July 13, 2018 ~ Harry DePona Bone, commonly known as accordionist Ponty Bone, passed away ~ Early on in his career a member of Joe Ely's backing band, appearing on nearly half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Honky Tonk Masquerade released in 1978. Achieved fame fronting his own band the Squeezetones, with whom he performed and recorded for two decades starting in the early 1980s, drawing from gypsy dances, reggae-blues, Tex-mex polkas, Cajun boogie, and other idioms. Bone has also guested on recordings by Butch Hancock, Wes McGee, Rory McLeod, Jimmie Dale Gilmore (After Awhile), Omar & the Howlers, Jerry Jeff Walker, Charlie Robison (Bandera), and Robert Earl Keen ~ Bone was born in 1939
July 13, 2017 ~ Pianist, composer, arranger Egil Kapstad passed away in Kristiansand, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Appears on over 60 albums. Worked with Karin Krog, Chet Baker, Red Mitchell, Bjørn Johansen, Bjarne Nerem, Jon Larsen, Magni Wentzel, Jan Erik Bold, Lars Klevstrand, Ole Paus, Rolf Jacobsen, Thorgeir Stubø, Per Husby, Laila Dalseth, Bjørn Alterhaug, Bodil Niska, Hilde Hefte, Ola Kvernberg, Staffan William-Olsson, Per Husby, Hilde Hefte, and others ~ Kapstad was born in 1940
July 13, 2017 ~ Christopher Wong Won, commonly known as rapper, producer Fresh Kid Ice, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Co-founding member of rap group 2 Live Crew, best known for their 1989 hit single Me So Horny and Banned In The USA the following year. The group would be considered controversial for their sexually explicit lyrics, often bordering on misogyny. Won remained with the group throughout its entire existence ~ Won was born in 1964
July 13, 2017 ~ Punk-pop, indie pop singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Simon Holmes, full name Simon Carter Holmes, passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Singer, lead guitarist for indie rock bands the Hummingbirds from the mid-1980s through the early 2000s, known for their 1989 LoveBUZZ debut album, and Her Name In Lights during the early 2000s ~ Holmes was born in 1963
July 13, 2016 ~ Juan Peña Fernández, commonly known as flamenco guitarist, singer El Lebrijano, passed away in Sevilla, Spain ~ Acclaimed flamenco-fusion musician active since the early 1950s, initially as an accompaniest and later turning to singing. Closely associated with Paco de Lucia. As a solo artist known for pivotal flamenco albums such as Casablanca, Open Doors and Encuentros ~ Fernández was born in 1941
July 13, 2014 ~ Conductor, violinist Lorin Maazel, full name Lorin Varencove Maazel, passed away in Virginia, USA ~ Child prodigy praised for his perfect pitch. Has his first conducting lesson at age seven, debuting at age 8 conducting the University of Idaho Orchestra. Would go on to serve as music director for the Cleveland Orchestra, the Orchestre National de France, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and others ~ Maazel was born in 1930
July 13, 2013 ~ Actor, singer Cory Monteith, full name Cory Allan Michael Monteith, passed away in Vancouver, Canada ~ Best known for portraying the role of Finn Hudson on the musical drama TV series Glee. Monteith had struggled with substance abuse since his early teens and died of an apparent accidental overdose of heroin and alcohol at age 31 ~ Monteith was born in 1982
July 13, 2011 ~ Jordan Ragovoy, commonly known as songwriter, producer Jerry Ragovoy, passed away ~ Perhaps best known for penning Time Is On My Side, first recorded by Kai Winding and notably covered by Irma Thomas and subsequently the Rolling Stones. Other well known songs written or co-written by Ragovoy include Stay With me recorded by well over 50 artists including Lorraine Ellison, the Walker Brothers, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Bette Midler, and Piece Of My Heart originally recorded by Erma Franklin and made famous by Janis Joplin. Others who have recorded his songs include Garnet Mimms, Justine Washington, the Drifters, Elvis Presley, Miriam Makeba, Dionne Warwick, Barry White, and the Pointer Sisters ~ Ragovoy was born in 1930
July 13, 2009 ~ Country singer Brad Paisley releases his Welcome To The Future single ~ Released as the third single off the American Saturday Night album. Inspired by the election of President Barack Obama, whom Paisley endorsed, the song tells of changes, big and small, the singer has seen throughout his life. The song would be warmly received by critics and reach No.2 on the Billboard Country charts. Paisley performed the song at the White House for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama about a week after the single's release, a performance at which Paisley said he included the allusion to Martin Luther King's “I have a dream” speech in the lyrics because he thought King's dream of racial equality was realized by Obama's election
July 13, 2008 ~ Jazz, swing, bop pianist, organist Gerald Wiggins, full name Gerald Foster Wiggins Sr, passed away in Encino, California, USA ~ Flexible pianist with over a dozen albums to his name as leader or co-leader, often working with a trio including bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Paul Humphrey. Especially noted for his 1953 Gerald Wiggins Trio album. As a sideman, Wiggins has appeared on albums by Zoot Sims (Zoot Sims In Paris), Milt Jackson, Joe Morello, Red Callender (Swingin' Suite), Buddy Collette (Man Of Many Parts), Frances Faye, Jack Millman (Shades Of Things To Come), Ray Bryant, Victor Feldman (Suite Sixteen), Curtis Counce, Billy Eckstine, Benny Carter (Aspects), Eric Dolphy, Lou Rawls, Mel Brown (Chicken Fat), Harry Sweets Edison, and Linda Hopkins ~ Wiggins was born in 1922
July 13, 2004 ~ Glam rock bassist Arthur Kane, full name Arthur Harold Kane Jr, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of the New York Dolls, remaining with the band through 1975. Present on the band's key albums, 1973's The New York Dolls and 1974's Too Much Too Soon. Has also worked with Blackie Lawless, Sid Vicious, the London Cowboys, and the Corpse Grinders ~ Kane was born in 1949
July 13, 2004 ~ Reggaeton, hip hop rapper Daddy Yankee releases his Barrio Fino album ~ His third studio album would not only mark a commercial breakthrough for Daddy Yankee, aided by the international success of the album's lead single Gasolina, but for the genre of reggaeton as well, a raw blend of hip hop and reggae, born on the streets of Puerto Rico. Over the remainder of his career, Daddy Yankee would sell over an estimated 30 million records, earning him the tag “the King of Reggaeton”
July 13, 1995 ~ Jazz trumpeter, singer, bandleader Aimé Barelli passed away in Monaco ~ Leader and sideman. Fixture on the French jazz scene from the 1940s onward, initially backing the likes of Django Reinhardt, Fred Adison, Alix Combelle, André Ekyan, Maceo Jefferson, Raymond Legrand, Hubert Rostaing, and Raymond Wraskoff. Would go to play with visiting American musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Sidney Bechet, and Charlie Parker. Starting in the mid-1960s, he would lead his own ensemble in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Barelli's daughter, singer Minouche Barelli, would follow in her father's footsteps ~ Barelli was born in 1917
July 13, 1986 ~ Joseph Thomas Escovedo, commonly known as percussionist Coke Escovedo, passed away in Montebello, California, USA ~ Has worked with jazz vibraphonist Cal Tjader, notably present on the 1971 Agua Dulce album. Member of Santana during the early 1970, including on the 1971 Santana III album. Formed Azteca with his brother percussionist Pete Escovedo. Recorded a handful of solo albums in the mid-1970s, and collaborated with the likes of Boz Scaggs, Cold Blood, It's A Beautiful Day, and Malo ~ Escovedo was born in 1941
July 13, 1974 ~ Singer Deborah Cox born in Toronto, Canada ~ Sang backup for Céline Dion. Debuted as a solo artist with the eponymous Deborah Cox album in 1985, working with producers such as Dallas Austin, Keith Crouch, and Babyface. Known for songs such as Who Do You Love, Nobody's Supposed To Be Here, and We Can't Be Friends. Has collaborated with Montell Jordan, Shep Crawford, Rodney Jenkins, Whitney Houston, Clive Davis, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Jermaine Dupri, Warryn Campbell, Johnta Austin, the Avila Brothers, Sebastian Ingrosso, Akon, RL Huggart, Fanatic, George Vector, and others.
July 13, 1971 ~ Extreme metal drummer Tomas Haake born in Örnsköldvik, Sweden ~ Influenced by heavy metal, jazz fusion and progressive rock, citing drummers such as Phil Rudd, Vinny Appice, Neil Peart, Ian Mosley, and Terry Bozzio as influences. Regulary voted among the best metal drummers in various readers polls. Married to actress, singer Jessica Pimentel. Drummer and primary lyricist for extreme metal band Meshuggah, also providing spoken word vocals on songs such as Choirs Of Devastation, Inside What's Behind Within, Sane, and Spasm
July 13, 1966 ~ Soul, R&B, new jack swing singer, songwriter, producer Gerald Levert, full name Gerald Edward Levert, born in Canton, Ohio, USA ~ Son of Eddie Levert of the O'Jays. One third of Levert, alongside Marc Gordon and brother Sean Levert. Member of LSG, alongside Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill. Wrote and produced for artists including Patti Labelle, Barry White, Stephanie Mills, Anita Baker, Eugene Wilde, Teddy Pendergrass, James Ingram, Freddie Jackson, Chuckii Booker, Rude Boys, New Edition, and Men At Large ~ Levert passed away in 2006
July 13, 1966 ~ David Christopher Daniel Wahlgren, commonly known as hip-hop, ragga, dancehall, trip hop rapper, songwriter Papa Dee, born in Sweden ~ Draws from hip hop, dancehall, soul, and reggae. Has worked with the Stonefunkers, present on the 1991 Harder Than Kryptonite album. Worked with loose collective Brooklyn Funk Essentials, appearing on the 1995 Cool And Steady And Easy album. Well over half a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with Lettin' Off Steam in 1990. Best known for songs such as Ain't No Substitute, The First Cut Is The Deepest, and The Journey, all of which reached top 10 in his native Sweden
July 13, 1965 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Neil Thrasher, full name Joe Neil Thrasher Jr, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Formed the duo Thrasher Shriver with Kelly Shriver. Sang backing vocals for Garth Brooks. Best known as a songwriter. Artists who have recorded songs written or co-written by Thrasher include Diamond Rio (That's What I Get For Lovin' You), Rhett Akins, Reba McEntire (What Do You Say), Meredith Edwards, Kenny Chesney (I Lost It), Jeff Carson, Rascal Flatts (Take Me There), Jason Aldean (Fly Over States), Bryan Austin, Jackie Lee, Chris Cagle, Billy Ray Cyrus, Ronnie Dunn (Ain't No Trucks In Texas), Randy Houser, Montgomery Gentry, Marty Raybon, Collin Raye, and others
July 13, 1962 ~ Jazz saxophonist Perico Sambeat born in Valencia, Spain ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name since the early 1990s, especially noted for 1998's Ademuz. In-demand sideman, present on albums by José Luis Gámez, Presuntos Implicados, Carlos Barretto, Alguímia, Bob Sands, Brad Mehldau, Guy Barker, Bernardo Sassetti, George Colligan, (Como La Vida Puede Ser (How Life Could Be)), Luis Salinas, Sole Giménez, and Alexis Cuadrado
July 13, 1962 ~ Bluegrass, gospel singer, fiddler, mandolin player Rhonda Vincent born in Kirksville, Missouri, USA ~ Active since childhood starting in the family outfit the Sally Mountain Show. Would go on to become an in-demand collaborator and solo artist known for her progressive chord structures and her virtuosity on fiddle, banjo and guitar. Debuted as a solo artist with the album New Dreams And Sunshine in 1988. Has worked with Dolly Parton, Daryle Singletary, Gene Watson, Alan Jackson, Tanya Tucker, Joe Diffie, and with Faith Hill
July 13, 1962 ~ Country singer, songwriter Victoria Shaw, full name Victoria Lynn Shaw, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt. Best known as a songwriter, penning or co-penning songs such as Garth Brooks' The River, Doug Stone's Too Busy Being In Love, and John Michael Montgomery's I Love The Way You Love Me. As a singer debuted in 1994 with her In Full View album
July 13, 1958 ~ Drummer Rafael Gayol born in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Worked with Charlie Sexton, the BoDeans, Robbie Robertson, A-ha, Shawn Colvin, Bob Schneider, Tito & Tarantula, Billy Harvey, Robert Rodriguez, Patty Griffin, David Rice, Joe Ely, Kelly Willis, Bruce Robison, Tish Hinojosa, Jon Dee Graham, the Flatlanders, Colin Gilmore, Eliza Gilkyson, Patricia Vonne, Scott Gibson, Tonio K, Bascom Hill, Mason Ruffner, Trish Murphy, Maggie Walters, the Doll Congress, Leonard Cohen, Bleu Edmondson, and others
July 13, 1957 ~ Composer, conductor, producer Glen Roven, full name Glen Paul Roven, born ~ Musical director of the Broadway-production of Sugar Babes at a mere age 19. Conducted the inaugural concerts of Bill Clinton and of George W Bush. Conducted the last TV appearance of Frank Sinatra. Has also worked with artists such as Julie Andrews, Anita Baker, Michael Bolton, Bono, Ray Charles, Denyce Graves, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Patti Labelle, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Trisha Yearwood, and others ~ Roven passed away in 2018
July 13, 1955 ~ Jazz, pop rock saxophonist Chris White born in Bristol, UK ~ Member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Toured with the Dire Straits from 1985 onwards, including playing the Live Aid concert and the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Concert. Briefly a member of the Notting Hillbillies. Has also worked with Robbie Williams, Paul McCartney, Chris De Burgh and Mick Jagger. Released a solo album, Shadowdance, in 1991
July 13, 1954 ~ Country singer Louise Mandrell, full name Thelma Louise Mandrell, born in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA ~ Sister of Barbara Mandrell and Irlene Mandrell. Active since the 1970s with a string of hits during the 1980s including Runaway Heart, Save Me, I'm Not Through Loving You, Maybe My Baby and I Wanna Say Yes
July 13, 1953 ~ Jazz bassist Sigurd Ulveseth born in Bergen, Norway ~ As a leader debuted in 1995 with the To Wisdom The Prize album, backed by Adam Nussbaum, Knut Riisnæs and Dag Arnesen. Has also worked with Frank Jacobsen, Tore Faye, Knut Kristiansen, Ole Jacob Hystad, Jan Kåre Hystad, Merethe Mikkelsen, the Urban Connection, Swap, and others
July 13, 1947 ~ Jayne Rogers, commonly known as singer Jayne County, born in Dallas, Georgia, USA ~ Also went by the moniker Wayne County. Rock's first openly transgender singer. Fronted glam rock-inspired proto-punk outfit Wayne County & the Electric Chairs, known for their foul-mouthed ballads and outrageous stage antics. Though never a household name Rogers has influenced artists such as David Bowie, the Ramones, Patti Smith, Lou Reed
July 13, 1946 ~ Keyboardist, arranger, composer Andrew Pryce Jackman born ~ Member of mid-1960s rock outfit the Syn. Best known for arranging and conducting a series Classic Rock albums with the London Symphony Orchestra. Has also worked as arranger for the likes of Peter Skellern, the English Congregation, Rush, Barclay James Harvest, and Yes ~ Jackman passed away in 2003
July 13, 1946 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter João Bosco, full name Joã Bosco de Freitas Mucci, born in Ponte Move, Brazil ~ Emerged in the 1970s as one of the leading figures in Brazilian pop music. Frequent collaborator of lyricist Aldir Blanc. Best known for songs such as Papel Mache, Cors´no, O Mestre Sala Dos Mares, Latin Lover and Incompatibilidade De Génios
July 13, 1942 ~ James Joseph McGuinn, commonly known as rock, folk, country singer, guitarist, songwriter Roger McGuinn born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Asked his parents to buy him a guitar after hearing Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel. Co-founding and constant member of the Byrds, with whom he recorded about a dozen albums, a pivotal 1960s band influential on psychedelia as well as country-rock. McGuinn wrote or co-wrote several of the band's best known including Eight Miles High and Mr Spaceman. Following the band's disbandement in the early 1970s has recorded as a solo artist, starting with the eponymous Roger McGuinn in 1973, and reconvened with former bandmates Gene Clark and Chris Hillman on the 1979 McGuinn Clark & Hillman album
July 13, 1942 ~ Drummer Stephen Bladd, full name Stephen Jo Bladd, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Co-founding member of the J Geils Band, remaining with the band until its disbandement in 1985. The band is best-known for songs such as Must Of Got Lost, Centerfold, Freeze Frame and Angel In Blue
July 13, 1936 ~ Avant-garde jazz saxophonist, singer, composer Albert Ayler born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Hard to categorize saxophonist straddles the line between R&B, bebop and free jazz. Leader and sideman. Critically acclaimed for mid-1960s recordings, especially Spiritual Unity. Influenced numerous free jazz saxophonists including Charles Gayle, Ken Vandermark, Peter Brötzmann, and David S Ware. Worked with Little Walter, Stanley Turrentine, Gary Peacock, Sunny Murray, Alan Silva, Henry Vestine, Harold Budd, Cecil Taylor, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Ronnie Gardiner, Don Cherry, John Tchicai, Roswell Rudd, Beaver Harris, Henry Grimes, his brother Donald Ayler and others ~ Ayler passed away in 1970
July 13, 1935 ~ Percussionist Pete Escovedo, full name Peter Michael Escovedo, born in Pittsburg, California, USA ~ Began his career as a singer backing Mongo Santamaria in the late 1950s. Master percussionist, considered a key figure in Latin music since the 1970s. Brother of Alejandro Escovedo and Coke Escovedo, father of drummer Sheila E. Co-founded Azteca with his brother Coke, the band known for the early 1970s albums Azteca and Pyramid Of The Moon. As an in-demand session musician Escovedo has appeared on albums by Cal Tjader, Boz Scaggs, Tito Puente, Betty Davis, Santana, George Duke, Billy Cobham (Inner Conflicts), Con Funk Shun (Candy), Herbie Hancock, Dionne Farriss (Wild Seed Wild Flower), Tony Toni Toné, Kenny G, and Vanessa Williams
July 13, 1929 ~ Jazz saxophonist Pedro Iturralde, full name Pedro Iturralde Ochoa, born in Falces, Spain ~ Flamenco-infused jazz. As a composer best known for his Czárdás composition. Has worked with the Spanish National Orchestra, Paco de Lucia, Pepe De Antequerra and notably with Donna Hightower on the latter's 1974 I'm In Love With Love album ~ Iturralde passed away in 2020
July 13, 1928 ~ Bassist Leroy Vinnegar born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Earned the nickname “the Walker” for his trademark rhythmic walking bass line, a steady series of ascending or descending notes. Vinnegar first gained notoriety in the 1950s recording with artists such as Lee Konitz, André Previn (including on the quintessential 1956 album My Fair Lady, one of the most successful records ever produced), Stan Getz, Shorty Rogers, Chet Baker, Shelly Manne, Joe Castro, and Serge Chaloff. Vinnegar has recorded with numerous others since, including Dolo Coker, Sonny Criss, the Doors (on the 1968 album Waiting For The Sun), Kenny Drew, Teddy Edwards, Red Garland, the Jazz Crusaders, and with Van Morrison (on the critically acclaimed 1972 album St Dominics Preview) ~ Vinnegar passed away in 1999
July 13, 1915 ~ Jazz, blues saxophonist, bandleader, songwriter Paul Williams born in Lewisburg, Tennessee, USA ~ One of the first to employ the honking tenor saxophone solo, a hallmark of later R&B and rock & roll records. Known for songs such as Thirty-Five Thirty, You're Breaking My Heart No More, Waxie Maxie, Blowing The Boogie, Walking Around, and for his biggest hit and signature song Huckle Buck recorded late 1948. Worked with Lloyd Henderson, Amos Milburn, Noble Thin Man Watts, Phil Guilbeau, Danny Cobb, Jumping Jimmy Brown, Joan Shaw, Connie Allen, Ruth Brown, Elmore James, Dave Baby Cortez, Lloyd Price, James Brown, Otis Redding, Tommy Tucker, and others ~ Williams passed away in 2002
July 13, 1908 ~ Jazz pianist, bandleader Ernst van 't Hoff born in Zandvoort, the Netherlands ~ During World War II ordered by the occupying Nazis to lead a big band and play state-approved dance music, but played jazz anyway for which he was repeatedly punished and eventually, in 1944, relieved from his post. Worked with Robert de Kers, Jean Omer, Hans Mossel, Ancienne Belgique, Ack van Rooyen, and others ~ Van 't Hoff passed away in 1955
July 13, 1908 ~ Country singer, songwriter Tim Spencer, full name Vernon Harold Timothy Spencer, born in Webb City, Missouri, USA ~ Founded pivotal country group the Sons Of The Pioneers with Bob Nolan and Roy Rogers, known for songs such as Cool Water, Room Full Of Roses and Tumbling Tumbleweeds. Spencer remained with the group through 1949 ~ Spencer passed away in 1976