February 14, 1994 ~ Singer, songwriter Becky Hill, full name Rebecca Claire Hill, born in Bewdley, UK ~ First gained attention in 2014 as a contestant on the UK talent show The Voice UK. Would subsequently score the UK No.1 hit Gecko (Overdrive) with Oliver Heldens. Has since released a number of EPs leading up to her full-length Get To Know in 2021
February 14, 1991 ~ Carolina Giraldo Navarro, commonly known as reggaeton, Latin trap singer, rapper, songwriter Karol G, born in Medellin, Colombia ~ Primarily a reggaeton and Latin trap singer, yet draws from a wide variety of genres including reggae and sertaneja. First gained serious attention at age 14, appearing on the Colombian edition of the talent contest The X-Factor. Would sing backup for several artists and release a number of singles for the next few years while continuing her school. Released her full-length Unstoppable debut album in 2017. Well known for the collaborative single China with Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Ozuna & J Balvin, and Tusa with Nicki Minaj, both topping the charts in her native Colombia. Other well known songs include Mi Cama, Secreto, Hijoepu, Ay Dios Mio, Bichota, El Makinon with Mariah Angeliq, and Provenza
February 14, 1990 ~ Matthew Urango, commonly known as keyboardist, guitarist, singer Cola Boyy, born ~ Born with spina bifida, kyphosis, and scolioses, as well as a club foot, Urango had experienced discrimination in the labor market prior to establishing himself as a professional musician. His sound compared by NME as “a disco ball melting or the after-effects of some particularly potent hallucinogenics”, Cola Boyy released his debut EP Black Boogie Neon in 2018, followed by the full-length Prosthetic Boombox debut album in 2021. Urango had played in punk rock bands in high school, and played guitar for indie pop band the Sea Lions, but opted for a more accessible sound to reach a wider audience. Well-known songs include Penny Girl, Buggy Tip, Beige 70, and Kid Born In Space, the latter telling of his experience growing up as a disabled person. Urango is known for his anti-capitalist views, and involved in various left-wing causes including advocating for immigrants and workers ~ Urango passed away in 2024
February 14, 1985 ~ Angelique Frances Meunier, commonly known as dance-pop, electropop DJ, singer, dancer, producer Havana Brown, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ First gained attentio in the late-2000s remixing hits of the day by various international stars, some of whom including Rihanna, the Pussycat Dolls and Britney Spears would subsequently book her as their support act on Australian and European dates. Debuted as a solo recording artist, DJ, producer, singer with the album Flashing Lights in 2013
February 14, 1984 ~ Pop singer, guitarist Bart Voncken born in Landgraaf, the Netherlands ~ First gained attention as member of K-otic, launched from the talent contest show Starmaker aired in 2001. The band is known for launching the career of Sita Vermeulen through Dutch top 10 hits such as Damn I Think I Love You, I Was Made To Love You, Falling and I Surrender. Voncken has also worked with XYP, known for the 2007 hit Body To Body
February 14, 1978 ~ Andwele Gardner, commonly known as R&B, soul, neo soul, jazz singer, songwriter Dwele, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Roy Ayers, Miles Davis, and A Tribe Called Quest. As a solo artist best known for songs such as Find A Way, The People with Common and Flashing Lights with Kanye West. Notably present on Slum Village's Tainted of their 2002 Trinity (Past Present & Future) album. Has also collaborated with Boney James, J Dilla, Pharoahe Monch, Foxxy Brown, and Big Sean
February 14, 1978 ~ Metal guitarist, bassist, keyboardist Scott Borland born in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Co-founded metal band Big Dumb Face with his brother Wes Borland. Also worked with Wes' band Limp Bizkit on the key albums Three Dollar Bill Yall, Significant Other and Chocolate Starfish & the Hot Dog Flavored Water. Guested on recordings by Vanilla Ice, Lennon Murphy and Stepa
February 14, 1975 ~ Pianist, double bassist, singer Scott Owen, full name Scott Bradley Owen, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Best known as member of the Living End, which he co-founded with Chris Cheney. Wrote or co-wrote a vast amount of the band's material including Flood The Sky, I Want A Day, What Would You Do, Stay Away From Me, So Lonely, Black Cat, Short Notice and E-Boogie
February 14, 1974 ~ Christian singer, songwriter Matt Redman, full name Matthew James Redman, born in Watford, UK ~ Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting with Wake Up My Soul released in 1993. Best known for his 2011 album 10,000 Reasons which would top the Billboard Christian charts and spawn the Grammy Award-winning hit single 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) co-written with Jonas Myrin
February 14, 1972 ~ Singer, songwriter Rob Thomas, full name Robert Kelly Thomas, born in Landstuhl, West Germany ~ Lead singer of Matchbox Twenty, known for early-2000s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as Bent, If You're Gone and Unwell. As a solo artist, Thomas is known for his 2005 hit Lonely No More. Thomas has also written or co-written for others including Willie Nelson, Mick Jagger, Pat Green, Taylor Hicks, Travis Tritt, and Daughtry
February 14, 1964 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Suze DeMarchi born in Perth, Australia ~ Frontwoman of Baby Animals starting in the late-1980s, known for songs such as Early Warning, One Word, and Don't Tell Me What To Do. Recorded as a solo artist during the Animals' hiatus. Dated singer Gavin Rossdale during the late-1980s, who reportedly wrote the songs Comedown and Glycerine of Bush's Sixteen Stone about their relationship. DeMarchi has been married to Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt from 1994 through 2013, the couple have one daughter
February 14, 1961 ~ Mark Hewerdine, commonly known as singer, guitarist, producer, songwriter Boo Hewerdine, born in UK ~ Best known as lead singer of the Bible, regarded as “one of Britain's most consistently accomplished songwriters”. As a musician or band member worked with the Placebo Thing, the Great Divide, Tony Shepherd, Kevin Flanagan, Darden Smith, John Wood, Richard Thompson, John McCusker, Alan Kelly, Ewen Vernal, Heidi Talbot, Brooks Williams, and with the State Of The Union. As a songwriter and/or producer worked with Eddi Reader (Angels & Electricity), Clive Gregson, Christine Collister, the Corrs, Laurie Freelove, Chris Difford (The Last Temptation Of Chris), kd Lang, Paul Young, Melanie C, Marti Pellow, David McAlmont, Brian Kennedy, Kris Drever, Sarah Jane Morris, Alex Parks, and Natalie Imbruglia
February 14, 1961 ~ R&B singer, guitarist, producer, songwriter D'Wayne Wiggins born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Founding member of Tony Toni Toné, known for 1990s hits such as Feels Good, If I Had No Loot and Anniversary. Released his Eyes Never Lie solo debut album in 2000, backed by artists such as Darius Rucker, Jamie Foxx and Carlos Santana. Has also collaborated with Alicia Keys, notably on The Diary and If I Was Your Woman, the latter winning Wiggins a Grammy Award for production
February 14, 1959 ~ Soprano opera singer Renée Fleming, full name Renée Lynn Fleming, born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Internationally acclaimed operatic soprano with mainstream appeal. Known for signature roles in operas such as Le Nozze Di Figaro, Otello, La Traviata, Der Rosenkavalier, and others. Has also recorded lieder, chansons, jazz, show tunes, and indie rock
February 14, 1954 ~ James Kwaka Tuffour, commonly known as highlife singer, songwriter Nana Tuffour, born ~ Over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with Highlife Romance released in 1979. Known for songs such as Aketekyiwa, Abeiku and Owupo Sei Fie. Has worked with Alex Konadu, the Wanto Wazuri Band, the Waza Africo Band, King Sunny Adé, and others ~ Tuffour passed away in 2020
February 14, 1951 ~ Drummer, songwriter Kenny Hyslop, full name Kenneth John Hyslop, born in Helensburgh, UK ~ Member of Salvation later renamed Slik, known best for their 1976 UK No.1 hit Forever And Ever. The band also included Midge Ure, after Ure's departure the band would reform as the Zones. Would go on to work with the Skids, the Simple Minds (Promised You A Miracle), Set The Tone, the One O'Clock Gang, and others
February 14, 1951 ~ Singer, fiddler, accordionist, mandolinist, songwriter Michael Doucet, full name Michael Louis Doucet, born in Scott, Louisiana, USA ~ Founded Coteau. Member of the Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band. Member of the Fiddlers 4. Best known for co-founding Cajun band Beausoleil with Kenneth Richard and Sterling Richard, merging traditional Cajun music, blues, country, jazz, and zydeco. Has also recorded over a dozen albums as a solo artist
February 14, 1950 ~ Blues singer, guitarist Otis Grand born in Beirut, Lebanon ~ Actively recording since the late-1980s, starting with 1988's Always Hot. Best known for his 1996 Perfume & Grime album. Has worked with Guitar Shorty, Phillip Walker, Joe Houston, Anson Funderburgh, Debbie Davies, and Joe Louis Walker ~ Grand passed away in 2023
February 14, 1950 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Roger Fisher born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Co-founding member of rock outfit Heart, remaining with the band from 1967 through 1979 appearing on the albums Dreamboat Annie, Little Queen, Magazine, and Dog And Butterfly. Following his departure from the band Fisher has founded Alias, known best for their 1990 hit single More Than Words Can Say, and recorded as a solo artist
February 14, 1949 ~ Joseph Kiambukuta Londa, commonly known as singer, songwriter Josky Kiambukuta, born in Gombe-Matadi, Congo ~ Longtime member of TPOK Jazz, joining the ensemble in 1973. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Chandra, Fariya, KSK, and Bimansha. Has also worked with African Fiesta Sukisa, notably on the track Sadi Naboyi Masume, L'African Jazz, Bana OK, and recorded as a solo artist ~ Kiambukuta passed away in 2021
February 14, 1947 ~ Folk rock, psychedelic folk, jazz fusion, avant-garde, rock singer, songwriter Tim Buckley, full name Timothy Charles Buckley III, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Father of singer, songwriter Jeff Buckley. Member of the Bohemians. Member of Harlequin 3. Released his eponymous Tim Buckley solo debut album in 1966. Would release eight more albums before his untimely death of an overdose at age 28 ~ Buckley passed away in 1975
February 14, 1946 ~ R&B percussionist, singer Roger Durham born ~ Co-founding member of Bloodstone, with whom he recorded three albums until his untimely death. Present on the band's best known, Natural High, Never Let You Go, and Outside Woman, all of which reached top 10 Billboard R&B. Durham died at age 26 from internal injuries after being thrown from a horse. The band continued to record well into the 1980s, but was unable to repeat their earlier success ~ Durham passed away in 1973
February 14, 1945 ~ Guitarist Vic Briggs, full name Victor Harvey Briggs, born in Twickenham, UK ~ One of the finest to pass through the ranks of the Animals, serving as the band's lead guitarist and primary arranger from 1966 through 1968, present on the albums Winds Of Change, The Twain Shall Meet and Every One Of Us. Mentored by Big Jim Sullivan, Briggs had been active since his mid-teens including with the Echoes, Dusty Springfield, notably present on Springfield's Ev'rything's Coming Up Dusty album, Brian Auger, Steampacket, and Johnny Hallyday. Following his tenure with the Animals, Briggs would focus on producing and arranging, working with the likes of Eire Apparent, Zoot Money, Hilton Valentine, and Sean Bonniwell ~ Briggs passed away in 2021
February 14, 1943 ~ Folk, folk-rock, blues singer, songwriter Eric Andersen born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Active since the early-1960s. Over two dozen albums to his name. Known for songs such as Violets Of Dawn, Come To My Bedside and Thirsty Boots, the latter solliciting covers by Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, John Denver and others. Other artists who recorded his songs include Johnny Cash, Linda Ronstadt, Fairport Convention, Gillian Welch, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and the Kingston Trio. Has worked with Joan Baez, Dan Fogelberg, Al Kooper, Leon Russell, Rick Danko, Tony Garnier, Howie Epstein, the Woodstock Mountain Revue, and others
February 14, 1943 ~ Funk, R&B, soul jazz saxophonist, flutist, pianist, bandleader, singer Maceo Parker born in Kinston, North Carolina, USA ~ Revered sideman, backing artists such as James Brown in the 1960s, George Clinton in the 1970s, and Prince in the 1990s. Actively recording as a solo artist since the 1970s, with well over a dozen albums to his name including the acclaimed Mo' Roots. Has also guested on albums by Bootsy Collins, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Keith Richards, Deee-lite (World Clique), Bernie Worrell, 10,000 Maniacs, Candy Dulfer (Sax A Go-Go), Bryan Ferry, and Nils Lofgren
February 14, 1941 ~ James George Tomkins, commonly known as guitarist, arranger Big Jim Sullivan, born in Uxbridge, UK ~ Worked with Sid Gilbert, Johnny Duncan, Vince Taylor, Janice Peters, Vince Eager, Marty Wilde, the Wildcats, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Billy Fury, Frank Ifield, Frankie Vaughan, Helen Shapiro, Johnny Hallyday, Freddie & the Dreamers, Cilla Black, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Dusty Springfield, Alexis Korner, Blues Incorporated, Georgie Fame, Little Richard, Del Shannon, the Walker Brothers, Donovan, David Bowie (on Bowie 1967's David Bowie debut album), Benny Hill, the New Seekers, Thunderclap Newman, Love Affair, Long John Baldry, Marmalade, the Small Faces, Rolf Harris, George Harrison, the Amazing Blondes, Serge Gainsbourg, Frank Zappa (200 Motels), the Who, James Last, Derek Lawrence, Duncan McKenzie, Dave Berry, Françoise Hardy, Eddy Mitchell, Jimmy Page, Cliff Richard, Clinton Ford, Gilbert O'Sullivan, Alvin Stardust, Petula Clark, Jackie Trent, Sandie Shaw, Chris Farlowe, Ken Dodd, and Overlanders ~ Tomkins passed away in 2012
February 14, 1939 ~ Clarence Henry Reid, commonly known as singer, songwriter, producer Blowfly born in Cochran, Georgia, USA ~ As a solo artist known for songs such as Nobody But You. Best known for his sexually explicit lyrics, often wordplay on existing phrases or songs. During the 1960s and 1970s Reid also worked as a producer and writer for artists such as Betty Wright, Sam & Dave, Gwen McCrae, Jimmy Bo Horne, Bobby Byrd, and KC & the Sunshine Band ~ Reid passed away in 2016
February 14, 1939 ~ Jazz trombonist Chris Pyne, full name Christopher Norman Pyne, born in Bridlington, UK ~ Elder brother of pianist Mick Pyne. Worked with Fat John Cox, Alexis Korner, John Stevens, the London Jazz Orchestra, Humphrey Lyttelton, Johnny Dankworth, Ronnie Scott, Stan Tracey, Mike Gibbs, Frank Sinatra, John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, John Surman, Philly Joe Jones, Maynard Ferguson, Tony Coe, Bobby Lamb, Ray Premru, Ronnie Ross, Barbara Thompson, Norma Winstone, Alan Cohen, Gordon Beck, Charlie Watts, Jon Anderson, Miquel Brown, Delegation, Curved Air, Bryan Ferry, Albert Finney, Goodies, Tubby Hayes, Elton John, Salena Jones, Everything But The Girl, Jack Sharpe, the Nice, Peter Sinfield, Jasper van 't Hof, Loudon Wainwright III, and others ~ Pyne passed away in 1995
February 14, 1938 ~ Folk singer Alexandre Zelkine, also known as Sasha Zelkin, born in Lyon, France ~ Known best for a number of 1960s folk albums, starting with Sasha Sings Folk Songs Of Russia released in 1965 using the moniker Sasha Zelkin. Zelkine would record through the mid-1970s, singing in French, Yiddish, Spanish, and Russian ~ Zelkine passed away in 2022
February 14, 1938 ~ Actress, singer Anita Thallaug born in Bærum, Norway ~ Best known as an actress for stage including musicals, film and TV. Sister of opera singer Edith Thallaug. Performing since the age of 7 and frequently featured in children's TV shows during the 1950s. Represented her native Norway in the 1963 Eurovision Songfestival, finishing thirteenth with the song Solhverv ~ Thallaug passed away in 2023
February 14, 1937 ~ Samuel Gene Maghett, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Magic Sam, born in Grenada County, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for Feelin' Good (We're Gonna Boogie), a hit in 1957. Has worked with Charlie Musselwhite and Sam Lay. On the verge of breakthrough when he died unexpectedly of a heart attack at age 32 ~ Maghett passed away in 1969
February 14, 1935 ~ Jazz trombonist, composer, arranger Rob McConnell, full name Robert Murray Gordon McConnell, born in London, Canada ~ Founder of big band the Boss Brass, which he led from 1967 through 1999. Known for the 1978 Big Band Jazz album, awarded a Juno Award, and for the 1983 All In Good Time album, awarded a Grammy Award ~ McConnell passed away in 2010
February 14, 1934 ~ Hammond organist, pianist Merl Saunders was born in San Mateo, California, USA ~ Gained attention in the early-1970s teaming up with the Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia, co-founding the Saunders-Garcia Band which would eventually evolve into Legion Of Mary. Has also recorded as a solo artist, and collaborated with artists such as Mike Bloomfield, David Grisman, Michael Hinton, Tom Fogerty, Vassar Clements, Kenneth Nash, John Kahn, Sheila E, Dinosaurs, Reconstruction, and others ~ Saunders passed away in 2008
February 14, 1933 ~ Double bassist, composer Bertram Turetzky, full name Bertram Jay Turetzky, born in Norwich, Connecticut, USA ~ Recognized as a versatile double bassist in chamber music, baroque music, classical, jazz, and klezmer. Actively recording since the mid-1960s. Besides bass plays guitar, piano, and banjo. Fine interpreter of the works of the likes of Edgard Varèse, Donald Martino, Kenneth Gaburo, as well as a prolific composer in his own right. Has authored a number of books, notably The Contemporary Contrabass
February 14, 1931 ~ Singer Phyllis McGuire, full name Phyllis Jean McGuire, born in Middletown, Ohio, USA ~ Formed the sibling outfit the McGuire Sisters with Christine McGuire and Dorothy McGuire. The close-harmony vocal trio would first gain attention in 1952 through Arthur Godfrey's talent contest Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, after which Godfrey hired them for several of his other TV shows. The trio remained active through the late-1960s, and are well known for songs such as Goodnight Sweatheart Goodnight, Muskrat Ramble, It May Sound Silly, Something's Gotta Give, and He. The sisters would top the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice, first with Sincerely in 1955, and again with Sugartime two years later. They have performed for five American presidents, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George HW Bush ~ McGuire passed away in 2020
February 14, 1915 ~ Songwriter Irving Gordon born ~ Took to writing parody lyrics to popular songs in the 1930s. Staff writer for Irving Mills, first solely as lyricist, later also writing music. Commissioned to write lyrics for Duke Ellington, such as on the Billy Strayhorn composition Prelude To A Kiss. Wrote Mister & Mississippi, a 1951 top 10 hit for Patti Page and also recorded by Eddy Arnold, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and others. Perhaps best known for penning Unforgettable, originally titled Uncomparable, a hit and signature song for Nat King Cole earning him a Grammy Award when Cole's daughter Natalie Cole covered the song in 1992. Gordon did not care for rock music, once stating that by 1960 the vogue for rhymed words and hummable melodies had passed, so “I became a tennis pro, I have many lives.” ~ Gordon passed away in 1996
February 14, 1908 ~ Leonard George Hayton, commonly known as composer, conductor, arranger Lennie Hayton born in New York, New York, USA ~ Discovered by Paul Whiteman. While with Whiteman played with Frankie Trumbauer, Bix Beiderbecke, Red Nichols, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang. Hayton also played with Bing Crosby. Musical direcor for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in prime time of movie musical. Arranged music for the film Singing In The Rain. Co-arranged Hoagy Carmichael's Stardust ~ Hayton passed away in 1971
February 14, 1894 ~ Benjamin Kubelsky, commonly known as vaudeville violinist, actor, comedian Jack Benny, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Started out as a modestly successful vaudeville entertainer and violinist. Best known as an actor, comedian, radio and TV personality, becoming a household name with his weekly radio show The Jack Benny Program which artist from 1932 through 1955 and its TV equivalent of the same name initially intended as a limited series of specials, yet remaining on air from 1950 through 1960 ~ Kubalsky passed away in 1974
February 14, 1880 ~ Vaudeville actress, singer, dancer, choreographer Aida Overton Walker born in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Dubbed “the Queen of the Cakewalk” ~ Overton passed away in 1914