December 29, 1993 ~ Rock singer Chloe Kohanski born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Winner of thirteenth season of NBC's talent show The Voice, aired in 2017. Won the $100,000 grand prize and a record deal, but apart from winning the season with Wish I Didn't Love You has only sparsely recorded since. Her sole EP, Fantasy released in 2019, produced no chart hits
December 29, 1991 ~ Aaquil Iben Shamon Brown, commonly known as trap, hip-hop rapper Slim Jxmmi, born in Whitler, California, USA ~ Forms the sibling duo Rae Sremmurd with his younger brother Swae Lee, best known for their 2016 Billboard Hot 100 charttopper Black Beatles featuring Gucci Mane. Other well known songs include No Type, Throw Sum Mo featuring Nicki Minaj & Young Thug, and Swang
December 29, 1978 ~ R&B, soul, jazz singer, actress LaToya London, full name LaToya Renee London, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ First gained attention in 2004, reaching 4th place on the talent show American Idol. Would release her Love & Life debut album the following year. Would go on to focus on stage work, notably portraying the role of Shug Avery in the musical The Color Purple from 2007 through 2010
December 29, 1974 ~ Gabriel Benn, commonly known as rapper, producer Asheru, born ~ Best known for writing and performing several songs with Aaron McGruder for the TV series The Boondocks including the show's theme song
December 29, 1973 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Glenn Richards, full name Glenn Anthony Richards, born in Shepparton, Australia ~ Key member, primary songwriter of Augie March, best known for the singles The Vineyard and One Crowded Hour. Richards released a solo album, Glimjack, in 2010
December 29, 1973 ~ Jazz singer, composer Maja Ratkje, full name Maja Solvief Kjelstrup Ratkje, born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Worked with Jaap Blonk, Lasse Marhaug, Joëlle Léandre, Per Inge Bjørlo, Stian Westerhuis, Kathy Hinde, Odd Johan Fritzoe, POING, HC Gilje, Stephen O'Malley, Ikue Mori, Zeena Parkins, the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, Spunk, Fe-mail, Matmos, Derek Piotr, and others
December 29, 1973 ~ Chad Lamont Butler, commonly known as rapper Pimp C, born in Crowley, Louisiana, USA ~ Formed the rap duo UGK with Bun B. The pair has recorded over half a dozen albums since the early-1990s, noted especially for 1992's Ridin' Dirty, and had guested on tracks such as Jay-Z's hit Big Pimpin', as well as on Three 6 Mafia's hit Spin On Some Syrup ~ Butler passed away in 2007
December 29, 1970 ~ R&B producer, keyboardist, guitarist, percussionist, songwriter Dallas Austin born in Columbus, Georgia, USA ~ First gained attention as a staff producer at Motown, producing debut albums by then-unknown acts such as Another Bad Creation and Boyz II Men. Would go on to work with artists such as TLC (Unpretty), Monica, P!nk (Just Like A Pill), After 7, Crystal Waters, Samantha Ronson, N'dea Davenport, Carly Rae Jepsen, Madonna, Brand New Heavies, Terence Trent d'Arby, Anastacia, the Sugababes, Gwen Stefani (Cool), George Clinton, Ciara, Janet Jackson, Fishbone, Deborah Cox, Blu Cantrell, Klymaxx, Goodie Mob, and others
December 29, 1970 ~ Singer, guitarist, mandolinist, keyboardist, songwriter Glen Phillips born in Santa Barbara, California, USA ~ Lead singer of alternative rock band Toad The Wet Sprocket, best known for their 1991 Fear album which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hits All I Want and Walk The Ocean. Has also recorded as a solo artist and worked with Flapping Flapping, Mutual Admiration Society, Plover, RemoteTreeChildren, Works Progress Administration, and others
December 29, 1969 ~ Twin brothers drummer Adam Perry and singer, producer Jason Perry born in Leeds, UK ~ Both are members of A, known for songs such as I Love Lake Tahoe, Nothing, Starbucks and Rush Song. The band also included their younger brother keyboardist Giles Perry. Adam has also formed the songwriting, production team the Collective, which also included Daniel P Carter and Julian Emery, and drummed with the Bloodhound Gang. Jason has served as producer for acts such as Fatherson, Don Broco, McBusted, Kids In Glass Houses, and Futures
December 29, 1969 ~ Jazz pianist, organist, drummer, trumpeter, bandleader, composer George Colligan born in New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Chick Corea, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner. Has worked with Phil Woods, Gary Bartz, Robin Eubanks, Billy Higgins, Lee Konitz, Nicholas Payton, Steve Wilson, Richard Bona, Cassandra Wilson, Christian McBride, Buster Williams, Al Foster, Don Byron, Benny Golson, Lonnie Plaxico, Vanessa Rubin, Dwayne Burno, Drew Gress, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Perico Sambeat, Larry Grenadier, and others
December 29, 1968 ~ Derek Murphy, commonly known as MC Sadat X, born in New Rochelle, New York, USA ~ Best known as member of Brand Nubian, known for songs such as Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down and Don't Let It Go To Your Head. Has recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist. Guested on recordings by A Tribe Called Quest (Show Business), the Notorious BIG, OSTR, DJ Symphony, and others
December 29, 1967 ~ Singer, bassist, actor Evan Seinfeld born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Founding member of Biohazard, remaining with the band through 2011. Married to DJ, producer, former pornographic actress Lupe Fuentes
December 29, 1966 ~ Jazz, Latin Jazz pianist, composer Danilo Pérez born in Panama ~ Leader and sideman. Actively recording since the early-1990s. Merges Panamanian roots with Latin folk, jazz, and European and African influences. Has worked with Jack DeJohnette, Steve Lacy, Lee Konitz, Charlie Haden, Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Tito Puente, Wynton Marsalis, Tom Harrell, Gary Burton, Roy Haynes, Rubén Blades, George Garzone, Larry Grenadier, Jeff Tain-Watts, John Patitucci, Terri Lyne Carrington, Paquito d'Rivera, Claudio Roditi, Wayne Shorter, and others
December 29, 1966 ~ Bryan Keith Holland, commonly known as Dexter Holland, born in Garden Grove, California, USA ~ Best known as lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, primary songwriter of the Offspring. Has guested on recordings by the Vandals, the Aquabats, Ron Emory, the Dwarves, and others
December 29, 1959 ~ Latin pop, cumbia, bachata singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor Marco Antonio Solís, full name Marco Antonio Solís Sosa, born in Ario de Rosales, Mexico ~ Actively performing since age 6 as member of Los Hermanitos Solis. Co-founder, lead singer, guitarist of Los Bukis. As a solo artist debuted in 1996 with the En Pieno Vuelo album and has been recording steadily to commercial success since
December 29, 1958 ~ Jazz drummer George Schuller, full name George Alexander Schuller, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member, leader of avant-garde jazz unit Orange Then Blue, acclaimed especially for the early-1990s albums Where Were You, Funkallaro, and While You Were Out. Schuller has also led Chump Change, Schulldogs, and Jiggle, and has appeared on albums by Frank Carlberg, Emery Davis (Sauce), Joe Lovano (Rush Hour), Rob Levit, Billy DeArango, Lisa Thorson, Chuck Florence, Luciana Souza, Tom Beckham (Suspicions), Miles Donahue, Ran Blake (Sonic Temples), the Mosaic Sextet, Armen Donelian, and Michael Musillami (From Seeds). Schuller is the son of noted conductor and composer Gunther Schuller, and the younger brother of jazz bassist, double bassist Ed Schuller
December 29, 1956 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Yehudit Ravitz born in Beersheba, Israel ~ One of the most popular Israeli pop rock singers with a career spanning over four decades starting in the mid-1970s. First gained attention as member of Sheshet, noted for their 1977 hit Forgiveness. As a solo artist she is best known for her 1987 Coming From Love album. Ravitz has also collaborated with Parnasa Tova, Gidi Gov, Corinne Allal, and David D'Or
December 29, 1955 ~ Avant-prog, art rock, rock bassist, guitarist, banjoist, keyboardist, singer Fred Chalenor born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Best known as a member of Caveman Shoestore, Tone Dogs, Face Ditch. Frequent collaborator of Wayne Horvitz, including in Pigpen and Zony Mash. Has also worked with Owen Maercks, Jeff Greinke, the Walkabouts, LAND, Curlew, and others ~ Chalenor passed away in 2018
December 29, 1955 ~ Rock drummer Piotr Szkudelski born in Warsaw, Poland ~ Member of Perfect, one of the best known Polish rock, hard rock acts active on and off since the early-1980s and known for songs such as Nie Placz Ewka, Choemy Byc Soba, Autobiografia and Kolysanka Dia Nieznajomej ~ Szkudelski passed away in 2022
December 29, 1954 ~ Drummer Alan Myers born in Akron, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for his association with Devo, joining the band in 1976 as replacement for Jim Mothersbaugh. Myers has recorded about half a dozen albums with the band including the acclaimed Q Are We Not Men (A We Are Devo) album. Myers has also guested on albums by Ron Wood (1234), Toni Basil, and the Martini Ranch ~ Myers passed away in 2013
December 29, 1954 ~ Drummer John JR Robinson born in Creston, Iowa, USA ~ In-demand session drummer, arguably one of the most recorded drummers in history. Notable sessions include Michael Jackson's Off The Wall album and Chaka Khan's Grammy Award-winning Ain't Nobody hit. Has also worked with Rufus, John Fogerty, Bonnie Raitt, Joyride, Peter Frampton, Lady Gaga, Daft Punk, Wilson Phillips, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, Anita Baker, Barbra Streisand, Seal, Peter Cetera, Rod Stewart, the Pointer Sisters, George Strait, Clint Black, Toby Keith, Hans Zimmer, Christophe Beck, James Newton Howard, Jeff Lorber, David Benoit, Sadao Watanabe and numerous others
December 29, 1953 ~ Singer, actress Gali Atari born in Rehovot, Israel ~ Internationally best known as lead vocalist of Milk & Honey, winning the 1979 Eurovision Songfestival for Israel with their song Hallelujah
December 29, 1953 ~ Singer, drummer Max Werner born ~ Co-founding member of progressive rock, art rock outfit Kayak, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums as lead singer and several more after switching to drums. The band enjoyed popularity in their native Netherlands especially during the 1970s and are best known for songs such as Lyrics, Mammoth, Starlight Dancer, and Ruthless Queen. Werner has also recorded as a solo artist, notably the 1981 hit Rain In May, and with Ekseption on the Dance Macabre album ~ Werner passed away in 2024
December 29, 1952 ~ Jazz, modal jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, drummer Joe Lovano, full name Joseph Salvatore Lovano, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Married to singer Judi Silvano. Influenced by John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt. Closely associated with Woody Herman and with Paul Motian. As a leader known for a string of acclaimed 1990s albums, notably Landmarks, Universal Language and Rush Hour. In-demand sideman and collaborator, has worked with Jack McDuff, Dr Lonnie Smith, John Abercrombie, Scolohofo, Sound Prints, the SF Jazz Collective, Joshua Redman, Us Five, Greg Osby, Enrico Rava, John Scofield, Roseanna Vitro, and others
December 29, 1951 ~ Singer Yvonne Elliman, full name Yvonne Marianne Elliman, born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Best known for If I Can't Have You, written by Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb & Robin Gibb, a 1977 Billboard No.1 in the midst of the disco era. Discovered by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber who cast her as Maria Magdalena in the first stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar, a role she portrayed for four years starting in 1971. Also sang backup on Eric Clapton's I Shot The Sheriff as well as on the albums 461 Ocean Boulevard, There's One In Every Crowd, EC Was Here, No Reason To Cry and Slowhand and toured with Clapton as member of Eric Clapton Band
December 29, 1948 ~ Reggae, ska, dub producer, engineer Errol Thompson born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Nicknamed “ET”. One of the first engineers, over time moving into producing as well, involved in dub music. Has worked with Joe Gibbs, Junior Byles, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Althea & Donna, Prince Far I, Eek-a-mouse, I-Roy, Cornell Campbell, Freddie McGregor, Barrington Levy, Clive Chin, King Tubby, and others ~ Thompson passed away in 2004
December 29, 1947 ~ Colin Trevor Flooks, commonly known as drummer Cozy Powell, born in Cirencester, UK ~ Named himself after jazz drummer Cozy Cole. One of the most respected session drummers in British rock. As a solo artist, known for his 1973 drum instrumental Dance With The Devil, which reached UK No.3. Powell has appeared on albums by Jeff Beck (Rough And Ready), Murray Head, Donovan, Bedlam, Graham Bonnet, Rainbow, Robert Plant (Pictures At Eleven), Jon Lord, Brian May, Whitesnake (Slide It In), Roger Daltrey, Warlock, Hot Chocolate, Cinderella, Gary Moore, and Black Sabbath ~ Flooks passed away in 1998
December 29, 1946 ~ Singer Marianne Faithfull, full name Marianne Evelyn Gabriel Faithfull, born in Hampstead, UK ~ Rose to international fame with her 1964 single As Tears Go By becoming one of the leading ladies of the British invasion. Other well known recordings include Come And Stay With Me, This Little Bird and Dreamin' My Dreams
December 29, 1946 ~ Rock guitarist Slobodan Kovacevic, full name Slobodan Adem Kovacevic, born ~ Regarded as one of the most technically skilled guitarists in Yugoslavic rock. Founded Lutalice in the early-1960s. Best known as core member of Indexi from 1965 until lead singer Davorin Popovic's death in 2001. The group, considered pioneers of rock and psychedelic rock, is known for songs such as Svijet U Kome Zivim, Plima, Sve Ove Godine, and perhaps their best known Bacila Je Sve Niz Rijeku ~ Kovacevic passed away in 2004
December 29, 1945 ~ Russell Edward Davidson, commonly known as rock, hard rock, blues rock, psychedelic rock singer, drummer, percussionist Rusty Day, born in Garden City, Michigan, USA ~ First gained attention as early member of the Amboy Dukes, replacing previous lead singer John Drake. Sang lead on the 1969 Migration album before leaving the band. Member of early-1970s supergroup Cactus. Declined the offer to join AC/DC as replacement for the late Bon Scott. Fatally shot at his home at age 36, the murder officially remaining unsolved to this day ~ Davidson passed away in 1982
December 29, 1944 ~ Singer Patti Drew born in Charleston, South Carolina, USA ~ Briefly enjoyed modest success in the early-1960s heading the sibling outfit the Drew-vels, alongside Lorraine Drew and Erma Drew. Known for It's My Time, I've Known and their biggest hit Tell Him. As a solo artist Patti would subsequently reach the R&B charts later in the decade with the singles Hard To Handle, Workin' On A Groovy Thing and The Love That A Woman Should Give To A Man
December 29, 1943 ~ Singer Barbara Alston born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Member of the Crystals from 1961 through 1964, present on songs such as There's No Other Like My Baby, Uptown, He's Sure The Boy I Love, Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home), and Then He Kissed Me ~ Alston passed away in 2018
December 29, 1943 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Rick Danko born in Blayney, Canada ~ Member of Ronnie Hawkins' backing unit the Hawks. Best known as member of the Band, alongside Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Robbie Robertson and Richard Manuel. Cited as an influence by a host aof artists including Elvis Costello, John Doe, Mumford & Sons, Lucinda Williams, Jay Farrar, Neko Case, Robbie Fulks, Cindy Cashdollar, Craig Finn, Chris Thomson, Mike Watt, and Eric Clapton ~ Danko passed away in 1999
December 29, 1942 ~ Christopher Cedzich, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Chris Gantry, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with the Outlaw country movement. Father of actress, songwriter Nicole Taylor Hart. Gantry is best known for a number of late-1960s, early-1970s albums, notably Introspection, and for writing songs such as Glen Campbell's Dreams Of The Everyday Housewife.
December 29, 1941 ~ Robert L Comstock, commonly known as rock & roll, pop singer Bobby Comstock born in Athaca, New York, USA ~ Popular late-1950s, early-1960s singer both as a solo artist and with his band Bobby Comstock & the Counts. Best known for The Tennessee Waltz and Let's Stomp ~ Comstock passed away in 2020
December 29, 1941 ~ Flutist, songwriter Ray Thomas born in Stourport-on-Severn, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Moody Blues. Especially remembered for his flute solo on the band's Nights In White Satin. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's songs including Legend Of A Mind, Procession, Dreamer, For My Lady, and Never Blame The Rainbows For The Rain ~ Thomas passed away in 2018
December 29, 1939 ~ Country, outlaw country, urban country singer, songwriter, actor Ed Bruce, full name William Edwin Bruce Jr, born in Keiser, Arkansas, USA ~ Notably known for penning and first recording See The Big Man Cry, later covered by Charlie Louvin, as well as Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys, later made famous by Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings. As a singer enjoyed his biggest commercial success in the 1980s with Billboard Country top 10 hits such as You're The Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had, Ever Never Lovin' You, After All, You Turn Me On (Like A Radio) and Nights ~ Bruce passed away in 2021
December 29, 1939 ~ Church organist, choir director, radio host Leon Cole born ~ Father of jazz singer Holly Cole. Composed orchestral works and documentary film scores. Best known as host of classical music radio show RSVP from 1985 through 1995, aired on Canadian station CBC Stereo ~ Cole passed away in 2019
December 29, 1929 ~ John Wayne Carroll, commonly known as R&B, doo-wop singer, songwriter Gregory Carroll, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Four Buddies, known for the 1951 hit I Will Wait. Member of the Orioles, joining the band in 1953 as replacement for George Nelson and present on their biggest hit Crying In The Chapel. Formed the duo Greg & Peg with singer, guitarist Peggy Jones. Co-wrote Doris Troy's Northern soul classic Just One Look ~ Carroll passed away in 2013
December 29, 1929 ~ Matthew Tyler Murphy, commonly known as guitarist Matt Guitar Murphy, born in Sunflower, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for his associations with Memphis Slim, Howlin' Wolf, and with the Blues Brothers. Also worked with Little Junior Parker, Ike Turner, Chuck Berry, Etta James, Otis Rush, Willie Dixon, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and others ~ Murphy passed away in 2018
December 29, 1922 ~ Singer Little Joe Cook born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Declined an offer to join the Soul Stirrers after Sam Cooke left. Fronted Little Joe & the Thrillers, known for their 1957 US hit Peanuts. Member of the Sherrys, known for Pop Pop Pop Pie, a modest 1962 hit ~ Cook passed away in 2014
December 29, 1922 ~ Doris Helen Schetrompf, commonly known as country singer, guitarist Rose Lee Maphis, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Formed a musical duo with her husband guitarist Joe Maphis, pioneering the Bakersfield sound in the 1950s. The couple is perhaps best remembered for penning Dim Lights Thick Smoke (And Loud Loud Music), first recorded by Flatt & Scruggs in 1952. Joe & Rose Lee Maphis released the song as a single in 1953. It has since been covered by numerous artists including Conway Twitty, the Flying Burrito Brothers, the New Riders Of The Purple Sage, the Derailers, Ricky Skaggs, the Beat Farmers, and others ~ Schetrimpf passed away in 2021
December 29, 1912 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer, bandleader Thore Ehrling born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Played with Frank Vernon in the early-1930s. Played with Håkan von Eichwald. Formed his own ensemble in 1938 which played for 19 years. The band included later prominent solo artists such as Uffe Baadh, Carl Henrik Norin, and singers such as Inger Berggren and Lily Berglund ~ Ehrling passed away in 1994
December 29, 1906 ~ Harold Manfred Kirchstein, commonly known as classical, opera, jazz, traditional pop, pop composer, arranger, conductor, producer Henri René, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for a string of mid-1950s albums, Music For Bachelors, For The Weaker Sex, Compulsion To Swing and Riot In Rhythm, regarded as forerunners of the space-age pop aesthetic ~ René passed away in 1993
December 29, 1905 ~ Lawrence Leo Mosley, commonly known as jazz trombonist Snub Mosley, born in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA ~ Perhaps best known for inventing the slide saxophone, a horn which had both a saxophone mouthpiece and a slide, an instrument most prominently featured on Mosley's 1940 recording of The Man With The Funny Little Horn. However, Mosley was primarily a trombonist, active since his mid-teens and first gaining serious attention as a soloist with Alphonso Trent from the mid-1920 through the early-1930s. Subsequently Mosley has played with the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, Claude Hopkins, Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, Luis Russell, and Stuff Smith ~ Mosley passed away in 1981
December 29, 1900 ~ Dixieland clarinetist Willie Humphrey, full name Willie James Humphrey, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Son of clarinetist Willie Eli Humphrey, brother of trombonist Earl Humphrey and trumpeter Percy Humphrey. Has worked with Lawrence Duhé, King Oliver, Paul Barbarin, Sweet Emma Barrett, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and others ~ Humphrey passed away in 1994
December 29, 1890 ~ Pianist, composer Yves Nat born in Béziers, France ~ Encouraged to pursue his musical studies by Gabriel Fauré and Camille Saint-Saëns. Toured with Jacques Thibaud and George Enescu. Frequently appeared with Eugène Ysaÿe. Composed concertos, piano works, chamber music, and an oratorio. Included repertoire by Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms. Also well known for recording all of Ludwig van Beethoven's piano sonatas during the early-1950s ~ Nat passed away in 1956
December 29, 1876 ~ Classical violist, composer Lionel Tertis born in West Hartlepool, UK ~ One of the first viola players to achieve international fame. Premiered works by Arnold Bax, Frank Bridge, Benjamin Dale, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and others. Formed the Chamber Music Players alongside William Murdoch, Albert Sammons and Lauri Kennedy ~ Tertis passed away in 1975
December 29, 1868 ~ William Stanley Grinsted, commonly known as singer, banjost Frank Stanley, born in Orange, New Jersey, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity mostly throughout the 1890s and early-1900s. Recorded prolifically in the 1900s, both as a solo artist and as a member, leader of the Peerless Quartet including on some of their best known such as You're The Flower Of My Heart Sweet Adeline and Honey Boy ~ Grinsted passed away in 1910