Category Archives: Blues

Today’s (and Yesterday’s) Music: Benny Carter, Jimmy Witherspoon, Joe Tex, Harry Mills

Posted on August 9, 2012 by admin

Jazz multi-instrumentalist Benny Carter was born August 8th in 1907 (d. 2003). His influence was so great that some referred to him as the ‘King.’ Blues belter Jimmy Witherspoon was born August 8th in 1920 (d. 1997). Soul star Joe … Continue reading →

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Today’s Music: George Van Eps, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, B.J. Thomas

Posted on August 7, 2012 by admin

Guitar master George Van Eps was born today in 1913 (d. 1998). His innovative use of the 7-string guitar in jazz was revolutionary. Jazz multi-instrumentalist (occasionally at the same time) Rahsaan Roland Kirk was born today in 1935. Like many … Continue reading →

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Today’s Music: Abbey Lincoln, Charles Mingus, Eric Dolphy, Wes Montgomery

Posted on August 6, 2012 by admin

Jazz vocalist and songwriter Abbey Lincoln was born today in 1930 (d.2010). She was unique among jazz singers in that she mostly sang her own deft compositions. (More ‘Birthdays’ will return tomorrow.) Charles Mingus and Eric Dolphy – “Peggy’s Blue … Continue reading →

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Today’s Music: Louis Armstrong, Rick Huxley

Posted on August 5, 2012 by admin

Jazz trumpet genius Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong was born August 4th in 1901.  By the time of his death in 1971, ‘Pops’ not only influenced jazz music, but other genres, as well. Today, August 5th, Dave Clark Five bassist Rick Huxley … Continue reading →

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Today’s Music: Tony Bennett

Posted on August 3, 2012 by admin

Sublime jazz vocalist, multi-generational pop star and accomplished painter Tony Bennett was born today (but not in San Francisco) in 1926. Last I checked, the durable 86-year-old was still singing and putting on an impressive show.

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Today’s Music: Jerry Garcia, Robert Cray, John Capaldi

Posted on August 2, 2012 by admin

Grateful Dead guitarist and co-founder Jerry Garcia was born August 1 in 1942. Jerry died too young in 1995. Blues powerhouse Robert Cray was born August 1 in 1953. Traffic drummer and vocalist Jim Capaldi was born today, August 2, … Continue reading →

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Today’s Music: Kenny Burrell, Stanley Jordan

Posted on July 31, 2012 by admin

Jazz genius Kenny Burrell was born today in 1931. Although he’s not a household name, those he’s influenced are. I had the pleasure of meeting Kenny years ago — his personality is as great as his guitar playing. With John … Continue reading →

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Today’s Music: Buddy Guy, Paul Anka, David Sanborn

Posted on July 30, 2012 by admin

Chicago bluesman and international star Buddy Guy was born today in 1936. Happy birthday, Buddy! Singer/songwriter Paul Anka was born today in 1941. As well as his late ’50s incarnation as a pop star, Paul also wrote tunes made popular … Continue reading →

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Today’s Music: Charlie Christian

Posted on July 29, 2012 by admin

Jazz electric guitar genius Charlie Christian was born today in 1916.  In his short life (he died at the age of 25 in 1942), he helped make the guitar a lead instrument through his use of a Gibson ES-150 with … Continue reading →

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Today’s Music: Junior Kimbrough, Mike Bloomfield

Posted on July 28, 2012 by admin

Delta bluesman Junior Kimbrough was born today in 1930 (d. 1998). Guitar master Mike Bloomfield was born in Chicago this day in 1943 (d. 1981).

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