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, 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, 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, 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, Fake Names, and others
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, 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, 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 Piscope 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. Also played with supergroup the Traveling Wilburys alongside Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty ~ 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, 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, 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 Spark, 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