February 4, 2024 ~ Artist manager Martin Kirkup passed away in Hawaii, USA ~ Active as label executive and artist manager since the mid-1970s, initially for A&M Records, overseeing campaigns for artists such as Peter Frampton, Supertramp, Joe Jackson, and the Police. Co-founded artist management company Direct Management by the mid-1980s, helping advance the careers of several artists. Notable successes include getting If You Leave by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark on the Pretty In Pink soundtrack, which significantly boosted the band's exposure in America, helping steer the B52's towards more commercial success starting with the 1989 Cosmic Thing album which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Roam and Love Shack, and signing the then-unknown rock outfit the Counting Crows in the early 1990s, whose August & Everything After debut album would go on to sell over 10 million copies. Kirkup has also been involved with artists such as Boy Meets Girl, Bryan Ferry, Katy Perry, and Adam Lambert ~ Kirkup was born ca.1948
February 4, 2022 ~ Pop, R&B singer Donny Gerard passed away ~ Lead singer of Skylark, best known for their 1972 hit single Wildflower. The song would later be covered by Color Me Badd, Hank Crawford, Creative Source, the O'Jays, Marlena Shaw, and others. Gerard has also released some solo recordings, notably the singles Greedy For Your Love and Stay A While With Me. Sang backup for artists such as Elton John, Neil Diamond, Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, Cher, and Mavis Staples ~ Gerard was born ca.1946
February 4, 2022 ~ Progressive rock, rock, protest singer, guitarist, violinist, songwriter Marko Brecelj passed away ~ Known for his political activism, satire and black humor. Influenced by Frank Zappa. Released his solo debut album, Cocktail, in 1974, a collaborative effort with composer Bojan Adamic. Best known as co-founder, frontman of pioneering progressive rock outfit Buldozer, acclaimed for their 1975 Pljuni Istini U Oci album, which sold out fast but would not be reissued as the record company deemed it “inappropriate and controversial” material. The band is considered one of the first avant-prog rock outfits in communist Yugoslavia, forefathers of Yugoslav new wave. Brecelj would appear on the band's first two albums and one soundtrack, Zivi Bili Pa Vidi, before departing the band. Has continued to work with a wide array of acts and remain active until his death ~ Brecelj was born in 1951
February 4, 2021 ~ R&B singer Jessie Smith passed away ~ Best known as original member of the Ikettes during the mid-1960s, backing the duo of Ike Turner & Tina Turner. As a solo artist known for her 1961 My Baby Has Gone single. Has also sang backup for artists such as Al Kooper, Bryan Ferry, Dr John (In The Right Place), Gloria Jones, José Feliciano, Johnny Bristol, Leon Ware, and others ~ Smith was born ca.1941
February 4, 2021 ~ R&B singer, songwriter Nolan Porter, full name Nolan Frederick Porter, passed away ~ Married to Candy Zappa, sister of Frank Zappa. Recorded two albums in the early 1970s, initially to little success but in time appreciated by British Northern soul aficionados. Best known for songs such as Keep On Keeping On and If I Could Only Be Sure, the latter notably covered by father of Britpop Paul Weller on his 2004 Studio 150 album ~ Porter was born in 1949
February 4, 2019 ~ Composer Vyacheslav Ovchinnikov, full name Vyacheslav Aleksandrovich Ovchinnikov, passed away in Moscow, Russia ~ Started composing at age 9, entered the Moscow Conservatory at age 15. Wrote symphonies, symphonic poems, chamber music and works for small ensembles. Internationally perhaps best known as film composer, including for the 1967 film War And Peace directed by Sergei Bondarchuk ~ Ovchinnikov was born in 1936
February 4, 2017 ~ Ska, rocksteady, reggae percussionist Noel Simms, full name Noel Bartholomew Simms, passed away in Alligator Reef, Florida, USA ~ Half of the duo Bunny & Scully, the other half being Arthur Bunny Robinson. Also worked with Coxsone Dodd, Prince Buster, the Aggrovators, the Upsetters, the Revolutionaries, Roots Radics, Big Youth, Peter Tosh, Dillinger, the Heptones, Justin Hinds, Johnny Moore, Jimmy Cliff, and others ~ Simms was born in 1935
February 4, 2016 ~ Songwriter, singer Joe Dowell passed away in Bloomington, Illinois, USA ~ Best known for his 1961 rendition of Wooden Heart, the first US No.1 single for Smash Records. Followed up with the lesser hits The Bridge Of Love and Little Red Rented Rowboat. Dowell wanted to be a songwriter in his own right but was contractually required to sing music owned by his label's parent company Mercury Records. Dowell was eventually dropped by the label and has recorded sporadically since including folk and gospel ~ Dowell was born in 1940
February 4, 2014 ~ Reginald Maurice Ball, commonly known as singer, bassist Reg Presley, passed away in Hampshire, UK ~ Best known as the Troggs' lead singer, known for hits such as With A Girl Like You, Wild Thing, I Can't Control Myself and Love Is All Around, later covered by Wet Wet Wet. Ball used the royalties of the latter to fund research into UFO's, lost civilizations and alchemy. ~ Presley was born in 1941
February 4, 2013 ~ Donaldson Toussaint L'Ouverture Byrd II, commonly known as jazz, bebop trumpeter Donald Byrd, passed away in Dover, Delaware, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Major influence on and mentor of Herbie Hancock. First gained serious attention playing with Art Blakey, replacing Clifford Brown in the Jazz Messengers. Has also backed artists such as John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk before establishing himself as a bandleader. Known for early 1960s albums such as Royal Flush and Free Form as well as late 1960s, early 1970s albums such as Fancy Free and Black Byrd exploring jazz fusion and R&B ~ Byrd was born in 1932
February 4, 2008 ~ Pianist Chris Anderson passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced Herbie Hancock. Leader and sideman. Active since the mid 1940s. Best known for his 1960 My Romance album. Worked with Von Freeman, Charlie Parker, Dinah Washington, Bill Lee, Art Taylor, Walter Perkins, Philly Joe Jones, Frank Gant, Charlie Haden, Clifford Jordan, Sun Ra, Frank Strozier, and others ~ Anderson was born in 1926
February 4, 2007 ~ Singer, actress Barbara McNair, full name Barbara Jean McNair, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Jazz, nightclub singer best known for her 1958 debut single Till There Was You. Toured with Nat King Cole. Starred in early 1960s Broadway shows, notably I'm With You. Would focus on acting in films and TV from the 1970s onwards ~ McNair was born in 1934
February 4, 2005 ~ James Henry Oliver, commonly known as saxophonist, bandleader Jimmy Oliver, passed away ~ Worked with Philly Joe Jones, Red Garland, Johnny Coles, Charlie Rice, Sam Reed, Mickey Roker, Bootsie Barnes, the Heath Brothers, Philly Joe Jones, Charlie Parker, Pearl Bailey, Max Roach, Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, Illinois Jacquet, Arnett Cobb, Georgie Auld, Charlie Ventura, Hank Jones, Major Holley, and others ~ Oliver was born ca.1920
February 4, 2005 ~ Drummer, bassist Warren Vaché Sr passed away in Rahway, New Jersey, USA ~ Started on drums but switched to bass, establishing himself on the double bass. Has worked with Eddie Condon, Doc Cheatham, and led his own band the Syncopatin' Six and the Syncopatin' Seven. Co-founded the American Jazz Hall Of Fame. Longtime editor for the magazine Jersey Jazz. Father of trumpeter Warren Vaché Jr and clarinetist Allan Vaché ~ Vaché was born in 1914
February 4, 2001 ~ James Louis Johnson, commonly known as trombonist JJ Johnson passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. One of the earliest bebop trombonists. As a composer known for standards such as Wee Dot, Lament and Enigma. Worked with Kai Winding, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, Clifford Brown, Bennie Green, André Previn, Milt Jackson, Joe Pass, Al Grey, Cannonball Adderley, Count Basie, Kenny Burrell, Donald Byrd, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Coleman Hawkins, Billie Holiday, Elvin Jones, Howard McGhee, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, Horace Silver, Stanley Turrentine, and others ~ Johnson was born in 1924
February 4, 2000 ~ Singer Doris Coley passed away ~ Best known as member, ocassional lead singer, of vocal girl group the Shirelles, known for songs such as Tonight's The Night, Baby It's You and Will You Love Me Tomorrow. The latter would be the first single by a black girl-group to top the American charts ~ Coley was born in 1941
February 4, 1998 ~ Patrick Lamont Hawkins, commonly known as rapper Fat Pat, passed away in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Brother of rapper Big Hawk, with whom he also worked. Best known for his appearance on Lil' Troy's Wanna Be A Baller, released after Hawkins' death. Has also worked with Dead End Alliance, and Screwed Up Click, the latter considered one of the premier acts in Southern rap ~ Hawkins was born in 1970
February 4, 1991 ~ Pop, jazz singer Kate Davis, full name Kathryn L Davis, born in West Linn, Oregon, USA ~ Played violin and bass in the Portland Youth Philharmonic. Actively recording as a singer since the late 2000s, venturing from jazz to indie pop and rock. Especially acclaimed for the album Trophy released in 2019
February 4, 1991 ~ Glam rock, hard rock, pop rock outfit Queen release Innuendo, the final album released during lead singer Freddie Mercury's lifetime ~ The singer had been diagnosed with AIDS, which was not yet publicised, however, rumours had been spreading about his health. Mercury did not speak publicly about his health, and was determined to continue working for as long as he could, saying that he would “keep working until I fucking drop”. The album would be warmly received by critics, and spawn the UK top 20 singles Headlong and The Show Must Go On. The album's lead single, Innuendo, did well across Europe, and reached the No.1 spot in their native UK. Mercury would pass away by the end of the year
February 4, 1989 ~ Producer, songwriter, arranger, guitarist Trevor Lucas passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Virtually unknown in his native Australia, Lucas is regarded as a notable figure in 1960s, 1970s folk-rock boom in the UK through for his associations with Fairport Convention, present on albums such as Unhalfbricking and What We Did On Our Holidays, Fotheringay, and through his marriage to bandmate and singer Sandy Denny from 1973 until her death in 1978. Lucas released his Overlander solo debut album in 1966, has appeared on recordings by Al Stewart, Luther Grosvenor, the Strawbs (Grave New World), the Bunch, Richard Thompson, and the Bunch ~ Lucas was born in 1943
February 4, 1987 ~ Wladziu Valentino Liberace, mononymously known as pianist Liberace passed away in Palm Springs, California, USA ~ Child prodigy. Known for his outrageous showmanship, sporting a flamboyant presence and lifestyle both on and off stage. At the height of his fame the highest-paid entertainer in the world. Played pop standards, classical and classical crossover ~ Liberace was born in 1919
February 4, 1986 ~ Drummer, pianist, singer Jackie Barnes born in Sydney, Australia ~ Half-brother of singer Jimmy Barnes, with whom he also worked. Member of sibling outfit the Tin Lids. In-demand touring and session musician, has worked with Rose Tattoo, Diesel, Keith Urban, Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Joe Bonamassa, Andrew Roachford, Little Steven, the Dead Daisies, Shannon Noll, the Wiggles, Glenn Hughes, and others
February 4, 1983 ~ Singer, drummer Karen Carpenter, full name Karen Anne Carpenter, passed away in Downey, California, USA ~ Praised for her three-octave vocal range. Alongside pianist, singer Richard Carpenter formed the sibling duo the Carpenters, known for a string of lush soft-rock hits, mostly in the 1970s, including Billboard top 10 hits such as (They Long To Be) Close To You, We've Only Just Begun, Rainy Days And Mondays, the Leon Russell & Bonnie Bramlett-penned Superstar, Yesterday Once More and Top Of The World ~ Carpenter was born in 1950
February 4, 1982 ~ Pop, rock, soft rock singer Stevie Nicks releases Edge Of Seventeen, lifted off her Bella Donna album ~ When Tom Petty's first wife Jane Benyo told Nicks the couple had met at the “age of seventeen”, Nicks mistook her words for “edge of seventeen” on account of Benyo's thick Southern accent. The phrase stuck. Although Nicks intended to use the title for a song about the Petty's, the death of her uncle Jonathan and the murder of John Lennon during the same week, inspired her to use it for another new song. Despite the single barely missing the Billboard Hot 100 top 10, it would become one of Nicks' best known and most enduring songs
February 4, 1978 ~ Marcelo de Souza Camelo, commonly known as folk rock, alternative rock, samba, bossa nova, contemporary classical singer, guitarist, bassist Marcelo Camelo, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Lead guitarist, primary songwriter of Los Hermanos, known for among others Samba A Dois and Anna Julia, the latter notably covered by Jim Capaldi. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Sou released in 2008. Married to singer Mallu Magalhães, his bandmate in Banda Do Mar
February 4, 1977 ~ Glam punk, indie pop, indie rock, noise pop, noise rock, shoegazing bassist, drummer, guitarist, singer Emil Nikolaisen born in Moi, Norway ~ Lead singer, guitarist of alternative rock outfit Serena-Maneesh. Has also worked with Silver, Loch Ness Mouse, Royal, and Extol. Has served as producer for artists such as Arabrot, Carmen Villain, Okkultokrati, Elvira Nikolaisen, Maria Solheim, and others
February 4, 1977 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Gavin Degraw born in South Fallsburg, New York, USA ~ Rose to fame in the early 2000s, especially noted for I Don't Want To Be of his 2003 Chariot debut album. Other well known songs include Follow Through, In Love With A Girl, Not Over You, Soldier and Sweeter. Nominated for a Grammy Award for the Colbie Caillat-duet We Both Know used in the 2013 Safe Haven film
February 4, 1975 ~ Saxophonist, bandleader Louis Jordan, full name Louis Thomas Jordan, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ One of the all-time most successful African-American artists. Leading jump-blues innovator, known for his highly energetic hybrid of jazz, blues, and boogie-woogie, and considered a major influence on 1950s rock & roll and R&B. Known for songs such as Caldonia, Choo Choo Ch'boogie, Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens, Let The Good Times Roll, Beans And Corn Bread, and Saturday Night Fish Fry Parts 1 & 2 ~ Jordan was born in 1908
February 4, 1975 ~ Dennis Rink, commonly known as rap, hip-hop DJ, producer Man!ak, born in Zaandam, the Netherlands ~ Best known for producing Dansplaat, a 2001 hit in the Netherlands and Belgium for Brainpower. Also collaborated with the latter in the rap, hip-hop quartet ADHD. Has also released several singles under the moniker Man!e and worked as a producer with Skate The Great, Lexay, Lex Boogie, and others
February 4, 1975 ~ Singer, model, songwriter, actress Natalie Imbruglia born in Sydney, Australia ~ Actress, notably featured in the Australian soap Neighbours in the early 1990s. As a singer released her debut album, Left Of The Middle, in 1997. It would spawn the international hit Torn. Imbruglia has been recording to critical acclaim and commercial success since
February 4, 1974 ~ Guitarist Jeff Schroeder, full name Jeffrey Kim Schroeder, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Influenced by Ace Frehley, Jeff Beck, Slash, Pete Townshend, Brad Laner, Lee Ranaldo, Thurston Moore, Tom Verlaine, Richard Lloyd, Carrie Brownstein, J Mascis. Best known as member of the Smashing Pumpkins, joining as touring member in 2007 becoming a full-pledged member later on. Also worked with the Lassie Foundation, the Violet Burning, and with the Night Dreamer
February 4, 1971 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter David Garza born in Irving, Texas, USA ~ Debuted in 1991 with his Just Say Love album and has recorded extensively ever since. Has collaborated with Juliana Hatfield, Rhett Miller, Fiona Apple, Revolting Cocks, John Legend (Sun Comes Up), Watkins Family Hour, and others
February 4, 1970 ~ Producer, label founder James Murphy born in Princeton, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as the man behind LCD Soundsystem. Has recorded and collaborated under numerous monnikers. Influenced by Liquid Liquid, the B52's, Talking Heads, the Fall, Siouxsie & the Banshees, the Velvet Underground, Yes, David Bowie, Daft Punk, and Can. Has worked with Britney Spears, Arcade Fire, Gorillaz, André 3000, Pulp, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Pony, Speedking, and others
February 4, 1970 ~ Singer, guitarist, bassist, percussionist Keller Williams born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA ~ Described by some as a one-man jam band drawing from bluegrass, folk, alternative rock, reggae, dance, jazz, funk, and other idioms. Well over a dozen albums to his name starting in the mid 1990s, especially acclaimed for the albums Spun and its follow-up Breathe. Has collaborated with artists such as the String Cheese Incident, Jeff Austin, Keith Moseley, the Travelin' McCourys, Julian Casellas, the Rhythm Devils, and others
February 4, 1969 ~ Barbara Augustine Nederhorst commonly known as actress, singer Guusje Nederhorst, born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as actress. As a singer known for Ademnood, released under the moniker Linda Roos & Jessica with her Goede Tijden Slechte Tijden co-stars Babette van Veen and Katja Schuurman. The 1995 single was intended as a gimmick but would reach No.1 on the Dutch charts, featured backing vocals by Trijntje Oosterhuis and was produced by Fluitsma & Van Tijn. Nederhorst was married to singer Dinand Woesthoff from 2003 until her death the following year, the couple have one son ~ Nederhorst passed away in 2004
February 4, 1968 ~ Bass guitarist Tim Lefebvre born in Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA ~ Has worked with a wide range of musicians in rock, jazz, fusion, electronica and R&B including Sting, Elvis Costello, David Bowie (including on 2016's Blackstar released two days before Bowie's death), Empire Of The Sun, Sleepy Jackson, Wayne Krantz, Patti Austin, John Mayer, Jovanotti, Chuck Loeb, Mark Giuliana, Jamie Cullum, Chris Botti, Knower, the Tedeschi-Trucks Band, and others
February 4, 1964 ~ Tim Ryan Rouillier, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, songwriter Tim Ryan, born in St Ignatius, Montana, USA ~ As a solo artist known for a number of 1990s albums, starting with the eponymous 1990 Tim Ryan album which spawned the modest country hit Dance In Circles. Also known as a songwriter, wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by George Strait, Randy Travis, Phil Vassar (Last Day Of My Life), Deana Carter, Ty Herndon, and others
February 4, 1963 ~ Rock drummer Bryan Mantia, full name Bryan Kei Mantia, born in Cupertino, California, USA ~ Influenced by James Brown, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix. First gained attention in the early 1990s as member of Praxis, playing alongside Bill Laswell, Bernie Worrell, Bootsy Collins and Buckethead. Developed a continuing relationship with the latter, playing on a number of his solo albums including Monsters And Robots, Colma and The Cuckoo Clocks Of Hell. Has also worked with Primus, Godflesh, Tom Waits (Mule Variations), Serj Tarkian, Guns 'n Roses, Science Faxtion, Travis Dickerson, and others
February 4, 1963 ~ Kevin John Wasserman, commonly known as punk rock, skate punk, alternative rock guitarist Noodles, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Lead guitarist for the Offspring. Allegedly in the band because at the time he was the only one old enough to provide alcohol for the others. The band is known for songs such as Come Out And Play, Self Esteem, Gone Away, Pretty Fly For A White Guy, Why Don't You Get A Job, Original Prankster, Hit That, Hammerhead, and You're Gonna Go Far Kid
February 4, 1962 ~ Singer Clint Black born in Long Branch, New Jersey, USA ~ Debuted in 1989 with the album Killin' Time. All four of the album's singles, namely A Better Man, Killin' Time, Nobody's Home and Walkin' Away, would top the country charts both in America and Canada. Black would continue to regularly reach the higher echelons of the charts up till the turn of the century with songs such as Loving Blind, When My Ship Comes In, the Wynonna Judd-duet A Bad Goodbye, A Good Run Of Bad Luck, Summer's Comin', Like The Rain, Nothin' But The Taillights, and the endearing love duet When I Said I Do with his wife Lisa Hartman-Black
February 4, 1960 ~ Singer, songwriter Tim Booth, full name Timothy John Booth, born in Bradford, UK ~ Lead singer for James, with whom he has recorded over a dozen albums since its inception in the mid-1980s. In their early days the band would be critically compared to the Smiths, strengthened by Morrissey's endorsement of the group, but by the mid-1990s the band would come into their own, known for their ringing guitar pop, reflective lyrics, and Booth's dramatic stylings. They are especially acclaimed for albums such as Seven, Laid, and their 2001 masterpiece Pleased To Meet You
February 4, 1955 ~ Guitarist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter, engineer, producer Tim Thorney born ~ Co-wrote most of Lisa Dal Bello's 1981 Drastic Measures album. Singer, keyboardist for the Front, known for the early 1980s albums Gina's At A Party and Underworld. Has recorded as a solo artist, most notably the 1993 Fortunate Home single which reached top 20 of the Canadian country charts. Co-produced Jimmy Rankin's 2001 Song Dog debut album and its follow-up Handmade. Co-produced Alanis Morissette's 2004 So-Called Chaos album ~ Thorney passed away in 2021
February 4, 1954 ~ Singer, harmonica player Curtis Salgado born in Everett, Washington, USA ~ Reportedly one of the artists, along with Charlie Musselwhite, cited as inspiration for the Blues Brothers' characters. Closely associated with Robert Cray, singing and playing harmonica with the Robert Cray Band through 1982. Would go on to front Roomful Of Blues. Has briefly worked with Santana. Also known for fronting his own bands, starting with Curtis Salgado & The Stilettos released in 1991
February 4, 1953 ~ Jazz trombonist John Rapson born in Gary, Indiana, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Vinny Golia, Tim Berne, Walter Thompson, Bobby Bradford, John Carter, Wayne Peet, Alex Cline, Roberto Miguel Miranda, Ken Filiano, John Fumo, Kim Richmond, Steve Fowler, Bill Roper, Anthony Braxton, Ed Blackwell, Jay Hoggard, Allen Lowe, and others
February 4, 1953 ~ Masanori Takahashi, commonly known as electronic, world, new age keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, flutist, percussionist, songwriter Kitaro, born in Toyohashi, Japan ~ About two albums to his name since the late 1970s. Regarded as one of the premier new-age artists. Best known for his 1999 album Thinking Of You. Also noted for composing the soundtrack for the 1993 Heaven & Earth film. Has worked with the Far East Family Band, Klaus Schulze, Mickey Hart, Jon Anderson, and others
February 4, 1953 ~ Rock, pop, soul singer, songwriter Tatsuro Yamashita born in Toshima, Japan ~ Considered one of the premier artists in Japanese soft rock. Best known for Christmas Eve, which has returned to the charts each year for over 35 consecutive years. Frequently worked with his wife, singer Mariya Takeuchi, notably on Plastic Love
February 4, 1952 ~ Drummer Jerry Shirley born in London, UK ~ Perhaps best known as member of Humble Pie, present on the band's best known including the albums As Safe As Yesterday Is, Smokin' and Eat It. Has also worked with Natural Gas, Fastway, Waysted, Syd Barrett, John Entwistle, Sammy Hagar, Benny Mardones, and others
February 4, 1950 ~ Rock drummer Mick Woodmansey, also known as Michael Woody Woodmansey, born in Driffield, UK ~ Closely associated with David Bowie, present on the albums The Man Who Sold The World, Hunky Dory, The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars and Aladdin Sane. Has also worked with Art Garfunkel, the Cybernauts, 3-D, Holy Holy, and others. Woodmansey published his autobiography, Spider From Mars (My Life With David Bowie), in 2016
February 4, 1949 ~ Drummer Roy Yeager born in Greenwood, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Atlanta Rhythm Section from 1979 through 1983. Had previously worked with the Out Of Its, the Crackerjacks, Lobo, and with singer Joe South. Would resettle to Nashville in the 1980s, found his own recording studio and venture into producing
February 4, 1948 ~ Vincent Furnier, commonly known as singer Alice Cooper, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Dubbed “the Father of Shock-Rock” emerged in the late 1960s, early 1970s pioneering a macabre and theatrical brand of rock drawing from horror films, hard rock, heavy metal, glam rock, garage rock. Would adopt the original band name, Alice Cooper, for his own on-stage persona. Known for songs such as I'm Eighteen, Under My Wheels, School's Out, No More Mr Nice Guy, Halo Of FLies, Only Women Bleed, Welcome To My Nightmare, How You Gonna See Me Now, Poison and Hey Stoopid
February 4, 1947 ~ Dwight David Turner, commonly known as soul singer Spyder Turner, born in Beckley, West Virginia, USA ~ Sang backup for R&B outfits such as the Stereophonics and for the Fabulous Counts. Scored a 1967 R&B hit with Stand By me, a tongue-in-cheek cover of the Ben E King tune imitating not only King, but Smokey Robinson, Chuck Jackson and other soul singers as well. The single would cross over to the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, reaching the top 20. Also co-wrote Do Your Dance, a hit for Rose Royce in 1977
February 4, 1945 ~ Tenor saxophonist John Stubblefield born ~ Worked with the World Saxophone Quartet, Reggie Workman, McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard, George Russell, Nat Adderley, Kenny Barron, Lester Bowie, the Mingus Big Band, Anthony Braxton, Stanley Cowell, Miles Davis, Billy Hart, Louis Hayes, Julius Hemphill, Joseph Jarman, Victor Lewis, Sam Rivers, and others ~ Stubblefield passed away in 2005
February 4, 1944 ~ Pop, rock drummer, singer Grant Serpell, full name Stephen Grant Serpell, born in Maidenhead, UK ~ Member of jazz-rock outfit Affinity, known for their sole eponymous Affinity album released in 1970. Subsequently rose to fame as a member of Sailor from 1973 through 1979, present on both the band's UK top 10 hits A Glass Of Champagne and Girls Girls Girls
February 4, 1943 ~ Keyboardist, producer Barry Beckett, full name Barry Edward Beckett, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Co-founded the famed Muscle Shoals Studio and served as member of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Appears on recordings by Etta James, Bob Seger, Joan Baez, Vince Gill, Kim Carnes, Boz Scaggs, Mark Knopfler, Mavis Staples, Wilson Pickett, Steve Cropper, Levon Helm, Aretha Franklin, John Prine, Kenny Chesney, Chely Wright, Paul Simon, JJ Cale, Rosanne Cash, Michael Martin Murphey, Rod Stewart, Linda Ronstadt, and Bob Dylan. A&R executive for Warner Bros Records, Nashville division in the 1980s ~ Beckett passed away in 2009
February 4, 1943 ~ Session guitarist Jimmy Johnson, full name Jimmy Ray Johnson, born in Sheffield, Alabama, USA ~ In-house session guitarist for FAME Studios during the 1960s. Co-founded Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in 1969. Present on recordings by Arthur Conley, Percy Sledge (When A Man Loves A Woman), Clarence Carter, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin (I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You), James & Bobby Purify, King Curtis, Patti Labelle, Etta James, Otis Rush, Cher, Boz Scaggs, Arif Mardin, Ronnie Hawkins, Herbie Mann, Lulu, Cowboy, the Rolling Stones (Brown Sugar), the Staple Singers, Laura Nyro, Bobby Womack, Joe Tex, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Seger, Eddie Floyd, the Dells, Johnnie Taylor, Orleans, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, Don Covay, Joe Simon, Millie Jackson, Rod Stewart, Bonnie Bramlett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dr Hook, Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan, and numerous others ~ Johnson passed away in 2019
February 4, 1941 ~ Rock guitarist, sitarist, singer Mike Deasy, full name Michael William Deasy, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Toured with Ritchie Valens. Has also worked with the Coasters, Duane Eddy, and Eddie Cochran. Following the latter's death in 1960 would become an in-demand session musician. Present on the Beach Boys 1966 landmark Pet Sounds album. Present on Elvis Presley's Elvis '68 Comeback Special. Other notable credits include Irene Kral, the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds), the Monkees, Tommy Roe (It's Now Winter's Day), the Gosdin Brothers, the 5th Dimension, Townes Van Zandt, Thelma Houston (Sunshower), Harry Nilsson, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Rivers, and Billy Joel
February 4, 1933 ~ Engineer, producer Fred Catero born ~ Active since the 1960s. Has worked with artists such as Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Al Kooper, Linda Ronstadt, Mel Tormé, Tower Of Power, Santana, and others. Founded Catero Records in the 1980s, focusing on jazz acts such as Herbie Hancock, Ernie Mansfield, Laurie Antonioli and Paul Speer ~ Catero passed away in 2022
February 4, 1933 ~ Avant-garde pianist, composer Toshi Ichiyanagi born in Kobe, Japan ~ Married to Yoko Ono from 1956 to 1962. Considered one of the premier composers in Japan during the postwar era. Has written operas, orchestral works, chamber music, vocal works, electronic music, and soundtracks. Known for a wide range of influences, including Western-style classical music, avant-garde, and traditional Japanese music ~ Ichiyanagi passed away in 2022
February 4, 1931 ~ Rock & roll, R&B, pop saxophonist, singer Gil Bernal born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ In-demand session and touring saxophonist. First gained attention backing Lionel Hampton in the 1950s, alongside Quincy Jones and Jimmy Scott. Notable credits include the Coasters' 1957 hit single Searchin', the Robins' Riot In Cell Block No.9, and Duane Eddy's Rebel Rouser. Has also recorded a number of 1950s singles as a solo artist, notably The Eyes Of Love, It Sure Is Groovy and This Is Worth Fighting For ~ Bernal passed away in 2011
February 4, 1929 ~ Guitarist Paul Burlison born in Brownsville, Tennessee, USA ~ Rock & roll pioneer. Founding member of the Johnny Burnette Trio, which also included Dorsey Burnette and Johnny Burnette, known for songs such as Train On A Lonesome Track and Honey Hush. Credited with being one of the first guitarists to intentionally use effects such as distortion and feedback ~ Burlison passed away in 2003
February 4, 1929 ~ Classical clarinetist Stanley Drucker born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known for his longtime association with the New York Philharmonic, remaining with the orchestra from 1948 until his retirement in 2009. Active since his mid-teens, Drucker had previously worked with the Indianopolis Symphony Orchestra, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and others. Married to clarinetist Naomi Drucker, their son Leon is known as the Stray Cats-bassist Lee Rocker, their daughter Rosanne Drucker is an alternative country singer ~ Drucker passed away in 2022
February 4, 1924 ~ Blues, R&B pianist, singer, songwriter Bob Gaddy born in Vivian, West Virginia, USA ~ Known for recordings such as No Help Wanted, Blues Has Walked Into My Room, Rip & Run, I Love My Baby, Paper Lady and Operator, the latter penned by close friend Champion Jack Dupree. Gaddy worked with Larry Dale, Wild Jimmy Spruill, Sonny Terry and separately with Brownie McGhee ~ Gaddy passed away in 1997
February 4, 1915 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Ray Evans, full name Raymond Bernard Evans, born in Salamanca, New York, USA ~ Best known as songwriting partner of Jay Livingston. Together the pair won an Academy Award for Best Original Song three times, in 1948 for Buttons & Bows from the movie The Paleface, in 1950 for Mona Lisa from the movie Captain Carey USA and in 1956 for the song Que Sera Sera from the Hitchcock movie The Man Who Knew Too Much. The pair also wrote for numerous other films, TV series and stage musicals. Evans co-wrote over 700 songs, also collaborating with artists such as Michael Feinstein, Henry Mancini, Max Steiner, Victor Young, and others ~ Evans passed away in 2007
February 4, 1740 ~ Composer, poet Carl Michael Bellman born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Central figure in Swedish songs tradition and remains a powerful influence in Swedish music and literature. Mixed classical references with comic lyrics both regretting and celebrating sordid drinking and prostitution. Best known for two collections of poems set to music, namely Fredman's Songs and Fredma's Epistles ~ Bellman passed away in 1795