February 2, 2002 ~ Guitarist, arranger, composer Gerry Dialungana, full name Gerry Kassia Dialungana, passed away ~ Influenced by Nico Kasanda, whose style he emulated. Active since the early 1970s. Member of Les Malous. Member of Les Grand Maquisards. Perhaps best known as member of internationally acclaimed Congolese ensemble TPOK Jazz during the 1970s, writing or co-writing several of the band's songs including Tembe Luntadila, Kufwa Ntangu and Mukungu ~ Dialungana was born ca.1951
February 2, 1991 ~ Singer, keyboardist, songwriter Charlie Puth, full name Charles Otto Puth Jr, born in Rumson, New Jersey, USA ~ First gained attention on Youtube with viral videos leading to mainstream exposure. Released his full-length Nine Track Mind debut album in 2016. Known for hit singles such as Marvin Gaye featuring Meghan Trainor, We Don't Talk Anymore featuring Selena Gomez, and Attention. As a songwriter, producer, remixer or collaborator has also worked with 5 Seconds Of Summer, Wiz Khalifa (See You Again), Gabby Barrett, Sasha Sloan, and others
February 2, 1989 ~ Joshua Howard Luellen, commonly known as producer, songwriter Southside, born ~ Half of producer, songwriter team 808 Mafia, the other half being Lex Luger. Worked with Waka Flocka Flame, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, BoB, Wale, Meek Mill, Lil' Scrappy, Machine Gun Kelly, Pusha T, Young Thug, Wale, Big Sean, Roscoe Dash, Frenchie, Ace Hood, Cash Out, 2 Chainz, Young Scooter, Travis Scott, Zona Mann, G-Eazy, Jeezy, Future, Drake, Schoolboy Q, Lil' Durk, Kodak Black, 21 Savage, A$AP Mob, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil' Uzi Vert, and others
February 2, 1987 ~ Blues organist, pianist, saxophonist Claude Papesch born in New Plymouth, New Zealand ~ First gained attention working with Johnny Devlin in the late 1950s. Would go on to perform multiple roles in both the New Zealand and Australian music scenes, perhaps most notably briefly as a member of Chain on Mr Time and as co-founding member of Savage Rose
February 2, 1980 ~ Radric Delantic Davis, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Gucci Mane, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Along with TI and Young Jeezy helped pioneer the trap music subgenre. Debuted with the Trap House album in 2005 and has recorded extensively since. Best known for songs such as Spotlight featuring Usher, Get The Bag featuring Migos, and Wake Up In The Sky featuring Bruno Mars & Kodak Black
February 2, 1979 ~ Avant-garde jazz, experimental, soul, funk bassist, producer, label executive Michael Janisch born in Red Wing, Minnesota, USA ~ Worked with the Transatlantic Collective, Kristjan Randalu, John Escreet, Dan Tepfer, Jason Rebello, Quentin Collins, Jay Phelps, Ambrose Akinmusire, Avishai Cohen, Colin Stranahan, Paul Wiltgen, Walter Smith III, Patrick Cornelius, Jonathan Blake, Aaron Goldberg, Phil Robson, Mike Moreno, Lee Konitz, Jeff Williams, Joe Lovano, Dianne Reeves, Seamus Blake, George Garzone, Aaron Parks, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Kenny Wheeler, Quincy Jones, Evan Parker, Gary Husband, Shirley Horn, Gary Burton, Ingrid Jensen, Wynton Marsalis, Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, and others
February 2, 1977 ~ Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoli, mononymously known as pop, rock, Latin pop singer, guitarist, percussionist, keyboardist, songwriter Shakira, born in Baranquilla, Columbia ~ Made her recording debut at age 13. Has sold over 75 million records, making her one of all-time best-selling international artists and by far the best-selling female Latin artist. Broke the English-language market with her fifth album, 2001's Laundry Service spawning the global hits Whenever Wherever and Underneath Your Clothes. Has since continued to grace the higher echelons of charts world-wide with both English and Spanish-language records. Well known songs include Hips Don't Lie featuring Wyclef Jean, Beautiful Liar featuring Beyoncé, Loca and Chantaje
February 2, 1976 ~ Kiam Akasi Holley, commonly known as rapper Capone, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Best known as half of 1990s hip-duo Capone 'n Noreaga, the other other half being rapper NORE, best known for their 1997 single Closer featuring Nneka which reached the top 10 of the American rap charts. As a duo they have collaborated with Havoc, Mobb Deep, Faith Evans, Foxxy Brown, Clinton Sparks, and others
February 2, 1975 ~ Colin Craig Hatchman, commonly known as rock drummer Col Hatchman, born in Brisbane, Australia ~ Broke the Guinness Book Of World Records as “Loudest drummer in the World” in 2006, the sound measuring at 137.2 dBA. Member of Little Hornet during the 1990s. Drummer and lead singer of Blue Australia. Member of the Screaming Jets from 2001, replacing Craig Rosevaer, through 2004. Subsequently joined the Dirty Skanks.
February 2, 1970 ~ Violinist, singer, songwriter, actress Anne Harris born in Yellow Springs, Ohio, USA ~ About half a dozen albums to her name starting with the eponymous Anne Harris album released in 2001. Draws from a wide array of genres including folk-rock, soul, chamber music and traditional Celtic music. Has collaborated with Otis Taylor, Cathy Richardson, and Jefferson Starship
February 2, 1966 ~ Jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist Greg Gisbert, full name Gregory Lyle Gisbert, born in Mobile, Alabama, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Convergence, Buddy Rich, Frank Tiberi, John Fedchock, Gary Burton, Lew Anderson, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Frank Wess, Clark Terry, Mickey Tucker, Buck Clayton, Danny D'Imperio, Norma Simmons, John Hicks, Joe Roccisano, Chuck Bergeron, Loren Schoenberg, Ken Peplowski, Carol Sloane, Susannah McCorkle, and others
February 2, 1966 ~ Bassist, keyboardist, singer Robert DeLeo, full name Robert Emile DeLeo, born in New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as bassist for the Stone Temple Pilots, which also includes his brother guitarist Dean DeLeo. The band is known for songs such as Vasoline, Interstate Love Song, Big Bang Baby, and Between The Lines. Has also worked with Talk Show, Army Of Anyone, the Deleo Brothers, Kings Of Chaos, and with supergroup the Hollywood Vampires
February 2, 1963 ~ Singer, guitarist Eva Cassidy, full name Eva Marie Cassidy, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Debuted in 1992 with the album The Other Side, a duet album with go-go Godfather Chuck Brown; Rose to fame after her death, notably through the compilation album Songbird, gaining critical acclaim and fans such as Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney ~ Cassidy passed away in 1996
February 2, 1959 ~ Osvaldo Lenine Macedo Pimentel, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Lenine, born in Recife, Brazil ~ Actively recording since the early 1980s, first collaborating with Lula Queiroga, then with Marcos Suzano. Rose to national prominence in the 1990s merging rock with elements from frevos and maracatus. Gained international attention with his 2001 Falange Cabal due to a guest appearance by Living Colour. Has also worked with Dionne Warwick, Gilberto Gil, Sérgio Mendes, Tim Maia, and others
February 2, 1956 ~ Jazz saxophonist, arranger, composer Jean-Marc Padovani born in Villeneuve-les-Avignon, France ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his Tres Horas De Sol album, released in 1988. Has collaborated with the likes of André Jaume, Jean-Louis Chautemps, Claude Barthélemy, Louis Sclavis, Michel Godard, Mal Waldron, Enrico Rava, Jean-François Jenny-Clark, Paul Motian, and others
February 2, 1954 ~ Guitarist, singer Graeme Taylor born in Stockwell, UK ~ Lead guitarist for medieval-influenced rock band Gryphon from 1973 through 1975, present on Gryphon, Midnight Mushrumps, Red Queen To Gryphon Three and Raindance. Has also worked with several leading 1970s folk bands, perhaps most notably the Albion Band
February 2, 1953 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger Jean Loup Longnin born in Paris, France ~ Worked with the Jazzerinos, the Dixie Cats, Milt Buckner, Chris Woods, Rhoda Scott, Jef Gilson, Roger Guerin, Eric Le Lann, Michel Legrand, Daniel Huck, Kenny Clarke, Martial Solal, Stéphane Grappelli, Michel Petrucciani, Eddy Louiss, Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis, Randy Brecker, Clark Terry, Stan Getz, and others
February 2, 1949 ~ Singer, songwriter Carmelo La Bionda born in Ramacca, Italy ~ Formed the sibling duo La Bionda, at times also known under the moniker DD Sound, with Michelangelo La Bionda, considered pioneers of the Italo disco genre. First gained attention penning Primo Sole Primo Fiore for Ricchi & Poveri in 1970. Other songs written or co-written by the duo include Neve Blanca Amica Gentile Se Vuoi for Mia Martini, Piccolo Uomo for Bruno Lauzi, and several 1980s songs for Righeira including Vamos A La Playa. As recording artists the brothers rose to fame after turning to disco in the mid- to late 1970s, scoring internationally with the singles Disco Bass and Burning Love. Other well known songs included Sandstorm, One For You One For Me and There For Me ~ La Bionda passed away in 2022
February 2, 1949 ~ Bassist Ross Valory, full name Ross Lamont Valory, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Original bassist for Journey from 1973 through 1985 and again from 1995 through 2020. Present on most of the band's best known including the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles Who's Crying Now, Don't Stop Believin', Open Arms, and Separate Ways (World's Apart). Valory has also worked with the Steve Miller Band, Todd Rundgren, the Storm, and the VU
February 2, 1948 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Al McKay born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ McKay started playing professionally as guitarist for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue at age 18. He is best known as a long-term member of Earth Wind & Fire and currently leads his own group, Al McKay's LA All-Stars, with several former EWF-members including Johnny Graham and Fred White. Also worked with Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band
February 2, 1945 ~ R&B singer Edna Wright born ~ Sister of singer Darlene Love. Married to producer Greg Perry. Lead singer of Honey Cone, known for their 1971 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Want-Ads. The follow-up singles Stick-up and One Monkey Don't Stop No Show also reached the top 20. Wright has also sung backup for artists such as the Righteous Brothers, Johnny Rivers, Ray Charles, U2, Kim Carnes, Aaron Neville, Andráe Crouch ~ Wright passed away in 2020
February 2, 1942 ~ Rock, pop rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Graham Nash born in Blackpool, UK ~ First gained attention as co-founding member of the Hollies, remaining with the band from 1962 through 1968 and present on UK top 10 hits such as Just One Look, I'm Alive and Bus Stop, the latter also reaching top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Alongside David Crosby, Stephen Stills and sometimes Neil Young formed supergroup Crosby Stills Nash & Young, acclaimed for their harmony vocals and pivotal 1970 Déjà Vu album. Half a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with 1971's Songs For Beginners which includes his perhaps best-known solo single Chicago
February 2, 1942 ~ Willie James Ulmer, commonly known as jazz, free funk, blues guitarist, singer James Blood Ulmer born in St Matthews, South Carolina, USA ~ Well over two dozen albums to his name as a leader. Formed the Music Revelation Ensemble, co-led with David Murray. Co-led Phalanx with saxophonist George Adams. In-demand sideman, has worked with Art Blakey, Joe Henderson, Paul Bley, Rashied Ali, Ornette Coleman, Hank Marr, John Patton, the Roots, the World Saxophone Quartet, Ry Cooder, and others
February 2, 1940 ~ Guitarist, producer Alan Caddy born in London, UK ~ Original member, lead guitarist of Johnny Kidd & the Pirates, known for their 1960 UK No.1 hit Shakin' All Over. Co-founding member of the Tornados, which would become the first British act to have a single reach the top of the charts on both sides of the Atlantic with their 1962 single Telstar. As a solo artist Caddy is known for his 1964 Tornado hit before venturing into producing, arranging and working as a session musician ~ Caddy passed away in 2000
February 2, 1938 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Gene MacLellan was born in Val D'Or, Canada ~ Member of Little Caesar & the Consuls. Known for songs such as The Call, Thorn In My Shoe, Pages Of Time, Lonesome River, Shilo Song, and others. As a songwriter had his songs recorded by Anne Murray (Snowbird), Loretta Lynn, Joan Baez, Elvis Presley (Put Your Hand In The Hand), Lynn Anderson, Bing Crosby, and others ~ MacLellan passed away in 1995
February 2, 1937 ~ Comedian, pop, folk guitarist, singer Tom Smothers, full name Thomas Bolyn Smothers, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Formed the musical comedy duo the Smother Brothers with his brother Dick Smothers. Initially the siblings aimed to become folk musicians, but as Tom felt he was not good enough to be a professional musician yet funny enough to do comedy, the brothers added comedy bits to their routine. They are best known for a series of own TV shows, notably The Smother Brothers Comedy Hour aired on CBS. To pop and rock audiences Smothers is perhaps best known for playing guitar alongside John Lennon on the latter's 1969 single Give Peace A Chance, one of Lennon's most enduring songs ~ Smothers passed away in 2023
February 2, 1932 ~ Pianist Jodie Christian born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known as co-founder of the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians, alongside pianist Muhal Richard Abrams, drummer Steve McCall and composer Phil Cohran. Also worked with the Experimental Band, Eddie Harris, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, Gene Ammons, Roscoe Mitchell, Buddy Montgomery, John Klemmer, Eric Alexander, Von Freeman, Lin Halliday, Les McCann, Ira Sullivan, and others ~ Christian passed away in 2012
February 2, 1927 ~ Stanley Gayetzby, commonly known as cool jazz, bebop, bossa nova saxophonist Stan Getz, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Dubbed “the Sound” for his warm, lyrical tone. Rose to prominence in the late 1940s as member of Woody Herman's big band. Would go on to become one of jazz's all-time greatest tenor saxophonists. Known for popularizing bossa nova, among other through collaborations with João Gilberto and Antônio Carlos Jobim and especially with the 1964 hit single The Girl From Ipanema of the collaborative Getz/Gilberto album ~ Gayetzby passed away in 1991
February 2, 1925 ~ Tenor singer David Whitfield born in Hull, UK ~ Popular 1950s singer. The first to score a transatlantic charttopper, reaching No.1 in both America and his native England in 1954 with Cara Mia backed by conductor Mantovani and his orchestra. Other well known recordings by Whitfield include Bridge Of Sighs, Answer Me, My September Love, I'll Find You, and William Tell ~ Whitfield passed away in 1980
February 2, 1924 ~ Edward Hammond Boatner Jr, commonly known as bebop, hard bop saxophonist Sonny Stitt, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Toured relentlessly. Recorded over 100 albums. Worked with Tiny Bradshaw, Billy Eckstine, Gene Ammons, Dexter Gordon, Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Parlan, Bud Powell, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Thad Jones, Chick Corea, Jimmy Jones, Johnny Richards, Quincy Jones, Hank Jones, Dolo Coker, briefly with Miles Davis (the only Stitt-Davis recordings are hard to find 1960 live sets), Jim Hall, Gene Ammons, Booker Ervin, Paul Gonsalves, Leon Spencer, Melvin Sparks, Idris Muhammad, Virgil Jones, Don Patterson, Red Holloway, George Duvivier, Jimmy Cobb, and others ~ Stitt passed away in 1982
February 2, 1912 ~ Burton Levy, commonly known as pianist, songwriter, lyricist Burton Lane, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Credited with discovering Judy Garland. Co-wrote the Broadway-musicals Finian's Rainbow and On A Clear Day You Can See Forever. Well known songs written or co-written by Lane include I Hear Music (Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Anita O'Day), Old Devil Moon (Charlie Spivak, Gene Krupa, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra), How Are Things In Glocca Morra (Ella Logan, Martha Tilton, Dick Haymes), Too Late Now (Jane Powell, Dinah Shore, Peggy Lee), and On A Clear Day You Can See Forever (Louis Jordan, Sarah Vaughan, Johnny Mathis) ~ Levy passed away in 1997
February 2, 1901 ~ Violinist Jascha Heifetz born in Vilna, Russian Empire ~ Son of Reuven Heifetz, a local violin teacher. Child prodigy. Played Carnegie Hall upon his arrival in America, becoming an instant hit while still in his teens. Acclaimed as “the best violinist since Niccolò Paganini” by some critics. Late in life became a dedicated teacher and champion of socio-political causes ~ Heifetz passed away in 1987
February 2, 1901 ~ Blues singer, guitarist, violinist, songwriter Walter Vinson born in Bolton, Mississippi, USA ~ Member of the Mississippi Sheiks. Perhaps best known for co-writing the blues standard Sitting On Top Of The World with Lonnie Chatmon, first recorded as a country blues song by the Sheiks ~ Vinson passed away in 1975
February 2, 1900 ~ Singer Emmett Miller born ~ The link between old-time Southern music, minstrelsy, jazz, and Western swing. Major influence on later country singers including Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, Bob Wills, Milton Brown, Tommy Duncan, Merle Haggard, and others. Backed by Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Gene Krupa and Eddie Lang as early as 1924, recording as the Georgia Crackers. Known for songs such as Lovesick Blues, I Ain't Got Nobody, and Right Or Wrong. Miller's songs have been recorded by Van Dyke Parks, Ry Cooder, Leon Redbone, Louis Prima, and David Lee Roth ~ Miller passed away in 1962
February 2, 1892 ~ Composer, songwriter Clarence Gaskill born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Popular in the early 20th century. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Prisoner Of Love (Russ Columbo), Doo Wacka Doo (Paul Whiteman), I Don't Mind Being Alone (Lou Gold), and perhaps his best-known I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me. The latter would be first recorded by Dolores Valesco in 1927 and covered by close to 200 artists including Louis Armstrong, Nat Gonella, Earl Hines, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett, Faron Young, Dinah Washington, Frank Sinatra, and others ~ Gaskill passed away in 1948
February 2, 1888 ~ Jazz guitarist, tubist Louis Keppard born 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, Wooden Joe Nicholas, and others ~ Keppard passed away in 1986