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, 2018 ~ Jazz banjoist, mandolinist Errol Buddle, full name Errol Leslie Buddle, passed away ~ Worked with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Elvin Jones, Johnnie Davis, the Australian Jazz Quartet, Jack Brokensha, Bryce Rohde, Dick Healey, and others ~ Buddle was born in 1928
February 22, 2016 ~ James Hugh Loden, commonly known as country, country pop singer, guitarist, songwriter 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. Would subsequently 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, I'll Never Find Another You, and others ~ Loden was born in 1928
February 22, 2015 ~ Bassist Erik Amundsen passed away ~ Worked with Mikkel Flagstad, Karin Krog, Laila Dalseth, Magni Wentzel, Bjørn Johansen, Ian Berger, Bjarne Nerem, Al Cohn, Bengt Hallberg, Totti Bergh, the Street Swingers, and others ~ Amundsen was born in 1937
February 22, 2013 ~ Flutist, conductor Claude Monteux passed away ~ Son of conductor Pierre Monteux, with whom he worked. Also worked with Arturo Toscanini, Bruno Walter, Thomas Beecham, Leopold Stokowski, Pablo Casals, Igor Stravinsky, and others ~ Monteux was born in 1920
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 Walking ~ 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 soul 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 a little while ~ Bowman was born in 1941
February 22, 2011 ~ Singer Jean Dinning passed away ~ Member of sibling outfit the Dinning Sisters, alongside Lou Dinning and Ginger Dinning, 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, Rodney Crowell, and others ~ Wallace was born in 1946
February 22, 2005 ~ Conductor, arranger Harry Simeone, full name Harry Moses Simeone, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for popularizing the Christmas song The Little Drummer Boy with his Harry Simeone Chorale ensemble ~ Simeone was born in 1910
February 22, 2002 ~ Jazz, big band 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, the Strawbs, and others ~ 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, 2000 ~ Singer William Wee Gee Howard passed away in Bronxville, New York, USA ~ Member of R&B group the Dramatics since 1967, known for songs such as Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get and In The Rain ~ Howard was born in 1950
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 the 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 Love 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, 1993 ~ Singer, actor Steve Fairnie, full name Stephen Angus Fairnie, passed away ~ Fronted post-punk outfit the Writz, known for the 1979 minor UK hit Night Nurse produced by Kevin Godley and Lol Creme. Formed 1980s pop duo the Techno Twins with his wife Bev Sage ~ Fairnie was born in 1951
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, 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, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and others ~ Boult was born in 1889
February 22, 1982 ~ Heavy metal, symphonic power metal, progressive metal singer Georg Neuhauser born ~ Best known as lead singer for Serenity. Has also guested on recordings by Fairyland, Delain, Enemy Inside, Dragony, and others
February 22, 1980 ~ R&B singer Shamari Fears, full name Shamari Jacqua Fears, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ One third of R&B trio Blaque, alongside Brandi Williams and Natina Reed, known for singles such as 808, Bring It To Me and I Do
February 22, 1979 ~ Jazz 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, 1978 ~ Jennifer Frost, commonly known as singer, TV presenter, model Jenny Frost, born in Wallasey, UK ~ Member of Precious. Joined Atomic Kitten in 2001 replacing Kerry Katona, remained with the band until its disbandement in 2004. Has since recorded sporadically as a solo artist and gone on to pursue a career as a TV presenter and model
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, 1976 ~ Jazz singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter Julia Biel born in London, UK ~ Debuted as a solo artist with her Not Alone in 2005 and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Has also worked with Polar Bear, the Soothsayers, Oriole, Ben Watt, Alaev, 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, synthpop 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, 1974 ~ Trip-hop, electronica, big beat DJ, producer James Lavelle born in Oxford, UK ~ Sole constant member of UNKLE. Has collaborated with Richard Ashcroft, Badly Drawn Boy, Thom Yorke. Has remixed for Garbage, the Verve, Beck, Massive Attack
February 22, 1973 ~ Speed metal, heavy metal drummer Daniel Löble born in Zurich, Switzerland ~ Best known as drummer of Helloween. Also worked with Rawhead Rexx and Blaze Bayley
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 William Calhoun, Matt Cameron, Lars Ulrich, John Bonham, Mike Portnoy, Neal 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 Zenon, 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, 1968 ~ Ska punk, reggae, alternative rock, punk rock singer, guitarist Bradley Nowell, full name Bradley James Nowell, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Best known as lead singer, guitarist of ska punk outfit Sublime. Also worked with Hogan's Heroes, Gwen Stefani, and with Long Beach Dub All-Stars ~ Nowell passed away in 1996
February 22, 1968 ~ Heavy metal guitarist Glen Alvelais born ~ Lead guitarist of Forbidden, joining the band in 1987 as replacement for Robb Flynn who departed the band to join Vio-lence. Present on the band's 1987 Forbidden Evil debut album, considered a landmark album within the genre. Has also worked with Testament, Ritual, TENET, 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, Lisa Bonner, and others
February 22, 1966 ~ Waymond Anders, commonly known as R&B singer Suave, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Known for late 1980s hits such as the Temptations cover My Girl and Shake Your Body. Sentenced to life in prison in 1993 for arson murder in the torching of a drug house
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, 1963 ~ Afrobeat keyboardist, singer Dele Sosimi born in London, UK ~ Best known for his association with Fela Kuti. Also released solo material and worked with Positive Force, Femi Kuti, Tony Allen, Lokkhi Terra, and others
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 ~ Christian singer, songwriter Geoff Moore born in Flint, Michigan, USA ~ Best known for fronting Geoff Moore & the Distance, releasing a string of radio-friendly Christian pop rock albums from the late 1980s, notably A Friend Like U released in 1992
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, 1961 ~ Trumpeter Nick LaRocca passed away ~ Led the the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. As a composer best known for Tiger Rag, one of the most recorded songs in jazz history ~ LaRocca was born in 1889
February 22, 1956 ~ Singers Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly record True Love ~ Written by Cole Porter. Produced by Johnny Green. Recorded for inclusion in the film High Society. Nominated for an Academy Award. Paired with Well Did You Evah on the flipside released as a single the following August. Covered by numerous artists including Richard Chamberlain, Nancy Sinatra, George Harrison, Elton John, Jane Powell, Ricky Nelson, the Everly Brothers, Connie Francis, and others
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 as lead singer of industrial band Throbbing Gristle. Fronted experimental band Psychic TV. Also worked with Thee Majesty, Splinter Test, and with 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, 1946 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion pianist, singer Tom Grant born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Worked with Jim Pepper, Woody Shaw, Charles Lloyd, Tony Williams, and others
February 22, 1945 ~ William Oliver Swofford, commonly known as Oliver, born in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, USA ~ Member of Billy-n-Sue. Best known for his rendition of Good Morning Starshine, his 1969 hit from the musical Hair ~ Swofford passed away in 2000
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, Robert Plant, and others ~ Green passed away in 2010
February 22, 1938 ~ R&B, rock & roll singer Bobby Hendricks born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ As a solo artist known for Itchy Twitchy Feeling and Psycho. Also worked with Swallows, the Flyers, the Sprites, and the Drifters, singing lead on the latter's Drip Drop
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 flipside, which would inspire the Elvis Presley film Blue Hawaii and soundtrack album released in 1961
February 22, 1936 ~ Ernest Kador Jr, commonly known as R&B singer Ernie K-Doe, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Known for songs such as Te-ta Te-ta-ta, Later For Tomorrow and his best-known the Allen Toussaint-penned Mother-in-law, the latter topping the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961 ~ Kador passed away in 2001
February 22, 1934 ~ Operatic soprano Birgit Nordin born in Sangis, Sweden ~ Best known for her association with the Royal Swedish Opera, singing with the company from 1958 through 1986. Married to bass-baritone Jerker Arvidson ~ Nordin passed away in 2022
February 22, 1932 ~ Bassist Gordon Mitchell, commonly known as Whitey Mitchell, born in Hackensack, New Jersey, USA ~ Began on clarinet and tuba before settling on bass. Brother of bassist Red Mitchell. Leader and sideman. Member of the New York Jazz Ensemble. Worked with Benny Goodman, Pete Rugolo, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Young, Elinor Sherry, Shep Fields, Mel Tormé, JJ Johnson, Kai Winding, Charlie Ventura, Herbie Mann, Betty Roché, Oscar Pettiford, Gene Quill, Joe Puma, Johnny Richards, Peter Appleyard, André Previn, Buck Clayton, and others ~ Mitchell passed away in 2009
February 22, 1930 ~ Southern gospel singer George Younce, full name George Wilson Younce, born in Patterson, North Carolina, USA ~ Renowned bass singer known for his association with several Southern gospel quartets, most notably the Cathedrals Quartet from 1964 through 1999. Has also worked as a solo artist as well as with the Spiritualaires, the Blue Ridge Quartet, Old Friends, and others ~ Younce passed away in 2005
February 22, 1930 ~ Margaret Nicon McEathron, commonly known as soprano singer Marni Nixon, born in Altadena, California, USA ~ Besides work under her own name Nixon performed as a ghost singer for Deborah Kerr (in The King & I), Natalie Wood (West Side Story), and Audrey Hepburn (My Fair Lady) ~ McEathron passed away in 2016
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, Clarence Hollimon, and others ~ 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. Especially popular in the UK and Australia. Sold over 40 million records. Known for songs such as My Heart Cries For You, My Truly Truly Fair, There's A Pawnshop On The Corner In Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Singing The Blues, Heartaches By The Number, and others ~ Cernik passed away in 1999
February 22, 1926 ~ Samuel David Bailey, commonly known as jazz drummer Dave Bailey, born in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Herbie Jones, Johnny Hodges, Charles Mingus, Lou Donaldson, Curtis Fuller, Art Farmer, Ben Webster, Horace Silver, Gerry Mulligan, Clark Terry, Kenny Dorham, Grant Green, Lee Konitz, Cal Tjader, Roger Kellaway, Bob Brookmeyer, Marian McPartland, Lucky Thompson, Ben Webster, and others
February 22, 1923 ~ Producer, recording enginer, singer Norman Hurricane Smith born in Edmonton, UK ~ Best known as a studio engineer and producer. Engineered the sound for close to a 100 the Beatles tracks. Produced the Pink Floyd albums Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, A Saucerful Of Secrets and Ummagumma. Released a handful of early 1970s singles, most notably 1972's 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 ~ Worked with Les Hite, Jimmie Lunceford, Herbie Fields, Sam Donahue, Lucky Millinder, Noble Sissle, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Hank Jones, Gil Evans, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, Johnny Mathis, Harry Belafonte, Eileen Farrell, Tony Bennett, the New York Philharmonic, Andre Kostelanetz, Pierre Boulez, Wendell Marshall, Kenny Clarke, Joe Newman, Rufus Reid, Marvin Smitty Smith, James Williams, Remo Palmer, Jay Leonhart, Sherman Ferguson, Trigger Alpert, Louie Bellson, Gene Krupa, Al Cohn, Tadd Dameron, Jimmy Giuffre, Urbie Green, Johnny Hartman, Coleman Hawkins, Johnny Hodges, Etta Jones, John Lewis, Quincy Jones, Mundell Lowe, Herbie Mann, Les McCann, Oliver Nelson, David Newman, Houston Person, Oscar Pettiford, AK Salim, Shirley Scott, Cootie Williams, Sonny Stitt, Ernie Wilkins, Anita O'Day, Donna Hightower, Ruby Braff, Charlie Byrd, the Heath Brothers, and others ~ Wilder passed away in 2014
February 22, 1914 ~ Gordon Lee Beneke, commonly known as singer, bandleader Tex Beneke, born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ Closely associated with Glenn Miller, present on key the Glenn Miller Orchestra recordings such as In The Mood and Chattanooga Choo Choo. Also worked with Eydie Gormé, Henry Mancini, Ronnie Deauville, and others ~ Beneke passed away in 2000
February 22, 1913 ~ George Holmes Tate, commonly known as jazz, big band, swing saxophonist, clarinetist Buddy Tate, born in Sherman, Texas, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Terrence Holder, Andy Kirk, Count Basie, Paul Quinichette, Benny Goodman, Clark Terry, Buck Clayton, Al Grey, Houston Person, Ray Bryant, Milt Buckner, Arnett Cobb, Wild Bill Davis, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Roy Eldridge, Claude Hopkins, Jay McShann, Jimmy Rushing, Al Sears, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, and others ~ Tate passed away in 2001
February 22, 1908 ~ Jazz violinist, guitarist Claude Williams born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Count Basie, the Clouds Of Joy, Nat King Cole, Eddie Cole, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Hank Jones, Jay McShann, and others ~ Williams passed away in 2004
February 22, 1908 ~ Rafael de Leon, commonly known as calypso singer, composer Roaring Lion, born in Aroquita, Trinidad & Tobago ~ Best known for penning and first recording Mary Ann, Netty Netty and perhaps his best-known Ugly Woman. The song If You Wanna Be Happy, a 1963 hit for Jimmy Soul, is based on Ugly Woman ~ De Leon passed away in 1999
February 22, 1907 ~ Jazz cornetist Rex Stewart, full name Rex William Stewart Jr, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Active since the early 1920s. Perhaps best known for his association with Duke Ellington, working with Ellington's orchestra for a little over a decade starting in 1934. Has allso worked with Willie Lewis, Elmer Snowden, Horace Henderson, Fess Williams, mcKinney's Cotton Pickers, the Chocolate Dandies, and others ~ 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, 1902 ~ Jazz tubist, bassist Joe Tarto, full name Vincent Joseph Tortoriello, born ~ Worked with Paul Specht, Sam Lanin, Fletcher Henderson, Chick Webb, Bing Crosby, the Boswell Sisters, Ethel Waters, Eddie Lang, Joe Venuti, Miff Mole, Red Nichols, the Dorsey Brothers, Bix Beiderbecke, Phil Napoleon, and others ~ Tortoriello passed away in 1986
February 22, 1896 ~ Songwriter, composer 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, 1881 ~ Ragtime, jazz bandleader, violinist, pianist, composer, arranger James Reese Europe born in Mobile, Alabama, USA ~ Leading figure of 1910s African-American music. Dubbed “the Martin Luther King of Music” by pianist Eubie Blake ~ Europe was born in 1919
February 22, 1750 ~ Organist, choirmaster, composer Pietro Filippo Scarlatti passed away in Naples, Italy ~ Son of Alessandro Scarlatti, brother of Domenico Scarlatti. Known for his sole opera Clitarco, which premiered in 1728. Has also written cantatas and toccatas ~ Scarlatti was born in 1679
February 22, 1674 ~ Lutenist, composer 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