February 11, 2024 ~ Lloyd Arrington Sparks, commonly known as singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Randy Sparks, passed away in San Diego, California, USA ~ Founded the New Christy Minstrels, most acclaimed for their 1962 Presenting The New Christy Minstrels debut album, and for often-covered songs such as Green Green, Saturday Night and Today written or co-written by Sparks. The band is also especially noted for including Barry McGuire and for launching the careers of John Denver and Kenny Rogers. Sparks also founded the Back Porch Majority, initially intended as a rehearsal space for the Minstrels, yet the group would become successful on its own, recording about half a dozen albums. A 1964 review by the New York Times would read: “The Minstrels maintain the sort of bubbling good spirits that ought to be bottled and sold at every supermarket in the land. They suggest a Norman Rockwell portrait of nine youths who are smiling their way through song and life” ~ Sparks was born in 1933
February 11, 2023 ~ Humberto Waldemar Asdrubal Baeza Fernández, commonly known as folk singer, songwriter Tito Fernández, passed away in Puerto Montt, Chile ~ Over 40 albums to his name since the early-1970s. Although following the 1973 military coup his left-leaning albums would be censored, and he would be banned from performing live and even briefly detained, Fernández did have fans within the military and right-wing circles. Well-known songs include Casa Nueva, Me Gusta El Vino, Los Versos De Mi Compadre, Salud, and En Un Principio Y Siempre ~ Fernández was born in 1942
February 11, 2022 ~ Drummer, percussionist, vibraphonist Chet McCracken, full name Chet Eugene McCracken, passed away in West Hills, California, USA ~ Member of the Doobie Brothers during the late-1970s and early-1980s replacing original drummer John Hartman. Present on albums such as One Step Closer, Can't Let It Get Away, and Olana. In-demand session musician, appearing on albums by America (Hat Trick), Nick Gilder, TG Sheppard, Stevie Nicks (The Wild Heart), Joe Walsh, and Warriors Path. Has recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Flight To Moscow, released in 1990 ~ McCracken was born in 1952
February 11, 2021 ~ Singer Antonis Kalogiannis passed away ~ Actively recording since the mid-1960s, initially with the help of composer Mikis Theodorakis. Exiled during the reign of Greece's military junta, known for recording protesting songs among others collaborating with Maria Farantouri. Established himself as a popular balladeer in the 1980s ~ Kalogiannis was born in 1940
February 11, 2019 ~ Singer, film and stage actress, TV show host Armida Siguion-Reyna passed away in Makati, Philippines ~ Sang leading roles in operas such as Rigoletto, La Traviata, Pagliacci, and The Merry Widow. Acted in well over two dozen feature films. Hosted Aawitan Kita, which aired for over 30 years making it one of the longest-running musical TV shows of the Philippines ~ Siguion-Reyna was born in 1930
February 11, 2019 ~ Soul, R&B singer, songwriter Harvey Scales passed away ~ Influenced by James Brown. Formed and fronted Harvey Scales & the 7 Sounds, known for their sole hit single Get Down released in 1967. The single's B-side, Love-Itis, would later be notably covered by the J Geils Band. Others who have recorded songs written or co-written by Scales include the Dells, the Dramatics, Tavares, Jesse James, the O'Jays, and notably Johnnie Taylor, the latter reaching the No.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with Disco Lady released in 1976 ~ Scales was born in 1940
February 11, 2018 ~ Vito Rocco Farinola, commonly known as balladeer Vic Damone, passed away in Miami Beach, Florida, USA ~ Damone reportedly has recorded some 2,000 songs. Best known for hits such as I Have But One Heart, You're Breaking My Heart, On The Street Where You Love, My Truly Truly Fair, Tzena Tzena Tzena, and My Heart Cries For You ~ Farinola was born in 1928
February 11, 2014 ~ Hildur Alice Hilson, commonly known as singer, actress Alice Babs, passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Internationally best known as a jazz singer and for representing Sweden at the first Eurovision Songfestival held in 1958, finishing in 4th place with Lilla Stjärna. Has also sung Swedish folklore, Elizabethan repertoire and opera ~ Nilsen was born in 1924
February 11, 2013 ~ Classical, rock, progressive rock guitarist Kevin Peek passed away in Perth, Australia ~ Co-founded short-lived psychedelic pop band the James Taylor Move. Member of the Quartet, known for the single Now. Sessioned for the New Seekers, Mary Hopkin, Cliff Richard, Manfred Mann, Lulu, Tom Jones, Jeff Wayne, Shirley Bassey, and the Twilights. However, Peek is perhaps best known as a member of progressive rock outfit Sky, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums from its inception in 1979 until the early-1990s. Sky is best known for Toccata, a 1980 UK top 5 hit lifted off their Sky 2 sophomore album ~ Peek was born in 1946
February 11, 2012 ~ Singer, actress Whitney Houston, full name Elizabeth Whitney Houston, passed away in Beverly Hills, California, USA ~ Daughter of singer Cissy Houston. Goddaughter of Darlene Love. Married to singer Bobby Brown from 1992 to 2007. Her debut single, duetting with Teddy Pendergrass on 1984's Hold Me, would fail to reach the American top 40. Yet her debut album, 1985's eponymous Whitney Houston would make her an instant star with nearly every single topping the Billboard Hot 100. Houston would go on to become one of the most popular and at least for the next decade or so one of the best-selling female R&B artists. Known for songs such as You Give Good Love, The Greatest Love Of All, One Moment In Time, I Know Him So Well), I'm Your Baby Tonight, the Dolly Parton cover I Will Always Love You and It's Not Right But It's Okay. Houston would continue to record but as of the early-2000s would rarely hit the top of the singles charts, her career overshadowed by drug abuse and highly publicized marital problems ~ Houston was born in 1963
February 11, 2011 ~ Singer Katy Perry releases ET featuring Kanye West, lifted off her Teenage Dream album ~ Built on a beat originally intended for rap outfit Three 6 Mafia, Katy Perry would later recall to MTV News how the song came to be: “I remember writing with Max Martin and Dr Luke, and there's this producer they wrote with, named Ammo, and they were just showing me different samples of songs or tracks or beats, and they accidentally pulled up this beat, and it was for Three 6 Mafia. I heard it and I always knew I wanted to write this futuristic, alienistic song, and they pulled it up and I was like, ‘Wait, I can wrap my head around this. I know this seems like a long shot, but I think I have the perfect material to put on top of this sound.’ And I did, and it really worked out perfectly.”. Preceded by California Gurls, Teenage Dream, and Firework, ET would be the singer's fourth consecutive single off Teenage Dream to top the American Billboard Hot 100. Its followup Last Friday Night (TGIF) would also reach No.1
February 11, 2011 ~ Singer Lady Gaga releases Born This Way, lead single off her sophomore album of the same name ~ Similar in both subject and style to Express Yourself by Madonna, of whom Lady Gaga is a big fan, Born This Way serves as an unapologetic anthem for all who do not meet societal expectations or conventions, sending the message it is okay to be whoever you are. Born This Way would top the charts in well over a dozen countries, including six consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 in the singer's native America, and has been adopted in particular by the LGBQT community
February 11, 2003 ~ Jazz pianist Michel Graillier passed away in Paris, France ~ Classically trained pianist. Drummer for yéyé group les Chaps during his mid-teens. Turned to jazz in the late-1960s, notably working with Aldo Romano and Jean-François Jenny-Clark. Also closely associated with violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. Recorded about a dozen albums as a leader, starting with Pianos Puzzle released in 1970. Internationally perhaps best known for backing Chet Baker during the 1980s, appearing on about half a dozen of the singer, trumpeter's albums including the acclaimed Mr B and Candy. Graillier has also guested on albums by the likes of Steve Lacy, Steve Grossman, Jacques Thollot, Stephen McCraven, Barney Wilen, Riccardo del Fra, Daniel Humair, Jacques Vidal, François Jeanneau, and Stella Vander ~ Graillier was born in 1946
February 11, 1999 ~ John Arthur Byard, commonly known as jazz pianist, saxophonist Jaki Byard, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for his eclectic style, drawing from everything from ragtime to free jazz. Worked with Maynard Ferguson and Charles Mingus before venturing out on his own. His initial early-1960s recordings as a leader would not sell particularly well but would be widely acclaimed by critics and peers. In-demand sideman, appearing on albums by Charlie Mariano, Serge Chaloff, Herb Pomeroy, Eric Dolphy (Outward Bound), Herb Ellis, Honi Gordon (Honi Gordon Sings), Charles Mingus (The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady), Booker Ervin, Sam Rivers, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Quincy Jones (Smackwater Jack), and Archie Shepp ~ Byard was born in 1922
February 11, 1997 ~ Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, commonly known as hip-hop, trap rapper, singer, producer Nasty C, born in Diepkloof, South Africa ~ Released a number of mixtapes starting in the early-2010s, leading up to in his full-length Bad Hair debut album in 2016. Best known for the songs Juice Back, Hell Naw, SMA featuring Rowlene, and Lemons (Lemonade) with AKA which all reached top 10 in his native South-Africa. Has also collaborated with Buffalo Souljah, French Montana, and with Major Lazer
February 11, 1991 ~ Folk pop, indie pop singer Sierra Deaton born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Formed the duo Alex & Sierra with Alex Kinsey, gaining attention winning the third season of the US edition of talent contest The X-Factor USA aired on Fox in 2013. They would release a full-length album, It's About Us, the following year spawning the modest hit Scarecrow. Following the duo's split Deaton has recorded as a solo artist, releasing her Don't Hurt debut single in 2018. Deaton has been dating 5 Seconds Of Summer lead singer Luke Hemmings since 2018
February 11, 1988 ~ Guitarist, arranger, songwriter René Hall, full name René Joseph Hall, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his 1958 recording Twitchy. In-demand session musician and arranger for the likes Earl Hines, Plas Johnson, Earl Palmer, Otis Blackwell, Babette Bain, Johnny Burnette, Ernie Fields, Larry Williams, Ike & Tina Turner, Marvin Gaye, and Bobby Womack. Arranged some of Sam Cooke's best known including A Change Is Gonna Come ~ Hall was born in 1912
February 11, 1987 ~ Singer Clémentine Delauney born in Lyon, France ~ Co-founded all-female band Exit Eden in 2017, known for rock, metal covers of pop songs originally by artists such as Rihanna, the Backstreet Boys, Madonna, Adele, and Lady Gaga. Delauney had previously sung backup with acts such as Serenity, Visions Of Atlantis, and Melted Space
February 11, 1986 ~ Indie rock, electro, pop punk singer, bassist, guitarist, flutist, keyboardist Robin Hawkins born ~ Lead singer, bassist for the Automatic, playing a variety of other instruments, noted for his flute playing on the song Gold Digger. The band has released three albums in the mid- to late-2000s and is perhaps best known for the UK top 10 hit Monster of their 2006 Not Accepted Anywhere debut album
February 11, 1985 ~ Singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter William Beckett born in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA ~ Co-founded the Academy Is with guitarist Mike Carden, both serving as primary songwriters. Beckett has also released a number of solo EP's starting in 2012 and guested on recordings by Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, Cobra Starship, Good Charlotte, Hey Monday, and Demi Lovato
February 11, 1984 ~ Singer, songwriter Aubrey O'Day, full name Aubey Morgan O'Day, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Best known as a member of Danity Kane, known for singles such as Show Stopper, Ride For You and Damaged. As a solo artist released two singles, 2011's Automatic and 2012's Wrecking Ball and a 2013 EP Between Two Evils. Featured vocalist on recordings by Cupid, Donnie Klang and Donnie Wahlberg
February 11, 1984 ~ In its fourteenth week on the charts, After All by Ed Bruce peaks at No.4 Billboard Country ~ Written by Ed Bruce and his wife and regular songwriting partner Patsy Bruce, the love song finds the narrator reflecting back on a lifelong marriage: “After all these years after all the joys and tears, after all is said and done after most of everything we knew is gone, I still love you.” However, the Bruces' marriage wouldn't last. After 22 years together, Ed filed for divorce in 1987 charging Patsy with “cruel and inhumane treatment”
February 11, 1984 ~ Post-hardcore, emo, experimental rock, alternative rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist Matt Good, full name Matthew Aaron Good, born in Valrico, Florida, USA ~ Lead guitarist, lead singer, sole constant member of post-hardcore outfit From First To Last since its inception in 1999. Has also worked with the Color Of Violence and DRUGS. Served as producer for the likes of Chivalry Is Dead, Capture, Veil Of Maya, the Memphis May Fire, Whitney Peyton, and Asking Alexandria
February 11, 1981 ~ Kelendria Trene Rowland, commonly known as R&, soul singer Kelly Rowland, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Rose to fame as member of Destiny's Child. Released her solo debut album, Simply Deep, while still a member of the band, spawning the hits Stole, Can't Nobody and Dilemma featuring Nelly. After the band disbanded in 2006 has released more solo work, notably the international hits Like This and Work, and has ventured into acting and television
February 11, 1980 ~ Rock, punk, pop guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, trombonist, singer Chris Catalyst born ~ Perhaps best known as guitarist for Sisters Of Mercy from 2005 replacing Chris Sheehan through 2019. Founded and fronted the Eureka Machines. Has also worked with Ugly Kid Joe, Ginger Wildheart, Terrorvision, the Professionals, Mariachi El Bronx, the Scaramanga Six, and the God Damn Whores
February 11, 1979 ~ Brandy Rayana Norwood, mononymously known R&B, soul, hip-hop singer, songwriter, actress Brandy, born in McComb, Mississippi, USA ~ Especially popular from the mid-1990s throught the early-2000s. Best known for songs such as I Wanna Be Down, Baby, The Boy Is Mine with Monica, Have You Ever and What About Us. Has collaborated with Boyz II Men's Wanya Morris, Tamia, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Mase, Kanye West, Chris Brown, and Chance the Rapper
February 11, 1978 ~ Rakeem Calief Myer, commonly known as rapper Roc Marciano, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of Busta Rhymes's hip-hop outfit Flipmode Squad, leaving in 2002 to form underground rap group the UN. Released his full-length Marcberg solo debut album in 2010. Has also collaborated with Pete Rock, the Wu-Tang Clan, Gangrene, Action Bronson, the Alchemist, Evidence, Marco Polo, GZA, Consequence, and the Large Professor
February 11, 1977 ~ Alternative rock, rap rock, nu metal, alternative metal guitarist, keyboardist, singer Mike Shinoda, full name Michael Kenji Shinoda, born in Panorama City, California, USA ~ Co-founding member, primary songwriter for Linkin Park, known best for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits In The End, What I've Done, and New Divide. Fronted the hip-hop driven side project Fort Minor. Served as producer for artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Styles Of Beyond, and the X-Ecutioners
February 11, 1976 ~ Jazz singer Gretchen Parlato born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Daughter of studio bassist Dave Parlato. Influenced by Latin jazz, bossa nova, and scat singing, Parlato has recorded consistently since the mid-2000s, praised for her intimate style and chameleon-like ability and particularly acclaimed for her In A Dream sophomore album. She has guested on albums by the likes of the Sugarplastic, Terence Blanchard (Flow), Lionel Loueke, (Virgin Forest), Kendrick Scott, Morrie Louden, Kenny Barron, Massimo Biolcati, Jovino Santos Neto, Esperanza Spalding (Chamber Music Society), Terri Lyne Carrington, Marcus Miller (Renaissance), Dayna Stephens, Gerald Clayton, and Keiko Matsui. Parlato cites Getz/Gilberto, a collaborative album by Stan Getz and João Gilberto, as one of the albums that first turned her onto music, once remarking: “I was flipping through my mom's record collection and the cover of the 1963 Getz/Gilberto album struck me. The cover had an image of an abstract painting. I took out the album and put it on and I heard Gilberto's voice, and the texture and simplicity of the music struck me, even at 13 years old. That was definitely a turning point.”
February 11, 1976 ~ Alternative rock, garage rock, shoegaze singer, guitarist, bassist, trombonist, keyboardist Peter Hayes born in New York Mills, Minnesota, USA ~ Influenced by flamenco, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd. Briefly a member of neo-psychedelic rock band the Brian Jonestown Massacre during the late-1990s, present on the Give It Back album. Best known as co-founding member of the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, including on the UK top 20 albums Take Them On (On Your Own), How, and Baby 81
February 11, 1975 ~ Disco group KC & the Sunshine Band release Get Down Tonight, lifted off their eponymous KC & the Sunshine Band sophomore album ~ Noted for its distinctive intro, utilising a guitar solo rendered at double-speed with another guitar playing at regular speed in the background, an unusual effect for a disco track. Get Down Tonight is a straighforward dance banger, in which the protagonist tries to persuade a girl to do some dancing, followed by some lovemaking. Lead singer Harry Wayne Casey would later elaborate on how the song came to be: “I love to dance, and so do other people. Do a little dance, make a little love, get down tonight. It was just a story about life, about the things that one likes to do.” Get Down Tonight would be the first major hit for the band, a No.1 hit in Canada and America and is cherished to this day as one of the finest dancefloor fillers of its day. Through the end of the decade, KC & the Sunshine Band would score four more Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits, That's The Way (I Like It), Shake Shake Shake (Shake Your Booty), I'm Your Boogie Man, and Please Don't Go, all of which were written by Casey and bassist, producer Richard Finch
February 11, 1974 ~ R&B, neo soul singer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, saxophonist, songwriter Michael Eugene Archer, commonly known as d'Angelo, born in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Ushered in the neo soul movement with his acclaimed Brown Sugar debut album, released in 1995. Would gain a devoted following despite long intermissions between releases. Well-known songs include Brown Sugar, Cruisin', Lady, and Untitled (How Does It Feel). Guested on albums by the Roots, Lauryn Hill (The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill), Method Man, Angie Stone, the Wu-Tang Clan, Common, and Erykah Badu (Mama's Gun)
February 11, 1973 ~ Pianist Ethan Iverson born in Menomonie, Michigan, USA ~ Draws from a wide array of influences including classical, indie rock, and avant-garde. Best known for forming the jazz trio Bad Plus with bassist Reid Anderson and drummer David King, with whom he has recorded about a dozen albums since the turn of the century including the acclaimed The Bad Plus and These Are The Vistas. Iverson has also recorded as a leader, and appeared on albums by the New York Tango Trio, Patrick Zimmerli (Twelve Sacred Dances), Brian Woodbury, Phil Grenadier, Kurt Rosenwinkel (Heartcore), Billy Hart, Jamie Cullum, Brad Mehldau, Charlie Haden, Jim Hall, Donna Lewis (Brand New Day), and Diego Urcola
February 11, 1973 ~ Singer, songwriter Trevor Guthrie born in Vancouver, Canada ~ Co-founding member, lead singer of soulDecision, best known for their 1999 Faded single which topped the charts in Canada. Has released a number of solo recordings since and collaborated with Armin Van Buuren (This Is What It Feels Like), Laidback Luke, Axwell Ingrosso, and Hardwell
February 11, 1972 ~ Pop, jazz singer, conductor, arranger Andrea Figallo born in Gorizia, Italy ~ Important figure in the a capella scene. Latter day member of British a capella ensemble the Flying Pickets, starting in the early-2000s. Member of German outfit Wise Guys from 2012 until its disbandement in 2016. Has worked as freelance conductor across Europe
February 11, 1971 ~ Harry Arnold Persson, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, bandleader Harry Arnold, passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Worked with Thore Ehrling, the Swedish Radio Big Band, Arne Domnérus, Bengt Hallberg, Ake Persson, Benny Bailey, Quincy Jones, Ernestine Anderson, Lucky Thompson, Coleman Hawkins, Toots Thielemans, Tony Scott, and Stan Getz ~ Persson was born in 1920
February 11, 1967 ~ Jazz clarinetist, bandleader Edmond Hall passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader and sideman Best known for his 1941 recording Profoundly Blue, considered a jazz classic. Worked with Billie Holiday, Red Allen, Sid Catlett, Ida Cox, Wild Bill Davison, Roy Eldridge, Bud Freeman, Hot Lips Page, Zutty Singleton, Art Tatum, Jack Teagarden, Big Joe Turner, Teddy Wilson, Louis Armstrong, Baby Dodds, and Eddie Condon ~ Hall was born in 1901
February 11, 1966 ~ Keyboardist, producer, songwriter Armen Chakmakian born in Glendale, California, USA ~ Member of Shadowfax from 1990 through 1995, including on the acclaimed 1992 Esperanto. Has released two albums as a solo artist, 19988's Ceremonies and 2004's Caravans, working with renowned backing musicians such as John Bilezikjian, Djivan Gasparyan, and Alex de Grassi
February 11, 1963 ~ British pop, rock group the Beatles record A Taste Of Honey at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Originally written by Bobby Scott and Ric Marlow as a recurring instrumental for the 1960 Broadway play of the same name. The British pop group included Lenny Welch's adaptation in their repertoire from 1962 onwards, slightly changing the lyrics, and recorded the song for their Please Please Me debut album. Years later, in 1967 Paul McCartney would write Your Mother Should Know, which is based on a line taken from the same screenplay
February 11, 1963 ~ Folk singer Karen Matheson born in Taynuilt, UK ~ Frequently sings in Gaelic. Best known as lead singer of Capercaillie. Member of L'Heritage Des Celtes. Internationally perhaps best known for singing co-lead on the latter's Breton language song Diwanit Bugale reaching 19th place in the 1996 Eurovision Songfestival representing France. Matheson has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album The Dreaming Sea released in 1996
February 11, 1962 ~ Pop rock, heartland rock, country rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Sheryl Crow, full name Sheryl Suzanne Crow, born in Kennett, Missouri, USA ~ Sang backup on Michael Jackson's Bad world tour from 1987 through 1989. Also sang backup for Stevie Wonder, Belinda Carlisle, Jimmy Buffett, Don Henley. Rose to international stardom with her 1993 Tuesday Night Music Club solo debut album, which included the Billboard top 10 singles All I Wanna Do and Strong Enough. Over the course of her career Crow would go on to sell over 50 million records. Well known songs include If It Makes You Happy, My Favorite Mistake, Soak Up The Sun and The First Cut Is The Deepest. Has also guested on recordings by Salt-n-Pepa, Stevie Nicks, the Counting Crows, Kid Rock, Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, Loretta Lynn, and Darius Rucker
February 11, 1960 ~ Smooth jazz guitarist Russ Freeman born in Galveston, Texas, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Cites George Benson and Larry Carlton as influences. Best known as founder and leader of the Rippingtons, which at times included sidemen such as David Benoit, Kenny G, Jeff Kashiwa, Tony Morales. Has also worked with Engelbert Humperdinck, Craig Chaquico, Steve Bailey, Brian Bromberg, Brandon Fields, Barry Manilow, Alphonse Mouzon, Emily Remler, and Tim Weisberg
February 11, 1956 ~ Paul D Hudson, commonly known as hardcore punk singer, guitarist, bassist HR, born in London, UK ~ Quintessential figure in hardcore punk, helpful in the development of the genre. Lead singer of Bad Brains, which also includes his older brother drummer Earl Hudson. The band is known for their reggae-infused punk and especially acclaimed for the 1980s albums Bad Brains, I Against I, and Live. In his solo outings Hudson would gravitate more towards a mellower sound, more focused on reggae. Has also guested on recordings by Long Beach Dub All-Stars, Zion Train, POD, Ill Bill, Luicidal, and recorded well over a dozen albums as a solo artist
February 11, 1948 ~ Alfred Orlando Johnson, commonly known as singer Al Johnson born in Newport, Virginia, USA ~ Not to be confused with Louisiana singer and pianist Al Johnson. Founder and lead singer of Unifics, known for a handful of late-1960s minor hits including The Court Of Love and The Beginning Of The End. Johnson later released several solo albums, collaborated with jazz and soul producer Norman Connors, co-wrote Deniece Williams's We Have Love For You, and worked with the Whispers in the 1990s ~ Johnson passed away in 2013
February 11, 1947 ~ Singer, saxophonist, bassist, percussionist, keyboardist, songwriter Derek Shulman, full name Derek Victor Shulman, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member, lead singer of progressive rock outfit Gentle Giant from 1970 through 1980. After the band disbanded would go into music management, eventuallly becoming senior VP at Polygram Records where he signed acts such as Bon Jovi, Cinderella, and Enuff Z'nuff. Later held executive positions at ATCO Records and Roadrunner Records, where he worked with Dream Theater, Pantera, AC/DC, Bad Company, Slipknot, and Nickelback
February 11, 1945 ~ Singer Bing Crosby, backed by Xavier Cugat & orchestra, records You Belong To My Heart ~ Based on the popular bolero song Solamente Una Vez written by Agustín Lara, with English lyrics by Ray Gilbert. The English version would be used in Disney's 1945 animated film The Three Caballeros. Reaching the top of the pop charts Crosby's version would be the biggest hitversion, several others also recording the song the same year
February 11, 1944 ~ Singer Bing Crosby records I Love You ~ Written by Cole Porter for the 1944 Mexican Hayride. Recorded and released by Crosby as a single it would reach the top of the charts. Other early versions of the song would be recorded by Tommy Tucker, Enric Madriguera, Jo Stafford, and Perry Como
February 11, 1944 ~ Jazz drummer Martin Drew born in Northampton, UK ~ Best known for his associations with Ronnie Scott and with Oscar Peterson. Also worked with Eddie Thompson, John Critchinson, Dick Morrisey, Jim Mullen, Mornington Lockett, Nigel Hitchcock, Steve Melling, Andrew Cleyndert, the New Couriers, Paul Morgan, Barney Kessel, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, JJ Johnson, Lee Konitz, Phil Woods, Ron Carter, Woody Herman, Peanuts Hucko, George Coleman, Ruby Braff, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, Terence Blanchard, Arturo Sandoval, Alan Skidmore, Ken Peplowski, Monty Alexander, Milt Jackson, Chico Freeman, Johnny Griffin, Simon Spillett, Stanley Turrentine, Zoot Sims, Art Farmer, Plas Johnson, Scott Hamilton, and Toots Thielemans ~ Drew passed away in 2010
February 11, 1943 ~ Brass player Alan Rubin born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Trumpet, flugelhorn, piccolo trumpet. Worked with the Saturday Night Live Band, the Blues Brothers, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Frank Zappa, Blood Sweat & Tears, Gil Evans, Eumir Deodato, Sting, Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Frankie Valli, Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, BB King, Miles Davis, Yoko Ono, Peggy Lee, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, Dr John, Randy Weston, Hank Crawford, Johnny Hammond Smith, Hubert Laws, Odonel Levy, Don Sebesky, Gato Barbieri, Ron Carter, Dr Lonnie Smith, Patti Austin, Herbie Mann, Jimmy McGriff, Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy McGriff, Fred Lipsius, and Jimmy Buffett ~ Rubin passed away in 2011
February 11, 1943 ~ Johnny Lamont Merrett, commonly known as Blues, soul singer, guitarist, songwriter Little Johnny Taylor, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of gospel outfit the Mighty Clouds Of Joy. As a solo artist known for a number of 1950s, 1960s recordings, notably You'll Need Another Favor and Part Time Love, the latter topping the R&B charts in 1963 ~ Merrett passed away in 2002
February 11, 1942 ~ Gospel, R&B singer Otis Clay born in Waxhaw, Mississippi, USA ~ Sang in a number of gospel groups, including the Golden Jubilaires, the Famous Blue Jay Singers, the Holy Wonders, and the Pilgrim Harmonizers, before turning to secular music. As a solo artist known for songs such as That's How It Is When You're In Love, Lasting Love, She's About A Mover, Hard Working Woman, Is It Over, Trying To Live My Life Without You, If I Could Reach Out, and All Because Of Your Love ~ Clay passed away in 2016
February 11, 1942 ~ Anthony George Chalk, commonly known as keyboardist, singer, producer Tony Colton born in Tunbridge, UK ~ Member of Heads Hands & Feet, known for a handful of early-1970s album starting with their eponymous Heads Hands & Feet debut album released in 1971. The band has served as opening act for Deep Purple in early 1971. Colton and bandmate Ray Smith also co-wrote and co-produced for artists such as Richard Harris and Shirley Bassey, and notably wrote and performed the soundtrack for the 1970 BBC documentary The World Of Georgie Best ~ Chalk passed away in 2020
February 11, 1941 ~ Pianist, bandleader, songwriter Sérgio Mendes, full name Sérgio Santos Mendes, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Jazz and funk-infused bossa nova. Over 50 albums to his name starting in the early 1960s. Especially acclaimed for the 1966 Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66 album. Best known for his breakthrough hit Mas Qua Nada ~ Mendes passed away in 2024
February 11, 1939 ~ Gerald Goffin, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Gerry Goffin, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Half of the Goffin & King songwriter duo, the other half being his wife singer, songwriter Carole King, known for songs such as Will You Love Me Tomorrow for the Shirelles, Take Good Care Of My Baby for Bobby Vee, Go Away Little Girl for Steve Lawrence, and The Loco-motion for Little Eva. After their divorce Goffin collaborated with songwriters such as Barry Goldberg and Michael Masser, writing hits such as Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To) for Diana Ross and Saving All My Love For You for Whitney Houston. Others who have recorded Goffin's songs include Tony Orlando, Billy Fury, the Chiffons, the Cookies, Herman's Hermits, the Animals, Maxine Brown, Dusty Springfield, the Byrds, Aretha Franklin, the Monkees, Peabo Bryson, Roberta Flack, and George Benson ~ Goffin passed away in 2014
February 11, 1939 ~ Soul, R&B, gospel singer Liz Lands, full name Elizabeth Lands, born in Georgia Sea Islands, Georgia, USA ~ Scouted by Berry Gordy Jr, though never recorded much on his Motown label. Best known for her 1963 May What He Lived For Live single, the song included in the memorial for president John F Kennedy at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. Lands would also perform the song at the 1968 funeral of the reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Lands would record only sporadically after that and never became a household name despite general praise for her five octave vocal range ~ Lands passed away in 2013
February 11, 1935 ~ Vincent Eugene Craddock, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Gene Vincent, born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Iconic rock & roll, rockabilly singer backed by the Blue Caps, which at times included rhythm guitarist Willie Williams, bassist Jack Neal, drummer Dickie Harrell, and guitarist Cliff Gallup. Best known for writing and first recording the rock & roll classic Be-bop-a-lula in 1956 ~ Craddock passed away in 1971
February 11, 1932 ~ Classical pianist Jerome Lowenthal born in Pennsylvania, USA ~ Debuted as solo pianist at age 13 with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Has also worked with the New York Philharmonic, Leonard Statkin, Leonard Bernstein, Eugene Ormandy, Leopold Stokowski, Ursula Oppens, the Avalon Quartet, and the Shanghai Quartet
February 11, 1931 ~ Jazz trombonist Bobby Lamb born in Cork, Ireland ~ Worked with Teddy Foster, Jack Parnell, Ted Heath, Charlie Barnet, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, the BBC Show Band, Cyril Stapleton, the BBC Radio Orchestra, Ray Premru, Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, Kenny Clare, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Johnny Harris, Kenny Wheeler, Johnny Mercer, Laurie Johnson, Sacha Distel, and Tubby Hayes
February 11, 1928 ~ Trombonist, actor Conrad Janis born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for playing the role of Frederick McConnell, Mindy's father on the sitcom Mork & Mindy. As a musician known for keeping traditional jazz alive working with James P Johnson, Henry Goodwin, Edmond Hall, and Baby Dodds ~ Janis passed away in 2022
February 11, 1925 ~ Louis Armand Aristide Bruand, commonly known as cabaret singer, comedian, songwriter Aristide Bruant, passed away in Paris, France ~ Credited as pioneer of the chanson réliste genre. Nightclub owner, known for insulting his upper-class audience clubbing in Montmartre. Well known songs include Nini Peau D'Chien, Le Chat Noir and Les Mômes De La Cloche, many of his songs considered part of the French cultural canon ~ Bruand was born in 1851
February 11, 1922 ~ Robert Kahakalau, commonly known as bassist, arranger Bob Carter, born in New Haven, USA ~ Son of a vaudeville performer, Carter played in local orchestras and led his own trio from the mid-1930s through the mid-1940s before moving to New York around the end of World War II. Here he played in various groups with artists such as Tony Scott, Dizzy Gillespie. Charlie Parker, Stuff Smith, and Charlie Shavers. He would continue with stints backing Allen Eager, Max Roach, Charlie Ventura, Benny Goodman, Johnny Smith (including on Jazz At NBC and The Johnny Smith Quintet featuring Stan Getz), and Bobby Hackett. In the 1960s he worked in Germany in Kurt Edelhagen's orchestra. Carter did little playing after the 1960s ~ Kahakalau passed away in 1993
February 11, 1918 ~ Producer, music executive Wesley Rose born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Son of songwriter Fred Rose. Followed in his father's footsteps joining music publishers Acuff/Rose Music in 1945, a publishing company founded by his father and Roy Acuff. Incremental in the creation of the Country Music Association. First publisher to serve on the Board of Directors of the ASCAP ~ Rose passed away in 1990
February 11, 1914 ~ Piedmont blues, country blues singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor, civil rights activist Josh White, full name Joshua Daniel White, born in Greenville, South Carolina, USA ~ Trailblazer bluesman since the early-1930s, responsible for introducing white audiences to folk-blues. First black musician to perform at the White House in 1941, and a personal favorite of the Roosevelts. Known for songs such as Evil Hearted Me, I'm A Mean Mistreater, and Timber. Slandered during the McCarthy era as a communist for his political songs, which seriously hindered his career. Hugely influential on numerous artists including Pete Seeger, Alexis Korner, Elvis Presley, Merle Travis, Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder, Blind Boy Fuller, Lena Horne, and Ray Charles ~ White passed away in 1969
February 11, 1914 ~ Singer, pianist, bandleader, arranger, songwriter Matt Dennis, full name Matthew Loveland Dennis, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Active since the early-1930s. Served as pianist and singer in Horace Heidt's orchestra. Vocal coach, accompanist for Martha Tilton. Best known for his association with Tommy Dorsey, writing a number of early-1940s hits for Dorsey including Everything Happens To Me, Let's Get Away From It All, Will You Still Be Mine, and Violets For Your Furs ~ Dennis passed away in 2002
February 11, 1911 ~ Bandleader, singer Art Mooney, full name Arthur Joseph Mooney, born in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA ~ Enjoyed success in the 1940s and 1950s with songs such as I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover, Baby Face, and Nuttin' For Christmas. His 1955 Honey-Babe million-seller would be used in the motion picture Battle Cry ~ Mooney passed away 1993
February 11, 1909 ~ Robert Hanley Casey, commonly known as jazz double bassist, guitarist Bob Casey, born in Johnson County, Illinois, USA ~ Regarded as a technically fine bassist, guitarist, in part due to his virtue on his first instrument, the banjo. First gained attention in the late-1920s, backing artists such as Joe Gill and Joe Reichman. After relocating to Chicago, Casey spent most of the 1930s working with Wingy Manone, the King's Jesters, Muggsy Spanier, Gus Arnheim, and Charlie Spivak. From the 1940s onwards, Casey worked in New York, teaming up with the likes of Eddie Condon, Bobby Hackett, and Art Hodes ~ Casey passed away in 1986
February 11, 1903 ~ Singer Antonio Machín, full name Antonio Abad Lugo Machín, born in Sagua la Grande, Cuba ~ Perhaps best known for his 1930 rendition of El Manisero (The Peanut Vendor), recorded with Don Azpiazú's orchestra. It would become the first recording for a Cuban artist to sell a million copies ~ Machín passed away in 1977
February 11, 1900 ~ Jazz singer Aida Ward born in Washington DC, USA ~ Popular 1920s, 1930s singer known for her performances on Broadway and in the Cotton Club. Worked with Adelaide Hall, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway. First to introduce the often covered Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea and I've Got The World On A String ~ Ward passed away in 1984
February 11, 1882 ~ Fiddler, percussionist, composer Joe Jordan, full name Joseph Taylor Jordan, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Worked with the Taborian Band, Tom Turpin, Sam Patterson, Louis Chavin, Bob Cole, Rosamond Johnson, Ernest Hogan, James Reese Europe, the Chocolate Drops, Jabbo Smith, Garvin Bushell, James P Johnson, Fats Waller, Porter Grainger, Asadate Dafora, and WC Handys ~ Jordan passed away in 1971
February 11, 1795 ~ Composer, poet Carl Michael Bellman passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Central figure in Swedish songs tradition and remains a powerful influence in Swedish music and literature. Mixed classical references with comic lyrics both regretting and celebrating sordid drinking and prostitution. Best known for two collections of poems set to music, namely Fredman's Songs and Fredma's Epistles ~ Bellman was born in 1740