April 29th

Musical Birthday Notes – April 29th

  • Duke Ellingtonbandleader/composer/pianist – Take The A Train – (4/29/1899 – 5/24/1974)
  • Donald Mills – jazz-pop singer – member of the quartet – The Mills Brothers – 1998 Vocal Group Hall of Fame – (4/29/1915 – 11/13/1999)
  • Toots Thielemansjazz harmonica/guitar/whistler – (4/29/1922 – 8/22/2016)
  • Danny Davis – country music band leader/trumpet player/producer/singer – best known as the founder and band leader of – The Nashville Brass – (4/29/1925 – 6/12/2008)
  • Big Jay McNeelyR&B saxophonist – (4/29/1927 – 9/16/2018)
  • Carl Gardner – singer – founder of – The Coasters – best known for the 1958 hit – Yakety Yak – 1987 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – (4/29/1928 – 6/12/2011)
  • April Stevens – award winning pop rock singer – performed with her brother as – Nino Tempo & April Stevens – best known for 1963 hit – Deep Purple – (4/29/1929 – 4/17/2023)
  • Joe Porcaro – jazz drummer/session musician – associated with numerous acts over the years including – Rosemary ClooneyNancy SinatraThe MonkeesToto – (4/29/1930 – 7/12/2020)
  • Lonnie Doneganskiffle singer/songwriter/guitar/banjo – known as “The King of Skiffle” – hits include – Does Your Chewing Gum Lose It’s Flavour (On The Bedpost Overnight?) – (4/29/1931 – 11/3/2002)
  • Willie Nelson – legendary multi-award winning outlaw country singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer – 1993 Country Music Hall of Fame – 1998 Kennedy Center Honors – 2011 National Agricultural Hall of Fame – 2015 Gershwin Prize – 1933
  • Otis Rushblues guitarist/singer/songwriter – songs include – I Can’t Quit You Baby – All Your Love (I Miss Loving) Double Trouble – 1984 Blues Hall of Fame – 2018 Jazz Foundation of America Lifetime Achievement Award – (4/29/1934 – 9/29/2018)
  • Duane Allen – lead vocalist – The Oak Ridge Boys – group hits include – Elvira – Bobbie Sue – American Made – 2014 Texas Country Music Hall of Fame – 2015 Country Music Hall of Fame – 1943
  • Tammi TerrellMotown singer – best known for duet hits with Marvin Gaye which include – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – You’re All I Need To Get By – Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing – (4/29/1945 – 3/16/1970)
  • Tommy James – singer/songwriter/guitarist – Tommy James & The Shondells – hits include – Hanky Panky – Crystal Blue Persuasion – I Think We’re Alone Now – Crimson & Clover – Mony Mony – 1947
  • Stephanie Bentleycountry singer/songwriter – hits include – Who’s That Girl – better known for writing hits for others including – Breathe/Faith Hill – Concrete Angel/Martina McBride – 1963
  • Carnie Wilson – pop singer – Wilson Phillips – group hits include – Hold On – Release Me – You’re In Love – 1968
  • Mike Hogan – bassist – Irish rock band – The Cranberries – group songs include – Linger – Dreams – Zombie – 1973
  • Michael Raycountry singer/songwriter – hits include – Kiss You In The Morning – Think A Little Less – 1988