May: Music Makers' Birthdays

Click on any date below to see music makers’ birthdays on that day. Click here to return to the main music makers’ birthday page. Note: Names listed in bold have had dates verified with at least two sources to (hopefully) ensure accuracy. Please email Dave’s Music Database with any corrections. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 -- -- -- --

MAY 1 D’Arcy Wretsky-Brown (1968). Rock bassist with the Smashing Pumpkins (Siamese Dream, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness). Tim McGraw (1967). Country singer (“Indian Outlaw,” “I Like It, I Love It,” “Live Like You Were Dying”) born in Delhi, LA. Ray Parker, Jr. (1954). Michigan singer/songwriter/guitarist (“Ghostbusters”). Glen Ballard (1953). Songwriter (Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”) and record producer (Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill) born Basil Glen Ballard Jr. in Natchez, MI. Jerry Weiss (1946). New York trumpet and flugel horn player and founding member of Blood, Sweat & Tears. Rita Coolidge (1945). Tennessee singer (“We’re All Alone”). Judy Collins (1939). Washington singer/songwriter (“Send in the Clowns”). Jerry Ross (1933). Record executive (Heritage) and musical theater songwriter (The Pajama Game, Damn Yankees) born in Philadelphia, PA. Died 10/24/2017. Little Walter (1930). Blues singer and harmonica player born Marion Walter Jacobs in Marksville, LA. Died 2/15/1968. Sonny James (1929). Country singer/songwriter born James Hugh Loden in Hackleburg, AL. Died 2/22/2016. Big Maybelle (1924). Tennessee blues singer born Maybelle Louise Smith. Died 1/23/1972. Ralph Basso (1911). R&B/jazz record producer born in the Bronx, NY. Died 3/5/1997. Kate Smith (1907). Singer (“God Bless America”) born in Greenville, VA. Died 6/17/1986. Charles K. Harris (1867). Songwriter (“After the Ball,” “Hello Central, Give Me Heaven”) born Charles Kassell Harris in Poughkeepsie, NY. Early pioneer of Tin Pan Alley. Died 12/22/1930. MAY 2 Lily Allen (1985). Pop singer/songwriter (“Smile,” “The Fear”) born in Hammersmith, London, England. Ty Herndon (1962). American country music singer. Jo Callis (1951). English musician with several bands, most notably the Human League (“Don’t You Want Me”). Born John William Calis. John Glascock (1951) English rock bassist with Jethro Tull (1971’s Aqualung). Died 11/17/1979. Lou Gramm (1950). Rock singer/songwriter born Louis Andrew Grammatico. With Foreigner (“I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Hot Blooded”) and had a solo career (“Midnight Blue”). Larry Gatlin (1948). American country music singer with the Gatlin Brothers. Lesley Gore (1946). New Jersey singer/songwriter (“It’s My Party,” “You Don’t Own Me”) born Lesley Sue Goldstein. Miles Copeland III (1944). Record executive (I.R.S.) born in London, UK. Helped launch The Police and R.E.M. Engelbert Humperdinck (1936). Singer (“Release Me”) born Arnold George Dorsey in Madras, British India. Link Wray (1929). North Carolina guitarist, singer, and songwriter (“Rumble”). Died 11/5/2005. Theodore Bikel (1924). Austrian-American actor (played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof) and folk singer. Pinky Lee (1907). American burlesque entertainer and TV host (The Pinky Lee Show). Died 4/3/1993. J. Fred Coots (1897). Musical theater songwriter (“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”) born John Frederick Coots in Brooklyn, NY. Died 4/7/1985. Lorenz Hart (1895). Musical theater composer (“Blue Moon,” “My Funny Valentine,” Babes in Arms, Pal Joey) born in New York City, NY. Died 11/22/1943. MAY 3 Greg Raposo (1985). American singer from boy band Dream Street and rock band Stereopath. Farrah Franklin (1981). American R&B/pop singer briefly with Destiny’s Child. Eric Church (1977). American country music artist. Josey Scott (1972). American singer with Saliva. David Ball (1959). English producer and electronic musician with Soft Cell and The Grid. Bruce Hall (1953). Bass guitarist with REO Speedwagon. Gary Young (1953). American drummer with Pavement. Christopher Cross (1951). Singer/songwriter (“Sailing,” “Ride Like the Wind,” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)”) born Christopher Charles Geppert in San Antonio, TX. Mary Hopkin (1950). Welsh folk singer (“Those Were the Days”). Frankie Valli (1934). Singer born Francis Stephen Catelluccio in Newark, NJ. With the 4 Seasons (“Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man”) and also a solo artist (“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “My Eyes Adored You,” “Grease”). James Brown (1933). R&B/funk singer (“I Got You (I Feel Good),” “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” 1963’s Live at the Apollo) born in Toccoa, GA. Nicknamed “The Godfather of Soul”. Died 12/25/2006. Pete Seeger (1919). Folk singer (“We Shall Overcome”) and activist born in Manhattan, NY. Started with the folk quartet the Weavers (“Goodnight, Irene”). Died 1/27/2014. Betty Comden (1917). Lyricist, playwright, and screenwriter (On the Town, Singin’ in the Rain, The Band Wagon) born Basya Cohen in Brooklyn, NY. Worked with Adolph Green for six decades. Died 11/23/2006. Bing Crosby (1903). Traditional pop crooner (“Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?,” “Silent Night,” “Pennies from Heaven,” “White Christmas,” “Sunday, Monday or Always,” “Swinging on a Star,” “Don’t Fence Me In,” “It’s Been a Long, Long Time,” “Sweet Leilani,” 1945’s Merry Christmas) born Harry Lillis Crosby Jr. in Tacoma, WA. Died 10/14/1977. MAY 4 Lance Bass (1979). American singer in boy band ‘N Sync (“Bye Bye Bye”). Mike Dirnt (1972). Punk-rock bassist born Michael Ryan Pritchard in Oakland, CA. With Green Day (“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” 1994’s Dookie, 2004’s American Idiot). Chris Tomlin (1972). American contemporary Christian musician/songwriter. Randy Travis (1959). Country singer/songwriter (“Forever and Ever, Amen”) born Randy Bruce Traywick in Marshville, NC. Oleta Adams (1953). American R&B singer/pianist (“Get Here”). Jackie Jackson (1951). Indiana musician with the Jackson 5 (“ABC,” “I Want You Back,” “I’ll Be There”). Born Sigmund Esco Jackson. Mick Mars (1951). American rock guitarist for Mötley Crüe (Dr. Feelgood). Born Robert Alan Deal. Darryl Hunt (1950). English bassist with The Pogues. Zal Cleminson (1949). Scottish rock guitarist in Alex Harvey Band. George Wadenius (1945). Swedish guitarist and singer with Blood, Sweat & Tears. Peggy Santiglia (1944). American singer with The Angels (“My Boyfriend’s Back”). Nickolas Ashford (1942). R&B songwriter/producer with Motown born in Fairfield, SC. Also in duo with wife Valerie Simpson (“Solid”). Died 8/22/2011. Dick Dale (1937). Massachussetts surf- Roberta Peters (1930). Operatic soprano born Roberta Peterman in the Bronx, NY. Died 1/18/2017. Maynard Ferguson (1928). Canadian jazz trumpeter/bandleader. Died 8/23/2006. MAY 5 Chris Brown (1989). R&B singer/songwriter (“Run It!,” “Kiss Kiss”) born in Tappahannock, VA. Adele (1988). Blue-eyed soul/pop singer/songwriter (“Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” “Hello”) born Adele Laurie Blue Adkins in Tottenham, North London, England. Won Album of the Year Grammys for 21 (2011) and 25 (2015). Craig David (1981). British R&B singer/songwriter (“Fill Me In,” “7 Days”). Ian McCulloch (1959). English alternative rock singer for Echo & The Bunnymen (1984’s Ocean Rain). Dick Kemper (1956). Born in the Netherlands. Rock bassist for Vandenberg (“Burning Heart”). Rex Goh (1951). Australian rock guitarist (Air Supply, Savage Garden, Tom Jones) born in Singapore. Maggie MacNeal (1950). Dutch singer for Mouth & MacNeal born Sjoukje van’t Spijker. Bill Ward (1948). British heavy metal drummer for Black Sabbath (“Paranoid,” 1970’s Black Sabbath, 1970’s Paranoid, 1971’s Master of Reality, 1972’s Vol. 4). Raphael (1945). Spanish singer born Miguel Rafael Martos Sánchez. Tammy Wynette (1942). Country singer (“Stand by Your Man,” “D-I-V-O-R-C-E”) born Virginia Wynette Pugh in Tremont, MS. Was married to country singer George Jones. Died 4/6/1998. Johnnie Taylor (1937). American R&B singer (“Disco Lady”). Died 5/31/2000. Blind Willie McTell (1898). Georgia blues singer/songwriter and guitarist (“Statesboro Blues”). Born William Samuel McTell. Died 8/19/1959. MAY 6 John Flansburgh (1960). American singer and musician with They Might Be Giants. Robbie McIntosh (1950). Scottish rock drummer for Average White Band. Died 9/23/1974. Mary MacGregor (1948). American singer (“Torn Between Two Lovers”). Bob Seger (1945). Rock singer/songwriter (“Night Moves,” “Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Turn the Page,” Night Moves) born in Detroit, MI. Carmen Cavallaro (1913). New York jazz/big band leader. Died 10/12/1989. MAY 7 Eagle-Eye Cherry (1968). American-Swedish musician (“Save Tonight”). Son of jazz artist Don Cherry and half brother of rapper Neneh Cherry. Phil Campbell (1961). British guitarist with Motörhead since 1984. Dean Howard (1961). English guitarist with Deep Purple (“Hush,” “Smoke on the Water”). Marty Willson-Piper (1958). English rock guitarist for The Church (“Under the Milky Way”). Anne Dudley (1956). English composer and keyboardist with synth-pop group Art of Noise. Born Anne Jennifer Beckingham. Prairie Prince (1950). North Carolina rock drummer for The Tubes (“Talk to Ya Later,” “She’s a Beauty”) and founding member of Journey. Born Charles L’Empereur Prince. Peter Wingfield (1948). English record producer/keyboardist/singer/songwriter. Bill Danoff (1946). American singer for Starland Vocal Band (“Afternoon Delight”). Thelma Houston (1946). American R&B singer/songwriter (“Don’t Leave Me This Way”) and actress. Bill Kreutzmann (1946). American rock drummer with Grateful Dead (“Truckin’”). Jerry Nolan (1946). American punk rock drummer with the New York Dolls (1973’s New York Dolls) and the Heartbreakers. Died 1/14/1992. Jimmy Ruffin (1939). Mississippi R&B singer (“What Becomes of the Broken Hearted”). Teresa Brewer (1931). Singer (“Music! Music! Music!,” “Dancin’ with Someone,” “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall,” “Ricochet”) born Theresa Veronica Breuer in Toledo, OH. Died 10/17/2007. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840). Composer (“1812 Overture,” The Nutcracker, Swan Lake) born in Votkinsk, Russia. Died 11/6/1893. Johannes Brahms (1833). Classical composer (“Brahms’ Lullaby,” 1885’s Symphony No. 4) born in Hamburg, Germany. Died 4/3/1897. MAY 8 Enrique Iglesias (1975). Singer/songwriter born Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler in Madrid, Spain. Had hits in Spanish (“Por Amarte,” “Trapecista”) and English (“Bailomos,” “Be with You,” “Hero”). Darren Hayes (1972). Australian singer/songwriter for pop duo Savage Garden (“I Want You,” “Truly, Madly, Deeply”). Dave Rowntree (1964). English drummer with Blur (1994’s Parklife), animator, and political activitist. Billy Burnette (1953). Tennessee rock guitarist and singer/songwriter (Fleetwood Mac: 1987-95). Alex Van Halen (1953). Rock drummer born in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Co-founder of Van Halen (“Jump,” 1978’s Van Halen). Chris Frantz (1951). Rock drummer and producer born Charton Christopher Franz in Fort Campbell, KY. With Talking Heads (Remain in Light) and Tom Tom Club. Philip Bailey (1951). R&B singer born in Denver, CO. With Earth, Wind & Fire (“September,” “Shining Star,” “After the Love Is Gone,” “Let’s Groove,” 1975’s That’s the Way of the World). Keith Jarrett (1945). Jazz pianist and film composer born in Allentown, PA. Gary Glitter (1944). English rock musician (“Rock and Roll Part II”) born Paul Francis Gadd. Bill Legend (1944). English rock drummer with T-Rex (“Get It On (Bang a Gong)”). Paul Samwell-Smith (1943). Rock bassist and record producer born Paul G. Smith in London, England. With the Yardbirds (“For Your Love”). John Fred (1941). American musician (“Judy in Disguise with Glasses” – parody of Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”). Died 4/14/2005. Ricky Nelson (1940). Pop singer/songwriter “(Garden Party,” “I’m Walkin’”) born Eric Hilliard Nelson in Teaneck, NJ. Son of famous parents Ozzie and Harriet Nelson. Sons formed pop-rock duo Nelson. Died 12/31/1985. Toni Tennille (1940). American singer born Cathryn Antoinette Tennille; half of pop duo Captain & Tennille (“Do That to Me One More Time,” “Love Will Keep Us Together”). Jerry Moss (1935). Record executive (A&M Records) born Jerome S. Moss in New York, NY. Robert Johnson (1911). Blues singer and guitarist (“Cross Road Blues,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” “I’m a Steady Rollin’ Man,” 1982’s The Complete Recordings) born in Hazelhurst, MI. Died 8/16/1938. Mary Lou Williams (1910). American jazz pianist/composer/arranger. Died 5/28/1981. Red Nichols (1905). American jazz cornettist/composer/jazz bandleader (“Ida! Sweet As Apple Cider,” “Embraceable You,” “I Got Rhythm”). Died 6/28/1965. Ezio Pinza (1892). Italian bass singer (South Pacific). Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829). American pianist/composer. Died 12/18/1869. MAY 9 Andrew W.K. (1979). American singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist. Pierre Bouvier (1979). Canadian rock singer/musician with Simple Plan (“Addicted,” “When I’m Gone,” “Perfect”). Paul McGuigan (1971). British rock bassist with Oasis (1994’s Definitely Maybe, 1995’s (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?). Ghostface Killah (1970). American rapper with Wu-Tang Clan (1993’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)) as well as a solo artist. Born Dennis Coles. Dave Gahan (1962). Electronica singer/songwriter born David Callcott in Epping, Essex, England. With Depeche Mode (“Enjoy the Silence,” Violator) since its formation in 1980. Paul Heaton (1962). English singer/songwriter and guitarist with the Beautiful South and the Housemartins. Tom Petersson (1950). American rock bassist with Cheap Trick (“I Want You to Want Me,” “The Flame”). Billy Joel (1949). Pop/rock singer/songwriter and pianist (“Piano Man,” “Just the Way You Are,” 1977’s The Stranger) born in the Bronx, NY. Steve Katz (1945). New York rock guitarist/singer with Blood, Sweat & Tears (“You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” “Spinning Wheel”). Richie Furay (1944). Country-rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born Paul Richard Furay in Yellow Springs, OH. With Buffalo Springfield and Poco. Tommy Roe (1942). Georgia pop singer/songwriter and guitarist (“Sheila”). Sonny Curtis (1937). Early rock-n-roll guitarist born in Meadow, TX. With the Crickets (“That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue”). Dave Prater (1937). R&B singer born in Ocilla, GA. With Sam & Dave (“Soul Man,” “I Thank You”). Died 4/9/1988. Nokie Edwards (1935). Rock guitarist born Nole Floyd Edwards in Lahoma, OK. With the Ventures. Died 3/12/2018. Hank Snow (1914). Country singer (“I’m Movin’ On”) born in Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, Canada. Died 12/20/1999. Harry Simeone (1911). American choral director (“The Little Drummer Boy”). Giovanni Paisiello (1740). Italian composer (“Barber of Seville”). Died 6/5/1816. MAY 10 Young M.C. (1967). British-born American rapper (“Bust a Move”) born Marvin Young. Bono (1960). Rock singer born Paul David Hewson in Dublin, Ireland. With U2 (The Joshua Tree). Sid Vicious (1957). English punk-rock bassist for the Sex Pistols. Born John Simon Ritchie. Died 2/2/1979. Jay Ferguson (1947). American rock singer with Spirit (“I Got a Line on You”) and JoJo Gunne. Also a solo artist (“Thunder Island,” “Shakedown Cruise”). Donovan (1946). Folk-rock singer/songwriter and guitarist (“Mellow Yellow,” “Sunshine Superman”) born Donovan Philips Leitch in Maryhill, Glasgow, Scotland. Graham Gouldman (1946). Rock singer/songwriter and bassist with 10cc (“I’m Not in Love,” “The Things We Do for Love”). Also wrote songs for the Yardbirds (“For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul”), the Hollies (“Bus Stop”), and Herman’s Hermits. Born in Broughton, Salford, Lancashire, England. Dave Mason (1946). English musician with Traffic (“Feelin’ Alright”) and a solo artist (“We Just Disagree”). Danny Rapp (1941). American rock musician with Danny & The Juniors (“At the Hop”). Arthur Alexander (1940). Alabama country singer/songwriter (“Anna (Go to Him),” “You Better Move On”). Died 6/9/1993. Henry Fambrough (1938). American singer with the Spinners (“The Rubberband Man,” “Working My Way Back to You/Forgive Me, Girl”). Larry Williams (1935). Louisiana R&B singer/pianist (“Dizzy Miss Lizzy”). Died 1/7/1980. Milton Babbitt (1916). Electronic music composer, theorist, and teacher born in Philadlephia, PA. Died 1/29/2011. Maybelle Carter (1909). Country singer with the Carter Family (“Wildwood Flower,” “Can the Circle Be Unbroken (Bye and Bye)”). Died 10/23/1978. Fred Astaire (1899). Tap dancer, actor (Easter Parade), and singer (“Night and Day,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “The Way You Look Tonight”) born Frederick Austerlitz in Omaha, NB. Died 6/22/1987. MAY 11 Martha Quinn (1959). American TV/radio personality; one of the original VJ’s on MTV. Mark Herndon (1955). American country drummer with Alabama (“Mountain Music,” “Take Me Down”). J.J. Jeczalik (1955). English keyboardist, programmer, and co-founder of Art of Noise. Born Jonathan Edward Stephen Jeczalik. “Butch” Trucks (1947). American rock drummer with the Allman Brothers (“Whipping Post,” 1971’s At Fillmore East, 1972’s Eat a Peach). Born Claude Hudson Trucks. Eric Burdon (1941). Rock singer born in Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. With the Animals (“House of the Rising Sun”) and War (“Spill the Wine”). Kit Lambert (1935). Manager (The Who) born Christopher Sebastian Lambert in Knightsbridge, London, England. Died 4/7/1981. Irving Berlin (1888). Composer (“Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “White Christmas,” “Kate Smith’s “God Bless America”) born Israel Isidore Baline in Tyumen, Russia. Died 9/22/1989. MAY 12 Eric Singer (1958). American drummer with Kiss and collaborations with Alice Cooper. Kix Brooks (1955). American country singer/songwriter with Brooks & Dunn (“Boot Scootin’ Boogie”). Jocko Marcellino (1950). American rock drummer with Sha Na Na (performed at Woodstock and on Grease soundtrack). Born John Marcellino. Billy Squier (1950). American rock singer (“The Stroke”). Steve Winwood (1948). Blues-rock singer/songwriter and keyboardist born in Handsworth, Birmingham, England. With Spencer Davis Group (“Gimme Some Lovin’”), Traffic (“Dear Mr. Fantasy,” 1967’s Mr. Fantasy), and Blind Faith (“Can’t Find My Way Home”). Also a successful solo singer (“While You See a Chance,” “Higher Love,” “Roll with It”). Ian McLagen (1946). English rock keyboardist with the the Small Faces and The Faces. Ian Dury (1942). English proto-punk/new wave rock singer (“Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick,” New Boots and Panties). Died 3/27/2000. Billy Swan (1942). Missouri rock singer/songwriter (“I Can Help”). Norman Whitfield (1940). Songwriter (Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” Edwin Starr’s “War,” The Temptations’ “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”) and producer born in Harlem, NY. Died 9/16/2008. Burt Bacharach (1928). Composer (B.J. Thomas’ “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” Carpenters’ “They Long to Be Close to You,” Dionne & Friends’ “That’s What Friends Are For”), producer, and pianist born in Kansas City, MO. Died 2/8/2023. Henry Cosby (1928). African-American songwriter (Stevie Wonder’s “Fingertips,” The Miracles’ “The Tears of a Clown,” The Supremes’ “Love Child”) and record producer born in Detroit, MI. Died 1/22/2002. Gordon Jenkins (1910). American arranger, composer, and pianist (“I Can Dream, Can’t I?,” “Goodnight, Irene”). Died 5/1/1984. MAY 13 Buckethead (1969). American rock guitarist with Guns N’ Roses. Born Brian Carroll. Darius Rucker (1966). American rock singer for Hootie & the Blowfish (“Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry,” 1994’s Cracked Rear View) who later became a country singer (“Don’t Think I Don’t Think about It”). Johnny Logan (1954). Australian-Irish singer and composer. Double winner of Eurovision Song Contest. Paul Thompson (1951). English drummer for Roxy Music (“Love Is the Drug,” 1973’s For Your Pleasure). Danny Kirwan (1950). British rock musician with Fleetwood Mac. Stevie Wonder (1950). R&B singer/songwriter (“Superstition,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” “I Just Called to Say I Love You”) born Stevland Hardaway Judkins in Saginaw, MI. Peter Overend Watts (1947). British rock bassist with Mott the Hoople (“All the Young Dudes”). Danny Klein (1946). American rock bassist with J. Geils Band (“Centerfold,” “Freeze Frame”). Magic Dick (1945). American harmonica player for J. Geils Band (“Centerfold,” “Freeze Frame”). Born Richard Salwitz. Mary Wells (1943). Michigan R&B singer (“My Guy”). Died 7/26/1992. Ritchie Valens (1941). Rock singer/songwriter and guitarist (“La Bamba”) born Richard Stephen Valenzuela in Pacoima, CA. Died 2/3/1959. Richard Brooks (1940). R&B singer born in Chattanooga, TN. With the Impressions. Gil Evans (1912). Canadian jazz pianist and composer who worked with Miles Davis (1957’s Miles Ahead, 1958’s Porgy and Bess, 1960’s Sketches of Spain). Died 4/20/1988. MAY 14 Miranda Cosgrove (1993). American actress (iCarly) and singer (“Leave It All to Me”). Olly Murs (1984). English singer. X-Factor runner-up. Dan Auerbach (1979). American blues-rock singer and guitarist for the Black Keys. Martine McCutcheon (1976). English singer (“Perfect Moment”) and actress. Natalie Appleton (1973). Canadian-English singer from girl group All Saints. Shanice Wilson (1973). American R&B singer (“I Love Your Smile”). Danny Wood (1969). American singer for boy band New Kids on the Block (“I’ll Be Loving You Forever,” “Hangin’ Tough”). Mike Inez (1966). California rock bassist with Alice in Chains. Fabrice Morvan (1966). French dancer/model/lip syncher from Milli Vanilli (“Girl You Know It’s True”). Raphael Saadiq (1966). American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Ian Astbury (1962). English rock singer for the Cult (“Fire Woman”). C.C. Deville (1962). American rock guitarist for Poison (“Talk Dirty to Me,” “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”) born Bruce Anthony Johannensson. Patrick Bruel (1959). Algerian-French actor/rock singer, Coup of Sirocco. Steve Hogarth (aka “h”) (1959). British rock singer for Marillion (“Hooks in You,” “You’re Gone,” 1989’s Seasons End) born Ronald Stephen Hoggarth. Tom Cochrane (1953). Canadian rock singer/guitarist with Red Rider (“Lunatic Fringe”) and a solo artist (“Life Is a Highway”). David Byrne (1952). Rock singer/songwriter and musician born in Dumbarton, Scotland. With Talking Heads (“Burning Down the House,” “Once in a Lifetime,” Remain in Light). Jon Landau (1947). Music critic, manager, and record producer. Worked with Bruce Springsteen. Gene Cornish (1944). Rock guitarist born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. With Joey Dee & the Starliters (“Peppermint Twist”) and The Rascals (“Groovin’”). Jack Bruce (1943). Rock bassist and singer/songwriter born John Symon Asher Bruce in Lankashire, Scotland. With Cream (“Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room,” “Badge,” Disraeli Gears). Tania León (1943). Classical composer and conductor born in Havana, Cuba. Bobby Darin (1936). Pop singer (“Mack the Knife”) born Walden Robert Cassotto in East Harlem, NY. Died 12/20/1973. Dub Jones (1928). R&B singer born Will Jones in Shreveport, LA. With the Coasters (“Yakety Yak,” “Charle Brown”). Died 1/16/2000. Sidney Bechet (1897). American jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, bandleader, and composer. Died 5/14/1959. Otto Klemperer (1885). German conductor/composer (Das Ziel) who directed the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Died 7/6/1973. MAY 15 Ahmet Rodan Zappa (1974). American rock musician and son of musician Frank Zappa. Prince Be (1970). New Jersey singer with P.M. Dawn (“Set Adrift on Memory Bliss”). Born Attrell Cordes. Mike Oldfield (1953). English composer/musician (“Tubular Bells”). Brian Eno (1948). Rock keyboardist and producer born Brian Peter George St. John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno in Woodridge, England. With Roxy Music (1973’s For Your Pleasure). Also an ambient solo artist (1974’s Here Come the Warm Jets) and music producer (David Bowie, Talking Heads, U2). Graham Goble (1947). Australian rock singer/songwriter and founding member of Little River Band (“Lonesome Loser,” “Cool Change”). K.T. Oslin (1942). American country singer/songwriter (“80s Ladies”) born Kay Toinette Oslin. Trini Lopez (1937). Mexican-American singer and guitarist (“If I Had a Hammer”) born Trinidad Lopez III. Anna Maria Alberghetti (1936). Italian operatic soprano singer. Wavy Gravy (1936). American entertainer and peace activist who did stage announcements at Woodstock. Eddy Arnold (1918). Country singer (“I’ll Hold You in My Heart Till I Can Hold You in My Arms,” “Anytime,” “Bouquet of Roses,” “Make the World Go Away”) born Richard Edward Arnold in Madisonville, TN. Died 5/8/2008. Claudio Monteverdi (1567). Classical composer (L’Orfeo) born in Cremona, Italy. Died 11/29/1643. MAY 16 Ralph Tresvant (1968). American R&B singer with New Edition and then a solo artist (“Sensitivity”). Janet Jackson (1966). R&B/pop singer (“That’s the Way Love Goes,” “Miss You Much,” “All for You,” 1986’s Control) born in Gary, IN. Sister of Michael Jackson. Krist Novoselic (1965). Rock bassist born in Compton, CA. Co-founder of Nirvana (“Smells Like Teen Spirit,” 1991’s Nevermind). Jimmy Osmond (1963). Pop singer with the Osmonds. Richard Page (1953). American rock singer for Mr. Mister (“Broken Wings,” “Kyrie”). Jonathan Richman (1951). Massachussetts rock guitarist and founder of the Modern Lovers (1976’s The Modern Lovers). William Sputnik Spooner (1949). Rock guitarist, Grateful Dead, Tubes. Barbara Lee (1947). New York singer with the Chiffons (“He’s So Fine”). Born Barbara Lee Jones. Died 5/15/1992. Robert Fripp (1946). English guitarist and composer with King Crimson (In the Court of the Crimson King). Betty Carter (1929). Jazz singer born Lillie Mae Jones in Brooklyn, NY. Died 9/26/1998. Liberace (1919). Hungarian-American pianist. Died 2/4/1987. Woody Herman (1913). Jazz clarinetist, bandleader, and composer (“Blues in the Night”) born in Milwaukee, WI. Died 10/29/1987. MAY 17 Andrea Corr (1974). Irish singer from the Corrs (“Runaway,” “Breathless”). Josh Homme (1973). American rock singer in Queens of the Stone Age. Jordan Knight (1970). American pop singer with boy band New Kids on the Block (“I’ll Be Loving You Forever,” “You Got It (The Right Stuff),” “Hangin’ Tough”). Dave Abbruzzese (1968). American rock drummer with Pearl Jam (“Jeremy,” 1991’s Ten). Trent Reznor (1965). American industrial rock singer/songwriter and musician for Nine Inch Nails (1989’s Pretty Hate Machine, 1994’s The Downward Spiral). Page McConnell (1963). American multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and keyboardist with Phish. Enya (1961). Irish new age singer (Watermark) born Eithne Ni Bhraonain. Simon Fuller (1960). TV producer (American Idol) and manager (Spice Girls) born in Hasting, East Sussex, England. Paul Di’Anno (1959). English rock singer with Iron Maiden from 1978-81. George Johnson (1953). American R&B guitarist/singer with the Brothers Johnson (“I’ll Be Good to You,” “Strawberry Letter 23,” “Stomp!”). Bill Bruford (1949). Progressive rock drummer born in Sevenoaks, Kent, England. With Yes (The Yes Album, 1971’s Fragile) and King Crimson. Taj Mahal (1942). New York blues singer/songwriter and guitarist. Pervis Jackson (1938). American R&B singer with the Spinners. Died 8/18/2008. MAY 18 Martika (1969). American pop singer and actress (“Toy Soldiers”) born Marta Marrero. Michael Cretu (aka “Curly M.C.”) (1957). Romanian musician born Mihai Cretu who created Enigma (“Sadeness”). George Strait (1952). Country singer (“All My Exes Live in Texas,” “Amarillo by Morning,” 1996’s Blue Clear Sky) born in Poteet, TX. Bill Wallace (1949). Canadian rock bassist with the Guess Who (“Clap for the Wolfman”) from 1972-75. Rick Wakeman (1949). Progressive-rock keyboardist born in Perivale, Middlesex, England. With Yes (1971’s Fragile). Joe Bonsall (1948). American country singer with the Oak Ridge Boys (“Elvira”). Albert Hammond (1944). Rock musician, songwriter (The Hollies’ “The Air That I Breathe,” Leo Sayer’s “When I Need You,” Julio Iglesias & Willie Nelson’s “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before,” Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time”), and producer born in London, England. Perry Como (1912). Traditional pop crooner (“Till the End of Time,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes”) born Pierino Ronald Como in Canonsburg, PA. Died 5/12/2001. Big Joe Turner (1911). Blues singer (“Shake, Rattle and Roll”) born Joseph Vernon Turner, Jr. in Kansas City, MO. Died 11/24/1985. Meredith Willson (1902). American composer (The Music Man). Died 6/15/1984. MAY 19 Sam Smith (1992). Singer/songwriter (“Stay with Me”) born in London, England. Shooter Jennings (1979). American country singer. Jenny Berggren (1972). Swedish pop singer with Ace of Base (“The Sign,” “All That She Wants”). Iain Harvie (1962). Scottish rock guitarist with Del Amitri (“Roll to Me,” “Kiss This Thing Goodbye”). Martyn Ware (1956). British musician and founder of The Human League and Heaven 17. Phil Rudd (1954). Rock drummer born Phillip Hugh Norman Witschke Rudzevecuis in Melbourne, Australia. With AC/DC (“Highway to Hell,” Back in Black). Joey Ramone (1951). American punk rock singer/songwriter with the Ramones (“I Wanna Be Sedated,” “Blitzkrieg Bop,” 1976’s Ramones). Born Jeffry Ross Hyman. Died 4/15/2001. Dusty Hill (1949). Rock bassist and singer born Joe Michael Hill in Dallas, Texas. With ZZ Top (“La Grange,” “Tush,” Eliminator). Died 7/28/2021. Grace Jones (1948). Jamaican model, actress, and singer (“Slave to the Rhythm”). Steve Currie (1947). Rock bassist born in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England. With T-Rex (“Bang a Gong”). Died 4/28/1981. Greg Herbert (1947). Pennsylvania jazz saxophonist and flautist with Blood, Sweat & Tears. Died 1/31/1978. Pete Townshend (1945). Rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born in Chiswick, Middlesex, England. With The Who (“My Generation,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” Tommy, Who’s Next) and a solo artist (“Let My Love Open the Door”). MAY 20 Naturi Naughton (1984). American singer with R&B/pop trio 3LW. Also an actress (Notorious, Fame). Busta Rhymes (1971). Rapper/songwriter (1996’s The Coming, 1997’s When Disaster Strikes) and actor born Trevor Taheim Smith, Jr. in Brooklyn, NY. Nick Heyward (1961). English singer/songwriter and guitarist with Haircut 100 (“Love Plus One”). Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (1959). Hawaiian musician. Died 6/26/1997. Jane Wiedlin (1958). American guitarist with the Go-Go’s (“We Got the Beat,” 1981’s Beauty and the Beat). Steve George (1955). American rock keyboardist with Mr Mister (“Broken Wings,” “Kyrie”). Cher (1946). Pop singer born Cherilyn Sarkisian in El Centro, CA. In duo Sonny & Cher (“I Got You Babe”) before a solo career (“Believe”). Joe Cocker (1944). Blue-eyed soul singer (“With a Little Help from My Friends,” “You Are So Beautiful,” “Up Where We Belong”) born in Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England. Died 12/22/2014. Shorty Long (1940). American soul singer, songwriter (“Here Comes the Judge”), pianist, and record producer. Died 6/29/1969. Vic Ames (1925). American singer with the Ames Brothers (“Rag Mop,” “You, You, You”). Died 1/23/1978. Milt Gabler (1911). Record producer born in Harlem, NY. Died 7/20/2001. Emile Berliner (1851). German inventor, flat phonograph record. MAY 21 Kardinal Offishall (1976). Canadian rapper and record producer. Notorious B.I.G. (aka “Biggie Smalls”) (1972). Rapper (Life after Death, Born Again) born Christopher George Latore Wallace in Brooklyn, NY. Died 3/9/1997. Stan Lynch (1955). American rock drummer for Tommy Petty & the Heartbreakers (“Refugee,” “Don’t Do Me Like That”). Leo Sayer (1948). British singer/songwriter (“You Make Me Feel Like Dancin’,” “More Than I Can Say”) born Gerard Hugh Sayer. Bill Champlin (1947). American keyboardist with Chicago (“Hard to Say I’m Sorry”). Hilton Valentine (1943). English rock guitarist with the Animals (“House of the Rising Sun”). Ronald Isley (1941). R&B singer/songwriter born in Cincinnati, OH. With the Isley Brothers (“Twist and Shout,” “This Old Heart of Mine,” “Shout”). Tony Sheridan (1940). English rock singer who recorded with the Beatles (“My Bonnie”) before they were famous. Born Anthony Esmond Sheridan McGinnity. Tom “Big Daddy” Donahue (1928). Radio disc jockey, record producer, and concert promoter born Thomas Coman in South Bend, IN. Died 4/28/1975. Albert Grossman (1926). Manager (Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, The Band) born in Chicago, IL. Died 1/25/1986. Dennis Day (1916). Irish-American singer and radio/TV personality with Jack Benny. Born Owen Patrick Eugene McNulty. Died 6/22/1988. Fats Waller (1904). Jazz singer, composer, and musician (“Ain’t Misbehavin’”) born Thomas Wright Waller in New York City, NY. Died 12/15/1943. Horace Heidt (1901). Pianist and big band leader (“I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire”) and radio/TV personality born in Alameda, CA. Died 12/1/1986. MAY 22 Dan Roberts (1967). Canadian rock bassist with Crash Test Dummies (“Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm”). Johnny Gill (1966). American R&B singer/songwriter. Jesse Valenzuela (1962). American rock singer with Gin Blossoms. Morrissey (1959) Alternative-rock singer/songwriter born Steven Patrick Morrissey in Davyhulme, England. With The Smiths (“Hand in Glove,” The Queen Is Dead) before a successful solo career (“Everyday Is Like Sunday”). Jerry Dammers (1955). Indian keyboard player with The Specials and The Spatial AKA Orchestra. Iva Davies (1955). Australian rock guitarist and singer with Icehouse (“Crazy,” “Electric Blue,” “No Promises”). Bernie Taupin (1950). Lyricist for most of Elton John’s songs (“Your Song,” “Candle in the Wind 1997”). Born in Sleaford, Lincolshire, England. Calvin Simon (1942). American rock singer with Parliament and Funkadelic (“One Nation Under a Groove”). Peter Nero (1934). American conductor/pianist born Bernard Nierow. Kenny Ball (1930). English trumpeter with Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen. Charles Aznavour (1924). Singer/songwriter (“Yesterday When I Was Young,” “La Mama,” “She”) and actor born Shahnour Varenagh Aznavourian in Paris, France. Faye Adams (1923). R&B/gospel singer (“Shake a Hand”) born Fanny Tuell in Newark, NJ. Sun Ra (1914). American jazz bandleader, composer, and multi-instrumentalist (Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra, Vol. 1). Died 5/30/1993. Richard Wagner (1813). Composer (Tristan Und Isolde, The Ring Cycle) born Wilhelm Richard Wagner in Leipzig, Germany. Died 2/13/1883. MAY 23 Heidi Range (1983). English singer/songwriter from Sugababes and Atomic Kitten. Jewel (1974). Singer/songwriter (“You Were Meant for Me,” 1995’s Pieces of You) born Jewel Kilcher in Payson, UT. Maxwell (1973). American R&B artist born Gerald Maxwell Rivera. Phil Selway (1967). English rock drummer with Radiohead (The Bends, OK Computer). Tiki Fulwood (1944). Drummer born Ramon Fulwood in Philadelphia, PA. With Parliament and Funkadelic. Died 10/29/1979. Robert Moog (1934). American pioneer and inventor of the Moog synthesizer. Died 8/21/2005. Rosemary Clooney (1928). Traditional pop singer (“Hey There”) born in Maysville, KY. Died 6/29/2002. Humphrey Lyttelton (1921). English jazz musician. Died 4/25/2008. Helen O’Connell (1920). American singer (“Green Eyes,” “All of Me”), actress, and dancer. Died 9/9/1993. Bumps Blackwell (1918). Washington rock songwriter (“Long Tall Sally,” “Rip It Up”) born Robert A. Blackwell. Died 3/9/1985. Scatman Crothers (1910). American actor, singer, dancer, and musician. Died 11/22/1986. Artie Shaw (1910). Jazz musician/composer/bandleader (“Beguin the Beguine,” “Frenesi,” “Star Dust,” “Dancing in the Dark”) born Arthur Arshawsky in New York City, NY. Died 12/30/2004. MAY 24 Billy Gilman (1988). American country singer/songwriter (“One Voice”) born William Wendell Gilman III. Alessandro Cortini (1976). Rock keyboardist, guitarist, and bassist born in Bologna, Italy. With Nine Inch Nails. Tommy Page (1970). American pop singer (“I’ll Be Your Everything”) born Thomas Alden Paige. Rich Robinson (1969). American rock guitarist/songwriter for the Black Crowes (1990’s Shake Your Money Maker). Heavy D (1967). Jamaican-born rapper with Heavy D & the Boyz. Sung theme songs for TV’s In Living Color and MADtv. Born Dwight Myers. Guy Fletcher (1960). Rock guitarist born in Maidstone, Kent, England. Toured with Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel (1979) and Roxy Music (1981). Joined Dire Straits (“Money for Nothing,” Brothers in Arms) in 1984. Rosanne Cash (1955). Tennessee country singer/songwriter (“Seven Year Ache”). Daughter of legendary country singer Johnny Cash. Patti LaBelle (1944). R&B singer (“Lady Marmalade,” “On My Own”) born Patricia Louise Holt-Edwards in Philadelphia, PA. Bob Dylan (1941). Folk-rock singer/songwriter (Highway 61 Revisted, Blonde on Blonde, Blood on the Tracks) born Robert Allen Zimmerman in Duluth, MN. MAY 25 Lauryn Hill (1975). R&B/rap singer born in East Orange, NJ. With the Fugees (The Score) and then a solo artist (The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill). Paul Weller (1958). Singer/songwriter and guitarist born John William Weller, Jr. in Woking, Surrey, England. With the Jam (All Mod Cons, “Town Called Malice”) and Style Council (“Shout to the Top”) before a solo career (Stanley Road). Klaus Meine (1948). German rock singer with the Scorpions (“No One Like You,” “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” “Wind of Change”). Jessi Colter (1947). Arizona country singer (“I’m Not Lisa”) born Miriam Johnson Jennings. Tom T. Hall (1936). Country singer/songwriter (Jeannie C. Riley’s “Harper Valley PTA”) born Thomas Hall in Olive Hill, KY. Died 8/20/2021. Beverly Sills (1929). Operatic soprano born in Crown Heights, NY. Died 7/2/2007. Kitty Kallen (1922). American traditional pop singer (“Besame Mucho,” “Little Things Mean a Lot”). Hal David (1921). Lyricist and songwriter (B.J. Thomas’ “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” Dionne Warwick’s “Walk on By,” Willie Nelson & Julio Iglesias’ “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before”) born Harold Lane David in New York City, NY. Frequently collaborated with composer Burt Bacharach. Died 9/1/2012. Frankie Carle (1903). American jazz bandleader. Died 3/7/2001. Billy Murray (1877). Singer (“Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis,” “Yankee Doodle Boy,” “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “Harrigan,” “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” “By the Light of the Silvery Moon”) born in Philadelphia, PA. Also recorded with American Quartet and Haydn Quartet. Nicknamed “The Denver Nightingale.” Died 8/17/1954. MAY 26 Alan White (1972). English rock drummer with Oasis (1994’s Definitely Maybe, 1995’s (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?). Lenny Kravitz (1964). Rock singer/songwriter and musician (“Are You Gonna Go My Way?”) born in Manhattan, NY. Beverly Lee (1959). American singer and trademark holder for R&B vocal group the Shirelles (“Will You Love Me Tomorrow”). Hank Williams, Jr. (1949). Country singer (“All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down,” “Are You Ready for Some Football? (Theme from Monday Night Football)”) born Randall Hank Williams in Shreveport, LA. Son of country singer Hank Williams. Stevie Nicks (1948). Rock singer/songwriter born Stephanie Lynn Nicks in Phoenx, AZ. With Fleetwood Mac (“Dreams,” “Sara,” 1977’s Rumours) and a solo artist (Bella Donna). Mick Ronson (1946). Rock guitarist, composer and multi-instrumentalist born in Kingston Upon Hull, UK. Played in David Bowie’s Spiders from Mars band. Died 4/29/1993. Levon Helm (1940). Rock drummer and singer born Make Lavon Helm in Elaine, AR. With The Band (“The Weight,” “The Night They Drove Ol’ Dixie Down,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” 1968’s Music from Big Pink, 1969’s The Band). Died 4/19/12. William Bolcom (1938). Classical composer and pianist (Oracles) born in Seattle, WA. Miles Davis (1926). Jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader (1950’s Birth of the Cool, 1959’s Kind of Blue, 1970’s Bitches Brew) born Miles Dewey Davis III in Alton, IL. Died 9/28/1991. Peggy Lee (1920). Traditional pop singer/songwriter (“Manana Is Soon Enough for Me,” “Fever”) born Norma Deloris Egstrom in Jamestown, ND. Died 1/21/2002. Al Jolson (1886), Jazz singer (“Swanee,” “You Made Me Love You,” “April Showers”) born Asa Yoelson in Seredzius, Kovno Governorate, Russia. Starred in first talking movie (The Jazz Singer). Died 10/23/1950. MAY 27 André 3000 (1975). American rap singer/songwriter and musician from OutKast (“Hey Ya,” “Ms. Jackson”) born André Lauren Benjamin. Jadakiss (1975). American rapper with The Lox. Born Jason Phillips. Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes (1971). Pennsylvania rapper from R&B group TLC (“Waterfalls”). Died 4/25/2002. Sean Kinney (1966). Washington rock drummer for Alice in Chains (Dirt). Neil Finn (1958) New-wave singer/songwriter born in Te Awamutu, New Zealand. With Split Enz (“I Got You”) and Crowded House (“Don’t Dream It’s Over,” 1991’s Woodface). Siouxsie Sioux (1957). English rock singer with Siouxsie & The Banshees. Pete Sears (1948). English rock bassist with Jefferson Starship. Bruce Cockburn (1945). Canadian rock singer/songwriter and guitarist (“If I Had a Rocket Launcher”). Cilla Black (1943). English rock singer (“Anyone Who Had a Heart,” “You’re My World”) and actress born Priscilla Maria Veronica White. Don Williams (1939). Country singer/songwriter (“I Believe in You”) born in Floydaya, TX. Died 9/8/2017. Ramsey Lewis (1935). American jazz composer/pianist (“The In-Crowd”). Junior Parker (1932). American blues singer and musician. Died 11/18/1971. Harold Rome (1908). American musical composer, lyricist, and writer. Died 10/26/1993. Julia Ward Howe (1819). Author and poet born in New York City, NY. Wrote “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Died 10/17/1910. MAY 28 Colbie Caillat (1985) Mark Feehily (1980). Irish singer/songwriter from Westlife. Born Markus Michael Patrick Feehily. Kylie Minogue (1968). Pop singer (“Can’t Get You Out of My Head”) born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Roland Gift (1962). British singer from Fine Young Cannibals (“She Drives Me Crazy,” “Good Thing”). Wendy O. Williams (1949). New York punk singer with the Plastmatics. Called “The Queen of Shock Rock.” Born Wendy Orlean Williams. Died 4/6/1998. John Fogerty (1945). Rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born in Berkeley, CA. With Creedence Clearwater Revival (“Proud Mary,” “Fortunate Son”) and a solo artist (“Centerfield”). Gladys Knight (1944). R&B singer (“Midnight Train to Georgia”) born in Atlanta, GA. Gary Stewart (1944). Kentucky country singer/songwriter (“She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Doubles)”). Died 12/16/2003. Billy Vera (1944). American singer and musician (“At This Moment”) born William McCord. John Henry “Papa John” Creach (1917). American fiddler with Hot Tuna and Jefferson Airplane (“White Rabbit,” 1967’s Surrealistic Pillow). Died 2/22/1994. T-Bone Walker (1910). American blues guitarist, singer, pianist, and songwriter (“Call It Stormy Monday”). Died 3/16/1975. Phil Regan (1906). American singer (“My Wild Irish Rose”) and actor. Died 2/11/1996. Andy Kirk (1898). American jazz/big band leader. Died 1992. MAY 29 David Buckner (1976). American rock drummer with Papa Roach. Melanie “Scary Spice” Brown (aka “Mel B”) (1975). English pop singer from Spice Girls (“Wannabe”). Noel Gallagher (1967). Rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born in Manchester, England. With Oasis (1994’s Definitely Maybe, 1995’s (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?). Melissa Etheridge (1961). Rock singer/songwriter and guitarist (“Come to My Window”) born in Leavenworth, KS. Jesse Johnson (1960). American funk musician and guitarist with the Time. LaToya Jackson (1956). Indiana R&B singer. Sister of singers Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. Mike Porcaro (1955). Rock bassist for Toto (“Rosanna,” “Africa”). Danny Elfman (1953). American new wave singer/songwriter with Oingo Boingo. Later a television and film composer (Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas). Rebbie Jackson (1950). American singer (“Centipede”). Sister of Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. Francis Rossi (1949). English rock guitarist with Status Quo (“Picture of Matchstick Men”). Gary Brooker (1945). English rock singer/songwriter and keyboardist for Procol Harum (“A Whiter Shade of Pale”). Sylvia Robinson (1935). Singer (Mickey & Sylvia’s “Love Is Strange”), record producer (Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five’s “The Message”), and executive (Sugar Hill Records) born Sylvia Vanderpool in Harlem, NY. Has been called “The Mother of Hip Hop.” Harry Everett Smith (1923). American music archivist best known for compiling the Anthology of American Folk Music album. Died 11/27/1991. Bob Hope (1903). English-American entertainer with vaudeville, radio, TV, and movies. MAY 30 Cee-Lo Green (1974). American R&B/rap singer (“F**k You”) with Goodie Mob and Gnarls Barkley (“Crazy”). Born Thomas DeCarlo Callaway. Patrick Dahlheimer (1971). American rock bassist with Live (“Selling the Drama,” “Lightning Crashes”). Idina Menzel (1971). American actress, singer and songwriter. Tim Burgess (1967). English rock singer/songwriter for The Charlatans. Stephen Malkmus (1966). American indie rock musician with Pavement. Briana Corrigan (1965). Irish alternative-rock singer with The Beautiful South. Wynonna Judd (1964). American country singer in duo the Judds (“Why Not Me”) with her mother before going solo. Born Christina Claire Ciminella. Tom Morello (1964). American rock guitarist with Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, and solo as the Nightwatchman. Marie Fredriksson (1958). Swedish pop singer with Roxette (“The Look”). Nicky “Topper” Headon (1955). Rock drummer born Nicholas Bowen Headon in Bromley, UK. With The Clash (London Calling, “Rock the Casbah”). Lenny Davidson (1942). Rock guitarist born in Enfield, Middlesex, England. With the Dave Clark Five (“Glad All Over”). Bobby Sherwood (1914). American bandleader (Milton Berle Show, actor and composer. Died 1/23/1981. “Sonny Boy” Williamson #1 (1914). American blues singer (“Good Morning, Little School Girl”) and harmonica player. Died 6/1/1948. Benny Goodman (1909). Jazz bandleader and clarinetist (“Sing, Sing, Sing,” 1938’s Concert at Carnegie Hall) born in Chicago, IL. Known as “The King of Swing.” Died 6/13/1986. Ben Bernie (1891). Jazz violinist and radio personality born Bernard Anzelevitz in Bayonne, NJ. Died 10/23/1943. Harry MacDonough (1871). Ballad singer ( “Shine on, Harvest Moon,” “Down by the Old Mill Stream”) born John Scantlebury Macdonald in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Also in Haydn Quartet. Died 9/26/1931. MAY 31 Scotti Hill (1964). American rock guitarist with Skid Row (“18 and Life,” “I Remember You”). Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels (1964). American musician with hip hop group Run-D.M.C. Corey Hart (1962). Canadian pop/rock singer/songwriter (“Sunglasses at Night”). Fritz Hilpert (1956). German musician with Kraftwerk. Vicki Sue Robinson (1954). American actress and singer. Died 4/27/2000. Karl Bartos (1952). Electronic percussionist born Karlheinz Bartos in Marktschellenberg, West Germany. With Kraftwerk. John “Bonzo” Bonham (1948). Rock drummer born John Henry Bonham in Redditch, Worcestershire, England. With Led Zeppelin (“Stairway to Heaven,” “Moby Dick,” Led Zeppelin I, Led Zeppelin II, Led Zeppelin IV). Died 9/25/1980. Johnny Paycheck (1938). American country singer (“Take This Job and Shove It”). Died 2/19/2003. Peter Yarrow (1938). New York folk singer with Peter, Paul & Mary (“Puff the Magic Dragon”). Lydia Mendoza (1916). Tejano guitarist and singer born in Houston, TX. Died 12/20/2007. This page last updated May 3, 2023.