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, 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, Gogol Bordello, and others
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 ~ 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, Iiro Rantala, and others
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, 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, Alicia Keys, and others
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 Spark
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, Margot Leverett, and others
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 ~ 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. Has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for the singles Ain't That A Shame and Why Why Why, both of which featured the Police drummer Stewart Copeland
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, Yosui Inoue, and others
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, songwriteringer 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, Willie Nelson, and others
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, Ronnie Penque, and others ~ Cage passed away in 2020
February 18, 1946 ~ Country engineer, producer Richard Landis born ~ Early on in his career 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, 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, Lonesome Sundown, and others ~ 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 cinger, bassist, pianist Skip Battin, born in Gallipolis, Ohio, USA ~ Best known as member of the Byrds from 1970 through 1973. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with 1972's Skip, and has collaborated with Skip & Flip, the New Riders Of The Purple Sage, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Warren Zevon, Kim Fowley, Sneaky Pete Kleinow ~ Battin passed away in 2003
February 18, 1928 ~ Jazz drummer Frank Butler born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Never became a household name but was held in the highest regard by peers. Has worked with Jo Jones, Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Art Pepper, Dolo Coker, Joyce Collins, Curtis Counce, Kenny Drew, Red Garland, Hampton Hawes, Elmo Hope, Red Mitchell, Phineas Newborn Jr, Jimmy Witherspoon, Xanadu All-Stars, and others ~ Butler passed away in 1984
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, You Belong To Me and others ~ Kuczynski passed away in 2000