February 24, 2022 ~ Michael O'Donnell, commonly known as singer, guitarist Don Craine, passed away ~ Co-founded the Downliners, which would evolve into the iconic UK R&B outfit the Downliners Sect especially acclaimed for their 1964 The Sect debut album. Both Steve Marriott and Rod Stewart had auditioned for the band yet were turned down ~ O'Donnell was born ca.1946
February 24, 2021 ~ Americana, folk violinist, mandolinist Peter Ostroushko passed away ~ Actively recording as a solo artist since the mid-1980s. Has also worked with Bob Dylan, Norman Blake, Chet Atkins, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Johnny Gimble, John Hartford, the Minnesota Orchestra, the St Paul Chamber Orchestra, and others ~ Ostroushko was born in 1953
February 24, 2021 ~ Classical cellist Wolfgang Boettcher passed away in Berlin, Germany ~ Principal cellist with the Berlin Philharmonic. Also known as founding member of the 12 Cellists Of The Berlin Philharmonic. Served as artistic director of the Somerlich Musiktage Festival chamber music festival from 1986 through 1992 ~ Boettcher was born in 1935
February 24, 2020 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist Jahn Teigen passed away in Ystad, Sweden ~ Member of Popol Vuh and subsequently Popol Ace during the 1970s. Member of the comedy musical trio Prima Vera, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums from 1977 through 1984. Represented his native Norway at the Eurovision Songfestival three times, reaching 20th place in 1978 with Mil Etter Mil, duetting with his future wife Anita Skorgan in 1982 reaching 12th place with Adieu, and in 1983 reaching 9th place with Do-re-mi ~ Teigen was born in 1949
February 24, 2019 ~ Malcolm Bell Wiseman, commonly known as singer, guitarist, bassist Mac Wiseman, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Member of the Cumberland Mountain Folks. Member of Flatt & Scruggs backing outfit the Foggy Mountain Boys. Member of Bill Monroe's band the Bluegrass Boys ~ Wiseman was born in 1925
February 24, 2018 ~ Composer, arranger, producer Wim Claes passed away ~ As a songwriter best known for Like The Wind, the Belgian entry for the 1999 Eurovision Songfestival sung by Vanessa Chinitor. Also known as a member of Eurodance outfit the DJ Peter Project ~ Claes was born in 1961
February 24, 2016 ~ Singer, saxophonist Lennie Baker passed away in Weymouth, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of 1950s rock group Danny & the Juniors. Member of Sha Na Na, touring with the band and appearing on the TV series of the same name. Also appears in Grease, singing lead vocals on the band's performance of Blue Moon ~ Baker was born in 1946
February 24, 2016 ~ Composer Miguel Angel Coria, full name Miguel Angel Coria Varela, passed away ~ Contemporary classical composer influenced by impressionism and post-modernism. Wrote works for orchestra, chamber music, electronic music, vocal music, ballet and opera ~ Coria wqas born in 1937
February 24, 2014 ~ Francis Eugene Beecher, commonly known as guitarist Franny Beecher, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Best known as member of the Comets, backing Bill Haley. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Blue Comet BLues, Goofing Around, Week-End, and Shaky. Also worked with Benny Goodman, Buddy Greco, and others ~ Beecher was born in 1921
February 24, 2014 ~ Southern rock, hard rock singer, keyboardist Kelly Holland passed away in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA ~ Best known as frontman of Cry of Love from the band's inception in 1989 through 1994. Present on the band's Brother debut album, which spawned the modest hit Peace Pipe ~ Holland was born ca.1962
February 24, 2012 ~ R&B, jazz guitarist Ernest McLean passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with producer Dave Bartholomew playing in the house band for Cosimo Matassa's studio. Worked with artists such as Fats Domino (The Fat Man), Little Richard, Smiley Lewis, Lloyd Price (Lawdy Miss Clawdy), Shirley & Lee, Earl Bostic, Herbert Hardesty, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Earl Palmer, and others ~ McLean was born in 1925
February 24, 2011 ~ Jazz trumpeter, bandleader, composer, arranger Jens Winther passed away ~ Worked with the JW European Quartet, the JW Electrazz, the New Jungle Orchestra, the Erling Kroner Tentet, Cadentia Nova Danica, Ernie Wilkins, the DR Big Band, George Gruntz, and others ~ Winther was bonr in 1960
February 24, 2009 ~ Keyboardist Lyman Woodard passed away in Owosso, Michigan, USA ~ Jazz-funk organist, pianist. Served as musical director for Martha & the Vandellas. Member of the 8th Day. Also worked with the Undisputed Truth, Melvin Davis, and with Dennis Coffey ~ Woodard was born in 1942
February 24, 2008 ~ Singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter Larry Norman passed away in Salem, Oregon, USA ~ The first to successfuly bring Christian music into mainstream rock music ~ Norman was born in 1974
February 24, 2008 ~ Clarinetist Phil Bodner passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Benny Goodman, Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Brass Ring, Oliver Nelson, JJ Johnson, Oscar Peterson, Yusef Lateef, Peanuts Hucko, Wild Bill Davison, Ralph Sutton, Van McCoy (The Hustle), Marty Napoleon, Mel Lewis, George Duvivier, Milt Hinton, Bobby Rosengarden, Derek Smith, Johnny Varo, and others ~ Bodner was born in 1917
February 24, 2007 ~ Avant-garde jazz, contemporary classical violinist, violist, composer Leroy Jenkins passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. First gained attention playing with the loose collective the Association For The Advancement Of Creative Musicians in the mid-1960s, led by Muhal Richard Abrams. First recorded in 1967, appearing on Abrams' Levels And Degrees Of Light. Would team up with Anthony Braxton and Wadada Leo Smith recording Braxton's 3 Compositions Of Jazz album the following year. Would go on to collaborate with Creative Construction Company, Archie Shepp, Philly Joe Jones, Alan Silva, Don Cherry, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Paul Motian, Dewey Redman, Andrew Cyrille, Cecil Taylor, and others. As a composer gapped the bridge between several idioms including jazz, classical and rap, and perhaps best known for his 1994 Fresh Faust jazz-rap opera. At the time of his death Jenkins was working on two new operas, Bronzeville and Minor Triad, the latter a musical drama about the lives of Paul Robeson, Lena Horne and Cab Calloway ~ Jenkins was born in 1932
February 24, 2004 ~ Aaron Corthen, commonly known as blues saxophonist AC Reed, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Earl Hooker, Willie Mabon, Dennis Binder, Lillian Offitt, Ricky Allen, Junior Wells, Son Seals, Albert Collins, and others. Best known for backing Buddy Guy from 1967 through 1977. His 1987 album, I'm In The Wrong Business, featured cameos by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Bonnie Raitt ~ Corthen was born in 1926
February 24, 2004 ~ Guitarist, bandleader Alvino Rey passed away in Salt Lake, Utah, USA ~ Married the King Sisters singer Luise King. Worked with Horace Heidt, Al Cohn, Ray Conniff, Neal Hefti, Zoot Sims, Billy May, Herbie Stewart, Dave Tough, Nelson Riddle, Johnny Mandel, George Handy, Jack Costanzo, George Cates, Esquivel, and others. Rey is also the grandfather of Arcade Fire members Win Butler and William Butler ~ Rey was born in 1908
February 24, 2004 ~ Stax co-founder Estelle Axton passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Founded Satellite Records with her brother Jim Stewart, to record local country and rockabilly artists. Changed its name to Stax after it was discovered another label already used the name. Axton worked with artists such as Rufus Thomas, Otis Redding, Booker T & the MG's, Isaac Hayes, and others ~ Axton was born in 1918
February 24, 2003 ~ Pianist, conductor, arranger, film composer Walter Scharf passed away in Brentwood, California, USA ~ Helped orchestrate the George Gershwin Broadway-musical Girl Crazy, accompanied singer Helen Morgan, pianist and arranger for singer Rudy Vallee. Hollywood film composer, music director since the early 1930s, with over 100 film credits to his name including The Nutty Professor, several Elvis Presley films starting with Loving You, Barbra Streisand's Funny Girl, and the original 1971 version of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Composed for dozens of TV series ~ Scharf was born in 1910
February 24, 2002 ~ Vibraphonist Arthur Lyman passed away in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Dubbed “the King of Lounge Music” and with his Arthur Lyman Group hugely influential in what was later to become known as the exotica genre ~ Lyman was born in 1932
February 24, 1998 ~ Singer Martha Shepherd, full name Martha Jane Shepherd, passed away ~ Member of vocal quartet the Shepherd Sisters, alongside sister Gayle Shepherd, Mary Lou Shepherd and Judith Shepherd, best known for their 1957 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Alone (Why Must I Be Alone) ~ Shepherd was born in 1932
February 24, 1994 ~ Fannye Rose Shore, commonly known as singer Dinah Shore, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Auditioned for but rejected by Benny Goodman, Jimmy Dorsey and Tommy Dorsey, would go on the become the first female solo artist of her era to achieve major chart success scoring numerous hits from the early 1940s through the late 1950s. Known for songs such as Yes My Darling Daughter, Jim, Blues In The Night, You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To, The Gypsy, The Anniversary Song, I Wish I Didn't Love You So, Dear Hearts And Gentle People, and others ~ Shore was born in 1916
February 24, 1994 ~ Thebe Neruda Kgositsile, commonly known as rapper, songwriter, producer Earl Sweatshirt, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of Odd Future. Released his full-length solo debut album, Doris, in 2013. Has collaborated with Knxwledge, Frank Ocean, Danny Brown, Mac Miller, Ab-Soul, and others
February 24, 1994 ~ Singer, actor, songwriter Jean Sablon passed away in Cannes, France ~ One of the first French singers to embrace jazz. The first singer to record with famed guitarist Django Reinhardt. Enjoying an international career in film, stage and music he was often referred to as a French version of Bing Crosby or Frank Sinatra. Known for songs such as Vous Qui Passez Sans Me Voir, In The Still Of The Night, Love Walked In, Les Feuilles Mortes, and others ~ Sablon was born in 1906
February 24, 1993 ~ Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist Gene Porter passed away in California, USA ~ Worked with Papa Celestin, Billy King, Clarence Desdunes, Tab Smith, John Robichaux, Sidney Desvigne, the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, Don Redman, Jimmie Lunceford, Fats Waller, Benny Carter, Dinah Washington, Charles Mingus, Lloyd Glenn, Walter Fuller, and others ~ Porter was born in 1910
February 24, 1991 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Webb Pierce, full name Michael Webb Pierce, passed away ~ Pivotal to development of honky tonk. Known for recordings such as In The Jailhouse Now, Love Love Love, There Stands The Glass, Wondering, and Teenage Boogie. The latter would be covered by T.Rex under the name I Love To Boogie, with songwriting credits not to Pierce but to Marc Bolan. Worked with artists such as Floyd Cramer, Faron Young, Tillman Franks, Doyle Wilburn, Kitty Wells, and others ~ Pierce was born in 1921
February 24, 1990 ~ Singer Johnnie Ray, full name John Alvin Ray, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Billie Holiday, Little Miss Cornshucks, Lavern Baker, Judy Garland, Kay Starr. Predated rock & roll. Best known for his 1952 recording Cry. Known for his dramatic stage performances, one of the first to do so ~ Ray was born in 1927
February 24, 1989 ~ Jazz, blues pianist Teddy Brannon passed away in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Worked with Benny Carter, Don Byas, Roy Eldridge, Buddy Rich, Bennie Green, Johnny Hodges, Illinois Jacquet, Dinah Washington, Ruth Brown, Billie Holiday, with his cousin Babs Gonzales, and others ~ Brannon was born in 1916
February 24, 1988 ~ Singer, songwriter, pianist John Chatman, commonly known as Memphis Slim, passed away in Paris, France ~ Best known for his late 1940s recording Every Day I Have The Blues, which has since become a blues standard recorded by numerous artists including Count Basie, BB King, and others ~ Chatman was born in 1915
February 24, 1988 ~ Jazz trombonist, arranger, composer, bandleader Miff Gorling born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Took his nickname from trombonist Miff Mole. Played with Frank Vernon, Arne Hulphers, Gosta Johnson, Seymour Osterwall, and Gosta Safbon ~ Görling was born in 1909
February 24, 1985 ~ Amir Mohamed El Khalifa, commonly known as rapper, producer Oddisee, born in Washington DC, USA ~ Member of Diamond District. Member of the Low Budget Crew. Released his full-length 101 solo debut album in 2008. Also guested on recordings by DJ Jazzy Jeff, Apollo Brown, Eric Lau, No Wyld, L'Orange, and others
February 24, 1983 ~ Drummer Matt McGinley, full name Matthew Ryan McGinley, born in USA ~ Best known as co-founder, drummer of Gym Class Heroes. Has also worked with Ryan Weaver, Ben Abraham, Bunny The Bear, Doug White, and others
February 24, 1982 ~ Jazz saxophonist Reb Spikes passed away ~ Co-wrote Someday Sweetheart, recorded by Jelly Roll Morton in 1923, now considered a standard ~ Spikes was born in 1888
February 24, 1982 ~ Helen Virginia Briggs, commonly known as actress, singer Virginia Bruce, passed away in Woodland Hills, California, California ~ First to introduce the Cole Porter-penned I've Got You Under My Skin in the 1936 film Born To Dance ~ Briggs was born in 1909
February 24, 1981 ~ Jazz, classical pianist, composer Gwilym Simcock born in Bangor, UK ~ Worked with James Maddren, Yuri Goloubev, Stan Sulzmann, John Parricelli, Phil Donkin, Martin France, Acoustic Triangle, Lee Konitz, Bob Mintzer, Bobby McFerrin, Kenny Wheeler, the BBC Big Band, Iain Ballamy, Julian Argüelles, Torsten de Winkel, the Impossible Gentlemen, Pat Metheny, and others
February 24, 1981 ~ Singer, guitarist Lee Allen passed away ~ Formed the old time, country duo the Allen Brothers with his brother Austin Allen, known for songs such as Salty Dog Blues and Bow Wow Blues ~ Allen was born in 1906
February 24, 1979 ~ Damian Beckett, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter, actor Cham, born in Jamaica ~ Best known for his 2006 single Ghetto Story of the album by the same name. Still called Baby Cham, his moniker until 2005, by fans. Cham has collaborated with artists including Foxxy Brown, Alicia Keys, Carl Thomas, Mims, Mis-Teeq, Rihanna, Che'nelle, Jentina, Akon, T-Pain, Keke Palmer, Damian Marley, Michael Rose, and Bounty Killer
February 24, 1978 ~ Indie rock, alternative rock, post-hardcore singer, guitarist, keyboardist John Nolan, full name John Thomas Nolan, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Guitarist, co-lead singer of Taking Back Sunday. Lead singer, pianist, guitarist of Straylight Run, co-founded with Shaun Cooper. Has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist starting with his The Collaboration Experiment album released in 2009
February 24, 1976 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Matt Skiba, full name Matthew Thomas Skiba, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ First gained serious attention fronting the Alkaline Trio. Member of Blink-182 since 2015. Has also worked with Blunt, Jerkwater, the Traitors, Heavens, New Found Glory, Avoid One Thing, Chuck Ragan, Ashes Divide, and others
February 24, 1975 ~ Jazz, gospel saxophonist, producer Jimmy Greene, full name James Sidney Greene Jr, born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA ~ Debuted in 2000 with the Brand New World album. First gained serious attention with his 2014 album Beautiful Life, charting on Billboard's Jazz, Heatseakers and Christian charts as well as earning him Grammy Award-nominations for Best Jazz Instrumental Album and Best Arrangement for the track When I Come Home
February 24, 1974 ~ Singer, rapper, producer Chad Hugo born in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA ~ Member of NERD alongside Shay Haley and Pharrell Williams. Formed the highly producer, songwriter duo the Neptunes with Williams, successful especially during the 1990s and early 2000s, working with artists such as SWV, Clipse, Mase (Lookin' At Me), Jay-Z, Usher (U Don't Have To Call), Beyoncé, NSYNC (Girlfriend), Nelly, Gwen Stefani, LL Cool J (Luv U Better), Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake (Rock Your Body), and others
February 24, 1973 ~ Alternative metal, nu metal percussionist, drummer, bassist Chris Fehn, full name Christoper Micheal Fehn, born in Des Moines, USA, USA ~ Best known as drummer, percussionist of Slipknot from 1998 replacing Brandon Darner through 2019. Has also worked with Will Haven
February 24, 1971 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Sammy Gallop passed away in Encino, California, USA ~ Known for his big band and swing songs of the 1940s and 1950s. Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Elmer's Tune, recorded by the likes of the Andrews Sisters, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Ella Fitzgerald, and others. Others who recorded songs co-written by Gallop include Stan Kenton, Billie Holiday (No Good Man), Guy Lombardo, Jerry Gray, Nat King Cole, and Jack Teagarden ~ Gallop was born in 1915
February 24, 1969 ~ Ska punk, hardcore drummer, guitarist Dave Mello born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Best known as drummer for hardcore ska punk band Operation Ivy. Has also worked with Downfall, Schlong, Jewdriver, Un'Cus, the Bowel Tones, TSOL, PAWNS, and others
February 24, 1966 ~ Frank Gosdzik, commonly known as thrash metal guitarist Frank Blackfire, born in Essen, West Germany ~ Best known as member of thrash metal bands Sodom from 1987 through 1989 and Kreator from 1989 through 1997, appearing on the latter's Coma Of Souls, Renewal and Cause For Conflict albums
February 24, 1966 ~ Troy Lane Birklett, commonly known as rapper, singer Lil' Troy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for Wanna Be A Baller featuring Fat Pat, Yungstar, Lil' Wil & Big Hawk of his 1998 Sittin' Fat Down South debut album. Previously a member of Mass 187
February 24, 1965 ~ Jazz singer Tone Ase born in Bergen, Norway ~ Married to jazz keyboardist Stale Storløkken, her bandmate in BOL. Also worked with Kristin Asbjornsen, Solveig Slettahjell, Eldbjørg Raknes, the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, Live Maria Roggen, Tor Haugerud, Marilyn Mazur, Ingrid Storholmen, Kvitretten, and others
February 24, 1963 ~ Ragtime, dixieland, blues pianist, songwriter J Russell Robinson passed away in Palmdale, California, USA ~ Joined the Original Dixieland Jazz Band in 1919, replacing the late Henry Ragas. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as Sapho Rags, Eccentric, Margie, Reefer Man and Singin' The Blues. Also worked with Lizzie Miles and Lucille Hegamin ~ Robinson was born in 1892
February 24, 1962 ~ Karen Michelle Johnson, commonly known as folk, alternative folk, folk-pop singer, guitarist, songwriter Michelle Shocked, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Debuted in 1988 with her Short Sharp Shocked, spawning the modest hit Anchorage, and has recorded mostly to critical acclaim since
February 24, 1959 ~ Bassist, pianist Colin Farley born in England ~ Member of Cutting Crew from 1986 through 1993. Present on the band's best-known I Just Died In Your Arms, a top 10 hit single on both sides of the Atlantic including No.1 positions in the USA, Canada, Norway and Finland taken of the band's 1986 Broadcast debut album
February 24, 1958 ~ Country singer, guitarist Sammy Kershaw, full name Samuel Paul Kershaw, born in Kaplan, Louisiana, USA ~ Released his Don't Go Near The Water debut album in 1991. Best known for songs such as Cadillac Style, Anywhere But Here, She Don't Know She's Beautiful, Haunted Heart, Queen Of My Double Wide Trailer, I Can't Reach Her Anymore, National Working Woman's Holiday, Third Rate Romance, Meant To Be, Love Of My Life, and others
February 24, 1953 ~ Electric blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Carl Weathersby, full name Carlton Weathersby, born in Jackson, Mississippi, USA ~ Has released a number of solo albums, starting with 1996's Don't Lay Your Blues On Me. In-demand sideman, has worked with Albert King, Billy Branch, Buster Benton, Robert Covington, Hubert Sumlin, Carey Bell, Mississippi Heat, Trudy Lynn, Nora Jean Bruso, Biscuit Miller, Little Milton, Bernard Allison, and others
February 24, 1953 ~ Bassist Rob Burns, full name Robert George Henry Burns, born in Willesden, UK ~ Co-founded Gateway Driver with Martin Springett and Jim McGilivray. Also worked with Nucleus, Garth Hewitt, Eric Burdon, the Dolphins, David Gilmour, James Burton, Frank Gambale, Albert Lee, Jon Lord, Ian Paice, Donna Summer, Atomic Rooster, Vivian Stanshall, Robin Lumley, Elaine Page, the Verlaines, John Egenes, the Oxo Cubans, and others
February 24, 1950 ~ Singer, guitarist George Thorogood, full name George Lawrence Thorogood, born in Wilmington, Delaware, USA ~ Over 20 albums to his name backed by the Destroyers. First gained attention opening for the Rolling Stones on their 1981 American tour. Staple of 1980s radio with songs such as Bad To The Bone, I Drink Alone and Willie & The Hand Jive
February 24, 1950 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter, label executive Larry Willoughby born in Sherman, Texas, USA ~ As a recording artist debuted in 1984 with the album Building Bridges and best known for first recording a number of songs later made famous by others such as Building Bridges recorded by Brooks & Dunn and Operator Operator recorded by Eddy Raven, both Billboard Country top 10 hits. Others who have recorded his songs include the Oak Ridge Boys, Waylon Jennings and his cousin Rodney Crowell. Willoughby has also served as vice-president of A&R at Capitol Records ~ Willoughby passed away in 2021
February 24, 1948 ~ Margaret Nicholson, commonly known as free jazz singer, dancer Maggie Nichols, born in Edinburgh, UK ~ Worked with the Spontaneous Music Ensemble, John Stevens, Trevor Watts, Johnny Dyani, Keith Tippett, Centipede, Okuren, the Voice, Ken Hyder, Irene Schweizer, Joëlle Léandre, and others
February 24, 1948 ~ Guitarist Neil Hubbard, full name Neil Terrence Hubbard, born ~ Session musician on the original 1970 concept album Jesus Christ Superstar, later made into a successful stage rock opera and film. The album would initially be banned by BBC for being sacrireligious. Closely associated with Bryan Ferry, present on Roxy Music's Flesh And Blood and Avalon albums, as well as on several of Ferry's solo albums including Boys And Girls, Bête Noire, Taxu, and Mamouna. Hubbard has also worked with Juicy Lucy, Bluesology, Joe Cocker, Donovan, Kokomo, Alvin Lee, Paul Young, and others
February 24, 1948 ~ R&B singer Oliver Cheatham born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ As a solo artist best remembered for his 1983 hit Get Down (Saturday Night). Had previously played in local groups such as the Young Sirs, Mad Dog & the Pups, Gaslight and the Sins Of Satan. After the succes of Get Down Cheatham recorded a solo debut album, Saturday Night, produced by Al Perkins. Further albums and R&B hits followed such as SOS, Celebrate Our Love, Things To Make U Happy, Wish On A Star, Turn Out The Lights and notably Mindbuter, the latter a collaboration with singer Jocelyn Brown under the moniker Cheatham Brown ~ Cheatham passed away in 2013
February 24, 1947 ~ Jazz bassist Bob Magnusson born in New York, New York, USA ~ Renowned sideman, session, studio bassist appearing on over 150 records. Has worked with Buddy Rich, the San Diego Symphony, Sarah Vaughan, Sarah Vaughan, John Klemmer, Art Pepper, Benny Golson, Joe Farrell, Linda Ronstadt, Laurindo Almeida, Shorty Rogers, Lou Donaldson, Clifford Jordan, George Cables, Victor Lewis, Art Farmer, Kenny Barron, Freddie Hubbard, Slide Hampton, Billy Higgins, Carl Fontana, Tommy Flanagan, Holly Hofmann, Ernie Watts, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Peter Erskine, Natalie Cole, Neil Diamond, Bonnie Raitt, 10,000 Maniacs, Madonna, Jimmy Heath, and others
February 24, 1947 ~ David Goldstein, commonly known as soft rock, pop rock singer, songwriter, pianist Rupert Holmes born in Cheshire, UK ~ Best known for the hit singles Escape (The Pina Colada Song) and Him. Member of the Cuff Links. Member of the Buoys, known for the early 1970s hits Timothy and Give Up Your Guns
February 24, 1946 ~ Drummer, singer, songwriter Butch McDade, full name David Hugh McDade, born in Clarksdale, Missouri, USA ~ Co-founding member of the Amazing Rhythm Aces, best known for the singles Third Rate Romance and Amazing Grace (Used To Be Her Favorite Song) of their 1975 Stacked Deck debut album ~ McDade passed away in 1998
February 24, 1945 ~ Percussionist Steve Berrios born ~ Toured with Mongo Santamaria at age 19. Member of M'Boom. Member of the Fort Apache Band. Worked with a host of renowned jazz musicians including Kenny Kirkland, Art Blakey, Tito Puente, Paquito d'Rivera, Pucho & the Latin Soul Brothers, Michael Brecker, Grover Washington Jr, Hilton Ruiz, Sonny Fortune, Alphonse Mouzon, Wallace Roney, Roseanna Vitro, Randy Weston, and Miriam Makeba ~ Berrios passed away in 2013
February 24, 1945 ~ Singer Sydney Crooks born in Westmoreland, Jamaica ~ Founding and sole constant member of Jamaican vocal trio the Pioneers known for songs such as Good Nanny, Shake It Up, Give It To Me
February 24, 1944 ~ Pianist, organist Nicky Hopkins, full name Nicholas Christian Hopkins, born in Perivale, UK ~ Widely considered to be one of the greatest session pianists in rock, especially prolific during the 1960s and 1970s appearing on such classic tracks as You Really Got Me by the Kinks, Revolution by the Beatles, Angie by the Rolling Stones, and Jet Airliner by the Steve Miller Band. Has also worked with Jeff Beck, Joe Cocker, Art Garfunkel, the Jefferson Airplane, George Harrison, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Rod Stewart, the Who, the Easybeats, PJ Proby, Peter Frampton, Bill Wyman, Graham Parker, and numerous others. Recorded a handful of solo albums, starting with The Revolutionary Piano Of Nicky Hopkins released in 1966 ~ Hopkins passed away in 1994
February 24, 1944 ~ Jazz pianist Oddbjorn Blindheim born in Vigra, Norway ~ Influenced by Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Horace Silver, Bobby Timmons, Randy Weston, Ray Bryant, Victor Feldman, Sonny Clark, and Jan Johansson. Worked with his brother Svein Olav Blindheim, Håkon Mjåset Johansen, and others
February 24, 1943 ~ Pablo Milanés Arias, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Pablo Milanés, born in Oriente, Cuba ~ Along with Silvio Rodriguez and Noel Nicola seen as one of the founders, pioneers of the nueva trova genre. Actively recording since the mid-1970s. Over 40 albums to his name. Has collaborated with Lilia Vera, Luis Peña, Octavio Sanchez, Armando Garzon, Compay Segundo, Caco Senante, Victor Manuel, Andy Montañez, Raul Torres, Chuco Valdés, Miguel Nunez, and others ~ Milanes passed away in 2022
February 24, 1942 ~ Paul Pond, commonly known as singer, harmonica player, actor Paul Jones, born in Portsmouth, UK ~ Original lead singer of Manfred Mann from 1962 through 1966, present on hits such as Do Wah Diddy Diddy and PRetty Flamingo. Also notably recorded as a solo artist and starred in the 1967 film Privilege, portraying a deified pop star
February 24, 1941 ~ Music director Ad van 't Veer born in Goes, the Netherlands ~ Co-founded the Xenakis Ensemble. Best known as music director and thriving force behind the Festival Nieuwe Muziek held in Middelburg, the Netherlands since the mid-1970s ~ Van 't Veer passed away in 2021
February 24, 1941 ~ Joan Drost, commonly known as singer, actress Joanie Sommers, born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Sang traditional pop, jazz and standards. As a singer best known for Johnny Get Angry, a Billboard top 10 hit in 1962. Among soul aficionados known for her 1965 recording Don't Pity Me, which in time would become a favorite of Northern Soul DJ's especially in the UK
February 24, 1940 ~ Jazz trumpeter Guy Kelly passed away ~ Best known for his work in the 1920s with artists such as Albert Ammons, Jimmie Noone, and with Papa Celestin. Kelly appears on the Noone classic The Blues Jumped A Rabbit recorded in 1936 ~ Kelly was born in 1906
February 24, 1938 ~ Boogaloo, salsa, latin jazz percussionist, vibraphonist, bandleader Louie Ramirez born in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Active since the mid-1950's, starting out in Joe Locos band replacing Pete Terrace. Active as a bandleader since the early 1960s, starting with Introducing Louie Ramirez. Also notably collaborated with Charlie Palmieri and Joe Cuba during the late 1960s and with Tito Rodriguez in the early 1970s. Staff producer at the Fania label since 1975 ~ Ramirez passed away in 1993
February 24, 1937 ~ Conductor Joseph Flummerfelt born in Vincennes, Indiana, USA ~ Best known as co-founder of Spoleto Festival USA, serving as its director through 2013 ~ Flummerfelt passed away in 2019
February 24, 1936 ~ Gerald Arthur James, commonly known as singer, actor Jess Conrad, born in Brixton, UK ~ As a singer known for a string of early 1960s singles following an acting role as pop singer in the TV play Bye Bye Barney, his best-known singles include Cherry Pie, Mystery Girl and Pretty Jenny.
February 24, 1936 ~ Chicago blues singer, bassist, songwriter Willie Kent born in Inverness, Mississippi, USA ~ Worked with Willie James Lyons, Fenton Robinson, Hubert Sumlin, Eddy Clearwater, Jimmy Johnson, Carey Bell, Buster Benton, John Littlejohn, Casey Jones, Mighty Joe Young, and others ~ Kent passed away in 2006
February 24, 1932 ~ Film composer, arranger, conductor, pianist Michel Legrand born in Paris, France ~ Wrote over 200 film and TV scores. Won three Oscars, including for The Windmills Of Your Mind from The Thomas Crown Affair ~ Legrand passed away in 2019
February 24, 1931 ~ Singer, actor Dominic Chianese born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Best known as an actor, notably in the TV series The Sopranos and films such as The Godfather Part II and Dog Day Afternoon. Also released several recordings as a singer consisting of American, Italian and Neapolitan songs, starting with the album Hits in 2000
February 24, 1929 ~ Composer, arranger, pianist, saxophonist Charles Albertine born in Pasaic, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as composer, arranger for the Elgarts, Sammy Kaye, the Three Suns and as composer of Bandstand Boogie, the theme for TV dance show American Bandstand. Other artists who recorded Albertine's songs include Chet Atkins, Bud Powell, Barry Manilow, and Lawrence Welk ~ Albertine passed away in 1986
February 24, 1927 ~ Jazz bassist Ralph Peña born in Jarbidge, Nevada, USA ~ Worked with Charlie Barnet, Stan Getz, Barney Kessel, Billy May, Jack Montrose, Vido Musso, Art Pepper, Duane Tatro, Cal Tjader, Shorty Rogers, Ben Webster, Frank Sinatra, George Shearing, Joe Pass, Bud Shank, Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Jimmy Giuffre 3, and others ~ Pena passed away in 1969
February 24, 1923 ~ Conductor, orchestrator, arranger, composer Fred Steiner, full name Frederick Steiner, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Perhaps best known as a composer for radio, TV and film. Wrote the themes for the TV series The Rocky And Biullwinkle Show and Perry Mason. Contributed significantly to the original Star Trek series, scoring or conducting the music for 29 of the 79 original episodes. Also contributed to 1979 feature film Star Trek (The Motion Picture) and the 1985 film The Color Purple ~ Steiner passed away in 2011
February 24, 1917 ~ Myra Jardine Render, commonly known as jazz singer, songwriter Myra Taylor, born in Bonner Springs, Kansas, USA ~ Enjoyed a career spanning seven decades, starting in the late 1930s touring with Clarence Love. Worked at length with Harlan Leonard, present on recordings such as I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire and Dig It, the latter supposedly written by Taylor despite Leonard omitting her name and denying her royalties. Has also worked Baby Dodds, Lonnie Johnson, Roy Eldridge, Lil' Armstrong, Eubie Blake, the Wild Women Of Kansas, and others ~ Render passed away in 2011
February 24, 1899 ~ Pop singer Chester Gaylord born ~ Popular 1920s, 1930s singer known as “the Whispering Serenader” ~ Gaylord passed away in 1984
February 24, 1892 ~ Tango bandleader, bandoneon player, composer Eduardo Arolas born ~ First played guitar before mastering the bandoneon, eventually earning the nickname “the Tiger of the Bandoneon.” Regarded as one on the early masters, helping define tango, known best for compositions such as Lagrimas, La Cachila, El Marne and Viborita ~ Arolas passed away in 1924