February 6, 1993 ~ Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe, mononymously known as actress, singer Tinashe, born in Lexington, Kentucky, USA ~ Member of girl group the Stunners from 2007 through 2011, best known for their 2009 dance hit We Got It. Released her full-length Aquarius solo debut album in 2014, received to warm reviews and spawning the moderate hit 2 On featuring Schoolboy Q. Has also collaborated with A$AP Rocky, Iggy Azalea, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, Snakehips, and Enrique Iglesias
February 6, 1990 ~ Alternative rock guitarist Mike Byrne, full name Michael William Byrne, born in Portland, Oregon, USA ~ Influenced by the Cure, Maserati, Pelican. Best known for his association with the Smashing Pumpkins, joining the band in 2009 replacing Jimmy Chamberlin. Notably present on the 2012 Oceania album. Following his departure from the band in 2014 Byrne has worked with Bearcubbin
February 6, 1980 ~ Folk-rock, vocal jazz singer, guitarist, songwriter Jill Barber born in Port Credit, Canada ~ Sister of singer Matthew Barber. Actively recording since the early 2000s, initially in folk-pop, venturing out into vocal jazz and chanson later in her career. Especially acclaimed for her 2002 Oh Heart album and her 2013 Chansons album. Barber is also a children's author, having published the books Baby's Lullabye and Music Is For Everyone
February 6, 1975 ~ Folk rock singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Matt Alber born in Wichita, Kansas, USA ~ Member of Chanticleer from 1998 through 2003, a vocal ensemble drawing from jazz, gospel and contemporary classical music. Following his departure from the group Alber has recorded as a solo artist, and is best known for End Of The World taken of his 2008 Hide Nothing album. The song would go viral after being picked up by gay-entertainment TV channel Logo TV, and become an anthem of the LGBTQ community. Alber himself is openly gay
February 6, 1966 ~ Jazz bassist Michael Mondesir born in London, UK ~ Brother of drummer Mark Mondesir. Worked with Billy Cobham, Cream, Ginger Baker, Pee Wee Ellis, Courtney Pine, Iain Ballamy, Steve Williamson, John Rebello, John McLaughlin, Django Bates, Jeff Beck, Annette Peacock, Eddie Harris, Jack DeJohnette, Oumou Sangaré, Usher, Whitney Houston, Imogen Heap, George Martin, the State Of Bengal, Hermeto Pascoal, David Garibaldi, Jan Hammer, Zoe Rahman, Jim Mullen, Ronnie Wood, John Serry Jr, Andy Summers, Gary Husband, Chanté Moore, Lulu, Nitin Sawhney, Lenny White, Chad Smith, Jocelyn Brown, Brice Wassey, Neneh Cherry, Nikki Yeoh, Bernard Pretty Purdie, Bill Bruford, Julian Joseph, Leni Stern, Mory Kanté, Keith Moore, Trilok Gurtu, Mike Lindup, Aster Aweke, S Club 7, Talvin Singh, and others
February 6, 1966 ~ Eurobeat, dance-pop, pop singer Rick Astley born in Warrington, UK ~ Probably the most commercially successful singer out of songwriting, production team Stock-Aitken-Waterman's stable. Best known for his 1987 single Never Gonna Give You Up which would top the charts in over two dozen countries. Astley would continue to regularly reach the higher echelons of the charts, especially in the UK and continental Europe, throughout the early 1990s. Astley has sold an estimated 40 million records over the course of his career
February 6, 1964 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Gord Downie, full name Gordon Edgar Downie, born in Amhersview, Canada ~ Lead singer, lyricist of the Tragically Hip from its inception in 1984 until his death over three decades later. The band would rise from late-80s modern rock heroes to a national treasure in their native Canada, their final concert attended by the Prime Minister and broadcast live to millions. They are best known for songs such as Greasy Jungle, Ahead By A Century, Gift Shop, Poets, Fireworks, and Bobcaygeon. Downie has also recorded over half a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting with Coke Machine Glow released in 2001. Downie is also known as a passionate advocate for environmental issues ~ Downie passed away in 2017
February 6, 1962 ~ William Bruce Rose Jr, commonly known as rock, hard rock singer, songwriter Axl Rose born in Lafayette, Indiana, USA ~ Rose to fame in the late 1980s as frontman of Guns 'n Roses, known for songs such as Sweet Child O' Mine, Paradise City, Patience, the Bob Dylan-cover Knocking On Heaven's Door and November Rain. Had previously worked with Hollywood Rose and the LA Guns. Following their two-plus-year Use Your Illusion world tour disappeared from public life for a number of years in the mid-1990s as the band disintegrated to resurface by the turn of the century with a new line-up having retained the sole right to the band name
February 6, 1962 ~ Richard Vance McDonald, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, pianist, songwriter Richie McDonald, born in Lubbock, Texas, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member of Lonestar, sharing lead vocal duties with bassist John Rich until Rich's departure in 1998 and serving as the band's sole lead singer until his own departure in 2007. McDonald released his solo debut album, I Turn To You, in 2008 reaching top 20 on the country charts, top 10 on the Christian charts. Has also guested as backing vocalist or duet partner on recordings by Mindy McCready (Maybe He'll Notice Her Now), Kellie Coffey and Tommy Shane Steiner. Co-wrote songs for Clay Walker (She's Always Right), the Wilkinsons, Billy Dean, Sara Evans and Heartland
February 6, 1960 ~ Punk singer, bassist Jeff Pezzati, full name Jeffrey Neal Pezzati, born ~ Bassist for Big Black from 1983 through 1985. Best known as lead singer for Naked Raygun from 1980 through 1992, one of the longest-running and by many considered one of the most important bands in the history of Chicago punk rock. They are cited by Dave Grohl of Nirvana and the Foo Fighters-fame as his main inspiration to get into punk music. Pezzati also founded the Bomb in 1999
February 6, 1959 ~ Producer Ken Nelson born ~ Not to be confused with his American namesake Ken Nelson, also a record producer. First gained attention with indie rock outfit Gomez and Coldplay, producing the latter's first three albums Parachutes, A Rush Of Blood To The Head and X&Y. Has also worked with acts such as Badly Drawn Boy, the Howling Bells, the Charlatans, the Kings Of Convenience, Ray LaMontagne, Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini, and Deadbeat Darling
February 6, 1957 ~ Drummer Jerry Marotta, full name Jerome David Marotta, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Younger brother of drummer Rick Marotta. In-demand collaborator, session and touring musician, worked with Orleans, Peter Gabriel, Hall & Oates, the Indigo Girls, Stackridge, Tony Levin, Stevie Nicks, Joan Armatrading, Lou Ann Barton, Rory Block, Michael Franks, Chris Botti, Sheryl Crow (The Globe Sessions), T-Bone Burnett, Marc Cohn, Cher, Elvis Costello (Spike), Ani DiFranco, Robbie Dupree, Tim Finn, Nanci Griffith, Suzanne Vega, 10,000 Maniacs, Carly Simon, Rick Springfield, and others
February 6, 1956 ~ Singer, songwriter Jon Walmsley born in Blackburn, UK ~ Worked with Richard Marx, Brian Setzer, David Pack, the Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald, Gregg Allman, Merle Haggard, Roy Acuff, Laurence Juber, John Mayall, Denny Laine, Spencer Davis, Peter & Gordon, Jackie Lomax, Roger Daltrey, Al Jardine, David Marks, Dean Torrence, Strawberry Alarm Clock, and others
February 6, 1954 ~ Salsa, Latin jazz violinist Alfredo de la Fé, full name Alfredo Manuel de la Fé, born in Havana, Cuba ~ Child prodigy. First solo violinist in Salsa, helping establish the instrument as a viable option in the genre. Has done some 30 world tours. Worked with Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, the Fania All-Stars, Santana, Larry Harlow, and Yerba Buena
February 6, 1954 ~ Punk rock guitarist Scott Kempner born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Best known as co-founding member, longtime rhythm guitarist for the Dictators, with whom he recorded four albums including the acclaimed Go Girl Crazy released in 1975. Has also co-founded the Del-Lords, played with the Brandos, and released the critically acclaimed Tenement Angels solo album in 1992 ~ Kempner passed away in 2023
February 6, 1953 ~ Rock, progressive rock bassist Andy West born ~ Co-founded Dixie Dregs with guitarist Steve Morse. The band is known for their eclectic style, drawing from genres as diverse as rock, classical music, jazz, and bluegrass, and especially acclaimed for their 1978 What If album. Following the band's breakup in 1983 West has worked with Mike Keneally, Henry Kaiser, Paul Barrere, and Vinnie Moore
February 6, 1952 ~ Progressive rock, psychedelic rock keyboardist, guitarist, harmonica player, singer Tim Blake, full name Timothy Blake, born in Hammersmith, UK ~ Best known as member of Gong from 1972 through 1975. Appeared on all three albums of the Radio Gnome Invisible trilogy, namely Flyng Teapot, Angel's Egg and You. Having written or co-written songs for each of the three albums Blake is considered one of the most important composers of the band. Following his departure from the band Blake departed on a solo career, noted especially for the albums Crystal Machine and Blake's New Jerusalem released respectively in 1977 and 1978. Blake has also briefly played with Hawkwind in 1979, occasionally teaming up with the space rock band ever since
February 6, 1951 ~ Reggae, rocksteady singer Errol Dunkley born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Made his recording debut at age 14, duetting with Roy Shirley on the 1965 single Gypsy. Would continue to record into the early 1980s, working with renowned producers such as Prince Buster, Joe Gibbs and Coxsone Dodd. Internationally best known for OK Fred, a UK hit in 1979
February 6, 1951 ~ Richard Hugh Lloyd-Langton, commonly known as hard rock, progressive rock guitarist Huw Lloyd-Langton, born in Harlesden, UK ~ A fragmented career hindered by a frail health. Best known for his association with Hawkwind, enjoying several stints with the band. Present on about a dozen of the band's albums, including the 1970 eponymous Hawkwind album. Member of mid-1970s outfit Widowmaker, present on the albums Widowmaker and Too Late To Cry. Fronted his own Lloyd-Langton Group, recording close to a dozen albums starting in the mid-1980s. Has also worked with Budgie, Leo Sayer and Meads Of Asphodel ~ Lloyd-Langton passed away in 2012
February 6, 1951 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion, blues, rock, folk, pop guitarist, singer Yann Benoist born in Dinan, France ~ Leader and sideman. Member of Space, alongside Didier Marouani, and present on the band's 1983 USSR tour. In-demand sideman, collaborator, composer for commercials, TV, film, stage, and recorded as a solo artist. Has worked with Renaud, Gilbert Bécaud, Patricia Kaas, Sylvia Vartan, Julien Clerc, Patrick Hernandez, Marie Myriam, Francis Cabrel, Michel Legrand, and others
February 6, 1950 ~ Pop rock, glam rock guitarist Punky Meadows born ~ Guitarist of Angel from 1975 to 1981, rejoining on occasion. The band was discovered by Kiss guitarist Gene Simmons and known for their androgynous image. Slammed by rock critics and ridiculized by Frank Zappa in the song Punky's Whips, the band never achieved mass commercial succes but enjoyed a cult following. Both Meadows and bandmate Mickie Jones were asked to join the New York Dolls but declined. Meadows also previously played in BUX. Released his solo debut album, Fallen Angel, in 2016
February 6, 1948 ~ William Alexander Anthony Clarke, commonly known as singer, guitarist Bunny Rugs, born in Mandeville, Jamaica ~ Half of the duo Bunny & Ricky. Member of Inner Circle. Best known as member of Third World, joining the band in 1976 replacing Milton Hamilton. Also worked with Lee Scratch Perry, the Wild Bunch, Yabby You, Papa San, Cobra, General Trees, Shabba Ranks, Gregory Isaacs, Tony Rebel, Sean Paul, Joe Frasier, Raw Edge, Wayne Marshall, Bounty Killer, Tappa Zukie, Marcia Griffiths, and others ~ Clarke passed away in 2014
February 6, 1947 ~ Folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Bill Staines, full name William Russell Staines, born in Medford, Massachusetts, USA ~ Over 20 albums to his name since the 1960s. Has toured excessively, playing up to 200 dates per year. Known for songs such as The Boats They Come And The Boats They Go, A Place In The Choir, The Roseville Fair, Flowers In The Snow, Sueño, and Spirit Song. Has his songs recorded by Nanci Griffith, the Highwaymen, Glenn Yarbrough, Grandpa Jones, the Clydesiders, Foster & Allen, Debby McClatchy, Wendy Grossman, Sheila Noonan, Liam Clancy, and Jerry Jeff Walker ~ Staines passed away in 2021
February 6, 1947 ~ Marilyn Sandra Rovell, commonly known as singer Marilyn Wilson, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Best known as the first wife of the Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson, secretly dating Wilson at age 15. The couple would be married from 1964 until their divorce in 1979. The couple's early marital problems would we relected in several Beach Boy songs, notably Caroline No and You Still Believe In Me both taken of the 1966 Pet Sounds album. Their daughters Carnie Wilson and Wendy Wilson are both also singers. Marilyn has also performed and recorded as a singer herself, starting in her teens in the sibling outfit the Rovell Sisters, later renamed to the Honeys, and as a member of American Spring. Brian would serve as producer and songwriter for both acts
February 6, 1946 ~ Folk singer, songwriter Kate McGarrigle born in Montreal, Canada ~ Best known for performing with her sister Anna McGarrigle as Kate & Anna McGarrigle, debuting with the critically acclaimed eponymous Kate & Anna McGarrigle album in 1976. The duo has collaborated with artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, the Chieftains, and Marianne Faithfull. Mother of singers Rufus Wainwright and Martha Wainwright from her marriage to singer Loudon Wainwright III ~ McGarrigle passed away in 2010
February 6, 1946 ~ Richard Hayward, commonly known as drummer Richie Hayward, born in Des Moines, Iowa, USA ~ Best known as member of Little Feat. Also worked with the Fraternity Of Man, the Factory, Joan Armatrading, Delaney Bramlett, Kim Carnes, Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, James Cotton, the Doobie Brothers, Bob Dylan, Peter Frampton, Buddy Guy, Arlo Guthrie, Al Kooper, Jonny Lang, Barbra Streisand, Nils Lofgren, Taj Mahal, Coco Montoya, Robert Palmer, Van Dyke Parks, Robert Plant, Paul Rodgers, Linda Ronstadt, Bob Seger, Carly Simon, Nancy Sinatra, Stephen Stills, Tom Waits, John Cale, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, Helen Watson, and others ~ Hayward passed away in 2010
February 6, 1945 ~ Reggae singer Bob Marley, full name Robert Nesta Marley born in St Ann, Jamaica ~ Icon of reggae. The first Jamaican artist to reach international stardom. Fused reggea, ska, rocksteady with spiritual and socially conscious lyrics, often showcasing a positive vibe including on subjects relating to personal hardship or social injustice. As a lyricist held in the highest regard, on par with artists such as Bob Dylan. Backed by the Wailers would score hits with songs such as Get Up Stand Up, I Shot The Sheriff, No Woman No Cry and Could You Be Loved ~ Marley passed away in 1981
February 6, 1944 ~ Wilson Turbinton, commonly known as pianist, singer Willie Tee, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Helped shape New Orleans funk and soul. Influenced by Professor Longhair and John Coltrane. Led the Wild Magnolias and co-wrote and arranged the band's material on their 1974 album The Wild Magnolias. As a solo artist and songwriter Turbinton is known for songs such as Teasing You, Walking Up A One Way Street, and Thank You John. Many of Turbinton's early recordings have been sampled by rappers including Geto Boys, Puff Daddy, and Lil' Wayne ~ Turbinson passed away in 2007
February 6, 1941 ~ David Holgate Grundy, commonly known as singer Dave Berry, born in Woodhouse, UK ~ Best known for songs such as I'm Gonna Take You There and This Strange Effect. Also known for Memphis Tennessee, Little Things, Mama, Crying Game, Don't Gimme No Lip Child, and others. Regularly backed by session musicians such as Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Big Jim Sullivan, and Bobby Graham
February 6, 1939 ~ Reggae, ska, rocksteady producer, singer Derrick Harriott, full name Derrick Clifton Harriott, born ~ Member of the Jiving Juniors. As a producer worked with Scotty, Big Youth, the Charlot Riders, the Chosen Few, Dennis Brown, the Ethiopians, Keith & Tex, the Kingstonians, Rudy Mills, Sly & the Revolutionaries, I-Roy, Winston McAnuff, and others
February 6, 1939 ~ Jair Rodrigues de Oliveira, commonly known as singer, guitarist, percussion Jair Rodrigues, born in Igarapava, Brazil ~ Father of Luciana Mello and Jair Oliveira, both singers. Started in the mid-1950s as a crooner. First gained attention in the early 1960s through television appearances. Has worked with Elis Regina, the Quarteto Novo, and others. Known best for songs such as O Menino Da Porteira, Boi Da Cara Preta and Majestade O Sabia ~ De Oliveira passed away in 2014
February 6, 1931 ~ Jazz guitarist John Pisano born in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Half of Pisano & Ruff, the other half being Willie Ruff. Has worked with Billy Bean, Joe Pass, Herb Alpert, Chico Hamilton, Joe Pass, Dennis Budimir, Fred Katz, Sérgio Mendes, Ken Nordine, Gato Barbieri, Les Baxter, Tony Bennett, Michael Bublé, Dori Caymmi, Sam Cooke, James Daren, Lani Hall, Dan Hicks, Paul Horn, Diana Krall, the Manhattan Transfer, Barry Manilow, Kenny Rogers, Lalo Schifrin, Diane Schuur, Bud Shank, Barbra Streisand, Walter Wanderley, and others
February 6, 1927 ~ Trumpeter Don Fagerquist born in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA ~ In-demand soloist worked with Mal Hallett, Gene Krupa, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Les Brown, Dave Pell, Ella Fitzgerald, and others in the 1940s and 1950s. Only recorded sparsely as a leader. Signed on as staff musician for Paramount Films in 1956, still recording with the likes of Shelly Manne, Mel Tormé, Art Pepper, Pete Rugolo, Frank Comstock, Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Paul Weston, Si Zentner, Dean Martin, and others. By 1966 quit studio recording altogether due to health issues ~ Fagerquist passed away in 1974
February 6, 1926 ~ Jazz trumpeter Bernie Glow born ~ Influenced by Snooky Young and Billy Butterfield. Toured with the likes of Richard Himber, Xavier Cugat, Artie Shaw and Woody Herman early on in his career through the last years of the big band era. Would go on to become an in-demand session musician for radio orchestras and studio sessions led by composers, arrangers such as Nelson Riddle, Quincy Jones and Oliver Nelson. Closely associated with Miles Davis, appearing on albums such as Miles Ahead, Porgy & Bess and Sketches Of Spain. Also present on albums by the likes of Sarah Vaughan (In The Land Of Hi-Fi), Tito Puente, Coleman Hawkins, Jimmy Giuffre, Dinah Washington (The Swingin' Miss D), Johnny Mathis, Lena Horne (Stormy Weather), Quincy Jones, Urbie Green, Denise Jannah, Ruth Brown, Anita O'Day, Art Farmer, Aretha Franklin (Aretha Now), Solomon Burke, Wes Montgomery, Al Kooper, Grover Washington Jr, Freddie Hubbard, and Van McCoy ~ Glow passed away in 1982
February 6, 1921 ~ Ernest Andrew Royal, commonly known as trumpeter Ernie Royal, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Brother of clarinetist, saxophonist Marshal Royal. Active since the late 1930s, serving under bandleaders such as Les Hite, Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. Would go on to become an in-demand session musician, perhaps best known for his association with Miles Davis appearing on albums such as Miles Ahead, Porgy & Bess, and Sketches Of Spain. Other notable credits include Coleman Hawkins, Sarah Vaughan (In The Land Of Hi-Fi), Manny Albam, Ernie Wilkins, Coleman Hawkins, Dinah Washington, Oscar Pettiford, Art Farmer, Chubby Jackson, Ray Charles (The Genius of Ray Charles), Bob Brookmeyer, Oliver Nelson (Afro-American Sketches), Joe Morello, Charles Mingus, Shirley Scott (For Members Only), Freddie Hubbard, Solomon Burke, Wilson Pickett, Lee Morgan, Aretha Franklin (I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You), Freddie King, Al Kooper, Roberta Flack (Chapter Two), Quincy Jones, BB King, Yusef Lateef, the Modern Jazz Quartet, and Freddie Hubbard ~ Royal passed away in 1983
February 6, 1914 ~ Singer Thurl Ravenscroft, full name Thurl Arthur Ravenscroft, born in Norfolk, Nebraska, USA ~ Member of vocal group the Mellomen, known for backing numerous artists during the Big Band era including Bing Crosby, Frankie Laine, Spike Jones, Jo Stafford, and Rosemary Clooney. Best known as a voice actor with a career spanning six decades starting in 1940. Uncredited on a number of well known songs for TV and feature films, perhaps most notably singing lead on the song You're A Mean One Mr Grinch from the 1966 animated TV special Dr Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas often mistakenly attributed to either Boris Karloff or Tennessee Ernie Ford ~ Ravenscroft passed away in 2005
February 6, 1902 ~ Songwriter Leon René born in Covington, Louisiana, USA ~ Known for writing or co-writing songs such as Gloria (Bob Hayward), I Lost My Sugar In Salt Lake City (Johnny Mercer), Rockin' Robin (Bobby Day), When It's Sleepy Time Down South (Louis Armstrong), Dig That Crazy Santa Claus (Oscar McLollie), Gee Whiz (Bob & Earl), and I Sold My Heart To The Junkman (the Basin Street Boys) ~ René passed away in 1982
February 6, 1888 ~ James Lamont Gillespie, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Haven Gillespie, born ~ Frequent collaborator of songwriters such as Beasley Smith, Ervin R Smith, Richard Whiting, Wayne King, Loya Curtis, J Fred Coots, and others. Perhaps best known for co-penning Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town with Haven Gillespie. The song, first recorded by banjoist Harry Reser, would become a Holiday classic recorded by over 200 artists. Other well known songs co-written by Gillespie include You Go To My Head (Larry Clinton, Fats Waller, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong), That Lucky Old Sun (Frankie Laine, Vaughn Monroe, Jerry Lee Lewis, George Benson, Aretha Franklin), and Breezin' Along With The Breeze (Johnny Marvin, Abe Lyman, the Revelers, Fred Waring) ~ Gillespie passed away in 1975