February 19, 1996 ~ Ashton Nicole Casey, commonly known a hip-hop, electro-pop, indie pop, alt-pop singer, rapper, songwriter Ashnikko, born in Oak Ridge, North Carolina, USA ~ First gained attention with her 2019 single Stupid featuring Yung Baby Tate, going viral on the TikTok online platform. Would release her Demidevil debut mixtape in 2021, spawning the singles Daisy and Slumber Party featuring Princess Nokia
February 19, 1996 ~ Singer, songwriter Mabel McVey, full name Mabel Alabam Pearl McVey, born in Malaga, Spain ~ First gained attention in 2017 with the single Finders Keepers, reaching the British top 10. Would follow up with a full-length dbute album, High Expectations, in 2019, spawning the hits Don't Call Me Up and Mad Love
February 19, 1985 ~ Jazz, experimental, noise tubist, guitarist, keyboardist Kristoffer Lo born in Moss, Norway ~ Redefined the role of tuba, setting the instrument as a valid sound in experimental music, metal and noise bands. Has released a handful of solo albums in the 2010s yet is best known for his collaborations with acts such as PELbO, Microtub, Machina, Sunswitch, Highasakite, the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra and with Motorpsycho
February 19, 1984 ~ Pop rock, R&B singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, songwriter Chris Richardson, full name Christopher Michael Richardson, born in Soignies, Belgium ~ First gained attention as a contestant during the sixth season of American Idol, having auditioned but not selected for two previous seasons. On his third try, Richardson would make it to the finals, reaching fifth place. Released his eponymous Chris Richardson debut EP later the same year. Has collaborated with Tyga (Far Away), Caskey (Why You Mad), and Busta Rhymes (Bigger Better Faster)
February 19, 1983 ~ Pop, jazz, alternative rock singer, actress Mika Nakashima born in Kagoshima, Japan ~ Showed up at an audition at age 17 not knowing what it was for and was selected out of 3,000 girls to act in the 2001 TV drama Kizudareke No Love Song. Would go on to become hugely popular J-pop singer and actress, selling over 10 million records. Known for songs such as Stars, Crescent Moon, and One Survives
February 19, 1981 ~ Mary Beth Peterson, commmonly known as indie rock, post-punk, synth-pop singer, songwriter Beth Ditto, born ~ Drew comparisons to Etta James, Janis Joplin, Tina Turner. Fronted Gossip from its formation in 1999 until the band disbanded in 2016, the band is best known for singles such as Heavy Cross, Pop Goes The World, Perfect World and Move In The Right Direction
February 19, 1979 ~ Rock, pop, electropop bassist, singer Miki Furukawa born in Hachinohe, Japan ~ Best known as member of indie rock outfit Supercar from 1995 through 2005, best known for their 1998 Three Out Change debut album critically acclaimed as one of the all-time great Japanese rock albums. Released her Mirrors debut album in 2006, merging guitar-based rock with electronic dance-pop influences. Also a member of supergroup Lama, founded in 2011
February 19, 1976 ~ Folk, folk rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Teddy Thompson born in London, UK ~ Son of singers Richard Thompson and Linda Thompson, brother of singer Kamila Thompson. Released his eponymous Teddy Thompson debut album in 2000. Would reach the UK top 10 with his fourth album, A Piece Of What You Need released in 2008
February 19, 1975 ~ Hard rock, alternative metal, alternative rock drummer Daniel Adair, full name Daniel Patrick Adair, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Member of 3 Doors Down from 2002 through 2005. Following his departure from the band, Adair joined Nickelback, first appearing on the 2005 All The Right Reasons album. Adair has also worked with Martone, Suspect, Theory Of A Deadman, Burn Halo, and Kranky Bear
February 19, 1975 ~ Actress, singer Katja Schuurman born in Bunnik, the Netherlands ~ Sister of singer, actress Birgit Schuurman. Best known as actress. As a singer known for Ademnood, released under the moniker Linda Roos & Jessica with her Goede Tijden Slechte Tijden co-stars Babette van Veen and Guusje Nederhorst, the trio using the names of their characters on the show for the group moniker. The 1995 single was intended as a gimmick but would reach No.1 on the Dutch charts, featured backing vocals by Trijntje Oosterhuis, and was produced by the hitmaking duo Fluitsma & Van Tijn
February 19, 1974 ~ Progressive metal, power metal singer, drummer Todd La Torre born in St Petersburg, Florida, USA ~ Lead singer of progressive metal band Queensrÿche joining the band in 2012, replacing Geoff Tate. Has previously worked with Crimson Glory and Rising West. Released his Rejoice In The Suffering solo debut album in 2021. La Torre has also guested on recordings by Craig Blackwell, Tommy Vitaly, Dark Matter, and the Metal Church
February 19, 1971 ~ Rock, indie rock, folk metal drummer Keith Baxter born in Morecambe, UK ~ Co-founded thrash metal Aphasia while still in his teens. Perhaps best known as member of folk metal pioneers Skyclad from 1990 through 1995, first appearing on the 1991 The Wayward Sons Of Mother Earth album. Subsequently worked with 3 Colours Red until its disbandement in 1999. Formed Elevation with bandmate Pete Vuckovic. Has also briefly worked with Therapy and with Baby Judas ~ Baxter passed away in 2008
February 19, 1971 ~ Jazz, post-bop pianist Luis Perdomo born in Caracas, Venezuela ~ Influenced by Bud Powell, Oscar Peterson, McCoy Tyner, Paul Bley, and Herbie Hancock. Perdomo claimed to have had his first paying gig as early as at age 12. Spent his teens playing his native Caracas, and relocated to America where he studied both jazz and classical and eventually became a fixture on the New York jazz scene. Perdomo has recorded over half a dozen albums as a leader, starting with Focus Point in 2005, and appeared on albums by the likes of Yordano, Marlon Simon (Rumaba A La Patato), Ralph Irizarry (Best Kept Secret), Miguel Zenón, Ray Barretto, Ravi Coltrane, Brian Lynch (Conclave), Dafnis Prieto, Gregg August (One Piece), Conrad Herwig, Ben Wolfe (No Strangers Here), and Magos Herrera. Of the early days, Perdomo has said: “I used to play, in addition to Juan Sebastian Bar, with a lot of jazz artists. I also had a real good pop gig that was paying a lot of money. I was doing fairly well, but I always thought I was a big fish in a small pond. I didn't want to do that. I wanted to come to New York. I sold all my equipment and moved”
February 19, 1970 ~ Singer, actor Danny de Munk born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Rose to fame at age 12 in the title role in Ciske de Rat, noted for his performance of Ik Voel Me Zo Verdomd Alleen. The song, written by Karin Loomans and Herman van Veen, would top the Dutch charts and make De Munk an instant star. Would go on to mainly perform in stage musicals and venture into acting for film and TV on occasion
February 19, 1968 ~ Mark Anthony Morales, commonly known as hip-hop, new jack swing rapper, songwriter, producer Prince Markie Dee, born in Brooklyn, New York, 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 passed away in 2021
February 19, 1965 ~ Drummer, singer Jonathan Fishman born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by John Bonham, Bill Bruford, Keith Moon. Best known as co-founding member of experimental rock, jam band Phish, earning critical acclaim and a cult following in the 1990s with a unique hybrid drawing from funk, progressive rock, psychedelica, folk, country, jazz, blues and pop. occasionally sang lead, on humurous covers such as the Prince-cover Purple Rain, the Neil Diamond-cover Cracklin' Rosie and the Will Smith-cover Gettin' Jiggy With It, as well as on some originals including Moma Dance, Taste and Ghost. Has also worked with Touchpants, Pork Tornado, the Jazz Mandolin Project and bandmate Trey Anastasio's side project the Ghosts Of The Forest
February 19, 1964 ~ Douglas Aldrich, commonly known as hard rock, heavy metal guitarist, bassist, singer Doug Aldrich, born in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA ~ Founded Burning Rain in 1998 with Keith St John. Has recorded as a solo artist, toured with Deep Purple-bassist, singer Glenn Hughes, worked with Lion, the House Of Lords, Hurricane, Bad Moon Rising, WASP, Dio, Whitesnake, the Revolution Saints, and since 2016 fronts the Dead Daisies
February 19, 1963 ~ Thomas Such, commonly known as black metal, speed metal singer, bassist Tom Angelripper, born in Gelsenkirchen, West Germany ~ Lead singer, bassist, primary songwriter, and sole constant member of thrash metal outfit Sodom, with whom he recorded over a dozen albums since the 1980s. Also known as a member of Helloween-bassist Markus Grosskopf's bass guitar-focused side project the Bassinvaders, known for their 2008 Hellbassbeaters album featuring four bass players and no other instruments
February 19, 1960 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Momcilo Bajagic born in Bjelovar, Yugoslavia ~ Member of Riblja Corba from 1978 through 1984, writing or co-writing a vast amount of the band's material. Departed the band as his material did not fit the band's hard rock edge. Would go on to front Bajagi I Instruktori, which quickly became one of the most successful and influential rock bands on the Yugoslav and Serbian rock scene
February 19, 1956 ~ Blues guitarist Alan Haynes born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Worked with artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter, Albert Collins, Albert King, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robert Cray, Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker, Otis Rush, Chris Layton, Preston Hubbard, Dave Lindholm, the Tubesnakes, and the Bluesknights
February 19, 1956 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Dave Wakeling born in Birmingham, UK ~ Co-founding member of pivotal ska, ska revival band the English Beat, known for about half a dozen UK hits through the mid-1980s including the top 10 hits The Tears Of A Clown, Hands Off She's Mine, Mirror In The Bathroom and Can't Get Used To Losing You. Formed General Public in 1984 with bandmate Ranking Roger, scoring moderate hits with 1984's Tenderness and 1994's I'll Take You There. Released a sole solo album, No Warning, in 1991
February 19, 1956 ~ Marina Fiordelli, commonly known as pop, rock singer Fiordaliso, born in Placenza, Italy ~ Gained popularity in the early-1980s with songs such as Scappo Via and the reggae-rock ballad Una Sproca Poesia. Would go on to score hits such as Oramai, the Zucchero-penned Non Voglio Mica La Luna, and perhaps her best known the 1990 hit Cosa Ti Farei. Over time gradually moved away from music, focusing on her activities as actress and TV host
February 19, 1956 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Peter Holsapple born Newport, Rhode Island, USA ~ Best known for co-founding jangle pop band the dB's with Chris Stamey, becoming the band's main songwriter and singer after Stamey's departure. Toured with REM on their 1988 world tour and appeared on the band's 1991 Out Of Time album. Has also worked with the Continental Drifters and released a handful of solo recordings
February 19, 1955 ~ Free jazz, avant-garde, post bop saxophonist, clarinetist David Murray born ~ Leader and sideman. Influenced by Albert Ayler, Archie Shepp, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Paul Gonsalves. Founding member of the World Saxophone Quartet. In-demand collaborator, recording prolifically since the mid-1970s. Has worked with Olu Dara, James Newton, Lester Bowie, Johnny Dyani, Butch Morris, Henry Threadgill, John Purcell, James Blood Ulmer, Jack DeJohnette, McCoy Tyner, Branford Marsalis, Ravi Coltrane, the Clarinet Summit, Bobby Few, Hilton Ruiz, Pharoah Sanders, and the Music Revelation Ensemble
February 19, 1952 ~ Progressive rock, hard rock, italo disco keyboardist, songwriter, film composer Claudio Simonetti born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Son of pianist, conductor, composer Enrico Simonetti. Influenced by Keith Emerson, Brian Auger, Rick Wakeman, Tony Banks. Member of progressive rock outfit Goblin. Well known for his soundtracks for cult and horror films, notable credits including The New Barbarians, Midnight Killer, Body Count, and The Versace Killer. Has also dabble in Italo disco in the late-1970s, most notably with the group the Crazy Gang
February 19, 1951 ~ Horace Hinds, commonly known as reggae, roots reggae singer Horace Andy, born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Regarded as one of the most influential Jamaican singers. Known for songs such as Government Land, Angel, Spying Glass and Five Man Army, the latter a collaboration with British trip hop outit Massive Attack
February 19, 1951 ~ Free improvisation, experimental violinist, composer Jon Rose, full name Jonathan Anthony Rose, born in Maidstone, UK ~ Primarily known as a violinist, yet also plays cello, fence, keyboards and custom-built experimental instruments. Multimedia artist. Acclaimed as one of Australia's most imaginative violinists. Has collaborated with the likes of Jim Denley, Louis Burdett, Simone de Haan, Veryan Weston, Rik Rue
February 19, 1950 ~ Rock, hard rock, progressive rock guitarist, singer Andy Powell born in London, UK ~ Best known as co-lead guitarist, co-founding member of Wishbone Ash. Widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in rock. Has guested on recordings by George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Kashif, Cilla Black, Stewart Copeland, and Renaissance
February 19, 1950 ~ Rock, hard rock, pop rock bassist Francis Buchholz born in Hanover, Germany ~ Best known as member of the Scorpions from 1973 through 1992, including on hit singles such as Still Loving You, Wind Of Change and Send Me An Angel. Also worked with Dawn Road, Dreamtide, and Phantom V
February 19, 1948 ~ Peter John Sadler, commonly known as punk rock, new wave, post-punk guitarist, songwriter Arthur Kadmon, born in Stockport, UK ~ Member of a number of late-1970s, 1980s new wave, post-punk bands including Manicured Noise, Ludus, the Distractions. Briefly worked with the Fall, present on Hard Life In Country of their 1982 Room To Live album
February 19, 1948 ~ Bassist, guitarist Mark Andes born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Early member of Canned Heat, leaving the band before they were signed. Co-founding member of Spirit, present on the band's first four albums. Formed Jo Jo Gunne with bandmate Jay Ferguson and his brother guitarist Matt Andes. Andes appeared on the band's debut album and Run Run Run, one of the band's best known singles. Andes would go on to work with Firefall, Kim Carnes, Joe Walsh, Dan Fogelberg, Trevor Rabin, Frank Banali, Heart, Robert Mirabal, Ian McLagan, Alejandro Escovedo, Jo Carol Pierce, and Kenny Cordray
February 19, 1948 ~ Guitarist Tony Iommi, full name Anthony Frank Iommi, born in Birmingham, UK ~ Lead guitarist, primary songwriter, co-founding and sole constant member of heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath. On his last day of work in a sheet metal factory lost the tips of two right hand fingers, which crucially impacted his playing style. Released his Iommi debut album. Briefly played with progressive rock outfit Jethro Tull in the late-1960s, yet does not appear on any of the band's recordings. Has collaborated with Deep Purple and Sabbath-bassist Glenn Hughes, with Ian Gillan under the group moniker WhoCares, and with Heaven & Hell in the 2000s which also included Sabbath members Ronnie James Dio, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward
February 19, 1946 ~ Guitarist Paul Dean born in Vancouver, Canada ~ Lead guitarist, co-founding member of Loverboy, known for a string of 1980s hits including The Kid Is Hot Tonite, When It's Over, Hot Girls In Love and Lovin' Every Minute Of It. The band's two best known songs, 1980's Turn Me Loose and 1981's Working For The Weekend, remain arena rock classics and staples of classic rock radio to this day. Prior to his rise to fame with the band Dean has worked with Scrubbaloe Caine and with Streetheart
February 19, 1944 ~ Rognvald Andrew Mathewson, commonly known as jazz double bassist, bass guitarist Ron Mathewson, born in Lerwick, UK ~ Mentored by folk guitarist, bassist Peerie Willie Johnson. Closely associated with Kenny Clarke and Francy Boland in the 1960s and subsequently Tubby Hayes through the early-1970s. Mathewson has also appeared on albums by Ray Russell, Gordon Beck, Ray Nance (Huffin' & Puffin'), Charles Tolliver (Impact), Phil Woods, Michel Legrand, Benny Waters (When You're Smiling), Flavio Ambrosetti, Bud Freeman, Gary Windo, and the Chitinous Ensemble ~ Mathewson passed away in 2020
February 19, 1943 ~ Drummer Laurie Allan born in UK ~ Best known for his associations with Delivery and Gong in the early-1970s. Noted for appearing on several Robert Wyatt albums, including on the 1974 Rock Bottom album and its 1975 follow-up Ruth Is Stranger Than Fiction. Has also worked wuth the First Real Poetry Band, Chris McGregor, Dudu Pukwana, Gunter Hampel, John McLaughlin, Ralph McTell, and Bert Jansch
February 19, 1942 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Phil Coulter born in Derry, Northern Ireland ~ Perhaps best known for co-writing Sandie Shaw's Puppet On A String with Bill Martin, which won the UK the 1967 Eurovision Songfestival. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Coulter include Them, Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band, Lee Drummond, Maggie Fitzgibbon, Cliff Richard (Congratulations), and Cilla Black
February 19, 1940 ~ Singer. songwriter Bobby Rogers, full name Robert Edward Rogers, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as longtime member of the Miracles. Wrote or co-wrote several of the band's best remembered, including That's What Love Is Made Of and Going To A Go-Go, as well as hits for other Motown artists such as the Temptations (The Way You Do The Things You Do), Mary Wells (What Love Has Joined Together), the Contours (First I Look At The Purse), and Marvin Gaye (One More Heartache) ~ Rogers passed away in 2013
February 19, 1940 ~ William Robinson Jr, commonly known as singer, songwriter Smokey Robinson born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Founding member of lead singer of the Miracles remaining with the band until 1972, present on some of the band's best known including You've Really Got A Hold On Me, I Second That Emotion, Baby Baby Don't Cry and The Tears Of A Clown. Also served as label executive, eventually rising to VP, and staff songwriter at Motown writing or co-writing songs for Mary Wells, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Brenda Holloway, the Marvelettes, and Marvin Gaye. Robinson has been recording as a solo artist since his split from the Miracles
February 19, 1936 ~ Blues harpist, singer Sam Myers, full name Samuel Joseph Myers, born in Laurel, Mississippi, USA ~ Worked with Jimmy Rogers, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Hound Dog Taylor, Robert Lockwood Junior, Elmore James. Wrote Sleeping In The Ground, which was covered by Blind Faith, Eric Clapton, and Robert Cray. Myers resurged in the mid-1980s, joining Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets and staying with the band for the two decades until his death ~ Myers passed away in 2006
February 19, 1934 ~ Michael Applebaum, commonly known as violist Michael Tree, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Founding member of the Marlboro Trio. Founding member of the Guarneri Quartet. Violin and viola soloist with renowned orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra ~ Applebaum passed away in 2018
February 19, 1926 ~ Music critic Michael Kennedy, full name George Michael Sinclair Kennedy, born in Manchester, UK ~ Chief classical music critic for the Daily Telegraph from 1986 through 2005, and of The Sunday Telegraph from 1989 through 2005. Has written a number of biographies, including on composers such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, Edward Elgar, John Barbirolli, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss and Benjamin Britten ~ Kennedy passed away in 2014
February 19, 1924 ~ Composer, arranger André Popp, full name André Charles Jean Popp, born in Fontenay-le-Comte, France ~ Best known for his association with Juliette Gréco, orchestrating a number of Gréco's 1950s and 1960s albums, and for co-penning a number of Eurovision Songfestival entries, namely Jacqueline Boyer's 1960 winning Tom Pillibi, Rachel's 1964 Le Chant De Mallory and Vicky Leandros's 1967 L'Amour Est Blue (Love Is Blue). The latter would notably be covered in an instrumental version by Paul Mauriat who took it to the top of the Billboard charts the following year ~ Popp passed away in 2014
February 19, 1909 ~ Agnes Cunningham, commonly known as folk pianist, accordionist Sis Cunningham, born ~ Known for her leftist views. Performer and publicist of left-wing folk and protest songs. Co-founded the Red Dust Players in 1939. Briefly a member of the Almanac Singers alongside Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. Founder and editor of Broadside magazine, considered a vital part of the 1960s folk scene publishing songs by Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Janis Ian, Tom Paxton, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Malvina Reynolds and othes ~ Cunningham passed away in 2004
February 19, 1897 ~ Jazz trumpeter Johnny Dunn born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Critically compared to King Oliver and Louis Armstrong. One of the first to use a plunger, a style copied by Tricky Sam Nanton, the effect later became known as the wah-wah effect. Best known for his work in the 1920s with Perry Bradford, Mamie Smith, Jelly Roll Morton, James P Johnson, Fats Waller, Noble Sissle, Elmer Chambers, Charlie Dixon, Herb Flemming, Sam Wooding, Garvin Bushell, and Edith Wilson. Retired from music by the late-1920s. His style out of fashion and largely forgotten Dunn would pass away of tuberculosis at age 40 ~ Dunn passed away in 1937