March 3, 2024 ~ Southern rock, country rock drummer Brit Turner passed away ~ Member of Blackberry Smoke, which also included his brother bassist Richard Turner, with whom he has recorded a little over half a dozen albums since the early 2000s. The band draws mainly from Southern rock, inspired by Lynyrd Skynyrd, with a solid dose of bluegrass, gospel, and R&B added for good measure. They are noted for being the first independent country band to score a Billboard Country No.1 album with All The Roses released in 2015. The band's next three albums would also reach top 10, with Like An Arrow also reaching top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 200. Diagnosed with glioblastoma, Turner retired from performing in late 2022. Following his death at age 57, the band issued a statement saying: “Brit was Blackberry Smoke's True North, the compass that instituted the ideology that will continue to guide this band” ~ Turner was born ca.1967
March 3, 2024 ~ Elnora Ruth Procter, commonly known jazz singer Eleanor Collins, passed away in Surrey, Canada ~ Dubbed Canada's “First Lady of Jazz”. Active since her mid-teens. Critically compared to Lena Horne and Ella Fitzgerald. Has performed in stage productions of of Finian's Rainbow, Kiss Me Kate, and You Can't Take It With You. Well known for her association with several radio and TV shows, notably Bamboula (A Day In The West Indies), the first variety TV show featuring an interracial cast, and her own The Eleanor Show aired from 1955 onwards making her the first female, the first person of colour, and the first jazz singer to headline a show on national TV. Collins would continue to perform in clubs and concert into the 1980s ~ Procter was born in 1919
March 3, 2023 ~ Gospel, country singer Calvin Newton passed away ~ Briefly sang with Southern gospel quartet the Blackwood Brothers during the late 1940s. Lead singer for the Oak Ridge Boys from 1953 through 1956. Formed early 1960s gospel trio the Sons Of Song with Don Butler and Bob Robinson, known best for their 1961 Wasted Years debut album. The group is generally regarded as one of the pioneering acts in what would later become known as CCM. In later years Newton would revert to a life of crime, serving time for theft, counterfeiting and drug offences. In his seventies Newton would end his estrangement from the gospel community, aided by longtime friend Jake Hess and record and perform with dozens of former colleagues ~ Newton was born in 1929
March 3, 2023 ~ Jazz, avant-garde, jazz-funk saxophonist Carlos Garnett passed away ~ Self-taught tenor soloist. First gained attention backing Freddie Hubbard on the 1969 album A Soul Experiment for which Garnett wrote the originals No Time To Lose and Hang 'Em Up. Would go on to work with Art Blakey, Pharoah Sanders, Norman Connors, Charles Mingus, Miles Davis (On The Corner), Robin Kenyatta, Denroy Morgan, and Charles Earland. As a solo artist, leader over half a dozen albums to his name, especially acclaimed for the albums Journey To Enlightenment and Black Love, both released in 1974 ~ Garnett was born in 1938
March 3, 2023 ~ Rock, country rock, roots rock singer, guitarist, bassist, banjoist, mandolinist, songwriter David Lindley, full name David Perry Lindley, passed away ~ Co-founding member of Kaleidoscope, with whom he recorded four albums. Following the band's disbandement in 1970 would go on to become an in-demand touring and session musician. Closely associated with Jackson Browne, appearing on key albums such as For Everyman, Late For The Sky, The Pretender, and Running On Empty. Over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting in the early 1980s and noted especially for El Rayo X and Win This Album. Has also appeared on albums by America, Terry Reid, Linda Ronstadt (Heart Like A Wheel), Rod Stewart (Atlantic Crossing), Joe Walsh, Warren Zevon, Dolly Parton (Here You Come Again), Karla Bonoff, Marshall Crenshaw, Bob Dylan, Shawn Colvin, and Bruce Springsteen ~ Lindley was born in 1944
March 3, 2022 ~ Reggae singer Denroy Morgan passed away in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA ~ First gained attention as member of New York-based 1970s reggae outfit the Black Eagles. Would go on to a successful solo career from the 1980s onwards, perhaps best known for his reggae, dance hit I'll Do Anything For You of his 1981 album of the same name. Would become the first reggae artist to be signed to RCA Records, resulting in the 1984 album Make My Day. Several of Morgan's offspring would also become professional musicians, notably his sons Gramps Morgan and Laza Morgan ~ Morgan was born in 1945
March 3, 2021 ~ Duff Clark Jackson, commonly known as jazz drummer Duffy Jackson, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ The son of bandleader Chubby Jackson, Duffy has inherited his father's exuberant sense of enthusiasm. As a leader, Jackson has released one moderately received album, 1995's Swing Swing Swing. Yet as an in-demand sideman, Jackson has definitely left his mark, notably appearing on albums by Monty Alexander, Grover Mitchell, Eddie Miller (It's Miller Time), Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, the Manhattan Transfer, Illinois Jacquet (Jacquet's Got It), Jon Hendricks (Freddie Freeloader), George Benson, Billy Ross, Turk Mauro (Hittin' The Jug), and Sonny Stitt ~ Jackson was born in 1953
March 3, 2021 ~ Comedian, painter, songwriter Jeroen van Merwijk passed away in Saint-Juliette, France ~ Best known as a cabaretier, comedian. As a songwriter known for his work with the radio show Spijkers Met Koppen, Karin Bloemen, Harrie Jekkers, Hans Dorrestijn, Adèle Bloemendaal ~ Van Merwijk was born in 1955
March 3, 2020 ~ Rock guitarist, singer Bo Starander passed away ~ Co-founded the Rebels with Björn Thelin, initially a duo. With over time a number of additions and name changes, the band would find succes as the Spotnicks, scoring 1960s hits such as Amapola, Ol' Man River, Drina, Just Listen To My Heart, Spanish Gypsy Dance, and Papa Oom Mow Mow ~ Starander was born in 1942
March 3, 2017 ~ Bassist Lyle Ritz passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ In-demand session musician from the 1960s through the 1980s. Present on songs such as You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' by the Righteous Brothers, A Taste Of Honey by Herb Alpert, and Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys. Can also be heard on albums by Sonny & Cher, Harper's Bizarre, Van Dyke Parks (Song Cycle), Mason Williams, Townes Van Zandt, Randy Newman (12 Songs), Emitt Rhodes, Loudon Wainwright III, Dan Hicks, and Randy Edelman ~ Ritz was born in 1930
March 3, 2016 ~ R&B singer, songwriter, producer Gavin Christopher dies ~ Member of Lyfe, which also included Chaka Khan. Member of High Voltage. Best known for writing several Rufus tracks, Once You Get Started, Dance With Me, and Fools Paradise. As a solo artist best known for his sole Billboard Hot 100 charter One Step Closer To You. Has produced artists such as Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, and Ritchie Family, as well as mentored a young Mariah Carey ~ Christopher was born in 1949
March 3, 2014 ~ Contemporary, avant-garde, electronic composer Robert Ashley, full name Robert Reynolds Ashley, passed away ~ Best known for his television operas and theatrical works, often incorporating electronics. Best known for his 1983 TV opera Perfect Lives, reissued on DVD in 2005. Has worked consistently with Joan La Barbara, Thomas Buckner, and Jacqueline Humbert ~ Reynolds was born in 1930
March 3, 2013 ~ Singer. songwriter Bobby Rogers, full name Robert Edward Rogers, passed away in Soutfield, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as longtime member of the Miracles. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's best remembered, including That's What Love Is Made Of and Going To A Go-Go, as well as hits for other Motown artists such as the Temptations (The Way You Do The Things You Do), Mary Wells (What Love Has Joined Together), the Contours (First I Look At The Purse), and Marvin Gaye (One More Heartache), and others ~ Rogers was born in 1940
March 3, 2012 ~ Accordionist, pianist, clarinetist Frank Marocco passed away in San Fernando Valley, California, USA ~ Generally regarded as one of the premier accordionists, primarily active in jazz and classical circles. As a solo artist known for his 1960 Like Frank Marocco album. To pop and rock audiences best known for his association with the Beach Boys, appearing on the landmark Pet Sounds album released in 1966. Has also guested on albums by Dan Fogelberg, Danny O'Keefe, Tracy Chapman (Crossroads), Ry Cooder, Phil Collins, and Eric Clapton ~ Marocco was born in 1931
March 3, 2012 ~ Guitarist, mandolinist, bassist, keyboardist, singer Ronnie Montrose passed away in Brisbane, California, USA ~ Regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in early hard rock. Frontman, eponym of Montrose from 1973 through 1977, the band's eponymous Montrose debut album often cited as America's answer to Led Zeppelin. Subsequently led Gamma from 1979 through 1983. In-demand session musician, worked with the likes of Van Morrison, Herbie Hancock, Beaver & Krause, Boz Scaggs, Edgar Winter, Gary Wright, Dan Hartman, the Hoodoo Rhythm Devils, Lauren Wood, Earth Quake, the Neville Brothers, Marc Bonilla, Sammy Hagar,and others ~ Montrose was born in 1947
March 3, 2011 ~ Classical pianist, composer Aldo Clementi passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Known for works such as Cantata, Episodi, and Sette Scene Da Collage. His music has been performed by ensembles such as Trio Accanto, Quatuor Bozzini, and the Ives Ensemble. Clementi is also known for teaching music theory at the University of Bolgona from 1971 through 1992 ~ Clementi was born in 1925
March 3, 2008 ~ Operatic tenor Giuseppe di Stefano passed away in Milan, Italy ~ Dubbed “the Golden Voice” and generally regarded as one of the all-time greatest Italian singer active from the 1940s through the 1990s. Served as an inspiration and role model for Luciano Pavarotti. Frequent counterpart to Maria Callas, notably in 1950s recordings of operas such as Lucia Di Lammermoor, Tosca, Pagliacci, and Rigoletto ~ Di Stefano was born in 1921
March 3, 2008 ~ Producer, recording engineer, singer Norman Hurricane Smith passed away in East Sussex, UK ~ Best known as a studio engineer and producer. Engineered close to a 100 tracks for the Beatles. Produced the Pink Floyd albums Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, A Saucerful Of Secrets and Ummagumma. As a singer, Smith released a handful singles in the early 1970s, most notably Oh Babe What Would You Say which reached the top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic ~ Smith was born in 1923
March 3, 2006 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist Charlie Hodge, full name Charles Franklin Hodge, passed away in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of 1950s gospel group the Foggy River Boys. Best known as confidante, advisor, stage manager and friend of Elvis Presley, whom he befriended during the latter's Army service. Hodge lived at Presley's Graceland home for over 15 years, starting in the early 1960s and play an important role in Presley's career, advising him on which songs to record and who to hire for his backing band ~ Hodge was born in 1934
March 3, 2002 ~ Songwriter, singer Harlan Howard passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Singer. Best known as revered songwriter who wrote or co-wrote classics such as Pick Me Up On Your Way Down, Heartaches By The Number, I Fall To Pieces, Everglades, The Key's In The Mailbox, Life Turned Her That Way, and Busted. Had his songs recorded by Ray Price, Guy Mitchell, Patsy Cline, Charlie Rich, the Kingston Trio, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Patty Loveless, Waylon Jennings, Lefty Frizzell, Kitty Wells, Jim Reeves, John Conlee, Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire, Mel Tillis, the Forester Sisters, Brenda Lee, the Judds, and others ~ Howard was born in 1927
March 3, 1997 ~ Singer Camila Cabello born in Cojimar, Cuba ~ Rose to prominence as member of girl group Fifth Harmony through 2016, present on songs such as Worth It featuring Kid Ink and Work From Home featuring Ty Dolla $ign. Also known as a solo artist, releasing her well-received Camila debut album in 2018, and for a number of high-profile collaborations such as I Know What You Did Last Summer with Shawn Mendes, Bad Things with Machine Gun Kelly and Hey Ma with Pitbull
March 3, 1991 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Sal Nistico, full name Slavatore Nistico, passed away in Berne, Switzerland ~ Worked with Woody Herman, Count Basie, Carl Fontana, Nat Pierce, Michael Moore, Nat Adderley, Don Ellis, Buddy Rich, Stan Tracey, Joe Haider, Fritz Pauer, Johnny Griffin, Roman Schwaller, Paul Grabowsky, Roberto DiGiola, Thomas Stabenow, Joris Dudil, Mario Gonzi, Curtis Fuller, Helen Merrill, Pony Poindexter, Sarah Vaughan, and others ~ Nistico was born in 1940
March 3, 1987 ~ David Daniel Kaminsky, commonly known as actor, singer, dancer Danny Kaye, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Starred in close to 20 feature films from the late 1930 through the 1960s. Known for his comedy routine, pantomimes and novelty songs. Released a number of albums, starting with 1949's eponymous Danny Kaye album. Has collaborated with the Andrews Sisters (Civilization (Bong Bong Bong)), Gordon Jenkins, Eileen Wilson, and with Louis Armstrong ~ Kaminsky was born in 1911
March 3, 1986 ~ Alternative rock, post-hardcore, indie rock singer, guitarist, banjoist, bassist, keyboardist Daniel Anderson, full name Daniel Robert Anderson, born in Bellingham, Washington, USA ~ Co-founding member of alternative rock outfit Idiot Pilot and of electronic dance band Glowbug. Has also worked with the Ghost & the Grace, Ancient Lasers, Hyro The Hero, and others
March 3, 1981 ~ Glam metal, hard rock singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer Tobias Forge, full name Tobias Jens Forge, born ~ Best known as frontman of Swedish hard rock outfit Ghost, noted for their hooky melodies, dark subject matter, and provocative stage shows. The band is especially acclaimed for their 2015 Meliora album. Although the masked band has been active since the mid-2000s Forge's identity would not be confirmed until 2017, following a lawsuit by former members over a royalty dispute. Forge has also worked with death metal band Repugnant, glam metal outfit Crashdiet, pop rock group Subvision, and alternative rock unit Magna Carta Cartel
March 3, 1977 ~ Singer Ronan Keating, full name Ronan Patrick John Keating, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Rose to fame in the mid-1990s as member of boy band Boyzone, known for hits such as Working My Way Back To You, Love Me For A Reason, Father And Son, Words, A Different Beat, All That I Need, No Matter What, and others. As a solo artist especially known for his 1999 Keith Whitley-cover When You Say Nothing At All, featured in the Notting Hill film. Released his full-length solo debut album, Ronan, the following year
March 3, 1976 ~ Lyricist Ray Gilbert passed away ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Zip-a-dee-doo-dah with Allie Wrubel, performed by James Baskett in the 1946 film Song Of The South. Others who have recorded his songs include Kay Kyser, Benny Goodman (All The Cats Join In), the Andrews Sisters, Count Basie, and Slim Whitman ~ Gilbert was born in 1912
March 3, 1975 ~ Jazz, experimental, avant-garde, indie rock saxophonist, clarinetist, hornist, flutist Colin Stetson born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, the Bell Orchestre, Ex Eye, Tom Waits, Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed, Sinéad O'Connor, the National, Animal Collective, LCD Soundsystem, Hamid Drake, David Byrne, Bill Laswell, Evan Parker, Jolie Holland, the Chemical Brothers, Shahzad Ismaily, My Brightest Diamond, Angélique Kidjo, Kevin Devine, David Gilmour, Anthony Braxton, Sarah Neufeld, Esmerine, Feist, and others
March 3, 1974 ~ Todd Baechle, commonly known as indie rock singer Todd Fink, born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Member of 1990s outfit Commander Venus, present on both the band's albums Do You Feel At Home and Uneventful Vacation. Lead singer of the Faint, which also included his brother drummer Clark Baechle. Married singer Orenda Fink in 2005, whose surname he took. Has also appeared on albums by Bright Eyes, Cursive, Steve Aoki, and Felix Cartal
March 3, 1970 ~ Indie pop, power pop, psychedelic pop singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Tom Morgan, full name Thomas Martin Morgan, born in Maitland, Australia ~ Best known as frontman of indie pop group Smudge, acclaimed for the mid-1990s albums Tea Toast & Turmoil and Manilow. Co-wrote the Lemonheads' Being Around and Style, both of the 1992 It's A Shame About Ray breakthrough album. Has also worked with Sneeze, the Givegoods, Godstar, Tofu Kok, and Bambino Koresh. Morgan issued his Orange Syringe solo debut album in 2013, his wife singer Leticia Nischang providing backing vocals
March 3, 1966 ~ Anthony Terrell Smith, commonly known as rapper, producer, actor Tone Loc, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his 1989 hit singles Wild Thing and Funky Cold Medina, both of which reached the Billboard top 10. Also appeared on We're All In The Same Gang, a collaborative single under the moniker West Coast Rap All-Stars which also included Ice-T, Dr Dre, Young MC, Eazy E, MC Hammer and others
March 3, 1961 ~ Pianist, composer Paul Wittgenstein passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for commissioning for the left hand alone, following the amputation of his right arm. Composers who have written pieces for Witgenstein include Benjamin Britten, Alexandre Tansman, Sergei Prokofiev, Richard Strauss and perhaps most famously Maurice Ravel, the latter writing the Piano Concerto For The Left Hand for him ~ Witgenstein was born in 1887
March 3, 1960 ~ Singer Lilian Day Jackson born ~ Stepdaughter of iconic jazz drummer Art Blakey. Co-lead singer of early 1980s Dutch disco outfit Spargo along with keyboardist Ellert Driessen, known for songs such as Head Up To The Sky, One Night Affair, Just For You, and Hip Hap Hop. The band's You & Me debut single, noted for its call and response vocals, would reach No.1 in the Netherlands and remains a radio staple to this day ~ Jackson passed away in 2023
March 3, 1959 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer Frode Alnæs born in Kristiansund, Norway ~ Has collaborated with artist such as Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen, Arild Andersen, Jon Balke, Ole Edvard Antonsen, Ketil Bjørnstad, Henning Sommerro, Ray Charles, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ian Hunter, Bjørn Alterhaug, Sissel Kyrkjebø, Gustav Lorentzen, Jan Erik Vold, and others
March 3, 1957 ~ Singer Corry Brokken wins the 2nd edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Frankfurt, West Germany ~ Representing the Netherlands Brokken wins with the song Net Als Toen written by Guus Jansen and Willy van Hemert. Runner-ups would be France in second place, represented by Paule Desjardins with La Belle Amour, and Denmark in third, represented by the duo Birthe Wilke and Gustav Winckler with Skibet Skal Sejle I Nat
March 3, 1953 ~ Singer, songwriter Robyn Hitchcock born in London, UK ~ Influenced by Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Syd Barrett, Captain Beefheart, Bryan Ferry, Roger McGuinn. Fronted psychedelic, folk-rock band the Soft Boys, acclaimed for their 1980 Underwater Moonlight album. Debuted as a solo artist with the 1981 Black Snake Diamond Role album and has recorded to critical acclaim since, at times backed by the Egyptians or Venus 3 which also included REM's Peter Buck. Has also worked with Emma Swift, Grant Lee Buffalo, the Sadies, Andy Partridge, and others
March 3, 1951 ~ Soul, funk, R&B bassist Rustee Allen born in Monroe, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known as bassist for funk outfit Sly & the Family Stone from 1972, replacing Larry Graham, through 1975. Present on the albums Fresh and Small Talk. Allen has also worked with George Clinton, Lenny Williams, the Temptations, and Lighthouse For The Blind. Briefly led his own jazz fusion band, Second Wind, in the late 1970s
March 3, 1950 ~ R&B, jazz fusion guitarist Bruce Conte, full name Bruce Anthony Conte, born in Sanger, California, USA ~ Influenced by Albert King, Grant Green, George Benson, Jimmy Nolen. Best known as member of Tower Of Power from 1972 through 1979, including on the band's eponymous 1973 Tower Of Power album which spawned the hit What Is Hip ~ Conte passed away in 2021
March 3, 1948 ~ Gary Lachlan Mack, commonly known as news anchor Byron MacGregor, born in Calgary, Canada ~ Scored a fluke hit US top 10 with Americans, a spoken version of a Toronto newspaper commentary by Gordon Sinclair set to the tune of America The Beautiful performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Sinclair also recorded a version. MacGregor scored the US hit, peaking at No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Sinclair's version would top the Canadian single chart ~ MacGregor passed away in 1995
March 3, 1948 ~ Donat Roy Mittoo, commonly known as keyboardist, singer, songwriter Jackie Mittoo, born in Browns Town, Jamaica ~ Musical director at Studio One Records. Best known as a member of the Skatalites. Also served as a member of the Sheiks, the Soul Brothers, the Soul Vendors, and of Sound Dimension. His song Peanie Wallie was reworked into Duppy Conqueror, made famous by Bob Marley. Co-wrote Armagideon ime, later covered by the Clash. Worked extensively with producer Bunny Lee. Also worked with Sugar Minott, and with Musical Youth ~ Mittoo was born in 1990
March 3, 1947 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Tommy Blom, full name Tommy Albert Blom, born in Gothenburg, Sweden ~ Co-founding member of Tages, remaining with the band through 1968. Present on most of the band's best known including Tell Me You're Mine, I Should Be Glad, Don't Turn Your Back, The One For You, In My Dreams, Every Raindrop Means A Lot, I'm Going Out, Treat Her Like A Lady, all of which reached top 10 in the band's native Sweden ~ Blom passed away in 2014
March 3, 1947 ~ Soukous singer, songwriter Youlou Mabiala, full name Gilbert Youlou Mabiala, born ~ Dubbed Prince Youlou Mabiala first gained attention as member of pivotal Congolese band TPOK Jazz from 1963 through 1972, for whom he wrote or co-wrote songs such as Celine, Asumani, and Lekwey. Following his departure Mabiala has worked with Lovy du Zaire, Somo Somo, and the Trois Frères
March 3, 1938 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Willie Chambers born in Flora, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known as member of psychedelic soul band the Chamber Brothers, known for incorporating elements of traditional gospel and blues, psychedelica and rock into soul, scoring a Billboard top 20 hit with the eleven-minute single Time Has Come Today in 1968
March 3, 1936 ~ Music critic, author Peter G Davis, full name Peter Graffam Davis, born in Concord, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known as music critic for the magazine New York from 1980 through 2007. Has also worked for The New York Times, Musical America, Opera News. Authored the book The American Opera Singer, released in 1997 ~ Davis passed away in 2021
March 3, 1934 ~ James Emory Garrison, commonly known as jazz bassist Jimmy Garrison, born in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Perhaps best known for backing John Coltrane from the early 1960s until Coltrane's death in 1967, including on seminal albums such as My Favorite Things, Impressions, Live At Birdland, and A Love Supreme. Has also appeared on albums by the likes of Kenny Dorham, Philly Joe Jones, Tony Scott (Golden Moments), Lee Konitz (Live At The Half Note), JR Monterose, Eric Dolphy (Outward Bound), Cal Massey, Ted Curson, Ornette Coleman (The Art Of The Improvisers), Sonny Rollins, Alice Coltrane, Elvin Jones, Archie Shepp (Attica Blues), and Beaver Harris ~ Garrison passed away in 1976
March 3, 1931 ~ Jazz, scat singer, bandleader Cab Calloway records Minnie The Moocher in New York, New York ~ Written by Calloway, Irving Mills and Clarence Gaskill. Reportedly the first jazz record to sell a million copies. Would become Calloway's best-known, his signature song, and known by audiences and generations not familiar with either era or genre. Noted for its scat (non-sensical) singing and its call and response with audiences, having the audience repeat every line (“Hi de hi, hi de ho”).
March 3, 1930 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Bob Hammer, full name Howard Robert Hammer, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Red Allen, Bud Freeman, Bob Wilber, Roy Eldridge, Gene Krupa, Eddie Condon, Pee Wee Russell, Jimmy Knepper, Johnny Hartman, Woody Herman, Clark Terry, Elvin Jones, Cozy Cole, and with Charles Mingus, the latter calling Hammer “his Ludwig van Beethoven”
March 3, 1928 ~ Hard-bop double bassist, arranger Pierre Michelot born in Paris, France ~ Studied piano. Switched to bass at ge 16. Worked with Rex Stewart, Kenny Clarke, Coleman Hawkins, Sidney Bechet, Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli, Don Byas, Thelonious Monk, Lester Young, Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz, Bud Powell, Zoot Sims, Dizzy Gillespie, Chet Baker, Miles Davis (Ascenseur Pour L'Echafaud), Jacques Loussier, and others ~ Michelot passed away in 2005
March 3, 1927 ~ Ska, rocksteady, reggae saxophonist Tommy McCook born in Havana, Cuba ~ Co-founding member of pivotal ska band the Skatalites. Also closely associated with renowned producers Duke Reid and Bunny Lee, sessioning with numerous artist through either of the two producers. Has also notably worked with Coxsone Dodd, Yabby You, Toots & the Maytals, and with Herbie Mann on the albums Reggae and its follow-up Reggae II ~ McCook passed away in 1998
March 3, 1925 ~ Tenor saxophonist, trumpeter Herbert Hardesty born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for his association with pianist Fats Domino and producer Dave Bartholomew. Has also worked with artists such as Papa Celestin, Sidney Desvigne, Chick Webb, Chubby Newsom, Earl Palmer, Ernest McLean, Cosimo Matassa, Jewel King, Tommy Ridgley, Lloyd Price (sax on Lawdy Miss Clawdy), Shirley & Lee, Smiley Lewis, T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, Little Richard, Hank Jones, Count Basie, Tom Waits, Plas Johnson, Mitch Woods, and others ~ Hardesty passed away in 2016
March 3, 1923 ~ Arthel Lane Watson, commonly known as guitarist Doc Watson, born in Deep Gap, North Carolina, USA ~ Iconic, prolific picker drawing from various traditional American styles including bluegrass, folk, country, blues and gospel. Worked with T Michael Coleman, Randy Scruggs, Earl Scruggs, David Holt, Jack Lawrence, Tommy Emmanuel, Clint Howard, Chet Atkins, Bill Monroe, David Grisman, Del McCoury, Mac Wiseman, Ricky Skaggs, and with his son Merle Watson ~ Watson passed away in 2012
March 3, 1920 ~ Songwriter, lyricist, guitarist Hubert Giraud, full name Hubert Yves Adrian Giraud, born in Marseille, France ~ Played with Django Reinhardt's the Quintette du Hot Club, Ray Ventura and with Jacques Hélian. As a songwriter best known for co-authoring, with Pierre Delanoë, the song Dors Mon Amour, the 1958 Eurovision Songfestival winner performed by André Claveau ~ Giraud passed away in 2016
March 3, 1917 ~ Ismael Morales, commonly known as saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Esy Morales, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ Noted for appearing on several of Xavier Cugat's albums. Formed the Brothers Morales Orchestra with his siblings Humberto Morales and Noro Morales. Led his own the Esy Morales Orchestra, perhaps best known for appearing in several movies including performing Jungle Fantasy in the 1949 Criss-Cross film ~ Morales passed away in 1950
March 3, 1906 ~ Albany Leon Bigard, commonly known as jazz clarinetist, saxophonist Barney Bigard, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ In the early 1920s played with King Oliver, usually on saxophone. Bigard is best known however for his 15-year tenure with Duke Ellington starting in 1927. He is also credited as composer or co-composer on several numbers, including the Ellington standard Mood Indigo. Was the one who recommended Duke to hire Johnny Hodges. Post-Ellington Bigard did soundtrack work for Hollywood, including with Louis Armstrong. Toured with trombonist Kid Ory in the late 1940s. Bigard also recorded under his own name. Sat in with the Glenn Miller Orchestra on some of their best-known such as Moonlight Serenade and Tuxedo Junction. Wrote an autobiography titled With Louis And The Duke. ~ Bigard passed away in 1980
March 3, 1906 ~ Big band, jazz singer, saxophonist Kenny Sargent, full name Laurel Kenneth Sargent, born in Centralia, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as lead vocalist, saxophonist for the Casa Loma Orchestra, enjoying popularity in the 1930s and 1940s. Present on some of the band's best-known including The Talk Of The Town, Blue Moon, City Called Heaven, and When I Grow Too Old To Dream. Sargent retired from the band in 1943 to pursue a career as a radio host starting with Memphis-based WHHM, remaining active in radio with Tennessee and Texas stations throughout the 1960s ~ Sargent passed away in 1969
March 3, 1905 ~ Jazz keyboardist, saxophonist, violinist Fernand Coppieters born in Brussels, Belgium ~ Father of jazz pianist Francis Coppieters. Wored with Bistroulle-ADO, the Red Mills Ragtime Band, the Rhytmic Novelty Dance Orchestra, Fud Candrix, René Compère, Robert de Kers, Oscar Alemán, Josephine Baker, Roland Dorsay, Willie Lewis, and others ~ Coppieters passed away in 1981
March 3, 1893 ~ Blues singer, guitarist William Moore born in Dover, Georgia, USA ~ Bridged ragtime and blues. Best known for his late 1920s recordings for Paramount Records. Well-known songs include One Way Gal, Ragtime Millionaire, and Old Country Rock. Moore's songs have been covered by the likes of Lightnin' Wells, John Fahey, and the Notting Hillbillies ~ Moore passed away in 1951
March 3, 1891 ~ Composer, conductor, theatrical impresario Federico Moreno Torroba born in Madrid, Spain ~ Regarded as one of the leading 20th century composers for the classical guitar. Praised as composer of zarzuelas, a form of Spanish light opera, noted for his 1932 Luisa Fernanda. Has also composed ballets, symphonies, piano works and one full-length opera, El Poeta which premiered in 1980 featuring Plácido Domingo ~ Torroba passed away in 1982