Music Makers Encyclopedia: R


Click on a letter to choose an act ("S" for Bruce Springsteen, "B" for Beatles, etc.). Shown with the act are its major awards, short bios for select acts, and links to albums and songs reviewed by the DMDB.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z VARIOUS ARTISTS

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Sun Ra

Jazz bandleader, composer, and pianist born Herman Poole Blount on 5/22/1914 in Birmingham, AL. Died 5/30/1993.

Album(s):
Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra, Vol. 1 (1965)
Atlantis (1969)


Eddie Rabbitt

Country singer born 11/27/1941 in Brooklyn, NY. Died 5/7/1998.

Song(s):
Drinkin’ My Baby Off My Mind (1976)
You Don’t Love Me Anymore (1978)
I Just Want to Love You (1978)
Every Which Way But Loose (1978)
Suspicions (1979)
Gone Too Far (1980)
Drivin’ My Life Away (1980)
I Love a Rainy Night (1980)
Step by Step (1981)
Someone Could Lose a Heart Tonight (1981)
You and I (with Crystal Gayle, 1982)
You Can’t Run from Love (1983)
The Best Year of My Life (1984)
Both to Each Other (Friends & Lovers) (with Juice Newton, 1986)
I Wanna Dance with You (1988)
The Wanderer (1988)
On Second Thought (1989)


Trevor Rabin

Progressive rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born 1/13/1954 in Johannesburg, South Africa. With Yes (1982-94).


Racey

Song(s):
Lay Your Love on Me (1978)
Some Girls (1979)
Kitty (1979)


Sergei Rachmaninoff

Classical composer, pianist, and conductor born 4/1/1873 in Novgorod Oblast, Russia. Died 3/28/1943.

Song(s):
Prelude in C# Minor (1893)

Album(s):
Piano Concerto No. 2 (1901)
Piano Concerto No. 3 (1909)
Vespers (All-Night Vigil) (1915)
Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini (1934)


The Raconteurs

Alternative-rock group fronted by Jack White.

Song(s):
Jack White: Top 50 Songs
Steady As She Goes (2006)
Level (2006)
Salute Your Solution (2008)

Album(s):
Broken Boy Soldiers (2006)
Help Us Stranger (2019)


The Radiants

Song(s):
Voice Your Choice (1964)


Radio Birdman

Song(s):
I-94 (1976)


Radiohead

Experimental-rock group formed in Oxford, England in 1985. Members: Thom Yorke (v), brothers Jonny Greenwood (g) and Colin Greenwood (b), Ed O’Brien (g), and Phil Selway (d). Yorke and Jonny Greenwood also formed The Smile (2021-).

DMDB Podcast: Radiohead’s OK Computer 25th Anniversary

Song(s):
Radiohead: Top 100 Songs
Creep (1992)
Fake Plastic Trees (1995)
High and Dry (1995)
Just (1995)
Street Spirit (Fade Out) (1995)
Paranoid Android (1997)
Karma Police (1997)
No Surprises (1997)
Exit Music (For a Film) (1997)
Idioteque (2000)
Everything in Its Right Place (2000)
Knives Out (2001)
True Love Waits (2001)
There There (2003)
Reckoner (2007)
Weird Fishes/Arpeggi (2007)

Album(s):
Pablo Honey (1993)
The Bends (1995)
OK Computer (1997)
Kid A (2000)
Amnesiac (2001)
Hail to the Thief (2003)
The Best of (compilation: 1992-2003, released 2008)
In Rainbows (2007)
The King of Limbs (2011)
A Moon Shaped Pool (2016)


Radio Stars

Song(s):
Johnny Mikeon (1977)


Carl Radle

Rock bassist born 6/18/1942 in Tulsa, OK. With Gary Lewis & the Playboys (1965-69), Delaney & Bonnie, Joe Cocker, Derek & the Dominos (1970-71), and Eric Clapton (1970-78).


James Rado

Song(s) by Galt MacDermot, Gerome Ragni and James Rado:
Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (from Hair, 1969) – see Fifth Dimension

Album(s):
Hair (musical: 1967, soundtrack: 1979) – see Galt MacDermot


Raekwon

Album(s):
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx (1995)


Rae Sremmurd

Song(s):
Throw Sum Mo (with Nicki Minaj & Young Thug, 2015)
Black Beatles (with Gucci Mane, 2016)


Gerry Rafferty

Song(s):
Baker Street (1978)
Right Down the Line (1978)

Album(s):
City to City (1978)


Rage Against the Machine

Song(s):
Killing in the Name (1993)
Bulls on Parade (1996)
The Ghost of Tom Joad (1998)
Sleep Now in the Fire (1999)

Album(s):
Rage Against the Machine (1992)
Evil Empire (1996)
The Battle of Los Angeles (1999)


Rag 'N' Bone Man

Song(s):
Human (2016)


Gerome Ragni

Song(s) by Galt MacDermot, Gerome Ragni and James Rado:
Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In (from Hair, 1969) – see Fifth Dimension

Album(s):
Hair (musical: 1967, soundtrack: 1979) – see Galt MacDermot


Rahiem

Rap songwriter born Guy Williams on 2/13/1963 in the Bronx, NY. With Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five.


A.R. Rahman

Film composer born Allah Rakha Rahman on 1/6/1966 in India.

Song(s):
Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny) (with the Pussycat Dolls, 2009)


Rainbow

Hard rock group (1975-84, 1995). Members: Ritchie Blackmore (g: 75-84, 95) with Elf band members Ronnie James Dio (v: 75-79), Mickey Lee Soule (k: 75), and Gary Driscoll (d: 75). Other members over the years: Don Airey (k: 79-83), Jimmy Bain (b: 76-78?), Graham Bonnet (v: 79-80), Chuck Burgi (d: 83-84), Tony Carey (k: 76-78), Bob Daisley (b: 78-79), Roger Glover (b: 79-83), Craig Gruber (b: 75), Paul Morris (k: 95), John O’Reilly (d: 95), Cozy Powell (d: 76-80), Bobby Rondinelli (d: 80-83), David Rosenthal (k: 83-84), Greg Smith (b: 95), David Stone (k: 78-79), Joe Lynn Turner (v: 80-84), Doogie White (v: 95).

Blackmore, Glover, & Turner were also members of Deep Purple.

Song(s):
Stargazer (1976)
Since You’ve Been Gone (1979)

Album(s):
Rising (1976)


Chuck Rainey


Ma Rainey

Blues singer born Gertrude Pridgett on 4/26/1886 in Columbus, GA. Died 12/22/1939.

Song(s):
Countin’ the Blues (1924)
See See Rider Blues (1925)
Prove It on Me Blues (1928)


Ralph Rainger


The Rainmakers

Roots-rock band from Missouri. Active 1986-1997, 2011-. Started in 1983 as a trio named Steve, Bob, & Rich comprised of Steve Phillips (g/v), Bob Walkenhorst (v/g/d), and Rich Ruth (b/v: 83-94). Added Pat Tomek (d) in 1986 when they became the Rainmakers. Other members have included Michael Bliss (b/v: 97) and Jeff Porter (g/k/v: 11-).

Bob Walkenhorst's DMDB profile

DMDB podcast: The Best of Bob Walkenhorst & the Rainmakers

Song(s):
The Top 100 Songs of the Rainmakers & Bob Walkenhorst
Let My People Go Go (1984)
Nobody Knows (1984)
Big Fat Blonde (1984)
Downstream (1986)
The Wages of Sin (1987)
Like Dogs (2011)
Last Song of the Evening (2011)
America (2015)

Album(s):
Balls (1984)
The Rainmakers (1986)
Tornado (1987)
The Good News and the Bad News (1989)
Flirting with the Universe (1994)
Skin (1997)
25 On (2011)
Monster Movie (2014)
Cover Band (2015)

The DMDB Blog:
When the Rainmakers Came to Town (4/7/2011), also on Facebook.


Bonnie Raitt

Blues-rock singer and guitarist born 11/8/1949 in Burbank, CA.

Song(s):
Angel from Montgomery (1971)
I Thought I Was a Child (1973)
Nick of Time (1989)
Thing Called Love (1989)
Something to Talk About (1991)
I Can’t Make You Love Me (1991)
Love Sneakin’ Up on You (1994)
You Got It (1995)
Just Like That (2022)

Album(s):
The Collection (compilation: 1971-86, released 1990)
Nick of Time (1989)
Luck of the Draw (1991)
Longing in Their Hearts (1994)


Rakim

Rap singer born William Michael Griffin on 1/28/1968 in Wyandanch, NY. See Eric B. & Rakim


Eros Ramazzotti

Singer/songwriter born Eros Walter Luciano Ramazzotti on 10/28/1963 in Rome, Italy.


Jean-Philippe Rameau

Classical composer born in 9/25/1683 in Dijon, France. Died on 9/12/1764.


Ram Jam

Song(s):
Black Betty (1977)


Dee Dee Ramone

Punk-rock bassist born Douglas Glenn Colvin on 9/18/1951 in Fort Gregg-Adams, VA. Died 6/5/2002. With Ramones.


Joey Ramone

Punk-rock singer and guitarist born Jeffrey Ross Hyman 5/19/1951 in Forest Hills, NY. Died 4/15/2001. With Ramones.


Johnny Ramone

Punk-rock guitarist born John William Cummings on 10/8/1948 in Long Island, NY. Died 9/15/2004. With Ramones.


Marky Ramone

Punk-rock drummer born Marc Steven Bell on 7/15/1952 in New York City, NY. With Ramones.


Phil Ramone

Record producer, engineer, violinist, and composer born Philip Rabinowitz on 1/5/1934 in South Africa. Died 3/30/2013. Winner of 14 Grammys. Nicknamed "The Pope of Pop." Among the artists he worked with are Burt Bacharach, The Band, Ray Charles, Chicago, Bob Dylan, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Elton John, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Madonna, Barry Manilow, Paul McCartney, George Michael, Olivia Newton-John, Carly Simon, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, Rod Stewart, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder.

DMDB Profile Page

Notable Songs Engineered and/or Produced by Ramone:
It's My Party (1963) – see Lesley Gore
You Don't Own Me (1963) – see Lesley Gore
The Girl from Ipanema (1964) – see Stan Getz
A Whiter Shade of Pale (1967) – see Procol Harum
Alice's Restaurant Massacre (1967) – see Arlo Guthrie
Everybody's Talkin' (1968) – see Harry Nilsson
Do You Know the Way to San Jose? (1968) – see Dionne Warwick
Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head (1969) – see B.J. Thomas
Tangled Up in Blue (1975) – see Bob Dylan
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (1975) – see Paul Simon
Afternoon Delight (1976) – see Starland Vocal Band
Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born) (1976) – see Barbra Streisand
Just the Way You Are (1977) – see Billy Joel
Ghostbusters (1984) – see Ray Parker Jr.
Crazy for You (1985) – see Madonna

Notable Albums Engineered and/or Produced by Ramone:
Stan Getz with João Gilberto - Getz/Gilberto (1963)
The Band – The Band
The Rolling Stones – Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out
Paul McCartney – Ram
The Band – Rock of Ages
Blood on the Tracks (1975) – see Bob Dylan
Still Crazy After All These Years (1975) – see Paul Simon
A Star Is Born (soundtrack: 1976) – see Barbra Streisand
The Stranger (1977) – see Billy Joel
52nd Street (1978) – see Billy Joel
Flashdance (soundtrack: 1983) – see Various Artists
Duets (1993) – see Frank Sinatra
Tony Bennett – Duets
It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook – see Rod Stewart
Genius Loves Company (2004) – see Ray Charles


Tommy Ramone

Punk-rock drummer and producer born Tamás Erdélyi on 1/29/1952 in Budapest, Hungary. Died 7/11/2014. With Ramones.


Ramones

Punk rock group formed in New York City, NY. Active: 1974-1996 Members: Joey Ramone (v; born Jeffrey Hyman on 5/19/52; died 4/15/01), Dee Dee Ramone (b – Ramones: 74-89; solo as rapper Dee Dee King; Chinese Dragons; born Douglas Colvin on 9/18/52), Johnny Ramone (g; born John Cummings on 10/8/51), Tommy Ramone (d/manager: 74-77; born Tom Erydelyi on 1/29/52), Marky Ramone (d – Voidoid; Ramones: 74-83,87-; born Marc Bee), Richie Ramone (d – Velveteens; Ramones: 83-87; born Richard Beau), C.J. Ramone (b: 88-; born Christopher John Ward).

Song(s):
Blitzkrieg Bop (1976)
Sheena Is a Punk Rocker (1977)
Rockaway Breach (1977)
I Wanna Be Sedated (1978)
I’m Against It (1978)
Rock and Roll High School (1979)
Merry Christmas (I Don't Wanna Fight Tonight) (1989)

Album(s):
Ramones (1976)
Rocket to Russia (1977)
Leave Home (1977)
End of the Century (1980)
Mania (1988)

The DMDB Blog:
The Ramones' first gig at CBGB: August 16, 1974 (8/16/11)


Rancid

Song(s):
Radio Radio Radio (1994)
Ruby Soho (1995)
Time Bomb (1995)

Album(s):
And Out Come the Wolves (1995)


Teddy Randazzo


Boots Randolph & His Combo


Yakety Sax (Benny Hill Theme) (1963)


Randy & the Rainbows

Song(s):
Denise (1963)


Shabba Ranks

Song(s):
Mr. Loverman (1992)

Album(s):
As Raw As Ever (1991)


The Rapture

Song(s):
House of Jealous Lovers (2002)

Album(s):
Echoes (2003)


Rascal Flatts

Song(s):
I'm Movin’ On (2001)
These Days (2002)
Mayberry (2004)
Bless the Broken Road (2004)
Fast Cars and Freedom (2005)
Life Is a Highway (2006)
What Hurts the Most (2006)
My Wish (2006)
Stand (2007)
Take Me There (2007)
Here (2008)
Here Comes Goodbye (2009)
Why Wait (2010)
Banjo (2012)
I Like the Sound of That (2015)
Yours if You Want It (2017)

Album(s):
Feels Like Today (2004)
Me and My Gang (2006)
Still Feels Good (2007)
Unstoppable (2009)


The Rascals

– see The Young Rascals


The Raspberries

Song(s):
Go All the Way (1972)
Overnight Sensation (Hit Record) (1974)


Ratcat

Song(s):
Tingles (EP) (1991)
Don’t Go Now (1991)


Nathaniel Rateliff

Song(s):
Son of a Bitch (with the Night Sweats, 2015)
You Worry Me (2018)
And It's Still Alright (2020)


Ratt

Song(s):
Round and Round (1984)
You're in Love (1985)
Lay It Down (1985)


Fritz Rau


Maurice Ravel

Classical composer born Joseph Maurice Ravel on 3/7/1875 in Ciboure, France. Died 12/28/1937.

Album(s):
String Quartet in F major (1903)
Daphnis et Chloé (classical ballet, 1912)
Boléro (classical ballet, 1928)
Piano Concerto in G Major (classical concerto, 1931)


The Ravens


Thurl Ravenscroft

Song(s):
You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (1966)


Lou Rawls

Blues/soul singer born 12/22/1933 in Chicago, IL. Died 1/6/2006.

Song(s):
Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing (1966)
You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine (1976)


Amy Ray

Folk-rock singer/songwriter born 4/12/1964 in Decatur, GA. With Indigo Girls (1985-).

Album(s):
Stag (2001)
Prom (2005)
Didn't It Feel Kinder (2008)


Johnnie Ray

Singer/songwriter born 1/10/1927 in Dallas, OR. Died 2/24/1990.

Song(s):
Cry (with the Four Lads, 1951)
The Little White Cloud That Cried (1952)
Walking My Baby Back Home (1952)
Just Walkin’ in the Rain (1956)
I’ll Never Fall in Love Again (1959)


Tia Ray

Song(s):
Be Apart (2018)


Raye

Song(s):
Escapism (with 070 Shake, 2022)


Collin Raye

Song(s):
Love, Me (1991)
In This Life (1992)
My Kind of Girl (1994)
I Can Still Feel You (1998)


Don Raye


Eugene Raymond

Song(s) adapted by Raymond:
Pop Goes the Weasel (1852)


The Rays

Song(s):
Silhouettes (1957)


Andy Razaf


Ready for the World

Song(s):
Oh Sheila (1985)
Love You Down (1986)


Real Life

Song(s):
Send Me an Angel (1983)


Real McCoy

Song(s):
Another Night (1993)


Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr.

see Dr. John


Redbone

Song(s):
Come and Get Your Love (1974)


Noel Redding

Rock bassist born David Noel Redding on 12/25/1945 in Folkestone, England. Died 5/11/2003. With Noel Redding.


Otis Redding

Soul singer/songwriter, producer, and pianist born 9/9/1941 in Dawson, GA. Died in a plane crash on 12/10/67 in Lake Monona in Madison, WI. First recorded with Johnny Jenkins & the Pinetoppers in 1960. Killed in plane crash along with four members of the Bar-Kays.

Song(s):
These Arms of Mine (1963)
Pain in My Heart (1963)
Mary’s Little Lamb (1963)
I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (1965)
Respect (1965)
Shake (1965)
Try a Little Tenderness (1966)
Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song) (1966)
I Can’t Turn You Loose (1966)
Tramp (with Carla Thomas, 1967)
Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay (1968)
Love Man (1969)
You Left the Water Running (1976)

Album(s):
Otis Blue (1965)
The Dictionary of Soul (1966)
The Dock of the Bay (1968)
Otis! The Definitive Otis Redding (1993)

The DMDB Blog:
Otis Redding was killed in a plane crash: December 10, 1967 (12/10/11)


Helen Reddy

Pop singer born 10/25/1941 in Melbourne, Australia.

Song(s):
I Don't Know How to Love Him (from Jesus Christ Superstar, 1971)
I Am Woman (1972)
Delta Dawn (1973)
Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress) (1973)
Angie Baby (1974)
Candle on the Water (from Pete's Dragon, 1977)


The Red Crayola (aka "The Red Krayola")

Album(s):
The Parable of Arable Land (1967)


Redfoo

Song(s):
Let’s Get Ridiculous (2013)


Redgum

Song(s):
I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Grass) (1983)


Red Hot Chili Peppers

Rap-styled alternative funk-rock group based out of Los Angeles, CA. Active: 1983- Members: Anthony Kiedis (vocals: 1983-present), Michael "Flea" Balzay (bass/trumpet/piano/backing vocals: 1983-present), Chad Smith (drums, percussion: 1988-present), John Frusciante (guitar/keyboards/backing vocals: 1988-92, 1998-2009, 2019-present), Cliff Martinez (drums: 1983-86), Hillel Slovak (guitar/backing vocals: 1984-88. Died of a heroin overdose on 6/25/88 at age 26), Jack Irons (drums: 1983, 1986-88), Zander Schloss (bass: 1992), Arik Marshall (drums: 1992), Jesse Tobias (drums: 1992), Dave Navarro (guitar: 1994-97), Josh Klinghoffer (guitars/keyboards/backing vocals: 2009-2019).

DMDB Profile Page
DMDB podcast: The Best of the Red Hot Chili Peppers (1983-2022)

Song(s):
Red Hot Chili Peppers: Top 50 Songs
Higher Ground (1989)
Give It Away (1991)
Under the Bridge (1992)
My Friends (1995)
Scar Tissue (1999)
Californication (1999)
Other Side (1999)
By the Way (2002)
Can’t Stop (2002)
Dani California (2006)
Snow (Hey Oh) (2006)
Hard to Concentrate (2006)

Album(s):
The Red Hot Chili Peppers (1984)
Freaky Styley (1985)
The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987)
Mother’s Milk (1989)
Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)
What Hits!? (compilation: 1984-91, released 1992)
One Hot Minute (1995)
Californication (1999)
By the Way (2002)
Greatest Hits (compilation: 1989-2003, released 2003)
Stadium Arcadium (2006)
Road Trippin’ Through Time (compilation: 1991-2006, released 2011)
I’m With You (2011)
The Getaway (2016)
Unlimited Love (2022)
Return of the Dream Canteen (2002)


Redman

Song(s):
Dirrty (2002) – see Christina Aguilera


Don Redman

Song(s):
Lazy Bones (with Harlan Lattimore, 1933)


Lewis Redner

Song(s) written by Redner & Phillips Brooks:
O Little Town of Bethlehem (1868)


Rednex

Song(s):
Cotton Eye Joe (1994)


Blind Alfred Reed

Song(s):
How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live (1930)


Dizzy Reed

Rock keyboardist born Darren Arthur Reed on 6/18/1963 in Hinsdale, IL. With Guns N’ Roses (1990-).


Herb Reed

R&B singer born 8/7/1928 in Kansas City, MO. Died 6/4/2012. With The Platters.


James Reed

Song(s):
There's a Long, Long Trail (1915) – see James F. Harrison
My Little Dream Girl (1915) – see James F. Harrison
My Sweet Adair (1915) – see James F. Harrison


Jerry Reed

Country singer and guitarist born Jerry Reed Hubbard on 3/20/1937 in Atlanta, GA. Died 9/1/2008.

Song(s):
When You’re Hot, You’re Hot (1971)
Lord Mr. Ford (1973)
She Got the Goldmine, I Got the Shaft (1982)


Jimmy Reed

Blues singer and guitarist born Mathis James Reed on 9/26/1925 in Dunleith, MI. Died 8/29/1976.

Song(s):
Big Boss Man (1960)
Baby, What You Want Me to Do (1960)
Bright Lights, Big City (1961)

Album(s):
I'm Jimmy Reed (1958)


Johnny Reed

R&B bass singer born 7/16/1923 in Baltimore, MD. With The Orioles.


Lou Reed

DMDB profile page

Experimental rock singer/songwriter born 3/2/1942 in Long Island, NY. Died 10/27/2013. Established himself as "The Godfather of Punk" with art-rock group The Velvet Underground (1965-70) before going solo in the 1970s.

Song(s):
Lou Reed/Velvet Underground: Top 50 Songs
Walk on the Wild Side (1972)
Perfect Day (1972)
Satellite of Love (1972)
Vicious (1972)
Berlin (1972)
Caroline Says II (1973)
Cone Island Baby (1975)
Metal Machine Music Part 1 (1975)
Waves of Fear (1982)
Halloween Parade (1989)
There Is No Time (1989)
Perfect Day (written by Lou Reed, recorded by various artists, 1997)

Album(s):
Lou Reed/Velvet Underground: Top 10 Albums
Lou Reed (1972)
Transformer (1972)
Berlin (1973)
Rock 'N' Roll Animal (live, 1974)
Between Thought and Expression (box: 1972-88, released 1992)
New York (1989)
Songs for Drella (with John Cale, 1990)
Magic Loss (1992)
Set the Twilight Reeling (1996)
Ecstasy (2000)

The DMDB Blog:
Lou Reed, 1942-2013: He Taught Rock to Walk on the Wild Side (10/27/13)


Reef

Album(s):
Glow (1997)


The Reels

Song(s):
Quasimodo’s Dream (1981)


Della Reese

Song(s):
Don’t You Know (1959)


Billy Reeves

Song(s) written by Billy Reeves and Frank Campbell:
Shoo Fly Don't Bother Me (1869)


Jim Reeves

Country singer born James Travis Reeves on 8/20/1923 in Galloway, TX. Died 7/31/1964.

Song(s):
Mexican Joe (1953)
Bimbo (1953)
Four Walls (1957)
Billy Bayou (1958)
He’ll Have to Go (1959)
I Love You Because (1964)
I Guess I’m Crazy (1964)
This Is It (1965)
Is It Really Over? (1965)
Distant Drums (1966)
Blues Side of Lonesome (1966)
I Won’t Come in While He’s There (1967)


Lois Reeves

R&B singer born 4/12/1948 in Detroit, MI. With Martha & the Vandellas.


Martha Reeves

R&B singer born in Eufaula, Alabama on 7/18/1941. With Martha & the Vandellas


Shirley Alston Reeves

R&B singer born Shirley Owens on 6/10/1941 in Henderson, NC. With Shirley Alston Reeves.


Gayla Reevey

Song(s):
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas (1953)


Re-Flex

Song(s):
The Politics of Dancing (1983)


Refused

Album(s):
The Shape of Punk to Come: A Chimerical Bombation in 12 Bursts (1997)


Regard

Song(s):
Ride It (2020)


The Regents

Song(s):
Barbara Ann (1961)


Trovadores Regionales

Song(s):
Gregorio Cortez (1929)


Herb Rehbein


Steve Reich

Album(s):
New Sounds in Electronic Music (with Richard Maxfield & Pauline Oliveros, 1967)
Music for 18 Musicians (1978)


Antonio "L.A." Reid

Record executive (LaFace, Arista, Def Jam Island, Epic). Born Antonio Marquis Reid on 6/7/1956 in Cincinnati, OH.


Carl Reiner

Album(s):
2000 and Thirteen (with Mel Brooks, comedy, 1973)


Django Reinhardt

Pioneering virtuoso jazz guitarist and composer born Jean Reinhardt 1/23/1910 in Liberchies, Pont-à-Celles, Belgium. Died 5/16/1953. Invented a new style of jazz guitar technique sometimes known as "hot" jazz guitar.

Song(s):
Djangology (Quintette of the Hot Club of France featuring Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, 1935)
Nuages (Django Reinhardt with Stéphane Grappelli and the Quintet of the Hot Club of France) (1946)


Leo Reisman

Bandleader and violinist born 10/11/1897 in Boston, MA. Died 12/18/1961.

Song(s):
Bye Bye Blackbird (1926)
With a Song in My Heart (with Ran Weeks, 1929)
The Wedding of the Painted Doll (with Lew Conrad, 1929)
I’ll See You Again (1930)
What Is This Thing Called Love? (1930)
Someday I’ll Find You (with Frances Maddux, 1931)
Night and Day (1932) – see Fred Astaire
Paradise (with Frances Maddux, 1932)
Yesterdays (with Frank Luther, 1933)
Easter Parade (with Clifton Webb, 1933)
Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin’ All the Time) (with Harold Arlen, 1933)
By a Waterfall (1933)
With My Eyes Wide Open, I’m Dreaming (with George Bueler, 1934)
The Continental (You Kiss While You’re Dancing) (1934)
Cheek to Cheek (1935) – see Fred Astaire


Keith Relf

Rock singer and harmonica player born William Keith Relf in Richmond, England. Died 5/12/1976. With Yardbirds (1963-68).


R.E.M.

Rock group formed in Athens, GA. Active: 1980-2011. Developed huge following with college audiences in the early 1980s as one of the first "alternative rock" groups. R.E.M. is the abbreviation for Rapid Eye Movement, sleep’s dream stage. Members: Michael Stipe (v), Peter Buck (g; also in Minus 5: 95), Mike Mills (b), and Bill Berry (d: 80-98). Buck, Mills, and Berry worked with Warren Zevon on the one-time collaboration Hindu Love Gods in 1990.

Links:

DMDB profile page: R.E.M.: A Retrospective (1980-2011)
DMDB podcast: The Best of R.E.M. 1981-1987

Song(s):
R.E.M.: Top 100 Songs
Radio Free Europe (1981)
So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry) (1984)
Don’t Go Back to Rockville (1984)
Can’t Get There from Here (1985)
Fall on Me (1986)
Superman (1986)
The One I Love (1987)
It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) (1987)
Orange Crush (1988)
Losing My Religion (1991)
Shiny Happy People (1991)
Drive (1992)
Man on the Moon (1992)
Everybody Hurts (1992)
One (live, 1993) – see U2
What’s the Frequency, Kenneth? (1994)
Bang and Blame (1994)
Strange Currencies (1994)
Crush with Eyeliner (1994)
E-Bow the Letter (1996)
Hope (1998)
The Great Beyond (1999)
Supernatural Superserious (2008)
Hollow Man (2008)

Album(s):
Chronic Town (EP, 1982)
Murmur (1983)
Reckoning (1984)
Fables of the Reconstruction (1985)
Life’s Rich Pageant (1986)
Dead Letter Office (archives: 1981-86, released 1987)
Document (1987)
Eponymous (compilation: 1981-87, released 1988)
The Best of (compilation: 1981-87, released 1991)
Singles Collected (compilation: 1981-87, released 1994)
And I Feel Fine…The Best of the I.R.S. Years (compilation: 1981-87, released 2006)
Green (1988)
Out of Time (1991)
Automatic for the People (1992)
This Is It! (live import, 1993)
Monster (1994)
New Adventures in Hi-Fi (1996)
Up (1998)
Reveal (2001)
In Time – The Best of (compilation: 1988-2003, released 2003)
Around the Sun (2004)
Accelerate (2008)
Collapse Into Now (2011)
Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage (compilation: 1981-2011, released 2011)


Rema

Song(s):
Calm Down (with Selena Gomez, 2022)


The Rembrandts

Song(s):
I’ll Be There for You (1995)


Henri René


REO Speedwagon

Song(s):
Ridin’ the Storm Out (live, 1977)
157 Riverside Avenue (live, 1977)
Keep on Loving You (1980)
Take It on the Run (1980)
Can’t Fight This Feeling (1984)

Album(s):
Hi Infidelity (1980)
Wheels Are Turnin’ (1984)
The Hits (compilation: 1976-88, released 1988)


Reparata & the Delrons

Song(s):
I’m Nobody’s Baby Now (1966)


The Replacements

Song(s):
God Damn Job (1982)
I Will Dare (1984)
Unsatisfied (1984)
Answering Machine (1984)
Bastards of Young (1985)
Left of the Dial (1985)
Kiss Me on the Bus (1985)
Here Comes a Regular (1985)
Alex Chilton (1987)
Can’t Hardly Wait (1987)
I’ll Be You (1989)
Achin’ to Be (1989)
Merry Go Round (1990)

Album(s):
Let It Be (1984)
Tim (1985)


Harry Revel


The Revelers

Song(s):
The Blue Room (1926)
Valencia (A Song of Spain) (1926)
Russian Lullaby (1927)
Among My Souvenirs (1928)


Paul Revere & the Raiders

Song(s):
Steppin’ Out (1965)
Just Like Me (1965)
Good Thing (1966)
Hungry (1966)
Kicks (1966)
Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian) (1971)
I Had a Dream (1967)


` The Revivalists

Song(s):
Wish I Knew You (2016)
Kid (2023)


Eben E. Rexford

Songs written by Rexford (words) with Hart Pease Danks (music):
Silver Threads Among the Gold (1873)
Silver Threads Among the Gold (1904) – see Richard Jose


Bebe Rexha

Song(s):
In the Name of Love (2016) – see Martin Garrix
Meant to Be (with Florida Georgia Line, 2017)
Me, Myself & I (2015) – see G-Eazy
I’m Good (Blue) (2022) – see David Guetta


Alvino Rey

Song(s):
Deep in the Heart of Texas (with Bill Schallen & Skeets Herfurt, 1942)


Dan Reynolds

Rock singer born 7/14/1987 in Las Vegas, NV. With Imagine Dragons.


Debbie Reynolds

Song(s):
The Aba Daba Honeymoon (with Carleton Carpenter, 1951)
Tammy (1957) z


Jody Reynolds

Song(s):
Endless Sleep (1958)


Nicole Reynolds

Song(s):
When We Meet Again (2010)


Trent Reznor

Rock singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist born 5/17/1965 in New Castle, PA. Has recorded with/as Nine Inch Nails since 1988. Also does television and film scores including The Social Network, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and Gone Girl.


Thomas Rhett

Song(s):
It Goes Like This (2013)
Get Me Some of That (2013)
Make Me Wanna (2014)
Crash and Burn (2015)
Die a Happy Man (2015)
T-Shirt (2016)
Star of the Show (2016)
Craving You (with Maren Morris, 2017)
Unforgettable (2017)
Marry Me (2017)
Life Changes (2017)
Sixteen (2018)
Look What God Gave Her (2019)
Remember You Young (2019)
Beer Can’t Fix (with Jon Pardi, 2019)
What’s Your Country Song (2020)
Country Again (2021)
Half of Me (with Riley Green, 2022)
Angels Don’t Have Wings (2022)

Album(s):
Life Changes (2017)
Center Point Road (2019)


Randy Rhoads

Rock guitarist born 12/6/1956 in Santa Monica, CA. Died 3/19/1982. With Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne.


Nick Rhodes

New-wave keyboardist born Nicholas James Bates on 6/8/1962 in Birmingham, England. With Duran Duran (1978-) and Arcadia (1985-86).


Rhythim Is Rhythim

Song(s):
Strings of Life (1987)


The Rhythm Boys

Bing Crosby and singing partner Al Rinker were hired in 1926 by Paul Whiteman and, along with Harry Barris they became the Rhythm Boys and gained an increasing following. The trio split from Whiteman in 1930 and helmed "I Surrender Dear" which earned Bing a CBS radio contract and launched an unsurpassed solo career.

Song(s):
Side by Side (1927) – see Paul Whiteman
Three Little Words (1930) – see Duke Ellington


Rhythm Heritage


Theme from S.W.A.T. (1975)


Damien Rice

Song(s):
The Blower's Daughter (2004)
Volcano (2005)


Sir Tim Rice

Musical theater and moive composer born Timothy Miles Bindon Rice on 11/10/1944 in Shardeloes, Buckinghamshire, England.

Songs Written with Andrew Lloyd Webber:
I Don't Know How to Love Him (from Jesus Christ Superstar, 1971) – see Yvonne Elliman
I Don't Know How to Love Him (from Jesus Christ Superstar, 1971) – see Helen Reddy
Superstar (from Jesus Christ Superstar, 1971) – see Ben Vereen
Close Every Door (from Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 1972) – see Andrew Lloyd Webber
Don't Cry for Me Argentina (from Evita, 1976) – see Julie Covington
Don't Cry for Me Argentina (from Evita, 1996) – see Madonna

Songs Written with Elton John:
Can You Feel the Love Tonight (from The Lion King, 1994) – see Elton John
Circle of Life (from The Lion King, 1994) – see Elton John
Written in the Stars (from Aida, 1999) – see Elton John

Album(s):
Jesus Christ Superstar (studio: 1970, musical: 1971, soundtrack: 1973) – see Andrew Lloyd Webber
Evita - see Andrew Lloyd Webber; 1976, musical: 1978, soundtrack: 1996)
Aladdin (1992) – see Alan Menken
The Lion King (soundtrack: 1994, musical: 1997) – see Elton John
Aida (musical: 1999) – see Elton John


Buddy Rich

Jazz drummer and orchestral leader born Bernard Rich on 9/30/1917 in Brooklyn, NY. Died 4/2/1987. Considered by some to be the greatest drummer ever.


Charlie Rich

Country singer born Charles Allan Rich on 12/14/1932 in Colt, AR. Died 7/25/1995.

Song(s):
Lonely Weekends (1960)
Who Will the Next Fool Be? (1961)
Life’s Little Ups and Downs (1969)
Behind Closed Doors (1973)
The Most Beautiful Girl (1973)
There Won’t Be Anymore (1983)
A Very Special Love Song (1974)
I Don’t See Me in Your Eyes Anymore (1974)
I Love My Friend (1974)
She Called Me Baby (1974)
Rollin’ with the Flow (1977)
On My Knees (with Janie Fricke, 1978)

Album(s):
Behind Closed Doors (1973)
Very Special Love Songs (1974)
Original Hits and Midnight Demos (compilation, released 1985)
Don’t Put No Headstone on My Grave (1986)


Roddy Ricch

Song(s):
Ballin’ (2019) – see Mustard
The Box (2019)
High Fashion (with Mustard, 2019)
Racks in the Middle (2019) – see Nipsey Hussle
Rockstar (2020) – see DaBaby

Album(s):
Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial (2019)


The Tony Rich Project

Song(s):
Nobody Knows (1996)

Album(s):
Words (1996)


Cliff Richard

Pop singer born Harry Rodger Webb on 10/14/1940 in Lucknow, United Provinces, British India.

Song(s):
Move It (with the Drifters, 1958)
Living Doll (with the Drifters, 1959)
The Young Ones (with the Shadows, 1962)
The Next Time (with the Shadows, 1962)
Bachelor Boy (with the Shadows, 1962)
The Boys (with the Shadows, 1963)
Summer Holiday (with the Shadows, 1963)
It’s All in the Game (with the Shadows, 1963)
Congratulations (1968)
Power to All Our Friends (1973)
Devil Woman (1976)
We Don’t Talk Anymore (1979)
Carrie (1980)
Living Doll (with the Young Ones & Hank Marvin, 1986)
Mistletoe & Wine (1988)
The Millennium Prayer (1999)

Album(s):
Summer Holiday (with the Shadows, 1963)


Keith Richards

Rock guitarist and songwriter. Born 12/18/1943 in Dartford Kent, England. With the the Rolling Stones (1963-).

Song(s):
Take It So Hard (1988)


John Richbourg


Lionel Richie

Pop/R&B singer and songwriter (Kenny Rogers' "Lady") who started with the Commodores ("Three Times a Lady", "Still") before going solo. Born 6/20/1949 in Los Angeles, CA.

DMDB podcast: The Best of Lionel Richie

Song(s):
Lionel Richie/Commodores: Top 50 Songs
Machine Gun (1974) – see Commodores
Brick House (1977) – see Commodores
Easy (1977) – see Commodores
Three Times a Lady (1978) – see Commodores
Sail On (1979) – see Commodores
Still (1979) – see Commodores
Lady, You Bring Me Up (1981) – see Commodores
Lady (1980) – see Kenny Rogers
Endless Love (with Diana Ross, 1981)
Truly (1982)
You Are (1982)
All Night Long (All Night) (1983)
Hello (1983)
Stuck on You (1983)
Say You Say Me (1985)
Dancing on the Ceiling (1986)
Do It to Me (1992)

Album(s):
Can’t Slow Down (1983)
Dancing on the Ceiling (1986)
Back to Front (compilation: 1977-92, released 1992)
Tuskegee (with various artists, 2012)


Harry Richman

Song(s):
Blue Skies (1927)
Puttin’ on the Ritz (1930)


Sviatoslav Richter

Classical pianist born Sviatoslav Teofilovich Richter on 3/20/1915 in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, Russia. Died 8/1/1997.


Nelson Riddle

Jazz/big band leader born 6/1/1921. Died 10/6/1985.

Song(s):
Lisbon Antigua (1955)


Ride

Song(s):
Vapour Trail (1990)

Album(s):
Carnival of Light (1994)


Joshua Rifkin

Album(s):
Piano Rags by Scott Joplin (1970)


Righteous Brothers

Song(s):
Little Latin Lupe Lu (1963)
You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (1964)
Unchained Melody (1965)
Just Once in My Life (1965)
You’re My Soul and Inspiration (1966)


Right Said Fred

Song(s):
I'm Too Sexy (1991)
Deeply Dippy (1992)


Rihanna

Pop/R&B singer born 2/20/1988 in Saint Michael, Barbados. Youngest artist (age 23) in Billboard history to land 10 #1's.

Links: - official site - Facebook - Wikipedia

DMDB podcast: The Best of Rihanna, 2005-2022

Song(s):
Rihanna: Top 50 Songs
Pon De Replay (2005)
S.O.S. (Rescue Me) (2006)
Umbrella (with Jay-Z, 2007)
Don’t Stop the Music (2007)
Take a Bow (2008)
Disturbia (2008)
Live Your Life (2008) – see T.I.
Run This Town (2009) – see Jay-Z
Rude Boy (2009)
Love the Way You Lie (2010) – see Eminem
All of the Lights (2010) – see Kanye West
Only Girl in the World (2010)
What’s My Name? (with Drake, 2010)
S & M (with Britney Spears, 2010)
We Found Love (with Calvin Harris, 2011)
Diamonds (2012)
Stay (with Mikky Ekko, 2012)
Pour It Up (2012)
The Monster (2013) – see Eminem
Bad (2013) – see Wale
Four Five Seconds (with Kanye West & Paul McCartney, 2015)
Bitch Better Have My Money (2015)
This Is What You Came For (2016) – see Calvin Harris
Too Good (2016) – see Drake
Work (with Drake, 2016)
Needed Me (2016)
Love on the Brain (2016)
Wild Thoughts (2017) – see DJ Khaled
Lift Me Up (2022)

Album(s):
Good Girl Gone Bad (2007)
Loud (2010)
Talk That Talk (2011)
Unapologetic (2012)
Anti (2016)


Billy Riley & His Little Green Men

Song(s):
Red Hot (1957)
Flyin’ Saucers Rock and Roll (1957)


Billy Lee Riley

Musician and producer born 10/5/1933 in Pocahontas, AR. Died 8/2/2009. With Booker T & the MG’s.


Jeannie C. Riley

Song(s):
Harper Valley P.T.A. (1968)


Teddy Riley

Song(s):
Is It Good to You (with Tammy Lucas, 1992)


Terry Riley

Album(s):
A Rainbow in Curved Air (1968)
In C (1968)


Riley-Farley Orchestra

Song(s):
The Music Goes ‘Round and ‘Round (with Mike Reilly, 1935)


LeAnn Rimes

Country singer born Margaret LeAnn Rimes on 8/28/1982 in Jackson, Mississippi.

Song(s):
Blue (1996)
One Way Ticket (Because I Can) (1996)
How Do I Live (1997)
Can't Fight the Moonlight (2000)

Album(s):
Blue (1996)
Unchained Melody: The Early Years (1997)
You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs (1997)


Blanche Ring

Song(s):
I’ve Got Rings on My Fingers (1909)
Yip-I-Addy-I-Ay! (1909)
Come, Josephine, in My Flying Machine (1911)


Al Rinker

One of the Rhythm Boys.

Song(s):
My Heart Stood Still (1928) – see Paul Whiteman


Miguel Ríos

Song(s):
A Song of Joy (Himno a la Alegria) (1970)


Minnie Riperton


Lovin’ You (1975)


The Riptides

Song(s):
Tomorrow’s Tears (1980)


Rise Against


Paul Riser


Josh Ritter

Song(s):
Getting Ready to Get Down (2015)


Tex Ritter

Country singer born Woodward Maurice Ritter on 1/12/1905 in Nashville, TN. Died ½/1974.

Song(s):
I’m Wastin’ My Tears on You (1944)
You Two Timed Me One Time Too Often (1945)
You Will Have to Pay (1945)
High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me, Oh, My Darlin') (1952)


Johnny Rivers

Pop singer/songwriter born John Henry Ramistella on 11/7/1942 in New York City, NY.

Song(s):
Memphis Tennessee (1964)
The Seventh Son (1965)
Secret Agent Man (1966)
Poor Side of Town (1966)
Baby I Need Your Loving (1967)


The Rivingtons

Song(s):
Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow (1962)
The Bird’s the Word (1963)


Archie Roach

Song(s):
They Took the Children Away (1990)


Max Roach

Jazz drummer born 1/10/1924 in Pasquotank County, NC. Died 8/16/2007.

Song(s):
Joy Spring (1954) – see Clifford Brown
Driva Man (1960)

Album(s):
Jazz at Massey Hall (live, 1953) – see The Quintet
Clifford Brown and Max Roach (1954) – see Clifford Brown
We Insist! Freedom Now Suite (1960)


Hargus "Pig" Robbins

Country music session pianist. Blind since 4 because of a knife accident, learned to play piano at age seven when he attended the Nashville School for the Blind. In 1959, he played on his first of hundreds of professional recordings – George Jones' "White Lightning", his first #1 hit. Robbins went on to work with Patsy Cline, Porter Wagoner, Ray Price, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan (on the classic Blonde on Blonde album), Connie Smith, Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, and Travis Tritt. He has played on classic hits such as Charlie Rich's "Behind Closed Doors" and Crystal Gayle's "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue." In 1976, Robbins won the CMA Instrumentalist of the Year award and in 2000 he received the CMA Musician of the Year Award. In 2007, he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. His nickname, "Pig," came from him sneaking through a fire escape at school and playing when he wasn't supposed to. Robbins' supervisor said, he got as dirty as a pig.


Marty Robbins

Country singer/songwriter and guitarist born Martin David Robinson on 9/26/1925 in Glendale, AZ. Died 12/8/1982 of heart failure. Father of Ronny Robbins. Served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-47. Hosted Western Caravan TV show in Phoenix in 1951. Joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1953. Acted in the movies Road to Nashville and Guns of a Stranger. Hosted TV's Marty Robbin's Spotlight in 1977. Died of heart failure on 12/8/1982.

Song(s):
I’ll Go on Alone (1952)
Singing the Blues (1956)
A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation (1957)
Just Married (1958)
El Paso (1959)
Don’t Worry (1961)
Devil Woman (1962)
Ruby Ann (1962)
Begging to You (1963)
Ribbon of Darkness (1965)
Tonight Carmen (1967)
I Walk Alone (1968)
Ghost Riders in the Sky (1969)
My Woman, My Woman, My Wife (1970)
El Paso City (1976)
Among My Souvenirs (1976)

Album(s):
Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs (1959)


Rob E.G.

Song(s):
55 Days at Peking (1963)


Bob Roberts

Song(s):
I May Be Crazy, But I Ain’t No Fool (1904)
Back, Back, Back to Baltimore (1904)
Ragtime Cowboy Joe (1912)


Dick Robertson

Song(s):
Embraceable You (with Red Nichols
Love for Sale (1931) – see Libby Holman
Ferry Boat Serenade (1941)


Eck Robertson

Song(s):
The Arkansas Traveler (1922)
Sallie Gooden (1922)


Robbie Robertson

Rock singer/songwriter and guitarist born Jaime Royal Robertson on 7/5/1943 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With The Band and a solo artist. Died 8/9/2023.

Song(s):
Sweet Fire of Love (with U2, 1988)


Paul Robeson

Singer, actor, and civil rights activist born 4/9/1898 in Princeton, NY. Died 1/23/1976.

Song(s):
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (1926)
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (1926)
Ol' Man River (1932)

Album(s):
Ballad for Americans (1940)


Don Robey


Paul Robi

R&B singer born 8/20/1931 in New Orleans, LA. Died 2/1/1989. With The Platters.


Leo Robin


The Robins

R&B/doo-wop group. Carl Gardner (lead vocals), Bobby Nunn (bass vocals). Gardner and Nunn were also in The Coasters.

Song(s):
Double Crossing Blues (1950) – see Johnny Otis
Riot in Cell Block #9 (1954)
Smokey Joe’s Café (1955)


Bobby Robinson

Album(s):
I Hear Some Blues Downstairs (1977)


Claudette Rogers Robinson

R&B singer born Claudette Annette Rogers on 6/20/1942 in New Orleans, LA. With The Miracles (1957-72, 1983). Married to Smokey Robinson from 1959-86.


Cynthia Robinson

R&B trumpeter born 1/12/1944 in Sacramento, CA. Died 11/23/2015. With Sly & the Family Stone.


David Robinson

New wave drummer born on 4/2/1949 in Maiden, MA. With The Modern Lovers (1970-73) and The Cars (1976-88, 2000, 2010-11, 2018).


Floyd Robinson

Song(s):
Makin’ Love (1959)


Smokey Robinson

R&B singer/songwriter born William Robinson, Jr. on 2/19/1940 in Detroit, Michigan. With The Miracles (1955-72, 1983) and later a solo artist. Record executive and songwriter for Motown.

Song(s):
Smokey Robinson: Top 100 Songs
Baby That’s Backatcha (1975)
Cruisin’ (1979)
Being with You (1981)

Album(s):
Where There’s Smoke… (1979)


Sylvia Robinson

Singer, songwriter, producer, and record executive born Sylvia Vanterpool on 5/29/1935 in Harlem, New York. Was in the duo of Mickey & Sylvia, worked as an R&B solo singer, and founded Sugarhill Records where she was a record producer and songwriter for two of rap's most important songs (The Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" and Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five's "The Message"). Founded Sugar Hill Records. Nicknamed "The Mother of Hip-Hop." Died 9/29/2011.

Song(s):
Love Is Strange (1956) – see Mickey & Sylvia
Rapper's Delight (producer/songwriter, 1979) – see the Sugarhill Gang
The Message (producer/songwriter, 1982) – see Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five


Vicki Sue Robinson

Song(s):
Turn the Beat Around (1976)


Carson Robison

Song(s):
South of the Border (Down Mexico Way) (1940)


Robson & Jerome

Song(s):
Unchained Melody/The White Cliffs of Dover (1995)
I Believe/Up on the Roof (1995)


Robyn

Song(s):
Do You Know What It Takes (1997)
Dancing on My Own (2010)

Album(s):
Body Talk (2010)


Bob Rock

Rock producer born Robert Jens Rock on 4/19/1954 in Winnpeg, Manitoba, Canada. Worked with Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, and Metallica. Also a member of the Payolas ("Eyes of a Stranger") and Rock & Hyde ("Dirty Water").


Pete Rock & CL Smooth

Song(s):
They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) (1992)


Rocket from the Crypt

Album(s):
Scream, Dracula, Scream! (1995)


The Rockin’ Rebels

Song(s):
Wild Weekend (1962)


Rockwell

Song(s):
Somebody's Watching Me (with Michael Jackson, 1984)


The Rocky Fellers

Song(s):
Killer Joe (1963)


Rocky Horror Picture Show

Song(s):
The Time Warp (1973)


Gene Rodemich

Song(s):
Margie (1920)


Jimmie Rodgers

Country singer/songwriter born James Charles Rodgers on 9/8/1897 in Merdian, Mississippi. Known as "The Singing Brakeman" and "The Father of Country Music." Died 5/26/1933.

Song(s):
Blue Yodel #1 (T for Texas) (1928)
In the Jailhouse Now (1928)
Blue Yodel #9 (Standing on the Corner) (1928)
Waiting for a Train (1928)
Mule Skinner Blues (Blue Yodel No. 8) (1930)


Jimmie Rodgers

Pop singer born James Frederick Rodgers on 9/18/1933 in Camas, WA. Died 1/18/2021.

Song(s):
Honeycomb (1957)
Just a Closer Walk with Thee (1960)
The Wreck of the "John B" (1960)


Nile Rodgers

R&B guitarist born Nile Gregory Rodgers, Jr. on 9/19/1952 in New York City, NY. Member of disco group Chic.

Song(s) co-written and/or produced by Rodgers:
Le Freak (1978) – see Chic
Good Times (1979) – see Chic
We Are Family (1979) – see Sister Sledge
Let's Dance (1983) – see David Bowie
Like a Virgin (1984) – see Madonna
Get Lucky (2013) – see Daft Punk


Paul Rodgers

Rock singer born 12/17/49 in Middlesbrough, Cleveland, England. With Free (68-73), Bad Company (73-82,99,02), The Firm (84-86), The Law (91), and Queen (2004-09).


Richard Rodgers

Musical theater songwriter born 6/28/1902 in New York City, NY. He composed over 900 songs and 43 Broadway musicals. He worked with lyricist Lorenz Hart in the 1920s and '30s and Oscar Hammerstein II in the '40s and '50s. He was the first person to win the four top American entertainment awards – an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. He also won a Pulitzer Prize, making him and Marvin Hamlisch the only two people to do so. Died 12/30/1979.

Song(s):
Richard Rodgers: Top 50 Songs

Written with Lorenz Hart:
Lover (1933) – see Paul Whiteman
Blue Moon (1935) – see Glen Gray
There's a Small Hotel (with Maxine Grey, from On Your Toes, 1936) – see Hal Kemp
The Lady Is a Tramp (from Babes in Arms, 1937) – see Tommy Dorsey
Where or When (from Babes in Arms, 1937) – see Hal Kemp
Where or When (from Babes in Arms, 1937) – see Ray Heatherton
Falling in Love with Love (from The Boys from Syracuse, 1939) – see Frances Langford
This Can't Be Love (from The Boys from Syracuse, 1938) – see Benny Goodman
My Funny Valentine (1945) – see Hal McIntyre
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered (from Pal Joey, 1950) – see Bill Snyder
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered (from Pal Joey, 1950) – see Doris Day
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered (from Pal Joey, 1950) – see Mel Tormé
My Funny Valentine (from Babes in Arms, 1953) – see Chet Baker
Blue Moon (1961) – see The Marcels

Written with Oscar Hammerstein II:
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' (from Oklahoma!, 1943) – see Bing Crosby
People Will Say We're in Love (from Oklahoma!, 1943) – see Bing Crosby
Oklahoma! (from Oklahoma!, 1943) – see Alfred Drake
You'll Never Walk Alone (from Carousel, 1945) – see Frank Sinatra
If I Loved You (from Carousel, 1945) – see Perry Como
June Is Bustin' Out All Over (from Carousel, 1945) – see Hildegrade
Some Enchanted Evening (from South Pacific, 1949) – see Perry Como
Younger Than Springtime (from South Pacific, 1949) – see Billy Tabbert
Getting to Know You (from The King and I, 1951) – see Gertrude Lawrence
Shall We Dance? (from The King and I, 1951) – see Gertrude Lawrence
Hello Young Lovers (from The King and I, 1951) – see Perry Como
Getting to Know You (from The King and I, 1956) – see Marni Nixon
Shall We Dance? (from The King and I, 1956) – see Marni Nixon
Hello Young Lovers (from The King and I, 1956) – see Marni Nixon
I Enjoy Being a Girl (from Flower Drum Song, 1958)
The Sound of Music (from The Sound of Music, 1959) – see Mary Martin
Do Re Mi (from The Sound of Music, 1959) – see Mary Martin
Edelweiss (from The Sound of Music, 1959) – see Mary Martin
Climb Ev'ry Mountain (from The Sound of Music, 1959) – see Tony Bennett
My Favorite Things (from The Sound of Music, 1960) – see John Coltrane
You'll Never Walk Alone (from Carousel, 1963) – see Gerry & the Pacemakers
The Sound of Music (from The Sound of Music, 1965) – see Julie Andrews
My Favorite Things (from The Sound of Music, 1965) – see Julie Andrews
Do Re Mi (from The Sound of Music, 1965) – see Julie Andrews
Edelweiss (from The Sound of Music, 1965) – see Julie Andrews

Album(s):
On Your Toes (with Lorenz Hart, musical: 1936)
Pal Joey (with Lorenz Hart, musical: 1940, soundtrack: 1957)
Oklahoma! (with Oscar Hammerstein II, musical: 1943)
Oklahoma! (with Oscar Hammerstein II, soundtrack: 1955)
Carousel (Oscar Hammerstein II, musical: 1945, soundtrack: 1956)
South Pacific (with Oscar Hammerstein II, musical: 1949, soundtrack: 1958)
The King and I (composed with Oscar Hammerstein II, musical: 1951)
The King and I (composed with Oscar Hammerstein II, soundtrack: 1956)
Flower Drum Song (written with Oscar Hammerstein II, musical: 1958)
The Sound of Music (with Oscar Hammerstein II, cast album: 1959)
The Sound of Music (with Oscar Hammerstein II, soundtrack: 1965)
No Strings (musical: 1962)


Olivia Rodrigo

Song(s):
Drivers License (2021)
Good 4 U (2021)
Déjà Vu (2021)
Traitor (2021)
Happier (2021)
Vampire (2023)

Album(s):
Sour (2021)
Guts (2023)


Rodriguez

Song(s):
Sugar Man (1970)


Johnny Rodriguez

Country singer born Juan Raoul Davis Rodriguez on 12/10/1951 in Sabinal, TX.
You Always Come Back to Hurting Me (1973)
Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico (1973)
That’s the Way Love Goes (1973)
I Just Can’t Get Her Out of My Mind (1975)
Just Get Up and Close the Door (1975)
Love Put a Song in My Heart (1975)


Tommy Roe

Pop singer/songwriter and guitarist born 5/9/1942 in Atlanta, GA.

Song(s):
Sheila (1962)
Sweet Pea (1966)
Dizzy (1969)


J.A. Roff

Song(s):
Wabash Cannonball (1882)


Bobby Rogers

R&B tenor singer born Robert Edward Rogers on 2/19/1940. Died 3/3/2013. With The Miracles (1955-78, 1980-83, 1993-2011). Married The Marvelettes’ Wanda Young.


Clyde Rogers

Song(s):
Symphony (1945) – see Freddy Martin


Fred Rogers

Album(s):
Mister Rogers Sings 21 Favorite Songs from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1973)


Ginger Rogers


Jimmy Rogers

Song(s):
That’s All Right (1950)

Album(s):
Chicago Bound (1976)


Julie Rogers

Song(s):
The Wedding (La Novia) (1964)


Kenny Rogers

Singer born Kenneth Donald Rogers on 8/21/1938 in Houston, Texas. Died 3/20/2020. One of the biggest country artists of all time, but also successful on the pop charts. Recorded with The Scholars (58), the Bobby Doyle Three (60-65), New Christy Minstrels (66-67), and The First Edition (67-76). Solo artist since 1976. Retired in 2015.

Song(s):
Kenny Rogers: Top 75 Songs
Just Dropped in to See What Condition My Condition Was In (with the First Edition, 1967)
Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town (with the First Edition, 1969)
Lucille (1977)
Daytime Friends (1977)
Every Time Two Fools Collide (with Dottie West, 1978)
Love Or Something Like It (1978)
The Gambler (1978)
She Believes in Me (1978)
All I Ever Need Is You (with Dottie West, 1979)
You Decorated My Life (1979)
Coward of the County (1979)
Lady (1980)
Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer (with Kim Carnes, 1980)
I Don’t Need You (1981)
What Are We Doin’ in Love (1981) – see Dottie West
Love Will Turn You Around (1982)
We’ve Got Tonight (with Sheena Easton, 1983)
Islands in the Stream (with Dolly Parton, 1983)
Crazy (1984)
Real Love (1985) – see Dolly Parton
Morning Desire (1985)
Tomb of the Unknown Love (1985)
Make No Mistake, She’s Mine (with Ronnie Milsap, 1987)
Buy Me a Rose (with Alison Krauss & Billy Dean, 1999)

Album(s):
Kenny Rogers (1977)
Ten Years of Gold (compilation: 1967-77, released 1978)
The Gambler (1978)
Kenny (1979)
Greatest Hits (compilation: 1977-80, released 1980)
20 Greatest Hits (compilation: 1969-83, released 1983)
Eyes That See in the Dark (1983)
Through the Years (box: 1956-97, released 1999)
21 Number Ones (compilation: 1977-99, released 2006)


Roy Rogers

Country singer and guitarist born Leonard Franklin Slye on 11/5/1911 in Cincinnati, OH. Died 7/6/1998.

Song(s):
Happy Trails (with Dale Evans, 1948)


Gregg Rolie

Rock singer and keyboardist born 6/17/1947 in Seattle, WA. With Santana (69-72, 82, 87, 2016), Journey (73-81), solo, The Storm (1990-96), and Abraxas Pool (97).


The Rolling Stones

Rock band formed in London, England in 1963. Still active. Revered as the world's all-time greatest rock and roll band. Mick Jagger (v) and Keith Richards (g) became childhood friends in 1950 and reconnected in 1961 over their shared interest in Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters. The two of them and Dick Taylor (b: 62-63), who had been in a garage band with Jagger, started playing together. They connected with Blues Incorporated members Brian Jones (g: 63-69), Ian Stewart (k: 63-85), and Charlie Watts (d: 63-). They formed a band focused on playing covers of Chicago blues, naming themselves after a Muddy Waters' song. They were managed by Andrew Loog Oldham (63-67) who promoted as bad boys in contrast to the Beatles.

Other members: Mick Avory (d: 63), Nicky Hopkins (k: 67-82), Darryl Jones (b: 94-95), Chuck Leavell (k: 82-), Ian McLagan (k: 78-81), Jack Nitzsche (k: 65-71), Billy Preston (k: 71-81), Mick Taylor (g: 69-75), Ronnie Wood (g: 75-), and Bill Wyman (b: 62-92).

Special Pages:
DMDB profile page: 1962-1971
DMDB profile page: 1972-2002
DMDB podcast: The Best of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1980
DMDB podcast: The Best of the Rolling Stones, 1981-2023
DMDB blog: The Rolling Stones Hit #1 for the First Time: July 18, 1964 (7/18/2011)
DMDB blog: Death at the Altamont Festival: December 6, 1969 (12/6/2011)
DMDB blog: The Rolling Stones played their first gig: July 12, 1962 (7/12/2012)
The Rolling Stones: In Concert (6/27/2015)

Song(s):
The Rolling Stones: Top 100 Songs
I Wanna Be Your Man (1963)
Come On (1963)
Time Is on My Side (1964)
Under the Boardwalk (1964)
Little Red Rooster (1964)
I Just Want to Make Love to You (1964)
Get Your Kicks on Route 66 (1964)
It’s All Over Now (1964)
The Last Time (1965)
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (1965)
Get Off of My Cloud (1965)
As Tears Go By (1965)
Play with Fire (1965)
19th Nervous Breakdown (1966)
Paint It Black (1966)
Mother’s Little Helper (1966)
Under My Thumb (1966)
Lady Jane (1966)
Back Street Girl (1966)
Ruby Tuesday (1967)
She’s a Rainbow (1967)
2000 Light Years from Home (1967)
We Love You (1967)
Connection (1967)
Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1968)
Sympathy for the Devil (1968)
Street Fighting Man (1968)
Honky Tonk Women (1969)
You Can’t Always Get What You Want (1969)
Gimme Shelter (1969)
Let It Bleed (1969)
Midnight Rambler (1969)
Love in Vain (1969)
Brown Sugar (1971)
Wild Horses (1971)
Sister Morphine (1971)
Moonlight Mile (1971)
Dead Flowers (1971)
Tumbling Dice (1972)
Happy (1972)
All Down the Line (1972)
Angie (1973)
Coming Down Again (1973)
It’s Only Rock and Roll But I Like It (1974)
Memory Motel (1976)
Miss You (1978)
Shattered (1978)
Beast of Burden (1978)
Far Away Eyes (1978)
Emotional Rescue (1980)
Start Me Up (1981)
Mixed Emotions (1989)
Anybody Seen My Baby? (1997)

Album(s):
The Rolling Stones' Studio Albums Ranked
England's Newest Hit Makers (aka 'The Rolling Stones') (1964)
12 x 5 (1964)
Now!, aka 'No. 2' (1965)
Out of Our Heads (1965)
December's Children…and Everybody's (1965)
Aftermath (1966)
Big Hits – High Tides and Green Grass (compilation, 1963-66)
Between the Buttons (1967)
Their Satanic Majesties Request (1967)
Beggars Banquet (1968)
Let It Bleed (1969)
Through the Past, Darkly – Big Hits, Volume 2 (compilation: 1966-69)
Get Yer Ya Ya's Out (live, 1970)
Sticky Fingers (1971)
Hot Rocks (compilation: 1964-71, released 1971)
More Hot Rocks – Big Hits & Fazed Cookies (compilation: 1963-69)
The Singles Collection – The London Years (box: 1963-71)
Exile on Main Street (1972)
Goats Head Soup (1973)
It's Only Rock and Roll (1974)
Made in the Shade (compilation: 1971-74)
Black and Blue (1976)
Some Girls (1978)
Time Waits for No One (compilation: 1970-77, released 1979)
Emotional Rescue (1980)
Sucking in the Seventies (compilation: 1974-80)
Tattoo You (1981)
Undercover (1983)
Rewind (compilation: 1971-84)
Dirty Work (1986)
Steel Wheels (1989)
Jump Back (compilation: 1971-89)
Voodoo Lounge (1994)
Bridges to Babylon (1997)
Forty Licks (compilation: 1964-2002)
A Bigger Bang (2005)
Exile on Main Street: Deluxe Edition (2010)
Some Girls: Deluxe Edition (2011)
Grrr! (box: 1963-2012, released 2012)
Blue & Lonesome (covers, 2016)
Honk (compilation: 1969-2016, released 2019)


Sonny Rollins

Jazz saxophonist born Theodore Walter Rollins on 9/7/1930 in New York City, NY.

Song(s):
Tenor Madness (with John Coltrane, 1956)
Blue 7 (1956)

Album(s):
Saxophone Colossus (1956)
Way Out West (1957)
The Bridge (1962)


The Romantics

Song(s):
What I Like About You (1980)
Talking in Your Sleep (1983)


Sigmund Romberg


Harold Rome

Songwriter born 5/27/1908 in Hartford, CT. Died 10/26/1993.


Romeo Void

Song(s):
Never Say Never (1982)


Chan Romero

Song(s):
Hippy Hippy Shake (1959)


Raoul Romito

Song(s):
Sacco e Vanzetti (1927)


The Ronettes

Song(s):
Be My Baby (1963)
Baby I Love You (1963)
Do I Love You? (1964)
Walking in the Rain (1964)

Album(s):
Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica (1964)


Roni Size/Reprazent

Album(s):
New Forms (1997)


Mark Ronson

Producer for Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Bruno Mars.

Song(s) Produced by Ronson:
Rehab (2006) – see Amy Winehouse
Locked Out of Heaven (2012) – see Bruno Mars
Uptown Funk! (with Bruno Mars, 2014)

Album(s) Produced by Mark Ronson:
Back to Black (2006) – see Amy Winehouse
19 (2008) – see Adele


Mick Ronson

Rock songwriter, arranger and producer born Michael Ronson on 5/26/1946 in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, England. Died 4/29/1993. Played guitar with David Bowie, most notably on Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Co-produced Lou Reed’s Transformer. Arranged John Cougar Mellencamp’s "Jack and Diane."


Linda Ronstadt

Adult contemporary singer born 7/15/1946 in Tucson, AZ.

Song(s):
Linda Ronstadt: Top 30 Songs
Different Drum (with Stone Poneys, 1967)
Long Long Time (1970)
You're No Good (1974)
When Will I Be Loved (1974)
The Dark End of the Street (1974)
Love Is a Rose (1975)
Heat Wave (1975)
The Tracks of My Tears (1975)
Hasten Down the Wind (1976)
Blue Bayou (1977)
Somewhere Out There (with James Ingram, 1986)
To Know Him Is to Love Him (1987) – see Dolly Parton

Album(s):
Heart Like a Wheel (1975)
Simple Dreams (1977)
Living in the USA (1978)
Trio (1987) – see Dolly Parton
Canciones de Mi Padre (Songs of My Father) (1987)


The Rooftop Singers

Song(s):
Walk Right In (1962)


Roogalator

Song(s):
Cincinnatti Fatback (1976)


George F. Root

Songs by Root:
Long Long Ago (1843)
Battle Cry of Freedom (1862)


The Roots

Song(s):
You Got Me (with Erykah Badu, 1999)
The Seed 2.0 (with Coby Chesnutt, 2003)
Shine (2010) – see John Legend

Album(s):
Things Fall Apart (1999)
Wake Up! (2010) – see John Legend


Rosalía

Song(s):
Con Altura (with J. Balvin & El Guincho, 2019)
Bizcochito (2022)


Axl Rose

Rock singer/songwriter and keyboardist born William Bruce Rose, Jr. on 2/6/1962 in Lafayette, IN. With Guns N' Roses (1985-).


Billy Rose


David Rose

Song(s):
Holiday for Strings (1943)

Album(s):
Cole Porter Review (1946)


Fred Rose


Liz Rose

Best known for composing songs with Taylor Swift.


Rose Royce

Song(s):
Car Wash (1976)


Vincent Rose


Wesley Rose


Atticus Ross

Keyboardist, composer, producer, and audio engineer born 1/16/1968 in London, England. With Nine Inch Nails (k/b: 2004-).


Diana Ross

R&B singer born Diana Ernestine Earle Ross on 3/26/1944 in Detroit, Michigan. Lead singer of The Supremes, the best-charting female group in U.S. history and Motown's most successful act. She left the group in 1970, but continued to have success as a solo artist. She also won a Golden Globe for her performance in Lady Sings the Blues (1972). In 1993, the Guinness Book of World Records declared her the most successful female music artist in history.

Song(s):
Diana Ross/The Supremes: Top 50 Songs
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (1970)
Touch Me in the Morning (1973)
Do You Know Where You're Going To? (Theme from 'Mahogany') (1975)
Love Hangover (1976)
Upside Down (1980)
I’m Coming Out (1980)
Endless Love (1981) – see Lionel Richie
Missing You (1984)
Chain Reaction (1985)

Album(s):
Lady Sings the Blues (soundtrack: 1972)
Diana (1980)


Jerry Ross

Music executive (Heritage) and songwriter born 5/1/1933 in Philadelphia, PA. Died 10/4/2017.

Song(s):
Hernando's Hideaway (from The Pajama Game, 1954) – see Archie Bleyer

Album(s):
The Pajama Game (musical: 1954) – see Richard Adler
Damn Yankees (musical: 1955, soundtrack: 1958) – see Richard Adler


Rick Ross

Song(s):
BMF (Blowin’ Money Fast) (with Styles P, 2010)
All I Do Is Win (2010) – see DJ Khaled
I’m on One (2011) – see DJ Khaled
New Flame (2014) – see Chris Brown

Album(s):
Port of Miami (2006)
Trilla (2008)
Deeper Than Rap (2009)
God Forgives, I Don’t (2012)
Mastermind (2014)


Shirley Ross

Song(s):
Thanks for the Memory (with Bob Hope, 1939)


Tino Rossi

Swing musician born Constantin Rossi on 4/29/1907 in Ajaccio, Corsica, France. Died 9/26/1983

Song(s):
Petit Papa Noël (1946)


Gary Rossington

Rock guitarist born 12/4/1951 in Jacksonville, FL. Died 3/5/2023. With Lynyrd Skynyrd (1964-77,1987-2023).

Song(s):
Don’t Misunderstand Me (Rossington-Collins Band, 1980)


Gioacchino Rossini

Composer.

Song(s):
William Tell Overture (1829)

Album(s):
Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville) (1816)
Guillaume Tell (William Tell) (opera: 1829)


Mstislav Rostropovich


David Lee Roth

Rock singer born 10/10/1955 in Bloomington, IN. With Van Halen ("Running with the Devil", "Jump"). Later a solo artist.

Song(s):
California Girls (1984)
Yankee Rose (1986)


Steve Rothery

Progressive-rock guitarist born 11/25/1959 in Brampton Bierlow, UK. With Marillion (1979-) and Wishing Tree (1996).


Johnny Rotten

– see John Lydon


Andy Rourke


Rock bassist born 1/17/1964 in Manchester, Lancashire, England. Died 5/19/2023. With The Smiths (1982-87), Morrissey1989-90), Sinéad O'Connor (1990), the Pretenders (1994), Ian Brown (2007), FreeBass (2010), and D.A.R.K. (2016).


Route 94

Song(s):
My Love (with Jess Glynne, 2014)


Roxette

Song(s):
The Look (1989)
Listen to Your Heart (1989)
It Must Have Been Love (1990)
Joyride (1991)


Roxy Music

Art-rock band formed in 1970 in London, England. Roger Bunn (g: 70-71), Brian Eno (k: 70-73), Bryan Ferry (v/k: 70-83, 01-11, 19, 22-), John Gustafson (b: 73-76), Eddie Jobson (k: 73-76, 19), Rik Kenton (b: 72-73), Dexter Lloyd (d: 70-71), Andy Mackay (saxophone/oboe: 70-83, 01-11, 19, 22-), Sal Maida (b: 73-74), Phil Manzanera (g: 72-83, 01-11, 19, 22-), David O’List (g: 71-72), John Porter (b: 73), Graham Simpson (b: 70-72), Paul Thompson (d: 71-79, 01-11, 22-), John Wetton (b: 74-75), Rick Wills (b: 76).

Song(s):
Virginia Plain (1972)
Do the Strand (1973)
A Song for Europe (1973)
Love Is the Drug (1975)
Over You (1980)
Jealous Guy (1981)
More Than This (1982)
Avalon (1982)

Album(s):
Roxy Music (1972)
For Your Pleasure (1973)
Stranded (1974)
Siren (1975)
Avalon (1982)


Normie Rowe

Song(s):
Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be) (1965)
Ooh La La (1966)


Kelly Rowland

Song(s):
Dilemma (2002) – see Nelly
Motivation (with Lil Wayne, 2011)


Royal Blood

Song(s):
I Only Lie When I Love You (2017)


The Royal Guardsmen

Song(s):
Snoopy Vs. the Red Baron (1966)
Snoopy’s Christmas (1967)


Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

Song(s):
Amazing Grace (1972)


The Royal Teens

Song(s):
Short Shorts (1958)


RTZ

Band formed by Boston members Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau.

Album(s):
Lost and Found (archives, 1989)
Return to Zero (1991)
Lost (1998)


Arthur Rubenstein

Classical pianist born 1/28/1887 in %u0141ód%u017A, Congress Poland. Died 12/20/1982.


Ilan Rubin

Rock drummer born 7/7/1988 in San Diego, CA. With Nine Inch Nails (2008-).


Rick Rubin

Record executive (Def Jam, American Recordings, Columbia) and producer born Frederick Jay Rubin on 3/10/1963 in Long Beach, NY. Best known for his work with heavy metal groups and rap artists. Revived the career of Johnny Cash in the 1990s.

Significant Albums Produced by Rubin:
Top 50 Albums
Radio (1985) – see LL Cool J
Raising Hell (1986) – see Run-D.M.C.
Reign in Blood (1986) – see Slayer
Licensed to Ill (1986) – see Beastie Boys
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988) – see Public Enemy
Shake Your Money Maker (1990) – see the Black Crowes
Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991) – see Red Hot Chili Peppers
American Recordings (1994) – see Johnny Cash
The Globe Sessions (1998) – see Sheryl Crow
Californication (1999) – see Red Hot Chili Peppers
By the Way (2002) – see Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Black Album (2003) – see Jay-Z
American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002) – see Johnny Cash
Stadium Arcadium (2006) – see Red Hot Chili Peppers
Taking the Long Way (2006) – see Dixie Chicks
FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006) – see Justin Timberlake
Death Magnetic (2008) – see Metallica
21 – see Adele
X (Multiply) (2014) – see Ed Sheeran


Ruby

Song(s):
Paraffin (1995)


Harry Ruby


Ruby & The Romantics

R&B group formed in Akron, OH.

Song(s):
Our Day Will Come (1963)


Darius Rucker

Lead singer of rock group Hootie & the Blowfish. Went solo as a country artist.

Song(s):
Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It (2008)
It Won’t Be Like This for Long (2008)
Alright (2008)
Come Back Song (2010)
This (2010)
Wagon Wheel (2013)
If I Told You (2017)
For the First Time (2017)
Beers and Sunshine (2020)


Phil Rudd

Rock drummer born Phillip Hugh Norman Witschke Rudzevecius on 5/19/1954 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. With AC/DC (1972-83, 1994-).


Jordan Rudess

Rock keyboardist with Dream Theater and the Dregs.


Rudimental

Song(s):
Feel the Love (with John Newman, 2012)
Waiting All Night (with Ella Eyre, 2013)
These Days (with Jess Glynne, Macklemore, & Dan Caplen, 2018)


Nate Ruess

Song(s):
Just Give Me a Reason (2012) – see Pink


David Ruffin

R&B singer born 1/18/1941 in Whynot, Mississippi. Died 6/1/1991. With the Temptations (1964-68). Younger brother of singer Jimmy Ruffin.

Song(s):
Walk Away from Love (1975)


Jimmy Ruffin

R&B singer born 5/7/1936 in Collinsville, Mississippi. Died 11/17/2014. Older brother of David Ruffin of the Temptations.

Song(s):
What Becomes of the Broken Hearted (1966)


Rufus

– see Chaka Khan


The Runaways

Song(s):
Cherry Bomb (1976)


E.A. Rundless

R&B tenor singer born Edward Allen Rundless in Walliceville, TX. With The Soul Stirrers.


Run-D.M.C.

Song(s):
It’s Like That (1983)
Sucker MC’s (1983)
Rock Box (1984)
King of Rock (1985)
Walk This Way (with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler & Joe Perry, 1986)
It’s Tricky (1986)
Christmas in Hollis (1987)
It’s Like That (Run-D.M.C. vs. Jason Nevins, 1998)

Album(s):
Run-D.M.C. (1984)
Raising Hell (1986)
Together Forever: Greatest Hits (compilation: 1983-91, released 1991)


Todd Rundgren

Rock singer/songwriter, keyboardist, and producer born 6/22/1948 in Philadelphia, PA.

Song(s):
Hello It’s Me (1972)
I Saw the Light (1972)
Sweeter Memories (1972)
Bang the Drum All Day (1982)
The Want of a Nail (1989)

Album(s):
Something/Anything? (1972)
New York Dolls (producer, 1973) – see New York Dolls
Bat Out of Hell (producer, 1977) – see Meat Loaf
Anthology (compilation: 1968-85, released 1989)
Todd Rundgren’s Johnson (covers, 2011)


Run the Jewels

Rap duo of El-P and Killer Mike.

Album(s):
Run the Jewels 2 (aka “RTJ2”) (2014)
Run the Jewels 4 (2020)


Art Rupe

Record executive (Specialty Records) born Arthur Goldberg on 9/5/1917 in Greensburg, PA.


Rush

Canadian power-rock trio formed in Toronto in 1969. Geddy Lee (v/b: 1969-2015), Alex Lifeson (g: 1969-2015), John Rutsey (d: 69-74; left after first album), Neil Peart (d: 1974-2015). Lee and Lifeson met in 8th grade. They started out playing English blues like the Yardbirds, John Mayall, and Cream and heavy metal from The Who to Led Zeppelin. Rush was built around Lee’s unique vocal style and Lifeson’s rhythm-lead techniques. When Peart joined, he brought a touch of art-rock a la Pink Floyd and King Crimson. His science fiction-inspired imagination fueled concept albums 2112, A Farewell to Kings, and Hemispheres. In the early 80’s, Rush became a premiere FM radio-oriented group with Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, and Signals. Since then, Rush has become an album rock staple and consistent gold album seller. Only Kiss and Rush have had entire careers of 20 albums that all have gone gold. According to their website, Rush have sold 40 million albums.

DMDB profile page

Song(s):
Rush: Top 100 Songs
Closer to the Heart (1977)
The Trees (1978)
The Spirit of Radio (1980)
Free Will (1980)
Tom Sawyer (1981)
New World Man (1982)
Subdivisions (1982)

Album(s):
Rush: Albums Ranked
Rush (1974)
Fly by Night (1975)
Caress of Steel (1975)
2112 (1976)
All the World’s a Stage (live, 1976)
A Farewell to Kings (1977) v
Hemispheres (1978)
Permanent Waves (1980)
Retrospective I (compilation: 1974-1980, released 1997)
Moving Pictures (1981)
Exit…Stage Left (live, 1981)
Signals (1982)
Grace Under Pressure (1984)
Power Windows (1985)
Hold Your Fire (1987)
Retrospective II (compilation: 1981-1987, released 1997)
The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits (compilation: 1974-1987, released 2003)
A Show of Hands (live, 1989)
Presto (1989)
Chronicles (compilation: 1974-1989, released 1990)
Roll the Bones (1991)
Counterparts (1993)
Test for Echo (1996)
Vapor Trails (2002)
Feedback (covers EP, 2004)
Snakes & Arrows (2007)
Retrospective III (compilation: 1989-2007, released 2009)
Clockwork Angels (2012)


Bobby Rush

Blues singer/songwriter and musician born Emmett Ellis Jr. on 11/10/1933 in Homer, LA.


Jennifer Rush

Song(s):
The Power of Love (1985)


Otis Rush

Blus guitarist and singer born 4/29/1935 in Philadelphia, Mississippi.

Song(s):
I Can’t Quit You Baby (1956)
Double Trouble (1958)
All Your Love (I Miss Loving) (1958)

Album(s):
Right Place, Wrong Time (1976)


Merilee Rush & the Turnabouts

Song(s):
Angel of the Morning (1968)


Jimmy Rushing

Jazz/bues singer born James Andrew Rushing on 8/26/1901 in Oklahoma City, OK. Died 6/8/1972.


Russ

Song(s):
Losin’ Control (2017)


Bob Russell


Lillian Russell

Song(s):
Come Down Ma Evening Star (1912)


Leon Russell

Singer/songwriter (“Tight Rope”) and prominent session musician born Charles Russell Bridges on 4/2/1942 in Lawton, OK. Died 11/13/2016.

Song(s):
A Song for You (1970)
Beware of Darkness (1971)
Tight Rope (1972)
Heartbreak Hotel (1979) – see Willie Nelson


Mike Rutherford

Rock guitarist/bassist born 10/2/50 in Guildford, England. With The Anon (65-66), which evolved into Genesis (1966-97, 2006-07, 2020-22). Rutherford also helmed the group Mike the Mechanics (85-) and has recorded a couple solo albums.


The Ruts

Album(s):
The Crack (1979)


Barry Ryan

Song(s):
Eloise (1968)


Gary Ryan

Rock bassist born Gary Moss on 7/3/1964 in California. With Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (1979-86).


Tommy Ryan

Song(s):
Love Walked In (1938) – see Sammy Kaye


Bobby Rydell

Song(s):
We Got Love (1959)
Wild One (1960)
Swingin’ School (1960)
Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blue) (1960)


Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels

Group led by blues-rock singer and guitarist Mitch Ryder, born William Sherille Levise, Jr. on 2/26/1945 in Hamtramck, Michigan.

Song(s):
Jenny Take a Ride (1965)
Devil with a Blue Dress On/Good Golly Miss Molly (1966)
Little Latin Lupe Lu (1966)


Serena Ryder

Song(s):
Stompa (2013)


Shaun Ryder

Britpop singer/songwriter born 8/23/1962 in Little Hulton, England. With Happy Mondays and Black Grape.


Johnny Rzeznik

Lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls.

Song(s):
Name (1995) – see Goo Goo Dolls
Iris (1998) – see Goo Goo Dolls
Slide (1998) – see Goo Goo Dolls
Wish You Were Here (2001) – see Limp Bizkit
Give a Little Bit (live, 2004) – see Goo Goo Dolls


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Last updated June 18, 2024.