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 ~ Flutist Brian Dunning passed away ~ Among the first to fuse jazz and Irish traditional music. Especially acclaimed for the Alone Together album, a collaborative effort with guitarist Louis Stewart recorded live at the Peacock Theatre, Dublin, Ireland in 1979. Co-founding member of the trio Puck Fair. Best known as member of Nightnoise, with whom he recorded half a dozen albums starting with the band's 1987 Something Of Time sophomore album. Dunning also collaborated extensively with keyboardist Jeff Johnson, including on Vows off Johnson's 2000 Byzantium album, the song prominently featured in the Martin Scorcese Gangs Of New York film ~ Dunning was born in 1951
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, 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, and Eberhard Weber ~ Mays was born in 1953
February 10, 2018 ~ Talent agent, label executive Troy Blakely passed away ~ Worked as tour manager for Mitch Ryder, and as assistant tour manager for Johnny Winter. As a talent agent Blakely has signed 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, and Lita Ford ~ Blakely was born in 1949
February 10, 2017 ~ Singer Katy Perry releases Chained To The Rhythm featuring Skip Marley, lifted off her Witness album ~ In Chained To The Rhythm, Katy Perry sings a sociopolitical message, imploring her audience to free themselves from the “chains of conformity”. Perry had been a vocal supporter of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 US presidential election. The day after Donald Trump's inauguration she joined various other female celebrities at the Women's March on Washington DC. The reggae-tinged Chained To The Rhythm notably featured Skip Marley, grandson of iconic reggae singer Bob Marley, who later told Billboard: “My manager called and told me that Lions, which I made around election time, was being played at the studio in Los Angeles with Max Martin, and Katy heard it and said, ‘I want him to be a part of the song.’ She reached out in January, and I went to the studio and delivered the message that I had to deliver. I had free rein lyrically. Katy said, ‘Just do you.’” Chained To The Rhythm would reach top 10 in over two dozen countries, including No.6 in the Netherlands, No.5 in the UK, and No.4 on the American Billboard Hot 100
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, 2008 ~ Singer Amy Winehouse is the big winner at the 50th Grammy Awards, with six nominations and five wins including for Best New Artist and for Record of the Year for Rehab ~ Rehab, Winehouse's signature song and a top 10 hit on both sides of the Atlantic, would win her Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Winehouse also won the Grammy for Best New Artist, and Best Pop Vocal Album for Back To Black. The singer's sophomore album was also nominated for Album of the Year, but lost to Herbie Hancock's River (The Joni Letters). Producer Mark Ronson would also win two Grammy Awards for his work with Winehouse
February 10, 2008 ~ Rock drummer Chris Townson passed away in London, UK ~ Co-founding member of John's Children, named by the band's manager Simon Napier-Bell for their bass player John Hewlett so they wouldn't fire Hewlett. The band recorded one album, Orgasm, and earned a cult status for their wild stage antics. In fact, they were so wild they would be kicked off a tour opening for the Who, after their performance caused a riot in the crowd. Despite this incident, the Who would later call on Townson to fill in for an injured Keith Moon for four concerts. Following his tenure with John's Children, Townson played with several groups including Jook, Jet, and Radio Stars, before retiring from music altogether to pursue a career as an illustrator, and later social worker ~ Townson was born in 1947
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, first recorded by Jo Stafford in 1949, and covered by over 100 artists including Dinah Shore, Harry Belafonte, Eddy Arnold, the Lennon Sisters, Perry Como, the Kingston Trio, Joan Baez, Patti Page, Roy Orbison, and Sinéad O'Connor. Other artists who recorded songs written or co-written by Segal include Buddy Stewart, Bobby Troup, Nat King Cole (Nothing Ever Changes My Love For You), Johnny Mathis, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra (Here's To The Losers), Tony Bennett, and Al Jarreau ~ Segal was born in 1918
February 10, 2002 ~ Singer, guitarist, pianist 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. Nicknamed “the Mayor of MacDougal Street”, a street located in New York's Greenwich Village. Drew from blues, gospel, rock, jazz, swing, and ragtime. Held in the highest regards by peers including Bob Dylan, Tom Paxton, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and Joni Mitchell. Has recorded prolifically since the late-1950s, and is especially acclaimed for the albums Black Mountain Blues, Dave Van Ronk Folksinger, and Sunday Street ~ 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 ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, noted specifically for 1960's Tate A Tate and 1975's The Texas Twister. Played with Count Basie for nearly a decade starting in the late-1930s. Collaborated with Hot Lips Page, and Jimmy Rushing prior to forming his own band by the early-1950s, marking the start of a 17-year residency at the Celebrity Club, Harlem, New York. Tate has also worked with the likes of Slim Gaillard, Roy Eldridge, Buck Clayton, Benny Goodman, Claude Hopkins, Coleman Hawkins, Herb Ellis, Milt Buckner, Ruby Braff (Ruby Braff With Buddy Tate & The Newport All Stars), and Jay McShann ~ 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, 1997 ~ Jazz organist Lou Bennett passed away in Paris, France ~ Started on be-bop piano, but was inspired to switch to organ after hearing Jimmy Smith. Recorded prolifically as a leader during the 1960s. Has guested on albums by the likes of René Thomas, Leo Wright, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Johnny Griffin, and King Curtis ~ Bennett was born in 1926
February 10, 1992 ~ Singer Bryan Adams releases Thought I'd Died And Gone To Heaven, lifted off his Waking Up The Neighbours album ~ Warmly welcomed by critics, with Billboard pointing out the anthemic chorus of Thought I'd Died And Gone To Heaven “sounds like it was penned to be chanted in arenas”. The arena sound might not sound as a surprise, as like all hits off the same album the song was co-written and produced by Robert John Mutt Lange, a noted producer and songwriter who had previously worked with acts such as AC/DC, Bon Jovi, and Foreigner, to name just a few of many. In the singer's native Canada, Thought I'd Died And Gone To Heaven would become his third No.1 hit, preceded by (Everything I Do) I Do It For You and Can't Stop This Thing We Started, both of which lifted off the same parent album. Thought I'd Died And Gone To Heaven also reached No.13 in America, and No.8 in the UK
February 10, 1992 ~ Saxophonist, flutist 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, Naná 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, and Amina Claudine Myers ~ Pepper was born in 1941
February 10, 1988 ~ Jazz pianist, organist Don Patterson passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Erroll Garner and Jimmy Smith. Well over a dozen albums to his name as a leader or co-leader, especially noted for the mid-1960s albums Holiday Soul and The Exciting New Organ Of Don Patterson, the latter featuring Booker Ervin. Regularly collaborated with Sonny Stitt, including on the highly acclaimed Soul People album. Other notable collaborations include Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Eric Kloss, and Lou Donaldson. His struggles with substance addiction would seriously hinder his career in the 1970s, yet Patterson continued to record from time to time ~ 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, and Memphis Minnie. Satherley semi-retired from music in 1952, producing only occasionally thereafter ~ Satherley was born in 1889
February 10, 1986 ~ Synth-pop, new wave, alternative rock outfit Depeche Mode release Stripped, lead single off their Black Celebration album ~ A top 10 hit in Ireland, top 20 in the band's native UK. Lead singer David Gahan has commented on the song: “It's not about sex. It's to do with having nothing except yourself. The people in the song could strip off if they wanted to though. The song is also a bit chancy. It doesn't capture you immediately. Some people hear it and say ‘Is that it?’. Others go ‘Brilliant!’.”
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, 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, and Zumba
February 10, 1978 ~ Glam rock, hard rock, pop rock outfit Queen release Spread Your Wings, lifted off their News Of The World album ~ Written by bassist John Deacon. Reportedly, the band released Spread Your Wings as a single because they regretted releasing Tie Your Mother Down as a single from A Day At The Races over Deacon's You And I. The single would reach top 40 in the band's native UK, top 30 in Germany and the Netherlands. Spread Your Wings was not released in North America, however, the live version from Live Killers would be used as the B-side to the 1979 Crazy Little Thing Called Love single, which reached No.1 Billboard Hot 100
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, and Irakli Kolava
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, and Jim Morrison ~ 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, and Braintax
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, and Pat DiNizio
February 10, 1966 ~ James Johnson, commonly known as jazz drummer, singer Osie Johnson, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Recorded a handful of albums as a leader, including the acclaimed The Happy Jazz Of Osie Johnson released in 1957. Best known as an in-demand session drummer until his death from kidney failure at age 43. Present on albums by Billy Bauer, Illinois Jacquet (The Kid And The Brute), Milt Hinton, Coleman Hawkins, Manny Albam, Urbie Green, Betty Carter, Freddie Green (Natural Rhythm), Jimmy Raney, Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Joe Puma, Pee Wee Russell (Swingin' With Pee Wee), Paul Desmond, Oliver Nelson, Mose Allison (I Don't Worry About A Thing), Wes Montgomery, and Quincy Jones ~ 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, and Pete McCann
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, and Ralph Towner
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, and the Mars Volta
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, and Ricky Martin
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, and Kenny Rogers. Olsson 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 the 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 ~ 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. Ehtridge has also worked with the likes of 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, Rita Coolidge, BW Stevenson, Andrew Gold, Iain Matthews, Bonnie Raitt, Ringo Starr, the Brothers FIgaro, the Williams Brothers, Wynonna Judd, Dorothy Moskowitz, Antara & Delilah, and Dick Annegarn ~ 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, and John Stubblefield
February 10, 1940 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Hamish Imlach born in Calcutta, British India ~ Perhaps best known for his late-1960s recording Cod Liver Oil And The Orange Juice. Though his commercial succes was limited Imlach has had a profound influence on fellow Scots such as John Martyn, Billy Connolly, and Christy Moore ~ Imlach passed away in 1996
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, and Ernie Watts ~ Rankin passed away in 2009
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 Vaché, Bill Dodd, Mark Shane, Jonathan Russell, and Judy Kurtz
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, and Dionne Warwick
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 ~ Flack passed away in 2025
February 10, 1935 ~ Composer, conductor Theodore Antoniou born in Athens, Greece ~ Wrote operas, choral works, chamber music, film and theater music. Worked with the Boston Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players, the Torhalle Orchestra, and the National Opera Of Greece. As a composer influenced by Jani Christou, Bernd Alois Zimmermann, and Krzysztof Penderecki ~ 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, and Massimo Urbani ~ Burton passed away in 2013
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 ~ Jazz, avant-garde jazz, jazz fusion pianist Roland Hanna, full name Roland Pembroke Hanna, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Inventive pianist with a thorough understanding of the roots of jazz. Well over a dozen albums as a leader, especially acclaimed for 1959's Easy To Love and 1974's Perugia. In-demand sideman, present on albums by Kenny Burrell, Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus (Mingus Ah Uhm), Sarah Vaughan, Elvin Jones, Herbie Mann, Stanley Turrentine (Look Of Love), Ruth Brown, Freddie Hubbard (The Hub Of Hubbard), Ron Carter (All Blues), Dee Dee Bridgewater, Stéphane Grappelli, George Benson, Don Sebesky, the New York Jazz Quartet, the Mingus Dynasty (Live At The Village Vanguard), and Eddie Lockjaw Davis ~ 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, and Sonny Stitt ~ Sawada passed away in 2006
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, and the Berlin Philharmonic
February 10, 1924 ~ José Gonzaga Ferreira, commonly known as pop singer Carlos Gonzaga, born in Paraisopolis, Brazil ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name since the late-1950s, enjoying popularity in his native Brazil. Best known for his 1958 rendition of Diana, a translation of Paul Anka's Diana released a year earlier. Other well known songs include Oh Carol, Juramente De Playboy, Bat Masterson, Sereno, and Cavaleiros Do Céu ~ Gonzaga passed away in 2023
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, and George Martin. 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, and Carly Simon ~ Adler passed away in 2001
February 10, 1908 ~ William Augusta Trice, commonly known as blues guitarist, singer Willie Trice, born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA ~ Released only a handful of recordings, notably Come On In Here Mama and Let Her Go God Bless Her in the late-1930s, yet without commercial success ensuing. Well known locally though, playing his ragtime-influenced country blues in the 1930s and 1940s to some success. Trice would release a full-length album containing standards and originals, Blue And Rag'd, in the mid-1970s ~ Trice passed away in 1976
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, and Emmett Berry. 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, 1888 ~ Pianist, composer William Murdoch, full name William David Murdoch, born in Sandhurst, Australia ~ Known for his sparkling technique. By the mid-1910s considered one of the finest interpreters of Frédéric Chopin and Claude Debussy. Participated in the premieres of Edward Elgar's Violin Sonata In E Minor and Piano Quintet In A Minor. Formed the Chamber Music Players with 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
February 10, 1831 ~ Pianist, composer, music publisher Peter K Moran passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Probably the earliest classical composer from Ireland to emigrate to the United States. Known for compositions such as The Carrier Pigeon, Kinlock Of Kinlock, Swiss Waltz, Stantz Waltz, and Suabian Air ~ Moran was born in 1767