June 19, 2023 ~ Ragtime pianist, composer, actor, author, radio and TV presenter Max Morath passed away in Duluth, Minnesota, USA ~ Dubbed “Mr Ragtime” for his extensive studies of ragtime and role in bringing early Americana to a younger and wider audience, and particularly helpful in the ragtime revival of the 1970s. Devotee of specifically Eubie Blake and Scott Joplin. Recorded well over two dozen albums from the 1950s onwards. Became well-known for his role in Ragtime Era, a series of 26 TV programs for PBS aired from 1959 through 1961. Has toured with number of theater shows, notably the acclaimed 1969 one-man show At The Turn Of The Century. Morath would continue to record and perform well into the 2000s. Authored or co-authored a number of books on ragtime music ~ Morath was born in 1926
June 19, 2022 ~ Rock, hard rock, glam metal keyboardist Brett Tuggle passed away ~ Best known for his association with David Lee Roth, backing Roth on tour and record including on the 1988 Skyscraper album. The album would feature several songs co-written by Tuggle, perhaps most notably the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Just Like Paradise. Tuggle has also worked with Steppenwolf, Rick Springfield, Fleetwood Mac, Steve Lukather, Chris Isaak, Whitesnake, and others ~ Tuggle was born ca.1952
June 19, 2022 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist Jim Schwall passed away in Tucson, Arizona, USA ~ Best known as co-leader of the Siegel-Schwall Band, co-founded with Corky Siegel. Though not as popular as contemporaries the Paul Butterfield Blues Band or John Mayall the band would still be able to fill the larger venues. They are noted for becoming the first blues band to collaborate with a classical orchestra, recording the William Russo-penned Three Pieces For Blues Band And Symphony Orchestra in 1972 with the San Francisco Symphony conducted by Seiji Ozawa ~ Schwall was born in 1942
June 19, 2020 ~ Rapper Hurricane Chris arrested for second-degree murder ~ Arrested for second-degree murder in Shreveport, Louisiana, shooting at a gas station. Chris claimed self-defense however police stated that surveillance footage showed otherwise
June 19, 2018 ~ Soul singer Lowrell Simon passed away in Newton, Mississippi, USA ~ Member of the Vondells. Member of Lost Generation. Wrote Dance Master for Willie Henderson. Wrote All About The Paper for Loleatta Holloway. As a solo artist best known for Mellow Mellow Right, a modest hit in 1979 and sampled by numerous artists including Massive Attack, Imagination and Common ~ Simon was born in 1943
June 19, 2015 ~ Saxophonist, pianist, composer, arranger, producer Harold Battiste, full name Harold Raymond Battiste Jr, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Widely revered for his arrangements on recordings by Sam Cooke, Joe Jones, Lee Dorsey, Sonny & Cher, Dr John, and others. Also, in a variety of roles, worked with artists such as Ed Blackwell, Barbara George, Tom Waits, and numerous others ~ Battiste was born in 1931
June 19, 2014 ~ Gerald Goffin, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Gerry Goffin, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Half of the Goffin & King songwriter duo, the other half being his wife singer, songwriter Carole King, known for songs such as Will You Love Me Tomorrow for the Shirelles, Take Good Care Of My Baby for Bobby Vee, Go Away Little Girl for Steve Lawrence, and The Loco-motion for Little Eva. After their divorce Goffin collaborated with songwriters such as Barry Goldberg and Michael Masser, writing hits such as Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To) for Diana Ross and Saving All My Love For You for Whitney Houston. Others who have recorded Goffin's songs include Tony Orlando, Billy Fury, the Chiffons, the Cookies, Herman's Hermits, the Animals, Maxine Brown, Dusty Springfield, the Byrds, Aretha Franklin, the Monkees, Peabo Bryson, Roberta Flack, George Benson, and others ~ Goffin was born in 1939
June 19, 2013 ~ Ottis Dewey Whitman Jr, commonly known as singer, songwriter Slim Whitman, passed away in Orange Park, Florida, USA ~ Enjoyed a career spanning seven decades. Known for his yodeling and his high falsetto. Sold over 70 million records. Best known for songs such as Indian Love Call, Keep It A Secret, My Heart Is Broken In Three, Rose Marie, More Than Yesterday, and Something Beautiful To Remember. Opened for Elvis Presley in the 1950s ~ Whitman was born in 1923
June 19, 2007 ~ Singer, songwriter, actor, film producer Antonio Aguilar, full name Jose Pascual Antonio Aguilar Marquez Barraza, passed away in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Acted in over 120 films. Over 150 albums to his name. Sold over 25 million copies. Dubbed “Mexico's Horseman” for being an avid equastrian. Known for songs such as Gabino Barrera, Caballo Prieto Azabche, Albur De Amor and Un Puno De Tierra ~ Barraza was born in 1919
June 19, 2006 ~ Guitarist Duane Roland passed away in St Augustine, Florida, USA ~ Member of Southern rock band Molly Hatchet from its inception in the mid-1970s until 1990. Co-wrote a number of the band's best known including Bloody Reunion and Boogie No More. Has subsequently played with the Southern Rock Allstars and Gator Country ~ Roland was born in 1952
June 19, 2003 ~ Michael Andrew Hucko, commonly known as big band clarinetist Peanuts Hucko, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Noted for his clarinet solo on Cole Porter's What Is This Thing Called Love. Worked with Charlie Spivak, Benny Goodman, Ray McKinley, Eddie Condon, Jack Teagarden, Louis Armstrong, Al Cohn, Warren Covington, the Lawson-Haggart Band, and others. Led the Glenn Miller Orchestra in the 1970s ~ Hucko was born in 1918
June 19, 2003 ~ Bassist, pianist, producer, engineer Ralph Burns Kellogg passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Also known under the alias Ethan James. Member of Blue Cheer. Member of Mint Tattoo. Engineered or produced albums by Black Flag, the Bangles, the Rain Parade, Dos, and notably engineered the Minutemen's acclaimed Double Nickels On The Dime album ~ Kellog was born in 1946
June 19, 2001 ~ Jazz, rock bassist, double bassist, cellist Lindsay L Cooper passed away in Edinburgh, UK ~ Influenced by Thelonious Monk, King Oliver, Derek Bailey. Regularly worked as a ship's musician before settling in London, finding employ as an in-demand session musician. Present on the 1973 Mike Oldfield album Tubular Bells, Has also worked with Evan Parker, Keith Tippett, Kenny Wheeler, Ken Colyer, Talisker, Amalgam, the Spontaneous Music Ensemble, Bobby Bradford, Lol Coxhill, Day & Taxi, and others ~ Cooper was born in 1940
June 19, 2000 ~ Dance-pop, trap singer, songwriter Daniel Skye, also mononymously known as Skye, born in Hollywood, Florida, USA ~ First gained attention through various online channels including Instagram and Youtube, landing him a record deal with RCA Records in 2014. Known for songs such as Maybe, All I Want, and We Got Us
June 19, 1997 ~ Country, rockabilly, rock & roll singer, guitarist Bobby Helms, full name Robert Lee Helms, passed away in Martinsville, Indiana, USAs ~ Best known for his 1957 hit single Jingle Bells Rock, a Holiday favorite to this day. Also reached the higher end of the Billboard Country charts with songs such as Fraulein, My Special Angel, Just A Little Lonesome and Jacqueline ~ Helms was born in 1933
June 19, 1993 ~ Olajide Olayinka Wiliams Olatunji, commonly known as rapper, singer, actor KSI, born in Watford, UK ~ Gained a large following through his Youtube channels, initially posting gaming commentary videos and later diversifying to include vlog and comedy-style videos. Released his Dissumulation debut album in 2020 and its follow-up All Over The Place the following year. Both albums would debut in the top 5 in his native UK. Well-known songs include Really Love, Patience, Holiday, and Not Over Yet. Has also guested on Anne-Marie's Don't Play alongside Digital Farm Animals
June 19, 1990 ~ Rock, pop rock guitarist Antonio Martinez Salas passed away in Colmenar Viejo, Spain ~ Member of Los Bravos, known for their 1966 Black Is Black hit. It would reach top 10 across the globe, including a No.1 spot in the band's native Spain and top 5 in both the UK and the USA ~ Martinez was born in 1945
June 19, 1990 ~ Soul, pop singer, songwriter John Newman, full name John William Peter Newman, born in Settle, UK ~ Co-wrote and sang on Rudimental's Feel The Love and Giving In. Also worked with Calvin Harris on Blame. As a solo artist known for Love Me Again, a UK No.1 hit in 2013
June 19, 1989 ~ Neo soul, alternative R&B singer Jillian Hervey, full name Jillian Kristin Hervey, born ~ Critically compared to Erykah Badu. Member of the duo Lion Babe with Lucas Goodman, known for mid-2010s songs such as Treat Me Like Fire and Jungle and for their 2016 Begin album
June 19, 1983 ~ Benjain Hammond Haggerty, commonly known as rapper, songwriter Macklemore, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Half of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, known for the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits Can't Hold Us featuring Ray Dalton and Thrift Shop featuring Wanz
June 19, 1980 ~ Marco Antonio Rodriguez Diaz Jr, commonly known as producer, DJ, songwriter Infamous born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Founding member of The-Allies DJ Crew, which also included DJ Craze, DVLP, and A-Trak. Best known as a producer, closely associated with rapper Lil' Wayne. Other acts produced by Diaz include Drake, Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Fat Joe, Nas, Lupe Fiasco, and Kendrick Lamar
June 19, 1979 ~ Post-hardcore guitarist, keyboardist Scott Gross, full name Scott Eric Alexander Gross, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ First gained an interest in music after listening to the Pearl Jam album Ten and his mother bought him a guitar for Christmas. Best known as a member of From Autumn To Ashes during the early 2000s. After being booted from the band due to ongoing personal problems and substance abuse, would take a break from music before turning to studio work and production. Has since notably worked with Lullaby The Storm, Emergency, and a wide array of up and coming rappers
June 19, 1978 ~ Mabel Wimpfheimer, commonly known as songwriter, pianist, singer Mabel Wayne, passed away in Glen Cove, New York, USA ~ Noted as one of the first female songwriters to have her songs published. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as In A Little Spanish Town (Paul Whiteman, the Revelers, Pérez Prado), I Understand (Jimmy Dorsey, Bert Ambrose, Keely Smith), It Happened In Monterey (Jack Hylton, Billy Cotton, Ruth Etting), and Little Man You've Had A Busy Day (Les Allen, Connee Boswell, Isham Jones) ~ Wimpfheimer was born in 1890
June 19, 1972 ~ Punk rock, garage rock, indie rock singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist Dennis Lyxzen, full name Sven Olov Dennis Lyxzen, born in Umea, Sweden ~ Member of the Refused, best known for the critically acclaimed and influential The Shape Of Punk To Come album released in 1998. Lyxzen has also worked with INVSN, the International Noise Conspiracy, Fake Names, and others
June 19, 1972 ~ Singer, songwriter Snatam Kaur, full name Snatam Kaur Khalsa, born in Trinidad, Colorado, USA ~ Actively recording since the early 2000s. Perhaps best known for touring the world as a peace activist, performing in North and South America and Europe at schools, hospices, juvenile detention centers, and other facilitities on her perpetual Celebrate Peace Tour from 2003 through 2009
June 19, 1971 ~ Rock, funk metal, alternative metal, blues rock drummer Jean-Paul Gaster born in Frederick, Maryland, USA ~ Influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Cream, ZZ Top, and ZZ Top, as well as jazz drummers such as Elvin Jones and Jack DeJohnette. Best known as co-founding member of Clutch, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums since the early 1990s. The band merges elements of funk, Led Zeppelin, and heavy metal, and is best known for songs such as Careful With That Mic, The Mob Goes Wild, and Electric Worry. Gaster was also involved in the side-project the Bakerton Group, and has collaborated with Scott Weinrich, Mark Stanley, Mark Morton, and others
June 19, 1970 ~ Guitarist Brian Welch born in Torrance, California, USA ~ Best known as guitarist and founding member of nu metal band Korn. After becoming a born again Christian left the band in 2005 to pursue a solo career
June 19, 1970 ~ Derrick Jones, commonly known as beatboxer, DJ, MC D-Nice, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Boogie Down Productions, notably present on South Bronx of their 1987 Criminal Minded debut album
June 19, 1968 ~ Drummer John Hollenbeck born in Binghamton, New York, USA ~ Well-known for the The Claudia Quintet leading the the Claudia Quintet released in 2001, and for his 2005 album A Blessing. In-demand collaborator, present on albums by Theo Bleckmann, Bob Brookmeyer, Florian Ross, Cuong Vu (Pure), Meredith Monk, Fred Hersch (Leaves Of Grass), Junk Box, Sound Assembly, Tony Malaby, and Anna Webber
June 19, 1967 ~ Singer, saxophonist, guitarist, songwriter David Arthur Brown born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Saxophonist in Beck's backing band from 1997 through 2000. Probably best known as lead singer, guitarist, primary songwriter for Brazzaville, with whom he recorded about a dozen albums since the late 1990s
June 19, 1966 ~ Jazz singer, songwriter Silje Nergaard born in Norway ~ Married to singer Heine Totland. One of Norway's best-selling jazz artists, gained international attention with Tell Me Where You're Going featuring Pat Metheny. Has also worked with Al Jarreau, Toots Thielemans, het Metropole Orkest, Morten Harket, Tord Gustavsen, Jane Vespestad, Vince Mendoza, John Scofield, Georg Wadenius, Knut Reiersrud, Nils Petter Molvær, Thomas Stronen, and others
June 19, 1964 ~ R&B girl group Martha & the Vandellas record Dancing In the Street at Hitsville USA, Detroit, Michigan ~ Written by Marvin Gaye, Ivy Jo Hunter and William Mickey Stevenson, the latter also serving as producer. Released as a single the next month, b/w There He Is. It would reach top 10 of the pop charts on both sides of the Atlantic, become one of the Vandellas staples, and be covered by a wide array of artists including the Kinks, the Mamas & the Papas, Little Richard, Van Halen, and as a duet by David Bowie and Mick Jagger
June 19, 1963 ~ Drummer Simon Wright born in Oldham, UK ~ Best known for his work with AC/DC, appearing on the mid-1980s albums Fly On The Wall, Who Made Who, and Blow Up Your Video, and his stints with Dio from 1990 through 1991 and again from 1998 through 2010. Wright has also appeared on albums by John Norum, UFO, Michael Schenker, Rhino Bucket, and Operation Mindcrime
June 19, 1962 ~ Pop, dance-pop singer Paula Abdul, full name Paula Julie Abdul, born in San Fernando, California, USA ~ Discovered by the Jacksons. Choreographed videos for Janet Jackson. Debuted in 1988 with the Forever Your Girl album, which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits Straight Up, Forever Your Girl, Cold Hearted and Opposites Attract. Would continue to record throughout the mid-1990s, well known songs being Rush Rush, Blowing Kisses In The Wind and Vibeology
June 19, 1961 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist Bill DeLoach born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Member of the Four Seasons, joining in 1971 as replacement for Al Ruzicka and remaining with the band through 1973. Also served as music director for singer Danny Gans
June 19, 1961 ~ Singer Bobby Darin records Things ~ Written by Bobby Darin. Produced by Ahmet Ertegun. Released in 1962 as a single, featuring Jailer Bring Me Water on the flip side. It would later be sung as a duet by Nancy Sinatra and Dean Martin on a 1967 TV special, and put to record by Ronnie Dove in 1975, by Anne Murray the next year and by Robbie Williams for his swing album Swing When You're Winning released in 2001
June 19, 1960 ~ Rock, power pop singer, trumpeter, keyboardist Ian Page born ~ Founded short-lived mid-1970s power pop unit New Hearts, with whom he opened for the Jam. Subsequently formed mod revival band Secret Affair with bandmate guitarist David Cairns. The group recorded three albums through the early 1980s and is best known for the singles Time For Action and My World, both of which reached top 20 in their native UK. Following the band's disbandement in 1982 Page has released a handful of solo recordings but would become best known as a fantasy author
June 19, 1960 ~ Rock, hard rock, melodic hard rock guitarist Luke Morley born ~ Member of Terraplane, which evolved into Thunder with whom he recorded over a dozen albums starting with Backstreet Symphony released in 1990. The band scored a UK top 20 hit with A Better Man taken of their 1882 Laughing On Judgment Day sophomore album. Morley has also released a solo album, El Gringo Retro, in 2001, and has worked with Bowes & Morley, and the Union
June 19, 1959 ~ Drummer Billy Drummond Jr born in Newport News, Virginia, USA ~ Started as a member of Out Of The Blue. Played with Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, Carla Bley, Steve Kuhn. Sideman on over 300 records including by artists such as Nat Adderley, Ralph Moore, Buster Williams, Charles Tolliver, Lew Tabackin, Hank Jones, James Moody, Andy Laverne, Lee Konitz, Dave Stryker, George Colligan, Ted Rosenthal, Bruce Barth, Andrew Hill, Larry Willis, Toots Thielemans, Freddie Hubbard, and Sheila Jordan
June 19, 1959 ~ R&B, soul drummer, saxophonist, hornist, trumpeter, flutist Mark DeBarge born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA ~ Member of family outfit DeBarge, known for songs such as All This Love, The Rhythm Of The Night and Who's Holding Donna Now. Wrote the band's Stay With Me of their 1983 In A Special Way album, later notably covered by Notorious BIG, Ashanti, and by Mariah Carey
June 19, 1959 ~ Jazz pianist, bandleader, arranger Roberto Magris born in Trieste, Italy ~ Worked with Art Davis, Herb Geller, Albert Tootie Heath, Idris Muhammad, Ira Sullivan, Sam Reed, Brian Lynch, Tony Lakatos, Mark Colby, Eric Hochberg, Chuck Bergeron, Paul Carr, Franco Ambrosetti, Philip Catherine, Bill Molenhof, Janusz Muniak, Bosko Petrovic, Kai Winding, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Sal Nistico, Hermon Mehari, Logan Richardson, Kendall Moore, Brandon Lee, Robert Balzar, Eric Jacobsen, Shareef Clayton, Jim Mair, Matt Otto, Elisa Pruett, Peter Schlamb, Dominique Sanders, Brian Steever, Alfredo Chacon, Rodolfo Zuniga, Pablo Sanhueza, Ines Reiger, Robert Offaviano, and others
June 19, 1956 ~ William Morganfield, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist Big Bill Morganfield, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Son of blues icon Muddy Waters. Worked with Lonnie Mack, Paul Oscher, Willie Big Eyes Smith, Pinetop Perkins, Taj Mahal, Billy Branch, and Bob Margolin
June 19, 1956 ~ Douglas Jackson Brooks, commonly known as country singer Doug Stone, born in Newnan, Georgia, USA ~ Released his eponymous Doug Stone debut album in 1990, which spawned the single I'd Be Better Off (In A Pine Box). Would subsequently regularly reach the higher end of the Billboard Country charts throughout the mid-1990s with songs such as In A Different Light, A Jukebox With A Country Song, Too Busy Being In Love and Why Didn't I Think Of That
June 19, 1956 ~ Delta blues, country blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Freddie Spruell, also known as Papa Freddie or Mr Freddie, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Reportedly the first Delta bluesman to be recordedm known for songs such as Milk Cow Blues, Muddy Water Blues, Way Back Down Home, and perhaps his best-known Let's Go Riding ~ Spruell was born in 1893
June 19, 1955 ~ Rock, jazz-rock violinist, pianist, guitarist, bassist Plamen Dimov born in Plovidv, Bulgaria ~ Worked with Nightwish, Heidi Sandstrom, Montun Henki, Oiva Grohn, the Brass Band, Puli Hiltunen, Caligor, and others
June 19, 1954 ~ Entrepreneur, music manager Lou Pearlman, full name Louis Jay Pearlman, born in Queens, New York, 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 passed away in 2016
June 19, 1953 ~ Lawrence Dunn, commonly known as keyboardist Larry Dunn, born ~ Member of Earth Wind & Fire from 1972 to 1983. Dunn is also known as a producer, working for artists such as Ramsey Lewis (Tequila Mockingbird), Lenny White (Streamline), Twennynine (Best Of Friends), Stanley Turrentine (Tender Togetherness), and Level 42 (Standing In The Light). As a keyboardist Dunn also guested on albums by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jennifer Holliday and Ronnie Laws
June 19, 1952 ~ Jazz, soul, jazz fusion singer, composer, actress Sidsel Endresen born in Norway ~ Best known for her association with Jon Eberson. Has also worked as a solo artist and with Chipahua, Nils Petter Molvær, Bugge Wesseltoft, Christian Wallumrød, Stian Westerhuis, Jon Balke, Trygve Seim, Pal Thowsen, Jan Bang, and others
June 19, 1951 ~ Folk, folk-pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Patty Larkin born in Des Moines, Iowa, USA ~ Founding member of the Four Bitchin' Babes. As a solo artist best known for her 2003 Red Equals Luck album
June 19, 1950 ~ Singer, flutist Ann Wilson, full name Ann Dustin Wilson, born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Besides her sister guitarist Nancy Wilson the only other constant member of Heart. Active since the mid-1970s the band draws heavily from glam metal and hard rock and has sold over 30 million records worldwide. Well-known songs include Magic Man, Barracuda, What About Love, These Dreams, Alone, Who Will You Run To, and All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You
June 19, 1948 ~ Phylicia Ayers-Allen, commonly known as actress, singer, stage director Phylicia Rashad, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ To disco audiences known for her 1978 Josephine Superstar disco concept album, telling the life story of Josephine Baker. To TV audiences known for her role as Claire Huxtable in The Cosby Show from 1984 through 1982. Rashad has also performed in numerous stage plays, including Broadway productions, noted for her role in a 2004 production of Raisin In The Sun earning her a Tony Award for Best Actress, and feature films
June 19, 1947 ~ Heavy metal drummer John Hinch, full name John Frederick Hinch, born in Lichfield, UK ~ Original drummer for Judas Priest. Also worked with Pinch Band, Bakerloo, Hiroshima, and others
June 19, 1944 ~ Francisco Buarque de Hollanda, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter, poet Chico Buarque, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Influenced by Antônio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto. One of the first MPB artists to become a popular pop star, known for his inventive wordplay and undercurrent of nostalgic tragedy. Recorded prolifically since his 1966 Chico Buarque de Hollande debut album. Also a widely acclaimed poet and author, acclaimed the prestigious Camões Prize for literature in 2019
June 19, 1943 ~ Georg Peter Brandt, commonly known as singer, actor Peter Belli, born in Kiel, Germany ~ Active since the late 1950s. Considered Denmark's first rock star. Opened for both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones with his 1960s rock unit Les Rivals. Has recorded well over three dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with the eponymous Peter Belli album released in 1967. Well-known songs include Bliv Væk Fra Vort Kvarter, Ingen Regning, and Er Det Sådan ~ Brandt passed away in 2023
June 19, 1942 ~ Elaine McFarlane, commonly known as singer Elaine Spanky McFarlane, born in Peoria, Illinois, USA ~ Lead singer, eponym of sunshine pop outfit Spanky & Our Gang, best known for their 1967 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Sunday Will Never Be The Same. Subsequent hits would include Making Every Minute Count and Lazy Day. The band would disband shortly after lead guitarist Hale's death in 1968, though their remained popularity propelled the record label to reissue compilations and shelved recordings
June 19, 1942 ~ Elaine McFarlane, commonly known as pop singer Spanky McFarlane, born ~ Dubbed “the Queen of Sunshine Pop” and best known for fronting late 1960s vocal pop group Spanky & Our Gang. The band is best known for their 1967 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Sunday Will Never Be The Same. Subsequent hits would include Making Every Minute Count and Lazy Day. The band would disband shortly after lead guitarist Hale's death in 1968, though their remained popularity propelled the record label to reissue compilations and shelved recordings
June 19, 1940 ~ Folk, soul, R&B singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Paul Kelly, full name Paul Laurence Dunbar Kelly, born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Best known for Stealing In The Name Of The Lord and for Hooked Hogtied & Collared. Also wrote Personally first recorded by Jackie Moore, later notably covered by both singer Karla Bonoff and country singer Ronnie McDowell ~ Kelly passed away in 2012
June 19, 1939 ~ Singer Al Wilson born in Meridian, Mississippi, USA ~ After serving in the military, Wilson relocated to Los Angeles, toured the local nightclubs and was a member of Jewels, then the Rollers, followed by the Souls. Signed with artist manager Marc Gordon, who secured an audition for Johnny Rivers. It led to a record deal with Soul City with Rivers producing the sessions that yielded 1966's The Snake, which would become a Northern soul anthem and remains popular to this day. Wilson is also remembered for Show And Tell, a 1973 Billboard No.1 hit ~ Wilson passed away in 2008
June 19, 1937 ~ Blues singer, guitarist Robert Johnson records Me And The Devil Blues in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ One of Johnson best-known and most typical, gloomy songs telling of the Devil knocking on the singer's door one morning, telling him it's time to go. Penned by Johnson. Produced by Don Law. Released as a single the following year. Recorded on the same day: Stones In My Passway and From Four Until Late. Johnson would also record several songs the next day, it would be his last recording session
June 19, 1936 ~ Singer Shirley Goodman born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Formed the 1950s duo Shirley & Lee with singer Leonard Lee, known for I'm Gone, Let The Good Times Roll and Feel So Good. Sang backup for Sonny & Cher, Dr John, and notably for the Rolling Stones on their 1971 Exile On Main St album. Perhaps best known for her disco hit Shame Shame Shame recorded under the moniker Shirley & Company, a disco favorite to this day ~ Goodman passed away in 2005
June 19, 1932 ~ Guitarist Ernest Ranglin born in Robin's Hall, Jamaica ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, especially noted for Boss Reggae released in 1969. Influenced by jazz and mento helped create the rhythmic guitar style characteristic to the early ska sound. In-demand session guitarist and music director, present on albums by George Moxley, the Skatalites, Jimmy Cliff, Monty Alexander, Max Romeo, the Royal Rasses, Lee Scratch Perry, and Clancy Eccles
June 19, 1930 ~ Blues harpist, singer Jerry McCain, also known as Jerry Boogie McCain, born near Gadsden, Alabama, USA ~ Though a formidable guitarist and singer, McCain is best known as a blues harpist, influential on the likes of Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. McCain recorded actively since the early 1950s, known for songs such as The Jig's Up, My Next Door Neighbor, She's Tough and Steady. After spending too many years in obscurity, McCain's career would resurge in the 1990s with albums such as Struttin' My Stuff, I've Got The Blues All Over Me, and notably This Stuff Just Kills Me, the latter featuring an all-star cast which included Johnnie Johnson, John Primer, Anson Funderburgh, Jimmie Vaughan, Tommy Shannon, and Chris Layton ~ McCain passed away in 2012
June 19, 1928 ~ Singer, pianist Leroy Carr and guitarist Scrapper Blackwell record How Long How Long Blues ~ Written by Carr. Based on How Long How Long Blues, a 1925 recording by Ida Cox. Released later the same year it instantly became a blues classic and would inspire several of the day's as well as later musicians including the Mississippi Sheiks, Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker, Amos Milburn, Jimmy Witherspoon and Ray Charles. It would be covered well up to the end of the century, notably by Pigmeat Markham, Lou Rawls, Dinah Washington, Hot Tuna, Eric Clapton, Pinetop Perkins, and Ella Fitzgerald
June 19, 1925 ~ Charles Edward Springall, commonly known as comedian, singer Charlie Drake, born in Southwark, UK ~ Best known as a comedian. As a singer known for a number of covers and novelty hits starting in the late 1950s including singles such as the Bobby Darin cover Splish Splash, My Boomerang Won't Come Back and the Peter Gabriel-produced You Never Know ~ Springall passed away in 2006
June 19, 1922 ~ Jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger David Van Kriedt born in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Worked with the Jazz Workshop Ensemble which would eventually evolve into Dave Brubeck octet. Appears on Stan Kenton's pivotal Contemporary Concepts album alongside Charlie Mariano, Carl Fontana, Bob Fitzpatrick ~ Van Kriedt passed away in 1994
June 19, 1922 ~ Elmer Alexander, commonly known as jazz drummer Mousey Alexander, born in Gary, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Jimmy McPartland, Marian McPartland, the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, Johnny Smith, Benny Goodman, Bud Freeman, Eddie Condon, Charlie Ventura, Red Norvo, Clark Terry, Ralph Sutton, Sy Oliver, Doc Severinsen, Eddie Barefield, Buck Clayton, Beverly Kenney, Lee Konitz, Gene Krupa, Sal Salvador, Jimmy Witherspoon, and others ~ Alexander passed away in 1988
June 19, 1918 ~ Folk singer Joe Glazer born in New York, New York, USA ~ Often called “Labor's Troubadour” and closely associated with the labor unions. Recorded over 30 albums. Best known for songs such as The Mill Was Made Of Marble, Too Old To Work, Automation, and others ~ Glazer passed away in 2006
June 19, 1917 ~ Jazz singer, songwriter Dave Lambert, full name David Alden Lambert, passed away in Westport, Connecticut, USA ~ Brought modern singing into jazz. Best known as a member of Lambert Hendricks & Ross alongside Jon Hendricks and Annie Ross. Also sang with with Lambert & Co teaming up with Mary Vonnie, Leslie Dorsey, David Lucas, Sarah Boatner. Killed in a roadside accident aged 49 ~ Lambert passed away in 1966
June 19, 1914 ~ Bluegrass, country guitarist, mandolinist, singer Lester Flatt, full name Lester Raymond Flatt, born in Overton County, Tennessee, USA ~ Rose to prominence as member of bluegrass icon Bill Monroe's backing unit. Teamed up with banjoist Earl Scruggs to form the famed duo Flatt & Scruggs, one of the most important bluegrass acts in the history of country music and especially known for Foggy Mountain Breakdown, The Ballad Of Jed Clampett, Pearl Pearl Pearl, and You Are My Flower ~ Flatt passed away in 1979
June 19, 1912 ~ Jazz, big band saxophonist Jerry Jerome born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Glenn Miller, Red Norvo, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Teddy Wilson, Cozy Cole, and others ~ Jerome passed away in 2001
June 19, 1909 ~ Jazz saxophonist, singer Joe Thomas, full name Joseph Vankert Thomas, born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Coleman Hawkins and Chu Berry. Worked with Earl Hood, Horace Henderson, Stuff Smith, Jimmie Lunceford, Johnny Grimes, George Duvivier, and others ~ Thomas passed away in 1986
June 19, 1909 ~ Singer, songwriter Otto Nielsen, full name Otto Louis Nielsen, born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Important figure in Norwegian culture with a career spanning five decades. Performed with his sister Gerd Nielsen under the moniker Otto & Gerd in the 1930s. Wrote children's opera. Program director for Norwegian radio show Søndagsposten for nearly two decades. Renowned songwriter ~ Nielsen passed away in 1982
June 19, 1899 ~ Francis Drake Ballard, commonly known as songwriter Pat Ballard born in Troy, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for penning songs such as I Get So Lonely (When I Dream About You) (the Four Knights, Bing Crosby, Maria Cole), and Mr Sandman (Vaughn Monroe, the Chordettes, the Four Aces, the Mills Brothers) ~ Ballard passed away in 1960