BIRTHDAYS
1940     Gretchen Christopher, Singer-Songwriter, b. Olympia, Washington, USA. Gretchen was born to musical parents, and was already singing and composing while still in high school. She had made her professional debut singing solo, choreographing and dancing for Television while still a senior in school. Just a few months later, Gretchen composed "Come Softly" at the piano at Olympia High School. For her Senior Class Talent Assembly, Gretchen sang and combined the tune, in counterpoint, with the humming and harmony of two classmates, creating "Come Softly To Me", -and the trio would become "The Fleetwoods." Founded and led by Gretchen, "The Fleetwoods" became the first group in the world to have multiple #1 Records top the Billboard charts in a single year (1959), and the only group to achieve this in the first seven years of Rock 'n' Roll history. Their hits (mostly ballads) spent a total of 110 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100: #1 Records "Come Softly To Me" and "Mr. Blue", plus "Graduation's Here", "Tragedy", "Runaround", "Outside My Window", "(He's) The Great Imposter", "Lovers By Night, Strangers By Day", "You Mean Everything To Me", "The Last One To Know", and "Goodnight My Love". Christopher is a BMI "Million Airs Songwriter", indicating that her compositions have now been aired over 3,000,000 times by radio and TV stations in the U. S. A. alone. (#1 Hit "Come Softly To Me"), Vocalist, Arranger (11 Hit Singles, 15 LPs, 6 CDs). Currently (2005), this lovely and talented lady is very active indeed. She recently celebrated her 16th Leap Year birthday, and she has written and recorded the concept solo CD, Gretchen's SWEET SIXTEEN! (SUITE 16), an autobiographical collection of 16 sweet, soulful, insightful songs (including "Come Softly To Me" and "Graduation's Here"), the soundtrack of our lives, to be released in 2006 (online at www.GretchenChristopher.com and www.fleetwoods.com).
1948     Richie Cole, Alto Sax, b. Trenton, NJ, USA.
1904     Jimmy Dorsey, Sax/leader, b. Shenandoah, PA, USA. d. June 12, 1957, New York, NY, USA. (Cancer). Brother Tommy was almost 2 years younger than brother Jimmy (reeds). In early 1920s, they first played with the Scranton Sirens orch. In 1925 they joined the California Ramblers Orch. They went on to play with Jean Goldkette and Paul Whiteman Orchestras. Began recording under their own names in 1928. Formed a touring band in 1934. Tommy Quit the Dorsey Bros band in 1935. They were re-united in 1950s. Tommy died 1 week after his 51st birthday.
1964     Martin France, Drums, b. Rainham, England
1956     Randy Jackson, producer/vocals, b. Baton Rouge, LA, USA. Randy is perhaps best known for being a judge in the American TV show 'American Idol'. "Judge" Jackson is the cousin of actor Samuel L. Jackson and has played bass for the band 'Journey'. The band consisted of Neal Schon - Guitar, Jonathan Cain -Keyboards, Ross Valory -Bass, Steve Augeri -Vocals, and Deen Castronovo -Drums. In 1973, Journey was founded in San Francisco around former 'Santana' members Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie, along with Ross Valory, George Tickner and Prairie Prince. 'Journey's' melodic Rock legacy has spanned nearly 30 years with 18 U.S. releases and 50,000,000 in album sales. Randy was married to Elizabeth Jackson until 1990 when he divorced her. Since 1995, he has been married to Erika Riker. CAUTION: Do not confuse with vocalist Randy Jackson, who was born Oct. 29, 1961.
1940     Paul Rutherford, trombonist, b. Greenwich, En ngland, (raised in Blackheath Villag), UK, d. August 5, 2007, Manchester, England, UK. Age: 67.
1917     Dinah Shore, Vocals, b. Winchester, TN, USA. d. Feb. 24, 1994. Beverly Hills, CA, USA. (Cancer). née: Frances Rose Shore. Her first fame was as vocalist on a New York radio (WEAF. NBC's 'Red Network') show entitled "The Philharmonic, Symphonic, Chamber Music and Jazz Society of Lower Basin Street" (with Dr. Henry "Hot Lips" Levine conducting one of the orchestras.) Among her many hit records were "Yes, My Darling Daughter", "The Breeze and I", "Blues in the Night", "I'll Walk Alone", and "Buttons and Bows". Later, she sponsored the 'Dinah Shore Classic Pro Golf Tournament' for over twenty years.
1906     Frankie Lee Sims, guitar, b. New Orleans, LA, USA.
1964     Mervyn Warren, singer-songwriter/lyricist/arranger/pianist/film composer/record producer, b. Huntsville, AL, USA. Member: 'Take 6', the a-cappella sextet (1980-1991). This 5-time Grammy Award winner and 10-time Grammy Award nominee, is equally adept at Pop, R&B, hip-hop, classical, orchestral, jazz, vocal, country, and even gospel. His client roster ranges from Barbra Streisand to 'DMX' and everything in-between.
         Notable Events occuring this date include:
45BC.    Roman Emperor Julius Caesar added an extra day to the Julian calendar every fourth year upon the advice of astronomer, Sosigenes. We call it a 'Leap Year'.
1932.    Bing Crosby and the Mills Brothers teamed up to record "Shine" for Brunswick Records.
1988.    George Vaughn Horton, C&W songwriter, died in New Port Richey, FL, USA. Age: 75
1992.    Ina Beatrice Walker, vocals, died in Oakland, CA, USA.
1996.    Wes Farrell, songwriter, died in Fisher Island, FL, USA. Age: 56
         Songs Recorded/Released this date include:
    1960     "Beyond the Sea", - Bobby Darin
    1952     "Blue Tango", Winterhalter, Hugo
    1964     "Hello, Dolly!", Armstrong, Louis
    1968     "Love is Blue" - Paul Mauriat
    1976     "Good Hearted Woman", - Waylon & Willie
    1984     "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", - Cyndi Lauper
    1992     "To Be with You", - Mr. Big
    1992     "I'm Too Sexy", - R-S-F ('Right, Said Fred')
    1992     "Remember the Time", - Michael Jackson
    1992     "What.s She Doing Now", - Garth Brooks