February 12, 2023 ~ Tubist, conductor Roger Bobo passed away in Oaxaca, Mexico ~ Tuba virtuoso active since the mid-1950s, well known for his stints with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and especially the Los Angeles Philharmonic, serving with the latter for over 20 years starting in the mid-1960s. Resident conductor of the Topanga Philharmonic Orchestra. As an author Bobo is known for writing Mastering The Tuba, considered a quintessential tutorial, published in 1996. Bobo is also the subject of the John Updike-poem Recital, first published in the June 1961 issue of The New Yorker ~ Bobo was born in 1938
February 12, 2023 ~ David Jude Jolicoeur, commonly known as singer, rapper Trugoy the Dove, passed away ~ Member of De La Soul alongside Pasemaster Mase and Posdnuos. The trio played a key role in the birth of jazz rap and alternative hip-hop, their 1989 3 Feet High & Rising debut album considered a landmark album and a hip-hop masterpiece ~ Jolicoeur was born in 1968
February 12, 2022 ~ Drummer Howard Grimes, full name Howard Lee Grimes, passed away ~ Influenced by Gene Krupa and Cozy Cole. Best known as house drummer for Hi-Records in the 1970s, backing artists such as Al Green, Otis Clay, OV Wright, Ann Peebles ~ Grimes was born in 1941
February 12, 2021 ~ Free jazz, avant-garde drummer Milford Graves passed away ~ Widely considered a pioneer of free jazz. Best known for his associations with Paul Bley, Albert Ayler, the New York Art Quartet. Also worked with Montego Joe, Giuseppi Logan, the Jazz Composers Orchestra, Miriam Makeba, Lowell Davidson, Don Pullen, Sonny Sharrock, Sun Ra, Kenny Clarke, John Zorn, Anthony Braxton, Bill Laswell, Sam Amidon, and others ~ Graves was born in 1941
February 12, 2021 ~ Label executive Russ Thyret passed away ~ Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros Records from 1995 through 2001, having filled various executive positions at the company for over two decades. Noted for his involvement with artists such as Prince, Devo, John Fogerty, REM, and others ~ Thyret was born ca.1944
February 12, 2020 ~ Country banjoist, singer Mike Lilly passed away ~ Worked with Wendy Miller, Harley Allen, Larry Spark, and with the Country Gentlemen ~ Lilly was born ca.1950
February 12, 2019 ~ Actress, singer Marisa Solinas, full name Marisa Anna Solinas, passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Best known as actress for television, film (Bernardo Bertolucci's La Commare Secca) and stage. Released two albums as a beat, pop singer ~ Solinas was born in 1939
February 12, 2019 ~ Singer, guitarist Olli Lindholm passed away in Tampere, Finland ~ Lead singer, co-founding and sole constant member of Yö, with whom he recorded about two dozen albums starting in the early 1980s. The band is known for songs such as Joutsenlaulu, Likaiset Legendat, Ihmisen Poika, Rakkaus O Lumivalkoinen, Sarkynyt Enkeli, and Tia Maria. Lindolm has also recorded a number of albums as a solo artist, starting with Voima, released in 2000 ~ Lindholm was born in 1964
February 12, 2018 ~ Singer Daryle Singletary passed away in Lebanon, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Let Her Lie, Amen Kind Of Love, and Too Much Fun ~ Singletary was born in 1971
February 12, 2018 ~ Bassist Klaasje van der Wal passed away ~ Co-founded short-lived 1960s garage rock, rock outfit the Kick. Worked with the Davies, known for supporting acts such as the Small Faces and the Who. Best known as co-founding member of Shocking Blue, for whom he came up with the band name, and present on hits such as Send Me A Postcard, Never Marry A Railroad Man and their best-known Venus. Left the band in 1971 to be succeeded by Henk Smitskamp ~ Van der Wal was born in 1949
February 12, 2017 ~ Singer Al Jarreau passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Studied psychology. Sang nightclubs from the late 1960s onwards. Appeared on Saturday Night Live on Valentine's Day 1976. His debut album, We Got By, followed shortly thereafter and catapulted him to international fame. Over the years Jarreau has won seven Grammys and was nominated a dozen times more. Dubbed the “Acrobat of Skat” for his unique vocal technique, showcased on songs such as Roof Garden. Jarreau has performed with artists such as Joe Sample, Chick Corea, Gregor Praecht, Miles Davis, George Duke, David Sanborn, Rick Braun, and George Benson ~ Jarreau was born in 1940
February 12, 2017 ~ Barbara Carole Coppersmith, commonly known as jazz singer, pianist Barbara Carroll, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Dubbed “the first girl ever to play bebop piano” by noted jazz critic Leonard Feather. Has worked with Chuck Wayne, Clyde Lombardi, Benny Goodman, Charlie Byrd, Joe Shulman, Rita Coolidge, and Kris Kristofferson ~ Coppersmith was born in 1925
February 12, 2016 ~ Composer, arranger, conductor George Tipton passed away ~ Best known for his work with Harry Nilsson, working as an arranger and conductor on Nilsson's albums from 1967 through 1971 including on the hit Everybody's Talking, and his numerous work for TV such as the themes for the series Soap and Empty Nest. Has also arranged and conducted for pop artists such as Jan & Dean, the Sunshine Company, José Feliciano (Light My Fire), and others ~ Tipton was born in 1932
February 12, 2015 ~ Richard Dean Tyree, commonly known as jazz drummer Richie Pratt, passed away in Leavenworth, Kansas, USA ~ Worked with Jaki Byard, Major Holley, the American Symphony Orchestra, the Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey, Roland Hanna, Frank Wess, George Mraz, Billy Taylor, Milt Jackson, Milt Hinton, Frank Foster, Monty Alexander, Michel Legrand, Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, Benny Carter, Nancy Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Marlena Shaw, Barry White, Melba Moore, the Temptations, Della Reese, Johnny Hartman, Carol Sloane, Johnny Desmond, the New York Jazz Quartet, Phyllis Hyman, Carrie Smith, and others ~ Tyree was born in 1943
February 12, 2015 ~ Guitarist, singer Sam Andrew, full name Sam Houston Andrew III, passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Best known as a member of Janis Joplin's bands the Kozmic Blues Band and Big Brother & the Holding Company. A prolific songwriter Andrew also penned the band's Combination Of The Two and Call On Me ~ Andrew was born in 1941
February 12, 2015 ~ Stephen John Harrington, commonly known as singer, songwriter Steve Strange, passed away in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt ~ Helped usher in the New Romantic genre. Fronted new wave group Visage, teaming up with Rusty Egan, Midge Ure, Billy Currie, Barry Adamson, John McGeoch and Dave Formula, best known for their 1980 single Fade To Grey. Had previously formed punk rock band the Moors Murderers which also included future the Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde, future the Psychedelic Furs drummer Vince Ely and future the Clash drummer Topper Headon. The band drew ire from the public for naming themselves after the notorious Moors Murders in which five children were killed between 1963 and 1965 ~ Strange was born in 1959
February 12, 2011 ~ Peter Alexander Ferdinand Maximilian Neumayer, commonly known as singer, actor Peter Alexander, passed away in Vienna, Austria ~ Emerged in the 1950s and 1960s through popular film comedies, schlagers and operetta reportory ~ Neumayer was born in 1926
February 12, 2010 ~ Jazz drummer Jake Hanna passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Worked with Toshiko Akiyoshi, Maynard Ferguson, Marian McPartland, Woody Herman, Mort Lindsey, Judy Garland, Carl Fontana, Supersax, Benny Carter, Warne Marsh, Ed Bickert, George Wein, and others ~ Hanna was born in 1931
February 12, 2009 ~ Mathieu Huberts Wijnandts Schwarts, commonly known as jazz accordionist Mat Mathews, passed away in Clarence Center, New York, USA ~ Inspired to play jazz after hearing Joe Mooney on the radio. Over half a dozen albums to his name as a leader. In-demand sideman and co-leader, working with the likes of Herbie Mann, Kenny Clarke, Art Farmer, Percy Heath, Carmen McRae, Oscar Pettiford, Joe Puma, Milt Jackson, Julius Watkins, the New York Jazz Ensemble, and others ~ Schwarts was born in 1924
February 12, 2007 ~ Jazz, cool jazz, post bop, R&B double bassist, cellist Eldee Young passed away in Bangkok, Thailand ~ Worked with Ramsey Lewis, Young-Holt Unlimited, Jeremy Monteiro, James Moody, Eden Atwood, Joanie Pallatto, George Freeman, Anita O'Day, April Aloisio, and others ~ Young was born in 1936
February 12, 2007 ~ Merseybeat singer, songwriter Jimmy Campbell passed away in Liverpool, UK ~ Lead singer, co-founding member of the Kirkbys, known for the 1966 It's A Crime single. The band would eventually be renamed to 23rd Turnoff, though fail to chart. In later years Campbell would be recognized as “the era's lost songwriter” especially acclaimed for the band's 1967 Michael Angelo single ~ Campbell was born in 1944
February 12, 2005 ~ Jewel Faye Smith, commonly known as singer Sammi Smith, passed away in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA ~ One of the few women in outlaw country during the 1970s. Best known for her 1971 country-pop hit Help Me Make It Through The Night, written by Kris Kristofferson. Married to Jody Payne, longtime backup guitarist for Willie Nelson. Previously married to Bob White, steel guitarist for Hank Thompson's backing unit Brazos Valley ~ Smith was born in 1943
February 12, 2004 ~ Jazz saxophonist, bandleader, songwriter Preston Love, full name Preston Haynes Love passed away in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Started in big bands. Would become Motown's house bandleader. Worked with Nat Towles, Lloyd Hunter, Snub Mosley, Lucky Millinder, Fats Waller, Count Basie, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Johnny Otis, Wynonie Harris, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, the Four Tops, the Temptations, Tammi Terrell, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight, Nichelle Nichols, Janis Joplin, Frank Zappa, Shuggie Otis, T-Bone Walker, Ruth Brown, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and others ~ Love was born in 1921
February 12, 2000 ~ Rock bassist Andy Lewis, full name Andrew Joseph Lewis, passed away ~ Member of the Plunderers from 1985 through 1987, present on the albums No Era Is Safe and Half A Cow. Subsequently formed the Whitlams, remaining with the band through 1995. Member of the Gadflys until his suicide at age 33 ~ Lewis was born in 1966
February 12, 2000 ~ John Carl Kuehne, commonly known as bassist, songwriter John London passed away in Rockport, Texas, USA ~ Best known as a songwriter associated with several Hollywood film and TV productions, most notably the Monkees. Has also worked with the First National Band and Lewis & Clarke Expedition ~ Kuehne was born in 1942
February 12, 2000 ~ William Oliver Swofford, commonly known as Oliver, passed away in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA ~ Member of Billy-n-Sue. Best known for his rendition of Good Morning Starshine, his 1969 hit from the musical Hair ~ Swofford was born in 1945
February 12, 2000 ~ Jalacy Hawkins, commonly known as lues, R&B, rock & roll singer, pianist, guitarist, saxophonist, songwriter, boxer Screamin' Jay Hawkins, passed away in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France ~ Famed for his operatic vocal delivery and wildly theatrical stage performances including macabre props, predating shock rockers such as Alice Cooper, Screaming Lord Sutch, Ozzy Osbourne and Marilyn Manson. Best known for his 1956 I Put A Spell On You single ~ Hawkins was born in 1929
February 12, 1999 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Gerald Gregory passed away ~ Member of the Spaniels, known for 1950s hits such as Baby It's You and Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight, the latter later remaining popular to this day featured in several films including American Graffiti ~ Gregory was born in 1934
February 12, 1995 ~ Blues harpist, singer, songwriter Earring George Mayweather passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Recorded one album, 1992's Whup It Whup It, as a solo artist. Active since the 1950s. Declined an offer to join Muddy Waters touring band in 1952. Worked with JB Hutto, Eddie Porkchop Hines, the Hawks, Eddie Taylor, Bo Diddley, and others ~ Mayweather was born in 1927
February 12, 1991 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Aubrie Sellers, full name Aubrie Lee Sellers, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Daughter of singers, songwriters Jason Sellers and Lee Ann Womack. Cites artists as diverse as the Kinks, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Ricky Skaggs, Patty Griffin, Neil Young and Bob Dylan as influences. Debuted in 2016 with the album New City Blues which spawned the singles Light Of Day, Sit Here & Cry and Liar Liar. Followed up with the album Far From Home in 2020.
February 12, 1989 ~ Singer Elle Varner, full name Gabrielle Serene Varner, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Released her Perfectly Imperfect debut album in 2012, which included the hit single Only Wanna Give It To You featuring J Cole. Has also collaborated with A$AP Ferg, 50 Cent, Wale, Juicy J, Statik Selektah, and others
February 12, 1988 ~ Greta Morgan Salpeter, commonly known as singer, keyboardist, guitarist, drummer, songwriter Greta Morgan, born ~ Active since her mid-teens. Co-founded indie pop outfit the Hush Sound with guitarist, singer Bob Morris, known best for their 2008 Goodbye Blues album. Has also worked with Gold Motel, Katy Goodman, and recorded as a solo artist going by the moniker Springtime Carnivore
February 12, 1988 ~ Singer, rapper, songwriter Mike Posner, full name Michael Robert Henrion Posner, born in Soutfield, Michigan, USA ~ Half of alternative hip-hop duo Mansionz with Blackbear. Debuted as a solo artist in 2010 with his 31 Minutes To Takeoff album. Best known for songs such as Cooler Than Me and his 2015 hit I Took A Pill In Ibiza. Has collaborated with Avicii, Big Sean, Rittz and Logic
February 12, 1983 ~ James Hubert Blake, commonly known as ragtime, jazz pianist, composer Eubie Blake, passed away in Brooklyn, New York, New York, USA ~ Co-wrote the musical Shuffle Along with Noble Sissle. As a composer also known for Bandana Days, Charleston Rag, Love Will Find A Way, Memories Of You and I'm Just Wild About Harry. Resurged in the 1970s, appealing to younger generations, after the release of his retrospective The 86 Years Of Eubie Blake album, released in 1969 ~ Blake was born in 1883
February 12, 1982 ~ Improv, jazz drummer, percussionist Øyvind Hegg-Lunde born in Lærdal, Norway ~ Worked with José González, Junip, Arve Henriksen, Stale Storløkken, Trygve Seim, Per Jorgensen, Terje Isungset, Hålkon Kornstad, Kjetil Moster, Stein Urheim, Stephan Meidell, the Building Instrument, Electric Eye, Glow, Sarah Riedel, Jessica Sligter, and others
February 12, 1980 ~ British punk rockers the Clash release their Train In Vain single ~ Initially intended to be included on a flexi-disc given away with the NME music magazine. First single to chart in the USA, where it reached No.23 on the Billboard Hot 100. Added at the last minute as a hidden bonus track to the band's 1980 London Calling album as the flexi-disc deal fell through, and originally not included on the album's track listing. Written by Mick Jones shortly after breaking up with the Slits guitarist Viv Albertine, the song is believed to be about their volatile relationship. Albertine would later comment: “I'm really proud to have inspired that but often he won't admit to it. He used to get the train to my place in Shepherd's Bush and I would not let him in. That was cruel.”
February 12, 1979 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Jade Jones born in Finchley, UK ~ Lead singer of boy band Damage, known for a number of late 1990s, early 2000s hits including the UK top 10 singles Forever, Love Guaranteed, Wonderful Tonight, and Ghetto Romance. Following the band's disbandement in 2001 has worked with CherryBlackStone. Jones has been in an on-and-off relationship with the Spice Girls singer Emma Bunton since 1998, the couple have two children and were officially married in 2021
February 12, 1978 ~ Regan Farquhar, commonly known as hip-hop, progressive rap rapper, producer Busdriver, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Rapping since his early teens. Released his full-length Memoirs Of The Elephant Man debut album in 1999. Has collaborated with the likes of Myka 9, RAP Ferreira, Nocando, Open Mike Eagle, 2Mex, and Radioinactive
February 12, 1976 ~ Lloyd Vernon Martin, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, arranger Skip Martin, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Worked with Count Basie, Charlie Barnet, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Cootie Williams, Les Brown, Fred Astaire, Tony Martin, the Pied Pipers, the Andrews Sisters, Decastro Sisters, Gus Bivona, Nelson Riddle, Frank Sinatra, Conrad Salinger, Judy Garland, and others ~ Martin passed away in 1916
February 12, 1975 ~ Benjamin Hozer, commonly known as songwriter, composer, arranger Ben Homer passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing a number of 1940 hits for bandleader Les Brown, notably My Number One Dream Came True and Sentimental Journey both originally recorded by Brown in the mid-1940s featuring lead singer Doris Day. The latter would become a standard covered by well over 300 artists including Ella Fitzgerald, the Chordettes, Conway Twitty, the Ink Spots, and the Platters ~ Homer was born in 1917
February 12, 1975 ~ Mixtape DJ, remixer, hip-hop producer J-Period born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for producing mixtape collaborations with artists such as Q-Tip, John Legend, Nas, Big Daddy Kane, Lauryn Hill, the Roots, CL Smooth, the Isley Brothers, and Mary J Blige
February 12, 1974 ~ Indie pop singer, violinist, guitarist, flutist, songwriter Sarah Martin born in Blackburn, UK ~ Joined Belle & Sebastian in 1996 just prior to recording If You're Feeling Sinister. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Waiting For The Moon To Rise, Asleep On A Sunbeam, Heaven In The Afternoon, I Didn't See It Coming, The Power Of Three, The Same Star, and others
February 12, 1971 ~ Keyboardist, producer Keri Lewis born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Co-founding member of Mint Condition, remaining with the band until their first hiatus in the late 1990s. Present on the band's best-known including Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Eyes), Forever In Your Eyes, U Send Me Swingin', What Kind Of Man Would I Be, and If You Love Me, all of which reached top 10 Billboard R&B
February 12, 1970 ~ Bassist, singer, songwriter Jim Creeggan, full name James Raymond Creeggan, born in Scarborough, Canada ~ Along with his brother Andrew Creeggan co-founding member of Barenaked Ladies. Wrote and sang lead on the band's Spider In My Room and In The Drink. Also a member of the Creeggan Brothers. Has also collaborated with the Ottawa Valley Heavy Pucks, Kevin Hearn, and others
February 12, 1969 ~ Singer, actress Anneli Drecker, full name Anneli Marian Drecker, born in Tromsø, Norway ~ Best known for fronting dream pop outfit Bel Canto. Also records as a solo artist, starting with her Tundra album in 2000, and is an in-demand collaborator working with artists including Motorpsycho, Jan Bang, Savoy, A-ha, Röyksopp, Jah Wobble, Ketil Bjørnstad, Simon Raymonde, Mental Overdrive, Illumination, and Hector Zazou
February 12, 1968 ~ Pop singer Chyna Phillips born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Daughter of the Mamas & the Papas-singer John Phillips and Michelle Phillips. Member of Wilson Phillips, known for a number of 1990s singles including Hold On, Release Me and You're In Love
February 12, 1967 ~ Double bassist, songwriter Jon Thorne ~ Closely associated with Jon Thorne and Suhail Yusuf Khan, releasing several albums as a trio starting with 2016's Everything Sacred. Member of Lamb, present on the band's best-known including Grécki of their 1996 eponymous Lamb debut album. Also recorded as a solo artist and has collaborated with Malojian, Liam Bailey, Kathryn Williams, Robert Miles, Lou Rhodes, and others
February 12, 1967 ~ Francis Joseph Spanier, commonly known as cornet player Muggsy Spanier passed away in Sausalito, California, USA ~ Worked with Elmer Schoebel, the Bucktown Five, Ted Lewis, Ben Pollack, Sidney Bechet, Bob Crosby, Earl Hines, and others ~ Spanier was born in 1901
February 12, 1967 ~ Jazz drummer, producer Stein Inge Brækhus born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Key musician in the Bergen jazz scene. Has worked with the Creation, Bendik Hofseth, Øystein Sevåg, Cutting Edge, Knut Kristiansen, the Bergen Big Band, Silje Nergaard, Olga Konkova, Nils Petter Molvær, Jan Bang, Åge Aleksandersen, Bjørn Eidsvåg, Jan Eggum, Karoline Krüger, Secret Mission, Vamp, Ole Thomsen, Ivar Kolve, Kenneth Sivertsen, Ole Amund Gjersvik, Helene Bøksle, Paolo Fresu, Stale Storløkken, and others
February 12, 1965 ~ Bonnie Jean Addleman, commonly known as jazz double bassist Bonnie Wetzel, passed away ~ Worked with Ada Leonard, Marian Grange, Tommy Dorsey, Beryl Booker, Elaine Leighton, Herb Ellis, Charlie Shavers, Roy Eldridge, Don Byas, and with her husband trumpeter Ray Wetzel ~ Addleman was born in 1926
February 12, 1965 ~ Philip Thomas, commonly known as dancehall singer Cutty Ranks born in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica ~ Known best for songs such as Gunman Lyrics, Out Of Hand, Fishman Lyrics, Pon Mi Nozzle, and others
February 12, 1963 ~ Country singer, guitarist Buck Owens records Act Naturally at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, California ~ Written by Johnny Russell. Produced by Ken Nelson. Co-writing credit was given to Voni Morrison for bringing Russell's demo version to Owen's attention, who initially didn't like it. Released in March, with Over And Over Again on the flip side, it would be Owen's first big country hit and become a signature tune. It would be covered by numerous artists, perhaps most notably the Beatles with Ringo Starr on lead vocals. Ringo and Buck would record the song as a duet in 1989
February 12, 1961 ~ Blues guitarist Knut Reiersrud born in Oslo, Norway ~ Has worked with David Lindley, the Blind Boys Of Alabama, Rickie Lee Jones, Nina Hagen, Iver Kleive, Nappy Brown, Bjorn Klakegg, Mighty Sam McClain, In The Country, and others
February 12, 1960 ~ Trombonist Matt Finders born in Livermore, California, USA ~ Best known as a member of Tonight Show With Jay Leno's house band. Also worked with Natalie Cole, Harry Connick Jr, Sting, Branford Marsalis, Woody Herman, Clark Terry, Benny Goodman, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Loren Schoenberg, Debbie Gibson, Bob Mintzer, Jim Hall, Tony Macalpine, Buckshot Lefonque, Diane Schuur, Joe Roccisano, Bryan Duncan, and others
February 12, 1959 ~ Drummer, percussionist Neil Conti born ~ Best known as member of Prefab Sprout. Also an in-demand session drummer for a wide array of artists including David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Annie Lennox, Cher, Level 42, Laurie Anderson, Steve Winwood, Paul Young, Youssou n'Dour, Brian Eno, Robert Palmer, Deep Forest, Will Young, and others
February 12, 1959 ~ Drummer Omar Hakim born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with the Weather Report, David Bowie, the Foo Fighters, Sting, Madonna, the Dire Straits, Journey, Kate Bush, George Benson, Miles Davis, Daft Punk, Mariah Carey, Céline Dion, and others
February 12, 1958 ~ Alternative rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Grant McLennan, full name Grant William McLennan, born in Rockhampton, Australia ~ Co-founded the Go-Betweens with Robert Forster, known for UK top 10 hits such as Lee Remick, I Need Two Heads, and Cattle And Cane. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Watershed released in 1991, formed the duo Jack Frost with Steve Kilby, and worked with the Far Out Corporation ~ McLennan passed away in 2006
February 12, 1958 ~ Louis Wilson Joseph, commonly known as vaudeville performer, jazz dancer, comedian Joe Frisco, passed away in Woodland Hills, California, USA ~ Worked with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, the Louisiana Five, the Ziegfeld Follies, and others ~ Joseph was born in 1889
February 12, 1956 ~ Guitarist Brian Robertson, full name Brian David Robertson, born in Glasgow, UK ~ Influenced by Freddie King, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Billy Gibbons. Perhaps best known as a member of Thin Lizzy, appearing on about half a dozen albums starting with Nightlife released in 1974. Has also worked with Wild Horses, Motörhead, Pat Travers, Eric Burdon, Shane MacGowan, and others. Released his Diamonds And Dirt solo album in 2011
February 12, 1956 ~ Folk, country music singer, guitarist, songwriter, author Bruce Watson, full name Bruce Morrisby Watson, born in Terrang, Australia ~ Over half a dozen albums to his name, starting with Politics Religion & Sex released in 1990. Praised by critics for his political satire and wit, and dubbed an icon of the Australian folk scene
February 12, 1955 ~ Avant-garde, electronic, jazz, pop, reggae, rock bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, producer Bill Laswell born in Salem, Illinois, USA ~ In-demand genre-blending leader and collaborator, exploring a wide array of genres. Closely associated with artists such as Brian Eno, Fred Frith, John Zorn, Daniel Ponce, Ginger Baker, Peter Brötzmann, Kip Hanrahan, Sonny Sharrock. Well over two dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, at times using different aliases. Member of Last Exit, Praxis, Painkiller. Has served as producer for Sly & Robbie, Mick Jagger, Motörhead, the Ramones, and Iggy Pop
February 12, 1953 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Frans Mulder born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Member of Purper since 1985. In-demand songwriter. Artists who recorded his songs include Simone Kleinsma, Angela Groothuizen, Karin Bloemen, Gerrie van der Klei, Adèle Bloemendaal, and others
February 12, 1952 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Michael McDonald born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Member of the Doobie Brothers, writing or co-writing several of the band's best-known including What A Fool Believes, Minute By Minute and Takin' It To The Street. Also an in-demand collaborator working with artists such as Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, James Ingram, David Cassidy, Van Halen, Patti Labelle, Lee Ritenour, the Winans, Aretha Franklin, Toto, Grizzly Bear, Joni Mitchell, Thundercat, and others. As a solo artist debuted in 1982 with the If That's What It Takes album which spawned the hit single I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)
February 12, 1950 ~ Folk, folk-rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Angelo Branduardi born in Cuggiono, Italy ~ Classically trained as a violinist. Sings in Italian and English. Debuted in 1974 with the eponymous Angelo Branduardi '74 album, featuring arrangements by Paul Buckmaster. First gained serious attention with his 1976 Alla Fiera Dell'Est album and has recorded extensively to critical acclaim and reasonable European success since. Married to Luisa Zappa, who frequently contributes lyrics to his songs
February 12, 1950 ~ Jarret Lloyd Vincent, commonly known as reggae singer, songwriter Bim Sherman, born ~ Sometimes referred to as “reggae's sweetest voice” ~ Vincent passed away in 2000
February 12, 1949 ~ Latin pop, rock, trova singer, guitarist, songwriter Joaquin Sabina, full name Joaquin Ramon Martinez Sabina, born in Ubeda, Spain ~ Considered one of the premier Spanish artists. Known for songs such as Calle Melancholia, 19 Dias Y 500 Noches, Pongamos Que Hablo De Madrid, Contigo and Peces De Cludad. Has worked with La Mandragora, Viceversa, Joan Manuel Serrat, and others
February 12, 1949 ~ Guitarist, steel guitarist, organist, singer Stan Knight born in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA ~ Member of Black Oak Arkansas from 1969 through 1976, present on some of the band's best-known including the hit single Jim Dandy of their 1973 High On The Hog album ~ Knight passed away in 2013
February 12, 1948 ~ Arthur Edward Booth, commonly known as jazz double bassist Jiuni Boot, born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Worked with Chuck Mangione, Eddie Harris, Art Blakey, Sonny Simmons, Marzette Watts, Freddie Hubbard, Gary Bartz, Shelly Manne, Tony Williams Lifetime, McCoy Tyner, Larry Young, Takehiro Honda, Masabumi Kikuchi, Hamiet Bluiett, Chico Freeman, Junior Cook, Elvin Jones, Charles Tolliver, Ernie Krivda, Beaver Harris, Steve Grossman, Joe Chambers, Franklin Kiermeyer, Sun Ra, Joe Bonner, and others
February 12, 1946 ~ Singer, actress Ajda Pekkan, full name Ayse Ajda Pekken, born in Istanbul, Turkey ~ With a career spanning five decades one of the most popular female singers in Turkish pop selling over 15 million records. Considered by some the Turkish Cher for her longevity and her status as an icon in the Turkish gay scene
February 12, 1946 ~ Joseph Edward Schermetzler, commonly known as rock bassist Joe Schermie born in Madison, Wisconsin, USA ~ Original member of Three Dog Night, leaving the band in 1973 and present on most of the band's hits including One, Mama Told Me Not To Come and Joy To The World. Subsequently founded SS Fools which also included Chuck Negron and Bobby Kimball. Has also worked with Stephen Stills, Yvonne Elliman, and others ~ Schermetzler passed away in 2002
February 12, 1946 ~ Blues-rock, rock singer, harmonica player, pianist Pete Gage born in Paddington, UK ~ Best known for fronting both the Jet Harris Band and Dr Feelgood. Has also worked with Gypie Mayo
February 12, 1945 ~ Singer, actor Cliff Deyoung born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Lead singer of 1960s rock outfit Clear Light. Starred in the Broadway production of Hair and Sticks And Bones in the early 1970s. Has since focused on his acting career, appearing on over 80 films and TV series
February 12, 1944 ~ Marion Franklin Bandy Jr, commonly known as country singer, guitarist Moe Bandy born in Meridian, Mississippi, USA ~ Frequent collaborator of Joe Stampley. Known for a string of 1970s, 1980s country hits ranging from rowdy anthems to sentimental tongue-in-cheek including It Was Always So Easy To Find An Unhappy Woman, Hank Williams (You Wrote My Life), Two Lonely People, I Cheated Me Right Out Of You, Rodeo Romeo, She's Not Really Cheatin' (She's Just Gettin' Even and perhaps his best-known Bandy The Rodeo Clowen
February 12, 1942 ~ Jazz pianist, cornettist, trumpeter, composer Lionel Grigson born in Cheltenham, UK ~ Member of the New Jazz Orchestra. Worked with Peter Burden, Paul Zec, Art Themen, Bobby Wellins, Mick Pyne, Philly Joe Jones, If, Freddie Hubbard, Johnny Griffin, Kenny Clarke, and others ~ Grigson passed away in 1994
February 12, 1941 ~ Jazz, rock drummer, actor Bruno Lawrence, full name David Charles Lawrence, born in Worthing, UK ~ Founded Blerta in the early 1970s, a theatrical co-operative touring New Zealand and Australia. Has also worked with Max Merritt & the Meteors, Quincy Conserve, and the Crocodiles. Also well known as an actor for TV, short films, and feature films, notably in the 1981 Smash Palace drama ~ Lawrence passed away in 1995
February 12, 1941 ~ Jose Domingos de Morais, commonly known as singer, accordionist, composer Dominguinhos, born in Garanhuns, Brazil ~ Influenced by Luiz Gonzaga and Forró. Has collaborated with Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Zé Ramalho, Toquinho, Yamandu Costa, Maria Bethânia, and others. Had his songs covered by Chico Buarque, Elba Ramalho, Raimundo Fagner
February 12, 1939 ~ Raymond Daniel Manczarek Jr, commonly known as keyboardist Ray Manzarek, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Doors, staying with the band from its inception in 1965 till shortly after lead singer Jim Morrison's death in 1973. Co-founding member of the short-lived Nite City in the late 1970s. Performed and recorded with Doors-bandmate Robby Krieger under the moniker Manzarek-Krieger from 2001 until his death in 2013. Also worked as a contributing collaborator and as a producer with artists such as Iggy Pop, Echo & the Bunnymen, punk rockers X (producing their first four albums), trumpeter Piotr Bal, Beat Generation poet Michael McClure, Darryl Read, and others ~ Manczarek passed away in 2013
February 12, 1938 ~ Martinho José Ferreira, commonly known as singer, songwriter Martinho de Vila, born in Brazil ~ Over 40 albums to his name. Considered of the leading figures in samba. Had his songs recorded by Nana Moskouri, Ornella Vanoni, Katia Guerreiro, Rosario Flores. Has collaborated with Zeca Pagodinho, Arlindo Cruz, Chico Buarque, Beth Carvalho, Noel Rosa, Alcione Nazareth, and others
February 12, 1937 ~ Keyboardist, trombonist, producer Larry Muhoberac, full name Lawrence Gordon Muhoberac Jr, born in Louisiana, USA ~ Best known as the original keyboardist in Elvis Presley's latter day backing unit the TCB Band. Replaced by Glen Dee Hardin in 1970. Would go on to play with Neil Diamond, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Ray Conniff, Barbra Streisand, arrange and conduct for Seals & Crofts (including on the albums Summer Breeze and Diamond Girl) and the Archers, and relocate to Australia in the mid-1980s where Muhoberac would work with artists such as Keith Urban, Rick Price, Grace Knight, Silverchair, Col Joye, and others ~ Muhoberac passed away in 2016
February 12, 1935 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Gene McDaniels born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ As a singer known for early 1960s hits such as A Hundred Pounds Of Clay and Tower Of Strength. As a songwriter McDaniels is best known for the jazz-soul protest song Compared To What, made famous by Roberta Flack and also recorded by Les McCann and Eddie Harris, Ray Charles, Della Reese, John Legend, the Roots, Sweetwater and others. In the 1970s McDaniels turned to producing working with artists such as Gladys Knight, Nancy Wilson, Jimmy Smith, the Floaters, Jennifer Rush, and others ~ McDaniels passed away in 2011
February 12, 1930 ~ Harley Allen, commonly known as bluegrass guitarist, singer Red Allen, born in Hazard, Kentucky, USA ~ Worked with the Osborne Brothers (Ruby), Jimmy Martin, the Sunny Mountain Boys, the Red Heads, Don Reno, the Bluegrass Reunion, and others ~ Allen passed away in 1993
February 12, 1928 ~ Producer, bandleader, arranger, songwriter Vincent Montana Jr born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Sometimes referred to as “the Godfather of Disco”. Founding member of MFSB. Founding member of the Salsoul Orchestra. Active since the late 1940s, working with jazz giants such as Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughan, Clifford Brown, Red Garland. Also worked with Frankie Avalon (Venus), Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, and others. Teamed up with Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell by the 1970s to play a key role in the development of disco. Has worked with the Intruders, the Delfonics, the Spinners, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the O'Jays, the Trammps, Eddie Kendricks, William Devaughn, Billy Paul, Lou Rawls, the Stylistics, Teddy Pendergrass, and numerous others ~ Montana passed away in 2013
February 12, 1926 ~ Marion Childers, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, composer Buddy Childers, born in Belleville, Illinois, USA ~ Playing professionally since age 16, hired by Stan Kenton in 1942 for the position of lead trumpeter. Would go on to become a respected bandleader and collaborator working with a host of artists from jazz and other idioms well into the 1990s including Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Les Brown, Charlie Barnet, the Monkees, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Captain & Tennille, Barry Manilow, Laura Nyro, Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee, Mel Tormé, Ray Charles, Charlie Parker, Maynard Ferguson, Art Pepper, Quincy Jones, Oscar Peterson, Lalo Schifrin, Henry Mancini, and others ~ Childers passed away in 2007
February 12, 1923 ~ Jazz drummer Art Mardigan born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Worked with Tommy Reynolds, Georgie Auld, Charlie Parker, Allen Eager, Dexter Gordon, Kai Winding, Wardell Gray, Fats Navarro, Phil Hill, Woody Herman, Pete Rugolo, Al Cohn, Stan Getz, Jack Brokensha, Eddie Bert, Jimmy Giuffre, and Clark Terry ~ Mardigan passed away in 1977
February 12, 1923 ~ John Thomas Wrencher, commonly known as blues harpist, singer Big John Wrencher, born in Sunflower, Mississippi, USA ~ Worked with Jimmy Rogers, Claude Blue Smitty Smith, John Henry Barbee, Baby Boy Warren, Robert Nighthawk, Little Buddy Thomas, Playboy Vinson, Johnny Young, and Joe Carter ~ Wrencher passed away in 1977
February 12, 1923 ~ Melvin Epstein, commonly known as jazz , composer, arranger Mel Powell, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Bobby Hackett, George Brunies, Zutty Singleton, Earl Hines, Benny Goodman, Django Reinhardt, and others. As a composer best known for his Duplicates (A Concerto For Two Pianos And Orchestra), earning him a Pullitzer Prize in 1990 ~ Epstein passed away in 1998
February 12, 1921 ~ Jazz saxophonist, bandleader Hans Koller born in Vienna, Austria ~ Worked with Freddie Brocksieper, Albert Mangelsdorff, Jutta Hipp, Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Russo, Lee Konitz, Stan Kenton, Eddie Sauter, Benny Goodman, Attila Zoller, Oscar Pettiford, Kenny Clarke, Wes Montgomery, Martial Solal, Jimmy Pratt, the Norddeutscher Rundfunk, the International Brass Company, and others ~ Koller passed away in 2003
February 12, 1920 ~ Jazz, rock, pop guitarist, bassist Bill Pitman, full name William Keith Pitman, born in Belleville, New Jersey, USA ~ Influenced by Charlie Christian and Eddie Lang. Got his first big break backing Peggy Lee in the early 1950s. Would work mostly in jazz throughout most of the decade, backing artists such as Mel Tormé, Buddy Rich, Red Callender. Ventured into pop and rock & roll by the mid- to late 1950s, aligning himself with a loose group of first-call session musicians dubbed the Wrecking Crew. Present on some of the era's most influential songs by acts such as Frank Sinatra (Strangers In The Night), Barbra Streisand, the Beach Boys (Good Vibrations), Jan & Dean, Elvis Presley, the Ronettes (Be My Baby), the Mamas & the Papas, the Byrds, Bobby Darin, the Ventures, and Nancy Sinatra ~ Pitman passed away in 2022
February 12, 1920 ~ Abraham Shadrinsky, commonly known as producer, label owner Bob Shad, born ~ Produced artists such as Lightnin' Hopkins, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Smokey Hogg, Peppermint Harris, Curley Weaver, Sarah Vaughan, Maynard Ferguson, Clifford Brown, Max Roach, Billy Eckstine, Dinah Washington, Patti Page, Vic Damone, the Platters, Big Bill Broonzy, Shelly Manne, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Haynes, Blue Mitchell, Buddy Terry, Pete Yellon, Big Brother & the Holding Company (1967's Big Brother & the Holding Company), Ted Nugent, and others ~ Shadrinsky passed away in 1985
February 12, 1915 ~ Lyon Himan Green, actor, singer, commonly known as Lorne Greene, born in Ottawa, Canada ~ Best known as an actor, specifically in the roles of Ben Cartwright in the NBC TV series Bonanza and Commander Adama in the ABC series Battlestar Galactica. As a singer scored a Billboard Hot 100 No.1 with Ringo in 1964 ~ Green passed away in 1987
February 12, 1912 ~ Saxophonist Paul Bascomb born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Bama State Collegians, at the height of their fame led by Erskine Hawkins, and well known for hits such as Tuxedo Junction. The band also included his brother, trumpeter Dud Bascomb. Bascomb would remain with the band through the mid-1940s, apart from a brief interval in the late 1930s, where he played with Count Basie ~ Bascomb passed away in 1986
February 12, 1911 ~ Producer, label executive Steve Sholes, full name Stephen Henry Sholes, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Executive and staff producer at RCA-Victor. Signed, produced artists such as Eddy Arnold, the Browns, Hank Locklin, Homer & Jethro, Hank Snow, Jim Reeves, Pee Wee King, and perhaps most notably Elvis Presley ~ Sholes passed away in 1968
February 12, 1907 ~ Gospel singer, pianist, songwriter Roberta Martin, full name Roberta Evelyn Martin, born in Helena, Arkansas, USA ~ Co-founded the Martin Frye Quartet with the help of Reverend Thomas A Dorsey. The group would be renamed to the Roberta Martin Singers by the mid-1930s and set the standard for future gospel choirs and become known for hits such as Only A Look, Try Jesus He Satisfies and Grace. Martin would be influential on artists such as Albertina Walker, James Cleveland and Alex Bradford, the latter two starting their careers in Martin's group ~ Martin passed away in 1969
February 12, 1903 ~ Baritone opera singer, actor Todd Duncan, full name Robert Todd Duncan, born in Danville, Kentucky, USA ~ Played the role of Porgy in the original 1935 production of George Gershwin's Porgy & Bess. One of the first African-Americans to sing with a major opera company, namely the New York City Opera in 1945, performing the role of Tonio in Ruggero Leoncavallo's Pagliacci. Sang the first version of Unchained Melody, written by Alex North and Hy Zaret, for the 1955 film Unchained. It would be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song and be covered by numerous others, perhaps most notably the Righteous Brothers in 1965 ~ Duncan passed away in 1998
February 12, 1898 ~ Composer Roy Harris, full name Roy Ellsworth Harris, born in Chandler, Oklahoma, USA ~ Best known for his Symphony No.3, premiered in 1939 by Serge Koussevitzky ~ Harris passed away in 1979
February 12, 1896 ~ Composer Ambroise Thomas, full name Charles Louis Ambroise Thomas, passed away in Paris, France ~ Best remembered for his 1866 Mignon and his 1868 Hamlet operas. His work would be neglected during most of the 20th century but in more recent decades have gained new attention and appreciation ~ Thomas was born in 1811
February 12, 1885 ~ Ragtime, march, waltz pianist, organist, bandleader, composer, arranger James Scott, full name James Sylvester Scott, born in Neosho, Missouri, USA ~ Along with Scott Joplin and Joseph Lamb regarded as one of the most important composers of ragtime. Known for songs such as Frog Legs Rag, Grace & Beauty, Sunburst Rag, Ragtime Oriole and perhaps his best-known Climax Rag ~ Scott passed away in 1938