February 27, 1980 ~ Bobby Marcel Wilson, commonly known as R&B, hip-hop singer, rapper, songwriter Bobby V, born in Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for songs such as the Tim & Bob-produced Slow Down and the Timbaland-produced Anonymous. Member of Mista. Also worked with Cyhi the Prynce, Lil' Scrappy, Lil' Wayne, and others
February 27, 1978 ~ Christian pop, rock singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Glenn Packiam, full name Glenn Previn Packiam, born in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia ~ Merges contemporary worship music with pop. Released his Rumors And Revelations debut album in 2009 and has recorded sporadically since. Best known as an author and pastor for the New Life Worship Church
February 27, 1974 ~ Jason Rawls, commonly known as DJ, producer, rapper J Rawls, born in Columbus, Ohio, USA ~ Worked with Black Star, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Doseone, Domo Genesis, Capital Steez, the Beastie Boys, Slum Village, Diamond D, John Robinson, El da Sensei, Sadat X, Count Bass D, Grand Agent, 9th Wonder, J-Live, US3, Aloe Blacc, Eric Roberson, Dudley Perkins, B Jazz, Rob Riley, Eddie Bayard, Charles Cooper, Themselves, Rasco, Mhz Legacy, and others
February 27, 1973 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist Kyp Malone, full name David Kyp Joel Malone, born ~ Perhaps best known as member of TV On The Radio since 2003, known for songs such as New Health Rock, Wolf Like Me, and Dancing Choose. Also a member of Iran, Ice Balloons, released his 2009 Rain Machine solo album under the moniker Rain Machine, and guested on Tinariwen's 2011 Tassil
February 27, 1973 ~ Power metal, heavy metal bassist, guitarist Tobias Exxel born ~ Best known as bassist for Edguy, with whom he recorded over half a dozen albums starting with 1999's Theater Of Salvation. Previously Exxel has worked with Galen, and with Squealer. Exxel also formed the side-projects Taraxacum and Everleaf
February 27, 1971 ~ Singer, actress Monica Salmaso born in São Paulo, Brazil ~ Debuted as a solo artist in 1995 with the album Afro Sambas, teaming up with producer, guitarist Paulo Bellinati. Has also worked with Rodolfo Stroeter, Nana Vasconcelos, Toninho Ferragutti, Marcos Suzano, Benjamin Taubkin, Nailor Azevedo, her husband Teco Cardoso, Nelson Ayres, and others
February 27, 1971 ~ Singer, dancer, actress, model Rozonda Thomas, full name Rozonda Ocielian Thomas, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ One third of 1990s chartbusters TLC, alongside Lisa Left-Eye Lopes and Tionne T-Boz Watkins, known for hits such as Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg, What About Your Friends, Creep, Waterfalls and No Scrubs. Joined the band in 1991 as a replacement for original member Crystal Jones. Nicknamed “Chilli” so the band could keep the “TLC” acronym. Following the death of Lopes she has occasionally performed with Watkins as a duo but is best known as an actress. Has been romantically involved with singer Usher and with producer Dallas Austin with whom she has a son born in 1997
February 27, 1970 ~ Jazz singer, composer Lina Nyberg born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Married to clarinetist, saxophonist Fredrik Ljungkvist. Over a dozen albums to her name, drawing from Latin jazz, free jazz, classical, show tunes and traditional jazz. Especially acclaimed for her 1994 Close With Esbjorn Svensson album and her 2011 Palaver album
February 27, 1966 ~ Singer, guitarist Alan Cavé, full name Georges Alan Cavé, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Fronted compas group Zin, merging ballads with kompa grooves. The band has remained popular for over two decades, releasing their O Pa debut album in 1989. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Se Pa Pou Dat in 2001. Cavé has also worked with artists such as Malavoi, Mario DeVolcy, Tanya Saint-Val, Haddy Njie, and Roy Shirley
February 27, 1965 ~ Jazz pianist Joey Calderazzo, full name Joseph Dominick Calderazzo, born in New Rochelle, New York, USA ~ Brother of drummer Gene Calderazzo. Had his solo debut album, 1990's In The Door, produced by Michael Brecker. Has also worked with Branford Marsalis, Jerry Bergonzi, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, Buckshot Lefonque, the Branford Marsalis Quartet, John Patitucci, Jeff Tain-Watts, Peter Erskine, Adam Nussbaum, Jay Anderson, Jeff Hirshfield, Sylvain Gagnon, Romero Lubambo, Claudia Acuna, Orlando le Fleming, Adam Cruz, Hakan Boström, Kurt Elling, and others
February 27, 1964 ~ Pop, jazz singer, bassist Ewen Vernal born in Glasgow, UK ~ Member of Deacon Blue from 1986 through 1994. Member of Capercaillie. Has also worked with Fish, Kate Rusby, Hue & Cry, Lou Reed, Michael Brecker, Chris Rea, and others
February 27, 1961 ~ Guitarist, singer, producer, songwriter Kevin Bowe born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA ~ Fronted the Dads, Summer Of Love, and the Revelators. Fronts roots rock outfit the Okemah Prophets. Especially known for his association with Paul Westerberg and the Replacements. Co-wrote several songs for Let's Roll album which won Etta James a Grammy. As a songwriter his work has also been recorded by Joe Cocker, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Robben Ford, John Mayall, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Little Steven, Three Dog Night, Tommy Castro, the Warren Brothers, John Brannen, Ana Popovic, and others
February 27, 1960 ~ Southern rock, country singer Johnny Van Zant born in Jacksonville, Florida, USA ~ Brother of Ronnie Van Zant and Donnie Van Zant. Formed Van Zant with the latter, best known for their 1985 eponymous Van Zant and its 1998 follow-up Brother To Brother. Serves as lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd since 1987. Released his solo debut album, Brickyard Road, in 1990
February 27, 1960 ~ Keyboardist Paul Humphreys born in London, UK ~ Co-founding member of Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, remaining with the band from its inception in 1978 until 1989. Sang lead on songs such as Electricity, Never Turn Away and (Forever) Live & Die. Fronted the Listening Pool from 1989 through 1996. Formed the duo Onetwo with Propaganda-singer Claudia Brücken from 2000 to 2013
February 27, 1958 ~ Singer Nancy Spungen, full name Nancy Laura Spungen, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Known for her tumultuous romance with the Sex Pistols-singer Sid Vicious. Found stabbed to death in the couple's Chelsea Hotel hotel room in New York. Vicious would be arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Released on bail Vicious passed away four months later of a heroin overdose awaiting trial ~ Spungen passed away in 1978
February 27, 1957 ~ Hard rock, heavy metal guitarist Adrian Smith, full name Adrian Frederick Smith, born in London, UK ~ Best known as member of Iron Maiden, joining the band in 1980 as replacement for Dennis Stratton and remaining for about a decade. Has also worked with ASAP, Psycho Motel, and Primal Rock Rebellion
February 27, 1954 ~ Guitarist Neal Schon born in San Mateo, California, USA ~ Member of Santana in the early 1970s, present on the 1971 album Santana III and its 1972 follow-up Caravanserai. Co-founding and sole constant member of Journey, known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Who's Crying Now, Don't Stop Believin', Open Arms, Separate Ways (World's Apart), Only The Young, and Be Good To Yourself. Has also worked with Azteca, Jan Hammer, Bad English, Hardline, and guested on recordings by Sammy Hagar, Joe Cocker, Michael Bolton, Carmine Appice, Beth Hart, Lee Ritenour, Jason Becker, and others
February 27, 1952 ~ Keyboardist, singer Kevin Raleigh born ~ Best known as a member of the Michael Stanley Band from 1978, first appearing on the Greatest Hints, remaining with the band until its disbandement in 1987. Present on some of the band's best-known including Someone Like You, When I'm Holding You Tight and He Can't Love You. Also released solo recordings and worked with the Pictures, Jim Bonfanti, Neil Giraldo, and others
February 27, 1951 ~ Stephen Malcolm Ronald Nice, commonly known as glam rock, art rock, pop rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Steve Harley, born in London, UK ~ Lead singer, frontman of 1970s outfit Cockney Rebel, with whom he recorded about half a dozen albums including the UK top 10 albums The Psychomodo and The Best Years Of Our Lives. The band is known for songs such as Sebastian, Judy Teen, Mr Soft, and perhaps their best known Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me), the latter a No.1 hit in both Ireland and the band's native UK and a radio staple to this day. Following the band's disbandement, Harley has recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist. The singer continued to perform into his seventies, and was forced to cancel his upcoming 2024 tour after being diagnosed with cancer. Upon hearing of his passing, fellow musician Midge Ure, who had produced Harley's 1982 track I Can't Even Touch You, stated Harley was “a true ‘working’ musician, (who) toured until he could tour no more” ~ Harley passed away in 2024
February 27, 1947 ~ Classical violinist Gidon Kremer born in Riga, Latvian SSR ~ Has performed works by Astor Piazzolla, Alban Berg, Béla Bartók, Philip Glass, and others. Has worked with Thomas Schippers, the Berlin Philharmonic, Mikhail Pletnev, Yo-Yo Ma, and others. Founder and music director of the Kremerata Baltica chamber orchestra, composed of young players from the Baltic region
February 27, 1947 ~ Folk singer, guitarist Isaac Guillory born in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba ~ Member of the Cryan Shames. Studied classical guitar and would incorporate quasi-classical playing into his folk songs. Released his eponymous solo debut album Isaac Guillory in 1974. Has worked with Al Stewart, Donovan, Mick Jagger, Elkie Brooks, Peter Sarstedt, Buggles, Barbara Dickson, Nick Heyward, and others ~ Guillory passed away in 2000
February 27, 1947 ~ Keyboardist, arranger, conductor Louis Clark born in Kempston, UK ~ To pop audiences best known for his association with the Electric Light Orchestra, starting on the band's 1974 Eldorado album. Also present on subsequent albums such as A New World Record, Face The Music and Out Of The Blue conducting and assisting Jeff Lynne and Richard Tandy in writing arrangements. Has also worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the English Pops Orchestra, Roy Orbison, Ozzy Osbourne, Roy Wood, Kiki Dee, Mike Berry, and Renaissance ~ Clark passed away in 2021
February 27, 1941 ~ Double bassist John Williams born ~ In-demand sideman from the 1960s through the 1990s. Has backed artists such as Mose Allison, Roy Ayers, Count Basie, Kenny Burrell, Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby Hutcherson, Harold Land, Hugh Masekela, Zoot Sims, Kai Winding, Benny Carter, Billy Cobham, Michael Wolff, Art Farmer, Gerald Wilson, and others
February 27, 1940 ~ Jazz, pop drummer Harold Jones born in Richmond, Indiana, USA ~ Best known for his associations with Tony Bennett and Count Basie. Has also worked with Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock, BB King, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Natalie Cole, Bunky Green, Red Callender, Marlena Shaw, Benny Carter, Marian McPartland, Gene Harris, Bruce Broughton, Elvin Bishop, João Gilberto, and others
February 27, 1938 ~ John Philip Thackray, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Jake Thackray born in Monmouth, UK ~ Hard to categorise storyteller known for a number of late 1960s, early 1970s recordings. Drew comparisons to Noël Coward, a comparison he resisted but acknowledged. Influenced by chansoniers such as Georges Brassens, Jacques Brel and Charles Trenet, and songwriters such as Randy Newman. Admired by later singers such as Jarvis Cocker, Morrissey and Alex Turner ~ Thackray passed away in 2002
February 27, 1938 ~ Rockabilly, rock & roll saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist William Martin Willis, full name William Martin Willis Jr, born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ In-demand session and touring musician, helpful in the development of rock & roll, drawing from jazz, blues, and country. Present on quintessential 1950s songs including recordings by Conway Twitty, Billy Lee Riley, Roy Orbison (The Fools' Hall Of Fame), Bill Black (Smokie Part 2), Charlie Rich, and Jerry Lee Lewis (Hang Up My Rock & Roll Shoes). Willis retired from music by the mid-1960s, to eventually become a successful entrepreneur in the hotel business ~ Willis passed away in 2018
February 27, 1929 ~ Jazz pianist Betty Loo Taylor born ~ Dubbed Hawaii's “First Lady of Jazz” best known for her regular performances at the Trappers club alongside longtime musical partner Jimmy Borges in the 1970s and 1980s and the Kahala Hotel & Resort during the 1990s and 2000s ~ Taylor passed away in 2016
February 27, 1928 ~ Raymond Eustis Montrell, commonly known as R&B guitarist Roy Montrell, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ In-demand session musician, perhaps most notably for Little Richard (Lucille) and for Fats Domino. First recorded and co-wrote Everytime I Hear That Mellow Saxophone, later covered by numerous artists including the Stray Cats ~ Montrell passed away in 1979
February 27, 1923 ~ Charles Jagelka, commonly known as jazz, cool jazz, swing guitarist Chuck Wayne, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Woody Herman, George Shearing, Tony Bennett, Coleman Hawkins, Red Norvo, Joe Bushkin, Warren Chiasson, Gil Evans, Dick Katz, Beverly Kenney, Hank Jones, Clifford Jordan, Rolf Kühn, Duke Jordan, John Mehegan, Marian Montgomery, Jimmy Raney, George Wallington, Frank Wess, and others ~ Wayne passed away in 1997
February 27, 1923 ~ Jazz, swing, bebop, hard bop saxophonist Dexter Gordon born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Considered one of the most influential early bebop artists, particularly influential on John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins. Known for his humurous and communicative stage presence. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, Gordon was sometimes referred to as “Long Tall Dexter” or “the Sophisticated Giant”. Early on in his career, played with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Billy Eckstine, and Dizzy Gillespie, prior to establishing himself as one of the premier leaders. As a leader or co-leader, Gordon has recorded well over 50 albums since the late 1940s, especially noted for albums such as Go, Body And Soul, and The Apartment. Gordon was nominated for an Academy Award for his lead role in the 1986 Round Midnight film, a fictionalized tale loosely inspired by the lives and careers of saxophonist Lester Young and pianist Bud Powell ~ Gordon passed away in 1990
February 27, 1922 ~ John Joseph Kelson Jr, commonly known as saxophonist Jackie Kelso, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Active since the 1940s, initially in jazz backing the likes of Barney Bigard, Lucky Thompson, Kid Ory, Benny Carter, Benny Goodman, and Lionel Hampton, later venturing into other genres. To rock & roll audiences perhaps best known for his assocation with Gene Vincent, playing on several of the singer's key late 1950s recordings including Say Mama, She She Little Sheila, and Ac-centu-ate he Positive. Kelso also provided the flute solo, though uncredited, on Walk Away Renee by the Left Banke, backed Elvis Presley on his Elvis '68 Comeback Special, took part in the 1971 all-star The Concert For Bangladesh charity concert organized by George Harrison, and worked with Johnny Otis, Lowell Fulson, Shuggie Otis (Here Comes Shuggie), Rita Coolidge, Todd Rundgren (Something/Anything), Albert Hammond, Bobby Blue Bland, Kris Kristofferson, José Feliciano, the Four Tops, John Prine, the Manhattan Transfer, Steely Dan (Aja), Mink DeVille, Dr John, Christopher Cross, and Michael Omartian ~ Kelson passed away in 2012
February 27, 1920 ~ Swing clarinetist, saxophonist Abe Most, full name Abraham Most, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Brother of flautist Sam Most. Influenced by Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman. Recorded a handful of albums as a leader, especially noted for Swing Low Sweet Clarinet released in 1984. In-demand sideman, including outside of jazz circles, present on albums by Paul Smith, Ella Fitzgerald (Sings The Rodgers And Hart Song Book), Johnny Mandel, Van Alexander, Frank Sinatra (Nice 'n Easy), Rosemary Clooney, Nancy Wilson, Ray Conniff, Randy Newman (Sail Away), Maria Muldaur, Joni Mitchell, Earth Wind & Fire (All 'n All), BB King, Ted Gärdestad, and Madonna ~ Most passed away in 2002
February 27, 1907 ~ Mildred Eleanor Rinker, commonly known as singer Mildred Bailey born in Tekoa, Washington, USA ~ Sister of Al Rinker. Married to Red Norvo, with whom she also worked, from 1933 to 1942. Dubbed “the Queen of Swing” and known for songs such as For Sentimental Reasons, It's So Peaceful In The Country, Doin' The Uptown Lowdown, Trust In Me, Where Are You, I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart, Small Fry, Please Be Kind, Darn That Dream, Rockin' Chair, Blame It On My Last Affair, Says My Heart, and others. Has worked with the Three Ickkies, Bing Crosby, the Rhythm Boys, Paul Whiteman, Eddie Lang, the Dorsey Brothers, Benny Goodman, Joe Marsala, and others ~ Bailey passed away in 1951
February 27, 1890 ~ Bandleader, cornetist Freddie Keppard born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Brother of jazz guitarist Louis Keppard. Founded the Olympia Orchestra in the early 1900s, a band that also featured Alphonse Picou. Has also worked with Frankie Duson, the Original Creole Band, Doc Cook's Dreamland Orchestra, Jimmie Noone, Johnny Dodds, Erskine Tate, Lil' Armstrong, John Wyycliffe ~ Keppard passed away ion 1933