February 20, 2023 ~ Rock bassist Bruce Barthol passed away ~ Original bassist for Country Joe & the Fish, present on the albums Electric Music For The Mind And Body, Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die, and Together. Barthol departed the band in 1968, staying on in England following a tour. Subsequently worked with Formerly Fat Harry, Energy Crisis, and political satire theatre group the San Francisco Mime Troupe ~ Barthol was born in 1947
February 20, 2023 ~ Blues singer, keyboardist, guitarist, hornist Victor Brox passed away ~ Fronted the Victor Brox Blues Train. Named “favorite white blues singer” by Jimi Hendrix. Best known for his performance as Caiaphas on the original 1970 recording of Jesus Christ Superstar. Has collaborated with numerous artists including Eric Clapton, Ritchie Blackmore, Graham Bond, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, Keith Moon, and Aynsley Dunbar, notably singing lead and playing keyboards and organ in the latter's late 1960s blues, rock band the Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation. Brox also appeared as a Leonardo da Vinci look-alike in the 1998 Ever After film ~ Brox was born in 1941
February 20, 2022 ~ Music entrepreneur, DJ, author Jamal Edwards passed away ~ Best known as founder of the online urban music platform SB-TV, helpful in launching the careers of Ed Sheeran, Rita Ora, Stormzy, Jessie J, Emeli Sandé, Bugzy Malone, and others ~ Edwards was born in 1990
February 20, 2022 ~ Rock, punk rock drummer Sam Henry, full name Samuel William Henry, passed away ~ Co-founding member of punk rock outfit the Wipers alongside Greg Sage and Dave Koupal, known for the singles Better Off Dead and Alien Boy. Henry would leave the band by 1979 to join the husband-wife team Fred Cole and Toody Cole in Rats. Has also worked with Napalm Beach and Jenny Don't & the Spurs ~ Henry was born in 1956
February 20, 2021 ~ Boogie rock, boogie woogie pianist Gene Taylor passed away ~ Briefly a member of Canned Heat from 1974 through 1976. Has also worked with Big Joe Turner, T-Bone Walker, James Harman, the Blasters, the Downchild Blues Band, the Fabulous Thunderbirds (Roll Of The Dice), the Red Devils, Kim Wilson (That's Life, Tiger Man), Charlie Musselwhite, Jackson Delta, Amos Garrett, Dwight Yoakam (Guitars Cadillacs Etc Etc), John Hammond Jr, and others ~ Taylor was born in 1952
February 20, 2019 ~ Operatic and choral composer Dominick Argento passed away ~ Wrote fourteen operas, including Miss Havisham's Fire Opera, Masque Of The Angels, and Aspern Papers Opera, orchestral works, major song cycles, of which From The Diary Of Virginia Woolf won him the 1975 Pullitzer Prize for Music, and choral works. Married to soprano singer Carolyn Bailey, whom he often referred to as his muse ~ Argento was born in 1927
February 20, 2019 ~ Operatic baritone Ekkehard Wlaschiha passed away in Bayreuth, Germany ~ Known for signature roles, usually the “villain”, in operas written by Richard Wagner including Alberich in Der Ring Des Nibelungen, Klingsor in Parsifal and Teiramund in Lohengrin ~ Wlashiha was born in 1938
February 20, 2019 ~ Label executive, producer, songwriter Fred Foster, full name Fred Luther Foster, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known for co-penning Me & Bobby McGee with Kris Kristofferson, originally recorded by Roger Miller. The song would be covered by well over 200 artists, notably recorded by Janis Joplin mere days before her death and posthumously becoming her sole Billboard Hot 100 charttopper. Foster is also known as co-founder of Monument record label. As a label executive and producer he was helpful in advancing the careers of acts such as Kristofferson, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Billy Joe Shaver, Tony Joe White, the Gatlin Brothers, and others ~ Foster was born in 1931
February 20, 2019 ~ Keyboardist, songwriter Gerard Koerts passed away ~ Co-founding member of Earth & Fire and along with his twin brother guitarist Chris Koerts primary songwriter of the band, known for a string of 1970s hits. Songs such as Seasons, Ruby Is The One, Wild And Exciting, Invitation, Storm And Thunder, Memories, Maybe Tomorrow Maybe Tonight, Love And Life, Thanks For The Love, and Weekend would all reach top 10 in the band's native Netherlands ~ Koerts was born in 1947
February 20, 2012 ~ Old-time fiddler, singer, songwriter Joe Thompson, full name Joseph Aquiler Thompson, passed away in Alamance County, North Carolina, USA ~ Formed the New String Band Duo with Odell Thompson. Also worked with the Carolina Chocolate Drops ~ Thompson was born in 1918
February 20, 2009 ~ Pol Lallemand, commonly known as jazz percussionist, vibraphonist, singer, composer Fat Sadi, passed away in Huy, Belgium ~ Worked with Bobby Jaspar, Don Byas, Aime Barelli, Django Reinhardt, Martial Solal, Sahib Shihab, Andre Hodeir, Zoot Sims, and others ~ Lallemand was born in 1927
February 20, 2004 ~ John Jacob Malone, commonly known as electric blues, soul blues guitarist, keyboardist, singer JJ Malone, passed away in Hawaii, USA ~ Best known for It's A Shame and Danger Zone. Member of the Rhythm Rockers. Has also worked with Troyce Key, Jill Baxter, Al Green, Joe Simon, Etta James, Scott McKenzie, Frankie Lee, and others ~ Malone was born in 1935
February 20, 2004 ~ Mary Pierre Barelli, commonly known as Minouche Barelli, passed away ~ Daughter of bandleader Aime Barelli and singer Lucienne Delyle. Best known for representing Monaco at the 1967 Eurovision Songfestival with the song Boum Badaboum written by Serge Gainsbourg. It would come in fifth ~ Barelli was born in 1947
February 20, 2003 ~ Singer, guitarist Ty Longley, full name Tyrone Pierre Longley passed away in West Warwick, Rhode Island, USA ~ Worked with Great White, Samantha 7, the Bullet Boys, Nick Menza, Nancy Sinatra, and others ~ Longley was born in 1971
February 20, 1999 ~ Pop, rock, folk guitarist, singer Mackey Feary passed away ~ Key member of Kalapana from 1973 through 1976 merging traditional Hawaiian folk, pop music with 1970s pop-rock, present on the band's first two albums Kalapana I and Kalapana II ~ Feary was born in 1955
February 20, 1998 ~ Jazz, classical banjoist, guitarist, composer Ivor Mairants passed away ~ Worked with Bert Firman, Bert Ambrose, Roy Fox, Lew Stone, Geraldo, Ted Heath, Mantovani, and others ~ Mairants was born in 1908
February 20, 1996 ~ Mabel Alabam Pearl McVey, commonly known simply as singer, songwriter Mabel, born in Malaga, Spain ~ Broke through with 2017's Finders Keepers which hit No.8 on the UK singles charts. A full-length debut album, High Expectations, would follow in 2019 and spawn the hit singles Don't Call Me Up and Mad Love
February 20, 1996 ~ Composer Toru Takemitsu passed away ~ Founding member Jikken Kobo, considered a highly influential experimental, avant-garde collective. Influenced by Olivier Messiaen, Claude Debussy and traditional Japanese music. Wrote several hundreds compositions, scored over 90 films, authored twenty books on aesthetics and music theory. Best known for his 1957 Requiem For String Orchestra ~ Takemitsu was born in 1930
February 20, 1990 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist Brian Smith, full name Brian Eric Smith, born in Carbondale, Illinois, USA ~ Actively recording as a solo artist since age 15. Has written over 450 songs. Has also worked with the Dirty Whips, the Biological Lover, Collectanea, Wizard Island, Old Age, Peter Piek, and others
February 20, 1988 ~ Robyn Rihanna Fenty, mononymously known as pop, R&B, hip-hop singer Rihanna, born in St Michael, Barbados ~ Discovered by producer Evan Rogers. Released her Music Of The Sun debut album in 2005. Known for songs such as Pon De Replay, SOS, Umbrella featuring Jay-Z, Take A Bow, Disturbia, Rude Boy, The Only Girl In The World, What's My Name featuring Drake, We Found Love featuring Calvin Harris, Diamonds, and others
February 20, 1987 ~ Pop singer, pianist, songwriter Matt Simons born in Palo Alto, California, USA ~ Released his Pieces debut album in 2012. Known for songs such as With You, Catch & Release (Deepend Remix) and We Can Do Better
February 20, 1985 ~ Yulia Olegovna Volkova, commonly known as singer, actress Julia Volkova, born in Moscow, Soviet Union ~ Best known as half of Tatu, the other half being singer Lena Katina, known for international hits such as Not Gonna Get Us, All About Us and their debut single All The Thing's She Said which would top the charts in well over a dozen countries
February 20, 1984 ~ Folk, jazz, electronica singer Mari Kvien Brunvoll born in Molde, Norway ~ Daughter of jazz singer, pianist Inger Johanne Brunvoll. Sister of singer, guitarist Ane Brun. Records and performs as a solo artist and has collaborated with Bugge Wesseltoft, Stein Urheim, Terje Isungset, Splashgirl, and others
February 20, 1983 ~ Violinist, bandleader Al Donahue passed away in Fallbrook, California, USA ~ Worked with Paula Kelly, Dee Keating, Lynne Stevens, Phil Brito, Snooky Lanson. Best known for his rendition of Jeepers Creepers, a Billboard No.1 hit in 1938 ~ Donahue was born in 1904
February 20, 1981 ~ Guitarist, mandolinist, dobroist Chris Thile, full name Christopher Scott Thile, born in Oceanside, California, USA ~ Best known for forming the acoustic trio Nickel Creek with Sara Watkins and Sean Watkins. Member of progressive bluegrass band the Punch Brothers. Has released over half a dozen solo albums, starting with 1994's Leading Off, and collaborated with the likes of Mike Marshall, Edgar Meyer, Brad Mehldau, Yo-Yo Ma, Mutual Admiration Society, Modern Mandolin Quartet, and others
February 20, 1979 ~ Jazz pianist James Blake passed away in Arlington, Virginia, USA ~ Worked with Anita O'Day, Bud Freeman, Stuff Smith, Chris Connor, and others ~ Blake was born ca.1922
February 20, 1976 ~ Jazz saxophonist, bassoonist, pianist Ben Wendel born in Vancouver, Canada ~ Founding member of Kneebody. Has also worked with Todd Sickafoose Group, Snoop Dogg, Ignacio Berroa, Daedelus, Gerald Clayton, Tigran Hamasayan, Christina Aguilera, Shane Endsley, Joel Harrison, Jason Mraz, Linda Oh, Austin Peralta, Adam Rudolph, and others
February 20, 1976 ~ Jazz, pop, popular singer Marc Sevara born in Bad Harzburg, Germany ~ Member of vocal group the Berlin Voices. Also worked with Thomas Quasthoff, Manfred Krug, the Berlin Jazz Orchestra, and others
February 20, 1975 ~ Singer Brian Littrell, full name Brian Thomas Littrell, born in Lexington, Kentucky, USA ~ Father of country singer Baylee Littrell. Member of boy band the Backstreet Boys, known for a string of 1990s, 2000s hits. The band's 1995 We've Got It Going On debut single would only be moderately successful in their native America yet reach top 10 across Europe. The band's eponymous Backstreet Boys released the following year would reach triple Platinum status in Europe. Subsequent hits included Quit Playing Games With My Heart, Everybody (Backstreet's Back), All I Have To Give, I Want It That Way, Show Me The Way and The Shape Of My Heart would all reach the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. As a solo artist Littrell is known as a Christian singer, a genre he described as “pop positive”, releasing his Welcome Home debut album in 2006
February 20, 1974 ~ Keyboardist Tom Kestens born in Belgium ~ Keyboardist of Das Pop from 1998 through 2002. Founded Lalalover. Also worked with Sarah Bettens
February 20, 1973 ~ Jazz singer, hornist Toku born in Niigate Prefecture, Japan ~ Credited with bringing jazz influences into J-pop. Has worked with artists such as Clammbon, Miki Imai, Maki Ohguro, Yuji Onno, Mariko Takahashi, Ken Hirai, Exile, and others
February 20, 1972 ~ Kevin Brereton, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter, producer K-OS, born in Toronto, Canada ~ Alternative rapper mixing rap, funk, rock, and reggae, focusing on a positive message. The acronym k-os, stylized in lowercase is said to stand for “knowledge of self.” Growing up, k-os listened to artists as diverse as New Order, Depeche Mode, Michael Jackson, Boogie Down Productions, A Tribe Called Quest, and the Beatles
February 20, 1972 ~ Drummer Neil Primrose born in Cumbernauld, UK ~ Drummer of Scottish indie quartet Travis. Only one of the band who was not a student at the Glasgow School of Art. Also a member of the band's predecessor Glass Onion featuring Chris Martyn and Geoff Martyn
February 20, 1971 ~ Folk singer, violinist, oboe player, songwriter Paul Sartin born ~ Closely associated with Paul Hutchinson, with whom he formed Belshazzar's Feast. Formed Dr Faustus, known for the albums The First Cut and Wager. Also well known as a member of Bellowhead, joining the band in 2004. Has also composed for theatre and film, notably the 2011 Streetwise Opera film opera The Hartlepool Monkey, has worked as TV presenter and co-founded Whitchurch Folk Club ~ Sartin passed away in 2022
February 20, 1970 ~ Jazz pianist, organist, keyboardist Craig Taborn, full name Craig Marvin Taborn, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Over a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader starting with The Craig Taborn Trio released in 1994 teaming up with Jaribu Shahid and Tani Tabbal. Sideman on over 100 albums, including recordings by Lotte Anker, Art Ensemble Of Chicago, Tim Berne, David Binney, James Carter, Marty Ehrlich, Michael Formanek, Drew Gress, Innerzone Orchestra, Ingrid Laubrock, Mat Maneri, Roscoe Mitchell, Evan Parker, Chris Potter, Wadada Leo Smith, and others
February 20, 1970 ~ Jazz pianist Eric Legnini born near Liège, Belgium ~ Worked with Barney Wilen, Michel Graillier, Flavio Boltro, Stefano di Battiste, Aldo Romano, Stephane Belmondo, John Ruocco, Felix Simtaine, Michel Hatzigeorgiou, Dre Pallemearts, Emanuele Cisi, Toninho Horta, Philip Catherine, Serge Reggiani, Hein van de Geyn, Marcia Maria, Jacques Pelzer, Andre Ceccarelli, Eric Le Lann, Paco Sery, and others
February 20, 1969 ~ Conductor Ernest Ansermet, full name Ernest Alexandre Ansermet, passed away in Geneva, Switzerland ~ Founded the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande ~ Ansermet was born in 1883
February 20, 1967 ~ Guitarist, singer Kurt Cobain, full name Kurt Donald Cobain, born in Aberdeen, Washington, USA ~ Guitarist, singer, frontman of pivotal Seattle grunge outfit Nirvana, known for songs such as Smells Like Teen Spirit, Come As You Are, In Bloom, All Apologies and Heart-Shaped Box. Cobain would die of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at age 27, yet be remembered as spokesperson of the Generation X and one of the all-time most influential rock musicians ~ Cobain passed away in 1994
February 20, 1967 ~ Bassist Pawel Maciwoda born in Wieliczka, Poland ~ Best known as member of the Scorpions, playing with the band since 2003. Also worked with the Little Egoists, Dupa, Püdelsi, TSA, Walk Away, Virgin Snatch, and others
February 20, 1966 ~ Hard bop saxophonist Mark Gross born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Worked with Lionel Hampton, Delfeayao Marsalis, Nat Adderley, Buster Williams, Dave Holland, Mulgrew Miller, Nicholas Payton, Wynton Marsalis, Nancy Wilson, Jack McDuff, Walter Booker, Jimmy Cobb, Don Braden, Vincent Gardner, Marlon Saunders, Freddie Hubbard, and others
February 20, 1964 ~ Saxophonist, composer Iain Ballamy born in Guildford, UK ~ Leader and sideman. Started learning saxophone in 1978. Was playing professionally by 1980. Founding member of Loose Tubes. Has worked with wide array of artists including Gil Evans, Hermeto Pascoal, the New York Composer Orchestra, Carla Bley, Dewey Redman, George Coleman, the London Sinfonietta, François Jeanneau, Daniel Humair, Mike Gibbs, Randy Weston, the Karnataka College Od Percussion, Sax Assault, the Jazz Train, Freebop, Nishat Khan, Clare Martin, Human Chain, Tom Robinson, Charlie Watts, Jeremy Stacey, Randy Weston, Joanna MacGregor, Delightful Precipice, Bill Bruford, Django Bates, Mark Wingfield, Jane Chapman, Bryan Ferry, Everything But The Girl, Food, the Oxcentrics, Ian Shaw, Slim Gaillard, Ultramarine, Ashley Slater, the Hungry Ants, Ronnie Scott, Gordon Beck, Gay Dad, the Britten Sinfonia, and others
February 20, 1963 ~ Jazz bassist Addison Farmer passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Twin brother of trumpeter Art Farmer, with whom he also played including with artists such as Benny Golson, Jay McShann and with Gigi Gryce. Addison has also worked with Johnny Alston, Teddy Edwards, Mose Allison, Charlie Parker, and with Miles Davis ~ Farmer was born in 1928
February 20, 1963 ~ Alternative rock singer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, percussionist, songwriter Ian Brown, full name Ian George Brown born in Ancoats, UK ~ Fronted the Stone Roses from their formation in 1984 until the band's disbandement in 1996, known for songs such as Fools Gold, Elephant Stone, One Love and Love Spreads. Released his full-length solo debut album, Unfinished Monkey Business, in 1998 and has regularly reached the British top 20 since. As a solo artist best known for songs such as My Start, Dolphins Were Monkeys, FEAR and Illegal Attacks featuring Sinéad O'Connor
February 20, 1959 ~ Lynda Tucker, commonly known as gospel, R&B singer Lynda Lawrence, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Daughter of gospel singer Ira Tucker. Sister of singers Sundray Tucker and Ira Tucker Jr. Member of the Supremes in 1972 and 1973, replacing Cindy Birdsong. Sang backup for Stevie Wonder, most notably on the Songs In The Key Of Life album. Has also guested on recordings by Aretha Franklin, Moacir Santos, Jean Terrell, Joe Cocker, Brian Setzer, Harry Nilsson, Brandy Norwood, Ringo Starr, Martha Reeves, and others
February 20, 1959 ~ Rock bassist Sebastian Steinberg born ~ Best known as member of Soul Coughing throughout its existence from 1992 to 2000. Also worked with Marc Ribot, the Dixie Chicks, kd Lang, Neil Finn, Fiona Apple, JS Ondara, Iron & Wine, and others
February 20, 1958 ~ Jazz trumpeter Leroy Jones born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Active since his teens. Worked with Danny Barker, the Hurricane Brass Band, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Della Reese, Harry Connick Jr, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Dr John, and others
February 20, 1956 ~ Singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Jim Salestrom, full name James Kevin Salestrom, born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ Co-founded, fronted country-folk rock outfit Timberline. Member of the Wild Jimbos. Also closely associated with Dolly Parton, backing Parton from 1979 through 1991. Wrote It's Too Soon To Let Our Love End, recorded by Mary MacGregor in 1977
February 20, 1956 ~ Jazz double bassist, bandleader, composer, arranger Riccardo del Fra born in Rome, Italy ~ Worked with the RAI Orchestra, Art Blakey, Art Farmer, Kai Winding, Enrico Pieranunzi, Chet Baker, Alan Jean Marie, Al Levitt, Charles Loos, Barney Wilen, Lee Konitz, Joe Diorio, Bob Brookmeyer, and others
February 20, 1954 ~ Bluegrass singer, guitarist, songwriter Claire Lynch born in Kingston, New York, USA ~ Member of the Front Porch String Band and accomplished solo artist. Recognised alongside Dale Ann Bradley as one the two best female voices in bluegrass
February 20, 1954 ~ Bassist Jon Brant, full name Jonathan Edward Brant, born ~ Member of Cheap Trick from 1981 to 1988. Founding member of D'Thumbs with Tommy Aldridge and Pete Comita. Has also worked with Chris Spedding, Lou Reed, Diana Ross, Lesley Gore, Jason & the Scorchers, Micki Free, and others
February 20, 1952 ~ Cellist Felix Salmond, full name Felix Adrian Norman Salmond, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with the Queen's Hall Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Hallé Orchestra, Harold Bauer, Bronislaw Huberman, Lionel Tertis, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Efrem Zimbalist, and others ~ Salmond was born in 1888
February 20, 1952 ~ Jazz guitarist Uwe Kropinski born ~ Influenced by Conny Bauer. Worked with David Friesen, Volker Schlott, John Stowell, Cecil McBee, and with Pheeroan Aklaff
February 20, 1951 ~ Pianist, composer Anthony Davis born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Drawing from a wide variety of genres including R&B, jazz, gospel, world music, experimental music, classical. Considered “the Dean of African-American opera composers” and known for works such as X (The Life And Times Of Malcolm X), Amistad and Wakonda's Dream. Awarded a Pullitzer Prize in 2020 for his opera The Central Park Five, based on the story of the wrongly convicted Central Park Five and premiered at the Long Beach Opera. In-demand jazz, free jazz pianist, leader, sideman. Has worked with Wadada Leo Smith, Anthony Braxton, Barry Altschul, Chico Freeman, David Murray, Bobby Previte, and others
February 20, 1951 ~ Guitarist Randolph Craig Wolfe, commonly known as guitarist Randy California, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as founding member and frontman of Spirit. Previously a member of Jimmy James & the Blue Flames along with Jimi Hendrix who nicknamed Wolfe California ~ Wolfe passed away in 1997
February 20, 1950 ~ Salsa singer, songwriter Ismael Miranda, full name Ismael Miranda Carrero, born in Aguada, Puerto Rico ~ Dubbed “the Pretty Boy of Salsa”. Known for songs such as Rumbon Melon and El Exigente. Worked with Larry Harlow, Willie Colón, the Fania All-Stars, Sonora Matancera, Andy Montañez, and others
February 20, 1950 ~ Label owner, producer, impresario, radio and TV personality Tony Wilson, full name Anthony Howard Wilson, born in Salford, UK ~ Co-founded Factory Records record label, home of bands such as the Happy Mondays, Joy Division, New Order. Founded and managed the Hacienda nightclub in Manchester ~ Wilson passed away in 2007
February 20, 1950 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter Walter Becker, full name Walter Carl Becker, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as co-founder of jazz-rock band Steely Dan along with songwriting partner Donald Fagen. Also known as a producer for Fra Lippo Lippi, China Crisis, Michael Franks, John Beasley, Rickie Lee Jones, and others ~ Becker passed away in 2017
February 20, 1947 ~ Adrianus Marinus Kloot, commonly known as comedian, actor, singer André van Duin, born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as a comedian and actor with a career spanning five decades. Has consistenty recorded as a singer, often with a comic twist. Known best for songs such as De Tamme Boerenzoon, Willempie, Bim Bam, Als De Zon Schijnt and De Balletjes Van De Koningin
February 20, 1946 ~ John Warren Geils Jr, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter J Geils, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Lead guitarist of the J Geils Band. Released a number of albums since the mid-1990s under the moniker Jay Geils, collaborating with former bandmate Magic Dick, with Duke Robillard and Gerry Beaudoin as New Guitar Summit, and as a solo artist ~ Geils passed away in 2017
February 20, 1946 ~ Pop singer, pianist, songwriter Riccardo Cocciante born in Saigon, Vietnam ~ Records in Italian, French, English and Spanish. Actively recording since the early 1970s. To English audiences best known for his cover of the Beatles-song Michelle recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra and for his 1976 Richard Cocciante album, an English-language remake of his Anima released two years earlier spawning the modest US hit When Love Has Gone Away. Has also co-written a number of musicals, starting with Notre Dame De Paris in 1997
February 20, 1945 ~ Singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Alan Hull, full name James Alan Hull, born in Berwell. UK ~ Best known as co-founding member, frontman of Lindisfarne. Has also recorded as a solo artist and worked with the Chosen Few, Brethren, Radiator, and others ~ Hull passed away in 1995
February 20, 1944 ~ Trumpeter, hornist Lew Soloff, full name Lewis Michael Soloff, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. To pop, rock audiences perhaps best known as a member of Blood Sweat & Tears from 1968 through 1973 first appearing on the band's eponymous 1969 Blood Sweat & Tears sophomore album. Member of 1980s jazz outfit Members Only. Present on albums by George Benson, Dizzy Gillespie, Gil Evans, Bloomfield Kooper & Stills, Herbie Mann, Sonny Stitt, Aretha Franklin, Marlena Shaw, Chaka Khan, Charlie Musselwhite, Michael Franks, Sinéad O'Connor (Am I Not Your Girl), Grant Green, Carla Bley, Paul Simon (Graceland), Hank Crawford, the Manhattan Jazz Quintet, Jimmy Heath, Bobby Previte, Joss Stone (Colour Me Free), and others ~ Soloff passed away in 2015
February 20, 1943 ~ Producer, songwriter Paul Leka born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA ~ In-demand producer, songwriter known for his work with the Chateaus, the Lemon Pipers (The Green Tambourine), Peppermint Rainbow (Will You Be Staying After Sunday), Steam, the Left Banke, Peter Nero, Jimmie Spheeris, Harry Chapin, REO Speedwagon, Lori Lieberman, Gloria Gaynor, and others ~ Leka passed away in 2011
February 20, 1940 ~ Singer, songwriter Barbara Ellis born in Olympia, Washington, USA ~ Formed the Fleetwoods with Gretchen Christopher and Gary Troxel. The band was discovered by Dolton Records-producer Bob Reisdorff and would score a number of late 1950s, early 1960s hits. Their debut single Come Softly To Me, Mr Blue and their remake of Thomas Wayne's Tragedy all reached top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100
February 20, 1937 ~ Singer, pianist, songwriter David Ackles, full name David Thomas Ackles, born in Rock Island, Illinois, USA ~ Former child actor with four albums to his name starting with his eponymous David Ackles debut released in 1968. Though never achieving mainstream succes held in the highest regard by musicians such as Elton John, Phil Collins and Elvis Costello, the latter once stating “It's a mystery to me why his wonderful songs are not better known” ~ Ackles passed away in 1999
February 20, 1937 ~ Singer Nancy Wilson born in Chillicothe, Ohio, USA ~ Recorded over 70 albums. Best known for her recordings of You Don't Know How Glad I Am and Guess Who I Saw Today. Worked with Hank Jones, the Great Jazz Trio, the Griffith Park Band, Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, Ramsey Lewis, Barry Manilow (co-produced Wilson's With My Lover Beside Me album), and others ~ Wilson passed away in 2018
February 20, 1933 ~ Soul jazz, acid jazz organist Charles Kynard born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Johnny Almond, Paul Jeffrey, Les McCann, Blue Mitchell, Howard Robert, Clifford Scott, Sonny Stitt, Tom Waits, and others ~ Kynard passed away in 1979
February 20, 1927 ~ Son, guracha, bolero singer Ibrahim Ferrer born in San Luis, Cuba ~ Closely associated with Los Bocucos for nearly four decades. Has also worked with Conjunto Sorpresa, the Orquesta Oriental and Mario Patterson. Would gain international attention in the 1990s as member of the Afro-Cuban All Stars and especially the Buena Vista Social Club, touring internationally both with the revival bands and as a solo artist until his death ~ Ferrer passed away in 2005
February 20, 1926 ~ Cool jazz, hard bop saxophonist, flutist, composer Bobby Jaspar born in Liège, Belgium ~ Married to singer Blossom Dearie from 1954 to 1957. Leader and sideman. Worked with the Bop Shots, JJ Johnson, Kenny Burrell, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Donald Byrd, René Thomas, Chet Baker, Herbie Mann, George Wallington, Milt Jackson, Hank Jones, Johnny Rae, and others ~ Jaspar passed away in 1963
February 20, 1925 ~ Jazz drummer Frank Isola born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Gene Krupa. Worked with Bobby Sherwood, Earle Spencer, Johnny Bothwell, Elliot Lawrence, Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Eddie Bert, Bob Brookmeyer, Jimmy Raney, Johnny Williams, Tony Fruscello, Mose Allison, and others ~ Isola passed away in 2004
February 20, 1925 ~ R&B, doo-wop singer Warren Suttles born ~ Co-founded the Ravens with lead singer Jimmy Ricks. The doo-wop group would become one of the the most influential vocal quartets of the 1940s and early 1950s, known for songs such as Honey, Ole Man River, Write Me A Letter and Rock Me All Night Long ~ Suttles passed away in 2009
February 20, 1918 ~ Jazz, swing pianist, arranger, bandleader Phil Moore born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Lena Horne, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Short, Marshal Royal, Irving Ashby, Julie Wilson, Gene Sedric, Les Hite, Helen Gallagher, Tommy Dorsey, Milt Hinton, Johnny Letman, Gil Fuller, and others ~ Moore passed away in 1987
February 20, 1917 ~ Harpist, composer Juan Vicente Torrealba born in Caracas, Venezuela ~ Formed Los Torrealberos with his brother Arturo Torrealba and son Santana Torrealba. Also recorded as a solo artist, with over 100 albums to his name. Best known for songs such as Sinfonia En El Palmar, Mujer Guayanesa, Barquisimeto, La Fillo Zaina and Solito Con The Stars ~ Torrealba passed away in 2019
February 20, 1909 ~ Jazz, swing guitarist, singer, dancer Oscar Alemán, full name Oscar Marcelo Alemán, born in Machagal, Argentina ~ Worked with the Moreira Sextet, Gastón Bueno Lobo, Elvino Vardaro, Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and others ~ Alemán passed away in 1980
February 20, 1908 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader, composer Seymour Osterwall born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Led Seymour Astoria in the mid-1930s, later renamed the Seymour Osterwall's Orchestra with whom he performed until 1960. Brother of singer Irmgard Osterwall and double bassist Arthur Osterwal ~ Osterwall passed away in 1981
February 20, 1901 ~ Jazz trombonist Fred Robinson born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Worked with Carroll Dickerson, Louis Armstrong, Edgar Hayes, Mario Hardy, Don Redman, Benny Carter, Charles Turner, Fletcher Henderson, Fats Waller, Andy Kirk, George James, Cab Calloway, Sy Oliver, Noble Sissle, and others ~ Robinson passed away in 1984
February 20, 1899 ~ Bandleader, violinist Richard Himber, full name Herbert Richard Himber, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ As a bandleader best known for a number of 1930s recordings, notably his signature song It Isn't Fair. Known for his sense of humor, a practical joker, magician, and for satirizing other popular bandleaders ~ Himber passed away in 1966
February 20, 1894 ~ Pianist, singer Jimmy Yancey, full name James Edward Yancey, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Pivotal boogie-woogie pianist and songwriter. Influenced contemporaries such as Meade Lux Lewis and Albert Ammons as well as future generations ~ Yancey passed away in 1951
February 20, 1874 ~ Operatic soprano Mary Garden born in Aberdeen, UK ~ Described as “the Sarah Bernhardt of Opera“ Garden rose to fame in the early 20th century working mostly in England and continental Europe. Leading soprano with Parisien the Opera-Comique in the early 1900s. Brought to America by Oscar Hammerstein I in 1907. Worked with the Manhattan Opera House, the Boston Opera Company, the Philadelphia Opera Company, the Chicago Grand Opera Company, and others. Retired from the stage in the mid-1930s ~ Garden passed away in 1967