February 22, 2024 ~ Skiffle, rock & roll pianist John Lowe, full name John Charles Duff Lowe, passed away ~ By invite of Paul McCartney, Lowe played with the Quarrymen from 1958 through 1960, a band that would evolve into the Beatles. Lowe, known to friends as “Duff”, was present on the recordings of That'll Be The Day and In Spite Of All The Danger, for which he retained ownership. Lowe sold the songs to McCartney in 1981, the two tracks would be included on the Beatles Anthology Vol.1 compilation album released in 1995 ~ Lowe was born in 1942
February 22, 2024 ~ Veronica Loretta Stoneman, commonly known as banjoist, actress, comedian Roni Stoneman, passed away ~ Dubbed “the First Lady of Banjo”. Daughter of guitarist Ernest Stoneman, one of the earliest country music stars. Member of family outfit the Stonemans for over a decade, with whom she has performed at the White House, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Grand Ole Opry. Stoneman is especially known as a cast member of the Hee Haw country music variety TV show for nearly two decades starting in the early-1970s. While she occasionally picked banjo and sang on the show, it was her comedic talent that garnered more attention, specifically in the character of Ida Lee Nagger. As a musician, Stoneman continued to perform into the 2020s, either as a solo artist or with her sister mandolinist Donna Stoneman ~ Stoneman was born in 1938
February 22, 2022 ~ Alternative rock, grunge, hard rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Mark Lanegan passed away in Killarney, Ireland ~ Frontman, lead singer, co-founding member of psychedelic grunge band Screaming Trees. Has recorded as a solo artist, starting with The Winding Sheet released in 1990. Frequent collaborator of the Queens Of The Stone Age. Formed the Gutter Twins with Afghan Whigs-singer Greg Dulli. Member of Mad Season alongside Alice In Chains-singer Layne Staley and Pearl Jam-guitarist Mike McCready. Has guested on recordings by Melissa Auf Der Maur, Creature With The Atom Brain, Moby, the Manic Street Preachers, and others ~ Lanegan was born in 1964
February 22, 2017 ~ Country singer Carly Pearce releases Every Little Thing, lead single off her Every Little Thing debut album ~ Penned by Pearce, Emily Shackelton, and Busbee, the latter also serving as producer. Warmly received by critics, Taste Of Country remarking that Pearce “recalls some of country music's most vulnerable female vocalists, the heartbreaking ballad is as raw as the singer's emotions”, Every Little Thing reached top 10 Billboard Country. Pearce released the full-length album of the same name the following October, which peaked inside the top 10 on the Billboard Country charts, and inside the top 40 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 200
February 22, 2016 ~ James Hugh Loden, commonly known as country, country pop singer, guitarist Sonny James, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Dubbed the “Southern Gentleman”, known best for his 1957 hit single Young Love, considered by some the first teenage country crossover hit, topping both the pop and country charts. James would regularly reach the higher echelons of the Billboard Country charts into the 1970s, well known songs including First Date First Kiss First Love, Uh-huh-mm, The Minute You're Gone, Baltimore, You're The Only World I Know, I'll Keep Holding On Just To Your Love, Behind The Tear, Take Good Care Of Her, Room In Your Heart, and I'll Never Find Another You ~ Loden was born in 1928
February 22, 2012 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Billy Strange, full name William Everett Strange, passed away in Franklin, Tennessee, USA ~ Teamed up with singer, songwriter Mac Davis, co-writing several songs recorded by Elvis Presley including A Little Less Conversation and Memories. In-demand session musician, member of the Wrecking Crew, and present on recordings by the Ventures, the Beach Boys (Sloop John B), Jan & Dean, Willie Nelson, the Everly Brothers, Wanda Jackson, Randy Newman, Nat King Cole. Arranged and conducted for Frank Sinatra, Duane Eddy, and notably Nancy Sinatra, including all of the latter's Reprise albums as well as the hit These Boots Are Made For Walkin' ~ Strange was born in 1930
February 22, 2012 ~ Jazz accordionist, pianist, bandleader Eivin One Pedersen passed away in Stavanger, Norway ~ Released his Solo Mio solo debut album in 1984. Perhaps best known as an early member of jazz trio Detail alongside Frode Gjerstad and John Stevens, and for his collaborations with the likes of Katja Medbøe, Calling Signals, Ciwan Haco, and Morten Abel ~ Pedersen was born in 1956
February 22, 2012 ~ Jazz pianist, composer, arranger Mike Melvoin passed away in Burbank, California, USA ~ Closely associated with Bill Henderson, Herb Ellis, Plas Johnson. Has worked on about half a dozen of Lalo Schifrin's soundtracks, including Music From Music Impossible and Bullit. Also present on albums by Nancy Wilson, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), Oliver Nelson, Mason Williams, Peggy Lee, the Ventures, Cal Tjader, the Partridge Family, Tavares (Check It Out), Quincy Jones, Edwin Starr (Hell Up In Harlem), Tom Waits (The Heart Of Saturday Night), Thelma Houston, Ahmad Jamal, Natalie Cole, and Michael Bublé ~ Melvoin was born in 1937
February 22, 2011 ~ William Hargis Bowman Jr, commonly known as R&B, soul, funk singer, drummer Beau Dollar, passed away in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA ~ Discovered by James Brown, under whose direction the Dapps fronted by Dollar would record their It's A Gas single. It would be shelved though due to disputes with the King record label. With the help of Hank Ballard the band would release two other singles, There Was A Time and Bringing Up The Guitar, in 1967 before disbanding shortly thereafter ~ Bowman was born in 1941
February 22, 2011 ~ Actress Gwyneth Paltrow and country singer Tim McGraw release Me And Tennessee, recorded for the Country Strong soundtrack ~ Since the mid-2000s, McGraw had ventured into acting including appearing as one of the main characters in the 2011 drama film Country Strong opposite Paltrow. The film would be a critical and commercial disappointment, yet the song Me And Tennessee would be a modest hit on the Billboard Country charts, peaking at No.34. McGraw said that he had difficulty recording the song with Paltrow, usually an actress, because he thought that “it's such a moving song&rdqquo; and said that he wanted to sing as well on it as she did. The song was written by Paltrow's then-husband Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay
February 22, 2011 ~ Singer Jean Dinning passed away in Garden Grove, California, USA ~ Formed the Dinning Sisters with twin sister Ginger Dinning and older sister Lou Dinning.The sibling trio is known for late-1940s top 20 hits such as My Adobe Hacienda, I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now, I Beg Your Pardon and Buttons And Bows ~ Dinning was born in 1924
February 22, 2007 ~ Drummer, percussionist Ian Wallace, full name Ian Russell Wallace, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Perhaps best known for his associations with progressive rock band King Crimson, David Lindley and Don Henley. Has also recorded as a solo artist and collaborated with the Warriors, Snape, the Quireboys, Johnny Hallyday, Billy Burnette, Alexis Korner, Alvin Lee, Labi Siffre, Bob Dylan, Ronnie Wood, Stevie Nicks, Graham Nash, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, the Traveling Wilburys, and Rodney Crowell ~ Wallace was born in 1946
February 22, 2005 ~ Singer, rapper Akon releases Lonely, lifted off his Troubles debut album ~ Building upon a sample off of Bobby Vinton's Mr Lonely, tells of a boyfriend taking his girl for granted only to miss her when she's gone. The song would be a massive hit, topping the charts in over half a dozen countries including the Netherlands and the UK. In America, it would reach No.4 Billboard Hot 100, making it his second top 10 hit after Locked Up
February 22, 2002 ~ Jazz drummer Ronnie Verrell, full name Ronald Thomas Verrell, passed away in Kingston-upon-Thames, UK ~ Influenced by Benny Goodman. Member of two of the UK's most celebrated big bands, serving in the orchestras led by Ted Heath and Syd Lawrence. Played the drum parts for The Muppet Show's Animal. Has also worked with Tommy Whittle, Johnny Claes, Cyril Stapleton, Winifred Atwell, Alan Clare Trio, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Petula Clark, and the Strawbs ~ Verrell was born in 1926
February 22, 2001 ~ Singer, guitarist John Fahey passed away in Salem, Oregon, USA ~ Influential fingerstyle guitarist. Draws from folk, blues, classical, world music. Would fade in and out of poverty and obscurity during the course of his career but was always held in the highest acclaim by peers and resurge in the late-1990s finding a new audience among the alternative crowd with both new listeners and fellow musicians including Sonic Youth and Cul De Sac ~ Fahey was born in 1956
February 22, 1999 ~ Singers Barbra Streisand and Vince Gill record the duet If You Ever Leave Me ~ Written by Richard Marx. Produced by Marx and David Foster. Included on Streisand's 1999 A Love Like Ours album. Critically acclaimed, some critics would rank this luscious power ballad among Streisand's best alongside Comin' In And Out Of Your Life and A Woman In Love
February 22, 1994 ~ John Henry Creach, commonly known as violinist Papa John Creach, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Sideman to Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Stuff Smith, Charlie Christian, Big Joe Turner, T-Bone Walker, Nat King Cole, and Roy Milton. Rediscovered in the mid-1960s, after which he would frequently collaborate with rock, psychedelic rock acts of the day, perhaps most notably the Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna ~ Creach was born in 1917
February 22, 1991 ~ Pop singer Robin Stjernberg, full name Robin James Olof Stjernberg, born in Hässleholm, Sweden ~ Member of boy band What's Up. Internationally best known as a solo artist, representing Sweden in the 2013 Eurovision Songfestival with the song You, reaching 14th place. Also co-wrote Robin Bengtsson's I Can't Go On, Sweden's 2017 Eurovision Songfestival entry which reached 5th place
February 22, 1989 ~ At the 31st Grammy Awards ceremony held at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, singer, guitarist, songwriter Tracy Chapman wins the Grammy Award for Best New Artist ~ Chapman was turned down by a string of producers, as they did not favor her musical direction, before David Kershenbaum decided to take on the project. Recorded in a mere eight weeks, Chapman's eponymous Tracy Chapman debut album would be a massive critical and commercial success across the globe, aided by the success of its lead single Fast Car, and catapult the singer to fame. Nominated for Album of the Year, Tracy Chapman lost out to George Michael's Faith, yet it did help her secure the Grammy Award for Best New Artist
February 22, 1987 ~ Producer, manager Andy Warhol passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as film director, painter, visual arts artist leading in art pop movement. Also produced and managed the Velvet Underground in their early days. Warhol's production role amounted to little more than paying for the band's studio time and the relationship, especially with the band's frontman Lou Reed, would be seriously frailed after the band's debut album ~ Warhol was born in 1928
February 22, 1985 ~ Violinist, conductor, composer Efrem Zimbalist passed away in Reno, Nevada, USA ~ Internationally acclaimed by his early 20s. Came out of retirement in 1949 to premier Gian Carlo Menotti's Violin Concerto, dedicated to him. Also known as a composer, notably for the pieces American Rhapsody, Sarasateana for viola and piano and the 1956 opera Landara ~ Zimbalist was born in 1889
February 22, 1983 ~ Conductor Adrian Boult, full name Adrian Cedric Boult, passed away in London, UK ~ Associated with the Royal Opera House, the City Of Birmingham Orchestra, the BBC Sympony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Boult was born in 1889
February 22, 1979 ~ Jazz bassist, double bassist Ludek Hulan passed away ~ Pivotal figure in post-war Czech jazz. Founder or co-founder of several influential jazz ensembles including the Hootie Club, Studio 5 and the Jazz Studio. Has also worked with Gustav Brom, Milan Ulrich, Richard Kubernat, Albert Nicholas, and others. Initially emigrated after the 1968 Soviet invasion but quickly returned, making him “politically undesirable” which hindered his career ~ Hulan was born in 1929
February 22, 1976 ~ R&B, pop singer Florence Ballard, full name Florence Glenda Ballard, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Original member of the Supremes, remaining with the band through 1967. Present on songs such as Where Did Our Love Go, Baby Love, Back In My Arms Again, I Hear A Symphony, You Can't Hurry Love, You Keep Me Hangin' On, and others ~ Ballard was born in 1943
February 22, 1976 ~ Jean-Jacques Cader, commonly known as rapper, DJ, producer J-Live, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Prince Paul, Walkin' Large, Handsome Boy Modeling School, Peshay, the Masterminds, the Unsung Heroes, the Lone Catalysts, Ambivalence, Vakill, J Rawls, Rob Swift, El da Sensei, Richy Pitch, DJ Jazzy Jeff, 7L, Esoteric, Lifesava, the Nextmen, Soulive, Iomos Marad, Oktober, DJ Nu-Mark, Asheru, Dela, the Jazz Liberators, Apathy, Oddisee, Homecut, Illus, Homeboy Sandman, Loranger, Kool Keith, Praverb, and others
February 22, 1975 ~ Classical violist, composer Lionel Tertis passed away in Wimbledon, UK ~ One of the first viola players to achieve international fame. Premiered works by Arnold Bax, Frank Bridge, Benjamin Dale, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and others. Formed the Chamber Music Players alongside William Murdoch, Albert Sammons and Lauri Kennedy ~ Tertis was born in 1876
February 22, 1975 ~ Pop, new wave, synth-pop singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter Sébastien Tellier born in Le Plessus-Blouchard, France ~ Sings in French, English, Italian. Released his solo debut album, L'Incroyable Vérité, in 2001. Composed several soundtracks, notably 2007's Narco. Represented France in the 2008 Eurovision Songfestival with Divine reaching 19th place, the first French entry largely sung in English. Produced and wrote songs for burlesque artist Ditta von Teese. Has collaborated with Mr Oizo, Guy Manuel de Homem-Christo, Jean-Michel Jarre, MGMT, Christophe, and others
February 22, 1974 ~ James Hillier Blount, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter James Blunt, born in Idworth, UK ~ Rose to fame with his 2004 debut Back To Bedlam album, one of the best-selling albums in UK chart history and spawning hits such as Goodbye My Lover and You're Beautiful. Has recorded to critical acclaim and commercial success since. Also known for later hits such as 2003's 1973 and 2013's Bonfire Heart. Has collaborated with Laura Pausini, Robin Schulz, Lost Frequencies, and others
February 22, 1973 ~ Alternative metal, alternative rock, post-grunge drummer, keyboardist Scott Phillips, full name Thomas Scott Phillips, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Self-taught drummer. Influenced by Will Calhoun, Matt Cameron, Lars Ulrich, John Bonham, Mike Portnoy, Neil Peart. Co-founded Creed. Co-founded Alter Bridge. Co-founded Projected. Has also worked with Submersed and with supergroup Projected
February 22, 1972 ~ Electronic, psychedelic, experimental techno guitarist, composer Anla Courtis born in Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Fronted Reynols, with whom he released over 100 albums
February 22, 1971 ~ Jazz alto saxophonist Derek Humble passed away ~ Worked with Kathy Stobart, Vic Lewis, Jack Parnell, Ronnie Scott, Tony Crombie, Victor Feldman, Arnold Ross, Kenny Graham, Jimmy Deuchar, Oscar Rabin, Kurt Edelhagen, Heinz Kretschmar, Dusko Gojkovic, Kenny Clarke, Francy Boland, Gordon Beck, Phil Seamen, and others ~ Humble was born ca.1930
February 22, 1970 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Laurent Coq born in Marseille, France ~ Leader active since the late-1990s. Worked with Jean Christophe Beney, Jules Bikoko Bi Njami, Danie Garcia Bruno, Philippe Soirat, Dave El Malek, Olivier Zanot, Reuben Rogers, Otis Brown III, Damion Reid, Miguel Zenón, Dana Leong, Dan Weiss, Sam Sadigursky, Christine Correa, Ralph Lavital, and others
February 22, 1969 ~ Progressive rock, progressive metal, jazz fusion, folk rock keyboardist Joakim Svalberg born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Joined progressive metal band Opeth in 2011, first appearing on the 2014 Pale Communion album. Has also worked with Qoph, Yngwie Malmsteen's backing unit Rising Force, elGamo, and others
February 22, 1969 ~ Jazz keyboardist, pianist Stale Storløkken born in Dombas, Norway ~ Co-founded Veslefrekk with Arve Henriksen and Jarle Vespestad, later renamed to Supersilent. One third of BOL, alongside his wife Tone Ase and Tor Haugerud. Also played with Gunnar Andreas Berg, Eldbjørg Raknes, Audun Kleive, Thomas Stronen, Elephant9, Terje Rypdal, Christian Wallumrød, and others
February 22, 1967 ~ Jazz bassist, guitarist Audun Erlien born in Oslo, Norway ~ Worked with Knut Reiersrud, Bendik Hofseth, Jonas Fjeld, Rick Danko, Eric Andersen, David Lindley, Henry Kaiser, Deeyah Khan, Vidar Busk, Anja Garbarek, Silje Nergaard, Alex Rosen, Ciwan Haco, Earl Wilson, Grethe Svensen, Øystein Sevåg, Carsten Loly, Ole Paus, Karl Seglem, Patrik Shaw Iversen, Anita Skorgan, SIri Christensen, Jacob Young, May Britt Haug, Knut Halmrast, Lakki Patey, Kristin Skaare, Jan Eggum, Lars Lillo Stenberg, Frode Alnæs, Nils Petter Molvær, Dhafer Youssef, Eivind Sarset, Jarle Bernhoft, Mathias Eick, and Lisa Bonner
February 22, 1965 ~ Michael McCarthy, commonly known as producer, engineer Mike McCarthy, born ~ Closely associated with Spoon, producing and mixing several of the band's albums including the acclaimed 2005 Gimme Fiction album. Other credits include work on albums by Holly Dunn, Doug Stone, KT Oslin, Waylon Jennings (The Eagle), Mark Chesnutt, Lee Ann Womack (Something Worth Leaving Behind), and Patty Griffin
February 22, 1964 ~ Pop-punk, rock drummer, bassist, singer Atsuko Yamano born in Osaka Prefecture, Japan ~ Co-founded all-female alternative rock, underground garage rock band Shonen Knife in 1981 with her sister Naoko Yamano and their friend Michie Nakatani. The band would be heavily influenced by 1960s girl groups, the Beach Boys, and early punk rock acts such as the Ramones. The band would gather a cult following, enjoy international success and be admired by the likes of renowned BBC-radio DJ John Peel, Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore and perhaps most notably Nirvana-singer Kurt Cobain
February 22, 1964 ~ Electronica, drum and bass, house, trance, trip hop, soul, funk singer Diane Charlemagne born in Manchester, UK ~ Lead singer for funk outfit 52nd Street, taking over for Beverley McDonald in 1984, and present on perhaps the band's best known Tell Me How It Feels. Lead singer for the Urban Cookie Collective, known for the 1990s hits The Key The Secret and Feels Like Heaven. Guest vocalist on Goldie's Inner City Life. Frequently backed Moby on tours. Charlemagne has also worked with Satoshi Tomiie, Calibre, Scape, Netsky, and the Memory Notes ~ Charlemagne passed away in 2015
February 22, 1961 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Akira Takasaki born in Osaka, Japan ~ Rose to prominence in the 1970s as co-founding member of Lazy, named after the Deep Purple-song of the same name. After the band disbanded in 1981 Takasaki would go on to play lead guitar with Loudness, the first Japanese heavy metal act to be signed to a major label. Takasaki would record well over two dozen albums with the band, earning international acclaim
February 22, 1961 ~ Composer, pianist, conductor Lowell Liebermann born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ First played Carnegie Hall at age 16, performing his Piano Sonata Op.1. Would go on to compose numerous acclaimed works, including symphonies, ballets and opera combining traditionall tonality with adventories harmonies
February 22, 1956 ~ Singers Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly record True Love for the High Society musical romantic comedy film ~ Written by Cole Porter. Produced by Johnny Green. Recorded for inclusion in the film High Society. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Paired with Crosby's Well Did You Evah on the flip side, the single reached top 10 on the pop charts both in the UK and America. Over the years, True Love would be covered by over 300 artists including Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, Patsy Cline, the Everly Brothers, George Harrison, and Kiki Dee & Elton John
February 22, 1953 ~ Punk rock, post-punk bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer Graham Lewis born in Grantham, UK ~ Co-founding member of Wire, acclaimed for their 1977 Pink Flag debut album. The album would be considered pivotal to the development of art punk and post-punk. Has also worked with Dome, Duet Emmo, Cupol, Where Everything Falls Out, He Said Omala, Halo, FITTED, and others
February 22, 1950 ~ Neil Andrew Megson, commonly known as bassist, singer Genesis P Orridge, born in Manchester, UK ~ Singer, multi-instrumentalist, poet, performance artist, occultist. Identifies as third gender with the preferred pronouns “s/he” and “h/er”. Iconic within avant-garde art scene. Often referred to as “Godparent of Industrial Music”. Founded Coum Transmissions artist collective in 1969. Best known for fronting Throbbing Gristle and Psychic TV. Also worked with Thee Majesty, Splinter Test, and Pigface ~ Megson passed away in 2020
February 22, 1948 ~ Jazz drummer, composer Joe LaBarbera born in Mount Morris, New York, USA ~ Brother of saxophonist Pat LaBarbera and trumpeter John LaBarbera and appears on recordings with both. Joe is best known for his association with pianist Bill Evans. Has also worked, both as leader and sideman, with artists such as Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Bill Cunliffe, Chuck Mangione, Bud Shank, Kim Richmond, and Terry Trotter
February 22, 1948 ~ Teolinda Joaquina de Sousa Lanca, commonly known as folk, fado, pop singer Linda de Suza, born in Beringal, Portugal ~ Best known for Tiroli Tirola, a top 10 hit in France in 1980. Sings in Portuguese and French, the language of her adopted homeland since the 1970s. Dubbed “the Amália of France” after fado singer and influence Amália Rodrigues, to whom she paid tribute in her song Amália. Recorded over a dozen albums since the late-1970s. Especially acclaimed for her A L'Olympia live album, released in 1983 ~ De Sousa passed away in 2022
February 22, 1947 ~ Jazz, smooth jazz, pop rock, R&B drummer Harvey Mason Sr, full name Harvey Williams Mason Sr, born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader, starting with Marching In The Street released in 1976. Best known as a versatile touring and session drummer closely associated with Erroll Garner, George Shearing, Herbie Hancock, and Freddie Hubbard. Has also appeared on albums by the likes of Phil Upchurch (Darkness Darkness), Carole King, Seals & Crofts, Charles Earland, Gene Harris, James Brown, Grover Washington Jr (Mr Magic), Donald Byrd, Patrice Rushen, Quincy Jones, George Benson, Phoebe Snow (It Looks Like Snow), the Brothers Johnson (Look Out For No.1), Seawind, Earth Wind & Fire, Sadao Watanabe, Aretha Franklin, Thijs van Leer, Chick Corea, Henry Mancini, Minnie Riperton (Minnie), Eric Gale, and Gil Scott-Heron
February 22, 1944 ~ Cornetist, trumpeter Mark Charig born in London, UK ~ Leader and sideman, session musician, collaborator, especially in-demand during the late-1960s and early-1970s. Notably present on several King Crimson tracks including Islands, Lizard and Fallen Angel. Has also worked with Long John Baldry, Bluesology, Soft Machine, Keith Tippett, Centipede, Red Brass, the London Jazz Composers Orchestra, Brotherhood Of Breath, Mike Osborne, Maarten Altena, and others
February 22, 1944 ~ Rock & roll guitarist Mick Green, full name Michael Robert Green, born in Matlock, UK ~ Active since the late-1950s. Influenced the Who's Pete Townshend and Dr Feelgood's Wilko Johnson. Played with Johnny Kidd & the Pirates from 1962 through 1964. Subsequently worked with Billy J Kramer's 1960s outfit the Dakotas. Would go on to play with Shanghai, Bryan Ferry, Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, and Robert Plant ~ Green passed away in 2010
February 22, 1937 ~ Singer Bing Crosby and guitarist Lani McIntyre record Sweet Leilani ~ Written by Harry Owens. Previously recorded by Sol Ho'opi'i. Used in the 1937 Waikiki Wedding film, for which it as awarded an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Released the same year as a single, paired with Blue Hawaii, it would become one of the biggest hits of the year. The same day Crosby and McIntyre recorded Blue Hawaii, used as the single's flip side, which would inspire the Elvis Presley film Blue Hawaii and soundtrack album released in 1961
February 22, 1932 ~ Gordon Mitchell, commonly known as jazz bassist Whitey Mitchell, born in Hackensack, New Jersey, USA ~ Active since the mid-1950s. Began on clarinet and tuba before settling on bass, the same instrument as his more famous brother Red Mitchell. First gained attention playing with the New York Jazz Ensemble. Would go on to guest on albums by Pete Rugolo, Herbie Mann, Betty Roché (Take The A Train), Candido, Jimmy Raney, Oscar Pettiford, and Buck Clayton ~ Mitchell passed away in 2009
February 22, 1928 ~ John Riley Brown, commonly known as blues singer, guitarist, songwriter Texas Johnny Brown, born in Ackerman, Mississippi, USA ~ Active since the late-1940s, initially as a member of the Aladdin Chickenshackers known for regularly backing artists such as Amos Milburn and Ruth Brown. Perhaps best known for penning Two Steps From The Blues, notably recorded by Bobby Blue Bland as the title track of the pivotal 1961 Two Steps From The Blues soul-blues album. As a solo artist especially known among blues aficionados for songs such as The Blues Rock, There Goes The Blues and Bongo Boogie. Over the course of his career Brown has collaborated with numerous artists including Junior Parker, Lightnin' Hopkins, Joe Hinton, Goree Carter, Roy Gaines, and Clarence Hollimon ~ Brown passed away in 2013
February 22, 1927 ~ Albert George Cernik, commonly known as big band, traditional pop, country pop singer Guy Mitchell, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Active since the early-1950s. Discovered by Mitch Mitchell. Enjoyed popularity especially in the UK and Australia. Sold over 40 million records. Well known songs include My Heart Cries For You, My Truly Truly Fair, There's A Pawnshop On The Corner In Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Singing The Blues, and Heartaches By The Number ~ Cernik passed away in 1999
February 22, 1926 ~ Samuel David Bailey, commonly known as jazz drummer Dave Bailey, born in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA ~ Has recorded a number of albums as a leader during the early-1960s, especially acclaimed for Reaching Out. Closely associated with Gerry Mulligan, appearing on about a dozen of the saxophonist's albums including At Storyville, Songbook, and What Is There To Say. Bailey has also appeared on albums by Lee Konitz (Tranquility), Bob Brookmeyer, Lou Donaldson (Blues Walk), Curtis Fuller, Ben Webster (The Soul Of Ben Webster), John Mehegan, Charlie Rouse (Unsung Hero), Tubby Hayes, Grant Green (Green Street), Clark Terry, Vi Redd, Marian McPartland, Helen Merrill (The Artistry Of Helen Merrill), Zoot Sims, Lucky Thompson, and Nappy Brown. Bailey retired from music by the late-1960s to work as a flight instructor ~ Bailey passed away in 2023
February 22, 1923 ~ Producer, recording engineer, singer Norman Hurricane Smith born in Edmonton, UK ~ Best known as a studio engineer and producer. Engineered close to a 100 tracks for the Beatles. Produced the Pink Floyd albums Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, A Saucerful Of Secrets and Ummagumma. As a singer, Smith released a handful singles in the early-1970s, most notably Oh Babe What Would You Say which reached the top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic ~ Smith passed away in 2008
February 22, 1922 ~ Joseph Benjamin Wilder, commonly known as trumpeter Joe Wilder, born in Colwyn, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Benny Carter. Active since the early-1940s, backing the likes of Les Hite, Lionel Hampton, Jimmie Lunceford, Lucky Millinder, and Sam Donahue early on in his career. Recorded three albums as a leader in the 1950s, notably Softly With A Feeling, and several more from the 1980s onward. An in-demand sideman, Wilder has appeared on albums by Count Basie, Al Cohn, Marlene Verplanck (I Think Of You With Every Breath I Take), Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Hank Jones, Herbie Mann, Quincy Jones (This Is How I Feel About Jazz), Marilyn Moore, Mary Ann McCall, Bobby Short, George Russell (New York NY), Billie Holiday, Jackie Paris, Ray Charles (Genius+Soul=Jazz), Oscar Brown Jr, Oliver Nelson, Pee Wee Russell (Spirit Of '67), Charles Mingus (Let My Children Hear Music), Ray Bryant, Leon Redbone (On The Track), Yusef Lateef (The Doctor Is In & Out), and Johnny Hartman ~ Wilder passed away in 2014
February 22, 1913 ~ George Holmes Tate, commonly known as jazz, big band, swing saxophonist, clarinetist Buddy Tate, born in Sherman, Texas, USA ~ Over half a dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, noted specifically for 1960's Tate A Tate and 1975's The Texas Twister. Played with Count Basie for nearly a decade starting in the late-1930s. Collaborated with Hot Lips Page, and Jimmy Rushing prior to forming his own band by the early-1950s, marking the start of a 17-year residency at the Celebrity Club, Harlem, New York. Tate has also worked with the likes of Slim Gaillard, Roy Eldridge, Buck Clayton, Benny Goodman, Claude Hopkins, Coleman Hawkins, Herb Ellis, Milt Buckner, Ruby Braff (Ruby Braff With Buddy Tate & The Newport All Stars), and Jay McShann ~ Tate passed away in 2001
February 22, 1907 ~ Jazz cornetist Rex Stewart, full name Rex William Stewart Jr, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Active since the early-1920s. Best known for his association with Duke Ellington, working with Ellington's orchestra for a little over a decade starting in 1934. Other notable collaborations include Willie Lewis, Elmer Snowden, Horace Henderson, Fess Williams, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, and the Chocolate Dandies ~ Stewart passed away in 1967
February 22, 1903 ~ Composer, pianist Hugo Wolf, full name Hugo Philipp Jacob Wolf, passed away ~ Child prodigy. Wrote hundreds of lieder, also composed three operas, choral, orchestral and chamber music. Influenced mainly by Richard Wagner, Wolf's song Zur Ruh Zur Ruh said to be an elegy for Wagner. Best known for his 1887 instrumental work Italian Serenade, originally intended for string quartet and later transcribed to orchestra ~ Wolf was born in 1860
February 22, 1896 ~ Songwriter Nacio Herb Brown, full name Ignacio Herb Brown, born in Deming, New Mexico, USA ~ Known for songs such as Temptation, an early-1930s hit for Bing Crosby, his work on Broadway shows and for scoring numerous Hollywood films, perhaps most notably Singing In The Rain collaborating with lyricist Arthur Freed ~ Brown passed away in 1964
February 22, 1674 ~ Lutenist John Wilson passed away ~ Principal composer for the King's Men. Part of a group of artists and musicians surrounding the court of King Charles I. Following the latter's execution in 1649 would show his Royalist sympathies in his Psaleterium Carolinum, a versification of an earlier work by Thomas Stanley ~ Wilson was born in 1595