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, 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 ~ 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, 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, 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, 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, Robert Plant, and others ~ Green passed away in 2010
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, 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