February 9, 2024 ~ Kenji Suzuki, commonly known as krautrock, experimental rock singer Damo Suzuki, passed away ~ Though his tenure with Krautrock pioneers Can was brief, it is generally considered the band's most important period. Busking outside a Hamburg cafe, he was spotted by bassist Holger Czukay and drummer Jaki Liebezeit who invited him to join the band. Suzuki gave his first performance with the band that same day, and would sing lead vocals on the albums Tago Mago, Ege Bamyasi, and Future Days. As a solo artist, Suzuki is most acclaimed for his 1998 Seattle live double album. Suzuki has been cited as an influence by Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, Geoff Barrow of Portishead, and the band Spoon, who took their name from a Can song. Pavement's Stephen Malkmus has been quoted as saying: “I played Can's Ege Bamyasi album every night before I went to sleep for about three years.” ~ Suzuki was born in 1950
February 9, 2024 ~ Rock & roll drummer Jimmy Van Eaton, full name James Mack Van Eaton, passed away in Alabama, USA ~ Initially played Dixieland jazz with the Jivin' Five, which he founded, before switching to rock & roll. Recording a demo at Sun Records with engineer Cowboy Jack Clement impressed Clement, who then recommended Van Eaton to Billy Lee Riley. Van Eaton would tour with Riley, as well as with Conway Twitty, on weekends, and work as a session drummer during the week. From the mid through the late-1950s, Van Eaton drummed on most of the Sun Records recordings by Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Charlie Rich, Bill Justis, and Jerry Lee Lewis, including on the latter's 1957 Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On classic. By the 1960s Van Eaton mostly retired from music. In 1998, going by the moniker JM Van Eaton, he released his sole solo album The Beat Goes On, featuring his own songs and vocals ~ Van Eaton was born in 1937
February 9, 2023 ~ Marijke Ouwejan, commonly known as actress, singer Marijke Merckens, passed away in Harfsen, the Netherlands ~ Best known as an actress for stage, TV and film active since the early-1960s, notably known for her role as Rosmarijn in the TV series De Zevensprong. As a singer known for songs such as Happy End, Mammie, Kareltje De Grote, and De Modepop, the latter a Dutch-language version of France Gall's 1965 Eurovision Songfestival-winner Poupée De Cire (Poupée De Son) ~ Ouwejan was born in 1940
February 9, 2022 ~ Betty Mabry, commonly known as funk, R&B, soul, rock singer, songwriter Betty Davis, passed away ~ Recognised as one of the most influential voices in funk. Raised on BB King, Jimmy Reed, Elmore James. Befriended Jimi Hendrix and Sly Stone. Married to Miles Davis from 1967 to 1969. Briefly dated Eric Clapton but refused to collaborate with him because his work was too banal ~ Mabry was born in 1944
February 9, 2022 ~ Rock, progressive rock, hard rock saxophonist, flutist, keyboardist, guitarist Ian McDonald passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of King Crimson, present on the band's acclaimed In The Court Of The Crimson King debut album and its Red follow-up. Co-founding member of Foreigner, present on the band's first three albums, namely Foreigner, Double Vision and Head Games, all of which reached the Billboard Hot 200 top 10. McDonald has also recorded as a solo artist, composed the soundtrack for the 1987 TV series Success Stories With Bruce Jenner, and collaborated with Steve Hackett, John Wetton, 21st Century Schizoid Band, Honey West, and others ~ McDonald was born in 1946
February 9, 2021 ~ Armando Anthony Corea, commonly known as jazz, jazz fusion pianist, percussionist, bandleader, composer Chick Corea, passed away in Tampa Bay, Florida, USA ~ Regarded as one of the premier jazz pianists of the post-John Coltrane era. Helped birth and define jazz fusion. As a composer best known for Spain, 500 Miles High, and Windows, all considered jazz standards. Especially acclaimed for the early-1970s albums Return To Forever and Light As A Feather, both with his ensemble Return To Forever. Has appeared on albums by Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, Willis Jackson (Soul Night Live), Blue Mitchell (Boss Horn), Miles Davis (Filles de Kilimanjaro), Wayne Shorter, John McLaughlin, Joe Farrell (Outback), Stanley Clarke (Children Of Forever), Sadao Watanabe, Ernie Watts, Chaka Khan, David Friesen, Rufus Reid (Seven Minds), and John Patitucci ~ Corea was born in 1941
February 9, 2011 ~ Michael Richard Burston, commonly known as metal, hard rock guitarist Würzel, passed away ~ Best known as Motörhead guitarist from 1985 through 1995, playing on six studio albums, starting with 1986's Orgasmatron, and two live-albums. Has since guested with the band on occasion, released a modest amount of solo recordings, and was reportedly working on new material at the time of his death ~ Burston was born in 1949
February 9, 2003 ~ Rueben Braff, commonly known as swing, dixieland, jazz trumpeter, cornetist Ruby Braff passed away in Chatham, Massachusetts, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with George Barnes, Ellis Larkins, Buck Clayton, Pee Wee Russell, John Pizzarelli, Larry Adler, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Scott Hamilton, Woody Herman, Milt Hinton, Dick Hyman, Ralph Sutton, George Wein, and others ~ Braff was born in 1927
February 9, 2002 ~ Trumpeter, bandleader, musical director, arranger Bill McElhiney, full name William Krohmer McElhiney, passed away in Diamondhead, Mississippi, USA ~ One of the most prominent arrangers in Nashville during the 1960s and 1970s. Notable credits include arrangements on Brenda Lee's I'm Sorry, and the signature trumpet parts on Johnny Cash's Ring Of Fire. Has also worked with artists such as Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Marty Robbins, Dolly Parton, Jim Reeves, Joni James, Connie Francis, Johnny Tillotson, and Tanya Tucker ~ McElhiney was born in 1915
February 9, 1993 ~ British rapper, progressive rapper Monie Love releases Born 2 BREED, lifted off her In A Word Or 2 sophomore album ~ The acronym BREED stands for “Build Relationships where Education and Enlightenment Dominate”. The single would be warmly received by critics on both sides of the Atlantic, Music & Media characterizing the track as “classic '70s Chic sounds with a female rap”, while The Orlando Sentinel hailed the “slinky beat and disco-style strings, (with) funk-dancehall passages enlivening things further”. The single would do well in Love's native UK, where it reached top 20, and on the American Billboard Dance charts but failed to cross over to either Billboard R&B or the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. The song was co-written and produced by Prince
February 9, 1991 ~ Gospel singer, pianist James Cleveland passed away in Culver City, California, USA ~ Dubbed “the King of Gospel”, incorporating traditional black gospel, soul, pop, and jazz into gospel. Known for songs such as Lord Help Me To Hold Out, Peace Be Still, I Don't Feel No Ways Tired, God Has Smiled On me and You're The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me ~ Cleveland was born in 1931
February 9, 1981 ~ Rock & roll, rockabilly, western swing singer, guitarist Bill Haley, full name William John Clifton Haley, passed away in Harlingen, Texas, USA ~ Rock & roll pioneer. Has sold over 60 million records. Scored numerous hits throughout the 1950s, most with his backing unit the Comets, including Crazy Man Crazy, Dim Dim The Lights (I Want Some Atmosphere), Burn That Candle, and Razzle Dazzle, all considered pivotal in the early development of rock and roll. Haley's best known, See You Later Alligator and Rock Around The Clock, are considered classics and remain popular to this day, in part due to being frequently used in films and TV series ~ Haley was born in 1925
February 9, 1981 ~ James Owen Sullivan, commonly known as drummer, keyboardist, singer the Rev, born ~ Influenced by Frank Zappa, King Crimson, Vinnie Paul, Mike Portnoy, Dave Lombardo, Lars Ulrich, Terry Bozzio. Best known as drummer, singer, co-founding member of heavy metal outfit Avenged Sevenfold, for whom he wrote or co-wrote songs such as A Little Piece Of Heaven, Afterlife, Unbound (The Wild Ride), and Welcome To The Family. Lead singer for avant-garde metal band Pinkly Smooth. Also briefly played the drums for ska punk group the Suburban Legends during the late-1990s ~ Sullivan passed away in 2009
February 9, 1977 ~ Woodrow Wilson Johnson, commonly known as jump blues, R&B pianist, bandleader, songwriter Buddy Johnson, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for Since I Fell For You, recorded in 1945 with his orchestra and with his sister Ella Johnson singing lead vocals. It has since become a blues, jazz standard. Other well known songs include Let's Beat Out Some Love, Baby Don't You Cry, When My Man Comes Home and They All Say I'm The Biggest Fool ~ Johnson was born in 1915
February 9, 1976 ~ Bandleader, conductor, composer Percy Faith passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Popularized easy listening. Rose to fame in the 1950s. Closely associated with Mitch Miller. In-demand arranger for pop singers such as Tony Bennett, Doris Day, Johnny Mathis, Guy Mitchell. As a bandleader best known for Delicado, The Song From Moulin Rouge and Theme From A Summer Place ~ Faith was born in 1908
February 9, 1975 ~ Country producer Dave Brainard, full name David Gregory Brainard, born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA ~ As a songwriter had his songs recorded by Neal McCoy, Sammy Kershaw, Kellie Coffey, Ricochet, Tebey Ottoh, Brooks & Dunn. As a producer worked with Jerrod Niemann, Brandy Clark, Ray Scott, Jamey Johnson, Sunny Sweeney, Jamie Kent, Western Underground, and others
February 9, 1971 ~ Experimental, avant-garde, rock guitarist Xabier Iriondo born in Milan, Italy ~ Best known for his association with alternative rock band Afterhours from the early-1990s through the early-2000s, first appearing on the 1993 album Pop Kills Your Soul. Released his solo Irrintzi debut album in 2012
February 9, 1970 ~ Jazz singer Eldbjørg Raknes born in Midsund, Norway ~ Sister of bassist Steinar Raknes. Eldbjørg is known for her a-cappella performances and improvisational skills. She has worked with artists such as Jon Balke, Anders Jormin, Bendik Hofseth, Christian Wallumrød, Arve Henriksen, Ketil Bjørnstad, Stale Storløkken, and others
February 9, 1964 ~ Jazz bandleader, singer Willie Bryant, full name William Stevens Bryant, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Started in 1920s vaudeville as a dancer and trumpeter. Formed his first big band in the mid-1930s working with sidemen such as Teddy Wilson, Cozy Cole, Johnny Russell, Benny Carter, Ben Webster, Eddie Durham, Ram Ramirez, Taft Jordan, and others ~ Bryant was born in 1909
February 9, 1963 ~ Indie pop, indie rock guitarist David Rotheray born in Hull, UK ~ Best known as lead guitarist for the Beautiful South, known for a string of hits starting in the late-1990s including the UK top 10 hits A Song For Whoever, You Keep It All In, A Little Time, Don't Marry Her, and Perfect 10. Rotheray also formed Homespun, releasing three albums in the 2000s
February 9, 1963 ~ James Travis Tritt, commonly known as country singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Travis Tritt born in Marietta, Georgia, USA ~ Debuted in 1987 with the Proud Of The Country album. Known for hit singles such as Help Me Hold On, Anymore, Can I Trust You With My Heart, Foolish Pride, Best Of Intentions, and others
February 9, 1962 ~ Keith Daniel Kozacik, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Catfish Keith, born in East Chicago, Indiana, USA ~ Hailed as a master of the resonator guitar. Influenced by Buddy Guy, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Son House. Debuted in 1984 with the Catfish Blues album and has toured and recorded since
February 9, 1962 ~ Alternative rock, post-punk, power pop singer, guitarist, songwriter, film and TV composer Craig Northey born in Port Moody, Canada ~ Member of Odds, known for songs such as It Falls Apart, Eat My Brain and Someone Who's Cool. After the band's disbandement in 199 has released solo work, composed for film and TV and collaborated with Colin James, Rosanne Cash, Glen Phillips, Sharkskin, Jesse Valenzuela, and others
February 9, 1961 ~ R&B outfit the Coasters record Girls Girls Girls ~ Written and produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Released the following July it would only barely make the Billboard Hot 100, peaking in the low 90s. Singer Elvis Presley would record the song as the title theme to his 1962 Girls Girls Girls film. The song would also be notably covered by hard rock band Mötley Crüe in 1987, which made it to the Billboard Hot 100 top 20
February 9, 1961 ~ Flutist, saxophonist Steve Wilson born in Hampton, Virginia, USA ~ As a teenager accompanied singer Stephanie Mills. Has since recorded as a leader, as sideman, and has held several teaching positions. Member of Out Of The Blue. Performed and recorded with artists such as Lionel Hampton, the Dave Holland Quintet, Chick Corea, Yoko Kanno (on Kanno's 1998 debut LP Song To Fly), Billy Drummond Jr, Joe Henderson, Ronny Jordan, Christian McBride, Neal Smith, Gerald Wilson, and others. Formed the Steve Wilson Quartet in 1997, which performed for over a decade and recorded two albums. Headed the Generations
February 9, 1958 ~ Jazz, jazz fusion saxophonist Bill Evans born in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Plays a wide variety of genres, including bluegrass and funk. Best known as a jazz, jazz fusion saxophonist. Influenced by Michael Brecker, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Steve Grossman. Has worked with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin's the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Michael Franks, Willie Nelson, Mick Jagger, Les McCann, Randy Brecker, Medeski Martin & Wood, Victor Bailey, Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, Bruce Hornsby, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Lee Ritenour
February 9, 1951 ~ Bandleader, pianist Eddy Duchin passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Popular bandleader from the 1930s and 1940s and one of the first pianists to lead a successful big band. Duchin's 1938 rendition of the Louis Armstrong song Old Man Mose caused a scandal with the lyric “bucket’ being mistaken for “fuck it.” The scandalous lyrics cased the record to sell 170,000 copies when sales of 20,000 were considered a blockbuster. The song would be banned in England. ~ Duchin was born in 1909
February 9, 1947 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter Joe Ely born in Amarillo, Texas, USA ~ Admired by peers. Draws from honky-tonk, country, tex-mex, and rock & roll. Member of cult outfit the Flatlanders alongside regular collaborators Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock. As a solo artist well over a dozen albums to his name, especially acclaimed for Honky Tonk Masquerade released in 1978. Sang backing vocals on the Clash single Should I Stay Or Should I Go taken of the band's 1981 Combat Rock album. Has also frequently worked with supergroup Los Super Seven, and appeared on recordings by Robert Earl Keen, Kimmie Rhodes, Syd Straw, Uncle Tupelo, the Chieftains, Rosie Flores, James McMurtry, and others
February 9, 1947 ~ Singer Major Harris born in Richmond, Virginia, USA ~ Sang with R&B, doo-wop units such as the Charmers, the Teenagers, the Jarmels, and Nat Turner's Rebellion, before joining the Delfonics, taking over from Randy Cain. Harris remained with the group from 1971 through 1974, their most productive period. Following his departure, Harris has recorded four albums as a solo artist, starting with My Way which spawned his biggest hit Love Won't Let Me Wait, a 1975 Billboard R&B charttopper ~ Harris passed away in 2012
February 9, 1947 ~ Singer, guitarist, songwriter, poet, author Ole Paus, full name Ole Christian Paus, born in Oslo, Norway ~ Actively recording since the early-1970s. Regarded as Norway's premier troubadour, described as the Norwegian counterpart to Bob Dylan and as “the Voice of the Nation”. Best known for songs such as Innerst I Sjelen and Engler I Sneen. Frequent collaborator of Ketil Bjørnstad. Father of classical composer Marcus Paus, with whom he has also worked ~ Paus passed away in 2023
February 9, 1946 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Georg Kajanus, full name George Johan Tjegodiev Kajanus, born in Trondheim, Norway ~ Member of UK folk band Eclection. Best known as co-founding member, lead singer for Sailor, remaining with the band through 1977. During his tenure with the band Kajanus also wrote most of the band's best known including the hits A Glass Of Champagne and Girls Girls Girls. Following his departure from the band Kajanus has worked with DATA, Shigeru Umebayashi, Noir, and composed documentary soundtracks
February 9, 1945 ~ Musical composer Henry Krieger born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known for composing the score to the 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls, with lyrics by Tom Eyen. It would earn Krieger a Tony Award nomination for Best Score, and the 2006 film adaptation garnered him another three Academy Award nominations for Best Song. The musical is inspired by the show business aspirations of R&B acts such as the Shirelles, James Brown, and Jackie Wilson, and especially the Supremes as the story line tells of a pseudo-fictional young black female singing trio called the Dreams who become superstars. Other notable musicals written or co-written by Krieger include Tap Dance Kid, and Side Show
February 9, 1943 ~ R&B, soul singer, songwriter Barbara Lewis born in Salem, Michigan, USA ~ Active since the early-1960s. First gained attention with My Heart Went Do Dat Da, a regional hit in the Detroit area. Would follow up with her Hello Stranger debut album, which spawned the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Hello Stranger. Subsequent hits included Baby I'm Yours, Make Me Your Baby, and Make Me Belong To You
February 9, 1943 ~ Joseph Frank Pesci, commonly known as actor, singer Joe Pesci, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA ~ Best known as an actor, notably in the 1990 film Goodfellas earning him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Has also released a number of albums as a singer, starting with Little Joe Sure Can Sing in 1968
February 9, 1942 ~ Carole Joan Klein, commonly known as songwriter, singer Carole King, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ As a solo singer has over two dozen albums to her name, breaking through with her 1971 Tapestry album setting the bar for all future female singer-songwriters. Has sold over 75 million albums. As a songwriter rose to fame in the early-1960s co-writing numerous hit songs with her then-husband Gerry Goffin, including for the Drifters (Some Kind Of Wonderful), the Everly Brothers, the Animals, Little Eva (The Loco-motion), Gene Pitney, Aretha Franklin ((You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman), Paul Anka, the Crystals, Bobby Vee, Betty Everett, the Monkees, the Ronettes, and the Shirelles (Will You Love Me Tomorrow)
February 9, 1940 ~ Drummer Brian Bennett born in London, UK ~ Active since the late-1950s. Backed Marty Wilde as a member of the Wildcats. Briefly worked with Tommy Steele. Best known as a member of Cliff Richard's backing unit the Shadows, joining the band in 1961 as the replacement for Tony Meehan. Released his Change Of Direction solo debut album in 1967, consisting of jazz music
February 9, 1939 ~ Barry Imberman, commonly known as songwriter, pianist, singer Barry Mann born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ As a singer best known for the 1961 novelty song Who Put The Bomp (In The Bomp Bomp Bomp) co-written with Gerry Goffin, parodying the nonsensical lyrics of doo-wop genre. Best known as a songwriter, often teaming up with Cynthia Weil, with over 600 songs to his name. Well known songs include I Love How You Love Me (the Paris Sisters), Uptown (the Crystals), On Broadway (the Cookies, Bobby Darin), Saturday Night At The Movies (the Drifters), You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' (the Righteous Brothers, Pat Boone, Gladys Knight), Walking In The Rain (the Ronettes), We Gotta Get Outta This Place (the Animals), and Kicks (Paul Revere & the Raiders)
February 9, 1939 ~ Jazz, big band, swing saxophonist Herschel Evans, also known as Herschel Tex Evans, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced Illinois Jacquet and Arnett Cobb. Started in territory bands in the 1920s. Best known for his association with Count Basie, a member of the Count Basie Orchestra from the mid-1930s until his death at the end of the decade. Liked to engage in saxophone battles with bandmate Lester Young. Also worked with Troy Floyd, Terrence Holder, Mamie Smith, the Durham Brothers, Lionel Hampton, Buck Clayton, Bennie Moten, Harry James, Teddy Wilson, and others. Evans collapsed on-stage, was rushed to the hospital and died a few days later at the age of 29 ~ Evans was born in 1909
February 9, 1937 ~ Jazz double bassist Len Skeat born in East London, UK ~ Worked with Mel Tormé, Ben Webster, Billy Eckstine, Lionel Hampton, Scott Hamilton, Helen Merrill, Lou Rawls, Harry Sweets Edison, Denny Wright, Digby Fairweather, Spike Robinson, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Stéphane Grappelli, Dick Morrisey, Bill Watrous, Randy Sandke, Eddie Thompson, Charly Antolini, and others
February 9, 1936 ~ John Leroy Eastman Jr, commonly known as singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter Johnny Heartsman, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ As a solo artist best known for his 1957 R&B hit Johnny's House Party. Also known for songs such as Paint My Mailbox Blue and Heartburn. Has backed artists such as Jimmy McCracklin, Sugar Pie DeSanto, Big Mama Thornton, Roy Agee, Jimmy Wilson, Johnny Fuller, Al King, Tiny Powell, and Joe Simon. As a songwriter wrote for artists such as Jesse James (Are You Gonna Leave Me), Roy Buchanan (Goose Grease), John Hammond Jr (Got To Find My Baby), Amos Garrett (Move On Down The Line), and others ~ Eastman passed away in 1996
February 9, 1932 ~ Inventor, composer, educator Herbert Deutsch born in Hempstead, New York, USA ~ Best known for co-inventing the Moog synthesizer with Robert Moog in 1964. The instrument would be adopted by rock and pop acts including the Doors, the Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones, and the Beatles. It would also become a key instrument in 1970s progressive rock, used by acts such as Yes, Tangerine Dream, and Emerson Lake & Palmer. Deutsch was also a dedicated educator, serving as professor of electronic music and composition at Hofstra University for over 50 years from the early-1970s until his death at age 90 ~ Deutsch passed away in 2022
February 9, 1917 ~ Blues singer, multi-instrumentalist Arbee Stidham, full name Arbee Perkins Stidham, born in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas, USA ~ Best known for his 1948 hit My Heart Belongs To You ~ Stidham passed away in 1988
February 9, 1914 ~ Country, honky tonk singer Ernest Tubb, full name Ernest Dale Tubb, born in Crisp, Texas, USA ~ Quintessential country singer. Worked with Jimmie Rodgers, his backing unit the Texas Troubadours, Owen Bradley, the Andrews Sisters, Red Foley, the Wilburn Brothers, Loretta Lynn, and others. Known for songs such as Walking The Floor Over You, Try Me One More Time, Rainbow At Midnight, Slippin' Around, Throw Your Love My Way, Fortunes In Memories, Counterfeit Kisses, and Thanks A Lot ~ Tubb passed away in 1984
February 9, 1910 ~ Herbert Lee Holland, commonly known as swing trumpeter Peanuts Holland, born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ 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 passed away in 1979
February 9, 1909 ~ Maria Do Carma Miranda Da Cunha, commonly known as samba singer, dancer, actress Carmen Miranda, born in Marco De Canaveses, Portugal ~ Nicknamed “the Brazilian Bombshell”. Rose to stardom with her 1930 recording of Tai (Pra Voce Gostar De Mim). Performed on Broadway and in over a dozen Hollywood films from 1940 through the mid-1950s ~ Miranda passed away in 1955
February 9, 1902 ~ Jazz singer, bandleader, composer Blanche Calloway, full name Blanche Dorothea Jones Calloway, born in Rochester, New York, USA ~ Older sister of Cab Calloway, on whom she had a profound influence. First woman to lead an all-male orchestra. Has worked with Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle in the 1921 Shuffle Along musical. Other collaborations include Louis Armstrong, Cozy Cole, Chick Webb, Andy Kirk, Ben Webster, Bennie Moten, and Zack Whyte ~ Calloway passed away in 1978
February 9, 1900 ~ Bassist Walter Page, full name Walter Sylvester Page, born in Gallatin, Missouri, USA ~ Led the Blue Devils. Also worked with the Count Basie Orchestra, Jimmy Rushing, Buster Smith, Lester Young, Hot Lips Page, Jo Jones, Freddie Green, Jimmy McPartland, Eddie Condon, Ruby Braff, Roy Eldridge, Vic Dickenson, Buck Clayton, and others ~ Page passed away in 1957
February 9, 1885 ~ Composer Alban Berg, full name Alban Maria Johannes Berg, born in Vienna, Austria ~ Despite a relatively small oeuvre remembered as one of the most important 20th century composers known for merging Romantic lyricism with the twelve-tone technique. Best known for his 1924 opera Wozzeck, his 1926 Lyric Suite for strings and his 1935 Violin Concerto ~ Berg passed away in 1935