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, 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, 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 ~ 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, 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, 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 ~ Keyboardist, singer Jimmy Greenspoon, full name James Boyd Greenspoon, born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Member of surf outfit the New Dimensions. Co-founding member of Three Dog Night, known for 1970s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits such as One, Easy To Be Hard, Eli's Coming, Mama Told Me Not To Come, Joy To The World, Liar, An Old Fashioned Love Song, Never Been To Spain, Black & White, Shambala, and The Show Must Go On. Greenspoon has also worked with artists such as Linda Ronstadt, America, the Beach Boys, Nils Lofgren, Stephen Stills, Steve Cropper, Leon Russell, the East Side Kids, and others ~ Greenspoon passed away in 2015
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, Tony Crombie, and others. Burns would switch to management by the mid-1950s, serving as manager and impresario for artists such as Cliff Richard, the Searchers, and others. Discovered Dusty Springfield. Tour promoter for Bob Dylan ~ 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, 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