March 17, 2024 ~ Matthew Urango, commonly known as keyboardist, guitarist, singer Cola Boyy, passed away ~ Born with spina bifida, kyphosis, and scolioses, as well as a club foot, Urango had experienced discrimination in the labor market prior to establishing himself as a professional musician. His sound compared by NME as “a disco ball melting or the after-effects of some particularly potent hallucinogenics”, Cola Boyy released his debut EP Black Boogie Neon in 2018, followed by the full-length Prosthetic Boombox debut album in 2021. Urango had played in punk rock bands in high school, and played guitar for indie pop band the Sea Lions, but opted for a more accessible sound to reach a wider audience. Well-known songs include Penny Girl, Buggy Tip, Beige 70, and Kid Born In Space, the latter telling of his experience growing up as a disabled person. Urango is known for his anti-capitalist views, and involved in various left-wing causes including advocating for immigrants and workers ~ Urango was born in 1990
March 17, 2024 ~ Stephen Malcolm Ronald Nice, commonly known as glam rock, art rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Steve Harley, passed away ~ Lead singer, frontman of 1970s outfit Cockney Rebel, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums including the UK top 10 albums The Psychomodo and The Best Years Of Our Lives. The band is known for songs such as Sebastian, Judy Teen, Mr Soft, and perhaps their best known Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me), the latter a No.1 hit in both Ireland and the band's native UK and a radio staple to this day. Following the band's disbandement, Harley has recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist. The singer continued to perform into his seventies, and was forced to cancel his upcoming 2024 tour after being diagnosed with cancer. Upon hearing of his passing, fellow musician Midge Ure, who had produced Harley's 1982 track I Can't Even Touch You, stated Harley was “a true ‘working’ musician, (who) toured until he could tour no more” ~ Nice was born in 1951
March 17, 2023 ~ Rodolfo Olivares, commonly known as cumbia saxophonist Fito Olivares, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Well known for his recordings with backing unit La Pura Sabrosura, which also included his brothers singer Javier Olivares and keyboardist Jaime Olivares. The band was active from the early 1980s and had their breakthrough by the end of the decade. Known for songs such as La Gallina, Juana La Cubana, La Negra Catalina, La Ranita, Cupido Bandido, Juana Maria, and El Colesterol ~ Olivares was born in 1947
March 17, 2023 ~ Clarence Eugene Haskins, commonly known as R&B, funk guitarist, drummer, singer Fuzzy Haskins, passed away ~ Closely associated with George Clinton, working with the iconic funk frontman from the early doo-wop days with the Parliaments through the 1960s, 1970s ensembles Parliament and Funkadelic. Co-wrote the latter's I Got A Thing You Got A Thing Everybody's Got A Thing, I Wanna Know If It's Good To You, and Good To Your Earhole. Haskins parted ways with Clinton in 1977 over financial and management disputes. Haskins and fellow Clinton alumni Calvin Simon and Grady Thomas caused confusion when they released the 1981 Connections And Disconnections album using the moniker Funkadelic. Haskins also recorded two albums as a solo artist, Whole Nother Thang in 1976 and Radio Active in 1978 ~ Haskins was born in 1941
March 17, 2021 ~ Hard bop pianist, composer Freddie Redd passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Though an in-demand sideman and revered bandleader, Redd is best known for composing the score to the 1960 film The Connection. Redd recorded over a dozen albums as a leader, especially acclaimed for Piano East Piano West and Shades Of Redd. As a sideman, Redd has appeared on albums by Tiny Grimes, Joe Roland (Joltin' Joe Roland), Gene Ammons, Art Farmer (Evening In Casablanca), Howard McGhee, Rolf Ericson, and John Zorn ~ Redd was born in 1928
March 17, 2019 ~ Zephire André Williams, singer, songwriter, producer, label executive, commonly known as André Williams passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Jail Bait, Greasy Chicken, Bacon Fat, and Cadillac Jack. Co-wrote Stevie Wonder's first song, Thank You For Loving Me. Also co-authored Shake A Tail Feather, which has since has become a R&B all-time classic recorded by many including notable versions by Ike & Tina Turner and by James & Bobby Purify ~ Williams was born in 1936
March 17, 2019 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal, punk rock guitarist Bernie Tormé, full name Bernard Joseph Tormey, passed away in London, UK ~ Influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore. Best known as member of Gillan, fronted by Deep Purple's Ian Gillan, present on the albums Mr Universe, Glory Road and Future Shock. Has also worked with Atomic Rooster, Desperado, René Berg, GMT, Ozzy Osbourne, Quatermass, and Gary Barden's Silver ~ Tormey was born in 1952
March 17, 2019 ~ Singer, producer, actor Yuya Uchida passed away in Tokyo, Japan ~ Leading figure in Japanase pop. Befriended John Lennon after opening for the Beatles on their 1966 Japanese tour. Influenced by Jimi Hendrix. Recorded with Frank Zappa and with the Ventures ~ Uchida was born in 1939
March 17, 2017 ~ Conductor, arranger, songwriter, producer Joe Sherman, full name Joseph Daniel Sherman, passed away ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Ramblin' Rose with his brother Noel Sherman. The song would be first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1962, and has become a standard covered by over a hundred artists including Bobby Vinton, Ferlin Husky, Paul Anka, Pat Boone, Chuck Berry, and Eddy Arnold. Other songs co-written by Sherman have been recorded by the likes of Dolores Hawkins, Denise Lor, Billy May, George Duning, and Georgia Gibbs ~ Sherman was born in 1926
March 17, 2011 ~ Singer, actor, guitarist Ferlin Husky, full name Ferlin Eugene Husky, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Traditional honky-tonk, weeping country ballads, rockabilly, with some humorous novelty songs thrown in for good measure. Popular from the early-1950s forward. Had a then-unknown Elvis Presley open for him. Known for songs such as I Feel Better All Over More Than Anywhere Else, I'll Baby Sit With You, Gone, The Wings Of A Dove, The Waltz You Saved For Me, Once, and Just For You ~ Husky was born in 1925
March 17, 2010 ~ Singer Alex Chilton passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ First gained attention fronting the Box Tops while still in his teens, scoring hits with songs such as The Letter, Neon Rainbow, Cry Like A Baby, and Soul Deep. Would go on to front the seminal power pop band Big Star, recording three albums in the 1970s, influential on artists as diverse as Kiss's Paul Stanley, REM, Teenage Fanclub, the Replacements, Primal Scream, Matthew Sweet, and Velvet Crush ~ Chilton was born in 1950
March 17, 2009 ~ Country singers Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis release their I Told You So duet single ~ Written by and originally recorded by Travis for his 1987 Always & Forever album. The Underwood and Travis duet version, released as the fifth and final single off Underwood's Carnival Ride, would almost equal the success of the original, peaking at No.2 on the Billboard Country charts, whereas the original version reached the top position. It also earned the pair a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals
March 17, 2006 ~ Jazz bassist, banjoist, singer Narvin Kimball passed away ~ Kimball emerged as one of the premier musicians from the 1920s New Orleans jazz scene, with an impressive lengthy career. Son of string bassist Henry Kimball. Married to pianist Jeanette Kimball during the 1930s. Has worked with the likes of Fate Marable, Papa Celestin, and Sidney Desvigne, and Alvin Alcorn. Struggled through the Depression era gigging at night while working a regular day job as a postman. From the 1960s onward, Kimball has been closely associated with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, serving as one of its co-founding and longtime members ~ Kimball was born in 1909
March 17, 2005 ~ Wayne Pedziwiatr, commonly known as pop, rock, jazz, fusion bassist Wayne Pedzwater, passed away ~ Briefly a member of Blood Sweat & Tears in the early 1980s. Would go on to session for artists such as Thom Rotella, José José, Tom Chapin (Billy The Squid), Chuck Loeb, Michael Jackson, John Forster (Helium), Jewel, and Vaneese Thomas ~ Pedziwiatr was born in 1956
March 17, 1997 ~ Singer, dancer Jermaine Stewart, full name William Jermaine Stewart, passed away in Homewood, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his 1986 recording We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off, a top 10 hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Started out as a dancer on Soul Train show where he befriended Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel. All three of them auditioned for Shalamar as backup singers. Stewart lost out but would join the band as a dancer. Sang backup on Culture Club's Miss Me Blind ~ Stewart was born in 1957
March 17, 1995 ~ Albert Luandrew, commonly known as pianist, singer, songwriter Sunnyland Slim, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Helped define Chicago blues. Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting in the mid-1940s. Especially acclaimed for the albums Midnight Jump and Slim's Shout, both released in 1969. Has accompanied blues artists such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Robert Lockwood Junior, Little Walter, and rockers such as Canned Heat and Mick Taylor ~ Luandrew was born in 1906
March 17, 1990 ~ Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, mononymously known as singer, songwriter Hozier born in Bray, Ireland ~ Rose to fame with his 2013 debut EP Take Me To Church, spawning the hit single Take Me To Church which would reach top 10 in his native Ireland, the UK, America and across Europe. Would release his full-length eponymous Hozier debut album the following year and has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial success since
March 17, 1990 ~ Richard Roman Grechko, commonly known as rock, jazz fusion, progressive rock bassist, violinist Ric Grech, passed away in Leicester, UK ~ Bassist, violinist for progressive rock outfit the Family, for whom he also wrote How-Hi-The-Li, Face In The Cloud and Second Generation Woman, also singing lead on the latter. Member of supergroup Blind Faith alongside guitarist Eric Clapton and keyboardist Steve Winwood. Worked with Ginger Baker in Ginger Baker's Air Force. Appeared on Graham Bond's 1970 Holy Magick album. Member of Traffic, present on the live album Welcome To The Canteen and the acclaimed The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys album. Sessioned with Rod Stewart, Ronnie Lane, Vivian Stanshall, and with Muddy Waters on the overlooked all-star The London Sessions album. Member of KGB. Grech retired from music in 1977 ~ Grechko was born in 1945
March 17, 1986 ~ Cassie Grzymkowski, commonly known as singer, guitarist Cassie Ramone, born in New Jersey, USA ~ Rose to prominence as guitarist, singer for indie rock band the Vivian Girls, best known for their 2011 Share The Joy album. Also formed the side project the Babies and recorded as a solo artist, starting with The Time Has Come released in 2014
March 17, 1986 ~ Guitarist, bassist, saxophonist, singer, songwriter Miles Kane, full name Miles Peter Kane, born in Merseyside, UK ~ Co-frontman of supergroup the Last Shadow Puppets, which also includes Alex Turner, James Ford, and Zach Dawes. The band is best known for their 2008 The Age Of Understatement debut album. Kane is also well known as a solo artist, releasing a string of acclaimed albums starting with Colour Of The Trap released in 2011. Previously Kane has worked with the Little Flames and the Rascals
March 17, 1985 ~ Nathaniel De La Rosa, commonly known as hip-hop rapper, actor Bodega Bamz, born in New York, New York, USA ~ First gained attention in 2012 with the mixtape Strictly 4 My PAPIZ featuring A$AP Ferg, Tego Calderón, and the Flatbush Zombies. Would release his full-length Sidewalk Exec debut album in 2015. Has guested on recordings by Aston Matthews, A$AP Mob, Funkmaster Flex, Joell Ortiz, 6ix9ine, and others
March 17, 1982 ~ Drummer, singer Sam George passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Member of R&B, soul trio the Capitols, known best for their 1966 surprise hit Cool Jerk which reached top 10 on both the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. Reportedly, the single was initially titled Pimp Jerk, though this was changed as producer Ollie McLaughlin feared a song with the word “pimp” in the title would be banned. Over two decades after hitting the charts, the song would regain exposure as it was used for the soundtrack to the 1992 Home Alone 2 (Lost In New York) comedy film ~ George was born ca.1942
March 17, 1982 ~ Joseph Thomas Youngman, commonly known as house, electro house, progressive house producer, DJ Wolfgang Gartner, born in San Luis Obispo, California, USA ~ Had already established himself as a deep house DJ under his own name prior to adopting the moniker Gartner in the late 1990s. Not wanting to be criticised for his abrupt departure in style Youngman would not reveal his true identity until 2008. Released his full-length Weekend In America debut album in 2011, featuring guests such as Omarion, Cam'ron, will.i.am, and Eve. Has also collaborated with Deadmau5 on Animal Rights, with Skrillex on The Devil's Den, and with Tiësto on We Own The Night
March 17, 1977 ~ Singer, fiddler, composer Jon Boden born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of Bellowhead. Also half of Spiers & Boden, the other half being John Spiers. Member of Eliza Carthy's backing unit the Ratcatchers. Also worked with Fay Hield, Sam Sweeney, Paul Sartin, Rob Harbron, Rick Foot, and the Sacconi Quartet
March 17, 1976 ~ Pianist, songwriter Jack Palmer passed away ~ Best remembered for co-writing Everybody Loves My Baby, first recorded by Aileen Stanley in 1924, and I've Found A New Baby, first recorded by the Dixie Stompers in 1926. Both songs have become jazz standards covered by hundreds of artists ~ Palmer was born in 1899
March 17, 1973 ~ Singer, drummer Caroline Corr, full name Caroline Georgina Corr born in Dundalk, Ireland ~ Dubbed the “Chick with Stick” for her role as drummer in the Celtic folk rock band the Corrs, known for songs such as Runaway, Only When I Sleep, Dreams and Breathless. Also plays the piano and a variety of traditional instruments including the bhodran
March 17, 1972 ~ Bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur, full name Melissa Gaboriau Auf Der Maur, born in Montreal, Canada ~ Formed the indie rock band Tinker with Steve Durand in 1993, enjoying moderate succes. Member of Hole, notably present on the 1998 Celebrity Skin album. Toured with the Smashing Pumpkins in 2000. Released her Auf Der Maur solo debut album in 2004. Has also worked with Hand Of Doom, Indochine, Rufus Wainwright, Ric Ocasek, Neverending White Lights, and others
March 17, 1972 ~ Rapper Sean Price, full name Sean Duval Price, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of underground hip hop collective Boot Camp Clik. Formed the duo Heltah Skeltah with Jahmal Bush. Member of Random Axe. Has released four albums as a solo artist, starting with Monkey Barz in 2005. Guested on recordings by Jedi Mind Tricks, the Snowgoons, eMC, KRS One, the Wu-Tang Clan, Ill Bill, Talib Kweli, Statik Selektah, Masta Killa, and others ~ Price passed away in 2015
March 17, 1972 ~ Indie rock singer, keyboardist, trumpeter Torquil Campbell born in Sheffield, UK ~ Co-lead singer for indie pop, indie rock band Stars, known for a string of acclaimed albums since the early 2000s. Plays melodica, trumpet, synthesizer, trumpet. Forms the duo Memphis with Chris Dumont. Has also occasionally collaborated with indie rock band Broken Social Scene. In addition to his music career, Campbell is also active as an actor and director for stage, TV and film
March 17, 1971 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader Abraham Burton born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Formed Forbidden Fruit. Worked with Marc Cary, Allan Palmer, James Hurt, Billy Johnson, Yosuke Inoue, Erin McPherson, Louis Hayes, Ali Jackson, Santi Debriano, the Mingus Big Band, Art Taylor, Jack Walrath, Steve Davis, Duane Eubanks, Dusko Gojkovic, Jimmy Smith, and Horace Tapscott
March 17, 1970 ~ Aaron Freeman, also known as singer, guitarist, percussionist Gene Ween, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as half of Ween, the other half being childhood friend Dean Ween. known for albums such as 1992's Push Th' Little Daisies and 1994's Chocolate And Cheese. Though never achieving much commercial success, the band's only two singles reaching the Billboard charts being Push Th' Little Daisies and Voodoo Lady, the band enjoyed a cult following and be critically acclaimed. Freeman released a solo album. Marvelous Clouds, in 2012 and shortly thereafter left the band. Stopped using the moniker Gene Ween and performed under his birth name. Formed five-piece band, Freeman, in 2014
March 17, 1970 ~ Singer Gladys Knight & the Pips record If I Were Your Woman at Hitsville USA, Detroit, Michigan ~ Written by Pam Sawyer, Gloria Jones and Clay McMurray, the latter also serving as producer. Released as a single, b/w The Tracks Of My Tears, the following November it would reach top 10 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and top the Billboard R&B charts. It would be notably covered by Alicia Keys for her 2003 sophomore The Diary Of Alicia Keys album
March 17, 1969 ~ Pop singer, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Roger Quigley, full name Roger Patrick Martin Quigley, born in Salford, UK ~ Released a handful of solo recording marked by autobiographical lyics intertwined with minor-chord guitar arpeggios, starting with his A Kind Of Loving debut EP released in 1995. Drummer for Lovewood. Formed the Montgolfier Brothers with Mark Tranmer, known best for the acclaimed The World Is Flat album released in 2002. Guested on the Southern Arts Society's 2008 Burning Sand album ~ Quigley passed away in 2020
March 17, 1967 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Billy Corgan, full name William Patrick Corgan Jr, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Lead singer, guitarist, primary songwriter, sole constant member of the Smashing Pumpkins, co-founded with guitarist James Iha in 1988. The band is known for a number of critically acclaimed albums, notably Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness released in 1995. Following the band's disbandement in 2000 Corgan formed the short-lived Zwan, and recorded as a solo artist before reviving the Pumpkins moniker with a band consisting of Corgan and a revolving lineup. Corgan has also server as producer for the Cars co-lead singer Ric Ocasek, the Frogs, and Catherine, and co-wrote several tracks of Hole's 1998 Celebrity Skin including the title track
March 17, 1967 ~ Grunge, psychedelic rock, alternative rock bassist, guitarist Van Conner born in Apple Valley, California, USA ~ Co-founded the Explosive Generation with his brother guitarist Gary Lee Conner and friend drummer Mark Pickerel. With the addition of singer Mark Lanegan the band would evolve into Screaming Trees, known best for songs such as Nearly Lost You and All I Know. Drawing from hard rock and psychedelic rock, the band is widely regarded as one of the pioneering acts in grunge. Conner also founded the side projects Solomon Grundy, releasing a sole eponymous Solomon Grundy album in 1990, and Gardener, known for their New Dawning Time album released in 1999 ~ Conner passed away in 2023
March 17, 1966 ~ Punk rock guitarist Michael Weber, full name Michael Peter Weber, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Best known as founding member, lead guitarist of punk rockers the Seminal Rats. Also a member of hard rock outfit Hoss for two years before returning to Rats in 1992 playing with the band until his untimely death due to a heroin overdose in 1999. The band would break up after Weber's deaths ~ Weber passed away in 1999
March 17, 1963 ~ Elizabeth Mary Landreaux, commonly known as blues singer Lizzie Miles, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with Joe Oliver, Kid Ory, Bunk Johnson, AJ Piron, Manuel Manetta, Freddie Keppard, Charlie Elgar, Herb Morand, Jelly Roll Morton, Paul Barbarin, Bob Scobey, Joe Darensbourg, Freddie Kohlmann, and others. Half-sister of blues singer Edna Hicks ~ Landreaux was born in 1895
March 17, 1963 ~ Bassist Michael Ivins, full name Michael Lee Ivins, born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Founded alternative rock band the Flaming Lips with Mark Coyne and Wayne Coyne, known for songs such as She Don't Use Jelly, Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt.1 and The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (With All Your Power)
March 17, 1961 ~ Songwriter, producer Alexander Bard, full name Alexander Bengt Magnus Bard, born in Motala, Sweden ~ Founded tongue-in-cheek camp disco, dance-pop outfit Army Of Lovers with Jean-Pierre Barda and La Camilla, known for hits such as Sexual Revolution, Obsession and their biggest hit Crucified
March 17, 1959 ~ Keyboardist, singer Mike Lindup born in London, UK ~ Founding member of pop-rock outfit Level 42, remaining with the band through 1994 and rejoining in 2006, known for songs such as Sun Goes Down (Living It Up), Something About You, Lessons In Love, Running In The Family, To Be With You Again and It's Over. Has also released a number of solo recordings, starting with 2000's Changes, and was a member of Da Lata since 2000
March 17, 1959 ~ Punk, rock singer, actress, writer, poet, dancer Pleasant Gehman born ~ Member of 1980s all-female punk rock band the Screamin' Sirens, which she co-founded with drummer, singer Diane Dixon. The band drew from country, punk rock, rockabilly and funk and is said to have predated what is usually referred to as alternative country. Gehman is also well known as an author, writer, poet, and actress
March 17, 1958 ~ Jazz pianist Carl Perkins passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Curtis Counce, Tiny Bradshaw, Big Jay McNeely, Miles Davis, Oscar Moore, Clifford Brown, Max Roach, Frank Morgan, Pepper Adams, Chet Baker, Victor Feldman, Dexter Gordon, Illinois Jacquet, Leroy Vinnegar, and others ~ Perkins was born in 1928
March 17, 1958 ~ R&B outfit the Coasters record Yakety Yak ~ Written and produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Released as a single, b/w Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart, the following month it would top both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard R&B charts. The song's saxophone solo, played by King Curtis, would inspire the 1963 Boots Randolph hit Yakety Sax
March 17, 1957 ~ Indie rock singer, drummer, guitarist Hamish Kilgour born in Christchurch, New Zealand ~ Co-founded indie rock band Clean with his brother David Kilgour, known best for their 1981 single Tally Ho. Following the band's initial disbandement Kilgour relocated to New York and formed the Mad Scene with guitarist, bassist Lisa Siegel, recording the albums A Trip Thru Monsterland and Sealight. Kilgour released his All Of It And Nothing solo debut album in 2014. Hamish would be reported missing by his family on December 1st 2022, his body found by police about one week later ~ Kilgour passed away in 2022
March 17, 1956 ~ Rosemary Patricia Sebert, commonly known as singer, songwriter Pebe Sebert, born in Michigan City, Indiana, USA ~ Mother of singer, songwriter Ke$ha, for whom she has also written several songs including Animal and Your Love Is My Drug. Other artists who have recorded songs written or co-written by Pebe include Katy Moffatt, Joe Sun (Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You), Dolly Parton, Kathy Mattea, Crystal Gayle, Miley Cyrus, Miranda Cosgrove, and others
March 17, 1956 ~ Drummer Will Rigby born ~ Co-founding member of the dB's. The band is known best for their 1981 Stands For Decibels debut album, hailed by critics as one of the greatest lost power pop albums of the 1980s. Previously Rigby had worked with 1970s outfit Sneakers, known for their eponymous 1976 Sneakers album. Rigby released his Sidekick Phenomenon debut album, consisting of Merle Haggard and Hank Williams-covers and originals, in 1981. Has guested on recordings by Kimberley Rew, Chris Stamey, George Cartwright, the Shams, Matthew Sweet, Mojo Nixon, his once-wife Amy Rigby, Cheri Knight (The Northeast Kingdom), Tim Lee, Laura Cantrell, Steve Earle (Transcendental Blues), the Holy Modal Rounders, Amy Allison, and the Cosmopolitans
March 17, 1955 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Paul Overstreet, full name Paul Lester Overstreet, born in Newton, Mississippi, USA ~ As a solo artist known for songs such as Love Helps Those, Seein' My Father In Me, The Richest Man On Earth and Daddy's Come Around, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Country. Collaborated with Thom Schuyler and Fred Knobloch on the 1986 album Schuyler Knobloch & Overstreet spawning the country No.1 hit Baby's Got A New Baby. Best known as a songwriter, his songs recorded by the likes of Eddie Rabbitt, George Jones (Same Ole Me), Randy Travis, Mel Tillis, Michael Martin Murphey, Randy Travis (Forever And Ever Amen), the Seldom Scene, Keith Whitley (When You Say Nothing At All), Ricky Skaggs, Dean Dillon, Janie Fricke, the Judds (Love Can Build A Bridge), Kenny Chesney (She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy), Blake Shelton, and others.
March 17, 1954 ~ Michael Leonard Mann, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer Hollywood Fats, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Given his nickname by Junior Wells. Has worked with James Harman, Jimmy Witherspoon, JB Hutto, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Junior Watson, Kid Ramos, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Canned Heat, and others. Briefly a member of the Blasters, replacing Dave Alvin in 1986. Mann would die later the same year of a drug-induced heart attack ~ Mann passed away in 1986
March 17, 1953 ~ Singer Tony Bennett records Rags To Riches at Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York, New York ~ Written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. Produced by Percy Faith. Released as a single the following August, paired with Here Comes That Heartache Again on the flip side, it would be Bennett's third and final Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit, holding the top position for eight weeks. The Adler and Ross composition is based on the Russian song Volga Melody penned by Yuri Shchetkov
March 17, 1952 ~ Jazz percussionist Manolo Badrena born in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ Best known for his stint with the Weather Report, present the albums Heavy Weather, Mr Gone and Weather Report. Also appeared on albums by Joni Mitchell, Dennis Wilson (Pacific Ocean Blue), George Duke, Gino Vanelli (Brother To Brother), Terumasa Hino, Chic (Take It Off), Steve Khan, Little Steven (Men Without Women), Spyro Gyra, Talking Heads, Laurie Anderson (Strange Angels), and Paquito d'Rivera
March 17, 1951 ~ Rock, blues rock, hard rock, progressive rock guitarist Scott Gorham, full name William Scott Gorham, born in Santa Monica, California, USA ~ Though not a founding member a key member of Thin Lizzy remaining with the band from 1974 until its disbandement in 1983, and along with Brian Robertson helpful in developing the band's signature twin guitar sound. First appeared on the 1974 album Nightlife. Present on most of the band's best-known including songs such as The Boys Are Back In Town, Jailbreak, Don't Believe A Word, Dancing In The Moonlight (It's Caught Me In The Spotlight), Waiting For An Alibi, and Killer On The Loose. Has also co-founded Lizzy spin-off band Black Star Riders and served in various later incarnations of Lizzy into the 2020s. Has also appeared on albums by Pat Travers, Phil Lynott, Supertramp (Brother Where You Bound), Phenomena, Psycho Motel, the Rollins Band, Ricky Warwick, and others
March 17, 1950 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Michael Been, full name Michael Kenneth Been, born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ Lead singer of the Call, with whom he recorded a little over half a dozen albums. They are best known for the 1980s singles I Still Believe (Great Design) and Let The Day Begin, both of which received heavy rotation on MTV. Been has also worked with Aorta, Lovecraft, Fine Wine, and the Original Haze, and has toured with alternative rock, garage rock revival outfit the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, which is fronted by his son Robert Levon Been ~ Been passed away in 2010
March 17, 1950 ~ Producer, arranger, songwriter Patrick Adams born in New York, New York, USA ~ First gained attention in the 1970s working as producer with Salsoul Records. Would go on to work with several labels, including major ones, and with acts such as Black Ivory, Inner Life, Loleatta Holloway, R Kelly, the Universal Robot Band, Coolio, Keith Sweat, Eric B & Rakim, Musique, Soul Severes, and others ~ Adams passed away in 2022
March 17, 1949 ~ Folk, blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Werner Lämmerhirt born in Berlin, Germany ~ Influenced by the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Donovan, Big Bill Broonzy, and Mississippi John Hurt. Rose to local fame in the late 1960s Berlin folk clubs. Debuted as a recording artist in 1974 with the album Ten Thousand Miles. Collaborated with Tom Paxton, Alex Campbell, Hannes Wader, Wizz Jones, and others ~ Lämmerhirt passed away in 2016
March 17, 1948 ~ Jazz pianist, bassist, percussionist, songwriter Jessica Williams, full name Jessica Jennifer Williams, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Influenced by Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Over three dozen albums to her name, starting in the late 1970s. Especially acclaimed for albums such as And Then There's This, Arrival, and In The Pocket. Collaborated with the likes of Richie Cole, Buck Hill, Mickey Fields, Eddie Harris, Stan Getz, Bobby Hutcherson, Charlie Haden ~ Williams passed away in 2022
March 17, 1948 ~ Patrick Lloyd, commonly known as guitarist Pat Lloyd, born in London, UK ~ Co-founding and sole constant member of the Equals, which also included Eddy Grant, best known for their 1968 UK charttopper Baby Come Back. The band is noted for being the first major interracial rock group to come out of the UK. Other well known songs include the UK top 10 hit Viva Bobby Joe and Police On My Back, the latter notably covered by the Clash on their pivotal 1980 Sandinista album
March 17, 1946 ~ Funk, rock drummer, singer Harold Brown, full name Harold Ray Brown, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Founded 1970s funk outfit War with Howard Scott, known for songs such as The Cisco Kid, Slipping Into Darkness and Why Can't We Be Friends
March 17, 1946 ~ Guitarist, singer Ian Gomm, full name Ian Robert Gomm, born in Chiswick, UK ~ Best known as rhythm guitarist of Brinsley Schwarz from 1970 through 1974. Co-wrote Cruel To Be Kind, a hit for Nick Lowe. As a solo artist scored a Billboard top 20 hit Hold On of his 1978 Gomm With The Wind album. Also worked with Unit 4, the Stranglers, Alexis Korner, the Dire Straits, and others
March 17, 1944 ~ Rock, pop, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter John Sebastian, full name John Benson Sebastian, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer for Lovin' Spoonful, known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Do You Believe In Magic, You Didn't Have To Be So Beautiful, Daydream, Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind, Summer In The City, Rain On The Roof, and Nashville Cats. As a solo artist best known for scoring a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit in 1976 with Welcome Back, the theme song of the TV sitcom Welcome Back Kotter
March 17, 1943 ~ Singer, songwriter Jim Weatherly, full name James Dexter Weatherly, born ~ Revered singer, songwriter wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by pop, R&B and country artists including Bob Luman, Gladys Knight (Neither One Of Us Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye, Midnight Train To Georgia), Glen Campbell (A Lady Like You), Kenny Rogers, Asha Puthli, Ray Price (If You Ever Change Your Mind), Neil Diamond, Carl Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, Lynn Anderson, Brenda Lee, Batdorf & Rodney, and others ~ Weatherly passed away in 2021
March 17, 1941 ~ Singer, guitarist Paul Kantner, full name Paul Lorin Kantner, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of the Jefferson Airplane, a pivotal act in San Francisco's late 1960s counterculture peak. The band is best known for Somebody To Love and White Rabbit of their quintessential Surrealistic Pillow sophomore album. Both singles would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Kantner has also been involved with several Airplane side projects and spin-offs including Hot Tuna, the KBC Band, and Jefferson Starship ~ Kantner passed away in 2016
March 17, 1938 ~ Singer, songwriter Bruno Glenmark born in Tomelilla, Sweden ~ Active since the 1960s, collaborating with Eleanor Bodel. Formed the family outfit the Glenmarks with his wife Ann-Louise Hanson, niece Karin Glenmark, and nephew Anders Glenmark. The group is known for their 1971 release Gammaldags Musik
March 17, 1938 ~ Zoletta Lynn Taylor, commonly known as singer Zola Taylor, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as the first female member of the Platters, remaining with the group from 1954 to 1962. Present on recordings such as Maggie Doesn't Work Here Anymore, Mean To Me, My Prayer, Twilight Time, He's Mine, Indiff'rent, The Great Pretender and Only You (And You Alone) ~ Taylor passed away in 2007
March 17, 1937 ~ Patrick Henry Wade, commonly known as singer, TV host, actor Adam Wade, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Perhaps best known for his stint as host of the CBS game show Musical Chairs, making him the first African-American to host a game show. As a singer known for early 1960s recordings such as Take Good Care Of Her, As If I Didn't Know and The Writing On The Wall, all of which reached top 10 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Wade passed away in 2022
March 17, 1937 ~ Krautrock, electronic, experimental keyboardist, cellist, violinist, percussionist Conrad Schnitzler born in Düsseldorf, Germany ~ Early member of Tangerine Dream, playing with the band in 1969 and 1970. Co-founding member of Kluster. Member of Eruption. Has also recorded prolifically as a solo artist and was an in-demand collaborator, notably working with Gen Ken Montgomery ~ Schnitzler passed away in 2011
March 17, 1937 ~ Vincent Marcellino, commonly known as singer Vince Martin, born ~ First recorded with the Tarriers. which also included Erik Darling, Alan Arkin, and Bob Carey. Duetted with Fred Neil in the early-1960s, notably on 1964's Tear Down The Walls playing alongside John Sebastian and Felix Pappalardi. Released his solo debut album. If The Jasmine Don't Get You The Bay Breeze Will, in 1969 ~ Marcellino passed away in 2018
March 17, 1934 ~ Jazz singer Lee Wiley records Easy Come Easy Go ~ Wiley, backed by Johnny Green & his Orchestra, records Easy Come Easy Go. Penned by Green and Edward Heyman. Later covered by Eddy Duchin with the DeMarco Sisters, Lew Stone, Tony Bennett, and others
March 17, 1932 ~ Richard William Curless, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Dick Curless, born in Fort Fairfield, Maine, USA ~ Best known for his single A Tombstone Every Mile, which reached the top 10 of Billboard's country chart in 1965. Other well known songs include Six Times A Day (The Trains Came Down), Big Wheel Cannonball and Hard Hard Traveling Man ~ Curless passed away in 1995
March 17, 1931 ~ Jazz vibraphonist, pianist, saxophonist Karel Velebný born in Prague, Czechoslovakia ~ Considered one of the premier figures in modern Czech jazz during the second half of the 20th century. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Karel Krautgartner, co-founded Studio 5 with contrabassist Ludek Hulan, co-founded SHQ with flutist Jan Konopásek, and worked with artists such as Gustav Brom, Jiri Stivin, Frantisek Uhlir, Rudolf Dasek, and Josef Vejvoda ~ Velebný passed away in 1989
March 17, 1930 ~ Trombonist, bandleader Grover Mitchell, full name Grover Curry Mitchell, born in Watley, Alabama, USA ~ Best known for his association with Count Basie, staying with the Count Basie Orchestra from 1962 through 1970. Also worked with Earl Hines, Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, Gene Ammons, Joey DeFrancesco, Al Grey, Eddie Harris, Oliver Nelson, and others ~ Mitchell passed away in 2003
March 17, 1930 ~ Jazz, new age flutist, saxophonist, composer Paul Horn born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Especially acclaimed for his 1969 Inside album, considered a landmark album in world music and new age circles. Worked with Chico Hamilton, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Cal Tjader, Mongo Santamaria, Lorez Alexandria, Fred Katz, Shorty Rogers, Pete Rugolo, Lalo Schifrin, George Shearing, and with the Beach Boys on their 1966 Pet Sounds album ~ Horn passed away in 2014
March 17, 1928 ~ Avant-garde composer, conductor Edino Krieger born in Brusque, Brazil ~ Composed over 150 pieces, including incidental music and film scores. Best known for his Canticum Naturale suite. Also well known for writing the song Fuga E Antifuga, recorded by Vinicius de Moraes ~ Krieger passed away in 2022
March 17, 1927 ~ Operatic mezzo-soprano Betty Allen born in Campbell, Ohio, USA ~ Popular from the 1950s through the 1970s. Worked with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York City Opera, the Oratoria Society Of New York, the Teatro Colón, and the Canadian Opera Company ~ Allen passed away in 2009
March 17, 1919 ~ Nathaniel Adams Coles, commonly known as jazz, jazz-pop pianist, singer Nat King Cole, born in Montgomery, Alabama, USA ~ Served as blueprint for later small jazz, jazz-pop ensembles. Father of singer Natalie Cole. Known for songs such as Sweet Lorraine, All For You, I Love You For Sentimental Reasons, Nature Boy, Mona Lisa, Too Young, Smile, Send For Me, and others ~ Cole passed away in 1965
March 17, 1916 ~ Henry Pitts Brown, commonly known as jazz, blues, jump blues singer, drummer, bandleader Ray Ellington, born in Kensington, UK ~ Best known for his regular appearances on the British radio show The Goon Show during most of the 1950s. Heavily influenced by Louis Jordan. Remembered for his 1962 UK hit The Madison ~ Brown passed away in 1985
March 17, 1900 ~ Film composer, arranger, conductor Alfred Newman born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA ~ Has scored the music for over 200 feature films from the 1930s until his death four decades later. Nominated for an Academy Award over 40 times, winning nine times including with 1943's The Song Of Bernadette and 1955's Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing. Other notable scores include The Diary Of Anne Frank, How The West Was Won, and The Greatest Story Ever Told ~ Newman passed away in 1970
March 17, 1884 ~ Jazz clarinetist Alcide Nunez, full name Alcide Patrick Nunez, born in St Bernard Parish, Louisiana, USA ~ One of the first New Orleans jazz musicians to make recordings. Declared the world's greatest jazz clarinetist by Pee Wee Russell. Worked with Papa Jack Laine, the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Nick LaRocca, Bert Kelly, the Louisiana Five, and Harry Yerkes ~ Nunez passed away in 1934
March 17, 1883 ~ Country, old-time guitarist, singer David Miller born in Ohio River, Ohio, USA ~ One of the earliest country musicians. Began playing the guitar after going blind as a result of contracting blepharitis during his service in the Army in World War I. Known for songs such as Since Mother's Gone and It's Hard To Be Shut Up In Prison ~ Miller passed away in 1953