February 7, 2024 ~ R&B, soul singer Henry Fambrough, full name Henry Lee Fambrough, passed away in Sterling, Virginia, USA ~ Last surviving original member of the Spinners, at times known as the Detroit Spinners or the Motown Spinners to avoid confusion with other groups. The group had been recording since the early-1960s, and enjoyed popularity especially during the 1970s. Well known songs include It's A Shame, I'll Be Around, Could It Be I'm Falling In Love, Ghetto Child, the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit Then Came You with Dionne Warwick, The Rubberband Man, and Working My Way Back To You. The band would be inducted in the 2023 class of the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, acknowledging them as “one of the most beloved R&B vocal groups in the world, (who) came to define the Philadelphia sound despite their Motor City origins.” ~ Fambrough was born in 1938
February 7, 2024 ~ Neill Kirby McMillan Jr, commonly known as rockabilly, cowpunk, psychobilly singer Mojo Nixon, passed away ~ Teamed up with Skid Roper in the 1980s, the duo releasing about half a dozen albums through the end of the decade. They are perhaps best known for Elvis Is Everywhere off their 1987 Bo-Day-Shus album, the single becoming an alternative staple on MTV. Nixon released his Otis solo debut album in 1990 and recorded throughout the mid-2000s before retiring from music. McMillan has also collaborated with Jello Biafra, Dave Alvin, and Country Dick Montana, and acted in about half a dozen films including portraying the role of drummer Jimmy Van Eaton in the Jerry Lee Lewis biopic Great Balls Of Fire ~ McMillan was born in 1957
February 7, 2023 ~ Birrell Josef Mendelson, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter, painter Mendelson Joe, passed away ~ Also known as a painter and political activist, his art used to express political themes. As a musician active since the mid-1960s. Formed early-1970s group the McKenna Mendelson Mainline with guitarist Mike McKenna. Mendelson would depart the blues group in 1972, to be replaced by up-and-coming talent Rick James. Mendelson has also collaborated with the likes of Ben Mink, Gwen Swick, and Colin Linden ~ Mendelson was born in 1944
February 7, 2023 ~ Poet, composer Richard Kell, full name Richard Alexander Kell, passed away ~ Best known as a poet, writing since his early teens. Widely known for the poem Pigeons. Also wrote a limited amount of music, noted for his 1976 Symphonic Elegy commemorating the death of his wife Muriel, and Variations On A Notorious Theme ~ Kell was born in 1927
February 7, 2021 ~ Engineer, producer Elliot Mazer passed away in San Francisco, California, USA ~ Worked with acts such as Chubby Checker, Linda Ronstadt, Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Crosby Stills & Nash, Y&T, Barclay James Harvest, Mike d'Abo, James Cotton, Area Code 615, and the Tymes. Notable production credits include Big Brother & the Holding Company's Cheap Thrills, Neil Young's Harvest and Tonight's The Night, and the Band's The Last Waltz ~ Mazer was born in 1941
February 7, 2020 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Steve Weber passed away in Mount Clare, West Virginia, USA ~ Best known for co-founding psychedelic folk outfit the Holy Modal Rounders with singer, fiddler Peter Stampfel. The band has recorded over half a dozen albums and earned a cult following with their unique blend of folk and psychedelia. Reportedly the track Hesitation Blues of their 1964 eponymous The Holy Modal Rounders was the first song to include the word “psychedelic” in its lyrics. Weber and Stampfel have also briefly played with the Fugs ~ Weber was born in 1943
February 7, 2017 ~ Jazz violinist, vibraphonist, singer Svend Asmussen passed away in Dronningmolle, Denmark ~ Known as “the Fiddling Viking,” Asmussen played with artists including Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Stéphane Grappelli. Early on in his career Asmussen worked the cruise ships supporting artists such as Josephine Baker and Fats Waller. Asmussen also recorded and played with Alice Babs, Ulrik Neumann, Lionel Hampton, Ray Nance, Toots Thielemans, Putte Wickman, Stuff Smith, and others ~ Asmussen was born in 1916
February 7, 2012 ~ Max Rosen, commonly known as harpist, songwriter Robert Maxwell, passed away ~ Best remembered for co-writing Shangri-La recorded by the Four Coins and by the Lettermen, and for co-writing Ebb Tide, recorded by Frank Chacksfield, Vic Damone, Ella Fitzgerald, the Platters, the Righteous Brothers, Tom Jones, and by numerous others ~ Rosen was born in 1921
February 7, 2001 ~ Lucille Wood Smith, commonly known as singer, actress, songwriter Dale Evans passed away in Apple Valley, California, USA ~ Third wife of singing cowboy Roy Rogers, with whom she formed a successful on- and off-screen team starring in numerous films. The couple remained married until Rogers' death in 1998 ~ Smith was born in 1912
February 7, 2000 ~ Christopher Lee Rios, commonly known as East Coast hip hop, gangsta rap, boom bap rapper Big Pun, passed away in White Plains, New York, USA ~ Discovered by Fat Joe, guesting on the 1995 album Jealous One's Envy. Released his solo debut Capital Punishment, in 2017, the first solo hip-hop album by a Latino artist to go Platinum. Has worked with the Full-A-Clips, Lyrical Assassin, the Beatnuts, Terror Squad, Noreaga, Donell Jones, Ashanti, his son Chris Rivers, Shaquille O'Neal, Easy Mo Bee, Delinquent Habits, and Heavy D ~ Rios was born in 1971
February 7, 2000 ~ Hard rock, blues rock, boogie rock guitarist, singer, songwriter Dave Peverett, also known as Lonesome Dave Peverett, passed away in Orlando, Florida, USA ~ Member of blues rock outfit Savoy Brown from 1967 through 1970, including on the acclaimed albums Blue Matter and Raw Sienna. Best known as lead singer, co-founding and constant member of Foghat, known best for their 1975 Fool For The City album which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Slow Ride ~ Peverett was born in 1943
February 7, 1999 ~ Pop singer, actress Bea Miller, full name Beatrice Annika Miller, born in Maplewood, New Jersey, USA ~ First gained attention in 2012, reaching 9th place in season 2 of The X-Factor USA aired on Fox. A debut EP, Young Blood, would follow in 2014, her full-length Not An Apology released the next year. The latter would spawn the modest hit Fire n Gold, which peaked in the low 70s on the Billboard Hot 100
February 7, 1999 ~ Jazz pianist, singer, songwriter, actor Bobby Troup, full name Robert Wesley Troup Jr, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Released over a dozen albums as a solo artist, starting in the early-1950s. Best remembered for writing (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66, first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946, and covered by over an estimated 400 artists including Louis Jordan, Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones, Dr Feelgood, and Asleep At The Wheel. As an actor best known for portraying the role of Dr Joe in the TV series Emergency opposite his wife Julie London. Prior to marrying London in 1959, Troup has also produced her 1955 hit Cry Me A River ~ Troup was born in 1918
February 7, 1997 ~ Drummer Ashwin Sood and singer Sarah McLachlan marry in Negril, Jamaica ~ Sood is known primarily for backing his wife on her best known albums, prior to, during, and after their marriage, including on the acclaimed albums Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, Good Enough, and Shine On. The couple have two daughters, India and Taja, and divorced in 2008
February 7, 1994 ~ Conductor, composer Witold Lutoslawski, full name Witold Roman Lutoslawski, passed away in Warsaw, Poland ~ Among the major 20th century composers. Critically acclaimed as possibly the greatest Polish composer since Karol Szymanowski and possibly the greatest since Frédéric Chopin. Known best for his symphonies and concertos, notably Variations On A Theme By Paganini, and Concerto For Orchestra ~ Lutoslawski was born in 1913
February 7, 1991 ~ Bluegrass banjoist, guitarist, mandolinist, bassist, singer Jessie Baker born ~ Has worked with Karl Shiflett, Michael Cleveland, Marty Raybon, David Peterson, Cody Shuler, Doyle Lawson, and others. Released his Yessir solo debut album in 2009. Also notably present on the Dailey & Vincent albums Brothers Of The Highway, Alive In Concert and Patriots And Poets
February 7, 1986 ~ Pop rock singer, bassist Sting releases Moon Over Bourbon Street, lifted off his The Dream Of The Blue Turtles solo debut album ~ A modest hit in the UK, peaking just outside the top 40, Moon Over Bourbon Street named for the renowned Bourbon Street in New Orleans was inspired by the Anne Rice-novel Interview With A Vampire, given to him by the Police-guitarist Andy Summers. However, Sting would later remark Rice's novel may have been “the direct inspiration for this song, but there was one moonlit night in the French Quarter of New Orleans where I had the distinct impression that I was being followed”
February 7, 1985 ~ Terrence Edward Parsons, commonly known as easy listening, pop singer Matt Monro, passed away in London, UK ~ Dubbed “the Man with the Golden Voice” with a career spanning three decades. Known best for hits such as Portrait Of My Love, My Kind Of Girl, Softly As I Love You, Walk Away, and the Beatles-cover Yesterday, all of which reached the British top 10 ~ Parsons was born in 1930
February 7, 1983 ~ Singer, songwriter, producer Sam Martin, full name Samuel Denison Martin, born in New York, New York, USA ~ First gained attention working with David Guetta, co-writing and singing on songs such as Lovers On The Sun and Dangerous. Also known for writing songs such as Want To Wnat Me (Jason Derülo) and Daylight (Maroon 5). Key member of Con Bro Chill. Has also worked with Ziggy Marley, One Direction, Nick Jonas, Zedd, Flo Rida, Prince Royce, the Chainsmokers, Pitbull, Jon Bellion, Snoop Dogg, TI, Armin Van Buuren, G-Eazy, and others
February 7, 1981 ~ R&B, soul singer, actor, songwriter Jimmie Wilson born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Represented San Marino in the 2017 Eurovision Songfestival, duetting with Valentina Monetta on Spirit Of The Night which failed to reach the finals. Sung and acted in the late-1990s Michael Jackson-produced stage musical Sisterella. Played the title role of Barack Obama in the 2010 German musical Hope (Das Obama Musical)
February 7, 1979 ~ Herbert Lee Holland, commonly known as swing trumpeter Peanuts Holland, passed away in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Worked with Alphonso Trent, Al Sears, the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, Willie Bryant, Jimmie Lunceford, Coleman Hawkins, Fletcher Henderson, Charlie Barnet, Don Redman, Don Byas, Buck Clayton, Guy Lafitte, Mezz Mezzrow, Don Redman, Stuff Smith, Kay Starr, and others ~ Holland was born in 1910
February 7, 1979 ~ Latin pop singer, actor Sergio O'Farrill born ~ Active since his mid-teens. Member of Kabah, known for hits such as Vive, La Vida Que Va, Mai Mai, Te Necesito, Al Pasar, Una Illusion, Antro, Al Final, La Calle De Las Sirenas, and Amigas Y Rivales. Following the band's disbandement O'Farrill has recorded as a solo artist, releasing songs through his Soundcloud page
February 7, 1975 ~ Rock guitarist, singer Wes Borland, full name Wesley Louden Borland, born in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Member of Limp Bizkit, joining the band in 1995 and present on the band's best known including the band's first three albums Three Dollar Bill Yall, Significant Other, and Chocolate Starfish & the Hot Dog Flavored Water. Lead singer, guitarist for industrial rock outfit Black Light Burns. Co-founding member of experimental metal band Big Dumb Face. Has also recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Crystal Machete released in 2016, and collaborated with Eat The Day, Goatslayer, the Damning Well, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Combichrist, From First To Last, and others
February 7, 1974 ~ James Dewitt Yancey, commonly known as producer, rapper J Dilla, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Also known under the moniker Jay Dee. Emerged in the 1990s. Remixed for Janet Jackson, Pharcyde, De La Soul, Busta Rhymes and A Tribe Called Quest. One third of rap group Slum Village. Member of producers collective Ummah, which also consisted of Tribe members Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad and later Raphael Saadiq. Founding member of production collective the Soulquarians. Debuted as a solo artist in 2001 with the single F-ck The Police. During his lifetime his solo career never really took off but highly regarded within the industry for his behind the scenes work, remixing and producing, and for his role in various collectives. Seen by some as “the Godfather of lo-fi hip-hop” ~ Yancey passed away in 2006
February 7, 1972 ~ Trip hop, drum and bass, IDM, nu jazz producer, DJ Amon Tobin, full name Amon Adonai Santos de Araujo Tobin, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ~ Noted for his unusual use of audio manipulation techniques, transforming any give source material to produce a new sound often making the original source unrecognisable. Over a dozen albums to his name using various monikers, starting with Bricolage released in 1997. Tobin's music has been used in TV series such as Top Gear and films such as The Italian Job and 21
February 7, 1970 ~ Singer Stevie Wonder releases his Never Had A Dream Come True single, paired with Somebody Knows Somebody Cares My Girl on the flip side ~ Lead single off Wonder's Signed Sealed & Delivered album. Written by Wonder, and Motown staff writers Sylvia Moy, and Henry Cosby, the latter also serving as producer. Instrumentation by the Funk Brothers and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. A modest hit in his native America, the single would do well especially in the UK where it reached top 10
February 7, 1963 ~ Country singer Patsy Cline records He Called Me Baby ~ Written by Harlan Howard. Produced by Owen Bradley. Recorded shortly before her death. Released in 1964, paired with Won'tcha Come Home Bill Bailey on the B-sie
February 7, 1962 ~ David Bryan Rashbaum, commonly known as keyboardist David Bryan, born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, USA ~ Longtime member of Bon Jovi, appearing on all of the band's album as well as on some of the bandmates Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora solo albums. Co-wrote songs such as Only Lonely, The Hardest Part Is The Night, To The Fire, In These Arms, Last Cigarette, and others
February 7, 1962 ~ Country singer, guitarist, songwriter Garth Brooks, full name Troyal Garth Brooks, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA ~ Biggest country singer of the 1990s, merging a traditional country and honky-tonk feel with elements of rock, arena rock and pop. Sold over 170 million records. Known for his grand arena shows, reminiscent more of arena acts such as Kiss, Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones than traditional country singers. Debuted in 1989 with the eponymous Garth Brooks album. Well known songs include The Dance, Friends In Low Places, Unanswered Prayers, Shameless, The River, Somewhere Other Than The Night, Ain't Going Down Till The Sun Comes Up and Longneck Bottle
February 7, 1962 ~ Progressive rock, art-rock, alternative rock singer, keyboardist William D Drake, full name William Derek Drake, born in Chelmsford, UK ~ Best known as member of cult band the Cardiacs from 1983 through 1992. Has also worked with the Sea Nymphs, the North Sea Radio Orchestra, Nervous, Lake Of Puppies, Rachel Goswell, Wood, Funki Porcini, the Grown Ups and recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist
February 7, 1960 ~ Steve William Forrest, commonly known as keyboardist, guitarist, percussionist, songwriter Steve Bronski born in Glasgow, UK ~ Formed 1980s pop, synth-pop trio Bronski Beat with Jimmy Somerville and Larry Steinbachek. All members of the band were openly gay and with their songs often reflecting on gay-related issues they would become an icon of the gay community. Songs such as Smalltown Boy, Why and Hit That Perfect Beat would reach the UK top 10 ~ Forrest passed away in 2021
February 7, 1959 ~ Saxophonist, arranger Brian Travers born in Birmingham, UK ~ Co-founding member of UB40, best known for a string of UK hits, mostly during the 1980s and early-1990s including Red Red Wine, If It Happens Again, the Sonny & Cher-cover I Got You Babe featuring Chrissie Hynde, Rat In The Kitchen and the Elvis Presley-cover I Can't Help Falling In Love ~ Travers passed away in 2021
February 7, 1959 ~ Eddie Jones, commonly known as singer, guitarist Guitar Slim, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ One of the first to experiment with distortion effects on the electric guitar. Cited as an influence by later guitarists including Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Frank Zappa and Jimi Hendrix. Best known for The Things That I Used To Do, a million-seller in 1954 ~ Jones was born in 1926
February 7, 1956 ~ Rock & roll singer, pianist Little Richard records Long Tall Sally at J&M Studios, New Orleans, Louisiana ~ Written by Richard, Enotris Johnson and Robert Bumps Blackwell, the latter also serving as producer. It would become one of the singer's best known aand a rock & roll standard covered by hundreds of artists. Released as a single in 1956, b/w Slippin' & Slidin', it would reach No.1 Billboard R&B. Richards on lead vocal and piano is backed by Lee Allen and Alvin Tyler on saxophones, Edgar Blanchard guitar, Frank Fields double bass, and Earl Palmer drums
February 7, 1952 ~ Jazz, traditional pop singer Doris Day records A Guy Is A Guy ~ Written by Oscar Brand based on the traditional song I Went To The Alehouse (A Knave Is A Knave) dating back to 1719. Released as a single, b/w Who Who Who, would reach top 10 on the pop charts. Singer Ella Fitzgerald would record a cover version the same year
February 7, 1952 ~ Singer, songwriter Vasco Rossi born in Zocca, Italy ~ One of the best-selling Italian artists with over 35 million copies sold. Has written or co-written more than 250 songs, including for other artists. Actively recording since the mid-1970s. Best known for songs such as Albachiara, Siamo Solo Noi and Vita Spericolata
February 7, 1951 ~ Singer Mayte Mateos born ~ Formed the duo Baccara with Maria Mendiola, best known for their 1977 debut single Yes Sir I Can Boogie. The single would reach the higher echelons of the charts throughout Europe and eventually sell over 18 million copies. Subsequent hits would include Sorry I'm A Lady and Darling. The duo would also represent Luxembourg at the 1978 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 7th place with Parlez-Vous Francais
February 7, 1949 ~ Bassist Alan Lancaster, full name Alan Charles Lancaster, born in Peckham, UK ~ Co-founding member of Status Quo, remaining with the band through 1985 and rejoining on occasion in later years. Sang lead on songs such as Backwater, Is There A Better Way, Bye Bye Johnny, High Flyer and Roadhouse Blues ~ Lancaster passed away in 2021
February 7, 1948 ~ Arranger, conductor, violist, violinist, pianist, composer David Campbell born in Toronto, Canada ~ Has worked on over 450 gold and platinum albums across a wide range of artists including Michael Jackson, Rush, Muse, Aaliyah, Evanescence, KT Tunstall, Aerosmith, Barbra Streisand, Leonard Cohen, Garth Brooks, Ariana Grande, Adele, and various albums by his son lo-fi singer, guitarist Beck
February 7, 1948 ~ Rock, pop keyboardist, singer, songwriter Jimmy Greenspoon, full name James Boyd Greenspoon, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of surf outfit the New Dimensions prior to rising to fame as co-founding and key member of Three Dog Night. The band scored about a dozen Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits through their initial disbandement in the mid-1970s, of which Mama Told Me (Not To Come), Joy To The World, and Black & White all reached the No.1 spot. Greenspoon has also worked with artists such as Linda Ronstadt, America, the Beach Boys, Nils Lofgren, Stephen Stills, Steve Cropper, Leon Russell, and the East Side Kids ~ Greenspoon passed away in 2015
February 7, 1948 ~ William McKenzie, commonly known as singer, songwriter, trombonist Red McKenzie, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founded the Mound City Blowers in 1923 with Jack Bland and Dick Slevin, later joined by guitarist Eddie Lang. The quartet is known for songs such as One Hour and Hello Lola and worked with artists such as Glenn Miller, Pee Wee Russell, Coleman Hawkins, Bunny Berigan, Jimmy Dorsey, and Muggsy Spanier ~ McKenzie was born in 1899
February 7, 1943 ~ Country singer, guitarist Tony Booth born in Tampa, Florida, USA ~ Influenced by Ray Price. Initialy recording under the moniker Johnny Booth, debuting in 1967 with the Country '67 album. Founded and fronted the band Modern Country. First gained attention in 1970 with the Merle Haggard-cover Irma Jackson and would continue to record extensively through the mid-1970s, using his own name Tony Booth
February 7, 1943 ~ Walter Simon Notheis, commonly known as rock & roll singer Walter Scott, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA ~ Lead singer of Bob Kuban & the In-Men known for Look Out For The Cheater, a Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit in 1966. After the band disbanded Notheis pursued a solo career but would be unable to achieve the same level of success. Notheis disappeared in 1983, his body found by police four years later. His wife and her lover would be found guilty of his murder ~ Notheis passed away in 1983
February 7, 1941 ~ Bassist Bill Van Buskirk was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA ~ Member of R&B outfit Checkmates Ltd, known best for their 1969 single Black Pearl taken of the Love Is All We Have To Give album. It would be the band's only Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit, also reaching top 10 Billboard R&B. A follow-up single, Proud Mary, would reach top 30 in the UK. The band is noted for being one of the few to feature both black and white members
February 7, 1936 ~ Classical, contemporary classical, baroque flutist William Bennett, full name Wiliam Ingham Brooker Bennett, born in London, UK ~ Worked with George Malcolm, Osian Ellis, Yehudi Menuhin, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the Sadler's Wells Opera, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Melos Ensemble, George Malcolm, Clifford Benson, Osian Ellis, the English Chamber Orchestra, Jimi Hendrix, Wynton Marsalis, and others ~ Bennett passed away in 2022
February 7, 1934 ~ Earl Silas Johnson IV, commonly known as blues, New Orleans R&B singer, guitarist, songwriter Earl King, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Best remembered for penning blues classics such as Big Chief (covered by Professor Longhair), Trick Bag (covered by the Meters, and by Robert Palmer), and for Come On (covered by Jimi Hendrix, Freddie King, Stevie Ray Vaughan). ~ King passed away in 2003
February 7, 1934 ~ Curtis Montgomery, commonly known as saxophonist King Curtis, born in Fort Worth, Texas, USA ~ In-demand collaborator, session musician. Helped shape rock & roll and R&B. As a solo artist best known for the hits Soul Twist and Memphis Soul Stew. Has worked with Buddy Holly, the Coasters (Yakety Yak), Nat Adderley, Aretha Franklin (RESPECT), Ruth Brown, Lionel Hampton, Donny Hathaway, Waylon Jennings, Lavern Baker, John Lennon, and others ~ Curtis passed away in 1971
February 7, 1927 ~ Singer, actress Juliette Gréco born in Montpellier, France ~ Darling of intellectual circles in post-war France. Romantically involved with both Miles Davis and Quincy Jones. Debuted as a cabaret singer in the 1949 production of Le Boeuf Sur Le Toit. The song Michelle by the Beatles is said to be inspired by Gréco ~ Gréco passed away in 2020
February 7, 1927 ~ Vibraphonist Michel Hausser born in France ~ Played the accordion before switching to vibraphone by his late teens. Sessioned prolifically in the 1950s and 1960s, backing the likes of Eddy Barclay, Christian Chevallier, Henri Crolla, Benny Golson, Stéphane Grappelli, Roger Guerin, Bobby Jaspar, Lucky Thompson, and Sarah Vaughan. Formed his own trio in the mid-1960s with bassist Jacky Samson and a rotating roster of drummers. Hausser relocated to Germany in the 1970s, where he worked as a teacher ~ Hausser passed away in 2024
February 7, 1925 ~ Jazz drummer, vibraphonist Ray Alexander born ~ Best known for his association with Peggy Lee (Beauty & The Beat), and with Martin Denny (Quiet Village). Has also worked with Claude Thornhill, Bobby Byrne, the Dorsey Brothers, Stan Getz, Mel Tormé, Chubby Jackson, Charlie Barnet, Anita O'Day, Mel Lewis, and others ~ Alexander passed away in 2002
February 7, 1922 ~ Folk singer, actor Leon Bibb born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA ~ Father of Eric Bibb, with whom he also recorded. Performed at the first the Newport Folk Festival in 1959. Blacklisted during the late-1950s for alleged ties to left-wing groups and causes. Acclaimed for his performance on the soundtrack to the 1960 Luis Bunuel-film The Young One ~ Bibb passed away in 2015
February 7, 1921 ~ Nathan Bernstein, commonly known as impresario, bandleader Tito Burns, born in London, UK' ~ As a musician worked with Lou Preager, Carl Barriteau, Denis Rose, Ronnie Scott, Johnny Dankworth, and Tony Crombie. Burns would switch to management by the mid-1950s, serving as manager and impresario for artists such as Cliff Richard, and the Searchers. Burns also served as tour manager for Bob Dylan. He is, however, perhaps most noted for discovering Dusty Springfield, who would go on to become one of the finest British pop soul singers to emerge from the 1960s ~ Bernstein passed away in 2010
February 7, 1921 ~ Wilma Lee Leary, commonly known as bluegrass, country singer, guitarist Wilma Lee Cooper, born in Valley Head, West Virginia, USA ~ Member of family gospel outfit the Leary Family. Married to fiddler, singer Stoney Cooper, with whom she also worked. Starting in the 1940s the duo would score several country hits including Big Midnight Special and There's A Big Wheel. After Stoney's passing in 1977, Wilma Lee would perform and record as a solo artist albeit it less frequently ~ Leary passed away in 2011
February 7, 1920 ~ Classical pianist, composer Germaine Mounier born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France ~ Influenced by Frédéric Chopin. Acclaimed as an interpreter of the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Claude Debussy and Ferruccio Busoni, especially in partnership with pianist Hélène Boschi. Has also worked with Yves Nat and Magda Tagliaferro ~ Mounier passed away in 2006
February 7, 1903 ~ Poet, lyricist Ricardo López Méndez born in Izamal, Mexico ~ Founded several radio stations, including XHRLM-FM which still bears his initials. As a songwriter perhaps best remembered for co-writing Amor with Gabriel Ruiz, first recorded by Chucho Martínez Gil in 1940 and covered by well over 100 artists including Xavier Cugat, Cliff Richard, and Trini López ~ López passed away in 1989
February 7, 1901 ~ Singer, banjoist Austin Allen born in Sewanee, Tennessee, USA ~ Formed the old time, country duo the Allen Brothers with his brother Lee Allen, known for songs such as Salty Dog Blues and Bow Wow Blues ~ Allen passed away in 1959
February 7, 1896 ~ Bandleader, pianist, songwriter Earl Burtnett born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Popular during the 1920s and 1930s. Worked with Art Hickman including as arranger and writer co-responsible for songs such as Sleep, Leave Me With A Smile and Mandalay. Took over as bandleader when Hickman retired in the late-1920s ~ Burtnett passed away in 1936
February 7, 1895 ~ Bandleader, pianist Irving Aaronson born in New York, New York, USA ~ Aaronson's band included musicians such as Phil Saxe, Joe Gillespie, Artie Shaw, Gene Krupa, Tony Pastor, and others, some of whom would later become noted bandleaders in their own right. Aaronson's most popular song, The Loveliest Night Of The Year, was not recorded with his own band but adapted for Mario Lanza and featured in Lanza's 1950 movie Mario Lanza Great Caruso ~ Aaronson passed away in 1963
February 7, 1883 ~ James Hubert Blake, commonly known as ragtime, jazz pianist, composer Eubie Blake, born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA ~ Co-wrote the musical Shuffle Along with Noble Sissle. As a composer also known for Bandana Days, Charleston Rag, Love Will Find A Way, Memories Of You and I'm Just Wild About Harry. Resurged in the 1970s, appealing to younger generations, after the release of his retrospective The 86 Years Of Eubie Blake album, released in 1969 ~ Blake passed away in 1983
February 7, 1882 ~ Ragtime, dixieland clarinetist, bandleader, composer Wilbur Sweatman, full name Wilbur Coleman Sweatman, born in Brunswick, Missouri, USA ~ Became the youngest bandleader in 1901 by leading the the Forepaugh & Sells Circus Band band. Trailblazer in the racial integration of musical groups. Has worked with the PG Lowery Band, WC Handy, the Mahara Minstrels, Scott Joplin, and others. ~ Sweatman passed away in 1961
February 7, 1864 ~ Singer Arthur Collins, full name Arthur Frances Collins, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Regarded as “the King of Ragtime Singers”. Half of Collins & Harlan, the other half being Byron G Harlan ~ Collins passed away in 1933
February 7, 1779 ~ Composer, organist William Boyce passed away ~ Largely forgotten after his death Boyce would nevertheless draw great admiration during his life, admired by the likes of George Frideric Handel, Thomas Arne, Christoph Willibald Gluck, Johann Christian Bach, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Like Ludwig van Beethoven later on, Boyce became deaf yet continued to compose. Perhaps best remembered for his Symphony No.1 In B-Flat, its Allegro being the first piece of music played during the procession of the bride and bridegroom at the conclusion of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 ~ Boyce was born in 1711