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, 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, 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, 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 ~ 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, 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, 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, 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 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, 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, 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, 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, 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