February 16, 2023 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Alberto Radius passed away in Rome, Italy ~ Co-founded Formula 3 with Gabriele Lorenzi and Toni Cicco. The band is known for a string of early 1970s hits including Questo Folle Sentimento, Lo Ritorno Solo, and Eppur Mi Son Scordato Do Te. Radius has also recorded about a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Radius released in 1972, collaborated with Lucio Battisti, Milva, and Giuni Russo, and formed the late 1980s group Cantautores ~ Radius was born in 1942
February 16, 2023 ~ R&B singer Chuck Jackson passed away ~ Scored a string of 1960s Billboard R&B hits including I Don't Want To Cry, I Wake Up Crying, Tell Him I'm Not Home, Beg Me, and his signature song and biggest hit Any Day Now. The latter, an original hit for Jackson in 1962, was one of the first successes for songwriter Burt Bacharach co-written with Bob Hilliard, covered by over 50 artists including Tom Jones, Carla Thomas, Percy Sledge, Elvis Presley, and James Brown. Previously Jackson had sung with the Del Vikings, singing lead on the 1957 Willette single ~ Jackson was born in 1937
February 16, 2023 ~ Marina Herrera Aragón, commonly known as bolero singer, actress Marilú, passed away ~ Dubbed “the Little Doll that Sings” and one of the last stars of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Active since the late 1930s, recording throughout the 1970s. Known for songs such as Veleidad, Inquietud, and Consentida ~ Aragón was born in 1927
February 16, 2023 ~ Herbert Anton Hilger, commonly known as schlager singer Tony Marshall, passed away in Baden-Baden, Germany ~ Trained as an opera singer. Best known for his 1971 hit Schöne Maid. An English-language version of the song, Pretty Maid, would reach top 20 in Australia ~ Hilger was born in 1938
February 16, 2021 ~ Soul Musaka, commonly known as singer, songwriter Soul Jah Love, passed away in Harare, Zimbabwe ~ Credited with bringing Zimdancehall to the mainstream. Known best for songs such as Ndini Uya Uya, Gum-kum and Pamamonya Ipapo ~ Musaka was born in 1989
February 16, 2021 ~ Ray David Grammont, commonly known as reggae singer Tonton David, passed away in Nancy, France ~ Soul-influenced raggamuffin singer, actively recording since his 1991 Le Blues De La Racaille debut album. Touching on social subjects, including unemployment, poverty and racism, he became a figurehead for a generation of disenchanted French youth. Well known songs include Peuples Du Monde, Sur Et Certain, Chacun Sa Route, Pour Tout Le Monde Pareil, and Fugitifs with rai singer Cheb Mami ~ Grammont was born in 1967
February 16, 2020 ~ Eugene Bunten, commonly known as bassist Lonnie Londin, passed away ~ Member of the Headliners, the first white act to be signed by Motown ~ Bunten was born in 1939
February 16, 2019 ~ Singer Ken Nordine passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as narrator and voice-over artist featured in commercials and movie trailers. To music audiences known for his association with the beat and jazz-and-poetry movements. Notably present as the voice-over on Billy Vaughn's Shifting Whispering Sands, a Billboard top 10 hit in 1962 ~ Nordine was born in 1920
February 16, 2019 ~ Jazz trumpeter, author, educator Willie Thomas passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with artists such as Wynton Kelly, Frank Strozier, Bob Cranshaw, Slide Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, George Coleman, Woody Herman, Al Belletto, Peggy Lee, Tito Puente, Bill Henderson, and others ~ Thomas was born in 1931
February 16, 2018 ~ Singer Barbara Alston passed away in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA ~ Member of the Crystals from 1961 through 1964, present on songs such as There's No Other Like My Baby, Uptown, He's Sure The Boy I Love, Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home), and Then He Kissed Me ~ Alston was born in 1943
February 16, 2018 ~ Mezzo-soprano singer Heli Laats passed away in Tallinn, Estonia ~ Married to conductor, pianist Peeter Saul. Best known for songs such as Laats Tsirkus, Kaunid Balerlinid, Oma Laulu Ei Leia Ma Ules, and others. Worked with the Emil Laansoo Ensemble, the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, the Eesti Raadio Women's Trio, Mikk Mikiver, Uno Loop, Jaak Joala, and others ~ Lääts was born in 1932
February 16, 2018 ~ Guitarist, blues harpist, singer, songwriter Little Sammy Davis passed away in Middletown, New York, USA ~ Worked with Pinetop Perkins, Ike Turner, Earl Hooker, Albert King, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, Little Walter, Eddie Kirkland, and others ~ Davis was born in 1928
February 16, 2015 ~ Lesley Sue Goldstein, commonly known as singer, actress, songwriter Lesley Gore, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Discovered by Quincy Jones. Broke through with It's My Party at age 16. Also known for songs such as Judy's Turn To Cry, She's A Fool, You Don't Own Me, Maybe I Know, and California Night ~ Goldstein was born in 1946
February 16, 2014 ~ Guitarist Gert Krawinkel, also known as Kralle Krawinkel, passed away ~ Active since the mid-1960s. Founded folk, progressive rock outfit Cravinkel, recording two albums in the early 1970s. Best known as member of new wave band Trio, enjoying popularity for most of the 1980s. Has also recorded as a solo artist, perhaps most notably duetting with Nena on 'n Zentimeter Liebe ~ Krawinkel was born in 1947
February 16, 2014 ~ Singer, guitarist, producer, songwriter Ray Kennedy, full name Raymond Louis Kennedy, passed away ~ Prolifent in numerous genres including R&B, pop, rock, jazz and country. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Sail On Sailor for the Beach Boys and Everytime I Think Of You and Isn't It Time for the Babys. As a recording artist recorded his first single, 1965's Number 5 Gemini, with a then-unknown Kenny Gamble. Has worked with Gerry Mulligan, Jay David, Dizzy Gillespie, JJ Johnson, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Brenda Lee, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Wilson Pickett, Traffic's Dave Mason, Sly & the Family Stone, the Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson, Jeff Beck, Barry Goldberg, Maurice White, Aerosmith, Michael Schenker, Engelbert Humperdinck, Wayne Newton, Tanya Tucker, Bill Champlin, Willie Nelson, Mick Fleetwood, KGB, Group Therapy, Jon & Ray, and others ~ Kennedy was born in 1946
February 16, 2013 ~ Opera singer, comic actor John Ayldon passed away in Northampton, UK ~ Best known for his association with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. Also worked with the Canadian Opera, the Welsh National Opera, the Dublin Grand Opera, the New Sadlers Wells Opera, Kenneth Sandford, Geoffrey Shovelton, Lorraine Daniels, and others ~ Ayldon was born in 1943
February 16, 2013 ~ Guitarist, steel guitarist, organist, singer Stan Knight passed away ~ 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 was born in 1949
February 16, 2013 ~ Anthony Esmond Sheridan McGinnity, commonly known as singer Tony Sheridan, passed away in Hamburg, Germany ~ Known for his early 1960s singles My Bonnie and Ain't She Sweet, both of which featured the Beatles, then relatively unknown, as Sheridan's backing band ~ McGinnity was born in 1940
February 16, 2006 ~ Blues, R&B drummer Clifton James passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for backing Bo Diddley on his most pivotal recordings alongside maracas player Jerome Green and bassist Roosevelt Jackson. Diddley once commented James was the one who did the original Diddley beat. James has also worked with Memphis Slim, Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, and the Chicago Blues All-Stars ~ James was born in 1936
February 16, 2004 ~ Doris Elaine Higginson, commonly known as singer, songwriter Doris Troy passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Best known for her 1963 soul hit Just One Look. Discovered by James Brown. Wrote Dee Clark's How About That. Original member of the Sweet Inspirations alongside Dionne Warwick, Cissy Houston and Dee Dee Warwick. Sang backup with Solomon Burke, the Drifters, the Rolling Stones (You Can't Always Get What You Want), Carly Simon (You're So Vain), Pink Floyd (on The Dark Side Of The Moon album), Humble Pie, Kevin Ayers, Edgar Broughton, George Harrison, Johnny Hallyday, Vivian Stanshall, Dusty Springfield, Nick Drake, Junior Campbell, and others ~ Troy was born in 1937
February 16, 2004 ~ Ella Mae Jackson, commonly known as jazz, rhythm & blues singer Ella Johnson, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for 1940s hits such as Please Mr Johnson, When My Man Comes Home, Hittin' On Me, and especially Since I Fell For You, the latter written by her brother Buddy Johnson and eventually becoming a jazz standard ~ Johnson was born in 1919
February 16, 2002 ~ Robert L Williams, commonly known as R&B singer, songwriter Billy Ward, passed away in Inglewood, California, USA ~ Fronted Billy Ward & the Dominoes, known for 1950s hits such as Do Something For Me, Sixty Minute Man, Have Mercy Baby, Rags To Riches, Star Dust, and others. The band also served as a launching pad for singer Clyde McPhatter and Jackie Wilson ~ Ward was born in 1921
February 16, 2001 ~ Singer, actress, comedian Helen Vita passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ Married to composer Walter Baumgartner. Best known as an actress with well over two dozen roles since the late 1940s. As a singer perhaps best known for her 1966 Freche Chansons Aus Dem Alten Frankreich album, consisting of French chansons translated into German ~ Vita was born in 1928
February 16, 1999 ~ Singer Betty Roché passed away in Pleasantville, New Jersey, New Jersey ~ Best known for her association with Duke Ellington, notably on Take The A-Train. Also worked with the Savoy Sultans, Lester Young, Hot Lips Page, Thelonious Monk, Kenny Clarke, Earl Hines, Charles Brown, Clark Terry, and others ~ Roche was born in 1918
February 16, 1999 ~ Marie Ulven Ringheim, commonly known as indie pop, lo-fi, bedroom pop, dream pop singer, guitarist, keyboardist Girl In Red, born in Horten, Norway ~ First gained attention with her EPs Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 in respectively 2018 and 2019. Quickly became a queer icon on the strength of songs such as I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend and We Fell In Love In October. Released her full-length If I Could Make It Go Quiet album in 2021
February 16, 1996 ~ Walter Brown McGhee, commonly known as blues guitarist Brownie McGhee, passed away in Oakland, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with blues harpist Sonny Terry, performing and recording as a duo from the early 1940s to 1980 ~ McGhee was born in 1915
February 16, 1994 ~ Amanda Koci, commonly known as pop, dance-pop singer, songwriter Ava Max, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA ~ Known for songs such as Sweet But Psycho and Kings & Queens, both of which reached the Billboard top 20. Released her full-length debut album, Heaven & Hell, in 2020. Has collaborated with Project 46, AJ Mitchell, David Guetta, Thomas Rhett, and others
February 16, 1994 ~ Saxophonist Jimmy Powell, full name James Theodore Powell, passed away ~ Worked with Billie Holiday, Roy Eldridge, Carl Frye, Kermit Scott, Sonny White, Lawrence Lucie, Hal West, Ernie Powell, Eddie Heywood, Paul Chapman, Grachan Moncur III, Herbert Cowans, Billy Eckstine, Oscar Pettiford, Art Blakey, Dexter Gordon, Gene Ammons, Thomas Crump, Wardell Gray, Dizzy Gillespie, Chippy Outcalt, Trummy Young, Don Byas, Hal Cornbread Singer, Illinois Jacquet, Miles Davis, Marion Hazel, Fats Navarro, Joe Newman, Gus Chapwell, Ted Kelly, Eli Robinson, Dickey Wells, Ray Perry, Big Nick Nicholas, Leo Parker, Bill Doggett, Leonard Feather, Al Lucas, Shadow Wilson, Russell Jacquet, Freddie Green, Walter Bishop Jr, Nelson Boyd, Marty Flax, Quincy Jones, Carl Warwick, Joe Gordon, Benny Golson, Ernie Wilkins, Ernie Henry, Phil Woods, Roy Levit, Melba Liston, Lester Young, Lucky Thompson, Betty Carter, Otis Redding, Bernard Pretty Purdie, and others ~ Powell was born in 1914
February 16, 1993 ~ Bandleader George Evans passed away ~ Served under Norrie Paramor, Sonny Winter, Al Lever and with the Welsh Guards Band, playing banjo, ukelele and saxophone. Would go on to lead his own ensembles which at times including England's finest including Don Rendell, Gracie Cole, Jack Parnell, Kenny Baker, and others ~ Evans was born ca.1915
February 16, 1991 ~ Rayshawn Lamar Bennett, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter YFN Lucci, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Released a number of mixtapes and EPs starting in the mid-2010s, leading up to his full-length Ray Ray From Summerhill debut album in 2018. Best known for the single Key To The Streets featuring Migos and Trouble released in 2016. Has also worked with Meek Mill, PnB Rock, Rick Ross, and others
February 16, 1990 ~ Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, commonly known as singer, producer, songwriter the Weeknd, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Released his full-length Kiss Land debut album in 2013 and has recorded to commercial success becoming one of the best-selling artists of the 2010s. Known best for songs such as Love Me Harder featuring Ariana Grande, Earned It, The Hills, Can't Feel My Face, Starboy featuring Daft Punk, Pray For Me, Heartless, Blinding Lights, Smile, and others
February 16, 1989 ~ Singer, guitarist, percussionist Danielle Haim, full name Danielle Sari Haim, born in San Fernando Valley, California, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit Haim alongside Alana Haim and Este Haim, drawing critical comparison to Fleetwood Mac and the Bangles. The band debuted in 2013 with the album Days Are Gone and has recorded consistently since. They are best known for songs such as Forever, The Wire, Want You Back, A Little Of Your Love, Now I'm In It, and Gasoline featuring Taylor Swift
February 16, 1982 ~ Post-hardcore, experimental rock, pop-punk guitarist, drummer, keyboardist, singer Brian Southall born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Member of fordirelifesake, Boys Night Out, the Receiving End Of Sirens, Isles & Glaciers, the Company We Keep. Tour manager for Motion City Soundtrack, and All-Time Low. Ventured into band management by the late 2010s, representing acts such as Billie Eilish and Pharrell Williams
February 16, 1975 ~ Samuel Salter, commonly known as R&B singer, songwriter Sam Salter, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Discovered by LA Reid. Had his 1997 It's On Tonight debut album produced by a team which included Tricky Stewart, Tony Rich and Robin Thicke, spawning the Billboard R&B top 20 hit After 12 Before 6. Would continue to record to mixed succes. Has written songs for 98°, Aaron Skyy, Xscape's Kandi Burruss, B2K, the Isley Brothers, Tyrese, and others ~ Salter passed away in 2021
February 16, 1971 ~ Alternative rock, alternative metal, hip-hop, punk rock keyboardist, songwriter Zac Baird, full name Zachary Baird, born in Orange County, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known for his association with nu metal outfit Korn, touring with the band on the See You On The Other Side and Family Values tours, and appearing on the albums MTV Unplugged, The Paradigm Shift, and The Serenity Of Suffering. Produced Billy Goat's 1995 Black & White sophomore album. Has also worked with Whitey, Hairy Apes BMX, Evanescence, Monster In The Machine, Wavves, Tom Freund, Jonathan Davis, and Florence + the Machine
February 16, 1970 ~ DJ, producer, remixer, songwriter Armand van Helden born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Considered one of the premier house DJs with a career spanning three decades and especially popular in Europe. Best known for released such as You Don't Know Me, I Want Your Soul, My My My featuring Tara McDonald, Bonkers featuring Dizzee Rascal, and others
February 16, 1967 ~ Alternative rock, trip hop drummer Damon Reece born in London, UK ~ Following the death of Pete de Freitas in 1989 joined the re-formed Echo & the Bunnymen, appearing on the 1990 Reverberation album. Subsequently a member of Spiritualized departing the band after the release of the 1997 album Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space to form Lupine Howl. Has also worked with Massive Attack and Goldfrapp. Romantically involved with the Cocteau Twins singer Elizabeth Fraser, with whom he has a daughter
February 16, 1967 ~ Gerald Rydel Simpson, commonly known as acid house, jungle, drum and bass, electronica DJ, producer A Guy Called Gerald, born in Manchester, UK ~ Early member of 808 State. As a solo artist best known for his work in the Manchester scene during the late 1980s, especially with the track Voodoo Ray released in 1988
February 16, 1966 ~ British pop, rock group the Beatles record Yes It Is at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Credited to John Lennon and Paul McCartney, written primarily Lennon. Produced by George Martin. Noted for its complex three-part vocal harmonies and George Harrison's use of volume pedal guitar. Used for the flipside of Ticket To Ride, released the following April
February 16, 1966 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Bob Dylan records Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again at Columbia Recording Studios, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Self-penned. Produced by Bob Johnston. Included on the Blonde On Blonde. The song's refrain is said to reference the WC Handy-song Memphis Blues. Dylan would record a live version for the Hard Rain album ten years later
February 16, 1965 ~ Latin singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter, pastor Jesús Adrián Romero born in Hermosillo, Mexico ~ Considered one of the premier artists in Latin Christian music with a recording career starting in the late 1980s
February 16, 1963 ~ Blues-rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Chris Duarte born in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Describes his style as a combination of rockin' blues and punk blues. Influenced by John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Well over a dozen albums to his name, starting in the mid-1980s. Especially acclaimed for the 1990s albums Texas Sugar (Strat Magik) and its follow-up Tailspin Headwhack
February 16, 1962 ~ Pop singer Bobby Vinton records Mr Lonely ~ Written by Vinton and Gene Allan. Produced by Bob Morgan. Arranged and conducted by Robert Mersey. First released on the 1962 Roses Are Red album. As a single, paired with It's Better To Have Loved on the flipside, the 1964 single would top the Billboard Hot 100. The song would be covered by Johnny Hallyday as Quand Revient La Nuit in 1965
February 16, 1962 ~ Geoffrey Nigel Laurence Rushton, commonly known as industrial, post-industrial, electronic, drone, noise singer, keyboardist, bassist, songwriter John Balance, born in Mansfield, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member of experimental group Coil. Has also worked with Psychic TV, Cultural Amnesia, Nurse With Wound, Death In June, Current '93, Chris & Cosey, Sickness Of Snakes, and others ~ Rushton passed away in 2004
February 16, 1961 ~ Guitarist Andy Taylor, full name Andrew Arthur Taylor, born in Dover-Hampton, UK ~ Member of pop outfit Duran Duran from 1980 through 1986, present on UK top 10 hits such as Girls On Film, Hungry Like The Wolf, Save A Prayer, Is There Something I Should Know, The Reflex, The Wild Boys, and A View To A Kill. Also worked with Power Station on the 1985 Power Station album. Notably present on Rod Stewart's 1988 Out Of Order album. Other credits include Robert Palmer, the Almighty, Thunder, Love & Money, Mark Shaw, Then Jericho, CC Catch, and Belinda Carlisle
February 16, 1960 ~ Country singer, bassist Doug Phelps born in Leachville, Arkansas, USA ~ Formed the duo Brother Phelps with his brother guitarist, singer Ricky Lee Phelps. The duo would score a number a early 1990s country hits, their highest charting being Let Go reaching top 10 Billboard Country in 1993. Prior both brothers had played with the Kentucky Headhunters, leaving the band after the successful 1989 Pickin' On Nashville debut album
February 16, 1960 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, mandolinist, pianist, songwriter Lucy Kaplanski born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Sang backup for Suzanne Vega. Actively recording as a solo artist since the mid-1990s. Has also worked with Frank Christian, Tom Intondi, Martha Hogen, Dar Williams, Richard Shindell, John Gorka, Eliza Gilkyson, and others
February 16, 1960 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Pete Willis born in Sheffield, UK ~ Founding member of metal, hard rock band Def Leppard. Present on the band's first three albums, On Through The Night, High 'n Dry and Pyromania, replaced in 1982 by Phil Collen. Also worked with Atomic Mass, Gogmagog, Nightrun and Roadhouse
February 16, 1958 ~ Tracy Lauren Marrow, commonly known as hip-hop, heavy metal rapper, actor Ice-T, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Helped shape gangsta rap and especially paved the way for rock-influenced rap. Would sollicit controversy early in his career. His 1987 solo debut album Rhyme Pays being the second hip-hop album to carry an explicit content sticker. With his heavy metal band Body Count drew criticism over the lyrics of the 1992 song Cop Killer. Ventured into acting for film and TV, most notably in the role of detective Odafin Tutuola in the crime series Law & Order SVU since 2000
February 16, 1957 ~ Guitarist, bassist, mandolonist, dobroist Jeff Pevar born ~ Forms the trio CPR with David Crosby and Crosby's son James Raymond. In-demand collaborator and sidemand, worked with Donald Fagen, James Taylor, Marc Cohn, Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, Rickie Lee Jones, Dr John, Carly Simon, Kenny Loggins, Jazz Is Dead, Phil Lesh, Phil Collins, Jonatha Brooke, Willy DeVille, and others
February 16, 1957 ~ Pianist, composer Josef Hofmann, full name Josef Casimir Hofmann, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Son of pianist, conductor, composer Kazimierz Hofmann and singer Matylda Pindelska. Child prodigy, his series of concerts in his early teens drawing critical comparison to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Felix Mendelssohn. Would go on to compose well over a hundred works, many under the pseudonym Michel Dvorsky ~ Hofmann was born in 1876
February 16, 1956 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Marcus Turner, full name Marcus William Turner, born in Roxburgh, New Zealand ~ Member of High Country. Co-founding member of the Chaps. Also known for two solo albums, 1983's The Best Is Yet To Come and 2005's Laid Down, showcasing both tongue-in-cheek comedy and sensitive introspective songs ~ Turner passed away in 2016
February 16, 1956 ~ Conductor, composer Thomas Sleeper born in Wagoner, Oklahoma, USA ~ In-demand guest conductor, has worked with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Central Philharmonic Of China, the San Juan Symphony Orchestra, the Ruse State Philharmonic, and others. Closely associated with the Frost Symphony Orchestra and the Florida Youth Orchestra, serving as the latter's director from 1993 through 2020 ~ Sleeper passed away in 2022
February 16, 1955 ~ Electronic, ambient keyboardist, composer Steve Roach born in La Mesa, California, USA ~ Leading trance, new-age keyboardist. Influenced by Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, Vangelis. Best known for the late 2010s albums Spiral Revelation and Molecules Of Motion
February 16, 1954 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Jeff Clayton born in Venice, California, USA ~ Brother of bassist John Clayton, with whom he also worked under the moniker Clayton Brothers. Founded the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra with drummer Jeff Hamilton. In-demand sideman and session musician. Worked with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Ella Fitzgerald, Ethan Smith, Lena Horne, Thad Jones, Gene Harris, Dianne Reeves, Joe Cocker, BB King, Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Kenny Rogers, Michael Jackson, Patti Labelle, Madonna, and others ~ Clayton passed away in 2020
February 16, 1954 ~ Jazz trombonist Torbjørn Sunde born in Oslo, Norway ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Terje Rypdal, Edward Vesala, Jon Balke, Knut Værnes, Rickie Lee Jones, Randy Crawford, Dr John, the Oslo Rhythm & Blues Ensemble, the Four Roosters, Etno Funk, Chipahua, the Jazzpunkensemblet, Jan Eggum, Jan Garbarek, Mezzoforte, and others
February 16, 1953 ~ Drummer, producer John Bradbury born in Coventry, UK ~ Best known as drummer for English ska band the Specials ~ Bradbury passed away in 2015
February 16, 1952 ~ Clarinetist Ivo Papazov born in Kardzhall, Bulgaria ~ One of the first Balkan gypsy musicians to achieve wide international acclaim. Closely associated with violinist Georgi Neshev, saxophonist Yuri Yunakov, accordionists Neshko Neshev, Ivan Milev and Peter Raichev
February 16, 1952 ~ Singer James Ingram born in Akron, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hits I Don't Have The Heart and Baby Come To Me, the latter a duet with Patti Austin. Also known for duetting with Linda Ronstadt on Somewhere Out There, with Melissa Manchester on Brightest Star, and with Dolly Parton on The Day I Fall In Love. In-demand collaborator and backing singer, present on albums by Donna Summer, Ray Charles, Anita Baker, Viktor Lazlo, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Kenny Rogers, and Quincy Jones ~ Ingram passed away in 2019
February 16, 1952 ~ Synthpop, electronica, punk-pop singer, keyboardist Tracy Howe, full name Tracy Marlowe Howe, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Member of the Normals. Drummer, singer in Heaven Seventeen, one of the first punk bands to use synthesizers. Member of Men Without Hats. Best known as member of the Rational Youth, which he co-founded with Bill Vorn, considered to be one of the first Canadian synthpop groups. Married to percussionist Gaenor Howe, bandmate in Youth
February 16, 1950 ~ Bassist, guitarist Will Youatt born ~ Briefly a member of Man, present on the band's 1972 Be Good To Yourself At Least Once A Day album ~ Youatt passed away in 2017
February 16, 1949 ~ Actor, singer, guitarist, songwriter John Tams born in Derbyshire, UK ~ Member of folk group Muckram Wakes. Subsequently worked with Ashley Hutchings, including on the album Sons Of Morris On, and with acts such as the Albion Band, Home Service, and Barry Coope
February 16, 1949 ~ Singer Lyn Paul born in Manchester, UK ~ Rose to fame in the early 1970s as member of the New Seekers, including as lead vocalist on Beg Steal Or Borrow which reached 2nd place in the 1972 Eurovision Songfestival. Also present on songs such as You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me, I Get A Little Sentimental Over You, I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing, and others. Paul left the group in 1974 to pursue a solo career. Has recorded and performed as a solo artist and has collaborated with Andy Williams, Dionne Warwick, Liza Minnelli, and others
February 16, 1949 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Michel Herr born in Brussels, Belgium ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Wolfgang Engstfield, Bill Frisell, Steve Houben, Archie Shepp, the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, Gijs Hendriks, John Ruocco, Toots Thielemans, Philip Catherine, Joe Lovano, Denise Jannah, Fabrice Alleman, Daniel Romeo, and others
February 16, 1947 ~ Singer, actor John O'Banion born in Kokomo, Indiana, USA ~ As a singer best known for his 1981 single Love You Like I Never Loved Before ~ O'Banion passed away in 2007
February 16, 1945 ~ Funk, R&B singer Lenny Williams, full name Leonard Charles Williams, born in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA ~ Lead singer of Tower Of Power from 1972 through 1975, present on some of the band's best-known songs, notably What Is Hip, and recording three albums with the funk outfit. As a solo artist known for songs such as 1977's Choosing You and 1978's Cause I Love You. Has worked with artists such as Sly Stone, Andráe Crouch, Billy Preston
February 16, 1945 ~ Bebop, West Coast jazz, hard bop saxophonist Pete Christlieb born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Played the sax solos on Steely Dan's Deacon Blues and FM (No Static At All). Has also worked with Louie Bellson, Chet Baker, Woody Herman, Count Basie, Tom Waits, Warne Marsh, Doc Severinsen, Bob Florence, Frank Mantooth, Gary Urwin, Phil Kelly, Bill Holman, the Tall & Small Band, Don Lanphere, Ernie Watts, Dick Hyde, Hadley Caliman, Wayne Bergeron, Natalie Cole, Quincy Jones, the Manhattan Transfer, Diane Schuur, Bobby Blue Bland, Freddie Hubbard, Carmen McRae, Joey DeFrancesco, and others
February 16, 1944 ~ Boguslaw Albert Zukowski, commonly known as swing pianist, bandleader, songwriter Bob Zurke passed away ~ Best known for songs such as Hobson Street Blues and Old Tom-cat On The Keys. Worked with Thelma Terru, Marvin Ash, Bob Crosby, Four Of The Bobcats, and others ~ Zukowski was born in 1912
February 16, 1943 ~ Jazz, experimental pianist, composer Howard Riley, full name Howard John Riley, born in Huddersfield, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Evan Parker, Barry Guy, Jon Hiseman, Tony Oxley, John McLaughlin, the London Jazz Composers Orchestra, Philipp Wachsmann, Trevor Watts, Keith Tippett, Jaki Byard, Elton Dean, Jeff Clyne, Tony Levin, and others
February 16, 1941 ~ Jazz bassist Jim Richardson, full name James Anthony Richardson, born in Tottenham, UK ~ Member of pioneering progressive rock, jazz-rock band If from 1969 through 1973, present on the band's first four albums. Would go on to work with Elton Dean, Keith Tippett, Dexter Gordon, Chet Baker, Helen Shapiro, Tommy Whittle, the Weightwatchers, and others
February 16, 1939 ~ Czeslaw Juliusz Wydrzycki, commonly known as rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, avant-garde jazz singer, songwriter Czeslaw Niemen, born in Nowogrodek Voivodeship, Poland ~ Considered one of the most important Polish singers of the 20th century singing mainly in Polish. Has worked with bands such as Akwarele, Enigmatic, Grupa Niemen, Aerolit, the Silesian Blues Band, and has released solo records starting in the late 1960s ~ Wydrzycki passed away in 2004
February 16, 1938 ~ Contemporary classical composer, film composer John Corigliano, full name John Paul Corigliano, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Son of concertmaster John Paul Corigliano Sr and pianist Rose Butzen. Composer-in-residence for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Known best for his 1963 Sonata For Violin And Piano, the 1977 Clarinet Concerto, and for scoring the music for films such as 1985's Revolution and 1998's The Red Violin
February 16, 1936 ~ William Henry Deppenschmidt, commonly known as jazz drummer Buddy Deppenschmidt, born ~ Best known for working with renowned guitarist Charlie Byrd's trio from 1959 through 1963, including on the acclaimed Jazz Samba album which started a bossa nova craze. Has also backed artists such as Mose Allison, Chet Baker, Keter Betts, Billy Butterfield, John Coates Jr, Al Cohn, Matt Dennis, Bob Dorough, Herb Ellis, Tal Farlow, Stan Getz, Al Haig, Lionel Hampton, Barry Harris, Coleman Hawkins, Milt Hinton, Shirley Horn, JJ Johnson, Larry McKenna, James Moody, King Pleasure, Maxine Sullivan, Clark Terry, Joe Venuti, and others ~ Deppenschmidt passed away in 2021
February 16, 1935 ~ Salvatore Phillip Bono, commonly known as producer, singer, songwriter Sonny Bono, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Half of Sonny & Cher, the other half being his wife Cher, known for songs such as I Got You Babe, The Beat Goes On, Little Man, Baby Don't Go, All I Ever Need Is You, and A Cowboy's Work Is Never Done. As a solo artist known for his sole US hit Laugh At Me, a Billboard Top 10 hit. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as The Things You Do To Me (Sam Cooke) and Needles And Pins (Jackie DeShannon). Served as Republican mayor of Palm Springs, California, from 1988 through 1992 and as Congressman from 1995 up to his death in 1998 ~ Bono passed away in 1998
February 16, 1934 ~ Singer Al Bowlly, backed by Ray Noble & Orchestra, records Midnight The Stars And You at Abbey Road Studios, London, UK ~ Written by Harry M Woods, Jimmy Campbell and Reg Connelly. Considered one of Bowlly's best recordings. Used in the classic Stanley Kubrick-directed 1980 horror movie The Shining in two scenes
February 16, 1934 ~ Theodore Taylor, commonly known as gospel, R&B singer Ted Taylor, born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, USA ~ Influenced by Little Willie John, Clyde McPhatter and Jackie Wilson. Started his career singing with the Mighty Clouds Of Joy gospel group. Would go on to sing secular R&B with the Cadets and the Jacks, which were basically the same group. Sang lead on the former's Do You Wanna Rock (Hey Little Girl) and I Cry, and on the latter's Away and My Darling. Taylor ventured out on his own by 1957 and is known for being the first to record Be Ever Wonderful in 1959, notably covered by Dee Dee Sharp in 1963 and by Joe Hinton in 1968. As a solo artist Taylor would also reach national succes with Stay Away From My Baby, a Billboard R&B top 20 hit in 1965 ~ Taylor passed away in 1987
February 16, 1933 ~ R&B guitarist Irving Banister, full name Irving Sully Banister Sr, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Backed artists such as Eddie Bo, Amos Milburn, Charles Brown, Little Willie John, Ruth Brown, and others ~ Banister passed away in 2020
February 16, 1932 ~ Johnny Davenport, commonly known as singer, songwriter Otis Blackwell, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Wrote or co-wrote several songs pivotal to the development of rock & roll. Artists who recorded his songs include Little Willie John (Fever), Jerry Lee Lewis (Great Balls Of Fire, Breathless), Ben E King, Thurston Harris, Solomon Burke (Home In Your Heart), the Drifters, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley (Don't Be Cruel, All Shook Up, Return To Sender), Kenny Lee Martin, Jimmy Jones (Handy Man), the Four Lovers, and others ~ Blackwell passed away in 2002
February 16, 1925 ~ Virtuoso fado, classical guitarist, composer Carlos Paredes born in Coimbra, Portugal ~ Son of guitarist Artur Paredes. Dubbed “the man with the thousand fingers” and regarded as one of the all-time premier Portuguese guitarists. Imprisoned during the late 1950s for his membership of the Communist Party. Has collaborated with artists such as Fernando Gusmão, Amália Rodrigues, Cecilia de Melo, Manuel Alegre, António Victorino de Almeida, and Charlie Haden ~ Paredes passed away in 2004
February 16, 1919 ~ Jørgen Frederik Ulmer, commonly known as singer, actor, composer Georges Ulmer, born in Copenhagen, Denmark ~ Perhaps best remembered for first performing Pigalle, which he co-wrote with lyricist Géo Koger. It would later be covered by Jean Sablon, Charles Dumont, Frank Pourcel, Paul Anka, Bing Crosby, Petula Clark, and others ~ Ulmer passed away in 1989
February 16, 1918 ~ Singer Patty Andrews, full name Patricia Marie Andrews, born in Mound, Minnesota, USA ~ Member of sibling outfit the Andrews Sisters, known for songs such as Beer Barrel Polka, Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar, Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree, Rum And Coca-Cola, and perhaps their best known Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy ~ Andrews passed away in 2013
February 16, 1916 ~ Jazz, R&B organist, pianist Bill Doggett, full name William Bill Doggett, born in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known for his compositions Honky Tonk and Hippy Dippy. Has worked with artists such as the Ink Spots, Johnny Otis, Wynonie Harris, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Jordan, Red Holloway, Clifford Scott, Percy France, Bubba Brooks, Clifford Davis, Floyd Candy Johnson, Billy Butler, Sam Lackey, Pete Mayes, Edwin Starr, Floyd Smith, Betty St Clair, and others ~ Doggett passed away in 1996
February 16, 1915 ~ Detroit blues, country blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Calvin Frazier born in Osceola, Arkansas, USA ~ Backed artists such as Big Maceo Merriweather, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Baby Boy Warren. As a solo artist known for recordings such as Lily Mae, Highway 51 and perhaps his best known This Old World's In A Tangle ~ Frazier passed away in 1972
February 16, 1914 ~ Actor, singer, songwriter Jimmy Wakely, full names James Clarence Wakely, born in Howard County, Arkansas, USA ~ One of the last singing cowboys. Appeared in over two dozen westerns, usually as a side act. Had his own comic book series. Known for songs such Lonesome Guitar, My Kind Of Country, Twilight On The Trail, I'm Sending You Red Roses, I Love You So Much It Hurts. Also known for a number of duets such ar Slippin' Around and Broken Down Merry-go-round with Margaret Whiting, and Beautiful Brown Eyes with Les Baxter ~ Wakely passed away in 1982
February 16, 1908 ~ Francisco Raul Gutierrez Grillo, commonly known as bandleader, singer, maracas player Machito, born ~ Sideman and leader. In the late-1930s he played with several orchestras, including with Xavier Cugat. Formed the Afro-Cubans in the 1940s with Mario Bauzá, Machito's brother-in-law, as its musical director. Among the first to fuse Afro-Cuban rhythms with swing, jazz and big band. George Shearing, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Stan Kenton all names Machito an influence. Has recorded extensively from the 1940s to the 1980s.
February 16, 1907 ~ Composer, songwriter Alec Wilder, full name Alexander Lafayette Chew Wilder, born in Rochester, New York, USA ~ Known for writing or co-writing songs such as Give Me Time (Mildred Bailey), Who Can I Turn To (Gene Krupa), Moon And Sand (Xavier Cugat), I'll Be Around (Cab Calloway), While We're Young (Fred Waring), Trouble Is A Man (Peggy Lee), The Lady Sings The Blues (Cleo Laine), and others ~ Wilder passed away in 1980
February 16, 1904 ~ Actor, singer James Baskett, full name James Franklin Baskett, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Voiced the character Uncle Remus in the Disney animated film Song Of The South, including singing Zip-a-dee-doo-dah which would win an Academy Award for Best Song. Other notable credits include appearing in the 1929 Broadway revue Hot Chocolates alongside Louis Armstrong and voicing Fats Crow in the original 1941 Dumbo animated film ~ Baskett passed away in 1948
February 16, 1901 ~ Singer, orchestra leader, songwriter Wayne King, full name Harold Wayne King, born in Savanna, Illinois, USA ~ Sometimes referred to as “the Waltz King”, known for songs such as Goodnight Sweatheart, Dream A Little Dream Of Me, Maria Elena and his signature tune The Waltz You Saved For Me ~ King passed away in 1985
February 16, 1866 ~ Violinist, composer John Dunn born in Kingston-upon-Hull, UK ~ Gave his first public performance at age 9. Considered the premier British violinist of his day, especially acclaimed for his interpretation of works by Niccolò Paganini. Also known for premiering Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in the UK in 1902. ~ Dunn passed away in 1940