This Day In Music: May 7
May 6 ~ Birthdays/All ~ May 8
 
May 7, 2023 ~ Operatic mezzo-soprano Grace Bumbry, full name Grace Ann Melzia Bumbry, passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Leading mezzo-soprano, soprano. Paved the way for later African-American opera singers. Closely associated with the Basel Opera. Has also performed with the Paris Opera, the Royal Opera House, the Vienna State Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and sang at Ronald Reagan's 1981 Presidential inauguration ~ Bumbry was born in 1937
 
May 7, 2022 ~ Country, countrypolitan, pop singer, pianist Mickey Gilley, full name Mickey Leroy Gilley, passed away in Branson, Missouri, USA ~ Known for songs such as A Room Full Of Roses, Don't The Girls Get Prettier At Closing Time and a countryfied cover of the Ben E King-classic Stand By Me used in the 1980 Urban Cowboy soundtrack ~ Gilley was born in 1936
 
May 7, 2017 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader, producer Dave Pell passed away ~ Played in the big bands of Tony Pastor, Bob Astor, Bobby Sherwood, and Les Brown. Moved on to leading his own ensembles in the early 1950s, employing sidemen such as Pepper Adams, Benny Carter, Mel Lewis, Red Mitchell, Marty Paich, and Art Pepper, Pell continued to work as a sideman for Shorty Rogers, Pete Rugolo, Benny Goodman, and Gene Krupa. He also produced for the Tops, Uni, and Librty labels throughout the 1960s, most notably producing Gary Lewis & the Playboys as well as the T-Bones (No Matter What Shape Your Stomach's In) ~ Pell was born in 1925
 
May 7, 2016 ~ John Dukes Schroeder, commonly known as punk rock, alternative rock, post-hardcore singer John Stabb, passed away in Rockville, Maryland, USA ~ Best known as co-founding and sole constant member of hardcore punk band Government Issue active from 1980 through 1989. The band emerged from DC's hardcore scene but would differ from other hardcore acts by adding elements of heavy metal, new wave, gothic and psychedelic rock. Stabb has also recorded as a solo artist and worked with acts such as Betty Blue, the Factory Incident, the Pseudo Heroes, and History Repeated ~ Schroeder was born in 1961
 
May 7, 2012 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Ernest Warren passed away ~ Member of the Spaniels, known for 1950s hits such as Baby It's You and Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight, the latter later remaining popular to this day featured in several films including American Graffiti ~ Warren was born in 1933
 
May 7, 2011 ~ Bolero singer Johnny Albino passed away in Queens, New York, USA ~ Lead singer of the Trio San Juan. Joined Los Panchos in 1958, replacing Julito Rodríguez, and remaining with the band until 1968. Would continue to work with numerous groups, appearing on over an estimated 300 albums ~ Albino was born in 1919
 
May 7, 2010 ~ Guitarist Dave Fisher passed away in Rye, New York, USA ~ Member of 1960s folk, folk-pop outfit the Highwaymen, best known for their 1960 Michael Row The Boat Ashore hit single ~ Fisher was born in 1940
May 7, 2010 ~ Drummer, percussionist Francisco Aguabella passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader. In-demand sideman. Member of Latin rock outfit Malo during the 1970s. First gained attention in the USA backing Peggy Lee from the early 1950s through 1960. Has also backed artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Frank Sinatra, Cachao, Lalo Schifrin, Nancy Wilson, Bebo Valdes, Carlos Santana, Louie Bellson, Paul Simon, and others. ~ Aguabella was born in 1925
 
May 7, 2001 ~ Jazz, big band arranger, pianist Edwin Finckel passed away in Madison, Wisconsin, USA ~ Best remembered for co-writing Where Is The One with Alec Wilder, recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1949 and again for his 1957 Where Are You album. The song has also been recorded by Dick Haymes, Tommy Dorsey, Patti Page, Bobby Darin, Rita Pavone, and Bob Dylan ~ Finckel was born in 1917
 
May 7, 2000 ~ R&B, soul, pop singer Eden Alene, sometimes mononymously referred to as Eden, born in Jerusalem, Israel ~ Winner of the 2019 season of Hakokhav Habda (Rising Star) talent contest. Represented Israel at the 2020 Eurovision Songfestival, her Set Me Free reaching 5th place
 
May 7, 1998 ~ Louisa Dupont, commonly known as jazz, blues singer Blue Lu Barker, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Popular during the 1930s and 1940s. Married to guitarist Danny Barker, with whom she also worked. Known for songs such as Don't You Feel My Leg, Georgia Grind, Look What Baby's Got For You, and her biggest hit A Little Bird Told Me, which hit top 10 in 1948 ~ Dupont was born in 1913
May 7, 1998 ~ Country, country pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Eddie Rabbitt, full name Edward Thomas Rabbitt, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Known for songs such as Suspicions, I Love A Rainy Night, Drivin' My Life Away, Every Which Way But Loose, the Juice Newton-duet Both To Each Other (Friends And Lovers), and the Crystal Gayle-duet You & I ~ Rabbitt was born in 1941
 
May 7, 1995 ~ Jazz drummer, singer, bandleader Ray McKinley passed away in Largo, Florida, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Vocalist and co-writer on Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar, a 1940 hit recorded with Will Bradley's orchestra. As a leader known for first recording You Came A Long Way (From St Louis) in 1948, later covered by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, Peggy Lee, Perry Como, and others. Has also worked with the Dorsey Brothers, Smith Ballew, Jerry Gray, Sam Butera, Freddie Slack, and others ~ McKinley was born in 1910
 
May 7, 1991 ~ Arthur Lee Stevenson, commonly known as blues drummer, singer Kansas City Red, passed away ~ Pivotal in development of urban blues. Worked with David Honeyboy Edwards, Robert Nighthawk, Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, Johnny Shines, Earl Hooker, Blind John Davis, Johnny Man Young, Robert Lockwood Junior, Eddie Taylor, Floyd Jones, Elmore James, Easy Baby, Jimmy Reed, and others ~ Stevenson was born in 1926
 
May 7, 1990 ~ Singer, actress Elizete Cardoso passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Discovered at age 16 by Jacob do Bandolim. Over 40 albums to her name. Best known for her 1958 Cancao Do Amor Demais album, generally regarded as the first bossa nova album. Also especially remembered for Manha De Carnaval of the 1959 Orfeu Negro soundtrack ~ Cardoso was born in 1920
May 7, 1990 ~ Oliver Lee Rodgers, commonly known as electric blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Sonny Rodgers, passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Influenced by BB King, Robert Nighthawk, Muddy Waters. On-and-off active as a backing musician since the late 1950s, working with the likes of Forest City Joe, Joe Hill Louis, Joe Willie Wilkins, Eddie Boyd, Lazy Bill Lucas, Willie Cobbs, and others. As a solo artist best known for his 1990 single Cadillac Baby, awarded a WC Handy Award. Would release his acclaimed They Call Me The Cat Daddy debut album the same year, only to have his promising solo career cut short by his death of heart failure at age 50 ~ Rodgers was born in 1939
 
May 7, 1989 ~ James Devlin, mononymously known as hip-hop, grime rapper, songwriter Devlin, born in London, UK ~ Member of grim collective the OT Crew. Member of the Movement. Released his Bud Sweat & Beers solo debut album in 2010. Scored the UK top 10 hits Watchtower featuring Ed Sheeran and Rewind featuring Diane Birch
 
May 7, 1985 ~ José Alvaro Osorio Balvin, commonly known as reggaeton, urbano, hip-hop singer J Balvin, born in Medelin, Colombia ~ Dubbed “the Prince of Reggaeton” and one of the best-selling Latin artists. Broke through in 2014 with Ginza and 6 AM and hass recorded to commercial succes since drawing from a variety of genres including pop, rock, reggae, electronica, house, trap, rap and hip-hop. Has collaborated with a host of artists including Ozuna, Alejandro Sanz, Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Black Eyed Peas, Dua Lipa, and Major Lazer
 
May 7, 1977 ~ Singer Marie Myriam wins the 22nd edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in London, UK ~ Representing France Myriam wins with the song L'Oiseau Et L'Enfant written by Jean-Paul Cara and Joe Gracy
 
May 7, 1976 ~ Electronica, EBM keyboardist Sebastian Komor born in Zabrze, Poland ~ Best known for his association with Icon Of Coil, present on about half a dozen of the band's albums including the acclaimed Serenity Is The Devil album released in 2000, and his association with Zombie Girl. Has also recorded as a solo artist, using a variety of monikers including Squarehead, Moonitor, Komor Kommando and Melt, and known best for his The Voyage album series starting in 2011
 
May 7, 1975 ~ Tajuan Akeem Perry, commonly known as rapper Big Noyd, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with Mobb Deep, appearing on most of their albums. As a solo artist debuted with the full-length album Episodes Of A Hustler in 1996
 
May 7, 1973 ~ Producer, songwriter Kristian Lundin born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Has written or co-written songs for the likes of NSYNC (Tearin' Up My Heart), E-Type, Céline Dion, Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys (Larger Than Life), One Direction (Kiss You), R5, and others
 
May 7, 1971 ~ Singer, songwriter Eagle Eye Cherry, full name Eagle-Eye Lanoo Herry, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Son of jazz trumpeter Don Cherry. Half-brother of singer Neneh Cherry. Debuted as a solo artist with the 1997 album Desireless which spawned the global hit Save Tonight. Also known for songs such as Falling In Love Again, Are You Still Having Fun, Long Way Around, Feels So Right, and Don't Give Up. Co-wrote and sang on Santana's Wishing It Was from the 1999 album The Supernatural
 
May 7, 1970 ~ Even Johansen, commonly known as folk, pop, electronic singer, guitarist, songwriter Magnet, born in Bergen, Norway ~ Co-founding member of rock outfits Libido and Chocolate Overdose. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Quiet And Still released in 2000. Acclaimed for his 2003 On Your Side sophomore album. The album included the Bob Dylan-cover Lay Lady Lay performed as a duet with Irish singer Gemma Hayes. The track would later be used for the Mr & Mrs Smith action comedy starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
May 7, 1970 ~ Ronald Ward Jr, commonly known as alternative metal, post-grunge singer, guitarist, keyboardist Scooter Ward, born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member, lead singer, occasional guitarist for Cold, acclaimed especially for their first three albums starting with their eponymous 1998 Cold debut album. Ward has also guested on recordings by Tony Iommi, Reveille, Sierra Swan, and Breaking Benjamin
 
May 7, 1969 ~ Pop rock sibling outfit the Bee Gees record Don't Forget To Remember at IBC Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Barry Gibb and Maurice Gibb, the former also singing the lead vocals. Produced by Robert Stigwood and the band. Included on the album Cucumber Castle. Released as a single, b/w The Lord, in August 1969
 
May 7, 1968 ~ Jan Engelaar, commonly known as DJ, producer DJ Jean born in Veenendaal, the Netherlands ~ Known for a string of 2000s hits, reaching the higher echelons of the Dutch charts. Well known songs include The Launch, Love Come Home, Every Single Day and Feel It
May 7, 1968 ~ Nora Louise Kuzma, commonly known as singer, actress, model Traci Lords, born in Steubensville, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as a former pornstar, working as a minor with a fake ID. She left the porn industry two days after her 18th birthday. Pursued a model as an actress for film and TV, writer and producer. Debuted in 1995 with the album 1,000 Fires which despite critical acclaim sold poorly. The single Control would become a minor hit
 
May 7, 1963 ~ Jazz, funk bassist Dwayne Dolphin born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Acclaimed for his 1993 Portrait Of Adrian album. In-demand sideman working with a host of jazz, R&B and funk artists including Geri Allen, Arthur Blythe, Pee Wee Ellis, Stanley Turrentine, Fred Wesley, Wynton Marsalis, and others
 
May 7, 1961 ~ Igor Tsöganov, commonly known as songwriter, producer Ivar Must, born in Tallinn, Estonia ~ Along with Maian Kärmas wrote Tanel Padar, Dave Benton & 2XL's Everybody, the 2001 Eurovision Songfestival winner
May 7, 1961 ~ Heavy metal, hard rock guitarist Phil Campbell, full name Philip Anthony Campbell, born in Pontypridd, UK ~ Influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page, Jan Akkerman. Founded Persian Risk in 1979, and appeared on the band's Calling For You and Ridin' High singles. Best known as member of Motörhead from 1984, replacing Brian Robertson, until its disbandement in 2015 after the death of frontman Lemmy Kilmister. The band is considered to have been extremely influential in re-energising heavy metal and a precursor to the new wave of British heavy metal. Campbell founded Phil Campbell & the Bastard Sons in 2016, which actually includes his sons Todd Campbell, Dane Campbell and Tyla Campbell. Released his Old Lions Still Roar solo debut album in 2019
 
May 7, 1958 ~ Rock & roll, country, country pop singer Conway Twitty records It's Only Make Believe at Bradley Film & Recording Studios, Nashville, USA ~ Written by Twitty and drummer Jack Nance. Produced by Jim Vienneau. Initially released as the flip side of Twitty's July 1958 single I'll Try, it would become one of his best-known. Over the course of his career Twitty recorded the song several times, including as a duet with Loretta Lynn in 1970. Covered by a number of artists including British singer Billy Fury in 1964 and American singer Glen Campbell in 1970, both of whom scored a top 10 hit it with it in their respective homelands
May 7, 1958 ~ Bassist, composer Michael Formanek born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Veteran bassist served as sideman to Art Pepper, Tony Malaby, Uri Caine, Franco Ambrosetti, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, and Dave Liebman. Closely associated with saxophonist Tim Berne. As a leader has recorded well over a dozen albums, and especially praised for Wide Open Spaces released in 1990
 
May 7, 1957 ~ Country songwriter, guitarist Hayden Nicholas born in Texas, USA ~ Member of Revolver. Best known as frequent songwriting partner of Clint Black, helpful in Black's early succes and breakthrough co-writing songs such as Nobody's Home which helped Black land a record deal and A Better Man and Killin' Time
 
May 7, 1956 ~ Anne Jennifer Beckingham, commonly known as keyboardist, songwriter, conductor Anne Dudley born ~ Worked in classical and pop. Composed for film including arranging for the film version of Les Miserables and winning an Academy Award for the 1997 The Full Monty film. Core member of synth-pop band Art Of Noise since tis inception in 1983
 
May 7, 1955 ~ Pianist Axel Zwingenberger born in Hamburg, Germany ~ Classically trained pianist switched to boogie-woogie after hearing recordings by Pete Johnson, Albert Ammons, Meade Lux Lewis. Active since the mid-1970s both as a solo artist and in-demand collaborator. Has worked with Ray Bryant, Champion Jack Dupree, Lloyd Glenn, Lionel Hampton, Jay McShann, Joe Newman, Sammy Price, Big Joe Turner, Sippie Wallace, and Vince Weber. Member of supergroup the ABCD Of Boogie-Woogie alongside pianist Ben Waters, bassist Dave Green and the Rolling Stones-drummer Charlie Watts
 
May 7, 1953 ~ Country songwriter John Jarrard born in Gainesville, Georgia, USA ~ Had his songs recorded by artists such as Alabama, George Strait (Blue Clear Sky), Don Williams (Nobody But You), John Anderson, John Berry, Blackhawk, Diamond Rio, the Forester Sisters, James House, Tracy Lawrence (Is That A Tear), Neal McCoy, the Pirates Of The Mississippi, Charley Pride (Shouldn't It Be Easier Than This), Collin Raye, John Schneider, Pam Tillis, Rick Trevino, and others ~ Jarrard passed away in 2001
 
May 7, 1951 ~ Rock, blues rock, hard rock guitarist, singer Bernie Marsden, full name Bernard John Marsden, born in Buckingham, UK ~ Member of Whitesnake from 1978 through 1982, for whom he co-wrote several of the band's best known including Fool For Your Loving, Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues, She's A Woman, Lovehunter, Trouble, Child Of Babylon, Rough And Ready, and Here I Go Again. Marsden has also worked with UFO, Cozy Powell, Babe Ruth, Paice Ashton Lord, Alaska, and the Company Of Snakes, and recorded over a dozen solo albums ~ Marsden passed away in 2023
 
May 7, 1950 ~ Blues, vaudeville singer, dancer Bertha Hill passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for her association with Louis Armstrong on a number of mid-1920 recordings including Pratt City Blues, Low Land Blues, Kid Man Blues, Georgia Man and Trouble In Mind. Also worked with Ethel Waters, Lonnie Johnson, Scrapper Blackwell, Leroy Carr, Lovie Austin, and Art Hodes ~ Hill was born in 1905
May 7, 1950 ~ Charles Lempriere Prince, commonly known as drummer Prairie Prince, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Co-founding member of Journey though left the band in 1974 before any recordings were made. Rose to prominence as member of the Tubes in the 1970s. Produced the band's best-known album, Outside Inside which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit She's A Beauty. Member of Jefferson Starship from 1992 through 2008. Closely associated with Chris Isaak, touring with Isaak and appearing on the albums Silvertone, Chris Isaak and Heart Shaped World. In-demand session drummer, present on albums by Todd Rundgren, Brian Eno, David Byrne, Tom Waits,m Dick Dale, Glenn Frey, Richard Marx, John Fogerty, Phil Lesh, and others
 
May 7, 1949 ~ James Barry Keefer, commonly known as pop singer Keith, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for 98.6, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit in 1967. Its title refers to the normal human body temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. Keith recorded a number of subsequent recordings but would be unable to achieve another top 10 hit
 
May 7, 1948 ~ Bassist, guitarist, songwriter Alan Spenner, full name Alan Henry Spenner, born in Dalston, UK ~ Worked with Wynder K Frog, Spooky Tooth, ABC, David Coverdale, David Soul, Joe Cocker (including backing Cocker at the 1969 the Woodstock Music and Art Fair concert), Kenny Loggins, Lynda Carter, Peter Frampton, Ted Nugent, Mick Taylor, China Crisis, Murray Head, Kokomo, and Roxy Music ~ Spenner passed away in 1991
May 7, 1948 ~ Vincent Clifford, commonly known as singer Billy Thunderkloud, born ~ Fronted Billy Thunderkloud & the Chieftones, known best for the 1975 singles What Time Of Day and its follow-up Pledging My Love both charting reasonably well on the Billboard Country charts ~ Clifford passed away in 2018
May 7, 1948 ~ Country rock guitarist, mandolinist, banjoist Kerryn Tolhurst, full name Kerryn William Tolhurst, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Co-founded and fronted country rock outfit the Dingoes, best known for Way Out West debut single released in 1973. Co-founded short-lived 1980s outfit the Rattling Sabres, known for the original hit All Fired Up notably covered by Pat Benatar whose version would reach top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart
May 7, 1948 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Lluis Llach, full name Lluis Llach i Grande, born in Girona, Spain ~ One of the main representatives of nova cançó. Best known for L'Estaca, an unofficial anthem of the Catalan Independence Movement
May 7, 1948 ~ Karel Lawrence van Rhoon, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter, actor Marty Rhone, born in Soerabaja, Dutch East Indies ~ Best known for the mid-1970s singles Denim And Lace and Mean Pair Of Jeans, both of which reached top 10 in his adopted homeland Australia
May 7, 1948 ~ Keyboardist, singer Pete Wingfield, full name William Peter Wingfield, born in Liphook, UK ~ As a solo artist considered a one-hit wonder, his Eighteen With A Bullet single reaching top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975. The song would later be used for the soundtrack to the 1998 Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels comedy crime film. Music journalist for Melody Maker. Produced Dexys Midnight Runners' 1980 Searching For The Young Soul Rebels debut album. Wrote Making A Good Thing Better for Olivia Newton-John, Eyes In The Back Of My Head for Patti Labelle, and Tribute (Right On) for the Pasadenas. As a keyboardist has worked with the Olympic Runners, Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, Keef Hartley, Colin Blunstone, Bryn Haworth, Alan Parsons, and others
May 7, 1948 ~ Percussionist Ramesh Shotham born in Madras, South India ~ Influenced by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin. A live performance by Ravi Shankar would set Shotham on a journey discovering his own musical roots, Indian music. Has recorded a handful of solo albums, and guested on recordings by Embryo (Turn Peace), Rabih Abou Khalil, Aziza Mustafa Zadeh, Charlie Mariano (Nassim, Nicolas Simion, and others
 
May 7, 1947 ~ Conductor Emmanuel Krivine born in Grenoble, France ~ Well known for his longtime associations with the Orchestre Philharmonique De Radio France, the Orchestre National De Lyon, and the Orchestre Français des Jeunes. In 2004 Krivine founded the orchestra the Chambre Phiolharmonique
May 7, 1947 ~ Jazz saxophonist Joe Ford born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with McCoy Tyner, Sam Jones, Lester Bowie, Idris Muhammad, Chico O'Farrill, Avery Sharpe, Malachi Thompson, Steve Berrios, Charles Fambrough, Kenny Kirkland, Jeff Tain-Watts, and others
 
May 7, 1946 ~ Singer, songwriter Bill Danoff, full name William Thomas Danoff, born in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of the Starland Vocal Band, which also included his then-wife singer and frequent songwriting partner Taffy Nivert. The band scored a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit in 1976 with the Danoff-penned Afternoon Delight. Danoff has also written or co-written for others, notably Boulder To Birmingham for Emmylou Harris and a number of well known songs for John Denver including Friends With You, I Guess He'd Rather Be In Colorado, Please Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas), and Take Me Home Country Roads. The latter would become a signature song for Denver and be covered by over 300 artists
May 7, 1946 ~ Gerard Nolan, commonly known as rock, punk rock guitarist Jerry Nolan, born in Williamsburg, New York, USA ~ Joined the New York Dolls in 1972, replacing the late Billy Murcia. Nolan would remain with the band through 1975, leaving with Johnny Thunders to co-found the Heartbreakers. The band is considered pivotal to the development of punk rock and known especially for their sole LAMF studio album released in 1977. Nolan has also worked with the Idols, Sid Vicious, the London Cowboys, and recorded as a solo artist ~ Nolan passed away in 1992
May 7, 1946 ~ Bassist Ken Koblun born in Canada ~ Played alongside Neil Young as a member of the Jades, the Squires, the Stardusters, and briefly Buffalo Springfield. Replaced Comrie Smith in 3's A Crowd
May 7, 1946 ~ Guitarist Ray Monette born ~ Started as a session musician for Motown. Co-founded Abstract Reality, known for their Love Burns Like A Fire single. Guested on Stoney & Meatloaf, a 1971 collaborative album by a then-unknown Meat Loaf and singer Shaun Ryder, for which Monette also co-wrote the tracks She Waits By The Window, Kiss Me Again, Lady Be Mine and Jessica White. Also collaborated with Dennis Coffey, played the guitar solo on Funkadelic's I Got A Thing You Got A Thing Everybody's Got A Thing. Perhaps best known as guitarist and singer for Rare Earth from 1971 through 2004, notably present on one of the band's most cherished singles I Just Want To Celebrate
May 7, 1946 ~ Thelma Jackson, commonly known as R&B, soul, disco singer, actress Thelma Houston, born in Leland, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for her 1976 single Don't Leave Me This Way, originally recorded by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes two years earlier. Houston's version would top the Billboard Hot 100 and become a disco classic popular to this day. Houston had previously recorded Do You Know Where You're Going To but the single was pulled and given to Diana Ross as the theme song for the movie Mahogany. Houston would record well into the 2010s, enjoying moderate succes on the R&B and Dance charts from time to time, as well as act in a variety of supporting roles in film and TV productions
 
May 7, 1945 ~ Christopher Andrew Moore, commonly known as singer, songwriter Christy Moore, born in Prosperous, Ireland ~ Hailed as one of Ireland's all-time greatest singers. Co-founded seminal folk outfit Planxty, credited with spearheading Celtic folk revival in the early 1970s. Also co-founded and fronted 1980s outfit Moving Hearts, merging traditional Irish folk with contemporary rock influences. As a solo artist Moore is especially acclaimed for his 1975 eponymous Christy Moore and his 1984 Ride On albums
May 7, 1945 ~ Balladeer, troubadour, singer, guitarist, songwriter Ewert Ljusberg, full name Karl Ewert Alvar Ljusberg, born in Hede, Sweden ~ Actively recording since the early 1970s. Appeared in a Swedish production of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. As a recording artist has collaborated with artists such as Bengt Sandh, Bernt Johansson, São Tomé, his brother Arne Ljusberg, and others. Assigned president of the Republic Of Jamtland, a humorous, fictitious nation, in 1989 ~ Ljusberg passed away in 2021
 
May 7, 1943 ~ Singer, guitarist Rick West born in Dagenham, UK ~ Founding member of the Tremeloes, known for hits such as Do You Love Me, Candy Man, I Want Candy, and others
May 7, 1943 ~ Country, outlaw country singer, songwriter Terry Allen born in Wichita, Kansas, USA ~ Admired by peers. Critically acclaimed, especially for the 1970s albums Juarez and Lubbock (On Everything). Had his songs covered by Guy Clark, Little Feat, David Byrne, Doug Sahm, Bobby Bare (Amarillo Highway), Ricky Nelson, Lucinda Williams, and others
May 7, 1943 ~ Guitarist, producer Tom Newman, full name Thomas Dennis Newman, born in Perivale, UK ~ Member of late 1960s outfit July, known for their sole eponymous July album. Recorded over a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Fine Old Tom released in 1975. Co-founded Manor Studio, Oxford for the nascent Virgin Records. Best known for producing the seminal Mike Oldfield album Tubular Bells. Has also served as producer for Hatfield & the North, Sally Oldfield, Doll By Doll, and Clodagh Simonds
 
May 7, 1942 ~ Andres Montañez Rodriguez, salsa, bolero singer, songwriter Andy Montañez, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ Rose to fame in the early 1960s as member of salsa ensemble El Gran Combo, known for songs such as Hiojas Blancas, El Barbero Loco and Vagabundo. Montañez left the band in 1977 and has recorded as a solo artist since
May 7, 1942 ~ Pianist, conductor, composer Felix Weingartner, full name Paul Felix Weingartner, passed away in Winterthur, Switzerland ~ One of the last pupils of Franz Liszt. Succeeded Gustav Mahler as director of the Vienna Hofoper, a post Weingartner held from 1907 to 1910. First conductor to make commercial recording of all nine Ludwig van Beethoven symphonies, and after Leopold Stokowski the second to record all four Johannes Brahms symphonies. Premiered Georges Bizet's long-lost Symphony In C in 1935 ~ Weingartner was born in 1863
May 7, 1942 ~ Ska, rocksteady, reggae singer, songwriter Justin Hinds born in Steertown, Jamaica ~ Most popular artist on Duke Reid's Treasure Isle Records label during the mid-1960s, best known for his 1963 hit Carry Go Bring Home. The song would later be notably covered by British ska band the Selecter on their 1980 Too Much Pressure album ~ Hinds passed away in 2005
May 7, 1942 ~ Lawrencine May Collins, commonly known as country, rockabilly, rock singer, guitarist Lorrie Collins born near Sapulpa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Girlfriend of singer and teen idol Ricky Nelson during the late-1950s, both on the TV show The Adventures Of Ozzie And Harriet and in real life. Sister of Larry Collins, with whom she performed through the 1960s under the moniker the Collins Kids and best known for their signature song Just Because ~ Collins passed away in 2018
 
May 7, 1939 ~ Johnny Mastrangelo, commonly known as doo-wop, R&B singer Johnny Maestro, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Original lead singer of the Crests, one one the first interracial groups and known for songs such as 16 Candles, The Angels Listened In, Trouble In Paradise. Maestro departed the band in 1960 to pursue a solo career, scoring moderate hits throughout the remainder of the decade. Would go on to front Brooklyn Bridge from 1968 onwards, notably known for the 1969 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Worst That Could Happen ~ Mastrangelo passed away in 2010
 
May 7, 1938 ~ William Henry Jackson, commonly known as blues guitarist, banjoist, singer Papa Charlie Jackson, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Perhaps best known for accompanying some of the most famous classic blues singers including Ida Cox, Hattie McDaniel and notably Ma Rainey. Has also recoirded with Big Bill Broonzy and Blind Blake, the latter a longtime idol of his. As a solo artist known for a number of 1920s recordings, notably Airy Man Blues, Papa's Lawdy Lawdy Blues, Shave 'Em Dry and Salty Dog Blues ~ Jackson was born in 1887
 
May 7, 1936 ~ Singer Jimmy Ruffin born in Collinsville, Mississippi, USA ~ Brother of the Temptations singer David Ruffin. Jimmy is best known for his 1960s top 10 hits Hold On To My Love and What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted ~ Ruffin passed away in 2014
 
May 7, 1931 ~ Songwriter Jerry Chesnut born in Harlan County, Kentucky, USA ~ Revered songwriter known for songs such as A Good Year For The Roses (Alan Jackson, George Jones, Elvis Costello). T-R-O-U-B-L-E (Elvis Presley, Travis Tritt), A Dime At A Time (Del Reeves), Another Place Another Time (Jerry Lee Lewis), It's Four In The Morning (Faron Young), Holding On To Nothing (Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton), Miles And Miles From Nowhere (Arthur Alexander), They Don't Make 'Em Like My Daddy (Loretta Lynn), Weakness In A Man (Waylon Jennings, Roy Drusky), and others ~ Chesnut passed away in 2018
May 7, 1931 ~ Theresa Veronica Breuer, commonly known as singer Teresa Brewer, born in Toledo, Ohio, USA ~ One of the most prolific singers of the 1950s. Known for songs such as Music Music Music, Till I Waltz Again With You, Ricochet Rock-o-Shay, Baby Baby Baby, and Jilted. Reemerged in the 1980s as a jazz singer, especially known for a string of tribute albums ~ Brewer passed away in 2007
 
May 7, 1926 ~ Arthur Lee Stevenson, commonly known as blues drummer, singer Kansas City Red, born in Drew, Mississippi, USA ~ Pivotal in development of urban blues. Worked with David Honeyboy Edwards, Robert Nighthawk, Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, Johnny Shines, Earl Hooker, Blind John Davis, Johnny Man Young, Robert Lockwood Junior, Eddie Taylor, Floyd Jones, Elmore James, Easy Baby, Jimmy Reed, and others ~ Stevenson passed away in 1991
 
May 7, 1923 ~ Singer, songwriter Jim Lowe, full name James Elisworth Lowe, born in Springfield, Missouri, USA ~ Best known for his 1956 hit The Green Door and for writing Gambler's Guitar, a million-seller for Rusty Draper. Also a radio host and personality, considered an export on popular music of the 1940s and 1950s ~ Lowe passed away in 2016
 
May 7, 1922 ~ Actor, bandleader, saxophonist, clarinetist, arranger Lew Anderson, full name Lewis Burr Anderson, born in Kirkman, Iowa, USA ~ To TV fans best known as the third actor to portray Clarabell the Cow on the TV show Howdy Doody from 1954 to 1960. Also known as accomplished jazz saxophonist and bandleader working with artists such as Bob Millikan, Chuck Winfield, Eddie Bert, Frank Strozier, Dave Weckl, John Fedchock, Greg Gisbert, Milt Hinton, Bobby Rosengarden, and others ~ Anderson passed away in 2006
 
May 7, 1919 ~ Walter Ferguson Byfield, commonly known as calypso singer, songwriter Walter Ferguson, born in Guabito, Panama ~ Revered calypso songwriter enjoying a career spanning seven decades. Self-taught on several instruments, including dulzaina, harmonica, ukelele, guitar, and clarinet. Wrote an estimated 200 songs, including A Sailing Boat, Cabin In The Wata, Callaloo, and Carnaval Day ~ Byfield passed away in 2023
 
May 7, 1914 ~ Songwriter, film composer John Elliott born in Gowanda, New York, USA ~ Reportedly wrote or co-wrote over 600 songs for motion pictures, most notably for Roy Rogers and Dale Evans films. Co-wrote with Sonny Burke, Harold Spina (Dinah Shore's It's So Nice To Have A Man Around The House), and with Lew Quadling (Bing Crosby's Sam's Song), and others ~ Elliott passed away in 1972
 
May 7, 1910 ~ Jazz, swing guitarist, singer Teddy Bunn, full name Theodore Leroy Bunn, born in Freeport, New York, USA ~ Generally regarded as one of the best acoustic guitarists of the 1930s active throughout the early 1970s. Played solely by ear, having never learned to read notes. Best known as a member of Spirits Of Rhythm led by Leo Watson. Has also worked with Red Allen, Fats Pichon, Duke Ellington, the Six Jolly Jesters, the Washboard Rhythm Kings, the Ramblers, Victoria Spivey, Lizzie Miles, Spencer Williams, Sidney Bechet, Hadda Brooks, Johnny Dodds, JC Higginbotham, Lionel Hampton, Jimmie Noone, Louis Jordan, and others ~ Bunn passed away in 1978
 
May 7, 1905 ~ Admirl Amos Easton, commonly known as Piedmont blues singer, guitarist Bumble Bee Slim, born in Brunswick, Georgia, USA ~ Influenced by pianist Leroy Carr and guitarist Scrapper Blackwell. Worked with Big Bill Broonzy, Peetie Wheatstraw, Tampa Red, Memphis Minnie, Washboard Sam, and others ~ Easton passed away in 1968
May 7, 1905 ~ Jazz violinist, conductor, musical director, composer Georgie Stoll, full name George Martin Stoll, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Best known for his work during the Golden Age of musicals from the 1940s through the 1960s, joining Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1937. Musical director, conductor for musical films such as Honolulu, Ice Follies Of 1939 and Babes In Arms. Has worked with the likes of Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and others. Also involved in some of the later Elvis Presley films, notably Viva Las Vegas and Spinout ~ Stoll passed away in 1985
 
May 7, 1904 ~ Jazz trombonist Floyd O'Brien born ~ Started in the 1920 playing with Earl Fuller, Floyd Town, Charles Pierce, Thelma Terru, Husk O'Hare. The 1930s saw him teaming up with artists such as Mal Hallett, Joe Venuti, Smith Ballew, Mike Durso, Phil Harris, and with Gene Krupa. During the 1940s O'Brien played with Eddie Miller, Bunk Johnson, Shorty Sherock, Jack Teagarden, Wingy Manone, Fats Waller, Mezz Mezzrow, George Wettling, Charles Lavere. After 1948 he returned to Bud Freeman, with whom he had played as early as 1928, as well as play with Art Hodes, and with Danny Alvin, Albert Nicholas, and others ~ O'Brien passed away in 1968
 
May 7, 1900 ~ Soprano singer Natalya Rozhdestvesnkaya, full name Natalya Petrovna Rozhdestvenskaya, born ~ Long-time soloist for the Russian All-Union Radio radio station starting in the late 1920s, performing concert performances of operas, often conducted by her husband Nikolai Anosov. The couple's son is conductor Gennnady Rozhdestvensky ~ Rozhdestvenskaya passed away in 1997
 
May 7, 1896 ~ Victor Cohen, commonly known as jazz drummer Vic Berton, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Playing professionally since age 16. Has worked with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, John Philip Sousa, Art Kahn, Paul Beise, Bix Beiderbecke, Roger Wolfe Kahn, Donald Voorhees, Red Nichols, Paul Whiteman, Abe Lyman, and others ~ Cohen passed away in 1951
 
May 7, 1833 ~ Romantic pianist, conductor, composer Johannes Brahms born in Hamburg, Germany ~ Influential composer considered on of “the Three B's” alongside Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven. Composed for orchestra, chamber ensembles, organ, voice and choirs. Adhered to tradition while also introducing innovations ~ Brahms passed away in 1897