May 25, 2023 ~ Jean-Louis Bergheaud, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Jean-Louis Murat, passed away ~ Actively recording since the early 1980s. First gained attention in 1988 with the single Si Je Devais Manquer De Toi. Also well-known for his album Cheyenne Autumn, released the following year. Broke through with his 1991 single Regrets, a duet with Mylène Farmer which reached No.3 in France. Has recorded steadily since. Also known as an actor ~ Bergheaud was born in 1952
May 25, 2023 ~ Country singer, songwriter Joy McKean, full name Mildred Geraldine Joy McKean, passed away ~ Dubbed “the Queen of Australian Country” and considered one of the country's leading songwriters and bush balladeers. Married to Slim Dusty, also serving as his manager, songwriter, and musical partner for some five decades. Well-known Dusty songs written by McKean include The Lights On The Hill, Indian Pacific, and Walk A Country Mile. Sister of Heather McKean, with whom she also performed under the moniker the McKean Sisters ~ McKean was born in 1930
May 24, 2023 ~ Conductor, double bassist, bass guitarist, composer Bill Lee, full name William James Edwards Lee III, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Father of filmmaker Spike Lee, has also composed the scores for several of his son's films. Has worked with Chris Anderson, Harry Belafonte, Chad Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Aretha Franklin, Odetta, Simon & Garfunkel, Ian & Sylvia, Tom Rush, Burt Bacharach, Peter Paul & Mary, Arlo Guthrie, Tom Paxton, Carolyn Hester, John Lee Hooker, Josh White, Duke Ellington, Malvina Reynolds, Eric Bibb, the Clancy Brothers, Bob Dylan, and others. Notably, Lee is the only other musician on Dylan's It's All Over Now Baby Blue, widely considered a classic ~ Lee was born in 1928
May 24, 2023 ~ Composer Javier Álvarez, full name Javier Álvarez Fuentes, passed away in Mérida, Mexico ~ Known for utilizing a variety of musical styles, merging unusual instruments with new music technologies. Has composed chamber music, orchestral pieces, opera, for film and for dance companies. Well-known compositions include the electroacoustic work Temazcai, the opera Mambo, and the 1992 soundtrack Cronos ~ Álvarez was born in 1956
May 24, 2023 ~ Anna Mae Bullock, commonly known as singer Tina Turner, passed away in Küsnacht, Switzerland ~ Rose to fame with her then-husband Ike Turner. The duo would score a string of hits from the early 1960s forward including A Fool In Love, It's Gonna Work Out Fine, Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits and River Deep Mountain High, the latter described by producer Phil Spector as his best work. After her break from Ike in the mid-1970s Tina would launch one of the most impressive comebacks in rock history with her 1984 Private Dancer album spawning the hit What's Love Got To Do With It, her first and only Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit. Subsequent solo hits include We Don't Need Another Hero, Typical Male, I Don't Wanna Fight and the James Bond-theme GoldenEye. Has also acted in the Who's rock opera Tommy, Mad Max (Beyond Thunderdome) and The Last Action Hero. Retired from music after completing her 2009 Tina! (50th Anniversary Tour), one of the highest-grossing tours of all time ~ Bullock was born in 1939
May 23, 2023 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader Floyd Newman passed away ~ In-demand session musician closely associated with Stax/Volt, the Mar-keys, and the Memphis Horns. As a leader known for his 1963 single Frog Stomp b/w Sassy. Present on albums by the likes of BB King, Otis Redding (Otis Blue), Wilson Pickett, Etta James (Tell Mama), Aretha Franklin (Aretha Now), Boz Scaggs, and others ~ Newman was born in 1931
May 23, 2023 ~ Heavy metal, doom metal bassist Mark Adams passed away ~ Best known as member of St Vitus from 1978 through 1996, rejoining on occasion in later years. Present on some of the band's best-known including the critically acclaimed Born Too Late album released in 1986, generally considered the band's masterpiece ~ Adams was born ca.1959
May 23, 2023 ~ R&B, funk, smooth jazz singer, guitarist, songwriter Sheldon Reynolds, full name Sheldon Maurice Reynolds, passed away ~ Toured with Millie Jackson. Member of Sun, present on the early 1980s albums Sun Over The Universe, Force Of Nature, and Let There Be Sun. Worked with the Commodores, first appearing with the band as a backing singer on the 1985 Nightshift album. Worked with Earth Wind & Fire, starting on the 1987 Touch The World album. Also present on albums by Maurice White, Philip Bailey, Debbie Allen, Club Nouveau, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Joey Lawrence, the Pointer Sisters, Take 6, Rahsaan Patterson, the Urban Jazz Network, and others ~ Reynolds was born in 1959
May 22, 2023 ~ Charles Newby, commonly known as pop rock bassist Chas Newby, passed away ~ Best known for briefly playing bass for the Beatles in late 1960, filling in for Stuart Sutcliffe on four gigs in the UK. After John Lennon asked Newby to accompany them on their 2nd Germany trip Newby declined, preferring to return to university after the holidays. As both Lennon and George Harrison declined to switch to bass, Paul McCartney reluctantly became the band's bass player ~ Newby was born in 1941
May 22, 2023 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, violinist Ferus Mustafov, also known as King Ferus Mustafov, passed away in Skopje, Macedonia ~ Active since the late 1960s. Considered a leading figure in Balkan folk, gypsy, and Rom music, enjoying popularity especially in his native Macedonia. Credited as one of the artists to have brought international attention to Balkan music. Internationally perhaps best known for his 1995 King Ferus album ~ Mustafov was born in 1950
May 22, 2023 ~ Heavy metal drummer Kirk Arrington passed away ~ Member of the Metal Church from 1982 through 1995, rejoining in later years. Present on some of the band's best-known and most acclaimed albums including the band's eponymous Metal Church debut album, Blessing In Disguise, and The Human Factor ~ Arrington was born ca.1962
May 21, 2023 ~ Edmund Dantes Urick, commonly known as traditional pop singer, actor Ed Ames, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of family outfit the Ames Brothers, known for a number of 1950s hits including Rag Mop, Sentimental Me, Can Anyone Explain (No No No), Undecided, The Man With The Banjo, The Naughty Lady Of Shady Lane and Tammy. Ames is also well-known as an actor, noted for portraying Mingo in the TV series Daniel Boone ~ Ames was born in 1927
May 19, 2023 ~ Alternative rock bassist Andy Rourke, full name Andrew Michael Rourke, passed away ~ Member of the Smiths, joining the band shortly after its first gig. The band is considered one of the most important to emerge from 1980's Britain indie scene and recorded four albums including the acclaimed The Smiths debut album released in 1984 and The Queen Is Dead two years later. Well-known songs include Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now, Sheila Take A Bow, and This Charming Man. Rourke has also appeared on Sinéad O'Connor's 1990 I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got album, backed former bandmate singer Morrissey on several of his solo outings, worked with the Pretenders, and formed Freebass ~ Rourke was born in 1964
May 19, 2023 ~ Singer, songwriter, poet Pete Brown, full name Peter Ronald Brown, passed away ~ Had his first poem published at age 14. Founded the First Real Poetry Band which also featured guitarist John McLaughlin. Also associated with Pete Brown & Piblokto, Battered Ornaments, and Cream. Co-penned some of the latter's best-known songs including I Feel Free, White Room, and The Sunshine Of Your Love. Has also worked with Graham Bond, Phil Ryan, and Gary Brooker ~ Brown was born in 1940
May 17, 2023 ~ Alasdair Mackie Ward, commonly known as rock & roll, punk rock singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist Algy Ward, passed away in Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK ~ Best known for founding Tank, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. The band is especially acclaimed for their 1982 Filth Hounds Of Hades debut album, produced by Motörhead-guitarist Fast Eddie Clarke, considered a landmark album in British heavy metal. Previously Ward had played with Australian rock outfit the Saints from 1977 through 1980, present on the albums I'm Stranded, Eternally Yours, and Prehistoric Sounds. Ward was also briefly a member of the Damned, appearing on the 1979 Machine Gun Etiquette comeback album before being fired due to animosity with the band's drummer Rat Scabies ~ Ward was born in 1959
May 16, 2023 ~ Ska, reggae trumpeter, saxophonist Lester Sterling passed away ~ Brother of keyboardist Keith Sterling. Co-founding member of seminal ska outfit the Skatalites, remaining with the band through its initial disbandement in 1965 and involved in several of its later reunions. The band is known for a number of early to mid-1960s recordings, notably Guns Of Navarone, and was an in-demand studio band for a wide array of Jamaican artists including Bob Marley. Following the band's disbandement Sterling has recorded as a solo artist, and worked with Byron Lee's unit the Dragonaires, and the Third World All-Stars ~ Sterling was born in 1936
May 16, 2023 ~ Country engineer, producer Richard Landis passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Early on in his career recorded as a solo artist to limited success, known for his sole 1972 Natural Causes album, yet would grow to become one of the most respected producers in country music. Closely associated with Juice Newton, including producing her breakthrough 1981 album Juice which spawned the hits Angel Of The Morning, Queen Of Hearts, and the Billboard Country No.1 The Sweetest Thing I've Ever Known. Other notable associations include Peter Allen, Red Rider, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the Seldom Scene, Van Stephenson, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, Eddie Rabbitt, Lorrie Morgan, Doug Supernaw, the Oak Ridge Boys, Neil Diamond, Vince Gill, and Tom Cochrane ~ Landis was born in 1946
May 14, 2023 ~ Hard bop, post bop tenor saxophonist Bernt Rosengren passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Leader and sideman. Actively recording since the 1960s, acclaimed for a number of quintessential Swedish jazz albums notably 1965's Stockholm Dues and 1974's Notes From Underground. Worked with George Russell, Don Cherry, Muvaffak Maffy Falay, Doug Raney, Horace Parlan, Lester Bowie, Arne Domnerus, Krzysztof Komeda, Tomasz Stańko, Idrees Sulieman, and others ~ Rosengren was born in 1937
May 14, 2023 ~ Classical pianist Ingrid Haebler passed away ~ Made her first public performance at age 11. One of several Austrian musicians to experiment with period instruments, notably recording Johann Christian Bach's keyboard concertos on a fortepiano. Also well-known for her recordings of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven ~ Haebler was born in 1929
May 14, 2023 ~ Jazz, classical, rock bassist John Giblin passed away ~ In-demand session bassist active from the mid-1970s forward. Has appeared on albums by Gonzalez, Metro, Peter Gabriel, Gary Boyle (Electric Glide), Steve Harley, Duncan Browne (The Wild Places), Colin Blunstone, Brand X, the Simple Minds, Kate Bush (Never For Ever), Jon Anderson, Phil Collins (Face Value), Chris De Burgh, Judie Tzuke, Eros Ramazzotti, Tanita Tikaram, and Joshua Kadison ~ Giblin was born in 1952
May 12, 2023 ~ Keyboardist Francis Monkman passed away ~ Co-founded Sisyphus in the late 1960s. The band would evolve into the pioneering progressive rock outfit Curved Air, with whom Monkman recorded the albums Air Conditioning, Second Album, and Phantasmagoria, before departing the band over artistic differences. After his departure from the band Monkman has guested on recordings by Renaissance, Al Stewart, and Lynsey de Paul, collaborated with Phil Manzanera and Brian Eno in the short-lived 801, worked with classical fusion band Sky, and recorded as a solo artist ~ Monkman was born in 1949
May 11, 2023 ~ Classical cornetist, trumpeter Marcel Lagorce, full name Antoine Marcel Lagorce, passed away ~ Trumpet soloist with the Symphony Radio Orchestra from 1957 through 1967, and with the Orchestre De Paris from 1967 through 1993. Member of brass quintet Ars Nova, which also included hornist Georges Barboteu, trumpeter Bernard Jeannoutot, trombonist Camille Verdier, and tubist Elie Raynaud. Taught at Conservatoire de Paris, Paris from 1976 through 1988 ~ Lagorce was born in 1932
May 10, 2023 ~ Merseybeat, pop, rock singer Stu James passed away ~ Lead singer of the Mojo's, known best for their 1963 UK top 10 hit Everything's Al'right. The follow-up singles Why Not Tonight and Seven Daffodils would also reach the top 30. The band would release several other singles and a sole eponymous EP, The Mojo's, before disbanding in 1968 ~ James was born ca.1946
May 9, 2023 ~ Operatic bass Günter Wewel passed away in Arnsberg, Germany ~ Most closely associated with the Oper Dortmund, serving with the company for decades starting in 1963. Has also guested with a wide array of renowned orchestras including the Bavarian State Opera, the Hamburg State Opera, the Cologne Opera, and the Budapest National Opera. Also well-known as a TV presenter, hosting the ARD musical entertainment show Kein Schöner Land from 1989 through 2007 ~ Wewel was born in 1934
May 9, 2023 ~ Rock keyboardist, singer Jon Povey passed away ~ Best known as a member of the Pretty Things, joining the band in 1967 along with guitarist Wally Waller. Present on albums such as Emotions and SF Sorrow, the latter regarded as one of the first rock operas. Previously the pair of Povey and Waller had played with Bern Elliott & the Fenmen, known for their 1963 UK top 20 hit Money and its follow-up New Orleans ~ Povey was born ca.1943
May 8, 2023 ~ Rita Lee Jones, commonly known as rock, pop, psychedelic rock singer, songwriter Rita Lee, passed away in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Founded Os Mutantes with Arnaldo Baptista and Sérgio Dias. As a solo artist has over 20 albums to her name, starting with Build Up released in 1970. Has sold over 60 million records. Collaborated with Tutti Frutti, Gilberto Gil, and with her husband guitarist Roberto de Carvalho ~ Jones was born in 1947
May 6, 2023 ~ Pianist Menahem Pressler passed away ~ Fled Nazi Germany with his family after Kristallnacht. Best known as longtime member of the Beaux Arts Trio, the only member to play with the trio throughout its entire existence ~ Pressler was born in 1923
May 5, 2023 ~ Producer, label executive Chris Strachwitz passed away ~ Founder and president of Arhoolie Records since 1960, which became a leading force in blues, Cajun, roots music. The first album produced would be Mance Lipscomb's Texas Songster And Sharecropper in an edition of just 250 copies. Would go on to work with Black Ace, Big Joe Williams, Mercy Dee Walton, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Juke Boy Bonner, Clifton Chenier, Country Joe & the Fish (I Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die Rag), Big Joe Duskin, Charlie Musselwhite, Robben Ford, John Delafose, Flaco Jiménez, and others ~ Strachwitz was born in 1931
May 5, 2023 ~ Jack Rivers Lewis, commonly known as jazz guitarist Jack Wilkins, passed away ~ Influenced by Johnny Smith, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, and Tal Farlow. Active since his teens, backing artists such as the Elgarts, Warren Covington, and Sammy Kaye early on in his career. About a dozen albums to his name as a leader, noted especially for Merge released in 1978. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Albert Dailey, Lionel Hampton, Sonny Fortune, Astrud Gilberto, Morgana King, Charles Mingus, Bob Brookmeyer, Buddy Rich, and the Manhattan Transfer ~ Lewis was born in 1944
May 4, 2023 ~ Indie rock, indie folk, lo-fi guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Rob Laakso passed away ~ Closely associated with Kurt Vile, appearing on over half a dozen of Vile's albums since the late 2000s including the acclaimed Wakin' On A Pretty Daze album released in 2013. Laakso has also worked with the Wicked Farleys, the Swirlies, Mice Parade, and Diamond Nights ~ Laakso was born ca.1979
May 3, 2023 ~ Linda Ann Fredericks, commonly known as pop, soul, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Linda Lewis, passed away ~ Influenced by Harry Nilsson, Billie Holiday, and Smokey Robinson. As a solo artist best known for the 1970s singles Rock A Doodle Doo and It's In His Kiss, the latter a cover of the Betty Everett classic, both of which reached top 20 in her native England. As a session backing singer Lewis has appeared on albums by Cat Stevens, Chris Spedding, David Bowie (Aladdin Sane), Hummingbird, Cockney Rebel, Rod Stewart (Blondes Have More Fun), Joan Armatrading, and Jamiroquai (Emergency On Planet Earth) ~ Fredericks was born in 1950
May 1, 2023 ~ Folk, folk-rock, country singer, guitarist, songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, full name Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr, passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Helped define the 1960s, 1970s folk-pop sound. Known for songs such as For Lovin' Me, Early Morning Rain, Steel Reel Blues, Ribbon Of Darkness, Black Day In July and perhaps his best known If You Could Read My Mind. His songs would be covered by numerous artists including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, the Kingston Trio, Marty Robbins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Herb Alpert, Harry Belafonte, Sarah McLachlan, Eric Clapton, John Mellencamp, Tony Rice, Glen Campbell, the Grateful Dead, Olivia Newton-John, Paul Weller, Ultra Naté, and the Tragically Hip ~ Lightfoot was born in 1938
May 1, 2023 ~ Anders Sture Torbjörn Rogefeldt, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Pugh Rogefeldt, passed away ~ Active since the late 1960s. At the time one of the few to sing in Swedish. Known for songs such as Små Latta Moln, Här Kommer Natten, Föräldralåten, Hog Farm, Dinga Linga Lena, and Stockholm. Passionate about old Norse religion, a subject which frequently showed up in his music ~ Rogefeldt was born in 1947
April 30, 2023 ~ Rock, blues, country rock singer, guitarist, banjoist Broderick Smith passed away ~ Appeared in a 1973 Australian production of rock opera Tommy, portraying the role of Mr Walker. Member of the Adderley Smith Blues Band, the Dingoes, Carson, and others. Perhaps best known for his 1981 hit Faded Roses with Broderick Smith's Big Combo ~ Smith was born in 1948
April 29, 2023 ~ Jazz trombonist, keyboardist, arranger Don Sebesky passed away in Maplewood, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as in-house arranger since the early 1960s for a number of jazz labels including Verve, A&M Records, and CTI Records. Closely associated with producer Creed Taylor. Notable credits include arranging and conducting for Wes Montgomery (Bumpin'), Willie Bobo, Buddy Rich, Dionne Warwick (Promises Promises), Astrud Gilberto, Kenny Burrell, and George Benson (Shape Of Things To Come). As a leader best known for his 1973 Giant Box album. Over the course of his career Sebesky has composed several film scores, and arranged and conducted for hundreds of artists from jazz to pop, including Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Michael Bublé, Seal, and Prince ~ Sebesky was born in 1937
April 28, 2023 ~ Hard rock, melodic hard rock guitarist Helge Engelke passed away ~ Influenced by Uli Jon Roth and Michael Schenker. Member of Fair Warning, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums starting in the early 1990s. Following the band's initial disbandement in 2000 formed Dreamtide. Engelke has also guested on albums by Zeno, Mind Odyssey, and Thomsen ~ Engelke was born in 1961
April 28, 2023 ~ Rock guitarist, singer Tim Bachman, full name Timothy Gregg Bachman, passed away in Winnipeg, Canada ~ Co-founding member of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, present on the band's first two albums Bachman Turner Overdrive and Bachman Turner Overdrive II. The latter would spawn the singles Let It Ride and Takin' Care Of Business, both of which reached top 10 in the band's native Canada ~ Bachman was born in 1951
April 27, 2023 ~ Charles William Harris, commonly known as rock & roll, pop singer Wee Willie Harris, passed away ~ Enjoyed popularity in his native UK during the 1950s and early 1960s, despite none of his singles reaching the charts. Dubbed “Britain's wild man of rock & roll” for his flamboyant appearance and stage presence. Became a popular performer on TV shows, though many in the media would express concern for the BBC promoting teenage decadence. Best known for his 1957 self-penned Rockin' At The 2 I's debut single. Harris would resurface in the 1970s as a nostalgia act after being referenced by Ian Dury in the song Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3. Harris would later record the album Twenty Reasons To Be Cheerful ~ Harris was born in 1933
April 25, 2023 ~ William Robert Emerson, commonly known as rock & roll, R&B singer, pianist Billy The Kid Emerson, passed away in Clearwater, Florida, USA ~ Best known for penning and first recording Red Hot, covered numerous times including by Bob Luman, Ronnie Hawkins, Brian Setzer and most notably in 1957 by Billy Lee Riley. Also known for first recording Every Woman I Know (Crazy About Automobiles), notably covered by Ry Cooder on the 1980 Borderline album. Emerson has worked with artists such as Earl Hooker, Lonnie Brooks, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and others. Songs written or co-written by Emerson have been recorded by Junior Wells, Willie Mabon, Wynonie Harris and by Buddy Guy ~ Emerson was born in 1925
April 25, 2023 ~ Harold George Bellanfanti Jr, commonly known as singer Harry Belafonte, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Paul Robeson. Close friend and confidant of Martin Luther King Jr. Though he also sang blues, folk, pop, gospel and show tunes, Belafonte is dubbed “the King of Calypso” for his role in popularizing calypso. Critically acclaimed for the 1956 million-seller album Calypso, which spawned his biggest hit and signature song Day-O (Banana Boat Song), and his 1959 Belafonte At Carnegie Hall live album. Advocate for several political and humanitarian causes, including serving as the ACLU celebrity ambassador for juvenile justice issues. Starred in over two dozen films, notably Carmen Jones, Island In The Sun, and Odds Against Tomorrow ~ Bellanfanti was born in 1927
April 25, 2023 ~ Rock drummer Ralph Humphrey passed away ~ Briefly a member of Frank Zappa's backing unit the Mothers Of Invention, appearing on the 1973 Over-Nite Sensation album and its follow-up Apostrophe released the following year ~ Humphrey was born ca.1944
April 24, 2023 ~ Singer Lilian Day Jackson passed away ~ 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 was born in 1960
April 23, 2023 ~ R&B, funk drummer Isaac Wiley Jr passed away ~ Member of funk outfit the Dazz Band from its inception in 1977 through 1985. The band also included his brother bassist Michael Wiley and is known best for their 1982 Let It Whip Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. Wiley is also present on songs such as On The One For Fun, Keep It Live (On The KIL), Joystick, Swoop (I'm Yours), and Let It All Blow, all of which reached top 20 on the Billboard R&B charts. Wiley has also backed jazz artists such as Najee, Stanley Clarke, and Bob James ~ Wiley was born ca.1954
April 23, 2023 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Keith Gattis passed away ~ As a solo artist known for his single Little Drops Of My Heart of his 1996 eponymous Keith Gattis debut album. Wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by Charlie Robison, Kenny Chesney (El Cerrito Place). George Strait (I Got A Car), and by Randy Houser (What Whiskey Does). Played with George Jones, Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson, Kid Rock, Randy Houser, Gary Allan, Ashley Monroe, Allison Moorer, Waylon Payne, Miranda Lambert, Wade Bowen, Sara Evans, Brandy Clark, the Randy Rogers Band, Randy Travis, and the Eli Young Band ~ Gattis was born in 1970
April 21, 2023 ~ Post-punk, avant-funk, industrial singer, songwriter Mark Stewart passed away ~ Pioneer of post-punk and industrial hip-hop. Co-founding member of the Pop Group, drawing from punk, dub, funk, and free jazz, and best known for the singles She Is Beyond Good And Evil and We Are All Prostitutes. Following the band's disbandement in the early 1980s Stewart has recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the likes of Trent Reznor, Tricky, Massive Attack, and Primal Scream ~ Stewart was born in 1960
April 19, 2023 ~ Funk, R&B, pop singer, guitarist Otis Redding III passed away ~ Son of iconic R&B singer Otis Redding. Formed the Reddings with brother Dexter Redding and Mark Lockett, known best for Remote Control of their 1980 The Awakening debut album. The single remains a radio staple in Europe to this day ~ Redding was born ca.1964
April 17, 2023 ~ Caroline Vincinetti LoTempio, commonly known as singer April Stevens, passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ Known for the early 1950s hits I'm In Love Again and Gimme Me A Little Kiss (Will Ya Huh), as well as for her 1959 recording Teach Me Tiger which was banned from radio for its sexual innuendo. Perhaps best known for her collaborations with her brother Nino Tempo, including the 1963 recording Deep Purple which reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts ~ LoTempio was born in 1936
April 16, 2023 ~ Frederick Russell Jones, commonly known as jazz, hard bop, cool jazz, post-bop pianist, composer Ahmad Jamal, passed away ~ Best known for leading a trio with guitarist Ray Crawford and bassist Israel Crosby for most of the 1950s and early 1960s. Over 50 albums to his name as leader or co-leader over a career spanning six decades, specifically acclaimed for Chamber Music Of The New Jazz, At The Pershing (But Not For Me), and Listen To The Ahmad Jamal Quintet. Converted to islam while in his twenties, taking the name Jamal, and once sued jazz critic Leonard Feather for using his birthname of Jones ~ Jones was born in 1930
April 15, 2023 ~ Jazz, R&B bassist Peter Badie, full name Peter Chuck Badie, passed away ~ Active since the early 1950s, performing and recording with Roy Brown, Paul Gayten, and Dave Bartholomew. Member of Lionel Hampton's orchestra during the mid-1950s. Would go on to work with Hank Crawford, Edward Frank, June Gardner, Dizzy Gillespie, and Zoot Sims. Retired from music by the 1970s for medical reasons. Reemerged in the 1990s as member of Dr John's backing unit ~ Badie was born in 1925
April 14, 2023 ~ Bassist Cliff Fish, full name Clifford Victor Fish, passed away ~ Core member of Paper Lace, with whom he scored the UK hits Billy Don't Be A Hero, The Black-Eyed Boys, and The Night Chicago Died. All three would reach top 20 in the band's native UK, the latter would also top the American Billboard Hot 100 ~ Fish was born in 1949
April 14, 2023 ~ Rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist Mark Sheehan, full name Mark Anthony Sheehan, passed away ~ Member of boyband Mytown, known for the moderate hit Do It Like This and their sole eponymous Mytown album. Following the band's disbandement in 2001 Sheehan co-founded alternative rock outfit the Script with whom he recorded half a dozen albums, all of which would reach top of the charts in their native Ireland. Well-known songs include The Man Who Can't Be Moved, For The First Time, Hall Of Fame featuring will.i.am, and Superheroes. The single Breakeven of their eponymous The Script debut album would reach top 20 on the American Billboard Hot 100 ~ Sheehan was born in 1976
April 9, 2023 ~ Jazz pianist, conductor Karl Berger, full name Karl Hans Berger, passed away in Albany, New York, USA ~ About two dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for Transit released in 1987. Closely associated with Don Cherry and Ornette Coleman, founding the Woodstock-based Creative Music Studio study center with the latter in 1972. In-demand sideman, present on albums by the likes of Gato Barbieri, Lee Konitz, John McLaughlin, Marzette Watts, Sly & Robbie, Joe Lovano, Jeff Buckley (Grace), Better Than Ezra, Bill Laswell, Natalie Merchant (Ophelia), Angélique Kidjo, and Lil Haydn ~ Berger was born in 1935
April 7, 2023 ~ John Bairnson, commonly known as bassist, guitarist Ian Bairnson, passed away ~ Member of 1970s outfit Pilot, known for their 1974 Magic single. Also closely associated with the Alan Parsons Project, working with Alan Parsons for over two decades starting in the mid-1970s and noted for his guitar solo on I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You. Appeared on Kate Bush's first four albums including the guitar solo on Wuthering Heights of Bush's The Kick Inside debut album. Co-wrote If You Can't Stand The Heat and Run For Your Life both recorded by Bucks Fizz. Has also worked with Yvonne Keeley, Joe Cocker, Jon Anderson, Chris De Burgh, Mick Fleetwood, Neil Diamond, and others ~ Bairnson was born in 1953
April 7, 2023 ~ Bassist John Regan passed away ~ Perhaps best known for his association with Ace Frehley, notably on the 1987 Frehley's Comet album, and for backing Peter Frampton from 1979 through 2011. Also present on albums by the likes of Chip Taylor, Billy Idol (Whiplash Smile), John Waite, David Bowie, Robin Trower, and Jamie Oldaker ~ Regan was born in 1951
April 7, 2023 ~ Edward Jordan, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Kidd Jordan, passed away ~ Active since the mid-1950s, backing blues and R&B artists such as Guitar Slim, Ray Charles, Big Maybelle, and Choker Campbell. Would go on to work with a wide array of artists in genres ranging from avant-garde to pop and rock, including William Parker, Archie Shepp, Ornette Coleman, Stevie Wonder, and Cecil Taylor. Later on in his career has also recorded as a leader or co-leader, noted for his 2006 Palm Of Soul album. To rock audiences perhaps best known for appearing on the REM-album Out Of Time released in 1991 ~ Jordan was born in 1935
April 7, 2023 ~ Lars-Ove Wellander, commonly known as pop rock guitarist Lasse Wellander, passed away in Overgrans, Sweden ~ In-demand session and touring musician active since the late 1960s. Internationally best known for his long-time association with ABBA, present on over half a dozen of the band's albums. Especially noted for his guitar play on the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Does Your Mother Know of their 1979 Voulez-Vous album. Wellander has also recorded as a solo artist and worked with the likes of Nature, Pugh Rogefeldt, Zkiffz, the Stockholm All-Stars, the Low Budget Blues Band, and others ~ Wellander was born in 1952
April 6, 2023 ~ Jazz bassist, double bassist Harrison Bankhead, full name Harrison Napoleon Bankhead III, passed away ~ Avant-garde leaning bassist. As a leader known for his acclaimed Morning Sun Harvest Moon album released in 2011. Closely associated with Malachi Thompson, backing the trumpeter on over half a dozen albums starting in the early 1990s. Has also frequently worked with 8 Bold Souls, including on the ensemble's 2000 Last Option masterpiece. Other collaborations include Edward Wilkerson Jr, Michael Mason, Don Bennett, Joel Brandon, and Fred Anderson ~ Bankhead was born in 1955
April 6, 2023 ~ Pop, dance-pop singer, actor Paul Cattermole, full name Paul Gerald Cattermole, passed away in Dorset, UK ~ Member of S Club 7 from 1998 through 2002, present on songs such as Bring It All Back, S Club Party, Never Had A Dream Come True and Don't Stop Movin' ~ Cattermole was born in 1977
April 5, 2023 ~ Soul singer, keyboardist Booker Newberry III passed away ~ Member of Sweet Thunder, known for Baby I Need Your Love Today. Member of Impact. As a solo artist best known for Love Town, which reached the UK top 10 in 1983 ~ Newberry was born in 1956
April 5, 2023 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger Dusko Gojkovic passed away ~ As a leader perhaps best known for his 1994 Soul Connection album, featuring guests such as Tommy Flanagan, Jimmy Heath, and Mickey Roker. In-demand sideman, appearing on albums by the likes of Woody Herman, Francy Boland, Tete Montoliu, Klaus Doldinger, and Maynard Ferguson ~ Gojkovic was born in 1931
April 4, 2023 ~ Keyboardist Vivian Trimble, full name Vivian Elizabeth Trimble, passed away ~ Keyboardist for all-female quartet Luscious Jackson, known best for their 1996 Fever In Fever Out sophomore album. Also worked with Jill Cunniff under the moniker the Kostars, and formed the duo Dusty Trails with Josephine Wiggs ~ Trimble was born in 1963
April 2, 2023 ~ Label executive Seymour Stein passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ After positions at King Records and Billboard, co-founded Sire Records with Richard Gottehrer in the mid-1960s. Would be incremental to the careers of pop, rock, and new wave artists of the 1970s and 1980s including the Ramones, Talking Heads, the Pretenders, Depeche Mode, the Cure, Ice-T, and Echo & the Bunnymen. Stein had the opportunity to sign Jimi Hendrix in 1966, yet decided against it after seeing him smash his guitar on-stage and argue with his friend, model Linda Keith, on successive occasions. Stein remained active with Sire and Warner Bros Records until his retirement in 2018 ~ Stein was born in 1942
April 1, 2023 ~ Singer, actor Dario Campeotto passed away ~ Actively performing since his early teens. Internationally best known for representing his native Denmark at the 1961 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 5th place with Angelique. Following its success Campeotto would continue to record, as well as play in theatrical plays, operettas, revues, and films ~ Campeotto was born in 1939
March 30, 2023 ~ Beat, pop rock drummer Alfio Cantarella passed away ~ Co-founding member of beat band Equipe 84, one of the premier Italian bands of the 1960s and 1970s known for songs such as 29 Settembre and Io Ho In Mente Te. the latter an Italian translation of the Ian & Sylvia song You Were On My Mind. Following the band's disbandement in 1977 Cantarella has served as manager and producer, most notably working with Zucchero and Sergio Caputo ~ Cantarella was born in 1941
March 30, 2023 ~ Raymond Shulman, commonly known as progressive rock bassist, producer Ray Shulman passed away in London, UK ~ Member of progressive rock outfit Gentle Giant, known for the complexity and sophistication of their music merging hard rock with classical music and medieval influences. The band recorded about a dozen albums and is especially acclaimed for the albums Octopus and Free Hand. Shulman also played violin, viola, guitar, trumpet, keyboards and percussion but was most praised for his virtuoso bass playing, drawing comparisons to Yes-bassist Chris Squire. After the band disbanded in the early 1980s would go on to work as a producer, working with artists such as the Sugarcubes, the Sundays, the Trash Can Sinatras, Ian McCulloch, and the Defects ~ Shulman was born in 1949
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 unsuccesful 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 28, 2023 ~ Singer, producer, actor, songwriter Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away in Tokyo, Japan ~ Considered a pioneer of electronic music, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Yellow Magic Orchestra, along with bandmates Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi. As a solo artist especially acclaimed for his 1978 A Thousand Knives solo debut album and its follow-up B-2 Unit released in 1980, the latter cited as a major influence on electro and hip-hop. Also known for composing several soundtracks, including co-writing the score for the 1987 The Last Emperor film with David Byrne and Cong Su earning the trio an Academy Award ~ Sakamoto was born in 1952
March 27, 2023 ~ Peggy Stoutmeyer, commonly known as blues, R&B, gospel singer Peggy Scott-Adams, passed away ~ Toured with Ben E King as a teenager. Recorded a number of duet singles with Jo Jo Benson during the late 1960s, notably Lovers Holiday, Pickin' Wild Berries and Soulshake. Reemerged nearly three decades later, brought back to the studio by singer and producer Jimmy Lewis, leading to a full-length critically acclaimed Help Yourself debut album in 1996. Has recorded a little over half a dozen blues, R&B and gospel albums since ~ Stoutmeyer was born in 1948
March 26, 2023 ~ Country singer Ray Pillow, full name Herbert Raymond Pillow, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Charted over a dozen singles on the Billboard Country charts, his best known the Jean Shepard-duet I'll Take The Dog which reached top 10 in 1966. Other well known songs include Thank You Ma'am, Common Colds And Broken Hearts and Volkswagen. Pillow has also co-founded Sycamore Records and worked as A&R representative for Capitol Records ~ Pillow was born in 1937
March 25, 2023 ~ Composer, producer Nick Lloyd Webber, full name Nicholas Lloyd Webber, passed away in Basingstoke, UK ~ Son of musical composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. Best known for scoring the BBC drama Love Lies & Records. Other well known compositions include a theatrical and symphonic production of The Little Prince based on the book of the same name by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and the 2017 musical Fat Friends The Musical ~ Webber was born in 1979
March 23, 2023 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Keith Reid, full name Keith Stuart Brian Reid, passed away ~ Best known as lyricist of most of the Procol Harum songs, including Conquistador, A Whiter Shade Of Pale, Salty Dog, and Grand Hotel. Others who recorded songs co-written by Reid include Michel Polnareff (Time Will Tell), Gary Brooker, Peter Frampton, John Farnham (You're The Voice), and the Jeff Healey Band ~ Reid was born in 1946
March 23, 2023 ~ Pop singer, songwriter, producer, label executive Peter Shelley, full name Peter Alexander Southworth, passed away in Victoria, Canada ~ Active as plugger and talent scout since the mid-1960s. Responsible for signing Amen Corner, Ten Years After, and Giles Giles & Fripp to Decca Records, the latter later evolving into King Crimson. Co-founded Magnet Records in the early 1970s, for whom he developed the persona of Alvin Stardust and signed acts such as Guys & Dolls and Chris Rea. As a singer Shelley is best known for the mid-1970 UK hits Gee Baby and Love Me Love My Dog ~ Southworth was born in 1943
March 22, 2023 ~ Rock guitarist, bassist, songwriter Tom Leadon passed away ~ Co-founding member of Mudcrutch, which also included a then-unknown Tom Petty, remaining with the band through 1972. Backed Johnny Rivers, Linda Ronstadt, and others, and was a member of 1970s country-rock outfit Silver. In 1975 the Eagles, which included his brother guitarist Bernie Leadon, recorded Tom's original composition Hollywood Waltz for their One Of These Nights album ~ Leadon was born in 1952
March 21, 2023 ~ Pianist, composer, musicologist Oleksandr Kozarenko passed away ~ Vice principal of the Lviv Music Academy since 2000. Composed for ballet, opera, and orchestra. Well known pieces include Concerto Rutheno, Don Juan From Kolomea, and Passion Of Our God Jesus Christ ~ Kozarenko was born in 1963
March 20, 2023 ~ Actress, singer Anita Thallaug passed away ~ Best known as an actress for stage including musicals, film and TV. Sister of opera singer Edith Thallaug. Performing since the age of 7 and frequently featured in children's TV shows during the 1950s. Represented her native Norway in the 1963 Eurovision Songfestival, finishing 13th with the song Solhverv ~ Thallaug was born in 1938
March 17, 2023 ~ Rodolfo Olivares, commonly known as cumbia saxophonist Fito Olivares, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Well known for his recordings with backing unit La Pura Sabrosura, which also included his brothers singer Javier Olivares and keyboardist Jaime Olivares. The band was active from the early 1980s and had their breakthrough by the end of the decade. Known for songs such as La Gallina, Juana La Cubana, La Negra Catalina, La Ranita, Cupido Bandido, Juana Maria, and El Colesterol ~ Olivares was born in 1947
March 17, 2023 ~ Clarence Eugene Haskins, commonly known as R&B, funk guitarist, drummer, singer Fuzzy Haskins, passed away ~ Closely associated with George Clinton, working with the iconic funk frontman from the early doo-wop days with the Parliaments through the 1960s, 1970s ensembles Parliament and Funkadelic. Co-wrote the latter's I Got A Thing You Got A Thing Everybody's Got A Thing, I Wanna Know If It's Good To You, and Good To Your Earhole. Haskins parted ways with Clinton in 1977 over financial and management disputes. Haskins and fellow Clinton alumni Calvin Simon and Grady Thomas caused confusion when they released the 1981 Connections And Disconnections album using the moniker Funkadelic. Haskins also recorded two albums as a solo artist, Whole Nother Thang in 1976 and Radio Active in 1978 ~ Haskins was born in 1941
March 16, 2023 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist Tony Coe, full name Anthony George Coe, passed away ~ Versatile, adventurous, flexible. Counted among England's top jazzmen. Over two dozen albums to his name as leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for the albums Some Other Spring, Nutty and Les Sources Bleues. Well known for his associations with Humphrey Lyttelton, Johnny Dankworth, Derek Bailey, and the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble. Has also collaborated with Al Grey, Bob Brookmeyer, Franz Koglmann, Nucleus, Clark Terry, Peter Brötzmann, Loudon Wainwright III, Steve Beresford, and Norma Winstone ~ Coe was born in 1934
March 15, 2023 ~ Teófilo Augusto de Barros Neto, commonly known as jazz violist, songwriter Théo de Barros, passed away ~ Co-founded the Trio Novo with Heraldo do Monte and Airto Moreira, a group created initially to accompany singer Geraldo Vandré. With the addition of flutist Hermeto Pascoal the influential group would be renamed the Quarteto Novo and release their sole eponymous The Quarteto Novo album in 1967. The group would serve as a launching pad for its members, its most famous member being Moreira. De Barros wrote Menino Das Laranjas for Vandré. Co-wrote Disparada with Vandré, first recorded by Jair Rodrigues. Both songs have become classics and have been covered numerous times ~ De Barros was born in 1943
March 14, 2023 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Bobby Caldwell, full name Robert Hunter Caldwell, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his 1978 What You Won't Do For Love hit single. It would reach Billboard Hot 100 top 10 and be covered by Go West, Phyllis Hyman, Boyz II Men, and others. Caldwell is also known for co-penning The Next Time I Fall, recorded as a duet by Peter Cetera & Amy Grant. Others who recorded songs co-written by Caldwell include Roberta Flack, Boz Scaggs, and Glenn Medeiros ~ Caldwell was born in 1951
March 13, 2023 ~ Jose Henrique Campos Pereira, commonly known as punk, punk rock bassist Canisso, passed away in Santana de Parnaiba, Brazil ~ Best known as member of Raimundos from its inception in 1987 through 2002, rejoining in 2007. The punk rock outfit is hugely influenced by American rockers the Ramones and would go on to become one of the most influential rock bands in Brazil, especially popular during the 1990s and acclaimed for their 1996 Lavô Tá Novo album. Has also briefly worked with Rodox during the early 2000s, and founded Rockfellas with Paul di'Anno ~ Campos was born in 1965
March 13, 2023 ~ Drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, organist Jim Gordon, full name James Beck Gordon, passed away in Vacaville, California, USA ~ In-demand session drummer. Best known for his work with Eric Clapton in the 1970s supergroup Derek & the Dominos, including reportedly contributing the piano coda for Layla. Has also appeared on albums by Nancy Sinatra (Boots), Buffalo Springfield, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), Ike & Tina Turner, Harry Nilsson, Mason Williams, Bread, Merle Haggard, George Harrison (All Things Must Pass), John Lennon (Imagine), John Lee Hooker, Dr John, Carly Simon (No Secrets), Elvin Bishop, Seals & Crofts (Summer Breeze), Linda Ronstadt, Albert Hammond, Steely Dan (Pretzel Logic), Tom Waits, Thelma Houston, the Carpenters, Nils Lofgren (Cry Tough), Jackson Browne (The Pretender), Tom Petty, Captain & Tennille, and Lowell George. Has released a sole solo album, Plays Heavy, in 1971. In 1983, in a psychotic episode associated with undiagnosed schizophrenia Gordon murdered his mother, he would be sentenced to 16 years to life and remained incarcerated until his death ~ Gordon was born in 1945
March 13, 2023 ~ World music, soul jazz guitarist, DJ, turntablist, producer Simon Emmerson passed away ~ Founded the Afrobeat, world music group Afro Celt Sound System, known for merging electronic music with traditional Gaelic and West African influences. The band is perhaps best known for their 1999 Volume 2 (Release) sophomore album. A shortened version of the album's Release title track would be used for the supernatural horror film Stigmata released the same year. Emmerson also served as a producer for the likes of Manu Dibango and Baaba Maal, notably producing the latter's acclaimed 1994 Firin' In Fouta album ~ Emmerson was born in 1956
March 12, 2023 ~ Rock, punk rock guitarist Dix Denney passed away ~ Co-founding and along with brother singer John Denney the only other constant member of punk rock outfit the Weirdos. Member of Thelonious Monster, known for their 1992 A Beautiful Mess major label debut album which included the modest hit Body And Soul. The band was named after jazz pianist Thelonious Monk ~ Denney was born ca.1958
March 11, 2023 ~ Constantinos Tsobanoglou, commonly known as amapiano, Afrobeat, Afro pop singer, rapper Costa Titch, passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa ~ Known for hits such as Nkalakatha, Activate, Ayeye, and Big Flexa. Notably collaborated with Senegalese-American rapper Akon on a remix of the latter. Tsobanoglou passed away at age 27 after collapsing on stage while performing at the Ultra South Africa music festival in Johannesburg ~ Tsobanoglou was born in 1995
March 10, 2023 ~ Jerrold Samuels, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Napoleon XIV, passed away ~ One-hit wonder known for the 1966 novelty hit They're Coming To Take Me Away (Ha Haa), the single would be an an instant success reaching top 10 in several countries including the UK, Canada and America. Previously Samuels had co-written As If I Didn't Know, a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit for Adam Wade in 1961, and The Shelter Of Your Arms for Sammy Davis Jr which would reach top 20 in 1964 ~ Samuels was born in 1938
March 10, 2023 ~ José Abelardo Gutiérrez Alanya, commonly known as cumbia, chicha, parody singer Tongo, passed away ~ Active since the 1980s as a cumbia singer. Would rise to fame in the 2000s on the surprise succes of La Pituca, featuring purposely goofy English. Its succes would mark a shift for Gutiérrez, going on to score a string of hits with intentionally comedic cover versions of well known pop rock songs originally by Justin Bieber, PSY, System Of A Down, the Beatles (Lady Bi), Eminem, Michael Jackson (Bili Yin), and the Eagles ~ Gutiérrez was born in 1957
March 9, 2023 ~ Jazz fusion keyboardist Robin Lumley passed away ~ Co-founded jazz-rock unit Brand X with guitarist John Goodsall and drummer Phil Collins, remaining with the band from 1974 through 1983 with a small hiatus around 1978 to focus on his career as a producer. The band is best known for their 1977 Moroccan Roll sophomore album which would reach top 40 in their native UK. Lumley has also served as producer for Rod Argent, Bill Bruford, Orleans, and as session musician for Curved Air, Gary Boyle, Ellen Shipley, Exile ~ Lumley was born ca.1948
March 8, 2023 ~ Marcel Jean-Pierre Balthazar Miramon, commonly known as singer, actor Marcel Amont, passed away in St Cloud, France ~ Hugely popular during the 1960s and 1970s. Some 30 albums to his name. Recorded about a 1,000 songs. Sold an approximate 300 million records. Renowned as interpreter of compositions by Georges Brassens, Leo Ferré, Georges Moustaki. Known for songs such as Blue Blanc Blond, L'Amour Ça Fait Passer Le Temps, Ballade Pour L'Espagnol, Le Plus Beau Tango Du Monde and perhaps his best-known Le Mexicain ~ Amont was born in 1929
March 8, 2023 ~ Alternative rock bassist Phil Titus passed away ~ Co-founding member of Morning Parade, active through the mid-2010s. The band is best known for Headlights and Speechless, both taken of their eponymous 2012 Morning Parade debut album. The band would release one more album, 2014's Pure Adulterated Joy, before disbanding ~ Titus was born ca.1987
March 5, 2023 ~ Blues rock, boogie rock, southern rock guitarist Gary Rossington, full name Gary Robert Rossington, passed away ~ Last surviving original member of quintessential southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Especially noted for his lead guitar work on Tuesday's Gone and slide guitar on Free Bird. Also co-founded the Rossington-Collins Band with bandmate guitarist Allen Collins ~ Rossington was born in 1951
March 5, 2023 ~ Conductor Kenneth Montgomery passed away in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Conductor and music director for renowned companies including the Sadler's Wells Opera, the Bournemouth Sinfonietta, the Opera Northern Ireland, and the Ulster Opera. Outside of the UK best known for his association with the Netherlands Radio Symphony, serving as its principal conductor from 1985 through 1989, and as director of opera studies at the Royal Conservatory the Hague since 1991 ~ Montgomery was born in 1943
March 4, 2023 ~ Bassist Michael Rhodes passed away ~ In-demand touring and session musician from the early 1980s forward, present on albums by Stevie Nicks (Bella Donna), JJ Cale (Shades), Dolly Parton, Keith Whitley, Michael Martin Murphey, John Jarvis, Crystal Gayle, Hank Williams Jr, Rodney Crowell (Diamonds & Dirt), Marie Osmond, Rosanne Cash (King's Record Shop), Reba McEntire (Reba), Kenny Rogers, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Delbert McClinton, Steve Winwood, Etta James, Kelly Willis, Alan Jackson (Don't Rock The Jukebox), Vince Gill (Pocket Full Of Gold), Bob Seger, Jason Ringenberg, Faith Hill, Tammy Wynette, Mark Knopfler, Clint Black (Nothin' But The Taillights), Allison Moorer, the Dixie Chicks, Green On Red, Lee Ann Womack (Something Worth Leaving Behind), Aaron Neville, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Sheryl Crow, Gretchen Wilson, George Strait, India Arie, Darius Rucker, Tommy Emmanuel (Little By Little), Buddy Guy, Joss Stone, Joe Bonamassa, and numerous others ~ Rhodes was born in 1953
March 4, 2023 ~ Singer, songwriter Robert Haimer, also known as Artie Barnes, passed away ~ Formed the duo Barnes & Barnes with actor, singer, multi-instrumentalist, childhood friend Bill Mumy. The duo adopted the personae of Art & Artie Barnes, twin brothers existing in alternate dimensions, and is best known for their 1978 novelty recording Fish Heads ~ Haimer was born in 1954
March 4, 2023 ~ Glenn Michael Lockett, commonly known as producer, sound engineer SPOT, passed away in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA ~ In-house producer and engineer for influential punk label SST Records. Engineered, mixed, produced most of SST's pivotal acts from 1979 until leaving the label in 1986. Has worked with acts such as Black Flag, the Descendents, the Minutemen, Meat Puppets, Hüsker Dü (Everything Falls Apart), the Misfits, St Vitus, and the Crucifucks ~ Lockett was born in 1951
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 2, 2023 ~ Bassist, producer Steve Mackey, full name Stephen Patrick Mackey, passed away ~ Best known as bassist for alternative rock outfit Pulp from 1988 through 2002 and again from 2011 through 2013. Present on some of the band's best known including the albums Different Class and This Is Hardcore both of which reached No.1 on the UK album charts. Mackey has also served as producer and remixer for the likes of MIA, Florence + the Machine, the Long Blondes, and Arcade Fire ~ Mackey was born in 1966
March 2, 2023 ~ Saxophonist Wayne Shorter passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Coleman Hawkins. About two dozen albums as a leader or co-leader. Member of the Jazz Messengers during the late 1950s, backing renowned drummer Art Blakey. Worked with trumpeter Miles Davis from 1964 through 1970 including on pivotal albums such as Bitches Brew and Filles de Kilimanjaro. Subsequently co-founded jazz fusion unit the Weather Report with Joe Zawinul and Miroslav Vitous. Member of VSOP. Toured and recorded with guitarist Carlos Santana. Has also worked with Don Henley, noted for his sax solo on The End Of The Innocence, Herbie Hancock, Donald Byrd, Norah Jones, Wynton Kelly, Freddie Hubbard, Joni Mitchell, Jaco Pastorius, McCoy Tyner, and others ~ Shorter was born in 1933
March 1, 2023 ~ Ranchera, corrido singer, actress Irma Serrano, full name Irma Consuelo Cielo Serrano Castro, passed away ~ Began her career as a dancer, to become one of the most popular folk singers of the 1960s. Dubbed “la Tigressa” for her tantalizing, untamed spitfire voice. Well known for La Martina, considered a contemporary classic song of Mexican folk. Ventured into acting for film, appearing in over a dozen films, and stage, often causing controversy. Served as senator for her home state of Chiapas during the late 1990s ~ Serrano was born in 1933
March 1, 2023 ~ Jazz clarinetist Wally Fawkes, full name Walter Ernest Fawkes, passed away in London, UK ~ Influenced by Sidney Bechet. Self-taught jazz clarinetist. First gained attention working with jazz revivalist George Webb in the 1940s. Would go on to work with Humphrey Lyttelton, who became a life-long friend. Has also collaborated with George Melly and John Chilton through the early 1970s. Also known as a political satirical cartoonist, noted for the comic Flook which ran in the Daily Mail for over three decades ~ Fawkes was born in 1924
February 27, 2023 ~ Pop rock drummer Hans-Joachim Behrendt passed away ~ Co-founding member of Ideal. The band is best known for their 1980 debut single Wir Stehn Auf Berlin and their eponymous Ideal debut album released by the end of the year. The band would call it quits after three succesful albums, disbanding in 1983. Behrendt and several bandmates also notably contributed to Alphaville's 1989 The Breathtaking Blue album ~ Behrendt was born ca.1955
February 27, 2023 ~ Singer Ismaïla Touré passed away ~ Member of Senegalese outfit Touré Kunda, with whom he recorded well over a dozen albums starting with E'mma Africa released in 1980. The band would enjoy popularity and critical acclaim especially in France from the mid-1980s forward. The band achieved wider international attention after Touré and several bandmembers collaborated with guitarist Carlos Santana on Africa Bamba of the latter's 1999 The Supernatural album ~ Touré was born ca.1950
February 25, 2023 ~ Walter Ferguson Byfield, commonly known as calypso singer, songwriter Walter Ferguson, passed away ~ 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 was born in 1919
February 23, 2023 ~ Rock guitarist Junnosuke Kuroda passed away ~ Member of indie rock outfit Sumika, best known for their 2016 Lovers/Dengon Uta single which reached top 20 in their native Japan. The band's full-length Familia debut album released the following year would reach top 10 ~ Kuroda was born ca.1989
February 21, 2023 ~ Rock, jazz guitarist Jesse Gress passed away ~ Editor for Guitar Player magazine. Authored about half a dozen books. As a musician has recorded and toured extensively with Todd Rundgren. Has also worked with bassist Tony Levin, notably on the 2001 Pieces Of The Sun album, as well as with Levin's brother keyboardist Pete Levin, Jerry Marotta, and Utopia. Served as music director for the 2008 Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band tribute album It Was 40 Years Ago Today, a collaborative all-star effort which featured Rundgren, Lou Gramm, Christopher Cross, and Denny Laine ~ Gress was born in 1956
February 21, 2023 ~ Rock keyboardist Ron Altbach, full name Ronald Steven Altbach, passed away ~ Member of King Harvest, noted for his Wurlitzer electric piano intro on Dancing In The Moonlight. The single would reach top 20 Billboard Hot 100. Altbach has also sessioned for the Beach Boys, for whom he co-wrote Belles Of Paris, She's Got Rhythm, and Alone On Christmas Day. Member of Celebration, led by Mike Love ~ Altbach was born in 1946
February 20, 2023 ~ Rock bassist Bruce Barthol passed away ~ Original bassist for Country Joe & the Fish, present on the albums Electric Music For The Mind And Body, Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die, and Together. Barthol departed the band in 1968, staying on in England following a tour. Subsequently worked with Formerly Fat Harry, Energy Crisis, and political satire theatre group the San Francisco Mime Troupe ~ Barthol was born in 1947
February 20, 2023 ~ Blues singer, keyboardist, guitarist, hornist Victor Brox passed away ~ Fronted the Victor Brox Blues Train. Named “favorite white blues singer” by Jimi Hendrix. Best known for his performance as Caiaphas on the original 1970 recording of Jesus Christ Superstar. Has collaborated with numerous artists including Eric Clapton, Ritchie Blackmore, Graham Bond, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, Keith Moon, and Aynsley Dunbar, notably singing lead and playing keyboards and organ in the latter's late 1960s blues, rock band the Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation. Brox also appeared as a Leonardo da Vinci look-alike in the 1998 Ever After film ~ Brox was born in 1941
February 19, 2023 ~ Guitarist Davis Causey passed away ~ Member of Sea Level from 1977 through its disbandement in 1980. The band centered around bassist Lamar Williams, drummer Jaimoe and pianist Chuck Leavell, originated as an offshoot of southern rock outfit the Allman Brothers Band, and incorporated element from funk, blues, Latin and rock music. Causey first appeared on the band's Cats On The Coast sophomore album, which spawned the band's only charting single That's Your Secret ~ Causey was born ca.1949
February 17, 2023 ~ Conductor, oboist, TV, film composer Gerald Fried passed away in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA ~ Well known for composing music for a number of 1960s, 1970s TV shows such as Gilligan's Island, The Man From UNCLE, Shotgun Slade, Star Trek, and notably Roots, receiving an Emmy Award for the latter. Composed for over a dozen feature films, among them several of Stanley Kubrick's early movies including Fear And Desire, Killer's Kiss, and Paths Of Glory ~ Fried was born in 1928
February 17, 2023 ~ Bruce Gordon Poulsen, commonly known as singer, mandolinist, autoharpist, songwriter Hans Poulsen passed away ~ Best known for songs such as Boom Sha-la-la-lo and Light Across The Valley. Also wrote and co-wrote for others including Rose Coloured Glasses for John Farnham and Monty And Me for Zoot ~ Poulsen was born in 1945
February 17, 2023 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist Jerry Dodgion passed away in Queens, New York, USA ~ Worked with Rudy Salvini, Gerald Wilson, Vernon Alley, Billie Holiday, Benny Carter, Red Norvo, Benny Goodman, Oliver Nelson, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Herbie Hancock, Duke Pearson, Blue Mitchell, Count Basie, Marian McPartland, Sonny Clark, Charlie Mariano, Randy Brecker, Lou Donaldson, Bobby Hackett, JJ Johnson, Etta Jones, Yusef Lateef, Blue Mitchell, Quincy Jones, Wes Montgomery, Shirley Scott, Jimmy Smith, Stanley Turrentine, and others ~ Dodgion was born in 1932
February 17, 2023 ~ Country songwriter, singer, guitarist, keyboardist Kyle Jacobs, full name Kyle Christopher Jacobs, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Staff songwriter for Curb Music. Perhaps best remembered for co-writing More Than A Memory, a Billboard Country No.1 hit for Garth Brooks. Others who have recorded songs written or co-written by Jacobs include Trace Adkins (I Can't Outrun You), Jo Dee Messina, Craig Morgan, Tim McGraw, Kimberley Locke (8th World Wonder), Clay Walker, Kelly Clarkson (The Sun Will Rise), Scotty McCreery, Lee Brice, and his wife Kellie Pickler ~ Jacobs was born ca.1973
February 17, 2023 ~ Songwriter, drummer Tom Whitlock, full name Thomas Ross Whitlock, passed away in Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for co-writing several songs for the 1986 Top Gun soundtrack with Giorgio Moroder, including Take My Breath Away performed by Berlin and Danger Zone performed by Kenny Loggins. Whitlock also collaborated with Moroder on several other projects, such as the soundtracks for American Anthem, Over The Top, and Rambo III, on Koreana's Hand In Hand official theme song for the 1988 Summer Olympics held in Seoul, and on Edoardo Bennato & Gianna Nannina's Un'estate Italiana official theme song for the 1990 FIFA World Cup held in Italy ~ Whitlock was born ca.1954
February 16, 2023 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Alberto Radius passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Co-founded Formula 3 with Gabriele Lorenzi and Toni Cicco. The band is known for a string of early 1970s hits including Questo Folle Sentimento, Lo Ritorno Solo, and Eppur Mi Son Scordato Do Te. Radius has also recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Radius released in 1972, collaborated with Lucio Battisti, Milva, and Giuni Russo, and formed the late 1980s group Cantautores ~ Radius was born in 1942
February 16, 2023 ~ R&B singer Chuck Jackson passed away ~ Scored a string of 1960s Billboard R&B hits including I Don't Want To Cry, I Wake Up Crying, Tell Him I'm Not Home, Beg Me, and his signature song and biggest hit Any Day Now. The latter, an original hit for Jackson in 1962, was one of the first successes for songwriter Burt Bacharach co-written with Bob Hilliard, covered by over 50 artists including Tom Jones, Carla Thomas, Percy Sledge, Elvis Presley, and James Brown. Previously Jackson had sung with the Del Vikings, singing lead on the 1957 Willette single ~ Jackson was born in 1937
February 16, 2023 ~ Marina Herrera Aragón, commonly known as bolero singer, actress Marilú, passed away ~ Dubbed “the Little Doll that Sings” and one of the last stars of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Active since the late 1930s, recording throughout the 1970s. Known for songs such as Veleidad, Inquietud, and Consentida ~ Aragón was born in 1927
February 16, 2023 ~ Herbert Anton Hilger, commonly known as schlager singer Tony Marshall, passed away in Baden-Baden, Germany ~ Trained as an opera singer. Best known for his 1971 hit Schöne Maid. An English-language version of the song, Pretty Maid, would reach top 20 in Australia ~ Hilger was born in 1938
February 14, 2023 ~ Conductor, composer Friedrich Cerha passed away ~ Renowned interpreter of the works of Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern, and Alban Berg, especially credited for completing the latter's unfinished Lulu three-act opera. During World War II Cerha was conscripted yet deserted the nazi armed forces twice, and actually participated in a number of acts of resistance against the fascist regime ~ Cerha was born in 1926
February 14, 2023 ~ New beat singer Peter Renkens passed away ~ Member of the Confettis, a Belgian new beat band active from 1988 through 1992 and best known for their hit single The Sound Of C. Other well known songs include C'Day, The C In China, and Put 'M Up ~ Renkens was born in 1967
February 13, 2023 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Alain Goraguer passed away ~ Best known for his associations with Boris Vian and Serge Gainsbourg. Also composed, arranged for Jean Ferrat, Serge Reggiani, and Nana Mouskouri. Conducted the orchestra for France Gall's 1965 Eurovision Songfestival-winning performance of Poupée De Cire (Poupée De Son) ~ Goraguer was born in 1931
February 13, 2023 ~ Jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist Guido Basso passed away ~ One of Canada's premier jazz trumpeters. Toured with Pearl Bailey and her husband drummer Louie Bellson during the late 1950s. About half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, especially acclaimed for his 1986 eponymous Guido Basso album. Frequently collaborated with Rob McConnell. Also present on albums by Jean-Pierre Ferland, Peter Appleyard, Stratavarious, the THP Orchestra, the Hi-Lo's, Sammy Nestico, Anne Murray, Raffi, Marc Jordan, Dione Taylor, Chantal Chamberland, and Diana Panton ~ Basso was born in 1937
February 13, 2023 ~ Huey Pierce Smith, commonly known as R&B pianist Huey Piano Smith, passed away in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA ~ Helped develop a distinctive New Orleans piano sound. Influentual on artists such as Dr John and the Meters. Known for songs such as Little Liza Jane, Everybody's Whalin', The Rocking Pneumonia & The Boogie-Woogie Flu, Genevieve, Don't You Just Know It and Pop-eye. Backed Little Richard on his early Specialty Records recordings. Also worked with Guitar Slim, Lloyd Price, Earl King, Smiley Lewis, Bobby Marchan, Dave Bartholomew, and others ~ Smith was born in 1934
February 13, 2023 ~ Soul, deep soul, gospel singer Spencer Wiggins passed away ~ Formed the R&B group the Four Stars fresh out of high school, which also included a then-unknown David Porter. Enjoyed regional popularity as a solo artist throughout the early 1970s, known for recordings such as Lovers' Crime, Uptight Good Woman, I Never Loved A Woman (The Way I Love You) which featured Duane Allman on guitar, and Double Lovin'. Since the mid-1970s Wiggins has served as deacon and choir director, releasing gospel recordings throughout the 2000s ~ Wiggins was born in 1942
February 12, 2023 ~ David Jude Jolicoeur, commonly known as singer, rapper Trugoy the Dove, passed away ~ Member of De La Soul alongside Pasemaster Mase and Posdnuos. The trio played a key role in the birth of jazz rap and alternative hip-hop, their 1989 3 Feet High & Rising debut album considered a landmark album and a hip-hop masterpiece ~ Jolicoeur was born in 1968
February 10, 2023 ~ Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, commonly known as rapper, producer AKA, passed away in Durban, South Africa ~ Member of hip-hop group Entity. Member of production collective the IV League, working with artists such as Khuli Chana, Pro, and JR. As a solo artist known for songs such as In My Walk, Lemons (Lemonade), All Eyes On Me, and Fela In Versace ~ Forbes was born in 1988
February 9, 2023 ~ Marijke Ouwejan, commonly known as actress, singer Marijke Merckens, passed away in Harfsen, the Netherlands ~ Best known as an actress for stage, TV and film active since the early 1960s, notably known for her role as Rosmarijn in the TV series De Zevensprong. As a singer known for songs such as Happy End, Mammie, Kareltje De Grote, and De Modepop, the latter a Dutch-language version of France Gall's 1965 Eurovision Songfestival-winner Poupée De Cire (Poupée De Son) ~ Ouwejan was born in 1940
February 8, 2023 ~ Pianist, songwriter, producer Burt Bacharach, full name Burt Freeman Bacharach, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Composed hundreds of songs from the late 1950s through the 1980s, often in partnership with lyricist Hal David. Had his songs recorded by over an estimated 1,000 artists including Marty Robbins, Perry Como (Magic Moments), Etta James, Jerry Butler, Gene Pitney (24 Hours From Tulsa), Dionne Warwick (Don't Make Me Over), the Drifters, Brook Benton, Jackie DeShannon (What The World Needs Now Is Love), the Jazz Crusaders, the Carpenters ((They Long To Be) Close To You), Tom Jones (What's New Pussycat), Herb Alpert (This Guy's In Love With You), Dusty Springfield, BJ Thomas (Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head), Christopher Cross, and others ~ Bacharach was born in 1928
February 8, 2023 ~ Swing, pop singer, actor Dennis Lotis passed away ~ Active since the early 1950s, working with artists such as Ted Heath, and the Johnston Brothers. Would become one of the most successful variety circuit acts in his adopted homeland England by the mid-1950s. Also known as an actor ~ Lotis was born in 1925