February 25, 2024 ~ Peter Anthony Morgan, commonly known as reggae singer Peetah Morgan, passed away ~ Lead singer of sibling outfit Morgan Heritage, comprised of offspring of iconic reggae singer Denroy Morgan. The group has recorded over a dozen albums since the mid-1990s, and is perhaps best known for the Grammy Award-winning Strictly Roots album released in 2015. Morgan has also recorded as a solo artist, noted for his sole full-length album TUT (The Undeniable Truth) released in 2013, and has collaborated with Shane Brown, Irie Love, SunDub, and most recently with Jah Sun on the 2023 Return To Balance album ~ Morgan was born ca.1977
February 25, 2023 ~ Walter Ferguson Byfield, commonly known as calypso singer, songwriter Walter Ferguson, passed away ~ Revered calypso songwriter enjoying a career spanning seven decades. Self-taught on several instruments, including dulzaina, harmonica, ukelele, guitar, and clarinet. Wrote an estimated 200 songs, including A Sailing Boat, Cabin In The Wata, Callaloo, and Carnaval Day ~ Byfield was born in 1919
February 25, 2019 ~ Music publicist, talent manager Kenneth Cooper Pitt passed away in Hertfordshire, UK ~ During the 1950's British publicist working with American artists including Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Ventured into talent management managing and representing Danny Purches, Manfred Mann, Crispian St Peters, Goldie & the Gingerbreads, David Bowie, and others ~ Pitt was born in 1922
February 25, 2017 ~ Jazz double bassist, electric bassist Don Payne passed away in Plantation, Florida, USA ~ Worked with Georgie Auld, Ornette Coleman, Maynard Ferguson, Calvin Jackson, Joe Maini, Art Pepper, Tony Bennett, Chris Connor, Mundell Lowe, Herbie Mann, Astrud Gilberto, Stan Getz, Mike Abene, Joe Beck, Gene Bertoncini, Loudon Wainwright III, Judy Collins, Roy Buchanan, Leonard Cohen, Janis Ian, Luiz Henrique Rosa, Harry Chapin, Melanie, Bobby Hackett, Jackie Cain, Roy Kral, and others ~ Payne was born in 1933
February 25, 2016 ~ Jazz trumpeter John Chilton, full name John James Chilton, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Dave Allen, Bruce Turner, Alex Welsh, Mike Daniels, Buck Clayton, Ben Webster, Bill Coleman, Charlie Shavers, Ewan MacColl, Peggy Seeger, Wally Fawkes, George Melly, the Swinging Blue Jeans, the Escorts, and others ~ Chilton was born in 1932
February 25, 2014 ~ Francisco Gustavo Sánchez Gomez, commonly known as flamenco guitarist, composer, producer Paco de Lucia, passed away in Playa del Carmen, Mexico ~ Leading figure of the new flamenco style, updating the genre branching into classical and jazz while staying true to its roots. Admired by artists such as Richard Chapman and Eric Clapton. Known for songs such as Mediterranean, Entre Dos Aguas, La Barrosa, Emeptu, Cepa Andaluza, Gloria Al Nino Ricardo. Has collaborated with John McLaughlin, Al di Meola, Larry Coryell, Chick Corea, Ramón de Algeciras, and others ~ Sánchez was born in 1947
February 25, 2013 ~ Guitarist Dan Toler, full name Daniel Lee Toler, passed away in Sarasota, Florida, USA ~ First gained attention as member of Dickey Betts & Great Southern, appearing on the albums Dickey Betts & Great Southern and Atlanta's Burning. Also a member of the Allman Brothers Band from 1979 through 1982, appearing on the albums Enlightened Rogues, Reach For The Sky and Brothers Of The Road. Has also worked with Gregg Allman, Mark Pettey, the Townsend Toler Band, the Renegades Of Southern Rock, Jason Black, and others ~ Toler was born in 1948
February 25, 2012 ~ Classical trumpeter, composer Maurice André passed away in Bayonne, France ~ Appeared on over 300 recordings. Rose to international prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with a series of baroque works on piccolo trumpet, also performin transciptions of works for oboe, flute, voice and string instruments. One of André's students, Guy Touvron, wrote the biography Maurice André (A Trumpet For Fame), published in 2003 ~ André was born in 1933
February 25, 2012 ~ James Wesley Holloway, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Red Holloway, passed away in Morro Bay, California, USA ~ Played with artists such as Billie Holiday, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Willie Dixon, Junior Parker, Lloyd Price, Ben Webster, Jimmy Rushing, Arthur Prysock, Dakota Staton, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Wardell Gray, Sonny Rollins, Red Rodney, Lester Young, Joe Williams, Redd Foxx, BB King, Bobby Blue Bland, Aretha Franklin, Sonny Stitt, Memphis Slim, Lionel Hampton, Gene Ammons, Freddy Cole, Joe Dukes, Atle Hammer, Etta James, Wade Marcus, John Mayall, Jack McDuff, Clark Terry, Horace Silver, and others ~ Holloway passed away in 1927
February 25, 2009 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion trumpeter Ian Carr passed away in London, UK ~ Perhaps best known as member of the Rendell-Carr Quintet in the 1960s and of jazz-rock band Nucleus starting in the early-1970s. Authored several books, including biographies of Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett. Has also played with the Emcee Five, the New Jazz Orchestra, Joe Harriott, Neil Ardley, Roy Budd, the United Jazz+Rock Ensemble, and others ~ Carr was born in 1933
February 25, 2002 ~ Country singer Brad Paisley releases his I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin' Song) single ~ Early on in his career, having performed primarily ballads, Paisley decided to add a novelty song to his repertoire. Co-writer and producer Frank Rogers agreed, and the duo wrote I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin' Song), telling of a male whose lover threatened to leave him if he goes fishing instead of staying home with her. Having chosen to go fishing, the character then states he will miss her. Upon its first performance of the song, Paisley sollicited laughter and cheers. Intended to be recorded for his debut album, Paisley held on to the song, and although Garth Brooks, George Strait, and Alan Jackson all showed interest in recording the song, he kept it to himself, including it on his Part II sophomore album. The single would become his third Billboard Country charttopper, after He Didn't Have To Be and We Danced off his debut album
February 25, 1993 ~ Guitarist, songwriter Toy Caldwell, full name Toy Talmadge Caldwell Jr, passed away in Moore, South Carolina, USA ~ Co-founding member, lead guitarist, primary songwriter for the Marshall Tucker Band, with whom he recorded about a dozen albums since the early-1970s. Sang lead on Can't You See, one of their best known which was later notably covered by Waylon Jennings. The band, which also included his brother Tommy Caldwell on bass, is considered one of the premier 1970s Southern rock outfits, drawing from a wide array of genres including blues, country, jazz, R&B, gospel, and rock & roll. They are especially known for their 1974 Where We All Belong album. Caldwell departed the band in 1983 ~ Caldwell was born in 1947
February 25, 1988 ~ John A Morrison, commonly known as jazz bassist Peck Morrison, passed away ~ Classically trained. Besides bass, his primary instrument, Morrison also played trumpet and percussion. Regarded as a valuable accompanist, Morrison has appeared on albums by King Pleasure, Thad Jones (The Magnificent Thad Jones Vol.3), Gerry Mulligan, Randy Weston, Betty Carter, Lou Donaldson (Blues Walk), Babs Gonzales, Dave Bailey, Charlie Rouse (Unsung Hero), Johnny Coles, Red Garland, Willis Jackson, Betty Carter (I Can't Help It), Eric Dolphy (Candid Dolphy), Etta Jones, JJ Johnson, Gildo Mahones, Eddie Jefferson (The Jazz Singer), Shirley Scott, and Charles McPherson ~ Morrison was born in 1919
February 25, 1987 ~ Singer Madonna releases La Isla Bonita, the fifth and final single of her True Blue album ~ Initially conceived by Patrick Leonard and Bruce Gaitsch, who played an instrumental demo for Michael Jackson. After Jackson turned it down, the song was offered to Madonna who would come up with the title, write the lyrics, and co-produce it with Leonard. Upon its release, critics would mark the song as a highlight of the album. The single would hit top 10 across the globe, including the No.1 spot in the UK, making it her fourth UK charttopper after Into The Groove, Papa Don't Preach, and True Blue
February 25, 1986 ~ At the 28th Grammy Awards, singer Bruce Springsteen wins his first Grammy, taking home the award for Best Male Vocal Performance for Dancing In The Dark ~ Lead single off his Born In The USA hit album and his highest charting single of his career, spending four consecutive weeks at No.2 Billboard Hot 100, Dancing In The Dark would also win Springsteen his first Grammy Award. Tina Turner would win Song of the Year and Record of the Year for What's Love Got To Do With It
February 25, 1986 ~ Daniel Gabriel Alessandro Saucedo Grzechowski, commonly known as pop, europop, dance-pop singer, songwriter Danny Saucedo, born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ First gained attention as contestant on the Swedish talent show Idols 2006, reaching sixth place. Member of pop trio EMD. Released his Heart Beats solo debut album in 2007, spawning the hits Tokyo, Play It For The Girls and Radio. Saucedo has also collaborated with Lazee, Swingfly, Molly Sandén, and Crashdiet
February 25, 1981 ~ Matthew Michael Malneck, commonly known as jazz, swing violinist, bandleader, arranger, songwriter Matty Malneck, passed away in Hollywood, California, USA ~ First gained attention working with Paul Whiteman, serving in bandleader Whiteman's orchestra for about a decade starting in 1926. Has also worked with Mildred Bailey, Annette Hanshaw, Frank Signorelli, Frankie Trumbauer. As a bandleader enjoyed popularity from the late-1930s through the 1940s, notably appearing in the 1939 film St Louis Blues and on radio shows such The Charlotte Greenwood Show and Campana Serenade. As a songwriter probably best known for co-writing I'm Thru With Love, originally recorded by Henry Busse and covered by numerous artists including Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Carmen McRae, Marilyn Monroe, Della Reese, Dinah Washington, Etta Jones, and Tony Bennett ~ Malneck was born in 1903
February 25, 1979 ~ Jazz, R&B, spoken word singer, pianist, dancer, songwriter Melanie Scholtz, full name Melanie Alice Scholtz, born in Cape Town, South Africa ~ Classically trained pianist, opera singer. Released her Thor Kvande-produced Zillion Miles debut album in 2006 and has recorded to critical acclaim since. Has collaborated with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Hugh Masekela, and others
February 25, 1972 ~ In its sixth week on the charts, A Horse With No Name by America hits No.1 Billboard Hot 100 ~ Many thought A Horse With No Name, America's debut single, was a Neil Young song when they first heard it. Dewey Bunnell, who wrote the song and sang lead, was well aware of the similarity in style and voice, and would later comment: “I try to use a different voice so that I won't be branded as a rip-off. It's such a drag, though, to have to not sound like someone when you can't help it in the first place.” The band had originally tapped another song, I Need You, to be issued as their debut single, yet when the album was already finished opted to write a new song instead, which became A Horse With No Name. After the single reached top 10 in the UK, it would also be released in America where ironically it would bump Young's Heart Of Gold off the Billboard Hot 100 top spot. Earlier pressings of their eponymous America debut album did not include the song
February 25, 1972 ~ Pop, country pop singer Glen Campbell records Manhattan Kansas ~ Written by Joe Allen. Produced by Al De Lory. Released as a single, paired with Wayfarin' Stranger on the flip side, in March 1972. Campbell would take the song to top 10 Billboard Country. Later the song would also be recorded by Donna Fargo, Loretta Lynn, Jody Miller, and by Sammi Smith
February 25, 1968 ~ Evridiki Theokleous, mononymously known as rock, pop, electropop singer Evridiki, born in Limassol, Cyprus ~ Internationally best known for representing her native Cyprus in three editions of Eurovision Songfestival. In 1992 with the song Teriazoume, in 1994 with Eimai Anthropos Ki Ego and in 2007 with Comme Ci Comme Ça. Married to producer, songwriter Giorgos Theofanous, who also produced her first nine albums, from 1993 to 2000
February 25, 1968 ~ Pop, schlager, dance-pop, electropop producer, songwriter Thomas Gustafsson, also known under the moniker Thomas G:son, born in Skøvde, Sweden ~ Best known for his association with numerous Eurovision Songfestival acts, having written or co-written entries for Spain, Georgia, Cyprus, Norway, Malta, Denmark, and Sweden, making the latter the 2012 winner with Loreen's Euphoria which Gustafsson co-wrote with Peter Boström. He is also a member of hard rock outfit Masquerade
February 25, 1966 ~ Rock outfit the Yardbirds release their Shapes Of Things single in the UK ~ Written by Jim McCarty, Keith Relf, and Paul Samwell-Smith, produced by Giorgio Gomelsky. The single would reach top 10 in the band's native UK, top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. With Jeff Beck's Eastern-sounding feedback-laden guitar, several critics retrospectively named it one of the first psychedelic rock songs. At the suggestion of singer Rod Stewart, Beck would re-record the song for his 1968 Truth solo debut album, featuring a new arrangement “slowing it down to make it dirty and evil.”
February 25, 1965 ~ Hardcore punk, punk rock, rock guitarist, bassist, singer, songwriter Brian Baker born ~ Co-founding member of Minor Threat. Offered a touring spot with REM in 1994 yet declined in favor of joining Bad Religion as replacement for Brett Gurewitz. Has also worked with Dag Nasty, Samhain, Doggy Style, the Meatmen, Government Issue, Junkyard, Dead Fucking Last, and Fake Names
February 25, 1965 ~ Gospel, urban contemporary gospel, black gospel, house singer, songwriter Ricky Dillard, full name Ricky Rydell Dillard, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Raised in the church singing in choirs since age 5. Made his first recordings in house music, collaborating with noted producers such as Frankie Knuckles, Farley Jackmaster Funk and Larry Heard, the latter producing Dillard's 1989 Let The Music Use You full-length debut album. Dillard would release his first gospel album, Promise, the following year and has focused on sacred music to critical acclaim and commercial succes since
February 25, 1964 ~ British pop, rock group the Beatles record You Can't Do That at EMI Studios, London, UK ~ Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Produced by George Martin. Regarded by pop historians as one of Lennon's semi-autobiographical songs, the “jealousy” theme later revisited in Run For Your Life and as a solo artist in Jealous Guy. Released the following month as the B-side to Can't Buy Me Love
February 25, 1964 ~ Lyricist, songwriter Johnny Burke, full name John Francis Burke, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Songwriting partner of Harold Spina, Arthur Johnston, James Monaco, Jimmy van Heusen. Known for songs such as Swinging On A Star (Bing Crosby, June Christy, Frank Sinatra), Pennies From Heaven (Eddy Duchin, Jimmy Dorsey, Dinah Washington), Annie Doesn't Live Here Anymore (Guy Lombardo, Lew Stone, Eartha Kitt), Here's That Rainy Day (Dolores Gray), Peggy Lee, OC Smith), and Polka Dots And Moonbeams (Tommy Dorsey, Mel Tormé, Betty Roché) ~ Burke was born in 1908
February 25, 1962 ~ Jazz, electronica percussionist, singer Snorre Bjerck, full name Snorre Bjartmann Bjerck, born in Florø, Norway ~ Member of Batagraf and of sami band Transjoik. Has also worked with Morton Harker, Sissel Kyrkjebø, Mari Boine, Nils Petter Molvær, Bjørn Eidsvåg, Sigvart Dagsland, Frode Alnæs, Eivind Sarset, Arve Henriksen, Nils-Olav Johansen, Tim Whelan, Trans-Global Underground, Karoline Krüger, and others
February 25, 1960 ~ Bassist, producer Mark Smith, full name Mark Alexander Smith, born ~ One-time bassist of mid-1980s synth-rockers Boys Don't Cry. Member of the Adam Phillips Band. Fronted the Futility Orchestra. In-demand session musician and producer, worked with a host of artists including the Waterboys, Leo Sayer, Gonzales, Percy Sledge, Terry Reid, Alvin Stardust, Chris Farlowe, Patricia Kaas, Bryan Ferry, Chris Spedding, Tony O'Malley, Barbara Dickson, Shania Twain, Zoot Sims, Neneh Cherry, Lionel Richie, Ronan Keating, Malcolm McLaren, Charlotte Church, Van Morrison, George Michael, and others ~ Smith passed away in 2009
February 25, 1959 ~ Pop rock, new wave singer, guitarist, songwriter Mike Peters born in Prestatyn, UK ~ Lead singer of new wave band the Alarm, co-founded with guitarist Dave Sharp. The band is known for songs such as 68 Guns, Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke and Sold Me Down The River. After the band's disbandement in 1991 Peters has recorded as a solo artist starting with the album Breathe in 1995, formed Coloursound, worked with supergroup Dead Men Walking, and toured with Big Country
February 25, 1958 ~ Singer, actor Kevon Edmonds born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Brother of producer, singer, songwriter Kenneth Babyface Edmonds. Member of R&B group After 7, known for early-1990s hits with Ready Or Not, Can't Stop, Nights Like This and Kickin' It. Edmonds would debut as a solo artist with the album 24/7, which spawned the hits 24/7 and No Love (I'm Not Used To)
February 25, 1957 ~ Jazz drummer, producer Aage Tanggaard born in Denmark ~ Worked with Radiojazzgruppen, Ernie Wilkins, the NDR Big Band, Stan Getz, Roland Hanna, Michal Urbaniak, Horace Parlan, Duke Jordan, Chet Baker, Paul Bley, Lee Konitz, Dexter Gordon, Clark Terry, Doug Raney, Frank Foster, Ernie Wilkins, Svend Asmussen, and Ed Thigpen
February 25, 1954 ~ John Nommensen Duchac, commonly known as singer, guitarist, bassist, songwriter, actor John Doe, born in Decatur, Illinois, USA ~ Draws from rock, punk, country, folk. As a musician perhaps best known for pivotal 1970s Los Angeles punk, punk rock band X. Has also worked with the Knitters, the Flesh Eaters, and others. As an actor has over a dozen credits in film and TV, perhaps most notably playing the role of Jeff Parker in the TV series Roswell
February 25, 1950 ~ Singer, drummer, guitarist, pianist, bassist, songwriter Emitt Rhodes, full name Emitt Lynn Rhodes, born in Decatur, Illinois, USA ~ Drummer in Palace Guard. Multi-instrumentalist in the Merry-Go-Round. Critically acclaimed for his 1970 eponymous Emitt Rhodes album. Semi-retired from music in 1973, would no longer perform, would continue to record in the studio but would not release any material. Returned in 2016 with the album Rainbow Ends, featuring contributions from Jason Falkner, Aimee Mann, Jon Brion, Susanna Hoffs, Nels Cline, and others ~ Rhodes passed away in 2020
February 25, 1947 ~ Bassist Doug Yule, full name Douglas Alan Yule, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known for his association with the Velvet Underground, playing with the band from 1968 through 1973. First appeared on the bands 1969 eponymous The Velvet Underground playing bass and organ, taking lead vocals on the track Candy Says. Would go on to work with Velvet-bandmate Lou Reed, with American Flyer, and others
February 25, 1947 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion guitarist Ryo Kawasaki born in Koenju, Japan ~ Inspired to study jazz after hearing Kenny Burrell's 1963 Midnight Blue album. Kawasaki is one of the first to embrace, and help develop, fusion jazz. Played with various Japanese bands, including as leader, before relocating to New York in the early-1970s. Recorded well over a dozen albums, and is especially acclaimed for Juice, generally considered his masterpiece. An in-demand sideman, Kawasaki has appeared on albums by Gil Evans, Elvin Jones, Masahiko Satoh, Cedar Walton, Ted Curson ('Round About Midnight), Gato Barbieri, Puff Daddy, Miko Kono (Are You Married), and Sam Morrison. Interested in technology since a young age, Kawasaki also helped develop the guitar synthesizer in collaboration with the Roland Corporation and Korg, and wrote music software for computers ~ Kawasaki passed away in 2020
February 25, 1946 ~ Elaine Bookbinder, commonly known as rock, blues-rock, jazz singer Elkie Brooks, born in Salford, UK ~ Sang with Dada and Vinegar Joe before venturing out on her own. Best known for a number of UK hits starting in the late-1970s including Pearl's A Singer, After The Rain, Lilac Wine, Don't Cry Out Loud, Fool If You Think It's Over, and No More The Fool, all of which reached the top 20. Has also worked with Robert Palmer, Humphrey Lyttelton, Wet Willie and Chris Farlowe
February 25, 1946 ~ Progressive rock, Christian rock singer, keyboardist Jan Groth, full name Jan Leonard Groth, born in Sarpsborg, Norway ~ Rose to prominence in the early-1970s as member of progressive rock band Aunt Mary, singing lead and playing keyboards. Would later venture out on his own, focusing on Christian rock. Internationally perhaps best known as member of Just 4 Fun, representing Norway in the 1991 Eurovision Songfestival with the song Mrs Thompson reaching 17th place ~ Groth passed away in 2014
February 25, 1946 ~ Jazz, rock drummer, percussionist, singer Tullio de Piscopo born in Naples, Italy ~ Worked with Franco Cerri, Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Stéphane Grappelli, Massimo Urbani, Gil Evans, Slide Hampton, Don Costa, Astor Piazzolla, Aldemaro Romero, Gato Barbieri, Eumir Deodato, Lucio Dalla, Fabrizio de André, Pino Daniele, Manu Chao, and others
February 25, 1945 ~ Singer Claude Lombard born ~ Internationally best known for representing her native Belgium in the 1968 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching joint 7th place with Quand Tu Reviendras. Lombard would relocate to France in the 1970s, finding succes as a voice actress for TV and film including [title-beauty-and-beast-film] and The Prince Of Egypt ~ Lombard passed away in 2021
February 25, 1945 ~ Hubert Lœnhard, commonly known as singer Herbert Léonard, born in Strasbourg, France ~ Broke through in the late-1960s with Quelque Chose Tient Mon Cœur, a French-language version of Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart penned by Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway best known as recorded by Gene Pitney. Has since recorded about two dozen albums well into the 2000s, establishing himself as one of France's most endearing crooners
February 25, 1943 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter George Harrison born in Liverpool, UK ~ Influenced by George Formby, Django Reinhardt, Carl Perkins, Chet Atkins, Chuck Berry. Rose to fame as member of the Beatles. Especially credited with embracing Indian culture and bringing Indian instruments, such as the sitar, into mainstream pop. Wrote several classic tracks for the band including Taxman, Within You Without You, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Here Comes The Sun, and Something. After the band disbanded recorded as a solo artist. Best known for his 1970 All Things Must Pass triple album, which included My Sweet Lord. Organized the all-star Concert For Bangla Desh in 1971, a precursor to later benefit concerts such as Live Aid. Harrison was also a member of late-1980s supergroup the Traveling Wilburys alongside Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty, with whom he recorded two albums ~ Harrison passed away in 2001
February 25, 1937 ~ Pop, rock, jazz keyboardist Don Randi born in New York, New York, USA ~ Classically trained. Over a dozen albums as a leader, best known for leading a trio which included bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drummer Mel Lewis. In-demand session keyboardist from the 1960s onwards, including arranging for producer Phil Spector. Played piano on songs such as Nancy Sinatra's These Boots Are Made For Walkin', the Beach Boys' Good Vibrations and God Only Knows, and Buffalo Springfield's Broken Arrow. Present on albums by the Righteous Brothers, the Stone Poneys, Love, Tim Buckley, Elvis Presley (Elvis '68 Comeback Special), David Axelrod, Tommy Roe, Townes Van Zandt, James Brown, Bette Midler (Broken Blossom), and Neil Diamond
February 25, 1932 ~ Bebop jazz trombonist Ake Persson born in Hässleholm, Sweden ~ Played with artists such as Simon Brehm, Arne Domnérus, Hacke Björksten, Harry Arnold, Quincy Jones, Lars Gullin, the Rias Berlin Band, Kenny Clarke, George Wallington, Roy Haynes, Benny Bailey, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie ~ Persson passed away in 1975
February 25, 1932 ~ Composer Augusto Polo Campos born in Ayacucho, Peru ~ Self-taught composer. Does not play any instrument. Known among others for his composition Lucha Reyes, an international hit for Lucha Reyes, later also covered by Madre Matilda ~ Campos passed away in 2018
February 25, 1931 ~ Music manager, label executive Clarence Avant, full name Clarence Alexander Avant, born in Climax, North Carolina, USA ~ Dubbed “the Black Godfather” for his influence on music. Served as manager for artists such as Little Willie John, Sarah Vaughan, Luiz Bonfá, Freddie Hubbard, Jimmy Smith, and film composer Lalo Schifrin. Founded Sussex Records, for whom he signed artists such as Bill Withers, Dennis Coffey, and Gallery. Founded Avant Garde Broadcasting, known for operating the first African-American owned FM radio station KAGB-FM airing from Inglewood, California ~ Avant passed away in 2023
February 25, 1931 ~ Joseph Koo Kar-fai, commonly known as composer, songwriter Joseph Koo, born in Guangzhou, China ~ One of the most respected composers to come out of Hong Kong. Helped define Cantopop. Music director for the TV network TVB for about two decades starting in the early-1970s until migrating to Canada. Has written well over 1,000 songs, film and TV themes, notably the theme songs for series such as The Legend Of The Condor Heroes and Five Easy Pieces and the soundtrack to the 1986 film A Better Tomorrow ~ Koo passed away in 2023
February 25, 1928 ~ Albert Goldstein, commonly known as jazz saxophonist Al Gay born in UK ~ Worked with the Jive Bombers, Freddy Randall, Bob Wallis, Alex Welsh, Dick Morrisey, Stan Robinson, Paul Carroll, Ian Carr, Kenny Wheeler, Greg Brown, the World's Greatest Jazz Band, Digby Fairweather, Laurie Chescoe, Ron Russell, and the Pizza Express All-Stars ~ Goldstein passed away in 2013
February 25, 1927 ~ Banjo player, singer Ralph Stanley born in McClure, Virginia, USA ~ Member of iconic bluegrass band the Stanley Brothers. Also formed the Clinch Mountain Boys which at times included sidemen such as Curly Ray Cline, Melvin Goin, Larry Sparks, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Charlie Sizemore, Ron Thomason, James Alan Shelton, Sammy Adkins, Ernie Thacker, Jimmy Cameron, Ralph Stanley II, Mitchell van Dyke, Jimmie Vaughn, Alex Hibbits, and others ~ Stanley passed away in 2016
February 25, 1920 ~ Jazz, R&B tenor, alto saxophonist Eddie Chamblee, full name Edwin Leon Chamblee, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Worked with Sonny Thompson (including on the 1948 hits Long Gone and Late Freight), the Four Blazes, Lionel Hampton, Amos Milburn, Lowell Fulson, Dinah Washington (with whom he was briefly married), Milt Buckner, Dodo Greene, Memphis Slim, T-Bone Walker (on the 1955 album T-Bone Blues), the Harlem Blues & Jazz Band, and others ~ Chamblee passed away in 1999
February 25, 1919 ~ Cellist, composer Fred Katz born ~ Leader and sideman. Among the earliest to establish the cello as viable improvising solo instrument in jazz. Classically trained. Studied under Pablo Casale. Played with several symphony orchestra before finding fame in jazz, perhaps most notably as a member of Chico Hamilton's 1950's quintet. Noted composer for TV and film soundtracks. Also worked with Carmen McRae, Dorothy Ashby, Paul Horn, Ken Nordine, Pete Rugolo, and others ~ Katz passed away in 2013
February 25, 1912 ~ Blues singer, guitarist Arthur Big Boy Spires born in Natchez, Mississippi, USA ~ Fronted the Rocket Four, known for their 1952 recording Murmur Low. The single sold poorly but is today seen as a classic of the Chicago blues genre. It featured a three-guitar line up consisting of Spires, Eddie El and Earl Dranes, and maracas by Willie Big Eyes Smith. Spires has also worked with Lightnin' Hopkins in the late-1930s ~ Spires passed away in 1990
February 25, 1879 ~ Composer, conductor Otakar Ostrcil born in Prague, Czechoslovakia ~ Influenced by Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss and Arnold Schoenberg. Considered one of the leading composers in Czech Modernism, alongside Josef Suk and Vítezslav Novák. Best known for his symphonic works Impromptu, Suite In C Minor and Symfonietta and his operas Poupé and Honzovo Kralovstvi ~ Ostrcil passed away in 1935