December 22, 2023 ~ Singer, bassist Laura Lynch passed away in El Paso, Texas, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer, bassist for the Dixie Chicks, Present on the band's first three albums, Thank Heavens For Dale Evans, Little Ol' Cowgirl and Shouldn't A Told You That, before departing the band in 1990. Upon hearing of her death in a traffic collission at age 65, the band issued a statement saying: “We hold a special place in our hearts for the time we spent playing music, laughing and traveling together. Her infectious energy and humor gave a spark to the early days of our band. Her undeniable talents helped propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the mid-West.” ~ Lynch was born in 1958
December 22, 2022 ~ Alexander Woods, commonly known as rapper Big Scarr, passed away ~ Influenced by Kodak Black and Boosie Badazz. Best known for Solcy Boyz and its follow-up Solcy Boyz 2, both songs featuring Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano with the latter also featuring Tay Keith. Released his Big Grim Reaper debut mixtape in 2021 ~ Woods was born in 2000
December 22, 2022 ~ Producer, songwriter Thom Bell, full name Thomas Randolph Bell, passed away ~ Important figure in 1970s Philly soul. Closely associated with the Delfonics, co-writing songs such as La La Means I Love You, Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love), and Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time. Closely associated with the Stylistics, co-writing songs such as You Are Everything, People Make The World Go Round, and Stop Look Listen To Your Heart. Others who recorded his songs include Brooks O'Dell, Tommy Hunt, Connie Stevens, the Intruders, the Spinners (I'll Be Around), Ronnie Dyson, MFSB, Johnny Mathis, Elton John, the Love Dimension, the O'Jays, the Temptations, and Phyllis Hyman ~ Bell was born in 1943
December 22, 2022 ~ Walter Washington, commonly known as blues, funk, R&B singer, guitarist Walter Wolfman Washington, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Backed Lee Dorsey while stil in his teens. Formed the All Fools Band in the 1960s. Probably best known for his association with Johnny Adams, backing Adams for about two decades starting in the 1970s. Released his Rainin' In My Life solo debut album in 1981 and has recorded consistently since, about a dozen albums to his name heavily drawing on blues yet incorporating funk and R&B ~ Washington was born in 1943
December 22, 2021 ~ Pop, rock guitarist Robin Le Mesurier, full name Robin Mark Le Mesurier Halliley, passed away ~ Influenced by the Faces, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Jeff Beck. Member of the Reign through its disbandement in 1973. Subsequently worked with novelty band the Wombles. Associated with Rod Stewart since the mid-1970s, officially joining Stewart's backing band in 1980 and present on the albums Tonight I'm Yours, Camouflage, Body Wishes and Every Beat Of My Heart. Musical director for Johnny Hallyday from the mid-1990s well into the 2010s. Co-founded Farm Dogs with Bernie Taupin and Jim Cregan ~ Le Mesurier was born in 1953
December 22, 2020 ~ Leslie Weinstein, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Leslie West, passed away in Palm Coast, Florida, Florida, USA ~ Founding member, co-lead singer of Mountain, known for their 1970 hit Mississippi Queen of their eponymous Mountain album. Previously a member of the Vagrants, scoring two minor hits with I Can't Make A Friend and a cover of Otis Redding's Respect. In 2009 West would marry his fiancée Jenni Maurer on stage to a crowd of 15,000 after the band's performance at the Woodstock 40th Anniversary Concert in Bethel, New York. The band had also performed at the original the Woodstock Music and Art Fair ~ Weinstein was born in 1945
December 22, 2018 ~ Country, rockabilly singer, guitarist, fiddler, songwriter Jimmy Work passed away in Dukedom, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for Making Believe, penned and recorded by Work in 1954. The song would become a country classic covered by numerous artists including Lefty Frizzell, Kitty Wells, Eddy Arnold, Wanda Jackson, Faron Young, Dolly Parton, Don Gibson, Ernest Tubb, and Emmylou Harris ~ Work was born in 1924
December 22, 2016 ~ Engineer, producer Bill Price passed away ~ Chief engineer on the Who-singer Pete Townshend's solo albums. Mixer, engineer on some of the 1970s pivotal albums including the Sex Pistols' Never Mind The Bollocks (Here's The Sex Pistols). Has also worked with acts such as the Clash, Guns 'n Roses, Sparks, the Jesus & Mary Chain, the Waterboys, and Mott The Hoople ~ Price was born in 1944
December 22, 2014 ~ John Robert Cocker, commonly known as singer Joe Cocker, passed away in Crawford, Colorado, USA ~ Known for songs such as With A Little Help From My Friends, The Letter, You Are So Beautiful, When The Night Comes, You Can Leave Your Hat On, Unchain My Heart, and others. Critically acclaimed, especially for his debut album, 1970's Mad Dogs & Englishmen. In-demand collaborator, worked with Leon Russell, Delaney & Bonnie, Silverhead, John Lee Hooker, Bo Diddley, the Crusaders, Jennifer Warnes (the 1982 hit duet Up Where We Belong), Jimmy Barnes, BB King, Eros Ramazzotti, Tim Hinkley, Otis Thompson, Al Jarreau, and others ~ Cocker was born in 1944
December 22, 2012 ~ Marva Ann Manning, commonly known as singer Marva Whitney passed away in Kansas City, Kansas, USA ~ Regarded as one of the rawest and brassiest divas in funk. Turned down offers from Little Richard and Bobby Blue Bland to join James Brown backing unit, the latter eventually nicknaming her “Soul Sister No.1”. As a solo artist known for classic funk releases such as Your Love Was Good To Me, Unwind Yourself, It's My Thing (You Can Tell Me Who To Sock It To) and Got To Get Better (Get Together) ~ Manning was born in 1944
December 22, 2012 ~ Drummer Mike Scaccia, full name Michael Ralph Scaccia, passed away in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Best known as member of several acclaimed metal and alternative rock bands, most notably Ministry, Rigor Mortis and Revolting Cocks. Has also worked with Lard, 1,000 Homo DJs, Skrew, the League Of Blind Women and with Buck Satan & the 666 Shooters ~ Scaccia was born in 1965
December 22, 2007 ~ Joseph Urick, commonly known as traditional pop singer Joe Ames, passed away ~ Member of family outfit the Ames Brothers, known for a number of 1950s hits including Rag Mop, Sentimental Me, Can Anyone Explain (No No No), Undecided, The Man With The Banjo, The Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane and Tammy ~ Urick was born in 1921
December 22, 2006 ~ Songwriter Dennis Linde passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Songwriter best-known for penning Elvis Presley's 1972 hit Burning Love. Others who have recorded his songs include Roy Drusky (Long Long Texas Road), Roger Miller, Gary Morris, the Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, Don Williams (Walkin' A Broken Heart), Eddy Raven, Mark Chesnutt, Aaron Tippin, Garth Brooks (Callin' Baton Rouge), Delbert McClinton (Love Rustler), Blackhawk, Joe Diffie (John Deere Green), the Judds, BJ Thomas, the Dixie Chicks (Goodbye Earl), the Everly Brothers, Chris LeDoux, Shenandoah, Ricky Van Shelton, Joy Lynn White, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jo-El Sonnier, Sherrié Austin, Confederate Railroad, and others ~ Linde was born in 1943
December 22, 2002 ~ John Graham Mellor, commonly known as punk rock, post-punk, alternative rock, rock singer, guitarist, bassist, pianist Joe Strummer, passed away in Broomfield, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member, co-lead singer of the Clash, considered part of the punk movement yet drawing from a wide array of genres including reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, rockabilly, and others. The band is known for songs such as Complete Control, Tommy Gun, London Calling, Train In Vain, Bankrobber, The Magnificent Seven, Know Your Rights, Should I Stay Or Should I Go, and Rock The Casbah. Strummer has also worked with the 101-ers, the Latino Rockabilly War, the Pogues, the Mescaleros, and others ~ Mellor passed away in 1952
December 22, 2001 ~ Television personality, columnist, singer Lance Loud, full name Alanson russell loud, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his appearance in the 1973 reality show An American Family documenting his coming out, making Loud an icon in the gay community. Fronted underground outfit the Mumps, which at times also included future Iggy Pop-guitarist Rob Duprey and future Patti Smith-drummer Jay Dee Daugherty ~ Loud was born in 1951
December 22, 1998 ~ Jazz, experimental drummer, percussionist David Earle Johnson passed away ~ About half a dozen albums to his name as a leader, starting with Time Is Free in 1978. In-demand sideman present on albums by Billy Cobham, Jan Hammer, Lenny White, Oregon, Miroslav Vitous, the Players Association, Sea Level, Taj Mahal, Bob Belden, and George Tandy ~ Johnson was born in 1938
December 22, 1993 ~ Singer, songwriter Meghan Trainor, full name Meghan Elizabeth Trainor, born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA ~ Has been recording since age 15. Independently released three albums of self-written material starting with 2009's eponymous Meghan Trainor. A major label debut album, Title, followed in 2015 debuting atop the Billboard Hot 200. Known for top 10 hits such as All About That Bass, Lips Are Moving and No
December 22, 1992 ~ Violinist, composer Harry Bluestone passed away in Studio City, California, USA ~ Frequent collaborator of Emil Cadkin. As a bandleader backed artists such as Jo Stafford and Dinah Shore. Freelanced for numerous radioshows throughout the 1930s working with the likes of Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, the Dorsey Brothers. Would go on to become a highly in-demand violinist and conductor, appearing on records by Peggy Lee, Dolly Parton, the Beach Boys, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, and the Beatles, notably on the latter's Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album ~ Bluestone was born in 1907
December 22, 1991 ~ William Godvin Harris, commonly known as drummer Beaver Harris, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with Archie Shepp. Founded 360 Degree Music Experience, which at times included some of the premier artists of the day including Buster Williams, Hamiet Bluiett, Don Pullen, and Jimmy Garrison. Has also worked with Marion Brown, Dexter Gordon, the Blue Humans, Albert Ayler, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Clifford Jordan, Sheila Jordan, Lee Konitz, Thelonious Monk, Roswell Rudd, Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, Sonny Stitt, Chet Baker, Doc Cheatham, Larry Coryell, Gato Barbieri, Charles Greenlee, Vincent Herring, Steve Lacy, and Massimo Urbani ~ Harris was born in 1936
December 22, 1991 ~ Jonathan Lyndale Kirk, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter DaBaby, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ First gained attention with his major label debut album Baby On Baby in 2019. Known for songs such as Suge, Intro, Bop and his best-known Rockstar featuring Roddy Ricch
December 22, 1991 ~ Composer, conductor, author Ernst Krenek, full name Ernst Heinrick Krenek, passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Explored atonality and other modern styles. Perhaps best known for composing the opera Johnny Spielt Auf published in 1927. The work typified the cultural freedam of the golden era of the Weimar Republic. In the 1930s it would draw the ire of the Nazis, classifying it as degenerate music due to its jazz-influences. Krenek would leave Germany in 1933, settling in America a few years later ~ Krenek was born in 1900
December 22, 1990 ~ Jazz drummer, composer Joe Nay passed away inear Munchen, Germany ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Kenny Clarke, Jan Huydts, Peter Trunk, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Don Byas, Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin, Michael Naura, Hartwig Bartz, Ralf Hubner, Klaus Weiss, Dusko Gojkovic, Randy Brecker, Volker Kriegel, Ruby Braff, Jasper van 't Hof, Johannes Faber, Andy Scherrer, Harry Pepl, Christoph Spendel, Adelhard Roldinger, Message, Harry Sokal, Paul Grabowsky, Dieter Reith, Barbara Dennerlein, Wilton Gaynair, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Carmell Jones, Tete Montoliu, Fritz Pauer, Annie Ross, Pony Poindexter, Kristian Schultze, Olaf Kubler, Lothar Meid, and others ~ Nay was born in 1934
December 22, 1989 ~ Singer Jordin Sparks, full name Jordin Brianna Sparks, born in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ Rose to fame winning the sixth season of talent contest American Idol in 2007 at age 17, becoming the youngest winner in the series' history. Released her eponymous Jordin Sparks album later the same year and has been recording to mixed succes since. Best known for songs such as This Is My Now, Tattoo, No Air with Chris Brown, One Step At A Time and Battlefield. Has collaborated with 2 Chainz, Guy Sebastian, Alex Gaudino, Jason Derülo, Salaam Remi, and others
December 22, 1985 ~ Dennis Dale Boon, commonly known as singer, guitarist D Boon passed away in Arizona, USA ~ Guitarist, lead singer of punk rock outfit the Minutemen, known best for their critically acclaimed 1984 double album Double Nickels On The Dime. Boon was killed in a car crash at age 27. Shortly thereafter the band would be disbanded ~ Boon was born in 1958
December 22, 1982 ~ Rock guitarist Neal Tiemann, full name Neal Andrew Tiemann, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Closely associated with David Cook, appearing on Cook's solo albums, and serving alongside Cook in both the Anthemic and the Midwest Kings. Tiemann has also worked with DevilDriver, Bryan Jewett, Burn Halo, Uncle Kracker, and deathcore outfit Carnifex
December 22, 1977 ~ Choral conductor, organist, composer Fritz Werner passed away in Heilbronn, Germany ~ Best known for founding the Heinricj-Schütz-Chor Heilbronn in 1947, serving as its conductor until 1973. The ensemble is noted for its vast collection of recordings, especially the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, and for its impressive roster of soloists including Agnes Giebel, Claudia Hellmann, Kurt Huber, Maurice André, Marie-Claire Alain, and others ~ Werner was born in 1898
December 22, 1972 ~ Singer, actress, model Vanessa Paradis, full name Vanessa Chantal Paradis, born in St-Maur-des-Fosses, France ~ Rose to international stardom in 1987 at age 14 with the single Joe Le Taxi, written by Franck Langolff and Etienne Roda-Gil. The song would top the charts in her native France. It also became a hit across Europe including top 10 positions in Ireland and the UK, an uncommon feat for French-language songs. Paradis would remain successul in France and score another international hit in 1992 with Be My Baby, her first recording in English, written by then-boyfriend Lenny Kravitz
December 22, 1970 ~ Country, rock, R&B keyboardist, trombonist, singer Matt Hubbard born ~ Best known for his work with Willie Nelson since the late 1990s, including producing Nelson's 2001 Rainbow Connection album. Has worked with Ray Price, Archie Bell, Calvin Russell, Carolyn Wonderland, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Kurt Nilsen, Fastball, Tony Scalzo, and others. Member of the 7 Walkers since 2009, which also includes Bill Kreutzmann, George Porter Jr, Papi Mali
December 22, 1967 ~ Beatrice C Palmer, commonly known as singer, dancer Bee Palmer, passed away ~ Sometimes credited as the inventor of the “shimmy” dance. Toured with artists such as Emmett Hardy, Leon Roppolo, Santo Pecora, husband Al Siegel and others. Reportedly co-wrote the Gene Austin pop standard Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone, later also recorded by Mose Allison, Sammy Davis Jr, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, Connie Francis, Bill Haley, Helen Humes, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Leon Redbone, Rita Reys, Piano Red, Frank Sinatra, and Billie Holiday ~ Palmer was born in 1894
December 22, 1967 ~ Rhythm guitarist Richey Edwards born in Blackwood, UK ~ Rhythm guitarist, lyricist of alternative rock band the Manic Street Preachers, present on songs such as You Love Us, Roses In The Hospital, Faster. Edwards went missing in February 1995 and is presumed to be deceased ~ Edwards disappeared in 1995
December 22, 1967 ~ Lawrence Fewell Roberts II, commonly known as rock & roll singer Rockin' Robin Roberts, passed away in San Mateo County, California, USA ~ Member of rock & roll outfit the Wailers. As a solo artist best known for the Richard Berry-cover Louie Louie and Rockin' Robin ~ Roberts was born in 1940
December 22, 1966 ~ Alessandro Guido Baroni, commonly known as pop singer, balladeer Alex Baroni, born in Milan, Italy ~ Developed a passion for music from a young age onward, turned to singing when bed-ridden for a year after a motorcycle accident at age 17. Drew from funk, soul, and blues. Released four albums during his lifetime, starting with Fuorimetrica in 1994. Following his death at age 35, after a second severe motorcycle accident, several more albums would be released posthumously ~ Baroni passed away in 2002
December 22, 1965 ~ Drummer Michael Dahlquist oborn in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Best known as member of indie rock band Silkworm, influential on artists such as Jeff Tweedy, Stephen Malkmus, Clint Conley, and others. After Dahlquist's death in 2005 the band would disband. Bandmates Andy Cohen and Tim Midvett would subsequently continue under the moniker Bottomless Pit. Dahlquist has also worked with the Crust Brothers, appearing on the 1998 Marquee Mark album ~ Dahlquist passed away in 2005
December 22, 1964 ~ Peter Wagner, commonly known as heavy metal bassist, singer Peavy Wagner, born in Herne, West Germany ~ Influenced by Motörhead's Lemmy Kilmister. Lead singer, bassist of the Rage. Has also worked with the Bassinvaders, Mekong Delta, Axel Rudi Pell, Mob Rules, Victor Smolski, Darksun, and others
December 22, 1962 ~ Jazz saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart born in Les Abymes, France ~ Worked with Roy Hargrove, d'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Eric Benét, Meshell Ndegeocello, James Hurt, Danilo Pérez, Ari Hoenig, David Gilmore, the Gwoka Jazz Project, Malcolm Braff, Laurent David, Stephane Galland, and others
December 22, 1960 ~ Country, country-rock guitarist, singer Chuck Meade, full name Charles Lynn Mead, born in Nevada, Missouri, USA ~ Founded BR549, known for the single Cherokee Boogie of their eponymous 1996 BR549 debut album. Musical director, supervisor, arranger for the Tony Award-winning 2006 Broadway production The Million Dollar Quartet. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Journeyman's Wager released in 2009
December 22, 1960 ~ Trip hop, house, acid jazz, alternative dance bassist, keyboardist, guitarist, producer, songwriter Mark Brydon, full name Mark Errington Brydon, born ~ Formed Moloko with singer Roisin Murphy, known for 1990s, early 2000s songs such as Fun For Me, Sing It Back, The Time Is Now, and Familiar Feeling. Has also worked with Krush, Chakk, Cloud 9, Fon Force, Funky Worm, and others. Active as a remixer under a number of pseudonyms including DJ Plankton
December 22, 1959 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion bassist John Patitucci, full name John James Patitucci, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Ray Brown and Ron Carter. Closely associated with Chick Corea. Has also worked with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Roy Haynes, Joey Calderazzo, Peter Erskine, Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Tavaglione, John Beasley, Tal Farlow, John Abercrombie, Bob Mintzer, Jack DeJohnette, Steve Gadd, Al di Meola, Dave Grusin, Chuck Loeb, Lee Ritenour, the Manhattan Transfer, Warren Zevon, Natalie Cole, Charlie Bisharat, Michael Brecker, Norah Jones, the GRP All-Star Big Band, and others
December 22, 1959 ~ José Alberto Justiniano, commonly known as salsa singer Jose Alberto, born in Villa Consuelo, Santo Domingo ~ Sala singer became a household name in Latin America with his 1984 debut Nohes Caliente. Also especially known for his 1991 album Dance With Me, establishing a new style of salsa called salsa romantica
December 22, 1958 ~ Jazz fusion, smooth jazz, instrumental rock guitarist Frank Gambale born in Canberra, Australia ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name as a leader. In-demand sideman. Influential on Synyster Gates, Dweezil Zappa, Greg Howe, Pat Metheny, Jerry Garcia. Closely associated with Chick Corea. Has also worked with Vital Information, Allan Holdsworth, Shawn Lane, and others
December 22, 1958 ~ Kevin Lark Gibbs, commonly known as new age, light classical pianist, composer Kevin Kern, born in USA ~ Child prodigy, found playing Silent Night on the piano at a mere 18 months of age with no formal training whatsoever. Would go on to record close to a dozen albums, starting with In The Enchanted Garden released in 1996
December 22, 1957 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Ricky Ross, full name Richard Alexander Ross, born in Dundee, UK ~ Lead singer of Deacon Blue, known for the hit singles Real Gone Kid and I'll Never Fall In Love Again both of which hit the British top 10, respecively in 1988 and 1990. The band was named after the song Deacon Blues by Steely Dan
December 22, 1954 ~ Saxophonist, composer, arranger Darcy Hepner, full name Darcy Rolston Hepner, born in Edmonton, Canada ~ Son of conductor Lee Hepner and pianist Patricia Rolston. Leader and sideman. Worked with Blood Sweat & Tears, the Berlin Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, Larry Carlton, Andy Middleton, Ian Thomas, Tom Wilson, and others
December 22, 1953 ~ Pop, rock, blues guitarist Paul Warren born in Garden City, Michigan, USA ~ In-demand session and touring guitarist. Member of Ray Manzarek's Nite City, notably present on the 1978 Golden Days Diamond Nights sophomore and final album. Would go on to work with the Ventures, Tina Turner, Prism, notably Richard Marx serving as guitarist and musical director for seven years, and tour with Joe Cocker, Eros Ramazzotti, and Rod Stewart
December 22, 1949 ~ Twin brothers Maurice Gibb and Robin Gibb born in Douglas, Isle Of Man ~ Maurice and Robin are best known as two thirds of the Bee Gees, the third being their older brother Barry Gibb. The band would become one of the most successful pop rock acts. Well known songs include I've Gotta Get A Message To You, I Started A Joke, Lonely Days, How Can You Mend A Broken Heart, Jive Talkin', Nights On Broadway, You Should Be Dancing, How Deep Is Your Love, Stayin' Alive, Night Fever, Too Much Heaven, Tragedy, Love You Inside Out, and others. Maurice also worked with Tin Tin and with the Bloomfields ~ Maurice passed away in 2003, Robin in 2012
December 22, 1948 ~ Country singer Hank Williams records Lovesick Blues at Herzog, Cincinnati, Ohio ~ Written by Cliff Fiend and Irving Mills. Produced by Fred Rose. Originally recorded by Anna Chandler for the 1922 Oh Ernest musical. Most closely associated with Williams though. Released the following February featuring Never Again Will I Knock On Your Door on the flip side and an instant hit for Williams
December 22, 1947 ~ Willem Edgar van Dijk, commonly known as singer, actor Bill van Dijk. born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands ~ Represented the Netherlands in the 1982 Eurovision Songfestival with Jij En Ik reaching 16th place out of 18. Voice actor for the Dutch version of Sesamstraat. Best known for his roles in stage musicals, notably Dutch productions of Les Miserables, Evita and Miss Saigon. Has worked with Astrid Nijgh, Jan Rot, het VARA Dansorkest, the Skymasters, het Metropool Orkest, and Bruno Basta
December 22, 1946 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Mary McCaslin born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Influenced by Marty Robbins, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Hedy West, the Beatles, the Bee Gees. Actively recording since the late 1960s with over a dozen albums to her name. Known for her open guitar tunings and distinctive vocal style. Had her songs recorded by the likes of Tom Russell, Bill Staines, Gretchen Peters (Prairie In The Sky), David Bromberg, Kate Wolf, Stan Rogers, Còig, and others ~ McCaslin passed away in 2022
December 22, 1946 ~ Singer, guitarist Rick Nielsen, full name Richard Alan Nielsen, born in Rockford, Illinois, USA ~ Singer, guitarist, primary songwriter of Cheap Trick, known for songs such as I Want You To Want Me, The Flame, Don't Be Cruel and especially known for the 1979 Cheap Trick At Budokan live album. Nielsen guested on recordings by Glen Campbell, John Lennon, Hall & Oates, Mötley Crüe, the Foo Fighters, Alice Cooper, Gene Simmons, and others
December 22, 1944 ~ Colin Ernest Jenkins, commonly known as rock drummer, pianist, singer, songwriter Barry Jenkins, born in Leicester, UK ~ Member of the Nashville Teens, present on the hits Tobacco Road and Google Eye. Member of the Animals, replacing original drummer John Steel in 1966 remaining with the band until its disbandement in 1968. Credited as co-author on songs such as When I Was Young, San Franciscan Nights, Good Times and Sky Pilot. Has also worked with Heavy Jelly, BB Blunder, and rejoined a new incarnation of the Animals in 1992
December 22, 1944 ~ Michael Ralph Foster, commonly known as rock, pop, jazz fusion, funk bassist, guitarist, mandolinist, keyboardist, percussionist, producer Mo Foster, born in Byfleet, UK ~ As a solo artist acclaimed for his 1991 Southern Reunion album. Authored Seventeen Watts, a semi-autobiographical and anecdotal book published in 1997 about the birth and rise of rock guitar in the UK. Member of Affinity. Member of RMS. In-demand session musician with a career spanning five decades, appearing on over an estimated 300 albums. Notable credits include Olivia Newton-John, Roger Glover (The Butterfly Ball And The Grasshopper's Feast), Fancy, Cerrone (Love In C Minor), Eddie Hardin, Albert Hammond, Gerry Rafferty (Night Owl), Kevin Ayers, Peter Green, Cliff Richard, Gary Moore, Eros Ramazzotti (Musica E), Jeff Beck (Beckology), Luka Bloom, Michael Schenker, and Michael d'Abo ~ Foster passed away in 2023
December 22, 1942 ~ Saxophonist Dick Parry, full name Richard Parry, born in Kentford, UK ~ In-demand session musician. Notable credits include several solo saxophone parts with Pink Floyd, perhaps most recognizable in songs such as Money, Us And Them, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, and Wearing The Inside Out. Has also worked with JJ Jackson, Quiver, the Bonzo Dog Band, Mick Grabham, Kaz Lux, the Les Humphries Singers, Jimmy Witherspoon, David Gilmour, Deborah Bonham, and others
December 22, 1941 ~ Bernard Guerin, commonly known as jazz double bassist Beb Guérin, born in La Rochelle, France ~ Fixture on the Paris jazz scene from the 1960s onwards. In-demand sideman, present on recordings by Jacques Coursil (Way Ahead), Arthur Jones, Alan Silva, Dave Burrell, Clifford Thornton (Ketchaoua), Grachan Moncur III, the Celestrial Communication Orchestra, Sonny Sharrock, Archie Shepp, Jacques Thollot, Toto Bissainthe, and Burton Greene (Aquariana) ~ Guérin passed away in 1980
December 22, 1940 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Branislav Hronec born in Hronsek, Slovak Republic ~ After stints with the West Coast Combo and the Bratislava Jazz Studio founded the Bran Hronec Group in 1963, later renamed to the Bran Hronec Orchestra, with whom he recorded and toured internationally throughout the 1980s ~ Hronec passed away in 2022
December 22, 1939 ~ Gertrude Pridgett, commonly known as blues singer Ma Rainey passed away in Rome, Georgia, USA ~ Dubbed “the Mother of the Blues” and one of the first generation of blues singers to record. Bridged vaudeville and Southern blues. Worked with Will Rainey, the Rabbit's Foot Minstrel Show, the Tub Jug Washboard Band, Louis Armstrong, Reverend Thomas A Dorsey, the Georgia Jazz Band. Recorded over 100 songs in the 1920s including Bo-Weevil Blues, Moonshine Blues, See See Rider and Soon This Morning ~ Rainey was born in 1886
December 22, 1938 ~ Bassist, clarinetist, keyboardist Brian Locking born in Bedworth, UK ~ Briefly a member of Cliff Richard's backing unit the Shadows, including in the Summer Holiday film. Has also worked with the Wildcats, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Joe Brown, Conway Twitty, Brenda Lee, and others ~ Locking passed away in 2020
December 22, 1938 ~ Doo-wop, R&B singer, songwriter Sylvester Potts born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Member of bands such as the Four Sonics, the Hi-Fidelities, the Blenders and the Contours for which he also wrote or co-wrote numerous songs including It Must Be Love, One Day Too Late, Flashback, Spread The News Around, Storm Warning, Do The See-Saw and You Hurt Me So. Other artists who recorded his songs include Jimmy Ruffin (How Can I Say I'm Sorry), Marnie Galore (It Ain't Necessary), the Temptations (Give It Up), and Mary Wells (Have A Little Patience And Wait, Free From Your Spell), and others
December 22, 1937 ~ R&B singer, guitarist, songwriter Alvin Robinson born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ As a solo artist known for two 1960s tracks, the minor hit Something You Got, and Down Home Girl which was later notably covered by the Rolling Stones for their 1965 Rolling Stones No.2 album. Robinson recorded through the late 1960s but failed to chart. As a session musician Robinson is best known for his work with Dr John, present on the albums Dr John's Gumbo, Hollywood Be Thy Name, and City Lights. Robinson has also appeared on albums by Maria Muldaur, Ringo Starr Carly Simon, Tom Waits (Blue Valentine), and Chuck E Weiss ~ Robinson passed away in 1989
December 22, 1935 ~ Giuseppe Caruso, commonly known as composer, conductor, arranger Pippo Caruso, born in Catania, Italy ~ Best known as conductor, bandleader for several TV shows, starting with Canzonissima in the early 1970s, aired on RAI 1. Also wrote A Ruota Libera for Mita Medici, L'Amore È for Lorella Cuccarini & Alessandra Martines, and composed for films including Kill Johnny Ringo and Maladolescenza ~ Caruso passed away in 2018
December 22, 1928 ~ Singer Bing Crosby, backed by Paul Whiteman & his Orchestra, record Makin' Whoopee ~ Written by Gus Kahn and Walter Donaldson for the 1928 musical Whoopee, in which Eddie Cantor sang lead vocals. The Crosby-Whiteman version is one of the earliest recordings, and would reach the top 10 of the pop charts. The song would become a standard, later covered by numerous artists including Rudy Vallée, as a duet by Doris Day and Danny Thomas, by Frank Sinatra on the acclaimed Songs For Swingin' Lovers album, Harry Nilsson on his A Little Touch Of Schmilsson In The Night album, by Dr John & Rickie Lee Jones earning the duo a Grammy Award in 1989, and numerous others
December 22, 1922 ~ Harold Franklin Hawkins, commonly known as singer, guitarist Hawkshaw Hawkins born in Huntington, West Virginia, USA ~ Known for his rich, smooth vocals. Drew from blues, boogie and honky tonk. Married to country singer Jean Shepard. Best known for his 1962 single Lonesome 7-7203. The song would be released three days before his death, perishing in the same plane crash that also killed Cowboy Copas and Patsy Cline, and would reach No.1 Billboard Country after his death. Other well-known songs include Dog House Boogie, I Love You A Thousand Ways, I'm Waiting Just For You, and Slow Poke ~ Hawkins passed away in 1963
December 22, 1913 ~ Jazz, rock & roll pianist, arranger, composer Dudley Brooks born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ In-house pianist for Paramount Studios, for whom he worked closely with Elvis Presley on a number of albums and films including GI Blues, Blue Hawaii, and Girls Girls Girls. Brooks, one of several African Americans who worked with Presley, downplayed allegations that Presley was racist. Brooks is also well known for co-writing the Christmas classic (Everybody's Waiting For) The Man With The Bag, first recorded by Kay Starr in 1950 and covered by over 70 artists ~ Brooks passed away in 1989
December 22, 1910 ~ Trumpeter Reunald Jones Sr born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Father of trumpeter Reunald Jones Jr. Perhaps best known for his association with Count Basie, playing with the Count Basie Orchestra from 1952 through 1957. Has also worked with the Jones Boys, Speed Webb, Charlie Johnson, the Savoy Bearcats, Fess Williams, Chick Webb, Sam Wooding, Claude Hopkins, Willie Bryant, Teddy Hill, Don Redman, Erskine Hawkins, Duke Ellington, Jimmie Lunceford, Lucky Millinder, Sy Oliver, George Shearing, Nat King Cole, and others ~ Jones passed away in 1989
December 22, 1905 ~ Jazz saxophonist Art Christmas born in Kingston, Canada ~ Plays trumpet, piano, percussion, xylophone. Regarded as one of the leading and most influential saxophonists in the Britain jazz and dance band scenes from the 1920 through the 1940s. Has worked with Paul Specht, the Savoy Orpheans, Billy Mason, Roy Fox, and Jack Payne ~ Christmas passed away in 1961
December 22, 1901 ~ Abram Naumovich Kostelyanetz, commonly known as conductor, arranger Andre Kostelanetz, born in St Petersburg, Russia ~ Best known for arranging and recording light classical music, pop tunes, Broadway show tunes for mass audiences, especially on his weekly CBS radio show Andre Kostelanetz Presents starting in the 1930s. Has also worked with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra ~ Kostelanetz was born in 1980
December 22, 1901 ~ Danny Pollo, commonly known as jazz clarinetist Danny Polo, born in Clinton, Indiana, USA ~ Active since the early 1920s, working in Europe from the late-1920s through the mid-1930s. Worked with Claude Thornhill, Elmer Schoebel, Merritt Brunies, Arnold Johnson, Ben Bernie, Jean Goldkette, Paul Ash, Bert Firman, Lud Gluskin, Ben Berlin, Arthur Briggs, Bert Ambrose, Ray Ventura, Joe Sullivan, and Jack Teagarden, appearing with the latter in the 1942 Bing Crosby-film The Birth Of The Blues ~ Pollo passed away in 1949
December 22, 1900 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Alan Bush, full name Alan Dudley Bush, born in London, UK ~ Composed orchestral works, pageants, choruses, and operas. A committed communist, his uncompromising political beliefs would hinder his career and have him largely ignored by the music establishment even resulting in a brief ban. Drawing strong protests and opposed by then-prime minister Winston Churchill the ban would be short-lived, annulled following the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941. The composer's strong pro-Soviet stance during the Cold War would however leave him largely ignored in the West, his four operas premiered in East Germany ~ Bush passed away in 1995
December 22, 1883 ~ Composer Edgard Varèse, full name Edgard Victor Achille Charles Varèse, born in Paris, France ~ Dubbed by some as “the Father of Electronic Music” with a relatively small catalogue yet recognised as a major influence by major late 20th century composers including Milton Babbitt, Olivier Messiaen, John Cage, Morton Feldman, Pierre Boulez, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Iannis Xenakis, Frank Zappa, John Zorn, and others. Varese founded the International Composers Guild in 1921 and Pan-American Association Of Composers in 1926 ~ Varèse passed away in 1965