February 10, 2023 ~ Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, commonly known as rapper, producer AKA, passed away in Durban, South Africa ~ Member of hip-hop group Entity. Member of production collective the IV League, working with artists such as Khuli Chana, Pro, and JR. As a solo artist known for songs such as In My Walk, Lemons (Lemonade), All Eyes On Me, and Fela In Versace ~ Forbes was born in 1988
February 10, 2022 ~ Flautist, composer Brian Dunning passed away ~ Studied jazz and classical. Influenced by jazz and Celtic music. Best known as member of Nightnoise. Also played flute and panpipe in Puck Fair, known for their 1987 Fairplay album. Notably collaborated with new age keyboardist Jeff Johnson since the late 1980s ~ Dunning was born ca.1952
February 10, 2021 ~ Jorge Scibona, commonly known as classical guitarist, composer Jorge Morel, passed away in Orlando, Florida, USA ~ Actively recording and performing from the late 1950s until his death in 2021. Best known for his composition Suite Del Sur, dedicated to his wife Olga, premiered as soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Admired by peers from both the classical and jazz worlds including Pepe Romero, David Starobin, Carlos Barbosa-Lima, Ricardo Iznaola, and Chet Atkins with whom he would establish a lifelong friendship and mutual admiration, many of whom have performed or recorded his compositions ~ Scibona was born in 1931
February 10, 2021 ~ Banjoist Lee Sexton passed away ~ Known for his specific drop-thumb fingerpicking style, developed after his hand was crushed in a mining accident ~ Sexton was born in 1928
February 10, 2020 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion pianist, songwriter Lyle Mays, full name Lyle David Mays, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his close association with Pat Metheny, longtime member of the Pat Metheny Group, co-writer and arranger on nearly of all the band's music. Has also led small ensembles backed by sidemen such as Marc Johnson, Peter Erskine, Eric Hochberg, Mark Walker, and Bob Sheppard. Also worked with Pedro Aznar, Betty Buckley, Igor Butman, Woody Herman, Mark Isham, Rickie Lee Jones, Nando Lauria, Bobby McFerrin, Joni Mitchell, Bob Moses, Steve Swallow, Toots Thielemans, Eberhard Weber, and others ~ Mays was born in 1953
February 10, 2019 ~ Classical, tango guitarist Juanjo Domínguez passed away ~ Virtuoso guitarist acclaimed for his speed and his three string tremolos ~ Dominguez was born in 1951
February 10, 2018 ~ Operatic bass-baritone Raimund Herincx passed away ~ Worked with the Welsh National Opera, the Sadler's Wells Opera, the Royal Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera, and others ~ Herincx was born in 1927
February 10, 2018 ~ Talent agent, label executive Troy Blakely passed away ~ Worked as tour manager for Mitch Ryder, assistant tour manager for Johnny Winter. As a talent agent Blakely has signed and/or represented artists such as Ted Nugent, Bob Seger, the Stooges, MC5, Nazareth, the Golden Earring, Canned Heat, Birtha, Lighthouse, the Raspberries, Blackfoot, Tim Buckley, Sammy Hagar, the Scorpions, Triumph, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Poison, Boston, Faith No More, Alice In Chains, King's X, the Black Crowes, Y&T, Rush, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Robert Plant, Bret Michaels, Fleetwood Mac, the Go-Go's, Lenny Kravitz, Judas Priest, Zakk Wylde, Whitesnake, Black Label Society, RATT, Cinderella, Dokken, Sebastian Bach, Lita Ford, and others ~ Blakely was born in 1949
February 10, 2017 ~ Folk, skiffle guitarist Tony Davis, full name Anthony John Davis, passed away ~ Member of UK folk, skiffle, pop group the Spinners, best known for My Liverpool Home and their rendition of the Ewan MacColl-penned Dirty Old Town ~ Davis was born in 1930
February 10, 2014 ~ Shakuhachi player, composer Hozan Yamamoto passed away ~ Considered a virtuoso on the shakuhachi, a traditional bamboo flute. Rose to fame in the mid-1960s as one third of the Shakuhachi Sanbon Kai trio, alongside Reibo Aoki and Katsuya Yokoyama. Would go on to collaborate with a wide array of internationally known artists including Ravi Shankar, Helen Merrill, Gary Peacock, Karl Berger, Jean Pierre Rampal, and Chris Hinze ~ Yamamoto was born in 1937
February 10, 2014 ~ Singer, actress, dancer Shirley Temple passed away in Woodside, California, USA ~ Child actress, dancer, singer. Appeared in 29 films from the ages of 3 to 10. Retired from film at 22 ~ Temple was born in 1928
February 10, 2008 ~ Rock drummer Chris Townson passed away in London, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member of 1960s rock band John's Children, which also included future T.Rex-frontman Marc Bolan. Substituted for Keith Moon on a 1967 the Who tour after Moon injured himself. Also a member of Jook, Jet, Radio Stars ~ Townson was born in 1947
February 10, 2007 ~ Pop singer Céline Dion records On S'Est Aimé à Cause ~ Written by Françoise Dorin, Marc Dupré, Jean-François Breau. Produced by Tino Izzo. Released as the third single of the 2007 D'Elles album, it would reach top 30 on the Canada AC charts in her native Canada
February 10, 2006 ~ James Dewitt Yancey, commonly known as producer, rapper J Dilla, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Also known under the moniker Jay Dee. Emerged in the 1990s. Remixed for Janet Jackson, Pharcyde, De La Soul, Busta Rhymes and A Tribe Called Quest. One third of rap group Slum Village. Member of producers collective Ummah, which also consisted of Tribe members Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad and later Raphael Saadiq. Founding member of production collective the Soulquarians. Debuted as a solo artist in 2001 with the single F-ck The Police. During his lifetime his solo career never really took off but highly regarded within the industry for his behind the scenes work, remixing and producing, and for his role in various collectives. Seen by some as “the Godfather of lo-fi hip-hop” ~ Yancey was born in 1974
February 10, 2005 ~ Pianist, songwriter Jack Segal passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Scarlet Ribbons For Her Hair with Evelyn Danzig, recorded by Jo Stafford, Harry Belafonte, the Kingston Trio, Joan Baez, Sinéad O'Connor, the Lennon Sisters, Wayne Newton, Perry Como, Dinah Shore, and others. Other artists who recorded Segal's songs include Blossom Dearie, Frank Sinatra, Frankie Laine, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Nancy Wilson, Rosemary Clooney, Nat King Cole, and numerous others ~ Segal was born in 1918
February 10, 2002 ~ Singer, songwriter Dave Van Ronk, full name David Kenneth Ritz Van Ronk, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Important figure in 1960s folk music revival. Drew from blues, gospel, rock, jazz, swing, ragtime, and other genres. Admired by peers including Bob Dylan, Tom Paxton, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Joni Mitchell. Especially acclaimed for his 1959 Black Mountain Blues album ~ Van Ronk was born in 1936
February 10, 2001 ~ George Holmes Tate, commonly known as jazz, big band, swing saxophonist, clarinetist Buddy Tate, passed away in Chandler, Arizona, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Terrence Holder, Andy Kirk, Count Basie, Paul Quinichette, Benny Goodman, Clark Terry, Buck Clayton, Al Grey, Houston Person, Ray Bryant, Milt Buckner, Arnett Cobb, Wild Bill Davis, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Roy Eldridge, Claude Hopkins, Jay McShann, Jimmy Rushing, Al Sears, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, and others ~ Tate was born in 1913
February 10, 1998 ~ Songwriter, pianist Alex Kramer passed away in Westport, Connecticut, USA ~ Vocal coach to Joan Whitney, whom he eventually married. As a husband-wife songwriting team they would become known for penning a number of hits, notably the 1947 Jimmy Dorsey-hit High On A Windy Hill. Other successes would include Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens for Louis Jordan, Deep As The River for Harry Belafonte and Love Somebody for Buddy Clark and Doris Day ~ Kramer was born in 1903
February 10, 1998 ~ Félix Rafael Herrea Altuna, commonly known as danzón, mamba, bolero violinist, bandleader Félix Reina, passed away in Havana, Cuba ~ As a composer best known for Si Te Contara, covered by numerous artists. Worked with Antonio Diaz, the Arcano y Sus Maravillas, the Orquesta America, the Fajardo y Sus Estrellas, and others ~ Reina was born in 1921
February 10, 1997 ~ Jazz organist Lou Bennett passed away in Paris, France ~ Started on piano, inspired by Jimmy Smith switched to organ. Worked with Jimmy Gourley, Kenny Clarke, René Thomas, Philip Catherine, Shirley Bunnie Foy, Franco Manzecchi, Gerald Badini, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Johnny Griffin, Brew Moore, Jack Sels, Leo Wright, and others ~ Bennett was born in 1926
February 10, 1994 ~ Pop, K-pop singer, dancer Kang Seul-gi born in Ansan, South Korea ~ Best known as member of K-pop girl group Red Velvet
February 10, 1992 ~ Saxophonist, flautist Jim Pepper, full name Jim Gilbert Pepper II, passed away in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Rose to fame in the late 1960s as member of the Free Spirits, a pioneering jazz-rock outfit that also included Larry Coryell and Bob Moses. Pepper would go on to merge jazz and Native American influences. Has collaborated with Don Cherry, Nana Vasconcelos, Collin Walcott, Kenner Erner, John Scofield, Ed Schuller, Hamid Drake, the Liberation Music Orchestra, Paul Motian, Marty Cook, Mal Waldron, David Friesen, Tony Hymas, Amina Claudine Myers, and others ~ Pepper was born in 1941
February 10, 1988 ~ Jazz organist Don Patterson passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Erroll Garner and Jimmy Smith. Leader and sideman. As a solo artist best known for his 1964 album Holiday Soul. Worked with Sonny Stitt, Pat Martino, Billy James, Gene Ammons, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Eric Kloss, Booker Ervin, Jerry Byrd, David Fathead Newman, Houston Person, Howard McGhee, Charles McPherson, Grant Green, Richie Cole, Bootsie Barnes, Eddie McFadden, Idris Muhammad, Billy Butler, Melvin Sparks, and others ~ Patterson was born in 1936
February 10, 1986 ~ Producer, A&R scout Art Satherley, full name Arthur Edward Satherley, passed away in Fountain Valley, California, USA ~ Active as a talent scout since the early 1920s, starting with early blues artists such as Ma Rainey, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Blake. Joined American Record Corporation by the end of the decade where he oversaw Leadbelly's first commercial recordings. Would go on to head country and blues A&R departments when the company was taken over by Columbia Records, where he would be helpful in advancing the careers of acts like the Carter Family, Vernon Dalhart, Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell, Marty Robbins, Alberta Hunter, Big Bill Broonzy, Josh White, Leroy Carr, Memphis Minnie, and others. Satherley semi-retired from music in 1952, producing only occassionally thereafter ~ Satherley was born in 1889
February 10, 1983 ~ Pop rock, alternative rock, folk rock singer, bassist, producer Jimmy Stofer born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Closely associated with rock outfit the Fray, serving as their touring bassist from 2004 through 2007. Member of indie folk group Hello Kavita, including co-writing a vast amount of the band's To A Loved One sophomore album. Member of Rose Hill Drive. Other notable collaborations include Ryan Bingham, Scars On 45, the Weather Maps, Cary Brothers, Meese, VAN STEE, and the Dualistics
February 10, 1983 ~ Post-hardcore, emo, post-punk singer, guitarist, songwriter Vic Fuentes, full name Victor Vincent Fuentes, born in San Diego, California, USA ~ Co-founding member of post-hardcore outfit Pierce The Veil, known best for their 2016 Misadventures album. Fuentes has also worked with Before Today, Isles & Glaciers, and guested on recordings by Lower Definition, Chiodos, All-Time Low, Slaves, and Cavetown
February 10, 1979 ~ Country singer, pianist, guitarist Craig Campbell born in Lyons, Georgia, USA ~ Released his eponymous Craig Campbell debut album in 2011, spawning the Billboard Country top 30 singles Family Man and Fish. Also known for subsequent hits such as Outta My Head and Keep Them Kisses Comin'
February 10, 1979 ~ Guitarist Paul Waggoner, full name Paul Andrew Waggoner, born ~ Best known as lead guitarist of progressive metal outfit Between The Buried And Me. Influenced by John Petrucci, Pat Metheny, Allan Holdsworth and Steve Vai. Has also worked with Prayer For Cleansing and Lamb of God
February 10, 1978 ~ William Omar Landrón Rovera, commonly known as reggaeton singer Don Omar, born in Villa Palmeras, Puerto Rico ~ Released his full-length debut album, The Last Don, in 2003. Best known for songs such as Pobre Diabla, Donqueo, Reggaeton Latino, Angelito, Danza Kuduro featuring Lucenzo, Hasta Qua Salga El Sol, Zumba, and others
February 10, 1977 ~ Singer Rosanna Tavarez born in Washington Heights, New York, USA ~ Member of Eden's Crush, a girl group consisting of contestants on the 2001 edition of the reality TV franchise Popstars. The band's debut single Get Over Yourself would reach top 10 Billboard Hot 100. Following the disbandement of the group shortly thereafter Tavarez has worked as a TV host and released a limited number of recordings under the moniker Chana, most notably the 2008 Manos Arriba EP
February 10, 1977 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Shahin Novrasli born in Baku, Azerbaijan ~ Married to classical singer Natavan Novrasli, with whom he has two children. Influenced by Ahmad Jamal, Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea. Has been recording steadily since his 2000 Jz'mu debut album collaborating with musicians such as Nathan Peck, Sasha Mashin, James Cammack, Irakli Kolava, and others
February 10, 1976 ~ Singer, songwriter, author Vanessa Da Mata born in Mato Grosso, Brazil ~ Released her eponymous Vanessa Da Mata debut album in 2002. Best known for her 2007 Sim. Scored the No.1 hits Ai Ai Ai, Boa Sorte and Amado, all topping the charts in her native Brazil. Her songs have also been recorded by Maria Bethânia (A Forca Que Nunca Seca), Daniela Mercury (Vlagem), and Ana Carolina (Me Sento Na Rua)
February 10, 1975 ~ Rock, garage rock, avant-punk, protopunk bassist Dave Alexander, full name David Michael Alexander, passed away in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA ~ Original bassist of Iggy Pop's band the Stooges. Appeared on the band's first two albums, 1969's The Stooges and 1970's Fun House. Co-penned a number of the band's best known, notably We Will Fail, Little Doll, Dirt and 1970. Fired from the band in 1970 after showing up drunk for a live date. Alexander would die five years later, making it to the notorious 27 Club alongside Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and others ~ Alexander was born in 1947
February 10, 1972 ~ Andrew Carthy, commonly known as electronica, trip hop, house, nu jazz, down tempo producer, DJ Mr Scruff, born in Macclesfield, UK ~ Took his stage name for his “scruffy” facial hair. Released his full-length eponymous Mr Scruff debut album in 1997 and has been recording steadily since. Has collaborated with DJ Spooky, Tony D, Fingathing, Quantic, Kirsty Almeida, Roots Manuva, Braintax, and others
February 10, 1970 ~ Alternative rock, industrial rock guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Brian Liesegang born in New York, New York, USA ~ Founding member of industrial rock band Filter. Also worked with Nine Inch Nails, Veruca Salt, Billy Corgan, and others
February 10, 1970 ~ Power pop guitarist, pianist, organist Kenny Howes born ~ Active since the late 1980s, primarily as a power pop guitarist yet also drawing from a wide array of genres including rockabilly, garage, psychedelic pop, and indie rock. About half a dozen albums to his name, starting with Nothing Wrong With That released in 1995. Has also collaborated with Casper & the Cookies, Orange Hat, Hautewerk, the Popdudes, Pat DiNizio, and others
February 10, 1966 ~ William Samuel Rosenberg, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist, impresario Billy Rose, passed away in Montego Bay, Jamaica ~ Broadway producer, theater owner. Co-wrote Me & My Shadow recorded by Al Jolson, Pearl Bailey, Perry Como, and Peggy Lee. Co-wrote Ain't Misbehavin' recorded by Leo Reisman, Louis Armstrong, and Gene Austin ~ Rose was born in 1899
February 10, 1966 ~ James Johnson, commonly known as jazz drummer, arranger, singer Osie Johnson, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Sabby Lewis, Paul Gonsalves, Zoot Sims, Mose Allison, Bobby Darin (drums on Mack The Knife), Dinah Washington, JJ Johnson, Manny Albam, Bob Brookmeyer, Clifford Brown, Ray Bryant, Arnett Cobb, Freddy Cole, Art Farmer, Bennie Green, Tiny Grimes, Lionel Hampton, Urbie Green, Johnny Hartman, Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, Quincy Jones, Mundell Lowe, Joe Newman, Oscar Pettiford, Sonny Stitt, Ben Webster, Cootie Williams, and others ~ Johnson was born in 1923
February 10, 1964 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader, composer Dave Pietro born ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Toshiko Akiyoshi, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, Maynard Ferguson, Maria Schneider, the VIllage Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, John Fedchock, Mike Holober, Anita Brown, Pete McGuinness, Jim Widner, Arturo O'Farrill, Paul Anka, Louie Bellson, Blood Sweat & Tears, Bobby Caldwell, Ray Charles, Rosemary Clooney, Harry Connick Jr, Michael Feinstein, Chaka Khan, Liza Minnelli, James Naughton, John Pizzarelli, the Dave Matthews Band, Sandip Burman, Dave Holland, Kenny Werner, Ben Monder, Brian Blade, Scott Colley, Scott Wendholt, uduca Fonseca, Helio Alves, Pete McCann, and others
February 10, 1964 ~ Blues, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Ruthie Foster, full name Ruthie Cecelia Foster, born in Gause, Texas, USA ~ Critically compared to Bonnie Raitt and Aretha Franklin. Mainly a folk and blues singer, yet drawing from gospel, jazz, and R&B. Has recorded about a dozen albums, starting with her 1997 Full Circle self-released debut album
February 10, 1963 ~ David Victor Emmanuel, commonly known as reggae singer, DJ Smiley Culture, born in South London, UK ~ Best known for two critically acclaimed mid-1980s singles, Cockney Translation and Police Officer, which would prove to be influential on later black UK artists such as DJ Luck & MC Neat and Roots Manuva ~ Emmanuel passed away in 2011
February 10, 1962 ~ Heavy metal bassist Cliff Burton, full name Clifford Lee Burton, was born in Castro Valley, California, USA ~ Member of Metallica from 1982 until his death while on tour in 1986. Appears on the band's first three albums, Kill 'Em All, Ride The Lightning and Master Of Puppets. Had previously worked with Angels Of Misfortune, EZ-Street, Spastik Children, and Trauma ~ Burton passed away in 1986
February 10, 1962 ~ Pietro Pelù, commonly known as alternative rock, hard rock, post-punk, pop rock singer, songwriter Piero Pelù born in Florence, Italy ~ Member of Litfiba from the early 1980s through the late 1990s. Rekeased his full-length Né Buoni Né Cattivi solo debut album in 2000 and has been recording consistently as a solo artist since
February 10, 1961 ~ Jazz trumpeter, hornist, composer, arranger Paolo Fresu born in Berchidda, Italy ~ Leader and sideman. Debuted in 1985 with the Ostinato album. Has collaborated with Carla Bley, Piero Umiliani, Aldo Romani, Michel Balatino, Glenn Ferris, Jon Balke, Pierre Favre, Erik Marchand, David Linx, Diederik Wissels, Gianluca Petrella, Natacha Atlas, Joe Barbieri, Ralph Towner, and others
February 10, 1960 ~ Mark Ramos Nishita, commonly known as producer, keyboardist Money Mark, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Best known for his association with the Beastie Boys from 1992 through 2011. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Mark's Keyboard Repair in 1995, a collection of pop-funk songs. Has worked with Beck, Omar Rodríguez-López, Damo Suzuki, the Rolling Stones, Iggy Pop, Nile Rodgers, Yoko Ono, Carlos Santana, Lee Scratch Perry, Jorge Ben, Danger Mouse, Moby, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Mars Volta, and others
February 10, 1959 ~ Hard rock drummer Walt Woodward III born ~ Perhaps best known as member of Scream, joining the band in 1989 replacing Scott Travis. Had previously worked with Americade and Shark Island ~ Woodward passed away in 2010
February 10, 1958 ~ Producer, songwriter Walter Afanasieff born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Best known for his longtime association with Mariah Carey, co-producing and co-writing for Carey for several years. Has also worked with Richard Marx, Thalia, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, George Benson, Destiny's Child, Kenny G, Michael Bolton, Toni Braxton, Johnny Mathis, Kenny Loggins, Barbra Streisand, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, and others
February 10, 1957 ~ Label executive, philantropist Gary Lee Stuart born ~ Label, A&R executive at Rhino Records and Apple Inc ~ Stewart passed away in 2019
February 10, 1953 ~ Rock, pop, jazz drummer Dragoljub Duricic born in Celinje, Yugoslavia ~ Member of progressive rock band YU Grupa. Member of jazz fusion band Leb i Sol. Member of hard rock band Kerber. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with Dorde Balasevic, Voodoo Popeye, Zdravko Colic, Dejan Cukic, Jugosloveni, Nebosja Krstic, Vlada Maricic, and others ~ Duricic passed away in 2021
February 10, 1952 ~ Drummer, songwriter Giancarlo Golzi nborn in Sanremo, Italy ~ Co-founded Matia Bazar, which also included Piero Cassano, Antonella Ruggiero, Aldo Stellita and Carlo Marrale, known for songs such as Ma Perché, Solo Tu, Stasera Che Sera, Mister Mandarino, and perhaps their best known Tio Sento ~ Golzi passed away in 2015
February 10, 1950 ~ Visual artist, singer Lonnie Holley, full name Lonnie Bradley Holley, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Best known as a visual artist creating sculptures and assemblages from found materials. Active as a musician since the mid-2000s, initially improvsing in an Alabama church using nothing more than a keyboard and a microphone. Has released about half a dozen critically acclaimed albums, starting with his 2012 Just Before Music debut album
February 10, 1949 ~ Bruno Le Forestier, commonly known as singer, songwriter Maxime Le Forestier, born in Paris, France ~ Formed the 1960s duo Cat & Maxime with his sister Catherine Le Forestier, one of the first acts to cover songs of Egyptian-French singer Georges Brassens. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Mon Frere, which included several songs now regarded as part of the French folklore such as San Francisco and Comme Un Arbre. Has recorded steadily since to critical acclaim
February 10, 1949 ~ Drummer, singer Nigel Olsson born in Merseyside, UK ~ Best known for his longtime association with singer Elton John starting in the late 1960s, and along with bassist Dee Murray credited for helping John create his unique sound. Present on key albums such as Tumbleweed Connection, Honky Château, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy. In-demand session musician, worked with the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Neil Sedaka, Jimmy Webb, Barbi Benton, Rod Stewart, Leo Sayer, Eric Carmen, Kenny Rogers, and others. Has also recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, his best-known being Nigel released in 1979 spawning the modest hits Dancin' Shoes and Little Bit Of Soap
February 10, 1948 ~ Hannis Mikael Waldermar Walli, commonly known as drummer, guitarist Hasse Walli, born in Helsinki, Finland ~ Son of bandleader Aarno Walli and singer Marie Strandberg. Active as a drummer since the 1960s in bands such as Islanders, the Electric Five, Nameless. Switched to guitar when joining the Typhoons. First gained serious attention playing with Jormas in 1966. Subsequently co-founded the Blues Section, considered a seminal band in late 1960s Finnish rock. Would go on to work with Tapani Kansa, Kirka, Piirpauke, and record as a solo artist
February 10, 1947 ~ Cornetist, composer, conductor Butch Morris born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Played with his brother Wilber Morris, with David Murray, Wayne Horvitz, Frank Lowe, and others ~ Morris passed away in 2013
February 10, 1947 ~ Rock, country rock bassist, pianist Chris Ethridge, full name John Christopher Ethridge, born in Meridian, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for his association with Gram Parsons, serving as a member of the International Submarine Band and the Flying Burrito Brothers. Co-wrote Hot Burrito No.1 and Hot Burrito No.2 for the latter. Ethridge would go on to become an in-demand session and touring musician for numerous country-tinged acts, including eight years with Willie Nelson. Other notable credits include Nancy Sinatra, Judy Collins, Johnny Winter, Ry Cooder, Leon Russell, Randy Newman, Linda Ronstadt, the Byrds, and Jackson Browne ~ Etheridge passed away in 2012
February 10, 1946 ~ Bassist, guitarist, singer Kenny Edwards, full name Kenneth Michael Edwards, born ~ Best known for his associations with Linda Ronstadt and Karla Bonoff. Founding member of the Stone Poneys. Founding member of Bryndle. Has also worked with Emmylou Harris, Stevie Nicks, JD Souther, Don Henley, Brian Wilson, Warren Zevon, Art Garfunkel, Vince Gill, Mac McAnally, David Lee Murphy, Jennifer Warnes, Danny Kortchmar, Lowell George, Glen Phillips, Natalie D Napoleon, Nina Gerber, Bobby Kimmel, Wendy Waldman, Rod Taylor, Rita Coolidge, BW Stevenson, Andrew Gold, Iain Matthews, Bonnie Raitt, Ringo Starr, the Brothers FIgaro, the Williams Brothers, Wynonna Judd, Dorothy Moskowitz, Antara & Delilah, Dick Annegarn, and others ~ Kimmel passed away in 2010
February 10, 1945 ~ Geraldine Milligan, commonly known as R&B, disco singer Geraldine Hunt, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Enjoyed moderate success on the R&B and dance charts from the 1970s through the early 1980s. Well-known songs include the Charlie Hodges duet You And I, the Supremes cover Baby I Need Your Loving, You Brought Joy and perhaps her best known Can't Fake The Feeling, the latter topping the Billboard Dance charts in 1980 ~ Milligan passed away in 2022
February 10, 1944 ~ Peter Richard Woolnough, commonly known as pop singer, pianist, songwriter Peter Allen born in Tenterfield, Australia ~ First gained attention as half of the Allen Brothers, the other half being Chris Bell and actually not his brother. As a solo artist best known for his 1976 hit I Go To Rio of his Taught By Experts album. Also known for co-writing Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do), an Academy Award-winning 1981 hit for Christopher Cross used in the film Arthur starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli ~ Woolnaugh passed away in 1992
February 10, 1944 ~ Bassist Rufus Reid born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Closely associated with Dexter Gordon. Has collaborated with hundreds of others including Kenny Barron, Jane Ira Bloom, Kenny Burrell, Donald Byrd, George Cables, Jack DeJohnette, Art Farmer, the Asian-American Jazz Trio, Dan Faulk, Frank Foster, Stan Getz, Benny Golson, Barry Harris, Frank Wess, Eddie Harris, Jimmy Heath, Andrew Hill, Bobby Hutcherson, the Jazztet, JJ Johnson, Etta Jones, Frank Kimbrough, Lee Konitz, Tete Montoliu, Ralph Moore, Joe Newman, Claude Roditi, Michel Sardaby, Rob Schneiderman, Jack Sheldon, John Stubblefield, and others
February 10, 1943 ~ Mezzo-soprano singer Joan Morris born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Married to and frequent collaborator of composer, pianist William Bolcom, who wrote numerous song cycles for her
February 10, 1943 ~ Ralph Stuart Emanuel Donner, commonly known as pop, rock & roll singer Ral Donner, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Cited by Robert Plant as an influence. Best known for his 1961 hit single You Don't Known What You've Got (Until You Lose It), a Billboard top 10 hit ~ Donner passed away in 1984
February 10, 1940 ~ Folk-rock, jazz-pop singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Kenny Rankin, full name Kenneth Joseph Rankin, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Actively recording as a solo artist since the mid-1960s, initially folk-rock and later gravitating more towards jazz-influenced work. Sessioned on Bob Dylan's 1965 Bringing It All Back Home album. Has also worked with Alan Broadbent, Mike Wofford, Bill Watrous, Michael Brecker, Ernie Watts, and others ~ Rankin passed away in 2009
February 10, 1940 ~ Charanga, son cubana, salsa singer, percussionist, bandleader Roberto Torres born in Guines, Cuba ~ Mixed Cuban and Colombian music, which he dubbes “charanga vallenata”. Best known for his recording of Caballo Viejo, a cover of a Simon Diaz-tune
February 10, 1937 ~ Jazz cornetist, bandleader Ed Polcer born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Benny Goodman, John Bunch, Bucky Pizzarelli, Slam Stewart, Al Klink, Zoot Sims, George Masso, Peter Appleyard, Teddy Wilson, Bobby Hackett, Kenny Davern, Dick Wellstood, Gene Ramey, Sonny Greer, Joe Muranyi, Herbie Nichols, Joe Venuti, Leon Redbone, Barbara Lea, Terry Blaine, Daryl Sherman, Lino Patruno, the Statesmen Of Jazz, Allan Vache, Bill Dodd, Mark Shane, Jonathan Russell, Judy Kurtz, and others
February 10, 1937 ~ Jazz singer Lee Wiley records I've Got You Under My Skin ~ Wiley, backed by Victor Young & his Orchestra, records the Cole Porter-penned I've Got You Under My Skin. Originally recorded by Frances Langford with Jimmy Dorsey & his Orchestra. Later notable recordings would include versions by Ray Noble, Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington, Bobby Troup, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt, Eric Gale, Dionne Warwick, and numerous others
February 10, 1937 ~ R&B, soul singer Roberta Flack, full name Roberta Cleopatra Flack, born in Asheville, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known for The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly With His Song, both Grammy Award-winners in respectively 1973 and 1974. Debuted in 1969 with the album First Take and has recorded steadily since to critical acclaim and commercial success. Well-known songs include Feel Like Makin' Love, You Are Everything and Making Love. Also scored a number of duet hits, notably The Closer I Get To You with Donny Hathaway, Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You with Peabo Bryson, and Set The Night To Music with Maxi Priest
February 10, 1936 ~ Pianist, film, TV composer Billy Goldenberg, full name William Leon Goldenberg, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known for composing the soundtracks to Duel, The Last Of Sheila, The Domino Principle. Also wrote for TV including Mary Tyler Moore Show and the theme of Kojak ~ Goldenberg passed away in 2020
February 10, 1935 ~ Composer, conductor Theodore Antoniou born in Athens, Greece ~ Worked with the Boston Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players, the Torhalle Orchestra, the National Opera Of Greece, and others. As a composer influenced by Jani Christou, Bernd Alois Zimmermann, Krzysztof Penderecki, and others. Wrote operas, choral works, chamber music, film and theater music ~ Antoniou passed away in 2018
February 10, 1934 ~ Jazz pianist Rahn Burton born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Worked with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, George Adams, Roland Alexander, Bob Cunningham, Ricky Ford, Hannibal Marvin Peterson, Carlos Garnett, Beaver Harris, Jemeel Moondoc, Charlie Rouse, Leon Thomas, Stanley Turrentine, Nicholas Simon, Walter Booker, Jimmy Cobb, Michael Carvin, Ellen Christi, Dick Griffin, Massimo Urbani, and others ~ Burton passed away in 2013
February 10, 1933 ~ Guitarist Don Wilson born in Tacoma, Washington, USA ~ Co-founding and longtime member of the Ventures, quintessential and certainly the longest-running surf band known for songs such as Perfidia, Hawaii Five-O, and perhaps their best-known Walk Don't Run ~ Wilson passed away in 2022
February 10, 1932 ~ Alton Jay Rubin, commonly known as zydeco singer, accordionist Rockin' Dopsie, born in Carencro, Louisiana, USA ~ Being left-handed played the accordion upside down. Active locally since his mid-teens, playing parties and clubs and sometimes covering R&B hits in a zydeco style. Released his Doin' The Zydeco debut album in 1976. Initially enjoyed popularity especially in Europe, also gaining attention in the USA by the early 1980s. Plays the signature accordion on That Was Your Mother of Paul Simon's quintessential Graceland album. Has also recorded with Bob Dylan and Cyndi Lauper ~ Rubin passed away in 1993
February 10, 1932 ~ Pianist, bandleader, composer Roland Hanna born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, the New York Jazz Quartet, George Duvivier, Roy Burns, Kenny Burrell, Ben Tucker, Mickey Tucker, Richard Davis, Eddie Gladden, Dick Hyman, Hank Jones, Marian McPartland, George Mraz, Stéphane Grappelli, Ron Carter, Ben Riley, Richard Pratt, Hans Koller, Attila Zoller, Jesper Thilo, Mats Winding, Aage Tanggaard, Freddie Watts, Clint Houston, Lewis Nash, Eiji Nakayama, Bill Easley, Jon Burr, Ronnie Burrage, Bucky Pizzarelli, Grady Tate, Gene Ammons, George Benson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ruth Brown, Jon Faddis, John Handy, Al Hibbler, Freddie Hubbard, Elvin Jones, Jim Hall, Miriam Klein, Jimmy Knepper, Hubert Laws, Herbie Mann, Les McCann, Red Rodney, Sonny Stitt, Don Sebesky, Stanley Turrentine, Phil Woods, and others ~ Hanna passed away in 2002
February 10, 1932 ~ Walter Perkins, commonly known as jazz drummer Walter Baby Sweet Perkins, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Perkins started hi career in Chicago with pianist Ahmad Jamal in 1956. Recorded and performed as a leader from 1957 through 1962, including in various line-ups sidemen such as Paul Serrano, Nicky Hill, Muhal Richard Abrams, Bob Cranshaw, Willie Thomas, Frank Strozier, and Harold Mabern. Perkins then moved to New York, played with Sonny Rollins, Carmen McRae, Art Farmer, and with Teddy Wilson through the mid 1960s. From here on he would continue to play and record with a wide array of noted jazz musicians including Rahsaan Roland Kirk, George Shearing, Gene Ammons, Charles Mingus, Billy Taylor, Booker Ervin, Jaki Byard, Lucky Thompson, Pat Martino, Sonny Stitt, Sonny Criss, and Charles Earland ~ Perkins passed away in 2004
February 10, 1930 ~ Jazz guitarist Shungo Sawada born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Founded the Double Beats. Founded the record label Elec in 1972. Has played with artists such as Shotaro Moriyasu, Norio Maeda, Akitoshi Igarashi, Motohiko Hino, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Thad Jones, Helen Merrill, Oscar Peterson, Sonny Stitt, and others ~ Sawada passed away in 2006
February 10, 1929 ~ Violinist Trevor Williams, full name Trevor James Williams, born in Acton, UK ~ Worked with the Aeolian String Quartet, the BBC Scottish Orchestra, the BBC Sympony Orchestra, the Haffner String Quartet, and others ~ Williams passed away in 2007
February 10, 1928 ~ Napoleon Nelson Pinedo Fedullo, commonly known as singer Nelson Pinedo born ~ Member of Cuban ensemble Sonora Matancera during the mid- to late-1950s, at the peak of their popularity ~ Fedullo passed away in 2016
February 10, 1927 ~ Operatic soprano Leontyne Price, full name Mary Violet Leontyne Price, born in Laurel, Mississippi, USA ~ Rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. First African-American to become leading performer at the Metropolitan Opera. Would go on to become one of the most acclaimed and popular classical singers of her generation. Has also sung with orchestras such as the Vienna Staatsoper, the Royal Opera House, the Chiago Lyric Opera, the Berlin Philharmonic, and others
February 10, 1926 ~ Archie Gordon, commonly known as jump blues, pianist Stomp Gordon, born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Earned his nickname “Stomp” by occasionally playing the piano with his bare feet. Known for a number of early to mid-1950s singles including Damp Rag, Oooh Yes, Pennies From Heaven and Juicy Lucy ~ Gordon passed away in 1958
February 10, 1921 ~ Joseph L Duskin, commonly known as blues, boogie-woogie pianist Big Joe Duskin, born in Collegeville, Alabama, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Well Well Baby, I Met A Girl Named Martha and for his 1978 debut album Cincinnati Stomp ~ Duskin passed way in 2007
February 10, 1914 ~ Harmonica player Larry Adler, full name Lawrence Cecil Adler, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Worked in theatre, film, orchestras collaborating with Flo Ziegfield, Lew Leslie, Charles B Cochran, Paul Draper, George Martin, and others. Later in his career Adler also worked with pop stars such as Peter Gabriel, Oleta Adams, Elton John, Sting, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Meat Loaf, Sinéad O'Connor, Robert Palmer, Cher, Kate Bush, Elvis Costello, Courtney Pine, Issy van Randwyck, Lisa Stansfield, Carly Simon, and others ~ Adler passed away in 2001
February 10, 1907 ~ Bandleader, arranger Joe Haymes born in Marshfield, Missouri, USA ~ Employed sidemen such as Johnny Mince, Pee Wee Erwin, Toots Mondello, Chris Griffin, Sterling Bose, Bud Freeman, Walt Yoder, and Lee Castle ~ Haymes passed away in 1964
February 10, 1907 ~ Walter Purl Thomas, commonly known as saxophonist, flutist, arranger Walter Foots Thomas, born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best known for his association with Cab Calloway, including arranging Calloway's 1931 hit Minnie The Moocher. Has also worked with Jelly Roll Morton, the Missourians, Don Redman, Coleman Hawkins, Hilton Jefferson, Eddie Barefield, Ben Webster, Budd Johnson, Emmett Berry, and others. Would venture into music management by the 1950s, serving as a music manager and booking agent ~ Thomas passed away in 1981
February 10, 1905 ~ William Henry Webb, commonly known as jazz, swing drummer, bandleader Chick Webb, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Influenced Buddy Rich. Leading figure of swing. One of the first bandleaders to work with Ella Fitzgerald, who sang with Webb's orchestra from the mid-1930s while still in her teens until his death at the end of the decade, notably on songs such as A-tisket A-tasket ~ Webb passed away in 1939
February 10, 1898 ~ Eugen Berthold Friedrick Brecht, commonly known as playwright, poet, lyricist Bertolt Brecht, born in Augsburg, Germany ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing The Threepenny Opera with Kurt Weill ~ Brecht passed away in 1956
February 10, 1888 ~ Pianist, composer William Murdoch, full name William David Murdoch, born in Sandhurst, Australia ~ Member of the Chamber Music Players alongside Albert Sammons, Lauri Kennedy and Lionel Tertis ~ Murdoch passed away in 1942
February 10, 1884 ~ Lyricist Bert Kalmar born in New York, New York, USA ~ Kalmar worked as a magician, comedian and dancer before a knee injury ended his vaudeville career. Turning to songwriting Kalmar, often partnering up with Harry Ruby, scored numerous Broadway and Hollywood musicals, notably for the Marx Brothers (Animal Crackers, Horse Feathers). Well-known songs co-written by Kalmar include Who's Sorry Now, I Wanna Be Loved By You, and Nevertheless ~ Kalmar passed away in 1947