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, Ronnie Penque, and others ~ Cage was born in 1946
February 5, 2019 ~ Radio DJ, TV host George Klein passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Personal friend of Elvis Presley from the time they met in 8th grade in Humes High School till the time of Elvis's untimely death ~ Klein was born in 1935
February 5, 2018 ~ Cellist Caroline Brown, full name Caroline Mary Brown, passed away ~ Founded the Hanover Band, known for playing Hanoverian era works exactly as intended using historically correct scores, arrangements and instruments ~ Brown was born in 1953
February 5, 2018 ~ Jazz saxophonist Ove Stokstad passed away in Trondheim, Norway ~ Worked with the Bodega Band and Søyr. Also known as a printmaker represented with art works in a number of museums ~ Stokstad was born in 1939
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 ~ Arranger, conductor Richard Hayman passed away ~ Best known for his long-time association with the Boston Pops Orchestra. Also worked with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the St Louis Symphony, the Grand Rapids Symphony, and others. Also arranged music for a number of pop artists including Barbra Streisand, Bob Hope, Liza Minnelli, and Olivia Newton-John ~ Hayman was born in 1920
February 5, 2013 ~ Composer Egil Hovland passed away ~ Renowned organist, choir leader, choral composer. Composed pieces for orchestra, wind ensemble, masses, cantatas and choral music. Perhaps best known for Norwegian Te Deum ~ Hovland was born in 1924
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, surf, 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, 2012 ~ Jean Francois Quievreux, commonly known as pianist, arranger, composer, bandleader Jef Gilson passed away in France ~ Bandleader who employed young talent and future stars including Bill Coleman, Bernard Vitet, Jean-Louis Chautemps, François Jeanneau, Michel Portal, Jean-Luc Ponty, Bernard Lubat, Lloyd Miller, Henri Texier, and others ~ Quiévreux was born in 1926
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, 1994 ~ Kenneth Scott, commonly known as blues guitarist Buddy Scott, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Member of doo-wop outfit Masqueraders. Formed Scotty & the Rib Tips, known for a handful of late 1960s singles. Released a sole solo album, 1993's Bad Avenue, shortly before his death ~ Scott was born in 1935
February 5, 1990 ~ Oliver Hazart Perry, commonly known as saxophonist, clarinetist, bandleader, arranger King Perry, passed away in Bakersfield, California, USA ~ Led the Pied Pipers through the mid-1950s, semi-retiring in 1954 and re-emerging in 1967as a one-man band playing organ, saxophone and percussion ~ Perry was born in 1914
February 5, 1989 ~ Pianist, singer, songwriter 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, 1988 ~ Christian singer, guitarist, songwriter Marine Friesen, full name Marine Almeida Friesen, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Member of Diante Do Trono, joining the band in 2007. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Alfa & Omega released in 2015
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 ~ Kevin Jerome Gilyard, commonly known as rapper, singer Kevin Gates born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA ~ Released his full-length debut album Islah in 2016, which spawned the Billboard top 20 hit 2 Phones. Has collaborated with August Alsina, Tory Lanez, Dermot Kennedy, Lil' Durk, Plies, Juicy J, and others
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, 1983 ~ Claudia Judith Nahum, commonly known as pop, hip-hop, dance-pop, reggaeton singer, rapper, songwriter Baby K, born in Singapore ~ Known for songs such as Killer, Roma-Bangkok with Giusy Ferreri, Ballare Con Te and Da Zero A Cento
February 5, 1979 ~ Classical pianist Andrew West born ~ Has recorded with Emily Beynon, Emma Bell, the Lyric Quartet, Lavinia Greenlaw, Christopher Purves, and others
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 ~ Singer, actress Ethel Shutta passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Married to big band bandleader George Olsen from 1926 to 1939, with whom she had two children. Best known for her appearances in the 1928 Broadway musical Whoopee and for starring on the The Jack Benny Program radio show ~ Shutta was born in 1896
February 5, 1976 ~ Saxophonist Rudy 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 Domnerus, Hacke Björksten, Harry Arnold, Quincy Jones, Lars Gullin, the Rias Berlin Band, Kenny Clarke, George Wallington, Roy Haynes, Benny Bailey, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and others ~ 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 ~ Jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, bandleader Charles Remue passed away ~ One of the first Belgian jazz musicians to record. Has worked with Red Mill's Jazz, the Bing Boys, René Compère, the Savoy Orpheans, Bernard Etté, Stan Brenders, and others ~ Remue was born in 1903
February 5, 1974 ~ Big band leader, 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, 1973 ~ Jazz trombonist Merritt Brunies passed away in Biloxi, Mississippi, USA ~ Brother of George Brunies and Albert Brunies. Led the Original New Orleans Jazz Band, a popular ensemble during the late 1910s ~ Brunies was born in 1895
February 5, 1971 ~ Singer, songwriter Sara Evans born in New Franklin, Missouri, USA ~ Best known for songs such as No Place That Far, Born To Fly, Perfect, and Real Fine Place To Start. Has collaborated with the Warren Brothers, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Mindy McCready, Lorrie Morgan, Phil Vassar, Pat Green, and others
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 boyband 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 ~ Christopher Gross, commonly known as op rock, funk rock, jam rock singer, songwriter Chris Barron born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA ~ Lead singer of the Spin Doctors, known for their early 1990s hits Two Princes and Little Miss Can't Be Wrong
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, 1926's My Magnolia. ~ Roberts was born in 1887
February 5, 1967 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Violeta Parra, full name Violeta Del Carmen Parra, passed away in Santiago, Chile ~ Mother of singers Angel Parra and Isabel Parra. Regarded as “the Mother of Latin American folk” and especially known for pioneering Nueva Cancion ~ Parra was born in 1917
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, 1965 ~ Bassist, songwriter Keith Moseley born ~ Founding member of jam band the String Cheese Incident, for which he wrote songs such as Resume Man, Joyful Sound and Sometimes A Man
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, Waye 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 Believe In Me released in 1993, and has worked with the Neurotic Outsiders, 10 Minute Warning, Loaded, Velvet Revolver, Alice In Chains, the Hollywood Vampires, Walking Papers, Jane's Addiction, and others
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 ~ Jacqueline Caryl Dankworth, commonly known as jazz singer, actress Jacquie Dankworth, born in Northampton, UK ~ Daughter of singer Cleo Laine and saxophonist Johnny Dankworth. Worked with Courtney Pine, Anthony Kerr, James Pearson, and others
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 near 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, 1962 ~ Pop, traditional pop, easy listening, soft rock singer Martin Nievera, full name Martin Ramon Razon Nievera, born in Manila, Philippines ~ Recorded over two dozen albums which reached Platinum status during a career spanning three decades. Referred to in the Philippines as “the Concert King”
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, 1954 ~ Classical violinist Steven Ansell born ~ Principal violist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Founding member of the Muir String Quartet. Also worked with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Classical Orchestra, Yo-Yo Ma, Steven Isserlis, Jian Wang, and others
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 The 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, Nguyên Lê, and others
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 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, 1945 ~ Pop rock, rock & roll singer, guitarist, keyboardist Kim Brown born in Birmingham, UK ~ Fronted 1960s rock & roll outfit the Renegades, achieving considerable chart succes in his adopted homeland Finland. Moved to Italy by the mid-1970s, fronting the retro outfit Kim & the Cadillacs throughout the early 1980s ~ Brown passed away in 2011
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 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, Curtis Fuller, and others
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, 1942 ~ Swing, Dixieland revival pianist Keith Ingham, full name Keith Christopher Ingham, born in London, UK ~ Worked with Sandy Brown, Bruce Turner, Wally Fawkes, Bob Wilber, Bud Freeman, Benny Goodman, the World's Greatest Jazz Band, Susannah McCorkle, Maxine Sullivan, Marty Grosz, Harry Allen, and others
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 ~ Emil Lewandowski, commonly known as singer, guitarist Cory Wells born in Buffalo, New York, USA ~ Best known as one of three lead singers, co-founding member of Three Dog Night. Previously a member of the Enemys ~ Lewandowski passed away in 2015
February 5, 1941 ~ Singer Henson Cargill born ~ Best known for his 1968 hit Skip A Rope. Also known for songs such as Row Row Row, None Of My Business, The Most Uncomplicated Goodbye I Ever Heard, and Silence On The Line ~ Cargill passed away in 2007
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, Kid Thomas Valentine, and others ~ Bissonnette passed away in 2018
February 5, 1936 ~ Jazz singer, violinist, dancer June Tyson born in Albemarle, North Carolina, USA ~ The only female member of Sun Ra's backing unit the Arkestra, serving as violinist, choreographer and costume designer ~ Tyson passed away in 1992
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, 1934 ~ Chicago blues, electric blues harpist, singer, songwriter Little Arthur Duncan born in Indianola, Mississippi, USA ~ Worked with Earl Hooker, John Brim, Floyd Jones, Billy Flynn, Eddie Taylor Jr, and others ~ Duncan passed away in 2008
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, Art Taylor, and others ~ Simmons passed away in 2018
February 5, 1923 ~ Singer, songwriter, actor Claude King born in Keithville, Louisiana, USA ~ Best known for songs such as Big River Big Man, The Comancheros, and Wolverton Mountain ~ King passed away in 2013
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 born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Worked with Dave Brubeck, Erroll Garner, Lena Horne, Milt Hinton, Toshiko Akiyoshi, the Canadian Jazz Quartet, Peter Appleyard, Ray Bryant, Zoot Sims, Bob Brookmeyer, Chico Hamilton, George Shearing, Buddy Rich, Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie, Fraser MacPherson, Sammy Price, Jay McShann, Dorothy Donegan, Stan Getz, Lou Stein, John Handy, Benny Carter, Jerome Richardson, and others ~ Ruther passed away in 1999
February 5, 1918 ~ Violinist, conductor John Pritchard born in Essex, UK ~ Known especially for his interpretations of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Worked with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Opera House, the Vienna Symphony, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and others ~ Pritchard passed away in 1989
February 5, 1913 ~ Jazz pianist Rozelle Claxton born in Bartlett, Tennessee, USA ~ Worked with Clarence Davis, Harlan Leonard, Ernie Fields, Eddie South, briefly with Count Basie, Walter Fuller, George Dixon, Earl Hines, Red Norvo, Jimmie Lunceford, Andy Kirk, Pearl Bailey, Franz Jackson, and others ~ Claxton passed away in 1995
February 5, 1911 ~ Johan Jonatan Björling, commonly known as operatic tenor Jussi Björling, born in Borlange, Sweden ~ Dubbed “the Swedish Enrico Caruso” and best known for his association with the Metropolitan Opera. Also sang with the Royal Opera House, La Scala, the Royal Swedish Opera, and others ~ Björling passed away in 1960
February 5, 1908 ~ Jazz, Western swing trombonist, steel guitarist Bob Dunn, full name Robert Lee Dunn, born in Braggs, Oklahoma, USA ~ Influenced by Sol Ho'opi'i. Worked with Milton Brown, Cliff Bruner, Moon Mullican, the Texas Wanderers, Bill Mounce, and others ~ Dunn passed away in 1971
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
February 5, 1810 ~ Composer, violinist Ole Bull, full name Ole Burneman Bull, born in Bergen, Norway ~ Virtuoso violinist. According to Robert Schumann on par with Niccolò Paganini for his clarity, virtuosity and especially the speed of his playing ~ Bull passed away in 1880