May 1974 in Music

Events in Music

  • May 6 Stolen "Guitar Player" painting by Jan Vermeer found in London
  • May 11 "Tubular Bells" by Mike Oldfield hits #7

Event of interestEvent of Interest

May 11 Steely Dan releases "Rikki Don't Lose that Number"

Singer Donald Fagen
Singer
Donald Fagen
  • May 18 "Streak" by Ray Stevens hits #1
  • May 28 "Magic Show" opens at Cort Theater NYC for 1859 performances
  • May 28 Stephen Schwartz' musical "Magic Show" premieres in NYC

Birthdays in Music

  • May 2 Garðar Thór Cortes, Icelandic tenor
  • May 13 Tim McMahon, American hardcore singer (Mouthpiece, Hands Tied, Triple Threat)
  • May 15 Ahmet Rodan Zappa, son of Frank/rocker (Z, 2 Hip 4 TV)
  • May 16 Laura Pausini, Italian pop singer
  • May 16 Sonny Sandoval, American singer (P.O.D.)
  • May 21 Havoc [Kejuan Muchita], American rapper (Mobb Deep), born in Queensbridge, Queens, New York

Person of interestJewel Kilcher

May 23 Jewel Kilcher, American singer-songwriter (Pieces of You), born in Payson, Utah

Singer-Songwriter Jewel Kilcher
Singer-Songwriter
Jewel Kilcher
  • May 23 Mónica Naranjo, Spanish singer
  • May 25 Frank Klepacki, American musician
  • May 30 Cee-Lo, American musician
  • May 30 Big L, American rapper (d. 1999)

Deaths in Music

  • May 4 Israel Citkowitz, composer, dies at 65
  • May 8 Graham Bond, British R&B musician, dies jumping under a train at 36
  • May 9 Lyubomir Pipkov, composer, dies at 69

Person of interestDuke Ellington

May 24 Duke Ellington, American musician, dies of cancer at 75

Jazz Musician and Composer Duke Ellington
Jazz Musician and Composer
Duke Ellington
  • May 25 Pam Morrison, wife of Door's vocalist Jim, dies of drug overdose