United Artist Records

Columbia Records

Plas Johnson (July 21, 1931 – July 15, 2026) was a member of the Wrecking Crew and played on records by artists as varied as Ella Fitzgerald, The Platters, Joni Mitchell and many more. Henry Mancini wrote the lead saxophone part on this famous tune specifically for him.

Tony Bennett (August 3, 1926 – July 21, 2023)

https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Solomon_Burke#google_vignette:

“Burke's powerful singing and stage presence were well-received by live audiences, as well as both peers and critics. However, he was not able to break through into the mainstream. He moved to the Bell label in 1969, and recorded for Dunhill, MGM, and Chess labels in the 70s.

In the 80s and 90s, Burke was one of the chief exponents of classic soul music, touring and producing record albums in a style that merged his gospel and R&B roots. As a result, his music was mainly marketed to an audience that appreciated Burke's musical roots rather than pop music. Burke's live and recorded music remained a favorite of those who wanted to experience a legendary soul singer who had maintained his original style. In 1987, he appeared in the movie The Big Easy as Daddy Mention. He would continue to tour with a 21-piece band through the 1990s.
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Born on this day in 1948, Yusuf Islam is known for being a singer and an outstanding songwriter. However, my favorite song of his from the 1960s was co-written with Kim Fowley who was born on this day in 1939.

John Lodge (20 July 1943 – 10 October 2025) wrote this classic.