June 25, 2003 ~ Josiah Alexander Sila, commonly known as jazz pianist Joey Alexander, born in Denpasar, Indonesia ~ Child prodigy. Influenced by John Coltrane, Harry Connick Jr, Herbie Hancock. Known for his 2015 debut album My Favorite Things. Has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Larry Grenadier, Dan Chmielinski, Ulysses Owens, Chris Potter, and others
June 25, 1989 ~ Alternative rock, glam metal, metalcore, hard rock, pop rock, pop singer Sam Ryder born in Maldon, UK ~ Best known for representing his native UK at the 2022 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 2nd place with Space Man. His solo debut album, There's Nothing But Space Man, released the same year would top the British album charts. Has previously co-founded the Morning After, fronted rock band Blessed By A Broken Heart, and worked with Close Your Eyes, appearing on the latter's Line In The Sand album released in 2014
June 25, 1974 ~ Drummer Mario Calire born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Spent about a decade drumming with Ozomatli, starting in 2003 first appearing on the Coming Up EP. Also closely associated with the Wallflowers, present on albums such as Bringing Down The Horse, and Red Letter Days. Has also worked with Marty Grebb, Phil Cody, Rusty Truck, Liz Phair (Liz Phair), Rickie Lee Jones, Minnie Driver, and Lyle Workman
June 25, 1969 ~ Singer, actress, songwriter Storm Large, full name Susan Storm Large, born in Southborough, Massachusetts, USA ~ Rock singer. Branched out into theater and cabaret later in her career. Has been writing songs since she was five years old. Gained widespread attention as a contestant on the talent show Rock Star Supernova in 2006. Has worked with Storm Inc, the Mermen, Dan the Automator, Dave Navarro, Pink Martini, and others
June 25, 1968 ~ Sean Hegarty, commonly known as pop singer Marc Roberts, born in Crossmolina, Ireland ~ Internationally perhaps best known for representing his native Ireland at the 1997 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 2nd place with Mysterious Woman behind the UK's Katrina & the Waves with Love Shine A Light. Roberts released his eponymous Marc Roberts debut album later the same year and has recorded from time to time since. Also known as a radio host, and a songwriter notably co-writing the moderate 2006 Daniel O'Donnell hit Crush On You
June 25, 1968 ~ Alternative metal, groove metal, nu metal guitarist, songwriter Tom Maxwell born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Member of Nothingface, with whom he recorded four albums through the early 2000s. Co-founding member of alternative metal supergroup Hellyeah, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums starting with 2007's eponymous Hellyeah debut album. Member of Knives Out
June 25, 1963 ~ Singer, songwriter Georgios Panayiotou, commonly known as George Michael, born in East Finchley, UK ~ Rose to fame as half of pop duo Wham, the other half being Andrew Ridgeley, known for songs such as Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, Young Guns, and Wham Rap. In 1984 Wham became the first Western pop act to release an album in China, their sophomore Make It Big, and subsequently tour the Orient nation. Embarked on a highly successful solo career in 1987 with Faith, which topped the US album chart for 12 weeks, and has been recording, touring and scoring hits since ~ Panayiotou passed away in 2016
June 25, 1957 ~ Singer, trumpeter, songwriter, producer Sennie Skip Martin born in San Francisco, California, California, USA ~ Best known as lead vocalist of Kool & the Gang from 1987 to 2007 and of the Dazz Band including on the Grammy-winning Let It Whip. Has also worked with the East Wind Band and the Mighty Generation Band
June 25, 1954 ~ Pianist, keyboardist, singer David Paich, full name David Frank Paich, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of jazz pianist Marty Paich. Co-founding member, keyboardist of Toto. Wrote or co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material including Hold The Line, Rosanna and Africa. In-demand session musician and collaborator, notably on Boz Scaggs' Silk Degrees album for which Paich also co-wrote What Can I Say, The Lido Shuffle and Lowdown. Has also written for Cher, the Jacksons, George Benson, Glen Campbell, Chicago, and others. Played piano and synthesizer on Michael Jackson's Thriller album
June 25, 1953 ~ Lester Bullock, commonly known as reggae, dancehall singer, toaster Dillinger, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Influenced by Big Youth, U-Roy, Dennis Alcapon. Rose to prominence in the 1970s. Known for songs such as Freshly, Brace A Boy, Flat Foot Hustling and perhaps his best known Cocaine In My Brain
June 25, 1952 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Tim Finn, full name Brian Timothy Finn, born in Awamutu, New Zealand ~ Co-founding member, lead singer, principal songwriter of Split Enz, joined later by brother Neil Finn. The band is known for songs such as I Got You, Six Months In A Leaky Boat, and Message To My Girl. As a solo artist recorded well over half a dozen albums, starting with Escapade released in 1983. Reunited with his brother Neil joining Crowded House for their third studio album Woodface, which spawned the hits Four Seasons In One Day, Weather With You, and It's Only Natural
June 25, 1949 ~ Singer, guitarist David Batteau born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Brother of Robin Batteau with whom he teamed up under the moniker Batteaux. Best known as a songwriter for Seals & Crofts, Trisha Yearwood, Michael Sembello, Shawn Colvin, Madeleine Peyroux, Larry Klein, Chicano, the Manhattan Transfer, and others. Also known for two solo albums, 1976's Happy In Hollywood and 1993's Soul Mission, and for heading the briefly-lived mid-1980s new wave outfit Nomo who scored a minor hit with Red Lipstick
June 25, 1948 ~ Singer, songwriter, actor Kenji Sawada born in Tsunoi, Japan ~ Lead singer of the Tigers. The band had tried to start an international career, notably attracting Barry Gibb as songwriter, yet would not break through outside Japan. The band is considered one of the pivotal Japanese bands during the 1960s though, earning Sawada a stature of teen idol. Following the band's disbandement in 1970 formed supergroup Pyg with co-lead singer Kenichi Hagiwara. Sawada has also recorded as a solo artist and ventured into acting, appearing in over a dozen films. Married to singer Emi Ito of sibling pop duo the Peanuts from 1975 through 1987
June 25, 1948 ~ Peggy Stoutmeyer, commonly known as blues, R&B, gospel singer Peggy Scott-Adams, born in Opp, Alabama, USA ~ Toured with Ben E King as a teenager. Recorded a number of duet singles with Jo Jo Benson during the late 1960s, notably Lovers Holiday, Pickin' Wild Berries and Soulshake. Reemerged nearly three decades later, brought back to the studio by singer and producer Jimmy Lewis, leading to a full-length critically acclaimed Help Yourself debut album in 1996. Has recorded a little over half a dozen blues, R&B and gospel albums since ~ Stoutmeyer passed away in 2023
June 25, 1946 ~ Keyboardist, rhythm guitarist Allen Lanier, full name Allen Glover Lanier, born in Long Island, New York, USA ~ Original member of the Blue Öyster Cult. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's best known songs including True Confessions, Tenderloin, Searching For Celine, In Thee, and Lonely Teardrops. Also worked with John Cale, Jim Carroll, the Dictators, the Clash, and with Patti Smith ~ Lanier passed away in 2013
June 25, 1946 ~ Rock, progressive rock, hard rock saxophonist, flutist, keyboardist, guitarist Ian McDonald born in Osterley, UK ~ Co-founding member of King Crimson, present on the band's acclaimed In The Court Of The Crimson King debut album and its Red follow-up. Co-founding member of Foreigner, present on the band's first three albums, namely Foreigner, Double Vision and Head Games, all of which reached the Billboard Hot 200 top 10. McDonald has also recorded as a solo artist, composed the soundtrack for the 1987 TV series Success Stories With Bruce Jenner, and collaborated with Steve Hackett, John Wetton, 21st Century Schizoid Band, Honey West, and others ~ McDonald passed away in 2022
June 25, 1945 ~ Singer, songwriter Carly Simon born in New York, New York, USA ~ Briefly worked with her sister Lucy Simon under the moniker Simon Sisters before embarking on a successful solo career starting with her 1971 eponymous Carly Simon album. Known for songs such as That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be, Anticipation, Mockingbird with James Taylor, the Bond-theme Nobody Does It Better, You Belong To Me, Jesse, Coming Around Again, and perhaps her best-known You're So Vain, the latter topping the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971
June 25, 1945 ~ Harris Womack, commonly known as R&B, gospel, soul singer, bassist Harry Womack, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Valentinos, known for launching the careers of Bobby Womack and Cecil Womack and for recording the original versions of Lookin' For A Love and It's All Over Now. The former would be notably covered by the J Geils Band, the latter by the Rolling Stones ~ Womack passed away in 1974
June 25, 1945 ~ Claudius Afolabi Siffre, commonly known as singer, guitarist, keyboardist, poet, songwriter Labi Siffre, born in Hammersmith, UK ~ Best known for a string of early 1970s hits in England such as It Must Be Love, Crying Laughing Loving Lying (later covered by Olivia Newton-John), Watch Me and for his 1987 international hit Something Inside So Strong
June 25, 1944 ~ Robert Naughton, commonly known as jazz vibraphonist, pianist Bobby Naughton, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader, starting with NAture's Consort released in 1969. As a sideman closely associated with Wadada Leo Smith, including on the acclaimed Divine Love album, and with Anthony Braxton. Also present on albums by Roscoe Mitchell, the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, and the Creative Orchestra ~ Naughton passed away in 2022
June 25, 1944 ~ Jazz guitarist Dave Cliff, full name David John Cliff, born in Hexham, UK ~ Influenced by Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, Lennie Tristano. Worked with Lee Konitz, Warne Marsh, Soprano Summit, Geoff Simkins, Harry Allen, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Georgie Fame, Ken Peplowski, Irene Reid, Bruce Turner, Tony Coe, Jimmy Deuchar, and others
June 25, 1943 ~ Rock, folk rock, pop singer, songwriter Roberto Vecchioni born in Carate Brianza, Italy ~ First gained attention in the late 1960s as a songwriter for artists such as Ornella Vanoni, Gigliola Cinquetti, Mina, I Nuovi Angeli. Released his Parabola solo debut album in 1971. Broke through with his 1977 Samarcanda album and has recorded to critical acclaim and a growing fanbase since
June 25, 1939 ~ Singer Harold Melvin born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Eponym and founding member of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, known for songs such as If You Don't Know Me By Now, I Miss You and The Love I Lost. Contrary to common belief the de facto lead singer was not Melvin but from 1970 forward Teddy Pendergrass ~ Melvin passed away in 1997
June 25, 1937 ~ Singer Eddie Floyd, full name Edward Lee Floyd, born in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Falcons, noted for once also including Wilson Pickett and known for songs such as You're So Fine and I Found A Love. Floyd is best known for his 1966 solo hit Knock On Wood, which he co-wrote with Steve Cropper
June 25, 1928 ~ Trombonist, composer, arranger William Russo, full name William Joseph Russo, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Significant contributor to the third stream movement, merging jazz and classical music. First gained attention working with Stan Kenton in the 1950s. Relocated to the UK in the early 1960s, where he founded the London Jazz Orchestra. ~ Russo passed away in 2003
June 25, 1927 ~ Songwriter Jimmy Duncan, full name James Ollie Duncan Jr, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Though a reasonably adept singer, Duncan would enjoy his greatest successes as a songwriter. Wrote I Asked The Lord, recorded by George Beverly Shea, Mahalia Jackson, the Cathedrals Quartet, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Wrote My Special Angel, a Billboard Country No.1 hit for Bobby Helms in 1957, later covered by Connie Francis, Johnny Burnette, Bobby Vinton and Wayne Newton. Co-wrote String Along with Bobby Doyle, recorded by Fabian, Ricky Nelson, and Gary Lewis & the Playboys ~ Duncan passed away in 2011
June 25, 1925 ~ Accordionist, singer Clifton Chenier born in Opelousas, Louisiana, USA ~ Énergetic and hugely influential cajun, zydeco accordionist, dubbed “the King of Zydeco”. Actively recording since the 1950s, first scoring a national hit in 1955 with the Professor Longhair-cover Ay Tete Fi (Hey Little Girl), Clifton would go on to tour with artists such as Ray Charles, Etta James and Lowell Fulson. He would remain a mainstay, touring extensively for decades. Mainstream popularity would peak in the 1980s, earning a Grammy Award in 1983 for the I'm Here album, the first Grammy for the Alligator Records blues label ~ Chenier passed away in 1987
June 25, 1921 ~ Composer Peter Wishart, full name Peter Charles Arthur Wishart, born in Crowborough, UK ~ Married to mezzo-soprano Maureen Lehane from 1966 until his death, with whom he also regularly worked. Has written operas, orchestral and chamber music. Especially noted for his opera The Captive, premiered in 1985, and for his song cycles ~ Wishart passed away in 1984
June 25, 1892 ~ Composer, pianist Katherine Kennicott Davis born in St Joseph, Missouri, USA ~ Best known for penning The Little Drummer Boy, one of the best-known Christmas songs recorded by the Trapp Family Singers, Harry Simeone Chorale, Johnny Cash, the Lennon Sisters, Bing Crosby, Joan Baez, José Feliciano, and numerous others ~ Davis passed away in 1980
June 25, 1860 ~ Composer Gustave Charpentier born in Dieuze, France ~ Best known for his 1900 opera Louise, which launched the career of soprano Mary Garden. A realistic portrait of Parissien working-class, Louise is popular to this day and would be regarded as a key piece in verismo opera ~ Charpentier passed away in 1956