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, 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, Demi Lovato, and others
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 ~ 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, Asking Alexandria, and others
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, the God Damn Whores, and others
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, Chance the Rapper, and others
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, the Large Professor, and others
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 ~ Leader and sidewoman. Daughter of bassist Dave Parlato. Has worked with Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Kenny Barron, Esperanza Spalding, Terence Blanchard, Marcus Miller, Lionel Loueke, Al Jarreau, Barbra Streisand, Henry Mancini, Paul Horn, Gábor Szabó, Buddy Rich, and others
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, 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 ~ Best known key member genre-bending avant-garde jazz ensemble Bad Plus alongside bassist Reid Anderson and drummer David King, especially acclaimed for the acclaimed early 2000s albums The Bad Plus and These Are The Vistas. Iverson has also worked with artists such as Billy Hart, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Tim Berne, Lee Konitz, Buffalo Collision, Albert Tootie Heath, Paul Motian, Charlie Haden, Ron Carter, and others
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, Hardwell, and others
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, 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 ~ 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, Tim Weisberg, and others
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, Enuff Z'nuff, and others. Later held executive positions at ATCO Records and Roadrunner Records, where he worked with Dream Theater, Pantera, AC/DC, Bad Company, Slipknot, Nickelback, and others
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, Toots Thielemans, and numerous others ~ 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, 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, George Benson, and others ~ Goffin passed away in 2014
February 11, 1939 ~ Soul, R&B, gospel singer Liz Lands, full name Elizabeth Lands, born ~ 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, the Shanghai Quartet, and others
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, Tubby Hayes, and others
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, Baby Dodds, and others ~ Janis passed away in 2022
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, Charlie Shavers and others. 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), Bobby Hackett, and others. 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, Ray Charles, and others ~ White passed away in 1969
February 11, 1914 ~ Singer, pianist, bandleader 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, 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, WC Handy, and others ~ Jordan passed away in 1971