In the pantheon of jazz greats, few names shine as brightly as Hank Jones. A virtuoso pianist, bandleader, arranger, and composer, Hank Jones was born Henry Jones Jr. on this day July 31, 1918. Let’s dive into the remarkable career of this musical genius and explore the legacy he crafted over seven decades of unparalleled …
Category: Music
Jul 30 2024
Charles Mingus’ “Mingus Plays Piano”
Picture this: It’s 1963, and one of jazz’s most prolific bassists and composers decides to sit down at a piano and create magic. That’s exactly what happened when Charles Mingus recorded Mingus Plays Piano, a groundbreaking album that showcases the legendary musician in a whole new light. The album was recorded on this day July …
Jul 28 2024
On This Day: Steve Peregrin Took
Born on this day July 28, 1949, Steve Peregrin Took was an iconic figure in the British psychedelic rock scene of the late 1960s. As a pioneering musician and songwriter, he contributed significantly to the early works of the English band Tyrannosaurus Rex, which would later evolve into the globally recognized glam-rock band, T. Rex. …
Jul 21 2024
Charlotte Gainsbourg: From Actress to Singer-Songwriter Extraordinaire
Charlotte Gainsbourg is a multi-faceted artist, who has successfully transitioned from acting into the realm of music, becoming a singer-songwriter extraordinaire. Born on this day July 21, 1971 into a family of creative luminaries, she was no stranger to the world of performance and artistry. Daughter of the esteemed British actress Jane Birkin and the renowned …
Jul 20 2024
Kim Carnes: From ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ to Global Stardom
Kim Carnes, an American singer and songwriter, is best known for her distinctive raspy vocal style and her 1981 hit single “Bette Davis Eyes,” which catapulted her to global stardom. Born on this day July 20, 1945 in Los Angeles, Carnes began her music career as a member of the folk group “The New Christy …
Jul 16 2024
Top 10 Desmond Dekker Songs: A Journey Through Reggae History
Born on this day July 16, 1941, St. Andrew Parish, Desmond Dekker, the Jamaican singer-songwriter, brought reggae to the world stage. His unique voice and infectious rhythms continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike. Let’s dive into the top 10 songs that defined his illustrious career, blending chart success, critical acclaim, and cultural impact. …
Jul 15 2024
On This Day: Twinkle
Twinkle, whose real name was Lynn Annette Ripley, was a renowned English singer-songwriter who garnered significant acclaim in the 1960s. Born on this day July 15, 1948 in Surbiton, Surrey, Twinkle displayed a natural aptitude for music from a young age. Her unique vocal talent and knack for crafting memorable lyrics propelled her to fame …
Jul 14 2024
Woody Guthrie: America’s Folk Hero
A Voice for the People In the tapestry of American music, few threads shine as brightly as that of Woody Guthrie. A troubadour of the people, Guthrie’s life was a testament to the power of music to inspire, unite, and challenge the status quo. His journey from the dust-blown plains of Oklahoma to the annals …
Jul 13 2024
Compay Segundo, the Exceptional “Second Compadre” in Buena Vista Social Club
Compay Segundo is a name that resonates profoundly within the realm of traditional Cuban music. Born as Máximo Francisco Repilado Muñoz on November 18, 1907, in Siboney, Cuba, he adopted his stage name, Compay Segundo, which translates into “second compadre,” an allusion to his often being second voice in his musical partnerships. Compay Segundo’s musical …
Jul 09 2024
Musical Maverick: The Unique Style of Lee Hazlewood’s Music
Born on this day July 9, 1929 in Mannford, Oklahoma, Lee Hazlewood, a musical maverick, carved out a unique position for himself in the realm of music. His craftsmanship as a songwriter, producer, and singer is as distinct as it is compelling. The unique style of his music is marked by an eclectic blend of …