March 29, 2024 ~ Gerald Conway, commonly known as rock, progressive rock, folk rock drummer Gerry Conway, passed away ~ Perhaps best known for his association with Cat Stevens during the 1970s, backing Stevens on a little over half a dozen albums including the acclaimed Tea For The Tillerman and Teaser & The Firecat, and as longtime member of Pentangle, which also included his wife singer Jacqui McShee. An in-demand sideman and collaborator, Conway has also appeared on albums by Eclection, Fairport Convention (What We Did On Our Holidays), Matthews Southern Comfort, Steeleye Span, Andy Roberts (Urban Cowboy), Keith Christmas, Sandy Denny, Shelagh McDonald, Mike McGear (McGear), Ralph McTell (Easy), Jethro Tull, Joan Armatrading, Richard Thompson, and John Martyn (No Little Boy) ~ Conway was born in 1947
March 29, 2023 ~ Singer Brian Gillis passed away ~ Early member of LFO (Lyte Funky Ones), remaining with the band through 1999. Present on the minor 1995 hit If I Can't Have You, a cover of the 1977 Yvonne Elliman disco hit. Frustrated however with the lack of progress the band had made, Gillis left the band in 1999 prior to recording the band's eponymous LFO (Lyte Funky Ones) debut album. The album would spawn the band's two biggest hits, Summer Girls and Girl On TV both reaching top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Following his departure from the band Gillis found employment as a radio promoter ~ Gillis was born ca.1975
March 29, 2023 ~ Charles Emanuel Sherrell, commonly known as R&B, funk bassist, guitarist, keyboardist Sweet Charles Sherrell, passed away ~ Best known for backing James Brown for the better part of two decades starting in 1968. Credited by Brown with being the first bassist to incorporate techniques such as thumping on the strings, essential to Brown's evolution from soul to funk. Notably present on Brown hits such as Say It Loud I'm Black And I'm Proud, Mother Popcorn and Give It Up Or Turn It Loose. Sherrell also recorded the unsuccessful For Sweet People From Sweet Charles solo album, backed Al Green, and worked with several Brown alumni including Marva Whitney, Lyn Collins, and extensively with Maceo Parker including on the latter's Funk Overload album ~ Sherrell was born in 1943
March 29, 2022 ~ Wolfrando Lavalan Jr, commonly known as rock, blues rock, alternative rock, progressive rock singer, guitarist Jun Lopito, passed away ~ Member of the Jerks alongside Pinoy rock legend Pepe Smith from the late 1970s through the early 1990s. Has also worked with Grace Nono, Tropical Depression, Sampaguita, Pinikpikan, and others. Released his Bodhisattvas solo debut album in 1995 ~ Lavalan was born ca.1958
March 29, 2022 ~ Donald Shaw, commonly known as reggea singer Tabby Shaw, passed away ~ Formed roots reggae harmony group the Mighty Diamonds with Judge Ferguson and Bunny Simpson, best known for their 1976 The Right Time debut album. Originally recorded Pass The Kouchie in 1981, notably covered by pop-reggae outfit Musical Youth as Pass The Dutchie ~ Shaw was born ca.1956
March 29, 2020 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Joe Diffie, full name Joe Logan Diffie, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Debuted in 1990 with the A Thousand Winding Roads album and would regularly reach the higher echelons of the country charts throughout the 1990s. Known for songs such as Home, If The Devil Danced In Empty Pockets, Third Rock From The Sun, Pickup Man and Bigger Than The Beatles, all of which topped the Billboard Country charts. In-demand songwriter, written or co-written songs recorded by Holly Dunn, Tim McGraw, Jo Dee Messina. In-demand collaborator, worked with artists such as Mary Chapin Carpenter, George Jones, and Marty Stuart ~ Diffie was born in 1958
March 29, 2020 ~ Composer, conductor Krzysztof Penderecki passed away in Krakow, Poland ~ Internationally acclaimed. Wrote operas, orchestral works, concertos, choral music, chamber music. Known best for works such as Threnody To The Victims Of Hiroshima, St Luke Passion, Polish Requiem, Anaklasis and Utrenja ~ Penderecki was born in 1933
March 29, 2019 ~ Margaret Ann Lewis, commonly known as singer, songwriter Margaret Lewis, passed away ~ Co-wrote songs for artists such as Dale Hawkins (La-Do-Dada), David Houston (Mountain Of Love), Margaret Whiting (I Almost Called Your Name), Jeannie C Riley (The Girl Most Likely), Dee Mullins (I Am The Grass), Johnny Adams (Reconsider Me), Connie Francis (Wedding Cake), and Peggy Scott (Soulshake) ~ Lewis was born ca.1939
March 29, 2016 ~ Pop, rock pianist, singer, songwriter Andy Newman passed away ~ Member of Thunderclap Newman from 1969 to 1971, a band formed by the Who's Pete Townshend and producer Kit Lambert to showcase the talent of John Speedy Keen, Jimmy McCulloch and Newman. The band would top the UK charts with their single Something In The Air in 1969, taken of the band's sole Hollywood Dream studio album ~ Newman was born in 1942
March 29, 2016 ~ Rock, progressive rock, jazz fusion, classical drummer, actor, author Barney James passed away in Henley-on-Thames, UK ~ Best known as drummer for Warhorse. Has also worked with Rick Wakeman, Journey To The Centre Of The Earth), Dusty Springfield, PJ Proby, Billy Joel, Frank Zappa, Kenny Loggins, John Martyn, Kiki Dee, James Taylor, and Herbie Hancock ~ James was born in 1944
March 29, 2016 ~ Anna Marie Duke, commonly known as singer, actress Patty Duke, passed away in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, USA ~ Best known as an actress, notably in the 1962 film The Miracle Worker for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and for playing the role of “identical cousins” in her own The Patty Duke Show TV show which aired from 1963 through 1966. As a singer recorded occasionally, noted for the 1965 Billboard top 10 hit Don't Just Stand There ~ Duke was born in 1946
March 29, 2016 ~ Singer, guitarist Phil Humphrey passed away in Minnesota, USA ~ Half of early 1960s duo the Fendermen, the other half being Jim Sundquist, best known for their single Mule Skinner Blues which reached the Billboard top 10 in 1960 ~ Humphrey was born in 1937
March 29, 2014 ~ Antonio Salas, commonly known as drummer Billy Mundi, passed away ~ Former Hells Angel. Timpanist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic before moving into studio work. Worked with Skip Battin's Skip & Flip, Tim Buckley, Frank Zappa and the Mothers Of Invention (Freak Out), Geoff Muldaur, Maria Muldaur, Mastin & Brewer, Earth Opera, Rhinoceros, and others ~ Mundi was born in 1942
March 29, 2013 ~ Singer, pianist, actor, songwriter Enzo Jannacci, full name Vincenzo Jannacci, passed away ~ Worked with Rocky Mountains, the Rock Boys, Adriano Celentano, Giorgio Gaber, Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Bud Powell, Franco Cerri, Mina, Paolo Conte, Dario Fo, Irene Grandi, Ligabue, Renato Pozzeto, Enrico Ruggero, Roberto Vecchioni, Francesco de Gregori, Fabrizio de André, and Seltori. As a solo artist known for songs such as L'Ombrello Di Mio Fratello, Milanon Milanin, L'Armando, and La Fotografia ~ Jannacci was born in 1935
March 29, 2013 ~ Baritone singer Marvin Junior, full name Marvin Curtis Junior, passed away in Harvey, Illinois, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Dells, known best for their 1956 single Oh What A Night which became a staple of R&B, a signature tune and would be rerecorded several times during the band's lengthy career ~ Junior was born in 1936
March 29, 2011 ~ Operatic tenor, conductor Robert Tear passed away in Hammersmith, UK ~ First gained attention in the mid-1960s performing in a number of Benjamin Britten operas, starting with The Rape Of Lucretia with the English Opera Group. Britten was so thrilled with Tear that he wrote two roles with Tear's voice in mind, namely Misael in The Burning Fiery Furnace and the title role in The Prodigal Son. Tear is also closely associated with the Royal Opera House, remaining with the company from the 1970s until his retirement in 1999. In the 1980s Tear conducted the London Mozart Players, the English Chamber Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Philharmonia Orchestra ~ Tear was born in 1939
March 29, 2008 ~ Jazz drummer, arranger Allan Ganley, full name Allan Anthony Ganley, passed away in Slough, UK ~ Took up drumming in his mid-teens, playing professionally a few years later after a stint in the Royal Air Force. Got his start in music playing in ensembles led by Jack Parnell, Bert Ambrose, and Johnny Dankworth. Closely associated with Tubby Hayes and Cleo Laine, recording several albums with each since the early 1960s. Would go on to appear on albums by the likes of Ronnie Ross, Joe Harriott (Indo-Jazz Suite), Jim Hall, Slim Gaillard, Stéphane Grappelli, Spike Robinson (It's A Wonderful World), Al Cohn (Keeper Of The Flame), Carol Kidd, Ruby Braff, Tony Coe, David Newton, and Ronnie Scott. To non-jazz audiences perhaps best known for backing Amy Winehouse on sessions for the BBC, included on Winehouse's posthumously released Amy Winehouse At The BBC album ~ Ganley was born in 1931
March 29, 2004 ~ Jazz, traditional jazz trumpeter Colin Smith, full name Colin Ranger Smith, passed away in London, UK ~ Best known as longtime accompanist for Acker Bilk, starting in the late 1950s. From 1977 onwards also played with John Picard, Ian Stewart, Dick Morrisey, and the Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts in an ad-hoc ensemble that would evolve into Rocket 88. Other notable associations include Terry Lightfoot, Cy Laurie, Tony Coe, Bob Wilber, and the Pizza Express All-Stars ~ Smith was born in 1934
March 29, 2001 ~ Pianist John Lewis, full name John Aaron Lewis, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Count Basie, Art Tatum, Hank Jones, Oscar Peterson. Best known as co-founding member, musical director of the Modern Jazz Quartet, acclaimed for albums such as Fontessa, Third Stream Music and Lonely Woman. Accompanied Charlie Parker on pivotal recordings such as Parker's Mood and Blues For Alice. Backed Miles Davis on Birth Of The Cool album. Also present on albums by the likes of Zoot Sims, Dizzy Gillespie (In Paris), Clifford Brown, Illinois Jacquet, Benny Golson, Sonny Rollins, Gil Evans (Pacific Standard Time), Charlie Byrd, Les McCann, Sonny Stitt (Stitt Plays Bird), Joe Pass, Ramsey Lewis, and Buddy Rich ~ Lewis was born in 1920
March 29, 1999 ~ Joe Goreed, commonly known as jazz, blues singer Joe Williams, born in passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Best known for his association with Count Basie, staying with Basie for most of the 1950s including on songs such as Everyday I Have The Blues and Alright Okay You Win. Worked with Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Jimmie Noone, Les Hite, Coleman Hawkins, Red Saunders, Harry Sweets Edison, Junior Mance, Cannonball Adderley, Clark Terry, Thad Jones, Norma Simmons, Henry Johnson, and others ~ Goreed was born in 1918
March 29, 1994 ~ Choi Jin-ri, commonly known as K-pop singer, actress Sulli, born in Busan, South Korea ~ Member of girl group fx, known for songs such as Nu Abo, Pinocchio (Danger), Electric Shock, and Rum Pum Pum Pum. Jin-ri has ventured into acting and released her sole solo album, Goblin, in 2019 ~ Jin-ri passed away in 2019
March 29, 1990 ~ Justin Rafaek Quiles Rivera, commonly known as reggaeton singer, songwriter Justin Quiles, born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA ~ In-demand songwriter. Artists who have recorded songs written or co-written by Quiles include J Balvin, Lil' Jon, Maluma, Yandel and Karol G. As a solo artist debuted in 2015 with the album Carpe Diem
March 29, 1985 ~ Jeanne-Paule Marie Deckers, commonly known as singer the Singing Nun, passed away in Wavre, Belgium ~ Nun and member of the Dominican Order in Belgium. As a singer known for the 1963 novelty hit Dominique which became an international hit topping the charts in several countries including America. Besides English Deckers has recorded and released French, Dutch, German, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean and Portuguese versions of the song ~ Deckers was born in 1933
March 29, 1983 ~ Indie rock, electronic guitarist, drummer Luiza Sá, full name Luiza da Silva e Sá, born ~ Constant member of Cansei de Ser Sexy, active from the early 2000s through early 2010s and regarded as one of the premier bands of the Brazilian new rave scene. Internationally the band is best known for singles such as Alala, Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above, and Music Is My Hot Hot Sex
March 29, 1982 ~ Composer Carl Orff passed away in Munich, West Germany ~ Best known for his 1937 cantata Carmina Burana. One of the few composers allowed to work under the Nazi regime and a controversial figure, both accused of ties to the regime and of ties to the Resistance movement and persecuted Jewish composers. After the War Orff claimed he helped establish the White Rose resistance group, though this claim has been disputed. Eventually, American denazification authorities would change his classification from “gray unacceptable” to “gray acceptable”, allowing him to continue to compose for public presentation ~ Orff was born in 1895
March 29, 1982 ~ Jazz, R&B guitarist Floyd Smith, full name Floyd George Smith, passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for Floyd's Guitar Blues, penned by Smith, recorded with Andy Kirk in 1939 and arguably the first hit record to feature a blues solo on electric guitar. Leader and sideman. Has worked with Eddie Johnson's Crackerjacks, the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, the Sunset Royal Orchestra, the Clouds Of Joy, Django Reinhardt, Wild Bill Davis, Bill Doggett, and others. Has served as producer for Loleatta Holloway, notably the 1975 hit Cry To Me, whom he later married ~ Smith was born in 1917
March 29, 1981 ~ Pop singer Mattias Andréasson born in Vasterås, Sweden ~ Member of boy band EMD, alongside Erik Segerstedt and Danny Saucedo. All three members had been contestants on the Swedish edition of Idol in the mid-2000s. The group is best known for singles such as All For Love, Let Me Love You, Alone, and Baby Goodbye, all of which Swedish No.1 hits taken of the band's 2008 A State Of Mind debut album
March 29, 1981 ~ Actress, singer Megan Hilty, full name Megan Kathleen Hilty, born in Bellevue, Washington, USA ~ Rose to prominence for her roles in several Broadway musicals, notably Wicked, 9 To 5 (The Musical), and Noises Off. Has also worked as actress and voice actress for TV and film
March 29, 1976 ~ Marcus Lakee Edwards, commonly known as rapper Lil' Keke, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Member of Southern rap collective Screwed Up Click. As a solo artist has recorded prolifically since his 1997 Don't Mess Wit Texas debut album. Collaborated with Bun B, Paul Wall, Big Hawk, Chamillionaire, and others
March 29, 1969 ~ Country singer, keyboardist Brady Seals born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1997 The Truth debut album which included the modest hit single Another Year Another Me. Rose to fame as co-lead singer of Little Texas from 1988 through 1994, known for Billboard Country top 10 hits such as Some Guys Have All The Love, You And Forever And Me, What Might Have Been, God Blessed Texas, My Love, Kick A Little and Amy's Back In Austin. Founded Hot Apple Pie in known for their eponymous sole Hot Apple Pie album spawning the modest Billboard Country hit Hillbillies
March 29, 1969 ~ Pianist, songwriter, producer Jason Rebello, full name Jason Mathew Rebello, born in Carshalton, UK ~ Influenced by Herbie Hancock and McCoy Tyner. Had his solo debut, 1990's Clearer View, produced by Wayne Shorter. Also worked with Jean Toussaint, Tommy Smith, Branford Marsalis, Sting, Jeff Beck, Chaka Khan, Des'ree, Mica Paris, Carleen Anderson, Manu Katché, Peter Gabriel, and others
March 29, 1969 ~ Singer Lenny Kuhr ‘wins’ the 14th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Madrid, Spain ~ Representing the Netherlands Kuhr wins with the song De Troubadour written by Kuhr and David Hartsema. Spain being run by dictator Franco the score is disputed with accusiations of a rigged contest being made. Four entries tie for the No.1 spot, including France's Un Jour Un Enfant (Frida Boccara), Spain's Vivo Cantando (Salomé), and the UK's Boom Bang-a-bang (Lulu)
March 29, 1968 ~ Singer, guitarist Sue Foley born in Ottawa, Canada ~ Member of Blues Caravan. Over a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with 1992's Young Girl Blues. Has guested on recordings by Mark Hummel, Wayne Hancock, Lazy Lester, Big Dave McLean, Candye Kane, Lee Holmes, and others
March 29, 1967 ~ Jam band, alternative rock, blues rock singer, harmonica player, guitarist John Popper born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of Blues Traveler, writing or co-writing the majority of the band's material. Released his Zygote solo debut album in 1999. Has collaborated with the Spin Doctors, the Dave Matthews Band, Phish, the Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton, BB King, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Karl Denson, Frogwings, and others
March 29, 1966 ~ William McKinley Gillum, commonly known as blues harpist Jazz Gillum, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for being one of the first to record Key To The Highway in 1940, featuring Big Bill Broonzy on guitar, which became a blues standard covered by many including Eric Clapton. Has also worked with Lester Melrose, Big Maceo Merriweather, Memphis Slim, Arbee Stidham, and others. Gillum was shot and killed in a street argument ~ Gillum was born ca.1904
March 29, 1962 ~ Singer Emmett Miller passed away ~ The link between old-time Southern music, minstrelsy, jazz, and Western swing. Major influence on later country singers including Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, Bob Wills, Milton Brown, Tommy Duncan, Merle Haggard, and others. Backed by Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Gene Krupa and Eddie Lang as early as 1924, recording as the Georgia Crackers. Known for songs such as Lovesick Blues, I Ain't Got Nobody, and Right Or Wrong. Miller's songs have been recorded by Van Dyke Parks, Ry Cooder, Leon Redbone, Louis Prima, and David Lee Roth ~ Miller was born in 1900
March 29, 1961 ~ Gospel singer Alfreda McCrary born ~ Member of traditional black gospel, contemporary urban gospel outfit the McCrary Sisters alongside siblings Ann McCrary, Deborah McCrary and Regina McCrary. The group has recorded a number of albums, starting with Our Journey released in 2010, as well as provided backing vocals for artists such as Carrie Underwood (Choctaw County Affair), Margo Price (Do Right By Me), and Allison Russell (All Of The Women)
March 29, 1960 ~ Bassist Dylan Taylor born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Worked with Lee Konitz, Freddie Hubbard, Mose Allison, Larry Coryell, Tom Lawton, Bobby Zankel, the Warriors Of The Wonderful Sound, Khan Jamal, Kelly Meashey, 53 Stations, and others. Taylor released an album as a leader, Sweeter For The Struggle in 2013
March 29, 1960 ~ Singer Jacqueline Boyer wins the 5th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in London, UK ~ Representing France, Boyer wins with the song Tom Pillibi written by André Popp and Pierre Cour. Runner-ups were the UK's Bryan Johnson with Looking High High High in 2nd place, and Monaco's François Deguelt with Ce Soir-Là in 3rd place
March 29, 1960 ~ Blues singer Jimmy Reed records Big Boss Man ~ One of the few Reed tracks not self-penned, written by Luther Dixon and Al Smith. Released as a single, b/w I'm A Love You, in April 1961. Backing musicians: Lee Baker and Lefty Bates guitars, Willie Dixon bass, Earl Phillips drums, Mamma Reed backing vocals. Notably covered by Elvis Presley, and by BB King
March 29, 1960 ~ Tejano, Latin pop singer Oscar de la Rosa, full name Oscar de la Rosa Gonzales, born ~ Lead singer of La Mafia, which also included his brother guitarist Leonardo Gonzales. The band has recorded over three dozen albums since the early 1980s and is most acclaimed for the mid-1990s albums Vida and Un Million De Rosas
March 29, 1959 ~ Peretz Bernstein, commonly known as singer Perry Farrell born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Frontman of alternative rock band Jane's Addiction, critically acclaimed for the albums Nothing's Shocking and its follow-up Ritual De Lo Habitual. Founding the Lollapalooza festival, initially a 1991 farewell tour for his band which evolved into a four-day festival held in Chicago with up to 400,000 visitors each July. Farrell also fronted Porno For Pyros in the 1990s, Satellite Party in the 2000s, and has recorded as a solo artist
March 29, 1956 ~ Singer, A&R scout Patty Donahue born in USA ~ Best known for fronting the Waitresses. Also worked with Chris Butler, Alice Cooper, and others. Later became a talent scout and A&R representative for MCA Records ~ Donahue passed away in 1996
March 29, 1956 ~ Lincoln Valentine Scott, commonly known as reggae, dub drummer Style Scott, born in Chapelton, Jamaica ~ Drummer for Roots Radics, which served as the rhythm section of many top notch Jamaican stars including Bunny Wailer, Israel Vibration and Gregory Isaacs. Later teamed up with British dub producer Adrian Sherwood to form the core of Dub Syndicate. Also drummed on Revenge Of The Mozabites, the 1979 debut album of Suns Of Arqa ~ Scott passed away in 2014
March 29, 1954 ~ Josina van de Wijdeven, commonly known as pop singer José Hoebee, born in Best, the Netherlands ~ Original member of Luv' alongside Marga Scheide and Patty Brard, known best for U.O.Me (You Owe Me), You're The Greatest Lover, Trojan Horse, Casanova. After the band's disbandement scored a handful of solo hits under the moniker José, notably I Will Follow Him and Secret Love. Has also duetted with Ron Brandsteder and with Bonnie St Claire. Married to producer Will Hoebee, with whom she has one son
March 29, 1951 ~ Jaroslaw Smietana, commonly known as jazz guitarist, composer, bandleader Jarek Smietana, born in Krakow, Poland ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Art Farmer, Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Henderson, Vladislav Sendecki, Joe Zawinul, Janusz Muniak, Gary Bartz, Carter Jefferson, Vince Mendoza, John Abercrombie, Hamiet Bluiett, Idris Muhammad, Ronnie Burrage, Harvie Swartz, Mike Stern, Jack Wilkins, Zbigniew Seifert, Cameron Brown, Andy McKee, Greg Brandy, David Gilmore, Nigel Kennedy, Didier Lockwood, Jerry Goodman, Eddie Henderson, John Abercrombie, John Purcell, and others ~ Smietana passed away in 2013
March 29, 1950 ~ Singer, harpist Mory Kanté born in Albadaria, French Guinea ~ Best known for Yé Ké Yé Ké, a top 10 hit throughout Europe in 1987, topping the singles charts in several countries including the Netherlands. Also a member of the Rail Band taking over as lead singer in 1973 when Salif Kreita left ~ Kanté passed away in 2020
March 29, 1949 ~ Punk rock, new wave, post-punk keyboardist Dave Greenfield, full name David Paul Greenfield, born in Brighton, UK ~ Longtime member of the Stranglers joining the band within a year of its formation and remaining until his death 45 years later. Wrote Golden Brown, which was first dismissed by the band but would become one of their greatest hits ~ Greenfield passed away in 2020
March 29, 1949 ~ Saxophonist Michael Brecker, full name Michael Leonard Brecker, born in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Brother of Randy Brecker, with whom he regularly worked including under the moniker the Brecker Brothers. Member of Dreams. In-demand session musician and sideman, appearing on albums by Horace Silver, Billy Cobham, Lou Reed (Berlin), Donald Fagen, Eric Clapton, John Lennon (Mind Games), Aerosmith (Get Your Wings), Dan Fogelberg, Steely Dan (Gaucho), Frank Zappa, Bruce Springsteen (Born To Run), Chaka Khan (Chaka), the Blue Öyster Cult, Patti Austin, Art Garfunkel (Fate For Breakfast), Chick Corea, Billy Joel (An Innocent Man), George Benson, Aretha Franklin (Aretha), Charles Mingus, Max Roach, the Dire Straits (Brothers In Arms), Michael Franks, Carly Simon, McCoy Tyner, and numerous others ~ Brecker passed away in 2007
March 29, 1948 ~ Alternative country singer, guitarist Johnny Dowd born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Drew comparisons to Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Captain Beefheart. Actively recording since the late 1990s. Has collaborated with Jim White, Willie B, Jackie Leven, het Beukorkest, Anna Coogan, and others
March 29, 1947 ~ Rock, pop rock singer, keyboardist, songwriter Bobby Kimball, full name Robert Troy Kimball, born in Grange, Texas, USA ~ Member of SS Fools. Rose to fame as lead singer of Toto from 1977 through 1984 and again from 1998 through 2008. Present on most of the band's best-known including the band's first four albums, spawning hits such as Hold The Line, Rosanna, Africa and I Won't Hold You Back. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Rise Up released in 1994, and collaborated with the Far Corporation, Yoso, and Kimball Jamison
March 29, 1947 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly, neo-rockabilly singer Robert Gordon, full name Robert Ira Gordon, born in Bethesda, Maryland, USA ~ Influenced by Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent, Jack Scott, Billy Lee Riley, Eddie Cochran. First gained attention with a number of 1960s songs with the Confidentials, notably It's Summertime, Money and There's Something On Your Mind. In the 1970s Gordon briefly strayed into punk rock, singing with Tuff Darts, before returning to rock & roll, neo-rockabilly. As a solo artist noted for the 1978 Fresh Fish Special album featuring Link Wray and the 1996 The Humbler (Live) album which also featured Danny Gatton ~ Gordon passed away in 2022
March 29, 1945 ~ John David Percy Keen, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Speedy Keen, born in Ealing, UK ~ Best known as member of Thunderclap Newman, for whom he wrote the band's UK No.1 hit Something In The Air of their sole Hollywood Dream album released in 1970. The band was formed by label executive, producer Kit Lambert and Pete Townshend specifically to showcase the talents of Keen, Jimmy McCulloch and Andy Newman. Previously Keen shared a flat with and served as driver for Townshend. Keen had also written Armenia City In The Sky for Townshend's band the Who, the song included on their 1967 The Who Sell Out. Keen would go on to record two albums as a solo artist, Previous Convictions and Y' Know Wot I Mean, and work as a session musician ~ Keen passed away in 2002
March 29, 1944 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Terry Jacks, full name Terrence Ross Jacks, born in Winnipeg, Canada ~ Best known for Seasons In The Sun, an international hit in 1974. The song was based on Rod McKuen's re-write of Jacques Brel's Le Moribond and originally intended for the Beach Boys with Jacks tapped as producer
March 29, 1943 ~ Allan Peter Stanley Kowbell, commonly known as rock, soft rock, country rock singer, guitarist, bassost, keyboardist, accordionist, songwriter Chad Allan, born in Winnipeg, Canada ~ Founded Al & the Silvertones in the early 1960s with Randy Bachman. The band would eventually evolve into the Guess Who. Allan is present on the band's It's Time album, yet departed the band in 1966 prior to their rise to international fame. Allan and Bachman would again team up in Brave Belt, a predecessor to Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and is present on the band's Brave Belt and Brave Belt II albums
March 29, 1943 ~ Country singer Randy Barlow born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Emcee and road manager for Dick Clark's Caravan Of Stars tour in the mid-1960s. As a recording artist has recorded a handful of albums from the mid-1970s through the early 1980s. Best known for his 1978 Fall In Love With Me sophomore album. All three of the album's singles, Slow And Easy, No Sleep Tonight and Fall In Love With Me Tonight, would reach top 10 Billboard Country ~ Barlow passed away in 2020
March 29, 1943 ~ Songwriter, TV personality Shay Healy born ~ Wrote Johnny Logan's What's Another Year, Ireland's 1980 Eurovision Songfestival winner. Wrote or co-wrote several musicals, notably 2005's The Wiremen and 1977's The King, the latter about the life of Elvis Presley and premiered just two month's after Presley's death ~ Healy passed away in 2021
March 29, 1943 ~ Evángelos Odysseás Papathanassiou, commonly known as pianist, keyboardist, composer Vangelis, born in Agria, Greece ~ Member of Aphrodite's Child, acclaimed for their 1972 666 album which is considered a landmark album in progressive, psychedelic rock. Formed the duo Jon & Vangelis with Yes lead singer Jon Anderson. Acclaimed film composer, noted for the soundtracks to Blade Runner, 1492 (Conquest Of Paradise) and Chariots Of Fire. The latter, released in 1981, would earn Papathanassiou an Academy Award for Best Original Score ~ Papathanassiou passed away in 2022
March 29, 1940 ~ Astrud Evangelina Weinert, commonly known as bossa nova, jazz singer Astrud Gilberto, born in Salvador, Brazil ~ Best known for her contributions to the 1963 Getz/Gilberto album, a collaborative album by Stan Getz and her then-husband João Gilberto, singing lead on two of the the album's tracks including the hit The Girl From Ipanema. Released her solo debut album The Astrud Gilberto Album in 1965 and has recorded well over a dozen albums since ~ Gilberto passed away in 2023
March 29, 1940 ~ Richard Graham Sarstedt, commonly known as pop rock singer, guitarist, actor Eden Kane, born in New Delhi, British India ~ Teen idol known for a string of early 1960s UK top 10 hits including Get Lost, Forget Me Not, I Don't Know Why, Boys Cry and perhaps his best-known I Ask You, the latter topping the charts in 1961
March 29, 1940 ~ Singer Raymond Davis born in Sumter, South Carolina, USA ~ Best known for his longtime association with George Clinton, co-founding member of the Parliaments, worked with Funkadelic and Parliament. Briefly a member of a latter-day incarnation of the Temptations, taking over for the late Melvin Franklin and present on the 1995 For Lovers Only album ~ Davis passed away in 2005
March 29, 1938 ~ Operatic tenor William Brown born in Jackson, Mississippi, USA ~ Worked with the Baltimore Opera Company, the Little Orchestra Society, the Lake George Opera, the New York City Opera, the Connecticut Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and others ~ Brown passed away in 2004
March 29, 1936 ~ Singer Bing Crosby, backed by Victor Young and Orchestra, records Robins And Roses ~ Written by Joe Burke and Edgar Leslie. Recorded by several artists, it was Crosby's version that would become the biggest hit. Released as a single, b/w We'll Rest At The End Of The Trail, it would reach No.2 on the American pop charts. Other 1936 versions would be recorded by Orville Knapp, and by both Jimmy Dorsey and separately his brother Tommy Dorsey
March 29, 1934 ~ Delme Jones, commonly known as operatic baritone Delme Bryn-Jones, born in Brynamman, UK ~ Originally a coal miner, abandoned his work as well as a prospect of a potential rugby career to study music. Debuted in 1959 with the Sadler's Wells Theatre in 1959. Would go on to work with the New Opera Company, the Welsh National Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and others ~ Jones passed away in 2001
March 29, 1925 ~ Composer Lyudmila Lyadova, full name Lyudmila Aleskeevna Lyadova, born in Sverdlovsk, Russia ~ Daughter of violinist Alexei Lyadov and singer Julia Lyadova. Sang with her mother starting in World War II as entertainment for the Russian troops, continuing to perform as a duo through the early 1950s. Has since worked as a composer, often collaborating with lyricist, poets such as Sergey Mikhalkov, Yevgeny Yevtusenko, Vladimir Petrov. Known for works such as Spanish Dance, Volga Suite, Concert Polka, The Great Battle and The Tale Of Eremu Daniel And Evil Forces ~ Lyadova passed away in 2021
March 29, 1924 ~ Twin sisters Ginger Dinning and Jean Dinning born ~ Members of sibling outfit the Dinning Sisters, alongside older sister Lou Dinning, known for late 1940s top 20 hits such as My Adobe Hacienda, I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now, I Beg Your Pardon and Buttons And Bows ~ Jean passed away in 2011, Ginger in 2013
March 29, 1924 ~ Country, rockabilly singer, guitarist, fiddler, songwriter Jimmy Work born in Akron, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for Making Believe, penned and recorded by Work in 1954. The song would become a country classic covered by numerous artists including Lefty Frizzell, Kitty Wells, Eddy Arnold, Wanda Jackson, Faron Young, Dolly Parton, Don Gibson, Ernest Tubb, and Emmylou Harris ~ Work passed away in 2018
March 29, 1918 ~ Singer, actress Pearl Bailey, full name Pearl Mae Bailey, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Vaudeville performer made her Broadway debut in St Louis Woman in 1946. Won a Tony Award for the title role in the original all-Black production of Hello Dolly ~ Bailey passed away in 1990
March 29, 1914 ~ Deasy Browning, commonly known as R&B pianist, singer Camille Howard, born in Galveston, Texas, USA ~ Member of Roy Milton's R&B outfit the Solid Senders, notably present on 1940s hits such as RM Blues and Thrill Me. Enjoyed a parallel solo career, often with Milton backing her, enjoying her first solo hit in 1948 with X-Temporaneous Boogie. Would enjoy about a dozen more hits through the early 1950s, including You Don't Love Me, Fiesta In Old Mexico, and Money Blues (If You Ain't Got No Money I Ain't Got No Use For You). With chart success diminishing in the face of the growth of rock & roll, Howard retired from music by the mid-1950s ~ Howard passed away in 1993
March 29, 1912 ~ Actor, songwriter Willy van Hemert, full name Willem Catharinus van Hemert, born in Utrecht, the Netherlands ~ Co-wrote two of the Dutch winning Eurovision Songfestival entries. 1957's Net Als Toen performed by Corry Brokken, co-written with Guus Jansen, and 1959's Een Beetje performed by Teddy Scholten, co-written with Dick Schallies ~ Van Hemert passed away in 1993
March 29, 1909 ~ Aubrey Wilson Mullican, commonly known as singer, pianist Moon Mullican, born in Polk County, Texas, USA ~ Influenced by blues artists such as Bessie Smith, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Leroy Carr, and by country musicians such as Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills. Dubbed “the King of the Hillbilly piano players” and hugely influential on rockabilly and country artists including Jim Reeves, Hank Williams, Bill Haley, Elvis Presley and especially Jerry Lee Lewis. Worked with Leon Selph, the Blue Ridge Playboys (Ain't You Kind Of Sorry), the Texas Wanderers (Truck Driver's Blues, I'll Keep On Loving You), the Sunshine Boys, Jimmie Davis, Black Boy Shine, Floyd Tillman, Ernest Tubb, Red Foley. As a solo artist best known for late 1940s, early 1950s recordings such as The Leaves Mustn't Fall, Hey Shah, You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry, Nine Tenths Of The Tennessee River and I Was Sorta Wonderin' ~ Mullican passed away in 1967
March 29, 1902 ~ Conductor Mario Rossi born in Bitetto, Italy ~ Closely associated with the RAI Orchestra, serving as chief conductor from 1946 through 1950 and elevating the orchestra to an international level. Also known for his recordings of Il Matrimonio Segreto, The Barber Of Seville, Don Pasquale, Un Ballo In Maschera, Otello, and Falstaff ~ Rossi passed away in 1992
March 29, 1901 ~ Clarinetist Sidney Arodin born in Westwego, Louisiana, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-penning Lazy River with Hoagy Carmichael, first recorded by Carmichael in 1930. The song has become a jazz standard covered by well over 300 artists including Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Gene Vincent, Louis Prima, Bobby Darin, Brenda Lee, and Count Basie. Arodin has been playing professionaly since his mid-teens, working with Johnny Stein, Jimmy Durante, Wingy Manone, Sharkey Bonano, the New Orleans Rhytm Kings, Albert Brunies, Monk Hazel, and Jones & Collins Astoria Hot Eight ~ Arodin passed away in 1948
March 29, 1878 ~ Albert Gumm, commonly known as songwriter Albert von Tilzer, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Brother of songwriter Harry von Tilzer. Wrote or co-wrote numerous hit songs including Alcoholic Blues, Honey Boy, I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time, and perhaps most notably Take Me Out To The Ball Game ~ Von Tilzer passed away in 1956