April 26th

Musical Birthday Notes – April 26th

  • “Ma” Rainey (Gertrude Pridgett) – blues singer – billed as “The Mother of the Blues – (4/26/1886 – 12/22/1939)
  • Johnny ShinesDelta blues singer/guitarist – (4/26/1915 – 4/20/1992)
  • Duane Eddymulti-award winning rock guitarist – hits include – Rebel Rouser – Peter Gunn – 1994 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – 2008 Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum – 1938
  • Maurice Williams – doo-wop – R&B singer – Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs – group best known for the 1961 hit – Stay – 2007 Vocal Group Hall of Fame – 2010 North Carolina Music Hall of Fame – 1938
  • Bobby Rydellpop/rock singer/actor – early 60’s teen idol – hits include – Wild One – Volare – Good Time Baby – (4/26/1942 – 4/5/2022)
  • Gary Wrightsinger/songwriter/keyboardist/composer – hits include – Dream Weaver – Love Is Alive – Really Wanna Know You – associated acts include – Spooky ToothGeorge Harrison – (4/26/1943 – 9/4/2023)
  • Mike Finnegan – rock-blues-jazz keyboardist/singer/session and touring musician – renowned for his work with a Hammond organ – numerous artist associations including – Jimi HendrixJoe CockerPeter FramptonDavid Coverdale – (4/26/1945 – 8/11/2021)
  • Russell Hunter – English drummer – associated acts include – Pink FairiesThe Deviants – (4/26/1946 – 12/22/2023)
  • Jimmy Hallvocalist/harmonica/saxophone – best known with Southern rock band – Wet Willie – group hits include – Keep On Smilin’ – Street Corner Serenade – Weekend – act associations include – Jeff BeckHank Williams Jr. – 1949
  • Howard “Leon” Reeder – guitarist – Champagne – group best known for the hit – How Bout Us – 1950
  • Roger Taylor – English drummer – Duran Duran – group hits include – Hungry Like The Wolf – Rio – 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – associated acts include – Arcadia – Free Bass – Funk Face – 1960
  • Chris Mars – drums/vocals/keyboards/guitar/artist – best known with – The Replacements – 1961
  • Michael Damiansinger/songwriter/musician/actor – hits include 1989’s #1 – Rock On – played musician Danny Romalotti on CBS soap – The Young & The Restless – 1962
  • Jay Demarcus – bass player/vocalist/songwriter/producer – country-pop group – Rascal Flatts – group hits include – What Hurt The Most – Bless The Broken Road – I Like The Sound Of That – 1971
  • Joey Jordison – drummer/songwriter/producer – founding member of – Slipknot – associated acts include – The Murderdolls – (4/26/1975 – 7/26/2021)
  • Jose Pasillas  – drummer – co-founder of alt-rock band – Incubus – associated acts include – LIFE – Time Lapse Consortium – 1976