February 18, 2021 ~ Mark Anthony Morales, commonly known as hip-hop, new jack swing rapper, songwriter, producer Prince Markie Dee, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Rose to fame as member of the Fat Boys, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums. They are considered a pioneering rap group, known best for songs such as Wipeout and Twist. Following the group's disbandement, Morales has recorded two albums as a solo artist, Free issued in 1992 and Love Daddy three years later, yet he would become best known as a producer and songwriter, including notably producing Mary J Blige's acclaimed What's The 411 debut album. Other notable associations include Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Craig Mack and Marc Anthony. Morales passed away of congestive heart failure, one day short of his 53rd birthday ~ Morales was born in 1968
February 18, 2019 ~ Mary Ann Janisch, commonly known as music critic Mary Ann Feldman, passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ PR advisor for the Minnesota Orchestra. Member of board of directors of Music Critics Association from 1977 until 1981. As a music critic worked for outlets such as Musical America, Opera News, the Minneapolis Star and The New Grove Dictionary Of Music And Musicians ~ Feldman was born in 1933
February 18, 2018 ~ Composer, pianist, producer Heiner Stadler passed away ~ Worked with James Moody, Ron Carter, Kenny Barron, Freddie Waits, Jimmy Owens, Joe Farrell, Garnett Brown, Don Friedman, Barre Phillips, Joe Chambers, Reggie Workman, Tyrone Washington, Lenny White, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Manfred Schoof, Gerd Dudek, Albert Mangelsdorff, Wolfgang Dauner, Lucas Lindholm, Tony Inzalaco, Thad Jones, George Adams, George Lewis, Stanley Cowell, Marilyn Crispell, and Joshua Pierce. As a producer, Stadler has worked with John Lee Hooker, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Louisiana Red, Johnny Shines, Roosevelt Sykes, João Carlos Martins, Arthur Moreira Lima, Grete Sultan, Pavlina Dokovska, Angela Tosheva, Ivan Spassoc, Ivo Papazov, Gheorghi Arnaoudov, Margaret Leng Tan, Carlos Barbosa-Lima, Ken Peplowski, Randy Sandke, Jay Clayton, the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble, Philip Glass, and extensively with John Cage ~ Stadler was born in 1942
February 18, 2017 ~ Drummer Clyde Stubblefield passed away in Madison, Wisconsin, USA ~ Best known for backing James Brown from the mid-1960s through the early-1970s, including on songs such as Cold Sweat, There Was A Time, I Got The Feeling, Ain't It Funky Now, Mother Popcorn, and Give It Up Or Turn It Loose. Also worked with fellow the JB's members Bootsy Collins, Maceo Parker and John Jabo Starks, with Steve Skaggs, Luther Allison, Cris Plat, Randy Sabien, the Common Faces, Neo, Richard Mazda, Fred Wesley, Ben Sidran, and Garbage ~ Stubblefield was born in 1943
February 18, 2016 ~ Keyboardist, guitarist, singer Paul Christian Gordon passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Keyboardist, guitarist. Best known as a member of the New Radicals and as a member of the B52's from 2007 until his death in 2016. Gordon has also worked with Natasha Bedingfield, the Goo Goo Dolls, Danielle Brisebois, Prince, Jennifer Nettles, Lisa Marie Presley, Charles & Eddie, the Devlins, Erann DD, Jeffrey Gaines, John Gregory, Nona Hendryx, Carly Hennessy, Juliet Dagger, Jill Jones, Chaka Khan, Lila McCann, Mandy Moore, Jenny Muldaur, Trine Rienne, Wild Orchid, and with David Yazbel ~ Gordon was born in 1963
February 18, 2015 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Willie C Jackson passed away ~ Member of the Spaniels. The band is known for Baby It's You and Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight, both of which reached top 10 Billboard R&B at the time of their release in the early-1950s. The latter remains popular to this day, frequently featured in films including American Graffiti, fondly remembered as one of the most endearing early doo-wop hits ~ Jackson was born in 1935
February 18, 2013 ~ R&B, soul singer Damon Harris, full name Otis Robert Harris Jr, passed away in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Temptations from 1971 through 1975, singing lead on songs such as Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are), Take A Look Around, Papa Was A Rollin' Stone, and Masterpiece. After leaving the group, Harris formed Impact, known for a number of minor disco hits including Happy Man and Give A Broken Heart A Break ~ Harris was born in 1950
February 18, 2013 ~ Singer, songwriter Kevin Ayers passed away in Montolieu, France ~ Important and influential figure in British progressive rock, psychedelic rock as a solo artist, in-demand collaborator and as founding and key member of Soft Machine. Worked with Brian Eno, Syd Barrett, Bridget St John, John Cale, Elton John, Robert Wyatt, Mike Oldfield, Ollie Halsall, Lol Coxhill, and Zoot Money ~ Ayers was born in 1944
February 18, 2009 ~ Fird Eaglin J, commonly known as guitarist, singer Snooks Eaglin, passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Worked with the Flamingoes, which also included Allen Toussaint. Has also worked with James Sugarboy Crawford, James Booker, Smokey Johnson, Ellis Marsalis, Professor Longhair, the Wild Magnolias, Henry Butler, Earl King, and Tommy Ridgley ~ Eaglin was born in 1936
February 18, 2003 ~ Donald Eugene Lytle, commonly known as singer, songwriter Johnny Paycheck passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for Take This Job And Shove It, a smash hit in 1977. Also known for Slide Of Of Your Satin Sheets, I'm The Only Hell Mama Ever Raised, Colorado Kool-aid, Me & The IRS and Friend Lover Wife. Wrote Apartment No.9, the first major hit for Tammy Wynette. Sang backup for George Jones. Also worked with Ray Price, Faron Young, Roger Miller, and Skeets McDonald ~ Lytle was born in 1938
February 18, 1995 ~ Guitarist Bob Stinson, full name Robert Neil Stinson, passed away in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Lead guitarist, co-founding member of the Replacements, conisdered one of the most influential rock acts of the 1980s, with whom he recorded four albums, including the highly acclaimed Tim. Stinson was ousted from the band in 1985, most likely due to a power struggle with the band's singer Paul Westerberg. As Prefix Magazine later documented: “Whether he was thrown out for the way his alleged alcohol problems had destroyed his skills or he left voluntarily due to creative tension is a moot point. What matters is this: Stinson was gone, and with him went much of the band's edge.” Stinson would pass away at age 35, his overall health diminished by frequent drug use. A park bench dedicated to Stinson sits next to a quiet canal near Lake Of The Isles, Minneapolis. It was purchased by his mother Anita in his honor ~ Stinson was born in 1959
February 18, 1995 ~ Singer Eddie Williams, full name Edward Earl Williams, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ First to record Saturday Night Fish Fry in 1949 with spoken vocals by its author Ellis Walsh. Before the single was out the song would be adapted by Louis Jordan who changed the rhythm, arrangements and some of the lyrics and scored a massive hit, some marking Jordan's single as one of the first rock & roll records ~ Williams was born in 1912
February 18, 1995 ~ Trumpeter Yank Lawson passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Closely associated with Bob Haggart, with whom he worked in the Lawson-Haggart Band in the 1950s and in the World's Greatest Jazz Band from the late-1960s through the late-1970s. Lawson has also worked with Ben Pollack, Bob Crosby, Benny Goodman, and Tommy Dorsey ~ Lawson was born in 1911
February 18, 1986 ~ Pop, R&B, freestyle trio Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam release All Cried Out, lifted off their Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam With Full Force debut album ~ The song tells of a woman so wounded by her lover's betrayal she no more tears to cry. Singer Lisa Lisa was only 19 when All Cried Out became a hit, but had started working with the Full Force production team years before and even at a young age could relate to the emotions required for All Cried Out. Later Lisa Lisa would comment, looking back on all the feedback she had received on this song: “(What) I hear the most is from the females, ‘You helped me through my breakup with your song, All Cried Out. You kept me alive and moving.’ Well, whatever I can do to help is cool with me, because when we were doing the song, I was going through the same thing. I was 13 years old, so what the hell did I know? But we all universally go through the same first breakup experience.” All Cried Out was the first major hit for the New York trio, and would be notably covered about a decade later by girl group Allure, featuring Mariah Carey on backing vocals. The Allure cover would peak at No.4 Billboard Hot 100, surpassing the original which had reached No.8
February 18, 1986 ~ Jazz guitarist, tubist Louis Keppard passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Brother of jazz cornetist Freddie Keppard. Member of the Cherry Blossom Band. Led Magnolia, which also included King Oliver and Honore Dutrey. Has also worked with the Tuxedo Brass Band, Manuel Perez, the Olympia Orchestra, the Gibson Brass Band, the Young Excelsior Brass Band, and Wooden Joe Nicholass ~ Keppard was born in 1888
February 18, 1985 ~ Songwriter Nancy Hamilton passed away ~ Wrote sketches and lyrics for revues such as The New Faces Of 1934 (1934), One For The Money (1939), and Three To Make Ready (1946). Perhaps best known as co-writer of How High The Moon, initially for the 1940 Broadway revue show Two For The Show, and later recorded by Benny Goodman, Les Paul & Mary Ford, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, Don Byas, Al Casey, June Christy, Larry Clinton, Stéphane Grappelli, Emmylou Harris, Harry James, Marvin Gaye, Gloria Gaynor, the Manhattan Transfer, Oscar Peterson, and Phish ~ Hamilton was born in 1908
February 18, 1985 ~ Carel Verbrugge, commonly known as singer Willy Alberti, passed away ~ Renowned torch, pop singer, balladeer, popular from the late-1940s through the 1970s. Sang in Dutch and Italian. Father of singer Willeke Alberti. Known for songs such as Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu, Ik Zing Dit Lied Voor Jou Alleen, Marina, and De Glimlach Van Een Kind ~ Verbrugge was born in 1926
February 18, 1982 ~ LaRon Louis James, commonly known as MC Juelz Santana, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of the Diplomats, an East Coast hip hop group at times also known as Dipset founded by Cam'ron. Best known for guesting on the early-2000s Cam'ron Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Oh Boy and Hey Ma. As a solo artist known for the albums From Me To U and What The Game's Been Missing, the latter spawning the hit single There It Go (The Whistle Song)
February 18, 1982 ~ Natan Schüldkraut, commonly known as composer, conductor, clarinetist, pianist Nathaniel Shilkret, passed away in Franklin Square, New York, USA ~ Child prodigy, performing professionally as clarinet soloist with the New York Boys Orchestra from ages 7 to 13. Would go on to become an in-demand conductor for records, radio, film, stage and classical orchestras. Has worked with the Dorsey Brothers, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Joe Lipman, the New York Symphony Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera, the Russian Symphony Orchestra, Victor Herbert, Arnold Volpe, Rose Bampton, Lucrezia Bori, Mary Garden, James Melton, Gladys Swarthout, and Lawrence Tibbett. As a composer best remembered for co-writing The Lonesome Road, first sung by co-author Gene Austin, popularized by Jules Bledsoe in the 1929 Show Boat film and covered by over 200 artists including Louis Armstrong, the Delmore Brothers, Frank Sinatra, Sam Cooke, and Earl Grant ~ Shilkret was born in 1889
February 18, 1980 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Paul Howard passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Sideman and leader. Active from the 1910s onwards. Played with Wood Wilson, Satchel McVea, Harry Southard, King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Sonny Clay, George Orendorff, Lionel Hampton, Lawrence Brown, Charlie Lawrence, Ed Garland, Freddie Washington, Eddie Barefield, and Charlie Echols ~ Howard was born in 1895
February 18, 1980 ~ Indie rock singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter Regina Spektor, full name Regina Ilyinichna Spektor, born in Moscow, Russia ~ Heroine of the anti-folk scene. Debuted in 2001 with the album 11:11. Broke through with her 2006 album Begin To Hope and has consistenly reached the higher echelons of the American album charts since. In-demand collaborator, has worked with Anders Griffen, Kimya Dawson, the Strokes, Ben Folds, Thomas Dolby, the Only Son, and Gogol Bordello
February 18, 1975 ~ Bandleader Bob Haring passed away ~ Popular swing, dance, foxtrot bandleader of the 1920s and 1930s. Staff musician, bandleader at the Cameo Records and Brunswick Records labels, using a multitude of monnikers making his discography difficult to trace. Most closely associated with the Colonial Club Orchestrea and the Regent Club Orchestra ~ Haring was born in 1895
February 18, 1971 ~ Victor James Kelly, commonly known as pop, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Jimmy Kelly, born in Gamonal, Spain ~ Best known as member of family outfit the Kelly Family, wrote or co-wrote several of the band's songs including Cover The Road, Nanana, What's A Matter You People and So Many Troubles. Debuted as a solo artist in 2005 with the album Babylon and has recorded steadily since
February 18, 1970 ~ Sidney Keith Rosenthal, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Bob Russell, passed away ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing I Didn't Know About You first recorded by Woody Herman, and Crazy He Calls Me first recorded by Billie Holiday. Others who recorded his songs include Jimmy Dorsey, Ray McKinley, Nat King Cole (Blue Gardenia), Kay Starr, and June Christy ~ Rosenthal was born in 1914
February 18, 1970 ~ Michael Anthony Maida, commonly known as singer, songwriter Raine Maida, born in Weston, Canada ~ Best known as lead singer, primary songwriter of Our Lady Peace. Has also released a number of solo albums, starting with 2007's Hunter's Lullaby. Married to singer Chantal Kreviazuk
February 18, 1968 ~ Saxophonist Jukka Perko born in Huttinen, Finland ~ Leader and sideman. Internationally best known for his association with Dizzy Gillespie, backing Gillespie on European and American tours. Has also worked with the UMO Jazz Orchestra, McCoy Tyner, Red Rodney, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, the Helsinki Philharmonic, and Iiro Rantala
February 18, 1968 ~ Rock singer, drummer, guitarist, keyboardist, trumpeter Yoshimi P-We born in Okayama, Japan ~ Longtime drummer of rock unit the Boredoms, known for critically acclaimed albums such as Soul Discharge and Pop Tatari. Also fronts all-female band OOIOO, has recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist, and guested on recordings by God Is My Co-Pilot, the El Caminos, and the Flaming Lips
February 18, 1966 ~ British rockers the Rolling Stones kick off their tour at the Commemorative Auditorium Showgrounds, Sydney, Australia ~ The band play some 18 shows across Australia and New Zealand through the beginning of March. The set list included Mercy Mercy, Not Fade Away, The Spider And The Fly, 19th Nervous Breakdown, and I Can't Get No Satisfaction
February 18, 1966 ~ R&B girl group the Supremes release I Hear A Symphony, their eighth studio album ~ Initially intended to consist solely of covers of pop standards, the album's working title There's A Place For Us, aiming to further bridge the gap between traditional pop music and Motown's brand of R&B. The album did contain some standards such as Stranger In Paradise from the 1953 Kismet musical and With A Song In My Heart, as well as a cover of the Beatles hit Yesterday, yet the album is best known for its two singles, both penned by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland Jr. The title track and lead single I Hear A Symphony reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single, My World Is Empty Without You, peaked at No.5
February 18, 1965 ~ Andre Romelle Young, commonly known as rapper, producer Dr Dre, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of the World Class Wreckin' Cru. Member of pivotal rap outfit NWA. Dominated the Golden Age of Rap as a solo artist, collaborator and producer, notably with the quintessential The Chronic album released in 1992. Has worked with Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Tupac Shakur, LL Cool J, Eminem, Eve, Mary J Blige, Missy Elliott, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, and Alicia Keys
February 18, 1964 ~ Alternative dance, alternative rock singer, guitarist, bassist Tommy Scott born in Liverpool, UK ~ Lead singer for Liverpool indie band Space. The band has recorded about half a dozen albums but is best known for their first two, 1996's Spiders and 1998's Tin Planet. The two albums spawned the UK top 10 hits Me And You Versus The World, Avenging Angels, and The Ballad Of Tom Jones
February 18, 1962 ~ Bluegrass mandolinist, fiddler, guitarist, singer Don Rigsby born ~ Worked with Charlie Sizemore, Vern Gosdin, the Bluegrass Cardinals, and JD Crowe. Perhaps best known as member of the Lonesome River Band, present on the albums One Step Forward, Finding The Way, and Talkin' To Myself. Also worked with Longview, Rock County, Midnight Call, Flashback, recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, and served as producer for Dave Evans, Josh Williams, and Larry Sparks
February 18, 1961 ~ Singer Del Shannon releases Runaway, lifted off his Runaway With Del Shannon album ~ An massive hit, Runaway would catapult the singer to international fame as the single topped the American Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks and the UK charts for three, also becoming the biggest seller of the year in Britain. Over the next few years, Shannon would score two more Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits, Hats Off To Larry reaching No.5, and Keep Searchin' (We'll Follow The Sun) at No.9. Although he is still remembered for Runaway to this day, Shannon himself actually preferred the original single's B-side Jody, which he has called his favorite song he ever recorded
February 18, 1960 ~ Siblings the Everly Brothers record When Will I Be Loved ~ Written by Phil Everly. Produced by Wesley Rose. Released as a single, b/w Be-bop-a-lula, the following May it would reach top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Backing musicians include Chet Atkins, Hank Garland, Luther Brandon guitars, Floyd Chance bass, Buddy Harman drums, Floyd Cramer piano. Singer Linda Ronstadt would take her cover version to No.2 Billboard Hot 100 in 1975
February 18, 1959 ~ Composer Erich Zeisl passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Of Jewish descent fled Austria in the 1930s, first to Paris and eventually to America. Best known for his work in Hollywood, scoring the music for films such as The Postman Always Rings Twice and Abbott And Costello Meet The Invisible Man. Has also written chamber music, ballets, operas, concertos, and orchestral music ~ Zeisl was born in 1905
February 18, 1959 ~ R&B singer, pianist Ray Charles records What I'd Say (Part I & II) ~ Produced by Jerry Wexler. Released in July 1959, Part II on the flip side. The song grew from a spontanuous bit played at Charles' live sets, just entertaining the crowd if they still had some time left. It became such a concert favorite that Charles quickly decided to record it. Banned by radio stations for being too sexually charged, lifting the ban only after white artists charted with cover versions. Considered by some to be the first soul song, fusing R&B with elements from rhumba and gospel. Generally seen as one of the most influential songs in rhythm and blues. Would earn Charles his first gold record and for the remainder of his career Charles would close every concert with this tune
February 18, 1958 ~ Dirk Blanchaert, commonly known as rock singer, guitarist Dirk Blanchart, born in Ghent, Belgium ~ Co-founding member of Luna Twist, known best for the early-1980s hit African Time. Ventured out on his own by the mid-1980s with over a dozen albums to his name since. A number of his songs are considered classics of Belgian rock popular to this day, notably Fool Yourself Forever, No Regrets and L'Amour Ca Va
February 18, 1958 ~ Gary Charles Samuelson, commonly known as heavy metal, speed metal drummer Gar Samuelson, born in Dunkirk, New York, USA ~ Member of the New Yorkers during the late-1970s and early-1980s. Best known as member of Megadeth from 1984 through 1987. Present on the band's first two albums, 1985's Killing Is My Business (And Business Is Good) and 1986's Peace Sells (But Who's Buying). Fired from the band for his problematic substance abuse and for once too often pawning the band's equipment for drug money. Following his departure Samuelson would play with Fatal Opera, which also included his brother Stew Samuelson, until his death ~ Samuelson passed away in 1999
February 18, 1956 ~ Bluegrass singer, guitarist Dudley Connell born in Scherr, West Virginia, USA ~ Co-founded Johnson Mountain Boys. Also well known as member of Longview, and the Seldom Scene. Noted for his collaborative albums with Don Rigsby, Meet Me By The Moonlight and Another Saturday Night released respectively in 1999 and 2001. Also worked with the Stony Point Quartet, Seneca Rocks, Phyllis Boyens, Delia Bell, Tony Trischka, Larry Stephenson, Butch Robins, Stephen Wade, Bill Kirchen, Patrick McAvinue, and Margot Leverett
February 18, 1956 ~ Composer Gustave Charpentier passed away in Paris, France ~ Best known for his 1900 opera Louise, which launched the career of soprano Mary Garden. A realistic portrait of Parissien working-class, Louise is popular to this day and would be regarded as a key piece in verismo opera ~ Charpentier was born in 1860
February 18, 1956 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Ted Gärdestad, full name Ted Arnbjörn Gärdestad, born in Sollentuna, Sweden ~ Debuted in 1971 with the single Hela Världen Runt. Worked extensively with all four members of ABBA throughout the 1970s, releasing a number of successful Swedish albums making him the 2nd best-selling artist at Polar Music ~ Gärdestad passed away in 1997
February 18, 1955 ~ Brian Robertson, commonly known as punk rock bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer Brian James, born in Hammersmith, UK ~ Member of proto-punk bands London SS and the Subterraneans and glam rock outfit Bastard. Best known as member of the Damned and primary songwriter for their first two albums, Damned Damned Damned and Music For Pleasure, before departing the band in 1977. Subsequently co-founded Lords Of The New Church with Stiv Bators, remaining with the band through its disbandement in 1989. James has also recorded as a solo artist, noted most for the singles Ain't That A Shame and Why Why Why, both of which featured the Police drummer Stewart Copeland ~ Robertson passed away in 2025
February 18, 1955 ~ Singer, songwriter, stage and screenwriter Miles Tredinnick born in Warrington, UK ~ Also known under the moniker Riff Regan. Co-founding member, lead singer of 1970s rock band London, a popular live act with record sales lagging. The band would also include future Culture Club-drummer Jon Moss. As a solo artist Tredinnick would record a handful of singles and later become a stage and screenwriter
February 18, 1953 ~ Pop, rock drummer Derek Pellicci, full name Derek Allan Pellicci, born in London, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Little River Band, remaining with the band through 1984. Present on some of the band's best known including It's A Long Way There, Help Is On Its Way, Reminiscing and Cool Change. Has also worked with John Farnham, Colin Hay, Renée Geyer, and Yosui Inoue
February 18, 1953 ~ Robin Peter Kendall Bachman, commonly known as drummer, percussionist Robbie Bachman, born in Winnipeg, Canada ~ Brother of guitarists Randy Bachman and Tim Bachman. Member of Brave Belt. Best known for his tenure with Bachman-Turner Overdrive, along with bassist Fred Turner and brothers Randy and Tim. The band has scored a string of 1970s hits, many radio staples to this day. Well known songs include Let It Ride, Takin' Care Of Business, You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, and Roll On Down The Highway ~ Bachman passed away in 2023
February 18, 1952 ~ Judy Kay Newton, commonly known as pop, country-pop singer, songwriter Juice Newton born in Lakehurst, New Jersey, USA ~ Debuted in 1975 with the Juice Newton & Silver Spur album. Best known for a string of 1980s hits, both on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and on Billboard's country charts. Well known songs include Angel Of The Morning, Queen Of Hearts, The Sweetest Thing I've Ever Known, Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me and Break It To Me Gently. Has collaborated with Eddie Rabbitt, Bob Welch, Carla Olson, and Willie Nelson
February 18, 1952 ~ Veronica Crawford, commonly known as jazz, R&B singer Randy Crawford, born in Macon, Georgia, USA ~ Enjoyed her greatest successes in Europe. To American audiences best known for guesting on the Crusaders hit Street Life and for duetting with Rick Springfield on Taxi Dancing, the latter originally released as the B-side to Springfield's Bop Till You Drop. First gained attention singing with jazz artists such as George Benson and Cannonball Adderley. As a solo artist known best for 1980s releases such as One Day I'll Fly Away, Rainy Night In Georgia and Almaz
February 18, 1949 ~ Percussionist, singer Guy Bevert born in Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe ~ Member of pop unit La Compagnie Créole, founded in 1975. The band originally sang in Creole but quickly adopted French as their main language. Known for their feel-good, happy-go-lucky vibe they have recorded about two dozen albums and would enjoy popularity in the Francophone world and beyond especially in the 1980s, reportedly selling over 60 million records over the course of their career. Well-known songs include Vive Le Douanier Rousseau, C'est Bon Pour Le Moral, Le Bal Masqué, Ça Fait Rire Les Oiseaux, and Ma Première Biguine-Partie
February 18, 1948 ~ Drummer, singer Keith Knudsen born in Le Mars, Iowa, USA ~ Best known as member of rock outfit the Doobie Brothers remaining with the band from 1973 through 1982, rejoining in 1993. First appeared on the What Where Once Vices Are Now Habits album released in 1974. Founded country rock band Southern Pacific with Brothers bandmate John McFee, known for songs such as Reno Bound, New Shade Of Blue, Honey I Dare You, and Any Way The Wind Blows ~ Knudsen passed away in 2005
February 18, 1947 ~ Singer Amaya Uranga, full name Amaya Uranga Amezaga, born in Bilbao, Spain ~ Co-founding member of Mocedades, singing lead on some of the band's best known including Tomame O Dejame and Eres Tu. The latter song would reach 2nd place in the 1973 Eurovision Songfestival. Uranga departed the band in 1984 to pursue a solo career and has since also worked with El Consorcio
February 18, 1947 ~ Keyboardist, singer, songwriter Dennis DeYoung born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Founding member, lead singer and keyboardist of rock band Styx, remainining with the band through 1984, rejoining several times in later years. Present on hit recordings such as Sail Away, Renegade, Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) and perhaps their best known Babe
February 18, 1946 ~ Luis Vamilo Argúmedes Berguido, commonly known as salsa singer Azuquita, born in Colón, Panama ~ Leading salsa singer, active since the mid-1960s. Member of Cuban band Sonora Matancera. As a solo artist especially acclaimed for his 1976 Pura Salsa album. Has also collaborated with Roberto Roena, Ismael Rivera, Rafael Cortijo, Tito Puente (Ce' Magnifique), and the Fania All-Stars ~ Berguido passed away in 2022
February 18, 1946 ~ Country rock pedal steel guitarist Buddy Cage born in Concord, North Carolina, USA ~ Member of the New Riders Of The Purple Sage from 1971 through 1982, with a small hiatus during the late-1970s. In-demand session musician, has collaborated with the likes of Anne Murray, the Great Speckled Bird, Brewer & Shipley, Bob Dylan (Blood On The Tracks), David Bromberg, Solar Circus, Jorge Ferreira, Slipknot, the Brooklyn Cowboys, the Zen Tricksters, and Ronnie Penque ~ Cage passed away in 2020
February 18, 1946 ~ Country engineer, producer Richard Landis born ~ Early on in his career, Landis recorded as a solo artist to limited success, known for his sole 1972 Natural Causes album, yet would grow to become one of the most respected producers in country music. Closely associated with Juice Newton, including producing her breakthrough 1981 album Juice which spawned the hits Angel Of The Morning, Queen Of Hearts, and the Billboard Country No.1 The Sweetest Thing I've Ever Known. Other notable associations include Peter Allen, Red Rider, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the Seldom Scene, Van Stephenson, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, Eddie Rabbitt, Lorrie Morgan, Doug Supernaw, the Oak Ridge Boys, Neil Diamond, Vince Gill, and Tom Cochrane ~ Landis passed away in 2023
February 18, 1944 ~ Frederik Beekmans, commonly known as pop, rock, disco singer, guitarist Fred Bekky, born in Hoboken, Belgium ~ Co-founded pop rock unit Pebbles with Bob Baelemans, best known for their mid-1960s hit Seven Horses In The Sky. Formed disco group Trinity with singer Sofie and Baelemans, known for their 1976 hit 002-345-709 (That's My Number). Following the band's disbandement in 1978 Beekmans has primarily worked as a producer and songwriter for a wide array of Belgian and Dutch artists including Jo Vally, Garry Hagger, Yasmine, Ann Christy, Silvy de Bie, and Danny Fabry
February 18, 1941 ~ Irma Lee, commonly known as R&B, soul singer Irma Thomas, born in Pontchoula, Louisiana, USA ~ Contemporary of Aretha Franklin and Etta James. Dubbed “the Soul QUeen of New Orleans”. Known for songs such as Ruler Of My Heart, Wish Someone Would Care, and the original versions of Breakaway and Time Is On My Side. The latter two would be notably covered by respectively Tracey Ullman and the Rolling Stones
February 18, 1940 ~ Singer, songwriter Fabrizio de André born in Genoa, Italy ~ Considered one of the most influential and important Italian songwriters with a career spanning four decades and over a dozen albums to his name. Known for his sympathies towards anarchism, left-libertarianism and pacifism as evidenced in his lyrics and subjects. Many of his songs have become classics including La Guerra Di Piero, La Ballata Deli'eroe, Il Testamento Di Tito, Via Del Campo, La Canzona Deli Amore Perduto and La Città Vecchia ~ De André passed away in 1999
February 18, 1940 ~ Jazz saxophonist Rudy Wiedoeft, full name Rudolph Cornelius Wiedoeft, passed away in Flushing, New York, USA ~ Popularized the saxophone as a viable instrument. As a composer known for songs such as Valse Erica, Valse Llewellyn, Saxema, Saxophobia and Sax-o-phun ~ Wiedoeft was born 1893
February 18, 1939 ~ Robert Luke Harshman, commonly known as songwriter Bobby Hart, born in Phoenix, Arizona, USA ~ Frequent songwriting partner of Tommy Boyce, the duo writing songs for the likes of Jay & the Americans, Paul Revere & the Raiders, the Leaves, and perhaps most notably the Monkees, the latter recording songs such as Theme From The Monkees, Last Train From Clarksville, She, and Through The Looking Glass
February 18, 1937 ~ Warren Schexnider, commonly known as swamp pop, country drummer, singer, songwriter Warren Storm, born ~ Considered a pioneer of swamp pop, merging R&B, country, Cajun and black Creole music. Known especially for his recording of The Prisoner's Song and Mama Mama Mama (Look What Your Little Boy's Done). Member of the Shondells alongside Rod Bernard and Skip Stewart. Sessioned with artists such as Lazy Lester, Lightnin' Slim, Katie Webster, and Lonesome Sundown ~ Schexnider passed away in 2021
February 18, 1935 ~ Singer, guitarist Ciarán Bourke born in Dublin, Ireland ~ Co-founded folk band the Dubliners in 1962. Sang lead on songs such as Peggy Lettermore and Preab San Ol. Collapsed on stage in 1974 after a brain haemorrhage. A second haemorrhage would leave him paralysed on his left side ~ Bourke passed away in 1988
February 18, 1935 ~ Film composer Gennady Gladkov, full name Gennady Igorevich Gladkov, born in Moscow, Soviet Union ~ Renowned Russian film composer with well over two dozen soundtracks to his name, including for the 1969 animated 20 minute film The Bremen Town Musicians. Based on the characters of a fairy tale by the Grimm Brothers, the film would become a cult hit in the Soviet Union because of its memorable soundtrack influenced by Western rock & roll. Two sequels would be made, On The Trail Of The Bremen Town Musicians in 1973 and The New Bremen Town Musicians in 2000, both also scored by Gladkov ~ Gladkov passed away in 2023
February 18, 1934 ~ Clyde Battin, commonly known as country rock, folk rock singer, bassist Skip Battin, born in Gallipolis, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as member of the Byrds, with whom he recorded three albums from 1970 through 1973. Prior to his tenure with the Byrds, Battin formed the duo Skip & Flip with Gary S Paxton, known for the singles It Was I and Cherry Pie, both of which reached top 20 Billboard Hot 100. Battin has released several solo albums, starting with 1972's Skip, and has recorded with Gene Vincent, the New Riders Of The Purple Sage, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Pacific Steel Co, Sneaky Pete Kleinow (Sneaky Pete), Warren Zevon, and Kim Fowley ~ Battin passed away in 2003
February 18, 1928 ~ Jazz drummer Frank Butler born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Played drums in high school bands, local jazz combos, and in USO shows during World War II. After the war, Butler would establish himself as a highly regarded sideman, honed especially for his presicion chops. Although he never became a household name, he was held in the highest regard by his peers, veteran drummer Jo Jones once proclaiming Butler “the greatest drummer in the world”. Over the course of his career, Butler has appeared on albums by Curtis Counce (You Get More Bounce With Curtis Counce), Harold Land (Harold In The Land Of Jazz), Hampton Hawes, Jimmy Witherspoon (Singin' The Blues), Art Pepper, Elmo Hope, Ben Webster, Helen Humes (Swingin' With Humes), Miles Davis (Seven Steps To Heaven), Lou Rawls, Phineas Newborn Jr, John Coltrane, and Red Garland. Butler would record sporadically as a leader, and is especially acclaimed for the albums Wheelin' And Dealin' and The Stepper recorded near the end of his life ~ Butler passed away in 1984
February 18, 1919 ~ Jazz pianist, songwriter Henry Ragas passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as founder of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, often considered to be the first jazz ensemble. Present on recordings such as Bluin' The Blues, Clarinet Marmalade, At The Jazz Band Ball, Sensation Rag, and perhaps their best known Tiger Rag. Died in the 1919 flu epidemic. The band would continue with J Russell Robinson taking Ragas' place ~ Ragas was born in 1890
February 18, 1914 ~ Julius Frank Anthony Kuczynski, commonly known as country singer, accordionist, fiddler, songwriter Pee Wee King, born in Abrams, Wisconsin, USA ~ Introduced waltzes, polka and cowboy songs to country music. Co-wrote The Tennessee Waltz with Redd Stewart, which would become a country standard covered by numerous artists including Patti Page. Also co-wrote Slow Poke, and You Belong To Me ~ Kuczynski passed away in 2000