October 18th

Musical Birthday Notes – October 18th

  • Anita O’Day (Anita Belle Colton) – aka “The Jezebel of Jazz” – jazz singer – well known for her sense of rhythm and dynamics – (10/18/1919 – 11/23/2006)
  • Jessie Mae Hemphillcountry-blues guitarist/singer/songwriter – one of the earliest successful female blues musicians –  (10/18/1923 – 7/22/2006)
  • Chuck Berrymultiple award winning singer/songwriter/guitarist – pioneer of Rock & Roll known for his solos and showmanship – hits include – Johnny B. Goode – Maybellene – Roll Over Beethoven – among the first inductees in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – (10/18/1926 – 3/18/2017)
  • Ronald David “Ronnie” Bright – bass doo wop singer – best known with – The Coasters – associated acts include – The CadillacsThe ValentinesThe Deep River Boys – (10/18/1938 – 11/26/2015)
  • Cynthia Weilmulti-award winning songwriter – inducted with spouse/songwriting partner Barry Mann – 1987 Songwriters Hall of Fame – 2010 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – 2011 Johnny Mercer Award – the duo were instrumental in shaping the sound of Rock & Roll in the 60’s – (10/18/1940 – 6/1/2023)
  • William “Billy” Cox – bassist – best known for performing with – Jimi Hendrix – 1941
  • Russ Giguere – guitar/vocals/percussion – best known with – The Association – group hits include – Windy – Never My Love – Cherish – 1943
  • Joe Egan – Scottish singer/songwriter/keyboards/acoustic guitar – Steelers Wheel – group best known for 1973 hit – Stuck In The Middle With You – solo artist – 1946
  • Laura Nyro singer/songwriter/pianist – 2012 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – (10/18/1947 – 4/8/1997)
  • Gary Richrath – rock guitar/vocals/songwriter/producer – best known as guitarist for – REO Speedwagon – group songs include – Golden Country – Ridin’ The Storm Out – Flying Turkey Trot – Take It On The Run – (10/18/1949 – 9/13/2015)
  • Peter Svensson – Swedish songwriter/producer/guitarist – best known with – The Cardigans – 1974
  • Wynton MarsalisNew Orleans jazz-big band-dixieland jazz trumpet/composer/educator – 1961
  • Josh Gracincountry singer/guitar – hits include – Nothin’ To Lose – I Want To Live – Stay With Me (Brass Bed) – 1980
  • Sarah Blackwood – aka – Sarah Sin – singer/songwriter/guitar/ukulele/piano – associated acts include – The Creepshow –  Walk Off The Earth – 1980
  • Tommy Joe Ratliff – guitarist – best known as a member of Adam Lambert‘s band – 1981
  • Esperanza Spaldingmulti-award winning jazz bassist/singer – 1984