July 29, 1985 ~ Classical, jazz composer Nicholas Urie born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Collaborated with Bob Brookmeyer, Dave Samuels, Brian Landrus. As a composer had his works performed by the Metropole Orchestra, John Scofield, Kurt Elling, Vince Mendoza, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, the Mobius Chamber Orchestra, the Jazz Composers Orchestra, and others
July 29, 1983 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Ashley McBryde born in Waldron, Arkansas, USA ~ Self-released two albums, 2006's Ashley McBryde and 2011's Elsebound, before gaining major attention in 2017, 2018 with both The New York Times and Rolling Stone including her single A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega on their lists of best songs of 2017 and a major label debut, 2018's Girl Going Nowhere on Warner Music Nashville
July 29, 1981 ~ Folk violinist, composer Gjermund Larsen born in Verdal, Norway ~ Debuted in 2004 with the album Sottenpassingen and has recorded steadily since. Has also worked with Frigg, Christian Wallumrød, Odd Nordstoga, Maj Britt Andersen, Reidar Larsen, Majorstuen, Maria Arredondo, Christel Alsos, Moddi, Arve Henriksen, and others
July 29, 1980 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader, composer Logan Richardson born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Member of the Next Collective. Member of Equality. Fronts the Shift. Also worked with Pat Metheny, Jason Moran, Harish Raghavan, Nasheet Waits, Jay McShann, Bill McGlaughin, Christian Scott, Gerald Clayton, Tony Tixler, Billy Hart, Jesse Elder, Ambrose Akinmusire, Gregory Tardy, Joe Chambers, and others
July 29, 1978 ~ Singer, songwriter Nicole Scherzinger born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ First gained attention as member of Eden's Crush. Rose to prominence as lead singer of girl group the Pussycat Dolls, known for the albums PCD and Doll Domination. Debuted as a solo singer with the Killer Love album released in 2011
July 29, 1977 ~ Brian Burton, commonly known as rapper Danger Mouse, born in White Plains, New York, USA ~ First drew crtitical attention in 2004 with The Grey Album, which combined vocals from Jay-Z's The Black Album with instrumentals from the Beatles' The Beatles (The White Album). Formed Gnarls Barkley with Cee Lo Green, known for the hit Crazy. Also worked with Danger Doom, DM & Jemini, and with Broken Bells. Produced Gorillaz' sophomore album Demon Days. As a producer and songwriter Burton has also worked on albums by Beck (Modern Guilt), the Black Keys, the Red Hot Chili Peppers (Guilt), Norah Jones, Electric Guest, Portugal The Man, Adele (25), and A$AP Rocky
July 29, 1977 ~ Rodney Roy Jerkins, commonly known as producer Darkchild, born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA ~ Highly successful prolific producer, rapper, songwriter who collaborated with artists such as Sam Smith (Stay With Me), Janet Jackson, Brandy (The Boy Is Mine, What About Us), Jennifer Lopez, Mary J Blige (I Can Love You, Enough Crying), Tatyana Ali (Daydreaming), Monica (Angel Of Mine), Britney Spears, Ludacris, Whitney Houston (It's Not Right But It's Okay), Destiny's Child (Say My Name), Toni Braxton (He Wasn't Man Enought), Michael Jackson (You Rock My World), Ciara, Beyoncé (Déjà Vu), Lady Gaga (Telephone), Justin Bieber (As Long As You Love Me), and others
July 29, 1974 ~ Actor, author, singer, songwriter Josh Radnor, full name Joshua Thomas Radnor, born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for portraying the role of Ted Mosby in the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother. As a musician known as half of the duo Radnor & Lee, the other half being the Australian singer Ben Lee. The duo released their debut album, Radnor & Lee, in 2017
July 29, 1973 ~ R&B, new jack swing singer Wanya Morris, full name Wanya Jermaine Morris, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Constant member of Boyz II Men, known for Billboard Hot 100 top 10 songs such as Motownphilly, It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday, End Of The Road, In The Still Of The Nite (I'll Remember), I'll Make Love To You, On Bended Knee, Water Runs Dry, 4 Seasons Of Loneliness, and A Song For Mama
July 29, 1972 ~ Jazz drummer, composer Roger Johansen born in Bodø, Norway ~ Brother of trumpeter Tore Johansen. Worked with artists such as Randy Brecker, Jan Erik Kongshaug, Hallgeir Pedersen, Harald Halvorsen, Halvard Kausland, Staffan William-Olsson, Jan Gunnar Hoff, Terje Venaas, Finn Sletten, Knut Kristiansen, Hector Bingert, Gustavo Bergalli, Levin Dean, Frode Alnæs, Ole Paus, Erik Bye, Mari Boine, Mia Gundersen, Gjertrud Okland, Kenny Wheeler, Slide Hampton, Juan Pablo Torres, Randy Johnston, Barbara Morrison, Hal Galper, Larry Vuckovich, Bob Mintzer, Herb Geller, John Surman, and others
July 29, 1972 ~ Alternative rock bassist Simon Jones, full name Simon Robin David Jones, born in Liverpool, UK ~ Bassist for the Verve, best known for Bitter Sweet Symphony taken of their 1997 Urban Hymns. The single would reach top 10 in the UK, top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following the band's initial disbandement in 1999 Jones formed the short-lived the Shining with bandmate guitarist, keyboardist Simon Tong. Jones has also guested on Howie Day's Stop All The World sophomore album, backed Cathy Davey, and performed live with Damon Albarn's Gorillaz
July 29, 1966 ~ Singer Martina McBride born in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, USA ~ Debuted in 1991 with the neo-traditionalist single Time Has Come. Developed into country-pop crosover over the years. Dubbed “the Céline Dion of Country” for her soprano range. Known for songs such as Safe In The Arms Of Love, Concrete Angel, God's Wull, and I'm Gonna Love You Through It. Duetted with Clint Black on Still Holding On. Teamed up with Linda Davis, Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood on On My Own
July 29, 1962 ~ Hideaki Ishi, commonly known as DJ, producer DJ Krush, born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Considered a pioneer of Japanese hip-hop. Known for his atmospheric instrumental production incorporating sound element from nature and extensive use of jazz and soul samples. Has done notable remixes of songs by kd Lang (Sexuality), DJ Vadim, Roy Hargrove, Sugizo, Dragon Ash, Herbie Hancock (The Essence), Tetsuya Komuro, and Akira Sakata
July 29, 1959 ~ Heavy metal, glam metal guitarist, bassist, singer John Sykes, full name John James Sykes, born in Reading, UK ~ Influenced by Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore, and Gary Moore. Member of Tygers Of Pan Tang. Member of Thin Lizzy, present on their 1983 Thunder And Lightning album. Member of Whitesnake, present on the band's 1987 eponymous Whitesnake. Formed and fronted Blue Murder and has recorded as a solo artist since the late 1980s
July 29, 1954 ~ Christian rock keyboardist, trombonist, songwriter Mark Gershmehl born in Fort Wayne, USA ~ Alongside Billy Smiley, the only other constant member of White Heart, widely regarded as one of the premier Christian rock bands. Though the band was nominated for a Dove Award, they never won one. Smiley and Gershmel were also bandmates in the Gaither Vocal Band. Gersmehl has also written for artists such as Kathy Troccoli, Sandi Patty, Geoff Moore, and others. Married to Rachel Rachel-keyboardist Brynn Beltran since 1993
July 29, 1953 ~ Gary Lee Weinrib, commonly known as bassist, keyboardist, singer Geddy Lee born in Willowdale, Canada ~ Serves as lead vocalist, bassist, keyboardist of Rush since 1968. Influenced by Jack Bruce, John Entwistle, Jeff Beck, Procol Harum, Paul McCartney, Chris Squire, and James Jamerson. In turn influenced Cliff Burton, Steve Harris, John Myung, Les Claypool, and Tim Commerford.
July 29, 1948 ~ Christian singer, guitarist, songwriter Bryn Haworth borrn in Darwen, UK ~ Some two dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with Let The Days Go By released in 1974. Member of Les Fleur De Lys, the house band for the UK division of Atlantic Records backing artists such as Isaac Hayes, Barney Kessel, Sharon Tandy. As a songwriter had his songs recorded by Lulu, Sandy Denny, Mary Black. Has also worked with Jackie Lomax, Chris De Burgh, Joan Armatrading, Iain Matthews, Gerry Rafferty and with Cliff Richard
July 29, 1946 ~ Conductor Enoch zu Guttenberg born in Guttenberg. Germany ~ Influenced by Bernhard Paumgartner, Antal Doráti, and Karl von Feilitzsch. Formed several musical ensembles for choral works and choirs including the famed Chorgemeinschaft Neubeurern in 1967. Environmental activist, co-founded BUND, a German non-profit dedicated to protect the natural environment ~ Zu Guttenberg passed away in 2018
July 29, 1946 ~ Pianist, keyboardist Neal Doughty, full name Neal Allan Doughty, born in Evanston, Illinois, USA ~ Sole constant member of REO Speedwagon, known for songs such as Keep On Loving You, Take It On The Run, Keep The Fire Burning and Can't Fight This Feeling. Noted for his organ solo on Roll With The Changes and his honky-tonk piano on 157 Riverside Avenue
July 29, 1945 ~ Jazz guitarist Joe Beck born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Fluent in a number of styles including jazz fusion, post bop, mainstream jazz, soul jazz, and rock. Worked with Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Esther Phillips, Ali Ryerson, John Abercrombie, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Howard Robert, Tommy Tedesco, Larry Coryell, Tom Scott, Jeremy Steig, Gábor Szabó, Gene Ammons, Gato Barbieri, James Brown (on the 1975 LP Reality), Rusty Bryant, Hank Crawford, Chico Hamilton, Mike Mainieri, Paul Simon (on the LP's Still Crazy After All These Years, and One Trick Pony), Leon Spencer, Bobby Timmons, Kai Winding, and others ~ Beck passed away in 2008
July 29, 1935 ~ Theater director, songwriter Jacques Levy born in New York, New York, USA ~ Frequently collaborated with Roger McGuinn, notably on the single Chestnut Mare of the Untitled album. Perhaps best known for co-writing the majority of songs on Bob Dylan's Desire album, including Hurricane and Isis ~ Levy passed away in 2004
July 29, 1935 ~ Opera, concert singer, conductor Peter Schreier born in Meissen, Germany ~ Started as an alto soloist, notably with Dresdner Kreuzchor, but would turn to tenor parts later on. Considered one of the leading lyric tenors of the 20th century renowned for his lieder singing and opera roles, particularly in works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Has worked with the Berlin State Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, and others ~ Schreier passed away in 2019
July 29, 1934 ~ Jazz, R&B saxophonist Ernie Fields Jr born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Son of trombonist, pianist Ernie Fields, with whom he has also worked. Composed the score to the 1978 film Disco Godfather. Toured with James Brown alumnus Fred Wesley during the 1990s. Fields was an in-demand session musician, appearing on albums by Alphonso Johnson, Albert King, Freddie Hubbard, Martha Reeves, Marvin Gaye (Here My Dear), Marlena Shaw, Teena Marie (Wild & Peaceful), Rick James (Bustin' Out Of L Seven), Aretha Franklin, Third World, Miles Davis, Two Tons Of Fun, and Stevie Wonder ~ Fields passed away in 2024
July 29, 1933 ~ Lloyd Arrington Sparks, commonly known as singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Randy Sparks, born in Leavenworth, Kansas, USA ~ Founded the New Christy Minstrels, most acclaimed for their 1962 Presenting The New Christy Minstrels debut album, and for often-covered songs such as Green Green, Saturday Night and Today written or co-written by Sparks. The band is also especially noted for including Barry McGuire and for launching the careers of John Denver and Kenny Rogers. Sparks also founded the Back Porch Majority, initially intended as a rehearsal space for the Minstrels, yet the group would become successful on its own, recording about half a dozen albums. A 1964 review by The New York Times would read: “The Minstrels maintain the sort of bubbling good spirits that ought to be bottled and sold at every supermarket in the land. They suggest a Norman Rockwell portrait of nine youths who are smiling their way through song and life” ~ Sparks passed away in 2024
July 29, 1931 ~ Jazz pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger Kjell Karlsen, full name Kjell Oddvar Karlsen, born in Sarpsborg, Norway ~ Father of singer Webe Karlsen. Founded his first orchestra at age 16. Has worked with Karin Krog, Totti Bergh, Bjørn Johansen, Harald Bergersen, Ole Jacob Hansen, Frode Thingnæs, Erik Amundsen, Grynet Molvig, Laila Dalseth, Odd Børre, Kirsti Sparboe, and others ~ Karlsen passed away in 2020
July 29, 1930 ~ James Frank Stewart, commonly known as label executive, producer Jim Stewart, born in Middleton, Tennessee, USA ~ Co-founded the Stax/Volt label with his sister Estelle Axton in 1957. The company would be one of the defining forces in 1960s, 1970s R&B and soul with a roster of artists that included Rufus Thomas, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Don Covay, Johnnie Taylor, the Staple Singers, Isaac Hayes, and Booker T & the MG's. The latter was initially formed as the label's in-house studio band, yet are also specifically remembered for several recordings in their own right, some of which including the instrumental Green Onions are regarded as among the funkiest grooves of the era ~ Stewart passed away in 2022
July 29, 1927 ~ Howard Weiss, commonly known as conductor, pianist, arranger Peter Howard, born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Rose to prominence in the 1960s, conducting and arranging the original Broadway productions of Hello Dolly, 1776, and Annie. Other notable credits include arranging for productions of musicals such as Chicago, The Tap Dance Kid, and Crazy For You ~ Weiss passed away in 2008
July 29, 1925 ~ Michail Theodorakis, commonly known as composer, activist Mikis Theodorakis, born in Chios, Greece ~ One of Greece's most acclaimed composers, having scored over 1,000 works. Has scored music for films such as Zorba The Greek which included Sirtaki, Z and Serpico. Wrote The Mauthausen Trilogy, one of the most revered musical pieces written about the Holocaust. Also active as a politician, known for his leftist ideas, and having served in several positions including MP and minister ~ Theodorakis passed away in 2021
July 29, 1923 ~ Guitar amplifier builder Jim Marshall born in Kensington, UK ~ Pioneer of guitar amplification, dubbed “the Father of Loud”. Founded Marshall Amplification in 1962, known for manufacturing guitar amplifiers regarded among the best available, used by the biggest names in rock. Marshall was awarded an OBE, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in 2003 for ”services to the industry and charity” ~ Marshall passed away in 2012
July 29, 1916 ~ Guitarist Charlie Christian born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Revered and highly influential guitarist. Key figure in development of bebop. Helped bring the electric jazz guitar to the forefront. Paved the way for modern electric guitarists such as T-Bone Walker, Eddie Cochran, Cliff Gallup, Scotty Moore, Franny Beecher, BB King, Chuck Berry, Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, and others ~ Christian passed away in 1942