February 5, 2024 ~ Toby Keith Covel, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, actor Toby Keith, passed away ~ Tried out for the Oklahoma Outlaws professional football team but did not make the team. Had promised himself to have a recording contract by age 30, or give up on music as a career. Keith released his eponymous Toby Keith debut album in 1993, which included his Should've Been A Cowboy Billboard Country No.1 debut single. Keith would go on to record some twenty-odd albums and sell over 40 million records. Became a household name with Courtesy Of The Red White And Blue (The Angry American), released in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Over the course of his career, Keith would rack up over a dozen Billboard Country No.1 hits including You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This, the Willie Nelson-duet Beer For My Horses, Love Me If You Can, She Never Cried In Front Of Me, and Made In America ~ Covel was born in 1961
February 5, 2023 ~ R&B, pop singer Lillian Walker passed away ~ Member of girl group the Exciters, known for the 1962 hit single Tell Him which reached top 10 both on the Billboard R&B and all-genre Billboard Hot 100 charts. Over time the song would be critically regarded as one of the all-time greatest girl group songs ~ Walker was born ca.1945
February 5, 2023 ~ Pop rock bassist, singer Phil Spalding, full name Philip Trevor Spalding, passed away ~ Session and touring musician active since the mid-1970s. Closely associated with Toyah Willcox, backing Willcox on tour and on record during the early-1980s. Member of GTR, present on the eponymous 1986 GTR album. Has also worked with Bernie Tormé, the Original Mirrors, Julia Downes, Terence Trent d'Arby (Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby), Roger Chapman, Matthew Sweet, Marcella Detroit, Joe Cocker, Mick Jagger (Goddess In The Doorway), Melanie C, Beverley Knight, Delta Goodrem, and others ~ Spalding was born in 1957
February 5, 2021 ~ Singer, rapper, songwriter Abdoul Jabbar passed away in Conakry, Guinea ~ Member of dance group ABC. Also sang with Libre Avo-K, Speed Goys, Dougou Faga, Staff Homogene. Released his Touligbeli solo debut album in 2005 ~ Jaffar was born ca.1980
February 5, 2021 ~ Gospel singer, songwriter Douglas Miller, full name Douglas Lee Miller, passed away ~ Debuted in 1984 with the I Still Love The Name Jesus album which reached top 10 on the Billboard Gospel album charts. Would continue to record through the early-1990s with three more albums reaching top 20 and one, his 1985 sophomore Unspeakable Joy effort, also making it to the top 10 ~ Miller was born in 1949
February 5, 2020 ~ Country rock pedal steel guitarist Buddy Cage passed away ~ Member of the New Riders Of The Purple Sage from 1971 through 1982, with a small hiatus during the late-1970s. In-demand session musician, has collaborated with the likes of Anne Murray, the Great Speckled Bird, Brewer & Shipley, Bob Dylan (Blood On The Tracks), David Bromberg, Solar Circus, Jorge Ferreira, Slipknot, the Brooklyn Cowboys, the Zen Tricksters, and Ronnie Penque ~ Cage was born in 1946
February 5, 2017 ~ Emmett Peter Geraci, commonly known as pop singer, songwriter Sonny Geraci, passed away in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ First gained attention fronting the Outsiders, known for songs such as Time Won't Let Me, Respectable (What Kind Of Girl Is This), Girl In Love and Help Me Girl. Member of Climax, scoring the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Precious And Few ~ Geraci was born in 1946
February 5, 2016 ~ Composer, keyboardist Ray Colcord passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Film and TV composer. Known for series such as The Facts Of Life, My Two Dads, Dinosaurs, Boy Meets World, and for films such as Killer By Nature and Heartwood. Before turning to composing Colcord worked as a session musician and appears on Lou Reed 1974 live album Rock 'n Roll Animal as well as on Don McLean's 1971 acclaimed American Pie album ~ Colcord was born in 1949
February 5, 2014 ~ Conductor Richard Hayman, full name Richard Warren Joseph Hayman, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for his longtime association with the Boston Pops Orchestra. In the classical world, Hayman has also worked with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the St Louis Symphony, and the Grand Rapids Symphony. In pop music, Hayman has arranged for the likes of Barbra Streisand, Bob Hope, Liza Minnelli, and Olivia Newton-John ~ Hayman was born in 1920
February 5, 2013 ~ Trombonist Paul Tanner passed away in Carlsbad, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Glenn Miller, playing with the the Glenn Miller Orchestra from 1938 to 1942. Also known for developing the Electro-theremin, which he played on the opening theme of the TV show My Favorite Martian and on several recordings by the Beach Boys including Good Vibrations, Wild Honey and I Just Wasn't Made For These Times ~ Tanner was born in 1917
February 5, 2012 ~ Pop, rock, country keyboardist, producer Al De Lory, full name Alfred V De Lory, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ Best known as producer and arranger for a string of 1960s hits by Glen Campbell, including Gentle On My Mind, By The Time I Get To Phoenix, Wichita Lineman, and Galveston. As a session musician De Lory had played keyboards for various Phil Spector-productions, including He's A Rebel by the Crystals, and notably guested on the Beach Boys landmark 1966 Pet Sounds album ~ De Lory was born in 1930
February 5, 1998 ~ Jazz guitarist, composer Nick Webb passed away in London, UK ~ Folk-influenced acoustic guitarist. Best known as half of smooth jazz duo Acoustic Alchemy, the other half being flamenco guitarist Simon James, known for recording in-flight music for Virgin Airlines transatlantic flights and several albums starting with Red Dust And Spanish Lace released in 1987 ~ Webb was born in 1954
February 5, 1989 ~ Pianist, singer Joe Raposo, full name Joseph Guilherme Raposo, passed away in Bronxville, New York, USA ~ Best known for his work on the children's TV series Sesame Street, for which he wrote the theme song as well as songs such as Bein' Green and C Is For Cookie. Also composed for other TV series, notably Shining Time Station, Three's Company and The Ropers ~ Raposo was born in 1937
February 5, 1987 ~ Singer, actor Darren Criss, full name Darren Everett Criss born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Starred in the musical TV series Glee from 2010 through 2015. Has also appeared on Broadway and won an Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award for his leading role as spree killer in the 2018 The Assassination Of Gianni Versace (American Crime Story) TV series
February 5, 1987 ~ Jazz pianist Shai Maestro born in Israel ~ Leader and sideman. Got his start with Avishai Cohen, touring and recording four albums between 2008 and 2011 with the Avishai Cohen Trio which also included drummer Mark Giuliana. Released his debut as a leader, the eponymous The Shai Maestro Trio, in 2012 and has been recording steadily to critical acclaim since
February 5, 1986 ~ Singer Prince releases Kiss as lead single off his Parade album ~ Prince initially gave the demo version to funk outfit Mazarati, who further worked out the song. Eventually though, Prince decided to finish the song himself. The final cut was a hard sell for Warner Brothers, who were reluctant to include the song on the Parade album, and even more so to issue it as a single. Prince insisted and it would be released as the album's lead single, and give him his third Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit after When Doves Cry and Let's Go Crazy. Both funk band Mazarati, some of whose additions Prince kept, and Prince's regular bassist Brownmark, who most likely wrote the second verse, were upset they were not given co-writing credit
February 5, 1984 ~ Singer, guitarist Ale Vanzella born in Guapore, Brazil ~ Mixes bossa nova with indie rock. Influenced by João Gilberto, Roberto Menescal, Vinicius de Moraes, Toquinho, Walter Santos, Nirvana, the Strokes, the Killers, Interpol, the Kinks, the Foo Fighters, and by Arcade Fire
February 5, 1984 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Tyler Farr, full name Tyler Lynn Farr, born in Garden City, Missouri, USA ~ Classically trained opera singer turned country. Debuted with the album Redneck Crazy in 2013. Best known for his 2015 hit A Guy Walks Into A Bar. Co-wrote Hey Y'All recorded by Cole Swindell and She's Just Like That recorded by Joe Nichols
February 5, 1984 ~ Psychedelic pop, indie pop singer, keyboardist Tyler Parkford, full name Tyler Davis Parkford, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Formed the indie pop trio the Mini Mansions in 2009 with schoolmate Zach Dawes and the Queens Of The Stone Age-bassist Michael Shuman. The trio released their eponymous Mini Mansions debut album the following year, their style compared to the Beatles, Elliott Smith, and Fountains Of Wayne though the comparisons drew criticism from Shuman. Parkford also formed the lounge pop duo Mister Goodnite, layering vocals over samples of retro pop, progressive and psychedelic rock records. Parkford has also guested on recordings by Brody Dalle, Kimbra, the Last Shadow Puppets, Albert Hammond Jr, Arctic Monkeys (Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino), Miles Kane, and Lana Del Rey
February 5, 1979 ~ Classical pianist Andrew West born ~ Has recorded with Emily Beynon, Emma Bell, the Lyric Quartet, Lavinia Greenlaw, and Christopher Purves
February 5, 1978 ~ Theodore Arrington, commonly known as rapper, producer Vast Aire, born in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Member of underground hip-hop group the Weathermen. Half of New York hip-hop duo Cannibal Ox, the other half being Vordul Mega. Has also worked with the Atoms Family, Aesop Rock, Illogic, Blueprint, the Wu-Tang Clan (Slow Blues), Atari Blitzkrieg, Lewis Parker, Mind Over Matter, and others
February 5, 1976 ~ Jazz, rock & roll saxophonist Rudy Pompilli, full name Rudolph Clement Pompilli, full name Rudolph Clement Pompilli, passed away in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Started in jazz, playing with among others Ralph Marterie. Joined Bill Haley's backing unit the Comets in 1955 replacing Joey Ambrose and quickly learned the rock & roll routine which included playing the sax while laying on-stage on his back making Pompilli one of the most visible Comets. Pompilli remained with the band for two decades, present on most of the band's biggest hits including Rock Around The Clock. Pompilli is tributed in the instrumental song Rudy's Rock, a concert favorite, and co-wrote Week-End ~ Pompilli was born in 1924
February 5, 1976 ~ Songwriter, pianist Sol Marcus passed away in Linden, New Jersey, USA ~ Frequent songwriting collaborator of Bennie Benjamin, Eddie Seiler, Guy Wood. Songs co-written by Marcus include Till Then (the Mills Brothers, Ray Peterson, Sammy Davis Jr), Ask Anyone Who Knows (the Ink Spots), Fabulous Character (Sarah Vaughan), Lonely Man and Anyone Could Fall In Love With You (Elvis Presley), Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Nina Simone, the Animals, Elvis Costello), Forever My Darling (the Crew Cuts), I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire (Harlan Leonard, the Charioteers, Vera Lynn), and You're All I Want For Christmas (Brook Benton) ~ Marcus was born in 1912
February 5, 1975 ~ Rock drummer Adam Carson, full name Adam Alexander Carson, born in Ukiah, California, USA ~ Best known as member of alternative rock band AFI, co-founded with singer Davey Havok. The band first gained attention with their 2003 Sing The Sorrow album which spawned the singles Girl's Not Grey and Silver And Cold. Their 2006 single Miss Murder, taken of Decemberunderground, would reach top 30 Billboard Hot 100. Carson also drummed with Tiger Army, appearing on the band's 1999 eponymous Tiger Army debut album
February 5, 1975 ~ Bebop jazz trombonist Ake Persson passed away in Stockholm, 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 was born in 1932
February 5, 1975 ~ Gerrit-Jan Mulder, commonly known as pop-rap, hip-hop rapper, songwriter Brainpower, born in Antwerp, Belgium ~ Helpful in establishing Dutch hip-hop, rap, pop-rap in the late-1990s and early-2000s. Known for songs such as Zoete Inval, Wat Een Jinx Is and perhaps his best known Dansplaat. As a songwriter has written for Candy Dulfer, Edsilia Rombley and the youth choir Kinderen Voor Kinderen
February 5, 1974 ~ Big bandleader, pianist, accordionist, conductor, composer Eric Winstone passed away in Pagham, UK ~ Best known for entertaining the British troups during World War II. Once ordered by a judge to stop playing the piano each day at 6pm in his home in order not to disturb his wife and young daughter. Four months later his wife filed for judicial separation ~ Winstone was born in 1913
February 5, 1973 ~ Pop, R&B bassist Justin Jeffre, full name Justin Paul Jeffre, born in Mt Clemens, Michigan, USA ~ Member of boy band 98°, known for songs such as Invisible Man, Because Of You, The Hardest Thing and perhaps their best known Thank God I Found You, the latter featuring Mariah Carey and Joe. Ran in the 2005 mayoral elections for the city of Cincinnati, but did not win.
February 5, 1969 ~ Robert Barisford Brown, commonly known as new jack swing singer, rapper, songwriter, dancer, actor Bobby Brown, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ New jack swing pioneer. Married to singer Whitney Houston from 1992 to 2007. Member of boy band New Edition. Debuted as a solo artist with his 1986 King Of Stage album and would rise to stardom with the sophomore Don't Be Cruel in 1988. Known for songs such as My Prerogative, Every Little Step, Rock Wit'cha, Humpin' Around and Good Enough
February 5, 1968 ~ Drummer, percussionist Francisco Mela born in Bayamo, Cuba ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Kenny Barron, Gary Bartz, Joanne Brackeen, Jane Bunnett, Regina Carter, Anat Cohen, Paquito d'Rivera, George Garzone, Larry Grenadier, Stefon Harris, Lionel Loueke, Joe Lovano, Jason Moran, John Patitucci, John Scofield, Esperanza Spalding, Mark Turner, McCoy Tyner, Chucho Valdes, Kenny Werner, and others
February 5, 1968 ~ Charles Luckyth Roberts, commonly known as jazz, ragtime, blues composer, stride pianist Luckey Roberts, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Toured with James Reese Europe during World War I. Along with James P Johnson, helped develop the stride piano style. Had unusually large reach on the keyboard. Noted compositions include Junk Man Rag, Moonlight Cocktail, Pork & Beans, Railroad Blues, and Moonlight Cocktail, the latter a huge hit for Glenn Miller in 1942. Roberts also co-wrote three Broadway musicals, 1923's Go Go and Sharlee, and 1926's My Magnolia. ~ Roberts was born in 1887
February 5, 1965 ~ Noise rock, punk blues, garage rock singer, guitarist Jon Spencer, full name Jonathan Spencer, born in Hanover, New Hampshire, USA ~ Best known for fronting the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. Also known for popularizing RL Burnside, who opened for Spencer, sat in with the band and on whose 1996 A Ass Pocket Of Whiskey album most of Spencer's band would back Burnside. Spencer also worked with Pussy Galore, Boss Hog, Heavy Trash and others
February 5, 1964 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion guitarist David Gilmore, full name Marvin David Gilmore, born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA ~ Active since the mid-1980s. Member of M-Base Collective. Member of jazz fusion outfit Lost Tribe. Half a dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for his 2001 Ritualism debut album. Has collaborated with the likes of Steve Coleman, Don Byron, Aka Moon, Uri Caine, Wayne Escoffery, Trilok Gurtu, Meshell Ndegeocello, Lonnie Plaxico, Wayne Shorter, Jeff Tain-Watts, Cassandra Wilson, and others
February 5, 1964 ~ Michael Andrew Kagan, commonly known as bassist Duff McKagan, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Best known as member of Guns 'n Roses from 1985 through 1997 and rejoining in 2016, present on most of the band's best known including the albums Appetite For Destruction, Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II. McKagan has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with thje 1993 Believe In Me album, and has worked with the Neurotic Outsiders, 10 Minute Warning, Loaded, Velvet Revolver, Alice In Chains, the Hollywood Vampires, Walking Papers, and Jane's Addiction
February 5, 1964 ~ Jazz pianist, bandleader Joe Steele, full name Joseph Alexander Ellis Steele, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with the Savoy Bearcats, Henri Saparo, Ward Pinkett, Langston Curl, Bubber Miley, Harry Carney, Wendell Culley, Johnny Hodges, Joe Garland, Jimmy Archey, Charlie Holmes, Manzie Johnson, Pike Davis, Chick Webb, and others. Also served as an arranger for artists such as Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Paul Whiteman and for Cab Calloway ~ Steele was born in 1899
February 5, 1963 ~ Country singer Patsy Cline records Always ~ Written by Irving Berlin in 1925 as a wedding gift for his wife whom he married in 1926. Recorded shortly before Cline's untimely death. Included on the posthumously released 1964 Portrait Of Patsy Cline album
February 5, 1962 ~ Jazz double bassist Doug Watkins passed away inear Holbrook, Arizona, USA ~ Known best as accompaniest to hard bop artists such as Donald Byrd and Jackie McLean. Original member of Art Blakey's pivotal unit the Jazz Messengers, notably on the At The Café Bohemia series. Appeared on albums by Hank Mobley, Horace Silver, Gene Ammons (Jammin' With Gene), Sonny Rollins (Saxophone Colossus), Horace Silver, Kenny Burrell, Phil Woods, Lee Morgan (Candy), Herbie Mann, Yusef Lateef (Jazz Mood), Thad Jones, Frank Wess, Art Farmer, Wilbur Harden (Mainstream), Tina Brooks, Benny Golson (Gettin' With It), Big Joe Turner, Coleman Hawkins (In A Mellow Tone), Charles Mingus (Oh Yeah), Red Garland, and Mal Waldron ~ Watkins was born in 1934
February 5, 1961 ~ Jazz drummer, bandleader Clark Tracey born in London, UK ~ Named best drummer in the British Jazz Awards six times. Played piano and vibraphone before switching to drums at age 13. Played in several ensembles with his father Stan Tracey, including Fathers & Sons which also featured father-son duo Johnny Dankworth and Alec Dankworth. Over a dozen albums to his name as a leader, especially acclaimed for his 2001 Stability album. Has worked with sidemen such as Django Bates, Guy Barker, Jamie Talbot, Nigel Hitchcock, Kit Downes, and Zoe Rahman
February 5, 1956 ~ Drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, full name Vincent Peter Colaiuta, born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Released his sole solo album, the eponymous Vinnie Colaiuta, in 1994. In-demand touring and session drummer active since the late-1960s in a wide variety of genres including jazz, funk, pop, rock, and country. Played extensively with Frank Zappa, including on Joe's Garage Acts I II & III, and extensively with Sting for most of the 1990s. Other notable appearances include albums by Gino Vanelli (Nightwalker), Al Kooper, Juice Newton (Quiet Lies), Joni Mitchell, Michael Sembello (Bossa Nova Hotel), Barbra Streisand, Olivia Newton-John, Billy Joel, Bryan Ferry (Bête Noire), Joyride, Lee Ritenour, Barry Manilow, Brenda Russell, the Rippingtons, Peabo Bryson, Patti Austin (The Real Me), Sadao Watanabe, Paul Young (Other Voices), Everything But The Girl, Nik Kershaw, Toni Childs, Rodney Crowell (Life Is Messy), Leonard Cohen, Duran Duran, Eros Ramazzotti, John Fogerty (Blue Moon Swamp), Céline Dion, SheDaisy, LeAnn Rimes, Steely Dan, and Lee Ann Womack
February 5, 1954 ~ Rock, punk rock, funk rock, drummer, film composer Cliff Martinez born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Early drummer with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, staying with the band from 1983 through 1986 appearing on their first two albums the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Freaky Styley. Also worked with Captain Beefheart, the Dickies, Lydia Lunch, and with the Weirdos. Has later focused on film composing, starting with Sex Lies & Videotape, released in 1989
February 5, 1953 ~ Singer, songwriter Valerie Carter born in Winter Haven, Florida, USA ~ Present as a member of Howdy Moon for their eponymous 1974 album Howdy Moon. Went solo with 1977's Just A Stones Throw Away which featured appearances from Maurice White, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, and Deniece Williams. Carter also wrote or co-wrote sngs such as Cook With Honey (Judy Collins), Deceiver (the Brothers Johnson), Turn It Into Something Good (Earth Wind & Fire). In-demand backup singer appearing on albums by Little Feat, James Taylor (Gorilla, In The Pocket), Jorge Calderon, Hoyt Axton, Nicolette Larson, Christopher Cross, Randy Newman, Eric Carmen, Jimmy Webb, Don Henley (The End Of Innocence), Diana Ross, Aaron Neville, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett (The Road To Ensanada), Freebo, Neil Diamond, Julie Miller, and others ~ Carter passed away in 2017
February 5, 1952 ~ Bassist, producer, songwriter Tsugutoshi Goto born in Tokyo, Japan ~ Touring bassist for the likes of the Sadistic Mika Band, Bread & Butter, and Shiro Kishibe. Would go on to become an in-demand songwriter and producer for Miyuki Nakajima, Shizuka Kudo, and Kenji Sawada. Married to singer, actress Midori Kinouchi from 1983 through 1987
February 5, 1951 ~ Pub rock, rock, blues keyboardist, guitarist, percussionist, accordionist Geraint Watkins, full name Geraint Meurig Vaughan Watkins, born in Abertridwr, UK ~ Member of Willie & the Poor Boys. In-demand session, backing musician, collaborator has worked with Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds, Dr Feelgood, Rory Gallagher, the Stray Cats, Eric Clapton, Bill Wyman, Van Morrison, Mark Knopfler, Paul McCartney, Roy St John, Shakin' Stevens, Status Quo, and others. Also released a number of solo recordings, starting with Geraint Watkins & The Dominators in 1979, produced by Andy Fairweather Low
February 5, 1948 ~ Guitarist David Denny born in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Founding member of pivotal 1960s psychedelic rock outfit Frumious Bandersnatch, known best for the underground hit Hearts To Cry. Member of the Steve Miller Band, for whom he wrote the hit single The Stake taken of the 1977 Book Of Dreams album. Member of the Bombay Crawlers. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with Diesel Harmonics released in 1991
February 5, 1948 ~ Music manager Walter Herbert, full name Walter James Herbert, born in Berkeley, California, USA ~ Started as roadie for Santana. Best known as manager of Journey, which he put together, through the mid-1990s. Also managed Frumious Bandersnatch, the Steve Miller Band, Roxette, Europe, Mr Big, Enuff Z'nuff, and others ~ Herbert passed away in 2021
February 5, 1947 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Art Lande born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Especially noted for his 1973 collaborative Red Lanta album with saxophonist Jan Garbarek. Also worked with Mark Isham, co-founding Rubisa Patrol in 1976. Other collaborators would include Gary Peacock, Paul McCandles, Christina de Souza, Gebhard Ullmann, and Nguyên Lê
February 5, 1947 ~ Saxophonist, clarinetist Chris Biscoe born in London, UK ~ Worked with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Harry Beckett, Ken Hyder, Didier Levallet, Chris McGregor, Andy Sheppard, Graham Collier, Danilo Terenzi, Pete Hurt, Tommy Chase, Pete Saberton, Barry Guy, Dave Holdsworth, Pete Jacobsen, Mike Westbrook, Bright As Fire, George Russell, Liam Noble, Zhivaro, and others
February 5, 1947 ~ Gary Philippet, commonly known as keyboardist, guitarist, singer Gary Phillips, born in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Member of the Greg Kihn Band, including on the band's biggest hits The Breakup Song (They Don't Write)and Jeopardy. Has also worked with Freedom Highway, Earth Quake, and with Copperhead alongside John Cipollina ~ Philippet passed away in 2007
February 5, 1946 ~ Progressive rock violinist Mauro Pagani born in Chiari, Italy ~ Co-founding member of progressive rock outfit Premiata Forneria Marconi, remaining with the band through 1977. The band is known best for their single Impressioni Di Settembre, the first Italian song to use a synthesizer. Following his departure from the band Pagani has recorded as a solo artist, starting with the eponymous Mauro Pagani album released in 1978, and collaborated with the likes of Roberto Vecchioni, Gianna Nannina, Luciano Ligabue, Ornella Vanoni, Fabrizio de André
February 5, 1944 ~ Multi-instrumentalist, producer, label executive Al Kooper born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Staff writer for Sea Lark Music Publishing, co-writer of This Diamond Ring (Gary Lewis & the Playboys) and I Must Be Seeing Things (Gene Pitney). Founded Blood Sweat & Tears but left after the debut album. Worked with the Blues Project. Hammond organist for Bob Dylan, notably on Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde On Blonde. Member of supergroup Bloomfield Kooper & Stills. Manager and producer of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Has recorded solo albums since the late-1960s and appears on hundred of albums backing artists such as the Rolling Stones (Let It Bleed), BB King (Live & Well), the Who (The Who Sell Out, Who's Next), Jimi Hendrix (Electric Ladyland. Produced artists as diverse as Don Ellis, the Tubes (their eponymous debut LP The Tubes), and Green On Red
February 5, 1944 ~ William Allen Mays, commonly known as jazz pianist Bill Mays, born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Al Jarreau, Peggy Lee, Anita O'Day, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Dionne Warwick, Don Ellis, Mel Lewis, Shelly Manne, Bob Mintzer, Red Mitchell, Gerry Mulligan, Art Pepper, Bud Shank, Sonny Stitt, Paul Winter, Phil Woods, Frank Zappa, Peter Sprague, Andy Simpkins, Tom Harrell, Jeff Hirshfield, Ray Drummond, Ed Bickert, Lewis Nash, Benny Golson, Lalo Schifrin, Martin Wind, and Curtis Fuller
February 5, 1944 ~ James Barney Cobb Jr, commonly known as guitarist JR Cobb, born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA ~ Member of Classics IV, for whom he co-wrote Spooky, Stormy, and Traces. Member of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, for whom he co-wrote Champagne Jam and Do It Or Die. Others who recorded songs written or co-written by Cobb include Sandy Posey (I Take It Back), the Tams (Be Young Be Foolish Be Happy), and Wynonna Judd (Rock Bottom). Cobb has also toured with country supergroup the Highwaymen, which consisted of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson ~ Cobb passed away in 2019
February 5, 1941 ~ Songwriter, singer Barrett Strong born in Westpoint, Mississippi, USA ~ The first artist to score a hit for Motown, namely with Money (That's What I Want) in 1959. Best known as a songwriter, usually partnering up with Norman Whitfield. Well known songs co-written by Strong include I Heard It Through The Grapevine (the Miracles, Marvin Gaye), You Don't Love Me No More (Gladys Knight), That's The Way Love Is (the Isley Brothers), Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On (Edwin Starr), Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) (the Temptations), and Papa Was A Rollin' Stone (the Undisputed Truth) ~ Strong passed away in 2023
February 5, 1941 ~ Bassist Rick Laird, full name Richard Quentin Laird, born in Dublin, Ireland ~ House bassist at Ronnie Scott's famed London jazz club. Best known as member of John McLaughlin's pioneering jazz fusion outfit the Mahavishnu Orchestra, present on the albums The Inner Mounting Flame, Birds Of Fire and Between Nothingness And Eternity. Released one album as a leader, namely 1979's Soft Focus. Has also guested on albums by Prince Lasha, Almanac, Buddy Rich, Eric Kloss, Richie Cole, Atilla Zoller, Bob Mintzer, Charles Earland, and Simon Shaheen ~ Laird passed away in 2021
February 5, 1940 ~ Singer Jimmie Davis, backed by Charles Mitchell and his orchestra, records You Are My Sunshine ~ Penned by Davis and Mitchell. Released the following month, b/w Old Timer, it would become a standard covered by over 300 artists in over two dozen languages. Artists who have recorded the song include Bing Crosby, Faron Young, Bobby Vinton, Pete Seeger, Marvin Gaye, Ike & Tina Turner, the Righteous Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Bryan Ferry, Willie Nelson, Delbert McClinton, and the Civil Wars
February 5, 1937 ~ Trombonist, drummer, producer Big Bill Bissonnette born ~ Formed the Easy Riders Jazz Band. Founded his own Jazz Crusade label. Over the course of his career Bissonnette worked with artists such as Alvin Alcorn, Red Allen, Jimmy Archey, Polo Barnes, Albert Burbank, Alex Bigard, Don Ewell, Pops Foster, George Guesnon, Edmond Hall, Bob Helm, Tuba Fats Lacen, George Lewis, Fred Lonzo, Alcide Pavageau, George Probert, Kid Sheik, Zutty Singleton, Victoria Spivey, Greg Stafford, Michael White, and Kid Thomas Valentine ~ Bissonnette passed away in 2018
February 5, 1935 ~ Guitarist, bassist, percussionist Anouman Brou Félix born in Adzope, French West Africa ~ Pioneer of Attie music. Founded the Ivoiry Band. Started the Wamy dance while in France ~ Félix passed away in 2021
February 5, 1930 ~ Donald Elliott Goldfild, commonly known as jazz trumpeter Don Goldie, born in Newark, USA ~ Son of trumpeter Harry Goldfield and pianist Claire St Claire. Active since the late-1940s. Worked with Art Hodes, Willie The Lion Smith, Louis Armstrong, Tony Parenti, Joe Mooney, Jack Teagarden, Sir Douglas Quintet, Ralph Burns, Neal Hefti, Gene Krupa, Earl Hines, Buddy Rich, and others. Recorded half a dozen albums as a leader starting in the the early-1960s, some of which under the moniker Billy Franklin ~ Goldfield passed away in 1995
February 5, 1929 ~ Harold Simon Belsky, commonly known as drummer Hal Blaine, was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA ~ One of the most recorded drummers in history, appearing on over an estimated 35,000 recordings and well over 150 Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits including He's A Rebel (the Crystals), I Get Around (the Beach Boys), Mr Tambourine Man (the Byrds), I Got You Babe (Sonny & Cher), These Boots Are Made For Walkin' (Nancy Sinatra), Strangers In The Night (Frank Sinatra), Mrs Robinson (Simon & Garfunkel), (They Long To Be) Close To You) (the Carpenters), Cracklin' Rosie (Neil Diamond), Annie's Song (John Denver), Love Will Keep Us Together (Captain & Tennille), and Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To) (Diana Ross) ~ Blaine passed away in 2019
February 5, 1926 ~ Jazz pianist Art Simmons, full name Arthur Eugene Simmons, born in Glen White, West Virginia, USA ~ Worked with Charlie Parker, Kenny Clarke, Aaron Bridgers, Don Byas, Robert Mavounzy, Nelson Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Bertice Reading, Michel Gaudry, Pierre Cullaz, Elek Bacsik, Carmen McRae, Billie Holiday, and Art Taylor ~ Simmons passed away in 2018
February 5, 1923 ~ Samuel Evans, commonly known as drummer, arranger Sticks Evans, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Worked with Milt Buckner, the Griffin Brothers, Teddy Wilson, Milt Hinton, Leonard Gaskin, Curtis Jones, Sunnyland Slim, Sonny Terry, Big John Greer, Lavern Baker, King Curtis, Bill Evans, Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, Ray Bryant, Aretha Franklin, Mickey Baker, Al Casey, Roosevelt Sykes, Lightnin' Hopkins, Charles Mingus, Sam Cooke, Bud Johnson, and others ~ Evans passed away in 1994
February 5, 1923 ~ Jazz double bassist Wyatt Ruther, full name Wyatt Robert Ruther, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ A working musician throughout his entire life, Ruther's career spanned well over four decades from the early-1950s, backing the likes of Dave Brubeck and Lena Horne, until his death at age 76 of a heart attack. Although Ruther sporadically recorded as a leader, he is best known as a session and touring musician, noted among others for an early-1960s tour backing drummer Buddy Rich. He has appeared on key albums by the likes of Erroll Garner (Gems), Milt Hinton, Zoot Sims, Eric Dolphy, Chico Hamilton (Gong's East), Bennie Green, Count Basie, Mavis Rivers, Anita O'Day, and Fraser MacPherson. Ruther, known as “Bull” by family and friends, was a seasoned player, or as pianist Frank Jackson, who frequently shared a stage with Ruther, once remarked: “He could play a tune perfectly without even knowing the tune. He just needed to hear the first chorus, then he knew the whole tune” ~ Ruther passed away in 1999
February 5, 1890 ~ Jazz trumpeter Russell Smith, full name Russell Taylor Smith, born in Ripley, Ohio, USA ~ Best known for his association with Fletcher Henderson, backing Henderson intermittently from the mid-1920s through the early-1940s. Also worked with Joe Jordan, Horace Henderson, Benny Carter, Claude Hopkins, Cab Calloway, Noble Sissle, and others ~ Smith passed away in 1966