June 6, 2023 ~ Anthony Charles McPhee, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Tony TS McPhee, passed away ~ Given his nickname “TS” for “Tough Shit” by producer Mike Vernon. Co-founding and sole constant member of rock outfit the Groundhogs. The band has recorded since the early 1960s, is especially acclaimed for the early 1970s albums Thank Christ For The Bomb and Live At Leeds '71, and backed both John Lee Hooker and Champion Jack Dupree on mid-1960s UK tours. McPhee has recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Ain't Gonna Cry No More released in 1966, and collaborated with John Dummer, Hapshash & the Coloured Coat, and Jo-Ann Kelly ~ McPhee was born in 1944
June 6, 2022 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Jim Seals, full name James Eugene Seals, passed away ~ Member of the Champs. Wrote It's Never Too Late, recorded by Brenda Lee as the B-side of her 1961 You Can Depend On Me single. Best known as half of the duo Seals & Crofts, the other being Dash Crofts, scoring 1970s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits with Summer Breeze, Diamond Girl and Get Closer ~ Seals was born in 1942
June 6, 2021 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Michele Merlo, also known as Mike Bird, passed away in Bologna, Italy ~ First gained attention in 2017 as contestant on the Italian talent show Amici. Would release his debut album, Cinemaboy, in 2019 and a sophomore album, Cuori Stupidi, in 2020. Merlo's career was cut short by his death at age 28 following complications related to leukemia ~ Merlo was born in 1993
June 6, 2019 ~ Malcolm Rebennack Jr, commonly known as pianist, singer, songwriter Dr John, passed away ~ Mixes blues, pop, jazz, boogie-woogie, rock & roll and more into a highly energetic voodoo and cajun-infused hybrid. Influenced by King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Little Richard, Guitar Slim and Professor Longhair. Started as a session musician, mostly guitar, in the late 1950s working with the likes of James Booker, Earl King and Jimmy Clanton. Starting with his 1969 debut album Gris Gris built a zydeco, voodoo, cajun and Louisiana heritage on stage persona. ~ Rebennack was born in 1941
June 6, 2018 ~ Heavy metal, thrash metal, death metal guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Ralph Santolla passed away ~ Cited Phil Lynott as major influence. Worked with Millenium, Iced Earth, Deicide, Obituary, Gary Hughes, Sebastian Bach, Memorain, and others. Also recorded as a solo artist, notably the Shaolin Monks In The Temple album released in 2002 ~ Santolla was born in 1966
June 6, 2018 ~ Edward Victor Johnson, commonly known as singer Teddy Johnson, passed away ~ Formed a duo with his wife Pearl Carr. Prior to their marriage in 1955 both had been successful solo performers, but teamed up they would enjoy their greatest success as regular performers on stage and in a variety of British TV shows throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. Internationally the couple are best known for representing their native UK at the 1959 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching second place with Sing Little Birdie. Later Johnson commented that upon winning the national finals, they had never heard of the international contest and had no idea they were going to have to represent their country: “We had no idea whatsoever. They gave us the dates for Cannes and I just hoped we had them available. As it happened, we did.” ~ Johnson was born in 1919
June 6, 2017 ~ Classical, avant-garde violinist, conductor Paul Zukofsky passed away in Hong Kong ~ Known for his association with some of the finest composers of contemporary classical music including Milton Babbitt, Easley Blackwood Jr, John Cage, Morton Feldman, Artur Schnabel, Roger Sessions, Stefan Wolpe, Charles Wuorinen, Iannis Xenakis, and others ~ Zukofsky was born in 1943
June 6, 2017 ~ Barbara Alexandra Reemer, commonly known as singer, TV personality Sandra Reemer, passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Half of Sandra & Andres, the other half being Andres Holten. The duo, representing the Netherlands would reach 4th place at the 1972 Eurovision Songfestival with Als Het Om De Liefde Gaat. As a solo artist Reemer would also compete in the 1976 edition with The Party's Over, which reached ninth place, and the 1979 edition with Colorado, which reached 12th place ~ Reemer was born in 1950
June 6, 2013 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Bert Wilson passed away in Olympia, Washington, USA ~ Though he never achieved much mainstream success, Wilson is regarded as a creative improvisational player by jazz afficionados. Especially acclaimed for the albums Live At The Zoo released in 1988 and Endless Fingers six years later. Wilson has also appeared on albums by Sonny Simmons, James Zitro, Smiley Winters (Smiley Etc), and Essra Mohawk ~ Wilson was born in 1939
June 6, 2010 ~ R&B, funk, soul singer, bassist, percussionist Marvin Isley passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Isley Brothers since the early 1970s. Co-wrote several of the band's best known including Fight The Power, The Pride, and Between The Sheets. Member of Isley-Jasper-Isley, a side project known for the 1985 hit Caravan Of Love. Isley retired from music for medical reasons by the late 1990s ~ Isley was born in 1953
June 6, 2006 ~ Keyboardist, organist, singer, songwriter Billy Preston, full name William Everett Preston, passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA ~ As a solo artist known for songs such as That's The Way God Planned It, Outa-space, Will It Go Round In Circles, Space Race, Nothing From Nothing, and With You I'm Born Again, the latter a duet with Syreeta Wright. As a session and touring musician Preston has worked with Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, James Cleveland, the Beatles, George Harrison, Sly Stone, Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers ~ Preston was born in 1946
June 6, 2002 ~ Guitarist Robbin Crosby, full name Robbinson Lantz Crosby, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as member of glam metal outfit RATT. Co-wrote number of the band's best-known including Round And Round, Wanted Man, Lay It Down and the band's You Think You're So Tough debut single ~ Crosby was born in 1959
June 6, 2001 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Joe Darion passed away in Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA ~ Musical theater lyricist best known for the 1965 musical Man Of La Mancha. Co-wrote Changing Partners, a 1954 No.3 Billboard hit for Patti Page, with Larry Coleman. Versions by Bing Crosby, Kay Starr and Dinah Shore would also reach the top 20. A notable cover can also be found on pop singer Elvis Costello's 2009 Secret Profane & Sugarcane, serving as the album's closing track ~ Darion was born in 1911
June 6, 2001 ~ Blondel Keith Calnek, commonly known as ska, rocksteady, reggae producer Ken Lack, passed away ~ Active through the late 1960s. Produced records by the Skatalites (Outer Space), Ken Boothe, the Clarendonians, the Tartans, the Heptones (School Girls), the Slickers, Tommy McCook, Lynn Taitt, Hortense Ellis (Brown Girl In The Ring), the Uniques, and other ~ Calnek was born ca.1934
June 6, 1993 ~ Victor Kwesi Mensah, commonly known as hip-hop, punk rap rapper, singer, songwriter Vic Mensa, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of hip hop unit Kids These Days, known for their sole 2012 Traphouse Rock album produced by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. Following the band's disbandement in 2013 Mensa has recorded as a solo artist, known best for his 2015 U Mad single featuring Kanye West. Mensa also co-founded hip hop collective Savemoney, which included regular collaborator Chance the Rapper
June 6, 1991 ~ Stanley Gayetzby, commonly known as cool jazz, bebop, bossa nova saxophonist Stan Getz, passed away in Malibu, California, USA ~ Dubbed “the Sound” for his warm, lyrical tone. Rose to prominence in the late 1940s as member of Woody Herman's big band. Would go on to become one of jazz's all-time greatest tenor saxophonists. Known for popularizing bossa nova, among other through collaborations with João Gilberto and Antônio Carlos Jobim and especially with the 1964 hit single The Girl From Ipanema of the collaborative Getz/Gilberto album ~ Gayetzby was born in 1927
June 6, 1990 ~ Joshua Alexander Loss, commonly known as dance bandleader, violinist Joe Loss, passed away in London, UK ~ Led the Joe Loss Orchestra, one of the most popular dance bands in the UK during the 1940s and 1950s. Well known songs include In The Mood, The Stripper, Sucu Sucu, Must Be Madison, Theme From Maigret, and March Of The Mods ~ Loss was born in 1909
June 6, 1986 ~ Producer, label executive Dick Rowe, full name Richard Paul Brutton Rowe, passed away in London, UK ~ Served at Decca Records from the late 1940s until his retirement in the mid-1970s. Remembered as the executive who passed on the Beatles, yet did sign the Rolling Stones at the recommendation of George Harrison. Would become one of the most successful British executives and producers of the 1960s, signing and producing acts such as Them, the Moody Blues, the Zombies, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Tom Jones, the Small Faces, the Animals, Procol Harum, and Gilbert O'Sullivan. Rowe's son, solicitor Richard Rowe, would follow in his father's footsteps with executive positions at CBS Records and Sony Music ~ Rowe was born in 1921
June 6, 1986 ~ Pop rock singer, songwriter Gin Wigmore, full name Virginia Claire Wigmore, born in Auckland, New Zealand ~ First gained attention as featured vocalist on Smashproof's 2009 single Brother, a No.1 hit in the band's native New Zealand. Wigmore would release her Holy Smoke debut album later the same year. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Under My Skin, Oh My, I Do and Black Sheep
June 6, 1982 ~ Soul, R&B singer David Oliver, full name David Lee Oliver, passed away in Orange County, Florida, USA ~ Recorded four albums, all produced by the Crusaders's Wayne Henderson, starting with Jamerican Man released in 1977. Best known for the songs Ms and Friends & Strangers, the latter later notably covered by Ronnie Laws. Also was the first to record the Cecil Womack and Gip Noble Jr-penned Love TKO in 1980, a Billboard R&B top 10 hit for Teddy Pendergrass later the same year ~ Oliver was born in 1942
June 6, 1980 ~ Pop punk guitarist, pianist, singer Peter Mosely, full name Peter Michael Mosely, born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Member of Inspection 12 from 1995 through 2003, rejoining in 2007. Best known for his stint with Yellowcard during the mid-2000s, present on the albums Ocean Avenue, Lights And Sounds, and Paper Walls
June 6, 1979 ~ John Joseph Haley Jr, commonly known as vaudevillian actor, singer, dancer, radio host Jack Haley, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Probably best remembered for portraying the roles of the Tin Man and his farmhand counterpart Hickory in the 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical film Wizard Of Oz starring Judy Garland. Previously Haley had worked in vaudeville as a song-and-dance comedian, released a number of records in the 1920s and early 1930s, and was seen in supporting roles alongside Shirley Temple, Frank Sinatra, and notbaly in the Irving Berlin-penned musical film Alexander's Ragtime Band. Haley would continue to work in film and Broadway stage productions throughout the 1940s, with occasional appearances thereafter ~ Haley was born in 1897
June 6, 1978 ~ Indie rock, punk rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist Carl Barât, full name Carl Ashley Raphael Barât, born in Basingstoke, UK ~ Co-frontman of the Libertines alongside Pete Doherty, best known for the UK top 10 singles Can't Stand Me Now and What Became Of The Likely Lads, both taken of the band's eponymous 2004 The Libertines sophomore album. Frontman, lead guitarist for Dirty Pretty Things, especially acclaimed for their 2006 Waterloo To Anywhere debut album which spawned the UK top 20 hits Bang Bang You're Dead and Deadwood. Barât released his eponymous Carl Barât solo debut album in 2010
June 6, 1978 ~ Country singer, songwriter Lisa Brokop born ~ Released her Daddy Sing To Me debut single at age 17. A full-length My Love album followed a year later. Would go on to regularly reach the higher echelons of the Billboard Country charts throughout the early 2000s. Known for songs such as Country Girl, Give Me A Ring Sometime, How Do I Let Go, What's Not To Love, Better Off Broken and Big Picture
June 6, 1978 ~ Lester Rallingston Collins, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger Shad Collins, passed away ~ In-demand sideman from the 1930s through the 1950s. Has served in bands led by Charlie Dixon, Chick Webb, Benny Carter, Count Basie, Lester Young, Cab Calloway, Paul Quinichette, and others ~ Collins was born in 1910
June 6, 1977 ~ Art Mardigian, commonly known as jazz drummer Art Mardigan, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Active since the 1940s. Perhaps most noted for forming the first house band at the Blue Bird Inn jazz club in Detroit, Michigan, in the late 1940s with Phil Hill and Abe Woodly. Has toured with Woody Herman, and Pete Rugolo, and appears on recordings by the likes of Wardell Gray (Tenor Sax), Dexter Gordon, Annie Ross, Jimmy Raney, Stan Getz, Chris Connor (Sings Lullabies Of Birdland), and Fats Navarro (Nostalgia) ~ Mardigian was born in 1923
June 6, 1971 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Ryan Cohan born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Blends world rhythms, traditional jazz and classical. Wrote and arranged for Ramsey Lewis (Dance Of The Soul, Appasionata). Collaborated with artists including Freddie Hubbard, Milt Hinton, Jon Faddis, Joe Locke, Andy Narell, Curtis Fuller, Pat LaBarbera, Regina Carter, Nick Brignola, Andy Bey, Kurt Elling, Michal Urbaniak, Bob Sheppard, Geoff Bradfield, James Cammack, Lorin Cohen, Tito Carrillo, Dana Hill, and others
June 6, 1968 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Alan Licht born in New Jersey, USA ~ Influenced by the Bee Gees, Wings, Hüsker Dü, Sonic Youth, and Steve Reich, discovering minimalist music after given a copy of the latter's Music For 18 Musicians by his guitar teacher. Generally classified as an avant-garde musician, Licht draws from pop, noise, free jazz, and minimalism. Member of Love Child, the Blue Humans, Run On, and Pacific Ocean. Over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, especially noted for his 2000 Plays Well album, and an in-demand collaborator for the likes of Loren Connors, Keiji Haino, Aki Onda, and Henry Kaiser
June 6, 1968 ~ New jack swing, R&B singer, songwriter Damion Hall born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Member of Guy, joining the band after their 1988 eponymous Guy debut album as replacement for Timmy Gatling. Present on songs such as Wanna Get With U, Let's Chill, D-O-G Me Out and Dancin'. Released his Straight To The Point solo album in 1994, which spawned the single Satisfy You featuring Chanté Moore, a modest hit on the Billboard R&B charts
June 6, 1967 ~ Traditional fiddler, smallpipe player Kathryn Tickell born in Walsall, UK ~ Debuted at 17 with her On Kielder Side album recorded at her parents' house. Would go on to work with the Penguin Café Orchestra, the Chieftains, Jimmy Nail, Linda Thompson, Alan Parsons, Sting, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Steeleye Span, and others
June 6, 1966 ~ Pianist, composer Benoit Delbecq born in St-Germain-en-Laye, France ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Guillaume Orti, Hubert Dupont, Benjamin Henocq, Joseph Carver, Steve Argüelles, Serge Adam, Philippe Foch, Noël Akchoté, Francois Houle, Michael Moore, Jean Jacques Avenel, Mark Helias, Oene Van Geel, Ambitronix, Evan Parker, Fred Hersch, Gerry Hemingway, Joëlle Léandre, Mary Halvorson, Taylor Ho Bynum, Mark Turner, and Gerald Cleaver
June 6, 1966 ~ Shauna Reynolds, commonly known as alternative metal, surf rock, punk rock bassist Sean Yseult, born in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA ~ Perhaps best known as member of White Zombie from 1985 until its disbandement over a decade later. Present on all of the band's recordings, including the acclaimed Soul Crusher released in 1987. Yseult has also touredn with the Cramps, authored the autobiographical I'm In The Band containing tour diaries and photos, and is married to Supagroup-singer, rhythm guitarist Chris Lee
June 6, 1964 ~ Paul Walden, commonly known as acid house, house, techno DJ Guru Josh, was born on Jersey, Channel Islands ~ Best known for the title track Infinity of his 1989 Infinity debut album, a club hit across Europe. Other well known songs include Freaky Dreamer, Holographic Dreams, Whose Law (Is It Anyway), Frozen Teardrops, and others ~ Walden passed away in 2015
June 6, 1963 ~ Pop, rock & roll singer Billy Fury records In Summer at Decca Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Valerie Murtagh, Elaine Murtagh, Ray Adams. Produced by Dick Rowe. Released the following month it would give Fury a UK top 10 hit. The flip side featured the Johnnie Ray-cover I'll Never Fall In Love Again
June 6, 1963 ~ Reggae, dancehall singer Junior Reid born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Lead vocalist of Black Uhuru on the albums Brutal, Positive and Black Uhuru Live In New York. As a solo artist known for songs such as Speak The Truth, Youthman, Bank Clerk, and Know Myself. Fronted the Voice Of Progress. Also guested on tracks by the likes of Sugar Minott, Hugh Mundell, Augustus Pablo, Ludacris, the Game (It's Okay (One Blood)), Busta Rhymes, T-Pain, Bun B, Jadakiss, Mims (This Is Why I'm Hot), Waka Flocka Flame, Fat Joe, Ace Hood, Birdman, and DJ Khaled
June 6, 1961 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter Art Gillham passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Considered one of the very first crooners, known for songs such as Angry, I'm Confessing, Shine On Harvest Moon, I'd Climb The Highest Mountain, Cecilia, I'm Waiting For Ships That Never Come In, Thinking and Tenderly ~ Gillham was born in 1895
June 6, 1961 ~ Heavy metal singer, bassist Tom Araya, full name Tomás Enrique Araya Diaz, born in Viña del Mar, Chile ~ Alongside guitarist Kerry King the only other constant member of Slayer, with whom he has recorded about a dozen albums. Know for their fast and agressive style the band is considered one of “the Big Four” of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax. Araya worked as a respiratory therapist in the early 1980s and used his earnings to finance the band's 1983 Show No Mercy debut album. Araya has notably guested on recordings by Alice In Chains, Atari Teenage Riot, Soulfly, and the Rollins Band
June 6, 1960 ~ Rock, hard rock, progressive metal guitarist, singer Steve Vai, full name Steven Siro Vai, born in Carle Place, New York, USA ~ Hailed for his technical prowess. First gained attention in the late 1970s backing Frank Zappa, notably present on albums such as Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar, You Are What You Is and Them Or Us and the subject of the song Stevie's Spanking on the latter album. Released his Flex-Able solo debut album in 1984. Especially known for his 1990 Passion And Warfare album. Has collaborated with Alcatrazz, David Lee Roth, Whitesnake, Mary J Blige, Ozzy Osbourne, and others
June 6, 1959 ~ James Samuel Harris III, commonly known as producer, songwriter Jimmy Jam, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Member of the Time, which also included Terry Lewis. Would partner up with Lewis to become one of the most in-demand producer, songwriting duos starting in the late 1980s, working with the SOS Band, Cherrelle, Alexander O'Neal, Change, Cheryl Lynn, Lionel Richie, Herb Alpert, TLC, Yolanda Adams, Jordan Knight, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Boyz II Men, Usher, Johnny Gill, Patti Labelle, Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan, Mariah Carey, Mya, Prince, Bryan Adams, George Michael, Kelly Price, Gwen Stefani, New Edition, Eric Benét, and perhaps most notably and extensively Janet Jackson
June 6, 1959 ~ Drummer John Keeble born in Islington, UK ~ Best known as drummer of New Romantic band Spandau Ballet from 1979 through 1990, rejoining in 2009. Present on the band's best-known including the band's 1983 True album which spawned the UK top 10 hits Lifeline, True and Gold
June 6, 1959 ~ Jazz guitarist Paul Bollenback, full name Paul Norris Bollenback, born in Hinsdale, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Scott Ambush, Charlie Byrd, Joey DeFrancesco, Herb Ellis, Della Reese, Arturo Sandoval, Stanley Turrentine, Jim Snidero, Gary Bartz, Pat Bianchi, Terri Lyne Carrington, Joe Locke, Houston Person, Carol Sloane, and others
June 6, 1958 ~ Ragtime, vaudeville pianist, songwriter, musical director Ford Dabney, full name Ford Thompson Dabney, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Important figure in pre-jazz era. Best remembered for co-writing Shine, a 1932 hit for Bing Crosby and the Mills Brothers. The song would become a standard, recorded by numerous others ~ Dabney was born in 1883
June 6, 1955 ~ Country singer, songwriter Curtis Wright, full name Curtis Blaine Wright, born in Huntington, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Lead singer of Shenandoah from 2002 through 2007, succeeding Brent Lamb and succeeded by Jimmy Yeary. As a solo artist known for hi 1989 She's Got A Man On Her Mind and his 1992 eponymous Curtis Wright debut album. Has also worked with Vern Gosdin, Pure Prairie League and notably with frequent songwriting partner Robert Ellis Orrall forming the duo Orrall & Wrighy
June 6, 1955 ~ Rock, pop guitarist Jan van der Meij born ~ Member of Vitesse from 1977 through 1980. Co-founded Powerplay with Peter van Straten and Leon Klaasse. Also worked with Frédérique Spigt, Jan Rot, the Beatles tribute band the Analogues, and others
June 6, 1955 ~ Actress, comedian, singer, author Sandra Bernhard born in Flint, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as a stand-up comedian and actress, notably portraying the role of Nancy Bartlett Thomas on the ABC sitcom Roseanne from 1991 until 1997. Bernhard performs classic pop, jazz, and blues, and has recorded about a dozen albums, both as a singer and comedian
June 6, 1954 ~ Raymond Alan Norcia, commonly known as blues harpist, singer Sugar Ray Norcia, born in Stonington, Connecticut, USA ~ Best known for leading Sugar Ray & the Bluetones, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Knockout released in 1989. In the early 1990s Norcia has also served as lead singer for Roomful Of Blues, including on the 1994 Dance All Night album. Norcia is also present on albums by Big Walter Horton, Ronnie Earl, Ann Peebles, Michelle Wilson, Otis Grand (Nothing Else Matters), Porky Cohen, Sax Gordon, Duke Robillard, and Joe Louis Walker
June 6, 1953 ~ Guitarist June Yamagishi born in Ise City, Japan ~ Best known for his association with the Wild Magnolias, notably present on the 1996 1313 Hoodoo Street album, and Papa Grows Funk, with whom he has recorded since the early 2000s. Prior to relocating to New Orleans in the mid-1990s, Yamagishi has worked with and fronted several bands in his native Japan including the West Road Blues Band, the Sooo Baad Revue, Chickenshack, and the Band Of Pleasure. Yamagishi has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Really released in 1979
June 6, 1952 ~ Drummer, timpanist, composer Kjell Sampkopf born in Bærum, Norway ~ Central figure on the Norwegian contemporary music scene. Associated with the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Norske Opera. Composed orchestral works, chamber music and pieces for percussion
June 6, 1952 ~ Electronic, pop rock singer, drummer, keyboardist Yukihiro Takahashi born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Rose to fame in the early 1970s as drummer for the Sadistic Mika Band. Formed the Yellow Magic Orchestra with Ryuichi Sakamoto and Haruomi Hosono, considered a pioneering group predating the electropop boom of the 1980s. The band is especially acclaimed for their 1979 Solid State Survivor album. Takahashi has also recorded extensively as a solo artist since the late 1970s ~ Takahashi passed away in 2023
June 6, 1951 ~ Edward Gernel Fletcher, commonly known as hip-hop producer, rapper Duke Bootee, born ~ Best known for co-writing and appearing on the Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five 1982 hit The Message. The single is considered a landmark hip hop recording as one of the first to take rap music from the house parties of its origins and venture into providing social commentary, its lyrics telling of the stress of inner-city poverty, lack of prospects, and crime ~ Fletcher passed away in 2021
June 6, 1951 ~ Rock, power pop singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Dwight Twilley born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Known best for two Billboard Hot 100 top 20 singles, I'm On Fire in 1975 with his backing unit the Dwight Twilley Band, and Girls in 1984. The latter would feature labelmate Tom Petty providing counterpoint vocals ~ Twilley passed away in 2023
June 6, 1949 ~ Jazz drummer, percussionist Paul Lovens born in Aachen, West Germany ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Alexander von Schlippenbach, the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, the Berlin Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, Cecil Taylor, Harri Sjöström, Eugene Chadbourne, Peter Brötzmann, Philipp Wachsmann, Joëlle Léandre, and others
June 6, 1948 ~ Progressive rock, jazz fusion bassist, guitarist, singer Richard Sinclair born in Canterbury, UK ~ Emerged from the Canterbury scene as a member of several quintessential British bands. Briefly a member of Wilde Flowers in the mid-1960s. Co-founded Caravan in 1968, for whom he wrote In The Land Of Grey And Pink, Golf Girl, and Winter Wine. Subsequently formed Hatfield & the North, notably present on acclaimed albums such as Hatfield & The North and The Rotters' Club. Member of Camel during the late 1970s, member of In Cahoots during the early 1980s
June 6, 1946 ~ Bassist Tony Levin, full name Anthony Frederick Levin, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ In-demand session musician appearing on over some 500 albums. Has worked with King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, Liquid Tension Experiment, John Lennon, Sarah McLachlan, Stevie Nicks, Paul Simon, Lou Reed, David Bowie, Tom Waits, Todd Rundgren, Seal, Warren Zevon, Bryan Ferry, Laurie Anderson, and others
June 6, 1944 ~ Electronic music pioneer Edgar Froese, full name Edgar Willmar Froese born in Tilsit, Germany ~ Founded Tangerine Dream. Had previously founded psychedelic rock outfit the Ones, once invited to play at Salvador Dali's villa. The encounter inspired Froese to seek a more experimental approach in his music ~ Froese passed away in 2015
June 6, 1944 ~ Montgomery Bernard Alexander, commonly known as jazz pianist Monty Alexander born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Inlfuenced by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson, Frank Sinatra. Learned piano as a child. Played with Frank Sinatra, befriended Ray Brown and Milt Jackson, while still in his teens. Has worked with Ernest Ranglin, Ed Thigpen, Othello Molineaux, Ernestine Anderson, Mary Stallings, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Golson, James Griffin, Frank Morgan, and others. Has been married to guitarist Emily Remler, currently married to jazz singer Caterina Zapponi
June 6, 1943 ~ Rock, country singer, pianist, songwriter Joe Stampley born in Springhill, Louisiana, USA ~ Fronted 1960s rock group the Uniques, known for Not Too Long Ago and All These Things. As a solo artist known for a number of 1970s, 1980s Billboard Country top 10 hits. Well known songs include Soul Song, I'm Still Loving You, Take Me Home To Somewhere, Roll On Big Mama, Red Wine And Blue Memories and I'm Gonna Love You Back To Loving Me Again. Also known as a frequent collaborator of singer Moe Bandy, notably on the collaborative albums Just Good Ol' Boys released in 1979 and its follow-up Hey Joe Hey Moe two years later
June 6, 1942 ~ Author, music journalist, blues scholar Paul Garon, full name Paul Arthur Garon, born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Noted for his writings on surrealist works. To blues audiences best known as founding editor of the Living Blues magazine in 1970, which in time would become to be considered an authority on blues music. Authored several books on blues and blues musicians, including A Woman With Guitar (Memphis Minnie's Blues) on Memphis Minnie and The Devil's Son In-Law (The Story Of Peetie Wheatstraw And His Songs) on Peetie Wheatstraw ~ Garon passed away in 2022
June 6, 1939 ~ Composer, pianist Louis Andriessen, full name Louis Joseph Andriessen, born in Utrecht, the Netherlands ~ Son of composer Hendrik Andriessen. Brother of composers Jurriaan Andriessen and Caecilia Andriessen. Co-founded Orkest de Volharding and Hoketus. Also worked with the Schonberg Ensemble, ASKO, Icebreaker, and others ~ Andriessen passed away in 2021
June 6, 1936 ~ Levi Stubbles, commonly known as singer Levi Stubbs, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Brother of singer Joe Stubbs who sang with 100 Proof (Aged In Soul), the Falcons, the Contours, and Originals. Best known as longtime lead singer of the Four Tops, known for songs such as Baby I Need Your Lovin', It's The Same Old Song, Reach Out I'll Be There, Bernadette, Standing In The Shadows Of Love, and Loco In Acapulco ~ Stubbs passed away in 2008
June 6, 1936 ~ Blues harpist, singer Raful Neal was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA ~ Bandmate of Buddy Guy in the Clouds. Critically acclaimed for a number of 1990s solo albums. Also worked with Tab Benoit and with the Hoodoo Kings. Nine of his ten children are also blues musicians, including singer Jackie Neal and guitarist Kenny Neal ~ Neal passed away in 2004
June 6, 1935 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer Grant Green born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Father of Grant Green Jr. Green Senior was influenced by Charlie Christian, Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Jimmy Raney. Has recorded extensively, both as a leader and as a sideman. Made his first recordings in 1959 backing Jimmy Forrest with Elvin Jones on drums (the LPs All The Gin Is Gone and Black Forrest). Has also backed artists such as Sam Lazar, Willie Dixon, Brother Jack McDuff, Baby Face Willette, Hank Mobley, Stanley Turrentine, Lou Donaldson, Ike Quebec, Horace Parlan, Jimmy Smith, Lee Morgan, Donald Byrd, Wild Bill Davis, Reuben Wilson, and Houston Person. As a leader Green has recorded since the early 1960s, mostly for Blue Note Records, up to his death ~ Green passed away in 1979
June 6, 1925 ~ Jazz trombonist Al Grey born in Aldie, Virginia, USA ~ Best remembered for his work with Count Basie's orchestra. Also worked with Benny Carter, Jimmie Lunceford, Lucky Millinder, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Lorez Alexandria, Ray Bryant, Arnett Cobb, John Hicks, Johnny Hodges, Melba Liston, Jimmy McGriff, Jay McShann, Joe Newman, Oscar Pettiford, Pony Poindexter, Paul Quinichette, Clark Terry, and Randy Weston ~ Grey passed away in 2000
June 6, 1925 ~ Gloria Lane Kachmalnick, commonly known as mezzo-soprano Gloria Lane, born in Trenton, New Jersey, USA ~ Active from the late 1940 through the 1970s. First gained attention with the Broadway operas The Consul in 1950, and Saint Of St Bleeker Street a feww years later. Lane would go on to perform with noted orchstras in the USA and abroad including the New York City Opera, La Scala, the Royal Opera, the Vienna State Opera, and the Vancouver Opera ~ Krachmalnick passed away in 2016
June 6, 1916 ~ Daniel Doroteo Santos Betancourt, commonly known as guaracha, plena, rumba, bolero singer, composer Daniel Santos, was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico ~ Active since the early 1930s, initially as a member of Trio Linco. Would go on to perform in night clubs and casinos. Rose to fame as member of Pedro Flores' El Cuarteto Flores, notably present on hits such as Perdon, Amor, El Ultimo Adios and Si Yo Fuera Millonario. After serving in the Army during World War II would emerge as a successful solo singer and songwriter, best remembered for Sierra Maestra ~ Santos passed away in 1992
June 6, 1916 ~ Jazz pianist, lecturer, critic John Mehegan born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Head of jazz department at the Metropolitan Music School in the 1940s and 1950s. Jazz critic. Wrote numerous books on jazz. Recorded half a dozen albums with Charles Mingus, Kenny Clarke, Eddie Costa, and Vinnie Burke ~ Mehegan passed away in 1984
June 6, 1915 ~ Composer, pianist, teacher Vincent Persichetti born ~ Persichetti's students include Philip Glass, Bruce Adolphe, Louis Calabro, Michael Jeffrey Shapiro, Laurie Spiegel, Kenneth Fuchs, Richard Danielpour, Peter Schickele, Lowell Liebermann, Robert Witt, Elena Ruehr, Wiliam Schimmel, Leonardo Balada, Leo Brouwer, and others ~ Persichetti passed away in 1987
June 6, 1902 ~ Jazz, swing bandleader, saxophonist Jimmie Lunceford, full name James Melvin Lunceford, born in Fulton, Mississippi, USA ~ Popular during the 1930s and known for his distinctive two-beat rhythm, called the Lunceford two-beat. Well known songs include Rhythm Is Our Business, I'm Nuts About Screwy Business, Four Or Five Times, Wham (Re-bop-boom-bam), For Dancers Only and Stratosphere ~ Lunceford passed away in 1947
June 6, 1893 ~ Karl Karlsson, commonly known as accordiionist, songwriter Calle Jularbo, born in Dalarna County, Sweden ~ Most famous accordionist of hist his time. Pivotal to forming Swedish accordion tradition. Extremely productive, recording over 1,500 songs during his career. Wrote and first recorded Livet i Finnskogarna, a song that would later be adapted by the Pinetoppers member George Vaughn Horton. The English version is known as Mocking Bird Hill and would be recorded by Les Paul & Mary Ford, popularized by Patti Page who scored a 1951 Billboard pop No.2 hit with it and later recorded by numerous others ~ Karlsson passed away in 1966
June 6, 1890 ~ Bandleader, singer Ted Lewis, full name Theodore Leopold Friedman, born in Circleville, Ohio, USA ~ Known as “Mr Entertainment”. Started serving under Earl Fuller in the late 1910s. Led his own band by the end of the decade, marketed as Columbia Records' answer to the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. Employed clarinetists such as Benny Goodman, Jimmy Dorsey, Frank Teschemacher, Don Murray. Also included sidemen such as trumpeter Muggsy Spanier and trombonist George Brunies. Particular popular during the 1920s, second only to Paul Whiteman's orchestra ~ Lewis passed away in 1971