Pat Martino, Don McLean, Art Farmer, and White Elephant ~ Bernhardt was born in 1938
August 19, 2020 ~ Peter Yellow, commonly known as dancehall DJ Purpleman, passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Deejayed with King Jammy. Debuted as a solo artist in 1982 with the album Purpleman. Has worked with U-Roy, Cornell Campbell, Fathead, Sister Nancy, Papa Tollo, and others ~ Yellow was born ca.1962
August 19, 2020 ~ Blues rock, jam rock drummer Todd Nance passed away in Athens, Georgia, USA ~ Co-founding member of Widespread Panic, with whom he recorded about a dozen studio albums starting with the acclaimed Space Wrangler released in 1988. Nance departed the band in 2016 to be succeeded by Duane Trucks. Member of side project Brute, with whom he recorded two albums. Nance also co-founded supergroup Barbara Cue, and guested on albums by Jerry Joseph (Conscious Contact), Michael Houser, Daniel Hutchins, and Bloodkin ~ Nance was born in 1962
August 19, 2019 ~ Blues-rock, rock bassist Larry Taylor, full name Samuel Lawrence Taylor, passed away in Lake Balboa, California, USA ~ Bassist and occasional guitarist for Canned Heat through 1970, appearing on the albums Canned Heat, Boogie With Canned Heat, Living The Blues, and Hallelujah. Taylor was present for the performances at the Monterrey International Pop Festival in 1967 and the Woodstock Music and Art Fair in 1969. Taylor is also closely associated with the Monkees, with whom he recorded five albums and notably present on Last Train To Clarksville, the band's last major hit, and with John Mayall, joining Mayall's backing unit the Bluesbreakers after his departure from Canned Heat. Taylor has also appeared on albums by Don Sugarcane Harris, Albert King, Leo Kottke, Chuck E Weiss, John Lee Hooker (The Healer), Charlie Musselwhite, JJ Cale, Tom Waits (Mule Variations), Candye Kane, Kelly Joe Phelps, and Tracy Chapman. Taylor's older brother Mel Taylor is the drummer for surf outfit the Ventures ~ Taylor was born in 1942
August 19, 2017 ~ Beatrice Ruth Wain, commonly known as singer Bea Wain passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Big band era singer who recorded with Artie Shaw, Fred Waring, and Ted Straetter. Wain enjoyed her biggest commercial succes with Larry Clinton's Orchestra in the late 1930s. Especially notable is their 1938 rendition of My Reverie, a swing adaptation of Claude Debussy's Reverie with added pop vocals which occupied the No.1 spot on the pop charts for eight weeks. After her recording career Wain and her husband hosted a radio show called Mr & Mrs Music. After 1939 Wain would only sporadically record and sing, focusing on her radio work instead ~ Wain was born in 1917
August 19, 2016 ~ Entrepreneur, music manager Lou Pearlman, full name Louis Jay Pearlman, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Best known as the man behind several 1990s successes, notably forming the Backstreet Boys and subsequently developing NSYNC. Both acts would be hugely successful with hundreds of millions of dollars in sales. Other acts managed by Pearlman include O-Town, LFO (Lyte Funky Ones), Take 5, Marshall Dyllon, and Innosense, the latter of which briefly included Britney Spears as a member. Pearlman would be convicted in 2008 of conspiracy, money laundering and making false statements during bankruptcy proceedings leaving $300 million in debt. Sentenced to serve 25 years, Pearlman was offered the opportunity to reduce his sentence by one month for every million dollars he helped a bankruptcy trustee recover. He died eight years later in federal prison ~ Pearlman was born in 1954
August 19, 2015 ~ Mamadou Ndiaye, commonly known as drummer, bandleader, composer Doudou Ndiaye Rose, passed away ~ One of the first to bring Senegalese traditional music to a global audience. A virtuoso percussionist, he has been called “the Jimi Hendrix of the drum skin”. Perhaps best known for his 1994 Djabote album, recorded with no less than 50 drummers and an 80-member female choir. Over the course of his lengthy career Rose has toured with Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and the Rolling Stones, and recorded with artists as diverse as Peter Gabriel, Alan Stivell, David Murray, Aka Moon, and Nine Inch Nails. In 2006, he was declared a “living cultural treasure” by the UN Cultural Agency for keeping alive traditional rhythms ~ Ndiaye was born in 1930
August 19, 2013 ~ Cedar Anthony Walton Jr, commonly known as bop, hard bop pianist Cedar Walton, passed away in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ One of bop's premier leaders, influenced by Nat King Cole, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, and Art Tatum. Perhaps best known for compositions such as Mosaic, Bolivia, and Fantasy In D, all of which have become standards. Aside from recording prolifically as a leader, Walton has guested on albums by Blue Mitchell (Out Of The Blue), Cannonball Adderley, Abbey Lincoln (Abbey Is Blue), Clifford Jordan, Wayne Shorter, JJ Johnson, John Coltrane (Giant Steps), Jimmy Heath, Art Blakey, Curtis Fuller (Soul Trombone), Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Harris, Art Farmer (Jazz At The Smithsonian), Joe Henderson, Lee Morgan (Charisma), Sonny Criss, Hank Mobley, Pat Martino, Eric Kloss, Houston Person (Chocomotive), Milt Jackson, Barry Harris, Stanley Turrentine, Dexter Gordon, Clifford Jordan, Horace Parlan (No Blues), Idrees Sulieman, Sam Jones, Philly Joe Jones, and Ray Brown ~ Walton was born in 1934
August 19, 2010 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Michael Been, full name Michael Kenneth Been, passed away in Hasselt, Belgium ~ Lead singer of the Call, with whom he recorded a little over half a dozen albums. They are best known for the 1980s singles I Still Believe (Great Design) and Let The Day Begin, both of which received heavy rotation on MTV. Been has also worked with Aorta, Lovecraft, Fine Wine, and the Original Haze, and has toured with alternative rock, garage rock revival outfit the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, which is fronted by his son Robert Levon Been ~ Been was born in 1950
August 19, 2008 ~ Singer Lady Gaga releases her debut album The Fame, which would top the charts in over half a dozen countries and reach No.2 Billboard Hot 200 ~ While making a name for herself in the New York underground scene, the singer had been working on her debut album for over two years. Once released, it would be a critical and commercial success, catapulting Lady Gaga to international fame. The album's first two singles, Just Dance and Poker Face, both reached No.1 in numerous countries including America. Nominated for no less than five Grammy Awards, the album won the award for Best Electronic or Dance Album, while Poker Face won Best Dance Recording. Speaking on the title and concept of the album, Gaga commented: “The Fame is about how anyone can feel famous. Pop culture is art. It doesn't make you cool to hate pop culture, so I embraced it and you hear it all over The Fame. But, it's a sharable fame. I want to invite you all to the party. I want people to feel a part of this lifestyle”
August 19, 2008 ~ Saxophonist LeRoi Moore, full name LeRoi Holloway Moore, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Dave Matthews Band, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums prior to his death at age 46 following an all-terrain vehicle accident. Arranged a considerable amount of the band's material, and notably co-wrote the early singles Too Much and Stay (Wasting Time). Moore is also especially acclaimed for the Code Magenta side project, combining improvised jazz grooves with spoken-word poetry on the 1995 eponymous Code Magenta album, and has collaborated with John d'Earth, the Secrets, and Samantha Farrell ~ Moore was born in 1961
August 19, 2006 ~ Roots reggae singer, songwriter Joseph Hill passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ As a solo artist known for Behold The Land and Take Me Girl. Founded and fronted Culture, known for songs such as Two Sevens Clash, Stop Fussing And Fighting and International Herb. Also worked with the Soul Defenders, Glen Washington, C35, the Stepping Stone, and others ~ Hill was born in 1949
August 19, 2001 ~ Gospel-tinged soul singer Betty Everett passed away in Beloit, Wisconsin, USA ~ Best known for recording the original versions of You're No Good and The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss), notably covered by respectively Linda Ronstadt and Cher. Other well known songs include There'll Come A Time, It's Been A Long Time and the Jerry Butler-duets Smile and Let It Be Me ~ Everett was born in 1939
August 19, 1997 ~ Ray Cline, commonly known as bluegrass fiddler Curly Ray Cline, passed away ~ Formed the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers with his cousin Ezra Cline and brother Ned Cline. Also worked with Jimmy Martin, the Sunny Mountain Boys, Bobby Osborne, the Stanley Brothers, Hobo Jack Adkins and extensively with Ralph Stanley as a member of Stanley's backing unit the Clinch Mountain Boys. Has released over a dozen solo albums, starting with Fiddle in 1969 ~ Cline was born in 1923
August 19, 1994 ~ Rapper, DJ, model Chynna Rogers, full name Chynna Marie Rogers, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Fall Out Boy, Panic At The Disco, Paramore. Closely associated with A$AP Mob. As a solo artist known for a handful of mid-2010s EP's and singles, notably 2013's Selfie and 2014's Glen Coco ~ Rogers passed away in 2020
August 19, 1986 ~ Singer, songwriter Christina Perri, full name Christina Judith Perri, born in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Had her debut single Jar Of Hearts featured on the TV series So You Think You Can Dance in 2010. It led to a record deal with Atlantic Records, the debut EP The Ocean Way Sessions released by the end of the year. Her full-length debut album, 2011's Lovestrong would reach platinum status
August 19, 1983 ~ Melissa Morgan Higgins, commonly known as pop, rock, indie singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter Missy Higgins, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Cites Patty Griffin, Ron Sexsmith, Rufus Wainwright, Paul Kelly, Sarah McLachlan as influences. Released her debut single, Scar, in 2004 to critical acclaim and commercial success. Released a full-length debut album, The Sound Of White, later the same year and has recorded steadily since. Also known for songs such as Steer, Where I Stood and Everyone's Waiting
August 19, 1980 ~ Pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Darius Campbell-Danesh born in Glasgow, UK ~ First gained attention as a contestant on the talent contest Popstars in 2001, reaching the finals and then turning down the record deal. His Colourblind debut single would reach No.1 in the UK. Has released two full-length albums consisting mostly of self-penned material, Dive In in 2002 and Live Twice in 2004. Ventured into musicals, performing in the productions of Chicago and Guys And Dolls, and later into opera, starting with winning the talent contest Popstar To Operastar in 2010 ~ Campbell-Danesh passed away in 2022
August 19, 1979 ~ Guitarist Dorsey Burnette passed away in Canoga Park, California, USA ~ Father of Fleetwood Mac guitarist Billy Burnette. Member of the Johnny Burnette Trio, alongside his younger brother Johnny Burnette and Paul Burlison, known for a number of classic and influential 1950s rockabilly recordings including Train Kept A-Rollin'. Dorsey would reemerge in the 1970s as a born-again Christian releasing several modestly successful country singles such as In The Spring The Roses Always Turn Red, Molly I Ain't Getting Any Younger and Things I Treasure ~ Burnette was born in 1932
August 19, 1973 ~ Milton Aubrey Moore, commonly known as tenor saxophonist, bandleader Brew Moore, passed away in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Moore recorded as a leader starting in 1948, Brew Moore & his Playboys, and played as a sideman with Machito, Claude Thornhill, Kai Winding, Stan Getz, George Wallington, and others. Moore left New York in 1953, relocated to the West Coast and dropped out of the scene by the end of the 1950s. He would later resurface in Denmark where he would continue to perform for the rest of his life teaming up with artists such as Kenny Drew, Sahib Shihab, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, and Alex Riel ~ Moore was born in 1924
August 19, 1969 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Clay Walker, full name Ernest Clayton Walker Jr, was born in Beaumont, Texas, USA ~ Has charted over 30 singles on the Billboard Country charts since releasing his eponymous Clay Walker debut album in 1993, including the No.1 hits Live Until I Die, Dreaming With My Eyes Open, This Woman And This Man and Rumor Has It
August 19, 1969 ~ Nathaniele Dawayne Hale, commonly known as singer Nate Dogg born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA ~ Member of the hip-ho trio 213, alongside Snoop Dogg and Warren G. Best known for duetting with Warren on Regulate, a hit in 1994. Also worked with Dr Dre (The Chronic), 50 Cent, Eve, Thug Life, Kurupt, Mos Def, Pharoahe Monch, Shade Heist, Fabolous, Shaquille O'Neal, Jermaine Dupri, WC, Mark Ronson, Memphis Bleek, Tupac Shakur, Eminem, Don Diablo, and others ~ Hale passd away in 2011
August 19, 1968 ~ Clarinetist, arranger Bill Stegmeyer passed away ~ Worked with Austin Wylie, Glenn Miller, Bob Crosby, Billy Butterfield, Yank Lawson, the Lawson-Haggart Band, Bobby Hackett, Will Bradley, Billie Holiday, Bob Haggart, Jimmy McPartland, and Ruby Braff ~ Stegmeyer was born in 1916
August 19, 1968 ~ Rock drummer, percussionist Jeff Burrows, full name Jeffrey John Burrows, born in Windsor, Canada ~ Influenced by jazz drummers such Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa and Max Roach, Gene Krupa, Max Roach, and rock drummers such as Rush's Neil Peart and the Police's Stewart Copeland. Member of Canadian rock outfit Tea Party, known for songs such as Temptation, Psychopomp, Heaven Coming Down and The Messenger. Also worked with Crash Karma
August 19, 1967 ~ Songwriter Jimmy Campbell, full name James Alexander Campbell-Tyrie, passed away in London, UK ~ Frequent songwriting, music publishing partner of Reg Connelly, the pair at times publishing or writing music under the common moniker Irving King. The pair wrote or co-wrote a number of oft-covered 1920, 1930s songs including Show Me The Way To Go Home (the New Princes Toronto Band, the California Ramblers, Julie London), If I Had You (the Piccadilly Players, Ben Selvin, Art Tatum), Goodnight Sweetheart (the New Mayfair Dance Orchestra, Ruth Etting, Dean Martin, the Flamingos, Connie Francis), By The Fireside (Buddy Campbell, Vera Lynn, Jo Stafford), Try A Little Tenderness (Jack Payne, Frank Sinatra, Jackie Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding), and Just An Echo In The Valley (Bing Crosby, Ray Noble, Rudy Vallée) ~ Campbell was born in 1903
August 19, 1966 ~ Country, neo-traditionalist country, country-pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Lee Ann Womack born in Jacksonville, Texas, USA ~ Best known for her 2000 crossover hit I Hope You Dance. Debuted in 1997 with the eponymous Lee Ann Womack album which reached Platinum status and spawned the Billboard Country top 10 singles The Fool and You've Got To Talk To Me. Has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial succes since. Has collaborated with Willie Nelson, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Vince Gill, Asleep At The Wheel, Rhett Akins, George Strait, Dolly Parton, Gene Watson, Joe Nichols, Alan Jackson, Randy Houser, Martina McBride, Rodney Crowell, Don Henley, John Prine, and others
August 19, 1964 ~ British pop group the Beatles privately meet singer Bob Dylan for the first time ~ While staying at the Hotel Delmonico, New York, during their American tour, the Beatles are introduced to Bob Dylan. Later Dylan would recall: “I just kept it to myself that I really dug them. Everybody elsde thought they were for the teenyboppers, that they were gonna pass right away. But it was obvious to me that they had staying power.”
August 19, 1963 ~ Rolf Magnus Joakim Larsson, commonly known as glam metal, rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, violinist Joey Tempest, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Fronted Europe, best known for hits such as Rock The Night, The Final Countdown, Cherokee and Superstitious. Released his solo debute album, A Place To Call Home, in 1995
August 19, 1959 ~ William Samuel McTier, commonly known as blues slide guitarist Blind Willie McTell, passed away in Milledgeville, Georgia, USA ~ Recorded only very little yet had a profound influence on artists such as Taj Mahal, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Chris Smither, the White Stripes and the Allman Brothers Band, the latter notably covering McTell's Statesboro Blues ~ McTell was born in 1898
August 19, 1959 ~ Heavy metal singer Steve Grimmett born in Swindon, UK ~ Member of short-lived rock outfit Medusa before rising to fame as lead singer for Grim Reaper, joining the band in 1982. Present on the band's best-known including the hits See You In Hell, Fear No Evil and Rock You To Hell, all of which gained notoriety in the 1990s after being used in the popular Beavis & Butthead animated series. Grimmett has also appeared on recordings by Chateaux, Onslaught, Lionsheart, Cradle Of Filth, and others ~ Grimmett passed away in 2022
August 19, 1955 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, R&B, funk, rock guitarist Dean Brown born in Châteauroux, France ~ One of the most respected jazz guitarists of his generation, praised for his virtuosity and innovative approach. Has recorded five albums as a leader, starting with Here in 2000, often featuring all-star casts of regular collaborators. As a sideman, Brown has appeared on albums by Vital Information, Billy Cobham, Kirk Whalum (And You Know That), Bob James (Grand Piano Album), Steps Ahead, the Brecker Brothers, Marcus Miller (Tales), Till Brönner, Roberta Flack, Ricky Peterson (Souvenir), David Sanborn, Nelson Rangell (Always), Jason Miles, and Joe Zawinul ~ Dean passed away in 2024
August 19, 1954 ~ Jazz trumpeter, arranger, composer Tim Hagans born in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Influenced by Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, and by Thad Jones. Worked with Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Dexter Gordon, Kenny Drew, Horace Parlan, Maria Schneider, the Yellowjackets, Steps Ahead, the Secret Society, Gary Peacock, Bob Belden, Randy Brecker, Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman, Peter Erskine, Rufus Reid, Marc Copland, Ernie Wilkins, Bob Mintzer, Maria Schneider, Steve Slagle, Vic Juris, Mark Masters, Andy Laverne, Ron McClure, Jon Gordon, John Fedchock, Orange Then Blue, Judi Silvano, Roseanna Vitro, Steve Rochinski, Kenny Burrell, Gordon Brisker, Charles Pillow, Don Braden, Jarmo Savolainen, Joey Calderazzo, Hal Galper, Jim Nolet, Rodney Jones, Don Sebesky, Nils Landgren, Scott Kinsey, Charles Blenzig, Grachan Moncur III, Magos Herrera, and others
August 19, 1953 ~ Delta blues pianist Willie Love passed away in Jackson, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by pianist Leroy Carr. Best known for his 1951 recording Everybody's Gone Fishing. Worked with Sonny Boy Williamson II, Charley Booker, Oliver Sain, Elmore James, Joe Willie Wilkins, Little Milton, TJ Green, Junior Blackman, Eddie Shaw, and others ~ Love was born in 1906
August 19, 1952 ~ Pianist, organist, bassist Bruce Katz born ~ Has been releasing solo records since the early 1990s. Also worked with Big Mama Thornton, Barrence Whitfield, Ronnie Earl, Delbert McClinton, Duke Robillard, Joe Louis Walker, Debbie Davies, David Fathead Newman, John Hammond Jr, Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks, Randy Ciarlante, Jimmy Bennett, Marty Ballou, Peter Bennett, and others
August 19, 1952 ~ Country singer, songwriter Don Schlitz born in Durham, North Carolina, USA ~ Perhaps best known for writing The Gambler, a 1978 crossover hit for Kenny Rogers. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Schlitz include Alabama, Mark Chesnutt, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kathy Mattea, the Bellamy Brothers, Sara Evans, Michael Johnson, Randy Travis (Forever And Ever Amen), Lorrie Morgan, the Judds, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Keith Whitley (When You Say Nothing At All), the Kendalls, Loretta Lynn, Collin Raye, Reba McEntire (One Promise Too Late), George Strait, Ty Herndon, John Conlee, Pam Tillis, Restless Heart, the Oak Ridge Boys, Lee Ann Womack (Why They Call It Falling), the Forester Sisters, and others
August 19, 1948 ~ Jazz guitarist Ron Escheté, full name Ronald Patrick Escheté, born in Houma, Louisiana, USA ~ Influenced by Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, Howard Robert. Leader and sideman. Worked with Ray Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Milt Jackson, Diana Krall, Dave Pike, Ernestine Anderson, Joey DeFrancesco, the Four Freshmen, Warne Marsh, Jack McDuff, Don Rader, Charlie Shoemake, Andy Simpkins, Keely Smith, and others
August 19, 1948 ~ Susan Pesklevits, commonly known as pop, easy listening, country pop singer, songwriter Susan Jacks, born in Saskatoon, Canada ~ Rose to fame with the Poppy Family, a pop trio which also included Terry Jacks with whom she would be married from 1967 through 1973. The band is best known for their 1969 single Which Way You Going Billy, a top 10 hit across the globe including America and the UK. Following the band's disbandement in 1972, both Pesklevits and Jacks would record as solo artists, the pair on occasion guesting on eachother's solo outings. As a solo artist Pesklevits is best known for the singles You Don't Know What Love Is and I Thought Of You Again, both reaching the top 10 in her native Canada ~ Pesklevits passed away in 2022
August 19, 1947 ~ Progressive rock keyboardist Alan Gowen born in North Hampstead, UK ~ Important figure in Canterbury scene. Best known for founding Gilgamesh in 1973 and founding National Health in 1975, departing the latter in 1977 but briefly returning for their 1978 eponymous National Health debut album. Has also worked with Assagai, Sunship, and Soft Heap. Gowen passed away of leukaemia at age 33 ~ Gowen passed away in 1981
August 19, 1947 ~ Symphony conductor, trumpeter Gerard Schwarz born in Weehawken, New Jersey, USA ~ Closely associated with the Seattle Symphony with whom he made over 100 recordings including works composed by Walter Piston, Howard Hanson and Alan Hovhaness
August 19, 1945 ~ Pop rock, psychedelic rock, jazz rock guitarist Brian Godding born in Monmouth, UK ~ Member of 1960s rock outfits the Blossom Toes and BB Blunder before John McLaughlin's Extrapolation album turned him to jazz. Member of Keith Tippett's 1970s band Centipede. Member of jazz fusion group Mirage. Frequent collaborator of Mike Westbrook. Frequent songwriting partner of Kevin Coyne. Has also worked with Julie Driscoll, Solid Gold Cadillac, Annette Peacock, and Lol Coxhill. Godding released his sole solo album, Slaughter On Shaftesbury Avenue, in 2004 ~ Godding passed away in 2023
August 19, 1945 ~ Singer Ian Gillan born in Chiswick, UK ~ Known for his powerful and wide-ranging vocals. Lead singer for Deep Purple, remaining with the band from 1969 through 1973, from 1984 through 1989, and rejoining in 1992. Has recorded over a dozen albums with the band including a string of acclaimed early to mid-1970s albums such as Deep Purple In Rock, Fireball, Machine Head, and Made In Japan. Has recorded over a dozen albums as a solo artist or with backing units the Ian Gillan Band and Gillan. Briefly a member of Black Sabbath, present on the 1983 Born Again album. Sang the role of Jesus on the original 1970 album recording of Jesus Christ Superstar, recording his entire vocal contributions in a mere three hours
August 19, 1945 ~ Roberto Sánchez-Ocampo, commonly known as singer, actor Sandro de América, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Considered a pioneer of Argentine rock for being one of the first rock artists to sing in Spanish. Has recorded well over 40 albums since the mid-1940s. Well-known songs include Dame Fuego, Penumbras, Mi Amigo El Puma, Tengo, Una Muchacha Y Una Guitarra, and perhaps his biggest hit Rosa Rosa, the latter selling two million copies. At the height of his popularity compared to Elvis Presley ~ Sánchez-Ocampo passed away in 2010
August 19, 1944 ~ Edward Garvin Futch, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Eddy Raven born ~ Enjoyed his biggest popularity from the mid to late 1980s. Draws from country, country pop, Cajun, reggae. Has written for Don Gibson, Randy Cornor, Jeannie C Riley, Connie Smith, the Oak Ridge Boys. As a singer best known for I Got Mexico, Shine Shine Shine, I'm Gonna Get You, Joe Knows How To Live, In A Letter To You and Bayou Boys, all of which topped the Billboard Country charts
August 19, 1943 ~ William Howard Ashton, commonly known as Merseybeat, pop singer Billy J Kramer, born in Bootle, UK ~ Fronted Billy J Kramer & the Dakotas, managed by the Beatles-manager Brian Epstein. Scored a string of early 1960's UK hits with Do You Want To Know A Secret, Bad To Me and I'll Keep You Satisfied, all penned by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
August 19, 1942 ~ Rock, pop rock bassist, guitarist, singer Dave Morgan, full name David Raymond Morgan, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Member of the Uglys from 1967 through 1969. Member of spin-off act Balls alongside Steve Gibbons and Trevor Burton. Briefly a member of Magnum, departing the band prior to their debut album. Worked with the Electric Light Orchestra, appearing on the 1983 Secret Messages album. Formed the duo Tandy & Morgan with keyboardist Richard Tandy, known for their 1986 Earthrise concept album. Morgan has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the Morgan released in 1971
August 19, 1940 ~ Rock & roll, R&B, soul, pop drummer Bob Kuban born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Drummer, bandleader of Bob Kuban & the In-Men, known for the 1966 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Look Out For The Cheater. Considered a one-hit wonder the band would actually subsequently chart two more singles, The Teaser and a cover of the Beatles-song Drive My Car but these would stall in the bottom end of the charts
August 19, 1940 ~ Traditional pop, reggae, vocal jazz singer Johnny Nash. full name John Lester Nash Jr, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ One of the first non-Jamaican artists to record in Jamaica. Best known for I Can See Clearly Now, a Billboard No.1 hit in 1972. Other well known songs include Let's Move And Groove, the Sam Cooke-cover Wonderful World, Let's Go Dancing, and others ~ Nash passed away in 2020
August 19, 1939 ~ Drummer Ginger Baker born in Lewisham, UK ~ Regarded by some as rock's first superstar drummer, especially for his role in the short-lived but quintessential 1960s trio Cream alongside bassist Jack Bruce and guitarist Eric Clapton. Drew from jazz and African rhythms. Has also worked with Blues Incorporated, the Graham Bond Organisation, Blind Faith, and others. Also noted for founding and fronting Ginger Baker's Air Force in the 1970s. Would go on to become an in-demand collaborator in rock, world music and jazz, working with acts such as Fela Kuti, Atomic Rooster, Hawkwind, Masters Of Reality, Bill Laswell, Charlie Haden, Bill Frisell, and others ~ Baker passed away in 2019
August 19, 1937 ~ Contemporary classical, jazz trombonist, conductor, composer William Motzing, full name William Edward Motzing Jr, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ As a trombonist has worked with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Kai Winding, Jon Eardley, Gerry Mulligan, Bill Russo, Sal Salvador, and others through the early 1970s. Would find his greatest fame after relocating to Australia, becoming an in-demand film and TV composer with over 30 soundtracks to his name including Newsfront, Young Einstein and The Quiet American. Arranger and conductor on a number of Australian hits including Peter Allen's I Still Call Australia Home, Sherbet's Howzat, INXS' The Swing, and Billy Field's Bad Habits ~ Motzing passed away in 2014
August 19, 1928 ~ Singer, actor Lars Lönndahl, full name Lars Gunnar Lönndahl, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Dubbed “the Swedish Frank Sinatra” scoring well over a dozen No.1 hits in his native country through the late 1960s including Tangokavaljeren, That's Amore, Cindy Mon Cindy, Tulpaner Från Amsterdam, Volare (I Det Blå), Midnattstango, and Tusen Och En Natt ~ Lönndahl passed away in 2022
August 19, 1926 ~ Anna Maria Palmen, commonly known as singer Annie Palmen, born in IJmuiden, the Netherlands ~ Represented her native the Netherlands at the 1963 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching tied thirteenth place with the song Een Speeldoos. The other contestant reaching thirteenth place was Laila Halme, who represented Finland with Muistojeni Laulu (The Song Of My Memories) ~ Palmen passed away in 2000
August 19, 1923 ~ Jazz, swing, stride pianist, composer Dill Jones, full name Dillwyn Owen Paton Jones, born in Newcastle Emlyn, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Fats Waller and Bix Beiderbecke. Has worked with Harry Parry, Vic Lewis, Gene Krupa, Jimmy McPartland, Yank Lawson, Budd Johnson, Oliver Jackson, Bill Pemberton, Eubie Blake, Claude Hopkins, Kenny Davern, and others ~ Jones passed away in 1984
August 19, 1922 ~ Léon Schlienger, commonly known as songwriter Noël Regney, born in Strasbourg, France ~ Perhaps best known for penning Do You Hear What I Hear with his then-wife and regular songwriting partner Gloria Shayne Baker. The song would be first recorded by Harry Simeone Chorale in 1962 and become a Christmas standard covered by over 500 artists including the New Christy Minstrels, Pat Boone, Johnny Mathis, Gladys Knight, the Carpenters, and Whitney Houston. Other songs written by the duo include Ginny Arnell's I Wish I Knew What Dress To Wear, Bobby Vinton's Rain Rain Go Away, and Jo Stafford's Sweet Little Darlin' ~ Schlienger passed away in 2002
August 19, 1919 ~ Drummer, percussionist Alodipu Adeoya Campbell, commonly known as Ambrose Campbell born in Lagos, Nigeria ~ Hailed by Fela Kuti. Formed the first English black band the West African Rhythm Brothers. Also worked with Ronnie Scott, Tubby Hayes, Phil Seamen, Harry Beckett, Willy Roachford, Adam Fiberesima, Ade Bashorun, Denny Cordell, Leon Russell, and Willie Nelson ~ Campbell passed away in 2006
August 19, 1918 ~ Jazz pianist, singer, composer Jimmy Rowles born in Spokane, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Lester Young, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Les Brown, Tommy Dorsey, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Nelson Riddle, Diana Krall, Jeri Brown, Pepper Adams, Louie Bellson, Bob Brookmeyer, Hoagy Carmichael, Benny Carter, Nat King Cole (notably on Cole's final studio LP, the 1965 release L-O-V-E), Harry Sweets Edison, Jimmy Giuffre, Billie Holiday, Lee Konitz, Barney Kessel, Julie London, Herbie Mann, Buddy Rich, Pete Rugolo, Bud Shank, Zoot Sims, Sonny Stitt, Buster Williams, Gerald Wilson, Joe Pass, Henry Mancini, and others ~ Rowles passed away in 1996
August 19, 1908 ~ Jazz bassist Al Morgan, full name Albert Morgan, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with the Young Morgan Band, Cab Calloway, Fats Waller, Jack Teagarden, T-Bone Walker, Fate Marable, Sidney Desvigne, Cecil Scott, Otto Hardwick, Louis Armstrong, Les Hite, Zutty Singleton, Louis Jordan, Sabby Lewis, Buddy Banks, Chu Berry, Coleman Hawkins, Don Byas, Jay McShann, and Red Allen ~ Morgan passed away in 1974
August 19, 1908 ~ Jazz drummer Manzie Johnson born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Willie Gant, June Clark, Elmer Snowden, Joe Steele, Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, James P Johnson, Horace Henderson, Red Allen, Benny Morton, Willie Bryant, Lil' Armstrong, Harry White, Mezz Mezzrow, Sidney Bechet, Garvin Bushell, Happy Caldwell, and others ~ Johnson passed away in 1971
August 19, 1908 ~ Miko Stephanovic, commonly known as jazz bandleader, clarinetist, saxophonist Spud Murphy, born in Berlin, Germany ~ Studied clarinet, saxophone and trumpet. Started as saxophonist and arranger in the 1920s and 1930s working for artists such as Jimmy Joy, Ross Gorman, Slim Lamar, Austin Wylie, Jan Garber, Mal Hallett, and Joe Haymes. Also known as an educator and author having written over two dozen books on various topics in music ~ Stephanovic passed away in 2005
August 19, 1906 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter George S Davis born in La Follette, Tennessee, USA ~ Dubbed “the Singing Miner” for his day job as a coal miner. Known for pro union, laborer's songs including Buggerman In The Bushes, Coal Miner's Boogie and When Kentucky Had No Union Men. Claimed the Merle Travis hit and country standard Sixteen Tons was based on his composition Nine-to-ten Tons, though there is no evidence supporting this claim ~ Davis passed away in 1992